Customer Reviews

Storm of Shadows (Chosen Ones, Book 2)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

This wasn't my favorite Christina Dodd romance but it was so much better than Storm of Visions (Chosen Ones, Book 1), it seemed marvelous in comparison. In fairness, part of the problem with the first book is the reason I strongly suggest you read the first book before you read this one: Ms. Dodd put all the background of The Chosen, The Others, how the current group of Chosen were selected and why they are hiding out, etc. into the first book. That didn't leave much space in the first book for a good romance; not repeating it all in the second book meant much more time for Rosamund and Aaron. But it does mean that if you haven't read the first book, you will miss a lot of what's going on in this one.

The other reason I liked this book better was that Aaron was a better "hero" for me than Caleb was in the first book. We learned in the first book that Aaron is a thief; now we learn about his powers so we know what made him such a successful thief. Rosamund is a more difficult heroine to love; she's not the strong and capable woman romance readers love to root for. She's socially inept, clueless about men, doesn't care about her appearance, and is burdened with both guilt over her parents' deaths and the need to protect herself against the pain of loss. If you want a perfect heroine, you aren't going to get her in this book. From looking at some of the other reviews, it appears people love her or hate her. Sometimes it is nice to have flawed characters so she was an OK heroine for me.

Although there is much more time given to the romance in this book, I wished there had been more about emotional development (growing respect/affection for each other, etc.) than just a developing physical relationship. I always want to feel the couple falling in love, not just read about the hots they have for each other. Speaking of the physical, readers who love the steamy stuff will get a very steamy limo ride scene and sex in a closet during a party.

This wasn't the perfect romance but there is a lot of adventure/paranormal fantasy added to the mix and that made it an entertaining reading for me. I'm glad I didn't quit the series after the first book and I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

I had recently read an excerpt of Storm of Shadows and liked it enough that rushed right out to buy it, plus book 1. I have read and enjoyed other Christina Dodd books, so I thought, " "WhooHoo! A new series to enjoy!" but, wow.. the only word I can now come up with is "disappointment".

I ended up skimming most of the book after the half way point. I didn't think the characters were developed (plus Rosamund was *annoying*) nor was the plot tight for being written by such a seasoned and successful author. Maybe it was just not my cup of tea, but after reading other great paranormal authors, Illona Andrews, Jeaniene Frost, Patricia Briggs, Richelle Mead and the like, this story was... well... just weak.

I wish Ms. Dodd the best with this series, but I won't be buying anymore.

The worst romance novel I've read that's been written this decade. First I must say I never read the first book in the series and have never read Dodd before. Now, why I hated this book: The characters had no depth. I didn't care about any of them. They had no chemistry and I could never figure out why they became attracted to each other aside from Dodd telling them they were. There seemed to be no reason for anything they were doing. It might have been better off as a comic book since that's what the premise seemed to be -- group of super-powered super-heros are to save the world from evil-doers... though what evil they do other than try and burn down the good guys' cover business was not really disclosed. Dodd seemed to be modeling her librarian as more extreme version of Dr. Brennan from Bones for her librarian but instead of quirky she came up with irritatingly dense and naive. There is no limit to the stupid things this woman does. She is like every stupid character in every horror film you've ever thought "NO don't go in the basement!" to all rolled into one. The hero is just plain bland, bland, bland; the most generic alpha-male hero I've ever read in a romance novel. His character is Native American, though why she didn't just make him average suburban white boy since his background doesn't affect anything he thinks or does I couldn't say. Half of the novel is just him thinking about how he doesn't really like yet wants her, and her being oblivious to EVERYTHING while researching a prophesy so that the superheros know something (what I'm not sure, I guess that's in the second half which I don't plan on reading). Anyway, sorry for being so harsh but I feel a little gypped.

First let me start by saying that Christina Dodd is one of my favorite authors, even before her paranormal jump. After reading this book... I can honestly say it was irritation from the very beginning. I can tell you that Rosamund appeared to literally disappear in the book for me. She did nothing that stood out, in fact for all her supposed intelligence (nothing in this book led me to believe that she was indeed in possession of a doctorate) she was quite frankly one of the stupidest women I've had the misfortune to read about. Then she discovers that she loves Aaron (which I have no idea how that could be, as she pretty much ignored him or went on a flighty binge throughout the entire book). The only time she couldn't NOT ignore him... was when they were in the limo and when they were in the closet. And get this... her belief that HE didn't love HER was because he only liked her when she was pretty (tsk... She was so engrossed in her books... she didn't notice him giving her the eye). Let me reiterate... she didn't pay much attention to poor Aaron until he was literally impossible to ignore.

Logically we can say... that dear Rosamund didn't learn from the mistakes she continuously made because none of the Chosen communicated to her whom they were (the Chosen), what they were trying to accomplish, whom she should avoid (the Others), and why she shouldn't send text messages to a man she didn't know detailing her whereabouts particularly pertaining to her new found 'work.' From this we can assume, Rosamund lived in a library all of her life... and she's had no access to newspapers nor TV. So she just doesn't know that there could be crazy people in the world intent on causing her harm, she lived in a self-contained (and apparently self-maintained) box. In fact, because of her intelligent stupidity... Aaron paid the price for most of her mistakes (which she condemned him for).

I know that most intelligent minds have trouble breaking into the common sense arena... but this was just too much. I think before I purchase the next of the series I'll wait until I read the reviews from others... and if there are none... I'll wait until it hits the library.

Quite a distressing book...

Rosumund Hill is a PhD working on antiquities and ancient languages. Her mother and father had also worked in this field, and she carried on after they died. While working in the library, she's visited by two handsome men both searching for a prophecy. Unknown to her, the first Lance is a member of the Others, ie, bad guys, and the second Aaron is a member of the Chosen, ie, good guys. The Others and Chosen come from the Abandoned Ones, which are babies left to die when they were born. Somehow they are given special powers and then either the Others or Chosen find them to help their respective causes. (Farfetched, yes I know.) Aaron convinces Rosumund to help them search for the prophecy and while they are traveling she text messages Lance their locations, which results in attacks and murders. She supposed to be so smart yet came off as such an idiot. I didn't like her character at all. And after she and Aaron slept together once, then boom she's in love. What? We missed seeing why she's in love, the romantic tension, the build up, etc. Aaron didn't really come across as that great of a guy in the first place. Then a few chapters later supposedly he's in love too, which was not believeable. Then he dies but is ressurected. WHAT? Basically the entire story was a mess. The first half of the book was slow, slow, slow and I fought to even finish the darn thing.

I am a big fan of paranormal romances and urban fantasy, but this one is just not well done. I picked this up at Target without reading any reviews, which was obviously a mistake. It was my first novel by Dodd and will be my last.

If you are on the hunt for good paranormal romances, check out my list of favorites...

http://www.amazon.com/Paranormal-action-romance-must-reads/lm/R214ESW3HL12HM/ref=tag_lag_rb_munk_lmfull

(copy and paste into your browser window)

Storm of Shadows is a great escape story. I have known people such a Rosamund--totally brilliant and absolutely clueless. It's fun to watch her enter the real world for the first time in her life. Aaron is the perfect opposite for her.

The research Christina Dodd does in preparation for the story adds to the story line. She demonstrates a fabulous imagination in the development of the characters and the plot. I always appreciate Christina Dodd's creativity. It must be difficult to get into the head of a character that is totally different from your own personality (when you read the book you'll understand what I mean). I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to the next installment.

Read the Storm of Visions first so you know the background.

This book review is for the 2nd book in Christina Dodd's Chosen series. I'll admit I did like this 2nd installment better than the 1st. My only real complaint was how naive the female lead character was. She was really nerdy and plain and well, an airhead. She did get better toward the end of the book but I had a hard time seeing what the lead male saw in her. Otherwise I can see this series picking up. The next book will feature 2 characters I am interested in reading about. We shall see where it leads.

This is the 3rd book in this series. It is a great read, as are the others. Suspenseful, sexy, romantic, and funny; this book has it all!! I highly recommend this book as well as anything else written by this author.

I am a big fan of her books. but the books just drag on, you get tired of waiting for something to happen. The love scenes are medicore at best and don't tug at your heart strings.. I was so dissappointed with the both books I will not buy the next installments.

This is the second installment of Christina Dodd's new series of "The Chosen". In the first book we learn about the terrible tragedy that happens to The Gypsy Travel Agency. You are introduced to the newly appointed "Chosen" and you are introduced to Jacqueline Vargha who is the "Chosen's" Seer.

In the second book you are given a chance to learn about Aaron Eagle. Aaron Eagle is also a newly appointed "Chosen". Aaron mus help the Chosen find a lost prophecy. He has no idea what it is and where to look. So he enlists the help of a brilliant scholar named Rosamund Hill. Rosamund is a true "bookworm" and has suffered true loss in her life. She has no idea the battle between the Others and the Chosen is real. She is pulled into the battle and Aaron must fight to keep her safe.

In the beginning Rosamund is unsure of her self around Aaron and doesn't fully trust him. Aaron must prove himself to her but more importantly, he must fulfill the destiny he runs from. If he does not - then all is lost and the Other's will find victory.

Aaron and Rosamund's story was WONDERFUL! It was an adventure at every turn! I couldn't put it down and I cannot WAIT to see what Christina has in store for us next!