Customer Reviews

That Familiar Touch

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First of all, I wasn't disappointed in this book -- quite the opposite in fact. The main story is set in the Matrix of Destiny universe, and it expands quite a bit on the new political situation and the conspiracy revealed in the previous book, Mine to Take.

Surprisingly, this time around the love story is told from the perspective of a Familiar woman, and while the hero didn't feel as compelling to me as Traed or Rejar (he was, in fact, rather generic), the heroine more than makes up for it. Her behaviour is very much that of a cat, but it doesn't feel exaggerated or out of place. Instead, I found myself treating her antics with the same indulgence and exasperated fondness I tend to display towards my own cats.

Numerous guest appearances by some of my favourite characters (Yaniff, Traed and Rejar to mention a few) and quite a bit of backstory and plot development, not to mention foreshadowing, have added to my enjoyment of the book and contributed to making it a necessary link in the Matrix of Destiny story. By no means can this book be considered a filler -- it really is a worthwhile addition to this particular fictional universe.

Kirkpatrick's Woods (the second, much shorter story) is more of an experiment than everything else, but I was amazed at how well-written it is. Beautifully written, in fact, and all shades of unconventional. It left me with the feeling that Dara is a much, much better writer than I originally thought.

So all in all, despite a few flaws, I can say that in my eyes this book is heaps better than most romance fiction on the market today and definitely well worth the money.

After waiting two long years for Ms. Joy's book, it did not satisfy my need for a very long visit with my favorite author and the world that she has created for her many fans. Dara could not write a bad book in the dark, and this was no different. What she did write was Dara at her best, it was a delight to read. The problem, each story left you hanging, neither were long enough! As short stories they were great, but this was not what many of her fans wanted. We wanted the long involved stories we are use to getting with this author. I was dissapointed only in the lenght of each story. Dara Joy's books are the only ones that I will not give or lend to others and this book is no exception. I stell have nine more times to read it before it goes in my bookcase.

Once again Dara Joy has outdone herself in the continuation of the Matrix Series. I just received my book and read it in one sitting. That Familiar Touch is a book that Dara fans have come to expect,full of romance, sexy scenes that burn the pages, and laughter that has you laughing throughout the book. Dara introduces us to the story of Soosha, a female familiar, who defies Taj Gian edict not to leave the Familiar home world of M'yan and goes out in serch of adventure despite the dangers. She also introduces us to Daxan, a strong male with secrets of his own that will leave your jaw dropping when you find out who he really is. Readers will also enjoy the quest of Tread and Soosha's brother Brygar. This quest is so funny that I was laughing on the airplane while reading it that several people asked me what was so funny *g*. I tell you what I told them, BUY Dara's book That Familiar Touch and you will see why she has so many loyal fans throughout the world just waiting for her next book. Can't wait for her next book, I hope it's not another two years.

I love the Rejar series, but this story was dull. It had all the makings of a fantastic novel, but it never really took off. The love story between Soosha and Daxan was sketchy and contrived. It was a bit rambling. "Kirkpatrick's Woods" was also a rambling mess of a story. Borrow this book, don't buy it.

I found this on Dara Joy's web site and immediately ordered it. After eagerly awaiting it I was quite let down. None of the characters felt at all real and there was no spark to either romance. It just wasn't there. I was also disappointed that we didn't have any continuation of Rejar's story. God I hope Dara Joy get's back into it for her next book. I have all of her Rejar books, but I wouldn't have bought this if I had read it first.

Was this book up to DJ's usual high-water mark? No. Was it a bad book? No. The book felt very much like a segue to books to come. It seemed more like a snack when we're starving for the five-course meal. But since we've been conditioned to expect characters as engaging as Gian Ren and plots as fulfilling as Mine to Take, it's difficult to be content with merely a "snack." The book had some editing flaws - who can't mentally read through these and ignore them? These flaws also exist in the works brought to us by professional publishers with enormous editing staffs. Therefore, to my way of thinking, they're easy to forgive.

If one chooses to purchase this book, do so with a clear understanding that the book offers both a very pleasant, if innocuous, foray back into the Matrix of Destiny worlds - as well as a reunion with the characters we have fallen in love with in that "place" - and a generally satisfying fantasy tale set in the backwoods. Arguably, this book cannot hold a candle to previous works, but Dara is working to bring her creativity to us under severely adverse circumstances: legal constrictions placed on her by her publishing contract and the process of independent publishing/distribution in conjunction with fighting an ugly legal battle and dealing with the passing of a parent. Let's cut the author some slack and support a top-notch writing talent. I, for one, am enormously disappointed that this prime talent is being stifled, stagnated and constrained by a publishing behemoth bent on corporate profits at the expense of both the author and the fans! I consider the money I paid for the book to be my donation and show of support to Dara in her battle against corporate swindling. And, for that support, I received a very pleasant read.

This book is something of a miracle. For those of you who know the circumstances surrounding the book, you know that it was nothing short of amazing that she got this out by herself. What makes it an even greater achievement is that the stories are fantastic. Dara Joy is one of those rare writers who sets her bar incredibly high with each passing story and always manages to surpass that bar by delivering entertaining, delightful, helluva good tales. She is probably one of the best, if not the best, storytellers out there today and she can hook you into her stories faster than you can turn the first page. Both stories are incredibly yummy. THAT FAMILIAR TOUCH is a worthy successor to the MOD worlds. The story was just delicious and the chance to see some of these old characters again was priceless. Dara Joy really shows us her true talent in a gem of a story called "In Kirkpatrick's Woods" which reads like a beautifully written love letter to her fans. The book also has two poems that I enjoyed reading and would have liked to have seen more of her poetry and letters from around the world. The entire book is like a warm, welcoming favorite sweater. You will treasure it forever. I know I will. And if you should read this, Dara, thank you for sharing your wonderful stories with me.

I fell in Love with the Dara Joy books from the get-go, and have missed her these past two years. This book was really easy to get into, but like another reader said, left you hanging. I thought it was kind of rushed, not like her others. Maybe I'm missing something, and this is just a teaser for her next book?

I feel Dara Joy is a fantastic writer. She has an imagination that is similar to Lora Leigh but not as naughty, her chacters in her stories make you want to continue to read about them in years to come. I miss her writings but I believe that she has to stand up for what she believes to be right. I continue to look forward to the next story of the Familiar.

I absolutely agree with the 4 positive reviews of this book. I can't believe I actually got it. I had a lovely lady in the States purchase 2 copies & send them to me which she did. After the long wait for another Matrix book this one is priceless to me. True, it does feel like a fill-in between the 1st 3 books & the upcoming battle we can see coming in future books. I for one cannot wait. Seeing Traed, Rejar, Yaniff & Hriar again was fantastic. It felt like coming home after a very long journey reading this book.

Whatever happens Dara please do not give up. All your stories are priceless.