Customer Reviews

Through Violet Eyes

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

THROUGH VIOLET EYES is a stunning first novel by Stephen Woodworth, and it's exciting to know it's the first in a series. Woodworth gives us a totally unique storyline, replete with a reluctant heroine, a likeable if somewhat clumsy FBI hero, and lots of government undercover and nasty villains. The Violets are a select group of people who have the ability to be conduits for souls who have been killed. The dead person actually comes to life again in the Violets, and that is where this story's originality shines through. Someone is out there killing Violets, and the FBI's Dan Atwater is assigned to protect Natalie Lindstrom, a Violet who is the conduit for the murdered Violets.

Woodworth peoples his plot with some eccentric characters, lots of suspects, and eerie sequences which show the risks Natalie and other Violets are taking.

A suspenseful, tightly written novel, looking forward to WITH RED HANDS, the second in this promising series.

The Violets are people who can communicate with the dead and let their spirits inhabit their bodies. They are allowed to testify in court with the dead spirit inside them accusing the perpetrator of murder. A SoulScan is an instrument that shows the Violet being possessed by the spirit that the Violet called using a touchstone. Not many Violets are born in each generation so the government of each country puts them under their "protection". In the United States, the North American Afterlife Communication Corps is the umbrella organization of the Violets and those people who don't choose to join them are harassed, their lives are made miserable by a bureaucracy that wants to keep a tight reign on them.

Someone is killing the Violets and the government officials have no clue who is doing it as they leave no evidence behind. FBI agent Dan Atwater is assigned to protect Violet Natalie Lindstrom who attended the same school as the victims. Dan is afraid of what Natalie can do because she can contact a ghost from his past, one he wants to avoid at all costs. Gradually the barriers between them are breached and the unlikely duo fall in love, but there is no guarantee that they will live long enough to celebrate their deep feelings.

THROUGH VIOLET EYES is not a religious thriller because the premise of the Violets is based on scientific fact. This work reads like a fabulous urban fantasy in which spirits inhabit the bodies of the Violets as a last way to hang onto life. The fantasy element is very strong and Stephen Woodworth's work is nothing short of remarkable.

Harriet Klausner

Stephen Woodworth delivers fast-paced, nail-biting suspense with this outstanding debut, the first of a series of novels about the Violets, the few people in each generation who possess violet eyes and an ability to channel the dead.

Combining murder mystery and a sci-fi concept, with touches of horror and romance thrown in, this book contains familiar elements a la the "X Files"-the FBI, a special government-sponsored "School" for violet-eyed kids, courtroom mayhem and the ever-threatening presence of a serial killer.

There is the added delight of a cast of vibrant characters, particularly the two likable leads-Natalie Lindstrom, a gifted Violet called upon to help investigate a series of murders that has sent many of her violet-eyed colleagues to the Other Side-and Dan Atwater, the hapless FBI agent assigned to protect her.

The familiar elements combine in a completely original way to make a wonderfully breath-taking ride. Reading this novel is like watching a film. The very first scene sweeps you into the suspense and doesn't let you go until the very last word-and really, not even then.

And that's the best part. Besides offering a fast, satisfying read, Woodworth has provided a truly thought-provoking concept that leaves the reader wanting more. After the book is done you'll find yourself wondering what the world really would be like if we had a systemized way of communicating with those who have passed on. And you'll be eagerly anticipating the next book in the Violet series.

I just happened to stumble across this book in a local neighborhood Walgreen's store and from the first chapter I was hooked. This has to be considered for a future big screen movie. The story behind the people with "Violet Eyes" becomes even more fascinating when you discover the various ways which their skills can be used since each of them can use their gift in a very unique manner. The story revolves around a FBI agent, with a painful past, assigned to guard a girl with violet eyes during their travel across the country trying to catch the person responsible for murdering other violet people. The motive is unknown for most of the story adding to the suspense. The integration of these violet people into our justice system adds to the fascination and the method of seeing crime through the victim's eyes makes it impossible for a criminal to escape justice. My only disappointment in the book was when I finished it. I now look forward to his second book due out sometime this month. You will not be disappointed.

I finished this book in one night it was so good. I even skipped two of my favorite TV shows to finish it. It waw unlike anything I've ever read before, and I hope to read more by this author!

Fans of supernatural thrillers should love this one. The story completely delivers on the premise: that rare Violets, who are able to channel the dead, are being killed one by one despite being under constant watch by the government. A government which has "for the better good" virtually stolent the lives of the Violets away from them. Not as if they could have a normal life anyways, with the dead constantly "knocking" when the Violet physically comes into contact with a "touchstone" that was also touched by the deceased, be it a necklace, a shoe, even a doorknob.

What I especially appreciated about all the books in this series is the internal logic works. There are no huge plot holes and unexplained variances that don't make sense in the world in this book. What makes the books such suspenseful, creepy, and sometimes scary page turners is that the characters act exactly as you would expect. 'Through Violet Eyes' actually picks up the pace in the final act, with several twisty plot devices that completely work in context.

I am not normally a fan of supernatural horror but this book is a serious page turner and hard to put down. My ex-roommate who is a fan of horror and the occult LOVED this book and jokingly cursed me because in addition to the Harry Potter and Thursday Next books, now he had to wait on the new Natalie Lindstrom books. In future novels as her Violet daughter and her father become potential targets used to get at her, the tension keeps racheting up. If a bad (or good) person gets murdered, that does not eliminate them from the story nor their participation in the plots! I highly recommend all four books in the series.

This is a great book. It is the first by this author I have read, but since finishing this title, I have purchased the sequel and can't wait to dig in.

The story is about a group of people who are born with violet colored eyes and a special talent. They can communicate with the dead and lend their bodies and minds as vessels for the dead to communicate with the rest of us boring, "normal" folk. Violets are used to communicate with long dead, famous artists, poets, musicians, etc. Imagine a painting by Van Gough long after his death. True talent never truly dying. Violets are also used in law enforcement such as at trials where they summon the victims to return and bring forth evidence against the accused. As you can imagine, this does not sit well with everyone, and thus, someone is hunting down violets and killing them.

The author has a fresh new concept. He did a great job explaining the life of a violet and even envisioned stumbling blocks in their lives, just like normal humans have. They are not superheroes. They have everyday problems to tackle also. Everything in life comes with a price tag and the life of a violet is no exception. The story follows FBI agent Dan Atwater and violet Natalie Lindstrom as they race against time to find a killer. The characters are well developed and believable. The story moves at a rapid pace, doesn't bog down, and you just sense the author always knows where he wants the story to travel. When the killer draws near, will Natalie "see" it coming? This one is a winner folks, enjoy!

I loved this book! I just picked it up, thinking it sounded very intriguing, and could not put it down!!! The characters are all very human and likeable, and the storyline is so intriguing!! A somewhat more human twist of the Anita Blake series!

I am now a true Stephen Woodworth fan! This was the first book by this author I have ever read, I loved it! Very different look at the paranormal life! Upon completing this book. I ran to my local bookstore and got on the list for the second book, With Red Hands. From the glimpse I got of it, it looks like a page turner, also. I am counting the days til it is released!

Before you start to read this novel, be sure you have about 5 hours' time to do so. While you're at it, make sure the lights in the house are on and you have an emergency phone at your side.

Yes, THROUGH VIOLET EYES is that much of a page turner. Dan Atwater is an FBI agent called in to investigate the deaths of Violets, folks born with violet irises who are conduits for the dead. He's paired with Natalie Lindstrom, a Violet who has already 'been visited' by several friends who have died at the killer's hands.

Dan's off his game due to accidentally shooting an innocent man. Natalie's traumatized and bitter. They make quite a pair, but they get the job done.

The one point I will take from this novel is the 'real' Bad Guy didn't really get destroyed. Save for a couple of flashes of brightness, this is a pretty grim world. Not to be read if you're feeling somewhat down in the first place!