The Touch of Twilight (Sign of the Zodiac, Book 3) [Mass Market Paperback]

Vicki Pettersson (Author)

Book Description

Release date: May 27, 2008

On the surface she's a sexy, sophisticated socialite, at home among the beautiful people of the Las Vegas upper crust. But Joanna Archer inhabits another world: a place ordinary humans cannot see . . . a dangerous dimension where an eternal battle rages between the agents of Light and Shadow. And Joanna is both.

Stalked by an enigmatic doppelganger from a preternatural realm, Joanna can feel the Light failing—which is propelling her toward a terrifying confrontation with the ultimate master of evil, the dark lord of Shadow: her father.

Vegas is all about winning big . . . or losing everything. To save her friends, her future, her worlds, Joanna Archer must gamble it all by fully embracing the darkness inside her.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Pettersson’s paranormal world is as original as it is compelling. The action comes fast and furious. Like Las Vegas itself, this is an adventure that’ll keep you up all night.” (Kelley Armstrong)

“The Scent of Shadows came out of nowhere and slapped me silly. … You’re going to love this.” (Kim Harrison)

“...Read at your own risk —it’ll keep you up past your bedtime.” (Charlaine Harris)

About the Author

The New York Times bestselling author of The Taken andthe Sign of the Zodiac series—and former showgirl—VickiPettersson was born and raised in Sin City. Though she'llalways consider that glittering dust bowl home, she nowdivides her time between Las Vegas and Dallas, where she'slearning to like good Tex-Mex (easy) and the Dallas Cowboys(easier than you'd think).

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Harper Voyager (May 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060898933
• ISBN-13: 978-0060898939
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,752 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Vicki Pettersson is the New York Times bestselling author of the completed six-book 'Signs of the Zodiac' series, which features reluctant superhero, Joanna Archer, and are set in her hometown of Las Vegas.

Her latest novel is THE LOST, the second of three paranormal mysteries which pair a P.I/angel from the 50's with a modern-day rockabilly reporter. Together, they fight crime.

Though she'll always consider Sin City her home, she now divides her time between Vegas and Dallas, where she's learning to like good Tex-Mex (easy) and the Dallas Cowboys (easier than you'd think).

For more information on Vicki's books, please visit: http://vickipettersson.com/

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The Third Sign's the Charm - Mostly! May 29, 2008

By Smarmstress

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I've enjoyed this series since its beginnings, and the third installment doesn't disappoint, despite a few nagging issues that have been pretty much present since book one.

The good:
- More is revealed about Zane and his fascinating post as the comic book artist/archivist. The comics-as-superhero-history angle in Pettersson's series is a great touch, and its very satisfying to see more about the comics and Zane revealed in "Touch."
- The significance of the third "sign" and how it ended up playing out at the climax was pretty much a complete surprise that I did not see coming at all. Pettersson does a very good job of building suspense yet hiding her cards.
- Lots of great Vegas flavor throughout, and as always, the author gives us glimpses of the city that a tourist would know little about.
- Joanna still has a lot of bravado and impulsiveness, but she appears to be getting better about knowing when she's really messed something up. She's also playing nicer with others. In particular, I loved the unique partnership that is forged between her and Chandra, the would-be Archer she was so unkind to in book 1. Chandra is a character who becomes really well-developed in "Touch," and now I can't wait to see more of her in future books.
- Another great new character: Skamar! I wonder what Skamar will be up to in the next book...
- A painful decision Joanna makes at the end of the book show that she really has matured and is ready to move past certain personal roadblocks.

The bad:
- Pettersson knows how to create a very unique and fascinating fantasy world, but in all 3 books theres a sense of over-reaching, at times. Scenes and phenomenon are described that I can barely get a mental grasp on.... In the book's opening, for example, a fight scene involving a black hole left me boggling at the impossible visual that her prose created. Perhaps this is the point - to create a world that is so fantastic it can't actually be replicated in prose - but it does leave me with a bit of head-strain.
- I remain persistently skeptical about the Olivia/Joanna identity and how its been kept a secret for so long. The troop knows her as Olivia, but the Shadows and the Tulpa know her as Joanna. Sometimes she's wearing a mask, but at other times one isn't mentioned. Even more confusing is the fact that Joanna herself can clearly recognize a number of Shadow agents by sight - so shouldn't they by rights recognize her, too? I just don't understand how anyone's identity could really feasibly be a secret at this point.

The identity questions and overblown descriptions are mostly easy for me to get past, though, as these are good books, and really do present a pretty unique and compelling fantasy world. I look forward to book 4! Read more ›

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Depression and Angst November 17, 2008

By E. L. Sapp

Format:Mass Market Paperback

I loved the first book and rushed to buy the second. I really liked the second and quickly bought the third. This is where my love-affair with the series hit a major wall.

Joanna/Olivia just isn't likable in this book. She spends all her time moping over Ben and Regan and can't seem to focus on the important things. Like the major threat to her life and the 9 year old girl who is dying because of Joanna's actions.

I got so sick of reading about "Ben and Regan" on it seems like every page. Give it a rest! You would think Joanna would have learned a lesson about obsession (and Regan) in book 2, but no, here she goes again... (sigh)

The only redeeming factor - and the only reason I will probably read book 4 when it comes out - is that Regan seems to be (sort-of) out of the picture and Joanna finally does the right thing about Ben.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Girl Fight! August 30, 2008

By J. Hanses

Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Our heroine, Joanna Archer, the Light Sagittarius, comes from a lineage of superheroines. Though if you didn't know that, you should probably read the first two books or you're just going to run into a pile of spoilers.

Touch of Twilight focuses largely on girl fights and how women fight, which is perhaps why a number of other reviewers commented on the lack of action. Regan, the Shadow Cancer, has stolen Joanna's identity, man, and life as of the end of the last book. This book focuses on the two women taunting each other. Regan has everything, but Joanna is constantly watching. The battle heats up when Joanna finds cracks in Regan's heart and targets the things she loves. It's a battle of trying to push your opponent to despair rather than a battle of physical pain. It's the way women are taught to fight, attacking what's dear to a foe's heart, and Pettersson acknowledges this, which makes her world that much more believable.

Meanwhile, having lost her human identity, Joanna is in peril of losing her superhero identity as an unknown doppelganger has appeared. If Joanna doesn't solve her double's riddle soon, the doppelganger will eat her heart and assume her identity. This may or may not have something to do with Jasmine the Changeling who it turns out Jo accidentally "broke." The Tulpa, head of the Shadows, is equally afraid of the doppelganger taking over, as it seems to possess abilities he can't match.

Speaking of girl fights, just as Joanna and Chandra (her rival for her place within the superhero troop) might be moving to an understanding, the new Light Libra, Kimber, gets her nose out of joint about Joanna's position in the zodiac.

On the romantic end, Joanna cleaves to her dream of being with Ben, who thinks she's abandoned him.... Her conflicts with Regan push her closer to coming clean with him about who she is now and what's going on in her life. Despite her loyalty to this man, Hunter, the Light Aries, continues to court her. The two of them have some truly great moments together discussing general relationship difficulties and ideals as he encourages her to move on.

This is the best of the series so far, as Joanna works both with the group and by herself and seems to be making a place for herself with the troop. Jo faces many difficult circumstances, and the ending provides only temporary happiness. It does, however, explain the secret identity Joanna/Olivia thing that got confusing in the second book as to which identity was secret. Pettersson also sets up a continuing arch, as not all of the problems are solved in this book.

If you like dark fantasy or classic superhero tales, you'll love this book. If you like relationships in conflict you'll love this book. Pettersson never fails to make me hate her villains and love her heroes with a passion that makes me devour the books as quickly as possible. I look forward to the next one. Read more ›

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Omens and Good-byes July 12, 2008

By Jill Marie

Format:Mass Market Paperback

Joanna Archer has had a difficult life, for sure. She also makes a point to mention it every chance she gets. I love this series, but it's becoming dangerously close to one where you want to take the heroine, or superheroine in this case, and shake her. Very little is accomplished here and what little is accomplished happens in the last few chapters. She focuses entirely too much on revenge she thinks she deserves, totally ignoring things like responsibility to her troop and a little girl she has essentially broken.
The book is not a complete loss. Facts are unearthed about her childhood home, alternate planes, the power of thought, and why some people are the way they are. She finally makes a decision about her love life, takes the initiative in Olivia's life, and discovers some intrigue within her stepfather's life. The book is also a great resource for some of the trivialities: what exactly is a tulpa, how does a conduit come into existence, how much license does the author grant for the supernatural, what car does Hunter drive?
Ultimately, it's a worthwhile read, especially if you're already into the series. It helps tie some things together, creates some interesting venues for the future, and furthers a few interpersonal bonds within the troop. I just really hope this isn't a sign of things to come as the first two books were a much easier, enjoyable read.