Ivy Nash Thriller book #1

Redemption Thriller book # 7

Ivy Nash is the second sub-series of the Redemption Thriller Collection. In the past few months I have been reviewing the Alex Trout Thrillers, the first of the sub-series and enjoyed them immensely, so I was eager to get my teeth (hands) on the Ivy Nash experience hoping to be as much entertained as in the first series.

John Mefford is a talented author and knows how to build his characters for us to relate to them and he does a good job in doing so. “In Defiance” starts by telling us a bit of Ivy’s background, a system kid growing up in foster care. As an adult Ivy became a special investigator for Child Protective Services and would do anything for the wellbeing of children. So, when a volatile hostage situation at a foster home happens Ivy is right there to help but unfortunately the situation reaches a bitter end and an investigation is launched. The story that follows is a series of twists and turns, accusations, abuse, connections to drugs and a shockwave of horrific childhood memories.

Ivy is a character you simply love: she is strong, independent and is not afraid of trouble. Her past will not dictate her present and she will go all out to prove that a 10 year old boy is not guilty of murder. There is some heart breaking moments.

The tempo is moderate and keeps the same pace from start to finish. Although I did find Ivy’s drama entertaining I was not as captivated by it has I was with Alex’s stories, anyways so far. . Having said this, “In Defiance” is still a page turner and a good opening for another exciting series. Looking forward to story #2.

@ChereeAlsop, #Paranormal, #YoungAdult, 4 out of 5 (very good)

Defiance is the first book in The Wolfborne Saga and you get a very different take on vampires and werewolves! It starts with Zev escaping in wolf form, from who or what you don't know. It's a close call though, nearly his last call, but he is saved by a young man driving a car. This opens up a whole sort-of-new life for those Zev meets and for him himself.

This was brilliantly written, with plenty of world-building and information given without it being an info-dump. There is definitely character growth from Zev but the others are just as interesting.

As the first book in a series you expect to get a lot of the ground-work, sometimes to the detriment of the story. Not so here. Ms. Alsop has provided a great start and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa

Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!