DARK WHISPERS
Spirit Caller Series #2
by Krista D. Ball
Publisher: Self-Published (Feb. 2013)
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Adult
Format: eBook (Novella)
Source: Free book from author for honest review
Find It: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5 stars)
A rash of teen suicides shakes the remote Newfoundland village that Rachel Mills calls home. As Rachel helps the school investigate, painful memories from her past – events she’d worked very hard to forget – continue to resurface.
As if she didn’t have enough problems. Her beloved 93-year-old neighbor develops heart problems. The man Rachel’s in love with, moves into her house–along with his girlfriend, the most perfect woman in creation. And a strung-out wreck of a woman claiming to be Rachel’s biological mother shows up on her doorstep. But it isn’t until a local boy with a talent for spellwork, is attacked by a mysterious stranger that Rachel asks the question she’s avoided her whole life: how powerful can a Spirit Caller like herself become?
At A Glance
Dark Whispers was a great sequel to Spirits Rising. I love Rachel’s story and the paranormal aspect, but the short length of the novella did not help it.
The Good
I was glad to see that Dark Whispers was better than Spirits Rising. This series does a great job of representing a unique outlook on spirits and the ones who can talk to them. I loved how this installment delved deeper into the world and character building as we learned about the “evil” organization out to bring down all the spirit callers and the important parts of Rachel’s past.
Rachel gets quite a few surprises in a small amount of time. She meets her real mom and learns that her past is riddled with secrets. Her friends and family are threatened, and she learns the lengths she will go to protect them. I see Rachel becoming stronger and more resilient in just this book and all I can say is it’s about damn time. I like this more confident Rachel.
All the side characters really contributed to the story. Each one had a unique personality that brought that special spark that makes you want to keep reading. The writing was well done and the ending doesn’t wrap everything up, but leaves room for the story to grow.
The Bad
Some parts lulled because of Rachel’s kind of “obsession” with Jeremy. I didn’t like that the story had such a focus on Rachel’s feelings for Jeremy.
With the short length of the story, I felt like some of the action and buildup was cut short. This book would have been better at novel length.
The Snuggly
Jeremy has a girlfriend, so it was hard to watch Rachel pine after him. She is obviously in love with him but he is too dense to see it. But by the end, we do see hope for their future.
No sex, so appropriate for a YA, NA, and adult audience.
Final Thoughts
You can read Dark Whispers and enjoy it without reading the first book, but I would suggest reading the whole series. It’s a slower but exciting urban fantasy that will leave you wanting more. Recommended.
“I’m not crazy,” she said with a hint of a smile in her voice. “Not most of the time, in any case.”
The man laughed. “Spirits do not affect me.”
“They affect me,” I shrieked, in a voice that I did not recognize. Power surged through my being and I stood, possessed with spirits who were completely out of my league. Memories of hunter and pretty, of anger, of disease, of revenge, overtook my senses and the protective spirit of the mother entered me. No one would hurt those I loved.
Melanie
It’s good to hear that the world and character building improved here, I would prefer it in the first instalment but at least it’s there! Ugh, the obsession/angst seems like something I’d hate and proably dislike the book greatly, sadly.
Fabulous review, Jennifer! <33
Jennifer Bielman
The first book had good world building and character development, I just liked it better in this one.
Elisa
Ooh, I love books about characters who see ghosts and spirits. I have to remember this series. Sounds like fun 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I actually think this one is up your alley.
Braine TS
The bitter taste of unrequited love… I feel bad for Rachel but I can see how that could be awkward and annoying. Another reason why I read YA on small doses now.
Jennifer Bielman
YA are the worst when it comes to this. I too have to take YA in small doses.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Oh I’ve loved this series so far. 🙂 I can’t wait for Krista to come out with the rest of these. 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
So happy you are into it too. I am really getting into it.
kimbacaffeinate
This series sounds interesting , and I love that you are seeing it improve with book two. I love the sound of the paranormal elements. Wonderful review Jennifer 🙂
Jennifer Bielman
I think the paranormal is done so well in this series.
Jaclyn Canada
I love what you said about the side characters. I really love it when the secondary people bring new and unique aspects to the story. Novellas are difficult for me to read and enjoy, but there are some that I have loved. I would probably dislike the pining after someone with a boyfriend as well. That’s a big No No to me. I really dislike cheating so if someone has a significant other they are off limits. Great review! Jaclyn @ JC’s Book Haven.
Jennifer Bielman
Novellas are always hard for me too, but this series does interest me enough to muddle through them.