Splintered
Book #2 of the Reflection Series
by Dean Murray
Publisher: Self-Published (April 6, 2012)
Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance
Pages: 141 (ebook) (ARC)
Source: Review Request by Author
Purchase: Amazon
Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5 stars)
The Good
When Paranormal Seems Normal…
I realized this time around what I like about Murray’s writing. He has a way of making the paranormal seem normal. Sometimes I forget that I am even reading about shape-shifters because the concept is so expertly interwoven into the story. In that, I have to applaud Murray on a job well done.
My Summary…
Adri and Alec’s relationship is still at a stand still. Even with Alec’s rival shifter pack effectively taken care of, no longer in the way to ruin their relationship, Alec can’t help but fear his shape-shifter touch will addict Adri. An addiction that has been proven through other human-shifter relationships. But their shaky relationship has to be put further on hold when an even bigger threat rolls into town. One that tests and weakens the bond between Alec and his pack. And this new threat might just be the last straw for Adri’s willingness to wait for Alec to become what he was meant to be: a true leader and protector.
It has Teeth, Maybe Alec Can Borrow Them…
I was really into the viciousness in Splintered. The fighting between the shifters was awe-inspiring. It really amped up my adrenaline, and I simply couldn’t look away (or stop reading as it were) at the ferociousness that took place in the world Murray created.
I feel like Adri is finally finding out who she is and what she wants in life. She takes a more active role in maintaining friendships instead of pining for Alec. It made me respect her a whole lot more in this book. Alec was a different story. This was the first time I didn’t like him. He just didn’t handle any situation very well, and I wanted to yell at him to grow a pair. But I liked that Murray had Alec become a little more human. Alec made mistakes and let fear control his actions. While I disliked him more, I also liked that he wasn’t perfect and that he could mess up his life as easy as the rest of us.
A World With No Limits…
The bad guys were simply perfect. I literally got chills every time they walked into the scene. In this world, shape-shifters have many rules but all the rules tend to make life harder to live and cause way more bloodshed than needed. And the people in charge, who happen to also be the bad guys, are the worst kind of people. They use their power for their own good and to spread fear amongst their brethren. I’d like to see a lot more of their kind in future books because they add that needed dread that makes this series so entertaining. You just never know what is going to happen when they are around because they have no limits.
Second Verse, Luckily Not the Same as the First…
All my complaints about the two previous books were wiped clean in Splintered. There was less writing focused on school and mundane things and more on action and relationships. We also got to learn a little more about the other pack members which was nice. They have interesting stories all on their own.
The Bad
Since this series does lean a little more toward paranormal romance rather than urban fantasy (though this book was way more in the urban fantasy area), I was sorely disappointed by the lack of romance and the ending, which was left very much open. I understand why Murray thought it was best to end it the way he did, but it does not negate the fact that I was left dissatisfied.
The Snuggly
I am getting hugely annoyed with Alec’s reluctance with Adri. I understand why he wants to protect Adri from his addictive touch, but this cannot go on. He either needs to get over it or end the relationship. That being said, there was very little romance in this book and I wish there was more. When it comes to sex, this is the cleanest young adult book out there.
Overall
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It kept my interest the whole time and the character development was superb. Though I didn’t like the ending, I like the direction this whole series is going. I for one can’t wait for the next installment. A recommended read.
Marco leaned down and whispered into my ear. “How about you and I get a little more friendly? I can show you things Graves hasn’t even thought of yet.”
My voice came out even and strong. “If you touch me I’ll do my absolute best to kill you. I’ll probably fail, but you’re going to have to kill me to stop me. Trust me, you don’t want to be the guy who kills me. Alec will tear you apart regardless of what else it might cost him.”
Reflections Series:
Book #1: Torn
Book #1 part 2: Broken
Book #2: Splintered
Dean
Jennifer,
Thanks for reading and reviewing Splintered. I’m glad you liked it overall-especially the villains, who I do plan do some more with in the new few books.
Good catch on the continuity issue with Adri getting stabbed. It made it past me, my other advance readers and my editor, so I appreciate you pointing it out. I’ve gone back in and added a slight edit to fix that.
Again, thanks for helping spread the word.
Best regards,
Dean
Jennifer L. Bielman
I really did like this book. At least you had your editor and advanced readers miss it so it might not be as noticable as I thought. For me it stuck out, but I have that weird kind of brain that catches even the small stuff. As you can guess my critique group hates me because I don’t let them get away with anything when it comes to their novels. 🙂 Everyone keeps telling me I should be an editor. lol.
I can’t wait for more pages on those villians. They really freaked me out, and I loved it.
Dean
Just wait until you meet some of the Coun’hij members that haven’t made a trip to Sanctuary yet 🙂 In some ways Agony is the restrained one in the group…
Jennifer L. Bielman
OMG, now you are just scaring me.
Sarah (saz101)
Jennnnnn! This sounds interesting, and I LOVE the idea of the world being so well written it seems so real. FABULOUS review (as always), but I’m sorry about the annoyances… hmmm… will have to look this up 😀
Jennifer L. Bielman
Yeah, this is a unique type of series. One I haven’t seen written before. It can be so gentle on one page then rip your throat out the next page.
Anonymous
Are going to do another book with Adrianna and Alec? I really think you should because you didn’t really end it.