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Friday 18 September 2009

THROUGH VIOLET EYES


In a world where the dead can testify against the living, someone is getting away with murder. To every generation a select few souls are born with violet-coloured eyes - and the ability to channel the dead. Both rare and precious, and rigidly controlled by a society that craves their services, these Violets perform a number of different social duties.

But now the Violets themselves have become the target of a brutal serial murderer - a murderer who has learned how to mask his or her identity even from the victims. Can FBI agent Dan Atwater, aided by Violet Natalie Lindstrom, uncover the criminal in time? Or will more of Natalie's race be dispatched to the realm that has haunted them all since childhood?

I have to admit that the concept of this book totally grabbed me. After reading the blurb, I knew I wanted to read this book. And I loved it!

In this alternate universe, the Violets are people who can channel the dead. They are born with the skill and all have violet eyes. They also have some fascinating jobs within society and are actively expected to help out whenever the authorities need them. They are also closely monitored and controlled by the NAACC, and often testify in court by serving as conduits to the dead.

When someone starts killing Violets, FBI agent Dan teams up with Violet Natalie to solve the murders, while also babysitting her to make sure she's kept save. As more of the people from Natalie's past turn up dead, it becomes obvious that she could be the next target. The longer Dan spends with Natalie, the more his reluctance to have anything to do with Violets fades.

The mystery of who and why the killer is targetting Violets was fantastically woven, with new clues exposed along the way that made it look as if Dan and Natalie were on the right track, only to be pushed in another direction. The red herrings were cleverly thrown in, and even when I started suspecting someone, I was suddenly pushed off course.

Through Violet Eyes is an intriguing and interesting book that sucked me in from the very beginning. The concept of the Violet's ability is amazing, every detail so planned out that by the final revelation, you can't help but nod your head and appreciate just how clever this book was. And the black room - where souls are trapped until they move on - is described so vividly that I got chills just thinking about it.

The end left me feeling a little melancholy. There's a shade of deep sadness, but the spark of hope intrigued me. Since this is the first book in a series, I can't wait to read more! This is a seriously great book.

Through Violet Eyes, September 2009, ISBN 0749941278, Piatkus Fiction Paperback

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