Zara is a great character, a tough chick, sarcastic and funny. She says that the reason she became an assassin is that she got bored -– a perfect description of her character. She stays true to that character throughout the story, kicking bad-guy butt at every opportunity. She is strong and fast and feels its great to be her. She enjoys playing with her captures before killing them. She's like a tough feral tom-cat, always up for a fight, happiest when she is in one and never worried about getting hurt.

The character of Mishka the witch is altogether different. Manipulative but benign in the first chapter, we see her character unfold as the story goes on. Each male character has is delved into in depth and then their character evolves further as the story goes by. Even the minor characters are well drawn and real.

The plot is great, moving along just fast enough and with enough twists and turn to keep the reader interested. All of the plot twists are a surprise. You never feel like you could easily have predicted them. The ending comes as a surprise, but then when you look back at the characters you realize it really fits. Not your usual happily ever after ending.

Over all the book is great, with wonderful characters, a plot that keeps moving and some real surprises. If you are looking for something that not straightforward and expected this is a great book for you. It is one you'll want to go back to and read over again.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: B. McBride
May 16, 2011