TITLE: Outreach (Orlosian Warriors) AUTHOR: Dariel Raye PUBLISHED: July 20, 2017 SOURCE: Author in exchange for a honest review. GENRE: Paranormal Romance FORMAT: ebook READING CHALLENGES: 2017 New Release PURCHASE LINK: AMAZON
It has been awhile since I read a novella. I usually avoid them for two reasons
The story usually feel rushed.
My inability to connect with the characters, due to poor character development.
However, I was in the mood for something short and sweet and this looked like it would have hit the spot. My experience with the author’s work helped my decision greatly.
I am familiar with the world created by the author so diving into this book was no biggie for me. That being said, I think it would be wise to read Calm Assuranceand Destiny’s Favor before jumping into this installment.
From the moment I began reading, I found myself immersed into the story and eager to learn more about the characters, especially Andreus. I knew the reason for his incarceration, but I was curious to learn what to led to the tragic moment that rob him of most of his life. Learning what led to the violent outburst was heartbreaking and I could not fault him for his actions.
Jaci Allen has yet to come to terms with the tragic loss of her husband and daughter. Immersing herself into her work is her way of dealing with their deaths. However, she was nothing but a shell, wandering aimlessly searching for a purpose. A purpose that would come to light when she crossed paths with Andreus.
Jaci and Andreus connection to each other transcends the physical. From the moment their paths crossed, it was clear they were each other’s destiny. I liked the fact they both learnt and discovered things about themselves. Andreus, became aware of what and who he was. Jaci’s eyes were open to the things, which appeared impossible. Her life as she knew it was about to go through dramatic changes.
I appreciated her skepticism. Her need to question the strange events revealed her cautious nature. I would not have expected less, in light of the tragic events from her past.
This is a well-written story with relatable characters and a captivating writing style that will cause readers to feel they are a part of this world.
The problem I had with this story is the ending. I am not sure if I would call it a cliffhanger, but it left me with many questions. So I am guessing, there will be another book and I hoping I guessed right.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, this was a wonderful addition to the series. I am eager to know what else Ms. Raye has in store for her fans.
Broken dreams, an ancient enigma tainted by the past, and a mystical bond beyond time and space.
Thrilled about receiving funding for her new outreach program, Jaci meets Andreus and embarks on a journey wrought with mystery and answers to questions that have plagued her for years.
Three years after the accident, Jaci Allen believes she is as lost now as she was the day she awakened to the sudden, tragic deaths of her husband and two-year old daughter. Throwing herself into her work has allowed her to avoid the reminders of her broken dreams, leaving her dangerously empty inside, always seeking…something.
Accused and convicted of the murder of his adoptive mother’s husband at the age of sixteen, Andreus admits his guilt, but acknowledges to himself that his memories of the night the abusive man was killed remain incomplete at best.
Meeting Jaci ignites the awakening of Andreus’ frightening special gifts – gifts he has not only tried to hide from the rest of the world, but from himself. Can two shattered souls find a way to heal one another?
Dariel loves books, animals, and all things paranormal.
The paranormal romance, “Raven’s Shelter,” one of five stories in Taming of the Wolf, was her second publication, and her first with The Wild Rose Press as a result of placing second in their “Got Wolf” competition – prompted the new “Dark Sentinels” series.
Dariel has written articles for The News Item of Mobile, and Black Health Magazine of Atlanta. A classically trained pianist and vocalist with a degree in piano and vocal performance and a master’s in counseling psychology, she completed studies for a Ph.D. with the exception of her dissertation.
