Before I start with my review, I would like to offer my apologies, as I had planned to have this post up hours ago. But, after my wrist injury, a back injury, Thanksgiving, and a few other problems that have plagued me as of late, I was unable to finish the book before this afternoon. My deepest, sincerest apologies – especially to the author, Brenda Pandos, who so graciously included me in this tour.

The Sapphire Talisman by Brenda Pandos

Summary (from Goodreads): With the local vampire coven decimated, Julia and Nicholas try to begin a somewhat normal life together. Bound by secrecy from a shape shifter determined to see Julia’s world-saving prediction come to fruition, Julia isn’t allowed to tell Nicholas the leader survived, ransacking her happiness with guilt. When Alora returns, bent on revenge, the reunion forces Nicholas and Julia to choose what they are willing to live and die for.

My Thoughts: For those who don’t know, this is the second book in a series. I don’t know for sure how many are planned. My guess is a trilogy, but I could be wrong about that. (I know I’ve read somewhere but cannot remember exactly where at the moment.) The first is The Emerald Talisman, a book that I really liked a lot. I was eagerly waiting for The Sapphire Talisman, and delighted when approached about participating in this tour.

Before I start in on the book, I want to start with the cover. GORGEOUS! A breathtaking shade of blue dominates, and the talisman is just beautiful. I’m not as keen on the back cover, which I’m guessing is supposed to be a representation of Alora, but that’s OK. It’s the front cover that often will draw me into a book. Or at least pique my interest to something I hadn’t before seen. And the front cover truly is gorgeous.

The story itself was good, but not as good as The Emerald Talisman. The good news is that the action started earlier in this one, whereas the other was kinda slow to grab me. This one grabbed me earlier, which I appreciated (especially given that I was trying to read while my family chatted during the post-Thanksgiving dinner gathering), but didn’t hold me as tightly. Part of the problem, I believe, was Julia. I don’t remember thinking she was a royal pain in the first book, but she totally is here. Very whiny, very stubborn, and just plain stupid. While I want to say “naive” instead of “stupid,” I think that’s wrong. Given everything she experienced and witnessed in the previous book, she knows better about a lot of things. To choose otherwise, or to whine about it, just seems stupid. I get that teens think they’re indestructible, but (again) Julia isn’t the average teenager. And her problem with Scarlet. I understand she’s peeved by things, I thought Julia was just being stubborn and petty when she refused to play nice. Again, I suppose that attitude is not far-fetched when we again remember that we’re reading from the perspective of a teenage girl. Still, it was annoying after a while.

Despite my issues with the main character, the plot itself was good. There were plenty of unexpected twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, and that always makes me happy. Predictability is boring, and this book definitely isn’t boring. It is action-packed and fast-paced. There were also some things I could see coming that I didn’t mind, because I didn’t know until shortly before they happened what it was. I think that means the foreshadowing is handled perfectly. Just enough to raise suspicions, but not so much that it gives things away. I can appreciate that. One thing I really like is how this book can stand alone. While there are references to the previous book, enough is explained that someone could read this and not feel like they were missing keys parts of the story. On the same token, enough was said that one who hasn’t read The Emerald Talisman yet likely would want to read it to get the backstory. Like Emerald, the end to this book is satisfactory. While there are still one or two ends that could use a little tightening up, enough is resolved to leave me content – but looking forward to the next volume in this series.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Source: Sent by the author for the purpose of review. Many thanks to Brenda Pandos (and some heartfelt apologies for not having this up earlier in the day ).

Read It: The Sapphire Talisman is scheduled for release on December 15 of this year. You can preorder a signed copy HERE.

Find me on Goodreads.com >>

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*****WIN IT*****

Author Brenda Pandos is offering a signed copy for one lucky reader!  I do not require anything in order for you to enter. Simply leave a comment to on this post. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON.

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. (Central) Friday, December 10. The winner will be chosen randomly with the help of random.org. I will send the lucky winner an e-mail notification. (It will come from proudbooknerd(at)gmail(dot)com, so make sure to add this address to your safe list or address book to ensure it doesn’t get lost in junk/bulk mail.) If I do not get a response within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to readers in the U.S.

FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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