2009 Jove: ISBN 978-0-515-14689-9

Obsidian Prey, the latest novel by Jayne Castle, is a paranormal romance about a young woman called Lyra Dore, an independent prospector. She’s developed a big case on Cruz Sweetwater, a man who shares the same interests. Cruz is a handsome devil – he looks like Simon Cowell of TV’s “American Idol.” He and Lyra go exploring ruins laden with amethysts. Being inside the ruins gives Lyra a psychic lift, and she carries that psychic energy with her wherever she goes. Cruz is psychic, too – in fact, the whole story relies largely the pair’s psychic talents. The author goes into detail about the Arcane Society, an organization of people who specialize in psychic ability. Lyra holds a grudge against Cruz, but he still very much wants her. Old feelings and dynamics are involved, and they have plenty to work with, making them very real characters. The reader feels close to them right from the start. Watching them evolve is like seeing two mature adults work thought their respective problems. This is what Jayne Castle does best. She creates fully rounded characters that jump off the page.

However, the story itself is slow moving at times. It’s weighed down with dialogue, and the conversation is often boring in the first half of the book. Also, despite Lyra’s supposed psychic talent, for a long time she hardly puts it to use. If anything, she uses it frivolously. What’s more, Cruz has more psychic ability than Lyra, and she’s helpless compared to him. When it comes to the fighting she does practically nil. Ironically, Vincent the dust bunny engages in more action than she does. Lyra would be a stronger heroine if she’d been given chance to use her powers. She and Cruz have a “psychic love” going, but it’s not the same as having a psychic ability like telepathy that one can practise. All Lyra and Cruz ever do is use their “psychic love” on a whim. The reader simply can’t take it seriously. The author also uses the term “psychic instincts” when she should be more specific. Another thing that steals the story’s thunder is all the telling as the tale creeps slowly creeps toward the end. Castle falls into Hollywood cliché that says villains are big talkers. The result? Not that much action!

When the pace finally does pick up, however, the book fairly teems with excitement and intrigue. At times there’s even a bit of humour. There’s adventure, too, when the characters start to explore the jungle. It lends a new dimension to the story, and it grows ever more curious each step of the way. A mystery is woven in, giving the story a bit of an edge. It also builds up to a surprising climax. And the denouement is a sweet one. It’s like an aperitif, something to be savoured. It’s deeply loving and passionate, yet at times lighthearted. At the very end it’s really moving, and the reader is unlikely to forget it.

Despite the slow passages, the story is, overall, a memorable one. Jayne Castle has outdone herself this time when it comes to magic and romance. Readers will be engulfed by this tale, and will eagerly wait to see what the author will write next.

To read more about Jayne Castle’s books go to www.krentz-quick.com.