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DiDonovan
, April 20, 2015
(view all comments by DiDonovan)
Book One of the 'Dark Horse Trilogy', Woman King, is key to following the progression of a powerful, San Francisco-based blend of supernatural influences and P.I. investigation, and tells of an empath who spends her life blocking her abilities - until she meets an ancient time-walker who reveals that a demon has been stalking her.
But if you're expecting the usual genre read that blends fantasy into a supernatural investigation, you'll be disappointed. Woman King is, in fact, a superior production that focuses on political consultant Olivia Shepherd's psyche and her process of adjusting not just to her special abilities, but to a new awareness of supernatural forces in the world. There's a spiritual purpose to the story line that has placed her on a certain trajectory; so readers who want shallow entertainment with predictable characterization should look elsewhere.
Olivia's story is for those who look for depth and psychology in their story lines, who take pleasure in explicit details that leave little to wonder, and who will follow the progression of Olivia's world with an appreciation for the little things that make up that world.
If this is perceived as slowing the plot progression somewhat, that's only because in a nonstop staccato world of thriller action, Woman King takes its time to build its story and protagonist. And that's not a bad attribute.
There are a lot of loose ends to Woman King's conclusion; but the fact that readers have been duly forewarned that this is part of a trilogy makes these loose ends just more of an invitation to read on.
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