Review: The Sapphire Talisman by Brenda Pandos

The Sapphire Talisman 

(The Talisman Series, Book 2)

Written by Brenda Pandos
Published by Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Available NOW!!!

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:

I can't tell you how excited I was to get my hands on this book!  I loved the first book in the series, The Emerald Talisman, and the second book did not disappoint!  The Sapphire Talisman had me hooked from the get go.  The story picks up with Julia and Nicholas trying to have as 'normal' a life as possible after the events at the end of the last book.  Normalcy doesn't come easy for them considering Nicholas is a vampire slayer and half vampire himself and Julia is an empath and a MAJOR vamp magnet!  However, the two of them are taking advantage of this lull in vamp activity and enjoying spending time together.  But like all good things... it must come to an end.  It doesn't take long for evil to rear is vampiric head or for Julia to draw it right to them!  An old enemy has returned and Julia and Nicholas are once again thrust into another round of good vs. evil.  The stakes are higher this time and the lines become blurred between the two sides in a jaw-dropping kinda way!  I was super-excited to see some of my favorite characters from The Emerald Talisman make a return in this book.  I won't spoil the surprise and tell you who returns, but I will say that one in particular was completely unexpected and 100% AWESOME!!!  Brenda definitely keeps you guessing this time.  The plot is full of twist and turns and 'I can't believe that just happened' kind of moments.  The pace was quick and there was no lack of action or suspense.  The characters, especially Julia, did some growing up in this book and we learned some valuable family history concerning both Julia and Nicholas.  The characters also showed more depth, which allowed a greater connection with them while reading.  The ending offered closure to some pretty big questions, leaving me satisfied.  But like all good series, new questions arise that can only be answered in the final Talisman Series installment titled, The Onyx Talisman- which is due out in late 2011!  Kudos to Brenda for writing another edge of your seat thriller that will have you swooning and biting your nails at the same time!  If you haven't read this book yet.... What are you waiting for?  


*The Sapphire Talisman is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble,  and at www.theemeraldtalisman.com


*If you would like to learn more about Brenda Pandos you can find her at http://brendapandos.blogspot.com