Review: The Ripple Effect by J.A. Saare

Rhiannon's Law # 18: No one asks for their life to change, but it does. The bad things we face are always created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place--as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb--it's up to you to take the next step, to decide what comes after. Even if it means destroying everything in your path on the road to deliverance.

I will totally admit it. I am a hard person to please when it comes to Urban Fantasy novels. I read so many novels over the course of a year that I end up getting blase and turning to something else entirely. I want darkness in my UF. I want vampires who are evil and not shiny and who aren't afraid to show fangs and drink blood. I want lots of actions, and I don't mind a lot of deaths in my novels if they are done in a respectable and timely manner.

While I appreciate a good sex scene, I don't want it to stop the story in the middle of the best part of the story so that we can get our kicks. I don't much care for 3-way love triangles, yet, I will respect them if they are done in a way that doesn't feel it's being shoved down my throat. I don't even mind female lead characters who aren't afraid to make mistakes and admit to their mistakes. I do, however, want them to stand up and recognize that their actions can, and will cause irreparable damage to those around her.

The Ripple Effect meets every single one of my criteria.

I am trying to put into words how amazing I found this book. I even went out and paid money for the this book through the publisher instead of waiting for my library to get it in! I don't normally hand out 5 star ratings, so, yes, this is a huge shock to me as well. Right from the first page, Saare held my attention and I found myself chomping at the bit wondering what was going to happen next. When the darkness arrived on the scene, I held my breath knowing that Rhiannon has problems with anyone in authority.

What I am saying is...I love Rhiannon Murphy. I love her Laws. I love the fact that she has made a new friend in Bane, who is seriously mysterious and dangerous. I loved her even though she doesn't make the brightest choices and her way of thinking sometimes has you scratching your head and wanting to toss your kindle across the room. However, she does end up coming around and in the end her actions speak louder than words can be written.

I love the fact that I can still be shocked by a storyline and how quickly things changed for Rhiannon and crew. I'm seriously shocked and devastated by several losses that happen over the course of this story. I'm sure they were intended to grab the audiences attention and hold it and also change the course of where this series will head in the future. I'm actually happy, believe it or not, that Gabriel and Rhiannon are back in good graces after several weeks of tumultuous ups and downs. Of course, it took the abrupt arrival of some evil SOB's in order for them to realize how much they mean to the other.

The Ripple Effect is a serious game changer for the series. I just hope that book # 4 (Edge of Darkness) ends up being released and not being put off due to factors like pirated books, bad sales, etc. I can't tell you how sad I would be if this series would suddenly end without tying up a bunch of loose ends.

Title - The Ripple Effect
Author - J.A. Saare
Publisher - Mundania Press
Released - July 31, 2012