Book Review #18: Rouge (Rouge #1) by Isabella Modra

FIRST THINGS FIRST - Look at that stunning cover!!!!

Okay, so this is absolutely true - I knew Hunter Harrison.

Confession - not the Hunter in this story, but someone from a very distant job I had in the past. 

Review: This is the last 'full' novel I read and it goes all the way back to June. It was a compelling read that I completed in one go, I'm delighted to say.

It's a delight to see a young author with such a command of her writing universe and a wonderful grip of her characters and their motivations. There is a generous homage to X-Men in this story although it manages to distinguish itself from that series by having a wonderful heroine in Hunter.

There's wonderful humour laced throughout the book, and there's a particular scene which reminded me of Kick-Ass a bit when Hunter is choosing her super-name and looking at outfits to wear.

I haven't read urban fantasy in a while and this book jumped out at me because of a giveaway for the sequel - Embers and Ice. I entered the giveaway but didn't win. However I ordered the paperback version of Embers and Ice - this review is for the Kindle version of Rouge (#1).

It's clear that Isabella Modra, the author, grows with authority as the book progresses. I understand and accept the pace of the book, everything is well described and builds beautifully towards the final act.

Put simply, there's a lot of fantasy out there that could be considered a little samey. Rouge - and it's sequel, stand out because the author knows the story she wants to tell, and tells it wonderfully. Both books (I hasten to add I have only started book two and am resting my eyes at the moment from heavy computer use!) could sit well on the big screen and you'll be rooting for Hunter, Joshua and the others.

Where the writing is most clever is the focus on a select band of characters, rather than introducing too many. In a book just shy of 300 pages, perhaps it was important to do that.

Are there any faults? Not for me and I'll admit I don't look for them when reading books, I just enjoy the ride. Life's too short to nit-pick! 

The books moves well, great characters, and everything is brilliantly described. This is a wonderful standard for a debut novel, and I'm seriously impressed. I don't believe I could have written something as well as this when I was 19.

Anyway, I rate this book very highly - a wonderful, inventive fantasy that takes the super-hero theme and ups it a notch. Christopher Nolan needs to pay attention to this author if he is looking for a follow-up to the Dark Knight Trilogy!

On GoodReads I gave this wonderful book five stars out of five.

Rouge #2 : Embers and Ice Embers & Iceis out now. I have the paperback and let's just say it is shaping up to be even better than Book One!

Get the book - Amazon

Author Page: Isabella Modra

Book Review #11: Trust - A New Beginning by Cristiane Serruya

Isn't it great when you just come across a book and it really peaks your interest and it happens to be completely out of the blue? For me, Trust - A New Beginning by Cristiane Serruya, was just like that.

I love thrillers, and this is a smart, savvy, sexy and brutal story that really is quite gripping from the off. Now I have no problem with stories that start slow so long as they build into something meaningful. 

With this story, there's no need to worry. And whilst time is taken to describe things accurately and with almost painstaking detail, it doesn't detract from the story, or slows things up.

If anything, you need this kind of literary diversion, so that you can catch your breath. Yes, the scenes are not just hot, they're boiling, and engaging to read. 

The other scenes that are quite intense refer to the Trust of the title....in many ways this book is about broken trust, and the aftermath of it, which leaves everyone shattered. As I approached the end of the book, I already knew there were additional books in the series.

That's great because I want a bit more back story on the main characters. Sophia is a great character whereas some of the male characters switch from protagonist to antagonist in a flash...though on further re-reads I understood why this is so.

As always, writing full reviews can spoil things. Suffice to say, Trust is one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time. Cristiane Serruya is an intelligent, exciting writer, and no doubt I will be reading more from her, and I suggest you do too.

Rating: On GoodReads I gave this five stars. Every single one was deserved!

Book Description

Buy on Amazon.com

They are beautiful and rich. They are strong willed and successful. They have everything, but love.

Sophia is a 25-year-old Brazilian and a widow. After a tragic incident, she flees from her own country. Despite her beauty and charm, she hides from everyone and everything and remains alone, torn between the love for a dead man, the torment of living without part of her memory and the fear of moving on.

Ethan is one of the most important tycoons in the steel industry. Traumatized by an awful event in his adolescence, he searches for an elusive woman whom he could love - and who would love him - as he never has in all his 35 years... Until he finds Sophia.

Alistair is a 34-year-old powerful banker, searching only for one–night stands. Devilish and ravishing, and also guilt-ridden and angry, he has no trouble finding women who will indulge him in his desire to physically punish them to abate his own tortured soul.

In Europe, in the months after October 2009, their paths will cross and clash. Who will win the prize of love?

About the Author

Cristiane Serruya lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with her husband and two teenage daughters. She majored in Fine Arts and Law, and has a Masters in Business Law. She is also specialized in cases of sexual abuse and violence against children and women. She has been working as a lawyer since 1991. She is widely traveled, having lived and studied in Brazil, England, France, Italy and Switzerland. After twenty-two years of practicing law, Cristiane decided to give writing a go. And - amazingly - it was just the piece that was missing in her life. Cristiane Serruya can be found online via her website ‘cristianeserruya.com.br’.

Biography (by Cristiane Serruya)

I live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with my husband and two daughters. I'm a lawyer, with a Masters in Business Law and I have great interest in cases of abuse and violation of human rights of children and women, having two thesis on the subject. I also have a BA in Fine Arts. I've always loved to read, write and listen to music. I lived and studied in England, France, Italy, Switzerland and, of course, Brazil.

After twenty-two years of practicing law, I decided to give writing a go. And - amazingly - it was just the piece that was missing in my life.
You can get in touch with me on my website: http://cristianeserruya.com.br

Or like my Facebook author's page: https://www.facebook.com/cristianeserruyauthor
Or follow me on Twitter: @CrisSerruya

All my three books already published have been awarded Gold and bronze medals.