Veena’s review of Hot Zone (Rain Shadow, Book 3) by Jayne Castle
Futuristic Paranormal Romance published by Jove 26 Aug 14

I have been feeling disenchanted with this series for some time. Where I couldn’t wait to get the next book in this futuristic series, I now feel that I could close my eyes and substitute dust bunnies and heroes and heroines. Yes, there are some interesting special effects to be found in the catacombs, some of them even new, but I am very sorry to say that they are just not enough to engage me and keep me vested in the series.

Cyrus Jones is an interesting entry on the scene, bringing in the connections with the contemporary series featuring the Jones family. Clearly, this new future psychic phenomena is accepted as a talent and the Jones family continues to be a respected part of the new world aristocracy. Also featured in this series is the pursuit of the formula for the drug that can enhance the level of psychic talent in a person.

Sedona is hiding out after her experiences as a prisoner leave her shell shocked. Her escape, thanks to the dust bunny who’s adopted her, leaves her then fiancé and guild boss shocked, especially since he’s moved on in the short time she’s been missing. Now they’ve all come together on Rain Shadow Island, just in time for Halloween.

There are some cute moments with the dust bunnies celebrating Halloween and collecting candy with all the kids. It’s not so pretty when the Halloween horror attraction features real blood and a real dead body. Sedona has always mourned the lack of family, but when she does reunite she finds out that family isn’t always a good thing. Cyrus, along with all his connections on Rain Shadow, and Guild race to keep Sedona safe from the forces that want to use her for their own sinister purposes.

All in all, a fairly predictable story.

Grade: C

Summary:

The world of Harmony has its wonders, one of them being Rainshadow Island.

Just beneath its surface, a maze of catacombs hides a dangerous secret…

Halloween—with its tricks and treats—is a dust bunny’s dream come true. Just ask Lyle, Sedona Snow’s faithful sidekick. But for Sedona, it’s a nightmare. Though her new job managing a small hotel and tavern on Rainshadow is helping her move on from her tragic past, a bizarre disaster down in the catacombs has brought a pack of rowdy ghost hunters to her inn.

And now, Sedona’s ex has arrived on the island, claiming he wants to get back together, just as a newcomer appears to have a strong interest in her. Cyrus Jones is the new Guild boss in town. He has his own agenda when it comes to Sedona, but even the best-laid plans are no match for the passion that springs up on Rainshadow…

No excerpt available.

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