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Jove, Mar 2004, 7.99, 352 pp. ISBN: 0515136948 On the planet Harmony, seven months ago parapsychologist Lydia Smith's life collapsed when she was lost in the catacombs beneath the city. She blames her lost weekend in which she remembers nothing on the ghost hunters whom she believes deserted her, but they say she made an unauthorized dangerous move without their protection. Now instead of a rising career, she works at Shrimpton's House of Ancient Horrors and ironically loves her roommate Emmett London, a ghost hunter. Emmett wants to marry Lydia in a convent marriage, but does not tell her how much he loves her because he fears her bias towards ghost hunters will thwart his dreams. When his biological father, Mercer Wyatt, head of the local ghost hunter guild, is almost killed and is hospitalized, Emmett takes over the leadership. He is unaware the danger he places himself and his beloved in and that her lost weekend and a colleague's final warning in death are tied to a threat that wants him out of the way. Science fiction romantic suspense fans will fully appreciate Jayne Castle's latest HARMONY tale that lives up to its title by leaving the audience with a contented AFTER GLOW. The story line is loaded with action as the lead duet struggles with understanding the forewarning message hidden in a milk container while unraveling a conspiracy involving local guild. The romance between Lydia and Emmett adds depth as readers obtain more insight into the social customs of a wonderfully magical place. Harriet Klausner | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Romance Yes Romance plotlets: - two lovers coping with tough mission Spying & Investigations Yes What is main char. doing? - unraveling a conspiracy Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Descript. of chases or violence - 10 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 20 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 50 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20 % Main Character Identity: - Female Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 20's-30's Profession/status: How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - humans in a futuristic society Planet outside solar system? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript |
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