Christine AmsdenCritiques

For me Madison's Song is one of those books that you don't even have time to come up for air. There is constantly something happening with each page you turn something new is about to happen. I did not want to put the book down because I knew if I did I would not be able to sleep anyway because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. If you love a good mystery suspense thriller you're not going to want to miss Madison's Song. Be sure to put this on your reading list as soon as possible, if I could have given it six stars I would have. For me there is not a whole lot that I can tell you about the book without giving anything away, one thing I can say for sure is that Madison is a very strong woman, allot stronger than she thinks that she is.

I fell in love with Cassie Scot in the first book I read of the series. I have read every book as they came out and not been disappointed once. I remember when I finished Stolen Dreams I was so sad because the author had said the series was finished. Then came the books about Cassie’s friends. And then, with hope never dying, I got the news that a new Cassie book was coming! Oh joy! The author did not let me down. Frozen picks up flawlessly and it is as if the series never had a break.
What I enjoy so much about these books is the way Christine Amsden blends fantasy with reality, blurring the lines and making the reader wonder if it couldn’t all be true. Cassie is not your perfect heroine. She is flawed as we all are, plagued with insecurities and doubts that come with being hurt by those you love. She does not let those thoughts and feelings hold her back though. Cassie bravely goes on, making her way through life, albeit a life filled with magic, vampires, werewolves and other creatures. Sometimes she makes mistakes that carry costs. Sometimes those mistakes can be fixed, sometimes not. But she keeps going, which is what we should do.
This series is, in my opinion, amazing! I am not big on choosing favorite books. It is too hard. There are so many that deserve that honor and many more I haven’t discovered yet. So I have kept my favorites down to two children’s books, my first book I read solo and my beloved Anne of Green Gables. With Frozen I have discovered just how much I love this series. I can honestly say it is my favorite series. I hope you will give it a try and that you will love Cassie and company just as much as I do.
In my opinion these books deal with heavy topics at times so I would use frequent discussions if permitting my teen to read it. I would recommend reading this series in the order they were released. You will miss so much of the actions and relationships that shape later books.
I would like to thank the author who provided an advanced copy for me to review. No expectation of a review, good or bad, was made. The review, and my gushing, are honestly how I feel about Frozen and the series. It is a series worth investigating. I hope you do.

Wow! I'm sitting here trying to decide what exactly to say and whether or not this is my favorite Christine Amsden book. Telling you about the book might reveal spoilers, which I hate doing. Telling you my feelings will, most likely, reveal one. (Though if you read the author's USA Today interview you are aware of it). Difficult to decide what to write. I'll do my best though.
I first fell in love with the author's writing with [b:Cassie Scot|15813209|Cassie Scot (Cassie Scot #1)|Christine Amsden|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1360012911s/15813209.jpg|21538833] and that series. Those books are among my most prized possessions and favorite reads. [b:Madison's Song|25678343|Madison's Song|Christine Amsden|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1433616656s/25678343.jpg|45503400] and Kaitlin's Tale are branches off of Cassie Scot. They stand alone but are, in my opinion, best enjoyed after reading Cassie's books. Kaitlin's Tale is a rollercoaster of a tale. She is an amazing character. I didn't realize that until after I read this book.
Kaitlin is a survivor, in more ways than I imagined. I was about 60% through the book when I saw that the author did an interview. I debated reading it just then. I prefer to read books with as little known to me as possible. But decided that being so far into the book it would be fine. (There was also a relentless voice in my head telling me to read it). I'm happy I did. I learned something about Kaitlin that I never suspected but that was coming my way, (it hits at around the 80% mark on Kindle). Reading the interview helped prepare me and gave me time to corral triggers. A trigger was definitely there but it was better than I expected. (Maybe the number of books I have read this year with this in it helped me handle it. Maybe it is a subtle way of telling me to find some peace with my past.) The author showed a lot of empathy, knowledge and strength with the way she wrote it. I truly felt that she captured, exceptionally well, what living with those memories is like. All the feelings, the inability to really talk about it, the ways it affects you. The author got it right. That Kaitlin was able to share that with Matthew and come out stronger spreads a message of hope.
The tale has all the good stuff in it. Magic. Vampires. Vampire Hunters. Even the appearance of a werewolf. It has loads of action. Some breath stealing terror. Some heartbreaking moments. And some steamy love. I would, and have, recommend(ed) it, especially to paranormal lovers. I probably would not give it to early teens. Older teens, especially those who have experienced abuse, might find strength in it, especially if a trusted adult were there to process it with them. Most definitely, though, I would tell adults to pick it up. And to get the other books.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. As a young girl I loved Nancy Drew. I read and reread that series. I never really thought I would come across another detective series that I would love as much. This book has changed that thought. Cassie Scot is another Nancy Drew. I have already begun the second book in this series and the writing is holding up. This series is going to become a favorite of mine. Cassie is 21 and, of course, times have changed since Nancy Drew was written. Expect that sex will be mentioned and possibly part of the story at some point. Because of this, I would say the book is best for teens and up. The sex so far has not been graphic. The books are not erotica. The sex spoken of is at a level of what I would expect for a YA book. The author incorporates it without going overboard. Very tastefully written and, so far, safe for teenagers. The mysteries are interesting ones that involve the paranormal world. Cassie is, so far, not magical though she was born into a magical family. Evan, her partner who would like to really be her partner all the way, is magical. Extremely magical. The pairing of these two is brilliant. I love their relationship and spend a lot of time wondering how it will work out and even, if I want it to work out. I absolutely adore both these characters. The paranormal aspect so far is mostly magical but includes heavy vampire, in this book at least, and possibly ghost in future books as a sibling talks to the dead. I suspect the series will have many books to it, just as Nancy Drew does, so there is definitely room for loads of paranormal activity. This book has it all really. Mystery, a love triangle, family issues, magic and the paranormal world, the " normal " world, friendships and enemies. Characters are relatable and easily become your friend or your enemy. Story lines are tight; well developed, interesting and end well enough that each chapter in this series doesn't leave you lost or frustrated. Over all, in my opinion, this is a 10 star book that is easily developing into a 10 star series. I envision this series becoming a classic for future generations.
I was given the first two books of this series for review purchases. I do not know the author. I had never heard of her before I requested to review the book the second book. The author, generously, sent both books upon learning that I had never read her. (Added bonus she signed them - Woot! Woot!) I enjoyed them so much I purchased the Kindle copies of both books. I will, most likely, continue to purchase both forms - a sure sign of exactly how much I love this series. I want complete collections of them. For me, that is the highest honor a series can get. Usually I only purchase one form or the other. All opinions of this book are my true impressions. When I requested it, I was expecting a lighter version of Sookie Stackhouse, (True Blood), a series I have a love hate relationship with. I was blown away with jaw dropping awe when I realized I was reading a series that will share space with my much beloved Nancy Drew books. I can't believe I hit gold with a modernized Nancy Drew! If you loved Nancy Drew you will definitely need to read this. If you haven't read Nancy Drew then you really missed a treat and shouldn't miss out on this series. Seriously, if you love mysteries, if you thought Sookie Stackhouse had too much sex or the writing got a bit unwound when it hit the screen, this series may be the one you are looking for. I can't recommend it enough.

The dates read on this are a bit deceiving. I was seriously ill while reading. If not for that illness, this book would have been read within 2 days, max.

I am dead. The next book isn't until May!!! What will I do? What an amazing book! Seriously, if you like paranormal/fantasy get this series. Review is coming. I just need to have a lie down. I am emotionally drained. Oh yeah. It is that good!

This series is amazing! I loved Book 1 and did not think it could be topped but it was!Secrets and Lies blew me away. If you read my review for Cassie Scot 1, then you know I think of thought of it as a paranormal Nancy Drew. This book just confirmed my opinion. I am so excited to have discovered this series! When I finished this book I actually went into book mourning. Book 3 isn't out until May. It is killing me!
Secret and Lies picks up where Cassie Scot left off. Cassie finished her investigation and has nothing going on until a couple of girls go missing while at camp. As the girls are related to Cassie and Evan, Cassie is off to find them, (or what happened to them). Is it the vampires again or something worse? Cassie will find out! There is so much going on in this book! I raced through it. The issues with her family deepen as does her feelings for Evan. But are those true feelings or magic? I may die before book 3 is released! This is a fantastic series for any YA/Adult who likes paranormal and Nancy Drew books. I highly recommend them.
This book is part of a series that is best if read in the order released. They are not good as stand alones. Due to sexual references, though not graphic, I would not recommend it for preteens.
*I was given a review copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest thoughts of my opinion of the book.*

Stolen Dreams is the final book in the Cassie Scot series. We have watched Cassie grow so much throughout the series. I had invested so much in my friendship with Cassie that this book was both anticipated and dreaded. The author did a masterful job with this book. I usually do not like the last book in a series. Too often it does not end the way I hoped for. A few times, in the final book, the characters did not even resemble the characters in the first few books. Stolen Dreams did not have either of those issues.

In the beginning we met Cassie, a young girl, in a magical family, who had no magic. She was trying to find herself and where she fit in to things. We watched her grow, stumbling along through some difficult situations. In Stolen Dreams we see her come into her own. I was so freaking proud of her!
Evan is back and is another character we have watched grow and come into himself. That was a surprise for me. I am not use to getting to watch two main characters grow up so much. We know from the first book in the series that Cassie and Evan were friends who were attracted to each other. We also know that both their families hated each other. With reason. From the start I knew Cassie and Evan belonged together but just because you belong together doesn't mean you get to be together.
Cassie went through some very tough times and Evan was at the heart of them...not always in a good way. Most writers would have focused on Cassie, after all the story is hers, but not Ms Amsden. She did an outstanding job with the character development of Cassie and Evan. I really loved that she devoted time to us really getting to know Evan. Do Evan and Cassie finally get together? When Stolen Dreams opens she is engaged to Alexander and the feud between the families of Cassie and Evan is at an all time high. Not only that but with all that Cassie has found out, her love for Evan has turned to hate. I have always said you cannot truly hate someone unless you loved them first. The line is fine and once you cross it the road back is long and pain filled. Most never recover the loss of trust needed in order for love to survive. I will leave it to you to discover if Cassie marries Alexander, Evan, someone else or no one else.

The other part I truly loved with this series deals with all the "minor" characters. Ms Amsden wrote them in such a way that we know they are minor but yet they are major. I love Kaitlyn and Madison. They each have a story to tell, (in this book we find out just how much Madison has to tell! Bomb goes off with her). I definitely want to read the spin offs that tell their stories. The situations they each are in combined with Ms Amsden talent for character development make those books a must read when they come out. I am suspecting we will see Cassie and Evan a time or two in those books which makes saying farewell a bit easier.

Stolen Dreams is the final chapter for Cassandra. I really loved the wrap up. Each book contains a main case that Cassie works on but has all these mini plots going on. With Stolen Dreams we get the answers to questions we have had since book one. I enjoyed how the author wove this series with its main plot and sub plots. It was truly magical. Nothing was really lost in the wrap up. I think that was an amazing feat. With so much going on it would have been easy to lose a sub plot. Ms Amsden handled it masterfully.

I am so sad to see the end come to Cassandra Scot. I have loved this series so much. I was so excited to receive my copy of Stolen Dreams but at the same time dreaded reading it because of the goodbye. This was a hard review to write. I didn't want to give away spoilers and at the same time I wanted to talk about it. This entire series was such a delightful surprise to read. I loved reading Nancy Drew when I was a child. This series is my magical grown up Nancy Drew series. Matter of fact the books share space with my old Nancy Drew books. I would like to extend a huge thank you to Christine Amsden for providing me with review copies of her books. My reviews of each of them are my honest feelings about the books. I enjoyed them so much that I also purchased Kindle copies of each book. I would recommend this series be read in the order written. The books are not stand alones. It is a series I would recommend to teens and adults. There are some situations that may not be suitable for younger children.

I was given a copy of this book un return for an honest review.

This book is about magic and werewolves. It starts out, with Madison being attacked by a sorcerer, and a werewolf named Scott coming to her rescue. This start definitely set up the book. Because during the rescue, sets up a fear
of Scott that could last a lifetime.

However a few years later after thr incident. Madison is forced to overcome her fear, when her brother clinton is in trouble.

What I like about this book is that it was very easy to get into. It was a very enthralling storyline.

What I didnt like about this book, was that it ended.

The writing is great, the storyline was well put together. There was no rushness, no hurry to the end. It flowed masterfully. And I will read more books from this author.

A fast enticing read, Christine Amsden’s The Seer’s Fate is set in the same world as her Cassie Scot series, but stands alone perfectly. Teen readers are quickly drawn into an almost normal world of high school, awkward relationships, and that powerfully powerless touch of magic. Seeing the future is a skill imagined delightfully by the author—an unfixed future, a wealth of paths, and infinite chances to do-over, over and over again, in search of the right result. But do-overs don’t help when all paths lead to someone dying. They don’t help when all paths lead to loneliness and rejection either.

Danielle’s past has been haunted by a long-foreseen tornado that she can’t avoid. Her future is haunted by doomed love, drawing ever closer. And her present, scorned by classmates so she can’t even befriend the loneliest girl, leaves much to be desired.

I love the lessons quietly woven into this tale; the way real-world relevance makes this imaginary world all the more evocative. Author Christine Amsden has created a wealth of very believable characters, and adds a well-rounded, well-grounded sense of magic; the rules have a logic that ties all the stories together, and roots them in the same world where readers live out their days, making this an enticing, wise and delight-filled young-adult romantic suspense.

Disclosure: I love the author’s magical world and was delighted to be given a copy of this novella. I offer my honest review.

What if you could see into the future? The good that would happen and also the bad? What if you had a gift of charisma where people did whatever you wanted them to? Sounds good? Well, perhaps. Perhaps not.

In Author Christine Amsden’s novella, THE SEER’S FATE, we meet Danielle, a seer who sees the future. Imagine telling a kid at school that you see her death in only a few months. That would not make for very many friends. And in her life is a boy named Adam, whose charisma results with most everyone liking him. The future Danielle sees for Adam and her is not a pleasant one, but she still loves him, even though she knows what happens.

THE SEER’S FATE is the author’s first novella. I hope it won’t be her last because I enjoyed meeting Danielle and Adam and watching them face almost impossible situations. Living a magical life sounds exciting. There are downsides though. Danielle, even with her special abilities, is a girl who cares about others and tries to help whenever she can. She’s also confused about young men, like most teens are. Adam has family problems to deal with, along with his feelings for Danielle.

THE SEER’S FATE is a magical tale of love and hope, family and friends, trust and betrayal, disappointment and joy. Christine Amsden has done a beautiful job with characters that are so real I wanted to hug them and help them with each challenge they faced. I’ve enjoyed reading the author’s novels and look forward to more novellas from her. Recommended.

A young couple found frozen inside a house covered with ice, when the temperature outside is fifty degrees. A large number of suicides have occurred recently. The sighting of a werewolf, or is it something else? Weird things are happening in the area and the sheriff asks Cassie and Ethan for help in solving the mystery. Yes, Cassandra (Cassie) Scot is back in Author Christine Amsden’s latest novel FROZEN, Book Seven in A Paranormal Mystery series. And I’m so happy to see her and her interesting family again.

Now, Cassie and Ethan are married and have an adorable one-year-old daughter named Ana, and they’re one happy family. Or are they? Cassie’s mother has not recovered from her husband’s death and is unable to care for Cassie’s siblings that range in age from seventeen to twins two years old. Cassie feels guilty for not helping them more. And now, with the mystery of the murdered young couple, the sighting of hell hounds, and fairies her life is about to get even more complicated.

The author is an expert at creating characters that seem real, with problems like normal people have: family, children, love, and just trying to survive in an often unfriendly world. Add a touch of magic and you have a story where almost anything can happen and does.

FROZEN A PARANORMAL MYSTERY BOOK SEVEN is a delicious addition to the series and the perfect ending. Or is it the end? Will Cassie, Ethan and friends be back? Only the author knows. Recommended for readers who enjoy a great novel.

Cassandra Morgan Ursula Margaret Scot - Cassie to her friends - is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers; the eldest daughter in a magically gifted family of seven. Essentially born between worlds but belonging to neither, Cassie has never had cause to doubt the strength of her family's love for her - only if their love might not also be tinged with a slight disappointment in her. At twenty-one, she just wants to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator - specializing in non-magical investigations - in the shadow of her family's reputation isn't easy.

When a young girl is found murdered, Cassie is hired by the girl's cousin - Evan Blackwood - who just happens to be the only son of her family's magical rivals. Evan himself is a very powerful and handsome sorcerer, who was also Cassie's best friend in grade school. Against her family's wishes - and her own private trepidation - Cassie takes on Evan's proposal to find out who or what killed his cousin. Drawn into the subsequent paranormal investigation, she will ultimately have to decide where she truly belongs.

Christine Amsden is a new author for me, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In my opinion, the plot was extremely engaging and the characters sympathetically drawn - although the ending certainly sparked my curiosity about how this story will develop. I give this book a definite A! and look forward to reading Secrets and Lies, the next book in the Cassie Scot Series sometime soon.½

Still reeling from her parents' betrayal, Cassie Scot is determined to leave the world of magic behind her. But the magical world isn't letting go that easily. Her family is imploding, and despite everything, Cassie may be the only one powerful enough to save them.

To complicate matters, Cassie owes Evan Blackwood her life, making it extremely difficult to deny him anything he truly wants. And Evan apparently wants Cassie. Sparks fly when they team up to find two girls who go missing from a summer camp in the mountains. But long-buried secrets just may derail their chances at future happiness.

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story picked up relatively close to where Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective left off, and while the cliff-hanger certainly did its job - it had me sitting on the edge of my seat, ready to scream with frustration - the further development of the characters, and the pace of the plot drew me in from page one. I'm eagerly awaiting Book 3, because I definitely want to know what happens next.½

For nearly twenty-five years, the patriarchs of the Scot and Blackwood families - two of the most magically-powerful families in Eagle Rock - have despised each other. A quarter of a century has passed for both Edward Scot and Victor Blackwood, and for all that time they've managed to keep a thin veneer of polite civility in place and their simmering mutual hatred in check. But that hatred is about to explode.

Two months after returning home from her sojourn in Pennsylvania, Cassie Scot is shocked to discover that her family has apparently taken a hostage in her absence. Desperate to end the feud before someone dies, Cassie does something that at one time she wouldn't have believed possible - she seeks help from local seer Abigail Hastings, Evan Blackwood's grandmother. However, while Abigail remains remarkably vague and extremely tight-lipped about her visions, she assures Cassie of one inescapable constant, someone will most certainly die: Abigail herself. And when her death comes at the hands of Cassie's own father, Victor Blackwood kills Edward Scot in retaliation.

But even Abigail's visions of the future can be fickle, and certain things may not be precisely as they appear.

Victor's son Evan persuades Cassie to help him learn the truth, teaming them up once again in their darkest hour. Recent revelations about Evan and his family make it increasingly difficult for Cassie to maintain her shield of anger against him. But is it possible for Evan and Cassie to ease tensions between their families; especially when the feud has seemingly taken on a life of its own?

This is the conclusion to the Cassie Scot Series, and I was absolutely thrilled to read it. I loved the evolution of the story throughout the entire series and wanted to know how it all would end. I give Stolen Dreams an A ! and must say that I'm incredibly sorry to leave the town of Eagle Rock behind. I will definitely keep my eyes open for more from this author in the future!

Being raised in a family that views magic as inherently evil - in a town where magic rules supreme - Madison Carter once believed that learning that she was adopted was the only knowledge that could truly shock her. As a child, her father had always told her that her musical talent wasn't a magically-gifted affinity, but a devilish curse that she must never use. Her friendship with Cassie Scot may have given Madison the needed strength to defy her adoptive father and become an elementary school music teacher; but nothing could have possibly prepared her for learning the true identity of her birth father, or for being kidnapped by an evil sorcerer.

Madison has been terrified of Scott Lee ever since the night that he saved her life - then melted into a man-eating monster right in front of her. She actually hasn't had a good night's sleep since her rescue, and the nightmares that plague her aren't only about her kidnapping. The werewolf may be ruled by the moon, but Madison's nightmares definitely are not.

Despite her own fears, when Madison's brother Clinton is bitten by a werewolf, she knows that there is only one man who can possibly help him. He is the one man who frightens Madison to the very marrow of her bones, all the more so because even in her nightmares, he thrills her. Now Madison must swallow her fear, and turn to Scott Lee for his help. Clinton's very life may depend on it.

Together for the first time since that terrible night, Scott and Madison drive to Clinton's apartment. Learning from Clinton's roommate that he hasn't been there for close to a week - and hasn't been seen anywhere else in the community - Madison begins to worry that her brother has completely vanished. Frantic now, she must overcome her fears and discover her inner strengths if she has any hope of finding her missing brother and saving him.

Madison may feel utterly alone as she struggles with her internal demons, but she is not the only one who is fighting them. Scott's inner demons are entirely too real for him; too literal. And they have him utterly convinced that he will never be worthy of the woman he loves - that he will never deserve her love, no matter what he does.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. This is a standalone companion to the Cassie Scot Series - and while I loved the character of Cassie Scot - I often found myself wanting to know more about the character of Madison Carter. In my opinion, Madison was such a poignant character to watch throughout this story.

She was so painfully shy and had such a low self esteem at first, that I felt sorry for her situation. I must say that I never felt sorry for Madison as a character, and was delighted to see her development throughout the story. I give this book a definite A+!

When Kaitlin Meyer first decided to run away with the father of her son, she thought she was doing the right thing for her child. Granted, her son's father Jason was a recently-turned vampire hunter, whose own cousin Cassie Scot had once warned Kaitlin - as her best friend - to stay far away from him. Yet Kaitlin sincerely believed that baby Jay deserved to have his father in his life, even if Jason was a vampire.

However, after Jason invites her to join him in eternal life, Kaitlin slowly comes to understand that she could not have been more wrong in her decision. Obviously, no matter how much Kaitlin wants to deny the truth of it - Jason just isn't Jason anymore. So, five months after running away with him, Kaitlin finds herself on the run again. This time, she's running from Jason; his sire, Xavier - a vampire who has existed for over two centuries, and is rumored to be the most difficult to kill - and another recently-turned vampire named Sara; who had once been Jay's nanny as well as Kaitlin's only human friend.

Terrified for her young son's life, she seeks sanctuary with the Hunters' Guild. Kaitlin realizes that no matter how much they may dislike her, the members of this particular Hunters' Guild cannot possibly deny sanctuary to Jay - especially not once they learn that Jay is actually the son of one of their most prolific hunters, Jason. However, even though both she and Jay are treated well, Kaitlin still senses that something is not entirely right.

She can't put her finger on what it is, exactly - but the hunters' treatment of herself and Jay seems almost too conciliatory. It would seem that these hunters have their own plans for Jay, and those plans may or may not include Kaitlin. So, her hopes for continued safety are soon shattered. However, when Kaitlin runs into Matthew Blair - an old nemesis with an agenda of his own - she dares to hope for a new escape.

Matthew Blair is the scion of one of the most well-connected political families in the town of Eagle Rock, and his father is the town's mayor. Although the Blair family doesn't exactly advertise their magical abilities; each member is actually extraordinarily adept at creating illusions and other forms of magical mentalism. Matthew, himself, is an extremely powerful telepath. The closer Kaitlin gets to Matthew, the more she realizes just how much she will need his help to escape with her son.

However, that doesn't necessarily mean that Kaitlin trusts the mind mage. She has seen the aftermath of Matthew's mental manipulations firsthand, and so worries about the safety of her own secrets. Matthew Blair may well be a savvy politician, but he also is an extremely dangerous man to know - capable of using his position and power to help others, but only if that assistance ultimately benefits Matthew Blair. And Kaitlin's own past is full of dark secrets she has no intention of ever revealing...to anyone.

This is actually the second standalone book of Ms. Amsden's that I've had the pleasure of reading. Kaitlin's Tale is a companion book to the books of the Cassie Scot Series, and continues the story of Cassie's best friend, Kaitlin Meyer. The story follows Kaitlin's various trials and tribulations, as she falls in love with Cassie's arch-nemesis.

In my opinion, this story further develops the character and story of Kaitlin Meyer; not that she wasn't already well-developed to begin with as a character within the Cassie Scot Series. Kaitlin just seems to be less needful of a relationship within her own story. I would definitely give this book an A! Although I'm not sure if there are going to be more stories set within Ms. Amsden's world, I can certainly hope that there will be more to come in the future.½

Madison is a very real, believable character, caught up in an urban fantasy world and struggling to align her self-image with reality, her self-worth with the possibility of love, and her Catholic faith with the possibility of magic. The story comes near the end of the author’s Cassie Scott series, and takes one of the side-characters on a journey of her own, but readers don’t need to have read the rest of the series to enjoy this book. There’s a large background of town and people sketched in with just the right amount of depth. But there’s also a firm sense of the here and now in the way the story unfolds, as Madison learns that power might be God-given responsibility, and love might begin with the gift of loving yourself.

I love the series and I’m only sorry I didn’t read this one earlier.

Kaitlin’s Tale by Christine Amsden is a 2016 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is connected to the Cassie Scot Paranormal Detective series, and it is probably a good idea to have read those books before tackling this one.

If you recall, Kaitlin is one of Cassie’s best friends, so I was happy to see she will finally get to reveal her own life journey, and share it with us.

Kaitlin finds herself in a world of hurt, as her baby daddy had been turned into a vampire and is now determined to ‘turn’ Kaitlin. After her attempts to enlist Cassie’s help fall through, Kaitlin seeks refuge with the Hunter’s Guild, only to find herself caught up in yet another dangerous scenario, where she will once again face an old enemy.

Everyone will also remember Matthew, a strong telepath, once engaged to Cassie. While Kaitlin knows she can’t trust Matthew any further than she could throw him, he may be her only ally, the only one who can keep her and her young son safe.

As the couple form an uneasy alliance, they also find a mutual attraction to each other could be the catalyst for an entirely new regime and the turning point in their lives.

This is one of the very few young adult series, and one of the very few paranormal or urban fantasy series I have kept up with, if that tells you anything.

This series has an amazing ability to branch out with secondary characters and build new stories that are connected to familiar ones, while creating a parallel between the real world and the world of fantasy that could give one pause.

The magical realm, as it turns out, is not all that different from our own, when it comes to the lust for power and control. The prejudices toward those who are different, who do not hold the same high achieving forms of paranormal abilities are shunned, thought of as lesser beings, but, as is often the case, they prove it is unwise to underestimate them.

This story is one of the more emotional ones from this series, and deals with some uncomfortable subject matter as well as introducing more adult sensuality into the equation. This is also the powerful tale of a mother’s fierce love for her son, which forces her to take risks, and put her own life on the line to keep him safe.

The one very prevalent theme I picked up on throughout the story, was trust. Kaitlin, understandably, has some pretty heavy trust issues, but with lives hanging in the balance, she will learn not only to trust, but that she is worthy of love, and capable of love, a power that is stronger than any vampire, werewolf, or any other magical gift or ability.

This companion novel, or spin off, if you will, introduces some new characters as well as bringing back familiar faces, and is complex, absorbing, as well as suspenseful. The answers are seldom pat, and shows how easily one decision, a good or a bad one, can change the outcome of one’s life drastically.

I think in the end, Kaitlin and Matthew will find that accepting the cards life has dealt them, will make them stronger, giving them the courage and strength to face the future and do what is best for everyone.

Another outstanding addition to the series!

5 stars

The cover for Kaitlin’s Tale by christine Amsden is fantastic. I love it and I loved frolicking with Kaitlin through the pages of her life. For those of you who have read her Cassie Scot series, some of these characters will be familiar to you.

The story is predictable, yet wonderful to read. I was happy I didn’t have to live through a love triangle, but the romance is there and I find a little love adds a lot to the danger that Kaitlin will have to confront. She will not be alone in her effort to save Jay, her child, wanted by vampires and the magical community she is immersed in.

Kaitlin has all the problems of a young woman struggling to grow up and come to terms with the evil in her life, both the normal kind and the magical kind.

Matthew has given up a chance to climb the stairs to the presidency of the United States, instead striving for the position as leader of the magical community. He makes his share of mistakes, but deep down is good and trustworthy. The problem is getting that across to the “people” that are necessary for him to accomplish this.

There is plenty of magic, manipulation and treachery to go around and I was often confused as to who I could trust. Sometimes your enemy is your “friend”.

This is the first book I have read and reviewed of Christine Amsden's. Needless to say, it will not be my last!

I received a copy of Kaitlin’s tale from Christine Amsden in return for an honest review.

This is the first time I have read anything by this author. It was stated that this book feature's Cassie Scot's best friend, Kaitlin. As I have said I have not read anything by this author before, yet, I was able to jump right into this book with no problems. This is because there was not a lot of focus made on Cassie or any of the events from that series. This book is independent so it can be read by new readers like me.

Kaitlin is a strong female lead. This is what quickly drew me towards her in the first place. The second thing that I liked about this book is that while it featured vampires it was not just a vampire story. Not that I am knocking vampire stories as I enjoy them but after a while they can grow stale when they follow the same type of path. Finally Matthew brought some intrigue as well to the story. He and Kaitlin jived well together. Kaitlin's Tale is a very good read.

"4 out of 5 stars! A spin-off from Ms. Amsden’s Cassie Scot Mystery Series about Cassie’s best friend Madison who deals with coming to terms with her “magic,” using her gift of song as something more than the kids she teaches, finding a way to help her brother, and finding out to deal with her feelings towards Scott, the local Alpha werewolf.

I found this novel to be intensely riveting, especially with how Madison goes through the process of being a “little mouse” of a woman to standing on her two own feet. The changes Madison goes through throughout this novel are dramatic..."

Read more of this review, THREE TEASERS, & an EXCERPT here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/07/blog-tour-feasted-on-madisons-...

I was so sad when I finished the Cassie Scot series.

Then I was so excited to get my hands on Madison’s Song. It’s a companion book to the series and features several characters I wanted to know more about.

Christine Amsden is a master at hooking you into the story from the first couple of sentences. The prologue captivated me right away. I pressed on, anxious to get to the whole story and excited to enter this world again.

I always thought Madison was stronger, more than she thought she was. Her power of song, her gift of evoking emotions through her singing, is a powerful gift. She is just discovering how handy it can be. Especially with werewolves slathering to eat her.

Her fear of werewolves is well founded. An encounter with Scott, the local pack leader, left her riddled with nightmares and dealing with lots of anxiety. To be around him terrifies her.

This is where she shows her toughness though. Her brother Clinton has vanished after calling and telling her he’s been bitten by a werewolf. The only one she knows might be able to help him is Scott.

Imagine Scott’s surprise when he opens the door and there stands Madison. He knows how she feels about him. He can’t blame her after what he put her through. That shes’ there at all stuns him.

Of course he’ll help her. He’s Clinton’s only chance at surviving the transformation and attacks from other packs. Plus it gives him time to be close to Madison. Maybe to change her fear of him to something else. Something more romantic.

But that’s a problem too as his best friend, Evan, a powerful wizard, is Madison’s half brother. His threats to rip Scott limb from limb if he so much as looks at Madison are not to be taken lightly.

I couldn’t wait for the road trip with Scott and Madison. These two are perfect for each other and I’ve been waiting a long time to see if or how they finally hook up.

Things get strange when they run across a rogue werewolf, Clara. She’s a werewolf but she wasn’t bitten. Using her to track down who took Clinton, they stumble onto something. It could be good for the werewolves, or it could be disastrous. I had a feeling it couldn’t be good so I read late into the night to find out.

I found out. I found out a lot of things by the end of the book.

I loved every bit of this and sure hope the author continues with more companion novels. I can think of many other characters who I’d enjoy getting to know better.

Her voice is enchanting; his soul is black…

One haunting sentence, perfectly describing the entire underlying struggle in this book. A story full of tension and suspense, and completely finger-wringing worthy.

Madison was a remarkably mysterious and interesting side character in the Cassie Scot series. She was an important piece of that chess game, and it's wonderful to read more about her, exploring what happened after the dramatic ending of Cassie's story. She was the character I found myself identifying with the most in that series, and was eager to have the opportunity to read more about her.

Scott was the same way. I felt intrigued by his character, and kept hoping he would be explored a bit deeper during the original series. I love that they have their own story now, and a final conclusion to their connection. Understanding them each a bit more adds depth to the original story line, and answers several questions previously raised and left unanswered.

The book starts out intense, and honestly made me slightly uncomfortable and overwhelmed. No light or subtle preamble about it, simply thrust into the depths of anguish and heartache. We dive into the tormented lives Madison and Scott have each endured both before and after an agonizing turn of events, that leave the pair in excruciating pain. The desire to feel both compassion and judgment for them is overwhelming, quickly pulling you into the raw emotion of this story.

I would definitely say this is a book for upper Young Adult, or New Adult readers. The entire book is intense, with constant scenes of gore, violence, and mature content, as well as sexual scenes which, while not entirely graphic, are intense and overwhelming to the reader, leaving little to the imagination. The mixture of religious themes from Catholicism, completely intertwined with supernatural (and unnatural) creatures, magic and folklore may also make some uncomfortable, but is a core part of this story.

Christine Amsden is definitely a writer with superb talent, and I've enjoyed every book I've read from her. She is a gifted storyteller, never failing to pull me into her stories, connecting me with the world she's created, and the characters living, fighting and dying there. This book is probably one of my favorites from her so far, and it has certainly left it's mark on me.

The ending though - agh, the ending!! Exactly the opposite of what I was hoping for, but most likely what Madison would have wanted. It did leave me feeling a bit let down honestly, after such an intense and emotional book. An anticlimactic finish to thirty four chapters of build up and suspense.

Having such a disappointing ending however, is really the only thing I didn't like. It's a wonderful read, especially for fans of this series. I think a lot of the depth would be lost on someone reading it without first devouring the Cassie Scot series, and while the majority of the back story is explained, it would be difficult to follow if you don't know the original story.

It is a book I'd recommend to anyone, however, and I think can be enjoyed by any fan of this genre.

*I was given an eCopy of this book, from the author, to read in exchange for an honest review.

In the first book of this series, we found magic, mystery, danger, and vampires. Well, take out the vamps, add a werewolf, up the danger, and you've got a good idea of this sequel.

This book starts off right where the first one ended. With Cassie's family relationships strained, and her romantic life complicated beyond sanity, her world feels even more out of control than ever. Taking a case with Evan sets events in motion that cause even more danger, mysteries, and swirling confusion to surround her.

This book is just as good as the first one, although it did have me much more worried, mainly for Cassie's well-being. She is fiercely independent and stubborn, and dare I say, overly prideful. Because of this, she ends up causing herself some grief and headaches she didn't need. Throughout the book, I kept thinking "Girl, slow down, stop assuming, and just talk to Evan!" The roller-coaster that is their relationship is nerve-wracking, and in the end, left me completely shocked.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I desperately hope there's a third part to this series. It is written just as well as the first, with maybe a slightly faster pace, and the same honest humor as the first book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, danger, magic, or romance.

*I was given an eCopy of this book, from the author via Goddess Fish Promotions, to read in exchange for an honest review.

See my review for book 1 in this series: http://www.shelfari.com/books/36197954/Cassie-Scot-ParaNormal-Detective/reviews/...

Check out my blog post for this book! Includes an excerpt, extended book info, and for a limited time, a giveaway!! Check it out here: http://desertrosereviews.blogspot.com/2013/12/cassie-scot-review-tour-giveaway.h...

In the first book of this series, we found magic, mystery, danger, and vampires. Well, take out the vamps, add a werewolf, up the danger, and you've got a good idea of this sequel.

This book starts off right where the first one ended. With Cassie's family relationships strained, and her romantic life complicated beyond sanity, her world feels even more out of control than ever. Taking a case with Evan sets events in motion that cause even more danger, mysteries, and swirling confusion to surround her.

This book is just as good as the first one, although it did have me much more worried, mainly for Cassie's well-being. She is fiercely independent and stubborn, and dare I say, overly prideful. Because of this, she ends up causing herself some grief and headaches she didn't need. Throughout the book, I kept thinking "Girl, slow down, stop assuming, and just talk to Evan!" The roller-coaster that is their relationship is nerve-wracking, and in the end, left me completely shocked.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I desperately hope there's a third part to this series. It is written just as well as the first, with maybe a slightly faster pace, and the same honest humor as the first book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, danger, magic, or romance.

*I was given an eCopy of this book, from the author via Goddess Fish Promotions, to read in exchange for an honest review.

See my review for book 1 in this series: http://www.shelfari.com/books/36197954/Cassie-Scot-ParaNormal-Detective/reviews/...

Check out my blog post for this book! Includes an excerpt, extended book info, and for a limited time, a giveaway!! Check it out here: http://desertrosereviews.blogspot.com/2013/12/cassie-scot-review-tour-giveaway.h...

This is my first Christine Amsden book and I hope not the last. I understand this is a stand along book and a spin off from her Cassie Scott series , which I hope to read.
Madison was attacked magically by a sorcerer and saved by Scott, a Werewolf Alpha, and someone she’s had a crush on. Unfortunately, the night he saves her is a full moon and he turns into a werewolf. In order to save her from his wolf, he must mark her by taking her virginity. Two years later, she's still afraid of Scott and his wolf. She's a music teacher, as she’s always wanted to be. However, her brother, Clinton, calls to say he's been bitten by a female werewolf and disappears. The question is why would someone abduct Clinton?
I enjoyed the book and it was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters even though Scott is the kind of werewolf from the Horror flicks, a stone cold killer, who wants to protect his Pack at all costs.However, he has a weakness, his feelings for Madison. He changes when the moon is full and loses himself to the wolf.
Madison, the main character, is a special brave and loving soul, with a special Musical gift.She feels that there must be something wrong with her and that she 's unlovable. As she accompanies Scott to find her half brother, Clinton, she comes to terms with who she really is and her true feelings for Scott. I'd certainly recomend the book and look forward to the other series mentioned.

Jack Murphy