Reviews
Silencing Breath
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Absolutely Loved It
Wow I was not expecting what happened in Silencing Breath by Joanne Brothwell at all. The first book Stealing Breath saw bad Evan reeling Sarah in for his brother knowing she was an Indigo Child only for him to turn in to the nicest man turning again his brother, falling in love with Sarah and him being revealed as a Sapphire Child. I thought in Silencing Breath they may get a happy ever after but no, after four years of happy ever after Evan disappears, he has been kidnapped by his family and he was being turned back into the nasty man he was to start with. Sarah yet again leads her friends into danger and there are deaths but she wants to save Evan, and who wouldn't put their own life on the line for the one they loved? |
I loved this book and was totally gripped, I loved seeing a softer side to Stefano. I hope he stays that way. I did not like Stefano and Evan's father what a nasty piece of work he is!
Joanne Brothwell is a fantastic author, I love both of her books in this series and I am in desperate need to read book three now to see what happens as the book left on a cliff hanger.
-R. Simons
Can't Get Enough Of These Characters!
Silencing Breath is yet another example of Joanne Brothwell's ability to breath new life into a crowded and sometimes monotonous genre. While paranormal and urban fantasy are often flooded with kickass characters who save the day, they are rarely as relatable as the characters found in the Stealing Breath series. Main character, Sarah Ross is not only strong and smart but she is also vulnerable and kind hearted. Too often authors in this genre are compelled to make female characters indestructible. Brothwell does not fall into that trap. Sarah's willingness to express weakness and vulnerability is precisely what makes her so strong. Brothwell not only shows us Sarah's pain and heartache, but lets us experience it right alongside her.
Silencing Breath continues the story of Evan and Sarah, but its constant twists and turns allow for a deeper look into the motivations and emotions of some of the less prominent characters from the first book. In this book, Brothwell both humanizes her villains and shows us a darker side of some of her heroes and heroines. Her ability to blur the lines between good and evil is outstanding and often left me unsure where my loyalties lie. Not only is Brothwell's writing beautiful, with stunning descriptions and elegant language, but her portrayal of the human condition is remarkable!
- Ashley Olien
Phenomenally Spectacular!
What do you do when you love, hate, and want to hug a character in a book? Well, you clap, say ,"bravo, gimme more," and patiently wait for the next book! LOL! I will explain that sentence in a second I was beyond thrilled when I got the email that the second book was coming out. I loved the first book, so it's only fitting that I completely delve into book two and we have another stunning ride, if not on the darker side. This story was definitely a little bit more in the scary department
So, to explain the first sentence. I actually like Sarah. I love her loyalty and her love and her intelligence... And then I hate her rash, stupid, deadly, idiotic decision making. I know something totally crazy upheaved your life- but maybe have a little value with other people's lives as well. And then I wanna hug her, because I feel sorry for her, and she doesn't even KNOW everything that happens during "the incident". I know it's told that Evan is kidnapped but I will not spoil it for you. I will say you may want to have a not-so-weak stomach for this ride. I think it's done particularly well.
Evan.... I can't say anything except " I am so so sorry, and some brokens are fixable with time." I loved his character and he particularly goes through the hardest ride in this one.
And Stefano... He's the bad guy, and maybe he isn't... And he's evil... And maybe he isn't. This is where I find the author is particularly talented. When you have a villain, it should be all bad, but yet there's something about Stefano that maybe isn't completely bad. Hell, Sarah could be considered not so good now. So well done on making your Heros not so hero-like and your villains not so hatable!
I love the author's writing style. It's different and unique, and it flows. I was stuck on every word of this book because I couldn't believe all the things that were happening. And lets say there's plenty of action to go around! All I can say is maybe turn on the light- leave them on- lock the doors, grab some snacks and get really comfortable because you won't be moving for a while! 5 AWESOME PAWSOME PAWS!!!
-Maghon
Joanne Brothwell is a fantastic author, I love both of her books in this series and I am in desperate need to read book three now to see what happens as the book left on a cliff hanger.
-R. Simons
Can't Get Enough Of These Characters!
Silencing Breath is yet another example of Joanne Brothwell's ability to breath new life into a crowded and sometimes monotonous genre. While paranormal and urban fantasy are often flooded with kickass characters who save the day, they are rarely as relatable as the characters found in the Stealing Breath series. Main character, Sarah Ross is not only strong and smart but she is also vulnerable and kind hearted. Too often authors in this genre are compelled to make female characters indestructible. Brothwell does not fall into that trap. Sarah's willingness to express weakness and vulnerability is precisely what makes her so strong. Brothwell not only shows us Sarah's pain and heartache, but lets us experience it right alongside her.
Silencing Breath continues the story of Evan and Sarah, but its constant twists and turns allow for a deeper look into the motivations and emotions of some of the less prominent characters from the first book. In this book, Brothwell both humanizes her villains and shows us a darker side of some of her heroes and heroines. Her ability to blur the lines between good and evil is outstanding and often left me unsure where my loyalties lie. Not only is Brothwell's writing beautiful, with stunning descriptions and elegant language, but her portrayal of the human condition is remarkable!
- Ashley Olien
Phenomenally Spectacular!
What do you do when you love, hate, and want to hug a character in a book? Well, you clap, say ,"bravo, gimme more," and patiently wait for the next book! LOL! I will explain that sentence in a second I was beyond thrilled when I got the email that the second book was coming out. I loved the first book, so it's only fitting that I completely delve into book two and we have another stunning ride, if not on the darker side. This story was definitely a little bit more in the scary department
So, to explain the first sentence. I actually like Sarah. I love her loyalty and her love and her intelligence... And then I hate her rash, stupid, deadly, idiotic decision making. I know something totally crazy upheaved your life- but maybe have a little value with other people's lives as well. And then I wanna hug her, because I feel sorry for her, and she doesn't even KNOW everything that happens during "the incident". I know it's told that Evan is kidnapped but I will not spoil it for you. I will say you may want to have a not-so-weak stomach for this ride. I think it's done particularly well.
Evan.... I can't say anything except " I am so so sorry, and some brokens are fixable with time." I loved his character and he particularly goes through the hardest ride in this one.
And Stefano... He's the bad guy, and maybe he isn't... And he's evil... And maybe he isn't. This is where I find the author is particularly talented. When you have a villain, it should be all bad, but yet there's something about Stefano that maybe isn't completely bad. Hell, Sarah could be considered not so good now. So well done on making your Heros not so hero-like and your villains not so hatable!
I love the author's writing style. It's different and unique, and it flows. I was stuck on every word of this book because I couldn't believe all the things that were happening. And lets say there's plenty of action to go around! All I can say is maybe turn on the light- leave them on- lock the doors, grab some snacks and get really comfortable because you won't be moving for a while! 5 AWESOME PAWSOME PAWS!!!
-Maghon
Stealing Breath
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The characters…I loved them all instantly!
I received a free copy of this book on the Bewitching Book Tour for an honest review. At the exact moment I flicked to the white page on my Kindle signifying the end of this story, I knew there would be trouble. YES, TROUBLE! My husband, unfortunately, was the recipient of my bibliophilism wrath!I tend to get very dramatic when a book gets me this excited; and I wanted to break everything breakable when I reached the end of this journey. I did not expect to neglect my duties in favor of sneaking peeks at this book; and yet I did EVERY chance I got. I absolutely refuse to spoil the story by telling too much (the synopsis tells enough), so here’s my abridged reaction: |
YEEEEAAAAHHHH! The characters…I loved them all instantly. I want…scratch that…I’ve got to see more of them! Sarah is an empath that we later learn is so, so much more. Even, I cannot speak of, but once you discover his secret, you’ll be so glad you did. The other supporting casts members were also great without being self absorbed static.They really did act to enhance the main focus which was the plot.
The plot was freaking awesome. The pretense of the missing child and the follow through into the bigger story was a mind blowing experience.
Like free-falling 250-feet from a C-130……
wind in your ears……
heart in your esophagus….
belly button touching your back…….
opening parachute flanked on either side…….*Gasps*......yanks you back and you know very soon it will all end, but you keep wishing you could freaking pimp slap gravity just to say on this ride just a little longer.
Yeah! That’s how this book made me feel. (And this is after I've had a few days to calm down.)
--Kindred Dreamheart
Fresh Take on the Supernatural
Skinwalkers, a piece of the supernatural I was not aware of. Ms. Brothwell did a wonderful job of bringing a Native American legend to life. The love story is one we've seen and enjoy, the mystery compelling, but the new twist on this that made this book unique was the skinwalkers. Think invasion of the body snatchers. Sarah Ross is a special sort of empath known as an Indigo Child. It's like she has that feeling times ten. Then she meets Evan. He's got his own gift, even if it isn't what he thinks it is. Curious? I won't spoil it but it's a good one and explains a lot when it's revealed.
Sarah and Evan fall in love even if there are things that could tear them apart happening all around.
This was one where I disagree with Goodreads' system. the 5 star "It was amazing" to me means it changed my world. It didn't change my world but it went a bit more than "I really liked it" so if I could I'd give this a 4.5. I liked the character development, the fresh elements of the supernatural and Ms. Brothwell's easily read style. She has one of those voices that reads like someone is talking or even like a movie. Highly palatable and I'm curious if there will be more from this author.
--HK Savage, author/publisher Staccato Publishing
Stealing Breath: Highly Recommended!
This was an amazing story! I loved every page. One thing that drew me in was how Ms. Brothwell was just so descriptive. She has a beautiful writing style, very impressive. From page one, there are very good descriptions of the settings, the characters, and especially Sarah's feelings, her sense of empathy; it was very well written out and understandable. The story is from Sarah's point of view, and I really liked that, as again, we understand what she feels when she is feeling other people's emotions. From the first chapter, we are sucked in an intense scene and it was great to be already in the action, and the first chapter has you guessing and intrigued, and on your toes with Sarah, as her empathy pulls her to something she would have never expected. What I also liked in this story was Evan Valente. He just seems like...Wow... I instantly, instantly liked him, but I also got that there was something mysterious about him, and you will see what he is holding back from Sarah. Their romance was hmm very electrifying. Brothwell writes some great scenes, that shows how well Sarah and Evan connect. This is a highly recommended novel!
--For the Love of Film and Novels
Action-Packed Romance Has It All
Stealing Breath opens with a pounding shot of adrenaline. We've all been startled awake, certain we've heard something that dragged us from a deep sleep. Usually, it's nothing. For Sara Ross, it's something.
From the first page, Ms Brothwell immerses the reader in a fast-paced mystery. Myth and folklore become reality, friendships are put to the test, and romantic entanglements endanger not only Sara's heart but her life.
If you like your romance filled with action-packed mystery and adventure, Stealing Breath has got it all!
--Renee Reardon
Stealing Breath was a surprising read from a then unknown to me author!
I enjoyed the fresh perspective into paranormal romance that Joanne Brothwell gives readers in Stealing Breath. With its unusual story line of demons and Native America lore come to life this book gave me a little bit of everything.
Stealing Breath opens with our heroine Sarah out looking for a small missing child….her good friends sister has been missing for days and with everyone on edge they head out to the woods camping to look for the small child. Hearing a childs cry through the woods lures Sarah away from the safety of camp and right into the clutches of something pure evil, and it wants her soul. Fearing for herself and nearly succumbing to the unknown beast she turns to her Indian friends and their local tribe lore.
I really liked Sarah and her journey to find out where she came from and what exactly she was. She was inquisitive without being annoying. Though I usually don’t go for sweet type romances (you know…not much sexy time) it worked with this book and I felt her and Evan were well matched and the relationship well paced. Evan hid a lot from Sarah…some for her own good and some for his own purposes, but together not only did their unusual power unite but so did their souls. They find that together they can dispel the evil soul eaters and along the way they find they extent of their solo power isn’t what they thought either. I do enjoy a good soul mates book and Stealing Breath was spot on. These two were like ying and yang. Light and dark. A classic twist on the scenario where love really does change someone for the good.
As we follow these two through constant threats where even friends and family can’t be trusted they become closer to each other and learn what it is they can do when they are together. I really liked all the Native American lore woven through out and I wonder how much is story and how much is actual lore. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Evan’s brother and what he brought to the book and perhaps to future books as well. Brothwell does a great job on pacing and adding in enough action to keep the book balanced and exciting.
Stealing Breath is a solid book that I think many readers will enjoy! Incredibly well wrote, engaging and original, you need to give Joanne Brothwell a try!
--Nikki Brandyberry
This was an amazing story!
I loved every page. One thing that drew me in was how Ms. Brothwell was just so descriptive. She has a beautiful writing style, very impressive. From page one, there are very good descriptions of the settings, the characters, and especially Sarah’s feelings, her sense of empathy; it was very well written out and understandable. The story is from Sarah’s point of view, and I really liked that, as again, we understand what she feels when she is feeling other people’s emotions. From the first chapter, we are sucked in an intense scene and it was great to be already in the action, and the first chapter has you guessing and intrigued, and on your toes with Sarah, as her empathy pulls her to something she would have never expected. What I also liked in this story was Evan Valente. He just seems like...Wow... I instantly, instantly liked him, but I also got that there was something mysterious about him, and you will see what he is holding back from Sarah. Their romance was hmm very electrifying. Brothwell writes some great scenes, that shows how well Sarah and Evan connect. This is a highly recommended novel!
--Marissa
The plot was freaking awesome. The pretense of the missing child and the follow through into the bigger story was a mind blowing experience.
Like free-falling 250-feet from a C-130……
wind in your ears……
heart in your esophagus….
belly button touching your back…….
opening parachute flanked on either side…….*Gasps*......yanks you back and you know very soon it will all end, but you keep wishing you could freaking pimp slap gravity just to say on this ride just a little longer.
Yeah! That’s how this book made me feel. (And this is after I've had a few days to calm down.)
--Kindred Dreamheart
Fresh Take on the Supernatural
Skinwalkers, a piece of the supernatural I was not aware of. Ms. Brothwell did a wonderful job of bringing a Native American legend to life. The love story is one we've seen and enjoy, the mystery compelling, but the new twist on this that made this book unique was the skinwalkers. Think invasion of the body snatchers. Sarah Ross is a special sort of empath known as an Indigo Child. It's like she has that feeling times ten. Then she meets Evan. He's got his own gift, even if it isn't what he thinks it is. Curious? I won't spoil it but it's a good one and explains a lot when it's revealed.
Sarah and Evan fall in love even if there are things that could tear them apart happening all around.
This was one where I disagree with Goodreads' system. the 5 star "It was amazing" to me means it changed my world. It didn't change my world but it went a bit more than "I really liked it" so if I could I'd give this a 4.5. I liked the character development, the fresh elements of the supernatural and Ms. Brothwell's easily read style. She has one of those voices that reads like someone is talking or even like a movie. Highly palatable and I'm curious if there will be more from this author.
--HK Savage, author/publisher Staccato Publishing
Stealing Breath: Highly Recommended!
This was an amazing story! I loved every page. One thing that drew me in was how Ms. Brothwell was just so descriptive. She has a beautiful writing style, very impressive. From page one, there are very good descriptions of the settings, the characters, and especially Sarah's feelings, her sense of empathy; it was very well written out and understandable. The story is from Sarah's point of view, and I really liked that, as again, we understand what she feels when she is feeling other people's emotions. From the first chapter, we are sucked in an intense scene and it was great to be already in the action, and the first chapter has you guessing and intrigued, and on your toes with Sarah, as her empathy pulls her to something she would have never expected. What I also liked in this story was Evan Valente. He just seems like...Wow... I instantly, instantly liked him, but I also got that there was something mysterious about him, and you will see what he is holding back from Sarah. Their romance was hmm very electrifying. Brothwell writes some great scenes, that shows how well Sarah and Evan connect. This is a highly recommended novel!
--For the Love of Film and Novels
Action-Packed Romance Has It All
Stealing Breath opens with a pounding shot of adrenaline. We've all been startled awake, certain we've heard something that dragged us from a deep sleep. Usually, it's nothing. For Sara Ross, it's something.
From the first page, Ms Brothwell immerses the reader in a fast-paced mystery. Myth and folklore become reality, friendships are put to the test, and romantic entanglements endanger not only Sara's heart but her life.
If you like your romance filled with action-packed mystery and adventure, Stealing Breath has got it all!
--Renee Reardon
Stealing Breath was a surprising read from a then unknown to me author!
I enjoyed the fresh perspective into paranormal romance that Joanne Brothwell gives readers in Stealing Breath. With its unusual story line of demons and Native America lore come to life this book gave me a little bit of everything.
Stealing Breath opens with our heroine Sarah out looking for a small missing child….her good friends sister has been missing for days and with everyone on edge they head out to the woods camping to look for the small child. Hearing a childs cry through the woods lures Sarah away from the safety of camp and right into the clutches of something pure evil, and it wants her soul. Fearing for herself and nearly succumbing to the unknown beast she turns to her Indian friends and their local tribe lore.
I really liked Sarah and her journey to find out where she came from and what exactly she was. She was inquisitive without being annoying. Though I usually don’t go for sweet type romances (you know…not much sexy time) it worked with this book and I felt her and Evan were well matched and the relationship well paced. Evan hid a lot from Sarah…some for her own good and some for his own purposes, but together not only did their unusual power unite but so did their souls. They find that together they can dispel the evil soul eaters and along the way they find they extent of their solo power isn’t what they thought either. I do enjoy a good soul mates book and Stealing Breath was spot on. These two were like ying and yang. Light and dark. A classic twist on the scenario where love really does change someone for the good.
As we follow these two through constant threats where even friends and family can’t be trusted they become closer to each other and learn what it is they can do when they are together. I really liked all the Native American lore woven through out and I wonder how much is story and how much is actual lore. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Evan’s brother and what he brought to the book and perhaps to future books as well. Brothwell does a great job on pacing and adding in enough action to keep the book balanced and exciting.
Stealing Breath is a solid book that I think many readers will enjoy! Incredibly well wrote, engaging and original, you need to give Joanne Brothwell a try!
--Nikki Brandyberry
This was an amazing story!
I loved every page. One thing that drew me in was how Ms. Brothwell was just so descriptive. She has a beautiful writing style, very impressive. From page one, there are very good descriptions of the settings, the characters, and especially Sarah’s feelings, her sense of empathy; it was very well written out and understandable. The story is from Sarah’s point of view, and I really liked that, as again, we understand what she feels when she is feeling other people’s emotions. From the first chapter, we are sucked in an intense scene and it was great to be already in the action, and the first chapter has you guessing and intrigued, and on your toes with Sarah, as her empathy pulls her to something she would have never expected. What I also liked in this story was Evan Valente. He just seems like...Wow... I instantly, instantly liked him, but I also got that there was something mysterious about him, and you will see what he is holding back from Sarah. Their romance was hmm very electrifying. Brothwell writes some great scenes, that shows how well Sarah and Evan connect. This is a highly recommended novel!
--Marissa
Forest of The Forsaken: The Witch's Snare
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Wow!! Awesome Read!
I couldn't put this book down!!! I absolutely LOVE how the author took the classic Hansel and Grettle and turned it in to an adult romance paranormal novel. I really loved the characters in the book and the relationships between them. Meg and Joey of course was my favorite but I could really find the depth with the all the characters. The book kept me guessing til the end there is twist and turns that you wont expect. I goes from loving and sweet to dark and creepy but that is what made me love it so much. So all in all I got to say this book is well worth the price and time to read!!! -Kristy Turner |
Fast Reading Dark Paranormal Adult Fairy Tale
A fast read that zips along at breakneck speed and sizzles with heat between the two main characters, this adult paranormal romance has few slow moments. Told in first person from the main character Meg's point of view, the romance keeps shifting from dark to sweet, from lust to love, from sizzling to tender over the course of the story.
This is a reinterpretation of an old Grimm Brothers fairy tale, an adult retelling of the story of Hansel and Gretel. Let me emphasize the "adult" part of that sentence, as I mistakenly thought this was YA and (oh boy!) it's not at all. I bought this before the cover redesign - and I have to add that I love the new cover art. With the more adult looking characters and the darker, creepier overtones, it's beautiful and scary, and does justice to the story.
My favorite parts of the writing were the descriptions of both the evil forest (its own character, really) and the witch's house. And the sex scenes. Ms. Brothwell does a great job bringing heat and darkness to the characters interactions and feelings. While I would've liked to have Joey's character arc better defined (I desperately want him to be a totally changed man in the end!) I enjoyed this story immensely. It was a great escape - a guilty pleasure that I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, hot read for a day at the beach.
-Katie O'Sullivan
A Captivating Twist
This tale pulls you in with a captivating twist that does not disappoint. Brothwell pens a fresh perspective on the fairy tale by masterfully blending sensuality, romance and fear with amazing world building that comes to life. In the end I wanted more, simply because I was so invested in the characters and did not want the book to end.
-Page Turner
Stunning
A modern twist on fairy tales is nothing new, but this book is still a breath of fresh air. It's exciting, sensual, thrilling, terrifying, and full of tension. It's Hansel and Gretel, but it's so much more than that. Brothwell takes the bare bones of the story and builds her own universe, puts her own twists on it, and it comes out looking like something completely different.
The writing is superb, grade A stuff. I couldn't put it down. The plot is quick and interesting, and I never got hung up on details. It's borderline erotica, which usually isn't my genre, but it supported the story instead of overtaking it. It was beautifully done, as were the characters, which all had their own demons and personality quirks.
There is so much more I could say about this story, but for fear that I'll just keep rambling, I'll end the review with this: read it. You won't be sorry.
-Karen
A fast read that zips along at breakneck speed and sizzles with heat between the two main characters, this adult paranormal romance has few slow moments. Told in first person from the main character Meg's point of view, the romance keeps shifting from dark to sweet, from lust to love, from sizzling to tender over the course of the story.
This is a reinterpretation of an old Grimm Brothers fairy tale, an adult retelling of the story of Hansel and Gretel. Let me emphasize the "adult" part of that sentence, as I mistakenly thought this was YA and (oh boy!) it's not at all. I bought this before the cover redesign - and I have to add that I love the new cover art. With the more adult looking characters and the darker, creepier overtones, it's beautiful and scary, and does justice to the story.
My favorite parts of the writing were the descriptions of both the evil forest (its own character, really) and the witch's house. And the sex scenes. Ms. Brothwell does a great job bringing heat and darkness to the characters interactions and feelings. While I would've liked to have Joey's character arc better defined (I desperately want him to be a totally changed man in the end!) I enjoyed this story immensely. It was a great escape - a guilty pleasure that I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, hot read for a day at the beach.
-Katie O'Sullivan
A Captivating Twist
This tale pulls you in with a captivating twist that does not disappoint. Brothwell pens a fresh perspective on the fairy tale by masterfully blending sensuality, romance and fear with amazing world building that comes to life. In the end I wanted more, simply because I was so invested in the characters and did not want the book to end.
-Page Turner
Stunning
A modern twist on fairy tales is nothing new, but this book is still a breath of fresh air. It's exciting, sensual, thrilling, terrifying, and full of tension. It's Hansel and Gretel, but it's so much more than that. Brothwell takes the bare bones of the story and builds her own universe, puts her own twists on it, and it comes out looking like something completely different.
The writing is superb, grade A stuff. I couldn't put it down. The plot is quick and interesting, and I never got hung up on details. It's borderline erotica, which usually isn't my genre, but it supported the story instead of overtaking it. It was beautifully done, as were the characters, which all had their own demons and personality quirks.
There is so much more I could say about this story, but for fear that I'll just keep rambling, I'll end the review with this: read it. You won't be sorry.
-Karen
