Tempest Rising (Jane True #1) by Nicole Peeler

Title: Tempest Rising

Author: Nicole Peeler

Series: 1st in Jane True

Pages: 344

Published: Available now from Orbit

ISBN: 9780316056588

Source: Purchased Copy

Description: Living in small town Rockabill, Maine, Jane True always knew she didn't quite fit in with so-called normal society. During her nightly, clandestine swim in the freezing winter ocean, a grisly find leads Jane to startling revelations about her heritage: she is only half-human. Now, Jane must enter a world filled with supernatural creatures alternatively terrifying, beautiful, and deadly- all of which perfectly describe her new "friend," Ryu, a gorgeous and powerful vampire. It is a world where nothing can be taken for granted: a dog can heal with a lick; spirits bag your groceries; and whatever you do, never-ever rub the genie's lamp.

I Give This ...
 

 

I really struggled with my rating for this one.  It's a promising start to a series, but I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would like.

I think the issue here is that Jane feels very juvenile, and the cover doesn't help.  It's not that I didn't like her character because I did.  I just think that living her life as the social outcast has left her in a little bubble.  So, when the bubble breaks and reveals this whole supernatural world, she sees it through the eyes of a child.  Which is funny at times and annoying at others.  But, by the end of the story, I think she's grow up a little.  

I liked the supernatural world that Peeler has created although it's a tad overwhelming.  Instead of concentrating on a few supernatural beings, we get everything you could think of a few that you wouldn't.  Some of them were really interesting like the genie (he made me laugh).  While others were down right creepy like Jimmu.  It's a large cast of characters, but I never felt bogged down with information like I have been with other first books in paranormal series.

I'm still not sure about Ryu.  I just don't think he's good for Jane.  He's devoted to her for now, but sex seems so casual for him.  I don't think that's how Jane operates.  He sure knows how to wine and dine though, and I get how Jane is attracted to him.  

It was a fun beginning to the series, and I will be continuing it.  I just haven't found that "it" series yet!