Book Reviews by Lynn

In the heart-pounding sequel to M. Sasinowski's award-winning Heir of Ra, Alyssa's wit and resolve--and sanity--are put to the test once again.

Alyssa thought her fight was over. She was wrong.

The memories come unbidden.

Plagued by visions from the past, Alyssa struggles to discern myth from reality.

Desperate to uncover the truth about her ancestry and her mother's tragic disappearance, Alyssa must reunite with old friends--and old foes--to discover that her only hope lies in a secret world, hidden in plain sight.

Review 4.5 rounded up to 5*

This story is the second book in the Blood of Ra trilogy. I loved it!

Alyssa Morgan is an interesting character. I love her take no prisoners attitude, but she also can be a little reckless. Alyssa is a mature seventeen-year-old, but also is incredibly impulsive at times. She works with her archaeologist father and professor, Kade Morgan. After the events that happen in the first book, Alyssa finds herself troubled by visions from the historical past. As she tries to unravel the puzzle of the secrets in her blood, Alyssa faces danger once more. Determined to put a stop to the Society (a group of people who loathe the hybrids), Alyssa, as well as her boyfriend Paul, will come face to face with old and new enemies, as well as make new friends.

Heir of Ra (the first book in the series) took the reader on a fantastic roller coaster ride from beginning to end. This book, I felt, lacked the punch of the first one. However, this doesn't mean that it wasn't exciting. On the contrary, it was but in a different way. Alyssa is still trying to make sense of her new reality, and it was a pleasure going on the journey with her. As I said in my review of Heir of Ra, 'I love a good YA thriller/mystery, and this book has it in spades. I began to read it, and the action starts immediately and doesn't let you go until the last sentence. I love myths and legends, especially Egyptian folklore about their gods and goddesses, stories about Atlantis, and even alien origin theories, and this story has a fantastic mix of all these things.'

It all still applies to this book. However, as I mentioned, this book lacked an indefinable something. I can't put my finger on what it is that's bugging me about it, and it's making me a little crazy. Maybe its got something to do with the mysterious woman from the first book? With her identity revealed in this one, I think some of the mystery has gone for me, and it's left me feeling a little flat. Or it could be that it felt a little rushed. However, it was a pleasure to meet Paul and Clay once more, though. Lord George Renley and his daughter, Tasha, also play an essential role. And new characters are introduced as the story unfolds. Daughter of Ra is an exciting addition to the Blood of Ra series, it will be interesting to see how things evolve in the third and final book. I can't wait!

When I reached the end of the book (which finishes on a small cliffhanger), I felt a mixture of emotions - sad that the book ended mostly, but happy that there's another book to come.

M. Sasinowski is a debut author. As Heir of Ra was his first book, I think this author is one to watch. I love his fast-paced writing style. His characters come to life on the page, and I can picture the scenes in my mind's eye with ease. I also love the story flow, which runs smoothly from scene to scene. I am considering adding him to my favourite author's list.

Although there are no scenes of a sexual nature, there is some violence, so I feel that parental guidance may be required. I highly recommend this book (and series) to teens and adults alike who love YA science fiction, fantasy, action, adventure, thrillers, mysteries, mythology, and romance genres. - Lynn Worton