Book Review + Giveaway: The Onyx Talisman by Brenda Pandos

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The Onyx Talisman (Talisman, #3)

Reading Level: Young Adult

Release Date: December 16, 2011

Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing

Pages: 247

Summary: Alora looked back and the corner of her lip turned up. “It’s always darkest before the dawn, Julia. Good luck.” Her words sent chills up my spine as she vanished.

Unrest stirs deep in Scotts Valley. Filled with uncertainty, Julia anxiously awaits Nicholas’ return. Phil, hurt and unsure of his place as a sober vampire, holds the pieces of Julia’s fragile psyche together, secretly hoping Nicholas stays away forever. Scarlett bides her time, plotting for the perfect moment to prove herself and earn redemption. But somewhere in L.A., Alora conspires to reclaim her talisman and strip Julia of everything she holds dear.

Little do they know, a war is coming and more than one vampire would like to see the Prince of Vampires overthrown. As more and more vampires show up from nowhere, addicted to her scent, Julia must pick her allies carefully before it’s too late. Can Julia bargain with fate? When the time comes, will she even have a choice? Find out how it all ends in this explosive grand finale of The Talisman Trilogy.

My Review: In 2010, I was lucky enough to be introduced to the first and second installments of Brenda's electrifying vampire series, The Emerald Talisman and The Sapphire Talisman. This year, the end I've been dreading has finally arrived, The Onyx Talisman sadly concludes the journey I started two years ago. I've grown to love all the characters in their own way, even the ones that deserve a good staking here and there.

Julia, from the beginning, has bloomed into a courageous young lady that has the ability to look evil in the eye with the strength of a bull. Nicholas, my badass vampire killer, has remained the upmost gentleman, even though he went through obstacles in the third book, I was still eager to experience his presence. Plus, the relationship between Nicholas and Julia sustained the timeless bond which I found to be romantically impressive.

Phil, my developed crush in the second novel, continued to pull at my heart with his unconditional love and respect for Julia. He was the right person for her to lean on throughout the difficult circumstances that erupted in this part of the series. As for the unexpected twists in The Onyx Talisman, holy crap! Brenda you sure do know how to spin things up for us readers, some of the unforeseen scenes were just downright perfect.

Towards the end, it took me a second to digest everything and it left me with a grin that summed up how I felt about the talisman series. We've all read vampire books, and unfortunately it's gotten to the point of reading repetitive plots. Luckily for me and vampire lovers, Brenda's work of artistic writing ability surpasses the stereotypical boundaries and creates a uniquely transformed series you'd love to sink your teeth into. I will sadly miss the story and the characters formed, but I am excited to see where Brenda's mind will take us next!

My Rating: (4.5)

My Note to Brenda:

Oh boy, what can I say to you Brenda without getting all choked up? Okay here goes...I've known you for a couple of years now and let me tell you woman, you are simply....amazing. You are not only a great friend to me, but also a fantastic writer that deserves to have her books in major bookstores. I'm sure one day it will happen, that's how much I believe in your work and gift of writing. In addition to being a full time mom and novelist, you still manage to find time to reach out to your readers with caring words and love. I seriously wish you all the best in life and I will continue to support you in all your endeavors. Love ya Brenda! xoxo.

Thank you to Brenda and Jaime from Two Chicks On Books for putting this tour together! If you'd like to see a few of the next stops, make sure to check these blogs out...

March 26- Yara @ Once Upon A Twilight

March 27- Katie’s Book Blog

March 28- Kristie Cook

Author's Info:

Brenda Pandos lives in California with her husband and two boys. She attempts to balance her busy life filled with writing, being a mother and wife, and spending time with friends and family. Working formerly as an I.T. Administrator, she never believed her imagination would be put to good use. After her son was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder her life completely changed. Writing paranormal romance became something she could do at home while tending to the new needs of her family, household and herself. Three years later, Brenda now has four books published, The Talisman Trilogy, and Everblue, book 1 of Mer Tales. She is currently working on the second book of Mer Tales, Evergreen, coming 2012.

For more info on Brenda, visit her sites:

-Website

-Blog

-Twitter

-Facebook

-GoodReads

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:: GIVEAWAY DETAILS ::

Since Brenda is a sweetheart, she is giving away a kindle and 3 books/e-books copies of The Onyx Talisman, so don't delay on entering through the rafflecopter giveaway form below...

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZjMzZWEyNDlhMDc1N2E3NDk1ZTAwZGMyOTRjMjg5OjA=/