Book Review: S.P.I.R.I.T Firestorm by Dawn Gray

First of all, let me start off by saying that I wasn't particularly eager to read this novel, mostly because the cover image doesn't speak to me. There's nothing about it that jumps out and says, 'pick me up and read me'. The monotone wash of grey and the old creepy house feel a little generic, as do the unstylistic font and general lack of 'wow' factor. But alas, after reading the novel, the image is in fact the essence of this very story, and I now understand why the author chose such imagery.
S.P.I.R.I.T follows the story of Samantha and Zander, two seemingly ordinary people thrust together under the strangest of circumstances. As they learn of developing gifts, past connections, and an unsettling truth that the supernatural realm is very real and very present, it forces them to uncover the mystery surrounding their coupling and the double layered reality crossing paths in the most unimaginable way. Ghosts, demons, and lies from the past see them struggling to unlock the reasons for their current endangerment but it also sees the strength and abilities within each of them grow - their blossoming love forging a connection stronger than even death itself.
S.P.I.R.I.T, despite the non-stop revelation of mystery, followed by battles with the unseen, or tangible crossovers from past encounters, was heavily littered with romance. The interaction between Samantha and Zander bordered on the fast-pace unrealistic connections of Mills & Boons characters. I did however appreciate Samantha's initial reluctance to trust anyone given the situation thrust upon her. She seemed to take a little longer to warm to heavy petting rather than her male protagonist that basically shadowed her every footstep.
The characterization was good, however, there was a lack of descriptive text on other minor characters. Alas, when something unfavourable occurred, I found that I cared little for their welfare as I was given no reason to embrace these minor characters as anything other than props to continue the story of Zander and Samantha.
What I did enjoy was the overall story, a thoroughly interesting concept that straddled just the right amount of supernatural element and action sequences. I also didn't mind the romance, bar the pet names and it's actual relevance to the story as a whole.
What I didn't like were the grammatical errors. I'm an author, and I make mistakes too, and usually I do overlook these knowing how hard an author works to produce any novel, but unfortunately there was one every couple of paragraphs - often very distracting.
Overall, S.P.I.R.I.T Firestorm was an enjoyable read with a little bit of something extra to your standard paranormal romance. With a carefully unfolding plot and an expected, yet satisfying ending, it was easy to give this book three out of five stars.

Synopsis:

When Samantha Ricketts finds herself in a town half-way across the country, her only worry is how did she get there, but when her life is saved by a handsome and mysterious man, the connection they feel is almost more than she can stand.
Zander Smith was only acting on his instincts and training when he moved the dark-haired woman to safety but what he got from his heroics wasn't the distressed woman that he thought he was helping but a fireball of fury that sparked a storm within himself.
Together they tap into the supernatural to uncover the mysteries surrounding the strange town they were slowly growing fond of before they became a part of its history.

Kristy :)