See Me

Dark Sides, #3

by

Lynn Crandall

Light and dark battle for control.

See Me is the third book in author Lynn Crandall's absorbing urban fantasy series, Dark Sides, and features the classic battle of light vs. dark and good vs. evil as modern-day descendants of the people of Atlantis, Aeons, strive to save this world from those who've chosen the Dark Side. With its action-filled story and achingly right romance, it's a definite page-turner. While a standalone novel, the backstory and magic elements would be better enjoyed if one first read the previous books in the series. 

The story picks up immediately after the events of the previous novel, with the Aeons gathering to review and celebrate their recent success of repelling the actions of the Dark Aspects, those the Dark Sides employ, who had teamed up with Irish mobsters to take over the city of Auralia, and destroy the quaint downtown where the Aeons had their businesses. However, their respite is short-lived, as a major figure on the side of the Dark Sides returns with the intent and means to take up the fight once again. 

This book focuses on the relationship between the two friends, Cooper Munson and Skye Stone, both of whom are still working through the trauma of a tragic childhood. It was heartbreaking reading about Cooper's treatment at the hands of his maternal grandparents, who believed his father and, consequently, Cooper, weren't good enough for their family. Skye's parents had escaped one bad situation only to jump into the middle of a cult where their daughter had been brainwashed into believing their harsh patriarchal precepts. With Cooper being an empath and Slye a Highly Sensitive Person, their eventual romance felt natural and long overdue. 

The plot is fast-paced, and the story opens with a bang as the celebrating Aeons are attacked at the home of one of their members. Each of the Aeons has an unusual ability or gift that they use for the good of all, and they are experiencing changes in these traits, with some doubts and confusion about this unexpected upgrade. However, a unique element of the series' magic system is the ability of the Aeons to project their inner love and light to those lacking in goodness, such as the Dark Aspects, and effect change in their actions. As before, I enjoyed the evildoers' various reactions when they were positively affected. 

I recommend SEE ME to readers of romantic urban fantasies. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.