The Amulet Thief (The Fitheach Trilogy Book 1)

Quite an interesting read. Slow at first, but once the story started picking up it got better and better I just couldn't seem to put it down. I definitely will be reading the next one, I have to know what happens next!

This book has multiple genres mixes, fantasy, romance, mystery, and adventure. Alex is a unique and quite stubborn character who gets what she wants and is unafraid of challenges! I recommend this book if you enjoy a descriptive work of art!

I loved this book from beginning to end. Following Alex back to her home and experiencing her every step was intriguing. No spoiler here! A definite must read. Sometimes there's danger in finding out your past.

I really liked the fantasy and mystery aspects of this story. However, the unnecessary graphic sex and crude language took away from the enjoyment of it. Totally unnecessary. As an active-duty army vet, none of it was new, just unnecessary. I will not be getting any of the follow-up books in this trilogy and probably won't read this author again. Why pay for it when porn is free all over the Internet and crude language can be heard from most of the uneducated.

I really liked the fantasy and mystery aspects of this story. However, the unnecessary graphic sex and crude language took away from the enjoyment of it. Totally unnecessary. As an active-duty army vet, none of it was new, just unnecessary. I will not be getting any of the follow-up books in this trilogy and probably won't read this author again. Why pay for it when porn is free all over the Internet and crude language can be heard from most of the uneducated.

I enjoyed the story. The multiple characters were entertaining. I hope they are fleshed out with the next book. The protagonist did seem to act 'out-of-character' for her back story and a couple of the scene jumps were better suited to screen than paper. All in all, the storyline kept me turning the page and it was a pleasant escape for a few hours.

Overall, this was an interesting story and there were some interesting characters. Three or four times, the Author's attempt/intent to invoke mysticism make the story confusing and disjointed. I realize that for some reason the others didn't want to tell her the entire story outright (still not sure why) but it often seemed like the reader had to be kept in the dark as well. This didn't happen often but, when it did, it became a major barrier to continuing. Beyond that, the book was well written with very few (or no) grammatical errors. The characters were well developed for a first book and the scene setting was well described.

Intentionally confusing, don't let that get in your way. A young woman, orphan and alone, trying to learn who (what?) she is. Acquaintances who may be allies, or soul sucking demons. My only real criticism is conversations are never completed. And the Irish mythology background has a feel of authenticity (I wouldn't know either way!). Worth the time and money.

I really couldn't put this down, no kidding! Bennett is the most amazing descriptive writer I've every had the pleasure of reading. I usually get frustrated with too much description, but this author has mastered it. The character development is fantastic, too. Oh, and the story line - well, let's just say book one won't be enough, so buy the entire trilogy.

Book 1 of a trilogy (yes another series folks). a story of a woman who discovers she is hails from a long line of powerful witches. The characters are glamorous to a bit scary and while they are a bit predictable, they did create a mind picture of what they would look like. the action is mysterious as the author seems to "omit" things until the end. There is the usual antagonist love interest between the central character and the darkly handsome witch who is protecting her.

I found the description of the book intriguing. I find urban fantasy to be a very interesting genre, the mix of magic and modern world blended together. The book started good, with Alex Kelley arriving in New York, where years ago her mother was murdered and she abruptly together with her mother's best friend Ava left without telling anyone. What really happened all those years ago? Alex feel watching when she comes to the town, like everyone around her is watching her every move. Is she just being paranoid?

I think the first part of the book was the best when Alex was in the dark. Then, she meets Greer Sinclair and for me, the story just didn't work after that. Suddenly the story turned new adult, with Alex being attracted to Greer and jealous of other women. And, it didn't take a long time for them to sleep together. Now, for some readers is this fine, they want this and like reading stories with lots of passion and sex. I don't. I like when everything moves along at a slower pace between two characters. And, I just don't like the alpha male stereotype. Rich, sexy and rough. A man that sees a woman as a possession. Which of course happens when Constantine enters the story and suddenly there are two sexy men after Alex. Sorry, this is just not my thing. I wanted a mystery story with magic elements, but I just couldn't find my interest on the same level after around 31% of the book.

The Amulet Thief is just not for me, I like urban fantasy, but the story just never turned out to be as interesting as I hoped it to be. I just couldn't muster much interest in Alex hunt for the amulet that her mother left for her that then went missing. And, frankly this "let's keep Alex in the dark about her past" was just annoying. Sometimes it's just better to sit down and have it all out. Not being all mysterious and cryptic. On the plus side, the book was easy to read. I just wish the story had been better, and the characters less stereotypical.

I chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased!

**RATING 3.5**
THE AMULET THIEF by Luanne Bennett is an enjoyable paranormal tale of magic and mayhem. Alex Kelley has finally returned to New York after being whisked away as a child when her mother died, and she is determined to find out more about what happened all those years ago. But as soon as she sets foot back in the city, dark forces are determined to grab a hold of her and her precious necklace that once belonged to her mother. Is she going crazy? But as Alex learns about her past, it is even more unbelievable than that - for Alex comes from a long line of witches and must learn as much as she can about her own power before it is too late. With the help of Greer Sinclair, Alex begins to piece her past together, but who exactly is this guy? I did find this story a little slow to start, and while I liked the main character, Alex, she can be a little too naive at times. But with plenty of action and supernatural adventure throughout, THE AMULET THIEF by Luanne Bennett, is well worth a read.

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from TBConFB

The author excels at plot retardation (a fancy expression for suspense), and with keeping you guessing. Often, I wanted to rush on ahead of the pace the author was keeping. It’s probably why I don’t read a lot of suspense; I hate waiting for things to happen. But to this author’s credit, she really is a master at the technique, and so, eventually gets you to relax into the pace at which she wants to tell the tale. That in turn allows the story to take on a more atmospheric quality, and even to seem a bit more eerie, all good things for this genre.

The romance element of the tale is both unusual and intriguing. Mr. Mysterious isn’t just a love interest to help her through her trials and tribulations when she needs a pair of loving arms; he’s vital to driving the story forward and to unraveling many mysteries that surround our heroine. Without him she has no hope of truly discovering all that she is and all that she’s capable of. But to what degree can she really trust him or his motivations?

The novel reminded me of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series, for fans of that franchise.

Note: I received an ARC for review purposes in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I loved this book and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy as it unfolds! Luanne Bennett has created a fascinating and magical world with interesting, compelling characters and rich mystery. This book sets the stage for what promises to be a wonderfully entertaining, satisfying and deliciously chilling story, deeply layered with otherworldly intrigue. The adventure is under way for heroine Alex and her newly discovered powers and destiny. We don't know who amongst her newly acquired retinue of odd and magical characters are friends and who are foes, nor what chaos, destruction or salvation the amulet, oracle and vessel will wreak, but I can't wait to find out.