ebook review: Shadow Touch by Erin Kellison

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 308 KB
Publisher: Zebra Books (June 1, 2011)

Blurb: Magic
It is bleeding into our world, bringing with it banshees, wraiths, fae from the twisting forests of Twilight. But Elllie's problem is a very different kind of phenomenon. . .

Shadow
It ought to be attached to her; instead it has a life of its own. And her dark mirror image is a wild thing, willfully seducing the very man Ellie hoped could help.

Science
Cam has devoted his career to exploring the boundaries between this world and the Hereafter. But nothing could prepare him for the mischief and mayhem of a soul split in two.

Surrender
Who will give in first: the man struggling to unite two halves of one fascinating female; the shadow fighting for freedom to experience the thrill of every emotion; or the woman who is about to discover her own deepest desires?

My review: I first fell in awe of Kellison's paranormal world with her debut novel, Shadow Bound (my review). Shadow Touch is a novella which falls in between the second novel, Shadow Fall, and the third, Shadow Man. Even though I have yet to read the second or third book, I didn't feel it was necessary in order to enjoy this book. 

And enjoy I did. Kellison's world of shadows, spirits, monsters and a paranormal research facility is intriguing. The idea of your shadow having an identity separate from you was creepy cool and the author captured this feat easily. Ellie Russo arrives at the Segue Institute desperate for help. Her troublesome shadow is driving her crazy and she needs help. The premise played out great--the whole good girl/bad girl struggles we deal with ourselves from time-to-time is an actual everyday occurrence for Ellie.

Help comes in the form of Dr. Cameron Kalamos who thinks like a scientist first as he tries to deduce Ellie's strange separation problem. Her shadow is the naughty part of her persona, acting out some of the things Ellie keeps repressed. Watching Kam interact with both human and shadow was one of the highlights of this novella. Ellie and Cam are likable characters and it was easy to root for them, especially when someone is sent to 'control' Ellie's shadow. 

Erin Kellison's enthralling world of shadows and fairytale lore is one I like to get lost in. Her writing is smooth, the story intense and briskly paced, and Shadow Touch offered everything I want in a paranormal read: a unique idea, interesting characters, action, darkness, with a touch of romance. I only wished it was longer!

Rating: I really liked it.

Favorite excerpt: "Is she dangerous?"

Ellie had answered this earlier, and repeated her response. "I don't think so."

"Our first priority is the safety of the men and women working at Segue. Can you please clarify?"

Ellie had promised herself that she'd hold nothing back, but his sharp approach had her hesitating. "She plays tricks," she said, though this was the lesser truth. "And, depending upon her mood, she can try to scare, or disturb or...or confront..." Another dodge.

Kalamos leaned forward. "Can she physically touch anything? Can she affect electricity or water or light or air? Can she do anything?"

"No." The lie came out smoothly, with zero outward angst, but--oh thank God, there she is--the lie, or maybe the memory underneath, had brought her shadow. Her naked self emerged through the wall--a bare leg, arm, breast, and shoulder.

"Contact!" shouted a soldier. The two moved in tandem, taking new positions to face her shadow, guns aimed, ready, and utterly useless."
Cover comment: I like it.

Book source: Purchased, then received a copy from author.