Review: Dark Redemption by Angie Sandro

Book Blurb:

From rising star Angie Sandro, a steamy Southern gothic romance that will appeal to fans of Beautiful Creatures . . .

Deep in the Louisiana bayou, Mala LaCroix cannot escape the mysterious things she's seen. Haunted by her otherworldly past, she only wants to hide her special abilities and care for the man she's come to love. But the dark swamp she calls home holds more than just Mala's secrets, for a killer is leaving behind ghosts trapped between worlds, hungry for vengeance . . .

Landry knows Mala could never turn her back on those in need. It's part of what attracts him to her. But now that he's wrestling with his own demons-and losing-he fears that just being near the woman he loves endangers her life. And that traps him in a terrible dilemma: leave Mala alone to catch a murderer by herself or stay close-and risk entangling her in the brutal battle for his very soul.

My Review:

4 Out Of 5 Stars

Genre: Supernatural, Mystery, Witches

Laundry and Mala are back in the third book in the series, which takes place about a month after the end of the second book. They are trying to deal with the things life has thrown at them the best that they can, with custody of the Acker boys, Dena in a coma, Laundry with a demon in his head and Aunt Magnolia on the horizon. When a murderer is on the loose, Mala gets dragged into the investigation by using her ghost skills not police skills. She learns that this investigation ties into so much more, a scheme greater than she could have ever seen coming.

I have completely enjoyed each book in this series. Disclaimer to all who just stumbled onto Dark Redemption: do not start with this book, this is the third book in a very complicatedly crafted story that has to be read in order to understand the relationship dynamics and the world building. Don’t try to start with this book because you may not enjoy it as a standalone, where you will love the story as part of a whole.

I thought this was to be a trilogy, which even though I love the books, I do enjoy knowing that there will actually be an ending to a series, that a final wrap up and conclusion will come to be. The ending to this book has a fairly solid conclusion that could be enough for me. I did have a few nit-picky questions and thoughts about the characters that were not addressed, but I could be happy with this world as is. That being said, I read a blurb on the author’s facebook page that a fourth book in the series is in the works and now I feel conflicted. I was all set to say goodbye to Mala and Laundry and the super messed up place they call home, but now I don’t know what will happen. I am stuffed full of uncertainty, which is ridiculous but true.

Laundry is hands down my favorite character in these books. He has been taken down so many times by life and yet he bounces back with such a positive attitude and love for Mala and his family. He is such a freaking trooper, I just want to give him a big hug. It also probably doesn’t hurt that he is incredibly attractive with his sculpted body, pretty face, scruffy hair and roguish eye patch. So I may harbor a teeny tiny crush on him, but he is exactly my ideal book-boyfriend physically and psychologically. Mala on the other hand I have an urge to smack or shake at times. She is a really complex interesting character, but her impulsiveness drives me batty. So many times she just runs off to do something or say something that hurts Laundry. He feels rejected when it appears that she picks George over him, when in actuality she just feels the need for action that minute but forgets she is part of a team now and should probably consult her partner. And the number of times that the girl forgets her cell phone was shocking, especially when danger is on the prowl and previous experience would shows she really should have it. Without Laundry risking his life for her at every turn, Mala would have been dead meat. I really enjoy how realistic their relationship is too. They are so grounded as people that it is not a fairytale romance, but a solid bond that deals with the daily life things such as tampons, pregnancy scares and bowel movements. They are hysterical together but so real.

I am a huge fan of character driven books, which this is, but there is a strong plot and action in the book too. Let’s talk about the supernatural/mystery plot component of the book for a minute. There are ghosts, demons, purgatory, magic, voodoo, battle of good vs. evil, surprising character twists, family reunions, court issues, police investigations, soul stealers, potions, astral projection and a mystery of who the murderer is. There is a lot thrown at the reader in the story, but in a good way.

I have enjoyed each book in the series and despite my earlier grumbling, I will happily read more from this author, be it this series or something new. I am a fan for life. I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.