THE RENFIELD SYNDROME (Rhiannon’s Law #2)
by J. A. Saare
PUBLISHER: Mundania Press
RELEASE DATE: August 2011
FORMAT: Paperback, 212 Pages
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
Vampires, and werewolves, and demons, oh my. Rhiannon thought facing off against a deranged child vampire was the most dangerous task she would ever have to undertake, but she’s about to discover making a deal with a demon is far, far worse. Sent forward into another reality, one in which vampires are now dominating nearly extinct humans, she realizes the sooner she returns to her vampire lover, Disco, the better.
Unfortunately, time changes a lot of things; including those most trusted around her. When she’s faced with a loss and betrayal unlike any she has ever known, her focus shifts from severing the debt between the demon that wants to kill her, to exacting a revenge that will bring forth consequences she never could have fathomed. By reaching out to the darkness lingering within her, she’ll find the strength to push forward despite the circumstances that would see her dead and buried. After all, when it’s all said and done, all that she has left to lose is her soul. (Goodreads)
REVIEWER: Laura
**Warning this review contains spoilers for the first book in the series**
If you thought Dead, Undead, Or Somewhere In Between couldn’t get any better, then you’re in for a treat. J. A. Saare has excelled herself in THE RENFIELD SYNDROME. Taking off where the previous book left us, in a twist you couldn’t possibly have foreseen.
Rhiannon finds herself one hundred and one years in the future, in a world ravaged by demons, vampires and werewolves. With humans fast becoming on the extinction list. She has a deal to deliver on and just fourteen days to do it, before a demon claims her soul. But the future is unlike she could ever have imagined, and she suddenly finds there are more things than just her soul to fight for.
Rhiannon is back in all of her kick-ass glory, and maybe just slightly less foul-mouthed! As much as she is occasionally outrageous, she has definitely grown up in this book, becoming a fantastic urban fantasy heroine. There are scenes when I thought my heart would break for her as she navigates through the new futuristic world and the implications of the decisions she has to make.
This book has so many twists and turns with characters doing things you do would not expect them to, that it keeps you completely on your toes. There are parts where it’s completely un-put-downable. Some characters totally surprised me with their actions, some in a good way, others in an awful way. You will certainly look at Paine and Disco differently by the end of the story.
Saare has cleverly combined some of the latest literacy trends for dystopia in with classic urban fantasy. I was sucked into the new world and absorbed by her vision of a demon ravaged future. But it also added an unusual dynamic to the story. I’ve said before how much I love time travelling romances, but I think this is the first time I’ve read it in urban fantasy and I loved it. In fact, I loved the entire book. It’s gritty, dark, action-packed urban fantasy. Just the way I like it!
VERDICT:
A superb second instalment in the Rhiannon’s Law series. Saare has written an even better book than the first, which left me desperately wanting more. The last page arrived far too soon! Is The Ripple Effect ready yet?!
RATING: 
J. A. SAARE ONLINE
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BOOKS IN SERIES ORDER
1. Dead, Undead, Or Somewhere In Between
2. The Renfield Syndrome
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6 Comments
This series sounds fantastic – I can't wait to read it!
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@bookchickcity i'm really enjoying this series, I think you will too!
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I was surprised at how much I enjoyed book one and slightly concerned about the twist which took us into book two. It was hug and unexpected, but oh, how great it worked. I'm looking forward to book three cause I've gotta know about Disco and Paine.
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YESSSSS. I love the voice JA gave Rhiannon–just the right blend of snarky and sassy. Totally agree that I did NOT see that twist coming but omg how awesome!!!!
Definitely can't wait to see more books in this series.
Smiles!
Lori
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@Scooper the twist was totally unexpected! But it was at the end of the first book too. Can't wait for the next one!
@LoriStrongin nope I didn't see it coming either, and I totally agree on Rhiannon's sass & snark
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I loved the first book and haven't managed to read the second even though it has been sitting there and staring at me forever. I might just wait for the next book though – cliffhangers kill me.
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