By Jason Sizemore
You ever known a person, that at first, you weren't too crazyabout, but as time passed and the more you got to know thisperson, the better you liked him? In a strange way, newcomerMari Adkins's first novel, "Midnight", does just this.
The 325 page novel takes us through a mystical adventure withSamantha "Sami" Clark. In the prologue, she's abused, lonely,and ready to commit suicide. Sami travels to Harlan, Kentucky, abeautiful and quiet Appalachian town nestled near the CumberlandGap. Here she moves in with Steve Young, a shy and caring friendfrom years past.
As Sami fights her way out of chronic depression, she meets themysterious Jeremy. Aloof, but supportive, he guides Sami back tohealth and assists her in a slow self-discovery process.Vampires are involved, but in a caring, passive (too passive forthis reader) fashion. By the end of the novel, Sami is stillstruggling with her life, but with her new friends and growingpowers, the outlook is definitely positive.
Doesn't sound particularly exciting, right? If you're lookingfor an action packed, vampire-driven lust and rage filled plot,you're better off sticking with Laurell K. Hamilton or SherrilynKenyon. What "Midnight" does is present an emotionallyheartwrenching character study. The reader grows to care aboutSami. Author Mari Adkins pulls this off with the skill of anexperienced novelist. While Sami may cry too often, it stillfeels 'true'. Her actions are the actions of a clinicallydepressed individual.
Adkins also gives us a fascinating glimpse into the world ofPaganism. Sami's magic powers are real and potent, used in areal world setting and not as some cute form of fantasy. I keptwaiting for a violent magical outburst, but that would do Samiand her powers an injustice.
Overall, this is the best of the four eBooks I've had theopportunity to read over the past couple of years. The editingis as good as you'll find in most mid-level imprints, and MariAdkins shows a knack for storytelling that will one day propelher to a hefty book deal with a print publisher.
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