MinnChica from The Book Pushers

Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/05/23/review-before-the-witches-by-karina-cooper/

Publisher: Avon Impulse
Publish Date: Out Now!
How I got this book: NetGalley

Katya came to America for two reasons: because they don’t care about witches, and so she can make a better life for herself. But things don’t always stay the same. Katya arrives and finds herself immersed into a human trafficking ring, forced into prostitution. Her plan to get herself and the girls out leads her to the police station, and directly to Nigel Ferris.

Nigel is working on taking down the ring leader in the trafficking ring, and with Katya’s help, now has an inside witness. But, before he has the chance to move forward with his investigation, the world as they know if comes to an end. The entire western part of the United States falls victim to horrific earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and apocalyptic events.

Through the catastrophe, the two form an unbreakable bond, one that just might allow them to continue on when all other hope is lost.

I really enjoyed Cooper’s debut novella, and introduction to her new Dark Mission Series. I loved the world building that was introduced, and can’t wait to find out more about witches, and the role they will play in the future of the series. I also really enjoyed how we got a little bit of a glimpse into the events that the series is really based on.

Katya and Nigel were fun to read. While the majority of the novella took place during the actual Seattle apocalyptic events, we still got a chance to get invested in the characters. I loved that Nigel was so strong and dedicated to his job as a cop, to protecting Katya at all costs. Katya was also incredible; living through a horrendous situation and still doing everything she can to protect and care for those around her. I was a little sad for her, especially since she really lost so much in such a short period of time.

The romance was extremely fast paced and intense. While the novella didn’t really allow for a detailed love story, I did still feel the connection between the two. If you are looking for a real romantic novella, this might not be the best story for you to read. However, if the Dark Mission Series is something that appeals to you, I think this backstory will go along nicely with the series as a whole, especially with the background information and worldbuilding.

Again, I am anxious to read future books by Cooper, and think that this debut author has great potential.

All in all, I give Before the Witches a B-