Title: Evolution
Author: Sam Kadence
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult
Length: Novel (230pgs)
Publisher: Harmony Ink (Dreamspinner Press) (1st May 2013)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ – 4 Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Gene Sage has only ever wanted to sing, but his band, Evolution, is pushing him toward the big time. He finds it hard to focus on making musical history when he’s dreaming of graveyards and seeing ghosts. And while all he can think of is hiding who he is from a world unforgiving of anyone different, he discovers he’s also the ultimate snack for vampires and demons. When Gene literally runs into—over—his idol, Kerstrande Petterson, rock god, vampire in hiding, and music cynic, his life falls over the edge into chaos.
Jaded by the world and nearly a decade in the music business, Kerstrande thinks Gene wants to use him to make Evolution immortal in more than one way, but he can’t seem to brush aside the young singer’s enthusiasm.
Getting involved with Kerstrande drags Gene into otherworldly power struggles. Between the ghosts stalking them, the media painting supernaturals as villains, and a vampire out of control in the city, the only way for Gene and Kerstrande to survive is for Gene to embrace his powers—and his destiny.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3827
Review: Genesis (Gene) only wants to sing with his band Evolution. he doesn’t care about fame and fortune just the music. When Gene hits a man with his car, he is shocked to discover it is retired rock star, Kerstrande (KC) and his life is about to get even more out of control. Seeing ghosts and people’s auras, and dreaming of graveyards is the norm for Gene, but being the chew toy for vampires isn’t. Being attracted to Kerstrande, Gene refuses to let Kerstrande push him away, and Gene is dragged into the paranormal world that he has always ignored. Kerstrande thinks Gene only wants him for the riches and power that he possesses, but his own pull towards the young man won’t let him walk away. Having to confront old friends to keep Gene safe and fighting his own past demons, Kerstrande has to accept Gene means more to him than he wanted him to.
This is quite a good fantasy novel from a first time published author. Gene is different from most people… he can see and speak to ghosts. He can also see the auras of people and read their moods and Gene is about to discover that he is even more different from he thought. KC is a retired rock star; he’s also a vampire in hiding and one with a dark past. When KC and Gene collide, it is the beginning of a reluctant relationship laced with bitterness and resentment before blooming into more.
The storyline is one where you learn as you go. We slowly discover the paranormal beings. we piece together what is happening with Gene and what he is becoming and watch as Gene and KC struggle to find balance in their relationship. I must admit I began to like Gene a hell of a lot more when he started to stand up for himself, instead of letting people walk all over him. Some of his so-called friends were just manipulative, but some of them were real gems like Cris. KC has been used and manipulated in the past so he is very wary of Gene, pushing him away with his nasty attitude. Gene won’t give up, though, until he has cracked KC’s shell.
I will admit that while I liked this story I found it to be a bit creepy as well. Gene is seventeen and by his own admission has been sexually active for a couple of years, and what I found creepy was that although some of the men he slept with looked the same age they were much older. What I liked about this book was the paranormal aspect and the strange relationship between Gene and KC. the paranormals are known to humans and there are laws in place and there’s even a group called Preservation Group who want to wipe out the paranormals. The vampires have their good and bad, there’s an incubus and maybe a demon. It is all really vague and mysterious and you keep hoping something more will be revealed. I will also add a warning here that there is a near rape scene and some scenes of apparent orgies.
I will recommend this story to those that love paranormal, young adult, danger, discovery, a strange relationship and an ending that could mean there’s more to follow.