Fantasy and Horror
Paperback
The dynamic and mysterious Randal Forbes calls his dark powers `the gift'. His startling, slate grey eyes radiate when he is in the throes of his telepathic reprisals. His trail of destruction has caught the attention of the police, who are investigating him under potential murder charges. But proving his guilt is difficult as he is nowhere near the crime scene; just inside the head of each targeted victim, issuing commands.
Now a student at Beaumont College in Oxford, he revels in his own success and is well on his way to becoming a celebrated author. There are new `enemies' to deal with in Oxford and Randal seeks to remove those who suspect his paranormal leanings. He has a twisted sense of poetic justice but also a chivalric loyalty to his family.
Randal Forbes has a dark side so malevolent that only someone with a similar `gift' would be able to challenge him. But, who would dare?
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
I’m sat at home and I’ve just finished reading this book. It’s mind blowing! I’m actually going to read it again because there’s so much to take in. I’ve read the first book in this series which left a lasting impression but this one grabs you by the throat! Randal Forbes is a name that will send shivers down every readers spine but still draws you into his complex, dark, dangerous world. It’s been a long time since a character in a book has had such an effect on me. Can’t wait for the next instalment of this riveting story! This author brings a different edge to crime as we know it, but it’s beautifully written and addictive because it leaves the reader wanting more.
A thriller killer of a book with a thrilling killer at its core! This is a mixture of crime and punishment but not for Randal as he is the perpetrator. Highly recommended if you want to experience a chilling read that’s well written and totally different. Telepathy, bisexuality, decadency and fantasy all mixed up with Randal’s lesser mortals at his mercy. Love it. I shouldn’t but such is his power that seems to seep through each page and takes me over. Randal Forbes is one powerful character and leaves a lasting impression. Mesmerising.
We first learned about Randal Forbes in The Dawning, Fran Raya’s debut novel within the umbrella title Poetic Justice. And it dawned on us that this was no ordinary child but an extraordinary child with The Gift. My capitals. Randal doesn’t capitalise it, he likes to keep it hidden. But we see throughout the book, to our shock and amazement, how he capitalises upon it. You wouldn’t be able to buy such a gift, nor indeed would you want to, but Randal revels in the knowledge of what he can achieve with it. With childhood done and adolescence a mere springboard to manhood, Randal is now at Beaumont College, Oxford, continuing his upward spiral to the very top. But with the intention to win all the glittering prizes comes the glitter in his slate grey eyes. They draw people to him, for better or for worse. They are all his victims, at his benign or malign whim. And it is when those eyes start to glow, with their evil yellow tints, that we hold ourselves in suspense because we know that some poor wretch is about to be on the receiving end of The Gift. We know, too, that they won’t be in a position to choose a gift for anyone else ever again. And the curious thing is, we still follow him avidly, repelled and attracted in equal measure, because Randal Forbes has a dual nature: kindness and evil. Certainly, he is still kind to those he loves. He feels the need to fight their battles before they know their foes. But his predilection for punishment empowers his sense of poetic justice which, accordingly, becomes more acute and his methods of eradication more sophisticated. We always want Randal to win. Who in their right mind would wish otherwise? Nor do we always agree with his methods but, in the interests of personal safety, we’re going to keep quiet about that, aren’t we? The big question now, of course, is: what happens next? The world stage is Randal’s oyster – and he is the omnivore. Roll on Book 3!
I am so impressed with this author. I commented on the first book and this one does not disappoint. It’s beautifully written and so gripping. I must make mention of Randal’s relationship with Clive. It throws a sensitive and tasteful light on bisexuality. I hope that they remain together. I also love the thought processes of all the characters but mostly that delightfully demonic creation Randal Forbes. Book three beckons and I simply can’t wait! Does that make me seem strange? I just think its the effect this author has on me and all her readers! Fabulous!
What to write about this second book in this chilling series? It’s simply spine tingling and does not disappoint in any shape, form or size. I commented on the first book and must admit I thought the author might slip up with this second book because how can you better the perfect effect? But here it is in all its gory glory! Great setting, stunning storyline and gripping crime as Randal pulls all the telepathic strings and leads the police a merry dance as he plays his evil games. Next book please! Asap.