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Second Chances - paranormal suspense
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Guided by the wolf Avatar, control-obsessed Freddie's powers emerge to battle her rage-filled ghostly stalker. Will she get a second chance to live and love? Starting life in an orphanage, Darian slips into a world of perversity when adopted by Harry and Ruth Beel. Kindled by the rage his life has engendered, his inherent powers begin to grow. His obsession to become at one with the Power he imagines is his destiny leads him to a woman he believes is the key. Fredrika Marsh has led a quiet, controlled life, her only risks being her work as a technical analyst and her friendship with her quirky friend Jodi. Then chaos appears in the ghostly visage of a man who threatens her and ultimately, her friends. |
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Avatar, the wolf, after nearly losing his life force to Darian and sensing the innocent who’s somehow connected to this monster, is dedicated to helping Fredrika survive the dark power driving Darian by encouraging her to embrace her own power.
Every corner of Fredrika's life is invaded, her self-sufficiency lost. She must trust others to survive. Most of all, she must risk trusting herself, for the paranormal ability she fears is the only way she can survive. Her search for answers brings Garrison McCrary into her life, raising the question: will she get a second chance--a chance to live and to love?
Every corner of Fredrika's life is invaded, her self-sufficiency lost. She must trust others to survive. Most of all, she must risk trusting herself, for the paranormal ability she fears is the only way she can survive. Her search for answers brings Garrison McCrary into her life, raising the question: will she get a second chance--a chance to live and to love?
"The past is rarely the past. It weaves a thread through every thought, every breath for generations to come." -The Book of Metanoia
"Second Chances" is followed by a sequel titled "The Threads That Bind." The characters in these two books are bound together through three generations by a common thread of paranormal abilities that can empower or destroy. The battle that begins with Fredrika (Freddie) Marsh draws all those after her into a final confrontation between those compelled by their gifts to seek power in the outside world and those motivated to use them as tools to increase their inner power.
I wrote the first book years ago. Once I had a lot more writing under my belt, I went back to it and did a lot of rewriting. Then it seemed that the second book simply flowed out of the first. My other writings are nonfiction, and I discovered that it is true there is something special about weaving a tale that is totally unique to your own imagination.
There were times when I was writing about the evil characters in these books that I had to take a break because their personalities were overwhelming me. There were times when I cried with my characters and times when I laughed with them just as I would have if they were literally in the room with me.
There is an addictive aspect to writing fiction: the high you feel from being so intimate with the thoughts and feelings of your characters, who have become totally real to you. I hope that you enjoy the ride as much as I did!
"Second Chances" is followed by a sequel titled "The Threads That Bind." The characters in these two books are bound together through three generations by a common thread of paranormal abilities that can empower or destroy. The battle that begins with Fredrika (Freddie) Marsh draws all those after her into a final confrontation between those compelled by their gifts to seek power in the outside world and those motivated to use them as tools to increase their inner power.
I wrote the first book years ago. Once I had a lot more writing under my belt, I went back to it and did a lot of rewriting. Then it seemed that the second book simply flowed out of the first. My other writings are nonfiction, and I discovered that it is true there is something special about weaving a tale that is totally unique to your own imagination.
There were times when I was writing about the evil characters in these books that I had to take a break because their personalities were overwhelming me. There were times when I cried with my characters and times when I laughed with them just as I would have if they were literally in the room with me.
There is an addictive aspect to writing fiction: the high you feel from being so intimate with the thoughts and feelings of your characters, who have become totally real to you. I hope that you enjoy the ride as much as I did!
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Review by Sandy Wolters, author of Maggie Mae - 5 stars
Is there really evil in the world? Yes. It goes by the name of Darian. I want to start out by saying that I am a paranormal junkie. This book, SECOND CHANCES by DANNYE WILLIAMSEN, is so much more than your everyday paranormal read. There are no vampires. There are no werewolves, although there is a wolf, Avatar, with a very interesting back story. Second Chances has a character, Darian, that is so evil, yet the author found a way to write his story that compels the reader to feel sorrow and sympathy for him. The writing in this book was scintillating! While
reading Ms. Williamsen's story, I found myself on an emotional roller
coaster throughout, constantly questioning what it is in my personality
that I could sympathize with such evil. There has only been one other
character in my 50 plus years that has affected me in such a way.
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Wait until you get to the end! There is a life's lesson there for all of us. The nice thing is that the author does not push this lesson on the reader. It unfolds in such a way to get your thought process rolling and take your way of thinking to a higher level.
I highly recommend this book for any book clubs looking for a really good paranormal suspense/paranormal romance. THIS IS A MUST READ!
I highly recommend this book for any book clubs looking for a really good paranormal suspense/paranormal romance. THIS IS A MUST READ!
Review by Leland Dirks, author of Angelo's Journey and Jimmy Mender and His Miracle Dog - 5 stars
The author creates a world that is both engaging and frightening. I'm not generally a fan of paranormal fiction, but this one grabbed me. The author's careful craftsmanship and imaginative plotting took me places I didn't expect to go. Be forewarned that there are some scenes of sexual violence, but they're not gratuitous. Well-done book! My recommendation is to read it during daylight hours.
Review by Carol E. Wyer, author of Surfing in Stilletos
This is quite simply one of the best paranormal thrillers I have read. Second Chances grips the reader from the outset and carries them along in a huge tide of eloquent, flowing style, intriguing characters, and heart-hammering plot.
Centering around two characters: Darian and Fredrika, Dannye Williamsen's novel is not merely about good versus evil. It examines the complexity of human characteristics and demonstrates that fate and circumstance play their part, too. Both characters have substance. Fredrika represents goodness and has a well-balanced strength. Darian is truly disturbing, yet fascinating. He is bent on destruction, but salvation could be around the corner if only Fredrika is willing to accept his conditions and, indeed, him.
Ms Williamsen is a mistress of suspense. Her plot unfolds methodically, building considerable tension and emotion. Her use of language is masterful. I have read only a handful of novels that have left me begging for more, and Second Chances is one of those.
Reminiscent of Dean Koontz's books, this novel is actually better than any other of this genre that I have read. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to reading Ms Williamsen's next novel, The Threads That Bind.
A definite five star read.
Review by Karen Doering, The Parents' Little Black Book - 5 stars
I have read more than a few paranormal novels, and I have to say this is among the best, if not the best, I have read in a long while. The writing is almost electric, you can feel the tension in the air around you as you fall deeper into the abyss of madness the author creates.
Fredrika loves her job as a commodities broker. In fact, she more than loves it, she is totally immersed in the rise and fall of the most risky market there is. Her personal life suffers from lack of time and disinterest in anything but her career. Wrapped tighter than the strings inside a golf ball, she is beginning to feel the tension that precludes a breakdown. Hallucinations follow her while awake, and nightmares haunt her sleep. As an only child whose parents have passed away, she has no known family and only one real friend. She is a woman alone and starting to feel the years slip away from her.
Darian is also alone. Left at birth in an orphanage, he was adopted at age four. But all did not go well. Instead of a loving family, he falls prey to a father who abuses him and a mother who does nothing to stop it. But he has a secret, a secret he keeps hidden. He has power, and at a very young age, he learns to use that power. First to protect himself and later for the sense of well being it gives him. Because he didn't finish his schooling, he has no idea that the very power he so craves is corrupting his body and mind.
As Darian reaches out to the one person he believes will understand him, he finds himself at a crossroad. How does he gain the trust of someone who has never been corrupted? Someone who is appalled at the misuse of supernatural powers. Someone who, for the first time, has the ability to fight back.
Dark, deep and filled with protagonists you can both love and hate, feel sorry for and wish they are defeated, this is the one book I don't think will be easily put aside or forgotten. Once you have read it, you still need time to think about it.
Ms. Williamsen brings her characters to life with depth and dimension. Each character is multi-faceted, coming to life on the page. The narration flows so well it is hardly noticed, and the dialogue is realistic. Beautifully edited and presented, the book is easy to get lost in. I did. I was unable to put it down.
If Amazon had 6 Stars this book would get them from me.
Review by Annarita Guarnieri, author of Cats: Instructions For Use - 5 stars
I found myself reading Second Chances in a period in which I had precious little time to devote to reading… and after the first few pages I was so hooked that I started carving out every possible moment to go on reading… during meals and even in the bathtub, something I never do for fear of damaging the reader!
Today, I finished the book, and I must confess I did not read the incipit for the following book, Threads that Bind, because I want to be surprised and enchanted again by the dexterity with which Dannye Williamsen manages to bind the reader, both with the plot and with her fluent, rich style, full of beautiful descriptions so well calibrated that they become precious ornaments to the story without suffocating it.
Another gift this book has to offer is the underlying philosophy of the eternal struggle between good and evil, faced here from a new, original perspective, that of two twins, parted at birth and forced by life along totally different paths. Is evil something we are born with? And is there something good even in the most evil person? These are some of the questions Dannye Williamsen addresses in her book, and while she gives, of course, her own answer to them, Second Chances offers the reader the possibility of lingering and pondering on the mystery of ying and yang, present in each of us, but that we often tend to ignore.
Add to all this a plot that verges on horror in a very new way, which reminded me of Dan Simmons’ Carrion Comfort (for Darian has something in common with the “mind vampires” we find there, even if he uses his power in a very self-centered and distorted way) and you have the recipe for the perfect book to keep you company in a long and cold January evening!
A five star book, no doubt!
Review of two-book series by K.L. Nappier, Author of Full Wolf Moon Trilogy
"Tops among the positives regarding author Dannye Williamsen is how clearly she cares about the art and craft of her storytelling. She plots her dark fiction to reveal deeper spiritual issues even as she entertains her readers. For those who enjoy the writing style of Darcie Chan (The Mill River Recluse), Carmen DeSousa (She Belongs to Me) and metaphysical twists to their reads, Ms. Williamsen will not disappoint."
Review by Grace Guerra, Book Junkies Library
"This book is out of sight...kicking myself for not reading sooner. It's books like these that show what an Indie is all about."
Review by JT Kalnay, Author of Mina's Eyes - 5 stars
Dannye Williamsen presents a classic and terrifying battle between good and evil in Second Chances. Fredrika thinks she is losing her mind as unexplained happenings begin to pile up around her. Darian can't explain why Fredrika is so compelling to him. As the mystery and terror grow and grow, Fredrika and Darian identify and then confront the yin and yang of good and evil. The adversaries learn that every heart holds both good and evil, and none of us are willing to destroy any piece of our own heart. Will Fredrika survive her challenges? Will Darian devolve into pure evil? You'll have to read to the very end to find out. And after turning that last page you'll be reaching for the first page of the sequel, The Threads That Bind.
Review by Sue Palmer, Sue Palmer's Book Reviews - 5 stars
Firstly, this is an excellent paranormal story by Dannye Williamsen. She has a way of captivating her readers with her confident style of writing, easy flow and a very good plot. There are no boring fillers; scenes are described with such expertise that you almost feel that you are there. The editing and grammar, in my opinion, was flawless.
The one thing that struck me about this book was the power. Although, predominately this is a story about a battle between good and evil, the power aspect of it really shone through for me. The two main characters struggled to maintain this in their lives, therefore forcing them to follow a different path in order to try and re-gain control. One good, one evil, both demanding sympathy in different ways. Several times I found myself feeling this and I was questioning why. Again, the power thing- this time the author over the reader.
In the end it became a fight between the characters, Darian and Freddie, which one would win the emotional fight? Who would gain control?
No spoilers here, I recommend you read this book for yourself. However, there is more to this book than meets the eye, in my opinion. On the surface, it is a thoroughly enjoyable, paranormal page turner. Into the mix, the author throws in some romance, action and spine tingling moments. Delve into this book deeper and you will find much more material to study .Food for thought on the psychological aspects of it all, what makes people act in a certain way, different actions, different ways of dealing with things? Does love conquer all or is it power? Well, I recommend you read it and decide for yourself.
To conclude:
Very good story line, skillfully planned throughout, the author had complete control of her characters at all times, no waffle or straying off the point. The underlying material is there if you want to analyse it; if not, just enjoy the book for what it is. I did!
Review by Sylvia Massara, author of The Soul Bearers - 4 stars
Second Chances is what I would term a paranormal suspense with a touch of romance. This is a genre that is new to me; at least since I read Anne Rice’s vampire series years ago. But I’m not comparing the two as there are no vampires in this story.
Second Chances is a story of good versus evil. What comes to the fore, however, are the qualities of forgiveness and love.
In this story, the two main characters take totally different paths in life—one goes down the road of good; the other becomes evil. Now most of us would take the stance that the evil one “gets what he deserves”, but in this story we see that love is ever expanding and that not only can it overcome evil, but it can actually transform evil into something that is pure love. In the end, what I took away from this riveting story is that there really is no evil in the universe—there is only love. We all travel down paths of our own making; some of these paths might be good while others might be negative or evil, but in the end there is no condition (whether physical or spiritual) that cannot be transformed by love.
This wonderful story comes with a strong message that while subtle, cannot be dismissed. The story holds the reader spellbound with its tale of paranormal events, evil deeds, suspense, friendship and romance. At the end of the day, however, the message comes through loud and clear. Everything is love; everything can be transformed by love.
I said I wasn’t going to compare this to Anne Rice’s vampire books because this book is not about vampires, but I will say that in Rice’s stories while the reader was held in enthralled suspense about what would happen next, evil usually won the day. In Second Chances, Dannye Williamsen doesn’t allow this to happen. So while I was enthralled, held in suspense and even enchanted—in the end I came away feeling inspired and opening my heart to the fact that love truly does conquer all.
Review by Sandy Wolters, author of Maggie Mae - 5 stars
5 star review:
Is there really evil in the world? Yes. It goes by the name of Darian.
I want to start out by saying that I am a paranormal junkie. This book, SECOND CHANCES by DANNYE WILLIAMSEN, is so much more than your everyday paranormal read. There are no vampires. There are no werewolves, although there is a wolf, Avatar, with a very interesting back story.
Second Chances has a character, Darian, that is so evil, yet the author found a way to write his story that compels the reader to feel sorrow and sympathy for him. The writing in this book was scintillating!
While reading Ms. Williamsen's story, I found myself on an emotional roller coaster throughout, constantly questioning what it is in my personality that I could sympathize with such evil. There has only been one other character in my 50 plus years that has affected me in such a way.
Wait until you get to the end! There is a life's lesson there for all of us. The nice thing is that the author does not push this lesson on the reader. It unfolds in such a way to get your thought process rolling and take your way of thinking to a higher level.
I highly recommend this book for any book clubs looking for a really good paranormal suspense/paranormal romance.
THIS IS A MUST READ!
Review by Alex Canton, Book Junkie Reviews
When I have previously read a book for review, I tend to read with an inquisitive eye. After reading a few paragraphs, I encountered a beautiful description of a tree’s insides: “differences in shade between the hollow shells of the trees, barely distinguishable to the eye, created concentric borders.” It was very difficult to take breaks, especially after being introduced to a pattern of swinging between fantasy and reality – sometimes distorted.
I liked Ms. Williamsen’s fluid prose. I am sure the plot was carried superbly. I was swooned by the continuous, almost perfect content. My dear Nora Roberts: Move over!
Review by Patrick Moloney - 4 stars
If “hating the sin and loving the sinner” is ever taken on as a theme for a serious thesis, then Dannye Williamsen’s Second Chances would present itself as a work of great significance and of utmost importance - and for very many reasons, not least because it stretches out to the very limits, out to the sheer edges, the power of the sinner. This is particularly so in the case of the antagonist, the willful Darian.
The author presents a surreal world closely in contact with the real wherein engagements continue to happen within and without. While this approach challenges credibility, it never displeases. In fact as one enters more and more into the tensions of the story, one becomes more involved, one’s appetite grows wanting to know what will happen and what outcomes could possibly be presented. And while the approach to structure is certainly daring, the writing style is lovely throughout. It is easy. And every now and then little gems appear that sparkle - for instance: “with the ignorance of an insect being eyed by a toad”, and another, when referring to processed coffee as having “an aftertaste as if it had been lightly seasoned with melted plastic”.
Review by Greta Burroughs, author of Gerald And The Wee People
I am not too much into reading about the paranormal but I am glad I started reading Second Chances. The first few pages hooked me and kept my attention until the last page. Freddie Marsh is haunted by visits from a shadow person and asks the classic question, "why me?" Instead of running from the problem, she tries to find the answer. Darian, the one trying to communicate with Freddie, cannot understand why she is not more accepting of his presence.
On the surface, Second Chances is a classic tale of good verses evil, but as the story progresses, Dannye Williamsen expands that concept so that it is not so cut and dry. There is good/evil in all of us, but it is a personal choice as to which is predominent. The author makes the reader think by taking us through Freddie's struggle of how to handle the power she has always tried to ignore but now has to comes to terms with.
Dannye Williamsen's style of writing is very intriguing and well developed. I like the way she uses descriptive writing to set the scene and make the reader see what is happening and become one with the story. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to read the sequel, The Threads That Bind."
Review by Lia Fairchild, author of In Search of Lucy
This paranormal romance painted a very unique picture of good vs. evil. Freddie, a seemingly normal financial analyst, is suddenly being haunted and tormented by a dark presence with unexplained intentions. The author does a nice job of creating this villain from the beginning of his existence and actually has the reader torn between hate and pity for him. Good vs. Evil progresses the story, and in the end you’ll find yourself with a new understanding of that very concept. My interest was kept throughout this book, following Freddie trying to uncover the mystery and wondering what would happen next.
Review by Leland Dirks, author of Angelo's Journey - 5 stars
The author creates a world that is both engaging and frightening. I'm not generally a fan of paranormal fiction, but this one grabbed me. The author's careful craftsmanship and imaginative plotting took me places I didn't expect to go. Be forewarned that there are some scenes of sexual violence, but they're not gratuitous. Well-done book! My recommendation is to read it during daylight hours.
Review by Vickie Johnstone, Vixie's Stories - 4 stars
I enjoyed this supernatural thriller, with suspense, romance and murder thrown into the mix. It’s gripping stuff, well written and tightly plotted.
I won’t tell you what happens as that info is in the book blurb and I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but I can say that this story is a definite page turner and will steal your attention. Towards the end, I was so rushing to get to the finale and find out what was going to happen that I missed my train stop!
I really liked the character of Avatar, the wolf. He’s a rounded, thoughtful character who introduces the book and the sets the eerie, ‘what’s really going on here?’ atmosphere from the beginning. The personalities of Jeff, Garrison, Freddie, Darian and Jodi are all well-rounded individuals, especially the two central characters of Freddie and Darian. We watch as they lead their separate lives while the threads connecting them are secretly weaving more tightly.
What does a woman do when she finds that she can no longer keep chaos at bay with the forceful control she spreads over everything? The author tells us that Freddie had “spent most of her time trying to orchestrate her life in an attempt to not feel empty, to not feel like a failure despite her success, to not feel lonely.” In the book, she begins to learn new things about herself, her strengths and weaknesses, and the dark secrets that she has never been told. Who is the mystery shadow that comes to haunt her, which she nicknames Mr Personality?
Then there’s Darian. What does a man do when he is broken and becomes a fragment of those parts he once was? Ms Williamsen tells us: “Feelings were all Darian had that he could call his own. So he guarded them carefully, treasured them. Whenever an experience evoked a new feeling, he studied the experience and savoured the feeling in his mind until he could determine where it belonged. Each feeling had a place and a purpose in his mind. It was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. One day he would have all the pieces.”
There is a lot of philosophy and deep thinking in this novel, lying in the background, which I found interesting. I was underlining many things for the ‘notes’ section. The story investigates the yin and yang, the two sides of the coin; the dark and light of the human character. What makes us do what we do?
It also steps into the nature versus nurture debate. Who are we really? What creates a person? Are people’s characters innate or do our experiences shape us? If someone’s experiences are only dark, how will they turn out? Can we sympathise if they also turn out dark?
Then there is the idea of fate. What is fate, are we fated to take a certain path no matter how many choices are offered to us?
And what is choice? Do we all deserve a second chance? Would everyone actually want a second chance? Everyone has choices. As Ms Williamsen writes, “Our lack of understanding of our relationship to the Universe is why we make choices that aren’t healthy.”
There is a lot to tickle your thinking buds in here besides the actual story.
So, all in all, a good story line, some fascinating ideas, a good plot, interesting and rounded characters, good pace and a definite page turner, along with some creepy scenes, a drop of romance and some genuinely spooky goings on.
Fans of this book will be happy to know there is a follow-up, called The Threads That Bind.
The author creates a world that is both engaging and frightening. I'm not generally a fan of paranormal fiction, but this one grabbed me. The author's careful craftsmanship and imaginative plotting took me places I didn't expect to go. Be forewarned that there are some scenes of sexual violence, but they're not gratuitous. Well-done book! My recommendation is to read it during daylight hours.
Review by Carol E. Wyer, author of Surfing in Stilletos
This is quite simply one of the best paranormal thrillers I have read. Second Chances grips the reader from the outset and carries them along in a huge tide of eloquent, flowing style, intriguing characters, and heart-hammering plot.
Centering around two characters: Darian and Fredrika, Dannye Williamsen's novel is not merely about good versus evil. It examines the complexity of human characteristics and demonstrates that fate and circumstance play their part, too. Both characters have substance. Fredrika represents goodness and has a well-balanced strength. Darian is truly disturbing, yet fascinating. He is bent on destruction, but salvation could be around the corner if only Fredrika is willing to accept his conditions and, indeed, him.
Ms Williamsen is a mistress of suspense. Her plot unfolds methodically, building considerable tension and emotion. Her use of language is masterful. I have read only a handful of novels that have left me begging for more, and Second Chances is one of those.
Reminiscent of Dean Koontz's books, this novel is actually better than any other of this genre that I have read. I, for one, am eagerly looking forward to reading Ms Williamsen's next novel, The Threads That Bind.
A definite five star read.
Review by Karen Doering, The Parents' Little Black Book - 5 stars
I have read more than a few paranormal novels, and I have to say this is among the best, if not the best, I have read in a long while. The writing is almost electric, you can feel the tension in the air around you as you fall deeper into the abyss of madness the author creates.
Fredrika loves her job as a commodities broker. In fact, she more than loves it, she is totally immersed in the rise and fall of the most risky market there is. Her personal life suffers from lack of time and disinterest in anything but her career. Wrapped tighter than the strings inside a golf ball, she is beginning to feel the tension that precludes a breakdown. Hallucinations follow her while awake, and nightmares haunt her sleep. As an only child whose parents have passed away, she has no known family and only one real friend. She is a woman alone and starting to feel the years slip away from her.
Darian is also alone. Left at birth in an orphanage, he was adopted at age four. But all did not go well. Instead of a loving family, he falls prey to a father who abuses him and a mother who does nothing to stop it. But he has a secret, a secret he keeps hidden. He has power, and at a very young age, he learns to use that power. First to protect himself and later for the sense of well being it gives him. Because he didn't finish his schooling, he has no idea that the very power he so craves is corrupting his body and mind.
As Darian reaches out to the one person he believes will understand him, he finds himself at a crossroad. How does he gain the trust of someone who has never been corrupted? Someone who is appalled at the misuse of supernatural powers. Someone who, for the first time, has the ability to fight back.
Dark, deep and filled with protagonists you can both love and hate, feel sorry for and wish they are defeated, this is the one book I don't think will be easily put aside or forgotten. Once you have read it, you still need time to think about it.
Ms. Williamsen brings her characters to life with depth and dimension. Each character is multi-faceted, coming to life on the page. The narration flows so well it is hardly noticed, and the dialogue is realistic. Beautifully edited and presented, the book is easy to get lost in. I did. I was unable to put it down.
If Amazon had 6 Stars this book would get them from me.
Review by Annarita Guarnieri, author of Cats: Instructions For Use - 5 stars
I found myself reading Second Chances in a period in which I had precious little time to devote to reading… and after the first few pages I was so hooked that I started carving out every possible moment to go on reading… during meals and even in the bathtub, something I never do for fear of damaging the reader!
Today, I finished the book, and I must confess I did not read the incipit for the following book, Threads that Bind, because I want to be surprised and enchanted again by the dexterity with which Dannye Williamsen manages to bind the reader, both with the plot and with her fluent, rich style, full of beautiful descriptions so well calibrated that they become precious ornaments to the story without suffocating it.
Another gift this book has to offer is the underlying philosophy of the eternal struggle between good and evil, faced here from a new, original perspective, that of two twins, parted at birth and forced by life along totally different paths. Is evil something we are born with? And is there something good even in the most evil person? These are some of the questions Dannye Williamsen addresses in her book, and while she gives, of course, her own answer to them, Second Chances offers the reader the possibility of lingering and pondering on the mystery of ying and yang, present in each of us, but that we often tend to ignore.
Add to all this a plot that verges on horror in a very new way, which reminded me of Dan Simmons’ Carrion Comfort (for Darian has something in common with the “mind vampires” we find there, even if he uses his power in a very self-centered and distorted way) and you have the recipe for the perfect book to keep you company in a long and cold January evening!
A five star book, no doubt!
Review of two-book series by K.L. Nappier, Author of Full Wolf Moon Trilogy
"Tops among the positives regarding author Dannye Williamsen is how clearly she cares about the art and craft of her storytelling. She plots her dark fiction to reveal deeper spiritual issues even as she entertains her readers. For those who enjoy the writing style of Darcie Chan (The Mill River Recluse), Carmen DeSousa (She Belongs to Me) and metaphysical twists to their reads, Ms. Williamsen will not disappoint."
Review by Grace Guerra, Book Junkies Library
"This book is out of sight...kicking myself for not reading sooner. It's books like these that show what an Indie is all about."
Review by JT Kalnay, Author of Mina's Eyes - 5 stars
Dannye Williamsen presents a classic and terrifying battle between good and evil in Second Chances. Fredrika thinks she is losing her mind as unexplained happenings begin to pile up around her. Darian can't explain why Fredrika is so compelling to him. As the mystery and terror grow and grow, Fredrika and Darian identify and then confront the yin and yang of good and evil. The adversaries learn that every heart holds both good and evil, and none of us are willing to destroy any piece of our own heart. Will Fredrika survive her challenges? Will Darian devolve into pure evil? You'll have to read to the very end to find out. And after turning that last page you'll be reaching for the first page of the sequel, The Threads That Bind.
Review by Sue Palmer, Sue Palmer's Book Reviews - 5 stars
Firstly, this is an excellent paranormal story by Dannye Williamsen. She has a way of captivating her readers with her confident style of writing, easy flow and a very good plot. There are no boring fillers; scenes are described with such expertise that you almost feel that you are there. The editing and grammar, in my opinion, was flawless.
The one thing that struck me about this book was the power. Although, predominately this is a story about a battle between good and evil, the power aspect of it really shone through for me. The two main characters struggled to maintain this in their lives, therefore forcing them to follow a different path in order to try and re-gain control. One good, one evil, both demanding sympathy in different ways. Several times I found myself feeling this and I was questioning why. Again, the power thing- this time the author over the reader.
In the end it became a fight between the characters, Darian and Freddie, which one would win the emotional fight? Who would gain control?
No spoilers here, I recommend you read this book for yourself. However, there is more to this book than meets the eye, in my opinion. On the surface, it is a thoroughly enjoyable, paranormal page turner. Into the mix, the author throws in some romance, action and spine tingling moments. Delve into this book deeper and you will find much more material to study .Food for thought on the psychological aspects of it all, what makes people act in a certain way, different actions, different ways of dealing with things? Does love conquer all or is it power? Well, I recommend you read it and decide for yourself.
To conclude:
Very good story line, skillfully planned throughout, the author had complete control of her characters at all times, no waffle or straying off the point. The underlying material is there if you want to analyse it; if not, just enjoy the book for what it is. I did!
Review by Sylvia Massara, author of The Soul Bearers - 4 stars
Second Chances is what I would term a paranormal suspense with a touch of romance. This is a genre that is new to me; at least since I read Anne Rice’s vampire series years ago. But I’m not comparing the two as there are no vampires in this story.
Second Chances is a story of good versus evil. What comes to the fore, however, are the qualities of forgiveness and love.
In this story, the two main characters take totally different paths in life—one goes down the road of good; the other becomes evil. Now most of us would take the stance that the evil one “gets what he deserves”, but in this story we see that love is ever expanding and that not only can it overcome evil, but it can actually transform evil into something that is pure love. In the end, what I took away from this riveting story is that there really is no evil in the universe—there is only love. We all travel down paths of our own making; some of these paths might be good while others might be negative or evil, but in the end there is no condition (whether physical or spiritual) that cannot be transformed by love.
This wonderful story comes with a strong message that while subtle, cannot be dismissed. The story holds the reader spellbound with its tale of paranormal events, evil deeds, suspense, friendship and romance. At the end of the day, however, the message comes through loud and clear. Everything is love; everything can be transformed by love.
I said I wasn’t going to compare this to Anne Rice’s vampire books because this book is not about vampires, but I will say that in Rice’s stories while the reader was held in enthralled suspense about what would happen next, evil usually won the day. In Second Chances, Dannye Williamsen doesn’t allow this to happen. So while I was enthralled, held in suspense and even enchanted—in the end I came away feeling inspired and opening my heart to the fact that love truly does conquer all.
Review by Sandy Wolters, author of Maggie Mae - 5 stars
5 star review:
Is there really evil in the world? Yes. It goes by the name of Darian.
I want to start out by saying that I am a paranormal junkie. This book, SECOND CHANCES by DANNYE WILLIAMSEN, is so much more than your everyday paranormal read. There are no vampires. There are no werewolves, although there is a wolf, Avatar, with a very interesting back story.
Second Chances has a character, Darian, that is so evil, yet the author found a way to write his story that compels the reader to feel sorrow and sympathy for him. The writing in this book was scintillating!
While reading Ms. Williamsen's story, I found myself on an emotional roller coaster throughout, constantly questioning what it is in my personality that I could sympathize with such evil. There has only been one other character in my 50 plus years that has affected me in such a way.
Wait until you get to the end! There is a life's lesson there for all of us. The nice thing is that the author does not push this lesson on the reader. It unfolds in such a way to get your thought process rolling and take your way of thinking to a higher level.
I highly recommend this book for any book clubs looking for a really good paranormal suspense/paranormal romance.
THIS IS A MUST READ!
Review by Alex Canton, Book Junkie Reviews
When I have previously read a book for review, I tend to read with an inquisitive eye. After reading a few paragraphs, I encountered a beautiful description of a tree’s insides: “differences in shade between the hollow shells of the trees, barely distinguishable to the eye, created concentric borders.” It was very difficult to take breaks, especially after being introduced to a pattern of swinging between fantasy and reality – sometimes distorted.
I liked Ms. Williamsen’s fluid prose. I am sure the plot was carried superbly. I was swooned by the continuous, almost perfect content. My dear Nora Roberts: Move over!
Review by Patrick Moloney - 4 stars
If “hating the sin and loving the sinner” is ever taken on as a theme for a serious thesis, then Dannye Williamsen’s Second Chances would present itself as a work of great significance and of utmost importance - and for very many reasons, not least because it stretches out to the very limits, out to the sheer edges, the power of the sinner. This is particularly so in the case of the antagonist, the willful Darian.
The author presents a surreal world closely in contact with the real wherein engagements continue to happen within and without. While this approach challenges credibility, it never displeases. In fact as one enters more and more into the tensions of the story, one becomes more involved, one’s appetite grows wanting to know what will happen and what outcomes could possibly be presented. And while the approach to structure is certainly daring, the writing style is lovely throughout. It is easy. And every now and then little gems appear that sparkle - for instance: “with the ignorance of an insect being eyed by a toad”, and another, when referring to processed coffee as having “an aftertaste as if it had been lightly seasoned with melted plastic”.
Review by Greta Burroughs, author of Gerald And The Wee People
I am not too much into reading about the paranormal but I am glad I started reading Second Chances. The first few pages hooked me and kept my attention until the last page. Freddie Marsh is haunted by visits from a shadow person and asks the classic question, "why me?" Instead of running from the problem, she tries to find the answer. Darian, the one trying to communicate with Freddie, cannot understand why she is not more accepting of his presence.
On the surface, Second Chances is a classic tale of good verses evil, but as the story progresses, Dannye Williamsen expands that concept so that it is not so cut and dry. There is good/evil in all of us, but it is a personal choice as to which is predominent. The author makes the reader think by taking us through Freddie's struggle of how to handle the power she has always tried to ignore but now has to comes to terms with.
Dannye Williamsen's style of writing is very intriguing and well developed. I like the way she uses descriptive writing to set the scene and make the reader see what is happening and become one with the story. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to read the sequel, The Threads That Bind."
Review by Lia Fairchild, author of In Search of Lucy
This paranormal romance painted a very unique picture of good vs. evil. Freddie, a seemingly normal financial analyst, is suddenly being haunted and tormented by a dark presence with unexplained intentions. The author does a nice job of creating this villain from the beginning of his existence and actually has the reader torn between hate and pity for him. Good vs. Evil progresses the story, and in the end you’ll find yourself with a new understanding of that very concept. My interest was kept throughout this book, following Freddie trying to uncover the mystery and wondering what would happen next.
Review by Leland Dirks, author of Angelo's Journey - 5 stars
The author creates a world that is both engaging and frightening. I'm not generally a fan of paranormal fiction, but this one grabbed me. The author's careful craftsmanship and imaginative plotting took me places I didn't expect to go. Be forewarned that there are some scenes of sexual violence, but they're not gratuitous. Well-done book! My recommendation is to read it during daylight hours.
Review by Vickie Johnstone, Vixie's Stories - 4 stars
I enjoyed this supernatural thriller, with suspense, romance and murder thrown into the mix. It’s gripping stuff, well written and tightly plotted.
I won’t tell you what happens as that info is in the book blurb and I don’t want to ruin any surprises, but I can say that this story is a definite page turner and will steal your attention. Towards the end, I was so rushing to get to the finale and find out what was going to happen that I missed my train stop!
I really liked the character of Avatar, the wolf. He’s a rounded, thoughtful character who introduces the book and the sets the eerie, ‘what’s really going on here?’ atmosphere from the beginning. The personalities of Jeff, Garrison, Freddie, Darian and Jodi are all well-rounded individuals, especially the two central characters of Freddie and Darian. We watch as they lead their separate lives while the threads connecting them are secretly weaving more tightly.
What does a woman do when she finds that she can no longer keep chaos at bay with the forceful control she spreads over everything? The author tells us that Freddie had “spent most of her time trying to orchestrate her life in an attempt to not feel empty, to not feel like a failure despite her success, to not feel lonely.” In the book, she begins to learn new things about herself, her strengths and weaknesses, and the dark secrets that she has never been told. Who is the mystery shadow that comes to haunt her, which she nicknames Mr Personality?
Then there’s Darian. What does a man do when he is broken and becomes a fragment of those parts he once was? Ms Williamsen tells us: “Feelings were all Darian had that he could call his own. So he guarded them carefully, treasured them. Whenever an experience evoked a new feeling, he studied the experience and savoured the feeling in his mind until he could determine where it belonged. Each feeling had a place and a purpose in his mind. It was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. One day he would have all the pieces.”
There is a lot of philosophy and deep thinking in this novel, lying in the background, which I found interesting. I was underlining many things for the ‘notes’ section. The story investigates the yin and yang, the two sides of the coin; the dark and light of the human character. What makes us do what we do?
It also steps into the nature versus nurture debate. Who are we really? What creates a person? Are people’s characters innate or do our experiences shape us? If someone’s experiences are only dark, how will they turn out? Can we sympathise if they also turn out dark?
Then there is the idea of fate. What is fate, are we fated to take a certain path no matter how many choices are offered to us?
And what is choice? Do we all deserve a second chance? Would everyone actually want a second chance? Everyone has choices. As Ms Williamsen writes, “Our lack of understanding of our relationship to the Universe is why we make choices that aren’t healthy.”
There is a lot to tickle your thinking buds in here besides the actual story.
So, all in all, a good story line, some fascinating ideas, a good plot, interesting and rounded characters, good pace and a definite page turner, along with some creepy scenes, a drop of romance and some genuinely spooky goings on.
Fans of this book will be happy to know there is a follow-up, called The Threads That Bind.