Immoral Origins
Immoral Origins is a fast-paced thriller where I never knew what was coming next. Like other Lee Matthew Goldberg books, I was completely immersed in the time period and setting of Hell's Kitchen in the late 1970's with descriptions of music, people, clothing, the apartments, diners and clubs. The characters are also all dynamic and surprising. I was really intrigued by all of the members of The Card wearing a mask of a celebrity and assuming their name, eventually taking on their mask's character, mannerisms and voice. The masks also seemed to fulfill something different for each character, Marilyn's beauty and Jake's need to fit in with his Errol Flynn persona. The Card as an organization was interesting as well. Their true nature, greed and hold over the city slowly spilled out as Jake began to climb through the ranks. However, as Jake became more ingrained with The Card, the dangerous tasks that they asked him to do seemed less against his morals.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Prey No More
Prey No More is the second book in The Desire Card series. I would recommend reading book one, Immoral Origins, first since it explains how the Desire Card operates. Prey No More jumps right into the action as J.D. is deciding what boundaries he is willing to break for the Card and how to escape their clutches. From there, the action continues as the writing jumps back and forth through time as J.D. is recruited by the card, enters their clutches, receives the assignment that causes him to leave and is on the run. The characters are all very realistic, fully developed and make you feel for them even if you don't like them very much. J.D. goes through several transformations as he enters and is discharged from the military and enters and attempts to leave the Card. More of how the Card functions and the mysterious man behind the Clark Gable mask is revealed as J.D. attempts to bring down the Card. With an ominous ending, I can't wait to jump into the next book in The Desire Card.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.