Damask Circle <br>Series:<br>Circle of Death<br>Circle of Desire<br> Circle of Fire

Keri Arthur’s Damask Circle Series is a remarkable combination of works. The three stand-alone titles Circle of Death, Circle of Desire, and Circle of Fire, are unique and enjoyable by themselves. If you like one of these works, taking the time to read and experience the three stories and the series as a whole will be a reward in and of itself. The first book in the series is Circle of Death. In this work Keri Arthur introduces us to her first notable couple.

Circle of Death
Kirby Brown doesn’t trust anyone. Especially not some handsome stranger who mysteriously appears whenever she’s in danger. Having stumbled upon the gruesome aftermath of her best friend’s death, Kirby is struggling to cope. Helen was all she had in the world and with her so viciously taken away Kirby is at a loss. One thing Kirby knows for certain, whatever killed Helen wasn’t human and she has the distinct feeling it will be coming for her next.

Doyle is anything but human and he’s been sent to try and stop the killer behind these ritual killings. He’s only trying to keep Kirby alive, but she doesn’t make protecting her easy. Her lack of trust and insistence on running away from him makes his job more difficult. Doyle senses something within Kirby, beyond magic, beyond the danger; he senses his mate. Given her apparent distrust, he is not sure how he will convince of this, but he knows he’s not going to give up. The evil that is stalking Kirby and other hapless victims appears to have a connection to a past Kirby can’t recall. With danger at every corner, Kirby is unsure if her feelings for Doyle are related to the situation or if the deep and strong emotions towards him are her own, and unfortunately Kirby isn’t all that certain she’ll live to find out.

Circle of Death is a great a story. It is sometimes complex but no less enjoyable. Readers will be able to identify with Kirby and her trust issues. After all, who in this life hasn’t been hurt a time or two? Kirby isn’t willing to depend on anyone in fear that she will once again be disappointed. Trusting Doyle is a new experience for her, but Kirby is smart enough to know that if she doesn’t at least try, it could wind up killing them both.

Circle of Desire
Katherine Tanner is on the hunt for a killer that has been leaving dead children in its wake. The search continues because of Kat’s ability to “feel” death. She doesn’t just see it in her mind, Kat actually feels the essence of the death suffered, and this particular evil is sucking out the souls of children.

Ethan is a cop and his little niece is one of the children that have been kidnapped. He isn’t pleased that Kat is looking into the case, but he’ll use whatever mean necessary to bring his niece home. Ethan isn’t just any cop; he is also a werewolf in the midst of moon fever. With this cycle of the moon, any willing female will do, but one look at Kat and she’s all that he wants. Despite Ethan’s strong objections that nothing could come of their time together, Kat is convinced they are meant to be. All Ethan wants is to bring his niece home, sate his lust and move on. Or at least that’s what he says, but what he feels is a different matter entirely. While trying to save his niece and stay alive, will Ethan come to realize that Kat truly is his mate or will he let hurts of the past blind him to his future?

Circle of Desire is a slightly more intense than Circle of Death. The added dimension of children being hurt can’t help but raise the tension and emotion within the story. Ethan is as stubborn as they come. A past love couldn’t accept him for what he truly was and now he’ll give no other woman the opportunity to reject him. Keri Arthur descriptions of such powerful emotions will leave readers amazed.

Circle of Fire
Madeline thinks she’s losing her mind when Jon the friendly ghost won’t stop visiting her. Only he insists he’s not a ghost and he really needs her help. Jon’s been wounded in his search for many missing teenagers. For reasons unbeknownst to him, they are linked. It’s because of this link, that although he is wounded, he is able to come to her like this. Obviously he is getting close and someone doesn’t like that. Jon needs Maddie to help him, Maddie refuses until her nephew becomes one of the missing.

Maddie frees Jon but he takes off before she can ask him any questions. What Maddie doesn’t understand is that Jon is trying to protect her. If she’s thought to be working with him, her life could be in jeopardy. Only Maddie won’t cooperate; she’s not leaving until her nephew is found and safe. They’re in a race against time to find Maddie’s nephew before he becomes one of the dead teens. Through the course of the investigation, Jon realizes there’s a hidden element to Maddie that could very well kill them all. Maddie is a mass of contradictions and Jon is falling for her hard. However, when the investigation is over, and life intrudes, will they allow the impossibilities of their situation to end any hope of a future?

Circle of Fire is a thought-provoking story. The characters offer readers the chance to see through their eyes the choices they are forced to make. This story is powerful, as once again, children are part of the plot. The determination of Maddie and Jon to stop this evil and bring Maddie’s nephew home will stir readers’ emotions. When you combine these two strong willed characters, Circle of Fire is a fascinating read!

In the Damask Circle Series, Keri Arthur provides three distinct stories, six unique characters, and one awesome series! Readers will not be sorry if they take the time to read this series. Each story can stand-alone and each is very good. However, each story, when read as part of the whole is even better. Keri Arthur gives readers many paranormal elements throughout every book. Not only has Ms. Arthur excelled with the paranormal aspects of the story, but also the suspense elements will ensure readers read these three books with the lights on. All three books belong on the “keeper shelf” and Ms. Arthur and automatic buy. 5 Angels!

Reviewed by: Jaymi