Abbatoir is part of a series of books, unconnected except through a general theme. In the 14th century, a novice witch casts a powerful spell drawing enormous power to herself and all of her descendants throughout time. Power that both allows protection from enemies and calling for the enemy's destruction. The spell calls upon both light and dark magic and does not follow the Wiccan rules of harm none. A power so great that the attraction to darkness will be irresistible.

With a premise like that, there was no way I could resist wanting to know more.

Air Force Captain Mariah Jensen, in mourning due to the recent death of her fiancé is struggling to go on with her life. Knowing her friends are concerned for her, she accepts the invitation of a Wiccan friend to a 'Halloween party' not really knowing what to expect. Two things occur that evening which will alter the future for Mariah. A 'talking board' conversation with her dead fiancé warning her of impending danger and evil approaching, and Mariah herself wishing for those who commit evil to no longer be allowed to escape the justice deserved. This wish inadvertently casts a spell that allows unspeakable evil to return to the world.

The Ripper himself returns to continue his evil and, in his quest to obtain immortality, is drawn to the power Mariah possesses. No one in Mariah's world is safe including Mariah herself. Unsure of whom to trust, Mariah finds herself turning to her worldly older friend and soul mate Mikhail to help her uncover the truth of what is occurring. Can even Mike's uncanny and even eerie insight as to what is taking place protect Mariah from an evil not of this world?

I adored Abbatoir. Like the spell cast long ago, this book calls upon elements of both dark and light, blending them together seamlessly to create a fantastic dark romance. Mariah is a wonderful heroine; strong and self-assured enough to survive the horrible blows she is dealt and come out even stronger. Her relationship with Mikhail is a pleasure to behold, one of those rare and special dances that take place in life. It was a joy to get to know these two. If you want a new series to draw readers, this is how to do it. Create a theme and start the series off with a winner. Will the next installment in this series measure up to this one? I will be anxiously seeking out the future additions to find out. Well done!

Reviewed By Johnna
© August 2005