Spider-Touched

The world as they once knew it is no more. In this post-apocalyptic time the humans attempt to cope with their new destiny as supernatural's take the helm. The vampires now lead while the Were population struggles for their own dominancy. The lines are clearly drawn, each group knows exactly where they stand or lie. For so long he has been at the mercy of humans, hidden away from the world, unable to escape - even death has been denied him. The collar around his neck has stripped him of his gifts; his memories are only a shadow in his mind. The one thing he knows for sure is that his name is Tir. A childhood of misery and cruelty fashioned Arana into a frightened, bitter girl. Escape to salvation however, in the form of pirates Erik and Matthew, taught Arana that some kindnesses still exists. Arriving in Oakland to seek out a healer, Arana knows that her life is about to radically change once more. Tir has vowed to never trust a human yet it is a human who comes to his aid when he's taken to Oakland by his current owner. To complicate matters, an indescribable spark of passion rages between Arana and Tir from the moment they meet. Vows made in the past should set them apart forever but don't. Fighting against fate is a fruitless endeavor some would say yet Tir and Arana have no choice or do they? From the first page to the last, Spider-Touched is a red hot thrill ride! Fans of paranormal, urban fantasy and romance will love Tir and cherish Arana for their strength of character as well as the secondary characters who breathe life and passion into Spider-Touched. Multi-talented author Jory Strong once again writes an original in this brutal, meticulously crafted, fascinating future tale. Motivations are clear, the sensual eroticism between Arana and Tir literally scorches the pages from the moment they see one another. Make sure Spider-Touched is at the top of your to be read list! Lisa Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

[Book provided for review by publisher] Once again Jory Strong explores her post-apocalyptic Oakland, a land of shape-shifters, powerful vampire families, outcast humans with special "gifts," witches with hidden agendas, wealthy humans fulfilling decadent desires, and a power-hungry church ruling through terror. Her world-building is exquisite, and her particular mix of urban fantasy and paranormal unusual and refreshing. Since Spider-Touched focused less on the gifted humans, however, than Ghostland did, and spends more of its time in the physical world, it had a little less to distinguish itself from other urban fantasy/paranormals than the previous book did. Araña is a strong, enjoyable character--somewhat withdrawn, but fiercely protective of her friends and herself. She's smart and savvy, and she has good chemistry with Tir. Tir, however, perhaps because of his amnesia, was less remarkable than Zurael from the previous book; he wasn't as intense or detailed a character. Also, if you've read Ghostland you'll find some of the plot developments easy to predict in this one because of the parallels, which makes them a little less intense. The side plot in this one, involving a healer and a werewolf trying to save victims from the "Maze" used as both punishment and entertainment, was engaging but also less so than the events in Ghostland. Once again I have to give Jory props for depicting dominant/submissive sex scenes (male dom, female sub) that are erotic, loving, and enjoyable without straying toward abusive. Spider-Touched is a good follow-on to Ghostland, and I look forward to reading more of Jory's work. That said, Ghostland was so outstanding that Spider-Touched does suffer a little by comparison.

In Oakland, Arana the human thief has the uncanny ability to change the threads of lives of others due to the deadly spider tattoo that wanders all over her body. Though an outsider due to her anomaly, she has felt safe and loved for a few years due to the protectiveness of two endearing pirates, Eric and Matt. However, both are dead and she is taken prisoner. Tir has no memory of his past and has had his power drained to almost nothing due to a collar he wears. He knows one thing with certainty: he loathes humans. He and Arana meet while both are being held prisoner; each is stunned; he because a mortal liberates his mind and she because he is immune to her tattoo. They become lovers with a goal of freedom, which begins with learning who they are and where they come from. As with GHOSTLAND, Jory Strong continues to paint a post apocalyptic world (following The Last War) as a dark, grim realm. Ariana is a refreshing kick butt heroine and Tir who detests humans with his deepest soul (can an angel or whatever have a soul?) is a heroic Prometheus like figure. Together they are a formidable team in the deadly streets of New California. However, on the other hand in the boudoir scenes her acquiescence as a submissive to his dominance seems off kilter for her take the hill personality. Still erotic urban fantasy readers will relish SPIDER-TOUCHED (and GHOSTLAND) while looking forward to many more Strong escapades in the Oakland diocese Harriet Klausner

Author Jory Strong has created a futuristic world of such vast scope, it's hard sometimes not to get lost in its stories. Her latest in the Ghostland World series is "Spider-Touched", a tale of two lost souls who aren't sure who or WHAT they are. The only thing they come to know during the story is that they belong together, regardless of their pasts. The year doesn't matter. It's beyond the apocalypse of the last war when supernaturals came out of hiding and humans spent their technology and lives almost destroying everything. The remaining city enclaves that remain are in the hands of the ultra-rich and the 'church', and neither is immune from what ultimate power breeds--corruption. Tir doesn't remember WHAT he is, just that he's NOT human, he can't be killed, his blood can heal, and he's living for the day he escapes to lay waste to his enemies...whoever they are. His hatred for humans is arrested when one touches him in a dream, and then frees him. For the first time in centuries he is able to breathe freely and finds his desire rekindled...but only for the woman who risked her life to free him. Arana doesn't know her real name, just the name she gave herself to match the spider mark that moves on her body and protects her at the cost of her ability to touch anyone. She sees the man with the strange markings in a dream and, at the risk of capture, frees him. She knows he's not human because she can touch him without killing him. And not just touch him...caress him, kiss him, and finally...love him. On the run from corrupt groups looking to capture and use their talents for gain, Arana and Tir fall in love. But when the final truths about their natures are revealed, will love be enough to save them...from each other? If you didn't read "Ghostland" this book will be difficult to understand. There's an overarching plotline that provides a little information about who and what each of the characters are, but if you read the first one, this book will make much more sense. Now, having said that, I wonder if reading this book without having read the first one would make it more realistic since neither Tir nor Arana know what they are or how their lives intertwine with a bigger picture of the upcoming war between supernaturals. If you have a strong religious bent, you may be offended as this book portrays all the evil, and none of the good, of the established 'church' that holds power by using supernatural creatures to evoke miracles and healing and control the populace. If that will make you froth at the mouth...don't read this series! Jory Strong writes stories with incredibly strong heroes and heroines...and really, really smoking hot sex! I wavered over calling this erotica since it's more smoking romance but there's just something 'naughty' enough about the situations and characters to justify the tag. The sex is copious and sizzling and does include some light consensual BDSM for those who need a warning. Having said