Reviews

Ever since I read Townsend’s first novel, I have compared his writing style to Piers Anthony’s style. Townsend does add more history (some accurate, some has been manipulated a bit to fit the story), which I like. Townsend’s novels are always fast moving, with the protagonist often targeted for assassination at the unlikeliest of times.

This novel is the only book that you will ever read that simultaneously deals with vampires, meta and nuclear holocaust. Townsend doesn’t preach about nukes (which I appreciate), they are simply a part of the story.

I read the book in four evenings – as always these books are so fast paced that it is hard to find a place to put it down. Clean enough that the kids can read it. Interesting enough that an adult can enjoy it. Another excellent read and another Townsend “Adept series” winner!

Action-packed from the start, this book is incredibly fun. A mash-up of paranormal with spy thriller/mystery, the author engages the reader from start to finish with gripping anticipation. CIA agent Peter Branton is sent to Romania to investigate a Communist threat. Here, he discovers a horrifying society of bloodthirsty vampires/necromancers using dark magic for power. The world that the author has composed is masterfully written and full of rich history. His ability to create characters with great detail and a plot full of mystery makes this not just a story, but a truly enjoyable experience.

I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Reviews for Agent of Artifice:

Michael Vaughan looks like an ordinary guy who’s living it up in Havana, having the time of his life. He’s got money, women, practically anything he could ever ask for. Yet appearances can be deceiving, for underneath it all he’s a rogue adept sent to Cuba to assassinate Castro. Magic allows him to infiltrate enemy bases in hopes of gaining the needed intel to achieve a means to his goals, but sometimes it proves to hinder his plans in more ways than one.

His current task is far from easy. There are those who are watching his every step, intent on thwarting his attempts. Dodging bullets and barely escaping with his life, at times, Michael wonders if there’s someone out to get him and begins to suspect that it could be an inside job within one of the guilds. Someone wants to silence him and he refuses to give whoever it is the satisfaction of ending his life forever.

When the leader of his guild is attacked and it is assumed that he is one of his most devout supporters, Michael realizes that his safety is no longer guaranteed. He’s now on the run and a target amongst those who seek to have the guild for themselves. Time is running out as he struggles to clear his name and he’s determined to go down fighting in every way he can.

I absolutely loved this book. The action starts at the beginning and continued consistently throughout the book. The twists and turns and unexpected happenings kept my attention riveted to every page as I sought to find out what happened next. It’s a great read. You’ll like it too. I truly recommend reading it.