Review copy

Opening line..."She was born with the power to cure. Now she's developed the power to kill." I'm in.

Leah Degarmo is a veterinarian with the power to cure with just a touch, but her gift comes with a dark side: whatever she takes in she has to pass on, or suffer it herself.

I've read a number of stories recently where the principal character has interesting powers and I don't mind telling you they have all been among my favorites.

The Cure is certainly a page turner and I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. As the story grew and the pressures on our heroine mounted, so did her talents, what starts out as a simple way to help pets and their owners turns into something much more terrifying.

When her secret gets out and into the hands of some very bad people that's when it really hits the fan, but by the story's end when things seem to be calming down, they are actually much worse than ever.

With just a small suspension of disbelief, the plausibility of everything else is rather simple and there is an overall feeling of helplessness throughout. Every time you think you've seen the worst that could happen, something even worse happens. Fun.

I get the feeling the end is not really the end, although I have not seen any word on plans for a sequel, there is plenty left to be explored.

The Cure is available in paperback and ebook formats from Samhain Horror through their website and Amazon.com.

Recommended. ( )