Review: Wicked Fate by Shannon Maynard

WICKED FATE

The Wicked Luck Series, Book Two

by Shannon Maynard

Clean Teen Publishing

YA Thriller/Romance

308 pages

How can Ava Starr's dream come true be Dax Miller's worst nightmare?

Ava's mother always told her to be careful what she wished for. From the moment Ava woke up on Lamarai Island, she wanted nothing more than to find Preston. But now that she has, her heart is caught in a fierce game of tug-of-war. In a place where danger lurks around every tree, she must quickly figure out who she can trust, and who is out to destroy her dream of a happy ever after.

Dax's plan to capture Ava's heart was all falling into place. That is, until Ava's past showed up on the island in the form of a tall, dark, and handsome pilot named Preston, leaving Dax to wonder if he's inherited Ava's wicked luck. Preston is determined to pick up his relationship with Ava where they left off before a plane crash separated them, but Dax will stop at nothing to fight for the girl of his dreams and discover the truth behind the mysterious pilot.

But Dax isn't the only one troubled by the surprise appearance of Preston and his flight crew. The new visitors to the island have caused Dax's stepsister, Roxy, to develop a bad case of sibling rivalry, as well as managed to attract the unwanted attention of a vicious tribe of cannibals. Now Dax must figure out a way to keep his new tribe of misfits safe, while Ava is left to make the most important decision of her life. Will they succeed, or will fate decide for them?

Wicked Fate is the heart-pounding sequel to Wicked Luck, a new adult adventure romance series. 

MY TIDBITS

A young woman finds herself deserted on a tropical island with the two men she's fallen in love with during her life. Add two opposing cannibal tribes and a jealous woman from the past, and this is a guaranteed thriller to keep one glued to the edge of the seat most of the way through.

I have to admit that I didn't read the first book in this series. That was a mistake. The first page starts right where the other book leaves off--the main character jumping off of a cliff, splashing into the ocean and finding herself in one man's arms. It took a couple of chapters to put the background pieces together, which really pulled from the tension. But as said, that was my own fault.

This is a story with action, danger, layers of intrigue, betrayal, tons of romance and one or two secret waterfalls. Three characters take center stage (Ava, Dax and Preston), switching each chapter between each ones point of view. This was well done and never jarring nor confusing. It allows a deep look into each character's thoughts. At least, for Ava and Dax. Preston, for some reason, remained a bit superficial.

Although there are several very unexpected twists and turns which keep the tension very high, much of the middle of the novel is spent on the romance triangle. This was an odd situation and more frustrating than grabbing. The understanding the two male characters reach was frustrating, but Ava's attitude was simply irritating. It, unfortunately, made her hard to like and less and less sympathetic as time went on.

Surrounding this romance, there are very grabbing and tense action scenes. The ever present danger of cannibals, arrows and raids in the dark, add thrilling moments which really lure into the pages.

Summed up, this was an interesting, intriguing and, for the most part, grabbing read with a lovely, exotic setting. The scenes pull in with the descriptions which make the entire island come to life, and the danger hangs like an ever present fog. Fans of suspense and love triangles are sure to enjoy every minute.