Visions by Kelley Armstrong

October 6th, 2015 Kimberly Review 74 Comments

6th Oct
Visions by Kelley Armstrong
Visions
by Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cainsville #2
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Heat Level: One FlameOne FlameOne Flame

Omens, the first installment in Kelley Armstrong’s exciting new series, introduced Olivia Taylor-Jones, daughter of notorious serial killers, and Gabriel Walsh, the self-serving, morally ambiguous lawyer who became her unlikely ally. Together, they chased down a devious killer and partially cleared her parents of their horrifying crimes. Their success, however, is short-lived. While Olivia takes refuge in the old, secluded town of Cainsville, Gabriel’s past mistakes have come to light, creating a rift between the pair just when she needs his help the most. Olivia finds a dead woman in her car, dressed to look like her, but the body vanishes before anyone else sees it. Olivia’s convinced it’s another omen, a sign of impending danger. But then she learns that a troubled young woman went missing just days ago—the same woman Olivia found dead in her car. Someone has gone to great lengths to kill and leave this young woman as a warning. But why? And what role has her new home played in this disturbing murder? Olivia’s effort to uncover the truth places her in the crosshairs of old and powerful forces, forces that have their own agenda, and closely guarded secrets they don’t want revealed.

SUSPENSE urban paranormal MURDERMYSTERY

I have been in a bit of a reading slump and decided to pick up a book I have had in my tbr pile forever. Visions by Kelley Armstrong the second book in the Cainsville series was exactly what I was craving and once again, Armstrong delivered. It only reaffirmed my love for this series and the strange town of Cainsville.

While I enjoyed Omens the first book, I freaking loved Visions. This urban fantasy kept me completely enthralled. I slipped right into the world and consumed this massive novel in just two days.

Cainsville is small-town where things are not quite right. Armstrong weaves this physiological thriller vibe into this tale with a murder mystery and old lores like those of the Wild Hunt.

In Visions, Olivia begins to link the murder and mythology back to Cainsville. As Olivia investigates, sees omens, and asks questions she seems to be thwarted by the townsfolk. The whole tale gave me the shivers. There are those who want to aid her, and others who try to hinder her. In Omens, we focused more on Olivia’s parents and their crimes, and while we saw some development there, Visions focuses  on the dead girl whose body keeps appearing to Olivia.

The characters and their relationships pull you in. Gabriel and Olivia’s friendship continues to grow, despite objections and misunderstanding. I was not a huge fan of Gabriel in book one, but in Visions we begin to understand him and what drives him. He reminds me of my feelings for Trent Kalamack from The Hollows by Kim Harrison. Gabriel is a type A personality and does not really let anyone in. We see him begin to bring Olivia into his circle and it was powerful. While I expected a romance to develop between them, and have not completely ruled it out, Olivia begins a romance with another character. His role may prove to be significant. I am hoping we do not get into a triangle, but to be honest I felt the beginnings of one.

Armstrong weaves in suspense, danger making every page count. Everything is important, each clue, omen and hunch weaves together giving the reader quite the thrill. I now know much about Cainsville and its residence and yet we have only begun to scratch the surface. Olivia is quite clever and seems to be a person of importance to more than the residence of Cainsville. I loved discovering more about key players as we explored myths, crossed paths with supernatural beings and gained more insight.

Visions was completely addictive and had me grabbing a copy of Deceptions.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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74 Responses to “Visions by Kelley Armstrong”

  1. Olivia

    I am so glad to hear that you were able to like this book even more than the previous one! I think it is a great idea to always go back to your favourite authors when you’re in a reading slump and I think this one sounds so great I might just try it myself. Of course, it always helps that I share a name with the main character too 😉

  2. Vickie

    I have never read her books but this one sounds great!! I can’t wait to read it.

  3. Bookworm Brandee

    Ooh, I love it when you find the *perfect* book to pull you out of a reading slump! I haven’t picked up this series from Armstrong yet but I know I will. I’m a fan of her writing and your glowing review seals the deal. 🙂

  4. Candace

    Oh… a character like Trent? Well, the feelings he brings about (I totally know what you mean). I’m thinking I might like this series. This review really has me interested!

  5. Beth

    This is one of my favourite series!! I love seeing more people read it and enjoy it! Loved you review–and your “heat level” 😛 Glad you loved it! Squee!

  6. Kay

    I absolutely love the heat level addition to your reviews! Have you always have that and I just now noticed? Anyway, I love it. 😀

  8. Jeann

    I love the sound of this series with the omens, mythology, suspense and everything Kimba! Thanks for the great review.

  9. melliane

    I’m glad to see you had a great time with this one! I love all the three books and I’m really curious to know if we’ll have more.

  10. Lorna

    You have me curious. It sounds more like a thriller or mystery rather than UF-is there a paranormal aspect? I kind of skimmed your review because to be honest this sounds so good, I think I am going to add it to my wish list.

  12. Braine Talk Supe

    I’m not a “theme” reader, but there’s something about October and Halloween that gets me in the mood for dark and creepy reads. I think I got book1, must add it to the TBR this mont. I’ve been all over the place. Reader ADD on full throttle

  13. Kathy

    I’m not familiar with this series at all, but I love your review, and it has me looking a little closer at this series.

  14. Bea

    This was such a good book. I love this series. I’m glad she extended it from a trilogy to five books.

  16. Lily B

    two days? o.o wow, dang it another series to try 😐 i feel like i should give up on arcs for a while or something..ha

  17. Emery

    I recently read this entire series! This was my first foray into Kelley Armstrong and I enjoyed it. I liked the third installment even more than the second.

  18. Lori

    I’m just starting to get out of slump myself, if anyone can get your out of it it’s Kelly Armstrong! I love her, can’t wait to start this series, great review Kimberly!

  20. Ethan

    I’ve been in a bit of a slump too. Sometimes it takes a quick and engaging read to reinvigorate our productivity. It sounds like this was the perfect antidote! I’ll definitely be looking into this series.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It really does Ethan. This worked perfectly. I have learned just to go with the slump even if it means switching between a few books.

  21. Heidi

    Ugh… reading slump. I have been through my fair share of those this year. I have heard this second book was excellent. I have it in my pile, maybe I should drop everything and read it too.

  23. Ramona

    Clearly, I have to try this series, since it apparently improved even more from an already good first book. Don’t you just love it when that happens? 🙂

  24. Quinn's Book Nook

    I recently read a Kelley Armstrong book, The Masked Truth. It’s a YA thriller and I loved it. I need to read more of hers. I have to look into this series.

  25. Melanie Simmons

    I loved this book too. I haven’t read Deceptions yet. I need to, because this is such a great series. I think I’m going to try the audio, but I’m not sure yet.

  30. Maureen Beatrice

    I love Kelley Armstrong and this book has also been on my TBR for a very long time. I really liked ‘Omen’ so I really don’t know why I haven’t read this one yet. After reading your review I can’t wait to read it even more. Awesome review Kimberly 😉

  31. Sarah

    Reading slumps are the ABSOLUTE worst! I’m gonna have to read this series soon, hopefully after I stop binge reading Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series. 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I use to be able to binge read..but got burned out. Plus I felt I rushed the books..to see what happens next. Now I space them out by at least 2 weeks, but usually a month to six weeks.

  33. Jenny

    I feel you on the reading slump Kim, I feel like I’ve been in one for months with just a few highlights here and there. I need a streak of outstanding reads, so maybe I need to give this series a try! I think I need a change of genre, and I’ve loved what I’ve read from Kelley in the past:)

  34. Nick

    I haven’t read any book by this author yet, but I’m glad this book was able to get you out of your slump. I really like the sound of Oliver and their growing friendship. I can see myself rooting for them. But a triangle though? That would suck!

  35. Lola

    I loved this book too and nearly had a year on my shelf before I finally read it. I think I loved Visions even more than Omens with how more things were revealed and we learn more about cainsville. I really liked how she wove the murder mystery into the plot as well. It’s not really a love triangle yet as I think Gabriel isn’t ready for a relationship yet, but I am afraid it might go that way. I still hope she’ll end up with Gabriel as I love them together and how they slowly get to know each other better. I already have my copy of deceptions, but haven’t read it yet, soon I hope. Great Review Kimba!

  36. Anissa

    It’s crazy that I’ve still not read a single book by Kelley Armstrong, especially since I’ve heard so many good things about her books! This sounds like a series I could definitely get into, I’m adding it to my TBR list right now! 🙂 Great review!