by MaryJanice Davidson
Series: Insighter #1
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Leah Nazir is an Insighter. Reincarnation is her business. But while her clients’ pasts are a mess, Leah’s is nothing short of tragedy. She’s been murdered. A lot. If left to that bitch, destiny, it’ll happen again. Leah wants to know who’s been following her through time, and who’s been stalking her in the present...
P.I. Archer Drake has been hired by Leah’s mother to keep an eye on her. But the more time he spends watching, the more he finds himself infatuated. Before long, he even finds himself agreeing to help find the person who wants her dead. Over and over again.
Now going full-on “rewind,” Leah hopes it can stave off the inevitable. After all, she’s grown fond of this life—and even fonder of nerdy Archer. But changing her pattern means finding out who her killer is today. And as Leah fears, that could be anyone she has come to know and trust. Anyone.
You couldn’t arrest someone for killing in a past life. You couldn’t bring a civil suit against them, either. They could only be legally penalized for what they did this time around—and what a dark circus the legal system had been before that legislation passed! (It was still a dark circus, but perhaps not as dark.) But you could spot them, and watch them. You could set traps for them.
Deja Who by MaryJanice Davidson is the first in a new urban fantasy series where folks are aware of their past lives. It explores reincarnation as it shares famous characters from the past and introduces heroine Leah Nazir who navigates her own tragic past, helps clients with theirs, and waits to be murdered.
Deja Who was a quirky, original story. Despite a rough beginning, this was an excellent start to this new series.
Caffeinated Aspects:
- I found the Author’s notes at the beginning fascinating and recommend not skipping them. (Yes, I am talking to you)
- The year is 2015 and unlike the witches and soothsayers of the past, Insighters are respected in the medical and legal professions. In Davidson’s world as teens, or during tragic/stressful events folks unlock or recall parts of their past lives. This often affects them or is the driving force behind their behavior. Whether court required, or medical reasons patients use Insighters to safely navigate memories of their past lives. By understanding their fears/behavior in relation to their past lives they can break the cycle. Insighters also use their insight to alert local authorities to watch or set traps for dangerous souls. It is all quite interesting and taps into some religious and spiritual beliefs.
- Leah Nazir is our quirky heroine and Insighter. Folks who work with her respect her but will also note she is a cold-hearted bitch. By outward appearances, Leah is indeed a bit of a bitch. Cold, factual and reserved she allows very few people into her inner world. In ALL of Leah’s past lives she was murdered. Every time she is stabbed, and a part of her is waiting for that to happen again. Of course she hopes to thwart the killer, but she is also resigned to die.
- P.I Archer Drake has been hired to keep an eye on her, and soon find himself curious. Leah is aware of the man stalking her but believes him to be her killer. When he is unhappy with the client and feels Leah may be in danger he confronts her. Oh boy this is when the fun begins.
- In Deja Who we have several threads; developing friendship/romance between Archer and Leah, a murder and the looming threat of Leah’s pending murder, All of these threads created intense scenes, drama and helped the reader understand Leah and her past. The beginning was rough for me (see Decaffeinated Aspects) but the story delivered twists, reveals and just enough drama to keep me flipping the pages at a steady past.
- Secondary characters added interest and shed light on Insighters, past lives and the jumbled legal issues surrounding those lives. It was quite interesting and allowed me to see Leah in action and warm up to her. I enjoyed Leah’s sessions with patients, and her insight about people she comes into contact with. Davidson included famous historical characters and it was riveting.
- The romance was light and adorkable, even silly at times but it totally worked because Leah and Archer are quirky.
Decaffeinated Aspects:
- I almost DNF’d Deja Who at 15%. While the author’s note and prologue give us the basic concept, we sort of jump right into the story as Leah is with a client. The date on the report is the only clue about where I was. In America, based on how the date was written and the year was 2015. We dip into past lives and it was all quite unsettling for me as a reader. I did not feel grounded. Thankfully, I began to settle in despite jarring questions. Once I read Archer’s perspective, I decided to give it more time. I am glad that I did, despite wanting more details. I am not even sure of the city. My best guess is Chicago.
- The world building was lacking for me, or the author assumed that as the reader I understood all the levels of reincarnation. I would have liked an understanding of the path, and Insighters role. We learn how Insighters helps the patients not become lost in their own mind, but I am quite confident their role is more than that. I am hoping the second novel provides more insight.
Deja Who offered an original, quirky beginning to the Insighters series. I love the concept and exploration of past lives and her inclusion of famous historical characters was a cool touch. This was a fun, light urban fantasy and I am curious to see what happens next.
[bctt tweet=”Deja Who. Meet Leah as she navigates her past, helps clients and waits to be murdered.” username=”kimbacaffeinate”]
MaryJanice Davidson
Thank you for your review! Yes, the book is set in Chicago (my bad, clearly). The sequel will be out next September, I hope you like it!
kimbacaffeinate
Looking forward to it!
Lark
Sounds fascinating, if not quite as well developed as it could have been. I’ll keep an eye out for it, though.
kimbacaffeinate
I am curious too see how it develops for me.
Leona
Adorkable LMBO!!! I think when this releases as an audio (or is already out as audio) I might pick it up. I’ve always wanted to read something by this author.
kimbacaffeinate
This might be cool on audio 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
I’m glad you stuck with it and it mostly worked for you. There’s nothing worse than powering through a book you know you should have dnf’d.
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I am no longer afraid to let go, but I am glad I pushed a little.
Bookworm Brandee
Ooh, a new series from MJD! I like the premise of this, Kim, but I’ll have to remember to keep plugging away at it rather than giving up if I’m not feeling grounded in the story from the get-go. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first go with her. I look forward to your take on it.
Deborah Haupt
Thanks Kim for the great review, this is actually on my list too and I’ve asked for an interview so maybe you can get some of those answers. I think I’m going to read this one too!
kimbacaffeinate
That would be cool Debbie!
The Bibliophile Babe
Iffy starts seem to be the theme with urban fantasy!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes indeed. We shall see how book two fairs 🙂
kindlemom1
I keep telling myself I want to try this author but, you know how it is, too many books out there to try. It really is hard to decide.
kimbacaffeinate
I do. This was my first experience with her 🙂
Mckenzie
I haven’t seen anything like this; it sounds really interesting! I love the idea of past lives and Insighters. I’m really glad you enjoyed this one! We’re definitely going to look into it 🙂
~Mckenzie
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Mckenzie. Hope the school year is amazing!
Jackie B.
At what percent do you think Archer and Leah started interacting? I just want something the gauge my patience if I feel like I want to DNF.
kimbacaffeinate
It doesn’t take long, 20-25% but don’t hold me to exact percentage..lol I just know it wasn’t long after I got frustrated.
Mary Kirkland
If we had past lives and were aware of them, that would be kinda strange.
kimbacaffeinate
Right. It was a curious concept.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I just read a book where I felt that off kilter for much of the book and almost dnf’d it as well. Glad I did stick with it so I will do so here. I haven’t read a MJD book in a long while and I think I may need to correct that. I am one to actually read the author’s notes. 😀 You talkin’ to me? LOL
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I always read everything from front to back and no peeking..lol This was my first read for this author.
Sophia Rose
Now that is an interesting premise. If it just jumped right in for something like that, it might be too much so I can see why you’d hesitate to keep going. Glad it finally settled in and you could enjoy it.
kimbacaffeinate
It almost felt like I was missing the prologue or prequel, but it settled down
Lekeisha
I haven’t read anything from this author before, but I do have her book Danger Sweetheart on my shelf. I think that one is a contemporary romance, but I’ll have to try some of her UF/PNR. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first go with this author, I will be curious to see how book two develops
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I was so intrigued by this, but the lack of quality in worldbuilding worries me. I love to have things as clear as they can be. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Right, I just felt she assumed to much from the reader.
Angela Adams
This premise sounds really “deep.”
kimbacaffeinate
It does tap into an interesting topic
blodeuedd
I had missed she has a new series out
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first time reading her works Linda 🙂
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
The premise of the story sounds fascinating but I’d have the same reaction as you if dropped in the middle of an unfamiliar world and circumstances. Thanks for your in depth and insightful review.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jonetta. Yeah it was unnerving, but the premise is interesting and I am curious to see how the next book goes.
Jennifer
Maybe a prequel novella would help? Set up the world where it was missed in this one? Even though I dropped her other series I’m willing to give her another try as an author. I’ll wait until book 2 comes out and see how you like it before trying this series. It’s not like I don’t have tons of other books on my TBR. lol
Jennifer
I gave up on Davidson’s Queen Betsy series a few years ago and I’m gun shy about trying this one.
kimbacaffeinate
This was my first time trying her. Was world-building an issue?
Jennifer
(From my review….) You would think after 10 books Betsy’s character would have grown. WRONG. She is still the same dumb, shallow blonde stereotype; which was fun for the first few books but it’s gotten old and on my nerves.
So not so much world building but no character growth.
http://thebooknympho.com/2011/08/review-undead-and-undermined-by-maryjanice-davidson/
Jackie B.
Ugh. That’s the worst! I firmly believe in character growth. I can totally understand why you’d be gun-shy.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jen!
Reanna
I did the exact same thing with Betsy. The series had promise, but Betsy really started to get on my nerves. I think I gave up with the book right before the one you linked here. I do want to try this series, though. It sounds promising.
And hi Kimba! <3
Berls
I am definitely interested. Good to know that those authors notes make such a difference – I probably would have skipped them. And I know now to push through the beginning – I usually give a book to the 20 mark, so I should be good (if I forget your sage advice by time I finally get to this one lol) great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I usually give it longer too, but was frustrated. I am curious for book two.
Christy LoveOfBooks
I was thinking about the world-building and how curious I am about it, but then got to the last part of your review. I already have so many questions! I’ll wishlist it for now.
kimbacaffeinate
Right…what we learn is cool but I like to have the facts!