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Cassandra Palmer #1-4
Cassie Palmer Series
Clairvoyant Cassandra Palmer's magical powers are a mixed blessing-she may be able to contact spirits but sometimes this can be a whole lot more trouble than it's worth. Battling with vampires, feys and mages who all seek supremacy, Cassie must use her powers wisely in order to save herself - and the world.
The Cassie Palmer Series includes Touch the Dark, Claimed by Shadow, Embrace the Night and Curse the Dawn.
The Cassie Palmer Series includes Touch the Dark, Claimed by Shadow, Embrace the Night and Curse the Dawn.
1304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
24 people are currently reading
408 people want to read
About the author
Karen Chance
61 books5,252 followersKaren Chance is the author of two New York Times bestselling series, plus a number of novellas and short stories, all set in the Cassandra Palmer universe. A full-time writer since 2008, she was previously a university history teacher, which comes in handy when writing the time-travel aspect of Cassie’s crazy adventures. She loves Las Vegas, the main setting for her novels, but currently lives in Florida near her family home. Visit her website or connect with her on Facebook here.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 26, 2022
Actual Ratings 3.5 stars.
Entertaining.
I read the 4 first books of the series in a row. Then, I reread them in a row again so I had them fresh to read the 5th one. That means that I have them all scrambled in my mind right now, which is why I can’t review each of them separately. This is more a general opinion of the combination of the 4.
This series have many elements that make it an entertaining and interesting read. It has compelling plots, action, miseries to solve, enemies, romantic tension, magic, friendship, humor, a strong female lead, deaths, attractive men, fantastic creatures, time travel, vampires, and much much more.
Nevertheless, I had a few problems with the books, which prevented me from giving them a higher rating:
To me these books have way too much action and the scenes are way too long. The books are a succession of action after action without rest, no pause to collect our thoughts. Due to this huge amount of action the information is dropped in the middle of it, which elongates the scenes. As a result, this can be a bit tiresome at times. With all that activity and turmoil, there is obviously no time for musings, there barely are any reflections; we only know what the characters are thinking because of what they do in each moment while affronting the situation in the middle of the action. I truly believe there is a serious need for more dialogue and thoughts communication here, it needs deepness.
The romance need to be explored further. There is just enough of it as well as enough sexual tension to keep you interested, but not enough to trap you. And after 4 books, it has become annoying to always be left wanting.
Mircea is your typical sexy vampire type. In fact, he is so stereotypical that there are exact copies of him on many other Urban Fantasy books. But I can’t fault the writer much for this since it seems to work every time for most female readers.
Despite my issues with the series, all and all, these books are ok, stimulating and intriguing . And, if I recall correctly, I liked the third one a bit more than the others.
I will continue reading this series.
Entertaining.
I read the 4 first books of the series in a row. Then, I reread them in a row again so I had them fresh to read the 5th one. That means that I have them all scrambled in my mind right now, which is why I can’t review each of them separately. This is more a general opinion of the combination of the 4.
This series have many elements that make it an entertaining and interesting read. It has compelling plots, action, miseries to solve, enemies, romantic tension, magic, friendship, humor, a strong female lead, deaths, attractive men, fantastic creatures, time travel, vampires, and much much more.
Nevertheless, I had a few problems with the books, which prevented me from giving them a higher rating:
To me these books have way too much action and the scenes are way too long. The books are a succession of action after action without rest, no pause to collect our thoughts. Due to this huge amount of action the information is dropped in the middle of it, which elongates the scenes. As a result, this can be a bit tiresome at times. With all that activity and turmoil, there is obviously no time for musings, there barely are any reflections; we only know what the characters are thinking because of what they do in each moment while affronting the situation in the middle of the action. I truly believe there is a serious need for more dialogue and thoughts communication here, it needs deepness.
The romance need to be explored further. There is just enough of it as well as enough sexual tension to keep you interested, but not enough to trap you. And after 4 books, it has become annoying to always be left wanting.
Mircea is your typical sexy vampire type. In fact, he is so stereotypical that there are exact copies of him on many other Urban Fantasy books. But I can’t fault the writer much for this since it seems to work every time for most female readers.
Despite my issues with the series, all and all, these books are ok, stimulating and intriguing . And, if I recall correctly, I liked the third one a bit more than the others.
I will continue reading this series.
July 24, 2013
I could sum up this series in one word - addictive!
The books really do just get better and better. Karen Chance has made my favourite authors list.
The books really do just get better and better. Karen Chance has made my favourite authors list.
August 11, 2018
The reason why I followed the saga of Cassandra Palmer was Pritkin. His death was too shocking for me, just like the death of Reyes Farrow in Charley Davidson... Without him, I no longer have any interest in this story. It is too chaotic, you have trouble trying to follow each event which seems to occur at the same time, and you don't have any time to breath at all. Like a maze. I read to entertain myself, not to get a headache.
The reviews I read on tome 7 are not good at all, so I won't spend my time on it anymore. I read 6 tomes so far and was still not amazed... Though there were some good parts, but not enough to gain my attention. Sorry TT_TT
Maybe it just doesn't suit my taste??? But Pritkin, ma boy, you melt my heart haha, and Tommy at the beginning also. Mircea is just such an annoying character, humpf, coward. Trying to manipulate a girl so younger than you, then running away when she turns out to be more powerful than you expected she would be, in order to transform her into a puppet you could play with ?!?!
The story itself is such a mess. So many things are not explained and leave you like : "Whatta hell, I thought they were in the same team?! " Turns out there is a backstory, a huge plot etc, etc... And above all, I expected the daughter of a goddess to be more powerful than that... Just saying...
No hate, everyone has its opinion. Maybe some people like the story, good for you. U_U
The reviews I read on tome 7 are not good at all, so I won't spend my time on it anymore. I read 6 tomes so far and was still not amazed... Though there were some good parts, but not enough to gain my attention. Sorry TT_TT
Maybe it just doesn't suit my taste??? But Pritkin, ma boy, you melt my heart haha, and Tommy at the beginning also. Mircea is just such an annoying character, humpf, coward. Trying to manipulate a girl so younger than you, then running away when she turns out to be more powerful than you expected she would be, in order to transform her into a puppet you could play with ?!?!
The story itself is such a mess. So many things are not explained and leave you like : "Whatta hell, I thought they were in the same team?! " Turns out there is a backstory, a huge plot etc, etc... And above all, I expected the daughter of a goddess to be more powerful than that... Just saying...
No hate, everyone has its opinion. Maybe some people like the story, good for you. U_U
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2020
Could not keept on living without it. When I read this book at 17 in the middle of nowhere in france and it changed my live. It enhanced my cognitive capacity by the unique pace and complexity of the story. I could identify with this cassi character like with no other.
Cassandra in the myth is a woman who sees the future but everybody underestimates her by far up until it's too late. That could also be a description of the series. The storyline keeps changing and while the first four books are a about vampires, this eases out over time. It is an unique and innovative read.
Cassandra in the myth is a woman who sees the future but everybody underestimates her by far up until it's too late. That could also be a description of the series. The storyline keeps changing and while the first four books are a about vampires, this eases out over time. It is an unique and innovative read.
June 26, 2025
Book 1 review: Reminds me of Vampire Academy.
In that it's a boring whiny plotless mess for most of it, then all of a sudden it gets pretty exciting for the climax, making you kinda wanna know what happens in the next book.
Of course in the case of VA, that happened like every book, with all the plot saved for the end to try to force you to keep picking up the next one.
After 4 books: Well, it gets a bit better. #4 is actually okay. I don't care about the lead(s) at all still, but some of the side characters are fun. The plot/world...exist, more or less.
In that it's a boring whiny plotless mess for most of it, then all of a sudden it gets pretty exciting for the climax, making you kinda wanna know what happens in the next book.
Of course in the case of VA, that happened like every book, with all the plot saved for the end to try to force you to keep picking up the next one.
After 4 books: Well, it gets a bit better. #4 is actually okay. I don't care about the lead(s) at all still, but some of the side characters are fun. The plot/world...exist, more or less.
June 3, 2019
The Cassie Palmer series is tons of fun with time travel, sexy vampires, mysterious warlocks and so much more. Get in on the action. With Karen's easy to read writing style, you'll feel part of the court.
March 31, 2020
I loved this series! I got hooked so fast. Extremely entertaining. I read a lot of paranormal fiction and the protagonist's powers/abilities are so novel and original. I've never read anything like this.
April 14, 2020
Marvellous
Read the first two books many years ago. They have only gotten better over time and that last scene has tears rolling down my face and I can't breath I'm laughing so hard. Love Cassie and the gang. Adore the story, cannot wait to read the next book.
Read the first two books many years ago. They have only gotten better over time and that last scene has tears rolling down my face and I can't breath I'm laughing so hard. Love Cassie and the gang. Adore the story, cannot wait to read the next book.
July 16, 2022
If you're looking for a sexy good time this series is a winner. Big action! I've read this series so many times and even got a couple of friends hooked.
January 20, 2025
My favourite author. Fantastic series and hasn't written a bad book yet! I love her world, her rich array of characters, kick ass heroines, and the delightful chaos that drives it all forward.
November 9, 2011
Ok, I have mixed feeling with this book (the bundle edition), maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood to read it, maybe it just irked me.
Touch the Dark
The concept is really interesting and refreshing; I don’t remember reading about a clairvoyant book before and I kind of like Cassie. However, from the moment the book begins is a parade of famous character after famous character and that particular detailed kept distracting me from the plotline. I guess I’m the kind of girl that likes the characters – specially the world renowned ones – to be eased into the story rather than all thrown into it in the first 3 chapters. So I’m still trying to decipher whether I liked the story or not; might need to reread it to know for sure.
** I will update and add the reviews of the other books at a later time.
Claimed by Shadow
Embrace the Night
Curse the Dawn
Touch the Dark
The concept is really interesting and refreshing; I don’t remember reading about a clairvoyant book before and I kind of like Cassie. However, from the moment the book begins is a parade of famous character after famous character and that particular detailed kept distracting me from the plotline. I guess I’m the kind of girl that likes the characters – specially the world renowned ones – to be eased into the story rather than all thrown into it in the first 3 chapters. So I’m still trying to decipher whether I liked the story or not; might need to reread it to know for sure.
** I will update and add the reviews of the other books at a later time.
Claimed by Shadow
Embrace the Night
Curse the Dawn
October 11, 2016
I love these books. I am amazed that anyone gives these anything less than 4 stars but each to their own. I am on the 5 th of these and I have read the dorina books too which are a bit more action.
I find these books easy to read. They make me laugh and I love the character's in them. Some other authors have main characters that become not so likeable, such as Anita Blake but you just have to love cassie and I totally love Mircea although not seeing much of him at the moment.
Other reasons for reading these: The plots of each book have stayed engaging and have moved an overall theme forward. Sometimes there is a bit too much whirling around but it still has enough humour for you to whirl along with it. All of the paranormal species that take part have character traits that make them more rounded and individual. I hope it stays on track and we finally have a conclusion of sorts.
I find these books easy to read. They make me laugh and I love the character's in them. Some other authors have main characters that become not so likeable, such as Anita Blake but you just have to love cassie and I totally love Mircea although not seeing much of him at the moment.
Other reasons for reading these: The plots of each book have stayed engaging and have moved an overall theme forward. Sometimes there is a bit too much whirling around but it still has enough humour for you to whirl along with it. All of the paranormal species that take part have character traits that make them more rounded and individual. I hope it stays on track and we finally have a conclusion of sorts.
October 17, 2011
I bought this edition for about $7. what great value. I found each book a bit slow to start but once you get through the first few chapters they are a great read.
And now I find the 5th book, Hunt the Moon is not available as an ebook in Australia! When are these publishers going to sort this out?
And now I find the 5th book, Hunt the Moon is not available as an ebook in Australia! When are these publishers going to sort this out?
Read
September 11, 2013I really enjoy this series. I'm sure its because I'm a Buffy fan as well, and this series has the same substance. Magic, crazy creatures, a little humor, and of course, a strong heroine, who though may not believe in herself, over comes obstacles that shocks everyone involved.
December 7, 2014
I read all four books, and I'm still on the fence about this series. Almost too much action (none of those "catch your breath" moments), and a little hard to follow. Strange storyline, but I like the characters.
May 12, 2012
Read all but Curse the Dawn, Like all of the books but can be slow to get into.
March 8, 2013
Fun to read
December 30, 2014
The action is non-stop. It makes me tired just to read it. But I have to say I prefer my UF without time travel. It's just too confusing.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews