Double Cross (Disillusionists Series #2)

Heck yeah!!!!!

I love you Caroline Crane!!!! I dont think i've ever read such a unique, perfect, and mind blowing blend!!! I'm completely blown away and i honestly didn't expect the second novel to be as good as the first, but i stand corrected. Cant wait to read the next volume and i hope there are plenty more wonderful reads by her to come.

Great Book!

The only down side about this book is that it doesn't really end just stops at a critical point. I thought it was fitting that Packard would loose Justine through his own scheming. I love the authors twist on creating a superhero from what most people would consider neurotic issues. The ending leaves me sad, frustrated, and anxious for the next. I recommend reading.

Great Series

Highly recommend this series, Can't wait until the next book to come out

Absolutely recommend - loved it!

I loved the first book in this series, Mind Games (my review here), and was impatiently awaiting this second book in the series. OMG - was it soooo worth the wait! If you haven't read it yet (what are you waiting for?!?) I would recommend reading Mind Games before you read Double Cross.

*This review contains spoilers for Mind Games*

Justine is still working for Packard and dating Otto. She's disillusioning but is starting to have second thoughts about it, especially when she learns one of her targets might be innocent. This target seems to have a certain sway over her though, and her dreams are suddenly not her own.

There's a gang on the loose, targeting highcaps (people with special mental abilities) - I laughed throughout the book at the name of the gang - The Dorks. It seems the mayor had decided that the press was not allowed to give serial killers cool names, thus "The Dorks". The list of names they're allowed to use was hysterical :)

As this story moves on, the past catches up to Packard and Otto, and Justine is caught in between their uneasy truce. She's convincing herself she's happy with Otto and mad at Packard, but the tension between Justine and Packard is HOT! (Notice he's made the book boyfriend list!)

There's a revelation in this book that shakes Justine and her other disillusionists to their very core. There's also a revelation at the end of Double Cross that shook this reader to the core - the ending slayed me!

I really can't do justice to how amazing this book was. I was on the edge of my seat, I didn't trust any of the characters and couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what was coming next. Ms. Crane's writing made this story feel real; I found myself thinking of cheesy 80's pop tunes in the elevator to ward off mind-readers! I'm already tapping my fingers impatiently, waiting for the next book; I've got to know what comes next!

This series keeps getting better!

After allowing myself some time to think once I finished Double Cross, I've reached the conclusion that I must have the third book as soon as possible or I might resort to stalking Carolyn Crane.

Seriously though, this is a fantastic follow-up to Mind Games. Once again I find myself questioning everything, believing no one, but still hoping things end in rainbows and smiles for Justine. Sadly, I don't think this will be the case. But a girl can hope. (Unless you're ever disillusioned by Shelby.)

The story arc, the characters and Carolyn Crane's writing style made me keep reading until the wee hours of the morning. I could not put it down. This series is going on my To-Keep-Forever bookcase, so you know I'm serious about the awesomeness that comprises this book.

Highly Recommended

OH MY GOD TWIST! OK so let's start from the beginning. I found Justine's character slightly more annoying in this one because she tended to fall into some typical heroine downfalls (overly-questioning herself, making stupid decision, and thinking the guy who SO obviously loves her is just fooling her). However, I did like the general story line. Although I loved Packard in the first book, I was OK with the Justine-Otto relationship because it seemed to work and make her happy. I was less enthused with Otto in this book, not necessarily a bad thing just that maybe we learned more of the character and his underlying issues. All that being said... the last 50 pages were AMAZING - 5 stars. So good. Totally did not see it coming. Can't wait to see how this develops. Touche Crane. Touche.

I loved the take on the 'magic' system here. Great read!

Justine is free, yet still trapped. As we finished Mind Games it seemed everyone found that happy medium to get what they wanted. Or did they? Justine and the Disillusionists are working for Packard, whose working for Otto, to help rehabilitate the highcaps Otto has locked up in order to help ease the pressure on his head. Justine finds she still has troubles with what she does and rationalizing it to herself. However, one day on the job Justine makes an error with a dream highcap, she touches her with out glove protection, which results in this dangerous woman invading her dreams. And to top it all off Packard pulled Justine away from the woman while they where touching, which then links him in the dreams too. Will the dreams be of that hot steamy night that started so good and ended before it got to far or on the dark past Packard is trying to keep hidden?

I'm going to start off by saying, I absolutely love this trilogy thus far. To me it is fresh, new, and a fun nonstop read. Okay. Now that I've told you I absolutely love this series, I hope it's out of my system. I will apologize now in case it keeps coming up.

The system of 'magic' here is something I enjoy. It's new to me. Carolyn has built a system based on our worst fears, those worries we always have about health, the world, anger management and even down to gambling addictions. And there is a second magic type here with the highcaps and how they get their abilities. It's all related to the brain thinking process, and it works magnificently.

The characters are wonderful mix and complement each other amazingly. They all have unique and individual personalities. Even when they challenge each other they bring out the best, or worst in some cases, to make the book work wonderfully.

This book is a great second book. It has its own story told here with the link of the constant growth of the characters wants and lives following Mind Games. There is a story here that makes the book, but Justine is still on her mission to get out from being at Packard's beckin' call as one of his minions. Justine will do just about anything...or will she...

I will suggest this trilogy thus far to anyone who loves Urban Fantasy books. It is fun, steamy, and full of wonderful suspense. This book will leave you drooling for the third one, not yet out.

An incredible sequel

My thoughts....Double Cross took me on a wild ride and left me breathless. The beginning set me on the edge of my seat, the middle left me questioning my values, and the end...it left me screaming for more.

Let me begin by telling you to start at the beginning. This is book two in the Disillusionment series, book one is titled Mind Games. Written with creative elegance, Carolyn Crane's characters will draw you into her world and keep you entertained through the entire book. Justine is a fierce heroine. In Double Cross she really questions her life as a disillusionist and looks for someone to blame for her situation. The equation is simple...bad guys get rebooted and a start a new life, or is it that simple? All of my favorite characters were back in action, as well as a few new ones. Justine really has some issues with her love life, but things do get steamy from time to time.

Double Cross was ones of those books I had trouble putting down. The action was continuous and the writing was phenomenal. The premise for the series shines with originality and creativity. The ending of Double Cross still has me speechless. It left me shocked and dazed. I cannot wait for book three. Carolyn Crane is one of my favorite authors and I highly recommend her books.

This is a fascinating street-lit fantasy

In Midcity, mastermind Packard charmed and subsequently granted Justine Jones with mental powers that she does not want. However, she has no choice so instead of hiding in trepidation as she prefers, Justine fights in the shadows against paranormal criminals although she fears her attraction to her boss.

Packard's former best friend and current enemy Midcity's new mayor Otto has high levels of power that match his adversary as both are at the top of the pyramid. Instead, she chooses Otto over Packard. However, Justine also uncovers a plot to kill all high caps like Packard and Otto, and that her manipulative former boss is not as evil as she originally thought. Serial killers with power never seen before are stalking and murdering the high caps.

This is a fascinating street-lit fantasy starring three interesting protagonists, but it is the grim Midcity that owns the electrifying story line. Justine assumes Packard is evil while Otto is benevolent, but soon realizes both high caps are neither pure good nor 200 proof bad. With a strong whodunit, sub-genre readers will appreciate the dark world of Carolyn Crane as Justine learns things are not always like they seem.

Harriet Klausner

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.