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Title:	Ill Wind
Author:	Rachel Caine
Copyright Date:	2003
Publisher:	ROC
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April 2004

Reviews

This was a FAST paced book. So much so it was kind of hard to keep up with. However, there was nothing wrong with that because it made for interesting reading and kept you engaged. I liked the characters and even flash backs were done well so that the reader could figure out where the story was ultimately headed. I had only a few problems with the book.

One: Who was after Joanne?
Two: Why didn't Joanne know her own strength?
Three: The end really kinda sucked.

I'll read the next one to see if its worth it, but the main interest of the story gets smashed at the end of this book. Oh, well c'est la vie.

This is a fast-paced story that propels the reader along with a strong wind. It starts with action and keeps it going throughout the book. One thing about this book is that all the backstory was revealed to the reader through flashbacks. Most books that contain flashbacks have a problem with maintaining the forward pace of the plot. Often the flashbacks are used to develop the characters and then get drawn out until the plot stalls. Instead, this book used the flashbacks to help develop the plot and explain character relationships. The author kept the flashbacks short and to the point. The plot is quick and believable.

Gripe #1: Minor Problems The main characters felt well developed to me but there were only two! Even though many characters exist throughout the story, they are treated as minor characters and not given much development. I'm sure many of these characters will be the source of future plots in later books but the reader is not invested in them enough to want to read further.
Gripe #2: Antagonist The "Bad Guy" is a bit of a suprise and that is a mixed blessing. I've read a lot of books and I have learned how to read the subtle foreshadowing. This book offers no hints to the Antagonist's identity. When the reader has the "horrible truth" finally revealed, it makes the climax feel sudden and out of place. The Antagonist is also not believable. The Antagonist only has the ability to control one element but several elements are utilized to make attempts on her life.
Gripe #3: "P" Whipped? One of my biggest questions is "How does the Antagonist control Lewis?" Lewis is heralded as the strongest Warden EVER! He can control every element! Add to this the fact that a Demon Mark effectively supercharges their abilities to GOD-LIKE proportions and I don't see how anyone could control him!
Gripe #4: That's It? The resolution to the story is a complete copout. No way any of it makes sense and it doesn't leave the reader any desire to pick up the next book. Except maybe a lingering curiousity to see how the author pulls it off.

Brief Summary: Joanne Baldwin, a weather warden, finds herself pursued by and unknown enemy while at the same time seeking a way to remove the demon mark on her.
Pages: 337
Setting: Earth: present
Plot:
*Contains Spoilers*
Joanne's main problem is to remove the demon mark put on her. She knows the only way to do this is to find an unclaimed Djinn and have him/her take the mark upon him/herself. The problem is, she can't find an unclaimed Djinn without going to another warden and she's been accused of murder. Joanne decides to find Lewis who she knows has more than one Djinn. In her search, someone keeps attacking her. Also, a mysterious stranger named David shows up that she ends up falling for... who also turns out to be a Djinn. Not to give away the whole thing, but her enemy is a big surprise and Joanne's outcome is very interesting.
Writing: The writing is very fast-paced but easy to read. It's also in first person which is sometimes hard to read, but the author pulled it off well.
Gripes:

1. How did her enemy become her enemy without her ever even knowing? There should have been some sort of sign but there was no foreshadowing at all.
2. How did her enemy keep Lewis, presumably the most powerful warden, under control? With her enemy only having power over one element?
3. Why wasn't there more of the Owning Your First Djinn book? :^)

Recommendation: This was a quick read and fairly entertaining. I'll read the next one just to find out what becomes of Joanne. Recommended for a weekend afternoon read. Nothing too deep here, although the Djinn concept is interesting.

Gripe #1: Minor Problems	The main characters felt well developed to me but there were only two! Even though many characters exist throughout the story, they are treated as minor characters and not given much development. I'm sure many of these characters will be the source of future plots in later books but the reader is not invested in them enough to want to read further.
Gripe #2: Antagonist	The "Bad Guy" is a bit of a suprise and that is a mixed blessing. I've read a lot of books and I have learned how to read the subtle foreshadowing. This book offers no hints to the Antagonist's identity. When the reader has the "horrible truth" finally revealed, it makes the climax feel sudden and out of place. The Antagonist is also not believable. The Antagonist only has the ability to control one element but several elements are utilized to make attempts on her life.
Gripe #3: "P" Whipped?	One of my biggest questions is "How does the Antagonist control Lewis?" Lewis is heralded as the strongest Warden EVER! He can control every element! Add to this the fact that a Demon Mark effectively supercharges their abilities to GOD-LIKE proportions and I don't see how anyone could control him!
Gripe #4: That's It?	The resolution to the story is a complete copout. No way any of it makes sense and it doesn't leave the reader any desire to pick up the next book. Except maybe a lingering curiousity to see how the author pulls it off.