Title: Raising Innocence
Author: Shannon Mayer
First published May 15, 2013
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.21
Overview
“My name is Rylee, and I am a Tracker.” When children disappear without a trace, I am the only one who can help. I scour the world for the missing, using my unique abilities to bring them home.
But when the FBI comes knocking, I’m faced with an impossible decision. They want me to help salvage a mission gone wrong, and the only way to get what I want is to join forces with them.
The catch? I must travel halfway around the world, alone, with no backup and no safety net.
Can I trust the FBI to have my back, or will I be left to face the danger alone? One thing is for sure, I won’t let anything stand in my way of saving the missing.
Even if it means sacrificing everything I have.
About the Author
I was born into a family of Star Wars enthusiasts a long time ago, in a galaxy far away. I have many siblings, but I lost count somewhere along the way.
As one of the younger members of the family, I was frequently subjected to Star Wars marathons. If you read any of my books, you might notice a reference to these movies as a small tribute to my upbringing.
May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I began writing because I didn’t want to grow up without believing in magic or creatures that others claimed didn’t exist. However, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn, or dragon.
My neighbor, who swore they fed leprechauns in their garden, couldn’t convince me no matter how long I waited for the little critters to appear. Unfortunately, I did kill some plants while waiting for them, and had to help my neighbors plant new ones.
I eventually found my husband, who keeps me grounded, and we have a son who is the apple of our eyes. We live on a farm, which keeps us busy in addition to my writing.
I have plenty of stories about wrestling cows, assisting with calf births, ending up in the creek during the process, falling into the mud (which is never really mud on a farm), and chasing after runaway livestock to keep them from wandering onto the highway.
I’ve taken up archery, and my goal is to advance to horseback archery when I can hit the target regularly. When no one is watching, I love to bake, but it’s tough to keep sweets stocked with two boys in the house.
As for my future plans, I have more stories to share since they never stop popping up in my head. Whenever the inspiration strikes, I will embrace it.
I’m sure the motto “Leap before you look” was created for me, but I prefer to add an addendum: “Let your dreams carry you on their wings.” And that, my friends, is a little about me.
Editoral Review
Raising Innocence by Shannon Mayer is a thrilling urban fantasy novel that will keep readers on edge from start to finish. First published on May 15, 2013, the book is the second installment in the “The Elemental Series” and follows the adventures of Lark, a powerful elemental mage struggling to survive in a world overrun by supernatural creatures.
Mayer, a talented writer known for her gripping storytelling and engaging characters, explores themes of grief, love, and redemption in this action-packed novel. Her writing style is fluid and descriptive, creating a vivid picture of the world her characters inhabit.
The plot of Raising Innocence revolves around Lark’s quest to find and rescue her kidnapped best friend, Eva. Along the way, she must navigate dangerous alliances and betrayals while battling powerful and malicious enemies.
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where magic and technology coexist, and the existence of supernatural beings is commonplace. One of the strengths of Raising Innocence is its excellent character development.
Lark is a complex and flawed protagonist whose struggles will resonate with readers. She is surrounded by a cast of equally compelling characters, from her charming werewolf mentor, Kieran, to her conflicted vampire love interest, Ashe.
Together, they form a tight-knit group that readers will root for until the very end. Mayer’s pacing is also well-crafted, with each chapter pushing the story forward towards its thrilling conclusion.
The world-building in Raising Innocence is intricate, and Mayer effortlessly weaves together the various mythologies and belief systems that inform her supernatural creatures. Despite its strengths, Raising Innocence does have some flaws.
The novel’s plot can be convoluted at times, and the world-building can occasionally weigh down the story. Additionally, some of the character motivations may appear illogical or inconsistent, pulling readers out of the narrative.
Overall, Raising Innocence is an excellent read that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. It is a well-crafted novel that showcases Mayer’s impressive writing skills and creates an intricate and fascinating world.
Readers looking for a thrilling adventure that will keep them on the edge of their seats should definitely pick up this book. I give Raising Innocence a rating of 4/5, based on its strong character development, engaging storytelling, and impressive world-building.
While the novel is not without its flaws, it remains a must-read for fans of the genre.
