Title: A Change of Worlds
Series: Killian Kendall Mysteries: Book Five
Author: Josh Aterovis
Publisher: MLR Books
Length: 383 Pages
Category: Mystery
At a Glance: If you enjoy a good mystery in the YA genre, I highly recommend reading the series. A Change of Worlds is another amazing addition to the Killian Kendall Mysteries.
Reviewed By: Maryann
Blurb: A routine archaeological excavation of an ancient Native American site goes horribly wrong when a tribal elder is assaulted. The attack uncovers tampering and thefts from the dig, escalating the growing mistrust between the tribe and the archaeologists.
When the tribe hires private investigator Killian Kendall to look into the thefts, they’re hoping to settle the matter quickly and peacefully. All hopes for a simple resolution are dashed when the lead archaeologist is found murdered…and a tribe member is the chief suspect. Suddenly, Killian’s investigation is a matter of life and death.
To complicate matters, the spirits of those who once dwelled on the land are furious at being disturbed, and they have very real ways of manifesting their anger. Killian isn’t just facing danger from the living, but also the dead.
“The dead are not powerless. Dead, did I say? There is no death, only a change of worlds.”
Review: Killian Kendall is still a PI in training at Novak Private Investigations and is now in his second year of college. He’s also just been given an ultimatum by his current boyfriend, Micah, and now his ex-boyfriend, Asher, is back in town. Needless to say, Killian’s feelings are confusing and overwhelming. He’s also feeling guilty about not spending time with his family, especially Tad, who has not adapted well to Adam and the family.
In addition to all his personal issues, Killian gets a request from his friend Nikki, who puts him in touch with Lily Snyder, to investigate the assault of her father, Fletcher. Fletcher Snyder is a shaman, a Native American of the Pomocatan tribe, who was assaulted at an archeological dig site on his property. Killian also meets Jacy, Fletcher’s grandson, who’s a shaman-in-training, and a friendship blooms. While investigating the assault, Killian and Jacy become involved in the murder investigation of an archeological professor as well as the investigation of stolen relics from the dig site.
As much as Killian has always tried to avoid his “gifts”, he finds himself getting a sort of crash course in Native American folklore and traditions. Fletcher and Jacy have opened Killian’s eyes to the talent he may possess, and Killian is willing to take guidance from them. Fletcher and Jacy are two great characters, and I hope there will be more to come from them. They add a mysticism to this story, and I like how this case is set in Native American lore; it makes Killian realize he needs to examine his gifts.
A Change of Worlds is another amazing addition to the Killian Kendall Mysteries series. Killian is not always on the mark and does find himself in some suspenseful and dangerous situations, but I think what makes this series special is not only the complex mysteries and detailed investigative process. Killian Kendall being a young adult is special too, and this fifth installment highlights his innocence, maturity, and determination. There are also some good surprises for Killian in this one.
I was disappointed with both Asher and Micah. Both are worldlier in their sexual experiences, and neither seemed to really think about the future Killian was gradually building for himself. Growing up is certainly difficult, and I was so glad Killian opened up to his mother and took her advice on his personal issues. This helps him to be honest in his feelings and face that he’s just not ready to make a commitment. He’s still a young man, and he has a lot of new experiences to come. He also wants to make up for his neglect of friends and family. The most heartwarming and heartbreaking, though, is the conversations between Killian and Seth. I hope Seth comes back.
If you enjoy a good mystery in the YA genre, I highly recommend reading the series, beginning with Bleeding Hearts, which is special and will introduce you to Killian Kendall and Seth Connelly. I so admire Josh Aterovis. Although he was discouraged, he didn’t give up the fight to get this book published. This series is fantastic, and I hope he gives us more to look forward too!
You can buy A Change of Worlds here:
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