ARC Review: Touch of Death by Kelly Hashway

Touch of Death
by: Kelly Hashway
Release Date: January 15/13.
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Source: ARC received from publisher
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:
Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.

After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.

Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.

My Thoughts:

Really enjoyed this Zombiefest!

I was unsure first going into Touch of Death, at moments I kind of wanted to scream at Alex to just explain to Jodi what was going on, every time he'd say "we'll talk later" I was like NO, We'll talk now! haha, but once he revealed the truth behind her "ability" I couldn't put this one down. 

Hashway has put a unique spin on the popular Zombie genre by incorporating the myth of the 13th sign of the Zodiac (although I must admit I'm not very familiar with the myth of Medusa), I was none-the-less entertained with Hashway's use of it.

I really appreciated the unpredictability of Hashway's debut, I never knew where she was going to take us with each chapter, which helped to create moments of suspense throughout the story. There were a few scenes in this book that fans of THE WALKING DEAD would really love.

My heart went out to poor Matt, I was really sad with what happened with this character. But I really liked the build-up Hashway wrote, between Alex and Jodi, the sexual tension was spot on- and it doesn't hurt that they're both Ophi, so they don't have to worry about killing each other with each kiss (that really would put a damper in things). 

There's an element of mystery within the walls of the mansion that Alex whisks (yes I wrote whisks) Jodi to, to help her learn more about her "abilities". Someone's summoning souls to start a war, but who and why? Well you'll just have to read to find out! :)

If you enjoy a good Zombiefest with equal parts, romance, mystery and gore than give Touch of Death a try. I mean who can say no to zombie squirrels and deer?

Happy Reading!!!