Review: The Sands of Time, Book 2 of The Witching Pen Novellas By Dianna Hardy

Seven days ago, Elizabeth May tried to commit suicide. She was found by Paul, her husband, who took her under his wing and back to their home. But the attempted suicide is not Elizabeth's main problem -- Elizabeth can't remember who she is, or a single thing about her life beyond the past week.

Plagued by nightmares about a familiar black panther, and a terrifying snow leopard, she is convinced that the dreams are trying to show her something important, and is determined to regain her memories, one way or another.

Meanwhile, Pueblo -- the demon blood-bonded to the witch, Amy -- is going insane trying to find her. Amy disappeared one week ago, and it seems not even their bond is strong enough to penetrate whatever magic hides her.

As Pueblo enlists the help of angels and demons alike, Elizabeth begins to piece together parts of her forgotten life. But what she uncovers may just have her wanting to turn away from who she really is ... for good.

My Review:

I really enjoyed the first book of this series, but I must admit this was a stellar second part.  In my experience, the second or third book depending on how many there are in the series, kind of lags.  Not so in this case.  In my opinion this book was actually better than the first.  

In the first book you think you have all the good guys/bad guys nailed.  Its black and white and you couldn't be more Wrong.  That is an absolutely horrid assumption to make.  This one lacks the sweetness of the first part and delves into the darker sides of love.  It had an ingenious twist dealing with a time loop that has you drooling by the sheer creativity of the author.  I admit it.  I am absolutely hooked into this story.

We have Elizabeth who has lost all of her memories.  She wakes up after apparently trying to commit suicide (her wrist is bandaged) to a life she feels no connection to.  She is married to Paul and from his point of view they were extremely happy.  So why did she try to kill herself if they were living in wedded bliss?  Things don't add up and the only peace she has is when she sleeps.  In her dreams she is comforted by a beautiful black cat who wraps her in a sense of familiarity that she lacks in her waking reality.

Pueblo is frantically searching for Amy.  He hasn't slept or ate in the two weeks she has been missing.  He doesn't feel comfortable with the mismatched group that he has come to know through her.  Karl makes him feel humble while Elana, his half-demon/half-witch mate, secretly scares the crap out of him.  She is like a bomb that could explode at any minute.  He refuses to be around her if Karl isn't there and believes its in everyones best interest that Elena is NEVER parted from him.  Look what almost happened the last time.  He convinces the group to seek out another sect of demons with magical powers.  Amy has literally fallen of the map, so shes either lost in time, or in one of the levels of hell.  Piece of cake right?  lol!!

Mary is the character that fascinates me the most.  We have demons, angels, and witches (oh my!) already in this story, but Mary is on another scale altogether.  I am leaning towards dark prophet.  That is the best guess I have.  Especially when she disappears from jail at the end of the story.  Talk about a cliffhanger.  This series has completely sucked me in and I cannot wait for the next book!!  Dianna has added a dark edge to her story that is seductively addictive.  I eagerly await the final taste!!!