The Line by JD Horn

Author: J. D. Horn
Publisher: 47North
Date of publication: February 2014

Savannah is considered a Southern treasure, a city of beauty with a rich, colorful past. Some might even call it magical . . .To the uninitiated, Savannah shows only her bright face and genteel manner. Those who know her well, though, can see beyond her colonial trappings and small-city charm to a world where witchcraft is respected, Hoodoo is feared, and spirits linger. Mercy Taylor is all too familiar with the supernatural side of Savannah, being a member of the most powerful family of witches in the South. Despite being powerless herself, of course. Having grown up without magic of her own, in the shadow of her talented and charismatic twin sister, Mercy has always thought herself content. But when a series of mishaps—culminating in the death of the Taylor matriarch—leaves a vacuum in the mystical underpinnings of Savannah, she finds herself thrust into a mystery that could shake her family apart . . . and unleash a darkness the line of Taylor witches has been keeping at bay for generations. 

The Line is a paranormal story about an extensive family of witches who live in Savannah. Except for Mercy.  She was the twin born without any power.  When her great aunt is murdered she finds herself involved in a fight for her life.  I liked the overall story-line.  There were a couple of twists and surprises toward the end that I thought were clever.  I also like Mercy's character.  I felt kind of bad for her having to grow up in a house full of witches and being the odd man out. 

While I liked the book, I didn't love it.  My biggest issue with the story was the lack of world building.  I kept getting the sense that I had walked into the middle of a movie.  I felt like there was something missing.  I'm not sure I understood the idea of the 'line holders" or what the fight with the demons was all about.  I also needed more back story about the family members.  Things became a little clearer in the end, but for I felt like it too a little too long.  The Line is the first in a series and not bad for a debut book.  I do want to pick up the next one to see how Mercy handles the job she was given in the end. Check out what others are saying on their tour stops below!

About the author:

J. D. Horn was raised in rural Tennessee, and has since carried a bit of its red clay in him while traveling the world, from Hollywood, to Paris, to Tokyo. He studied comparative literature as an undergrad, focusing on French and Russian in particular. He also holds an MBA in international business and worked as a financial
analyst before becoming a novelist. When not writing he is likely running, and he has race bibs from two full marathons and about thirty half marathons. He and his spouse, Rich, and their three pets split their time between Portland, Oregon and San Francisco.
Connect with J.D. on Goodreads | Facebook

Tour stops:
Monday, February 3rd:  The Whimsical Cottage
Tuesday, February 4th:  Books and Bindings
Wednesday, February 5th:  Mystery Playground
Thursday, February 6th:  The Reader’s Hollow
Tuesday, February 11th:  Nerdophiles
Wednesday, February 12th:  Midnight Book Girl
Monday, February 17th:  Cheryl’s Book  Nook
Wednesday, February 19th:  Books Without Any Pictures
Sunday, February 23rd:  Book Marks the Spot
Tuesday, February 25th:  Must Read Faster
Wednesday, February 26th:  Bibliophilia, Please
Monday, March 3rd:  Walking With Nora
Monday, March 3rd:  Florida Hillbilly
Tuesday, March 4th:  A Dream Within a Dream
Wednesday, March 5th:  From the TBR Pile
Thursday, March 6th:  A Novel Idea
Friday, March 7th:  Sweet Southern Home