Tej Turner

Dinnusos is a nightclub on the edge of town. It is not the sort of place frequented by tourists or drop-in visitors. It is also the center of a large group of people, some with unique abilities.

Faye plays the flute, and Ellen is the lead singer, for a local band called Summer Rain. They play the sort of music that reaches into a person's soul and finds a place the person didn't know they had. Ellen also channels the spirit of Jessica, her dead twin sister; Jessica died soon after birth. Jessica is wild child type who fancies Faye. Faye is not interested, so, one night, she and Naomi banish Jessica to wherever spirits are banished, without Ellen's consent.

Jack is half-fae and is squatting in an abandoned building. His globe-trotting father suddenly shows up and wants to resurrect a political action group called Taxus Baccata. They have no problem with in-your-face civil disobedience. Tilly is an introvert who jumps into the drug and alcohol culture (provided by Jack's father) head first. There is a large protest march which turns violent, courtesy of someone who is paid to cause chaos. The government uses the resulting riot as a pretext to pass legislation that basically criminalizes dissent.

The hand-painted murals inside Dinnusos are changing, all by themselves. A shadowy figure is appearing in different places in the murals. Jessica may be out of the way, but she is not gone. It is necessary for Faye and Naomi find her, and convince her to return. Jessica agrees; there are surprisingly few recriminations between the three. But Jessica needs to borrow a body. Is she able to help find those who are "lost" and start the process of getting the legislation rescinded? Does everyone live "happily ever after?"

This book leaves "Excellent" in its rear view mirror and zooms right to the level of "Deserves Six Stars." The author does an excellent job at telling the story from several different points of view. It is very highly recommended.… (meer)

The Janus Cycle by Tej Turner

The story follows eight characters, each with their own individual story. Revolving around the Janus (Club) each person is going through a personal issue. One mysterious lady appears with a message that they are all about to meet. But who exactly is she, and what affect will she have on every ones life?

Cleverly written with alternating voices of each character. This really brought me closer to each person, what they felt and what they are thinking. Rich dialog and (some) true to life events brings you deep into this compelling story. I highly recommend The Janus Cycle and the second book Dinnusos Rises to Young Adult and Adult readers.… (meer)

Dinnusos Rises by Tej Turner

Dinnusos is a place where a lot of different people come to hang out. Some are poets, misfits, dreamers, rebels just to name a few. The story revolves around eight main characters and the Dinnusos establishment. Each person has their own personal issues going on. Not knowing each other, yet their lives are about to inter mingle due to certain events. When mystical beings enter the mortal world things are about to change.

Told in alternating voices, I got to feel what each was going through. Attention to detail brings you deeper into the story, grabbing your attention and not letting go. While this story is a stand alone, it does follow events in Tej Turner's first book The Janus Cycle (which I did not read, yet). Overall I did enjoy Dinnusos Risesand feel others will enjoy it as well. (I will be reading the first book to see what I missed.)… (meer)