Black Diamond has received over 30 fabulous reviews! Thank you to every reader who was kind enough to take the time and write a review. We’ve said this before, but a positive review really is the best way to thank the author!

5.0 out of 5 stars I LOVED this book, August 22, 2013

By Author Chantal Bellehumeur

The day after I received my signed copy of “Black Diamond” from the author, I made the time from to start reading the book. The next thing I knew, I was more than halfway done. I would have read the book in one sitting if I could of put my life on pause.

The beginning of the story briefly reminded me of my trip to England and I became very intrigued by the main character’s father, whom she was about to meet for the first time. Everything spiked my curiosity, from the moment Shannon stepped into her new home, followed by what she discovers about herself and her family, right up until the end. (Don’t want to divulge anything) Everything was very nicely written and did not require too much thinking. I could just sit back and get lost in the excellent story. I enjoyed the book from start to finish.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, September 18, 2013

By MaryAnn “MaryAnn”

Black Diamond moves at a pace that can only be described as whirlwind. This is one impressive book. The storyline of this book is unlike anything else that I have ever read. Jennifer Loiske is an author who has the ability to move her readers. I truly cannot wait to see what Loiske has in store for us next.

Jennifer has presented a fresh idea with a delightfully independent and strong female protagonist that will keep you cheering for her throughout the story. The story line is decent as well. It kept me guessing until the end. It’s not all that predictable and the author keeps some semblance of suspense up until the very end. The descriptions in the story were very well written. The emotional rollercoaster that plays throughout this novel is one of a kind. Talent is evident in the ability to portray intense emotion without making the story seem cheesy or unrealistic. I am impressed by the ability of this young author, and cannot wait to see what she has in store for the future.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!!!, September 2, 2013

By BookNerd1980 “Billie Jo” (Wagener Sc)

This was a great read and held my attention without a problem. I loved all the different aspects of the plot. The story was very easy to follow and all the characters were well developed. I really couldn’t’ stand the father in this story at all, you would think that he would have been more caring towards his daughter and it just bugged me that he was so cold. Great book for teen readers and would recommend to anyone.

4.0 out of 5 stars Grat read for young teens!!, August 17, 2013

By Kirsten – Book Lunatic

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. Black Diamond is about one girl’s journey to finding her family she never knew she had and re-connecting with more than the past. Shannon loses her Mom, but finds out that she not only has a dad, but a twin brother too. I felt badly for Shannon, having to leave everything she knew to go someplace that was creepy as all get out. Not only that, but she keeps finding out weird things about herself and her Mom – her entire famly really. The story just keeps unfolding, and you find more and more. I liked that the ending was left open so that the author could continue the series if she chose to. This was an engaging read, I think it would be fantastic for younger readers.

5.0 out of 5 stars A real page-turner!, May 30, 2014

By Linda “Dog lover” (Chebeague Island, ME)

I loved this book! Full of twists and turns, Ms. Loiske creates for the reader a world full of dark magic and peril but, at its heart, there is innocence. The heroine of this tale is Shannon, a young teen, who has just lost her mother and has been sent to England to the care of a father she has never met. Transported to an estate that is, to say the least, foreboding, she discovers she is not alone – no, she has a twin brother and here the story really begins.

Using breathtaking imagery, Ms. Loiske transports the reader to a world that is truly the heart of darkness, yet, above all, Shannon’s beguiling innocence and purity shine through.

If you are a fan of the occult and of witches and magic – both white and black – you will be in for the ride of your life with “Black Diamond”. While geared for the young adult reader, this is a book, like those of J.K. Rowling, that folks of all ages will enjoy. I can’t wait for the next installment!

5.0 out of 5 stars Magic and Witchcraft Garlore!, July 11, 2014

By Hawk

Black Diamond is an enthralling young adult story with a lot of magic, witches, demons and spells. The story takes place in a house located in an isolated forest in London. The author wrote some strong characters that move the tale along at a good pace. The story begins with the young protagonist, Shannon, losing her mother and sent to live with a father, Connor, a man she had never met before. At first, it was heart-wrench for poor Shannon, but things soon began to look up when she discovers she not only had a brother, but he was also her twin. The story took on more magical and witchy qualities after this, with Shannon and Ian engaging in all manner of magic and witchcraft. This is an excellent story for lovers of YA, particularly stories, such as Harry Potter, will find the story of Shannon and Ian very relatable.

5.0 out of 5 stars A great teen mystery that was a fun ride and well written, May 2, 2013

By brenda (LADERA RANCH, CA, United States)

Black Diamond is a story about good VS. evil. It serves a good message and perfect for a young reader who loves mystery, suspense, and magic. This book was one that you could just dive into. The writing was clear and easy to follow. This was a good escape and a compelling read. Even though I am far from being a YA, I really enjoyed the ride.

“She saw the house, and now that she knew its secret it didn’t look as scary as it did before. It should have, but it just didn’t. Yes, it was a damned house now, but it hadn’t always been like that. She allowed herself to admire its beautiful decorations, the marvelous garden and its castle-like towers. She could imagine her parents living there. Happily. Mom was pregnant and Dad was thrilled.”

5.0 out of 5 stars A great paranormal read for the MG/YA crowd, April 19, 2014

By D. W. Davis “Author” (Eastern NC United States)

Black Diamond introduces readers to two young characters, Shannon and Ian McLean, who face a seemingly indomitable challenge – Shannon with trepidation, and Ian with a cocky self-assurance, but both with courage. Jennifer Loiske weaves a story of loss. isolation, fear, companionship, and the power of love (among other amazing powers – both of good and evil) that will keep the reader engaged and enthralled, especially her target audience of young adult readers. Those of us who are no longer quite young adults will find the story filled with enough emotion and action to enjoy Black Diamond as much as the younger readers will.

5.0 out of 5 stars Hits the Mark!, July 17, 2014

By Jane Cowart

A great read for Middle Graders, Young Adults, and even those of us who have reached a ‘certain age’. The intrigue started immediately and action soon followed. I was drawn into the storyline and finished the book in one evening. For me the mark of a good book, but especially one for younger readers, is to entertain while giving the reader something to think about…Black Diamond does both. While it is easy to hate the father, Collin, because he sold his soul to a demon and is becoming more evil every day…you have to consider that he made the transaction as a trade for his wife’s and infant daughter’s lives. So, is he evil or the most loving man to ever walk the earth?

Ms. Loiske definitely created a book with depth of characters, plenty of action, and just the right amount of demons and magic. Well done. I’m looking forward to book 2.

5.0 out of 5 stars Witches, Warlocks, & Demons….oh my!!!, September 5, 2014

By Mz Mia

I am happy to say that Black Diamonds sucked me in from the very first page. Shannon lost her mother at the age of twelve and went to live with her father, Connor, who had sold his soul to a demon. She entered a home that was dark, dreary and filled with malicious spirits, who wanted to do her harm. She discovered she had a twin, Ian and together they battled evil. They won, but now they have to save their father! I cannot express how much I loved this story and I am looking forward to reading more of the trials and tribulations of Shannon & Ian. If your looking for a story filled with wonder and the magic of family then this is the book for you to read. I highly recommend it. Five stars to author, Jennifer Loiske!!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars The shadowy areas between good and evil., July 24, 2014

By A. E. Drury “Ed Drury” (Portland, OR, United States)

I enjoyed this paranormal adventure tale featuring a young girl coming into her power and discovering secrets about her family. It features a very original plot, appealing characters, and wonderful suspense and mystery. The pages flew by as I couldn’t wait to uncover several of the puzzles and mysteries presented. If book one is any indication, this will be an adventure filled series filled with mysterious secrets and spell to keep readers following the twins, their father, and what maybe something of an extended family of witches, demons, and lost souls.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful start to a new series!, April 6, 2014

By Moongie “Moongie” (USA)

Shannon goes to England to meet her father Conner. She knows nothing about him and has been forced to move due to the death of her mother. What transpires from this point is a mesmerizing YA novel about a daughter and her estranged father. Magic and demons abound making for a great read!

A quote I enjoyed from this book, “You don’t care about the demons and their human slaves, or the fact that I’m more a prisoner than a guest in this house.”

Although it is listed as a YA novel, all ages would enjoy it. I’m pleased to have discovered this writer and look forward to future additions to this series!

5.0 out of 5 stars A Magical Unfurling!, April 2, 2014

By The Sassy Pen

I could picture myself as a little girl in Shannon’s place, and actually imagined living in her unpredictable and magical world. Along with her twin brother Ian and a father who isn’t quite human, the main character, Shannon, is defiant but brave in this magical journey about a young girl who doesn’t realize she’s a white witch.

One day she’s a normal girl with an ordinary life and the next day her mother is gone and she’s jettisoned off to a father she doesn’t remember. A wealthy and mysterious father at that. Everything seems like a dream come true until she arrives at her father’s manor and the strangeness couldn’t get much stranger. The servants act bizarre and have tattoos that move when she looks at them. If that isn’t mysterious enough, she stumbles upon her twin brother Ian who helps her discover her true identity to harness their powers. Shannon unwittingly unleashes spells she didn’t know she could cast, and stumbles across new discoveries around every corner. Together they search for the answers to save their father from an evil pact that binds him to a cruel and unintended life. A truly magical read that any young woman will adore!

5.0 out of 5 stars A stable of dark horses, March 27, 2014

By M Sockel

The paranormal genre is awash with mediocrity. I won’t name specific books, but we all know which ones I mean. Fangs with no personality. Two dimensional characters who have no reason for their actions, and heroines who moan about the lack of a boyfriend for no other reason than that they are expected to have one.

All of this above is just one reason why you should read “Black Diamond”.

This book is both a clever and intricate paranormal-thriller, which blends the best of the genre with mystery and occult elements to create a super-slick action packed plot which twists and turns leaving the reader always wanting more.

Normally this would gain 4* from me, and I probably wouldn’t leave a review. However, the extra star is because of the wonderful subtext. Too many genre authors merely have the bad guys as being bad because they are bad and that is what they do. Not so here. The author perfectly understands the the role of the villain is an expression of our own inner beast, who would do things we may occasionally think about, but never enact.

The balance of innocence with the ideas of memory, identity, and where our real place in the world is is perfect as we follow Shannon McLean into a murky world of intrigue and peril, and all aspects of human nature are presented in such a way that humanity is truly reflected, including its darkness.

A gripping read from the first page, and guaranteed to keep you reading until the small.

Fans of Anne Rice and JK Rowling will love this.

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark and twisted….just the way I like it!, March 22, 2014

By Georgia

I don’t often pick up a witch book anymore for the simple fact that they all replicate Harry Potter to a certain extent. Black Diamond however, is a brilliantly fast paced, dark thriller. The fact that the author manages to keep it in the perspective of a twelve year old innocent girl the entire time is an incredible contrast to the rest of the book, giving it the perfect balance. You never know what is coming but you still hold out hope for the twins. I also loved the description of the moving tattoos…a very unique idea that definitely added to the dark themes. Miss Jennifer Loiske is most definitely an author I’m going to keep on my reading list.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great YA read!, March 6, 2014

By jodi vaughn

BLACK DIAMOND is the story of a young girl, Shannon, who is forced to live with a father she has never met. The danger begins when she discovers her mysterious father isn’t exactly what he seems. Shannon uncovers a mystical power of her own when she meets hers twin brother who continues to champion her throughout the story.
I was drawn into this story and couldn’t put it down. The plot is fast paced and the characters are engaging. Can’t wait to see what the author has next!

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice adventure, December 4, 2013

By Greta Burroughs (South Carolina, USA)

I love Jennifer Loiske’s style of writing. She makes the reader feel as if he/she is there with the characters. I enjoyed this book and wish to read more of her work. Even though the story is a work of fiction, it is not so far-fetched that it is totally unreal. This is the type of fantasy I truly enjoy – good vs evil, magic and a few surprises along the way.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Imaginative, October 11, 2013

By Amazon Customer

I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait for the next one to come out. Jennifer has a very good imagination and
knows how to keep you hanging on the edge of your seat. I found that I had a hard time putting this book down. It leaves
you wanting for more. A very good read.

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, July 6, 2014

By Sc30

I loved this book! After I was done hiding under my blankets, and yelling at certain characters, I realized how quickly I was flipping pages and how many hours were passing; I just could not put the book down. I felt nervous for Shannon living in that spooky house, with a bunch of creeps! I loved the author’s ability to paint a scene in your mind, and pull you into the story from start to finish. I don’t want to give anything away, because I feel the book deserves to be a surprise. However, if there is one complaint I have, it’s that the book ended. I want a sequel!

5.0 out of 5 stars The characters are amazing, July 6, 2014

By ClaudeD

Black Diamond is grapping story. It had me from the very first page, with a vibrant description of teenage temper marbled with worry. The story is yet to begin, and you already want to know everything about Shannon McLean.

Shannon has just lost her mother, and her father has her traveling from the US to London. From her young point of view, he’s a heartless, indifferent man. Instead of meeting with her at the airport, he hires a bodyguard, Simon, to pick her up. He keeps her waiting in a hotel room for hours. When finally she arrives at Greyman Hill, his country estate, things don’t improve.

The big house doesn’t feel like a home. Her father Connor is distant. His valet, Robert is evil. Her only friends are Ian, her twin brother, and Lily, a maid her father imposes on her. I loved Ian character. He’s adorable, funny, unnerving, and creepy, all at once. As for, Lily, she reminded me at first of those little dinosaurs in Jurassic Park: all cute and purring, until they try to eat you up. But all demons are not evil, as Shannon will discover.

With Black Diamond, Jennifer Loiske managed to create original, attaching characters, and knit the familiar, oh-so-modern portrait of a recomposed family with a very good paranormal plot. Will Shannon manage to save her family from its demoniac side? Well, you’ll have to read to know…

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