Into Thin Air

Gawan was an ancient warrior, and he’s got the rippling muscles to prove it. But for the last 900 years, he’s been guiding lost souls, alive and dead, helping them to find peace or answers so they can move on. Then days before his retirement and the reward of mortality, he comes across Ellie - one last mission, the most important one of all.

Ellie has no idea who she is, or what she was doing in the middle of the road, dripping wet, when Gawan found her. Not quite dead, but not really alive, Ellie is visible only to Gawan and the ghosts of Castle Grimm. Now Gawan and Ellie will have to work together to find out what happened to her, before she passes over for good. But Ellie turns out to more than she seems, and the feelings that show more blossom between them might just break both of their hearts.

I adored this book! When I finished the last page, I actually said out loud, “Well, if that wasn’t just the cutest thing I think I’ve ever read.” The story had everything, mystery, comedy, mushy love scenes, a cast of hysterical and transparent characters (the ghosts), and some great mock swordplay (what more could a girl want). We also get to see how the cast of Miles’ previous book, Spirited Away, are getting along - and they play major roles, not just small cameos. Cindy Miles is definitely up and coming in the romance world, her ghost stories are simply lovely - after all even the dead need a little love once in a while - and I expect many more great novels from her. show less

Gawan is a 1,000 year old Welsh warrior granted angelhood upon his death and now, having almost completed his duties as an Earthbound guardian, he is looking forward to his mortal retirement. One problem, fate has different ideas as his last charge, the amnesiac, in-betwixt waif named Ellie, is put into his care and turns out to be the one he has waited a millennia for.

In the respect that I was looking for a fluffy, sweet romance to read I was entirely not disappointed. Gawan, with his long flowing locks, built physique and compassionate disposition was certainly the hero stuff of fantasy. I enjoyed the concept the author developed of an Earthbound angel working his way back to being mortal. On the other hand, insofar as the plot went show more I did find it to be a little slow. The author tended to repeat many phrases and descriptions in addition to having a dearth of action which I would have expected considering the description on the back. The heroine was a little silly but it is the pacing that really brought it down for me.

Although this book is the second of Ms. Miles' ghost driven series and it does feature her couple from "Spirited Away", I feel that it can certainly be read as a stand alone.

On the plus side there is a scene near the end that I really enjoyed, it was great! If you don't mind spoilers I have included a comment about it. show less

OK I'm writting Spoilers!! I liked this story!!
Our hero (Gawan) is a guardian off lost souls both mortal and resently departed.
Ellie is In-Betwixt not dead but not quite alive. She also doesn't know who
she is or how she came to be where she is.
Sometimes she's almost there and then she disappears "into thin air".
To save her life they have to solve a the mystery, and find her body.
This is a fun read.

Good book, about 3 1/2 stars. Kept putting the book down, which is always a bad sign for me. Too much 'filler' in the middle with much repeating of things already said. Could have skipped about 100 pages, I think. Good beginning and good ending. Entertaining but not for the 'keeper' shelf.