Review: Sins and Needles (The Artists Trilogy #1) by Karina Halle

Title: Sins and Needles (The Artists Trilogy #1)
Author: Karina Halle
Date of publication: 25 Jan 2013
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Contemporary

Author's links:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

My rating: 4.5 stars

Goodreads Blurb

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.

My Review

I started this book back in February but they I put it down for later because I just couldn't get into it. I guess it was just the wrong time for me to read it and when I got back to it a last week I couldn't put it down. I liked it so much that I had to continue with the series right away and that is exactly what I did. You can read my reviews of On Every Street and Shooting Scars later this week.

It is difficult for me to define the genre of this series - it is contemporary, realistic fiction with some hot romance (or is it lust/true love?) and a lot of action scenes. There are some rare books which I see as movies while reading them and Sins and Needles fits right into this category. It would make a great movie - entertaining and thought provoking at the same time, provided it is done right.

It is not dark or twisted book, it is a raw and honest story exploring the boundaries of good and bad. Both Ellie and Camden have their demons to fight with, neither of them is just good or bad, basically they are just people with issues who struggle in a tough world, trying to do right thing for themselves.

I really liked the writing style of Ms Halle. It is succinct and to-the-point which makes it very powerful and emotionally charged. She created complex characters who through their thoughts and actions force the reader to re-think his/her own moral code and values. Neither Ellie, nor Camden are easily lovable, I loved them and hated them, felt sorry for them and appalled by some of the things they did. 

I haven't mentioned Javier who is the third major player in this series. In Sins and Needles he was definitely the bad guy and the author didn't show anything that could redeem him. His story is told in the prequel On Every Street and as can be expected with Ms Halle, things are never just black or white.

It is a very character driven story, yet it is full of plot twists which just keep you reading on, never knowing what will happen next. There is a lot of action packed in it as well which coupled with the characters emotions gives a very realistic and believable feel to the whole story.

I especially liked all the music references Ms Halle included in this book. They add a whole new layer to the story which music lovers, rock fans in particular, will certainly enjoy.

This series is of the addictive you-can't-put-me-down kind, so starting it be ready for a roller coaster of emotions and an urgent need to read the conclusion of the story. The final book, Bold Tricks, will be released on 15 Oct, which just can't come soon enough!