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The Watchers
Cloud Watcher
The Harris’s unwanted talents have made her a refugee, flying from city to city ahead of a tide of burning terror nobody else can see. She’s hoping Santiago City will be different, but deep in her heart of hearts, she knows nowhere is safe enough for someone with her secrets. When the gray-eyed man with guns and a sword shows up, claiming to be sent to protect her, Anya has to believe him. After all, she has nowhere else to go. The Jack Gray is one of the oldest Watchers around, scarred by the battle between Circle Lightfall and the Crusade. He's found his witch, and nothing is going to get in the way of protecting her. But being a Watcher is never as simple as it looks. Anya’s talent makes her worth millions, if she’s delivered alive to the right corporate bidders. Jack’s the only one who can save her. But when she finds out who he really is, he might lose her for good . . . Bounced around the world as a military brat, Lilith Saintcrow fell in love with writing in second grade and never looked back. She currently resides in Vancouver, Washington, with two children, a menagerie, and books. Find her on the web at lilithsaintcrow.com.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2006
17 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Lilith Saintcrow
132 books4,513 followersLilith Saintcrow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as a child, and fell in love with writing stories when she was ten years old. She and her library co-habitate in Vancouver, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 23, 2020
Excellent world building -- also a clearer view of Circle Lightfall and their nature with how them allowed Jack to redeem himself. It makes their illogical choices clearer -- I mean in that time period of persecution they didn't kill their main threat.
April 8, 2015
I guess it's normal, it was supposed to happen sooner or later. The first Saintcrow book I didn't like. Damn, I feel wrong even writing this.
But Cloud Watcher is the weakest book in an already weak series. I read three books out of five, and if the other two books were mostly ok to me, the fourth has not much to it to say at least "meh. it's ok, even if I didn't really like it".
As per usual with Ms Saintcrow the setting is intriguing, unfortunately here both plot and characters were cringe worthy for me. The plot was so stupidly clear that in the initial chapters you could spell the ending. And yes this is not exactly a mystery, but I don't want to be told what I already know. (I don't mind retelling, but even those kind of stories need something different.) Telegraphing your ending isn't good.
Add a leading lady who is the Webster definition of TSTL. She is massively stupid, whiny, and over the top in both compartment. Add a hero who's so self-centered in his martyrdom to be annoying. Add a secondary character whose role you're not sure about. And voilà the perfect recipe for boredom.
I can't believe I'm writing this about her.. but I can't deny that there's nothing in this novel I found appealing. And it's a pity because this story is filled with possibility: a woman on the run who doesn't know who to trust, the pull between the needs of a care-needing boy and one's life. But everything is flattened. The evil corporation is so evil to be unreal, therefore never a problem.
As one other reader perfectly said: "I want to like these books more than I actually do." [Genrelove]
DRC courtesy of Imajiin via NetGalley
But Cloud Watcher is the weakest book in an already weak series. I read three books out of five, and if the other two books were mostly ok to me, the fourth has not much to it to say at least "meh. it's ok, even if I didn't really like it".
As per usual with Ms Saintcrow the setting is intriguing, unfortunately here both plot and characters were cringe worthy for me. The plot was so stupidly clear that in the initial chapters you could spell the ending. And yes this is not exactly a mystery, but I don't want to be told what I already know. (I don't mind retelling, but even those kind of stories need something different.) Telegraphing your ending isn't good.
Add a leading lady who is the Webster definition of TSTL. She is massively stupid, whiny, and over the top in both compartment. Add a hero who's so self-centered in his martyrdom to be annoying. Add a secondary character whose role you're not sure about. And voilà the perfect recipe for boredom.
I can't believe I'm writing this about her.. but I can't deny that there's nothing in this novel I found appealing. And it's a pity because this story is filled with possibility: a woman on the run who doesn't know who to trust, the pull between the needs of a care-needing boy and one's life. But everything is flattened. The evil corporation is so evil to be unreal, therefore never a problem.
As one other reader perfectly said: "I want to like these books more than I actually do." [Genrelove]
DRC courtesy of Imajiin via NetGalley
March 23, 2015
The four book in this series is turbulent as the witch is surrounded by nasty forces wanting a piece of her, even someone who is always by their side as a friend. Anya Harris is amazingly resilient as she flees one step ahead of the evil snapping teeth at her heels. This last time is so close as she nearly burns to death. With no reserve money left and absolute no hope remaining, she heads to Santiago City.
This story is another one filled with angst and persecution. Being gifted is not a great thing when all it brings about in life is fear, flight and hunger. Anya's situation is much more dire than any of the previous books. Her ability is not as physically damaging as a fire witch, but it is just as deadly if not more so. Anya is completely clueless about witches and what this supernatural entails. All she knows is evil things hunt her which no one else can see. Lucky for her she meets up with three witches who have been waiting for an air element to complete their set. Depending on how a witch feels, she also lucks out in her own personal Watcher.
The romance part is a bit frustrating as Anya is pulled in two directions. She wants to trust Jack but her sisterly almost motherly love for Shell, the one person who has been with her through all the horrendous times. The rivalry between Shell and all the Watchers is disturbing and never feels resolved. There are times to this story where Anya does come across as an airhead, no pun intended. She makes several bad choices which categorizes her as too stupid to live. Although to be fair, a person who is constantly running in flight mode, her brain is probably broken and logic is impossible for her. Still, she needs a few good whacks upside the head to get the brain rebooted and working again.
This book reveals a disturbing Machiavellian aspect to the dark sides. The organized one is too good to be true. An offer of a high paying job and a luxurious corporate lifestyle could tempt anyone who is in a desperate situation where they cannot even meet two of their most basic needs - food and shelter. Ms. Saintcrow does a great job of creating a dilemma for a worn down woman being pulled in multiple directions. Who should she trust? And what happens when the one she trust is no good for her? This story moved along in a hypnotic undulating pattern with peaks and valleys in just the right places. Overall, this is a quick read and recommended to those who like themes about witches being persecuted.
*provided by NetGalley
This story is another one filled with angst and persecution. Being gifted is not a great thing when all it brings about in life is fear, flight and hunger. Anya's situation is much more dire than any of the previous books. Her ability is not as physically damaging as a fire witch, but it is just as deadly if not more so. Anya is completely clueless about witches and what this supernatural entails. All she knows is evil things hunt her which no one else can see. Lucky for her she meets up with three witches who have been waiting for an air element to complete their set. Depending on how a witch feels, she also lucks out in her own personal Watcher.
The romance part is a bit frustrating as Anya is pulled in two directions. She wants to trust Jack but her sisterly almost motherly love for Shell, the one person who has been with her through all the horrendous times. The rivalry between Shell and all the Watchers is disturbing and never feels resolved. There are times to this story where Anya does come across as an airhead, no pun intended. She makes several bad choices which categorizes her as too stupid to live. Although to be fair, a person who is constantly running in flight mode, her brain is probably broken and logic is impossible for her. Still, she needs a few good whacks upside the head to get the brain rebooted and working again.
This book reveals a disturbing Machiavellian aspect to the dark sides. The organized one is too good to be true. An offer of a high paying job and a luxurious corporate lifestyle could tempt anyone who is in a desperate situation where they cannot even meet two of their most basic needs - food and shelter. Ms. Saintcrow does a great job of creating a dilemma for a worn down woman being pulled in multiple directions. Who should she trust? And what happens when the one she trust is no good for her? This story moved along in a hypnotic undulating pattern with peaks and valleys in just the right places. Overall, this is a quick read and recommended to those who like themes about witches being persecuted.
*provided by NetGalley
February 19, 2016
Anya has abilities she can't explain and a mentally-slow man/boy she has taken under her wing to care for. On the run, yet again, she comes to Santiago City and hopes the Dark wont follow her. Fate leads her to the Rowangrove and the three witches who happen to be the Guardians of the City. Anya lacks self-esteem and is so timid, scared and skittish, it's imposable to do or say anything in case she bolts. She has a huge trust issue. Even though she has finally met women like her who swear to keep her safe and teach her about herself and men who's whole purpose in life is to protect said women, she doesn't really trust them and constantly expects them to be mad and throw her out. Arrrrggggg! I just want to shake her senseless and start over.
Jack wasn't much better. Typical "I don't deserve..." type that makes me want to tell him to man up and grow a pair. The romance that popped up between these two, though expected, came out of nowhere and I didn't really feel it.
Sigh. The characters in the previous books were annoying, but this one topped it. I really have no interest in reading the last book in this series.
Jack wasn't much better. Typical "I don't deserve..." type that makes me want to tell him to man up and grow a pair. The romance that popped up between these two, though expected, came out of nowhere and I didn't really feel it.
Sigh. The characters in the previous books were annoying, but this one topped it. I really have no interest in reading the last book in this series.
December 20, 2014
Jack Gray may be my favorite character in the Watcher series. He is the ultimate Watcher; a man hoping to be redeemed for his sins by saving Lightbringers. Anya is less annoying than Mari, but she does some really stupid things.
December 4, 2016
Fourth in The Watchers paranormal romance series revolving around three Guardian witches who have found their fourth. The couple focus is on Anya and Jack Grey.
My Take
It's an interesting series and this story has a twist on witch burning and the Inquisition.
I do like the premise and I wish I could say the same for the characters. They actually are decent human beings, so to speak, and I do like them once they bond with their Watchers. It's the before-the-bonding that each one drives me nuts.
I realize it's not their fault. It's Saintcrow's fault for taking the easy way out. But, it's the formula for this series to have the latest heroine an absolute idiot. Authors, please, put a bit more effort into this. Ask your buddies for ideas. It makes me want to gag when the heroine does something so incredibly stupid. What? Is it really true that people do rush off into danger when they're exhausted...wait, it is true. I do suspect, however, that it's more true when the situation is truly dire. Yes, the circumstances each time have been grim, but anyone with half a brain would also realize that being prepared and waiting a short time for extra manpower is a practical move. Especially when that help knows what it's doing. And you know that you don't.
Sure it's a fantasy story, but Saintcrow is also asking us to suspend belief---I'm just not willing to suspend it that far. Hmmm, how odd is it that I can believe for a few hours that magic and demons exist, but that intelligent people can be incredibly stupid??? Eeek...what does that say about me?
And why do I keep reading this series when it makes me nuts?
That whining over, I did like the start of this when Jack shows up at Rowangrove Metaphysical and Occult Supplies and is bowled over by how naturally the three Guardians and their Watchers behave. And how easily they accept him!
I was surprised when Anya was actually a normal person for the first three-fourths of the story. Her fears and worries are realistic, although she seems to accept Jack a little too easily considering how much she feared him at first. Saintcrow could have put some effort into this part and it would have been the better for [the readers] to have their relationship develop more naturally. I do love how warmly Theo, Mari, and Elise welcome Anya and take care with Shell. I think it's this warmth that keeps drawing me back. Saintcrow sets a very homey background with all this, in spite of the nasty beasties out there!
We do get a bit of the history of how the Watchers were formed.
I like the conflict Saintcrow has created for Jack. He wants so desperately to atone for his actions and yet he also wants to hurt Shell. He knows it's wrong even if it would be for a good cause and it's a struggle for him to accept.
Of course, it's always nice when the heroine goes from desperate and poor to happy and well-off. There's more happily-ever-after when Elise---a majorly stupid-thinking character---rescinds her nay and allows the Light Circle in. Just how lame is it that a character who is so vehemently against an organization that---three times to that point—has only protected. Then all of a sudden she just changes her mind on something she had such strong feelings about.
The Story
It's a nightmare that just won't stop. Anya knows she must be going insane. Who see such monsters? They don't exist. Yet they continue to find her and burn her out, forcing her to flee.
She's running out of money and the energy to survive. She is weakening and there's Shell to think of, he can't think for himself. Little does Anya realize, but when they finally end up in Santiago City she will find her Watcher, and he will find her.
The Characters
Anya Harris has a gift of Persuasion. A gift she hates to use as it feels so wrong. Yes, it's been useful a few times when she was truly desperate, but it's not right to use in that way. And it provides a lever for the enemy. Shell Garritson is a mentally challenged man Anya found in an alley. She takes him in, cares for him, and he knows more than he's letting on.
Jack Grey, known throughout history as Lupo Grigio, is doing penance for the murders he committed at his father's orders back in the early 1500s.
Elise Nicholson is a fire wielding witch who sings with a band and paints while Remy, a.k.a., the Hunter, is her Watcher (see Fire Watcher ). Theo is a healer and she and Dante came together in Dark Watcher while Mari is a water witch who met her Watcher, Hanson, in Storm Watcher . Together, the three witches are the Guardians of Santiago City.
Averik Rhodes is the procurator-general for Wescorp. And after all Jack has explained, I don't understand why the mere words procurator don't send Anya running.
Lightbringers are witches. Watchers are men who were wrong, evil in their life. Circle Lightfall, an organization that wants to protect witches and psychics, trains them and sets them to protect all witches until they find the one witch with whom they can bond and stop the pain. The Brotherhood is businessmen and demons who take witches and brainwash them into following their orders, selling them to the highest bidder and the Crusade is a religious organization that wants to bring the Inquisition back for witches.
The Cover
The cover is an interpretation from a scene within the book. A tall skyscraper, its windows reflecting the blue, cloudy sky, a broken window belching flame, and also reflecting a really weird looking demon.
The title is simply a metaphor for Anya being an air witch. I guess Saintcrow figured "Air Watcher" wasn't as metaphysical as Cloud Watcher.
My Take
It's an interesting series and this story has a twist on witch burning and the Inquisition.
I do like the premise and I wish I could say the same for the characters. They actually are decent human beings, so to speak, and I do like them once they bond with their Watchers. It's the before-the-bonding that each one drives me nuts.
I realize it's not their fault. It's Saintcrow's fault for taking the easy way out. But, it's the formula for this series to have the latest heroine an absolute idiot. Authors, please, put a bit more effort into this. Ask your buddies for ideas. It makes me want to gag when the heroine does something so incredibly stupid. What? Is it really true that people do rush off into danger when they're exhausted...wait, it is true. I do suspect, however, that it's more true when the situation is truly dire. Yes, the circumstances each time have been grim, but anyone with half a brain would also realize that being prepared and waiting a short time for extra manpower is a practical move. Especially when that help knows what it's doing. And you know that you don't.
Sure it's a fantasy story, but Saintcrow is also asking us to suspend belief---I'm just not willing to suspend it that far. Hmmm, how odd is it that I can believe for a few hours that magic and demons exist, but that intelligent people can be incredibly stupid??? Eeek...what does that say about me?
And why do I keep reading this series when it makes me nuts?
That whining over, I did like the start of this when Jack shows up at Rowangrove Metaphysical and Occult Supplies and is bowled over by how naturally the three Guardians and their Watchers behave. And how easily they accept him!
I was surprised when Anya was actually a normal person for the first three-fourths of the story. Her fears and worries are realistic, although she seems to accept Jack a little too easily considering how much she feared him at first. Saintcrow could have put some effort into this part and it would have been the better for [the readers] to have their relationship develop more naturally. I do love how warmly Theo, Mari, and Elise welcome Anya and take care with Shell. I think it's this warmth that keeps drawing me back. Saintcrow sets a very homey background with all this, in spite of the nasty beasties out there!
We do get a bit of the history of how the Watchers were formed.
I like the conflict Saintcrow has created for Jack. He wants so desperately to atone for his actions and yet he also wants to hurt Shell. He knows it's wrong even if it would be for a good cause and it's a struggle for him to accept.
Of course, it's always nice when the heroine goes from desperate and poor to happy and well-off. There's more happily-ever-after when Elise---a majorly stupid-thinking character---rescinds her nay and allows the Light Circle in. Just how lame is it that a character who is so vehemently against an organization that---three times to that point—has only protected. Then all of a sudden she just changes her mind on something she had such strong feelings about.
The Story
It's a nightmare that just won't stop. Anya knows she must be going insane. Who see such monsters? They don't exist. Yet they continue to find her and burn her out, forcing her to flee.
She's running out of money and the energy to survive. She is weakening and there's Shell to think of, he can't think for himself. Little does Anya realize, but when they finally end up in Santiago City she will find her Watcher, and he will find her.
The Characters
Anya Harris has a gift of Persuasion. A gift she hates to use as it feels so wrong. Yes, it's been useful a few times when she was truly desperate, but it's not right to use in that way. And it provides a lever for the enemy. Shell Garritson is a mentally challenged man Anya found in an alley. She takes him in, cares for him, and he knows more than he's letting on.
Jack Grey, known throughout history as Lupo Grigio, is doing penance for the murders he committed at his father's orders back in the early 1500s.
Elise Nicholson is a fire wielding witch who sings with a band and paints while Remy, a.k.a., the Hunter, is her Watcher (see Fire Watcher ). Theo is a healer and she and Dante came together in Dark Watcher while Mari is a water witch who met her Watcher, Hanson, in Storm Watcher . Together, the three witches are the Guardians of Santiago City.
Averik Rhodes is the procurator-general for Wescorp. And after all Jack has explained, I don't understand why the mere words procurator don't send Anya running.
Lightbringers are witches. Watchers are men who were wrong, evil in their life. Circle Lightfall, an organization that wants to protect witches and psychics, trains them and sets them to protect all witches until they find the one witch with whom they can bond and stop the pain. The Brotherhood is businessmen and demons who take witches and brainwash them into following their orders, selling them to the highest bidder and the Crusade is a religious organization that wants to bring the Inquisition back for witches.
The Cover
The cover is an interpretation from a scene within the book. A tall skyscraper, its windows reflecting the blue, cloudy sky, a broken window belching flame, and also reflecting a really weird looking demon.
The title is simply a metaphor for Anya being an air witch. I guess Saintcrow figured "Air Watcher" wasn't as metaphysical as Cloud Watcher.
July 20, 2017
Story keeps expanding
Each book brings new depth to the first book and story. Really enjoy the easy story telling even if there's quite a bit of the same journey for each Witch and Watcher.
Each book brings new depth to the first book and story. Really enjoy the easy story telling even if there's quite a bit of the same journey for each Witch and Watcher.
December 17, 2018
Another great book! A standalone in a series. I'm so glad.
I could not put this down. My favorite book of all is here's Working For The Devil. All her books are wonderful. This series is really good!
I could not put this down. My favorite book of all is here's Working For The Devil. All her books are wonderful. This series is really good!
March 8, 2020
Not the best of the series. The action is predictable, the plot formulaic.
September 27, 2020
Best Story Thus Far in Series
Hadn't thought of this prior but the Watched Series seems to be more Argeneau Family of Immortals like Saintcrow style.
Hadn't thought of this prior but the Watched Series seems to be more Argeneau Family of Immortals like Saintcrow style.
October 10, 2021
Enjoying this series. Very specific set structure in a lot of ways, but that's not a bad thing.
February 17, 2023
Read this years ago
July 7, 2023
I love this series. The world building, the characters and their talents. The history of it all, great storytelling.
April 19, 2015
Main characters: ♥ ♥ ♥ Anya Harris is an air witch that doesn’t know she’s an air witch. She is a good hearted woman that took in a mentally challenged boy from the streets. She is fighting the “Dark” all by herself. She is lucky that she has gotten away as many times as she has since the “Dark” really wants to eat her. There are other villains on the loose as well. Those villains want to use her psychic ability to make money. Shell Gerritsen is the man in a boy’s body. He is a jealous boy that doesn’t want to share Anya with anyone. He has had her to himself for quite a while and now Jack Grey comes in as her “Watcher”. Jack Grey is old. Six hundred years give or take. He is the oldest virgin in history. His father was high in the church during the Dark Ages and sent Jack to kill witches and their watchers. Jack didn’t know – he just wanted his father’s approval and he was working for the good of the church. He thought he was the good guy. When he found out he was wrong, he was sentenced to be a Watcher as penance. Jack has always obeyed. He has duty, honor and will do anything to make up for the black stain on his soul.
Other characters: ♥ ♥ ♥ The Rowengrove witches and their watchers were not a dimensional as I expected. I imagine there wasn’t a lot of information about the other witches or watchers because with this being book four, the other’s stories have already been told. The villain is not revealed until nearly the end. The “Dark” is mostly beings that are only after one thing – to eat and survive. The Brotherhood are the bad guys that sell the witches to the highest bidders to increase their pocket change.
World: ♥ ♥ ♥ The world isn’t defined with descriptions of many creatures. The world I saw only reflects the fact that Watchers are there to obey their Witches. If they happen to luckily bond, then they are relieved from the horrible pain that other witches bring them.
Story: ♥ ♥ ♥ This story follows a basic pattern. The Hero lives for hundreds of years and then finds the Heroine to protect. I love Lillith Saintcrow’s writing, but this is no Jill Kismet. I miss the depth of the characters. Anya is running and scared. Jack saves her. Jack falls in love with Anya because she is his witch – the one that he’s been looking for all of his so called life.
Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ I did like the writing. The author made me feel Jack’s feelings of shame and inadequacy. I liked the characters even if they were a bit on the shallow side. It was a good read, but it wasn’t excellent.
Other characters: ♥ ♥ ♥ The Rowengrove witches and their watchers were not a dimensional as I expected. I imagine there wasn’t a lot of information about the other witches or watchers because with this being book four, the other’s stories have already been told. The villain is not revealed until nearly the end. The “Dark” is mostly beings that are only after one thing – to eat and survive. The Brotherhood are the bad guys that sell the witches to the highest bidders to increase their pocket change.
World: ♥ ♥ ♥ The world isn’t defined with descriptions of many creatures. The world I saw only reflects the fact that Watchers are there to obey their Witches. If they happen to luckily bond, then they are relieved from the horrible pain that other witches bring them.
Story: ♥ ♥ ♥ This story follows a basic pattern. The Hero lives for hundreds of years and then finds the Heroine to protect. I love Lillith Saintcrow’s writing, but this is no Jill Kismet. I miss the depth of the characters. Anya is running and scared. Jack saves her. Jack falls in love with Anya because she is his witch – the one that he’s been looking for all of his so called life.
Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ I did like the writing. The author made me feel Jack’s feelings of shame and inadequacy. I liked the characters even if they were a bit on the shallow side. It was a good read, but it wasn’t excellent.
June 5, 2015
I jumped into this series in the fourth book, but that caused no trouble in my understanding of the world and what came before. It was pretty clear that each of the pairs of supporting characters (pairs, because they are already paired up) had been the protagonists in the earlier works.
I enjoy a heroine alone, on the run from the villains, who over the course of the novel, finds friends, builds a community, and learns to depend on and work with others. This novel opens with Anya running away from demons. Unaware of what she is, what powers she possesses (and that she is only one of many - a witch, instead of unique, a freak), she runs from city to city, and when necessary, persuades others to provide her with the necessities. Her companion is a boy in a man's body, who depends on her protection. When Anya and her companion come to their latest refuge, they encounter the city's three guardians - fellow witches who protect the city from demons. Each witch is one half of the pairs of destined mates.
One of the male working with the witches is as yet un-paired, and obviously the hero of the story. The romantic tension was strong and interesting until it became a settled issue. After that, the tension was reduced to a repeated refrain of "I'll never leave you" and "are you going to stay" and "I'm not leaving you" and "you should go." A disappointment, it lessened the interest of the romantic story arc. The romance depends on the urban fantasy trope of destined mates. Destined mates who each inhabit one side of the light vs. dark dichotomy. Obviously (you guessed it, right?) the females are the "light" and the males are the "dark." And while the men protect the women, the women "save" the males from their darkness.
Sometimes this overdone trope bothers me - it does remove choice, from both parties. Sometimes, I let go of the underlying (and legitimate) issues and simply enjoy the attraction, the play of resistance against uncertainty, and the inevitable happy ending.
Other times, I start out enjoying it and it goes sour. Ultimately, my interest seems to depend on how believable the attraction is, and the level of destiny's involvement. When one party is destined to save the other, and one or both parties die when the other dies, the trope becomes more difficult to enjoy. Coercion is not a quality of a healthy relationship, and destiny can be a convenient excuse.
This book prompted both feelings - enjoyment, and wariness.
In the end, this book was entertaining, but not captivating.
I enjoy a heroine alone, on the run from the villains, who over the course of the novel, finds friends, builds a community, and learns to depend on and work with others. This novel opens with Anya running away from demons. Unaware of what she is, what powers she possesses (and that she is only one of many - a witch, instead of unique, a freak), she runs from city to city, and when necessary, persuades others to provide her with the necessities. Her companion is a boy in a man's body, who depends on her protection. When Anya and her companion come to their latest refuge, they encounter the city's three guardians - fellow witches who protect the city from demons. Each witch is one half of the pairs of destined mates.
One of the male working with the witches is as yet un-paired, and obviously the hero of the story. The romantic tension was strong and interesting until it became a settled issue. After that, the tension was reduced to a repeated refrain of "I'll never leave you" and "are you going to stay" and "I'm not leaving you" and "you should go." A disappointment, it lessened the interest of the romantic story arc. The romance depends on the urban fantasy trope of destined mates. Destined mates who each inhabit one side of the light vs. dark dichotomy. Obviously (you guessed it, right?) the females are the "light" and the males are the "dark." And while the men protect the women, the women "save" the males from their darkness.
Sometimes this overdone trope bothers me - it does remove choice, from both parties. Sometimes, I let go of the underlying (and legitimate) issues and simply enjoy the attraction, the play of resistance against uncertainty, and the inevitable happy ending.
Other times, I start out enjoying it and it goes sour. Ultimately, my interest seems to depend on how believable the attraction is, and the level of destiny's involvement. When one party is destined to save the other, and one or both parties die when the other dies, the trope becomes more difficult to enjoy. Coercion is not a quality of a healthy relationship, and destiny can be a convenient excuse.
This book prompted both feelings - enjoyment, and wariness.
In the end, this book was entertaining, but not captivating.
March 7, 2020
Today’s post is on Cloud Watcher by Lilith Saintcrow. It is 200 pages long and is published by Belle Books. The cover is golden with a man in the center. The intended reader is someone who has read the first three and likes love stories about witches. There is mild foul language, implied sex, and some violence in this novel. The story is told from third person close of the two main characters, Anya and Jack. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the blurb on Hoopla-
The Lightbringer:
Anya Harris's unwanted talents have made her a refugee, flying from city to city ahead of a tide of burning terror nobody else can see. She's hoping Santiago City will be different, but deep in her heart of hearts, she knows nowhere is safe enough for someone with her secrets. When the gray-eyed man with guns and a sword shows up, claiming to be sent to protect her, Anya has to believe him. After all, she has nowhere else to go.
The Watcher:
Jack Gray is one of the oldest Watchers around, scarred by the battle between Circle Lightfall and the Crusade. He's found his witch, and nothing is going to get in the way of protecting her. But being a Watcher is never as simple as it looks. Anya's talent makes her worth millions, if she's delivered alive to the right corporate bidders. Jack's the only one who can save her. But when she finds out who he really is, he might lose her for good . . .
Review- I really enjoyed this novel the most out of all the others. I liked Anya and her character was very understandable. She does not believe in magic and cannot explain the things she can do but she will do whatever it takes to survive and take care of her responsibilities. When she comes Santigo City, where the other characters are, things get explained to her and of course she does not believe them. Jack is a good romantic hero, he listens to Anya not just because he has to but because he wants to, he will help her and protect her from the bad guys, he does not judge her for surviving however possible. Their love story feels very natural and moves not too fast, for a romance novel. Anya did not annoy me with her disbelieve, I think that is was very natural and normal. We get really up close and personal with the bad guys in this novel and I liked seeing them so closely. Overall the best in the Watcher series so far.
I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my library’s Hoopla account.
From the blurb on Hoopla-
The Lightbringer:
Anya Harris's unwanted talents have made her a refugee, flying from city to city ahead of a tide of burning terror nobody else can see. She's hoping Santiago City will be different, but deep in her heart of hearts, she knows nowhere is safe enough for someone with her secrets. When the gray-eyed man with guns and a sword shows up, claiming to be sent to protect her, Anya has to believe him. After all, she has nowhere else to go.
The Watcher:
Jack Gray is one of the oldest Watchers around, scarred by the battle between Circle Lightfall and the Crusade. He's found his witch, and nothing is going to get in the way of protecting her. But being a Watcher is never as simple as it looks. Anya's talent makes her worth millions, if she's delivered alive to the right corporate bidders. Jack's the only one who can save her. But when she finds out who he really is, he might lose her for good . . .
Review- I really enjoyed this novel the most out of all the others. I liked Anya and her character was very understandable. She does not believe in magic and cannot explain the things she can do but she will do whatever it takes to survive and take care of her responsibilities. When she comes Santigo City, where the other characters are, things get explained to her and of course she does not believe them. Jack is a good romantic hero, he listens to Anya not just because he has to but because he wants to, he will help her and protect her from the bad guys, he does not judge her for surviving however possible. Their love story feels very natural and moves not too fast, for a romance novel. Anya did not annoy me with her disbelieve, I think that is was very natural and normal. We get really up close and personal with the bad guys in this novel and I liked seeing them so closely. Overall the best in the Watcher series so far.
I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my library’s Hoopla account.
February 16, 2015
I love this series and I have enjoyed each story although the author seems to put a bit more angst into it at times than I care for but overall it is an exceptional series.
Jack and Anya made a great couple for this story but they both had so much previous baggage it was excruciatingly mired in self loathing at times. The addition of having what appears to be an autistic adult/child thrown into the mix who was so self absorbed and you knew from the first time you met him that he was going to be trouble somewhere down the line. They also kept throwing hints of maybe there was more to him but that was never fully explained.
I think this would have been a 5 Star reading for me if the author had not made our naive heroine have a massive attack of TSTL (too stupid to live) to move the plot forward at a pivotal point. Other than this and a wee bit too much angst and self loathing I loved it and can't wait to get to the next book in the series. I feel I need to note that this one felt much more of a drama/urban fantasy than a paranormal romance that I felt with some of the others in the series.
4 Stars and highly recommended BUT this is a series that I strongly suggest be read in order or you will lose much of the flow and background since certain things have to happen in the order they happened in the series timeline.
Jack and Anya made a great couple for this story but they both had so much previous baggage it was excruciatingly mired in self loathing at times. The addition of having what appears to be an autistic adult/child thrown into the mix who was so self absorbed and you knew from the first time you met him that he was going to be trouble somewhere down the line. They also kept throwing hints of maybe there was more to him but that was never fully explained.
I think this would have been a 5 Star reading for me if the author had not made our naive heroine have a massive attack of TSTL (too stupid to live) to move the plot forward at a pivotal point. Other than this and a wee bit too much angst and self loathing I loved it and can't wait to get to the next book in the series. I feel I need to note that this one felt much more of a drama/urban fantasy than a paranormal romance that I felt with some of the others in the series.
4 Stars and highly recommended BUT this is a series that I strongly suggest be read in order or you will lose much of the flow and background since certain things have to happen in the order they happened in the series timeline.
May 6, 2009
I love L Saintcrow's Books. I am working my way through all I can find. Clould Watcher is the fourth in Watcher series, which is in the same world as the Jill Kismet and Dante Valentine books, just different times in history I believe. I enjoyed little bits of the world I learn through these watcher a books, but sadly I find I am getting a little tired of the Watcher Book formula. Maybe I just didn't like this witch or her watchers personalities. I found this lightbringer a little to whiny and the watcher a little too morose and self efacing to really enjoy the book. With the ability to push peoples minds, I would think this witch would be a little more empowered. Maybe I read these four watcher books too fast, one after another, but really this one was my least favorite--seconded by the Stormwatcher. I am a little nervous but I am running right into Mindhealer because I got all of them though interlibrary loan and cant renew or space them out. I want to love these books. I like the world and the magic and the chemistry. Fingers and toes crossed.
Hope I like that one better.
Hope I like that one better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2015
First, let me say that I received the book from Netgalley. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't realize it was part of a series, and it absolutely read stand alone, though I admit, I've already downloaded the first book to read. And I'm hoping for another book soon. This book has both romance and adventure. I had a couple of moments where I was afraid there'd be some too-stupid-to-live behavior, but Saintcrow neatly twisted things up and kept things racing. I really liked the emotional development between characters, especially Anya and Jack, but also with the others with whom they've connected. I'd like to know more about some things, but I have a feeling that reading the previous books will fill in a whole lot of what I want to know. So I'm not going to complain about that. The book had great pacing and I chewed through it fast. It's really a fabulous read.
June 30, 2008
Cloud Watcher is the fourth book in Lilith Saintcrow's Watcher Series. I knew eventually that a novice Lightbringer who had no previous knowledge of magic would have to be introduced into the storyline. So we have Anya who is on the run and is a caregiver to Shell. Anya comes to Theo's store and it is fate that she is found to be the Fourth Guardian (Suzanne who was the other three's teacher was their fourth until she gave her life to save the city - See Dark Watcher). She starts to learn about her gifts when Jack Grey walks in. He has been assigned by Circle Lightfall to help the other Watchers defend the city. Of course, little did Jack know with this new assignment that he would find HIS witch in Anya, along with all her troubles.
Good read. Recommended.
Good read. Recommended.
August 13, 2015
Okay, so this wasn't my favorite book of hers. Actually, this might be my least favorite. But it's still a good read. Anya's an air witch but she doesn't know she's one...she just thinks she's nuts and that weird things happen around her and that there are bad guys chasing her for some strange, unknown reason. Poor girl. She barely has time for a breather as she races from bad situation to worse, trying to do what's right for her and Shell. And then she winds up in this town that has other witches with protectors (watchers). Exactly what Anya needs, except she doesn't know it. The worldbuilding was a little shaky -- I would have liked more depth, more paranormal stuff, and a bit more explanation as to why the watchers had to obey their witches.
June 9, 2009
Although untrained, Anya Harris is a talented witch whose bright field has made her a target for the dark. She has barely survived the destruction of her house by a darkling and has fled to make a new start in Santiago. She answers an ad for help at the Rowancraft store where she meets Jacy Gray who tells her he is her Watcher. Jack becomes her bodyguard and repeatedly saves her life but he is afraid if Anya learned who he was before he became a Watcher, it would destroy their relationship.
January 16, 2012
Not only does this book have the usual stereotypes of the weak, helpless, and foolish woman and the controlling yet self-hating man, we are also presented with a regrettable representation of the mentally retarded as a drain and, potentially, something evil. While I'm sure the implication was completely unintentional, it is also implied that the woman who takes care of such a person is a soft hearted fool. Honestly, I'm pretty sure I won't be reading any more of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2008
I feel so disappointed with this book as I really enjoyed the previous three and was actually looking forward to this book but sadly I found it lacking in comparison and struggled through it.
I found Anya rather annoying and silly and was expecting much more from the female lead. I also didn't really understand the point of Shell and the relationship between himself and Anya.
I found Anya rather annoying and silly and was expecting much more from the female lead. I also didn't really understand the point of Shell and the relationship between himself and Anya.
May 8, 2016
I'm gonna be honest the main characters almost killed me. between being whiny, and irritating and suffering a horrendous case of TSTL (To Stupid TO Live) you have Jack who's just about as bad. There is evil always on their heels. I feel like the ending was given to us in the beginning with no real surprise how it ended. I mean it was fine but just not as good as the first one.
May 2, 2023
Likeable characters. This series follows a certain formula: psychic witch woman meets tortured hero/Watcher, but every witch has a different set of powers which helps keep it fresh. I also liked the character of Shell, Anya's child-like dependent.
Fave scenes: the baptism and, of course, the awesome high-rise escape.
Fave scenes: the baptism and, of course, the awesome high-rise escape.
November 27, 2015
Leading lady...not so much
Why do authors write a female lead who is strong willed and then have that character use her strong will to make idiotic choices? It is annoying. Good writing. Good premise. Interesting love story. Annoying character development choices.
Why do authors write a female lead who is strong willed and then have that character use her strong will to make idiotic choices? It is annoying. Good writing. Good premise. Interesting love story. Annoying character development choices.
June 28, 2009
This book was a little disappointing after the last three. While I adored the idea of Jack, and even his character, I felt that Anya was a little too flat and frightened to really do justice to him.
March 15, 2012
really like this book it kept me reading.
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