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Return of the Aghyrians #1
Watcher's Web
She’s not your ordinary country girl, even though she might look like one. She casts webs of power, reading the feelings of living beings and telling them what to do. Nobody knows what causes it, least of all her. Her name is Jessica, but most people call her ‘freak’.
One fateful day, her ‘web’ connects with a stranger, and stray power causes the plane in which she’s travelling to crash in an alien world. An accident? The more she discovers about the world in which she has landed, the more she doubts it.
She is a survivor from an ancient race that once travelled the stars. Her ancestors were powerful and dangerous, and it seems at least two people want her: the man who invades her mind, and the man who’s desperate to help her get back home. But Jessica grew up an Earth girl, and isn’t having any of this. She’ll pander to no one, thank you very much, even if her stubbornness enrages the tyrant race who hold the world in their grip.
One fateful day, her ‘web’ connects with a stranger, and stray power causes the plane in which she’s travelling to crash in an alien world. An accident? The more she discovers about the world in which she has landed, the more she doubts it.
She is a survivor from an ancient race that once travelled the stars. Her ancestors were powerful and dangerous, and it seems at least two people want her: the man who invades her mind, and the man who’s desperate to help her get back home. But Jessica grew up an Earth girl, and isn’t having any of this. She’ll pander to no one, thank you very much, even if her stubbornness enrages the tyrant race who hold the world in their grip.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2011
405 people are currently reading
1597 people want to read
About the author
Patty Jansen
141 books291 followersAuthor of Science Fiction and fantasy and non-fiction.
Author of the Ambassador series, the Icefire Trilogy, For Queen And Country series and the Return of the Aghyrians series.
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Author of the Ambassador series, the Icefire Trilogy, For Queen And Country series and the Return of the Aghyrians series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
September 5, 2023
This is a story of political intrigue set mostly on an alien world inhabited by a variety of species of humans (at least four by my count). Into this mix is drawn our point-of-view character who, having been brought up in Australia on Earth, has no idea what is going on, or who she can trust, and why she is so important to the politics of the planet.
This point of view has its good points and its bad points in that it allows the that the plot reveals the plot, but it also made the situation a bit confusing for me and in the end had me questioning the basic premise of the instigating event and setting for the story.
Like many stories, the villains are driven by great a lust for power, yet they go about it in such a half-hearted and poorly contrived manner that the instigating event makes little sense when viewed with hindsight when their plot is revealed.
Still, if you ignore the broader context, the story moves along well and has lots of action and interesting aspects - loved the Pengali.
For a new - young - adult, nice read.
This point of view has its good points and its bad points in that it allows the that the plot reveals the plot, but it also made the situation a bit confusing for me and in the end had me questioning the basic premise of the instigating event and setting for the story.
Like many stories, the villains are driven by great a lust for power, yet they go about it in such a half-hearted and poorly contrived manner that the instigating event makes little sense when viewed with hindsight when their plot is revealed.
Still, if you ignore the broader context, the story moves along well and has lots of action and interesting aspects - loved the Pengali.
For a new - young - adult, nice read.
July 25, 2021
This started off as a very interesting and intriguing story. Jessica, who we learn at the start, has some kind of weird power to do with energy manipulation, is in a plane crash on her way back to school but instead of landing in the Australian bush, she is plunged into a weird alien world. Seemingly the plane has been teleported across the galaxy as becomes clearer as the story progresses. At first, she is in a very spiky situation with an older man who is the other survivor, after an attack by unknown enemies, but becomes separated from him and ends up with tribal folk who are pretty alien in an 'Avatar' type way. A wise woman of this tribe helps her develop her gift and learn some control over it, and also shows her an ancient mural which helps to explain why Jessica is so different physically from other girls - she isn't human.
The story then explores the situation on the planet and the wider political context. The problem for me is that it turned into a 'love triangle' involving two not that well developed or convincing male characters, who also came across as pretty creepy. From being a strong, determined person Jessica slides into a passive acceptance of being abused (and there are clues that she has had at least one past negative experience), first by the man with whom she shares a mental bond and then, on the rebound, with the man who initially was sarcastic and hostile but who suddenly switches to calling her 'my lady' and treating her as a glass princess after she has a change of clothes and some makeup applied. It all seemed rather inappropriate especially as she is still at school - 17 years old I think - and both men are older and are controlling and pressuring. That turned me off the story basically, so although it is well-written as a whole, I won't be pursuing further volumes and have had to downrate this to an OK 2 stars.
The story then explores the situation on the planet and the wider political context. The problem for me is that it turned into a 'love triangle' involving two not that well developed or convincing male characters, who also came across as pretty creepy. From being a strong, determined person Jessica slides into a passive acceptance of being abused (and there are clues that she has had at least one past negative experience), first by the man with whom she shares a mental bond and then, on the rebound, with the man who initially was sarcastic and hostile but who suddenly switches to calling her 'my lady' and treating her as a glass princess after she has a change of clothes and some makeup applied. It all seemed rather inappropriate especially as she is still at school - 17 years old I think - and both men are older and are controlling and pressuring. That turned me off the story basically, so although it is well-written as a whole, I won't be pursuing further volumes and have had to downrate this to an OK 2 stars.
March 16, 2015
The story was confusing at first and, therefore, a bit difficult to really get into. It did improve as the story continued and became quite interesting. My biggest complaint beyond that is the sexual content. There isn't a lot of it but what there is I felt was a tad too mature for a young adult novel. I could have done without the details.
March 23, 2015
Interesting sci fi
Interesting sci fi with Australian overtones. The swearing was did not make the story edgy. It didn't fit the story. My main problem with the story is that I have to like the main character. I didn't like Jessica. She was an idiot and so annoying that I am 3/4 done and am going to delete this.
Interesting sci fi with Australian overtones. The swearing was did not make the story edgy. It didn't fit the story. My main problem with the story is that I have to like the main character. I didn't like Jessica. She was an idiot and so annoying that I am 3/4 done and am going to delete this.
November 2, 2016
I’m a sucker for a portal story, where the main character falls through some sort of access point into - well, whatever the author cares to imagine (past, future, parallel world, some other planet altogether). It’s always fun to watch the character work out what’s happened, and trying to deal with the new setting. It can be trite, but there’s always room for a fresh take on the idea.
Jessica has always been an outsider. She’s taller than average, for one thing, not very womanly in shape, has some odd birthmarks, and then there’s the whole web of light thing she does with her mind. Useful for dealing with truculent bulls, but it can kill, too, and she’s still not sure how to cope with it. And then one day, something odd happens and the small plane she’s in crashes somewhere weird. As in very weird.
Straight away I like that the inhabitants of this weird place don’t automatically speak English. And they have tails! Yay for humanoids with tails. Although some of their customs do seem to be very, very odd... But they're not the only people around. This is, in fact, a very complex place, with a number of different species (or sub-species or races, not sure exactly how it works), and some complicated political arrangements. And Jessica is thrust into the middle of it all, seen as a saviour by more than one faction, but not necessarily for good reasons.
I'll confess I didn't always know exactly what was going on. Some aspects were deliberately mysterious, like Jessica's strange mental connection to the man called Daya, and sometimes characters were keeping information from her or outright lying, which made it difficult to follow. Then there was Jessica's web-like power, which I never fully understood. But the story swept me along and I never worried too much about the details.
Jessica herself is a gloriously independent-minded, spiky individual, the ideal focus for a story like this because she constantly asks the obvious questions that also spring to the reader's mind. She doesn't always get a straight answer, but at least she asks, and she keeps on asking. She also makes efforts to avoid being manipulated too much by the people around her, but it's difficult to know who to trust in this strange new world. She also has to come to terms with her powers and the revelations of her heritage, and that's a lot to take in.
It was disappointing that such an otherwise intelligent, sensible and together character ended up drawn into sexual relationships which only served to complicate everything. I wasn't sufficiently drawn to either of the men to be rooting for either of them. Really I was only rooting for Jessica, and longing for her to stand up to both of them and tell them to ^&*% off and leave her alone until she's sorted out which way is up in this strange new world.
The ending was the usual dramatic high-action affair, with a few things sorted out but plenty of scope for further developments in the series. Overall an enjoyable read, with bonus points for the originality of the setting. Four stars.
Jessica has always been an outsider. She’s taller than average, for one thing, not very womanly in shape, has some odd birthmarks, and then there’s the whole web of light thing she does with her mind. Useful for dealing with truculent bulls, but it can kill, too, and she’s still not sure how to cope with it. And then one day, something odd happens and the small plane she’s in crashes somewhere weird. As in very weird.
Straight away I like that the inhabitants of this weird place don’t automatically speak English. And they have tails! Yay for humanoids with tails. Although some of their customs do seem to be very, very odd... But they're not the only people around. This is, in fact, a very complex place, with a number of different species (or sub-species or races, not sure exactly how it works), and some complicated political arrangements. And Jessica is thrust into the middle of it all, seen as a saviour by more than one faction, but not necessarily for good reasons.
I'll confess I didn't always know exactly what was going on. Some aspects were deliberately mysterious, like Jessica's strange mental connection to the man called Daya, and sometimes characters were keeping information from her or outright lying, which made it difficult to follow. Then there was Jessica's web-like power, which I never fully understood. But the story swept me along and I never worried too much about the details.
Jessica herself is a gloriously independent-minded, spiky individual, the ideal focus for a story like this because she constantly asks the obvious questions that also spring to the reader's mind. She doesn't always get a straight answer, but at least she asks, and she keeps on asking. She also makes efforts to avoid being manipulated too much by the people around her, but it's difficult to know who to trust in this strange new world. She also has to come to terms with her powers and the revelations of her heritage, and that's a lot to take in.
It was disappointing that such an otherwise intelligent, sensible and together character ended up drawn into sexual relationships which only served to complicate everything. I wasn't sufficiently drawn to either of the men to be rooting for either of them. Really I was only rooting for Jessica, and longing for her to stand up to both of them and tell them to ^&*% off and leave her alone until she's sorted out which way is up in this strange new world.
The ending was the usual dramatic high-action affair, with a few things sorted out but plenty of scope for further developments in the series. Overall an enjoyable read, with bonus points for the originality of the setting. Four stars.
March 30, 2018
Usually, when authors I enjoy link me to author friends with free books, its like a holiday. However, the promise of a good story (starting with a high expectation) was not really fulfilled.
I started off somewhat confused at the story telling style (not a lot of descriptiveness at first, and then later it goes very heavy into showing the environment), but the protagonist-- 17 year old Jessica-- was really engaging. I liked that the initially part of the story was set in Australia, and I liked how organic Jessica herself felt as the voice of the story with her frustrations and self consciousness. This goodwill pretty quickly faded as things continued.
Once the action really started, I felt that a lot of the promise the story showed at the start crumbled into tried-and-true tropes. It ventured into more adult descriptions, and then back to YA grounds and back again.
I don't think this should be a total write off-- there was a lot of interesting content in here. However, the issues I listed in the spoilers means this is not going to be a book, or series, I return to.
I started off somewhat confused at the story telling style (not a lot of descriptiveness at first, and then later it goes very heavy into showing the environment), but the protagonist-- 17 year old Jessica-- was really engaging. I liked that the initially part of the story was set in Australia, and I liked how organic Jessica herself felt as the voice of the story with her frustrations and self consciousness. This goodwill pretty quickly faded as things continued.
Once the action really started, I felt that a lot of the promise the story showed at the start crumbled into tried-and-true tropes. It ventured into more adult descriptions, and then back to YA grounds and back again.
I don't think this should be a total write off-- there was a lot of interesting content in here. However, the issues I listed in the spoilers means this is not going to be a book, or series, I return to.
February 12, 2016
Kindle freebie introducing a new series by Patty Jansen (I've read but not reviewed some of her books before, note to self, fix that, and I enjoy her writing.)
Jessica has a weird ability, not entirely under her control, that has more than once gotten her in serious trouble. When the small plane she is flying on crashes although she survives fairly unscathed, two things seem apparent: It was her fault somehow, and ... this is not the Australian outback bush they were flying over before the crash. And who, exactly, is this mysterious man she keeps flashing to in visions?
Jessica is right with the we're not in Australia anymore, Toto, but that's only the beginning.
It's hard to discuss this one without spoiling it royally, but it's a pretty good read. Nominally space opera/sci-fi it reads almost more like a PNR. The writing is top notch, but I had a few issues with the plot, so I'm not sure I'll continue this series. Well, I wasn't sure, but the second book apparently takes a different direction from this one, which sounds very interesting (following the "is he the bad guy or the good guy" from this book, along with a new female protagonist).
Rest of review @ Booklikes
Jessica has a weird ability, not entirely under her control, that has more than once gotten her in serious trouble. When the small plane she is flying on crashes although she survives fairly unscathed, two things seem apparent: It was her fault somehow, and ... this is not the Australian outback bush they were flying over before the crash. And who, exactly, is this mysterious man she keeps flashing to in visions?
Jessica is right with the we're not in Australia anymore, Toto, but that's only the beginning.
It's hard to discuss this one without spoiling it royally, but it's a pretty good read. Nominally space opera/sci-fi it reads almost more like a PNR. The writing is top notch, but I had a few issues with the plot, so I'm not sure I'll continue this series. Well, I wasn't sure, but the second book apparently takes a different direction from this one, which sounds very interesting (following the "is he the bad guy or the good guy" from this book, along with a new female protagonist).
Rest of review @ Booklikes
March 19, 2018
The premise was fine and the story held together well enough for me to finish reading it. However, I felt that the actual writing was weak. More than once I had to re-read a section when it did not make sense or a change in subject occurred without notice. Even after a re-read I often had to "just go with it" and press on. Once the author learns to tighten up her construction I may give her another try.
January 28, 2017
I enjoyed the premise of this story and Jessica was a pretty good character and her decisions actually seemed likely to be the decisions a 17 year old would make. The world building was excellent, interesting and not just an earth revisited at a different time which was good. The two main "romantic connections" were not really likeable and I didn't want Jessica to be with either of them, I felt she was much to young for either of them and in fact it seemed inappropriate to me. The variety of intelligent species was good - not just one and not human. The story wrapped up, completing the plot lines. I'll have a look for book 2.
March 15, 2021
New to me author. This is a YA fantasy story that starts off in outback Australia. Story was too slow for me. DNF
April 21, 2019
This first book of the series tells a complete story establishing a universe with some issues that are likely to continue through apparently 4 books in all.
Not YA - see asterisk under "mature themes below".
There is romance, but here is where the asterisk comes in. There is plenty of tension, danger, and action. The rules of this universe are not quickly established which is intentional but also chaotic. People have powers. It's not clear what they are. They have limitations, but those aren't clear either. It's not totally clear what people have them.
There are factions. Jessica seems to be the object of a great deal of interest by the factions. Throughout the book, it is difficult to determine where each faction stands or even how many there are. I'm not even sure I know exactly having finished the book.
Jessica is the central character. She is lost on a world that is alien to her. It is clear she knows there is something different about herself from where she grew up on earth. She is stubborn and a bit impulsive at times. Since her most pressing issue is survival, it is not unreasonable for her to put herself first in most cases. But she also has concern for people around her, especially those who appear weak.
There are two primary male characters and one elder woman who might be considered a wise-woman. The latter, Ikay, appears to want to protect Jessica. The males, Daya and Iztho, are both domineering but also trying to convince Jessica that they are helping her. Each one obviously wants something.
Mature themes (insert asterisk here): This book is tagged as Young Adult. I would not want my teen reading this without oversight, especially not a younger teen. There is a lot of sex both blatant and subtle. The story is about a 17 year old girl who is coming of age sexually. Because of her background, she already considers herself a freak. She is confronted with many new situations including an orgy right off the bat. During the orgy, she barely resists participating when confronted by a naked and male creature who is physically described to show he is interested in her and not inclined to take no for an answer. *Mild spoiler but highly relevant to discussion* There are far too many episodes of a prurient nature that aren't completely resolved for this to be a book appropriate for a 13 year old reader. If the book were read with a parent and then discussed, it would be different, but how often does that happen.
Further, there is plenty of violence including deaths. And the F word is frequently used in the dialogue.
As a mature adult, I'm not even sure how I feel about all the sexual situations except that they are not what I like to read for entertainment. My gut reaction is extreme distaste (putting negative feelings as politely as possible).
Not YA - see asterisk under "mature themes below".
There is romance, but here is where the asterisk comes in. There is plenty of tension, danger, and action. The rules of this universe are not quickly established which is intentional but also chaotic. People have powers. It's not clear what they are. They have limitations, but those aren't clear either. It's not totally clear what people have them.
There are factions. Jessica seems to be the object of a great deal of interest by the factions. Throughout the book, it is difficult to determine where each faction stands or even how many there are. I'm not even sure I know exactly having finished the book.
Jessica is the central character. She is lost on a world that is alien to her. It is clear she knows there is something different about herself from where she grew up on earth. She is stubborn and a bit impulsive at times. Since her most pressing issue is survival, it is not unreasonable for her to put herself first in most cases. But she also has concern for people around her, especially those who appear weak.
There are two primary male characters and one elder woman who might be considered a wise-woman. The latter, Ikay, appears to want to protect Jessica. The males, Daya and Iztho, are both domineering but also trying to convince Jessica that they are helping her. Each one obviously wants something.
Mature themes (insert asterisk here): This book is tagged as Young Adult. I would not want my teen reading this without oversight, especially not a younger teen. There is a lot of sex both blatant and subtle. The story is about a 17 year old girl who is coming of age sexually. Because of her background, she already considers herself a freak. She is confronted with many new situations including an orgy right off the bat. During the orgy, she barely resists participating when confronted by a naked and male creature who is physically described to show he is interested in her and not inclined to take no for an answer. *Mild spoiler but highly relevant to discussion* There are far too many episodes of a prurient nature that aren't completely resolved for this to be a book appropriate for a 13 year old reader. If the book were read with a parent and then discussed, it would be different, but how often does that happen.
Further, there is plenty of violence including deaths. And the F word is frequently used in the dialogue.
As a mature adult, I'm not even sure how I feel about all the sexual situations except that they are not what I like to read for entertainment. My gut reaction is extreme distaste (putting negative feelings as politely as possible).
June 11, 2011
The first thing that I noticed about this book, and really appreciated, was the strong Australian voice of the character. It's been awhile since I have read anything that is set, even just initially, in a country other than America or an American copy. So it was refreshing, and enjoyable to see an Australian author making the most of their country of origin.
Jessica very quickly gets uprooted, and the reader gets to experience a whole new world through her eyes. She is thrown into the middle of things she struggles to understand and Jansen does a stellar job of getting the reader caught up in this.
I have to say that this is the first book I've read in awhile that has aliens who actually seem alien. Sci-fi in general is peppered with species and races which are all too human - and I can understand that, on some levels. Writers want to make sure that the readers can relate to the characters in their book - but aliens should be different to us. Jessica gets to explore this, to learn more about these alien creatures, and herself in the process. Jansen has done a fantastic job of creating a world that is alien, and yet still approachable for the reader.
The story line is evenly paced and while we try, along with Jessica, to grasp at all the strands, Jansen brings it all together with verve. Jessica manages to stay true to herself, while also letting the barriers slide so that she can interact with those around her. There is a lot of action, and excitement, and I loved watching the development of Jessica throughout, as she begins to open up to others and connect with the world around her, which also means she gets to grips with her strange talent and mysterious history.
If I had one gripe, it would be with the way the romantic subplots were tied up. Where Jessica felt like a strong character who always followed her own mind in the rest of the novel, she seemed less in charge when it came to love, and the resolution felt more like her accepting the hand that life had dealt her, rather than a choice about what she really wanted. That said, it was clear throughout the novel that Jessica was something of a novice when it came to relationships of any kind, so perhaps her actions are fitting.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novel. It was refreshing and vibrant. I love the cultures and characters that Jansen has created; it felt like there was a lot of depth to them, a richness which helped bring the story to life. I'd recommend this book to just about anyone, but in particular to writers who want a great example of how to create rich cultures/worlds, without drowning the reader in too much information. I'll be checking out Patty's next release, as I am sure that will be a good one too!
Jessica very quickly gets uprooted, and the reader gets to experience a whole new world through her eyes. She is thrown into the middle of things she struggles to understand and Jansen does a stellar job of getting the reader caught up in this.
I have to say that this is the first book I've read in awhile that has aliens who actually seem alien. Sci-fi in general is peppered with species and races which are all too human - and I can understand that, on some levels. Writers want to make sure that the readers can relate to the characters in their book - but aliens should be different to us. Jessica gets to explore this, to learn more about these alien creatures, and herself in the process. Jansen has done a fantastic job of creating a world that is alien, and yet still approachable for the reader.
The story line is evenly paced and while we try, along with Jessica, to grasp at all the strands, Jansen brings it all together with verve. Jessica manages to stay true to herself, while also letting the barriers slide so that she can interact with those around her. There is a lot of action, and excitement, and I loved watching the development of Jessica throughout, as she begins to open up to others and connect with the world around her, which also means she gets to grips with her strange talent and mysterious history.
If I had one gripe, it would be with the way the romantic subplots were tied up. Where Jessica felt like a strong character who always followed her own mind in the rest of the novel, she seemed less in charge when it came to love, and the resolution felt more like her accepting the hand that life had dealt her, rather than a choice about what she really wanted. That said, it was clear throughout the novel that Jessica was something of a novice when it came to relationships of any kind, so perhaps her actions are fitting.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novel. It was refreshing and vibrant. I love the cultures and characters that Jansen has created; it felt like there was a lot of depth to them, a richness which helped bring the story to life. I'd recommend this book to just about anyone, but in particular to writers who want a great example of how to create rich cultures/worlds, without drowning the reader in too much information. I'll be checking out Patty's next release, as I am sure that will be a good one too!
September 18, 2018
Some problematic bits like "weak women attract abusive men." A few interesting bits of world-building.
March 15, 2012
Wow! If you LOVED Avatar, this is WAY better! This should be made into a movie. Full of action. The main character is a strong female with a mind of her own. About time! The image of the awesome marriage and swooning, only to be left in the reality of being birth-cow and housekeeper wiped away. Choices offered look black and white, but this strong woman chooses various shades of purple and blue!
This book makes me feel I have just read an encyclopedia, yet I read it in a day. When you are at the end of the book in the penultimate moments it is hard to remember the beginning, yet there it is riding along-side you. Amazing!
This book makes me feel I have just read an encyclopedia, yet I read it in a day. When you are at the end of the book in the penultimate moments it is hard to remember the beginning, yet there it is riding along-side you. Amazing!
June 8, 2020
Another take on the parallel universe with portals to earth. The heroine is a mixed up teen who gets thrust into a world she does not understand. She does however start picking things up very quickly as she comes to learn about this new to her world.
The story breaks as we jump characters are a bit distracting as we don't immediately know whose consciousness the reader has leapt into. Otherwise a fun read with history as told from this new parallel universe, action and adventure as the story progresses.
The story breaks as we jump characters are a bit distracting as we don't immediately know whose consciousness the reader has leapt into. Otherwise a fun read with history as told from this new parallel universe, action and adventure as the story progresses.
August 15, 2019
While I enjoyed it and was intrigued to discover that the universe was linked to the author’s Ambassador series, there were parts of the book that dragged it down. In particular the relationships the main character had with others or, actually, most people in the book. I also found the notion of the lead being 17 somewhat unbelievable with respect things she was doing on Earth and elsewhere.
March 13, 2019
I really liked the world building in this story! The author has a fantastic imagination. The story was a little slow to start up but I really enjoyed it along the way. Readers should be aware of sexual content with dubious consent.
June 24, 2019
Good story about a girl who thinks she is human but who has been hidden on earth. She begins to come into her powers.
Less one star because the sexualitiy part is a bit much & too descriptive. Its part in her development could have been explored much less graphically.
Less one star because the sexualitiy part is a bit much & too descriptive. Its part in her development could have been explored much less graphically.
January 30, 2018
Watchers Web – Return of the Aghyrians YA Science Fiction – Written by Patty Jansen – Reviewed 1/29/18
Who do you believe when you're lost on an Alien Planet?
Jessica's plane develops engine trouble over the dry Australian inland—and crashes in thick, unfamiliar rainforest. A group she thinks is a search party shows up, but it consists of large-eyed not-quite people who kill all survivors except Jessica and a long-haired hippie named Brian. No one is going to come to rescue her. In fact, they're not even on Earth. While the pair wrestles their way through the forest in search of help, Jessica becomes ever more suspicious of Brian. Why does he know so much about the world where they have ended up? Why is he so insistent on helping her? Jessica has always been able to use her mind to tell animals what to do and now she's hearing voices in her head. Another man is pleading her not to listen to Brian. Except this man can kill someone with a single look, and he uses his mental powers to order people around. In this utterly strange and dangerous world where people seem to want something from her, who can she trust?
What did I like? This was a fast-paced science fiction book that really kept me reading quickly, I just could not put it down. The author is adept in her descriptions and details. I love it when I am not overwhelmed but feel like I am in the book also.
What will you like? Mystery, intrigue, aliens, murder, an unbelievable love story! Easy and quick read with plenty of action that keeps things moving and never a dull moment. Well developed story line and the characters keep growing with it. I liked the love story that almost didn’t make it to the end. It kept you in the dark as to who was going to win. I especially liked her abilities and how she used them to control animals. The story does contain some explicit details but is not overbearing. I received this from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.
Who do you believe when you're lost on an Alien Planet?
Jessica's plane develops engine trouble over the dry Australian inland—and crashes in thick, unfamiliar rainforest. A group she thinks is a search party shows up, but it consists of large-eyed not-quite people who kill all survivors except Jessica and a long-haired hippie named Brian. No one is going to come to rescue her. In fact, they're not even on Earth. While the pair wrestles their way through the forest in search of help, Jessica becomes ever more suspicious of Brian. Why does he know so much about the world where they have ended up? Why is he so insistent on helping her? Jessica has always been able to use her mind to tell animals what to do and now she's hearing voices in her head. Another man is pleading her not to listen to Brian. Except this man can kill someone with a single look, and he uses his mental powers to order people around. In this utterly strange and dangerous world where people seem to want something from her, who can she trust?
What did I like? This was a fast-paced science fiction book that really kept me reading quickly, I just could not put it down. The author is adept in her descriptions and details. I love it when I am not overwhelmed but feel like I am in the book also.
What will you like? Mystery, intrigue, aliens, murder, an unbelievable love story! Easy and quick read with plenty of action that keeps things moving and never a dull moment. Well developed story line and the characters keep growing with it. I liked the love story that almost didn’t make it to the end. It kept you in the dark as to who was going to win. I especially liked her abilities and how she used them to control animals. The story does contain some explicit details but is not overbearing. I received this from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.
September 8, 2017
Oh man can Jansen create aliens and space-societies that tickle my socio-anthropology heart. The Pengali aliens, the Avya powers, the hidden frieze depicting the Aghyrians coming to the planet, the traders, and the Mirani-Coldi political manuevering makes this book a complex read.
And it starts out with Jessica, who is tall and awkward and boyish, and who has been fighting this weird tendency to zap things her whole life. She gets on a plane, and weird stuff happens, and all of a sudden she's not in Kansas anymore, but on a whole different planet trying to survive, and even more importantly, trying to figure out who to trust.
The first half of the book is solid adventure coupled with the aformentioned alien societies that are cool to find out about.
And Jessica isn't your usual Mary Sue. She's cranky, and she isn't fond of being manipulated, and I love that.
The second half of the book, once she's grown to love the Pengali and has to decide between a silver-haired trader and a mysterious man whose thoughts she keeps invading....gets a tad confusing and somewhat disjointed at times. I felt like we skipped around from scene to scene and I wasn't sure, because of the whole "hanging out in other people's heads" thing if we were in real time or vision time sometimes. And also, I didn't like that the story manuevered Jessica into two relationships back to back within a day or two ( I think) where she was manipulated by pheromones to be with her two guys. Hmmm....I guess I wanted more agency and development of those relationships instead of Jessica being forced into them by biology.
But it didn't bother me enough that I wouldn't go seek out the next book in the series. And since this is Patty Jansen, this book was free for signing up for her newsletter. I heartily recommend it :)
And it starts out with Jessica, who is tall and awkward and boyish, and who has been fighting this weird tendency to zap things her whole life. She gets on a plane, and weird stuff happens, and all of a sudden she's not in Kansas anymore, but on a whole different planet trying to survive, and even more importantly, trying to figure out who to trust.
The first half of the book is solid adventure coupled with the aformentioned alien societies that are cool to find out about.
And Jessica isn't your usual Mary Sue. She's cranky, and she isn't fond of being manipulated, and I love that.
The second half of the book, once she's grown to love the Pengali and has to decide between a silver-haired trader and a mysterious man whose thoughts she keeps invading....gets a tad confusing and somewhat disjointed at times. I felt like we skipped around from scene to scene and I wasn't sure, because of the whole "hanging out in other people's heads" thing if we were in real time or vision time sometimes. And also, I didn't like that the story manuevered Jessica into two relationships back to back within a day or two ( I think) where she was manipulated by pheromones to be with her two guys. Hmmm....I guess I wanted more agency and development of those relationships instead of Jessica being forced into them by biology.
But it didn't bother me enough that I wouldn't go seek out the next book in the series. And since this is Patty Jansen, this book was free for signing up for her newsletter. I heartily recommend it :)
January 29, 2022
( Format : Audiobook )
"There's going to be trouble."
A misfit older teenager, as tall and uncurvaceous as a youth, with a strange electrical power she doesn't control, is in a small plans crash on her way home. But she soon realised that their crash site is not in the Australian bush as would be expected but in some unknown forest and the local inhabitants, though seemingly human, had tails.
I have very much enjoyed other of Party Janson's novels in the Ambassador series which has strong characters and excellent world building to complement the intriguing story line, but despite the writing being visual and the premise of the book interesting, Watchers Web failed to hold my attention in part because I could feel no empathy for the main protagonist. Whilst listening, I found my mind constantly drifting away and I would have to rewind whole chunks to return to an earlier passage. This has been so consistent that, with perhaps a fifth of the book still to read, I am giving up.
This lack of involvement in the story was, sadly, also exacerbated by the poor recording quality and narration by the author. Despite obviously having a thorough knowledge and understanding of her book content, Ms. Janson's reading is stilted, slightly jerky, too mechanical with nothing to draw the reader close. This story very much needs a narrator with warms and emotion to help develop the text and breath life into the insipid main characcter. I doubt if I will finish this book now and will almost certainly not be looking for book two.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of Watchers Web. I am greatly ssaddened not to have enjoyed it more. Perhaps read as a print version would improve the pictures in the mind and could make an interesting movie. But this audio version is a great dissappointme.
"There's going to be trouble."
A misfit older teenager, as tall and uncurvaceous as a youth, with a strange electrical power she doesn't control, is in a small plans crash on her way home. But she soon realised that their crash site is not in the Australian bush as would be expected but in some unknown forest and the local inhabitants, though seemingly human, had tails.
I have very much enjoyed other of Party Janson's novels in the Ambassador series which has strong characters and excellent world building to complement the intriguing story line, but despite the writing being visual and the premise of the book interesting, Watchers Web failed to hold my attention in part because I could feel no empathy for the main protagonist. Whilst listening, I found my mind constantly drifting away and I would have to rewind whole chunks to return to an earlier passage. This has been so consistent that, with perhaps a fifth of the book still to read, I am giving up.
This lack of involvement in the story was, sadly, also exacerbated by the poor recording quality and narration by the author. Despite obviously having a thorough knowledge and understanding of her book content, Ms. Janson's reading is stilted, slightly jerky, too mechanical with nothing to draw the reader close. This story very much needs a narrator with warms and emotion to help develop the text and breath life into the insipid main characcter. I doubt if I will finish this book now and will almost certainly not be looking for book two.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy of Watchers Web. I am greatly ssaddened not to have enjoyed it more. Perhaps read as a print version would improve the pictures in the mind and could make an interesting movie. But this audio version is a great dissappointme.
July 4, 2018
Great storytelling
I've read some of Patty Jansens work before in the Ambassador series & this story is very different.
It is a fast paced, bewildering at times, but unputadownable story. Jessica is a 17 year old misfit, teased about her looks & her odd ways. On her way back to school her plane crashes & it's not long before she realises she is bot on Earth.
So starts her adventures, she starts to learn to control her special abilities. Gets caught up in local politics & falls in love. At times she's bloody annoying & you want to shake her & say get a grip! On the whole though you do find yourself sympathetic towards her.
All in all Patty shows herself to be a great storyteller once again.
I've read some of Patty Jansens work before in the Ambassador series & this story is very different.
It is a fast paced, bewildering at times, but unputadownable story. Jessica is a 17 year old misfit, teased about her looks & her odd ways. On her way back to school her plane crashes & it's not long before she realises she is bot on Earth.
So starts her adventures, she starts to learn to control her special abilities. Gets caught up in local politics & falls in love. At times she's bloody annoying & you want to shake her & say get a grip! On the whole though you do find yourself sympathetic towards her.
All in all Patty shows herself to be a great storyteller once again.
March 3, 2022
A young woman who doesn't know she is an alien has a secret power that causes her to accidentally kill someone. Also troubled by her unusual height and flat-chestedness, she's quite insecure and easy prey for people who want to exploit her. Fortunately, she meets some people who are genetically similar, but it is very hard for her to know what she should do and who she can trust. Woven into this are several love stories and descriptions of male body parts and sex.
Apparently, there is a sequel to this book, but I won't be reading it. It contained way too much sex, including orgies and lack of consent situations, for a YA novel; and the very tired plot of people with super powers didn't do much for me.
Apparently, there is a sequel to this book, but I won't be reading it. It contained way too much sex, including orgies and lack of consent situations, for a YA novel; and the very tired plot of people with super powers didn't do much for me.
March 28, 2021
I just couldn't quite get into this. The concept of the book was interesting but the story somehow failed to hold my attention and my mind kept wandering while I was reading it. Part of the problem was that I didn't really like Jessica or Brian, and I enjoyed the book the least when they were together. Daya was the only character I found intriguing but he was hardly there until about 60% in and after he properly showed up it all got a bit too creepy for me. Disappointing, as I did like Seeing Red (Ambassador 1). I would recommend that as a better book to start with if you're new to this author.
May 6, 2017
5/6/17
WATCHER'S WEB
Patty Jansen
What would you do if you were in a small plane and all of a sudden it seemed to be hit by lightning? When it crashes in a jungle where nothing is familiar at all. Not the plants, animals....nothing. Possible, right? Not when you look up in the sky and see 2 suns.
This is a story about Jessica and her search for not only where she was but WHAT she is.
Got your attention yet? You have got to read this book. I literally couldn't put it down and was enthralled until the very end and beyond. Loved it!
WATCHER'S WEB
Patty Jansen
What would you do if you were in a small plane and all of a sudden it seemed to be hit by lightning? When it crashes in a jungle where nothing is familiar at all. Not the plants, animals....nothing. Possible, right? Not when you look up in the sky and see 2 suns.
This is a story about Jessica and her search for not only where she was but WHAT she is.
Got your attention yet? You have got to read this book. I literally couldn't put it down and was enthralled until the very end and beyond. Loved it!
May 13, 2018
Whoa, this book is well written! I couldn't put this book down with the story telling exciting, captivating and charming at the same time. If you grow up not knowing your parents and then find out you are a descendent of a different generation, it just makes everything hard to believe. Then have two very different guys wanting and loving you is just unbelievable. In a difficult time and place come to a head until things get settled. Such a good reading book. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
September 19, 2021
I enjoyed aspects of this book hugely, not least the premise, and the building of Jessica's character, as well as growing understanding of the Pengali. The feeling of confusion was very well portrayed.
But part way through the story turned very Mills & Boon: a dated romantic love triangle with the lead character suddenly reduced to a pivot between the two male characters, neither of which are very believable or appealing. It seemed a little Stockholm Syndrome, tbh.
The plot is decent but submerged by a romance that's not well written.
But part way through the story turned very Mills & Boon: a dated romantic love triangle with the lead character suddenly reduced to a pivot between the two male characters, neither of which are very believable or appealing. It seemed a little Stockholm Syndrome, tbh.
The plot is decent but submerged by a romance that's not well written.
June 26, 2025
This book started a little slowly for me, but I think it may have been just me adapting to the author/narrator's accent. I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did (I don't know why.)
The characters are interesting (various alien species) and it's been fascinating to learn the differences between them, and see how they interact. Jessica, just a human girl in Australia who doesn't fit in, or is she?
I will definitely add Book 2 to my list so I can see where this story goes next.
The characters are interesting (various alien species) and it's been fascinating to learn the differences between them, and see how they interact. Jessica, just a human girl in Australia who doesn't fit in, or is she?
I will definitely add Book 2 to my list so I can see where this story goes next.
September 4, 2017
Series set in the same universe as 'Ambassador' but in a different time-frame (earlier?). Opening scenes set on Earth seem to be before the Exchange bcame established; Barress is a backward island state. Enjoyable enough straightforward sf/f story though at times I wanted to smack the protagonist. Hard. Three more volumes to go.
March 23, 2020
Interesting
I liked the Australian connection. Being able to visualize the places gave me a closer connection to the story. I will need to re-read though, because I lost the cadence of the plot and felt I didn’t do it justice to appreciate the intrigue which I could feel beneath the overlying story.
I liked the Australian connection. Being able to visualize the places gave me a closer connection to the story. I will need to re-read though, because I lost the cadence of the plot and felt I didn’t do it justice to appreciate the intrigue which I could feel beneath the overlying story.
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