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The Grey Gates #1
Outcast
If no one knows that you saved the world, does it really count?
Eight years ago the world almost ended and Max lost everything, accused of betrayal and failure.
Now working as a Marshal, keeping the city and its people safe from supernatural dangers, Max thinks she's broken all ties to her past. She's just trying to do her job and live her life.
Asked to help local law enforcement with a series of vicious murders, Max is willing to assist but soon realises that she might be next. Can she keep her secret while finding the killer?
Outcast is the first book in a new series by Vanessa Nelson. If you like your fantasy mixed with a dose of mystery, a bit of magic, and a heroine who can hold her own, you will love this new series. Get your copy of Outcast now to start reading Max's story.
Eight years ago the world almost ended and Max lost everything, accused of betrayal and failure.
Now working as a Marshal, keeping the city and its people safe from supernatural dangers, Max thinks she's broken all ties to her past. She's just trying to do her job and live her life.
Asked to help local law enforcement with a series of vicious murders, Max is willing to assist but soon realises that she might be next. Can she keep her secret while finding the killer?
Outcast is the first book in a new series by Vanessa Nelson. If you like your fantasy mixed with a dose of mystery, a bit of magic, and a heroine who can hold her own, you will love this new series. Get your copy of Outcast now to start reading Max's story.
249 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2023
1165 people are currently reading
3068 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books419 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
June 1, 2023
So the story basically goes like this: the mc is called to several crime scenes where she's not sure if they're under her jurisdiction, she's also not as knowledgeable about the blood rituals present at those crime scenes —and she needs to consult with another creature, she's not using her magic in any capacity to solve these murders {she's not that good with magic either and most of the time prefers to keep it under wraps}, and she's only there in the first place because she was the only one available.
FMCs all over the world are weeping right now for how this one is portrayed.
There's also too many pages of narration and monologuing where the mc chooses to push memories aside several times before she finally delves into them, which makes her somewhat repetitive and it was a little frustrating.
The pace was agonizingly slow, not enough dialogue throughout, the end was very disappointedly anticlimactic, and the world building needs a bit more work.
Obviously there was a lot of building blocks for the next book: MC's weakness in magic, Queran making a brief appearance, Bryce giving her some time of day (I'm still not sure if there's any romantic interest there and I'm half convinced the 'paranormal romance' tag was added by mistake lol) but still, I'm not inclined to read the next one.
FMCs all over the world are weeping right now for how this one is portrayed.
There's also too many pages of narration and monologuing where the mc chooses to push memories aside several times before she finally delves into them, which makes her somewhat repetitive and it was a little frustrating.
The pace was agonizingly slow, not enough dialogue throughout, the end was very disappointedly anticlimactic, and the world building needs a bit more work.
Obviously there was a lot of building blocks for the next book: MC's weakness in magic, Queran making a brief appearance, Bryce giving her some time of day (I'm still not sure if there's any romantic interest there and I'm half convinced the 'paranormal romance' tag was added by mistake lol) but still, I'm not inclined to read the next one.
December 27, 2023
Really liked this book, it gave of serious Kate Daniels vibe.
Max is a no BS girl, growing up orphan, always needing to fight for her future until life kick her down! But she didn't stay down, she reinvented herself with a new name, a new job as a Marshall, catching creatures from the wild with 2 big dogs as sidekicks...
Really like Max, she's not all amazing just because, she got here by working hard, training hard and has flaws that make her relatable.
The world building is entertaining, it's packed with strange creatures and gun action.
The side characters relatable and well-defined...
Even though the cover has a male character there's no romance in this book, not even a thought about it and I kinda missed it. (Not talking about sex)
Also, since I referred Kate Daniel's book, this book misses a bit of funny/light parts of KD world that makes it reading addictive.
Will definitely read the next book
Max is a no BS girl, growing up orphan, always needing to fight for her future until life kick her down! But she didn't stay down, she reinvented herself with a new name, a new job as a Marshall, catching creatures from the wild with 2 big dogs as sidekicks...
Really like Max, she's not all amazing just because, she got here by working hard, training hard and has flaws that make her relatable.
The world building is entertaining, it's packed with strange creatures and gun action.
The side characters relatable and well-defined...
Even though the cover has a male character there's no romance in this book, not even a thought about it and I kinda missed it. (Not talking about sex)
Also, since I referred Kate Daniel's book, this book misses a bit of funny/light parts of KD world that makes it reading addictive.
Will definitely read the next book
March 11, 2023
At this point I’ve read every series this author has written and somehow I always start her books thinking I’ll just read the first few chapters but end up binging the entire series 😭 my curiosity is definitely piqued can’t wait for book 2
December 13, 2023
I liked the concept of this world, that is the only reason it's getting two stars and not one. This author clearly needs a better editor (if she even had one)- every time a character comes back on scene, there's a blurb reminding you who they are. There's a lot of references to a time in the underworld that are never explained. The word "youngsters" is used far too often, along with a few others. Please pick up a thesaurus if you don't know any other options! Overall very elementary writing, clearly a first time author that needed to flush out her story more before releasing this. I'm guessing if you cut out a lot of the repeated bits of this book and the next then combined them, you'd have a decent story. I will not be continuing this series though to find out.
September 17, 2023
This review totally said what I had in my mind after I finished this book
On one hand ... Max as the main female character didn't impress me much. She was called to various crime scenes but didn't really do anything? Well, maybe the first one, where she fight a crow spider and a harridan. But the rest? I was a bit confused - she didn't really consult anything, she didn't offer any insights. It seemed that she was called because everyone no other Marshalls were around?
And this was the kind of UF that didn't offer a solid world-building and initial information - that readers should just have to trust the author that ALL will be revealed. It wasn't my favorite kind of UF. I kept thinking, what the HECK happened EIGHT YEARS ago?!?! How was this world really work?!? Was there any prequel available?
On the other hand ... despite the slow progress, I made it to the end 😆. And the author stated this would only be 5-books series (that is good! it means the ending is in sight!). I was still itsy bitsy curious about Max's power and connection the the demons. I also wonder how Max adopted the hound dogs.
Sooooo.... I guess I will still check the second book and THEN make my assessment after that.
On one hand ... Max as the main female character didn't impress me much. She was called to various crime scenes but didn't really do anything? Well, maybe the first one, where she fight a crow spider and a harridan. But the rest? I was a bit confused - she didn't really consult anything, she didn't offer any insights. It seemed that she was called because everyone no other Marshalls were around?
And this was the kind of UF that didn't offer a solid world-building and initial information - that readers should just have to trust the author that ALL will be revealed. It wasn't my favorite kind of UF. I kept thinking, what the HECK happened EIGHT YEARS ago?!?! How was this world really work?!? Was there any prequel available?
On the other hand ... despite the slow progress, I made it to the end 😆. And the author stated this would only be 5-books series (that is good! it means the ending is in sight!). I was still itsy bitsy curious about Max's power and connection the the demons. I also wonder how Max adopted the hound dogs.
Sooooo.... I guess I will still check the second book and THEN make my assessment after that.
September 8, 2023
A good start to the series.
I was deeply invested in the world created—the city and the Wild, and the characters themselves. Unlike the OG FL's who hid their vulnerabilities and feelings while being a badass, Max here was a mixture of both and wearing the fact right on her sleeves, so to say.
This book was more of an introduction, but with a great plot and less of any character arcs. We get to meet Max, who is a Marshall with a duty to contain Wild creatures and help protect the city, but she was also once an apprentice of the Order, though later dismissed. Being an orphan who was always found lacking by the people around her, she carries some baggage which was made heavier by the reason for her dismissal.
In the romance department, this series is a slow-burn. We just get an introduction to Bryce (a warrior of the Order) and a couple of interactions. Though later they do develop to a little bit more.
I did find some repetitive sentences and feelings that I felt the author could have done away with. There is a fine line between showing trauma and remorse (however, misplaced or real) and self-pity. Max often times toed that line. There were also some word choices that could have been replaced with better synonyms. STILL, these choices didn't take away from the plot. I am glad for that.
It's a good read if you are looking for a new world to dive in.
I was deeply invested in the world created—the city and the Wild, and the characters themselves. Unlike the OG FL's who hid their vulnerabilities and feelings while being a badass, Max here was a mixture of both and wearing the fact right on her sleeves, so to say.
This book was more of an introduction, but with a great plot and less of any character arcs. We get to meet Max, who is a Marshall with a duty to contain Wild creatures and help protect the city, but she was also once an apprentice of the Order, though later dismissed. Being an orphan who was always found lacking by the people around her, she carries some baggage which was made heavier by the reason for her dismissal.
In the romance department, this series is a slow-burn. We just get an introduction to Bryce (a warrior of the Order) and a couple of interactions. Though later they do develop to a little bit more.
I did find some repetitive sentences and feelings that I felt the author could have done away with. There is a fine line between showing trauma and remorse (however, misplaced or real) and self-pity. Max often times toed that line. There were also some word choices that could have been replaced with better synonyms. STILL, these choices didn't take away from the plot. I am glad for that.
It's a good read if you are looking for a new world to dive in.
did-not-finish
April 2, 2024DNF @ 18%
OUTCAST has a slow start and there's nothing that's grabbing my attention.
OUTCAST has a slow start and there's nothing that's grabbing my attention.
January 17, 2024
A solid start to the series, even though sometimes it labors under all the setup strain. I like Max a lot, though I occasionally had to grind my teeth over how much shit she takes. I'm worried that the series is going to lean too far into one of my least favorite things in uf: martyr heroine bending over backwards for a society that treats her like garbage.
It's not definitely going to happen, but there were a few parts that made me worry.
Max has been pretty beaten down by life. She's a orphan, grew up in an orphanage, never knew her family. The Order (an organization that seems to be created as a power structure for people who are literal human garbage) seems to have abused her throughout her childhood in order to set her up as their scapegoat - tormented her as a child, then told her it was her "duty" to pledge to the Order when she was the appropriate age. After joining their shithole organization,
So I hate the Order and everyone in it - the ones we meet are either complete assholes or spoiled toddlers (think reality TV stars with actual magical powers). And society as a whole isn't much better ... the ruling Five Families all seem to be scum, and generally I'm rooting for the monsters to wipe out this city.
I like the Marshals though - Faddei (head Marshal) seems great, and honestly cares about his people. Other Marshals we meet also seem cool, so in this thankless job, at least they have each other. Though I have to say, if I was treated the way they were (and especially the way Max is) I wouldn't raise a goddamn finger to stop monsters that get loose in the city. In fact, I'd probably leave a trail of raw hamburger right to the houses of the people in charge. Fuck all those people.
But Max is cool, and her magic seems different - possibly the Order fuckfaces know that, which is why they poorly trained her - so I'm excited to see how that unfolds. But I really hope she starts standing up for herself. The next people who tries to interfere with her job because, say, they have a monster fighting ring in their basement, she better shoot right in the balls.
It's not definitely going to happen, but there were a few parts that made me worry.
Max has been pretty beaten down by life. She's a orphan, grew up in an orphanage, never knew her family. The Order (an organization that seems to be created as a power structure for people who are literal human garbage) seems to have abused her throughout her childhood in order to set her up as their scapegoat - tormented her as a child, then told her it was her "duty" to pledge to the Order when she was the appropriate age. After joining their shithole organization,
So I hate the Order and everyone in it - the ones we meet are either complete assholes or spoiled toddlers (think reality TV stars with actual magical powers). And society as a whole isn't much better ... the ruling Five Families all seem to be scum, and generally I'm rooting for the monsters to wipe out this city.
I like the Marshals though - Faddei (head Marshal) seems great, and honestly cares about his people. Other Marshals we meet also seem cool, so in this thankless job, at least they have each other. Though I have to say, if I was treated the way they were (and especially the way Max is) I wouldn't raise a goddamn finger to stop monsters that get loose in the city. In fact, I'd probably leave a trail of raw hamburger right to the houses of the people in charge. Fuck all those people.
But Max is cool, and her magic seems different - possibly the Order fuckfaces know that, which is why they poorly trained her - so I'm excited to see how that unfolds. But I really hope she starts standing up for herself. The next people who tries to interfere with her job because, say, they have a monster fighting ring in their basement, she better shoot right in the balls.
April 29, 2024
3.5/5.0
After reading this first in a series, I’m super interested in where this intriguing plot and characters will take us! I loved Max. Her background is a bit murky, but she has been through hell and back (literally) as a young girl and is still standing, even thriving, through nothing but sheer will and determination. She has a big heart but also holds a well-earned streak of cynicism.
The writing is smooth and enjoyable, but the storyline was slow-going (the reason it didn’t rate higher) as it sets-up the overall premise and establishes what we know of the world. Still, I’m invested and eager to continue to see how everything will unravel!
After reading this first in a series, I’m super interested in where this intriguing plot and characters will take us! I loved Max. Her background is a bit murky, but she has been through hell and back (literally) as a young girl and is still standing, even thriving, through nothing but sheer will and determination. She has a big heart but also holds a well-earned streak of cynicism.
The writing is smooth and enjoyable, but the storyline was slow-going (the reason it didn’t rate higher) as it sets-up the overall premise and establishes what we know of the world. Still, I’m invested and eager to continue to see how everything will unravel!
November 4, 2024
4 stars- I enjoyed this (shades of Kate Daniels) story. No solid love interest at this point but it definitely keeps me guessing (Bryce).
As Katyana pointed out: " it labors under all the setup strain."
Totally! As well as repeats itself a few times just to be sure we know :) Please read her review for a thorough and competent take on this 1st book.
I will keep reading because it is strangely addicting.
Highlights & Spoilers:
Max- Just as she was facing the awful prospect she would actually have to do some housework, her phone rang.
---------
“Miscellandreax T’Or Orshiasa,” Bryce said. There it was. Her full name in the Order.
What a mouthful!
---------
“I am shocked they couldn’t see your potential,” the demon said, smiling again. “You were one of my better projects,” he told her.
“What in hells does that mean?” Max demanded.
As Katyana pointed out: " it labors under all the setup strain."
Totally! As well as repeats itself a few times just to be sure we know :) Please read her review for a thorough and competent take on this 1st book.
I will keep reading because it is strangely addicting.
Highlights & Spoilers:
Max- Just as she was facing the awful prospect she would actually have to do some housework, her phone rang.
---------
“Miscellandreax T’Or Orshiasa,” Bryce said. There it was. Her full name in the Order.
What a mouthful!
---------
“I am shocked they couldn’t see your potential,” the demon said, smiling again. “You were one of my better projects,” he told her.
“What in hells does that mean?” Max demanded.
April 6, 2025
I 4 star liked "Outcast." I found the main character, secondary and peripheral character nuanced. I snuck a peek at how GR friends rated this book and they ranged from 3 to 3.5 stars. Sometimes, one finds a book that meets their fantasy and mystery needs and this book was "it" for me. The Grey Gates world is an alternate universe filled with magic. The magical (and dangerous) part of the world is separated by meticulously maintained by the Marshalls, sometimes with the help of the Order. This world reminds me a little bit of Ilona Andrews' Edge and Kate Daniels series. The magical creatures came alive and my imagination. The mystery was good, although I wish that the resolution held more answers. I look forward to reading book 2.
KU ebook
KU ebook
September 7, 2024
Sigh… I’m pretty sure the author was going for a Kate Daniel’s like series but the book is too wordy and boring. Did the author have a word count goal to reach or something? It really sucks because i can’t find any books with a strong capable FC that’s not YA lately and I was hoping I found THAT new series. 😭
August 16, 2025
DNF. Made it 30% and was bored. The MC is bland. The editing is horrible. There were a lot of un on sentences and poo grammar.
December 21, 2023
I enjoyed the slow reveal of Max’s backstory and the setting of The Grey Gates - Book 1. While both of these elements are intriguing and detailed and critical to the story, the technical methods (the style and repetitive nature of the prose) was a bit annoying. Allowing for preferences in word choice, given the author’s Scottish locale, there was still a lot to be desired due to repetition in the narrative. Many literary conventions (comparisons of the grayness of buildings to the sky or descriptions of the size/shape of things) seemed forced, clumsy, even nonsensical, which was terribly distracting.
The author reveals Max’s observations, thoughts, emotions, and memories in an omniscient manner throughout the book. That is a solid thread of consistency. A notable stylistic gap is when Max’s observations, feelings, etc. are revealed, followed by a sentence of facts… Are the facts part of the observations? Or just another emotionless reminder to the reader? So many missed opportunities for character depth.
The cast of characters with whom Max interacted throughout the book was fairly broad, and Grey Gates was not a conversation-driven storyline. The reader got to really know only Max but see no development or growth of any of the other characters. Max was busy - so busy - throughout the book that it started to become unbelievable. Or was it a slow reveal that Max is special?
I appreciate the uncertainty: no neat conclusion was needed to explain everything. The author succeeded in this way, creating a magical world where life is hard and not everything makes sense - even when every situation feels over-explained.
The author reveals Max’s observations, thoughts, emotions, and memories in an omniscient manner throughout the book. That is a solid thread of consistency. A notable stylistic gap is when Max’s observations, feelings, etc. are revealed, followed by a sentence of facts… Are the facts part of the observations? Or just another emotionless reminder to the reader? So many missed opportunities for character depth.
The cast of characters with whom Max interacted throughout the book was fairly broad, and Grey Gates was not a conversation-driven storyline. The reader got to really know only Max but see no development or growth of any of the other characters. Max was busy - so busy - throughout the book that it started to become unbelievable. Or was it a slow reveal that Max is special?
I appreciate the uncertainty: no neat conclusion was needed to explain everything. The author succeeded in this way, creating a magical world where life is hard and not everything makes sense - even when every situation feels over-explained.
January 26, 2024
Interesting enough for me to continue to the next book, but with some trepidation.
The writing wasn't particularly great--not atrocious, but very simplistic--and the worldbuilding could use some work. The framing of a "dark lord" representing evil vs. the godly "Lady" definitely made me roll my eyes. But there's promise in many concepts, particularly the Marshals and the Order.
This being the first in the series, I have some hope that improvements will be made on both fronts in future books.
The writing wasn't particularly great--not atrocious, but very simplistic--and the worldbuilding could use some work. The framing of a "dark lord" representing evil vs. the godly "Lady" definitely made me roll my eyes. But there's promise in many concepts, particularly the Marshals and the Order.
This being the first in the series, I have some hope that improvements will be made on both fronts in future books.
June 29, 2024
On The Fantasy Review website I found an article about 8 Urban Fantasy Book Series You Don’t See Recommended Often which Read Here
It also kept popping up and KU and U was looking for a new UF series so I thought why not.
It is a strong solid start to the series with a great hereoine.
As a Marshal Max is there to protect the city from the supernatural creatures that can into the city from the Wild. The Wild is gaining more and more territory and its creatures like to snack. I really like Max and her shadow hounds Cas & Pol.
Max has been doing her best to avoid the Order and the Warriors but this time she isn't that lucky. But just maybe she can prove those wrong who doubted her.
I look forward to the development between Bryce & Max.
The beginning of the book was tough going as it was at times more show then tell. There was sometimes too much description between dialogue.
It also kept popping up and KU and U was looking for a new UF series so I thought why not.
It is a strong solid start to the series with a great hereoine.
As a Marshal Max is there to protect the city from the supernatural creatures that can into the city from the Wild. The Wild is gaining more and more territory and its creatures like to snack. I really like Max and her shadow hounds Cas & Pol.
Max has been doing her best to avoid the Order and the Warriors but this time she isn't that lucky. But just maybe she can prove those wrong who doubted her.
I look forward to the development between Bryce & Max.
The beginning of the book was tough going as it was at times more show then tell. There was sometimes too much description between dialogue.
May 12, 2024
My girls have gotten a little taste for urban fantasy mysteries after devouring the Cities Between series, so I am on the hunt for other authors in the genre that they might enjoy as much as W.R. Gingell. This book is mercifully as void of raunch as a Gingell book (with about the same amount of messy fantasy-creatures-attacking-humans gore), but this heroine is not feisty like Pet but rather a world-weary loner. Clearly she's a special someone who doesn't realize her power yet, and there are definite Kate Daniels vibes to the world, without the humor. I am interested enough in the story to try the next one, but I don't think my girls would enjoy the tone.
March 31, 2025
This series has potential, but the book itself was just ok for me.
This first book is really just a character / world building book. What we learn is that our orphaned mfc character was inducted into a mysterious magical order, despite not having much magic if her own. After years of struggle, the head of the order betrays her by sending her as a sacrificial lamb to close a gate breach to the underworld. She somehow survived and despite being successful in closing the gate is kicked out and lied about. She then spends the next 8 years as a law enforcement marshal, semi hiding from anyone in the order. That is until all of her cases lead to order interaction.
This first book is really just a character / world building book. What we learn is that our orphaned mfc character was inducted into a mysterious magical order, despite not having much magic if her own. After years of struggle, the head of the order betrays her by sending her as a sacrificial lamb to close a gate breach to the underworld. She somehow survived and despite being successful in closing the gate is kicked out and lied about. She then spends the next 8 years as a law enforcement marshal, semi hiding from anyone in the order. That is until all of her cases lead to order interaction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2024
Absolutely no romance, but the guy we kept running into, and particularly his inclusion on the covers leads me to believe we might have some development on that front at some point in the series. Reminded me of Kate Daniels, outcast from the order, someone who is confused about their true abilities I think, a no nonsense marshal who insists on working alone after watching their team die. The writing had some repetition and clunkiness to it.
June 15, 2023
Had potential but ultimately was boring. I skimmed most of the second half
June 17, 2023
Outcast was a great surprise. I'm excited to have happened upon a talented and new-to-me author. Yay.
February 8, 2024
This is an good read. Well written, good story, interesting characters. As with all of her books this was easy reading but doesn’t lack for anything
April 15, 2024
I thought this book was "meh" and I didn't think I would continue the series.
A review I read of book 2 convinced me to give it a go and I really enjoyed it. Perhaps this book is a slow start to the series, but I am now halfway through book 3 and rapidly moving through them.
A review I read of book 2 convinced me to give it a go and I really enjoyed it. Perhaps this book is a slow start to the series, but I am now halfway through book 3 and rapidly moving through them.
June 17, 2023
Wow.
You know that feeling, after you've finished one of the best books, that you enjoyed so much, your heart constricts and you can't speak? Then you close the book, press it tightly to your chest with both arms, and just sigh. Smelling the pages, staring off into nothing, and feeling like you're holding a treasure in your hands that's worth more than words can describe. Nothing, nothing in the world compares to that feeling. And this book gave me that. A rare thing these days.
I can't thank the author enough. You've given me hope back, that there ARE still good writers that can use their imagination and create a unique world, a unique character and a story that refuse to be put down. I simply cannot wait for book 3 (I've finished nr 2 as well). Fortunately though, the books have good endings each, so it's not a cliffhanger. Just an overarching evolving in the characters' lives and storyline.
The character. She's me! I'm her! That's what I want in a book. Where I feel like it's ME living the fantasy. I'm kicking butt, killing monsters, protecting children, but also blushing because the man I'm interested in looked at me. That's such a rare gift in writers these days. To write such a relatable character.
She wasn't all about the "hottie" or any such irrational lust-filled, immature, teenage angst stupidity. She was mature. She made decisions based on herself, no one else. She didn't wake up pining for the guy, and didn't go to sleep dreaming about him. But he's there. In the background. A superb slow-burn romance between adults who's not all jaded but can blush and feel uncomfortable and say the wrong thing and then having to apologise, etc. A normal relationship. Starting out by learning to respect who and what the other person is.
Secondly, she's not a Mary Sue. She's more like GI Joe. Tough and her first weapon of choice is her gun. When she tried using a knife once, she failed miserably! It was quite funny actually. Only as a last resort does she try to use magic or power within herself. Which is really, really relatable. Isn't that how all humans discover they're stronger than what they believed?
And not once did she really have to be "saved". But, many times, others HELPED. They all worked together. Each bringing something to the party. Sometimes she saved the day, other times it's the male lead or some of the other characters even! At times, she even stepped back and let the others do their thing, knowing it's the best way in the situation. Other times she stepped forward and did what she had to. She had respect for all life, but killed when necessary and accepted it as part of life. And she was human! When she got hurt, it ached and took time to heal. It wasn't just magically all fine.
The fights were realistic, described in detail without being boring. You feel the adrenaline rush, but it's not over in the blink of an eye with endless boring parts in between. The whole book is like the flow of life. Ups and downs. A little bit of conversation, some action in between, sleeping here and there, eating, being relaxed, etc. I felt like I lost myself in the pages... just being there. It was hard to let go and realise I have to move on now.
Another point in the book I have to highlight, is the friendships. It starts out very lonely, but she grew as a person, and learned and started to reach out and accept others into her life. She realised that it can be good and worthy, to make the effort needed. To accept the invitation. And through her, you get to know the others. They weren't 2-dimensional props, but worthy in their own right.
Oh, and just to mention. She cried! Several times. Not because she was a pathetic being or immature or throwing tantrums. But because of emotions like guilt, pain, acceptance, friendships, death. Just LIFE. She's a feeling person who can kick butt and thwart a demon's plans.
I had to edit to add.... the dogs!!! I'm a cat person, but man, these dogs are AWESOME! They added a beautiful dimension to the whole story. I'd love to know more about how they found her, why they chose her, etc. I just wished one were a female... puppies would have been the sweetest addition. :-)
I've only read one other series of this writer, which I didn't like as much, since the romance kinda fizzled. I hope this one keeps on growing, like the character's growth, coming into her unique powers slowly but steadily. I'm really looking forward to the 3rd book's release date in 2 months. In the meantime, I might return to the one series I left half-way, and I'll definitely check out some of her others too.
You know that feeling, after you've finished one of the best books, that you enjoyed so much, your heart constricts and you can't speak? Then you close the book, press it tightly to your chest with both arms, and just sigh. Smelling the pages, staring off into nothing, and feeling like you're holding a treasure in your hands that's worth more than words can describe. Nothing, nothing in the world compares to that feeling. And this book gave me that. A rare thing these days.
I can't thank the author enough. You've given me hope back, that there ARE still good writers that can use their imagination and create a unique world, a unique character and a story that refuse to be put down. I simply cannot wait for book 3 (I've finished nr 2 as well). Fortunately though, the books have good endings each, so it's not a cliffhanger. Just an overarching evolving in the characters' lives and storyline.
The character. She's me! I'm her! That's what I want in a book. Where I feel like it's ME living the fantasy. I'm kicking butt, killing monsters, protecting children, but also blushing because the man I'm interested in looked at me. That's such a rare gift in writers these days. To write such a relatable character.
She wasn't all about the "hottie" or any such irrational lust-filled, immature, teenage angst stupidity. She was mature. She made decisions based on herself, no one else. She didn't wake up pining for the guy, and didn't go to sleep dreaming about him. But he's there. In the background. A superb slow-burn romance between adults who's not all jaded but can blush and feel uncomfortable and say the wrong thing and then having to apologise, etc. A normal relationship. Starting out by learning to respect who and what the other person is.
Secondly, she's not a Mary Sue. She's more like GI Joe. Tough and her first weapon of choice is her gun. When she tried using a knife once, she failed miserably! It was quite funny actually. Only as a last resort does she try to use magic or power within herself. Which is really, really relatable. Isn't that how all humans discover they're stronger than what they believed?
And not once did she really have to be "saved". But, many times, others HELPED. They all worked together. Each bringing something to the party. Sometimes she saved the day, other times it's the male lead or some of the other characters even! At times, she even stepped back and let the others do their thing, knowing it's the best way in the situation. Other times she stepped forward and did what she had to. She had respect for all life, but killed when necessary and accepted it as part of life. And she was human! When she got hurt, it ached and took time to heal. It wasn't just magically all fine.
The fights were realistic, described in detail without being boring. You feel the adrenaline rush, but it's not over in the blink of an eye with endless boring parts in between. The whole book is like the flow of life. Ups and downs. A little bit of conversation, some action in between, sleeping here and there, eating, being relaxed, etc. I felt like I lost myself in the pages... just being there. It was hard to let go and realise I have to move on now.
Another point in the book I have to highlight, is the friendships. It starts out very lonely, but she grew as a person, and learned and started to reach out and accept others into her life. She realised that it can be good and worthy, to make the effort needed. To accept the invitation. And through her, you get to know the others. They weren't 2-dimensional props, but worthy in their own right.
Oh, and just to mention. She cried! Several times. Not because she was a pathetic being or immature or throwing tantrums. But because of emotions like guilt, pain, acceptance, friendships, death. Just LIFE. She's a feeling person who can kick butt and thwart a demon's plans.
I had to edit to add.... the dogs!!! I'm a cat person, but man, these dogs are AWESOME! They added a beautiful dimension to the whole story. I'd love to know more about how they found her, why they chose her, etc. I just wished one were a female... puppies would have been the sweetest addition. :-)
I've only read one other series of this writer, which I didn't like as much, since the romance kinda fizzled. I hope this one keeps on growing, like the character's growth, coming into her unique powers slowly but steadily. I'm really looking forward to the 3rd book's release date in 2 months. In the meantime, I might return to the one series I left half-way, and I'll definitely check out some of her others too.
March 5, 2024
Decent start
Although third person is not my favorite perspective because I always feel outside of the read rather than fully immersed in it (this book is no exception), I rather enjoyed the read.
A very interesting premise that I am invested in when it comes to Max. I liked her character development, and so far, I am seeing decent progress with the world building.
The who done it had a rather unimpressive conclusion, but the larger plot is shaping up nicely.
I'll definitely pick up the next one.
Although third person is not my favorite perspective because I always feel outside of the read rather than fully immersed in it (this book is no exception), I rather enjoyed the read.
A very interesting premise that I am invested in when it comes to Max. I liked her character development, and so far, I am seeing decent progress with the world building.
The who done it had a rather unimpressive conclusion, but the larger plot is shaping up nicely.
I'll definitely pick up the next one.
February 23, 2024
Intriguing!
Murder mysteries are not usually my go to reading material but I really liked that this one has a fantasy twist to it. Great characters and story so far. I'm excited to start the next book!
Murder mysteries are not usually my go to reading material but I really liked that this one has a fantasy twist to it. Great characters and story so far. I'm excited to start the next book!
February 21, 2024
Max is a Marshal protecting humans from horror
While Max protects regular citizens from creepy crawly scary critters, she lives with the memories of horror.
And unanswered questions about why she was cast out of her apprenticeship after doing the best she could.
Maybe someday she'll get answers but for now, she will throw her body into danger and try to keep others safe, this time and the next.
While Max protects regular citizens from creepy crawly scary critters, she lives with the memories of horror.
And unanswered questions about why she was cast out of her apprenticeship after doing the best she could.
Maybe someday she'll get answers but for now, she will throw her body into danger and try to keep others safe, this time and the next.
February 19, 2024
As promised by friends, this book has a big Kate Daniels vibe about it, which is great, because that is one of my favourite series. I like the world building, the story is full of action and the characters are relatable. There is no romance, but there are possibilities for the future. Not a bad start to the series…..
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