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Ninth Crossing #1
Discovery
Please note that Book Two, Conspiracy, is now available for your Kindle!
Author Kate Gordon "When a woman says she loves a man more than her own life, it's understood she's speaking metaphorically. But then, she just might be serious."
Reagan Sullivan is a thoroughly modern woman. She's thirty-one, an honors graduate of Yale, and a six year veteran of the Secret Service, sworn to protect the vice president of the United States--who happens to be a widower. A good looking widower. Despite these accolades--and distractions--Agent Sullivan is a no-nonsense woman in every respect.
Her younger sister, Heather, currently a Rhodes Scholar PhD. candidate and an Olympic rowing medalist, is also a product of the twenty-first century. Together they're an unbeatable combination ... and not bad on the eyes either.
When Reagan meets two Irish elves--one of whom kidnaps her from a ladies bathroom in Oslo, Norway--her world changes dramatically. These elves are nothing like you imagine. Both are well over six feet and strikingly handsome. And both think Reagan is quite fetching herself. And they're not guarding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but they do have a twinkle in their eyes and romance in their hearts. And coursing through Reagan's blood is . . . an Elven ancestry???
If that wasn't enough to ruin a girl's day, when Reagan meets her fifth great grandmother, Eimile, born in Ireland in 1630 ... and she turns out to be the current-day queen of the Western Realm ... and she puts Reagan's life in danger to save the kingdom ... well, things get a little more than airy-faerie. They get downright terrifying!
Despite an outward appearance of tranquility in the Western Realm, not everything is as it appears. A Civil War is brewing, the vice president of the United States is in danger, and Reagan has to come to grips with a discovery that changes her life forever.
Humor and light-hearted romance, yes, but a serious story about corruption, power, deception and the length to which men - and women - will go to achieve their ends. Elf or human.
Ninth Discovery is a 61,350 word novel. Book two, Conspiracy will be released in September, 2012.
Kate Gordon is the pen name of established authors Gordon Ryan and Kate Armitage .
Author Kate Gordon "When a woman says she loves a man more than her own life, it's understood she's speaking metaphorically. But then, she just might be serious."
Reagan Sullivan is a thoroughly modern woman. She's thirty-one, an honors graduate of Yale, and a six year veteran of the Secret Service, sworn to protect the vice president of the United States--who happens to be a widower. A good looking widower. Despite these accolades--and distractions--Agent Sullivan is a no-nonsense woman in every respect.
Her younger sister, Heather, currently a Rhodes Scholar PhD. candidate and an Olympic rowing medalist, is also a product of the twenty-first century. Together they're an unbeatable combination ... and not bad on the eyes either.
When Reagan meets two Irish elves--one of whom kidnaps her from a ladies bathroom in Oslo, Norway--her world changes dramatically. These elves are nothing like you imagine. Both are well over six feet and strikingly handsome. And both think Reagan is quite fetching herself. And they're not guarding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but they do have a twinkle in their eyes and romance in their hearts. And coursing through Reagan's blood is . . . an Elven ancestry???
If that wasn't enough to ruin a girl's day, when Reagan meets her fifth great grandmother, Eimile, born in Ireland in 1630 ... and she turns out to be the current-day queen of the Western Realm ... and she puts Reagan's life in danger to save the kingdom ... well, things get a little more than airy-faerie. They get downright terrifying!
Despite an outward appearance of tranquility in the Western Realm, not everything is as it appears. A Civil War is brewing, the vice president of the United States is in danger, and Reagan has to come to grips with a discovery that changes her life forever.
Humor and light-hearted romance, yes, but a serious story about corruption, power, deception and the length to which men - and women - will go to achieve their ends. Elf or human.
Ninth Discovery is a 61,350 word novel. Book two, Conspiracy will be released in September, 2012.
Kate Gordon is the pen name of established authors Gordon Ryan and Kate Armitage .
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2012
7 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 23, 2012
Fascinating characters, very interesting twist on the *modern* fey realms, great storyline ... and unfortunately ended with what is rapidly becoming my personal "if it was a book instead of on my Kindle I'd throw it through the window" reaction to the cliffhanger endings.
My personal dislike for cliffhanger endings goes very far back and is deeply ingrained for more than one reasons. Unfortunately, with the proliferation of indie authors, the cliffhanger ending seems to be one of the "hooks" authors are using more and more, hoping to pick up readers for the remaining books in the series.
This is one of the better fantasy/modern elf books I've read recently and if you don't mind a fairly short book with a cliffhanger ending it is certainly entertaining, probably a 4-star for me other than the ending.
However, I'm finding more and more books using this gimmick and I've been getting more irritated and increasingly less polite about my aversion to cliffhangers. I've reached a point where I simply refuse to continue with a series or an author that employs this.
My personal dislike for cliffhanger endings goes very far back and is deeply ingrained for more than one reasons. Unfortunately, with the proliferation of indie authors, the cliffhanger ending seems to be one of the "hooks" authors are using more and more, hoping to pick up readers for the remaining books in the series.
This is one of the better fantasy/modern elf books I've read recently and if you don't mind a fairly short book with a cliffhanger ending it is certainly entertaining, probably a 4-star for me other than the ending.
However, I'm finding more and more books using this gimmick and I've been getting more irritated and increasingly less polite about my aversion to cliffhangers. I've reached a point where I simply refuse to continue with a series or an author that employs this.
May 23, 2021
I almost stopped reading this at the beginning because it was so awkwardly written--stilted inner dialogue with trite phrases and more eye-rolling references (lame celebrity name dropping and pop culture crap that let me know the author was likely young and inexperienced). It read like an expanded high school creative writing assignment... However, I persisted (desperate not to be short of my reading challenge goal for the year). The cop stuff bored me but the elf and time travel things were halfway original.
Then I got to the end and realized I'd been suckered by another crap trick to lure you into buying another book by dropping the story in the middle. I HATE that ploy, and it's become way to common in books offered free. If I hadn't found the second book free as well, I wouldn't have bothered to pay for it just on principle. As it stands, I'm just hoping I won't have wasted my time doubly once I finish the story. My verdict is still out. I gave two stars here mostly thanks to being played for a sucker, thinking I was getting a complete book.
Then I got to the end and realized I'd been suckered by another crap trick to lure you into buying another book by dropping the story in the middle. I HATE that ploy, and it's become way to common in books offered free. If I hadn't found the second book free as well, I wouldn't have bothered to pay for it just on principle. As it stands, I'm just hoping I won't have wasted my time doubly once I finish the story. My verdict is still out. I gave two stars here mostly thanks to being played for a sucker, thinking I was getting a complete book.
January 19, 2013
Cliffhanger aside, I find the book an absorbing read. Well fleshed characters both main and secondaries and a very entertaining plot. No slow spot for this read but I did not feel any rush at all.
Heroine remained as strong - as a woman and as a professional - from beginning to end. I like how the author brought me into her daily life without too verbose or information dump. I like watching her discover the new world the author is creating, to see the world ripped out from under her feet and watch her find her balance without being a drama queen.
The hero, (or heroes?) are hot to be sure and are shaping up to be memorable. I like the promise of them becoming a legend in their world, unfortunately in this book alone, they/he is just like any other hot heroes I've read - just have the added Elven abilities and the believable combustible chemistry with the heroine.
The cover is worth mentioning - very deceptive. I do not know what they are trying to show but the heroine is a Secret Service by profession so the voluminous long dress and flowing hair puzzles me at all.
Overall, this book did have a HEA for the main characters but for the whole story arc, it ends in a cliffhanger.
Heroine remained as strong - as a woman and as a professional - from beginning to end. I like how the author brought me into her daily life without too verbose or information dump. I like watching her discover the new world the author is creating, to see the world ripped out from under her feet and watch her find her balance without being a drama queen.
The hero, (or heroes?) are hot to be sure and are shaping up to be memorable. I like the promise of them becoming a legend in their world, unfortunately in this book alone, they/he is just like any other hot heroes I've read - just have the added Elven abilities and the believable combustible chemistry with the heroine.
The cover is worth mentioning - very deceptive. I do not know what they are trying to show but the heroine is a Secret Service by profession so the voluminous long dress and flowing hair puzzles me at all.
Overall, this book did have a HEA for the main characters but for the whole story arc, it ends in a cliffhanger.
April 28, 2012
What a find! Kate Gordon's debut novelhas it all: suspense, fantasy, romance, great characters, excellent pacing. I started this book on a plane and couldn't wait until my meetings were over to get back to it. That Gordon could so throughly convince me that the main character, Reagain, actually traveled between her job as an agent guarding the vice president of the United Statesand the world of elves (wait 'till you get a load of these elves) is a testament to her amazing ability as an author. Most pleasurable was the fact that Reagan's character did not rely on banter but rather on realistic dialogue that moved the story forward. I cannot wait for book 2. This is sure to be a sereies with star power.
April 9, 2013
I enjoyed this story, save for the cliff-hanger ending. It is well written enough that that was not a necesary device to get people to buy the next. Otherwise, it was quite good.
September 14, 2018
Eyes Glued to the Book
Apparently this is the 2nd time I've read this book, but I honestly didn't remember a word of it. However, I must have liked it because I have the 2nd one and can't wait to get to it even though I have so many things I need to be doing.
Feelings that were evoked: Excellent read, none stop suspense, unbelievable fantasy, imaginable landscape - something I've only seen in pictures and dare I say it politics.
Luv it!
Apparently this is the 2nd time I've read this book, but I honestly didn't remember a word of it. However, I must have liked it because I have the 2nd one and can't wait to get to it even though I have so many things I need to be doing.
Feelings that were evoked: Excellent read, none stop suspense, unbelievable fantasy, imaginable landscape - something I've only seen in pictures and dare I say it politics.
Luv it!
November 8, 2017
Wonderful story, but that cliffhanger.... roar! But I just have to read the next installment
May 21, 2012
I have to say that Ninth Crossing: Discovery grabbed my attention on page one of the prologue, with Reagan Sullivan and Ian Maitland waking up in a medieval dungeon in Bulgaria. How they got there, and what their fate would be, was the storyline of Ninth Crossing, a very creative and well written fantasy romance by Kate Gordon.
In the here-and-now world, Reagan and Ian were Secret Service agents charged with protecting the Vice President of the United States. They were also deeply attracted to each other. On a European trip with the Vice President, Reagan was kidnapped by a charming Irishman, who introduced her to the hidden world of elves and elven magic. The secrets that were revealed to her would change her life - and those close to her - forever. Unfortunately, those secrets could also cost her her life.
I read quite a bit of fantasy and paranormal romance these days. With so many authors churning out books in these genres, it's not easy to write an original, compelling story that stands out in a crowded field, but Kate Gordon has written a marvelous story of a fantasy world existing alongside our own world, paranormal romance, good versus evil, lots of action, and some memorable characters.
My only (slightly) negative comment is about the ending. Just before the end of the book, there were some surprise revelations that would clearly set the direction for the second book in the series. Then the book ended abruptly, with no resolution of the story. My own preference is for each book in a series to be complete enough that it could be read as a standalone, or at least that each book provide some degree of closure. This wasn't a killer issue for me, but because of it, I would give Ninth Crossing only 4½ stars.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
In the here-and-now world, Reagan and Ian were Secret Service agents charged with protecting the Vice President of the United States. They were also deeply attracted to each other. On a European trip with the Vice President, Reagan was kidnapped by a charming Irishman, who introduced her to the hidden world of elves and elven magic. The secrets that were revealed to her would change her life - and those close to her - forever. Unfortunately, those secrets could also cost her her life.
I read quite a bit of fantasy and paranormal romance these days. With so many authors churning out books in these genres, it's not easy to write an original, compelling story that stands out in a crowded field, but Kate Gordon has written a marvelous story of a fantasy world existing alongside our own world, paranormal romance, good versus evil, lots of action, and some memorable characters.
My only (slightly) negative comment is about the ending. Just before the end of the book, there were some surprise revelations that would clearly set the direction for the second book in the series. Then the book ended abruptly, with no resolution of the story. My own preference is for each book in a series to be complete enough that it could be read as a standalone, or at least that each book provide some degree of closure. This wasn't a killer issue for me, but because of it, I would give Ninth Crossing only 4½ stars.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 20, 2013
Reagan Sullivan has wanted nothing more than to be Secret Service Agent assigned and in charge to Vice President Tony Castillo's detail. Reagan is also friends with V.P. Castillo and has his trust. Reagan's work is important to her yet her attraction to Ian Maitland is affecting her job and personal life. Reagan meets Michael (Mick) Ryan who is more than he appears to be. Mick tells Reagan about another world that resides within her own world. This world is divided into two realms Western and Eastern. Mick explains that some myths like elves don't alway hold up to concepts. Reagan learns of her Elven heritage yet unsure how it will fit into her life. Queen Eimile is searching for relative that could be the next King of Western Realm. Queen Eimile and Mick tells Reagan that she'll gain new abilities for having crossed into the realm. They explain that after crossing the realm nine times she'll be a full elf. Someone wants to harm V.P. Castillo yet no one is sure why. Will Reagan accept what she's heard? What will Reagan's gifts be? Where is the missing relative? Who is after V.P. Castillo? Your answers await you in Ninth Crossing:Discovery.
I'm really impressed with how well this book was put together. I've read many alternative timelines or parallel universe books. This one was truly well crafted from beginning to end. I certainly didn't get confused by how sifting or crossings worked. It was seamlessly woven together that left no gaps at all. I loved the characters and their back stories as well. I will definitely look for the next book in the series. Hat's off to the author of this book.
I'm really impressed with how well this book was put together. I've read many alternative timelines or parallel universe books. This one was truly well crafted from beginning to end. I certainly didn't get confused by how sifting or crossings worked. It was seamlessly woven together that left no gaps at all. I loved the characters and their back stories as well. I will definitely look for the next book in the series. Hat's off to the author of this book.
March 31, 2013
Kate Gordon (nom de plume) does a masterful job of creating a real-life fantasy. The complexities within the story do well to keep the pages turning without coming off as desperate grabs for surprising story twists. The reader can relate to the heroine and her mixed up emotions while feeling drawn to her love interest, all the while, wondering who is the real "bad guy."
My only complaint, and why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars, is that the ending is left open in order to draw the reader to the next book in the series. The story is strong enough on its own to pull readers to the next in line, but the "to be continued" ending weakens it, in my opinion.
My only complaint, and why I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars, is that the ending is left open in order to draw the reader to the next book in the series. The story is strong enough on its own to pull readers to the next in line, but the "to be continued" ending weakens it, in my opinion.
September 15, 2012
This book was a complete "change of pace" for me and in a good way. Reagan Sullivan is a secret service person who's job is to protect the vice-president. When she is kidnapped by Irish elves and finds out she is "one of them", the story really takes off. The drama in both of Reagan's worlds is an interesting weave. The second book of this series, Conspiracy, is due out in September. I'll be watching for it!
September 29, 2014
Huge waste of time.
Badly written, huge problems in the storyline, things that made no sense whatsoever (how can one win a medal for the london olimpic and few years later train for the london olimpic again?!), time stops or don't stop...
oh.. and did I mention that the book stops without any sense in between one phrase and the other?
Badly written, huge problems in the storyline, things that made no sense whatsoever (how can one win a medal for the london olimpic and few years later train for the london olimpic again?!), time stops or don't stop...
oh.. and did I mention that the book stops without any sense in between one phrase and the other?
August 25, 2012
The very beginning of this book didn't grab my attention at first. Reagan is the type of girl I like though so I continued reading and was not disappointed. The plot thickens as you read further into the depths of the plot you can't put the book down.
May 23, 2012
Interesting start of a new series.
Gordon treads between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.
Gordon treads between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.
December 3, 2013
I liked this. Great story. It ends in a cliff hanger (what book doesn't these days), but there is only a second book to this series and I am really looking forward to the conclusion.
August 11, 2012
Interesting book that kept me wanting more.
September 1, 2012
Really enjoyed it
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October 17, 2012Amazon Freebie 10/17/2012
June 16, 2013
I liked the book until she was dragged into the other world. I skimmed to the end... Book ends in a cliffhanger.
March 11, 2013
Such an amazing book!!!!!
March 7, 2013
Enjoyed this book very much! A different take on the Elven realm.....
April 14, 2013
Well, it was free.
May 15, 2013
Quite good! Hang in there, the beginning is a bit slow but after that its worth it.
June 27, 2013
Is a great book to read
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews