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Damned #1
No Peace for the Damned
Magnolia Kelch is no stranger to pain. Beautiful and powerful, she’s spent her entire life at the mercy of her sadistic father and the rest of the Kelch clan, who have tortured her and tested the limits of her powers. After one particularly heinous night that leaves Magnolia nearly dead, she finally sees her chance for escape…
But this first taste of freedom is short-lived when she collides with Thirteen, head of the Network—a secret organization dedicated to fighting supernatural criminals—who recruits her into the group. Even as she’s coming to grips with this new life and the horrific memories that still haunt her, she’s conflicted by her growing attraction to fellow team member Theo and the emergence of new, untested abilities. After months of grueling training, her loyalty to the team is tested when she learns her target is the Network’s most wanted: the Kelch family.
Revenge may course through her veins, but so does the blood of the Kelches. And opposing her family may cost her the thing she treasures most. After all, Magnolia is still a Kelch. And the Kelch are damned.
But this first taste of freedom is short-lived when she collides with Thirteen, head of the Network—a secret organization dedicated to fighting supernatural criminals—who recruits her into the group. Even as she’s coming to grips with this new life and the horrific memories that still haunt her, she’s conflicted by her growing attraction to fellow team member Theo and the emergence of new, untested abilities. After months of grueling training, her loyalty to the team is tested when she learns her target is the Network’s most wanted: the Kelch family.
Revenge may course through her veins, but so does the blood of the Kelches. And opposing her family may cost her the thing she treasures most. After all, Magnolia is still a Kelch. And the Kelch are damned.
254 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2012
110 people are currently reading
848 people want to read
About the author
Megan Powell
6 books57 followersBorn and raised in the Midwest, I have a strange affinity for State Fairs and basketball humor. When not writing I am often found reading, usually feeding my paranormal romance addiction. I love cheap coffee with tons of sugar and can eat no-bake cookies by the dozen. Exercising isn’t bad, but I’m pretty sure dieting is the work of the devil.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 31, 2017
I crushed his hand instantly, the bones breaking to bits under my grip. I slammed a quick extended-knuckle fist into his larynx, no more than bruising his windpipe, but incapacitating him nonetheless. Then I swung him completely out of his chair, twisting him to his knees in front of me, his back pressed to my front, his broken-handed arm pinning him in place. The Glock 34 he’d had tucked into the waistband of his jeans now rested nicely in my other hand. I pressed the gun to his temple.
Magnolia was born into a sadistic and cruel family. Gifted with off the charts supernatural abilities, including a body that completely regenerates no matter what damage is done to it, her father, uncle and brothers spend their time using her as a guinea pig to fine tune their sadism. After one particularly brutal night she escapes from the family estate and lands in the lap of Thirteen, leader of the Network, a shady organization fighting against supernatural terrorists. At first all she wants is to escape the violence and be left alone but when those she has come to love are kidnapped by her family, she has no choice but to return to the location of all her nightmares in a desperate bid to save them.
No Peace for the Damned is supernatural fiction at it’s best. Megan Powell writes a book that sucks you in from the first page. It is a brutal and terrifying battle between good and evil. Thoroughly entertaining.
Magnolia was born into a sadistic and cruel family. Gifted with off the charts supernatural abilities, including a body that completely regenerates no matter what damage is done to it, her father, uncle and brothers spend their time using her as a guinea pig to fine tune their sadism. After one particularly brutal night she escapes from the family estate and lands in the lap of Thirteen, leader of the Network, a shady organization fighting against supernatural terrorists. At first all she wants is to escape the violence and be left alone but when those she has come to love are kidnapped by her family, she has no choice but to return to the location of all her nightmares in a desperate bid to save them.
No Peace for the Damned is supernatural fiction at it’s best. Megan Powell writes a book that sucks you in from the first page. It is a brutal and terrifying battle between good and evil. Thoroughly entertaining.
March 15, 2013
I was going to say that this book really frustrated me as I was reading it but that's not true. It was Magnolia's character that really got on my nerves. I just couldn't click with her at the start of the novel and then things didn't improve from there on in.
There's a limit to how powerful you can make your characters before the book becomes a form of wish fulfilment instead of an interesting story, and Magnolia is far beyond that limit.
She's got all the basics: super strong, super fast, super senses. Beyond this she's also got in her bag of tricks: invisibility, telekinesis, telepathy, super sexiness (everyone lusts after her), the ability to dig thoughts out of others' minds or force her own thoughts into their minds, healing (both herself and others)... And all this in just the first 5 chapters. There are plenty more abilities that crop up later on too.
She's just too much! I think the final straw for me was when she healed another character by just breathing on his wounds. No, just no. When no one else, except her family, have any powers - and even her family's abilities are nothing next to Magnolia's - she's so overpowered that I couldn't bring myself to accept her.
Things were going wrong at the very start of the novel - her personality didn't appeal to me - but I decided to give the book a fair chance. It didn't pick up for me and the more I read, the more I found myself nit-picking it apart...
For one, this girl has supposedly been held hostage in her family home and tortured beyond the brink of death (her healing powers are so powerful that she can heal herself from every injury) every day of her life for 22 years. This girl would be completely off her rocker!! Instead she's not only socially adept, she's even got slang going!
It's a shame because a number of the supporting characters were quite interesting, though none developed to their full potential. Had Magnolia been more believable, the story could have had a great premise.
As it was, I just went from frustration to frustration. I am in no hurry to follow more of her adventures. Unfortunately this turned out to be a very frustrating read for me.
There's a limit to how powerful you can make your characters before the book becomes a form of wish fulfilment instead of an interesting story, and Magnolia is far beyond that limit.
She's got all the basics: super strong, super fast, super senses. Beyond this she's also got in her bag of tricks: invisibility, telekinesis, telepathy, super sexiness (everyone lusts after her), the ability to dig thoughts out of others' minds or force her own thoughts into their minds, healing (both herself and others)... And all this in just the first 5 chapters. There are plenty more abilities that crop up later on too.
She's just too much! I think the final straw for me was when she healed another character by just breathing on his wounds. No, just no. When no one else, except her family, have any powers - and even her family's abilities are nothing next to Magnolia's - she's so overpowered that I couldn't bring myself to accept her.
Things were going wrong at the very start of the novel - her personality didn't appeal to me - but I decided to give the book a fair chance. It didn't pick up for me and the more I read, the more I found myself nit-picking it apart...
For one, this girl has supposedly been held hostage in her family home and tortured beyond the brink of death (her healing powers are so powerful that she can heal herself from every injury) every day of her life for 22 years. This girl would be completely off her rocker!! Instead she's not only socially adept, she's even got slang going!
It's a shame because a number of the supporting characters were quite interesting, though none developed to their full potential. Had Magnolia been more believable, the story could have had a great premise.
As it was, I just went from frustration to frustration. I am in no hurry to follow more of her adventures. Unfortunately this turned out to be a very frustrating read for me.
November 26, 2012
Book Info: Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of darker urban fantasy
Disclosure: I received a paperback ARC from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Magnolia Kelch is no stranger to pain. Beautiful and powerful, she's spent her entire life at the mercy of her sadistic father and the rest of the Kelch clan, who have tortured her and tested the limits of her powers. After one particularly heinous night that leaves Magnolia nearly dead, she finally sees her chance for escape. But this first taste of freedom is short-lived when she collides with Thirteen, head of the Network – a secret organization dedicated to fighting supernatural criminals – who recruits her into the group. Even as she's coming to grips with this new life and the horrific memories that still haunt her, she's conflicted by her growing attraction to fellow team member Theo and the emergence of new, untested abilities. After months of grueling training, her loyalty to the team is tested when she learns her target is the Network's most wanted: the Kelch family. Revenge may course through her veins, but so does the blood of the Kelches. And opposing her family may cost her the thing she treasures most. After all, Magnolia is still a Kelch. And the Kelches are damned.
My Thoughts: This is a darker urban fantasy, and one that we sort of jump into the middle of the story, which makes it a bit hard to get one’s feet under oneself as the story starts rolling. However, most questions are answered by the end of the book.
My main problem with the story is this: Magnolia has been being tortured by her family all her life. She is 22 before she escapes, yet she’s completely rational and well-adjusted to modern life. How does that happen? She should be bug-house nuts, at the very least, and certainly not the least bit comfortable in the real world.
To add to that: I’ve read books where other reviewers have complained about insta-love, but in this book, there really is insta-love between Magnolia and Theo, only Magnolia has no experience with any sort of soft emotion, so she has no idea what is going on.
So, when it comes down to it, I just don’t know how to feel about this book. Don’t get me wrong – I liked it, overall, it’s just that it makes no sense to me that Magnolia is a functioning person. There’s no explanation as to how she has managed to maintain any sort of sanity, nor as to how she manages to maintain reality. We do eventually get the reason that her family has tortured her all her life, but even that isn’t until the very end of the book. It’s due to these confusions and questions that I have rated this as three stars, not due to any lack of interest in my part in the book. This is this author’s first book, and is the first book in a series. I will probably be watching for future books in the series, to see if any of these questions are answered.
If you like dark urban fantasy, and are very willing to suspend disbelief, then go ahead and check this book out.
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Fans of darker urban fantasy
Disclosure: I received a paperback ARC from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Magnolia Kelch is no stranger to pain. Beautiful and powerful, she's spent her entire life at the mercy of her sadistic father and the rest of the Kelch clan, who have tortured her and tested the limits of her powers. After one particularly heinous night that leaves Magnolia nearly dead, she finally sees her chance for escape. But this first taste of freedom is short-lived when she collides with Thirteen, head of the Network – a secret organization dedicated to fighting supernatural criminals – who recruits her into the group. Even as she's coming to grips with this new life and the horrific memories that still haunt her, she's conflicted by her growing attraction to fellow team member Theo and the emergence of new, untested abilities. After months of grueling training, her loyalty to the team is tested when she learns her target is the Network's most wanted: the Kelch family. Revenge may course through her veins, but so does the blood of the Kelches. And opposing her family may cost her the thing she treasures most. After all, Magnolia is still a Kelch. And the Kelches are damned.
My Thoughts: This is a darker urban fantasy, and one that we sort of jump into the middle of the story, which makes it a bit hard to get one’s feet under oneself as the story starts rolling. However, most questions are answered by the end of the book.
My main problem with the story is this: Magnolia has been being tortured by her family all her life. She is 22 before she escapes, yet she’s completely rational and well-adjusted to modern life. How does that happen? She should be bug-house nuts, at the very least, and certainly not the least bit comfortable in the real world.
To add to that: I’ve read books where other reviewers have complained about insta-love, but in this book, there really is insta-love between Magnolia and Theo, only Magnolia has no experience with any sort of soft emotion, so she has no idea what is going on.
So, when it comes down to it, I just don’t know how to feel about this book. Don’t get me wrong – I liked it, overall, it’s just that it makes no sense to me that Magnolia is a functioning person. There’s no explanation as to how she has managed to maintain any sort of sanity, nor as to how she manages to maintain reality. We do eventually get the reason that her family has tortured her all her life, but even that isn’t until the very end of the book. It’s due to these confusions and questions that I have rated this as three stars, not due to any lack of interest in my part in the book. This is this author’s first book, and is the first book in a series. I will probably be watching for future books in the series, to see if any of these questions are answered.
If you like dark urban fantasy, and are very willing to suspend disbelief, then go ahead and check this book out.
November 3, 2017
It feels like there is still so much more of this story to tell and I'm frustrated now looking forward since the series is unfinished and there's been no sign of the author online for almost 2 years. Which makes me think that the third book will never be finished.
June 10, 2018
Would have been five stars if it wasn't for the overly used trope of a promiscuous hero...
July 27, 2012
I would love it if you visited this review at my blog:
FANGS, WANDS and FAIRY DUST
NO PEACE FOR THE DAMNED
Megan Powell
47 North/Amazon Publishing
7/10/2012
Book obtained at BEA. No remuneration was exchanged and, except as noted all opinions herein are my own.
This recently released novel is compelling and in many respects is well-written. I found myself identifying, to a point, with Magnolia, who has never fit in. To a point. But, the lack of detail detracted from the story. Magnolia is a survivor, the ultimate survivor. But she really doesn't seem to have much of a personality and, maybe she wouldn't after what she went through. Why is her family powerful and evil? How did they get these powers. The story jumps around revealing dribs and drabs of mysteries, only to launch further mysteries along the vein of the plot of LOST.
I think there's a mystical component to Magnolia's family's power, but I am not sure. Why are the Kelches the way they are? What is the source of their misogynistic behavior? Is their goal world denomination? The story is told from Magnolia's point of view, speaking to the reader like confidants. But it's as if we should understand already, as if her past, and her family's was some kind of inside story and we were on the inside.
The story is filled with suspense and action. I'm never sure from where Network evolved. How did Magnolia learn to fight? To train others to fight? If she was stronger why hadn't she escaped before? Why do people become devoted to her immediately? And, what is the connection she feels to another agent? I feel like there was a book before this one that needed to be read.
Basically, I am saying it was an enjoyable book and I wanted to see how the immediate situation resolved, but there was too much mystery and not enough world building. Maybe future books in the series will have more explanatory information. This is a story about evil, inexplicable evil and how something decent can survive in it. I want to know the rest of Magnolia's story, but I want to understand her world as well.
NO PEACE FOR THE DAMNED
Megan Powell
47 North/Amazon Publishing
7/10/2012
Book obtained at BEA. No remuneration was exchanged and, except as noted all opinions herein are my own.
Magnolia Kelch is no stranger to pain. Beautiful and powerful, she’s spent her entire life at the mercy of her sadistic father and the rest of the Kelch clan, who have tortured her and tested the limits of her powers. After one particularly heinous night that leaves Magnolia nearly dead, she finally sees her chance for escape…
But this first taste of freedom is short-lived when she collides with Thirteen, head of the Network—a secret organization dedicated to fighting supernatural criminals—who recruits her into the group. Even as she’s coming to grips with this new life and the horrific memories that still haunt her, she’s conflicted by her growing attraction to fellow team member Theo and the emergence of new, untested abilities. After months of grueling training, her loyalty to the team is tested when she learns her target is the Network’s most wanted: the Kelch family.
Revenge may course through her veins, but so does the blood of the Kelches. And opposing her family may cost her the thing she treasures most. After all, Magnolia is still a Kelch. And the Kelch are damned. meganpowellbooks.com
This recently released novel is compelling and in many respects is well-written. I found myself identifying, to a point, with Magnolia, who has never fit in. To a point. But, the lack of detail detracted from the story. Magnolia is a survivor, the ultimate survivor. But she really doesn't seem to have much of a personality and, maybe she wouldn't after what she went through. Why is her family powerful and evil? How did they get these powers. The story jumps around revealing dribs and drabs of mysteries, only to launch further mysteries along the vein of the plot of LOST.
I think there's a mystical component to Magnolia's family's power, but I am not sure. Why are the Kelches the way they are? What is the source of their misogynistic behavior? Is their goal world denomination? The story is told from Magnolia's point of view, speaking to the reader like confidants. But it's as if we should understand already, as if her past, and her family's was some kind of inside story and we were on the inside.
The story is filled with suspense and action. I'm never sure from where Network evolved. How did Magnolia learn to fight? To train others to fight? If she was stronger why hadn't she escaped before? Why do people become devoted to her immediately? And, what is the connection she feels to another agent? I feel like there was a book before this one that needed to be read.
Basically, I am saying it was an enjoyable book and I wanted to see how the immediate situation resolved, but there was too much mystery and not enough world building. Maybe future books in the series will have more explanatory information. This is a story about evil, inexplicable evil and how something decent can survive in it. I want to know the rest of Magnolia's story, but I want to understand her world as well.
July 22, 2012
This was a hot, exciting read. There is horrific violence, but no explicit sex. It's still a definitely adult read that is immensely enjoyable.
Magnolia's life has been impossibly hard and it's unthinkable what she has gone through so far. To live with your family trying to kill you every day? That's horrible. Mag is one tough cookie though.
Theo may have been the male star of the story, but I really loved Thirteen. Aside from the fact that his name is ridiculous and not a real name, he is such a nice guy. He doesn't get nearly enough credit or face time.
The most brutal and scary ability showcased in the book is the ability to mindsweep. I think the name should be mindrape, it better matches the brutal and painful experience the victim has. I would never want it to be a real ability, too scary to think about.
I mentioned the book was hot, but chapter 30 is wowzers! It is hot and sexy without any explicit details. If there was ever a scene that you want, need, ache to have end in hot animal sex, it's chapter 30.
Overall, I can't wait for the second book. This one ended surprisingly well, albeit maybe a bit quickly. I can't say I love the final scene, but I can live with it. Especially if I go reread chapter 30. I guess it will have to do until the next book comes out.
Magnolia's life has been impossibly hard and it's unthinkable what she has gone through so far. To live with your family trying to kill you every day? That's horrible. Mag is one tough cookie though.
Theo may have been the male star of the story, but I really loved Thirteen. Aside from the fact that his name is ridiculous and not a real name, he is such a nice guy. He doesn't get nearly enough credit or face time.
The most brutal and scary ability showcased in the book is the ability to mindsweep. I think the name should be mindrape, it better matches the brutal and painful experience the victim has. I would never want it to be a real ability, too scary to think about.
I mentioned the book was hot, but chapter 30 is wowzers! It is hot and sexy without any explicit details. If there was ever a scene that you want, need, ache to have end in hot animal sex, it's chapter 30.
Overall, I can't wait for the second book. This one ended surprisingly well, albeit maybe a bit quickly. I can't say I love the final scene, but I can live with it. Especially if I go reread chapter 30. I guess it will have to do until the next book comes out.
July 22, 2012
Magnolia Kelch has spent her whole life being tortured by her sadistic father, uncles and brothers. Ever since they discovered that she is impossible to kill they have subjected her to horrific experiments and never ending pain. When she finally manages to escape from the family estate she is rescued by Thirteen, leader of the Network, an organisation created to fight against supernatural terrorists. The Network's biggest target is the Kelch family and Magnolia has vital information that could help them finally bring down one of the most dangerous supernatural crime families. But can Magnolia bring herself to turn against her family even after everything they have done for her and even if she does will the Network trust the information she gives them?
I love urban fantasy so was keen to try Megan Powell's debut novel No Rest for the Damned. This is the first book in a new series although no release date has been confirmed for future books at this time. This wasn't a perfect start to the series but it definitely has potential and I will be reading the next book to see what happens to Magnolia next. The story is quite dark in places and the flashbacks we see of the torture that Magnolia was put through was quite disturbing, this isn't a book I'd recommend to the particularly squeamish.
I found the abilities that Magnolia and her family have interesting (I always like reading about psychic gifts) but most of them are powers I have come across before so they don't stand out as particularly unusual. I would have liked more of an explanation about how they came to have these gifts and also about how many other people in the world are also supernaturals, this was never really made clear and it would have added an extra layer to the story if we had been given more information.
Magnolia herself was likeable enough but I found her frustrating at times. She showed her amazing ability to kick ass occasionally but there were times when I felt she was a bit too quick to accept orders from members of the Network. Considering her history with her family I expected her to be either more into getting revenge or alternatively less willing to face them - she seemed to sway between one and the other and I felt she would have had a much firmer opinion about what she wanted to do. I also hoped we would be offered more of an explanation for the fact that she constantly had a bottle of whisky in her hands and couldn't go more than two minutes without drinking from it. Towards the end of the book it was implied that she drank to drown out the voices she could hear in her head (she was a powerful psychic who could read the minds of everyone in a rather large area around her). This made a lot of sense but I would have preferred if the explanation had come sooner and was in a bit more detail - it would have made me more sympathetic with Magnolia right from the beginning.
I like the idea of the Network and the characters we were introduced to have potential but I never really felt like we got to know any of them well enough, there were too many people for so little page time and I had trouble remembering who was who. If you can't remember who a character is it is hard to care much about what is happening to them and that was one of the problems I had. I do think that the group could be really good once we get to know them better though. I am interested to find out more about Thirteen, he often thinks of his daughter when he looks at Magnolia but when he sees her with Theo he acts more like a jealous potential boyfriend which I found slightly disturbing. I'm hoping that things will become clearer regarding their relationship in future books. I found it hard to become invested in the romance between Magnolia and Theo because the attraction between them has a supernatural element to it that is never explained. I am curious to see how that plays out in the future but I hope the series doesn't change to focus mainly on the romance.
Overall I feel that No Peace for the Damned didn't quite live up to it's potential but was far from a bad book. The book definitely had a readable quality that made it a page turner and I read it in just two sittings. Considering this is a debut novel I have confidence that the series will only get better with each book and I'm definitely planning on reading the next instalment to see if I'm correct.
I love urban fantasy so was keen to try Megan Powell's debut novel No Rest for the Damned. This is the first book in a new series although no release date has been confirmed for future books at this time. This wasn't a perfect start to the series but it definitely has potential and I will be reading the next book to see what happens to Magnolia next. The story is quite dark in places and the flashbacks we see of the torture that Magnolia was put through was quite disturbing, this isn't a book I'd recommend to the particularly squeamish.
I found the abilities that Magnolia and her family have interesting (I always like reading about psychic gifts) but most of them are powers I have come across before so they don't stand out as particularly unusual. I would have liked more of an explanation about how they came to have these gifts and also about how many other people in the world are also supernaturals, this was never really made clear and it would have added an extra layer to the story if we had been given more information.
Magnolia herself was likeable enough but I found her frustrating at times. She showed her amazing ability to kick ass occasionally but there were times when I felt she was a bit too quick to accept orders from members of the Network. Considering her history with her family I expected her to be either more into getting revenge or alternatively less willing to face them - she seemed to sway between one and the other and I felt she would have had a much firmer opinion about what she wanted to do. I also hoped we would be offered more of an explanation for the fact that she constantly had a bottle of whisky in her hands and couldn't go more than two minutes without drinking from it. Towards the end of the book it was implied that she drank to drown out the voices she could hear in her head (she was a powerful psychic who could read the minds of everyone in a rather large area around her). This made a lot of sense but I would have preferred if the explanation had come sooner and was in a bit more detail - it would have made me more sympathetic with Magnolia right from the beginning.
I like the idea of the Network and the characters we were introduced to have potential but I never really felt like we got to know any of them well enough, there were too many people for so little page time and I had trouble remembering who was who. If you can't remember who a character is it is hard to care much about what is happening to them and that was one of the problems I had. I do think that the group could be really good once we get to know them better though. I am interested to find out more about Thirteen, he often thinks of his daughter when he looks at Magnolia but when he sees her with Theo he acts more like a jealous potential boyfriend which I found slightly disturbing. I'm hoping that things will become clearer regarding their relationship in future books. I found it hard to become invested in the romance between Magnolia and Theo because the attraction between them has a supernatural element to it that is never explained. I am curious to see how that plays out in the future but I hope the series doesn't change to focus mainly on the romance.
Overall I feel that No Peace for the Damned didn't quite live up to it's potential but was far from a bad book. The book definitely had a readable quality that made it a page turner and I read it in just two sittings. Considering this is a debut novel I have confidence that the series will only get better with each book and I'm definitely planning on reading the next instalment to see if I'm correct.
April 2, 2013
I was strange, beautiful, ethereal. I was a monster.
Dark, intense, and incredibly disturbing. No Peace For the Damned is an urban fantasy debut with a large dose of horror. As a reader who is fascinated by gore and violence and protagonists who straddle the line between good and evil, this was an immensely enjoyable read.
Powell has created a world where supernaturals possess a wide variety of abilities - telepathy, telekinesis, rapid healing, invisibility, enhanced strength and speed, and more. The potential powers seem limitless.
The story centers around one particular supernatural family that strictly uses its power for evil. The Kelches.
The story's protagonist, Magnolia, is a mistreated member of the Kelch family who finally escapes after years of being subjected to severe abuse, torture, and cruel experimentation. She meets a man named Thirteen who leads a team that is a part of the Network, a group dedicated to stopping supernaturals who abuse their powers. Coincidentally, Thirteen's objective is taking down the Kelch family and to accomplish that goal he needs Magnolia's help.
I have to admit that I loved Mag's character from the very beginning. She's strong and resilient with a quick temper and extreme power. She's made more real and vulnerable by the very raw, painful emotions and memories she experiences through nightmares and thoughts of time spent with her sadistic family.
Throughout the story, Magnolia struggles through many changes and new experiences. She has a man that shows her kindness and affection for the first time in her life, team members that treat her with open hatred and hostility, and a stranger whose presence affects her so powerfully that it feels supernatural...and dangerous.
As the story progresses, Mag is pulled deeper into the Network's operation against the Kelch clan and you get the idea that she's going to cross paths with them eventually. I'll admit that the thought of Magnolia being placed anywhere near her family again had me nervous and on the edge of my seat. Powell paints such a vivid, terrifying picture of these merciless monsters that you can't help but to feel the need to scream at Mag to run the other way. But at the same time, a small part of me wanted to witness her testing her abilities against them since they were no longer able to hold her back.
The story overall could have benefited from more world building. There are too many questions about the Network and supernaturals in general. But even without this information, I would still add this debut to my list of favorites. Mag's attempts at starting a new life, the glimpses in to her haunted memories and the progression of her supernatural abilities all had me eager for more.
No Peace For the Damned had me hooked from the very first page and I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys the darker side of urban fantasy.
http://www.addicted2heroines.com/2013...
Dark, intense, and incredibly disturbing. No Peace For the Damned is an urban fantasy debut with a large dose of horror. As a reader who is fascinated by gore and violence and protagonists who straddle the line between good and evil, this was an immensely enjoyable read.
Powell has created a world where supernaturals possess a wide variety of abilities - telepathy, telekinesis, rapid healing, invisibility, enhanced strength and speed, and more. The potential powers seem limitless.
The story centers around one particular supernatural family that strictly uses its power for evil. The Kelches.
The story's protagonist, Magnolia, is a mistreated member of the Kelch family who finally escapes after years of being subjected to severe abuse, torture, and cruel experimentation. She meets a man named Thirteen who leads a team that is a part of the Network, a group dedicated to stopping supernaturals who abuse their powers. Coincidentally, Thirteen's objective is taking down the Kelch family and to accomplish that goal he needs Magnolia's help.
I have to admit that I loved Mag's character from the very beginning. She's strong and resilient with a quick temper and extreme power. She's made more real and vulnerable by the very raw, painful emotions and memories she experiences through nightmares and thoughts of time spent with her sadistic family.
Throughout the story, Magnolia struggles through many changes and new experiences. She has a man that shows her kindness and affection for the first time in her life, team members that treat her with open hatred and hostility, and a stranger whose presence affects her so powerfully that it feels supernatural...and dangerous.
As the story progresses, Mag is pulled deeper into the Network's operation against the Kelch clan and you get the idea that she's going to cross paths with them eventually. I'll admit that the thought of Magnolia being placed anywhere near her family again had me nervous and on the edge of my seat. Powell paints such a vivid, terrifying picture of these merciless monsters that you can't help but to feel the need to scream at Mag to run the other way. But at the same time, a small part of me wanted to witness her testing her abilities against them since they were no longer able to hold her back.
The story overall could have benefited from more world building. There are too many questions about the Network and supernaturals in general. But even without this information, I would still add this debut to my list of favorites. Mag's attempts at starting a new life, the glimpses in to her haunted memories and the progression of her supernatural abilities all had me eager for more.
No Peace For the Damned had me hooked from the very first page and I would recommend this to any reader who enjoys the darker side of urban fantasy.
http://www.addicted2heroines.com/2013...
July 25, 2013
Megan Powell is the author of No Peace for the Damned. It is her debut novel and her first installment in The Damned Series.
“On a silent inhale, I stretched out my power until I was completely invisible.” This is how we first meet Magnolia Kelch. She is escaping from horrors we have not yet learned about and just when we think she has made it and we can breathe a sigh of relief she is hit head-on by a car with her last thought being “there was no peace for the damned.”
If you want to learn more about Magnolia keep reading to find yourself engulfed in a world where supernatural powers are not only real, they threaten to push Magnolia toward a life of pure evil. She may be strong enough to fight the pull toward evil but only if she can gain control of her powers and learn who she really is. Fortunately, she is not alone in her fight. We are quickly introduced to the Network and Magnolia’s new mentor Thirteen. The Network is a secret organization that is dedicated to fighting supernatural criminals and Thirteen is their leader. He introduces Magnolia to a team that is targeting the Network’s most wanted; Magnolia’s family, The Kelch Family.
Throughout the book, there is mystery and intrigue, as well as the obligatory romantic encounter, the depth of which keeps the reader turning pages to find out just how far Magnolia will go. Unfortunately though, depth seems to be the book’s main weakness. It almost feels as if Powell has gone to such lengths to introduce her characters that in some cases she appears to have forgotten to build their backstories. I found myself wanting to know more about these characters; instead I kept forgetting who was who, and what their role in the story was.
Lack of depth be damned, I still found this book to be an easy and fun read. For her debut book Megan Powell does a great job and has started, what I hope will be, an exciting and action packed paranormal romantic series. I definitely plan to read the second book of the series, No Love for the Wicked, which releases August 13, 2013.
I received the book, No Peace for the Damned, for free through Goodreads First Reads.
No Peace for the Damned
Megan Powell
No Love for the Wicked
“On a silent inhale, I stretched out my power until I was completely invisible.” This is how we first meet Magnolia Kelch. She is escaping from horrors we have not yet learned about and just when we think she has made it and we can breathe a sigh of relief she is hit head-on by a car with her last thought being “there was no peace for the damned.”
If you want to learn more about Magnolia keep reading to find yourself engulfed in a world where supernatural powers are not only real, they threaten to push Magnolia toward a life of pure evil. She may be strong enough to fight the pull toward evil but only if she can gain control of her powers and learn who she really is. Fortunately, she is not alone in her fight. We are quickly introduced to the Network and Magnolia’s new mentor Thirteen. The Network is a secret organization that is dedicated to fighting supernatural criminals and Thirteen is their leader. He introduces Magnolia to a team that is targeting the Network’s most wanted; Magnolia’s family, The Kelch Family.
Throughout the book, there is mystery and intrigue, as well as the obligatory romantic encounter, the depth of which keeps the reader turning pages to find out just how far Magnolia will go. Unfortunately though, depth seems to be the book’s main weakness. It almost feels as if Powell has gone to such lengths to introduce her characters that in some cases she appears to have forgotten to build their backstories. I found myself wanting to know more about these characters; instead I kept forgetting who was who, and what their role in the story was.
Lack of depth be damned, I still found this book to be an easy and fun read. For her debut book Megan Powell does a great job and has started, what I hope will be, an exciting and action packed paranormal romantic series. I definitely plan to read the second book of the series, No Love for the Wicked, which releases August 13, 2013.
I received the book, No Peace for the Damned, for free through Goodreads First Reads.
No Peace for the Damned
Megan Powell
No Love for the Wicked
September 1, 2013
I reallly really wanted to like this book. Truly I did.
And I were sooo excited, since the plot sounded interesting.
It also fell under some of my favorite points in fantasy; kickass heroine, action, powers, confucion, angst and hot boys/men.
MAY CONTAIN VERY SMALL SPOLIERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But after chapter one, something changed.
First off: what REALLY annoyed me.
- The chapters felt clipped and short, as if each chapter were just made to point out that some time went by. Why oh why do you need a chapter every second page? It really does not make sence.
- The whiskey, Im totally on with a drinkin heroin, using it as a stress relief, but does it need to be mentioned at every short chapter? really? And how come its never empty...? Magic refill? Sure, at some point I could just imagine her driving to a shop gettin it, because none of the other memebers except Thirteen would have.... but still. It didn't make sense.
- Then we have the connection between heroine and main lead guy - the sparks, colours, feelings, it all felt forced, unnatural, and unrealistic. Sure if they don't like eachother, there are confuion etc, but it really felt superficial.
- No connection or sympathy with the heroine.
- The unnecessary flashbacks. There were WAY too many of them. It felt like every chapter had some
dialogs, dreams with colours and completed with flashbacks. I want to read about now. I do get that
some use this for character buildup, but be wary, too many and you loose interest. I did and skipped the last twenty or so.
Still there were some parts I like though. I completed the book. And I probably would read the next. Since this is the authors first book, its unrealistic for it to be flawless. Perfection comes with practice. I LOVE the idea, the growing powers, her struggle with the family, and I would like to read more about her jurney. And I also would like to point out that the good parts kept me going until the end.
Still, first book - gotta give creds for that.
And I were sooo excited, since the plot sounded interesting.
It also fell under some of my favorite points in fantasy; kickass heroine, action, powers, confucion, angst and hot boys/men.
MAY CONTAIN VERY SMALL SPOLIERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But after chapter one, something changed.
First off: what REALLY annoyed me.
- The chapters felt clipped and short, as if each chapter were just made to point out that some time went by. Why oh why do you need a chapter every second page? It really does not make sence.
- The whiskey, Im totally on with a drinkin heroin, using it as a stress relief, but does it need to be mentioned at every short chapter? really? And how come its never empty...? Magic refill? Sure, at some point I could just imagine her driving to a shop gettin it, because none of the other memebers except Thirteen would have.... but still. It didn't make sense.
- Then we have the connection between heroine and main lead guy - the sparks, colours, feelings, it all felt forced, unnatural, and unrealistic. Sure if they don't like eachother, there are confuion etc, but it really felt superficial.
- No connection or sympathy with the heroine.
- The unnecessary flashbacks. There were WAY too many of them. It felt like every chapter had some
dialogs, dreams with colours and completed with flashbacks. I want to read about now. I do get that
some use this for character buildup, but be wary, too many and you loose interest. I did and skipped the last twenty or so.
Still there were some parts I like though. I completed the book. And I probably would read the next. Since this is the authors first book, its unrealistic for it to be flawless. Perfection comes with practice. I LOVE the idea, the growing powers, her struggle with the family, and I would like to read more about her jurney. And I also would like to point out that the good parts kept me going until the end.
Still, first book - gotta give creds for that.
August 13, 2012
3.5 rating
This book was... very interesting. I liked the fast pace action and the introduction of a new world with supernatural creatures living "hidden" among the norms and an underground group determined to stop them.
But... I felt like I was dropped from a great height into this world and hit the ground running. Sometimes this is ok, but in this instant, it took me a little while to get into the story as I was trying to keep up and figure out what was going on. Magnolia was an enigma that was slowly explained as the story progressed. What we do know right from the start was that she was the victim of unimaginable torture and horror from her family. She was on the run and due to her paternal like attachment to 13, the leader of the Network which is the under ground group determined to stop her family, she is pulled back to confront her family. She is understandably reluctant to do so and is met w/ distrust and hostility from the other network members.
I liked the dark and gritty tone of this book and being in Magnolia's head as she is trying to figure out who she is in this world free from her family. What didn't work for me quite so much was the instaluv connection she has w/ Theo and their "bond" was never really explained. I know that is b/c Magnolia herself didn't understand it, but it seemed strange to me that after years of abuse and torture and implied rape from her family, that she would be at all receptive to a relatiionship. I also thought that the manifestation of her "powers" felt rushed and plot convenient so I didn't really feel like that part flowed naturally.
But overall, I did really enjoy this book and I devoured it. After the minor stuff that tripped me up in the beginning, I did find myself caught up in the story. I'm definitely going to be continuing on w/ this series. And that is another minor thing to me, that the end was rushed and threads were definitely left hanging for the sequel.
This book was... very interesting. I liked the fast pace action and the introduction of a new world with supernatural creatures living "hidden" among the norms and an underground group determined to stop them.
But... I felt like I was dropped from a great height into this world and hit the ground running. Sometimes this is ok, but in this instant, it took me a little while to get into the story as I was trying to keep up and figure out what was going on. Magnolia was an enigma that was slowly explained as the story progressed. What we do know right from the start was that she was the victim of unimaginable torture and horror from her family. She was on the run and due to her paternal like attachment to 13, the leader of the Network which is the under ground group determined to stop her family, she is pulled back to confront her family. She is understandably reluctant to do so and is met w/ distrust and hostility from the other network members.
I liked the dark and gritty tone of this book and being in Magnolia's head as she is trying to figure out who she is in this world free from her family. What didn't work for me quite so much was the instaluv connection she has w/ Theo and their "bond" was never really explained. I know that is b/c Magnolia herself didn't understand it, but it seemed strange to me that after years of abuse and torture and implied rape from her family, that she would be at all receptive to a relatiionship. I also thought that the manifestation of her "powers" felt rushed and plot convenient so I didn't really feel like that part flowed naturally.
But overall, I did really enjoy this book and I devoured it. After the minor stuff that tripped me up in the beginning, I did find myself caught up in the story. I'm definitely going to be continuing on w/ this series. And that is another minor thing to me, that the end was rushed and threads were definitely left hanging for the sequel.
August 1, 2012
This was an interesting start to a new series by a debut author. There are some very strong parts to the novel, but some parts needed a little more TLC.
What I enjoyed about the book was that it stood out as original in a well used genre. I read many, many supernatural / paranormal books, and this one did shine in some areas. Throughout the whole of the book, you never really find out what Magnolia actually is. Her various powers are described, and there was a drastic change for her at the end of the book, but she is never really categorised as a particular species of supernatural. I found that my curiosity to find out what she could do next, and to know what she was kept me reading through the slower, less entertaining parts of the book.
There is an slight undercurrent of romance throughout the story, but I would not categorise this as PNR book. The book is very focused on the trauma Magnolia has suffered during her past, and how she uses her powers to help the organisation that takes her in. The descriptions of the torture she receives are both brutal and graphic, and a certain acid rain scene did disturb me for quite some time (and that doesn't happen to me often anymore!).
Although I enjoyed the book, I found that some sections in the middle were quite slow, and the writing sometimes seemed a little heavy and clunky, but I think this is just down to the book being a debut novel and a learning curve for the author. The good parts of the book easily outweigh the bad, and the author certainly has a talent to develop. I will be looking out for the sequels in the series, as the author has set up a good start here and I think she will improve as the series goes on. One to watch out for
What I enjoyed about the book was that it stood out as original in a well used genre. I read many, many supernatural / paranormal books, and this one did shine in some areas. Throughout the whole of the book, you never really find out what Magnolia actually is. Her various powers are described, and there was a drastic change for her at the end of the book, but she is never really categorised as a particular species of supernatural. I found that my curiosity to find out what she could do next, and to know what she was kept me reading through the slower, less entertaining parts of the book.
There is an slight undercurrent of romance throughout the story, but I would not categorise this as PNR book. The book is very focused on the trauma Magnolia has suffered during her past, and how she uses her powers to help the organisation that takes her in. The descriptions of the torture she receives are both brutal and graphic, and a certain acid rain scene did disturb me for quite some time (and that doesn't happen to me often anymore!).
Although I enjoyed the book, I found that some sections in the middle were quite slow, and the writing sometimes seemed a little heavy and clunky, but I think this is just down to the book being a debut novel and a learning curve for the author. The good parts of the book easily outweigh the bad, and the author certainly has a talent to develop. I will be looking out for the sequels in the series, as the author has set up a good start here and I think she will improve as the series goes on. One to watch out for
March 9, 2013
Yes, I should be discussing Magnolia. She is the main character, but wow, I can't get Theo out of my mind. The connection between the two and the growing intensity, is equal to what I want and finally have in my fiancé. Powell's ability to convey the strong connection they have and yet not make it mushy drives this book to the top of my list for a paranormal relationship. This is by far not a paranormal romance in any respect and I think that's why I enjoyed this small aspect of the story so much. Magnolia grew up in the worst possible situation. Her father, grandfather and uncle combined with her two brothers spend her entire life torturing her, testing her, trying to find the line to cross that will finally break her. But whatever pact the family made many years ago, Magnolia's power is stronger than all of them, yet she does not know it. When her brothers leave her for dead, she manages to escape and is taken in by Thirteen. Thirteen leads a group in the Network whose main goal is to take down the horrible Kelch family. Like any good 'mafia' like family, the evidence and crimes never stick to the family, but with Magnolia's help, the Network hopes to infiltrate the Kelch estate to gain evidence that will finally bring the Kelches to their knees.
Magnolia's strength, both mentally and physically, make her a character that you root for every step of the way. Powell has created an amazing new world and I cannot wait for the next book. I can only hope there is more time with Magnolia and Theo to make my heart flutter a little more.
Magnolia's strength, both mentally and physically, make her a character that you root for every step of the way. Powell has created an amazing new world and I cannot wait for the next book. I can only hope there is more time with Magnolia and Theo to make my heart flutter a little more.
August 19, 2013
Hooo this was graphic. Plenty of blood, guts and gore here folks. I liked the world and some of the mental shifts of the main female lead as she began to get used to the 'real world'. However one thing struck me as just being 'too much'. Magnolia was just too powerful. She was powerful at the beginning of the book, but by the end of it I got the feeling she could start and end world war 3 by herself and come out with a scratch or too.
I didn't like Magnolia at all (I liked what little mental shifts occurred as she got used to things, it doesn't mean I liked her) I couldn't click with her and her personality. 'Alright,' I thought, 'It's to be expected, she's not used to real world things, she's been through a lot, she'll grow and change and I'll like her!.' but it just wasn't too be. I couldn't bring myself to like her, but I learned to tolerate her. I feel that she should have been more unstable at the beginning of the novel (she's been tortured her entire life after all) but it just wasn't there.
This book also read as if I was missing some sort of prologue or short story for the beginning, perhaps even another book. I'm still unclear as to if Magnolia's family was the only one in the world that had powers like these and if they were man made experimentation or naturally caused (in either case, there should be more people with powers, right?)
I don't think I'll be looking into the rest of the series.
September 23, 2013
I have mixed feelings about this book. The writing is strong, but the story itself is something of a mess. Talk about total immersion storytelling: this book drops the reader into the story with no explanations whatsoever. The narrator is Magnolia Kelch, the daughter of a family of evil sadists with supernatural powers. She spent her childhood and teens being tortured so her father could determine the limits of her powers (she apparently has none). Mind reading, telekinesis, shape-shifting, invisibility; Magnolia can do all of these things and more. She healed herself after her father's last attempt on her life and escaped out into the world.
Once out, she lands in the hands of the Network, an agency tasked with bringing down criminals with supernatural powers. Anymore of this would spoil it worse than I have already.
Once out, she lands in the hands of the Network, an agency tasked with bringing down criminals with supernatural powers. Anymore of this would spoil it worse than I have already.
October 4, 2013
I truly enjoyed this super paranormal book but it was over to quickly. Luckily, I found Megan Powell's website where she has deleted chapters that the editors mistakenly decided made the book "to long." As a reader I would have enjoyed reading about the bond that developed between Thirteen and Magnolia. I guess the publishers didn't want to develop their relationship since it was only platonic. Give your readers a little credit there are so many deep relationships in life that have nothing to do with a sexual relationship. Yes, we all enjoy sexual bonds, but we also understand bonds that are formed by minds and souls.
August 18, 2013
So I received and ARC of this one at BEA 2012, but only got around to reading it now (I suck). I'm even madder at myself because I loved it. While I wanted more details (what was it about Mag that put everyone in a state of lust? where did the supernatural powers come from?), I felt totally satisfied with the book and the way it ended. I felt like I needed more backstory, but since this is part of (at least a two-book) series, hopefully I'll get more in the next one.
December 26, 2012
The idea was an intriguing one that would have worked better with some additional worldbuilding. Characters rushed into action when they should have known better, given their backgrounds and knowledge levels. Potential consequences were often glossed over. And I never felt enough of a reason to cheer for Magnolia, despite a background that should have made sympathy and empathy natural reactions to her.
January 6, 2013
Certainly something different for me. Magnolia is a little psychotic and that is okay. The romance is a little rushed and undeveloped, and there isn't enough real cohesiveness between the team. (One member is abducted and tortured, rescued and instead of checking in he goes and gets in Magnolia's bed and goes to sleep?) Magnolia's family is really creepy and frightening and I really enjoyed reading something so different. It's The Adam's Family on steroids.
August 15, 2013
I won this book through the First Reads giveaway section
I would have never read this book if I didnt win it. I am glad I won it cuz I would have missed out on an amazing book. The story line goes quick, so your not really waiting forever for something to happen. Though I was a bit bummed at the end cuz now I have to read the next book haha. All in all I liked reading the book and hope the next one is just as good, cant wait for it to come out :)
I would have never read this book if I didnt win it. I am glad I won it cuz I would have missed out on an amazing book. The story line goes quick, so your not really waiting forever for something to happen. Though I was a bit bummed at the end cuz now I have to read the next book haha. All in all I liked reading the book and hope the next one is just as good, cant wait for it to come out :)
March 20, 2013
I kept thinking that I was reading the second in the series. I had no idea why there was apparently only one supernatural family and I had no idea what they were after in the story. Why was the network formed - just for this one family???I felt like I was dropped into the story and floundered for the remainder. Did my Kindle miss a prologue or something??
August 8, 2012
I am not very good at writing reviews, but I loved this book. it was written by a friend from high school. it is not my normal genre but the story really sucked me in and I just wanted to keep reading!
April 18, 2013
Solid start for this series. I want to know more but feel like I have enough information to keep going. The heroine , Magnolia, is kick ass and vulnerable. She is also put in a terrifying position with her family. Theo. theo. theo. what is the deal with that?
September 19, 2012
I really liked this book. It was well written, fast moving, and I sympathized with the main character, Magnolia. There was a bit of subtle romance but it's mainly urban fantasy. Recommend! Looking forward to reading book 2.
December 6, 2012
4.5 stars review coming.........soon :)
July 31, 2012
This was a great plot idea, but I couldn't into it. I probably got about 30% through before boredom, lack of action, and not understanding the supernatural abilities made me stop.
August 9, 2012
This is not the type of book I would normally pick out to read.But I'm glad I did!! Great book, and looking forward to the next one!!
August 11, 2012
Very original story.
Must read.
Must read.
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