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The Grey Gates #3
Hunted
Unsolved murders, supernatural creatures and civil unrest. Just another day.
Problems keep piling up around Max. No sooner has she dealt with one set of supernatural creatures, than she's called to the city's mortuary to an unusual death. The city's most senior spiritual leader is also trying to get hold of her. On top of that, Bryce cancelled their date and hasn't been seen for days.
Her week gets worse when one of her friends is attacked and left for dead, and she is dragged out of the city into the middle of someone else's fight. Max finds herself running for her life, with no idea of how she got there or what's going on around her.
Trapped in a strange place with only Bryce for company, she will need to rely on him and her own hard-won skills and courage to survive.
Hunted is the third book in The Grey Gates series by Vanessa Nelson, which started in Outcast and is now complete. 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 series. Get your copy of Hunted now to continue Max's story.
Problems keep piling up around Max. No sooner has she dealt with one set of supernatural creatures, than she's called to the city's mortuary to an unusual death. The city's most senior spiritual leader is also trying to get hold of her. On top of that, Bryce cancelled their date and hasn't been seen for days.
Her week gets worse when one of her friends is attacked and left for dead, and she is dragged out of the city into the middle of someone else's fight. Max finds herself running for her life, with no idea of how she got there or what's going on around her.
Trapped in a strange place with only Bryce for company, she will need to rely on him and her own hard-won skills and courage to survive.
Hunted is the third book in The Grey Gates series by Vanessa Nelson, which started in Outcast and is now complete. 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 series. Get your copy of Hunted now to continue Max's story.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2023
494 people are currently reading
726 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
July 13, 2023
She cries
The FMC cries and sobs all the time. She needs to be saved almost the entire book. She does not want to kill murderers and don’t care if they get away. She says there is too much killing, but most of the killing is by the bad guys she allows to live. It’s supposed to be empathetic but comes off as stupid and naive. She is not a main character but a side kick. Thus the two stars.
There is a lot of repetition. I hate that.
The FMC cries and sobs all the time. She needs to be saved almost the entire book. She does not want to kill murderers and don’t care if they get away. She says there is too much killing, but most of the killing is by the bad guys she allows to live. It’s supposed to be empathetic but comes off as stupid and naive. She is not a main character but a side kick. Thus the two stars.
There is a lot of repetition. I hate that.
August 21, 2023
What a disappointment. In book #1, Max is a tough, smart, resourceful heroine. In book #3, she is incompetent and whiny. It was almost as if a completely different author wrote this one. Issues you can see coming a mile away - like letting the bad guys go in book #2 - come back to create issues here. No surprise, and really stupid. And still, absolutely no progress in relationship with Bryce.
May 10, 2024
3.5/5.0
Oops, forgot to review this one as I plowed through the series. It continues the saga with Max and Bryce being thrown into another dimension for a bit of the storyline (not a favorite trope of mine). We find out some interesting tidbits because of that, though.
Oops, forgot to review this one as I plowed through the series. It continues the saga with Max and Bryce being thrown into another dimension for a bit of the storyline (not a favorite trope of mine). We find out some interesting tidbits because of that, though.
September 8, 2023
Another good one.
The book sees many more developments in plot and characters. Even the world the author has created, too.
We see Max being more vulnerable as Kitris, head of the Order of the Lady of Light comes into play, along with Orshiasa, Guardian in the order and Max's former Guardian Master. Another attempt to open the Grey Gates by Evan and Queran. And finally, a development in the relationship of Max and Bryce.
My favorite of all characters is Faddei, head of the Marshalls. And perhaps Lord Kolbyr. Just becauae I like the touch of darkness he exudes.
The writing got better too. Not many repetitive sentences. Though I still feel like some scenes need to be more sensationalized to a degree of *mic-drop* *jaw-drop* moments. Not for the readers (because we famously know everything, lol) but for other characters when faced with the reality that is Miscellandreax.
The book sees many more developments in plot and characters. Even the world the author has created, too.
We see Max being more vulnerable as Kitris, head of the Order of the Lady of Light comes into play, along with Orshiasa, Guardian in the order and Max's former Guardian Master. Another attempt to open the Grey Gates by Evan and Queran. And finally, a development in the relationship of Max and Bryce.
My favorite of all characters is Faddei, head of the Marshalls. And perhaps Lord Kolbyr. Just becauae I like the touch of darkness he exudes.
The writing got better too. Not many repetitive sentences. Though I still feel like some scenes need to be more sensationalized to a degree of *mic-drop* *jaw-drop* moments. Not for the readers (because we famously know everything, lol) but for other characters when faced with the reality that is Miscellandreax.
July 10, 2023
Super boring got tired of watching Max get her ass handed to her…her don’t like killing….all that does is just gets innocents killed…don’t understand other than Max having the shadow hounds why she is a Marshal, total pacifist, barely any magic, zero hand to hand combat skills, her hounds do all the work…super clean…don’t think any spice could save this story….first book I could see her anger for how she was treated..but guess what she was a doormat then and still is a doormat…Will not continue series this was strike 3….
May 7, 2024
I'm so curious about the background and the aspects barely mentioned, but I've grown so tired of the actual story itself. Why? Because it really seems like they just run in, demand answers from the villains or tell them to stand down for the 10th time, and then let them run away after a battle takes place. Like, it is so annoying. And everyone just letting The Order take credit for something they had no hand in-- seriously??? They are obviously assholes and corrupt, don't let the populous think they are the Chosen Ones.
I almost DNF'd but I was hoping we'd learn more about why everyone in The City doesn't know about the rest of the world or even consider that there might be more out there. Obviously it is a compulsion, but... *sigh* I could go on and talk about what feels like inconsistencies about the world building oh and let's not forget about how Kitris and the Priestess think Max failed in shutting the Grey Gates????? but like wouldn't that mean the gates are still open????? and it is obvious they aren't open????
So, it is a compulsive read, but everything falls apart the more you stop to think about it.
I almost DNF'd but I was hoping we'd learn more about why everyone in The City doesn't know about the rest of the world or even consider that there might be more out there. Obviously it is a compulsion, but... *sigh* I could go on and talk about what feels like inconsistencies about the world building oh and let's not forget about how Kitris and the Priestess think Max failed in shutting the Grey Gates????? but like wouldn't that mean the gates are still open????? and it is obvious they aren't open????
So, it is a compulsive read, but everything falls apart the more you stop to think about it.
November 4, 2023
Back to The Grey Gates universe ... and I felt that this time, I got the hang of it even better than the previous two books. Probably because Max, Bryce, and the rest of the casts, were more on familiar territory now - also I went with the flow again, not asking too many questions in my head about how this world worked.
One thing for sure, the plan to . And I finally understand why Evan Yarwood, who is a HUMAN, played more role in this plan
Max used more of her magic as well, and she definitely got attention from the High Priestess. Yep, I am getting curioser and curioser about her bloodline. On to the next book?
One thing for sure, the plan to . And I finally understand why Evan Yarwood, who is a HUMAN, played more role in this plan
Max used more of her magic as well, and she definitely got attention from the High Priestess. Yep, I am getting curioser and curioser about her bloodline. On to the next book?
February 9, 2024
Good development and action. Bringing in the Vault and finally addressing some aspects of the City and its position within a wider world all worked pretty well. Max could be coming into her power a little quicker, in my opinion, and I want more of a character arc for Bryce.
I'm struggling between 2.5 and 3 stars because the beginning had some sketchy Blue Lives Matter vibes. I don't think the author is American, but nonetheless, it was offputting to someone who has lived within that context.
I'm struggling between 2.5 and 3 stars because the beginning had some sketchy Blue Lives Matter vibes. I don't think the author is American, but nonetheless, it was offputting to someone who has lived within that context.
September 17, 2023
Good story! I wonder what Max is, because she's more than human! Weird that the people in the city don't know about the rest of the world!
July 10, 2023
This book surpassed all my expectations and is definitely my favorite novel of the series so far. I love Bryce and Max together, they just complement each other so well in combat and I can't wait to see them together again (hopefully in a non life or death situation). Kitris is as suspicious as ever and I'm seriously warming up to Lord Kolbyr. This series is a must read, especially if you enjoy Venessa Nelson's other works.
January 18, 2024
I really enjoyed it, though I have to say, I was furious at her - and Faddei - just allowing Kitris to continue to take credit for all Max's work. That bag of shit needs to get up off his fat, lazy, entitled ass and do his job.
And he needs to be called out, or I will never, never respect Max.
And he needs to be called out, or I will never, never respect Max.
August 20, 2023
Oof, what a sloooow burn. Fantastic group of characters though. This book felt much faster than the last two. The 'world' blew my mind a bit.
November 8, 2024
4.25 stars. This one was good but same story on repeat. Fight bad guys and they get away so they can pop up in the next story. This time Max and Bryce are sucked into the Vaults and a fight for their lives.
Lots of shooting, running, explosions and then- FINALLY a kiss. Terrible slow burn here people but these stories are being told in close succession, so not much time is really passing. I am still hooked into this series!
One major peeve: why are there shiny new cars everywhere? In a city with no oil/fuel for these cars and they are recycling their bullet s]casings? Where are these cars being manufactured? Why is so much being spent on cars?
And yes, the whole Kitris thing is getting old. Can no one but Max see something is wrong with the Order? Same bad guys, Queran and Evan, but 2.0 bad now.
Anyway- Highlights and Spoilers:
We have friends in the Vampires-
“I’m glad you noticed,” Audhilde said.
“It was hard not to,” Kolbyr answered. “But do you know what you have done?”
“Do you?” Audhilde challenged.
“This one is far more than she appears to be. She called down the Lady’s light into the middle of a dark magic ritual,” Kolbyr said.
Max shivered as she remembered the event. She had been trapped, convinced she was going to be dragged into the underworld. Calling the light had been an act of desperation. But it had worked.
To Max’s surprise, Audhilde grinned, the danger and power in the air fading. “That must have been unsettling for you, old man,” the other woman said.
I enjoy her love for the dogs:
Cas and Pol had been delighted when Max had changed into running gear when she had got home. They thought her attempts at running were hilarious, alternating between chasing each other in circles around her or running ahead and lying on the road, watching her with their ears raised, mouths open in grins while she pushed her body forwards.
The Armorer, who undoubtedly comes back into play later:
“Paperwork?” Max repeated, frowning. “There wasn’t any paperwork. I just had to complete the spell to open my Vault, and that was it.”
“No paperwork? Of course there’s paperwork. What kind of an outfit do you think I’m running here?"
And now the Order wants Max back?
Emmeline made an impatient noise, her frustration clear. “You will come back to the Order and to the Lady’s service. We have need of you.”
“No,” Max said, the word exploding out of her before she could stop it. The rejection rose from her toes all the way through her heart to the top of her head. “You sent me to the Order. The Order dismissed me. Neither you nor they have any claim on me,” she said, the words clipped, her own anger rising up in a clean, burning wave that chased some of her exhaustion away. “I have done my duty to you and to the Order. Now leave me alone,” she said.
And shocker, everyone seems to think they are the only living beings on the planet, the City and the Wild. So with the Vault "somewhere else", guess where we will be going, right?
Lots of shooting, running, explosions and then- FINALLY a kiss. Terrible slow burn here people but these stories are being told in close succession, so not much time is really passing. I am still hooked into this series!
One major peeve: why are there shiny new cars everywhere? In a city with no oil/fuel for these cars and they are recycling their bullet s]casings? Where are these cars being manufactured? Why is so much being spent on cars?
And yes, the whole Kitris thing is getting old. Can no one but Max see something is wrong with the Order? Same bad guys, Queran and Evan, but 2.0 bad now.
Anyway- Highlights and Spoilers:
We have friends in the Vampires-
“I’m glad you noticed,” Audhilde said.
“It was hard not to,” Kolbyr answered. “But do you know what you have done?”
“Do you?” Audhilde challenged.
“This one is far more than she appears to be. She called down the Lady’s light into the middle of a dark magic ritual,” Kolbyr said.
Max shivered as she remembered the event. She had been trapped, convinced she was going to be dragged into the underworld. Calling the light had been an act of desperation. But it had worked.
To Max’s surprise, Audhilde grinned, the danger and power in the air fading. “That must have been unsettling for you, old man,” the other woman said.
I enjoy her love for the dogs:
Cas and Pol had been delighted when Max had changed into running gear when she had got home. They thought her attempts at running were hilarious, alternating between chasing each other in circles around her or running ahead and lying on the road, watching her with their ears raised, mouths open in grins while she pushed her body forwards.
The Armorer, who undoubtedly comes back into play later:
“Paperwork?” Max repeated, frowning. “There wasn’t any paperwork. I just had to complete the spell to open my Vault, and that was it.”
“No paperwork? Of course there’s paperwork. What kind of an outfit do you think I’m running here?"
And now the Order wants Max back?
Emmeline made an impatient noise, her frustration clear. “You will come back to the Order and to the Lady’s service. We have need of you.”
“No,” Max said, the word exploding out of her before she could stop it. The rejection rose from her toes all the way through her heart to the top of her head. “You sent me to the Order. The Order dismissed me. Neither you nor they have any claim on me,” she said, the words clipped, her own anger rising up in a clean, burning wave that chased some of her exhaustion away. “I have done my duty to you and to the Order. Now leave me alone,” she said.
And shocker, everyone seems to think they are the only living beings on the planet, the City and the Wild. So with the Vault "somewhere else", guess where we will be going, right?
Read
July 25, 2023I am enjoying these, even if there's a lot that is like Nelson's Ageless series retread and the romance seems to consist mostly of two people who spend time companionably being shot at or otherwise targeted by dark magic and beasties. There are enough unknowns that I'm going to hold off rating until I've read more of the series.
February 9, 2024
This was a good, enjoyable, easy read. All the characters are interesting as is the story. It’s not overly violent, although there is some, and there is a slow moving attraction between the two main characters.
September 7, 2023
I don't trust Kitris at all.
March 21, 2024
What A Great Series!
I am loving this series and Vanessa Nelson! What an interesting storyline, and the plot twists and turns are truly inspiring! I am going to start the next book now! Enjoy!
I am loving this series and Vanessa Nelson! What an interesting storyline, and the plot twists and turns are truly inspiring! I am going to start the next book now! Enjoy!
July 19, 2023
Vanessa Nelson's books would be soooo better with fewer unnecessary repetitions.
August 2, 2023
I was tempted to downgrade this to two stars as it's essentially a dungeon run. The Vault is clumsily executed, a deus ex machina.
It's confirmation that Max's 'city' is a lost colony. I don't know where the story will go after this but Max appears to be some kind of angel. Doubtless to come into her power in the next book as she battles the heir of Aukus.
It's confirmation that Max's 'city' is a lost colony. I don't know where the story will go after this but Max appears to be some kind of angel. Doubtless to come into her power in the next book as she battles the heir of Aukus.
March 16, 2024
Awful writing
The concept is decent, though.
It is so repetitive. This book is short, but it's mostly filled with repeating scenes that just happened, happened a few minutes earlier, rehashing the same thoughts over and over again. I lost count of how many times you're told that Faddie is a good politician in some fashion. I get it.
But the writing is so clunky, that's the best way to describe it. I will be honest, I skimmed this and focused on the important shit.
Max... grow a backbone, girl. I'm tired of your timidness. You survived hell, now act like it.
Not sure why she has a gun. You realize they're for killing, right? Not for merely injuring. If Mac doesn't want to kill, she has no business having a lethal weapon!
The...romance? Is that what it's supposed to be? It's one of the most pathetic romances I think I've read. And while it's not instalove, it kind of feels like that because there's hardly any interaction outside of Max blushing every time Bryce talks.
The plot sucks. I'm sorry, but it's really bad. Scooby-Doo plots are more sophisticated than this. I mean the bad guys just stop what they're doing without an adequate explanation and run away after being incredibly organized in their attacks and actions.
I think Bryce is the only character written almost well? He's focused on his missions, but he's completely ignored when it comes to other interactions he should be a part of and is silent when he should be speaking. Not to mention, like everyone else, he's underdeveloped. I've learned absolutely nothing about him, and this was book 3.
It's the conclusion to the concept that I'm reading for now.
The concept is decent, though.
It is so repetitive. This book is short, but it's mostly filled with repeating scenes that just happened, happened a few minutes earlier, rehashing the same thoughts over and over again. I lost count of how many times you're told that Faddie is a good politician in some fashion. I get it.
But the writing is so clunky, that's the best way to describe it. I will be honest, I skimmed this and focused on the important shit.
Max... grow a backbone, girl. I'm tired of your timidness. You survived hell, now act like it.
Not sure why she has a gun. You realize they're for killing, right? Not for merely injuring. If Mac doesn't want to kill, she has no business having a lethal weapon!
The...romance? Is that what it's supposed to be? It's one of the most pathetic romances I think I've read. And while it's not instalove, it kind of feels like that because there's hardly any interaction outside of Max blushing every time Bryce talks.
The plot sucks. I'm sorry, but it's really bad. Scooby-Doo plots are more sophisticated than this. I mean the bad guys just stop what they're doing without an adequate explanation and run away after being incredibly organized in their attacks and actions.
I think Bryce is the only character written almost well? He's focused on his missions, but he's completely ignored when it comes to other interactions he should be a part of and is silent when he should be speaking. Not to mention, like everyone else, he's underdeveloped. I've learned absolutely nothing about him, and this was book 3.
It's the conclusion to the concept that I'm reading for now.
July 24, 2024
going downhill from previous books
The writing overuses phrases typically preferred by AI generated texts. The plot hinges on the main character avoiding violence at all costs, even when holding a murderous apocalypse disciple at a gun point — does she shoot him? No, she asks him to raise his hand and step away from the world-ending artifact.
The writing overuses phrases typically preferred by AI generated texts. The plot hinges on the main character avoiding violence at all costs, even when holding a murderous apocalypse disciple at a gun point — does she shoot him? No, she asks him to raise his hand and step away from the world-ending artifact.
November 30, 2024
This is a great series and I really like the heroine Max and her shadow hounds, HOWEVER, I have a huge problem with the way Max is being written, hence the star deduction. Max has powers that she's learning but the one area that the book fails for me is that you don't get to see how she is developing and using the powers, it just seems that they happen. She's reading books that the vampire medical examiner gave her to discover more about her 'unique' brand of magic, but now what? I think the author could have done more to show what those powers were and how Max can use it in the many, many, many fights she gets involved in. Max gets hurt a lot, and if we are to believe she has this great power stored within in her, then I think it's time the reader gets a little more insight into that and Max grows a little more backbone (some of that comes through but then she caves) . The one biggest issue I have with Max is her .. I don't want to kill anyone even if they are trying to kill me. ummm excuse me??????? I think someone needs to have a talk with Ms. Nelson and let her know.. that will not do!!!! Why would you put your main character in a weaker position going in and keep her there! There's nothing wrong with having emotions, but to the detriment of your own life.. absolutely not, this just stunts Max's character growth throughout the books and keeps her as this sheltered, naive ninny. Max had a tough childhood that she bounced back from, she's supposed to be strong, resilient, and empathetic, so why pray tell would you try to make her into a caricature of herself?
This book saw developments in the overall plot to the series, Max and Bryce find out there is more than just the "city" and to say they are shocked is putting it mildly. Kitris is being his normal "jerky" self and not disclosing information so attacks on police officers around the city by a well armed group the Order has known about for a while brings anger from the Marshalls. Max learns some answers about the vault AND about one the members of the five families. The plot to open the gray gates is advanced and more mysteries about Max's bloodlines. Overall, can we please have Max getting beat up all the time and have her use her powers please.
This book saw developments in the overall plot to the series, Max and Bryce find out there is more than just the "city" and to say they are shocked is putting it mildly. Kitris is being his normal "jerky" self and not disclosing information so attacks on police officers around the city by a well armed group the Order has known about for a while brings anger from the Marshalls. Max learns some answers about the vault AND about one the members of the five families. The plot to open the gray gates is advanced and more mysteries about Max's bloodlines. Overall, can we please have Max getting beat up all the time and have her use her powers please.
July 9, 2023
Good
There’s a new threat in town, one that seems to be aimed primarily at law enforcement, and the leader of the order, Kitris, doesn’t seem to be a available to address the concerns of the police or marshals.
It’s not long therefore, before Max encounters the threat, and finds herself dealing with some familiar faces in a not-so-familiar setting.
There’s a number of very interesting events that occur in book three of the series (yes you absolutely need to have read the previous books). Max doesn’t get all the answers as yet, but the questions that are answered, provide some interesting information. Bryce is there of course, and quite helpful in many ways, some of which are interesting by themselves!
Without saying too much, I’ll just add that the book picks up about a week or so after the last one ended, and ends with at least one very intriguing and unanswered question, but no real cliffhanger. It’s a thoroughly entertaining read, with lots of action, a number of adventures and I was enthralled enough to just zip through the book. Some very intriguing possibilities are raised, or at least suggested, that I’m looking forward to finding out where they lead.
An engrossing urban fantasy, for both UF lovers, and Vanessa Nelson fans alike.
There’s a new threat in town, one that seems to be aimed primarily at law enforcement, and the leader of the order, Kitris, doesn’t seem to be a available to address the concerns of the police or marshals.
It’s not long therefore, before Max encounters the threat, and finds herself dealing with some familiar faces in a not-so-familiar setting.
There’s a number of very interesting events that occur in book three of the series (yes you absolutely need to have read the previous books). Max doesn’t get all the answers as yet, but the questions that are answered, provide some interesting information. Bryce is there of course, and quite helpful in many ways, some of which are interesting by themselves!
Without saying too much, I’ll just add that the book picks up about a week or so after the last one ended, and ends with at least one very intriguing and unanswered question, but no real cliffhanger. It’s a thoroughly entertaining read, with lots of action, a number of adventures and I was enthralled enough to just zip through the book. Some very intriguing possibilities are raised, or at least suggested, that I’m looking forward to finding out where they lead.
An engrossing urban fantasy, for both UF lovers, and Vanessa Nelson fans alike.
July 27, 2023
To say that I love this series is an understatement, ever since I picked up Vanessa Nelson's first book about a year ago I have loved every book she has ever written. However, The Grey Gates has surpassed every expectation, and each book in the series becomes my favourite. Max could hold her own up there with the urban fantasy greats and this world and story truly amazes with it's pace and originality. Max is as ever proving herself worthy and making herself more and more of a problem for the bad guys, putting her ever more in their cross hairs. We also got a glimpse into the world at large, something I have been itching to know since I started this series. What really is outside those magical barriers and The Wild? We, along with Max, are beginning to find out, along with a few answers about Max herself. Her relationship with Bryce is fresh and growing in friendship and is such an organic thing to watch. Vanessa Nelson is a master at character interactions and making you love them as if they were friends of your own!
I gobbled this book up within a day and now I'm itching to get at the next. Thankfully we are never kept waiting too long for the next. Probably one of my favourite auto buy authors now, a bigger compliment I can't give.
I gobbled this book up within a day and now I'm itching to get at the next. Thankfully we are never kept waiting too long for the next. Probably one of my favourite auto buy authors now, a bigger compliment I can't give.
February 26, 2024
MC needs to desperately improve her basic physical fitness
A reasonable book though MC is a goody-goody two shoes who doesn’t like to shoot to kill - so all her enemies and villains tend to successfully escape and murder more innocent people in the future.
Also, she is *extremely* unfit for an action heroine. I mean - walking up a few flights of stairs make her pant and get winded enough to fall. The repeated PAGES of text detailing how tired she is, how out of breath, how her dogs can run circles around her, yadda-yadda, make for very painful reading. I thought she had been running a triathlon, but no - she was just running up a few flights of stairs. She needs to take multiple rests running up 14 stories. I can do that at a single trot and I don’t consider myself especially fit. She has the active job of a monster hunter. Its a miracle that she has survived till now. Maybe she should read up on Geralt of Rivea.
I frankly don’t like the main character much. But the world building is pretty good. The whole city is clearly in some sort of mental warp spell that makes them deeply isolated. The other characters around her are far more interesting with distinct personalities of their own.
A reasonable book though MC is a goody-goody two shoes who doesn’t like to shoot to kill - so all her enemies and villains tend to successfully escape and murder more innocent people in the future.
Also, she is *extremely* unfit for an action heroine. I mean - walking up a few flights of stairs make her pant and get winded enough to fall. The repeated PAGES of text detailing how tired she is, how out of breath, how her dogs can run circles around her, yadda-yadda, make for very painful reading. I thought she had been running a triathlon, but no - she was just running up a few flights of stairs. She needs to take multiple rests running up 14 stories. I can do that at a single trot and I don’t consider myself especially fit. She has the active job of a monster hunter. Its a miracle that she has survived till now. Maybe she should read up on Geralt of Rivea.
I frankly don’t like the main character much. But the world building is pretty good. The whole city is clearly in some sort of mental warp spell that makes them deeply isolated. The other characters around her are far more interesting with distinct personalities of their own.
July 22, 2023
I'm glad this author is quick with her releases because I just eat up these stories!
In this one Max has just recovered from her stint in the hospital after the last book's drama, and is almost instantly thrown into chaos.
We've got hybrid animals, a group of deadly and organized masked attackers with Magicians on their side targeting law enforcement, someone trying to break into magicians’ Vaults,, plus demons and dark magic plots- all the while Max is having to deal with the Order's disfunction and the Priestess' demands.
At least we got a little more progress in the relationship department for Max and Bryce. I'm still interested in figuring out his backstory because be don't know too much about him atm-- but mostly I'm hoping for Max to come into her own and just dominate her powers~!
In this one Max has just recovered from her stint in the hospital after the last book's drama, and is almost instantly thrown into chaos.
We've got hybrid animals, a group of deadly and organized masked attackers with Magicians on their side targeting law enforcement, someone trying to break into magicians’ Vaults,, plus demons and dark magic plots- all the while Max is having to deal with the Order's disfunction and the Priestess' demands.
At least we got a little more progress in the relationship department for Max and Bryce. I'm still interested in figuring out his backstory because be don't know too much about him atm-- but mostly I'm hoping for Max to come into her own and just dominate her powers~!
September 3, 2023
Man…I was so excited to see that this book was going to be Bryce/Max heavy and it did not disappoint.
Let’s back-up…law enforcement is under attack, the Order has gone quiet, Bryce is MIA and Max gets involved in a weird death involving dark magic…the plot just continues to thicken.
We learn more about Max and a bunch of shit is foreshadowed. And Malik is back! Yay! Bryce is being super cagey (we better learn more about his story, like how was he able to go after Max and what’s the deal with Pol and Cas listening to him) and then the Lady of the Light people start showing up and forcing Max to interact with them and Max is kidnapped by someone in her Vault (do we ever find out why or by who??) and we meet Cira (who is awesome and is like a little matchmaker) and Max and Bryce’s minds are blown when they learn there are other cities.
Then, all the factions come together to try and join forces and it’s just as combative as you’d expect. But Bryce always has our girl’s back. And Faddei and the other Marshalls are awesome too plus, Bryce’s crew of Warriors who are also Team Max. Love them all.
Now, the book is not perfect. Like, Bryce’s “my phone got shot” excuse for not contacting Max? Bish, please. And “The Syndicate?” Is this BTVS? And yeah, we get it that Max is in no shape to keep up with Bryce, but harping on that does nothing to further the plot. But those things were all just little eye rolls.
Really looking forward to the next book…hopefully, we learn more about Bryce and get all our questions answered about Max like who she is and her powers and how she has a vault!
And that ending…when I realized she was waking up in the hospital, I was like “Bryce better fucking be there!” And he was!!!!😍🥰
Let’s back-up…law enforcement is under attack, the Order has gone quiet, Bryce is MIA and Max gets involved in a weird death involving dark magic…the plot just continues to thicken.
We learn more about Max and a bunch of shit is foreshadowed. And Malik is back! Yay! Bryce is being super cagey (we better learn more about his story, like how was he able to go after Max and what’s the deal with Pol and Cas listening to him) and then the Lady of the Light people start showing up and forcing Max to interact with them and Max is kidnapped by someone in her Vault (do we ever find out why or by who??) and we meet Cira (who is awesome and is like a little matchmaker) and Max and Bryce’s minds are blown when they learn there are other cities.
Then, all the factions come together to try and join forces and it’s just as combative as you’d expect. But Bryce always has our girl’s back. And Faddei and the other Marshalls are awesome too plus, Bryce’s crew of Warriors who are also Team Max. Love them all.
Now, the book is not perfect. Like, Bryce’s “my phone got shot” excuse for not contacting Max? Bish, please. And “The Syndicate?” Is this BTVS? And yeah, we get it that Max is in no shape to keep up with Bryce, but harping on that does nothing to further the plot. But those things were all just little eye rolls.
Really looking forward to the next book…hopefully, we learn more about Bryce and get all our questions answered about Max like who she is and her powers and how she has a vault!
And that ending…when I realized she was waking up in the hospital, I was like “Bryce better fucking be there!” And he was!!!!😍🥰
February 17, 2024
Still loving it, but…3.75 Stars!
When I started to read this series, I was giddy with excitement at having stumbled upon it. Even though each book is really good and the plot includes plenty action, suspense, mystery, a tiny spark of love blooming close, and has amazing characters, especially Max and Bryce, I am getting a bit frustrated at how the growth we are seeing in Max is developing way too slow. In my opinion, by book three, Max should be displaying more confidence in herself and her developing magic. It bothers me that she is as clueless of it as she was in book one. By now, she knows she possesses a different kind of magic from what she thought she had, but it is annoying to see that she hasn’t dedicated time and effort to hone it and understand it more. Instead, the author has made her look a bit naive at times, and not the fierce warrior she has shown to be. I intend to continue reading the rest of the series, since it is truly amazing and well written, but I do hope we get to see Max coming into herself much quicker than the previous books. Highly Recommended ❤️
When I started to read this series, I was giddy with excitement at having stumbled upon it. Even though each book is really good and the plot includes plenty action, suspense, mystery, a tiny spark of love blooming close, and has amazing characters, especially Max and Bryce, I am getting a bit frustrated at how the growth we are seeing in Max is developing way too slow. In my opinion, by book three, Max should be displaying more confidence in herself and her developing magic. It bothers me that she is as clueless of it as she was in book one. By now, she knows she possesses a different kind of magic from what she thought she had, but it is annoying to see that she hasn’t dedicated time and effort to hone it and understand it more. Instead, the author has made her look a bit naive at times, and not the fierce warrior she has shown to be. I intend to continue reading the rest of the series, since it is truly amazing and well written, but I do hope we get to see Max coming into herself much quicker than the previous books. Highly Recommended ❤️
March 19, 2024
I'm really enjoying this series so far! I've been binging it the last few days.
It's clear by now that there's something gravely wrong with the people in charge of the city. There is something huge going on in the background, some undercurrent even beyond what Max is going through personally.
I'm enjoying the world building so much. That makes it a little bit repetitive at times, maybe a bit longer than the series really needs to be, but I honestly love world building, so I'll take it!
I think Max is pretty badass, to be honest. Other people say that she cries too much, but she is terrified and has no idea what she's doing half the time and yet she does it anyway. She's clearly got some stuff to work through, there's some obvious huge trauma there, but she's still doing her best every day.
Also: OMG, Kolbyr. Such mixed feelings about this guy! I think he's such a fantastic character. I'm like completely terrified of him while having a deep respect for him. If I was in this universe, I would really dislike him, but I also don't know how to be tactful so I would probably just get eaten, haha. Doesn't seem like he suffers fools gladly.
It's clear by now that there's something gravely wrong with the people in charge of the city. There is something huge going on in the background, some undercurrent even beyond what Max is going through personally.
I'm enjoying the world building so much. That makes it a little bit repetitive at times, maybe a bit longer than the series really needs to be, but I honestly love world building, so I'll take it!
I think Max is pretty badass, to be honest. Other people say that she cries too much, but she is terrified and has no idea what she's doing half the time and yet she does it anyway. She's clearly got some stuff to work through, there's some obvious huge trauma there, but she's still doing her best every day.
Also: OMG, Kolbyr. Such mixed feelings about this guy! I think he's such a fantastic character. I'm like completely terrified of him while having a deep respect for him. If I was in this universe, I would really dislike him, but I also don't know how to be tactful so I would probably just get eaten, haha. Doesn't seem like he suffers fools gladly.
September 15, 2023
Max is great, she doesn't back down from a fight but she is not blase' about killing. She follows what she believes to be the right thing. We are seeing her grow in confidence in her abilities.
Bryce is a bit of the strong silent type and I'd like to get to know his character a bit more, but I'm liking that he has a strong moral compass and backs Max up without treating her as weak.
I like the little bits of humour that pop up.
It does seem a bit odd that the people in the city Max lives in don't think there is anything else out there, we are supposed to buy into them thinking they live on a planet with just one city. The books are a bit vague on the background of the situation these people are in, they are in a city in the middle of "the wild" which supposedly has taken over areas that were previously populated. I have questions about where they get their resources if they are so isolated, where does their food come from if there is only a city, no mention of farms, but I'm probably overthinking it.
Bryce is a bit of the strong silent type and I'd like to get to know his character a bit more, but I'm liking that he has a strong moral compass and backs Max up without treating her as weak.
I like the little bits of humour that pop up.
It does seem a bit odd that the people in the city Max lives in don't think there is anything else out there, we are supposed to buy into them thinking they live on a planet with just one city. The books are a bit vague on the background of the situation these people are in, they are in a city in the middle of "the wild" which supposedly has taken over areas that were previously populated. I have questions about where they get their resources if they are so isolated, where does their food come from if there is only a city, no mention of farms, but I'm probably overthinking it.
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