Ruptured: The Cantati Chronicles: Volume 2 by Maggie Mae Gallagher

Cantati Chronicles #2

by Maggie Mae Gallagher

A Cantati Chronicles Prequel Novella It has been eighty-three years since the walls between Earth and Infernus fell, and now our world stands upon the razor’s edge of extinction. Demon platoons are marching upon us. My home, one of humanity’s last bastions of existence, is under siege. My name is Alana Devereaux. I am the resident demon detector of Cantati Forces and Platoon Commander. My job is to hunt down the vermin unleashed upon my world, and I love it. I live for the day I can kick every last demon’s ass out of this world. Except as enemy forces reign down terror upon us, the Densare Council sentences me to a fate worse than death.

Genres: Fantasy, Demons

Paperback

First published September 16, 2014

About the author

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Maggie grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Maggie never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.

Maggie is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes erotic romance under the name Anya Summers. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.

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Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humankind is being annihilated by demons. There are only a few strong holds left. Within these strong holds the Cantati live, humans with special abilities to fight demons. Alana Deveraux is a Cantati that has the most successful platoon under her comand.

The cousil, the leaders of the bastions, have decided that Alana needs to become a breeder. Relegated to re-population with the man of their choosing, Alana might just be up against something worse than the demons.

Ruptured is the prequel to Anointed, book 1 in the Cantati series. It is Alana's story before she travels back in time to stop the demon hordes from breaching into our world. You get lots of background into the world she left behind, and some insight into why she is they way she is...

Maggie Mae Gallagher writes a riveting tale of a world gone mad with evil. Anyone can be your enemy when you are fighting to survive and a lot of the time the good of the many out weigh the rights of anyone.

Ruptured provides pulse-pounding action, a heroine you can really get behind, paired with a marvellous balance of evil, corruption and animosity to really give our heroine something to fight for.

I devoured this story, reading it straight through in hours. I was in need of a really awesome story, one that not only interested me but pulled me in and made me part of the tale...Ruptured is just such a story. Gallagher's writing hits the paranormal spot.

I received this ARC copy of Ruptured from Maggie Mae Gallagher in exchange for an honest review.

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book gives readers a glimpse into a dark future where the world is overrun by Demons. Humanity is fighting back but it's a war that seems destined to be lost. In this harsh environment we meet Alana who is young feisty and gifted with the ability to sense the Demon forces. She is highly skilled and so very brave but her greatest test is about to be thrust upon her. The council have decided that as the human race is slowly being eradicated more children are needed to be born and Alana is selected to become the one thing she doesn't want, a breeder!
Oh it was so good to get back into this series and the insights offered here into just why Alana reacts as she does in the subsequent novel truly open up the story. It was so very interesting to read about the council and the way that the surviving females are viewed and I particularly enjoyed getting inside Alana's head and gaining a better understanding of her characters motives. This is urban fantasy and I confess to being concerned that the author might short change her readers and turn it into a standard romance but luckily no that's not the way this goes. I love it when an author sticks to their guns and that's just what our heroine Alana does too! Interesting subplot and it was fabulous to see Alana interacting with her fellow warriors.
I can't wait to read more in this series and will be eagerly looking for the next instalment.

[Diane Lynch Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruptured takes place on Earth eighty-three years after the plant was invaded by demons. Humans are near extinct. Alana Devereaux is Platoon Commander tasked with hunting down demons and protecting humanity. However, much to her dismay, the Densare Council has sentences her to become a breeder.

Ruptured is the prequel to Anointed which I have not read, but have now put on my to-read list. It is a fast-paced and exciting novella that kept me on the edge of my seat.

Alana is a strong and worthy heroine. She is dedicated to the fight, almost to a fault. She is a good leader, proved by the loyalty of her squad. I felt sympathy for her situation; it would be very difficult and demeaning to endure.

Lieutenant Cade is a piece of work. I did not like the man. He may be a good fighter, but he is a chauvinistic control freak. It is understandable why Alana and Cade would bump heads.

I liked the members of Alana’s squad, especially, Luke and Quinten. They were both reasonable and dependable.

I enjoyed the plot. Maggie Mae Gallagher did an excellent job creating the mood and environment. Ruptured was believable and full of suspense. The ending left me curious about what is going to happen in the next book, Ascended.

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruptured by Maggie Mae Gallagher

Alana fights on in the war against the demons. More death of friends and troops in the novella, the second in the Cantati Chronicles.

[Dolorianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is complicated, and you really have to have the stomach and the right frame of mind. I love the writing style and the author's dedication to the Urban Fantasy genre. I'm a fan of dystopian themes and this one makes big promises for the series. However, reading this tells me that I would never be able to read The Handmaiden's Tale by Margaret Atwood. I spent so much of the book angry. First, in how Alana was treated as a thing to be traded by other people. And then to understand that all the women were treated that way but it only phased Alana when it affected her. And then for her to then turn around and trap someone else in the same way she was trapped, only to be blackmailed for it in return? Yes, there are extenuating circumstances. Yes, the author did a great job laying the foundation for why this was their way of life. And I can understand it on some level. Doesn't change how tense and angry I was during the read. But it is completely a testament to the author that I kept reading, because the woman can write. I have to read the next book. Based on the abrupt ending, I have no doubt that the fight to come will be epic.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruptured (The Cantati Chronicles, #2) by Maggie Mae Gallagher
Talk about an action packed book. This Novella is filled with some awesome fighting scenes as the human race is trying to survive the demons that are over taking the world. I admit the author had me from the beginning to end. For short story it is filled with many twist turns and emotional highs and lows. Look forward to reading more.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing by this author is sound. I spent a lot of time upset while reading this book. Not a bad upset. The world the author created was very detailed. I was upset for the main female character and the things she had to endure. It is a good sign when the author can make you forget that it is just a book. Good job!!

[Swalsk · Rating 1 out of 5]

I almost DNF'd this but realized I had all of 20 pages left. I could not find anything enjoyable in this, hence the one star. Also, found out this was the prequel... but it’s the second book in the trilogy?

[Karen high Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book evoked anger in me. But I kept reading to see what would happen. It has a strong heroine, was well written and unique it familiar. Kind of like starship troopers.

[Meigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a futuristic, post-apocalyptic London, an advanced race of humans are struggling for survival. An event known as the Mutari nearly decimated all of mankind in a war between demons and humans. The only good thing to come out of the war was an advanced race of humans known as Cantati: humans with extra strength and special enhanced powers. Due to their decreasing numbers, the Cantati select women to be used for the purpose of population increase. In other words, a breeder. Alana Devereaux finds herself chosen to be a member of the unlucky breeder club, which puts her in a bind. She is one of the best soldiers and Lieutenants the Cantati have; being a breeder takes her away from battle and puts her strictly into bed, waiting to be "with child". Alana is a fighter; she excels at what she does, she lives for it. Being a breeder would essentially strip her of who she is and that's not even counting the fact that she doesn't choose who she breeds with. Her mate is chosen for her and she's expected to do the deed, however said mate wants it, whenever said mate wants it. Quite a dim sentence for born warrior.

Maggie Mae Gallagher has created such an interesting, enjoyable world and storyline in her Cantati Chronicles series. I particularly love the bleakness of it - there is no more United States which is why they've traveled to England. The US is a desert wasteland, destroyed by the Lord of Infernus and his leagues of demons. The demons are another good aspect; aside from the many varieties, most (if not all) are quite creepy, as demons should be. Definitely a force to be reckoned with as the demons and their leader are coming out stronger than ever since the Mutari. The dark, depressing landscape of London is a perfect backdrop for the seemingly unending violence between humans and demons.

I also like that this novella provides a little more insight into the humans that are left after the Mutari; the strongest race is Cantati, followed by the Levare, which are still enhanced, yet weak. Not as weak as the mere, basic humans which are still around. Based on the classifications, the Cantati are the only warriors, with Levare given menial tasks, and humans even lesser jobs.

I definitely recommend this for lovers of urban fantasy, sci-fi, and futuristic/post-apocalyptic tales. Gallagher does a great job of weaving those elements together in this series and I will definitely be looking for the next book in the Cantati Chronicles series.

**Many thanks to the author for gifting a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[April Hollingworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth

Prequel to Anointed, Ruptured tells the story of what happened before Alana was sent back in time. It is brilliant. Filled with battle scenes, danger and a determination to live life her as a warrioress, Alana is a heroin you would love to know in person. I adore this series so much and can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens after Anointed.

Opening Scene:

Year 83, Day 256, 18.00 Hours, After Mutari

“BREEDER.”

The Review:

With the demons banging down the door, Alana is in shock that she has been sentenced to a fate worse than death; she has been sentenced to become a breeder. Her chosen mate is Cade a man she despises. He is brutal and domineering and only sees Alana as a possession to own. But Alana has no intentions of letting him dictate her life; she is a fighter and also the resident demon detector. Her battle skills are needed now more than ever, and she will disobey any order given as long as she can defend her home and the people in it.

Notable Scene:

“You are relieved of your command,” stated Amelia, the Coven Mother. Her blond hair flowed around her face as she rubbed the bulging ball in her abdomen. Iain, the Cantati Forces’ staunchest ally on the Council, nodded his balding head in agreement, toppling the other eleven from any disagreement. They all did their part for the continuation of the species. This was the Coven Mother’s fourth pregnancy, and I knew she was only half a dozen years older than I. Would that be me in a few years? On my fourth pregnancy, my body no longer fit to fight? I hated them for this.
“Do I even get to choose the lucky guy?” While I was far from being a prude, I would like a little input on which man I spread my legs for. Granted, the pool to select from was relatively small, and of that tiny selection, there were but a choice few whom I would prefer.
“The Council has already made the decision for you.” By the gods, of course they had. They decided everything for us mere mortals. Apparently, we were incapable of selecting our mates.

FTC Advisory: Maggie Mae Gallagher provided me with a copy of Ruptured by Maggie Mae Gallagher. Published through Maggie Mae Gallagher. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Les Chroniques Aléatoires · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine my joy and astonishment when I received an e-mail from the auteure proposing me to read the prologue of this series that I had a crush for some month ago. I was expecting the continuation for some time, to learn more about Alana and the future of the world. Finally I went up in the time with pleasure in order to know how the things arrived from there, why Alana is sometimes this bitter, this difficult to figure.

We already known it, Alana is a heroin who talk back and well, who can defend herself and will be rather the one to save the prince charming rather the opposite. However she appears softer, fragile, more normal in this novella. It is interesting to see her interacting with her hard father, the execrable Council, the man who was chooses to be his mate and her friends and subordinates. Alana will have to cope in the worst sentence for her: she is repudiated, withdrawn from her platoon and forced to become a Breeder for the future of Humanity. As we expects it, nothing will occur as envisaged.

The supporting characters are really interesting. There is a panel varied of men being part of Alana's life. Her father is all except a loving man who takes care of her daughter. We have difficulties to imagine him in his father's role, but I think that it is the world which wants that. Cade is an animal, a barbarian and we understands the dislike and fear that Alana feels to his contact. It could not have been a worse choice of companion. Then there are her 4 closer companions, which we understand rather quickly than for some of them, they are crazy in love with her. I would have like to learn more from them, I am frustrated that everything goes that quickly, that it is this short.

We find ourself watching Alana's last days among her people. It is stuffed of action, bounces, emotions but also of information as well on Earth, Cantati and the Demons. We know in advance how the things will finish. We still hang up with a hope, that things can improve. I have appreciate it as mucj as the firstbook of the saga. It is also pleasant and quick to be read, to be devoured! Im excited to follow the adventure the next spring 2015!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this futuristic/dystopian society series. I was so happy that the author sent me a copy for review.

Alana’s world continues to grow more dark and dangerous. Her demon enemy’s troop numbers continue to swell as the human population dwindles away. Alana’s life as her camps top platoon leader is completely destroyed when the council rules she is to be mated and breed until she can no longer produce children. The council’s decision infuriates Alana and myself. I just don’t understand why the council would put away one of their best demon fighting weapons. But, the council doesn’t have a clue who they’ve just pissed off and Alana isn’t about to lie on her back when the demons come knocking at their front gate.

This story showcases a lot of emotions for me as not only does the council ruling piss me off, but consequences of their decision break my heart as well. We lose someone dear to Alana’s heart and hate that for her. Sure as soldier she’s been trained to move on from loss, but as a woman, she feels every inch of it. Gallagher has managed to set up a marvelous prequel to her already published and book #1 of this series, Anointed.

One of the things I enjoy most about this prequel is to see a glimpse into Alana’s life before she goes back in time to save the world. While a novella, Gallagher has managed to pack a full length novel full of action, suspense, and heartbreakingly strong emotions into less than 100 pages.

[Mary Gramlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is tough when you are a woman that was made to lead men into battle and not reproduce life. Alana Devereaux is the daughter of the general that is battling to save earth from the destruction that rained down upon them so many years before. She knows how to run an infiltration into enemy lines and destroy any oncoming attack but have a serious relationship and procreate, not so much.

Alana has been told by the Council that rules the civilized land that she must do her duty and be removed from the fight and become a mother to the next generation of soldiers. Taking orders is always a good idea but for Alana this one makes no sense since what she knows is not what they what her to be used for, so orders are not always followed as given. The man she is destined to brings out revulsion in her at every turn and when the sirens go off she is not going to be waiting by his bedside, she will be battling at his side.

While surrounded by the best of what is available Alana fights a good fight and shows repeatedly where her skill set lies, but compromise must ensue and even Alana knows when the battle is over. Tomorrow she can determine who will be in charge of whom but right now the enemy must stay on their side of the wall.

Maggie Mae Gallagher writes with such character depth and story line conviction, readers are convinced this is reality not fiction

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel to Anointed was amazing! It is a novella, but has a lot action and some very crazy scenes. I loved it! I was really looking forward to learning more about Alana before the events of Anointed, which started off with a very intense situation. After reading this story, it is clear that Maggie Mae Gallagher writes intense scenes extremely well. She has a way with words that creates one heck of a visual in the reader's mind. Some of them even creeped me out, but they helped make one hell of a story! The new characters seemed to fit so seamlessly that I went back to the first book to see if I had already met them. The demons were also interesting. There is so much detail in their descriptions that, as I said, you can easily envision these monsters...terrifying. I really liked seeing all the different sides of Alana in this book. You can tell the state of the world has taken its toll on humanity, and it is easy to see the struggles Alana faces in her world. I wasn't expecting it, but Ruptured added some significant depth to Alana's character. I really can't wait to see what comes next! I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

RUPTURED is the prequel to Anointed and fills in a lot of the details that were missing in the previous installment as well as strengthening the foundation of the post-apocolyptic world featured in this series.

This is a fantastically well written and emotionally wrenching events in this novella offers readers a phenomenal amount of insight into how Alana Devereaux became the complex character readers of the Cantati Chronicles love.

This is an absolute must-read for fans of the series as well as lovers of detailed world building and fantasy/adventure stories.

I can't wait to read book 3 and discover how Ms. Gallagher plans to further develop the story as it continues to unfold after the events in ANOINTED. As I predicted inmy previous review, the strength of her storytelling does not disappoint!

My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

a copy from the author Maggie Mae Gallagher in exchange for an honest review

We all make our choices - the question is where they lead us to and whether you can look at yourself after the decision made.

I was so glad to recieve this copy that I wanted to start reading it immediately. Unfortunatelly I couldn't. But at last I managed it and I can tell you that it was worth every second I spent on it.
It was a sort of emotional roller coaster for me. I connected to Alana while reading the first book and now reading this one I felt her betrayal, her loss, her feelings as mine.

Alana is a brave young woman who had to foght in order to protect people and all the humankind from demons. It's her life, her duty and her choice.
But what if somebody took away your right to choose and this one thing lead to a serious of tragic events. Can you survive it? Read and find out.

I highly recommend this book to all fantasy lovers.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

a copy from the author Maggie Mae Gallagher in exchange for an honest review

We all make our choices - the question is where they lead us to and whether you can look at yourself after the decision made.

I was so glad to recieve this copy that I wanted to start reading it immediately. Unfortunatelly I couldn't. But at last I managed it and I can tell you that it was worth every second I spent on it.
It was a sort of emotional roller coaster for me. I connected to Alana while reading the first book and now reading this one I felt her betrayal, her loss, her feelings as mine.

Alana is a brave young woman who had to foght in order to protect people and all the humankind from demons. It's her life, her duty and her choice.
But what if somebody took away your right to choose and this one thing lead to a serious of tragic events. Can you survive it? Read and find out.

I highly recommend this book to all fantasy lovers.

[Marinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel novella to the Cantati novels. It introduces us to Alana Devereaux, a soldier in the was against demons. The demons are trying to take over earth and they have decimated most of the population. Now when women become of breeding age if a woman hasnt chosen a mate the Council chooses a mate for them to "further the human race". Alana is the generals daughter and one of the finest squad leaders they have so she thought she was safe. Boy was she wrong, and to top it all off they chose the one man she definitely doesn't want to mate with , Cole. What happens is a mix of tragedy and triumph with some good action. Keep in mind this is a prequel novella and I can't wait to get my hands on the novels. Definitely a must read for people who are into good vs evil with a spark of romance thrown in for good measure. My only disapointment was it's only a novella. I couldnt put it down I had to know what happened next.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruptured was a fascinating new world and an adventure for Alana. Alana is a strong independent woman who defies the rules when it means doing what is best for her men. I really liked Alana and could feel her emotions as well as sense of duty. The world that is Alana lives in is a future in which humans have split off to base level and advanced humans. Humans that are now fighting demons and in the process have trashed most of the world. Alana is living in a future time that isn’t so different for women than the past as far as rights. She is trying to make the best choices but she hasn’t really been looking at the men around her. There are some surprises and some shocks revealed. I loved that Alana was kick arse enough to handle her own problems and realized that she still needed to accept the help from her men. Urgh, the ending about killed me. I will definitely be continuing with this series.

[MartyAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

See review of Book 1 http://martysreads.blogspot.com/2014/...

RUPTURED is book 2 of the series, but it takes place in an earlier time -- thanks to the spells used to send her back in time to stop the demon hoards. So, the books are "chronological" for our hero's experience but not chronological in an ordinary sense of a timeline.

This novella reads fast, a heart-pounding pace that does not let up. Alana arrives in the past to stumble directly into a throng of demons in an alleyway. Clearly, she has not arrived before the walls fell as expected. She has to find another way to complete her mission and keep humanity safe from demons.

The writing flows and the characters are relatable. I cannot wait for the rest of the Cantati Chronicles.

Permalink: http://martysreads.blogspot.com/2014/...

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to Anointed by Maggie Mae Gallagher, and really needs to be read second. I’m glad I read Anointed first otherwise I may not have finished Ruptured before I understood Alana. She’s a hardened soldier who keeps her head down and focuses on saving her people from demons. Her singular focus has kept her from seeing the people around her. She has shut down most of her emotions, except for rage and anger. When choices are made for her that she doesn’t want she must come to terms with them as best she can. I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy Wolter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This type of book was a first for me and I really enjoyed it!
The characters are well developed, very interesting!
I'll definitely read Anointed. Thanks again, Maggie for
this great ebook.

[Lesemappe Svenja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eine sympathische, junge Heldin und ein Schreibstil, der zusammen mit einer dämonisch guten Geschichte spannend von Anfang bis zum Ende ist.
Hätte gerne noch mehr und länger davon gelesen.