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Whisper Hollow #1
Autumn Thorns
In an all-new series, New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn invites readers to Whisper Hollow, where spirits walk among the living and the lake never gives up her dead…Fifteen years ago, I ran away from Whisper Hollow, Washington, a small town on Crescent Lake in the Olympic Peninsula. But truth is, if you were born here, you can never really leave. I’m Kerris Fellwater, and when I returned, I inherited my grandmother’s house—and her gift. As a spirit shaman, it’s my responsibility to drive the dead back to their graves, because around Whisper Hollow, people—and secrets—don’t always stay buried.When I was little, I was told my mother ran off. But now it looks like she was murdered. With the help of my mysterious neighbor Bryan, we begin to unravel the mystery of her disappearance, and in doing so, unearth a dark force seeking to bury Whisper Hollow. Now I must work with the dead, rather than against them, because our enemy will do whatever she can to destroy the town, and she means to start with me.
Mass Market Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
169 people are currently reading
2385 people want to read
About the author
Yasmine Galenorn
251 books3,472 followersNOTE: I SELDOM visit Goodreads and do very little here. Please see my website for more information on my work: https://galenorn.com
New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and is the author of over 80 books & numerous series, including the Wild Hunt Series, the Moonshadow Bay Series, the Fury Unbound Series, the Otherworld Series, the Bewitching Bedlam Series, and more. She wrote for trad publishers for 20 years until she went indie in 2016.
She’s also written nonfiction metaphysical books. She is the 2011 Career Achievement Award Winner in Urban Fantasy, given by RT Magazine. Yasmine has been in the Craft since 1980, is a shamanic witch and High Priestess. She describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland, WA, with her husband Samwise and their cats. Yasmine can be reached via her web site at Galenorn.com. Sign up for her newsletter at: http://galenorn.com/newsletter/
NOTE: ALWAYS check the website and blog, and please sign up for her newsletter there to keep current with new and upcoming releases. Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter are NOT viable places to find out all this information.
New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance, and is the author of over 80 books & numerous series, including the Wild Hunt Series, the Moonshadow Bay Series, the Fury Unbound Series, the Otherworld Series, the Bewitching Bedlam Series, and more. She wrote for trad publishers for 20 years until she went indie in 2016.
She’s also written nonfiction metaphysical books. She is the 2011 Career Achievement Award Winner in Urban Fantasy, given by RT Magazine. Yasmine has been in the Craft since 1980, is a shamanic witch and High Priestess. She describes her life as a blend of teacups and tattoos. She lives in Kirkland, WA, with her husband Samwise and their cats. Yasmine can be reached via her web site at Galenorn.com. Sign up for her newsletter at: http://galenorn.com/newsletter/
NOTE: ALWAYS check the website and blog, and please sign up for her newsletter there to keep current with new and upcoming releases. Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter are NOT viable places to find out all this information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
April 14, 2016
I cannot forgive the awkwardness of using condoms for blow jobs. Why does she insist on using condoms for oral sex? Like, put on a condom, give blow job, put on a new condom, then have sex. WHAT?! That's weird between a couple that's mated for life, right? It's given a few sentences during each sex scene, so it's obviously important to the author for some reason, because neither Kerris or Bryan say anything about it - it's almost like an unspoken agreement. Like, of course you use condoms for blow jobs! And then he went down on her without protection. So I don't even get this. It totally took me out of the story and I actually marked this book as "read" long before I finished so I could open this review box and type "WHY ARE THEY USING CONDOMS FOR BLOW JOBS WHAT THE FUCK MENTION THIS IN REVIEW"... No lie.
Kerris has some TSTL moments, but they're mostly forgivable because she's a total newb and shit's kinda bonkers.
That's why it's not a five star read for me, even though I technically loved it. So really, it's like -0.25 star for the TSTL moments and -0.75 for using condoms for blow jobs what the hell is that even about?! I am unreasonably upset over this. I recognize it's unreasonable. And I don't give a fuck. Out of 1500+ books, most of which have some form of sex in it, I have never read about somebody putting on a condom for a blow job. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND.
But aside from that WEIRD AS FUCK SHIT, I had a blast reading this. I'm not big on ghost stories, but I really enjoyed the story and found the various types of ghosts intriguing. I also loved the characters, secondaries included. The whole cast will be fun to follow throughout the rest of the series. I would usually hate having to wait a whole year for the next book, but it just means I'll have a chance to read this again right before the second is published. Double dose of Whisper Hollow... aww yiss.
Definitely recommended, though really... wtf is up with using condoms for blow jobs?
Kerris has some TSTL moments, but they're mostly forgivable because she's a total newb and shit's kinda bonkers.
That's why it's not a five star read for me, even though I technically loved it. So really, it's like -0.25 star for the TSTL moments and -0.75 for using condoms for blow jobs what the hell is that even about?! I am unreasonably upset over this. I recognize it's unreasonable. And I don't give a fuck. Out of 1500+ books, most of which have some form of sex in it, I have never read about somebody putting on a condom for a blow job. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND.
But aside from that WEIRD AS FUCK SHIT, I had a blast reading this. I'm not big on ghost stories, but I really enjoyed the story and found the various types of ghosts intriguing. I also loved the characters, secondaries included. The whole cast will be fun to follow throughout the rest of the series. I would usually hate having to wait a whole year for the next book, but it just means I'll have a chance to read this again right before the second is published. Double dose of Whisper Hollow... aww yiss.
Definitely recommended, though really... wtf is up with using condoms for blow jobs?
Read
July 2, 2017I was going to start this one until I realized the next novel is currently scheduled for October 2016. This is in addition to consider I'd be lashing out, paying over $6 for an ebook, which frankly I feel is a complete piss take.
I'll stick to Indies where I have found absolutely fantastic and sometimes superb reads.
I'll stay focused and remember what true highway men the big publishers are.
For example Mark Henwick and his Bite Back series and Diana Graves with her Raina Kirkland series. So hail indies and the rest of you can bugger off.
I'll stick to Indies where I have found absolutely fantastic and sometimes superb reads.
I'll stay focused and remember what true highway men the big publishers are.
For example Mark Henwick and his Bite Back series and Diana Graves with her Raina Kirkland series. So hail indies and the rest of you can bugger off.
October 28, 2015
The mystical town of Whisper Hollow is cut off from the rest of the world and inhabited by unique humans and supernatural beings. Lay-lines run through the town and the veil between the living and dead is thinner. Families stay for generations, and others find themselves drawn to Whisper Hollow and never leave. The town holds secrets and all is not as it seems. Do not ignore the hair- raising feeling on the back of your neck or the warning calls of the crows.
I am tickled that I decided to read Autumn Thorns. Galenorn's books have a readability about them that allow the reader to slip into the stories she creates. She brilliantly described the town and provided a solid understand of the world all while dangling information about things to come. She cleverly weaved in Irish and Russian lore, magic, supernatural creatures and unique methods to create both the tone and the setting. The whole book had a spooky, creepy, otherworld vibe too it and I quickly fell under its spell.
Our protagonist is Kerris Fellwater. She has inherited her grandmother’s home and her gift. Her family has been charged with taking care of the dead/spirits. Kerris left Whisper Hollow for city life in Seattle, but signs began appearing telling her it was time to return home. With her grandmother's passing she must quickly assume her role as spirit shaman to protect the living from the dead. Secret societies, murder, prophecies, and dark unnatural things moving against Kerri added suspense and danger to this well-paced story.
Kerris is not going to be a pushover, and while she does not know all the rules involving her gift, she is quick on her feet and lets fact rule. I love how strong she is and imagine she will be a force to be reckoned with. Bryan is her mysterious neighbor and love interest. Bryan’s history is interesting and his role will be an important one. He is quiet, and protective. He does not strut around like an alpha unless necessary or during playful times making him quite swoony. I absolutely adored Kerris’s best friend Peggin. The girl has spunk, attitude and packs heat. We meet other key players, and those in power. We learn of our enemies and are giving hints of what to expect as we continue the series.
Autumn Thorns delivers a heated romance as it aligns Kerris with those who will strengthen her gifts. The romance was steamy but remained a side dish to the overall storyline. It had believability and their physical and emotional responses felt genuine.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
I am tickled that I decided to read Autumn Thorns. Galenorn's books have a readability about them that allow the reader to slip into the stories she creates. She brilliantly described the town and provided a solid understand of the world all while dangling information about things to come. She cleverly weaved in Irish and Russian lore, magic, supernatural creatures and unique methods to create both the tone and the setting. The whole book had a spooky, creepy, otherworld vibe too it and I quickly fell under its spell.
Our protagonist is Kerris Fellwater. She has inherited her grandmother’s home and her gift. Her family has been charged with taking care of the dead/spirits. Kerris left Whisper Hollow for city life in Seattle, but signs began appearing telling her it was time to return home. With her grandmother's passing she must quickly assume her role as spirit shaman to protect the living from the dead. Secret societies, murder, prophecies, and dark unnatural things moving against Kerri added suspense and danger to this well-paced story.
Kerris is not going to be a pushover, and while she does not know all the rules involving her gift, she is quick on her feet and lets fact rule. I love how strong she is and imagine she will be a force to be reckoned with. Bryan is her mysterious neighbor and love interest. Bryan’s history is interesting and his role will be an important one. He is quiet, and protective. He does not strut around like an alpha unless necessary or during playful times making him quite swoony. I absolutely adored Kerris’s best friend Peggin. The girl has spunk, attitude and packs heat. We meet other key players, and those in power. We learn of our enemies and are giving hints of what to expect as we continue the series.
Autumn Thorns delivers a heated romance as it aligns Kerris with those who will strengthen her gifts. The romance was steamy but remained a side dish to the overall storyline. It had believability and their physical and emotional responses felt genuine.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
October 24, 2015
Autumn Thorns is Galenorn’s first in a new series “Whisper Hollow”, a small town on the Olympic Peninsula, where spirits walk among the living. Kerris Fellwater is a spirit shaman, a title (and a job) she inherited being a blood descendent of The Morrígan. Spirit shamans are women born to drive wandering ghosts back into their graves and to protect the living from the dead. Fifteen years ago, Kerris left Whisper Hollow after a disagreement with her grandfather. Now after both her grandparents died, Kerris must return to take the mantle from her grandmother as spirit shaman of Whisper Hollow…
I’m afraid that I might have had a different expectation when I read the blurb for this book – somehow I was looking more toward the mystery – of how Kerris’ parents are murdered, as well as the secret kept by her grandparents. Unfortunately, I felt that the mystery took the backseat to the world building. Galenorn introduces MANY players in this, including the connection and/or the Celtic lore that drives the task needed to be done by spirit shamans. At times, I felt like I needed to take notes just to remind myself who is who and doing what.
Things pick up in the last 10% — but to me, when it came to the murderer, I thought it ended up being a little bit too simple of a revelation. All it took for Kerris was to draw out a confession from one of the secondary characters, who apparently knew the clues all along (but felt it wasn’t yet time to reveal things).
I wasn’t inspired by the romance as well – the thing is, with the concept of forever mate / bound between the shapeshifter and spirit shaman, it took out the ‘ease’ of romance or wooing so-to-speak. I guess I wanted sexual tension first rather than Kerris and Bryan recognized their connection very early on, simply because of the ‘mate’ concept. I also found the sex talk kind of distracting and felt it didn’t match the tone of the whole book.
Having said that, as an introduction to a new series, Autumn Thorns did a decent job. Maybe book #2 will have a better pace because we have been introduced to the major players. I hope that it will fully embrace the creepiness and conflict potentials that are lurking at Whisper Hollow.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
I’m afraid that I might have had a different expectation when I read the blurb for this book – somehow I was looking more toward the mystery – of how Kerris’ parents are murdered, as well as the secret kept by her grandparents. Unfortunately, I felt that the mystery took the backseat to the world building. Galenorn introduces MANY players in this, including the connection and/or the Celtic lore that drives the task needed to be done by spirit shamans. At times, I felt like I needed to take notes just to remind myself who is who and doing what.
Things pick up in the last 10% — but to me, when it came to the murderer, I thought it ended up being a little bit too simple of a revelation. All it took for Kerris was to draw out a confession from one of the secondary characters, who apparently knew the clues all along (but felt it wasn’t yet time to reveal things).
I wasn’t inspired by the romance as well – the thing is, with the concept of forever mate / bound between the shapeshifter and spirit shaman, it took out the ‘ease’ of romance or wooing so-to-speak. I guess I wanted sexual tension first rather than Kerris and Bryan recognized their connection very early on, simply because of the ‘mate’ concept. I also found the sex talk kind of distracting and felt it didn’t match the tone of the whole book.
Having said that, as an introduction to a new series, Autumn Thorns did a decent job. Maybe book #2 will have a better pace because we have been introduced to the major players. I hope that it will fully embrace the creepiness and conflict potentials that are lurking at Whisper Hollow.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
September 26, 2016
To each spirit shaman, a match is born—a shapeshifter by birth. He will be her protector and guardian. They will be forever bound. And to each spirit shaman, a lament singer will be assigned—a daughter of the Bean Sidhes. She will bring her magical songs to complete the triad. Together, these triads will protect the portals of the world that lead into the realm of Spirit, and keep the dead from flooding the land of the living.
Fifteen years ago Kerris Fellwater ran away from Whisper Hollow, away from her beloved grandmother, hated grandfather, and her destiny. But now her grandmother is dead, and Whisper Hollow needs Kerris to come home, and take up the responsibility of spirit shaman. It was Kerris’ grandmother, and now Kerris’ job to drive back the dead across the Veil, and the dead has been running amok since her grandmothers death.
But just like the dead, secrets don’t stay buried, and soon Kerris will learn the truth about her mother who ran off when she was three, and her father, who disappeared before she was born. Together with her friend Peggin, and her mysterious neighbor Bryan, they will discover the truth of her missing parents, and also uncover a dark force plotting to destroy the town and the daughters of Morrigan starting with Kerris.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book. Finding out about Morrigan, the Crow Man, the Veil, the spirit shamans, the shapeshifters and the lament singers were brilliant. The author did a great job at fleshing out this world.
The mystery regarding Kerris’ family secrets were captivating and I loved finding out the truth about what happened all those years ago.
Kerris was a great heroine, strong and eager to learn about her gift. And I loved her three Maine Coon cats.
“Kerris, I want you so much. I want to kiss you, and touch you, and make you mine. And I think you want me, too.”
The romance between Kerris and Bryan happened rather quick, but I enjoyed it. I loved that he was meant to be her guardian and her protector. The sexy times were quite hot ;-) I will warn that there is anal sex, which took me by surprise, as this is not erotica.
This was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed it a lot. The world-building and storyline were excellent and so very intriguing.
October 26, 2015
The blurb for AUTUMN THORNS reminded me a lot of Indigo court so going into the book I thought it might be too similar for me to really enjoy, but I was in for a surprise. The characters felt different, the setting felt different and the storyline was it's own.
Kerris was my kind of heroine. She jumps into danger, but knows when she needs help and asks for it. She is strong and determined to get down to the nitty gritty, she's dependable and she's a loyal friend. She was just all around likable and fun to get to know. I really enjoyed watching Kerris and Bryan's connection grow. I knew right away what they meant to each other when Bryan showed. Watching Kerris not get it for a bit was a bit frustrating, but when everyone was on the same page their relationship was clearly strong and meant to be.
The world building was so great that after reading AUTUMN THORNS I felt like I had visited Whisper Hollow. There was tons of danger involved in the whole book and the plot moved at a nice pace. There was a lot of investigative work going on as Kerris and her friends tried to solve the mystery. On the subject of friends, I loved Peggin and can't wait to see her in the next book.
I have loved some of Yasmine's series—Indigo Court—, enjoyed some of her series—Otherworld/Sisters of the moon—, and liked ok, but probably won't continue others—Fly By Night. I am happy to say that the first book in the Whisper Hollow series, AUTUMN THORNS, has made my love list and I am hoping that continues when I pick up book 2.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kerris was my kind of heroine. She jumps into danger, but knows when she needs help and asks for it. She is strong and determined to get down to the nitty gritty, she's dependable and she's a loyal friend. She was just all around likable and fun to get to know. I really enjoyed watching Kerris and Bryan's connection grow. I knew right away what they meant to each other when Bryan showed. Watching Kerris not get it for a bit was a bit frustrating, but when everyone was on the same page their relationship was clearly strong and meant to be.
The world building was so great that after reading AUTUMN THORNS I felt like I had visited Whisper Hollow. There was tons of danger involved in the whole book and the plot moved at a nice pace. There was a lot of investigative work going on as Kerris and her friends tried to solve the mystery. On the subject of friends, I loved Peggin and can't wait to see her in the next book.
I have loved some of Yasmine's series—Indigo Court—, enjoyed some of her series—Otherworld/Sisters of the moon—, and liked ok, but probably won't continue others—Fly By Night. I am happy to say that the first book in the Whisper Hollow series, AUTUMN THORNS, has made my love list and I am hoping that continues when I pick up book 2.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2015
I received an ARC for Autumn Thorns, due to be released on October 27, 2015 this past weekend.
Autumn Thorns is book one in Yasmine's newest Whisper Hollow series. It stars Kerris Fellwater, a spirit shaman whose family have been in charge of the dead/spirits for generations. Having read Yasmine's other series (repeatedly), I can confidently say that this series is looking to be yet another A+ series. Kerris is a smart, no-nonsense taking, STRONG character who lives in a very mystical town where the town itself seems to be alive and waiting. This world is a bit more dark and sinister than say, Otherworld and the Indigo Court series, but in a good way. Secrets abound in Whisper Hollow and things are not always as they appear. Truths stay hidden for years before being drug to the surface by the dead, rocking the lives of those still living, down to their very foundation. Who they are, or who they thought they were.
I'm currently RE-reading this book for the second time this week. The first time, I read in under 24 hours, staying up past 2 AM because I just could not wait to see what happened next. This time I'm reading it a bit more slowly so that I can savor the book. I can not wait until book 2 comes out next year so that I can once again immerse myself in the world of Whipser Hollows and see what else Kerris and her friends get into next! I strongly recommend this book to any and all readers of this genre, if you're a returning fan of Yasmine's as I am, I believe you will enjoy this book and I hope new fans enjoy it as well.
Autumn Thorns is book one in Yasmine's newest Whisper Hollow series. It stars Kerris Fellwater, a spirit shaman whose family have been in charge of the dead/spirits for generations. Having read Yasmine's other series (repeatedly), I can confidently say that this series is looking to be yet another A+ series. Kerris is a smart, no-nonsense taking, STRONG character who lives in a very mystical town where the town itself seems to be alive and waiting. This world is a bit more dark and sinister than say, Otherworld and the Indigo Court series, but in a good way. Secrets abound in Whisper Hollow and things are not always as they appear. Truths stay hidden for years before being drug to the surface by the dead, rocking the lives of those still living, down to their very foundation. Who they are, or who they thought they were.
I'm currently RE-reading this book for the second time this week. The first time, I read in under 24 hours, staying up past 2 AM because I just could not wait to see what happened next. This time I'm reading it a bit more slowly so that I can savor the book. I can not wait until book 2 comes out next year so that I can once again immerse myself in the world of Whipser Hollows and see what else Kerris and her friends get into next! I strongly recommend this book to any and all readers of this genre, if you're a returning fan of Yasmine's as I am, I believe you will enjoy this book and I hope new fans enjoy it as well.
May 21, 2016
I'm kind of on the fence with this story. On the one hand I did like the world building and the mythology behind the spirit shamans and shape shifters. I also liked the mystery of what happened to Kerris's parents. I didn't even mind that there were unanswered questions that hopefully will be answered in the next book. But what I hated was the insta-love between Kerris and Bryan. And let's mention the cringe-worthy and so awkward love scenes between the two. That alone made this a so-so story for me. The author really needs to work on her love scenes!
dnf
October 23, 2017Sorry...Just not for me.
October 26, 2015
Afrodyt's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
Kerris is a Spirit Shaman born with a gift that runs through her maternal line that obligates her to protect the living by banishing roaming spirits back to the grave. Kerris has been denying her birthright for the last 15 years until the death of her grandmother necessitates her coming home and stepping into the responsibility she was born to fulfill.
From the beginning I completely enjoy the way the author takes her time to build the structure of this world, it's rules and its occupants. This is very important to me at the beginning of a new series, especially a paranormal one. There is a way, as the reader, my senses were engaged that left me feeling like this is a place I don't mind spending some time in, which was a relief because this is a pretty thick book.
Every Spirit Shaman is assigned a Guardian to protect them, not in a "damsel in distress" sort of way, but as someone to watch their back while they do their work. Guardians are Shapeshifters and they mate for life. Bryan is assigned to Kerris and he's a total hottie. Bryan has the attributes of the perfect boyfriend and pushes all those strong, protective, alpha male buttons, while being nurturing, supportive and respectful of her powerful position. The sex scenes are super hot and I wish there were more of them. Not as a complaint but more as, "that was great, let's give it another go!"
Alas, as book one of a new series there is much explaining to do, especially about the mystical dynamics of this world. A lot of mayhem is going down in the mysterious town of Whisper Hollow. This author tells a story that is captivating and magical. Great read for this Halloween season! When it concludes I am thoroughly invested in these characters and their cause and look forward to future installments.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Kerris is a Spirit Shaman born with a gift that runs through her maternal line that obligates her to protect the living by banishing roaming spirits back to the grave. Kerris has been denying her birthright for the last 15 years until the death of her grandmother necessitates her coming home and stepping into the responsibility she was born to fulfill.
From the beginning I completely enjoy the way the author takes her time to build the structure of this world, it's rules and its occupants. This is very important to me at the beginning of a new series, especially a paranormal one. There is a way, as the reader, my senses were engaged that left me feeling like this is a place I don't mind spending some time in, which was a relief because this is a pretty thick book.
Every Spirit Shaman is assigned a Guardian to protect them, not in a "damsel in distress" sort of way, but as someone to watch their back while they do their work. Guardians are Shapeshifters and they mate for life. Bryan is assigned to Kerris and he's a total hottie. Bryan has the attributes of the perfect boyfriend and pushes all those strong, protective, alpha male buttons, while being nurturing, supportive and respectful of her powerful position. The sex scenes are super hot and I wish there were more of them. Not as a complaint but more as, "that was great, let's give it another go!"
Alas, as book one of a new series there is much explaining to do, especially about the mystical dynamics of this world. A lot of mayhem is going down in the mysterious town of Whisper Hollow. This author tells a story that is captivating and magical. Great read for this Halloween season! When it concludes I am thoroughly invested in these characters and their cause and look forward to future installments.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
November 19, 2015
This is my first Yasmine Galenorn book but I can guarantee it isn't going to be my last. Once I started reading it, I found it hard to stop, Galenorn managed to quickly suck me in to the spooky atmosphere of Whisper Hollow, a small town full of where the strange is everyday and ghosts and gods are everyday realities.
We follow Kerris Fellwater who has come back to Whisper Hollow after 18 years, following the death of her grandparents. Once there she knows she has to follow her destiny and family legacy by taking up the post of spirit shaman and laying the dead to rest and ensuring they stay that way. But, Whisper Hollow is a town of secrets, and her family is no different as she discovers the dark secrets her grandparents were hiding.
I love Urban Fantasy, it is one of my favourite genres and I am glad I can add Whisper Hollow to the list of series I now follow. This was a UF that focuses of ghosts and spirits and laying them to rest before they wreak havoc on the living. Autumn Thorns was fairly slow to start as we are introduced to the complicated world of a spirit shaman and the a town that has a spirit all of its own. But, I love the atmosphere Galenorn created the eccentricity of the town shone through as well as the spookiness.
What I also really liked about this book was the romance, Kerris and Bryan, her guardian shapeshifter certainly didn't mess around. Maybe I would have liked them to build the tension for another book or two; however, their sense of connection was really strong and I find I am glad that Galenorn didn't create any flimsy and contrived barriers to keep them apart.
I really enjoyed this book, it was action packed with an interesting plot that I can't wait to see continued in to the next book. With an added steamy romance and some great characters I can't wait to read the next book and see what happens.
We follow Kerris Fellwater who has come back to Whisper Hollow after 18 years, following the death of her grandparents. Once there she knows she has to follow her destiny and family legacy by taking up the post of spirit shaman and laying the dead to rest and ensuring they stay that way. But, Whisper Hollow is a town of secrets, and her family is no different as she discovers the dark secrets her grandparents were hiding.
I love Urban Fantasy, it is one of my favourite genres and I am glad I can add Whisper Hollow to the list of series I now follow. This was a UF that focuses of ghosts and spirits and laying them to rest before they wreak havoc on the living. Autumn Thorns was fairly slow to start as we are introduced to the complicated world of a spirit shaman and the a town that has a spirit all of its own. But, I love the atmosphere Galenorn created the eccentricity of the town shone through as well as the spookiness.
What I also really liked about this book was the romance, Kerris and Bryan, her guardian shapeshifter certainly didn't mess around. Maybe I would have liked them to build the tension for another book or two; however, their sense of connection was really strong and I find I am glad that Galenorn didn't create any flimsy and contrived barriers to keep them apart.
I really enjoyed this book, it was action packed with an interesting plot that I can't wait to see continued in to the next book. With an added steamy romance and some great characters I can't wait to read the next book and see what happens.
March 16, 2016
No, just No this book is not for me. I love paranormal romance and I think I picked the wrong book to read of Yasmine Galenorn. I have never read this author before and I know she has a huge following.
This book isn't for me for the following reason.
**Spoiler Alert as to content***
I had a major problem with the heroine of this book finding her long missing mothers body, and possibly her fathers burned in the woods, and then a few hours later hooking up with the sexy hero of the book. I am sorry but for me, I need a day or two between finding bodies of parents and having sex with the hottie shifter. Now I have read plenty of books where the characters after tragedy get lost in love making, but these always happened with couples that have already established their sexual relationships. In this book it is the first time. So Bryan is not Kerris safe place to fall, as they have just met. This killed the book right her for me. Stopped me dead in my tracks.
This book isn't for me for the following reason.
**Spoiler Alert as to content***
I had a major problem with the heroine of this book finding her long missing mothers body, and possibly her fathers burned in the woods, and then a few hours later hooking up with the sexy hero of the book. I am sorry but for me, I need a day or two between finding bodies of parents and having sex with the hottie shifter. Now I have read plenty of books where the characters after tragedy get lost in love making, but these always happened with couples that have already established their sexual relationships. In this book it is the first time. So Bryan is not Kerris safe place to fall, as they have just met. This killed the book right her for me. Stopped me dead in my tracks.
December 30, 2015
2 1/2
This my third book by this author, and I guess I can safely say she's not the one for me. I found her stories interesting, and her worlds even more so. Still, her books always fail to engage me. They never click. Here nor the mystery nor the overall story had any tension. At all. The romance should have been cut off or seriously rewritten. Love at first sight (literally) due to the mate trope. Even in it whatever mystery there's in a romantic entanglement was destroyed. The sex was plainly weird to me, and it gor in the way of the story.
Definitely not a series nor an author I will continue.
This my third book by this author, and I guess I can safely say she's not the one for me. I found her stories interesting, and her worlds even more so. Still, her books always fail to engage me. They never click. Here nor the mystery nor the overall story had any tension. At all. The romance should have been cut off or seriously rewritten. Love at first sight (literally) due to the mate trope. Even in it whatever mystery there's in a romantic entanglement was destroyed. The sex was plainly weird to me, and it gor in the way of the story.
Definitely not a series nor an author I will continue.
January 23, 2017
This paranormal romance was ok. My biggest complaint was the sex scenes. I expect romance in a paranormal romance but not erotica. One scene had my jaw drop. Another was just weird. The story flowed ok and had a good mystery. This may be a series that gets better as you read more. I've heard good things about this author so I may try the next one.
December 16, 2015
Kerris' life is different from others. She is special and has a special thing about herself, she can help ghosts, haunts, etc. Its in her blood. When she was 18 she moved away from Whisper Hollow she lived with her grandparents because when she was 3 years old, her mother disappeared and her father gone before she was born. And she never knew why. But her grandfather wasn't nice to her and that was why she needed to move away. After 15 years she would go back to her home when her grandparents are taken away by the lady in the lake. Where she would learn the truth about some things and also meet her guardian and the love of her life.
What I enjoyed most about Autumn Thorns is Kerris never felt she fit in. As soon as she is back home she no longer felt like the weird one, and she now has friends... and family. People she can trust within her group! But she also has so much to learn to take over where her grandmother left off. She meets her guardian who is to watch out for her, and the sparks fly. They have this instant connection that I loved reading about. I loved how he took care of her, opened up to her on their second time meeting as to where before he wouldn't open up to anyone. He is a very private person, but with Kerris, Bryan opened up and talked about stuff, even things he didn't feel comfortable at sharing.
This book is great and a fast read! I kept my attention throughout the story because I had to know what was going to happen next! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about ghosts, shapeshifters, love and family. With some dangerous people along the way. Autumn Thorns is very unique with a city that is magical all on its own with a Spirit Shamans to help with the dead. This will keep you entertained. So if you like stories like this, then Autumn Thorns is a must! - Jamie
What I enjoyed most about Autumn Thorns is Kerris never felt she fit in. As soon as she is back home she no longer felt like the weird one, and she now has friends... and family. People she can trust within her group! But she also has so much to learn to take over where her grandmother left off. She meets her guardian who is to watch out for her, and the sparks fly. They have this instant connection that I loved reading about. I loved how he took care of her, opened up to her on their second time meeting as to where before he wouldn't open up to anyone. He is a very private person, but with Kerris, Bryan opened up and talked about stuff, even things he didn't feel comfortable at sharing.
This book is great and a fast read! I kept my attention throughout the story because I had to know what was going to happen next! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about ghosts, shapeshifters, love and family. With some dangerous people along the way. Autumn Thorns is very unique with a city that is magical all on its own with a Spirit Shamans to help with the dead. This will keep you entertained. So if you like stories like this, then Autumn Thorns is a must! - Jamie
December 1, 2017
If I could give it less I would. So many things wrong with this book. So cheesy. The names of the characters alone was enough to lose a full star. Te porn scenes were unnecessary as is always the case, the main character was one dimensional, the town was cheesy, the plot was cheesy, the writing was poor, the climax of the story was tired and not much of one, and the resolution was oversimplified like the rest of the book. I read it for a challenge to read a book with Autumn in the title, I regret my decision to read this one.
March 8, 2017
The 1st book in a gripping, magically and soulfully enchanting series from bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn. A solid and strong plot with great secondary characters, looking forward to many more books in this strong series from a talented writer of worlds!
October 29, 2015
Originally posted at Smexy Books-http://smexybooks.com/2015/10/review-...
Favorite Quote: “Everyone’s just a little bit mad.”
Welcome to the town of Whisper Hollow. If you’re here, then you were meant to be. Nobody stays in Whisper Hollow unless the town wants them to. My name is Kerris Fellwater. I left home fifteen years ago. Now I’m being called back. My grandmother, the town’s spirit shaman, has passed away and as her heir it is my job to take up where she left off. But something is wrong in Whisper Hollow. The past, like the dead, refuses to stay buried and I will have to work with the dead instead of against them if I want to find out who or what is determined to destroy Whisper Hollow and me along with it.
If you see the Girl in the Window, set your affairs in order.
Autumn Thorns is the first book in a new paranormal romance series by Yasmine Galenorn. Some people are labelling it Urban Fantasy but Galenorn herself has spoken and said it is NOT urban fantasy. Set up in the fictional town of Whisper Hollows, Washington, Galenorn builds a dark deadly world filled with spirits, mythology, mystery, murder, & romance as a young woman comes home to claim her destiny & discover the truth behind her parent’s disappearance. Autumn Thorns is strong setup book in both in terms of world and character building. Heavily character driven, there is a vast array of characters whom Galenorn introduces us to and gives tantalizing light back stories about. Each character has a secret agenda that casts a wide net over the storyline & assure us that this new series has the ability to go the long haul. The world building is solid & easy to follow; punctuated with plenty of action & humor. Filled with wonder & horror, magic & mayhem; you are given the impression that this town is easy enough to find if it wants you to.
If you hear someone call your name in the forest, don’t answer.
A solid heroine is the base on which this story is built-Kerris Fellwater. Smart, opinionated, & comfortable in her own skin, Kerris left home to escape her abusive grandfather. She settled in Seattle & built a life for herself; using her gifts to help her survive. When she begins to receive signs that her presence is requested back in Whisper Hollow, she pays heed as she was taught so long ago.
If the Crow Man summons you, you follow.
She arrives home to learn her grandparents have died in a suspicious car accident. Her grandmother, like her mother, & her mother before her, was the town’s spirit shaman. NOw that role falls to Kerris. As the new spirit shaman, it is her job, along with two partners (a shapeshifter & lamont singer) to help send the newly depart into their graves & keep them there. Secrets shroud this creepy little town as Kerris reconnects with friends & learns that her childhood was a series of lies. Told her mother deserted her when she was young, Kerris discovers that this was not true and spends her time investigating what happened to her while seeking a crash course in the training she should have been receiving all along.
Never interrupt Ella when she’s playing to the dead.
Galenorn slowly gives us the whole story behind Kerris’s childhood, her leaving town, and her mother’s apparent defection. Her need to discover what happened to her mother & father forces her to question everything she thought true & she learns darker forces are at play, pitting two immortal forces against one another with the town & its residents in the middle. I enjoyed watching Kerris find her feet while she reacquaints herself with her new life & the town. Galenorn always has such interesting & strong heroines who are given the opportunity to find their way through the pitfalls that life places in their paths & often persevere despite the odds.
Try not to end up in the hospital.
A cast of mysterious secondary characters help to fill in the story, giving us romance and stability. Bryan, Kerris’s love interest, is certainly a sexy devil and I enjoyed his and Kerris’s chemistry. I loved meeting everyone and getting some insight into their lives & the roles they are playing though the focus does remain centered on Kerris & her issues. The conflicts wrap up with a bang, firmly resolving while leaving the door wide open for the arc to continue to expand. I did feel the book stayed a little too focused on introduction to this world rather than the story it was telling. I felt I was constantly meeting someone new or having another layer of the world revealed to me.
Autumn Thorns is definitely an intriguing story that offers action, suspense, mystery, mysticism, romance, and the potential for more to come.
RATING: B
Favorite Quote: “Everyone’s just a little bit mad.”
Welcome to the town of Whisper Hollow. If you’re here, then you were meant to be. Nobody stays in Whisper Hollow unless the town wants them to. My name is Kerris Fellwater. I left home fifteen years ago. Now I’m being called back. My grandmother, the town’s spirit shaman, has passed away and as her heir it is my job to take up where she left off. But something is wrong in Whisper Hollow. The past, like the dead, refuses to stay buried and I will have to work with the dead instead of against them if I want to find out who or what is determined to destroy Whisper Hollow and me along with it.
If you see the Girl in the Window, set your affairs in order.
Autumn Thorns is the first book in a new paranormal romance series by Yasmine Galenorn. Some people are labelling it Urban Fantasy but Galenorn herself has spoken and said it is NOT urban fantasy. Set up in the fictional town of Whisper Hollows, Washington, Galenorn builds a dark deadly world filled with spirits, mythology, mystery, murder, & romance as a young woman comes home to claim her destiny & discover the truth behind her parent’s disappearance. Autumn Thorns is strong setup book in both in terms of world and character building. Heavily character driven, there is a vast array of characters whom Galenorn introduces us to and gives tantalizing light back stories about. Each character has a secret agenda that casts a wide net over the storyline & assure us that this new series has the ability to go the long haul. The world building is solid & easy to follow; punctuated with plenty of action & humor. Filled with wonder & horror, magic & mayhem; you are given the impression that this town is easy enough to find if it wants you to.
If you hear someone call your name in the forest, don’t answer.
A solid heroine is the base on which this story is built-Kerris Fellwater. Smart, opinionated, & comfortable in her own skin, Kerris left home to escape her abusive grandfather. She settled in Seattle & built a life for herself; using her gifts to help her survive. When she begins to receive signs that her presence is requested back in Whisper Hollow, she pays heed as she was taught so long ago.
If the Crow Man summons you, you follow.
She arrives home to learn her grandparents have died in a suspicious car accident. Her grandmother, like her mother, & her mother before her, was the town’s spirit shaman. NOw that role falls to Kerris. As the new spirit shaman, it is her job, along with two partners (a shapeshifter & lamont singer) to help send the newly depart into their graves & keep them there. Secrets shroud this creepy little town as Kerris reconnects with friends & learns that her childhood was a series of lies. Told her mother deserted her when she was young, Kerris discovers that this was not true and spends her time investigating what happened to her while seeking a crash course in the training she should have been receiving all along.
Never interrupt Ella when she’s playing to the dead.
Galenorn slowly gives us the whole story behind Kerris’s childhood, her leaving town, and her mother’s apparent defection. Her need to discover what happened to her mother & father forces her to question everything she thought true & she learns darker forces are at play, pitting two immortal forces against one another with the town & its residents in the middle. I enjoyed watching Kerris find her feet while she reacquaints herself with her new life & the town. Galenorn always has such interesting & strong heroines who are given the opportunity to find their way through the pitfalls that life places in their paths & often persevere despite the odds.
Try not to end up in the hospital.
A cast of mysterious secondary characters help to fill in the story, giving us romance and stability. Bryan, Kerris’s love interest, is certainly a sexy devil and I enjoyed his and Kerris’s chemistry. I loved meeting everyone and getting some insight into their lives & the roles they are playing though the focus does remain centered on Kerris & her issues. The conflicts wrap up with a bang, firmly resolving while leaving the door wide open for the arc to continue to expand. I did feel the book stayed a little too focused on introduction to this world rather than the story it was telling. I felt I was constantly meeting someone new or having another layer of the world revealed to me.
Autumn Thorns is definitely an intriguing story that offers action, suspense, mystery, mysticism, romance, and the potential for more to come.
RATING: B
October 27, 2015
After reading so many contemporary books recently I decided to change it up and delve into a fantasy read, and I am certainly glad I chose Autumn Thorns! This story started off mysterious and eerie. It had me engaged right away. It's set in the Pacific Northwest which I love because I grew up not far from the area where Whisper Hollow would be located. Through the detailed description I pictured the area so vividly in my mind's eye.
Kerris has been living in Seattle for the past 15 years when her grandparents pass away in a car accident and she is required to go back to fulfill her duties and a Spirit Shaman, which means she has a connection with the dead. Her job is to drive the dead back to their graves when they are out on solid ground, and Whisper Hollow is full of them. Whisper Hollow has always been shrouded in mystery and now that Kerris is back she's making it her mission to uncover some of those mysteries. As she works to figure out her abilities and how to drive back the dead, she's also discovering a lot about her family's past. The only problem is when she finally gets an answer to one question, two more questions seems to pop up in its place. With the help of a few friends she will try to discover what happened to both of her parents, and it won't stop there.
I love the way this story is weaved together. It is so very detailed and well thought out. I love how creepy it felt reading about all of the different kinds of spirits, as well as all of the key players and their abilities in this misty town. All of the lore that is weaved into it just adds to its appeal too! Such a fantastic beginning to what I think is going to be an amazing series!
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2015
The world of Whisper Hollow is magic, and not the sort of magic that is all unicorns and rainbows. This is magic in the way of the best of the old fairytales: beautiful, strange, and terrifying. But the town of Whisper Hollow is no fairytale. Galenorn creates a place so real I find myself wanting to look for it on a map. Not that I'd be brave enough to visit - the Lady of Crescent Lake is too hungry, Diago and the Shadow Man too terrifying. But I was more than happy to sit in my safe, comfy chair and let Kerris and Bryan and friends unravel the dark mystery that shrouds the disappearance of Kerris' parents. I'm definitely looking forward to the next installment in this fabulous new series.
October 26, 2015
Reviewers Note: Reviewing forCocktails and Books, I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
4 Stars!
“This read was full of tantalizing mystery and a who-done-it scenario that kept me guessing most of the way through. I loved that I couldn't suss out who was truly friend or foe, or the mastermind behind the whole troublesome happenings in Whisper Hollow. It kept me intrigued and wanting to get to the end so I could see what exactly was going on.” - Hazel w/Craves the Angst, Reviewing for Cocktails and Books
Read Full Review at Cocktails and Books
4 Stars!
“This read was full of tantalizing mystery and a who-done-it scenario that kept me guessing most of the way through. I loved that I couldn't suss out who was truly friend or foe, or the mastermind behind the whole troublesome happenings in Whisper Hollow. It kept me intrigued and wanting to get to the end so I could see what exactly was going on.” - Hazel w/Craves the Angst, Reviewing for Cocktails and Books
Read Full Review at Cocktails and Books
November 16, 2015
With this author I either like her books or not. Sadly this one ended up in the second category. I made it about 50 pages before giving up. Whisper Hollow seemed like a depressing place, one where things were weird. Kerris's childhood didn't sound like a picnic, her grandfather a bastard who didn't have the time of day for her. It was a good thing her grandmother tried to balance that. As Kerris started to work with some of the ladies in town to figure out what happened to her grandparents I realized I didn't really care, was bored with this one. In the end this one just wasn't for me.
October 30, 2015
I soo didnt want this book to end. I'm not a huge reader of paranormal and it really has to be good and engaging and the world building done in a way you understand what's going on and this book accomplished all of those.
I dont even now how to explain everything that went on in this book but if your a lover of spooky paranormal's with great characters and a story line you can see going on for many books then I recommend you try this series.
I dont even now how to explain everything that went on in this book but if your a lover of spooky paranormal's with great characters and a story line you can see going on for many books then I recommend you try this series.
October 30, 2015
3.5 Cocktails. Review to come.
December 23, 2019
Round up to 4.5 stars. I can't wait for book 2 to be released.
February 28, 2017
A good urban fantasy read with a bit of Irish lore embedded. One very awkward love scene that is meant to be passionate but didn't work. It only made me feel odd about the protagonist.
March 21, 2017
round up to 4.5 stars.
August 22, 2020
Round up to 4.5 stars.
April 21, 2017
I liked Galenorn's Chintz 'n China mystery series, but anything else I've read by her has been hit or miss......mostly miss, like this one. It's about a 2.5 star read, but I'm rounding down for all kinds of reasons. A heroine I couldn't care less about and unrealistic relationships are what got me about this book. Was hard to stay interested and I skimmed parts, especially the over-the-top, not that well-written sex. When reading the lusty parts is boring, you've completely lost me. I think there was only one more of these. Easy to see why.
February 29, 2020
Was fun, enjoyed. Interesting world, will read the next one.
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