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The Halfling Chronicles
Instinct
Lone wolf, Rory Archer, never failed a single mission. Now the hunted instead of the hunter, Rory unwinds a twisted trail leading back to Amber Arlington, a spirited Halfling tied to a world of Shadows. Bound to vows initially forged out of necessity, Rory and Amber's relationship surges into more than either of them bargained for, tangling them in a web of passion. Scrambling to identify their attacker before joining the casualty list, Rory is faced with doing the unthinkable, or watching Amber turned into a slave for his species. In the battle against Shadows, demons and all variety of monsters come out to fight.
226 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Garland
5 books163 followersJ.A. is a full-time firefighter in California, an addicted trail runner, a connoisseur of all things cheese puff, and an urban fantasy author. When she isn't slogging through the obstacles at a mud run, you can find her hunched over her computer unleashing demons, vampires, and werewolves upon the world.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 19, 2013
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book as a gift from the author. Thanks to J. A. Garland.)
Rory Archer is a werewolf, he’s also a tracker, and someone just tried to kill him.
Making it his mission to find out who at the agency gave away the details of his assignment, and sent someone to kill him, Rory contacts his friend Grace who works for the agency. When Rory gets a name – Yarra, he decides that the best way to get close to her is her best friend Amber, but he doesn’t expect Amber to be hiding a secret also.
When things go from bad to worse and it seems like the same vampires who were after him are also after Amber, Rory must find a way to keep both of them safe, and to put an end to this once and for all.
Why does Yarra want to kill him though? What do the vampires want? And can Rory spot the Trojan horse before it’s too late?
This was an interesting urban fantasy adventure, and I liked the thrill of wondering when the Trojan horse in their midst’s would strike, I did find some of the plotline confusing though.
Rory was a likeable character, as was Amber. I liked the romance and attraction between the pair, and I thought they worked well together. I liked the little twist in the tale when we found out that Amber had her own secret, and I liked how this fitted in with the rest of the storyline. There were sex scenes in this book but they were tasteful rather than erotic, and I thought this fitted in with the rest of the story pretty well.
I did keep up with the storyline for most of the book, although I found some bits a little confusing. The end also confused me. When the end happened it seemed to happen really fast, and I had real trouble working out what was going on, and who was involved in which plot. I also had trouble working out how people got to where they were, and the relevance of certain information. After reading through it a second time, it was a little clearer, although I was a little disappointed that we didn’t witness first-hand the unveiling of the Trojan horse.
Overall; this was an interesting urban fantasy, and I liked the Trojan horse, I did get a little confused in certain places though.
6.5 out of 10.
Rory Archer is a werewolf, he’s also a tracker, and someone just tried to kill him.
Making it his mission to find out who at the agency gave away the details of his assignment, and sent someone to kill him, Rory contacts his friend Grace who works for the agency. When Rory gets a name – Yarra, he decides that the best way to get close to her is her best friend Amber, but he doesn’t expect Amber to be hiding a secret also.
When things go from bad to worse and it seems like the same vampires who were after him are also after Amber, Rory must find a way to keep both of them safe, and to put an end to this once and for all.
Why does Yarra want to kill him though? What do the vampires want? And can Rory spot the Trojan horse before it’s too late?
This was an interesting urban fantasy adventure, and I liked the thrill of wondering when the Trojan horse in their midst’s would strike, I did find some of the plotline confusing though.
Rory was a likeable character, as was Amber. I liked the romance and attraction between the pair, and I thought they worked well together. I liked the little twist in the tale when we found out that Amber had her own secret, and I liked how this fitted in with the rest of the storyline. There were sex scenes in this book but they were tasteful rather than erotic, and I thought this fitted in with the rest of the story pretty well.
I did keep up with the storyline for most of the book, although I found some bits a little confusing. The end also confused me. When the end happened it seemed to happen really fast, and I had real trouble working out what was going on, and who was involved in which plot. I also had trouble working out how people got to where they were, and the relevance of certain information. After reading through it a second time, it was a little clearer, although I was a little disappointed that we didn’t witness first-hand the unveiling of the Trojan horse.
Overall; this was an interesting urban fantasy, and I liked the Trojan horse, I did get a little confused in certain places though.
6.5 out of 10.
May 4, 2013
As a tracker of Shadows for the Otherworld Council, Rory Archer knows how to run under the radar. A wolf with no known address, no known friends and a sketchy past, he is perfect for the job and always gets results. He finds himself on the run and trusts no one but his good friend Grace to get him the information he needs to find those who are after him. Grace’s information leads him on the trail of Amber Arlington, a Halfling who soon gets tangled in Rory’s net and before he knows it, under his skin. Both find themselves in over their heads with not only their lives on the line but their hearts as well.
Author J.A. Garland brings us a slightly new twist on the vampire/shifter/demon genre, where vampires can walk in the daylight, shifters aren’t under the control of the moon and demons come in all sizes and shapes. Her characters are skillfully brought to life and it doesn’t take long to fall under the spell of her world. She builds her world in layers, the world that we all know and walk around in, the world of the Others who hide in plain sight and the world in another dimension where demons have exiled themselves to. Each layer relies on the other and each has its own laws and those that enforce them.
When we meet Rory he is in a battle for his life and we soon find out that he is one big bad wolf. He is a loner and when he finds himself becoming attracted to Amber, the person he is supposed to be using, he is more than a little baffled. Amber, on the other hand, is more of a social creature who enjoys being around others and who isn’t afraid of much of anything. She has a secret and she fights Rory tooth and nail to prevent him from discovering it. These two are the perfect match and sparks fly when they are together. Rory brings out the devil in her and she brings out the softer side of him
There are a number of interesting supporting characters as well, too many to mention but Amber has a friend, Slade, who I wouldn’t mind getting to know better. His interactions with Rory are priceless and give us more than one chuckle and a few downright snorts. I’m hoping we get to see more of him in the future.
This book had everything one would want from a book of this genre. There were a few good fight scenes, reader beware there is a little bloody gore. There were some nice love scenes, nothing too graphic but enough to get the old blood pumping. There were some humorous scenes that give some relief to the tension. My only little issue was the world that Ms. Garland builds is a little complicated and I had a little problem following it. I think had she given us a little introduction instead of feeding it to us in bits and pieces it might have made more sense. Readers of Urban Fantasy should get a kick out this book and even with my little issue, I’m looking forward to another one from Ms. Garland.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Dual Review Team
Author J.A. Garland brings us a slightly new twist on the vampire/shifter/demon genre, where vampires can walk in the daylight, shifters aren’t under the control of the moon and demons come in all sizes and shapes. Her characters are skillfully brought to life and it doesn’t take long to fall under the spell of her world. She builds her world in layers, the world that we all know and walk around in, the world of the Others who hide in plain sight and the world in another dimension where demons have exiled themselves to. Each layer relies on the other and each has its own laws and those that enforce them.
When we meet Rory he is in a battle for his life and we soon find out that he is one big bad wolf. He is a loner and when he finds himself becoming attracted to Amber, the person he is supposed to be using, he is more than a little baffled. Amber, on the other hand, is more of a social creature who enjoys being around others and who isn’t afraid of much of anything. She has a secret and she fights Rory tooth and nail to prevent him from discovering it. These two are the perfect match and sparks fly when they are together. Rory brings out the devil in her and she brings out the softer side of him
There are a number of interesting supporting characters as well, too many to mention but Amber has a friend, Slade, who I wouldn’t mind getting to know better. His interactions with Rory are priceless and give us more than one chuckle and a few downright snorts. I’m hoping we get to see more of him in the future.
This book had everything one would want from a book of this genre. There were a few good fight scenes, reader beware there is a little bloody gore. There were some nice love scenes, nothing too graphic but enough to get the old blood pumping. There were some humorous scenes that give some relief to the tension. My only little issue was the world that Ms. Garland builds is a little complicated and I had a little problem following it. I think had she given us a little introduction instead of feeding it to us in bits and pieces it might have made more sense. Readers of Urban Fantasy should get a kick out this book and even with my little issue, I’m looking forward to another one from Ms. Garland.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Dual Review Team
April 30, 2013
This is my first introduction to a JA Garland story and it was certainly a satisfying one. From page one you the reader are thrust into immediate action with a thrilling mix of otherworld characters. As you read you get to meet one character at a time, learning who and what they are and where they belong in this new world. Hopefully this will be a series, and many times in a first book the world building over powers the story. Not so here, the story was quick, sharp and well written. I did have a little difficulty at first telling the characters apart as they were appeared, there was not only a good ensemble to digest, each somehow was a different member of the order in this new otherworld society. I needed to sometimes go back and refer to who the POV it was; so that I could know who was ‘talking’ but it did not detract from the fabulously intricate world this author built. So my first thought is to tell you to read it through...
Rory Archer is a wolf, and a Shadow Tracker for The Otherworld Council. He is ‘without pack’ his choice, a definite loner. We meet him on a stake out where he is the attackee not the attacker. He decides to enlist the aid of his only friend Grace, to find out through her hacking into NOA systems, to find out who put his kill ‘package’ together; because it was definitely a set up. This is how he and Amber Arlington meet. Slowly the chemistry between them ignites and their lives are forever changed.
We learn Rory is one big bad wolf, with a heart that was broken when his mother walked out leaving he and his brothers with a madman for a father. Amber has secrets herself as a Halfling and Rory and she find out how many ‘others’ surround them. The world JA Garland has built is powerful, survival of the fittest, and no one can be taken for granted. We have wolves, demons, vampires and humans just for a start. Each group has an agenda to be top of the food chain, and this story shows just how bad it could be if some of them achieve their goals.
We meet Slade, who is Amber’s protector. We go into the bowels of Demon Hell thru tunnels protected by monsters, then through the gates to see more of The Otherworld. Our story in this book is learning our way around, and solving the who dunnit and also to talk about whom we want to see featured next in this series. Slade was definitely in the forefront, also Jayden and Grace...all very interesting. But Slade’s interactions with Rory with his dry humor made me laugh out loud, helping to lighten the gory fight scenes and the high tension the author brought us.
To sum up, I really enjoyed reading this first book, I do look forward to more though. I guess when we interview the author we can learn more what is planned.
A great start though!
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chairperson for the Paranormal Romance Guild
Rory Archer is a wolf, and a Shadow Tracker for The Otherworld Council. He is ‘without pack’ his choice, a definite loner. We meet him on a stake out where he is the attackee not the attacker. He decides to enlist the aid of his only friend Grace, to find out through her hacking into NOA systems, to find out who put his kill ‘package’ together; because it was definitely a set up. This is how he and Amber Arlington meet. Slowly the chemistry between them ignites and their lives are forever changed.
We learn Rory is one big bad wolf, with a heart that was broken when his mother walked out leaving he and his brothers with a madman for a father. Amber has secrets herself as a Halfling and Rory and she find out how many ‘others’ surround them. The world JA Garland has built is powerful, survival of the fittest, and no one can be taken for granted. We have wolves, demons, vampires and humans just for a start. Each group has an agenda to be top of the food chain, and this story shows just how bad it could be if some of them achieve their goals.
We meet Slade, who is Amber’s protector. We go into the bowels of Demon Hell thru tunnels protected by monsters, then through the gates to see more of The Otherworld. Our story in this book is learning our way around, and solving the who dunnit and also to talk about whom we want to see featured next in this series. Slade was definitely in the forefront, also Jayden and Grace...all very interesting. But Slade’s interactions with Rory with his dry humor made me laugh out loud, helping to lighten the gory fight scenes and the high tension the author brought us.
To sum up, I really enjoyed reading this first book, I do look forward to more though. I guess when we interview the author we can learn more what is planned.
A great start though!
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chairperson for the Paranormal Romance Guild
November 28, 2012
In this fast paced story readers will immediately enjoy the mystery that surrounds Rory Archer and his tragic past. A likeable character, he has just the right touch of moodiness to ignite a flame. His interactions with Amber are entertaining and believable with mistrust and pure lust stirring just beneath the surface. She arrives with a spunky, tough-girl attitude that integrates flawlessly with her sexy appearance. This entertaining plot will keep you interested to the end as you discover the real intentions behind the Organization’s betrayal of Rory to the Shadows.
I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.
I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review – all conclusions are my own responsibility.
October 23, 2012
This book was so close to get getting 5 dragons! It had everything I like in a book! 1) A moody male character that wasn’t immature. He was an understandably moody guy. 2) A strong, just bad-ass female main character, who was just soft enough to be approachable, but, booooyyyyy, you’d better have your Big-Girl Panties on when you’re talking to her, or she will eat you alive! 3) A great, fast-paced, grab-you-by-your-seat-cushion kind of plot! Great, great, great!
The characters just leapt off the page. Literally and truly! I loved ‘em! That opening scene where we got to meet Rory just reeled me in! I was sunk! There wasn’t a lot of background story to bog down the pace. There was just enough information to tease! It was loooooovely!
Then when we got to meet Amber, I was hooked! She was sassy, fun and more than willing to kick Rory’s butt around the bend if that’s what he needed.
The plot was awesome! Wow! I was really sucked in by it. It felt unique. Original? No, but unique! It felt like going on a new roller coaster. I didn’t know where the twists and turns were going to be, and there wasn’t the typical foreshadowing. You know, girl drops her keys and is saved by her clumsiness because mysterious dude tried to take off her head. No. There was none of that. The characters pushed the story onto a unique path, giving me a story I haven’t read or lived a million times. It was really refreshing!
But!!!! The flashbacks! Ms. Garland’s writing is so fantasmic that I truly felt she could have done something much stronger than a flashback. I breezed right past the first one. Didn’t read it. Then the second one hit, and I was like, “Oh, wait. Maybe there’s something really important here.” Nope. Well, I mean, YES! But…could it have been conveyed in a stronger way? Integrated into the story using his vocal intonation, body language and what he didn’t say? Could the details have been left in mystery? YES! Did they detract? For me? Yes. It was after that second flashback that I started to notice info dumps.
Now, don’t freak out. The info dumps were only a paragraph long at a time, and they were nothing that you couldn’t just read the first sentence, the italicized word in the middle and the ending sentence and get the gist of it all. This is me, the writer, speaking as an author who has to look at this kind of stuff.
Ms. Garland is a high caliber author! The flashbacks and paragraph info dumps were a slight disappointment, but it wasn’t enough for me to throw the book, or get mad and stomp off. No. I still devoured her book! I think I might have mentioned that the characters were amazing as was the plot? Yeah. They really were.
Also…I’m undecided on this next note, but the sex scenes were literally a paragraph long. Not a main structural element, obviously. LOL! They were tasteful and there was some tingling, but the book obviously wasn’t centered around the romantic/sexual elements. I kinda wish there’d been a bit more. It felt like a tease. But! I’m glad that the sex didn’t detract from the plot. The plot and the characters really did carry this book!
Okay, so rambling review over, bottom line! Great characters + great plot + a few narration stumbles = a good book and a great read!
The characters just leapt off the page. Literally and truly! I loved ‘em! That opening scene where we got to meet Rory just reeled me in! I was sunk! There wasn’t a lot of background story to bog down the pace. There was just enough information to tease! It was loooooovely!
Then when we got to meet Amber, I was hooked! She was sassy, fun and more than willing to kick Rory’s butt around the bend if that’s what he needed.
The plot was awesome! Wow! I was really sucked in by it. It felt unique. Original? No, but unique! It felt like going on a new roller coaster. I didn’t know where the twists and turns were going to be, and there wasn’t the typical foreshadowing. You know, girl drops her keys and is saved by her clumsiness because mysterious dude tried to take off her head. No. There was none of that. The characters pushed the story onto a unique path, giving me a story I haven’t read or lived a million times. It was really refreshing!
But!!!! The flashbacks! Ms. Garland’s writing is so fantasmic that I truly felt she could have done something much stronger than a flashback. I breezed right past the first one. Didn’t read it. Then the second one hit, and I was like, “Oh, wait. Maybe there’s something really important here.” Nope. Well, I mean, YES! But…could it have been conveyed in a stronger way? Integrated into the story using his vocal intonation, body language and what he didn’t say? Could the details have been left in mystery? YES! Did they detract? For me? Yes. It was after that second flashback that I started to notice info dumps.
Now, don’t freak out. The info dumps were only a paragraph long at a time, and they were nothing that you couldn’t just read the first sentence, the italicized word in the middle and the ending sentence and get the gist of it all. This is me, the writer, speaking as an author who has to look at this kind of stuff.
Ms. Garland is a high caliber author! The flashbacks and paragraph info dumps were a slight disappointment, but it wasn’t enough for me to throw the book, or get mad and stomp off. No. I still devoured her book! I think I might have mentioned that the characters were amazing as was the plot? Yeah. They really were.
Also…I’m undecided on this next note, but the sex scenes were literally a paragraph long. Not a main structural element, obviously. LOL! They were tasteful and there was some tingling, but the book obviously wasn’t centered around the romantic/sexual elements. I kinda wish there’d been a bit more. It felt like a tease. But! I’m glad that the sex didn’t detract from the plot. The plot and the characters really did carry this book!
Okay, so rambling review over, bottom line! Great characters + great plot + a few narration stumbles = a good book and a great read!
October 9, 2012
This book was really good. All of the characters are paranormal in one way or another. Each of them different and frightening in their own way. In the book a group called NOA that is a bunch of supernaturals that go after Shadows, also known as bad guys. When the Shadows get someone on the inside to help them the tables are turned for Rory and his life is on the line. In order to save it he has to uncover who is setting him up to die. The only person that knows how he keeps being sent on faulty missions is the one writing the orders and since he can't get to her he goes for her best friend, Amber. Amber is more then she seems though and soon she is in more danger then when it all started. With a love affair and bond forming between the two this is a great book from beginning to end. I hope that it is turned into a series so I can found out about the others.
The characters in this story are easy to empathize with. Rory was the product of a broken home and a man who could care less about him. Granted it was a werewolf broken home, but still a broken home. Amber has only ever lived with her mother. She knows that she has a dad and that he is a demon that never had time for her or her brother.
Amber is a great character. She has backbone and fire. Plus she is a halfling, half demon and half human. She falls fast for Rory when she meets him only to be hurt again and again when he doesn't trust her. She knows what he is from the beginning not telling him until he saves her from vampires that she could sense what he is and talk to the wolf part of him. She also has a neat little trick. She can make all werewolves around her do what she wants them to do. The only problem is that some bigwig wolves want to use her to secure their thrones. She has to love her wolf and save him from his kind.
Rory has had a hard life. He learned at a young age not to trust people or form attachments. When he sets out to find out who is trying to get him killed he meets Amber. The man in him is shocked when his wolf howls for her. He isn't sure what to do with that as his wolf has only ever been asleep when the man was awake. After he finds out that she is being followed too, he instantly thinks that she had to have betrayed him. Then he finds out that she is part demon and can control him if she wants to. Yet he still falls for her and therefor has to trust her. They team up to try and save both their lives and their love.
The bad guy in this book needs to stay hidden until you read it or it ruins it. Let’s say that yeah we see the bad vamps and the wolf, but there is more. Read the book and find out.
reviewed by Stacy
The characters in this story are easy to empathize with. Rory was the product of a broken home and a man who could care less about him. Granted it was a werewolf broken home, but still a broken home. Amber has only ever lived with her mother. She knows that she has a dad and that he is a demon that never had time for her or her brother.
Amber is a great character. She has backbone and fire. Plus she is a halfling, half demon and half human. She falls fast for Rory when she meets him only to be hurt again and again when he doesn't trust her. She knows what he is from the beginning not telling him until he saves her from vampires that she could sense what he is and talk to the wolf part of him. She also has a neat little trick. She can make all werewolves around her do what she wants them to do. The only problem is that some bigwig wolves want to use her to secure their thrones. She has to love her wolf and save him from his kind.
Rory has had a hard life. He learned at a young age not to trust people or form attachments. When he sets out to find out who is trying to get him killed he meets Amber. The man in him is shocked when his wolf howls for her. He isn't sure what to do with that as his wolf has only ever been asleep when the man was awake. After he finds out that she is being followed too, he instantly thinks that she had to have betrayed him. Then he finds out that she is part demon and can control him if she wants to. Yet he still falls for her and therefor has to trust her. They team up to try and save both their lives and their love.
The bad guy in this book needs to stay hidden until you read it or it ruins it. Let’s say that yeah we see the bad vamps and the wolf, but there is more. Read the book and find out.
reviewed by Stacy
November 26, 2012
Instinct” by J.A. Garland is the action-packed paranormal tale that introduces a talented new author. A complicated struggle involving a wolf shifter named Rory who is not part of a Pack (Perditus) but is employed as an Otherkind Tracker of beings they call Shadows and a mysterious faction which seems determined to destroy him and any allies he can mobilize forms the basis for this exciting story. His investigation into the source of the threat leads him to a woman named Amber Arlington who has mysterious connections in the National Otherkind Association (NOA) and a remarkable background. His wolf identifies her as important but their attraction is threatened by the ongoing efforts of a vampire group which may be much more powerful than they had imagined. Multiple allies are brought into the struggle but it is difficult to distinguish between friends and enemies as the struggle spills over to involve even more beings and it seems that the Shadows may succeed in their bid to take over the world.
“Instinct” is a intriguingly complex paranormal tale that introduces all manner of beings who each have their own particular code of behavior and goals which may be contradictory. I enjoyed the overall storyline but confess to becoming a bit overwhelmed by the new characters and twists which are constantly introduced that seem to uncover unforeseen pitfalls or responsibilities. There are many intriguing beings who become an integral part of the story in addition to the familiar creatures who shift or drink blood but the scenarios seem to become even more fantastical without a smooth transition so the action is a little erratic to me. The relationship between the two main characters starts off a little shaky but blossoms into an interesting romance even though revelations about the heroine’s true nature seems destined to cause future problems. There are quite a few threads left dangling to whet the reader’s appetite for future episodes in this exhilarating saga which combines thrilling fight scenes and unexpected machinations but hopefully future tales will help clarify some of the mysteries. A nice start to the series.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
“Instinct” is a intriguingly complex paranormal tale that introduces all manner of beings who each have their own particular code of behavior and goals which may be contradictory. I enjoyed the overall storyline but confess to becoming a bit overwhelmed by the new characters and twists which are constantly introduced that seem to uncover unforeseen pitfalls or responsibilities. There are many intriguing beings who become an integral part of the story in addition to the familiar creatures who shift or drink blood but the scenarios seem to become even more fantastical without a smooth transition so the action is a little erratic to me. The relationship between the two main characters starts off a little shaky but blossoms into an interesting romance even though revelations about the heroine’s true nature seems destined to cause future problems. There are quite a few threads left dangling to whet the reader’s appetite for future episodes in this exhilarating saga which combines thrilling fight scenes and unexpected machinations but hopefully future tales will help clarify some of the mysteries. A nice start to the series.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
September 7, 2013
This book was a slow start for me but once I was able to get into it I enjoyed the storyline and the introduction into so many different characters and species. There are werewolves or shifters as well as vampires in this book but there are also demons and halflings and even elves.
I really enjoyed the introduction to the different demons in this story. One of the main characters is a halfing. She is part human and part demon with power of control over werewolves. She can make them do what she wants to but only for a short period of time. I found this to be an interesting characteristic and I am wondering if it will come into play later in the series also.
The two main characters were made for each other. While Rory has some issues trusting I can also see why. The struggle within himself is very well represented and comes across well to the reader. Amber really cares about helping people but she also wants to know more about her heritage and father. I enjoyed the findings of the portals and the demon world when Amber ventured in.
The bad guys in the story were very well represented. It wasn’t just one person with an agenda. It turned out to be a complex plot involving some that were very obviously bad guys while others you weren’t so sure until it was revealed. I like it when you can’t guess their motivation or even who all is in on the plot.
My only problem with the story was that I wasn’t always able to keep up with the switch in characters and keeping them straight. It just seemed that the reader was already supposed to know the other characters because the chapter just started off without an introduction or explanation weaved in. I for the most part now have them straight but it took me a little while and I did re-read a couple bits.
All in all it is a good book and a good start to a new series. I can’t wait to start the next one so I can see where this is headed.
*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.*
I really enjoyed the introduction to the different demons in this story. One of the main characters is a halfing. She is part human and part demon with power of control over werewolves. She can make them do what she wants to but only for a short period of time. I found this to be an interesting characteristic and I am wondering if it will come into play later in the series also.
The two main characters were made for each other. While Rory has some issues trusting I can also see why. The struggle within himself is very well represented and comes across well to the reader. Amber really cares about helping people but she also wants to know more about her heritage and father. I enjoyed the findings of the portals and the demon world when Amber ventured in.
The bad guys in the story were very well represented. It wasn’t just one person with an agenda. It turned out to be a complex plot involving some that were very obviously bad guys while others you weren’t so sure until it was revealed. I like it when you can’t guess their motivation or even who all is in on the plot.
My only problem with the story was that I wasn’t always able to keep up with the switch in characters and keeping them straight. It just seemed that the reader was already supposed to know the other characters because the chapter just started off without an introduction or explanation weaved in. I for the most part now have them straight but it took me a little while and I did re-read a couple bits.
All in all it is a good book and a good start to a new series. I can’t wait to start the next one so I can see where this is headed.
*I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.*
September 12, 2013
Review originally posted on My Urban Fantasies
Rory is a lone werewolf and a tracker for the NOA, National Otherkind Administration. (An Otherkind is someone who is non-human. Shifter. Demon. Vampire.) His job is to track down a certain Otherkind known as Dusters, small-time nuisances that go from place to place stirring up trouble. Rory tracks them down before they become something much worse, Users.
Rory is on a routine mission when something goes terribly wrong. The Duster is waiting for Rory and he knows that Rory is the one after him, something which should be impossible. It can only mean one thing. Rory was setup to die from someone inside the NOA.
I know new terminology, ahhh! I promise it's not scary or confusing as it seems. Because of the unique and amazing world J.A. Garland has created the new terms are necessary. But fear not! This is one of those books where you learn as you go how the world is set up. I love books like this! I hate getting that information dump in the beginning of a book. You know, the one where instead of jumping into an exciting new world, you're left sitting in a history class with the strong urge to take notes. So instead of hiding behind your book poking words like Dusters, Users and Trackers in complete terror, you will be landing in an action packed Otherkind of world.
My favorite part of Instinct is the action scenes. Garland wrote them with such amazing detail. I could picture every kick and punch. No cross-eyed moments trying to figure out what the Praying Mantis or Drunken Monkey stance is supposed to look like.
Instinct is an amazing action packed adventure with strong characters and a unique storyline. As a side note to all the romance haters: Romance is by no means the main focal point in Instinct. You'll love it!
Rory is a lone werewolf and a tracker for the NOA, National Otherkind Administration. (An Otherkind is someone who is non-human. Shifter. Demon. Vampire.) His job is to track down a certain Otherkind known as Dusters, small-time nuisances that go from place to place stirring up trouble. Rory tracks them down before they become something much worse, Users.
Rory is on a routine mission when something goes terribly wrong. The Duster is waiting for Rory and he knows that Rory is the one after him, something which should be impossible. It can only mean one thing. Rory was setup to die from someone inside the NOA.
I know new terminology, ahhh! I promise it's not scary or confusing as it seems. Because of the unique and amazing world J.A. Garland has created the new terms are necessary. But fear not! This is one of those books where you learn as you go how the world is set up. I love books like this! I hate getting that information dump in the beginning of a book. You know, the one where instead of jumping into an exciting new world, you're left sitting in a history class with the strong urge to take notes. So instead of hiding behind your book poking words like Dusters, Users and Trackers in complete terror, you will be landing in an action packed Otherkind of world.
My favorite part of Instinct is the action scenes. Garland wrote them with such amazing detail. I could picture every kick and punch. No cross-eyed moments trying to figure out what the Praying Mantis or Drunken Monkey stance is supposed to look like.
Instinct is an amazing action packed adventure with strong characters and a unique storyline. As a side note to all the romance haters: Romance is by no means the main focal point in Instinct. You'll love it!
August 12, 2013
I wont lie and say this was a bit of a toughie to get into. There were terms of people's status's that got a bit confusing - Shadows, Ghosts, Trackers, different levels of Vamps....
But the storyline, once you got to grips with the terms it was good!
The characters are likeable, written well and mixes of romance, friendship and rivalry.
Based around a werewolf called Rory, he stumbles into a mission which makes him a target to be "gotten rid of". Trying to trace how someone is getting him in to this situation, we cross vamps, other weres and demons.
Its left with this story closed, but an epilogue that gives a hint of a total new story, with the same people being implimented.
It DID take me a while to read this, but this wasnt the book's fault, ive just been very tired, and as its the kind of book you have to have your memory and thinking in tact i couldnt pick it up very easily!
however, i have the next book "Dysus Dreamer" ready to be read, and that will be done soon!
I would recommend this if you're ready to remember and think about the story lines, love paranormal and the different ways its approached and are ready for a brand spanking new series!
Read on behalf of the author in return for honest review
But the storyline, once you got to grips with the terms it was good!
The characters are likeable, written well and mixes of romance, friendship and rivalry.
Based around a werewolf called Rory, he stumbles into a mission which makes him a target to be "gotten rid of". Trying to trace how someone is getting him in to this situation, we cross vamps, other weres and demons.
Its left with this story closed, but an epilogue that gives a hint of a total new story, with the same people being implimented.
It DID take me a while to read this, but this wasnt the book's fault, ive just been very tired, and as its the kind of book you have to have your memory and thinking in tact i couldnt pick it up very easily!
however, i have the next book "Dysus Dreamer" ready to be read, and that will be done soon!
I would recommend this if you're ready to remember and think about the story lines, love paranormal and the different ways its approached and are ready for a brand spanking new series!
Read on behalf of the author in return for honest review
October 15, 2012
Rory is a lone wolf working for the NOA. Living a solitary life closed off from others is safer than dealing with disappointment and betrayal. And that’s the way he wants to keep it.
Until he meets Amber and she causes him to feel thing he hasn’t felt in a very long time. Rory is drawn to Amber from the minute he meets her. But he knows she is hiding something and they doesn’t still well with his wolf. The lingering question in him mind is can he trust her? Trust isn’t something that comes easy to Rory.
With vampires hell bent on destruction hot on their tails can they find common ground before it’s too late? Rory wonders who his enemy really is.
This story started out a little slow but I stuck with it and once it picked up momentum, I was very pleased. It had action, suspense, drama, romance, and great sex scenes. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a steamy romance and loves shifters.
Happy Reading,
Tabitha Blake
Until he meets Amber and she causes him to feel thing he hasn’t felt in a very long time. Rory is drawn to Amber from the minute he meets her. But he knows she is hiding something and they doesn’t still well with his wolf. The lingering question in him mind is can he trust her? Trust isn’t something that comes easy to Rory.
With vampires hell bent on destruction hot on their tails can they find common ground before it’s too late? Rory wonders who his enemy really is.
This story started out a little slow but I stuck with it and once it picked up momentum, I was very pleased. It had action, suspense, drama, romance, and great sex scenes. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants a steamy romance and loves shifters.
Happy Reading,
Tabitha Blake
May 17, 2013
The first 2/3's of this book I would give 4-5 stars. However, the last 1/3 seems to get kind of jumbled. Part of this was do to formating issues that I had during the last 100 or so pages. I also struggled with the skipping around. It seemed kind of jarring how some of the scenes changed and the transitions were confusing, such as when Amber went "home" and then suddenly they are in the climatic end fight scene. Also, there were a bunch of revelations that didn't seem to be clearly explained, such as the whole Wisdom thing, and what exactly Amber's father was creating. I will likely get the next book, because I felt the first 2/3s of the book was really strong, and hopefully things will get clarified.
September 11, 2013
I liked the story, mixing paranormal creatures in a modern world in an interesting way. The way she managed to include so many different races and keep things working as well as it did, made it even more enjoyable.
I liked the characters a lot, although there were some issues dealing with past issues that I felt didn't make much sense. There were also lots of things left unresolved, yet the characters didn't seem fazed by it. I'm hoping more is answered in the next book.
The changing of the characters between chapters was a bit confusing. A few it was as if she was writing third person, but from the mindset of a specific character, which would throw off the story a bit.
All and all, it was a good read. Recommend it to fans of paranormal and action.
3/5 platypires.
I liked the characters a lot, although there were some issues dealing with past issues that I felt didn't make much sense. There were also lots of things left unresolved, yet the characters didn't seem fazed by it. I'm hoping more is answered in the next book.
The changing of the characters between chapters was a bit confusing. A few it was as if she was writing third person, but from the mindset of a specific character, which would throw off the story a bit.
All and all, it was a good read. Recommend it to fans of paranormal and action.
3/5 platypires.
October 30, 2012
Instinct by J.A. Garland is a terrific read!!! I gave it five stars because it engaged me right from the beginning when I was pulled into a world of J.A.'s creation! Rory and Amber have it going on. Strong, vibrant characters, they lead the reader through a thought provoking journey that will keep any reader totally captivated.
J.A.'s use of imagery is outstanding and gave me pause when I was reading Instinct which is the hallmark of a great writer.
We can only hope to see more from this talented author!
Best,
January Bain
October 27, 2012
Ashern, Manitoba, Canada
J.A.'s use of imagery is outstanding and gave me pause when I was reading Instinct which is the hallmark of a great writer.
We can only hope to see more from this talented author!
Best,
January Bain
October 27, 2012
Ashern, Manitoba, Canada
June 15, 2013
Instinct by J. A. Garland is an exciting suspense novel with likable characters and interesting plot twist. Garland does a wonderful job of introducing various supernatural characters and cultures in this fast paced novel that introduces the reader to the National Otherkind Association (NOA) where Trackers battle against the Shadows.
August 25, 2013
Closer to 3.5 stars. While the story was good and the characters interesting and likable, the sudden POV shifts left me a little confused at times. That said, I'll definitely read the next in the series.
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