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Boreal and John Grey, Season One #1
The Encounter
Episode One in the serial "Boreal and John Grey".
Centuries ago, they tried to invade us and failed. Now the elves are back.
Paranormal Bureau Agent Ella Jones knows her job: fight the Shades living between worlds and keep everyone safe. But then her partner goes missing, a mysterious guy saves her life, and increasingly dangerous creatures slip into her city. After centuries of peace, the gates beyond the Veil are opening and an old enemy is returning: the elves.
Ella needs to find her partner, uncover the identity of her savior, and find a way to stop the elves from invading again. With the world going to hell, what's a girl to do but grab her guns and knives and figure it all out, one way or another.
Warning: some profanity - for an adult public.
Centuries ago, they tried to invade us and failed. Now the elves are back.
Paranormal Bureau Agent Ella Jones knows her job: fight the Shades living between worlds and keep everyone safe. But then her partner goes missing, a mysterious guy saves her life, and increasingly dangerous creatures slip into her city. After centuries of peace, the gates beyond the Veil are opening and an old enemy is returning: the elves.
Ella needs to find her partner, uncover the identity of her savior, and find a way to stop the elves from invading again. With the world going to hell, what's a girl to do but grab her guns and knives and figure it all out, one way or another.
Warning: some profanity - for an adult public.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Chrystalla Thoma
47 books211 followersAuthor with a penchant for dark myths and good food. I have proven my tendency to settle down anywhere but at home.
I like to write about fantastical creatures, crazy adventures, and family bonds. I write fantasy and science fiction.
I like to write about fantastical creatures, crazy adventures, and family bonds. I write fantasy and science fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 6, 2020
1.5 estrellas
Muy cortita. Para mi gusto, le falta algo. O quizás es que esta saga no es para mí. Quizás hace unos años me habría llamado más la atención. La verdad es que soy tiquismiquis con los elfos y todo ese tema.
Dejando gustos aparte, creo que habría ganado con un universo más desarrollado, así como los personajes. La inmersión en la dinámica del duo protagonista es demasiado brusca. Sobretodo teniendo en cuenta que son dos extraños que se acaban de conocer.
Muy cortita. Para mi gusto, le falta algo. O quizás es que esta saga no es para mí. Quizás hace unos años me habría llamado más la atención. La verdad es que soy tiquismiquis con los elfos y todo ese tema.
Dejando gustos aparte, creo que habría ganado con un universo más desarrollado, así como los personajes. La inmersión en la dinámica del duo protagonista es demasiado brusca. Sobretodo teniendo en cuenta que son dos extraños que se acaban de conocer.
January 19, 2013
The Encounter is a very impressive book. I’ve read and enjoyed this author’s work before, but this book was right up my alley. As a fan of Norse mythology, the author’s decision to draw upon the Northern myths to construct her world gave it a unique twist that makes it a sheer delight to read. I’m drawn to the main character Ella and find her very likeable. I’ve read too many books where the “strong female protagonist” is way too masculine for her own good and simply comes off as unlikable. Happily, this isn’t the case here.
Ella is a strong character. But she doesn’t pretend to have all the answers or come off as being invincible. She’s strong, tough, courageous, intelligent, and witty, but also has to work to figure things out. No doubt, she’s up to the challenge. But watching her use her cunning as well as her trigger finger to overcome a host of supernatural challenges in the book makes for compelling fiction.
Although I wish this installment were a bit longer, The Encounter is well-written and wonderfully edited. This is one of the most interesting books I’ve come across in a while and would translate well to the silver screen. If the sequels are as good as this book, readers are going to be in for a treat. This series has me intrigued, so I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for book two.
Recommended for fans of urban fantasy and books with fast-paced action.
4.5 Stars.
Ella is a strong character. But she doesn’t pretend to have all the answers or come off as being invincible. She’s strong, tough, courageous, intelligent, and witty, but also has to work to figure things out. No doubt, she’s up to the challenge. But watching her use her cunning as well as her trigger finger to overcome a host of supernatural challenges in the book makes for compelling fiction.
Although I wish this installment were a bit longer, The Encounter is well-written and wonderfully edited. This is one of the most interesting books I’ve come across in a while and would translate well to the silver screen. If the sequels are as good as this book, readers are going to be in for a treat. This series has me intrigued, so I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for book two.
Recommended for fans of urban fantasy and books with fast-paced action.
4.5 Stars.
January 23, 2013
This is a short introduction for a new series brought to us by the genuis that created Elei's Chronicles (Rex Rising, Rex Cresting and Rex Equilibrium).
Well written, edited and executed, Thoma has introduced us to another fascinating world with The Encounter. Ella is a kick ass leading lady searching for her missing partner, fighting off the Shades and trying to stop the Elves from invading. Add to that a handsome, life saving mystery man and what you have is a fast paced and intriguing read, that will leave you wanting more!
I give this one 5/5, I loved this sneak peak into Ellas world and can't wait for the next installment!
Well written, edited and executed, Thoma has introduced us to another fascinating world with The Encounter. Ella is a kick ass leading lady searching for her missing partner, fighting off the Shades and trying to stop the Elves from invading. Add to that a handsome, life saving mystery man and what you have is a fast paced and intriguing read, that will leave you wanting more!
I give this one 5/5, I loved this sneak peak into Ellas world and can't wait for the next installment!
October 12, 2014
Super surprised with the start of this series. I picked it up on a free click binge on iTunes quite a while ago and the cover caught my eye while looking for something to read. All sorts of bad things are coming through the Veil and Ella gonna take care of them. The action goes and goes. The first five books are boxed for about a buck and if action packed, kick ass heroines are your thing, buy it!
October 12, 2017
Wow! I was so pleasantly surprised with this novella! It immediately starts out with a bang and stays interesting all the way through! The heroine Ella is a kick ass chick who monitors paranormal activity.
The veil between worlds is thinning and all sorts of nasty fae critters are coming into the human world killing folks. While Ella is out busting her hump she learns that her partner Simon is missing and that things are going to take a seriously nasty turn.
She has quite a few close calls and tries to keep her chin up even though things look so grim. I admire levelheaded characters. It's been a while since I have read such an enjoyable female lead! The side characters aren't too shabby either!
Dave is Ella stressed out boss who is trying to do his best considering what is going on. Mike, her next door neighbor, is in danger due to his abilites and then there is Finn, the strange man that can fight like no other who holds his own secrets.
I devoured this story in one sitting it was that good. I want to know what is going to happen so I will be picking up the second installment ASAP! So good!
The veil between worlds is thinning and all sorts of nasty fae critters are coming into the human world killing folks. While Ella is out busting her hump she learns that her partner Simon is missing and that things are going to take a seriously nasty turn.
She has quite a few close calls and tries to keep her chin up even though things look so grim. I admire levelheaded characters. It's been a while since I have read such an enjoyable female lead! The side characters aren't too shabby either!
Dave is Ella stressed out boss who is trying to do his best considering what is going on. Mike, her next door neighbor, is in danger due to his abilites and then there is Finn, the strange man that can fight like no other who holds his own secrets.
I devoured this story in one sitting it was that good. I want to know what is going to happen so I will be picking up the second installment ASAP! So good!
July 8, 2018
See my review of the complete Boreal and John Grey Season 1 collection including The Encounter, The Gate, The Dragon, The Dream and The Truth.
March 3, 2013
I can honestly say that I’ve never read a novella this intense before. Thoma managed to tell a very unique, very complete story without anything feeling rushed or left out. Her descriptions were phenomenal. They created a very clear picture of the world in which these characters found themselves. She also avoided any superficiality, which tends to be the norm in novellas.
I am amazed at how well developed the main character in this novella is. Thoma worked a great deal of detail into this character, while avoiding all unnecessary development. This lent itself to a very well developed heroine who can stand on her own without bogging down the storyline with irrelevant details. The supporting cast is also more developed than I would have expected. They each have been developed enough that the reader can identify with them and feel for them as people. I also love the mystery surrounding one of the characters. It’s not lack of character development that leaves you in the dark as to who and what he really is, but rather the character is very well developed as a secretive person. So mysterious. Love it!
Final comments? I NEED THE SEQUEL NOW!! Actually, yesterday would be even better.
Please note that I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am amazed at how well developed the main character in this novella is. Thoma worked a great deal of detail into this character, while avoiding all unnecessary development. This lent itself to a very well developed heroine who can stand on her own without bogging down the storyline with irrelevant details. The supporting cast is also more developed than I would have expected. They each have been developed enough that the reader can identify with them and feel for them as people. I also love the mystery surrounding one of the characters. It’s not lack of character development that leaves you in the dark as to who and what he really is, but rather the character is very well developed as a secretive person. So mysterious. Love it!
Final comments? I NEED THE SEQUEL NOW!! Actually, yesterday would be even better.
Please note that I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2013
By Momma-Ellen on February 27, 2013
The Encounter (Boreal and John Grey) by Chrystalla Thoma
I didn’t know anything about this book when I started reading it. The first few sentences sucked me in. “Although it was early September, the cold bit to the bone and the air smelled like snow. Snow and piss and trash. The alley stretched ahead, empty of life and strewn with crushed cans and paper.”
The story begins quickly, and all of a sudden I am pulled into the world of Ella. She is some sort of paranormal warrior type woman employed by a special division of the Police Department. The story elaborates, and we begin to learn more about the creatures she battles. I don’t want to say much more because it will ruin the story.
I liked this book. It kept me entertained. It is book one in a series, so I think the author is laying the ground book will give more answers and insight. I wouldChrystalla Thoma have given it 4 cookies if it moved a little faster. I’ll be back to review the next one.
What does Momma Ellen Think?
Momma Ellen gives The Encounter (Boreal and John Grey) by Chrystalla Thoma 3 cookies and a glass of milk!
May 22, 2015
I won a copy of this book in Elle Casey's 2013 Springtime Indie Book Giveaway.
As long as you really think of this as "Episode One", as the author calls it, and therefore aren't expecting any real resolution, this is pretty great! I like how visceral this world is. There are elements of hard-boiled police fiction, combined with magic and elves and Norse mythology. My only quibble is that I don't feel like I'm made to know much about Ella that would give context to her emotional reactions here, or about the Paranormal Bureau where she's employed. Perhaps there's a reason to wait for this stuff until "Episode Two"...
As long as you really think of this as "Episode One", as the author calls it, and therefore aren't expecting any real resolution, this is pretty great! I like how visceral this world is. There are elements of hard-boiled police fiction, combined with magic and elves and Norse mythology. My only quibble is that I don't feel like I'm made to know much about Ella that would give context to her emotional reactions here, or about the Paranormal Bureau where she's employed. Perhaps there's a reason to wait for this stuff until "Episode Two"...
August 18, 2013
"The Encounter" by Chrystalla Thoma is the first in a series about Ella Jones, an agent for the Paranormal Agency, protecting the world from the Shades.
As attacks on humans are increased the Agency and Ella need to step up their game to protect human kind. While her partner in crime is missing Ella has to go it by herself.
This is a great idea and has a lot of potential for the next instalments of the series. Ella and some of the sidekicks are great characters, the action scenes are well written and the suspense is well handled. It will be interesting to follow which direction the series is going to take.
As attacks on humans are increased the Agency and Ella need to step up their game to protect human kind. While her partner in crime is missing Ella has to go it by herself.
This is a great idea and has a lot of potential for the next instalments of the series. Ella and some of the sidekicks are great characters, the action scenes are well written and the suspense is well handled. It will be interesting to follow which direction the series is going to take.
September 17, 2013
I'd say it was perfect..if it weren't so short..and now I'm angry because I prepared myself for the fact that it was a short story and that the "series" is actually like one large book cut into small sections. I don't know why the author did this but I can't hate too much cuz I really enjoyed reading this. The world-building was pretty spot on- not too detailed and unnecessary, but enough information for us not too be confused.
I'll havta read the rest soon, but for now I'll definitely keep a look out for more from this author- Chrystalla Thoma you've been added to my list of authors to look at..don't disappoint me:)
book was free..but for 45 pages it better be free!! :P
I'll havta read the rest soon, but for now I'll definitely keep a look out for more from this author- Chrystalla Thoma you've been added to my list of authors to look at..don't disappoint me:)
book was free..but for 45 pages it better be free!! :P
February 15, 2013
Short but interesting...
beautiful idea
nice cover
Love the heroin
very interesting characters Finn stubborn, strong, handsome...
side characters Mike, the oracle, and the way he loves his boyfriend
catchy title
a good end
makes me want to read the second episode...
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
but IS JOHN GREY AND FINN ARE THE SAME PERSON?!!!
really got me interested...
February 20, 2013
This is a pretty good story, which I enjoyed reading. I do feel, however, that it could use some editing work. There aren't any really serious issues, but there are an awful lot of small typos, and because of the sheer number of them I don't feel I can give it the full 5 star rating I would otherwise give it. Never-the-less, it was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
August 6, 2013
First of all, I am very glad that the author provided descriptions about the Norse words in the book; it was very helpful.
Now, as for the writing... Wow! This book was amazingly well written; I swear the author put a hex on it that makes the reader be literally sucked in to the story. I felt like I WAS Ella Benson: Paranormal Investigator. You will regret it if you miss out on this book.
Now, as for the writing... Wow! This book was amazingly well written; I swear the author put a hex on it that makes the reader be literally sucked in to the story. I felt like I WAS Ella Benson: Paranormal Investigator. You will regret it if you miss out on this book.
May 7, 2013
Wow, what a fantastic start, what an awesome story! I'll be sure to check on the rest of the "Boreal and Grey" series.
An amalgam of Sci/Fi and Action, it reminded me why I started reading in the first place. And guess what? It is written as if it is a TV episode. Great stuff!
An amalgam of Sci/Fi and Action, it reminded me why I started reading in the first place. And guess what? It is written as if it is a TV episode. Great stuff!
June 3, 2015
I really did enjoy this and will eventually read the later episodes since this was so short. Despite its length, though, I felt like it was a fully fleshed out story.
May 14, 2013
really good introduction to a world. Makes you really want to go on reading
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews