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Caged #5.5
Tarnished
Sean has a reputation for brutality, and it is well-deserved. Centuries of inflicting pain and punishment on anything and everything he deemed worthy slowly stole whatever light had been in him when he was born. His angelic nature fell victim to the god of war within him, just as Ares had intended.
After an enigmatic encounter, a vision of Ruby comes to Sean and changes all of that. Her piercing blue eyes bear their way into his soul, awakening it as though it had never slept. Struggling against his inner darkness, Sean fights to keep that light from fading again and eventually goes to extremes to ensure that it won't.
After an enigmatic encounter, a vision of Ruby comes to Sean and changes all of that. Her piercing blue eyes bear their way into his soul, awakening it as though it had never slept. Struggling against his inner darkness, Sean fights to keep that light from fading again and eventually goes to extremes to ensure that it won't.
99 pages, ebook
First published June 28, 2013
147 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
About the author
Amber Lynn Natusch
49 books1,551 followersAMBER LYNN NATUSCH is the author of the bestselling Caged series for adults. She was born and raised in Winnipeg, and is still deeply attached to her Canadian roots. She loves to dance and practice Muay Thai―but spends most of her time running a chiropractic practice with her husband, raising two young children, and attempting to write when she can lock herself in the bathroom for ten minutes of peace. Dare You to Lie is her debut YA novel with Tor Teen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 17, 2014
It’s no secret that I love the Caged Series and I love Sean even more, that’s exactly why I needed Tarnished. Don’t even get me started on the prologue and epilogue because they are BRILLIANT! This novella has answered so many questions that everything makes sense and I’m able to truly understand the “why” behind Sean’s actions.
“The child that once glorified him is gone. The warrior that idolized him, jaded. The heir he so painstakingly groomed, lost.”
If Sean was mysterious before, we get to see a whole dark and twisted side to him in this story but he’s still wrapped up tightly in mystery because in typical Amber fashion, she likes to keep it interesting! There were a few times I found myself saying…OHMYGOD…NOOOOOOOOOOOO! He has very little light to his overpowering darkness and the little light that existed was brutally extinguished and my heart hurt when that happened to Sean. The plot twists and turns were giving me an ulcer!! And am I the only one that thought Persephone was creepy?? Okay, creepy might be a bit strong but I thought Sean and Persephone’s interaction was mildly disturbing!
“And in return, the one you believe you are unable to kill will be the only one who can take your life.”
As with any novella they are short but Tarnished was very much needed and in this case, a lot of information was packed in but not in a way that’s information overload and frankly, I didn’t want this story to end. I wanted more because I’m very greedy and I’m not ashamed to admit that out loud!
“With her, I was a true expression of both who and what I was-what I wanted to be-for better or worse. With her, I could best my destiny. With her, I felt whole.”
If you haven’t experienced the Caged Series by Amber Lynn Natusch…you are missing out in a big way. More like, HUGE! She’s an incredible storyteller, an amazing writer and she creates characters that are complex yet incredibly relatable within the supernatural realm. I’m not sure how much longer I will have to wait for Strayed (Caged #6) but I know it’ll be worth the wait!
“The child that once glorified him is gone. The warrior that idolized him, jaded. The heir he so painstakingly groomed, lost.”
If Sean was mysterious before, we get to see a whole dark and twisted side to him in this story but he’s still wrapped up tightly in mystery because in typical Amber fashion, she likes to keep it interesting! There were a few times I found myself saying…OHMYGOD…NOOOOOOOOOOOO! He has very little light to his overpowering darkness and the little light that existed was brutally extinguished and my heart hurt when that happened to Sean. The plot twists and turns were giving me an ulcer!! And am I the only one that thought Persephone was creepy?? Okay, creepy might be a bit strong but I thought Sean and Persephone’s interaction was mildly disturbing!
“And in return, the one you believe you are unable to kill will be the only one who can take your life.”
As with any novella they are short but Tarnished was very much needed and in this case, a lot of information was packed in but not in a way that’s information overload and frankly, I didn’t want this story to end. I wanted more because I’m very greedy and I’m not ashamed to admit that out loud!
“With her, I was a true expression of both who and what I was-what I wanted to be-for better or worse. With her, I could best my destiny. With her, I felt whole.”
If you haven’t experienced the Caged Series by Amber Lynn Natusch…you are missing out in a big way. More like, HUGE! She’s an incredible storyteller, an amazing writer and she creates characters that are complex yet incredibly relatable within the supernatural realm. I’m not sure how much longer I will have to wait for Strayed (Caged #6) but I know it’ll be worth the wait!
March 14, 2016
I am giving this book 4 stars just because its way too small although it helps the other 5 books to make more sense and to click the "why" is still to me kind of disappointing since it leaves you wanting more, it does explained a little more who the chameleon might be but it still doesn't help to understand why is he getting on the way between Ruby and Sean and what his intentions might be, I think this book should have been released close to a date where book number 6 will be available and now we just need to hang until "strayed" is released to get some more of this still interesting story!! Definitely a must read
June 30, 2013
Well, Amber has done it once again. This novella was absolutely wonderful. It gave us a glance into Sean's past and gave us answers to many questions that may have been floating around in our heads. I really enjoyed reading things forms Sean's perspective. Sometimes I wish there had been other times that we could have seen what was going in in that head of his, but this story gave some insight into the mystery that is Sean. Reading this makes me even more impatient to read Strayed. So now I will impatiently await the next book just as I have done for many of Amber's books. The Caged series is definitely a gem and I feel sorry for anyone who has not discovered this yet!
Read
May 25, 2013Going to answer lots of questions about Sean, but leave you pondering over many more! Get ready, Caged fans!!!
June 11, 2014
I read this a little later than I normally tackle Amber’s stuff. I started it this past weekend, got distracted by editing my own book, and just finished it this morning.
Although Tarnished is #5.5 in the series, it doesn’t take place post-Fractured. HOWEVER, I wouldn’t recommend reading it until you’ve read through the series up through Fractured. It gives up WAY too much about Sean and his past to be read prior to reading the series. Half the fun of the Caged series is you spend most of the time without a fucking clue what is happening. The constant suspense is what keeps us coming back. If you read Tarnished before tackling the series, instead of saying “HOLY SHIT!!!” at the big reveals, you’ll be saying “And?? I already knew this shit.”. So, DON’T READ IT UNTIL YOU’VE READ CAGED, HAUNTED, FRAMED, SCARRED, AND FRACTURED.
As for the story line itself, it was super interesting getting to see a glimpse into Sean’s past. Sean is a bad ass in the Caged series but he’s most definitely brought it down a notch or two from the days of old.
I had talked with the author prior to reading Tarnished and I was unbelievably excited about reading this novella. The biggest thing is (Alert! Alert! Therapy red flag comin’ up!) I wanted to see Sean go dark. I mean DARK. Like, full-on black. And he does but not in the way I expected.
You’re still very much protected by “discretion” when reading this book. Rather than painting the scene of what he does, it’s fade to black and the details are pieced together from the aftermath. So even the faint of heart wouldn’t really have a problem watching Sean go to this horrible place inside himself.
If you’re a Ruby addict, don’t hold your breath. Tarnished isn’t about Ruby but it will make you understand choices and actions that took place between Caged and Fractured. Although he will still be infuriating on every level, you finish Tarnished with a little more understanding. You end up “getting” Sean.
I am going to give Tarnished 4.5 stars! This was a great addition to the series but now I am DYING to get my damn hands on Strayed (Caged #6)!!!!
Although Tarnished is #5.5 in the series, it doesn’t take place post-Fractured. HOWEVER, I wouldn’t recommend reading it until you’ve read through the series up through Fractured. It gives up WAY too much about Sean and his past to be read prior to reading the series. Half the fun of the Caged series is you spend most of the time without a fucking clue what is happening. The constant suspense is what keeps us coming back. If you read Tarnished before tackling the series, instead of saying “HOLY SHIT!!!” at the big reveals, you’ll be saying “And?? I already knew this shit.”. So, DON’T READ IT UNTIL YOU’VE READ CAGED, HAUNTED, FRAMED, SCARRED, AND FRACTURED.
As for the story line itself, it was super interesting getting to see a glimpse into Sean’s past. Sean is a bad ass in the Caged series but he’s most definitely brought it down a notch or two from the days of old.
I had talked with the author prior to reading Tarnished and I was unbelievably excited about reading this novella. The biggest thing is (Alert! Alert! Therapy red flag comin’ up!) I wanted to see Sean go dark. I mean DARK. Like, full-on black. And he does but not in the way I expected.
You’re still very much protected by “discretion” when reading this book. Rather than painting the scene of what he does, it’s fade to black and the details are pieced together from the aftermath. So even the faint of heart wouldn’t really have a problem watching Sean go to this horrible place inside himself.
If you’re a Ruby addict, don’t hold your breath. Tarnished isn’t about Ruby but it will make you understand choices and actions that took place between Caged and Fractured. Although he will still be infuriating on every level, you finish Tarnished with a little more understanding. You end up “getting” Sean.
I am going to give Tarnished 4.5 stars! This was a great addition to the series but now I am DYING to get my damn hands on Strayed (Caged #6)!!!!
June 29, 2013
Oh Sean, you are so beautifully tarnished.
November 12, 2020
I enjoyed all of the books in this series; however, I began to get frustrated because I felt like the books got shorter and were separate books to garner more purchases. I would have rather paid more for just a few books than it be so many, but I may be in the minority with that thought. Regardless, it was good enough it kept me coming back!
September 13, 2017
The past
This series consist of the history of Sean which is good to read so we can get a level of understanding between him and his father. It also tells how Ruby came to be in his life, and how Sophie and Sean's relationship was and her motives.
This series consist of the history of Sean which is good to read so we can get a level of understanding between him and his father. It also tells how Ruby came to be in his life, and how Sophie and Sean's relationship was and her motives.
November 3, 2017
Answers we seek
This short novella answers some questions about Sean's past that we all have wondered. I wish it was longer because I love visiting this world, but it is a great short story.
This short novella answers some questions about Sean's past that we all have wondered. I wish it was longer because I love visiting this world, but it is a great short story.
January 15, 2023
transition backwards
Good reading but I didn’t care for the transition backwards. Maybe I’m just weird but it threw me off. I had to trace back in my mind some of the characters. But maybe that was the author’s intention. Still, very good just like the rest of he books.
Good reading but I didn’t care for the transition backwards. Maybe I’m just weird but it threw me off. I had to trace back in my mind some of the characters. But maybe that was the author’s intention. Still, very good just like the rest of he books.
September 12, 2017
Paranormal intrigue
An interesting step back to see the past that is threatening the future. This story provides a glimpse of what created the dichotomy of the hero
An interesting step back to see the past that is threatening the future. This story provides a glimpse of what created the dichotomy of the hero
December 17, 2017
The history of Sean
In book 1 we meet Sean, tall dark and mysterious. In this book 6 we learn bout Sean's past. Great story, love learning more about the characters I already love.
In book 1 we meet Sean, tall dark and mysterious. In this book 6 we learn bout Sean's past. Great story, love learning more about the characters I already love.
May 20, 2018
Loved it
This was a quick read that gave you insight to who Sean is and why. It was very enjoyable. On to the next book.
This was a quick read that gave you insight to who Sean is and why. It was very enjoyable. On to the next book.
May 28, 2019
Nice look
I enjoyed getting into Sean's mind and his story. The reason and why he ticks. I wish there was a bit more of how he came upin Ruby, but again I am drawn into the series.
I enjoyed getting into Sean's mind and his story. The reason and why he ticks. I wish there was a bit more of how he came upin Ruby, but again I am drawn into the series.
August 10, 2019
Best story—so far—in the series!
March 29, 2025
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Urban Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers, Fated Mates, Werewolves, Chosen Family, Greek Mythology, Novella
𝗣𝗢𝗩: MMC
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Ebook
The Caged world will forever be one of my absolute favorite worlds, and I decided that a full reread was in order. I may not have started this world from the true beginning, but the whole world is absolutely epic.
This novella gives the reader Sean’s story and background, we finally find out why Sean ended up in Ruby’s life. Sean has a very complicated past, and a very long journey to get where he is in the current timeline.
𝗣𝗢𝗩: MMC
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁: Ebook
The Caged world will forever be one of my absolute favorite worlds, and I decided that a full reread was in order. I may not have started this world from the true beginning, but the whole world is absolutely epic.
This novella gives the reader Sean’s story and background, we finally find out why Sean ended up in Ruby’s life. Sean has a very complicated past, and a very long journey to get where he is in the current timeline.
April 11, 2018
I read this a little later than I normally tackle Amber’s stuff. I started it this past weekend, got distracted by editing my own book, and just finished it this morning.
Although Tarnished is #5.5 in the series, it doesn’t take place post-Fractured. HOWEVER, I wouldn’t recommend reading it until you’ve read through the series up through Fractured. It gives up WAY too much about Sean and his past to be read prior to reading the series. Half the fun of the Caged series is you spend most of the time without a fucking clue what is happening. The constant suspense is what keeps us coming back. If you read Tarnished before tackling the series, instead of saying “HOLY SHIT!!!” at the big reveals, you’ll be saying “And?? I already knew this shit.”. So, DON’T READ IT UNTIL YOU’VE READ CAGED, HAUNTED, FRAMED, SCARRED, AND FRACTURED.
As for the story line itself, it was super interesting getting to see a glimpse into Sean’s past. Sean is a bad ass in the Caged series but he’s most definitely brought it down a notch or two from the days of old.
I had talked with the author prior to reading Tarnished and I was unbelievably excited about reading this novella. The biggest thing is (Alert! Alert! Therapy red flag comin’ up!) I wanted to see Sean go dark. I mean DARK. Like, full-on black. And he does but not in the way I expected.
You’re still very much protected by “discretion” when reading this book. Rather than painting the scene of what he does, it’s fade to black and the details are pieced together from the aftermath. So even the faint of heart wouldn’t really have a problem watching Sean go to this horrible place inside himself.
If you’re a Ruby addict, don’t hold your breath. Tarnished isn’t about Ruby but it will make you understand choices and actions that took place between Caged and Fractured. Although he will still be infuriating on every level, you finish Tarnished with a little more understanding. You end up “getting” Sean.
I am going to give Tarnished 4.5 stars! This was a great addition to the series but now I am DYING to get my damn hands on Strayed (Caged #6)!!!!
Although Tarnished is #5.5 in the series, it doesn’t take place post-Fractured. HOWEVER, I wouldn’t recommend reading it until you’ve read through the series up through Fractured. It gives up WAY too much about Sean and his past to be read prior to reading the series. Half the fun of the Caged series is you spend most of the time without a fucking clue what is happening. The constant suspense is what keeps us coming back. If you read Tarnished before tackling the series, instead of saying “HOLY SHIT!!!” at the big reveals, you’ll be saying “And?? I already knew this shit.”. So, DON’T READ IT UNTIL YOU’VE READ CAGED, HAUNTED, FRAMED, SCARRED, AND FRACTURED.
As for the story line itself, it was super interesting getting to see a glimpse into Sean’s past. Sean is a bad ass in the Caged series but he’s most definitely brought it down a notch or two from the days of old.
I had talked with the author prior to reading Tarnished and I was unbelievably excited about reading this novella. The biggest thing is (Alert! Alert! Therapy red flag comin’ up!) I wanted to see Sean go dark. I mean DARK. Like, full-on black. And he does but not in the way I expected.
You’re still very much protected by “discretion” when reading this book. Rather than painting the scene of what he does, it’s fade to black and the details are pieced together from the aftermath. So even the faint of heart wouldn’t really have a problem watching Sean go to this horrible place inside himself.
If you’re a Ruby addict, don’t hold your breath. Tarnished isn’t about Ruby but it will make you understand choices and actions that took place between Caged and Fractured. Although he will still be infuriating on every level, you finish Tarnished with a little more understanding. You end up “getting” Sean.
I am going to give Tarnished 4.5 stars! This was a great addition to the series but now I am DYING to get my damn hands on Strayed (Caged #6)!!!!
July 3, 2013
3.5 STARS Sean has had a Fated existence. As his Father's warrior, and pawn, he acted from anger and rage, thirsting for blood and destruction. There was always this tiny part of good in him that had been seen as a weakness for a long time. When deciding for himself what is right and wrong and defying his Father's wishes Sean stands up for the goodness that had begun to prevail as a major entity inside of his being--balance. Balance was what he was supposed to be looking for and not ultimate power. After bargaining and a bit of manipulation, Sean gets his opportunity to choose right over wrong. No longer under his father's thumb, he builds strength and credibility--power. And what he will do with this new balance and power...I cannot wait to see.
I went with this rating because of the brutal nature of his life. I could not connect with character, which probably had to do with my personal distance over a static character. I loathed all the manipulation and games and how they overpowered any kind of emotion or connection.
I went with this rating because of the brutal nature of his life. I could not connect with character, which probably had to do with my personal distance over a static character. I loathed all the manipulation and games and how they overpowered any kind of emotion or connection.
March 29, 2015
"Fear was an emotion I had never experienced before knowing her. "
I love this series! I am so hooked into these books that I honestly can't wait to re-read them. I love that this book is based on Sean. I have a slight obsession with Sean these days (lol). This book helps to clear up a lot of questions I have had about him, his past, where he comes from and why he has such strong feelings for Ruby.
Who is Sean? Where does he come from? How long has he lived? What is his destiny with Ruby? Are they to be forever mated?
Sean has come a long way; he has waited a long time for Ruby. This book covers Sean and his life prior to Ruby and what leads up to finding her. I highly recommend reading this book it holds many answers to questions you may have.
We learn a little about the chameleon as well in this book, I want to learn even more about him. Who is he and what is his connection to Ruby? Why is he so insistent that Ruby and Sean cannot be together?
Keep them coming!!! Love this series!!
I love this series! I am so hooked into these books that I honestly can't wait to re-read them. I love that this book is based on Sean. I have a slight obsession with Sean these days (lol). This book helps to clear up a lot of questions I have had about him, his past, where he comes from and why he has such strong feelings for Ruby.
Who is Sean? Where does he come from? How long has he lived? What is his destiny with Ruby? Are they to be forever mated?
Sean has come a long way; he has waited a long time for Ruby. This book covers Sean and his life prior to Ruby and what leads up to finding her. I highly recommend reading this book it holds many answers to questions you may have.
We learn a little about the chameleon as well in this book, I want to learn even more about him. Who is he and what is his connection to Ruby? Why is he so insistent that Ruby and Sean cannot be together?
Keep them coming!!! Love this series!!
June 30, 2013
there are only 3 novellas ive ever read and felt were A worth the money spent buying them and B worth the read. this is novella was absoluty one of them. Sean's voice was clearly very different from ruby's and all of the information was insightful as to the whys and hows to the Sean we know and love. I only hope ruby at some point in the future books is given this insight as well. I know some most novellas are skippable this is not however the average novella and should not be skipped by anyone reading the caged series
July 18, 2013
So good. A wonderful glimpse into Sean's past. We get to see the twists and turns of his emotional state before he met Ruby. We get to see who Sean really is inside which I loved reading about.
My only real issues was that we didn't find out enough about his time with Ruby. I really wish we'd had a little glimpse into his thought processes during certain situations Ruby's encountered but either way I liked the book a lot.
My only real issues was that we didn't find out enough about his time with Ruby. I really wish we'd had a little glimpse into his thought processes during certain situations Ruby's encountered but either way I liked the book a lot.
January 27, 2015
I sometimes don't read the novella to series because of the cost or I'm not really into the story to purchase it. This is one of the rare occasions I did purchase it and I'm glad I did. Sean to be seems to be a mystery in the books. Now I totally get him. Certain scenes from the book make sense now. I even went back and re-read them. It was like a light bulb moment, "Oh, that make more sense now!" Get it. Worth the money to complete the story.
July 9, 2013
speechless! Now that I have gotten over my initial reaction. I didn't think it was possible to love Sean more but I was wrong!!! This book gives a look into Sean's past from his POV. It gives you a better understanding of the why he is the way he is. I Love Amber's writing style and can't wait for the next book in the Caged Series!!!
June 30, 2013
Wow Amber Natusch has done it again!!! I was skeptical about a book just about Sean but it was so interesting and helped us learn so much about why he is the way he is. I loved learning about his past, his dad, the true reason he and Sophie were together, and all the other mythological gods. Thank you for another piece of the puzzle to this great series. Can't wait to read what happens next!
July 31, 2014
It was interesting to get the whole back story on Sean and his fascination with Ruby. I'm glad it wasn't just a retelling of the first book from his point of view like a lot of series have done. Although parts of the book were a little boring and if it was longer than a novella I don't think I would have made it through it.
December 12, 2014
Loved this novella!! I got an amazing background on Sean. I found out why and how is has evolved in his life to what we see in the present story. It was so interesting and exciting. It was a lot on enlightening information in a novella! Can't wait to read the new book now that I have all this background knowledge.
July 1, 2013
Aniketos
Although it is a short story it's a good one. Learning more about Sean is always good. Even if he is a cold-hearted warrior he does have some good in him or in his words light. And he'll do anything or anyone to keep it. Great read just one problem.......I want more!!
Although it is a short story it's a good one. Learning more about Sean is always good. Even if he is a cold-hearted warrior he does have some good in him or in his words light. And he'll do anything or anyone to keep it. Great read just one problem.......I want more!!
August 16, 2013
I absolutely loved this book, c
I live the entire series, the fact we are reading from another point of view and knowing more about Sean's past is fantastic... But I NEED more now lol
I can't believe in have to wait so long for the next 1 :(
I live the entire series, the fact we are reading from another point of view and knowing more about Sean's past is fantastic... But I NEED more now lol
I can't believe in have to wait so long for the next 1 :(
February 17, 2014
I really enjoyed hearing the story through Sean's POV. We don't know much about him and this novella shed a little light on him. I very much want to know how the Chameleon plays into his story. Counting the days until the next book.
January 7, 2015
I LOVE the "Caged" series and reading "Tarnished" helps the reader know more about Sean....from the beginning centuries ago until his saving Ruby....it was great to know more of what and how he became the "man" he is.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews