Pure Protector

Cindy Giles #2

by Nicholas Woode-Smith

A purifier is dead…
And my best friend is the prime suspect.

It’s been a year since I hung up my healing robes and became one of Hope City’s badass monster hunters. But even now, I can’t seem to escape my past.

A purifier has died of an exploded heart, and they think my best friend cast the spell that did it.

But I know my friend. She didn’t do it. And it’s up to me to prove her innocence.

Even if my investigation embroils me in a plot that may determine the fate of my entire city, I won’t give up. Not when I’m this close to uncovering the truth.

My name is Cindy Giles. Healer. Purifier. Monster hunter. And now, reluctant detective.

Pure Protector is book 2 of the intriguing, action-packed and magically mysterious Cindy Giles Series. Don’t miss this supernatural thriller chockful of monsters, conspiracy, and murder.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2023

About the author

Nicholas Woode-Smith is a fantasy and science fiction author from Cape Town, South Africa. He has been writing since the age of twelve, writing short stories, novels, and RPG campaigns. In 2013, he published his first book, Fall of Zona Nox. Five years later, he published it again after greatly improving his skills.

Since then, he’s written dozens of books in the urban fantasy and sci-fi genre. Notably, the best-selling urban fantasy series, Kat Drummond.

Nicholas has a degree majoring in economic history and philosophy, and minors in political science, international relations, and English literature from the University of Cape Town. He has been involved in politics, civic activism, and political analysis since 2014.

Reviews

[Darin Roodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The KatVerse’s newest hero is at it again. Life changed for the world, when the Rifts opened, letting monsters, demons, and all manner of paranormal beasties through to the world as we know it. Now Cape Town is known as Hope City and humanity has adapted. Wizards, Sorcerers, Monster Hunters, Healers, and Purifiers, are all career paths/ways of life humanity can now dive into. Heroes have arisen to save humanity from these terrors or to extort them for their livelihoods. Life goes on, humans are adaptable.

It’s been a year since Cindy Giles, a Purifier in the Rift-ridden Hope City, left her post at the Heiligslicht compound. Since then, her love life has evolved, and her worldview has evolved, it’s like everything’s evolving! At the tender age of 19, Cindy’s now riding shotgun with a band of monster hunters and learning more and more about Hope City’s dark side, and she wouldn’t have it any other way! A boyfriend, a team that takes her seriously as more than **just** a purifier, a mentor for demon hunting, and a couple of archdemon kills under her belt? Life’s good in the hood.

But life never stays static. The only thing guaranteed in life is that there is no guarantee, Cindy’s life included! When she gets a call from her best friend after ages, everything goes pear-shaped. Now Cindy Giles, certified monster hunter, needs to put on her deerstalker cap and grab her magnifying glass to solve a murder and prove that her best friend isn’t the one whodunit!

“Pure Protector” is the second book in the KatVerse offshoot Cindy Giles trilogy by Nicholas Woode-Smith. The ever-growing, complex, deep universe that is the KatVerse has a new hero and she’s here to save the day. This second shot is a phenomenal addition to the 15+ books that make up the KatVerse and adds depth and entertainment to an already robust catalog. The world-building is just as fascinating as the first book in the KatVerse without feeling recycled or overdone. The action keeps coming from page one and the reader is on a bullet train to excitement. This trilogy is set to not just add to the KatVerse, but make it even better as the reader experiences a new perspective, some old and new characters, and a new way to look at the Rifts-be-damned place that is Hope City.

I received a free copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in this series. Cindy definitely came into her own in this one and became such a strong, determined character, even more so than in the first book. She is becoming more and more adept at using her spark now, knowing how to use it for much more than just healing and it really does come in very handy in a fight too!

When her best friend is arrested for the murder of her girlfriend, Cindy will do anything to prove her innocence. She knows she's not a detective, but investigate it she must if she is going to help Stephanie. Her investigations take her all over Hope City, speaking with down-right evil and dirty people, who really do test her resolve. There are times when she would have done the unthinkable if it wasn't for her spark reminding her of who she is and what she stands for. There definitely more going on here than Cindy expected as well and she is determined to get to the bottom of it all and to find those responsible!

At the same time, there are some strange behaviours going on with the other members of the Reckoning - they are keeping things from Cindy and she just doesn't like it. Can she trust her friends and her boyfriend to do the right thing in the end?

Lots of betrayals and secrets going on here, that do eventually come to light, but the most surprising thing was someone that Cindy has trusted completely doing something so completely wrong! The end, however just threw me - I was so not expecting it and it was heart-breaking!

I can't wait to see what the next book in this series brings and how Cindy, Conrad, Brick and all the others cope with the aftermath of this one! This series is a great read with fantastic characters, who although they have their flaws, mean well and try to do what they believe is the right thing.

I received a copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own, honest one.

[Geff Ratcheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow up to "Cindy Giles Pure Power" is very entertaining. From the author of the Kat Drummond series, which I haven't read yet.

This is a combination Good vs Evil who dun it spy novel, a paranormal fantasy, an action book & a light romance.

Cindy is a "purifier" (healer) who has decided to become a monster killer; & also ends up being her MK team's investigator. We get to watch Cindy grow up. If I tell you much more, it will be a big spoiler.

This is my 2nd book from MR Woode-Smith & I really enjoyed it. Excellent characters & plotting. For me, 4 stars is a significant compliment & I highly recommend this series, if it sounds like your sort of thing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series is even better than the first - and that's saying something. A friend of Cindy's is accused of murdering another purifier. Of course she didn't do it, but Cindy must prove it.

Meanwhile the rest of the Reckoning have secretly taken a job (unbeknown to either Cindy or Conrad) and it would affect everyone - including all of Hope City.

Cindy found that the two things were in fact connected.

[Kris Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy Giles has left Heiligslicht and joined a small independent group of monster hunters. She is their group healer and training with Conrad to be a demon hunter.

Things seem to be going well until her best friend's girlfriend dies mysteriously. Cindy is tasked with finding the murderer, and her life becomes more complicated as other members of The Reckoning and the leader of that group are all going in different directions. Who can she trust? What is really going on?

[FionaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment of the Cindy Giles series is excellent. Cindy is a great character, and I have enjoyed following her journey from sheltered, naive, teenager to a more world-wise, life- and battle-hardened, young woman. As her world-view moves from “ego-centric” to “big picture”, Cindy faces difficult choices, harsh realities and loss. The book moves at a fast-pace and is focused on action and character-development, with no “spice” and minimal romance. Highly recommended.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Silver Surfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this is another series going from strength to strength. I really enjoyed this, from start to finish. Full of action and intrigue all the way through. Very good to have spin-offs from the main series that are so good. What’s going to happen in the final one I wonder. Cannot wait to find out. Highly recommended.

[Yael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, I read it in one sitting, could not bring myself to put the book down. This is an action pack, emotional roller-coaster installment in the Cindy Giles story you do not want to miss. Great world building, strong characters, and phenomenal storytelling. Can't wait for the last book in the series.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy has hung up her robes and became a monster hunter. But when a purifiers heart explodes she gets pulled into investigating what happened because of her friend being blamed. So she now is investigating this and needs to figure it out! But will she find answers? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Brian Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed reading this hard to put down book . The characters especially Cindy are so well described as were the action/fight scenes the brilliance of the author has you not wanting to put it down. I was absolutely stunned by the storyline it had many twists and turns but they all flow together producing a book that I would have absolutely no problem recommending this to other readers.

[Nicholas Woode-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the mystery in this book. Kept me excited right till the end. Can't wait for the next one!

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, action-packed novel with good characters. It kept me entertained throughout with magic, monsters and murder. Highly recommended.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK my 4 went to a 5 with these few words.
. “I love you. Across the In Between and in every Realm."

[Paul Cobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in Cindy Giles' backstory sets Cindy on a fresh adventure as she takes on some solo work while the rest of her team tackle a rather large assignment without her. Lots of action, some surprising plot twists, with some tragedy thrown in for good mesaure, make for a riveting read.

[Sarah Metcalf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Giles series and again, I am not disappointed! In this book, Cindy's best friend is put in jail for killing someone she says she did not kill. It is up to Cindy to find out who really did it. While searching for the real killer, she uncovers conspiracies she isn't sure she can handle. She is put to the test several times as she must decide whether to do the right thing. Her spark is her guiding force, but can she abide by that with all that she faces? Especially when faced with pure evil or the threat of harm to those she loves, especially Tom. And of course, those she loves are faced with harm, since they have gone behind her back and taken a job without her. Even knowing the future in this world, I am still able to be surprised by the ending of this book! I am excited to find out what will be next for Cindy Giles.

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gotta love a girl with gumption! And boy have I found one I really do love! Cindy Giles, her goodness, her purity shines like a beacon. No, honest, she has this awesome magic which is so badassed, so PURE it literally shines through her and it's getting stronger, more accessible, more oomph, just MORE! Which she needs to fight all the monsters that have invaded the country. Thankfully, she has a team of equally badassed crew joining her to vanquish, banish and, you know, basically eliminate the bad, the ugly and the vicious! Set in a post apocalyptic South Africa (yeah THAT'S cool!) this world is threatened to be overwhelmed by creatures, all sorts of creatures, seeping, creeping and sneaking in through the rifts between worlds. But the worst monsters turn out to be those one couldn't think possible. Although, primarily, healing is her jam, Cindy discovers she can do so much more than simply heal. And her spark, her magic, is her moral compass, not allowing her to harm, only to heal. So when Cindy REALLY wanted to eliminate a vile person or two, she just couldn't. It didn't stop her from seriously kicking some ass though, quite majestically too I might add.

When Cindy's best friend is accused of murder and Cindy pulls out all the stops to help her, putting monster hunters on the back burner until she solves this mystery. Because, no way could gentle sweet Steph be a murderer. This one murder turns into multiple murders and suddenly Cindy finds herself uncovering more than she could have imagined. Secret organisations, conspiracies, subterfuge and the who dunit, not a simple task at all. When the "who dunit" was revealed, I was like "No! You've got to be kidding me" except there was no kidding, it was dinkum the truth! And for what??? For misguided, skewed reasoning? For political gain? Yeah, all of that, pure greed and power. My word was the uncovering thrilling! And unexpected.

The more I read about these characters, the more I like them, heck, they really are something! Their banter at odds with the fierce protectiveness they have for each other, amazingly loyal,and Brick, well he had me giggling when he hoisted and swung his newly aquired Ogre hammer, Mr invincible himself! This book was definitely more humourous, more lighthearted, not the action mind you, THAT was just as fierce and furious as the previous book, the banter and tone was easy. Then the very unexpected happened, I CAN'T believe it happened! I'm still in shock.... almost as much as Cindy. After finally getting it together with Tom, sweet, fiery Tom, THIS happens???? No no no no no! But it did... I'm in tears...All that's left is to try be patient until the next book comes out, to discover what Cindy will do now...