On my way to investigate my aunt’s untimely death, I chance upon a teenager with purple eyes. Her destiny is so vibrant, so intertwined with the essence that fuels all our lives, that I cannot stand to see her caged and crushed. What I don’t know is that rescuing the teen isn’t chance or happenstance at all. It isn’t just another random bit of destiny I can fix. It’s a snag in the weave of the universe that unravels … everything. I am exactly who I am meant to be. I belong to no one but the universe. My destiny was spun and measured before I was born. I never really had a choice. But the path that brought me to becoming the Conduit at least a century before my time has been manipulated. And along the way, I’ve somehow lost far more than I ever knew I had. Friends. Lovers. Soul-bound mates. More than just my life has been twisted, all our fates ripped away. And I remember none of it.
Awry is the first book in the Conduit Series, which is a secondary-world urban fantasy romance. Content warnings and tropes/themes can be found at the beginning of the book or on the author’s website.
Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.
In the beginning, she comes across as really blasé about everything. But by 20% you realize that there is far more to her than the rich girl persona she puts on.
The complexity of all the characters in this book is incredible. And the growing relationship between Zaya, Rought, Rath and even Reck is beautiful.
I’m unbelievably curious about what exactly it is that Reck did to Zaya though.
I devoured this book. It was such a beautiful introduction to a new world and new characters. In Zaya we have a complex protagonist who continues to not just reveal more about herself as the story goes on, but who also learns more about herself. MCD has a gift of crafting strong female lead characters who are vulnerable and assertive and still need help sometimes and are totally believable, and Zaya is no different.
The chemistry between the characters is fabulous. Not between Zaya, Rath, Rought, and Reck, but between Zaya and the other characters as well. I was left with the impression that the friendships being forged are just important to the main character as the romance that is kindling.
The story line is heartbreaking, exciting, intriguing, and action packed. There's enough meat to keep you interested, but not so much that you don't have time to absorb what's happening. The quiet moments in the book are just as good, if not better, than the action ones. The chemistry between the characters is fabulous.
I cannot recommend this book enough. If you're looking for a book that will pull you in, take you on a little adventure, and leave you wanting more ... this is it!
This is a RH between multiple brothers and 1 women
And by brothers, I mean they all had the same father some with different mothers. That’s still blood related family yo I wouldn’t sleep with my half sis. Or my cousin. Or a distant cousin. Sorry that’s sick and I ain’t from Alabama. If you like this trope, great! BUT TAG YOUR SHIT AUTHORS SO READERS KNOW WHAT WE BUYING!!!!
5 ⭐️ for narration 0 ⭐️ for everything else And shame on the author for not tagging this ❌❌❌
Oh man I was really loving this book!! It’s perfect and exactly what I’ve been missing (hint see past reviews). But I started to get an inclination that was just confirmed in chapter 4. :( It’s a Reverse Harlem. 😤 With at LEAST 4 brothers. Maybe more but I’m not finding out.
Nowhere in the description does it state this is a RH! I’ve read all of this author’s previous books and they are NOT RH! SO WHY IS THIS ONE?? And with BROTHERS! I’m sorry but that is just gross. So you have polyamory AND incest in one book. I’m not going to go on to see what other nasty tropes are in there. Hey if you like RH go for it. But my ADHD barely hanging on straightness can’t go there. And with family?? I’m just not into that as I had VERY SHATTERING TRAMA relating to that crap. So it would’ve been REALLY NICE IF IT WERE TAGGED CORRECTLY. So now what would’ve been an amazing 5 ⭐️ book and series, is completely ruined. I just cannot win audible.
I got a feeling by chapter 3 when the MMC said “my brother and me, we like to share our women”. Then later he started talking about his brothers WITH AN S would be upset if the FMC was who he thought it was. It was then confirmed in chapter 4 when there are multiple “soul” bonds with 3 of the brothers. And again being hinted at more brothers. So no, no ⭐️ for you!
Meghan Ciana Doidge wrote a paranormal reverse harem book (hopefully series) and I am so down with it. So, down with it that I can ignore the whole MC thing. Motorcycle club books aren't my thing. But this book definitely is. I am really looking forward to the 2nd book in this series.
I really like the FMC. There are several reviews that mention how aloof she is. She is aloof but in an accurate way for her awry powers. I really like how cool and aloof she is but also warm and caring.
I like how the story enfolds and all the foreshadowing. I think the book needs more world building. There are several short mentions of different region being separate countries. Yet there isn't any detail or information of what countries exist, how the different countries work, why there are different countries.
I listened to this book and so this complaint might not be the case for people that read the book. The names of several of the characters were really hard to separate. The voices weren't all that unique for each character so it was sometimes hard to know who was who and who was doing what (especially with Rought, Rath and even Reck).
I am so disappointed. I love Maghan Ciana Doidge's books. This is a drastic and graphic departure. I'm not really thrilled with threesomes, even if they're soul bonded. I tried. I really did. But I couldn't finish this book. I like the story of the conduit, just not the sex.
In one sense this book was fantastic. It had good development, interesting characters, some unique mythical ideas, etc. etc. However ... The thing that I just couldn't get past was the "lack of communication" trope or maybe I should call it the "non inquisitive" trope or "willfully ignorant" trope. Take your pick.The MFC knows she's missing chunks of time and is told specifically where to look ... But then decides not to look or ask any questions?? And the mmc's don't say anything and don't confront her? ... Sorry not buying it.
Was it a bad read? No. If you can ignore obvious plot blindness then I say give it a go.
Intriguing start to a story that is bound to go awry!
I really enjoyed the way magic is laid out in this world, and the concept of a primary destiny weaver. There is enough mystery to last for three books at least, which is this author's primary writing style. (Three books to make one full story.) I also like the setting a lot - beautiful, set with plenty of access to nature with the grunge of biker bars. It is mentally appealing.
I will say that I don't feel as connected to these characters as I'd hoped to. Part of it is that they are all so committed to one single way of thinking each that it ran a little flat to me. One is obsessed, one is anger personified, and one is distrustful. Zaya seems to just be floating through like she doesn't have a choice, but the moment she makes a choice she regrets it - which annoyed me. Crafting them this way gives them room to grow, but as of right now, I don't really like any of the love interests. Also - the immediate bond to Precious while completely mistrusting the guys wasn't a choice I liked. Maybe it makes sense in the long run due to the plot and what she realizes has been taken from her at the end, but for someone who is supposed to be all knowing, it seems weird and unbelievable. And it didn't tug on my heart strings.
I think it's really hard to judge a series based on the first book though, because so much of it is spent setting up the world and rules and characters that you don't get a chance to see how they're going to interact and actually grow. So I stand by my four stars that this is a really good start, and I'm excited to see how it develops over the next couple of books.
I was looking forward to reading this book because it has been so highly rated in Goodreads, it’s by a Canadian author, and the author seems to be prolific (always looking for a new author to follow). It started out very interesting and action-packed (although a little grisly) but started to get more crude in its descriptions and with so much profanity I began to struggle to continue. When it became more and more clear that (spoiler alert) a polyamorous relationship was a main theme and with brothers, it was beyond my comprehension how anyone could feel that this was romantic or sexy. I get that this is an alternate reality, but seriously…?! I have some bizarre need to finish a book once I’ve started it, which is how I came to the end. Although it ends on a cliff-hanger, I’m out. The one star rating is for the interesting concept and suspense, but otherwise would have been 0 stars with a side order of “gross”.
Kickass start. Movement, action, intent ,and mystery! Enough woo woo to keep me turning the page....and then, a lot of ambivalence & filler. About at this point, it also looks like a harem setup. It's hard to get involved with characters when only surface values are eschewed....which is what harems really are. Then, the clincher...THIS IS A SOFT CLIFFHANGER. It is a big TO BE CONTINUED... I will never knowingly buy a book without a main closure of the leading storyline. There can be a thread that weaves through the whole series and keeps you interested, but each book needs to end what it starts.
First off, I have NEVER been disappointed with a MCD book. This book was another MCD masterpiece. I can't get enough. This new series takes place in a new universe. This is NOT like the Dowser series. There is a lot of cussing, scenes and mentions of SA, trafficking, kidnapping. This IS a slow burn RH. If you are triggered by these, maybe skip this series. However, if you can handle that, then this book is for you. The world building, the complex characters, the story line, even the ending left me eagerly wanting more. I'm not even into RH books, but I am into this story.
I discovered Meghan Ciana Doidge 8 years ago and fell in love with the Adept Universe. Each spin-off gave me another favourite character, so she had already set the bar high.
Awry has exceeded all my expectations and more. I don't have the words to express just how much I enjoyed this one.
Do yourself a favour and read it. You won't be sorry.
First I genuinely enjoyed it, I listened to the audio narration by Felicity Monroe and Danny Gavigan and Felicity Monroe was amazing.
I loved the characters, although I wish I had spent more time with each of them, except Precious, who got on my nerves a little.
The story was great! I loved the internal conflicts as much as the external ones. It pulled me along and I couldn't stop following.
And it was not spicy and that was such a relief as this was my first Why Choose or Reverse Harem type of book and I like that Doidge was gentle with my sensibilities. It will probably end up being spicy in the next book.
So why not a 5-star rating then? IT LEFT ME IN A PLACE!
Although a few of the central plot elements were resolved, most were left wide open. I understand that it is a series, but I feel very much like I'm dangling over a cliff.
Also, the world was a little squishy. And before you come at me, I did hear the author's note at the beginning explaining how it was like the US but wasn't. This is not the best technique IMO. But also the magic system was very open-ended and the shifters powers were not explained in any detail. I just didn't understand how it worked. Additionally, it felt like in lieu of actual character motivation she had the FMC just do things because her power made her. That also felt a little like cheating, especially since it wasn't always clear why whatever the source of that power wanted her to do the things she did. I kept waiting for some sort of realization or explanation and that also never came.
But seriously, it was a fun, character-driven novel with a sufficient amount of plot-like conflict to keep me engaged. I would recommend it to the Romantsy girlies who are cool with an MFMM brothers sub-romance plot.
Very crisp prose and a very in-depth setting. A little bit too in-depth, unfortunately. The book seemed to have 20 pages of action for every 200 pages of world building. It can hardly fail to be blatent exposition when the main character feeds us dozens of paragraphs about how her magic works... ironically it was also very confusing, until the first 20 pages of action when we actually saw it happening.
I also found it difficult to get a grasp on the world as a whole... somehow it was divided amongst MCs in a relatively lawless post-government wasteland, but yet people still took their cellphones and internet and access to fast food franchises for granted.
It's nice when authors mention specifics, but when it is *all* specifics it leaves no room for story. Which is why those details should always be in service to the story... the 3rd detailed description of ice cream flavours in a single encounter between characters is not necessary. Neither is details about every item of clothing, and every single car. It made the book feel like I was examining a movie poster, rather than watching a film.
What little story we got was interesting although it ended very abruptly, particularly since the 'twist' wasn't a twist for the reader.
I concede this all might be relative, however, and considering how often I complain about the American Psycho style in modern romance, someone out there must like it. So take my opinion with a grain of salt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Woah. That book really took me for a ride! I dove into this series with absolutely zero preconceived notions. I know I like the author and the other worlds she has built, so I started without even reading the synopsis.
Zaya is the main character here. She’s a conduit, who somehow controls fate, lives, and oodles of more magical things at play in this universe. The story is set in one of my least favorite settings, post-apocalyptic. That should tell you exactly how engaging I found the story that I could not put the book down. I was obsessed with learning more about Zaya and her seemingly spotty memory. The power she wields. The people she chooses to save or “nudge” in the right direction. There is also a good sizzle/love story aspect that had me on the edge of my seat.
The world includes shifters of all kinds - and I mean ALL kinds. They seem to be broken up into motorcycle gangs - also not my favorite thing, but this book pushed me all out of my comfort zone in a good way. One such set of 3 brothers seems to be circling around Zaya with expectations. There are so many mysteries and unanswered questions, but this book gave us just enough to have me asking when the next book will come out. The world building alone was worth the price of admission. I can’t wait to see what Zaya and the reverse harem (hopefully!) will do next!
This book is a big yes for me. In it, we follow Zaya Gage, an Awry (magical/essence wielding being) who recently inherited her aunts powers and estate. Zaya is a conduit for all essence and fate. She is everlasting. So when she dies she comes back, though she feels like every time she does she loses a piece of herself, Zaya, separate from the Conduit, and that includes memories. Including the memories of her 3 bonded mates from before her first death. When fate brings the 3 shifters back into her life she must navigate her new inheritance and the weird feelings that she feels around these strangers.
I loved this book from start to finish, and cannot wait for the second book in the series. The world building subtle. She feeds it to you in a way that gives you all the information you need without it feeling forced. Which is a tough job since there is so much to learn. I love the way the magic systems work. Especially Zaya's power of manipulating and following fate/the universe. This is a great book for lovers of urban fantasy with intricate magic systems or lovers of fated mates and MCs.
I was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Zaya is gifted with a unique ability that she has made a habit of using as a means to interfere with tragic threads of destiny to save lives or alter events that may have otherwise had devastating results. From the moment she happens upon Precious, however, she can sense that there’s something unique about this case beyond just the similarities to herself she sees within the younger girl.
The connection between the two is undeniable, but it’s Zaya’s connection to Presh’s brothers Reck, Rath and Rought- a connection that Zaya can’t remember and they can’t forget- that will have you flipping those pages at double speed.
Awry is a heavily informative while still fast-paced, intriguing and wildly unique read, that serves as a nice glimpse at what I think is going to be a bigger picture, and I will definitely be retuning to see it unveiled.
Thank you so much to the author and R&R Book Tours for my gifted copy!
For some reason Amazon didn't send my review! So here it is :D
What a start to this new series, I'm hooked 😁😁
Zaya Gage, Awry, is living with a whole chunk of her early life, well, missing and she's no clue.
The parts missing are three shifters, Reck, Rath and Rought but she's no idea why.
Her life had led her away from them, never realising what she'd lost.
But the death of her aunt leaves Zaya to die, again, and be reborn as the Conduit.
On her way to claim her estate, the Knowing shows her Precious, a teen being taken home, by bikers, who belong to her father The Cataclysm after running for her life.
Using the Knowing, Zaya gets Presh away from them, then her fight to figure herself out and to help Presh begins.
Fantastic characters, not something I've read about before.
Can't wait for the next, but now I'm going to listen to the audio of the book now I've read it.
I am seriously mad at this book. There is a central mystery, one that at about 50% of my way through the book is making me want to shake several characters because they are being very sullen and NOT TALKING TO EACH OTHER, despite many opportunities. I skipped ahead to see when it is solved, only to discover it’s not even confirmed until the end, as a cliffhanger.
The character seems to loose her will and direction about midway through. Frankly, for all the complaining about needing sleep, if she had complained like this in the beginning the would be no story. Drive is gone, replaced by a, frankly, annoying acceptance and…. Willingness to drift.
And not talk to anyone. Or for anyone to try and talk to her. There’s no reason given for that, by the way. No, “if I talk about this you will die.” It’s just plot shenanigans to stretch it out. I have been reading this author for years and I really expected better..
It’s 3 star bc the first 1/3 is 5*.
Edit: finished. Nothing is solved. It's not just one cliffhanger, I can think of about 5.
Although I absolutely adore this author, this title bothers n=me. I am an older person who believes that when something goes awry, it has gone all wrong. Hardly the correct title for this person although certainly a LOT has gone wrong. Conduit is a correct term and I am all on board with that skill. Her shifters are kick a$$. Her protege has potential. This series is enthralling. I am anxious for Meghan’s headaches to ease so she can write. I would also like her to read Diane Duvall’s Immortal Guardian’s books. I absolutely love them. She also writes others that I do not enjoy, so there’s that. Back to this series,as for all of Meghan’s books I read cover to cover, non stop.
This book desperately needs to have "implied sibling incest" added to the content warning list.
I really like most of Meghan Ciana Doidge's books. I wanted to like this new series. I read the entire book, and I was desperately hoping that I was wrong about the implications right up until the end, but nope. The last few chapters basically confirm that the three half-brothers were all in a relationship with the same woman at the same time. One of the male leads also keeps talking about how things "make his cock twitch" and the entire world system seems built in a way that over-idealizes biker culture, but those are really secondary concerns to the main ick.
I have read every book Meghan Ciana Dodge has written in her dowser series, but with her new Awry series she has created a world where there are individuals who have the power to manipulate fate. Zayer Gage is one of those people, and on her way to her childhood home she decides to help a young teenage, who is an awry, from being kidnapped. But by doing so she changes some fate and becomes involved with the kidnapped teens family who are all powerful shapeshifters. I enjoyed the store and can't wait to read more about this different universe.
One of the fun things about a new series or world from Meghan is letting go of expectations and trusting that it will all start to make sense, this new world of magic and essence. A “knowing” so to speak. ;) I loved the build of the story, and the development of the MC as she adjusts to her new role in the world. I wish I knew more about this “world” they live in and how it got there. I also appreciated the rough language and content that fits with this world where no one seems safe. Nice to see Meghan let loose and have fun with that. It didn’t take too long before I couldn’t put the book down. And now I’m anxiously awaiting the follow up.
As usual, Doidge creates another interesting series. This one about Zara Gage, a Conduit of Essence, the Universe’s energy.
Doidge always excels at world building. And in her Awry world we gain extensive knowledge of it. The characters are fully brought to life, with detailed info on each one.
It seems that the Awry world is close to her wonderful Adept Universe. But I’m not sure if it takes place there or not. Even so, I’m looking forward to the subsequent novels in this series as well as her Adept universe.
Something about this didn’t click for me at all, unfortunately. I think it was meant to be mysterious and flowing but instead it was confusing and not in a good way. Insanely repetitive comments from the MC about being in the present, not being worried, not feeling like doing anything, etc got old fast. I’ve read every book by the author and I’m familiar with her writing style but this was just over the top and not really enjoyable to read at all. I plan to read the second one in the hopes that Zaya wakes up, and also I really want to see her take on a RH.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wonderful first book in a series. Meghan Ciana Doidge has done it again! She created an intriguing and exciting new universe. In the first book we meet Zara Gage, the Conduit and see how she rescues Presh (another Awry) from some terrible folks. As we follow along we discover more about the universe, about Zara and about her soul-bound mates that she can't remember! Something is not right. The first book does not answer all the questions. I can't wait until the second one. Definitely a new series I will be reading.
She warned us throughout her building process, but it still took a hot minute to settle into her flow and rhythm as it compares to how Dowser reads. But she also had changed a bit for amplifier too as her writing maturation and interests changed too.
I’m fascinated by the new world, another intriguing urban mythos to unspool as she goes along. Without giving spoilers, Rought is my favorite and I’m very much looking forward to more of the series. Loads of mysteries to settle in for.
I've been awaiting this book for months. I so enjoyed the author's previous series and this book did not disappoint. Another unique take on gifted individuals and how they cope with some "gifts" which can feel like burdens. The importance of family and chosen family plus friends cannot be ignored in difficult circumstances. My only problem is waiting for the next book!
I don’t often write reviews - but I had to for the one. I started and couldn’t stop. My husband commented he wished he could find a book to read that had him as riveted as I was with this. It’s heartfelt and sexy and mysterious, with a hint of cheekiness. I always love Meghan’s writing but this one has me hooked more than usual, the characters spoke to me, and I can’t wait for more.
First book in a much anticipated new series. Wow! This book is intense! Zaya is an incredible, complex character and the storylines/arcs started here are going to capture so many hearts and minds. I couldn’t put the book down, staying up way too late for “just one more chapter!” This is going to be an amazing series! I can't wait to unravel the "threads" and see where it goes. MCD’s ability to put so much genuine emotion into the books she writes is truly a special gift.
I love this new world and am getting excited for the second installment of this new series. The world is set a bit South of where I am. I recognize the place names and can picture the settings well. The kindness and courage of the main character is very meaningful. They have started to unravel the past as they navigate the current challenges and I am looking forward to more answers from there. Novels by Meghan Ceana Doidge never disappoint me, I love them all.