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Bite Back #3
Wild Card
Librarian Note: This a previously-published edition of ASIN B00HGW0QZY
Amber Farrell, Denver PI, is hunting for the rogue Were in the secret heart of her home town.
She’s unsure whether she can keep ahead of her own lethal problems long enough to catch the rogue, and she isn’t being helped by any of the paranormal community.
And every new discovery seems to change the whole game…
Amber Farrell, Denver PI, is hunting for the rogue Were in the secret heart of her home town.
She’s unsure whether she can keep ahead of her own lethal problems long enough to catch the rogue, and she isn’t being helped by any of the paranormal community.
And every new discovery seems to change the whole game…
506 pages, ebook
First published December 23, 2013
891 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Mark Henwick
42 books363 followersI was born in Africa and left out in the sun too often.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
July 23, 2022
Just a few short weeks after preventing a war between the two athanate factions, Amber once again finds herself caught in a tug-of-war between her three parts; her werewolf; her athanate; and her adept.
A rogue werewolf is brutally murdering werewolves and humans and it falls to Amber to hunt him down, but things are never simple when Amber is in the room. Just as she is beginning to get a grip on her athanate, the local werewolf pack want her to submit to the alpha, and the adept community think she herself might be going rogue.
Adding to her complicated life, the rogue has turned its attention to her and a faction of her old military unit is also determined to hunt her down.
Wild Card is a big book and there is a lot going on. Those two things are generally a red flag for me. Not a big fan of weighty tomes and I think stories are generally best told without too much distraction.
Not here. Wild Card is brilliant. I can't think of any author who could do better, and yeah I'm going to go there –– Mark Henwick is the equal of Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter and Jennifer Estep. He owns this genre.
A rogue werewolf is brutally murdering werewolves and humans and it falls to Amber to hunt him down, but things are never simple when Amber is in the room. Just as she is beginning to get a grip on her athanate, the local werewolf pack want her to submit to the alpha, and the adept community think she herself might be going rogue.
Adding to her complicated life, the rogue has turned its attention to her and a faction of her old military unit is also determined to hunt her down.
Wild Card is a big book and there is a lot going on. Those two things are generally a red flag for me. Not a big fan of weighty tomes and I think stories are generally best told without too much distraction.
Not here. Wild Card is brilliant. I can't think of any author who could do better, and yeah I'm going to go there –– Mark Henwick is the equal of Patricia Briggs, Faith Hunter and Jennifer Estep. He owns this genre.
June 30, 2017
"Wild Card” is Book Three of the “Bite Back” series. The author plans 10-12 books for the series, so settle in for a long, enjoyable, ride! The books feature numerous plots and subplots, and there are enough characters to populate a medium-sized city, so don’t try to jump into the series out of order. Amber Farrell, the MC, finally consummates her physical attraction to Jen, but while she is now officially bisexual, the series only occasionally features overt sexual situations. Don’t read this series for eroticism or romance.
What “Wild Card” and the series does continue to present is amazingly intricately woven plots and subplots among and between humans and various paranormal groups (Athanates (vampires), Weres (wolves, bears and cats so far), witches, and spirit guides (bears, wolves and dragons so far!)). Book three also ramps up the graphic description of torture and violence too…be warned!
With all of the characters and interlinked plot lines, I was surprised to find that the Rogue killer that everyone was hunting was really obvious to the reader. Sometimes a mystery book lets the reader in on the secret and we wonder how and when the book characters will solve the crime. Here, though, it doesn't feel like we were supposed to know until Amber figured it out, so I was a bit annoyed she missed so many obvious clues.
GF Jen’s character is still a bit too cardboardy for my taste, though I enjoyed their brief scene of passion. BF Alex’s character plays a larger role than Jen in the book (but happily without any explicit action in this book!). “Wild Card” ends with hints that Jen, Alex and Amber are going to work (and play?) closer together in the future. Other characters, both repeat and new, continue to develop and show their individual personalities, and they are used well within the many details of “Wild Card”. The author shows that he’s willing to kill off characters we like as well as unnamed faces.
I don’t want to add any spoilers, but at one point “Wild Card” felt like Robert Ludlum’s “The Bourne Identity” – Amber thought she knew why everyone was after her….but now she suspects her memory has been tampered with, and perhaps there are new and unknown reasons that she’s a target of mysterious baddies.
The narrator, Julia Motyka, continues to do a great job. With all the action, though, some might consider her style to be a bit detached. I prefer that to an overly breathy reader, though. A somewhat similar series to “Bite Back” is J.R.Rain’s “Vampire for Hire” series. That series offers more bits of humor, and far less intricate politics. Dina Pearlman, the narrator for “Vampire for Hire”, portrays the Judge Judy loving character Samantha Moon better, I think, than would Julia Motyka. If you like “Vampire for Hire”, but want an edgier feel with a larger cast of characters and a less snarky-toned narrator, I think you’ll really like Julia Motyka and “Bite Back”.
4.5* for “Wild Card”, with ½ star deducted for making the villain too obvious, but rounded up to 5* on the strength of the narration and appreciation for the overall level of entertainment.
What “Wild Card” and the series does continue to present is amazingly intricately woven plots and subplots among and between humans and various paranormal groups (Athanates (vampires), Weres (wolves, bears and cats so far), witches, and spirit guides (bears, wolves and dragons so far!)). Book three also ramps up the graphic description of torture and violence too…be warned!
With all of the characters and interlinked plot lines, I was surprised to find that the Rogue killer that everyone was hunting was really obvious to the reader. Sometimes a mystery book lets the reader in on the secret and we wonder how and when the book characters will solve the crime. Here, though, it doesn't feel like we were supposed to know until Amber figured it out, so I was a bit annoyed she missed so many obvious clues.
GF Jen’s character is still a bit too cardboardy for my taste, though I enjoyed their brief scene of passion. BF Alex’s character plays a larger role than Jen in the book (but happily without any explicit action in this book!). “Wild Card” ends with hints that Jen, Alex and Amber are going to work (and play?) closer together in the future. Other characters, both repeat and new, continue to develop and show their individual personalities, and they are used well within the many details of “Wild Card”. The author shows that he’s willing to kill off characters we like as well as unnamed faces.
I don’t want to add any spoilers, but at one point “Wild Card” felt like Robert Ludlum’s “The Bourne Identity” – Amber thought she knew why everyone was after her….but now she suspects her memory has been tampered with, and perhaps there are new and unknown reasons that she’s a target of mysterious baddies.
The narrator, Julia Motyka, continues to do a great job. With all the action, though, some might consider her style to be a bit detached. I prefer that to an overly breathy reader, though. A somewhat similar series to “Bite Back” is J.R.Rain’s “Vampire for Hire” series. That series offers more bits of humor, and far less intricate politics. Dina Pearlman, the narrator for “Vampire for Hire”, portrays the Judge Judy loving character Samantha Moon better, I think, than would Julia Motyka. If you like “Vampire for Hire”, but want an edgier feel with a larger cast of characters and a less snarky-toned narrator, I think you’ll really like Julia Motyka and “Bite Back”.
4.5* for “Wild Card”, with ½ star deducted for making the villain too obvious, but rounded up to 5* on the strength of the narration and appreciation for the overall level of entertainment.
December 27, 2013
I really wish I could remember my own warnings. I should have remembered that I need a full bottle of chamomile at the end of Mr Henwick's stories. Because for most of the novels you get your heart lodged in your throat, the adrenaline spike doesn't ever lower, and you pant as you had been running with her.
Anyway, Wild Card keeps getting the stakes higher for Amber (and so for you too Reader). There is so much on her plate at this moment that it's either going to collapse soon or she's going to get in the wonder woman category...:)
The novel is full of both action and politics (of all flavours). And I admit I got lost a couple of times. (But then I suspect Amber did, too.) Trust is again at the centre of the plot, as Amber is involved in other people's games without any real info. Her House is cementing around her and, at the end, her wolf gets her due too.
The villain was self evident from the first time we see the character on page. But then the plot doesn't really move around this except as a prop to keep the story moving. I admit that the military angle was a little too shambled for my tastes. A covert op on top of a covert op with the FBI in the middle. A bit too much for me :D
At the end of the novel I was left satisfied and almost purring like an Athanate, except for Amber's personal life. As I said in my reviews of the first two books in the series, I still feel her acceptance of her bi nature can't really be this smooth and be real. I agree that being bisexual is a very obvious choice for a race living off sex and blood. Given that she had a traumatic, unwilling change and no previous hint of a different sexuality, I believe she should be less accepting (or maybe more questioning?). Here, the only reasons she stays away from Jen (or tries to) are linked to the fear of her vamp side.
I don't need useless drama, but this aspect and the sudden panic attacks didn't make her more real, on the contrary.
Moreover, and this is really personal, I never warmed to Jen. In this novel, though, she went overboard IMHO. She was the manipulative type of woman I honestly despise. I'm not sure what the author wanted to make her, but she strongly came out to me as such. And no is no, whether the other is male or female. I really hated the pre-sex scenes, the I-know-it-best bullshit.
Again this is personal, but I felt that the problems with Alex were highlighted, so to give Jen more spotlight. At the same time Amber taking Jen's feeling on her felt a deus ex-machina.
Anyway, Wild Card keeps getting the stakes higher for Amber (and so for you too Reader). There is so much on her plate at this moment that it's either going to collapse soon or she's going to get in the wonder woman category...:)
The novel is full of both action and politics (of all flavours). And I admit I got lost a couple of times. (But then I suspect Amber did, too.) Trust is again at the centre of the plot, as Amber is involved in other people's games without any real info. Her House is cementing around her and, at the end, her wolf gets her due too.
The villain was self evident from the first time we see the character on page. But then the plot doesn't really move around this except as a prop to keep the story moving. I admit that the military angle was a little too shambled for my tastes. A covert op on top of a covert op with the FBI in the middle. A bit too much for me :D
At the end of the novel I was left satisfied and almost purring like an Athanate, except for Amber's personal life. As I said in my reviews of the first two books in the series, I still feel her acceptance of her bi nature can't really be this smooth and be real. I agree that being bisexual is a very obvious choice for a race living off sex and blood. Given that she had a traumatic, unwilling change and no previous hint of a different sexuality, I believe she should be less accepting (or maybe more questioning?). Here, the only reasons she stays away from Jen (or tries to) are linked to the fear of her vamp side.
I don't need useless drama, but this aspect and the sudden panic attacks didn't make her more real, on the contrary.
Moreover, and this is really personal, I never warmed to Jen. In this novel, though, she went overboard IMHO. She was the manipulative type of woman I honestly despise. I'm not sure what the author wanted to make her, but she strongly came out to me as such. And no is no, whether the other is male or female. I really hated the pre-sex scenes, the I-know-it-best bullshit.
Again this is personal, but I felt that the problems with Alex were highlighted, so to give Jen more spotlight. At the same time Amber taking Jen's feeling on her felt a deus ex-machina.
July 21, 2017
4 1/2 Stars. Amber is an ex-cop, special ops bad-ass, who is now a P.I. She also happens to be, part vamp, part were and part witch. She has to balance her loyalty to the vamps and the pack, on top of chasing murderers and the bad guys chasing her. These books are fun, exciting and page turners. I read 3 in two days. I'm taking a break before I read the final two, but I miss them already.
Finally Henwick let Amber consummate her relationship with Jen, her girlfriend/partner/vampire kin. I was starting to not like the paranormal excuse that let Amber sleep with her Werewolf boyfriend but not her girlfriend. Wish it didn't take until book 3 to happen. Thank you Mark. Now can we let Amber bite and be bitten by some of these hot vamp women and vamp kin she has hanging around her. Whats a Vamp without biting?
I would recommend these books to paranormal fans without a doubt!
Finally Henwick let Amber consummate her relationship with Jen, her girlfriend/partner/vampire kin. I was starting to not like the paranormal excuse that let Amber sleep with her Werewolf boyfriend but not her girlfriend. Wish it didn't take until book 3 to happen. Thank you Mark. Now can we let Amber bite and be bitten by some of these hot vamp women and vamp kin she has hanging around her. Whats a Vamp without biting?
I would recommend these books to paranormal fans without a doubt!
February 15, 2018
I liked how things are consolidating with Amber and her minions. I rather liked some of the surprises that happened in this book. The Athanate—well that is something else I guess.
The too dangerous for this or that showed up again—more prevalent with the weres which is understandable with what they’re dealing with. It took long enough to get the rogue taken care of since it has been coasting along for three books now.
I liked most of the story, but I think it might have been a bit too much story in some parts. It seemed to drag in some spots and then in other spots I was wondering when they were going to get back to this point or that point. Lots of good action and my only wtf is that I wish she could get a little break or something.
I will just say, since I missed this in my first two reviews, that her sister is ... a bad word … just a bad word. Her character is annoying. I get it as it adds some interesting conflict to the story and gives a better insight into how Amber is how she is, but she’s still a bad word…. Just when you think they might be resolving things she goes and does what she does. It is just petty….It is massively frustrating to not be able to tell someone something though what they assume is horrible in the meantime.
The too dangerous for this or that showed up again—more prevalent with the weres which is understandable with what they’re dealing with. It took long enough to get the rogue taken care of since it has been coasting along for three books now.
I liked most of the story, but I think it might have been a bit too much story in some parts. It seemed to drag in some spots and then in other spots I was wondering when they were going to get back to this point or that point. Lots of good action and my only wtf is that I wish she could get a little break or something.
I will just say, since I missed this in my first two reviews, that her sister is ... a bad word … just a bad word. Her character is annoying. I get it as it adds some interesting conflict to the story and gives a better insight into how Amber is how she is, but she’s still a bad word…. Just when you think they might be resolving things she goes and does what she does. It is just petty….It is massively frustrating to not be able to tell someone something though what they assume is horrible in the meantime.
December 26, 2013
One of the few books I've been waiting for. I'm not sure if it's me or if Mark changed something in his style, but Amber seems to me much more like a living person in this book than it does in its predecessors. If I was to name what needs to be improved, it would be the first couple of pages. It feels as if you opened the book in the middle of the story until you figure out what's happening. It would also be better to leave less clues to the reader about the villain, as it becomes obvious who the villain is in the middle of the story while the main character still tries to figure it out. And these would be the only things that need fixing, in my opinion. Still the story deserves it's 4.7+ rating, so I give it 5 stars.
May 24, 2020
Très bien écrit, un tome sympa mais j’étais peut-être moins dedans. Des personnages qui se développent mais une intrigue générale et des intrigues secondaires beaucoup trop denses qui viennent alourdir ce tome ...
December 31, 2013
I love Mark Henwick's books. He's a superb write: articulate, erudite, good vocabulary, fabulously put together tales. A really satisfying read.
I'm not quite sure I like this book as much as the previous books. I felt it was a bit too long and dragged on a little bit with not a lot of results or progress developed by the key characters.
The communication and developments don't make as many moves as I expected but this is evened out somewhat by the strength of the characters involved, which are realistic and have the strength that is takes to pull them through life. They have real faults and real experiences that mold people into their own future, making them the sum of those parts.
I'm still holding my breath for the next episode in their lives and I'm still in love with Mark Henwick! He has the fabulous brain of someone you want at a dinner party, with a couple of bottles of wine.
Hail to Mark!
I'm not quite sure I like this book as much as the previous books. I felt it was a bit too long and dragged on a little bit with not a lot of results or progress developed by the key characters.
The communication and developments don't make as many moves as I expected but this is evened out somewhat by the strength of the characters involved, which are realistic and have the strength that is takes to pull them through life. They have real faults and real experiences that mold people into their own future, making them the sum of those parts.
I'm still holding my breath for the next episode in their lives and I'm still in love with Mark Henwick! He has the fabulous brain of someone you want at a dinner party, with a couple of bottles of wine.
Hail to Mark!
January 2, 2014
Well done Mark another great book - must admit that it took me a few pages to get into the book but once I got going I was knee deep in werewolves, "vampires" and adepts, mix in rogue special ops groups and a kick ass leading lady and I am as happy as a clam. Any gripes? not really, Mark might need some help with his covers, people buy with their eyes and that doesn't always mean that they are actually reading. Another thing was the the girl on girl action which is not my thing, a typical guy fantasy give me more of Alex any day but I will forgive Mark and keep reading the series.
March 7, 2018
Okay so to be fair I would give this book 3,5 star simply because I knew from the start who the killer was but other the that everything was good. The plot was full of action and I really liked it but sometimes I just couldn't keep up with the changes, I mean fro one crises to another but I think that is how it was supposed to be, Amber didn't have a time to take a breath why should we :)
May 18, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. It was as good as the others in this series.
I still find she is one of the better heroines i have read in a while. She doesn't need anyone to rescue her she gets herself our of scrapes for the most part. I really like her attitude. Still hate her sister
I still find she is one of the better heroines i have read in a while. She doesn't need anyone to rescue her she gets herself our of scrapes for the most part. I really like her attitude. Still hate her sister
August 27, 2016
Excellent installment of an excellent series. Action-packed, this book keeps you on your toes and entertained from beginning to end. Amber rocks!
October 3, 2019
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Amber est maintenant totalement embarquée dans la vie surnaturelle de Denver. Après avoir de justesse empêché une guerre entre Athanates, elle doit cette fois ci s'occuper d'un loup garou renégat qui sème la panique en commettant des meurtres.
Les tomes précédents se focalisaient sur les Athanates, ce qui était logique vu le passé d'Amber. Une fois cette intrigue la bien avancée l'auteur se concentre cette fois ci sur les autres surnaturels présents dans le secteur. C'est une évolution logique et classique en Urban fantasy. D'ailleurs tout dans cette série est très classique, et je ne dis pas ça comme un défaut, au contraire. C'est du solide, et si j'avais lu cette série dans ma découverte du genre je pense qu'elle aurait très bien pu se caser dans les premières places du podium.
J'ai trouvé que c'était un bon tome d'urban fantasy. Avec une intrigue bien dense et bien fournie. On n'a pas le temps de s'ennuyer dans cette série au final, les tomes sont fouillés et fournis.
Je trouve aussi très sympa que cette série soit finalement plus tournée vers l'intrigue principale et l'évolution du personnage en général et beaucoup moins vers une intrigue particulière et indépendante à chaque tome. Au final ce qui commençait comme une enquête banale pour Amber se lie avec tout ce qui c'est déroulé avant et prend sa place dans la tapisserie qui se dévoile petit à petit au fil des tomes.
Les autres personnages sont aussi très sympa à suivre et à découvrir. Amber se lie de plus en plus à l'ensemble de la communauté. Du coup on s'attache à ses amis, ceux qui forment maintenant la Maison Farrell.
Au final j'ai une fois de plus passé un excellent moment, et je lirais la suite avec plaisir.
16/20
Amber est maintenant totalement embarquée dans la vie surnaturelle de Denver. Après avoir de justesse empêché une guerre entre Athanates, elle doit cette fois ci s'occuper d'un loup garou renégat qui sème la panique en commettant des meurtres.
Les tomes précédents se focalisaient sur les Athanates, ce qui était logique vu le passé d'Amber. Une fois cette intrigue la bien avancée l'auteur se concentre cette fois ci sur les autres surnaturels présents dans le secteur. C'est une évolution logique et classique en Urban fantasy. D'ailleurs tout dans cette série est très classique, et je ne dis pas ça comme un défaut, au contraire. C'est du solide, et si j'avais lu cette série dans ma découverte du genre je pense qu'elle aurait très bien pu se caser dans les premières places du podium.
J'ai trouvé que c'était un bon tome d'urban fantasy. Avec une intrigue bien dense et bien fournie. On n'a pas le temps de s'ennuyer dans cette série au final, les tomes sont fouillés et fournis.
Je trouve aussi très sympa que cette série soit finalement plus tournée vers l'intrigue principale et l'évolution du personnage en général et beaucoup moins vers une intrigue particulière et indépendante à chaque tome. Au final ce qui commençait comme une enquête banale pour Amber se lie avec tout ce qui c'est déroulé avant et prend sa place dans la tapisserie qui se dévoile petit à petit au fil des tomes.
Les autres personnages sont aussi très sympa à suivre et à découvrir. Amber se lie de plus en plus à l'ensemble de la communauté. Du coup on s'attache à ses amis, ceux qui forment maintenant la Maison Farrell.
Au final j'ai une fois de plus passé un excellent moment, et je lirais la suite avec plaisir.
16/20
December 29, 2015
A little hectic, but these books are in many ways a cut above most urban fantasy and getting better. A bit more of a 3.5, but there is really a lot to enjoy in this series. The characters aren't wishy-washy. Or utterly obsessed with their love lives to the exclusion of all else. They don't constantly do and say dumb shit to seem tough (only occasionally). The narration doesn't endlessly bemoan sophomoric faux-morality. There's action, there's pathos, there's mystery, there's character development. And, thank the heavens, Amber gets shit done.
July 7, 2017
4 - 4.5
The stakes keep getting higher and higher. The supernatural communities - Were, Athlanate, & Adepts, amongst others - protect their secrets, making Amber tasks difficult and also making it harder to understand what she can say and do. For Amber, it's SNAFU. Nagas, a Were Rogue, the FBI, politics, and let's not forget family are obstacles. Then, there's the inner demons.
Poor Amber! I'm exhausted for her! Yet she treks in, protecting those important to her. She's not omnipotent. Amber takes a bruising. While there's a resolution at the end of "Wild Card," there's much still to be revealed about Amber.
I think the writing could be tighter. There were a couple times when I realized I had quite a bit more to read until the end. Then, the plot would bitchslap me! My heart would pound with the nail-biting moments. Phew! The ride has ended and I'm ready to return for another adrenaline rush.
Oh! And her sister! I can't wait until all is revealed to her.
The stakes keep getting higher and higher. The supernatural communities - Were, Athlanate, & Adepts, amongst others - protect their secrets, making Amber tasks difficult and also making it harder to understand what she can say and do. For Amber, it's SNAFU. Nagas, a Were Rogue, the FBI, politics, and let's not forget family are obstacles. Then, there's the inner demons.
Poor Amber! I'm exhausted for her! Yet she treks in, protecting those important to her. She's not omnipotent. Amber takes a bruising. While there's a resolution at the end of "Wild Card," there's much still to be revealed about Amber.
I think the writing could be tighter. There were a couple times when I realized I had quite a bit more to read until the end. Then, the plot would bitchslap me! My heart would pound with the nail-biting moments. Phew! The ride has ended and I'm ready to return for another adrenaline rush.
Oh! And her sister! I can't wait until all is revealed to her.
March 13, 2020
Well, that was an un-put-down-able read. Lots of plot, lots of character development, and our MC is growing up, and into her place in her world. I hope the momentum continues, because there are some plot bunnies that are not thoroughly dusted off - yet.
September 9, 2016
Light on the romance/sex, but whewwee - action, action, and more action. Tough, smart protag, complex fast-paced plot.
September 3, 2024
I truly think I’ve found my version of a mystical literary unicorn. As I’ve stated in the first two books, urban fantasy is my jam and the Amber Farrell P.I. series is utter perfection. Stumbling across these books on Audible was like finding the Holy Grail.
This third book was a monster. 20+ hrs on Audible and every single second was jam packed with the best storytelling imaginable. As usual, I will not rewrite the summary or give spoilers. I will say we are introduced to new characters who add even more flavor to this world. We explore so many new side stories and each of them are introduced beautifully and fit perfectly with Amber’s main story.
Mr. Henwick juggles multiple POVs, multiple storylines, changing dynamics and this book just never lets up on excitement and pushes the narrative forward without sacrificing character development. We see old relationships take on new meaning when ppl from Amber’s past in the military become a part of her new life in Denver. We take yet another deep dive into her relationships, both romantic and platonic, athanate and were.
It is so rare, which is why this writer is my literary unicorn, for a series like this to be utterly perfect each and every story. And for the books to just keep hitting that sweet spot page after page. Nothing feels rushed. Loose ends are tied up in a way that make sense. Some things are left open because they will be revisited in future books. Even though I’ve only read three, there are characters and plot lines that cross over from book to book and frequently questions are answered later on.
Another thing that really hit me with this book is that Mark Henwick does a great job writing female characters. He makes them smart, strong, independent women that I admire. Yet he doesn’t sacrifice their feminine sides despite that many of them are total badasses. Sir, you must have had great female role models growing up because you respect the women you write about. This woman appreciates that.
Lastly, I listen to these books on Audible, and yes, I do give a review there as well. The narrator, Julia Motyka is a huge reason that I listen to them first on audiobook format. She is a platinum level narrator. But I will admit that after I listen I buy the books for my personal library. Well…on to book #4.
This third book was a monster. 20+ hrs on Audible and every single second was jam packed with the best storytelling imaginable. As usual, I will not rewrite the summary or give spoilers. I will say we are introduced to new characters who add even more flavor to this world. We explore so many new side stories and each of them are introduced beautifully and fit perfectly with Amber’s main story.
Mr. Henwick juggles multiple POVs, multiple storylines, changing dynamics and this book just never lets up on excitement and pushes the narrative forward without sacrificing character development. We see old relationships take on new meaning when ppl from Amber’s past in the military become a part of her new life in Denver. We take yet another deep dive into her relationships, both romantic and platonic, athanate and were.
It is so rare, which is why this writer is my literary unicorn, for a series like this to be utterly perfect each and every story. And for the books to just keep hitting that sweet spot page after page. Nothing feels rushed. Loose ends are tied up in a way that make sense. Some things are left open because they will be revisited in future books. Even though I’ve only read three, there are characters and plot lines that cross over from book to book and frequently questions are answered later on.
Another thing that really hit me with this book is that Mark Henwick does a great job writing female characters. He makes them smart, strong, independent women that I admire. Yet he doesn’t sacrifice their feminine sides despite that many of them are total badasses. Sir, you must have had great female role models growing up because you respect the women you write about. This woman appreciates that.
Lastly, I listen to these books on Audible, and yes, I do give a review there as well. The narrator, Julia Motyka is a huge reason that I listen to them first on audiobook format. She is a platinum level narrator. But I will admit that after I listen I buy the books for my personal library. Well…on to book #4.
December 22, 2020
Fantastic Writing and Story
An outstanding writer above and beyond the general paranormal, urban fantasy vampire and werewolf genre. The Amber Farrell series should be read from he beginning as each book blends into the last scene of the previous book. The difficult adventures, the strategic military planning, the emotional depth and controversies within the characters, the believable plot twists and the consistency of the high caliber craftsmanship from one book to the next all makes this a fantastic series that is nearly impossible to put down once you start reading.
The minus one star is for the cover which does not remotely capture the main character nor the situation. Amber Farrell has lightly bronzed skin with auburn hair and green eyes due to her Arapaho mom and Irish father, NOT a black haired, white skinned woman as pictured on the cover. If she was real, Amber would roll her eyes and die laughing to see this rendition of herself preparing for an attack (not accurate either) in heavy eye makeup and pink manicured nails ... then she would throw down a demonically cutting remark about it’s absurdity.
An outstanding writer above and beyond the general paranormal, urban fantasy vampire and werewolf genre. The Amber Farrell series should be read from he beginning as each book blends into the last scene of the previous book. The difficult adventures, the strategic military planning, the emotional depth and controversies within the characters, the believable plot twists and the consistency of the high caliber craftsmanship from one book to the next all makes this a fantastic series that is nearly impossible to put down once you start reading.
The minus one star is for the cover which does not remotely capture the main character nor the situation. Amber Farrell has lightly bronzed skin with auburn hair and green eyes due to her Arapaho mom and Irish father, NOT a black haired, white skinned woman as pictured on the cover. If she was real, Amber would roll her eyes and die laughing to see this rendition of herself preparing for an attack (not accurate either) in heavy eye makeup and pink manicured nails ... then she would throw down a demonically cutting remark about it’s absurdity.
October 16, 2020
Great Book, Great Series
Amber is pursued by a corrupt unit from her former army command, FBI agents, and enemy Athanate. She has kept ahead of them and has retaliated. However, the rogue that she is trying to find has turned the tables and is pursuing her. Will she avoid her enemies and take them down before they get her? And what about the Denver Werewolf pack? Will they accept the wolf part of her trinity? I like the action, humor, and romance. I like the plot twists and sub plots as the agendas of the various groups are explored. The characters are very compelling,and I was saddened by the death of an interesting minor character. The story is gripping and rises in a crescendo of excitement to the end. I look forward to the next book.
Amber is pursued by a corrupt unit from her former army command, FBI agents, and enemy Athanate. She has kept ahead of them and has retaliated. However, the rogue that she is trying to find has turned the tables and is pursuing her. Will she avoid her enemies and take them down before they get her? And what about the Denver Werewolf pack? Will they accept the wolf part of her trinity? I like the action, humor, and romance. I like the plot twists and sub plots as the agendas of the various groups are explored. The characters are very compelling,and I was saddened by the death of an interesting minor character. The story is gripping and rises in a crescendo of excitement to the end. I look forward to the next book.
May 23, 2022
And I thought my life was busy... :O
Just stellar storytelling, or more accurately, its story-weaving, because there are all these threads that in lesser hands would be a sh!tshow. But its just so expertly imagined and executed that watching all the elements come together is a pleasure. Of course, for everything that comes together there is another, deeper obstacle to obliterate, and there is unexpectedly sad damage along the way, but the ride is so very worth it.
Heartiest of recommendations
Just stellar storytelling, or more accurately, its story-weaving, because there are all these threads that in lesser hands would be a sh!tshow. But its just so expertly imagined and executed that watching all the elements come together is a pleasure. Of course, for everything that comes together there is another, deeper obstacle to obliterate, and there is unexpectedly sad damage along the way, but the ride is so very worth it.
Heartiest of recommendations
August 17, 2020
Yet another night reading into the small hours
This is the third instalment in this series. The story arc is wonderfully complex and the characters have depth, are relatable and well developed.
The story continues as Amber hunts a rogue, explores her Were side, gets kidnapped and continues to bring more chaos in the paranormal community.
Needless to say, I've just bought book four.
This is the third instalment in this series. The story arc is wonderfully complex and the characters have depth, are relatable and well developed.
The story continues as Amber hunts a rogue, explores her Were side, gets kidnapped and continues to bring more chaos in the paranormal community.
Needless to say, I've just bought book four.
December 13, 2025
The best yet
I read the first book in this series because the premise seemed interesting. I enjoyed it and thought I’d give the second a chance. The writing was more confident and by the time I had finished that one, I was looking forward to reading the third.
And this one really knocked my socks off. It’s taut, well-paced, and keeps you turning the pages. While I, like other readers, had worked out who the rogue was very early on, to the point that Amber’s failure to see who it was became a mite frustrating, the denouement was good enough I couldn’t put the book down.
If you’re looking for something to read after Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock series like I was, you’ve just found your new must-have urban fantasy.
I read the first book in this series because the premise seemed interesting. I enjoyed it and thought I’d give the second a chance. The writing was more confident and by the time I had finished that one, I was looking forward to reading the third.
And this one really knocked my socks off. It’s taut, well-paced, and keeps you turning the pages. While I, like other readers, had worked out who the rogue was very early on, to the point that Amber’s failure to see who it was became a mite frustrating, the denouement was good enough I couldn’t put the book down.
If you’re looking for something to read after Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock series like I was, you’ve just found your new must-have urban fantasy.
December 11, 2023
Finally they deal with the rogue were.
It takes practically the whole book & 2 fired police persons. But they finally get there sick, evil were. And I mean evil the things he does in this book are pretty gross. Plus threatening children & not caring if they make it out alive is sick. Jen keeps going on crazy spending sprees. Clothes for people Amber brings to help with security. New uniforms for the security guards. Logos on the uniforms that have me unclear if she bought the company. Then she bought the mansion next door because they were running out of space at her house. Anything Amber needs for a mission including time to use a satellite so she can rescue the colonel & his wife. Skylur gets her through the Assembly by an unorthodox manner. At first Amber is upset and then angry until she sees what Skylur had been planning all along. A move that will bring Basilikos (probably spelled wrong) to the bottom of the food chain. In the end Amber has changed into her wet form several times without help. They convince Felix to let them in the pack so to speak. It's actually Felix's use of the call & knowing how to use it that make that decision.
It takes practically the whole book & 2 fired police persons. But they finally get there sick, evil were. And I mean evil the things he does in this book are pretty gross. Plus threatening children & not caring if they make it out alive is sick. Jen keeps going on crazy spending sprees. Clothes for people Amber brings to help with security. New uniforms for the security guards. Logos on the uniforms that have me unclear if she bought the company. Then she bought the mansion next door because they were running out of space at her house. Anything Amber needs for a mission including time to use a satellite so she can rescue the colonel & his wife. Skylur gets her through the Assembly by an unorthodox manner. At first Amber is upset and then angry until she sees what Skylur had been planning all along. A move that will bring Basilikos (probably spelled wrong) to the bottom of the food chain. In the end Amber has changed into her wet form several times without help. They convince Felix to let them in the pack so to speak. It's actually Felix's use of the call & knowing how to use it that make that decision.
August 19, 2024
Exciting, intriguing and a lot of fun to read!!!!!
Congratulations to Mark Henwick for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Congratulations to Mark Henwick for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 28, 2017
Good series
Still interesting. Equally important to me, still fun to read. Not much more to say, no one thing jumped out during this installment, but, still has me interested enough to go get the next one.
Still interesting. Equally important to me, still fun to read. Not much more to say, no one thing jumped out during this installment, but, still has me interested enough to go get the next one.
June 14, 2018
Loving it
This whole series is so well developed and progressive. Great work w character development and flashing back for prior info from other books without rehashing every event.
This whole series is so well developed and progressive. Great work w character development and flashing back for prior info from other books without rehashing every event.
August 6, 2020
Really coming together
From one adventure to the next, Amber Farrell is learning more about herself, her friends and her enhanced abilities. This story continues on from the previous books; again, no cliffhangers. Really enjoying the series. A number of spots where I kept trying to read faster to find out more and more. Definitely a badass with a good moral compass. She's having to work on that compass, one situation at a time, but that is true for all of us.
From one adventure to the next, Amber Farrell is learning more about herself, her friends and her enhanced abilities. This story continues on from the previous books; again, no cliffhangers. Really enjoying the series. A number of spots where I kept trying to read faster to find out more and more. Definitely a badass with a good moral compass. She's having to work on that compass, one situation at a time, but that is true for all of us.
January 5, 2021
The Rogue
This book is arguably the most convoluted special ops mystery you will ever read. So technological specific with weapons, troops, apache helicopter, and oh yes.....helicopters. The most fantastic nail biter escape with one on a thruway. Wow.
This book is arguably the most convoluted special ops mystery you will ever read. So technological specific with weapons, troops, apache helicopter, and oh yes.....helicopters. The most fantastic nail biter escape with one on a thruway. Wow.
May 26, 2021
What a story!!
Wow! I absolutely love this story. Danger, love and commitment all in one. One of the best stories I have read in a while. The characters are diverse and extremely interesting. You will lose yourself in it.
Wow! I absolutely love this story. Danger, love and commitment all in one. One of the best stories I have read in a while. The characters are diverse and extremely interesting. You will lose yourself in it.
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