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Cantati Chronicles #1
Anointed
My name is Alana Devereaux. I enjoy the simple things in life, walks in the park, sky gazing, and ripping a demon's heart out through its chest. I am a demon slayer, the last of my kind, and I have been sent back through time to save your world. How am I doing so far? My time travel went haywire, all the signs I needed to stop the prophecy have passed, and the only way I can save my world is by keeping yours from ending. Then there's Gaelen, most days I want to deck him. He hides his true motives and if it was not for the intel he had, I would be rid of him. Any day in my life without a demon attack is a good day; I haven't had a whole lot of those lately. The only problem is, if I don’t stop the Mutari, this world will burn.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2014
2 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Mae Gallagher
10 books990 followersBorn in St. Louis, Missouri, Maggie grew up listening to Cardinals baseball and reading anything she could get her hands on. She remembers her mother saying if only she would read the right type of books instead binging her way through the romance aisles at the bookstore, she’d have been a doctor. While Maggie never did get that doctorate, she graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with an M.A. in History.
Maggie is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes erotic romance under the name Anya Summers. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.
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Maggie is a bestselling and award-winning author published in multiple fiction genres. She also writes erotic romance under the name Anya Summers. A total geek at her core, when she is not writing, she adores attending the latest comic con or spending time with her family. She currently lives in the Midwest with her two furry felines.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MagMaeGallag...
Twitter https://twitter.com/magmaegallagher?l...
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Amazon https://www.amazon.com/author/maggieg...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 25, 2025
Every once in a while, I come across a book/series that I know I'm going to love. Anointed grabbed me immediately and left me wanting more.
Maggie Mae Gallagher vividly creates a world on the brink of destruction. To save this world, she then sends our heroine (Alana) back in time to stop the catastrophic events. Demons have flooded her world, and Alana's sole goal is to prevent that from happening.
Alana is an amazing character. She is a kick ass, demon-fighting, warrior woman and the only hope for humankind. She also knows she will never be able to return to the ones she is fighting to save. Although she waivers, she never gives up. Alana is the ultimate heroine you can completely get behind!
Gaeln plays a wonderful brooding alpha male. When Alana and Gaeln meet, it is explosiv,e with the relationship remaining mostly volatile.
Amazing plot twists and unexpected turns had me riveted to the pages. I loved the twining of magic, supernatural and fantasy into this contemporary world.
Gallagher writes brilliant paranormal from page 1...I can't wait to see where this story goes next!
I received this copy of Anointed from Maggie Gallagher in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie Mae Gallagher vividly creates a world on the brink of destruction. To save this world, she then sends our heroine (Alana) back in time to stop the catastrophic events. Demons have flooded her world, and Alana's sole goal is to prevent that from happening.
Alana is an amazing character. She is a kick ass, demon-fighting, warrior woman and the only hope for humankind. She also knows she will never be able to return to the ones she is fighting to save. Although she waivers, she never gives up. Alana is the ultimate heroine you can completely get behind!
Gaeln plays a wonderful brooding alpha male. When Alana and Gaeln meet, it is explosiv,e with the relationship remaining mostly volatile.
Amazing plot twists and unexpected turns had me riveted to the pages. I loved the twining of magic, supernatural and fantasy into this contemporary world.
Gallagher writes brilliant paranormal from page 1...I can't wait to see where this story goes next!
I received this copy of Anointed from Maggie Gallagher in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2015
Anointed by Maggie Mae Gallagher is the first book in her Urban Fantasy series, The Cantati Chronicles. The story is set in Europe with time travel, multi-dimensions, demons, Fae and witches. The world building is intriguing, extensive and very easy to grasp quickly.
Alana Devereaux is a Cantati demon slayer, also trained as a witch, who is sent back in time by her father to save humankind from elimination by the demons who have overrun the earth. She finds that another, Gaelan, a Fae prince is also trying to stop the coming destruction. Their attraction in explosive, but volatile because neither completely trusts the other and there are motives that are not shared.
The plot twists keep you reading. I love a strong female protagonist and the cover art beautifully shows a kick butt protagonist. I did have some difficulty warming up to Alana in the first quarter of the book so it seemed a little slow, but it picks up speed very quickly after that. I also thought there was a problem with her and Gaelan keeping secrets all the way to the end of this story after being intimate, but I definitely do want to read the next book in this series to find these secrets revealed. I look forward to these characters being a little more fleshed out in the next book and I want to see Phinn again.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Alana Devereaux is a Cantati demon slayer, also trained as a witch, who is sent back in time by her father to save humankind from elimination by the demons who have overrun the earth. She finds that another, Gaelan, a Fae prince is also trying to stop the coming destruction. Their attraction in explosive, but volatile because neither completely trusts the other and there are motives that are not shared.
The plot twists keep you reading. I love a strong female protagonist and the cover art beautifully shows a kick butt protagonist. I did have some difficulty warming up to Alana in the first quarter of the book so it seemed a little slow, but it picks up speed very quickly after that. I also thought there was a problem with her and Gaelan keeping secrets all the way to the end of this story after being intimate, but I definitely do want to read the next book in this series to find these secrets revealed. I look forward to these characters being a little more fleshed out in the next book and I want to see Phinn again.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2018
1.5
So, this was not very good. I won't go so far as to say horrible, but not very good. It's full of plot holes (and a pretty problematic paradox), both the heroine and hero are unlikable, assumptions are made and not supported, and there is no real conclusion.
It was not liking Alana or Gaelen that really clinched it for me. Her entire personality is contrary, angry, full of bluster, and distrust. I promise, authors, a female character can be touch without being so prickly as to be nothing but solid unpleasantness. He is abusive and possessive. Somehow these two horrible people fall in love with each other, though I never saw why or how...or really when. It just suddenly was.
Plus, I want my badass female characters to be badass. Alana was at best inconsistent. Taking on 60 demons one minute and not able to beat 6 men the next. She was constantly making threats she couldn't or wouldn't, certainly didn't follow through with. She was constantly demanding information she was never given and she was constantly given orders she didn't like, but followed. In the end, she felt like a child rebelling against a parent, but doing as told.
Then there was the author's use of rape. It a much overused method authors use when they want to make sure readers know a man is really bad. Not just bad, but really bad. And they (the authors) prance out the rape threats. It's so overdone as to be boring and totally infuriating. Rape should be so much more than a plot device!
Speaking of plot devices, there were far too many major coincidences. Alana developed abilities as needed and, at one point, when locked in a room (by someone who was going to rape her, but was conveniently interrupted by a knock at the door and had to leave) she found he'd dropped the key on the floor! Yes, the author went there.
So, I said it was bad, but not horrible. In writing this review, I think I talked myself into saying this book is horrible. I will not be continuing the series.
So, this was not very good. I won't go so far as to say horrible, but not very good. It's full of plot holes (and a pretty problematic paradox), both the heroine and hero are unlikable, assumptions are made and not supported, and there is no real conclusion.
It was not liking Alana or Gaelen that really clinched it for me. Her entire personality is contrary, angry, full of bluster, and distrust. I promise, authors, a female character can be touch without being so prickly as to be nothing but solid unpleasantness. He is abusive and possessive. Somehow these two horrible people fall in love with each other, though I never saw why or how...or really when. It just suddenly was.
Plus, I want my badass female characters to be badass. Alana was at best inconsistent. Taking on 60 demons one minute and not able to beat 6 men the next. She was constantly making threats she couldn't or wouldn't, certainly didn't follow through with. She was constantly demanding information she was never given and she was constantly given orders she didn't like, but followed. In the end, she felt like a child rebelling against a parent, but doing as told.
Then there was the author's use of rape. It a much overused method authors use when they want to make sure readers know a man is really bad. Not just bad, but really bad. And they (the authors) prance out the rape threats. It's so overdone as to be boring and totally infuriating. Rape should be so much more than a plot device!
Speaking of plot devices, there were far too many major coincidences. Alana developed abilities as needed and, at one point, when locked in a room (by someone who was going to rape her, but was conveniently interrupted by a knock at the door and had to leave) she found he'd dropped the key on the floor! Yes, the author went there.
So, I said it was bad, but not horrible. In writing this review, I think I talked myself into saying this book is horrible. I will not be continuing the series.
May 24, 2015
Alana doesn't seem to be capable of following orders which is not great for a Lieutenant in a demon war. You don't get to ignore orders just because your father is General. Actually she's not very good at her job overall. She skipped all her field training and she wanders about dumbly wondering where she can find books in London...
I hate this idiot! She was the one who wasn't careful enough about getting followed and led the demons to their fortified hideout which is about to fall thanks to her stupidity. Her father tells her that their only hope is for her to time travel and stop the demon war before it starts. Despite this being the only hope to save everyone, she stands and debates whether to do it as the demons get into that very room, delaying so long that she almost gets herself killed. Seriously, she is an annoying and frustrating character and I wanted to shoot her for being a moron. And that was just the opening chapter, which didn't bode well.
Instead of following Alana's arrival in the past, we suddenly get someone called Belinda giving us a history of who Alana is and what her people are, which confused me slightly and seemed like a strange place for an info dump. It might have been better for Alana to tell us this story herself as she moves through London.
Alana is such a whiny brat and seems to be forever moaning about not having her gun with her. You had it knocked out of your hand by the demon which was totally your own fault! Had you followed your dad's instructions instead of diddying around, you and your gun would be safely through the machine before the demon grabbed you. Stop whining and deal with it. I also found her way of communicating very annoying. She was talking about the future as if it was the present, which is fine because it's pretty easy to follow that plot in a time travel story. But it gets annoying that she then keeps correcting herself to remind us that she is in the past now. We get it, we're not stupid, so stop going on about it! Sheesh!
And the plot is scrambling my brain. Alana arrives at the wrong time, later than planned and has missed the chance for the standing stones to show a map to a sword to protect the flame and shut 22 eyes to defeat the demon. Huh???
No I don't think I'll bother going any further thanks. The MC is an annoying clown, the plot is confused and not greatly interesting. I'm not going to continue with this book and I doubt I would read anything else by the author.
I hate this idiot! She was the one who wasn't careful enough about getting followed and led the demons to their fortified hideout which is about to fall thanks to her stupidity. Her father tells her that their only hope is for her to time travel and stop the demon war before it starts. Despite this being the only hope to save everyone, she stands and debates whether to do it as the demons get into that very room, delaying so long that she almost gets herself killed. Seriously, she is an annoying and frustrating character and I wanted to shoot her for being a moron. And that was just the opening chapter, which didn't bode well.
Instead of following Alana's arrival in the past, we suddenly get someone called Belinda giving us a history of who Alana is and what her people are, which confused me slightly and seemed like a strange place for an info dump. It might have been better for Alana to tell us this story herself as she moves through London.
Alana is such a whiny brat and seems to be forever moaning about not having her gun with her. You had it knocked out of your hand by the demon which was totally your own fault! Had you followed your dad's instructions instead of diddying around, you and your gun would be safely through the machine before the demon grabbed you. Stop whining and deal with it. I also found her way of communicating very annoying. She was talking about the future as if it was the present, which is fine because it's pretty easy to follow that plot in a time travel story. But it gets annoying that she then keeps correcting herself to remind us that she is in the past now. We get it, we're not stupid, so stop going on about it! Sheesh!
And the plot is scrambling my brain. Alana arrives at the wrong time, later than planned and has missed the chance for the standing stones to show a map to a sword to protect the flame and shut 22 eyes to defeat the demon. Huh???
No I don't think I'll bother going any further thanks. The MC is an annoying clown, the plot is confused and not greatly interesting. I'm not going to continue with this book and I doubt I would read anything else by the author.
March 23, 2014
ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley
4 and 1/2 magnificent I'n-ready-to-fight-my-war stars
What will do you do if there are only three weeks till the end of the world left?
What if you know the consequences but no ideas of the rules of this game?
And what if you're not the only chance for survival of nation but a key to its destruction?
What will you do?
Meet Alana - a beautiful woman sent to our time to change apocalypse made long before her birth
and devilishly sexy and hot immortal being Gaelen.
Each of them have different past but their future goal is more or less the same: save humanity - prevent Democalypse.
Enemies at first will theu manage to team up and leave the world the same as we know it? Read and find it!
To tell you the truth I liked this story. I used to be a huge fan of PR and belive me I've a lot of it and I can tell you that this one is quite good. Characters are quite good written and the book is so full of action that it will catch your attention once and for all. It was quite a nice and fantstic read and I shoul say huge thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read it. IMO it's a must read for every PR fan. I hope you will not be disappoited.
And naturally I'm looking forward to the next books of this series!
4 and 1/2 magnificent I'n-ready-to-fight-my-war stars
What will do you do if there are only three weeks till the end of the world left?
What if you know the consequences but no ideas of the rules of this game?
And what if you're not the only chance for survival of nation but a key to its destruction?
What will you do?
Meet Alana - a beautiful woman sent to our time to change apocalypse made long before her birth
and devilishly sexy and hot immortal being Gaelen.
Each of them have different past but their future goal is more or less the same: save humanity - prevent Democalypse.
Enemies at first will theu manage to team up and leave the world the same as we know it? Read and find it!
To tell you the truth I liked this story. I used to be a huge fan of PR and belive me I've a lot of it and I can tell you that this one is quite good. Characters are quite good written and the book is so full of action that it will catch your attention once and for all. It was quite a nice and fantstic read and I shoul say huge thank you to the author and Netgalley for giving me a chance to read it. IMO it's a must read for every PR fan. I hope you will not be disappoited.
And naturally I'm looking forward to the next books of this series!
March 5, 2014
The cover grabbed my attention straight away when I saw this in the Netgalley catalogue. You should know by now that I like a good cover.
Then comes the story... Well. I read books for the romance aspect and it took a little too long, in my opinion, for anything even slightly romantic to happen. Yeah, I get she's on a mission to save the world and everything but surely she's allowed a little fun? Nevertheless, when it did happen. Phew! It was scorching. The attraction between Alana and Gaelen was hot from the very first meeting...and his eyes! The only problem with their attraction is that they don't particularly like or trust each other so they fight it, which results in some hot scenes.
There was a lot of description, which I will honestly say bores me to death sometimes and I skip over large areas. In this I scanned it, looking for important stuff that I might need to know.
It had a fair share of location changes; going from London to Wales to Italy to Ireland, as Alana hunted for the items and the information she needed to stop the demons from coming through the rift.
Not really for me, but if you like Urban Fantasy, lots of description, or some steamy sex scenes and attraction then this is probably for you.
Then comes the story... Well. I read books for the romance aspect and it took a little too long, in my opinion, for anything even slightly romantic to happen. Yeah, I get she's on a mission to save the world and everything but surely she's allowed a little fun? Nevertheless, when it did happen. Phew! It was scorching. The attraction between Alana and Gaelen was hot from the very first meeting...and his eyes! The only problem with their attraction is that they don't particularly like or trust each other so they fight it, which results in some hot scenes.
There was a lot of description, which I will honestly say bores me to death sometimes and I skip over large areas. In this I scanned it, looking for important stuff that I might need to know.
It had a fair share of location changes; going from London to Wales to Italy to Ireland, as Alana hunted for the items and the information she needed to stop the demons from coming through the rift.
Not really for me, but if you like Urban Fantasy, lots of description, or some steamy sex scenes and attraction then this is probably for you.
March 8, 2014
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Alana Devereaux, a demon slayer, is sent back in time to save humankind. The end of the world as we know it, otherwise known as Mutari is fast approaching. With the help of unlikely allies Alana races against time to save the world.
I liked the fantasy setting and the concept. The characters however, fell a bit flat for me. I found that I wasn't able to really care for the main character and I definitely did not like the potential hero.
Nevertheless, it was a nice debut Urban Fantasy.
ARC Courtesy of NetGalley and Maggie May Gallagher.
Alana Devereaux, a demon slayer, is sent back in time to save humankind. The end of the world as we know it, otherwise known as Mutari is fast approaching. With the help of unlikely allies Alana races against time to save the world.
I liked the fantasy setting and the concept. The characters however, fell a bit flat for me. I found that I wasn't able to really care for the main character and I definitely did not like the potential hero.
Nevertheless, it was a nice debut Urban Fantasy.
ARC Courtesy of NetGalley and Maggie May Gallagher.
November 22, 2014
First of all, extra star for originality (in some parts). There was a lot going on here, many genres were mixing which could have ended in catastrophe and mass confusion, but they blended and did so rather well in my opinion. The majority was fantasy, but then there are some sci-fi elements mixed in, like the futuristic and time travel bits. There are also demons aplenty along with witchcraft and magic, which adds a touch of the supernatural. All was nicely rounded off with the main part of the storyline - preventing the apocalypse. And there was some romance thrown in, which I always like.
Lieutenant Alana Devereaux is from the future. She lives in a time where humans are nonexistent. Her race is called the Cantati. They have really interesting powers, but they essentially are the "new" humans, an advanced version. The human population was wiped out by the Mutari (a fancy name for the decimation of humanity brought on by demons who escaped their dimension). Alana is sent back in time to single-handedly prevent this disaster after something really bad happens in her current world.
I really liked the storyline. There was so much going on, traveling from place to place in search of very important things that Alana needs in order to figure out how to stop the impending disaster. She meets people along the way, some potential allies, many enemies. She also wants to figure out who these 'enemies' really are and why they want to stop her. Another thing I liked was when Alana first gets to the past, she is essentially an alien. She doesn't understand what the humans are saying to her, she has no clue what regular food is, and everything is bright, noisy and shiny. She is used to darkness in her time, everything is subdued, and they eat weird food. She was delighted by fish and chips, but who isn't? :)
Now for the criticism. First of all, her name. Alana Devereaux is eerily similar to Nalini Singh's Elena Deveraux. Seriously, out of all the names available in the world (I believe that number would be unquantifiable), this is the name that's chosen? There were also many misused words (peaked used for piqued), which I am always annoyed with. Dictionaries, thesauruses, resources aplenty are at your fingertips for figuring words out. Only takes a second to use the proper word, which makes a world of difference. Using the improper word takes an otherwise intelligent story and really "dumbs" it up.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Despite my small criticisms, I will most likely look for any additional stories if this is to become a series.
**I received this eARC on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Lieutenant Alana Devereaux is from the future. She lives in a time where humans are nonexistent. Her race is called the Cantati. They have really interesting powers, but they essentially are the "new" humans, an advanced version. The human population was wiped out by the Mutari (a fancy name for the decimation of humanity brought on by demons who escaped their dimension). Alana is sent back in time to single-handedly prevent this disaster after something really bad happens in her current world.
I really liked the storyline. There was so much going on, traveling from place to place in search of very important things that Alana needs in order to figure out how to stop the impending disaster. She meets people along the way, some potential allies, many enemies. She also wants to figure out who these 'enemies' really are and why they want to stop her. Another thing I liked was when Alana first gets to the past, she is essentially an alien. She doesn't understand what the humans are saying to her, she has no clue what regular food is, and everything is bright, noisy and shiny. She is used to darkness in her time, everything is subdued, and they eat weird food. She was delighted by fish and chips, but who isn't? :)
Now for the criticism. First of all, her name. Alana Devereaux is eerily similar to Nalini Singh's Elena Deveraux. Seriously, out of all the names available in the world (I believe that number would be unquantifiable), this is the name that's chosen? There were also many misused words (peaked used for piqued), which I am always annoyed with. Dictionaries, thesauruses, resources aplenty are at your fingertips for figuring words out. Only takes a second to use the proper word, which makes a world of difference. Using the improper word takes an otherwise intelligent story and really "dumbs" it up.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Despite my small criticisms, I will most likely look for any additional stories if this is to become a series.
**I received this eARC on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Want to read
August 12, 2016Won a print copy of this book in a goodreads giveaway! Review to come.
January 3, 2023
I received this book as a gift and given the plot, I could understand why: urban fantasy, time-travel, hot sexy implications, a strong woman lead, it should be what I love. It needed serious editing and for editorial suggestions to be implemented to improve the plot and the phrasing. Is the main character Alana American or British? She goes back and forth in terms of her language. Does she know much about the past or very little? Is she a girly woman or raised to be a soldier? She thinks and makes comments show a confusion of who she is as a person. While she complains about men in the beginning and throughout, wow, the misogynist of this story is the main character who is a woman. Toss into that the side sections into other characters in third-person while Alana's chapters are all first-person, and I was utterly annoyed and thrown by this book. This should have and could have been much better.
I have empathy for self-published authors. It is difficult to write, edit, publish, and market a book, any book. What I don't have empathy for is when the writing and editing have been neglected. That is sadly the case here. At least it was a quick if frustrating read.
I have empathy for self-published authors. It is difficult to write, edit, publish, and market a book, any book. What I don't have empathy for is when the writing and editing have been neglected. That is sadly the case here. At least it was a quick if frustrating read.
March 12, 2014
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
Anointed The Cantati Chronicles is amazingly brilliant, it drags you willingly into Alana’s world of hands off your seat life and death the end of the world needs preventing and leaves you feeling exhilarated and begging for more. Maggie-Mae Gallagher is an author to keep an eye on and has found a place in my favourite authors list. Her characters are wonderfully three dimensional that you would love to meet though granted others you would definitely run screaming from instead. Alana is a character so unique and wonderful you can’t help routing for her, while Gaelen is wonderfully compelling, dangerous yet so seductive you would happily melt into a puddle by his feet. Anointed is the first book in The Cantati Chronicles and I can’t wait to read the rest.
Opening Scene:
Year 83 After Mutari
BLOODY HELL! THE Coven’s barriers had failed.
The Review:
Alana Devereaux loves the simple things in life, fighting and killing demons while protecting her friends/family and comrades. But everything changes when she’s sent back in time to stop the demons from entering Earth in the first place. Her mission save the World. Simple well kinda except for the fact she didn’t go back far enough leaving not a lot of time to find the required objects and figure out what she needs to do. Then with the complication of the very sexy and annoying Gaelen who Alana tries to avoid unsuccessfully things become interesting. With time running out and tempers flying and a mysterious group thwarting their every move when they’re not trying to kill them saving the World is becoming less likely.
Notable Scene:
I took a step right, toward the door, and his body moved with mine. Shit, I could pick them. Would he force me to remain?
Leave now! Before it’s too late!
“I’m leaving.” Hurry! I swiveled around him and damn near sprinted to the door. My hand reached for the door handle. I almost made it, too.
He grabbed me from behind and bodily spun me to face him. In seconds, the steel bands of his arms wrapped around me and held me prisoner.
I attempted to break from his grasp. My hands met his rock-solid chest and I pushed. Why wasn’t he….? I tried slipping my right shoulder down to wiggle out of his grip. He tightened his arms. Stars appeared in front of my eyes as my lungs were compressed.
Stomping on his foot did nothing. I went for the girlish attack and brought my knee within striking distance of his manhood. He crowded my body against the door, trapping my legs.
I gaped at him like a fish. I’ve thrown four hundred pound demons across alleyways, but I couldn’t make his arms budge an inch. His right leg pushed between mine and I found myself trapped. How was this possible? Who was he? None of the Cantati men had been this strong.
Bewildered, I peered into his eyes. Intense green scanned my facial expressions. He had the longest eyelashes. I stopped squirming and shut my eyes against the intoxicating fire in his eyes. My heartbeat clanked in my chest; I had gone straight from possible death by demon massacre to being kidnapped by strange man. I had to get out of there before I started hyperventilating with what little air he afforded me. With as much bravado as I could muster, I demanded, “Release me.”
An eternity passed. I waited for his response. My bones liquefied, melted into his. My traitorous body answered the carnal pull he emanated. Desire pooled in my belly. The coarse stubble of his five o’clock shadow whispered along my jaw. My pent-up breath expelled in a rush. I felt my nipples harden against his chest. His succulent lips moved next to my ear. “I’ll let you go this time. Next time, I won’t be so kind.”
Every word resonated and I knew my panties were wet. I wanted him. I inhaled to reply and his scent, dark and exotic, slammed into me. His essence stirred me; my blood recognized him. “There won’t be a next time.” I had to get out of here, immediately. Before I did something I would heartily regret.
He reached behind me and opened the door. “Yes there will be, I’m afraid. And I might not let you go. Then again, you probably won’t want to leave.”
“Not a chance in hell.” I backed out the door to the elevator. I’d never make the mistake of giving my back to that man ever again. He moved faster than lightening, faster than any Efrit I’d encountered. I kept pressing the button as he sardonically gazed at me. The bastard leaned against the door jam, arms crossed over his expansive chest. I prayed. Did it have to take the elevator forever to reach the floor? At this hour, no one else was up.
The doors slid open with a slight ding and I darted inside. I slumped against the back wall. His laughter followed me as the doors closed. What the hell was he? More importantly, what was I going to do about him?
FTC Advisory: Maggie-Mae Gallagher provided me with a copy of Anointed The Cantati Chronicles. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Anointed The Cantati Chronicles is amazingly brilliant, it drags you willingly into Alana’s world of hands off your seat life and death the end of the world needs preventing and leaves you feeling exhilarated and begging for more. Maggie-Mae Gallagher is an author to keep an eye on and has found a place in my favourite authors list. Her characters are wonderfully three dimensional that you would love to meet though granted others you would definitely run screaming from instead. Alana is a character so unique and wonderful you can’t help routing for her, while Gaelen is wonderfully compelling, dangerous yet so seductive you would happily melt into a puddle by his feet. Anointed is the first book in The Cantati Chronicles and I can’t wait to read the rest.
Opening Scene:
Year 83 After Mutari
BLOODY HELL! THE Coven’s barriers had failed.
The Review:
Alana Devereaux loves the simple things in life, fighting and killing demons while protecting her friends/family and comrades. But everything changes when she’s sent back in time to stop the demons from entering Earth in the first place. Her mission save the World. Simple well kinda except for the fact she didn’t go back far enough leaving not a lot of time to find the required objects and figure out what she needs to do. Then with the complication of the very sexy and annoying Gaelen who Alana tries to avoid unsuccessfully things become interesting. With time running out and tempers flying and a mysterious group thwarting their every move when they’re not trying to kill them saving the World is becoming less likely.
Notable Scene:
I took a step right, toward the door, and his body moved with mine. Shit, I could pick them. Would he force me to remain?
Leave now! Before it’s too late!
“I’m leaving.” Hurry! I swiveled around him and damn near sprinted to the door. My hand reached for the door handle. I almost made it, too.
He grabbed me from behind and bodily spun me to face him. In seconds, the steel bands of his arms wrapped around me and held me prisoner.
I attempted to break from his grasp. My hands met his rock-solid chest and I pushed. Why wasn’t he….? I tried slipping my right shoulder down to wiggle out of his grip. He tightened his arms. Stars appeared in front of my eyes as my lungs were compressed.
Stomping on his foot did nothing. I went for the girlish attack and brought my knee within striking distance of his manhood. He crowded my body against the door, trapping my legs.
I gaped at him like a fish. I’ve thrown four hundred pound demons across alleyways, but I couldn’t make his arms budge an inch. His right leg pushed between mine and I found myself trapped. How was this possible? Who was he? None of the Cantati men had been this strong.
Bewildered, I peered into his eyes. Intense green scanned my facial expressions. He had the longest eyelashes. I stopped squirming and shut my eyes against the intoxicating fire in his eyes. My heartbeat clanked in my chest; I had gone straight from possible death by demon massacre to being kidnapped by strange man. I had to get out of there before I started hyperventilating with what little air he afforded me. With as much bravado as I could muster, I demanded, “Release me.”
An eternity passed. I waited for his response. My bones liquefied, melted into his. My traitorous body answered the carnal pull he emanated. Desire pooled in my belly. The coarse stubble of his five o’clock shadow whispered along my jaw. My pent-up breath expelled in a rush. I felt my nipples harden against his chest. His succulent lips moved next to my ear. “I’ll let you go this time. Next time, I won’t be so kind.”
Every word resonated and I knew my panties were wet. I wanted him. I inhaled to reply and his scent, dark and exotic, slammed into me. His essence stirred me; my blood recognized him. “There won’t be a next time.” I had to get out of here, immediately. Before I did something I would heartily regret.
He reached behind me and opened the door. “Yes there will be, I’m afraid. And I might not let you go. Then again, you probably won’t want to leave.”
“Not a chance in hell.” I backed out the door to the elevator. I’d never make the mistake of giving my back to that man ever again. He moved faster than lightening, faster than any Efrit I’d encountered. I kept pressing the button as he sardonically gazed at me. The bastard leaned against the door jam, arms crossed over his expansive chest. I prayed. Did it have to take the elevator forever to reach the floor? At this hour, no one else was up.
The doors slid open with a slight ding and I darted inside. I slumped against the back wall. His laughter followed me as the doors closed. What the hell was he? More importantly, what was I going to do about him?
FTC Advisory: Maggie-Mae Gallagher provided me with a copy of Anointed The Cantati Chronicles. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
July 8, 2017
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Goodreads really needs a half star rating. Three seems too high, but two seems to low...
I had a lot of issues with this book, mainly its characters. Our heroine, Alana, is all badass and we're told right from the beginning that she can outfight just about any man in her society. Yet, when our love interest comes along, suddenly she's helpless and overpowered, and her clothes come off. If you're going to have a kickass female lead, make her consistent. Don't make her suddenly powerless in front of hunky men. It's fine if she wants to do the do with them, let her have fun if that's her thing, but it shouldn't make her suddenly able to be overpowered so easily.
Our hunky love interest man is another story. He is so creepy and falls in the category of men you'd run from if you met them in real life. He saves Alana's life, which is great and all, but then takes her back to his penthouse hotel suite and holds her there against her will. She fights back, but oh no he's too powerful for her. She voices her discomfort and tells him to leave her alone and let her leave and he refuses. And that arouses her. Why. This shouldn't get you going. Not at all. This is so wrong. I mean he does eventually let her go, but only saying the next time he sees her, she won't be so lucky. And he keeps that promise. The next time he kidnaps her, he puts an enchantment on her so she can't leave his side. If she does, she will magically appear back within his vicinity. (I'm unsure of the range of this, but she literally jumps off a balcony to get away from him and then magically appears back in his room.) Supposedly, this is for her own good and protection, but if she's truly as strong and capable as we were lead to believe in the beginning, she wouldn't need to be enchanted for protection. It's fine if she does need his help, I mean he's pretty handy in the demon slaying department himself. They do make a great team, fighting wise. It's just the way he goes about it is all wrong and creepy and please don't ever be with a man like this ever. Alana says numerous times she doesn't trust him, yet claims to love him. I'm sorry, but relationships are built on trust. If you can't trust someone, you shouldn't be in a relationship with them.
Now that that's out of my system, lets talk about world building for a bit. That was my favorite part of this book. The idea behind it, the demons entering the human world, starting the apocalypse, it's great. I love it. I just wish it had equally great characters to fill the world. I love the magic and the fighting, and the different worlds coming together and possibly ending. It's great and sort of makes up for terrible characters. I definitely want more of the world.
An initial problem I had right from the start was Alana goes back in time to stop the apocalypse from happening in the first place. My initial reaction was she can't do that because it would create a paradox. If she goes back in time to stop the apocalypse from happening, she wouldn't need to go back in time in the first place because there would be nothing to stop. Time travel hurts my brain, honestly, and I must say I'm glad that problem was fixed because it would have been something that bugged me to no end.
Honestly, I think if you're looking for some mindless love romping book, this would interest you. The sex scenes weren't anything exciting in my opinion, but that's also not my thing. (I'm also slightly concerned about the shower scene and feel like it was just inserted there for the sake of another sex scene but whatever floats your boat really). We know from the second Gaelen is introduced that he and Alana are going to get together. Heck, we know from reading the blurb they're going to get it on. I just wish I could like Gaelen. I wish he wasn't so creepy.
I'm conflicted on whether or not I want to continue this series. I really do love the world and the storyline, but I just don't care at all about any of the characters. I would have been perfectly fine with everyone dying in the apocalypse and having it end there. Perhaps if a copy is put in my possession, I'll read it, but I'm not going to seek out the next book.
2.5/5
Goodreads really needs a half star rating. Three seems too high, but two seems to low...
I had a lot of issues with this book, mainly its characters. Our heroine, Alana, is all badass and we're told right from the beginning that she can outfight just about any man in her society. Yet, when our love interest comes along, suddenly she's helpless and overpowered, and her clothes come off. If you're going to have a kickass female lead, make her consistent. Don't make her suddenly powerless in front of hunky men. It's fine if she wants to do the do with them, let her have fun if that's her thing, but it shouldn't make her suddenly able to be overpowered so easily.
Our hunky love interest man is another story. He is so creepy and falls in the category of men you'd run from if you met them in real life. He saves Alana's life, which is great and all, but then takes her back to his penthouse hotel suite and holds her there against her will. She fights back, but oh no he's too powerful for her. She voices her discomfort and tells him to leave her alone and let her leave and he refuses. And that arouses her. Why. This shouldn't get you going. Not at all. This is so wrong. I mean he does eventually let her go, but only saying the next time he sees her, she won't be so lucky. And he keeps that promise. The next time he kidnaps her, he puts an enchantment on her so she can't leave his side. If she does, she will magically appear back within his vicinity. (I'm unsure of the range of this, but she literally jumps off a balcony to get away from him and then magically appears back in his room.) Supposedly, this is for her own good and protection, but if she's truly as strong and capable as we were lead to believe in the beginning, she wouldn't need to be enchanted for protection. It's fine if she does need his help, I mean he's pretty handy in the demon slaying department himself. They do make a great team, fighting wise. It's just the way he goes about it is all wrong and creepy and please don't ever be with a man like this ever. Alana says numerous times she doesn't trust him, yet claims to love him. I'm sorry, but relationships are built on trust. If you can't trust someone, you shouldn't be in a relationship with them.
Now that that's out of my system, lets talk about world building for a bit. That was my favorite part of this book. The idea behind it, the demons entering the human world, starting the apocalypse, it's great. I love it. I just wish it had equally great characters to fill the world. I love the magic and the fighting, and the different worlds coming together and possibly ending. It's great and sort of makes up for terrible characters. I definitely want more of the world.
An initial problem I had right from the start was Alana goes back in time to stop the apocalypse from happening in the first place. My initial reaction was she can't do that because it would create a paradox. If she goes back in time to stop the apocalypse from happening, she wouldn't need to go back in time in the first place because there would be nothing to stop. Time travel hurts my brain, honestly, and I must say I'm glad that problem was fixed because it would have been something that bugged me to no end.
Honestly, I think if you're looking for some mindless love romping book, this would interest you. The sex scenes weren't anything exciting in my opinion, but that's also not my thing. (I'm also slightly concerned about the shower scene and feel like it was just inserted there for the sake of another sex scene but whatever floats your boat really). We know from the second Gaelen is introduced that he and Alana are going to get together. Heck, we know from reading the blurb they're going to get it on. I just wish I could like Gaelen. I wish he wasn't so creepy.
I'm conflicted on whether or not I want to continue this series. I really do love the world and the storyline, but I just don't care at all about any of the characters. I would have been perfectly fine with everyone dying in the apocalypse and having it end there. Perhaps if a copy is put in my possession, I'll read it, but I'm not going to seek out the next book.
2.5/5
March 23, 2014
3.5*s
I did like the idea behind this book and it promised to be awesome and whilst I did enjoy it - it was lacking ‘something’ that would have made it hit the spot. It had mostly everything you could want in a darker UF… the characters were good, I like strong capable women and Alana was all that, she was a warrior doing her best after being thrust back in time with the fate of humanity in her hands, she came across quite detached from everything and it was sort of hard to connect to her, she was very insular and a lot of the story was her inner thoughts which again made her hard to empathise & connect with plus she herself seemed to lack any real emotions… a soldier through and through. I thought that once the chemistry got going with Gaelen that we would see her soften and whilst we did - a bit - it wasn’t enough and again whilst I liked their connection, I wasn’t emotionally involved in it. Gaelen too could have had more depth, they both were so emotionless, with Gaelen, it was all possession – she is mine, I want her, I will have her – when it could have been so much more, it had the potential to be a cosmic thing, drawn together by the gods etc. but it failed and I wanted more; give me feelings, give me emotions…. They had a bit of a love/hate thing going on, but it wasn’t enough - I wanted them together, I wanted them to be passionate and consumed with each other but didn’t get it and it again came up short.
Now the storyline was really good, full of action and magic & I loved the idea behind it; A soldier from the future is sent back through time to prevent that which has wiped out humanity. She is the last hope, if she doesn’t prevent the Mutari – everyone dies! So yeah, the premise is awesome and got my curiosity going from the start. I liked how Alana had some powers, how she had magic and how she used it in her hunt for clues, it turned into a sort of scavenger hunt for clues and whilst she thought no one knew what she was up to or who she was…. She was wrong and this brought a lot of mayhem to the book as the threats appeared and she was none the wiser. This was amped up again when Gaelen came into play and things started to get really urgent with enemies around every corner and from unexpected places, always trying to take or kill Alana, I was grateful for Gaelen in a protectoral role because although Alana is capable, she isn’t fully aware of her enemies and what they are capable of, she‘s sort of blindsided by the power that is available to others, she’s unaware it even existed before the Mutari so she isn’t prepared to face it. The enemy was very formidable, a version of the devil and a massive army of demons at his back, who we know from the future have wiped out humanity and it’s hard to see how our heroine will be triumphant in her quest to prevent this plus you have to factor in that there are magical powers at play too… as in, there are a lot of enemies with them… and the humans without so again, it all seems one sided. But that is where we find out that there are more powers at play than what is seen and whether they are friend or foe remains to be seen and then there is a prophecy and we all know how much I love those soooo, the actual story was definitely a winner for me. I suppose my grumble is the depth of the characters and what they gave to me, I wanted a connection to them and I didn’t get that plus a lot of the time Alana was the only character available and that is where the inner thoughts came in and there was so much of that and I didn’t like it, I was desperate for interaction with others so was glad when Gaelen entered the picture and that changed but it wasn’t enough grab me. I would probably read a sequel and hope for better, I liked the ending and am left curious and that’s a positive thing.
I did like the idea behind this book and it promised to be awesome and whilst I did enjoy it - it was lacking ‘something’ that would have made it hit the spot. It had mostly everything you could want in a darker UF… the characters were good, I like strong capable women and Alana was all that, she was a warrior doing her best after being thrust back in time with the fate of humanity in her hands, she came across quite detached from everything and it was sort of hard to connect to her, she was very insular and a lot of the story was her inner thoughts which again made her hard to empathise & connect with plus she herself seemed to lack any real emotions… a soldier through and through. I thought that once the chemistry got going with Gaelen that we would see her soften and whilst we did - a bit - it wasn’t enough and again whilst I liked their connection, I wasn’t emotionally involved in it. Gaelen too could have had more depth, they both were so emotionless, with Gaelen, it was all possession – she is mine, I want her, I will have her – when it could have been so much more, it had the potential to be a cosmic thing, drawn together by the gods etc. but it failed and I wanted more; give me feelings, give me emotions…. They had a bit of a love/hate thing going on, but it wasn’t enough - I wanted them together, I wanted them to be passionate and consumed with each other but didn’t get it and it again came up short.
Now the storyline was really good, full of action and magic & I loved the idea behind it; A soldier from the future is sent back through time to prevent that which has wiped out humanity. She is the last hope, if she doesn’t prevent the Mutari – everyone dies! So yeah, the premise is awesome and got my curiosity going from the start. I liked how Alana had some powers, how she had magic and how she used it in her hunt for clues, it turned into a sort of scavenger hunt for clues and whilst she thought no one knew what she was up to or who she was…. She was wrong and this brought a lot of mayhem to the book as the threats appeared and she was none the wiser. This was amped up again when Gaelen came into play and things started to get really urgent with enemies around every corner and from unexpected places, always trying to take or kill Alana, I was grateful for Gaelen in a protectoral role because although Alana is capable, she isn’t fully aware of her enemies and what they are capable of, she‘s sort of blindsided by the power that is available to others, she’s unaware it even existed before the Mutari so she isn’t prepared to face it. The enemy was very formidable, a version of the devil and a massive army of demons at his back, who we know from the future have wiped out humanity and it’s hard to see how our heroine will be triumphant in her quest to prevent this plus you have to factor in that there are magical powers at play too… as in, there are a lot of enemies with them… and the humans without so again, it all seems one sided. But that is where we find out that there are more powers at play than what is seen and whether they are friend or foe remains to be seen and then there is a prophecy and we all know how much I love those soooo, the actual story was definitely a winner for me. I suppose my grumble is the depth of the characters and what they gave to me, I wanted a connection to them and I didn’t get that plus a lot of the time Alana was the only character available and that is where the inner thoughts came in and there was so much of that and I didn’t like it, I was desperate for interaction with others so was glad when Gaelen entered the picture and that changed but it wasn’t enough grab me. I would probably read a sequel and hope for better, I liked the ending and am left curious and that’s a positive thing.
September 29, 2014
I received this book free from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read some other reader reviews and it was interesting to see that readers either really loved or really hated this book. While I didn't like some of the character development, overall I thought the book and the story arc were very interesting.
Alana Devereaux is from a post-apocalyptic world 83 years after demons have overrun the earth in an event knows as the Mutari. Alana has been raised and trained to hunt demons and with her innate ability to sense demons, she is one of the best demon hunters of her time. The book opens, however, with the demons finally swarming the last remaining human compounds and in a last ditch effort to turn the tide, her father sends her back in time to prevent the Mutari before it happens.
The plot was pretty good and I liked Alana as a protagonist. I thought it was pretty realistic that there were times that she just wanted to throw in the towel and give up in the face of simply overwhelming odds. She was portrayed as a heroine, but with both insecurities and loneliness as everyone she has ever known and loved is now gone. The overall story and action received 4 stars for this review.
The reason I could not give this book 5 stars is because I felt the relationship and character development was a bit stilted and confusing. Gaelen is introduced as the unquestionably hot hero. I wanted to like him even though he was gruff and very alpha male. A lot of MCs are portrayed that way and it usually really works for me. In a love/hate relationship, typically there is a lot of angst, mistrust, and yes even hate, at the outset of the relationship - of course colored with extreme bursts of physical attraction - but this builds over time to a mutual respect and eventual love. In this book, however, I felt that it was too much of a flip-flopping of emotions. It was very hard for Alana to trust Gaelen and when she eventually opens up a bit, something will set them back. If this happened once or twice, fine, but this seemed to happen throughout the book in a dizzying effort to keep us on our toes. I felt it was just a little too much flip-flopping and it made me unable to really like Gaelen's character and question Alana's decision-making abilities.
Additionally, the character of Phinn was introduced at the same time as Gaelen which made me wonder if there was a potential love triangle in the works, but then Phinn was tragically underutilized and when he finally popped in again, it left me scratching my head thinking - what was that? I'm not sure if his character is going to make another appearance in later books and this is just a starting glimpse, but for right now I personally felt he didn't add much value to the story leaving way more questions than answers. I definitely have suspicions as to who Phinn really is, but we didn't get quite enough of him to make me care yet.
I felt the book was a little rushed towards the end with the introduction of the Fae queen and Alana's interaction with the Queen and King was also a bit quirky and unsatisfying. It felt even more rushed during Alana's "rescue mission" and it almost felt like a comedy of errors. Everything that could possibly go wrong does the plot goes a little all over the place.
Overall - story and world building received high marks but character development was not quite there. Since this is a first book in a series, however, I expect that the next book will flesh things out and answer the outstanding questions.
I purchased the prequel story after reading this one and I am intrigued by the plot, but I can't wait to get back to the current timeline and see if Alana can save the world.
I read some other reader reviews and it was interesting to see that readers either really loved or really hated this book. While I didn't like some of the character development, overall I thought the book and the story arc were very interesting.
Alana Devereaux is from a post-apocalyptic world 83 years after demons have overrun the earth in an event knows as the Mutari. Alana has been raised and trained to hunt demons and with her innate ability to sense demons, she is one of the best demon hunters of her time. The book opens, however, with the demons finally swarming the last remaining human compounds and in a last ditch effort to turn the tide, her father sends her back in time to prevent the Mutari before it happens.
The plot was pretty good and I liked Alana as a protagonist. I thought it was pretty realistic that there were times that she just wanted to throw in the towel and give up in the face of simply overwhelming odds. She was portrayed as a heroine, but with both insecurities and loneliness as everyone she has ever known and loved is now gone. The overall story and action received 4 stars for this review.
The reason I could not give this book 5 stars is because I felt the relationship and character development was a bit stilted and confusing. Gaelen is introduced as the unquestionably hot hero. I wanted to like him even though he was gruff and very alpha male. A lot of MCs are portrayed that way and it usually really works for me. In a love/hate relationship, typically there is a lot of angst, mistrust, and yes even hate, at the outset of the relationship - of course colored with extreme bursts of physical attraction - but this builds over time to a mutual respect and eventual love. In this book, however, I felt that it was too much of a flip-flopping of emotions. It was very hard for Alana to trust Gaelen and when she eventually opens up a bit, something will set them back. If this happened once or twice, fine, but this seemed to happen throughout the book in a dizzying effort to keep us on our toes. I felt it was just a little too much flip-flopping and it made me unable to really like Gaelen's character and question Alana's decision-making abilities.
Additionally, the character of Phinn was introduced at the same time as Gaelen which made me wonder if there was a potential love triangle in the works, but then Phinn was tragically underutilized and when he finally popped in again, it left me scratching my head thinking - what was that? I'm not sure if his character is going to make another appearance in later books and this is just a starting glimpse, but for right now I personally felt he didn't add much value to the story leaving way more questions than answers. I definitely have suspicions as to who Phinn really is, but we didn't get quite enough of him to make me care yet.
I felt the book was a little rushed towards the end with the introduction of the Fae queen and Alana's interaction with the Queen and King was also a bit quirky and unsatisfying. It felt even more rushed during Alana's "rescue mission" and it almost felt like a comedy of errors. Everything that could possibly go wrong does the plot goes a little all over the place.
Overall - story and world building received high marks but character development was not quite there. Since this is a first book in a series, however, I expect that the next book will flesh things out and answer the outstanding questions.
I purchased the prequel story after reading this one and I am intrigued by the plot, but I can't wait to get back to the current timeline and see if Alana can save the world.
March 4, 2014
Anointed is the first book in The Cantati Chronicles series and bound to appeal to fans of urban fantasy . Featuring an amazingly strong heroine who can seriously kick demon ass! A time traveling story that straddles genres this book may be just the beginning but it's a journey worth taking.
Alana Devereaux is one of the few human survivors of the Mutari, a cataclysmic event that saw the walls between dimensions being torn down and demons pouring out into the human realm. Now there's just a small hope for humanity and those who possess magic have banded together to send Alana back through time to try to stop the event from ever happening.
When Alana arrives she discovers that her timing really sucks! It's later than she'd hoped and the clock is ticking. Already demons are arriving and Alana is struggling to find out just what triggered the Mutari. Her journey leads her on a wild goose chase from one museum library to another searching for clues but she quickly discovers she's not the only one looking. Gaelen is sinfully attractive and just keeps turning up but can she trust him? Gaelen is unlike any male Alana has ever met he's strong, he's fast and he has powers that are unbelievable. Demons keep showing up but there are other sinister players involved and time is running out for both Alana and the rest of the world .
First can I just that I really liked the cover? Although as this heroine is crazy about any weapons she could have easily been depicted with an Uzi and it would be appropriate! It's a fast moving book with oodles of action. This heroine seriously does not know the meaning of giving up and it's an enthralling ride that the author takes us on. It even starts with an horrific event that would crush many but Alana is a fighter.
I loved that the action moved from place to place and it was interesting to see how the authors research played out. It's a story told mainly in first person so as readers we get more than a glimpse of Alana's thoughts and that actually does help give depth to the tale. Her attraction to Gaelen is off the wall and it's interesting to watch her struggle with both her duty and her fears. One thing is certain Alana will never give up. There's so much to be revealed about Gaelen and even Alana herself but perhaps even more compelling are the peripheral characters that are only just beginning to show their true colours.
So this story dragged me in and didn't let go until I'd finished reading. An end of the world scenario that didn't feel like a clichéd dystopian novel. Heroine who this reader totally believed in and a love interest to add a bit of spice . So anything I didn't like? I do have a niggle and it concerns the dialogue, I wanted more! Please Ms Gallagher allow these characters to verbally interact more as it will bring their story to life. I enjoyed their conversations but really wanted to understand more about Gaelens role in all this. As for the dialogue well I'm English and I'm sorry but we don't all sound like cockney chimney sweeps! A couple of times Alana dealt with shop assistants and taxi drivers and the way their speech was portrayed just grated on me, sorry. That being said I really did enjoy this book and am so looking forward to the plot moving forward in the next book.
A great beginning and well worth your time.
Four and a half from me
Alana Devereaux is one of the few human survivors of the Mutari, a cataclysmic event that saw the walls between dimensions being torn down and demons pouring out into the human realm. Now there's just a small hope for humanity and those who possess magic have banded together to send Alana back through time to try to stop the event from ever happening.
When Alana arrives she discovers that her timing really sucks! It's later than she'd hoped and the clock is ticking. Already demons are arriving and Alana is struggling to find out just what triggered the Mutari. Her journey leads her on a wild goose chase from one museum library to another searching for clues but she quickly discovers she's not the only one looking. Gaelen is sinfully attractive and just keeps turning up but can she trust him? Gaelen is unlike any male Alana has ever met he's strong, he's fast and he has powers that are unbelievable. Demons keep showing up but there are other sinister players involved and time is running out for both Alana and the rest of the world .
First can I just that I really liked the cover? Although as this heroine is crazy about any weapons she could have easily been depicted with an Uzi and it would be appropriate! It's a fast moving book with oodles of action. This heroine seriously does not know the meaning of giving up and it's an enthralling ride that the author takes us on. It even starts with an horrific event that would crush many but Alana is a fighter.
I loved that the action moved from place to place and it was interesting to see how the authors research played out. It's a story told mainly in first person so as readers we get more than a glimpse of Alana's thoughts and that actually does help give depth to the tale. Her attraction to Gaelen is off the wall and it's interesting to watch her struggle with both her duty and her fears. One thing is certain Alana will never give up. There's so much to be revealed about Gaelen and even Alana herself but perhaps even more compelling are the peripheral characters that are only just beginning to show their true colours.
So this story dragged me in and didn't let go until I'd finished reading. An end of the world scenario that didn't feel like a clichéd dystopian novel. Heroine who this reader totally believed in and a love interest to add a bit of spice . So anything I didn't like? I do have a niggle and it concerns the dialogue, I wanted more! Please Ms Gallagher allow these characters to verbally interact more as it will bring their story to life. I enjoyed their conversations but really wanted to understand more about Gaelens role in all this. As for the dialogue well I'm English and I'm sorry but we don't all sound like cockney chimney sweeps! A couple of times Alana dealt with shop assistants and taxi drivers and the way their speech was portrayed just grated on me, sorry. That being said I really did enjoy this book and am so looking forward to the plot moving forward in the next book.
A great beginning and well worth your time.
Four and a half from me
April 24, 2014
Alana is a Cantati, an enhanced magical human, one of the few who were born after the Mutari, when the demons broke down the barriers between their world and ours and unleashed their fury.
Now there’s only a few remnants of humanity left and she is one of their defenders – in the last days at the end of a losing war. Faced with extinction they have once chance – to send Alana back before the demons broke through and stop it, for the sake of humanity.
But when she returns to the past she finds herself with far less time than she thought she’d have and only a few cryptic clues to follow as the Mutari ticks ever closer. And there’s another figure, Gaelen, who knows about the demons and is looking for the same clues she is – but can she trust his agenda?
Oh dear, it’s one of those. Ok, before I sharpen my knives, it’s time to think of something nice to say. So here we go – the concept, the idea of demon gates giving people magic, of the different realms, of all the world building that was eventually revealed in painfully long info-dumps – is actually kind of interesting, This would be a fun world to play in and an interesting world to tell a whole load of stories with.
Alas, instead of those fascinating stories, we got this one.
This book is set primarily in the UK and mainly in London. Alana was born in London after the apocalypse (I can’t imagine travel was particularly easy in the dystopian world after the fact either). Yet she’s American… her accent is taken as American, her word usage is American, her thoughts point to an American… I find this rather bemusing
Almost as much as the Britain she describes. I would advise against ordering “biscuits” for breakfast in the UK, you may be served cookies. Or just be regarded with odd confusion. I don’t know where she’s finding Grand Central Station in London; London has over 300 stations, Grand Central isn't one of them. And I can’t even begin to guess at the accent transcribed here it’s like cockney meets Scottish with a side order of Dick Van Dyke – and it’s the same whether she’s in London or Scotland or Cambridge. She goes shopping in “malls” (not shopping centers), she manages to go into shops and stock up on guns quite easily.
The writing is also really clumsy – it’s scattered with hugely long winded monologues for the world building. Or because the author’s suddenly remembered that Alana has just watched everything she knows and loved die so we have a page or so of angry angst… then she gets on with things. It’s like flipping a switch, I can almost hear the author saying “oh shit, she’s supposed to be sad”.
We have some really rammed in staccato sentences and then some lines like this:
“With the dimensions open, humanity regained the magic that had been lost to the ages. This new breed of humans had been thusly named the Cantati”.
‘Thusly?’ Aside from freaky archaic word use, that would imply some explanation for the name – like the name would naturally follow from the explanation. So “thusly named Wizards.” Or Sorcerers. Or Magic Folk rather than a word that sounds like Italian singers.
Read More
Now there’s only a few remnants of humanity left and she is one of their defenders – in the last days at the end of a losing war. Faced with extinction they have once chance – to send Alana back before the demons broke through and stop it, for the sake of humanity.
But when she returns to the past she finds herself with far less time than she thought she’d have and only a few cryptic clues to follow as the Mutari ticks ever closer. And there’s another figure, Gaelen, who knows about the demons and is looking for the same clues she is – but can she trust his agenda?
Oh dear, it’s one of those. Ok, before I sharpen my knives, it’s time to think of something nice to say. So here we go – the concept, the idea of demon gates giving people magic, of the different realms, of all the world building that was eventually revealed in painfully long info-dumps – is actually kind of interesting, This would be a fun world to play in and an interesting world to tell a whole load of stories with.
Alas, instead of those fascinating stories, we got this one.
This book is set primarily in the UK and mainly in London. Alana was born in London after the apocalypse (I can’t imagine travel was particularly easy in the dystopian world after the fact either). Yet she’s American… her accent is taken as American, her word usage is American, her thoughts point to an American… I find this rather bemusing
Almost as much as the Britain she describes. I would advise against ordering “biscuits” for breakfast in the UK, you may be served cookies. Or just be regarded with odd confusion. I don’t know where she’s finding Grand Central Station in London; London has over 300 stations, Grand Central isn't one of them. And I can’t even begin to guess at the accent transcribed here it’s like cockney meets Scottish with a side order of Dick Van Dyke – and it’s the same whether she’s in London or Scotland or Cambridge. She goes shopping in “malls” (not shopping centers), she manages to go into shops and stock up on guns quite easily.
The writing is also really clumsy – it’s scattered with hugely long winded monologues for the world building. Or because the author’s suddenly remembered that Alana has just watched everything she knows and loved die so we have a page or so of angry angst… then she gets on with things. It’s like flipping a switch, I can almost hear the author saying “oh shit, she’s supposed to be sad”.
We have some really rammed in staccato sentences and then some lines like this:
“With the dimensions open, humanity regained the magic that had been lost to the ages. This new breed of humans had been thusly named the Cantati”.
‘Thusly?’ Aside from freaky archaic word use, that would imply some explanation for the name – like the name would naturally follow from the explanation. So “thusly named Wizards.” Or Sorcerers. Or Magic Folk rather than a word that sounds like Italian singers.
Read More
September 21, 2014
First of all, extra star for originality (in some parts). There was a lot going on here, many genres were mixing which could have ended in catastrophe and mass confusion, but they blended and did so rather well in my opinion. The majority was fantasy, but then there are some sci-fi elements mixed in, like the futuristic and time travel bits. There are also demons aplenty along with witchcraft and magic, which adds a touch of the supernatural. All was nicely rounded off with the main part of the storyline - preventing the apocalypse. And there was some romance thrown in, which I always like.
Lieutenant Alana Devereaux is from the future. She lives in a time where humans are nonexistent. Her race is called the Cantati. They have really interesting powers, but they essentially are the "new" humans, an advanced version. The human population was wiped out by the Mutari (a fancy name for the decimation of humanity brought on by demons who escaped their dimension). Alana is sent back in time to single-handedly prevent this disaster after something really bad happens in her current world.
I really liked the storyline. There was so much going on, traveling from place to place in search of very important things that Alana needs in order to figure out how to stop the impending disaster. She meets people along the way, some potential allies, many enemies. She also wants to figure out who these 'enemies' really are and why they want to stop her. Another thing I liked was when Alana first gets to the past, she is essentially an alien. She doesn't understand what the humans are saying to her, she has no clue what regular food is, and everything is bright, noisy and shiny. She is used to darkness in her time, everything is subdued, and they eat weird food. She was delighted by fish and chips, but who isn't? :)
Now for the criticism. First of all, her name. Alana Devereaux is eerily similar to Nalini Singh's Elena Deveraux. Seriously, out of all the names available in the world (I believe that number would be unquantifiable), this is the name that's chosen? There were also many misused words (peaked used for piqued), which I am always annoyed with. Dictionaries, thesauruses, resources aplenty are at your fingertips for figuring words out. Only takes a second to use the proper word, which makes a world of difference. Using the improper word takes an otherwise intelligent story and really "dumbs" it up.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Despite my small criticisms, I will most likely look for any additional stories if this is to become a series.
**I received this eARC on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Lieutenant Alana Devereaux is from the future. She lives in a time where humans are nonexistent. Her race is called the Cantati. They have really interesting powers, but they essentially are the "new" humans, an advanced version. The human population was wiped out by the Mutari (a fancy name for the decimation of humanity brought on by demons who escaped their dimension). Alana is sent back in time to single-handedly prevent this disaster after something really bad happens in her current world.
I really liked the storyline. There was so much going on, traveling from place to place in search of very important things that Alana needs in order to figure out how to stop the impending disaster. She meets people along the way, some potential allies, many enemies. She also wants to figure out who these 'enemies' really are and why they want to stop her. Another thing I liked was when Alana first gets to the past, she is essentially an alien. She doesn't understand what the humans are saying to her, she has no clue what regular food is, and everything is bright, noisy and shiny. She is used to darkness in her time, everything is subdued, and they eat weird food. She was delighted by fish and chips, but who isn't? :)
Now for the criticism. First of all, her name. Alana Devereaux is eerily similar to Nalini Singh's Elena Deveraux. Seriously, out of all the names available in the world (I believe that number would be unquantifiable), this is the name that's chosen? There were also many misused words (peaked used for piqued), which I am always annoyed with. Dictionaries, thesauruses, resources aplenty are at your fingertips for figuring words out. Only takes a second to use the proper word, which makes a world of difference. Using the improper word takes an otherwise intelligent story and really "dumbs" it up.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Despite my small criticisms, I will most likely look for any additional stories if this is to become a series.
**I received this eARC on behalf of the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 14, 2016
A heroin which isn't afraid of nothing? Check! An apocalyptic world's end with a massacre on a large scale? Check! A sexy man to damn itself and who makes us laugh and dream? Check! A story and a complex universe which interests us? Double check! Anointed joins all that makes a good Urban Fantasy book and we want more of it!
Yes, I acknowledge it, I love the psychopaths like Alana, which spends their time massacring demon and which doesn't understand why the men be turned over on their cleavage. She has some black humour and talk back to Galean, it made me laugh much more once with her self-mockery. But what I like in her, it is her sense of the sacrifice, she is ready to do anything only to protect, avenge her peolple. And yet the moments when she sends to shit everyone are really great.
Galean is the kind of male alpha which we appreciates in this kind of book: dominator, virile, wild, sure of himself. However, his point of view is refreshing, his way of seeing the things, of feeling them doesn't stick at all with the description Alana made of him. A doubt plane during some moment about his real identity, but with certain hints, we rather easily guesses a certain part of the truth.
This couple is attaching since their meeting, we feels the sexual tension existing between them. But also the facility with which they can be understood and at the same time to mistake on the other. This couple has an enormous potential, only a small portion is exploited for the moment and it is rather not bad, which gives hope for the continuation. The hots scenes between the two of them make some time to come, but they are rather spiced and proportioned well.
The humans, the Cantatis, the demons, all these races live in a world which is in fire and blood. The humans are devoured by the demons which are hunted by Cantatis. All the story around this war is really complex and all that becomes more complicated with the appearance of a new competitor, but I won't said more about it!! In any case, we travels in a lot of place in a few pages, we revisits also the Bible and some others writings, enough to not bored the reader.
The writing's style of Maggie Mae Gallagher is of an excellent quality, we feels that she worked her novel really well. The book is well rhythmed, with some action, bounces, calmer transitions, feelings and a ton of attractive characters. What else can we ask? A continuation obviously!!
Yes, I acknowledge it, I love the psychopaths like Alana, which spends their time massacring demon and which doesn't understand why the men be turned over on their cleavage. She has some black humour and talk back to Galean, it made me laugh much more once with her self-mockery. But what I like in her, it is her sense of the sacrifice, she is ready to do anything only to protect, avenge her peolple. And yet the moments when she sends to shit everyone are really great.
Galean is the kind of male alpha which we appreciates in this kind of book: dominator, virile, wild, sure of himself. However, his point of view is refreshing, his way of seeing the things, of feeling them doesn't stick at all with the description Alana made of him. A doubt plane during some moment about his real identity, but with certain hints, we rather easily guesses a certain part of the truth.
This couple is attaching since their meeting, we feels the sexual tension existing between them. But also the facility with which they can be understood and at the same time to mistake on the other. This couple has an enormous potential, only a small portion is exploited for the moment and it is rather not bad, which gives hope for the continuation. The hots scenes between the two of them make some time to come, but they are rather spiced and proportioned well.
The humans, the Cantatis, the demons, all these races live in a world which is in fire and blood. The humans are devoured by the demons which are hunted by Cantatis. All the story around this war is really complex and all that becomes more complicated with the appearance of a new competitor, but I won't said more about it!! In any case, we travels in a lot of place in a few pages, we revisits also the Bible and some others writings, enough to not bored the reader.
The writing's style of Maggie Mae Gallagher is of an excellent quality, we feels that she worked her novel really well. The book is well rhythmed, with some action, bounces, calmer transitions, feelings and a ton of attractive characters. What else can we ask? A continuation obviously!!
April 21, 2014
Alana Devereaux is a demon slayer, and as her world is crashing down, she is sent back in time to save humankind. The problem is she arrives later in time than she should. she tries to find her way around and find a way to avoid the "Murati". She mets Gaelen, who has an agenda of his own and whom she cannot really trust.
In the beginning is the story a bit slow, to find a way into the world and into the different characters. this changes after a third and from that moment on the story develops faster and faster. there are a lot of twists and turns and a lot of action.
Alana is an amazing character with an interesting background. her steps were not always totally thought out and she knows her flaws, although she can't always bring herself to act accordingly. I really liked her and her kick-ass mentality. but in the end she makes a stupid decision and than acts as if she is not herself ... which made the whole story loose a bit of appeal.
Gaelen is a bit like Ryder of the Fae chronicles and has a bit of Barrons. he is a brooding alpha male and has obviousely some problems with trusting. I loved that there are at least some scenes from his POV ... but not nearly enough
when the two of them meet, it is kind of explosive and you never now how their encounters will end. I hope their level of trust will increase in the next book
I liked the concept of the story and the world building. The story was a great action read and there is a lot of potential for future books. also there are some side characters with a unknown agenda. there is a lot we don't know yet about the world - which makes sense, as Alana does not know everything as well
there was a lot of change in the scenery and I really liked that it all took place in Europe ... it is a bit unusual in Fantasy books and it was a nice change.
what was a bit difficult was that in the last fifth Alana made some stupid decisions and she started questioning everything again (which I understood at the end, but inbetween it does not make sense). Nevertheless I am really looking forward to the next book and can't wait to see where this story goes.
all in all a really good read and a good start to a new series with a lot of potential for the next books
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
In the beginning is the story a bit slow, to find a way into the world and into the different characters. this changes after a third and from that moment on the story develops faster and faster. there are a lot of twists and turns and a lot of action.
Alana is an amazing character with an interesting background. her steps were not always totally thought out and she knows her flaws, although she can't always bring herself to act accordingly. I really liked her and her kick-ass mentality. but in the end she makes a stupid decision and than acts as if she is not herself ... which made the whole story loose a bit of appeal.
Gaelen is a bit like Ryder of the Fae chronicles and has a bit of Barrons. he is a brooding alpha male and has obviousely some problems with trusting. I loved that there are at least some scenes from his POV ... but not nearly enough
when the two of them meet, it is kind of explosive and you never now how their encounters will end. I hope their level of trust will increase in the next book
I liked the concept of the story and the world building. The story was a great action read and there is a lot of potential for future books. also there are some side characters with a unknown agenda. there is a lot we don't know yet about the world - which makes sense, as Alana does not know everything as well
there was a lot of change in the scenery and I really liked that it all took place in Europe ... it is a bit unusual in Fantasy books and it was a nice change.
what was a bit difficult was that in the last fifth Alana made some stupid decisions and she started questioning everything again (which I understood at the end, but inbetween it does not make sense). Nevertheless I am really looking forward to the next book and can't wait to see where this story goes.
all in all a really good read and a good start to a new series with a lot of potential for the next books
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
March 11, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I was excited by the idea of an awesome heroine that kicks ass, an interesting plot with demons, lots of action and of course some romance thrown in.
During the first couple chapters of the book, there is very little background to the world and what has happened that demons have taken over the world. You get introduced to Alana and the major conflict of the story. But the little background that you get just ends up leaving you with tons of questions about the world. Throughout the book there are bits and pieces of the background thrown into the story not really enough to give a full picture of what happened during the Mutari.
The first half of the book was pretty boring, Alana runs around and researches stuff. Not a whole lot of action or romance and I was pretty bored. Finally about half way through, there is a little bit of romantic tension between Alana and Gaelen. The story picks up after the first half and our two characters travel all over, fighting demons and the story is a little more interesting.
The end of the book is of course the most exciting with the plot, romance and action. The romance scenes are mediocre and feel rushed, making it hard to really feel any connection between Alana and Gaelen. Through the whole book I could see the physical attraction between the two but didn't feel any real connection. Even when Alana says that she loves him, it doesn't feel like it from the reader's point of view.
The characters in general are pretty flat and don't feel very shaped. The characters of Gaelen and Phnn might as well be interchangeable, there is no distinct difference in personality between the two. Alana was mostly just annoying with her arrogance. The dialogue between the characters also felt awkward and forced. There was no real flow when they spoke.
Overall, the plot was good but the characters were so flat and boring that I just didn't care too much what happened to them. The writing was pretty good except for the awkward dialogue and had minor editing and spelling errors. I gave this book 2 our of 5 stars but I will not be continuing with the series, I just don't feel invested in the characters enough to stick with it.
During the first couple chapters of the book, there is very little background to the world and what has happened that demons have taken over the world. You get introduced to Alana and the major conflict of the story. But the little background that you get just ends up leaving you with tons of questions about the world. Throughout the book there are bits and pieces of the background thrown into the story not really enough to give a full picture of what happened during the Mutari.
The first half of the book was pretty boring, Alana runs around and researches stuff. Not a whole lot of action or romance and I was pretty bored. Finally about half way through, there is a little bit of romantic tension between Alana and Gaelen. The story picks up after the first half and our two characters travel all over, fighting demons and the story is a little more interesting.
The end of the book is of course the most exciting with the plot, romance and action. The romance scenes are mediocre and feel rushed, making it hard to really feel any connection between Alana and Gaelen. Through the whole book I could see the physical attraction between the two but didn't feel any real connection. Even when Alana says that she loves him, it doesn't feel like it from the reader's point of view.
The characters in general are pretty flat and don't feel very shaped. The characters of Gaelen and Phnn might as well be interchangeable, there is no distinct difference in personality between the two. Alana was mostly just annoying with her arrogance. The dialogue between the characters also felt awkward and forced. There was no real flow when they spoke.
Overall, the plot was good but the characters were so flat and boring that I just didn't care too much what happened to them. The writing was pretty good except for the awkward dialogue and had minor editing and spelling errors. I gave this book 2 our of 5 stars but I will not be continuing with the series, I just don't feel invested in the characters enough to stick with it.
June 6, 2014
Demons have overtaken the human world. The last defenses are falling, and there is only one way to save themselves now--go back to the beginning and prevent the breach from happening in the first place. But that is easier said than done.
Alana is a headstrong and magically talented soldier, raised by her father, a post apocalypse general, to put duty before desire. She is determined to succeed in her mission to save humanity and prevent the same disaster from occurring twice. Unfortunately for her, many of the records from that time were destroyed and everything she thought she knew is quickly coming into question.
Gaelen has been cast out of his realm for committing the sin of just having too much fun. After years trapped on Earth, fighting demons day after day, he's more than ready to leave the lustful mistakes of his relative youth behind. Willing to do just about anything to prove himself worthy of re-entry to his homeland, Gaelen is taken by surprise by the attraction he feels for Alana. His kind isn't able to mix with humans, but maybe there is more to Alana than meets the eye.
ANOINTED offers a unique story and intricately developed world for readers to discover. The first in a series, ANOINTED is also the first offering from author Maggie Mae Gallagher. Her exceptionally detailed writing style offers a well defined word picture of the world but also slows down the pace of the story and gets noticeably boggy in places. The romance between the main characters is slowly drawn out until all the passion and angst that has been simultaneously pulling them closer while driving them apart creates a perfect storm of sexual tension.
In addition to the occasional stumbles I previously mentioned, I also noted minor editing errors, both typical of new authors. Still, I enjoyed the reading experience overall and would recommend it to fans of paranormal and urban fantasy genres as I can only see Ms. Gallagher's work continuing to improve as she gains more experience in her chosen field.
OFFICIAL REVIEW written for The Romance Reviews.com http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
Alana is a headstrong and magically talented soldier, raised by her father, a post apocalypse general, to put duty before desire. She is determined to succeed in her mission to save humanity and prevent the same disaster from occurring twice. Unfortunately for her, many of the records from that time were destroyed and everything she thought she knew is quickly coming into question.
Gaelen has been cast out of his realm for committing the sin of just having too much fun. After years trapped on Earth, fighting demons day after day, he's more than ready to leave the lustful mistakes of his relative youth behind. Willing to do just about anything to prove himself worthy of re-entry to his homeland, Gaelen is taken by surprise by the attraction he feels for Alana. His kind isn't able to mix with humans, but maybe there is more to Alana than meets the eye.
ANOINTED offers a unique story and intricately developed world for readers to discover. The first in a series, ANOINTED is also the first offering from author Maggie Mae Gallagher. Her exceptionally detailed writing style offers a well defined word picture of the world but also slows down the pace of the story and gets noticeably boggy in places. The romance between the main characters is slowly drawn out until all the passion and angst that has been simultaneously pulling them closer while driving them apart creates a perfect storm of sexual tension.
In addition to the occasional stumbles I previously mentioned, I also noted minor editing errors, both typical of new authors. Still, I enjoyed the reading experience overall and would recommend it to fans of paranormal and urban fantasy genres as I can only see Ms. Gallagher's work continuing to improve as she gains more experience in her chosen field.
OFFICIAL REVIEW written for The Romance Reviews.com http://www.theromancereviews.com/view...
March 2, 2014
Alana Devereux has the fate of humanity sitting on her shoulders, literally. Her father has sent her back to the time before the demons took possession of the earth and wrecked destruction on anything in its path. Alana grew up in the world where fighting for your life was an everyday occurrence but going to a time where no one even gave the end of all humanity a thought is beyond scary. Alana has to find the reason for the unleash, fix everything in three week, and deal with a Gaelen Cormac, a person she thinks is human but is definitely all man.
As Alana goes from every known to unknown source trying to get answers, there is Gaelen dogging her heels and trying to trip up what she knows and find out what she can discover. Can she trust this man, does he have self-serving interests only, or is her gut instinct correct and he is on her side just fighting the battle from a different tactic. The determination to figure out how to stop the destruction has them going through so many portals Alana has to keep asking “where are we now” and not always liking the answer Gaelen provides. The other objective for both of them is to try and fend off the feelings they have for one another but every moment they stay together that is not an easy thing to do. Passion for resolution runs hot but then so does the touch of a hand or the gentle brush of lips between them causing both of them to think about nothing but each other.
As time progresses and the other players in the game for who controls the world reveal themselves both Gaelen and Alana realize it is time to reorganize their plans on how to win the war. When all the truth starts coming to light and the shock destiny becomes a realization what will all the players end of deciding to do? Well stay tuned for book two….
You want great read, lots of action, great characters, and amazing plot lines grab this book first Maggie Mae Gallagher has got this all laid out for you.
As Alana goes from every known to unknown source trying to get answers, there is Gaelen dogging her heels and trying to trip up what she knows and find out what she can discover. Can she trust this man, does he have self-serving interests only, or is her gut instinct correct and he is on her side just fighting the battle from a different tactic. The determination to figure out how to stop the destruction has them going through so many portals Alana has to keep asking “where are we now” and not always liking the answer Gaelen provides. The other objective for both of them is to try and fend off the feelings they have for one another but every moment they stay together that is not an easy thing to do. Passion for resolution runs hot but then so does the touch of a hand or the gentle brush of lips between them causing both of them to think about nothing but each other.
As time progresses and the other players in the game for who controls the world reveal themselves both Gaelen and Alana realize it is time to reorganize their plans on how to win the war. When all the truth starts coming to light and the shock destiny becomes a realization what will all the players end of deciding to do? Well stay tuned for book two….
You want great read, lots of action, great characters, and amazing plot lines grab this book first Maggie Mae Gallagher has got this all laid out for you.
May 21, 2014
I received Anointed from the publisher for an honest review in return. Upon first reading the official blurb, I was skeptical about this series. I assumed it would be just like any other urban fantasy I’ve read before. I have never been so wrong life. It’s not often that I find a new series from an author that I am not previous acquainted with that I’ve fallen in love with after the first few chapters. This fresh take on a post-apocalyptic world will leave you wanting more. This book pulls you in from Chapter 1 and takes you on the wildest literary ride of your life.
A world on the edge of total annihilation is our setting. Alana, the protagonist, must travel back in time to save her world from the impending demon invasion. In her present time, Alana’s world is falling and the only way to prevent such destruction is to stop it from ever beginning.
Alana is what a strong female heroine needs to be in an urban fantasy. To put it plainly, Alana is a bad-ass. She’s the ultimate warrior queen in her dark world. She’s willing to do whatever is necessary to secure her means to an end for her mission. If she fails, she will be there a second time to watch the world’s fall into darkness. Though at times she doubts her abilities and strengths, she dusts herself off and charges head first back into the battle.
Our somewhat protagonist/antagonist brooding alpha male Galean spices up the story even more. He brings a different depth to an already complex story. He wants Alana at first sight and will have her. He admires her for her fighting abilities and upon discovering her part in the opening of the world portal will stop at nothing to protect her. She belongs to him and no one else.
Gallagher’s beautifully described world and exciting characters make this new series a must-read. I greatly look forward to more works in the Cantati Chronicles.
http://saintsandsinnersbooks.wordpres...
https://www.facebook.com/SaintsNSinne...
A world on the edge of total annihilation is our setting. Alana, the protagonist, must travel back in time to save her world from the impending demon invasion. In her present time, Alana’s world is falling and the only way to prevent such destruction is to stop it from ever beginning.
Alana is what a strong female heroine needs to be in an urban fantasy. To put it plainly, Alana is a bad-ass. She’s the ultimate warrior queen in her dark world. She’s willing to do whatever is necessary to secure her means to an end for her mission. If she fails, she will be there a second time to watch the world’s fall into darkness. Though at times she doubts her abilities and strengths, she dusts herself off and charges head first back into the battle.
Our somewhat protagonist/antagonist brooding alpha male Galean spices up the story even more. He brings a different depth to an already complex story. He wants Alana at first sight and will have her. He admires her for her fighting abilities and upon discovering her part in the opening of the world portal will stop at nothing to protect her. She belongs to him and no one else.
Gallagher’s beautifully described world and exciting characters make this new series a must-read. I greatly look forward to more works in the Cantati Chronicles.
http://saintsandsinnersbooks.wordpres...
https://www.facebook.com/SaintsNSinne...
March 31, 2014
This urban fantasy book is a thrilling read that keeps readers on their toes. Alana is sent back in time to stop the apocalypse only her time-traveling goes awry and all the signs she needs have passed and she has to discover another way. Galen, the one man who has intel she needs has too many secrets for her to trust him. But demons attacking, unknown enemies trying to grab her and time running out, what choice does she have?
This steady to fast paced plot keeps readers on the edge of their seat with lots of action and keeps them guessing with lots of twists and turns that the reader doesn’t see coming. The characters are strong, compelling and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning and doesn’t let go. The author brings the story to life with vivid imagery, and details that easily capture the imagination.
The attraction between Galen and Alana radiates from the pages and the sex scenes are hot and steamy, but the main focus of this story is stopping an apocalypse, so really who has time for romance not mention that neither seems to trust the other very much. So their relationship is rocky at best, but they do keep saving each other from the bad guys so maybe just maybe things will work out for them in the long run… that is if they live long enough.
The story starts off with a major action scene and gets the adrenaline pumping and the tension building as the story continues to progress through more well orchestrated and believable action scenes that keep the reader glued to the pages. The world that the author has created is very imaginative and has some refreshingly different elements and quite a few surprises to ensure that the reader comes back for more. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this fantastic series and its captivating characters.
This steady to fast paced plot keeps readers on the edge of their seat with lots of action and keeps them guessing with lots of twists and turns that the reader doesn’t see coming. The characters are strong, compelling and grab the reader’s attention from the very beginning and doesn’t let go. The author brings the story to life with vivid imagery, and details that easily capture the imagination.
The attraction between Galen and Alana radiates from the pages and the sex scenes are hot and steamy, but the main focus of this story is stopping an apocalypse, so really who has time for romance not mention that neither seems to trust the other very much. So their relationship is rocky at best, but they do keep saving each other from the bad guys so maybe just maybe things will work out for them in the long run… that is if they live long enough.
The story starts off with a major action scene and gets the adrenaline pumping and the tension building as the story continues to progress through more well orchestrated and believable action scenes that keep the reader glued to the pages. The world that the author has created is very imaginative and has some refreshingly different elements and quite a few surprises to ensure that the reader comes back for more. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this fantastic series and its captivating characters.
March 27, 2014
I was captured by this book almost from page one, it was non-stop action, tragedy, honor, and every emotion you could imagine, then the author slowed things down ....... and left them that way for the great majority of this book.
While I enjoyed the overarching story immensely I did not feel like I got everything out of the book I should have, the ending was kinda "meh" considering the world was supposed to end (I am still not sure exactly where we are on that plotline).
The hero was so secretive and the heroine so suspect, paranoid and then throw in a touch of TSTL on random occasions and you have a frustrating novel for me.
We had at least one extra character that we know little about but was pivotal in the book and we were left with almost nothing to speak of concerning him, I love a good series but the key to a GOOD series is that you find a bit of closure for the reader and a longing for the next book, this was more like "it's over???? WTF??"
Elena is a true kick-butt heroine but more times than not she is on the losing end of fights (actually I got really tired of seeing her get her butt kicked), Gaelen is written so "mysterious" that he came across as cold and sarcastic. All things considered compared to the 5 Stars books I have read recently this was not close other than originality.
I am giving this first book 3 stars, its all I can muster with the lack of resolution of most things and too many questions unanswered. I hope the next book can fill in enough blanks that the reader feels he is part of something and not just dragged along with no clue as to what is happening. Might be a great but once a few more books are written but for now this is not a "must read" novel.
While I enjoyed the overarching story immensely I did not feel like I got everything out of the book I should have, the ending was kinda "meh" considering the world was supposed to end (I am still not sure exactly where we are on that plotline).
The hero was so secretive and the heroine so suspect, paranoid and then throw in a touch of TSTL on random occasions and you have a frustrating novel for me.
We had at least one extra character that we know little about but was pivotal in the book and we were left with almost nothing to speak of concerning him, I love a good series but the key to a GOOD series is that you find a bit of closure for the reader and a longing for the next book, this was more like "it's over???? WTF??"
Elena is a true kick-butt heroine but more times than not she is on the losing end of fights (actually I got really tired of seeing her get her butt kicked), Gaelen is written so "mysterious" that he came across as cold and sarcastic. All things considered compared to the 5 Stars books I have read recently this was not close other than originality.
I am giving this first book 3 stars, its all I can muster with the lack of resolution of most things and too many questions unanswered. I hope the next book can fill in enough blanks that the reader feels he is part of something and not just dragged along with no clue as to what is happening. Might be a great but once a few more books are written but for now this is not a "must read" novel.
June 27, 2014
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway for reviewing purposes.
3.5 Stars
A good fun start to a new series. I found the concept for this book interesting. That along with the cover had the book sold as a must read for me. I was expecting a kick-ass heroine who the world depended on for it's survival, which I did get but she came across overly whiny, at times, when facing certain situations or her flaws. I found myself more intrigued with Gaelen than with Alana. I believe this was due to all the mystery surrounding his person. Now, normally I'd complain about a character like Gaelen because usually the character comes across as one dimensional. In Gaelen's case I found him the be more intriguing because of all the mystery surrounding him and whatever he's hiding will be a game changer for the characters and their world(s).
Unfortunately for me the book lost a higher rating because I found it to fall a little flat causing it to drag towards a halt in a few places.
3.5 Stars
A good fun start to a new series. I found the concept for this book interesting. That along with the cover had the book sold as a must read for me. I was expecting a kick-ass heroine who the world depended on for it's survival, which I did get but she came across overly whiny, at times, when facing certain situations or her flaws. I found myself more intrigued with Gaelen than with Alana. I believe this was due to all the mystery surrounding his person. Now, normally I'd complain about a character like Gaelen because usually the character comes across as one dimensional. In Gaelen's case I found him the be more intriguing because of all the mystery surrounding him and whatever he's hiding will be a game changer for the characters and their world(s).
Unfortunately for me the book lost a higher rating because I found it to fall a little flat causing it to drag towards a halt in a few places.
June 25, 2014
First off the way the story started was good. It was full of action and I was able to read the first couple chapters quickly. However at times it was hard for me to follow along and stay interested at the lack of development. There are times where the author becomes verbose in an explanation, which at times ends up sounding like a rant, and doesn't provide the details needed to bring the scene to life. Alana becomes to angry and too bitchy for my taste; and even though towards the end you get a glimpse as to what contributes to it, I can't dismiss that she goes from hot to cold at the worst possible times.
Gaelen sounds super sexy and scrumptious; however, there isn't enough development between him and Alana to convince you that they love each other. We don't get enough POV from Gaelen, to make it believable that its love and not just sex. In fact at one point of the book Maddock talks about how he understands why Gaelen would mate with her. This line just confused me cause as far as I had previously read, Gaelen had marked her (that way he would know where she was at all times). Not once was there any mention of mating between them.
The end of the book felt rushed and left a lot of loose ends, as well as questions unanswered - but it was still a great ending. Hopefully the next book will take care of that, and I also hope the grammatical errors will be much fewer in number. All in all though, the book was good and the author has a creativity to her that is unique and really good. This series has a whole bunch of potential and I'm excited to read how the author progresses the characters and the plot.
Gaelen sounds super sexy and scrumptious; however, there isn't enough development between him and Alana to convince you that they love each other. We don't get enough POV from Gaelen, to make it believable that its love and not just sex. In fact at one point of the book Maddock talks about how he understands why Gaelen would mate with her. This line just confused me cause as far as I had previously read, Gaelen had marked her (that way he would know where she was at all times). Not once was there any mention of mating between them.
The end of the book felt rushed and left a lot of loose ends, as well as questions unanswered - but it was still a great ending. Hopefully the next book will take care of that, and I also hope the grammatical errors will be much fewer in number. All in all though, the book was good and the author has a creativity to her that is unique and really good. This series has a whole bunch of potential and I'm excited to read how the author progresses the characters and the plot.
April 18, 2014
Awesome! Everything about this book was great! Not that I would like to see the world destroyed by demons, but what an amazing story. I felt like it just kept building and building. The anticipation was killing me! I couldn't wait to see how it was all going to play out, and it was worth the wait. I would think I had something figured out, but there would be some surprise that ruined any theories I had. Thank goodness too, because what happens is far better than what I thought was going to happen. I really liked Alana. She kicks some serious butt, and I like how she handles her obstacles, especially Gaelen. I have so many questions about Phinn, so I hope to learn more about him. Sometimes, books that have the characters travel to different times and dimensions can be confusing. That was not an issue in this book. I was worried it would be too much to grasp, but it easily sucked me in. When you have enemies in every possible time and dimension, you are guaranteed to find excitement. So if you are looking for some strong characters facing unbelievably difficult situations and excitement, definitely check this out! Maggie Mae Gallagher has created one of the most unique and intoxicating worlds I've read in a while.
June 20, 2014
Anointed by Maggie Mae Gallagher
A world on the brink of disaster with the heroine in charge of saving the world. No small task. In fact it's a gargantuan task. A complex novel with a sometimes confusing vast array of demons and villains. The depth of detail and world building for this first novel by Maggie Mae Gallagher is amazingly complex and interesting. It's clear this world will continue in future books. I didn't need to know about the various races of demons and their particular habits. But that detail added depth. I look forward to reading more about the heroine and having her grow in her own confidence. It's a little lacking right now.
Alana Devereaux has witnessed the end of humanity and the death of her father by demons. She travels back in time with the hope of stopping the breach that started this apocalypse.
Gaelen is a mystery to Alena. He seems to help her in one fight against the demons but hinders her in the quest for answers. Should she trust him?
A world on the brink of disaster with the heroine in charge of saving the world. No small task. In fact it's a gargantuan task. A complex novel with a sometimes confusing vast array of demons and villains. The depth of detail and world building for this first novel by Maggie Mae Gallagher is amazingly complex and interesting. It's clear this world will continue in future books. I didn't need to know about the various races of demons and their particular habits. But that detail added depth. I look forward to reading more about the heroine and having her grow in her own confidence. It's a little lacking right now.
Alana Devereaux has witnessed the end of humanity and the death of her father by demons. She travels back in time with the hope of stopping the breach that started this apocalypse.
Gaelen is a mystery to Alena. He seems to help her in one fight against the demons but hinders her in the quest for answers. Should she trust him?
September 20, 2014
I received a copy of this book free of charge from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alana comes from a time where humans have been practically wiped out by demons. Her father, right before demons destroy the few humans left, sends her back in time. She has three weeks to stop the event that leads to the destruction of humanity. She is forced to work with Galen. She feels he is more than human and does not fully trust him. She is physically attracted to him, but feels he is not being completely honest with her about his motives.
Anointed starts right away with the action, but it took me forever to get into the book. I liked Alana okay. Gaelen, on the other hand, I never really connected with. He seemed too angry & kinda mean at times. I never really believed in their romance. It seemed purely physical.
Alana comes from a time where humans have been practically wiped out by demons. Her father, right before demons destroy the few humans left, sends her back in time. She has three weeks to stop the event that leads to the destruction of humanity. She is forced to work with Galen. She feels he is more than human and does not fully trust him. She is physically attracted to him, but feels he is not being completely honest with her about his motives.
Anointed starts right away with the action, but it took me forever to get into the book. I liked Alana okay. Gaelen, on the other hand, I never really connected with. He seemed too angry & kinda mean at times. I never really believed in their romance. It seemed purely physical.
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