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Paden City
Paden City has been shut away from the world for generations. Mysteries within and without the domed sanctuary begin to unravel while a growing threat looms over everyone who calls it home. After the execution of the City's most notorious crime lord, unintended consequences begin to ripple outward from the crime-riddled Cloud District to the upper echelons of power along stately Aurthur Avenue.
In the dregs of the city, the determined investigator Nereya's sense of justice turns the criminal underworld into a powder keg. She is forced out of the only life she's ever known, but her new assignment offers her unique resources to expose the drug-running crime syndicate that has haunted her career and her life. However, her stoic individualism creates as many problems as it does opportunities.
Far removed from Paden City, Aeric seems destined for a life of war, though his heart longs for peace with his family. To save his sister's life, he embarks on a journey that thrusts him into unwanted leadership and a duty he cannot refuse. His newfound power gives him the edge he needs to protect his clan at a dark cost, and spurs him to find–or make–a better life for his people in the face of the unknown.
As readers shadow the steps of this cast of characters and how they are connected, they will begin to see that Paden City is only the beginning of an epic adventure in a world bigger, more colorful, and more perilous than it appears.
In the dregs of the city, the determined investigator Nereya's sense of justice turns the criminal underworld into a powder keg. She is forced out of the only life she's ever known, but her new assignment offers her unique resources to expose the drug-running crime syndicate that has haunted her career and her life. However, her stoic individualism creates as many problems as it does opportunities.
Far removed from Paden City, Aeric seems destined for a life of war, though his heart longs for peace with his family. To save his sister's life, he embarks on a journey that thrusts him into unwanted leadership and a duty he cannot refuse. His newfound power gives him the edge he needs to protect his clan at a dark cost, and spurs him to find–or make–a better life for his people in the face of the unknown.
As readers shadow the steps of this cast of characters and how they are connected, they will begin to see that Paden City is only the beginning of an epic adventure in a world bigger, more colorful, and more perilous than it appears.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2024
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 12, 2025
This novel has a lot of potential, but is in dire need of an editor. It is self-published, but with a little bit of polish it could be really good. The story is interesting and well crafted, but very clunky up until the last 15-20% of the book. 2.5 stars rounded up just for the gorgeous cover art which was also done by the author!
October 5, 2024
This debut novel from K. L. Cook is a wonderful introduction to what is sure to be a vast world of intrigue and adventure. Cook does an excellent job of portraying the vast differences between the lives and experiences of those living inside the domed Paden City and those living in the districts outside the city’s protections.
The first section of the story centers around the children of the city’s political leaders and the building of familial alliances. While this section does start off a bit slower, it is vital to the world building to follow. I feel that the story really hits its stride in the second section, featuring the people of the Cloud District and the imminent dangers they face to their way of life. Cook ties these sections together in part three, bringing bits and pieces of the story together and leading to inevitable conflict, betrayal, and a mystery much deeper than anything experienced by those inside or outside the city.
Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that the story ends on a cliffhanger and I am very much looking forward to the second installment of The Marks of Ithae.
The first section of the story centers around the children of the city’s political leaders and the building of familial alliances. While this section does start off a bit slower, it is vital to the world building to follow. I feel that the story really hits its stride in the second section, featuring the people of the Cloud District and the imminent dangers they face to their way of life. Cook ties these sections together in part three, bringing bits and pieces of the story together and leading to inevitable conflict, betrayal, and a mystery much deeper than anything experienced by those inside or outside the city.
Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say that the story ends on a cliffhanger and I am very much looking forward to the second installment of The Marks of Ithae.
July 22, 2024
Not only does Cook do a fantastic job of keeping the story rolling, she writes in such a way you can see the world in front of you. Your imagination has enough freedom to see the vibrancy of Paden City.
With every character introduction, you willingly get sucked in further to the story line, but let me assure you this book is not predictable! The cliffhanger at the very end left me with a devilish grin and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I also appreciate that K.L. Cook had a novel that’s available for any age to read. Fully stand by a 10 year old, or a 70 year old would enjoy it. Because a good book doesn’t need a lot of language, sex, or gore. A good book will keep you INTRUIGED. And that, Cook has done phenomenally.
With every character introduction, you willingly get sucked in further to the story line, but let me assure you this book is not predictable! The cliffhanger at the very end left me with a devilish grin and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I also appreciate that K.L. Cook had a novel that’s available for any age to read. Fully stand by a 10 year old, or a 70 year old would enjoy it. Because a good book doesn’t need a lot of language, sex, or gore. A good book will keep you INTRUIGED. And that, Cook has done phenomenally.
May 6, 2025
(4.5 stars rounded up because Goodreads doesn't do decimals.)
This is a beautiful blend of fantasy and sci-fi. The start of an epic series, Paden City brings you on a journey of 4 distinct characters as they strive for more than they've known. Political intrigue, a dash of romance, plot twists...this book has a lot! As with most fantasy/scifi, it took me a while to get into it due to the sheer amount of unique world building that was hard for me to picture, but as I progressed through the story, I became more invested in the characters both at the forefront and drifting along the sides. Cook has clearly poured her heart into creating such unique settings and characters. I am excited to see what happens in the next installment, and if any of my theories are correct.
This is a beautiful blend of fantasy and sci-fi. The start of an epic series, Paden City brings you on a journey of 4 distinct characters as they strive for more than they've known. Political intrigue, a dash of romance, plot twists...this book has a lot! As with most fantasy/scifi, it took me a while to get into it due to the sheer amount of unique world building that was hard for me to picture, but as I progressed through the story, I became more invested in the characters both at the forefront and drifting along the sides. Cook has clearly poured her heart into creating such unique settings and characters. I am excited to see what happens in the next installment, and if any of my theories are correct.
August 24, 2024
Interesting book and read
Starts slow but gets you thinking about what is going on and, in the end, leaves you wanting more can't wait for book 2
Starts slow but gets you thinking about what is going on and, in the end, leaves you wanting more can't wait for book 2
August 26, 2025
WOW.
I thought I knew where this story was going. And then I realized I didn’t. And then I thought I knew again. Only to find out at the end of the book that I STILL didn’t!
Seriously, though, I am so impressed by this book. K. L. Cook’s writing style is absolutely beautiful. The atmosphere she builds through her words, the creativity in the world building… it is amazing.
There is mystery within the story and characters that is woven in so artfully. I am so curious to see what comes out of the remainder of the series.
If you need me, I will be reading book two immediately.
I thought I knew where this story was going. And then I realized I didn’t. And then I thought I knew again. Only to find out at the end of the book that I STILL didn’t!
Seriously, though, I am so impressed by this book. K. L. Cook’s writing style is absolutely beautiful. The atmosphere she builds through her words, the creativity in the world building… it is amazing.
There is mystery within the story and characters that is woven in so artfully. I am so curious to see what comes out of the remainder of the series.
If you need me, I will be reading book two immediately.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews