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Cassidy Edwards #1
Monster
Revenge. It’s all I've lived for. Revenge against those who stacked the cards against me from the start. But I’m changing the deck now. I’m getting even. Born to a vampire, I wasn’t supposed to survive—but I did.
My name is Cassidy. Cassidy Edwards. And I’m the first of my kind.
The Job
Trapping a sixteenth-century Scottish Highlander of a vampire who just might be seduction itself.
The Team
A firedrake with an attitude, a werewolf with a problem, and an imp in dire need of rehab.
The Boss
A dangerously powerful warlock as handsome as sin.
My Problem:
Bluffing my way into a job, my first mission into the Charmed world opens a Pandora’s box of betrayal and secrets... along with attractions of the most lethal kind.
My name is Cassidy. Cassidy Edwards. And I’m the first of my kind.
The Job
Trapping a sixteenth-century Scottish Highlander of a vampire who just might be seduction itself.
The Team
A firedrake with an attitude, a werewolf with a problem, and an imp in dire need of rehab.
The Boss
A dangerously powerful warlock as handsome as sin.
My Problem:
Bluffing my way into a job, my first mission into the Charmed world opens a Pandora’s box of betrayal and secrets... along with attractions of the most lethal kind.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2014
417 people are currently reading
1459 people want to read
About the author
Carmen Caine
29 books392 followersLike many of us on this planet, Carmen Caine/Madison Adler is from another world. She spends every moment she can scribbling stories on sticky notes that her kids find posted all over the car, house, and barn.
When she is not working as a software engineer, she is busy ferrying her kids to various appointments, writing lyrics for her husband's songs, taking care of the dog Tigger and his heart condition, attempting to tame her three insane cats, scratching her three Nigerian Dwarf Goats behind the horns or coddling her flock of thirty bizarre chickens from around the world.
Please follow me on Twitter - twitter.com/CarmenRomances or visit my facebook page: facebook.com/Carmen.Caine
When she is not working as a software engineer, she is busy ferrying her kids to various appointments, writing lyrics for her husband's songs, taking care of the dog Tigger and his heart condition, attempting to tame her three insane cats, scratching her three Nigerian Dwarf Goats behind the horns or coddling her flock of thirty bizarre chickens from around the world.
Please follow me on Twitter - twitter.com/CarmenRomances or visit my facebook page: facebook.com/Carmen.Caine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
May 9, 2016
This book has hints of an interesting story, but it's buried under a real mess. Usually, an ignorant or naïve protagonist is useful in learning about a new or different culture. In this case, Cass's ignorance is more of author exploitation than anything else. What I mean is that everyone else is continually using her ignorance against her to manipulate or force her into what they want and she is forever finding herself enmeshed in dire situations with no idea what is going on, what the stakes are, or even who the important players are.
It doesn't help that she's kind of stupid. Any given piece of information has to come her way two or three times before she seems to process it and even then, she finds new and boring ways to screw them up.
And that's before you even get to her motivations. The whole novel is her out to get revenge for what amounts to her very existence. "Oh dear, I have to sip mana from people or I get hungry." Never mind that it means she can't die and that it doesn't seem that the people she snacks on are any the worse for wear and that she has zero side effects (no sun allergies, no vulnerability to crosses, or guns or knives, even). Heck, her savings on food alone is a huge financial boon. By all means, sister, you go get that bastard who fiddled your birth so that you have all this unaccountable power and nobody telling you what to do.
This is exacerbated by her truly twisted loyalties. The mother who can't be bothered to give her the time of day and who betrays her every chance she gets (and there weren't a few) is perfectly fine in her book. "Hey mom, you here to betray me again? Kewl." There's a final conversation that's almost exactly that (okay, I translated it a little bit). And the one guy who actually gives her any information? Hate that guy. True, he's a smarmy bastard and a complete git with no morals and fewer scruples but she can't be bothered to do anything more than giving him the metaphorical bird. I mentioned he's the only one actually giving her needed information, right? I'm not saying she should sex him up or anything. I'm just saying that maybe she should attempt to get some of that data before she goes all bitch-face at him.
Only it's actually worse than that because the only thing she does let him get away with is kissing her wobbly against her express will. So she can't be bothered to deal rationally with the man, but she's okay with him rubbing up against her and sticking his tongue down her throat. Want more of that for sure.
And that's the crux of her character in a nutshell—she's forever acted upon, never acting herself. Even the big bad vampire does whatever he wants with her/to her and she's completely helpless against him. It was, quite frankly, disgusting how little she seemed to care that she was tossed about on the whims of others and her only thought is "I wish he'd make me his". This is the polar opposite of a strong heroine. Yeah, she argues, flings names and sometimes knives, but she's completely ineffectual and none of her actions actually mean a thing or move the plot along.
So here's author 101 for Ms. Caine: if you have a plot/story idea and a character, your best bet is to use that character to move the plot . . . at least a majority of the time. Having every single development moved on by the actions of others means that she isn't the hero of this story. She is a pawn and doesn't seem overly bothered by the role.
And an apology. This is an angry review, but that anger is mostly aimed at myself. I have no idea why I wasted the time to finish the book and have nobody to blame but myself. None of this stuff was hidden. It was apparent from the beginning that Cass was a spineless wuss content to be tossed by the whims of others. I have no excuse...
It doesn't help that she's kind of stupid. Any given piece of information has to come her way two or three times before she seems to process it and even then, she finds new and boring ways to screw them up.
And that's before you even get to her motivations. The whole novel is her out to get revenge for what amounts to her very existence. "Oh dear, I have to sip mana from people or I get hungry." Never mind that it means she can't die and that it doesn't seem that the people she snacks on are any the worse for wear and that she has zero side effects (no sun allergies, no vulnerability to crosses, or guns or knives, even). Heck, her savings on food alone is a huge financial boon. By all means, sister, you go get that bastard who fiddled your birth so that you have all this unaccountable power and nobody telling you what to do.
This is exacerbated by her truly twisted loyalties. The mother who can't be bothered to give her the time of day and who betrays her every chance she gets (and there weren't a few) is perfectly fine in her book. "Hey mom, you here to betray me again? Kewl." There's a final conversation that's almost exactly that (okay, I translated it a little bit). And the one guy who actually gives her any information? Hate that guy. True, he's a smarmy bastard and a complete git with no morals and fewer scruples but she can't be bothered to do anything more than giving him the metaphorical bird. I mentioned he's the only one actually giving her needed information, right? I'm not saying she should sex him up or anything. I'm just saying that maybe she should attempt to get some of that data before she goes all bitch-face at him.
Only it's actually worse than that because the only thing she does let him get away with is kissing her wobbly against her express will. So she can't be bothered to deal rationally with the man, but she's okay with him rubbing up against her and sticking his tongue down her throat. Want more of that for sure.
And that's the crux of her character in a nutshell—she's forever acted upon, never acting herself. Even the big bad vampire does whatever he wants with her/to her and she's completely helpless against him. It was, quite frankly, disgusting how little she seemed to care that she was tossed about on the whims of others and her only thought is "I wish he'd make me his". This is the polar opposite of a strong heroine. Yeah, she argues, flings names and sometimes knives, but she's completely ineffectual and none of her actions actually mean a thing or move the plot along.
So here's author 101 for Ms. Caine: if you have a plot/story idea and a character, your best bet is to use that character to move the plot . . . at least a majority of the time. Having every single development moved on by the actions of others means that she isn't the hero of this story. She is a pawn and doesn't seem overly bothered by the role.
And an apology. This is an angry review, but that anger is mostly aimed at myself. I have no idea why I wasted the time to finish the book and have nobody to blame but myself. None of this stuff was hidden. It was apparent from the beginning that Cass was a spineless wuss content to be tossed by the whims of others. I have no excuse...
December 9, 2014
On finishing this book I can't help but think that in the hands of someone else this could have been an interesting beginning to a layered and intricate UF world. Instead this author has managed to flub one of the simplest and most basic motivation in literary history (revenge) to deliver a really huge, confusing mess of a story.
Cassidy (never Cass) Edwards is a girl with a problem. That problem being she has a horribly selfish vampire for a mother and was cursed before she was even born with the need to consume mana, the lifeforce of living beings, to survive in much the same way we need to eat food. For some reason being alive instead of dying like all other unborn babies when their mother is turned in to a vampire has driven her to obsessively plot revenge on those responsible. My problem with this story begins right here, because to me the fact that she's not only alive but has a crapton of special powers and no real drawbacks is a really lousy motive for revenge.
As the story progresses Cassidy gets sucked in to an entire supernatural world she didn't know existed (apparently she lived an extremely sheltered life until she was 18 and in the 6 years since she left on her mission of revenge she's learnt absolutely nothing). She's thrust in to a dangerous powerplay between opposing forces and learns about betrayal... and then again... and again.... and again. In fact she's betrayed so many times by so many people that by the end I'd think her revenge would have to encompass nearly every supernatural creature she meets just to be on the safe side. The thing is I don't even know why half of these characters betray her when they could very easily have got what they wanted from her by being straight with her and just giving her the answers she wanted in the first place. Not only was it all full of betrayal but everyone seemed to be working for everyone else, including the people who perhaps should have been (or were) enemies. To say I was confused with just how and why this entire society worked would be a massive understatement because at no point was anything explained to Cassidy or me as the reader .
By the end of the novel I didn't really feel like Cassidy had made any progress at all. Sure she now knew more supernatural beings existed and she sort of knew the "how" surrounding her curse, but overall she still didn't know what she was and was still bound up with her nonsensical revenge, so really what was the point of all she went through? This entire book could have been made part of her back story, would in fact probably have been more compelling as back story to be teased at, and the real story could start from what will be book 2 and it would make absolutely no difference in the grand scheme of things.
Cassidy (never Cass) Edwards is a girl with a problem. That problem being she has a horribly selfish vampire for a mother and was cursed before she was even born with the need to consume mana, the lifeforce of living beings, to survive in much the same way we need to eat food. For some reason being alive instead of dying like all other unborn babies when their mother is turned in to a vampire has driven her to obsessively plot revenge on those responsible. My problem with this story begins right here, because to me the fact that she's not only alive but has a crapton of special powers and no real drawbacks is a really lousy motive for revenge.
As the story progresses Cassidy gets sucked in to an entire supernatural world she didn't know existed (apparently she lived an extremely sheltered life until she was 18 and in the 6 years since she left on her mission of revenge she's learnt absolutely nothing). She's thrust in to a dangerous powerplay between opposing forces and learns about betrayal... and then again... and again.... and again. In fact she's betrayed so many times by so many people that by the end I'd think her revenge would have to encompass nearly every supernatural creature she meets just to be on the safe side. The thing is I don't even know why half of these characters betray her when they could very easily have got what they wanted from her by being straight with her and just giving her the answers she wanted in the first place. Not only was it all full of betrayal but everyone seemed to be working for everyone else, including the people who perhaps should have been (or were) enemies. To say I was confused with just how and why this entire society worked would be a massive understatement because at no point was anything explained to Cassidy or me as the reader .
By the end of the novel I didn't really feel like Cassidy had made any progress at all. Sure she now knew more supernatural beings existed and she sort of knew the "how" surrounding her curse, but overall she still didn't know what she was and was still bound up with her nonsensical revenge, so really what was the point of all she went through? This entire book could have been made part of her back story, would in fact probably have been more compelling as back story to be teased at, and the real story could start from what will be book 2 and it would make absolutely no difference in the grand scheme of things.
January 23, 2018
The first time I read this I thought it was just okay, but this second time around I really enjoyed it.
Though Cassidy is a special snowflake (one of a kind, beautiful, sassy etc) her feistiness and the way she bullshitted her way through half her interactions because she had no idea about the Charmed world made this quite an amusing read at times. Of course, one Imp with addiction issues and a moody brooding love interest helped too. Looking forward to where the next book takes her and if that chemistry goes anywhere (preferably the bedroom - with lots of details on Lucian's lower physique).
March 22, 2019
This book had a little bit of Magical elements and had some paranormal in it and it was good
November 22, 2014
This story had a lot of potential... But pretty much every aspect that could have been good fell completely flat. The main plot line couldn't have more holes and jagged edges, the characters were all under developed and most of the time super annoying, and no one could just stick to a personality. They all flip flopped all over! The 'bond' between the h and 'H' ( parenthesis because he sucked as. an H!) was shallow and ridiculous.. To be honest I'm not sure why I even finished... I've thrown out books for way less.
January 2, 2015
had the potential to be good. but the Cassidy is the biggest push over. she lets the men walk all over her. Fucking idiot
Read
November 23, 2015I just can't. I gave up at 50%. The story has not developed enough to keep my interest. This one is a no for me.
dnf
April 14, 2020DNF @ 14%
I could not care less. Also, the plot is confusing. Just not going to waste any more time.
I could not care less. Also, the plot is confusing. Just not going to waste any more time.
Read
August 16, 2015Well. No. DNF after 30%. Repetitive, boring, over-drawn.
This stupid revenge-theme got old immediately. Cassidy is as stupid as heroines come.
I don't like anything about her. Then this probably supposed to be sensual tension between Cassidy and that warlock? Repetitive, childish game playing and so not interesting.
And her back-story was stolen from "Blade".
Oh, and this whole revenge-thingy? Didn't even make sense. Her mother not only survived, but is fine with the guy who did it. So why the endless hate on him? Why not do something productive with your life???
This stupid revenge-theme got old immediately. Cassidy is as stupid as heroines come.
I don't like anything about her. Then this probably supposed to be sensual tension between Cassidy and that warlock? Repetitive, childish game playing and so not interesting.
And her back-story was stolen from "Blade".
Oh, and this whole revenge-thingy? Didn't even make sense. Her mother not only survived, but is fine with the guy who did it. So why the endless hate on him? Why not do something productive with your life???
August 19, 2020
I liked it. I liked it a lot.
For a first book in a series, you aren't going to be handed the whole plot.
Characters need to grow.
Lucian, Cassidy, and Dorian are going to be fun to watch/read.
A sidekick miniture character is always a delight, and Ricky is no exception.
I think Cassidy's character is original. I love we are discovering her at the same time she is discovering herself. Her character needs to be able to grow, hence why she is clueless to the world she is living in, and I would be too. I thought she handles herself well, considering. If she knew everything there would be no story.
For a first book in a series, you aren't going to be handed the whole plot.
Characters need to grow.
Lucian, Cassidy, and Dorian are going to be fun to watch/read.
A sidekick miniture character is always a delight, and Ricky is no exception.
I think Cassidy's character is original. I love we are discovering her at the same time she is discovering herself. Her character needs to be able to grow, hence why she is clueless to the world she is living in, and I would be too. I thought she handles herself well, considering. If she knew everything there would be no story.
June 29, 2016
There are so many twists and turns I don't know where to begin. I like Cassidy and want to be on her side but it's hard with all of the strong emotions and the unknown. I want to read more and see what happens to Cassidy, but in the same breath I'm over her and her situations. Who can she trust? What about Emilio? The whole situation with Lucian is complicated. I don't know.
July 6, 2015
This was a relatively short, quick and highly entertaining read. Carmen Caine did a wonderful job introducing the reader to Cassidy Edwards and the cast of characters in this first Cassidy Edwards novel. As a reader, I was thoroughly engaged through the entire story. As an author, Ms Caine certainly gives me something to strive for. I look forward to reading more about Cassidy Edwards adventures.
June 11, 2015
Curiously enough, it took me a while to pick up this one. I finally realised it's because there's another novel with the same cover which I didn't like.
So, this one is about a 3.5. To die for sex god, outspoken female go-for-it figure with a good dose of mystery.
I'm up for the next one.
So, this one is about a 3.5. To die for sex god, outspoken female go-for-it figure with a good dose of mystery.
I'm up for the next one.
August 19, 2020
I loved this series. I listen audiobook of this version and i thoroughly enjoyed it. :)
December 3, 2014
Interesting premise
But, unfortunately, little to back it up. This series of vignettes-not even chapters- is only tenuosly tied together and lacks a plot. Revenge and smoldering looks only carry an audience so far. Me. Canine, you end the book by asking if the audience would like to see more of Cassidy. What I'd like to see is:
1. A specific plot. In this book, the unearthing of the other clan could have been worked into a plot, but there was no tension and no conflict to resolve.
2. The heroine needs a friend. She's confused and so are we.
3. Slower, more deliberate world building. There are rules and players that need to be layered in.
Finally, is it a romance? If not, quit relying on some hotness factor in place of characterization.
But, unfortunately, little to back it up. This series of vignettes-not even chapters- is only tenuosly tied together and lacks a plot. Revenge and smoldering looks only carry an audience so far. Me. Canine, you end the book by asking if the audience would like to see more of Cassidy. What I'd like to see is:
1. A specific plot. In this book, the unearthing of the other clan could have been worked into a plot, but there was no tension and no conflict to resolve.
2. The heroine needs a friend. She's confused and so are we.
3. Slower, more deliberate world building. There are rules and players that need to be layered in.
Finally, is it a romance? If not, quit relying on some hotness factor in place of characterization.
November 26, 2014
There's an interesting story in here somewhere but it's not with the main character. Cassidy Edwards is an anomaly even for the paranormal world. Her mother was turned vampire while pregnant with Cassidy so she has both vampire and human qualities. She also has some annoying characteristics like alternating between being hell bent on revenge against the vampire who orchestrated her mother's change to being passion struck by both a mage and a vampire master.
I really liked the world Caine was building in this book. I just didn't like Cassidy very much.
I really liked the world Caine was building in this book. I just didn't like Cassidy very much.
June 2, 2019
Great!
This kind of Urban Fantasy enthralls me; well written, fast paced and plot heavy - it introduces a new world, with new rules and a heroine to lead the fray. Or lead INTO the fray.... no one really knows just yet.
Pros:
- Cassidy. Great FMC with verve.
- Well written.
- Fast when it needs to be, but the pace is steady for understanding.
- Lack of info dump for a book 1.... thank you.
Cons:
- Just one; of her main crux and purpose is revenge... why? I get it, partly, kill those that made her like she is. BUT.... if they hadn’t, she would be dead. ???? If anything, she should be mad at her mother doe involving herself in the affairs of vampires - never smart.
This kind of Urban Fantasy enthralls me; well written, fast paced and plot heavy - it introduces a new world, with new rules and a heroine to lead the fray. Or lead INTO the fray.... no one really knows just yet.
Pros:
- Cassidy. Great FMC with verve.
- Well written.
- Fast when it needs to be, but the pace is steady for understanding.
- Lack of info dump for a book 1.... thank you.
Cons:
- Just one; of her main crux and purpose is revenge... why? I get it, partly, kill those that made her like she is. BUT.... if they hadn’t, she would be dead. ???? If anything, she should be mad at her mother doe involving herself in the affairs of vampires - never smart.
September 16, 2019
This wasn't as terrible as alot of the reviews were saying. I went into this book with a negative attitude. I usually don't read reviews before reading a book for this exact reason but I had never heard of this book or this author. But I really liked the cover. Plus it's called Monster.. that alone made me want to check it out.
Anyways.. it was pretty good actually. I liked the storyline and I liked the female main character. The only real problem I had was that I didn't like the main love interest.. He was a jerk. I am looking forward to the next book.
Anyways.. it was pretty good actually. I liked the storyline and I liked the female main character. The only real problem I had was that I didn't like the main love interest.. He was a jerk. I am looking forward to the next book.
November 30, 2017
4,25 stars. A new adult/young adult novel by Carmen Caine. I have a new author I realy like. The read is easy. Not to long sentenses, words like I can read and a fluently storyline.
Cassidy is a monster, so she thinks. Living of mana and a vampier as a mother ( she allready was precnant with her When she was 'turned'). Lord Lucian is a warlock who she is going to work for. He knows something about Emilio, one of the acient ones. A vampire who turned her mother Blake into a vampire. Lord Lucian is acompanied by a dragon and a werewolf. Interesting read isn't it?
Cassidy:
Revenge.
It's all I'd lives for.
Revenge against those who turned my mother a vampire, causing her to give birth to me. The first of my kind. All I wantend was justice. I wantend to change the rules. I wantend to change their destiny.
I am reading book two spellbinder now. Hope it is an even good read as book one.
Cassidy is a monster, so she thinks. Living of mana and a vampier as a mother ( she allready was precnant with her When she was 'turned'). Lord Lucian is a warlock who she is going to work for. He knows something about Emilio, one of the acient ones. A vampire who turned her mother Blake into a vampire. Lord Lucian is acompanied by a dragon and a werewolf. Interesting read isn't it?
Cassidy:
Revenge.
It's all I'd lives for.
Revenge against those who turned my mother a vampire, causing her to give birth to me. The first of my kind. All I wantend was justice. I wantend to change the rules. I wantend to change their destiny.
I am reading book two spellbinder now. Hope it is an even good read as book one.
December 8, 2017
3,5/5
Want to read
December 5, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/5/2019)! 🎁
July 8, 2015
So I finished this book almost a week ago now, but I’ve been putting off writing a review because I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I know I didn’t absolutely love this book but I also know that I didn’t hate this book and usually for me, when it comes to books, it’s either one or the other. I guess this book just came out kinda of meh for me.
There was nothing wrong with the writing, the story building or the characters yet I just couldn’t get excited about this book. Truthfully the only reason I finished it instead of just marking it as dnf is because I didn’t finish two other books within the last two weeks and I didn’t want to add a third in such a short time.
The blurb on this book is extremely vague and I was intrigued by what was meant by:
The Job
Trapping a sixteenth-century Scottish Highlander of a vampire who just might be seduction itself.
The Team
A firedrake with an attitude, a werewolf with a problem, and an imp in dire need of rehab.
The Boss
A dangerously powerful warlock as handsome as sin.
My Problem: Bluffing my way into a job, my first mission into the Charmed world opens a Pandora’s box of betrayal and secrets ... along with attractions of the most lethal kind.
In storyline of the book is actually really good in theory I don’t know why I just couldn’t get into it. Cassidy is a one of a kind supernatural creature who, until she runs across the yummy Lucian one day, believes the supernatural species consists of Vampires and her. Of courses she’s wrong and there’s hundreds of different species of supernatural. Cassidy, who has been after revenge her whole life, views meeting and joining Lucian’s team of supernaturals as a chance to learn more about a world she didn’t know existed, herself, and the one she is after.
I liked Cassidy I liked how she was strong and didn’t take shit from anyone – she’s sarcastic and independent. I also liked how Caine had Cassidy learning all about this world she didn’t know existed slowly and by the end of the book she still is nowhere near knowing everything someone who grew up in the world would know. I find the way Caine did this to be more realistic to how it would be in real life to learn about a whole new world, instead of if she was to learn everything straight away.
I guess part of the reason I couldn’t get into this book was because I really didn’t like Lucian. I honestly like Dorian (who’s the bad guy) like 15 billion times more. I wanted her to be with Dorian, and that was never really an option, just when presented with Lucian and Anyone Else I’ve decided I’ll go with Anyone Else. I just found Lucian to be boring.
And how am I supposed to want a character to be my new book boyfriend if I don’t absolutely love them!!!!
The side characters weren’t developed very well. They’re present throughout the majority of the novel yet they’re very 2 dimensional characters. Although, Caine tried to make these characters have unique personalities and backstories so very very little time is spent on these characters apart from to mention they’re present and what they have to contribute to the conversation. Even now as I’m writing this I’m trying to remember what the lizard shifter and werewolf’s names are and I just for the life of me recall. These two characters are literally in 70% of the book (they’re part of Lucian’s supernatural team) and I only finished this book about a week ago and I can’t think of their names. I think that speaks volumes on how unimportant these suppose-to-be-important characters are. However, I will admit I did love Ricky, Cassidy’s imp. He was pretty amazing, it does make me want to have a sidekick imp even if he’s addicted to turmeric and a bit of a sleazy at times – its part of his annoyingly-lovable charm.
I don’t know what else to write… I just don’t really have an opinion on this book. I equal parts liked it and equal parts didn’t like it. There is nothing – really nothing – wrong with the writing or the plot I just couldn’t get into it and get excited. I probably won’t read the next Cassidy Edward’s novel to come out
There was nothing wrong with the writing, the story building or the characters yet I just couldn’t get excited about this book. Truthfully the only reason I finished it instead of just marking it as dnf is because I didn’t finish two other books within the last two weeks and I didn’t want to add a third in such a short time.
The blurb on this book is extremely vague and I was intrigued by what was meant by:
The Job
Trapping a sixteenth-century Scottish Highlander of a vampire who just might be seduction itself.
The Team
A firedrake with an attitude, a werewolf with a problem, and an imp in dire need of rehab.
The Boss
A dangerously powerful warlock as handsome as sin.
My Problem: Bluffing my way into a job, my first mission into the Charmed world opens a Pandora’s box of betrayal and secrets ... along with attractions of the most lethal kind.
In storyline of the book is actually really good in theory I don’t know why I just couldn’t get into it. Cassidy is a one of a kind supernatural creature who, until she runs across the yummy Lucian one day, believes the supernatural species consists of Vampires and her. Of courses she’s wrong and there’s hundreds of different species of supernatural. Cassidy, who has been after revenge her whole life, views meeting and joining Lucian’s team of supernaturals as a chance to learn more about a world she didn’t know existed, herself, and the one she is after.
I liked Cassidy I liked how she was strong and didn’t take shit from anyone – she’s sarcastic and independent. I also liked how Caine had Cassidy learning all about this world she didn’t know existed slowly and by the end of the book she still is nowhere near knowing everything someone who grew up in the world would know. I find the way Caine did this to be more realistic to how it would be in real life to learn about a whole new world, instead of if she was to learn everything straight away.
I guess part of the reason I couldn’t get into this book was because I really didn’t like Lucian. I honestly like Dorian (who’s the bad guy) like 15 billion times more. I wanted her to be with Dorian, and that was never really an option, just when presented with Lucian and Anyone Else I’ve decided I’ll go with Anyone Else. I just found Lucian to be boring.
And how am I supposed to want a character to be my new book boyfriend if I don’t absolutely love them!!!!
The side characters weren’t developed very well. They’re present throughout the majority of the novel yet they’re very 2 dimensional characters. Although, Caine tried to make these characters have unique personalities and backstories so very very little time is spent on these characters apart from to mention they’re present and what they have to contribute to the conversation. Even now as I’m writing this I’m trying to remember what the lizard shifter and werewolf’s names are and I just for the life of me recall. These two characters are literally in 70% of the book (they’re part of Lucian’s supernatural team) and I only finished this book about a week ago and I can’t think of their names. I think that speaks volumes on how unimportant these suppose-to-be-important characters are. However, I will admit I did love Ricky, Cassidy’s imp. He was pretty amazing, it does make me want to have a sidekick imp even if he’s addicted to turmeric and a bit of a sleazy at times – its part of his annoyingly-lovable charm.
I don’t know what else to write… I just don’t really have an opinion on this book. I equal parts liked it and equal parts didn’t like it. There is nothing – really nothing – wrong with the writing or the plot I just couldn’t get into it and get excited. I probably won’t read the next Cassidy Edward’s novel to come out
October 31, 2018
Apparently I read this a while ago and gave it 4 stars... who knew? I don't remember it honestly.
June 17, 2016
I left this book partway so for all I know, this may have been awesome towards the end.
But, like with all other books I left mid-way, I have no more patience to waste on this one.
This book started off on an interesting note.
Cassidy initially came off as a spunky person, then quickly disintegrated into a confusing, all-about-lust, incoherent person who stopped making any sense at all from the scene where she walks into the meeting with Lucian.
Lucian, Tabitha, Heath - all totally uninteresting characters, except for hot looks.
Carmen tries to add some humor with a whacky imp - Ricky - but since we have no idea about imps and Carmen doesnt explain any shit, all that is totally wasted.
The worst part about this book is - nothing, absolutely nothing is explained.
So Cassidy wants to find Emilio cos he turned her mom and ended up creating her.
And she tries to 'internet' search for the guy.
Sure, thats where all paranormal world exists - internet.
And then she meets Lucian - a warlock- who suddenly knows her name and knows her search for Emilio but doesnt know anything else useful about her.
Like the fact that she is a born-alive-vampire or that she knows nothing about the 'charmed world'.
Terms are flung left and right with no explanation or any kinda context.
Night terrors, rehabilitated imps, Terzi..blah blah blah.
And Cassidy - a newbie- to all this world and information, accepts everything without much questioning. Which makes you want to question her sanity and intelligence.
She is employed by Lucian, but of course, to keep all the 'mystery' they dont exchange any useful information which would have clued in the reader about what the heck is happening.
Overall - this is one of the most awfully written YA fantasy novels I've come across.
The plot might have been interesting if it wasnt butchered by a totally confusing and interesting story line, stupid characters and horrible pace of events.
But, like with all other books I left mid-way, I have no more patience to waste on this one.
This book started off on an interesting note.
Cassidy initially came off as a spunky person, then quickly disintegrated into a confusing, all-about-lust, incoherent person who stopped making any sense at all from the scene where she walks into the meeting with Lucian.
Lucian, Tabitha, Heath - all totally uninteresting characters, except for hot looks.
Carmen tries to add some humor with a whacky imp - Ricky - but since we have no idea about imps and Carmen doesnt explain any shit, all that is totally wasted.
The worst part about this book is - nothing, absolutely nothing is explained.
So Cassidy wants to find Emilio cos he turned her mom and ended up creating her.
And she tries to 'internet' search for the guy.
Sure, thats where all paranormal world exists - internet.
And then she meets Lucian - a warlock- who suddenly knows her name and knows her search for Emilio but doesnt know anything else useful about her.
Like the fact that she is a born-alive-vampire or that she knows nothing about the 'charmed world'.
Terms are flung left and right with no explanation or any kinda context.
Night terrors, rehabilitated imps, Terzi..blah blah blah.
And Cassidy - a newbie- to all this world and information, accepts everything without much questioning. Which makes you want to question her sanity and intelligence.
She is employed by Lucian, but of course, to keep all the 'mystery' they dont exchange any useful information which would have clued in the reader about what the heck is happening.
Overall - this is one of the most awfully written YA fantasy novels I've come across.
The plot might have been interesting if it wasnt butchered by a totally confusing and interesting story line, stupid characters and horrible pace of events.
May 13, 2016
A problematic book with interesting possibilities
The world building here is interesting--lots of different beings, a 'Charmed' world hidden within the mundane one, power of all different kinds from vampire to were to dragon types to spells and curses. The story doesn't offer very much clarity about any of it, as the lead is ignorant of the charmed world and in the story, no one explains anything much to her. That's frustrating to the reader, and later books had best provide more information. The lead woman is also a sympathetic character in many ways. She has reason to feel angry and alone, but is complex enough to care about other people more than she'd like.
Her character is also the main issue I had with the book. Predicating a whole story on a young woman's need for revenge has its issues. Big issues. First off, why would someone so young be so completely consumed by the need for vengeance on her own behalf? I can see it if her lover/sibling/parent had been killed or badly damaged, but that's not the case here. And if she wants revenge so badly, why not also revenge herself on the mother who repeatedly betrays her to her enemies? Why only fixate on her mother's old lover?
So that whole aspect makes no sense to me. This girl is the only one of her kind and has no one truly on her side, but doesn't seem to hate everyone--she even seems capable of empathy. That's a good thing for her as a person, but also another strike against her being hellbound on revenge. People capable of compassion are seldom that destructively single-hearted. So I had real trouble believing in her character and choices, and without that belief, the story fell apart.
There's enough that's good in the book, though, that I'll try the next book in the series and hope some of the problems get worked out.
The world building here is interesting--lots of different beings, a 'Charmed' world hidden within the mundane one, power of all different kinds from vampire to were to dragon types to spells and curses. The story doesn't offer very much clarity about any of it, as the lead is ignorant of the charmed world and in the story, no one explains anything much to her. That's frustrating to the reader, and later books had best provide more information. The lead woman is also a sympathetic character in many ways. She has reason to feel angry and alone, but is complex enough to care about other people more than she'd like.
Her character is also the main issue I had with the book. Predicating a whole story on a young woman's need for revenge has its issues. Big issues. First off, why would someone so young be so completely consumed by the need for vengeance on her own behalf? I can see it if her lover/sibling/parent had been killed or badly damaged, but that's not the case here. And if she wants revenge so badly, why not also revenge herself on the mother who repeatedly betrays her to her enemies? Why only fixate on her mother's old lover?
So that whole aspect makes no sense to me. This girl is the only one of her kind and has no one truly on her side, but doesn't seem to hate everyone--she even seems capable of empathy. That's a good thing for her as a person, but also another strike against her being hellbound on revenge. People capable of compassion are seldom that destructively single-hearted. So I had real trouble believing in her character and choices, and without that belief, the story fell apart.
There's enough that's good in the book, though, that I'll try the next book in the series and hope some of the problems get worked out.
November 6, 2014
Monster (A Cassidy Edwards Novel- Book 1)
it's confusing as to who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. I never did figure out who's side I was suppose to be routing for. both Dorian and Lucian appear to only be concerned about their own agenda, Cassidy seems to just be a tool for both of them to use to get what they want. Tabitha and Heath seem to just be thrown in broth one seem to add anything to the storyline, who they are and why they are loyal to Lucian are never talked about. there wasn't enough to make me want to read more to find out what happens to Lucian, Dorian and Cassidy. Or to Lucian's great great great etc grandmother who's trapped in the painting. Gloria and Blair and Emilio don't add any excitement either. the best part of the book was Ricky the imp.
it's confusing as to who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. I never did figure out who's side I was suppose to be routing for. both Dorian and Lucian appear to only be concerned about their own agenda, Cassidy seems to just be a tool for both of them to use to get what they want. Tabitha and Heath seem to just be thrown in broth one seem to add anything to the storyline, who they are and why they are loyal to Lucian are never talked about. there wasn't enough to make me want to read more to find out what happens to Lucian, Dorian and Cassidy. Or to Lucian's great great great etc grandmother who's trapped in the painting. Gloria and Blair and Emilio don't add any excitement either. the best part of the book was Ricky the imp.
February 22, 2015
First I will say that I really enjoyed this book. I am an avid reader of vampire fiction and I have read quite a bit over the years. Although this book makes good use of the normal vampire lore to give the reader an idea of how the vampire works and exists within the context of the novel and the world therein, I think the author made some interesting and creative choices in how she made her particular characters and story different. I think it was a very fun read with lots of interesting plot twists and developments. I am excited to learn more about what exactly makes our half vampire heroine so very different and such a point of interest to the supernatural community and I can't wait for some of the questions I have to be answered in the next installment of the series.
December 5, 2018
Monster begins when Cassidy ends up trying to feed off of the wrong person. Now, she's being "hired" to do a job she can't seem to refuse. The problem is, she's entering a whole new world she didn't even know existed, and she has no idea what she's doing. This is going to be a long job, but she must make the must of it to reach her end goal, revenge.
This book was okay. It wasn't great, but not bad. I enjoyed the characters a whole lot. Especially the heroine. She was just freaking awesome, even though she didn't know what she was doing half of the time. And I really liked the plot as well. It was something very unique and interesting. Not sure if I will read more in this series, but this was a nice book to pass the time with.
This book was okay. It wasn't great, but not bad. I enjoyed the characters a whole lot. Especially the heroine. She was just freaking awesome, even though she didn't know what she was doing half of the time. And I really liked the plot as well. It was something very unique and interesting. Not sure if I will read more in this series, but this was a nice book to pass the time with.
October 10, 2015
Confusing
Good book entertaining but more then half of the time i was completely confused. There wasn't much explaining of the characters trates in the beginning so all of a sudden a character would pop up and you were expected to know who they were. The first 5 chapters had me going back and re reading them to try and figure out what the Hell was going on. The ending was a bit stupid as well. Ill keep reading but this is definitely not a favorite book of mine.
Good book entertaining but more then half of the time i was completely confused. There wasn't much explaining of the characters trates in the beginning so all of a sudden a character would pop up and you were expected to know who they were. The first 5 chapters had me going back and re reading them to try and figure out what the Hell was going on. The ending was a bit stupid as well. Ill keep reading but this is definitely not a favorite book of mine.
October 23, 2014
3 1/2 stars
Cassidy is an engaging character. The story is trifle rough and slow in places but it picked up. The series has a lot of potential and I look forward to more adventures of Cassidy Edwards. Overall,I enjoyed the story. I think the next one will be better as she( and we) learn more about the Charmed and the histories of the other characters.
Cassidy is an engaging character. The story is trifle rough and slow in places but it picked up. The series has a lot of potential and I look forward to more adventures of Cassidy Edwards. Overall,I enjoyed the story. I think the next one will be better as she( and we) learn more about the Charmed and the histories of the other characters.
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