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Equilibrium #1
The Core
There’s something strange about David, something that goes beyond the way he makes Ellie feel. He’s wealthy, poised, and a complete enigma. With nothing to lose but her heart, Ellie goes in search of the truth—a search that leads her down an eye-opening path that reveals secrets about the world she thought she knew.
The world’s order is held in careful balance, the essence of good and evil tilting the scale. When the fabric of reality is stripped away, Ellie is forced to make a decision to follow the path David’s constructed before her or simply walk away. The Core is missing and someone must step up and stand between the light and darkness, holding each back and maintaining equilibrium.
The world’s order is held in careful balance, the essence of good and evil tilting the scale. When the fabric of reality is stripped away, Ellie is forced to make a decision to follow the path David’s constructed before her or simply walk away. The Core is missing and someone must step up and stand between the light and darkness, holding each back and maintaining equilibrium.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
139 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Kate Thomas
11 books50 followersKate has been reading almost longer than she's been walking. It's her first love, as she's sure it might just be yours too. She's a full-time writer and entrepreneur at heart. With more ideas than one person should be allowed, she is blessed to have a muse that doesn't seem to take a vacation and more energy that one might consider healthy.
Her focus is on paranormal and fantasy romance with the occasional urban fantasy thrown in for fun. She's spent most of her life wondering about the 'unseen' far more than what we're able to touch, see and feel. There just has to be more than we can access. She's sure of it.
Don't be left behind on the newest goodies coming out of her bookshelf! Join her and connect!
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Her focus is on paranormal and fantasy romance with the occasional urban fantasy thrown in for fun. She's spent most of her life wondering about the 'unseen' far more than what we're able to touch, see and feel. There just has to be more than we can access. She's sure of it.
Don't be left behind on the newest goodies coming out of her bookshelf! Join her and connect!
Insiders Group-https://dl.bookfunnel.com/lrhlrahggi
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKateTh...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
May 12, 2015
When I started this book I didn't know what to expect. I had never heard of or read anything by this author. Well, to say the least I was pleasantly surprised! Being a reader of Paranormal and Urban fantasy for quite a while now I was pretty sure I was familiar with almost every storyline out there. Boy was I wrong! This book starts out with letting you think it was going to be a romance like many others with a set of characters that were twins. Elle and her twin brother Jacob have a very close and fun relationship. Elle works for David as his CPA .David is a mysterious man, no one seems to know exactly what he does for a living. One morning Elle comes in to work and sees David with blood all over him and is overwhelmed by the smell of bleach as he seems to be trying to cover up whatever happened. Not able to let this go and needing to know what happened Elle enlists her brother Jacob to go on a stakeout with her to learn more about her boss David. This is where the story truly begins and where you start to think you know what is happening,...however nothing is what you think. David and what he does are both very complex and this is a new refreshing spin on the paranormal genre. This Story takes Elle on a journey of discovery. She does find out what David "does" for a living and also how she is connected. She learns to open her eyes to what is around her and to believe in and accept destiny so to speak. There are many twists and turns and you learn that things aren't always as they appear. I cant reveal more without giving spoilers and this book is too good to ruin it for anyone. The end of the book leaves the opening for the next in a series and keeps you wanting more. I will definitely read more by this author. 5 stars for originality and suspense!
March 10, 2015
This was amazing.
The Core is the first installment in the new series from fantastic author, LA Starkey aka Kate Thomas. The Equilibrium Series kicks off by introducing readers to Ellie and her mysterious boss David. After Ellie walks into David's office and finds him covered in blood, Ellie is convinced she works for a murderer.
Ellie enjoys her job with David, but somehow has no idea what her boss actually does for work. After discovering David in her apartment one night, Ellie begins to think there might be more to her boss than just insanely good looks.
Now I have to admit, this story is again not something I typically go for mostly because it falls into the "new adult" category. However, this. Was. Amazing.
Kate has once again proven that she can create incredibly detailed and layered paranormal worlds that pull the reader in within the first few pages. At first I was really against the idea of David's character, but by the end of the story I couldn't get enough. The Core was a fantastic beginning to this series and I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment.
The Core is the first installment in the new series from fantastic author, LA Starkey aka Kate Thomas. The Equilibrium Series kicks off by introducing readers to Ellie and her mysterious boss David. After Ellie walks into David's office and finds him covered in blood, Ellie is convinced she works for a murderer.
Ellie enjoys her job with David, but somehow has no idea what her boss actually does for work. After discovering David in her apartment one night, Ellie begins to think there might be more to her boss than just insanely good looks.
Now I have to admit, this story is again not something I typically go for mostly because it falls into the "new adult" category. However, this. Was. Amazing.
Kate has once again proven that she can create incredibly detailed and layered paranormal worlds that pull the reader in within the first few pages. At first I was really against the idea of David's character, but by the end of the story I couldn't get enough. The Core was a fantastic beginning to this series and I absolutely cannot wait for the next installment.
October 25, 2016
The Core ( Equilibrium book 1 ) - Kate Thomas ( 4 Stars )
Ellie works as an accountant for her elusive and strange boss David , but when she tries to get closer to him she ends up seeing more than what she should have .Who is David Really and what why did he hire Ellie for his Firm ?
This is usually not my typical Genre , I tend to go for Romance & Paranormal with darker elements and a much more steamier storyline, if you will. Don't get me wrong This was a very intriguing storyline , it kept me reading I would definitely recommend it to Fantasy & Sci-fi readers who likes YA or NA with suspense, action mystery and intrigue...not much really in the romance dept.
The author made sure to keep you hooked with good mysterious characters and loads of unanswered secrets .It made me Frustrated at points where you think you knew what was happening , but you will learn everything at an agonizing pace , like Ellie in time as the story goes on . Another thing I wish was different was that Ellie needed to be Stronger ..she was a bit ditzy , It made me insane and then just as she's learning things poof Cliffhanger Ending.
Ellie works as an accountant for her elusive and strange boss David , but when she tries to get closer to him she ends up seeing more than what she should have .Who is David Really and what why did he hire Ellie for his Firm ?
This is usually not my typical Genre , I tend to go for Romance & Paranormal with darker elements and a much more steamier storyline, if you will. Don't get me wrong This was a very intriguing storyline , it kept me reading I would definitely recommend it to Fantasy & Sci-fi readers who likes YA or NA with suspense, action mystery and intrigue...not much really in the romance dept.
The author made sure to keep you hooked with good mysterious characters and loads of unanswered secrets .It made me Frustrated at points where you think you knew what was happening , but you will learn everything at an agonizing pace , like Ellie in time as the story goes on . Another thing I wish was different was that Ellie needed to be Stronger ..she was a bit ditzy , It made me insane and then just as she's learning things poof Cliffhanger Ending.
February 13, 2015
What would you do if you were chosen to help maintain balance in the world? That is the premise of this story.
Right from the off, the reader is immersed in the intrigue that is Ellie's relationship with her boss. No softly softly build up, just BAM! Stalking her boss from the outset.
As stories go, this has action and drama, surprises and disappointments. Well conceived and imagined, and thoroughly enjoyable.
I found the relationship between Ellie and David to be very frustrating. And by the time I got to the end of the book, I was very sure that was the intent. And the ending? I will say only this.... it stops just as it is getting to the very good bit....
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Right from the off, the reader is immersed in the intrigue that is Ellie's relationship with her boss. No softly softly build up, just BAM! Stalking her boss from the outset.
As stories go, this has action and drama, surprises and disappointments. Well conceived and imagined, and thoroughly enjoyable.
I found the relationship between Ellie and David to be very frustrating. And by the time I got to the end of the book, I was very sure that was the intent. And the ending? I will say only this.... it stops just as it is getting to the very good bit....
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
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May 12, 2015
The Core by Kate Thomas is the first book in the Equilibrium Series. This book is fantastic and I was given an ARC to read and give my honest opinion, so here is my review.
Ellie is a young woman, who along with her twin brother Jacob, has led a pretty quiet life, she went to college and now has been working for her boss David for about two years. He is a wealthy and powerful man who seems to be in his 30's, handsome. mysterious, and Ellie has been crushing on him for a while. Her Mother is in a facility as she has unfortunately developed Alzheimer's disease from her early fifties, so really her brother is not only her twin but someone she has relied on her whole life as their father left before they were even born.
Recently, after walking in on her boss covered in blood one day in his office, Ellie is thankful he did not see her, but she decides she has to see what is going on with him and enlists her brother to aid her in following him around and spying on him. One night they were following him and when he left they went back to Ellie's house and her brother told her to be careful. She walks into her house and picks up her cat and there is her boss David sitting there! David confronts her about the spying and rather than being mad finds it almost funny and he told her all she had to do was ask. He then tells her that he is taking a trip to California and she will be going with him. Of course her brother tells her she can't go, but Ellie goes anyway.She wants to know just how her boss makes his money, and what he is involved in. What Ellie finds out completely shocks her, and changes her life in the blink of an eye.
David explains to Ellie who he is and what he does, as a "Balance Keeper", and also tells her that she is also like him and she needs to take her place at his side to keep balance in the universe! Ellie meets others like David, people who make up the "Core" and everything she has always thought about life and the natural order of things changes. This is the first book in the series and it leaves the reader with a lot of questions, including Ellie wondering:
1 Why her?
2 What about her brother and Mom?
3 why does David seem attracted to her, but he always pull back when Ellie wants to be with him?
4 Why does she have to make a choice and what happens if she walks away?
All of these questions left me feeling the need for the second book! But this book is awesome, it is well written, has a lot of twists and turns in the plot, great characters, David is an amazing man, Jacob is a wonderful overprotective brother, and Ellie herself is a strong and beautiful young woman.
Read this book, and you will be so glad you did! This book is a paranormal read and like I said it is well written, it is not that long, but gets the plot of the story moving along at a good fast pace that will hold your interest!
I gave this book 5***** stars and can't wait for book two! I like the way this author writes, and I am sure I will be adding her to my list of authors I automatically one click, and buy their books without even knowing what the book is about!
Ellie is a young woman, who along with her twin brother Jacob, has led a pretty quiet life, she went to college and now has been working for her boss David for about two years. He is a wealthy and powerful man who seems to be in his 30's, handsome. mysterious, and Ellie has been crushing on him for a while. Her Mother is in a facility as she has unfortunately developed Alzheimer's disease from her early fifties, so really her brother is not only her twin but someone she has relied on her whole life as their father left before they were even born.
Recently, after walking in on her boss covered in blood one day in his office, Ellie is thankful he did not see her, but she decides she has to see what is going on with him and enlists her brother to aid her in following him around and spying on him. One night they were following him and when he left they went back to Ellie's house and her brother told her to be careful. She walks into her house and picks up her cat and there is her boss David sitting there! David confronts her about the spying and rather than being mad finds it almost funny and he told her all she had to do was ask. He then tells her that he is taking a trip to California and she will be going with him. Of course her brother tells her she can't go, but Ellie goes anyway.She wants to know just how her boss makes his money, and what he is involved in. What Ellie finds out completely shocks her, and changes her life in the blink of an eye.
David explains to Ellie who he is and what he does, as a "Balance Keeper", and also tells her that she is also like him and she needs to take her place at his side to keep balance in the universe! Ellie meets others like David, people who make up the "Core" and everything she has always thought about life and the natural order of things changes. This is the first book in the series and it leaves the reader with a lot of questions, including Ellie wondering:
1 Why her?
2 What about her brother and Mom?
3 why does David seem attracted to her, but he always pull back when Ellie wants to be with him?
4 Why does she have to make a choice and what happens if she walks away?
All of these questions left me feeling the need for the second book! But this book is awesome, it is well written, has a lot of twists and turns in the plot, great characters, David is an amazing man, Jacob is a wonderful overprotective brother, and Ellie herself is a strong and beautiful young woman.
Read this book, and you will be so glad you did! This book is a paranormal read and like I said it is well written, it is not that long, but gets the plot of the story moving along at a good fast pace that will hold your interest!
I gave this book 5***** stars and can't wait for book two! I like the way this author writes, and I am sure I will be adding her to my list of authors I automatically one click, and buy their books without even knowing what the book is about!
May 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
There are battles constantly being waged that mortals rarely ever know about. They go about their daily lives never knowing how close they are to utter destruction and mayhem. They have no clue as to how the balance between good and evil in their world is kept in place, or that such a reality actually exists. They simply go about their lives as if nothing will ever change. Mortals are so clueless and so wrong.
Ellie has nursed a crush on David Kelly forever, well at least since she started working for him about two years ago. What’s not to be attracted to? The guy is wealthy, handsome, sexy and very mysterious… maybe too mysterious. Even though Ellie is his assistant, even she doesn’t really know where his wealth comes from or even what the company she works for truly does. Too many mysteries and not enough answers.
Matters come to a head when Ellie sees David covered in blood, obviously not his. He doesn’t appear harmed, but she is making sure that David has no clue she has seen him in this state. She convinces her twin brother to help her stalk David, follow him around to see what he really does – because now she’s not only still attracted to him, but a bit afraid of him as well.
What she learns will change her life – forever.
Paranormal stories have always been my first reading love. I love when romance is involved, but it does not have to be the main focus of the story. In The Core, there is attraction – not a full blown romance, yet. This is the first introductory story into the Equilibrium five novel series. Here we are being given the basic background which the rest of the series will stand on – so see this short, fast paced story at just that.. the very beginning to so much more to come.
I definitely enjoyed this new world that is being built. It has its own rules and players, and is a bit different than many paranormal stories. The characters are engaging if somewhat still in their early stages of development as far as the purpose within the story is concerned. That does not mean that the people of this world are not well created, they certainly are – it means only that knowing this is a longer series leaves the characters room to grow into what they will become within the series. And I enjoy that type of development. I am looking forward to reading the coming books in this series as it has the potential to be an exceptional world.
If you love paranormal, if you enjoy being in on the beginning of something special, if you can emerge yourself in an alternative reality and if you enjoy waiting for the true love romance to build then you would completely enjoy The Core. I recommend this one without hesitation, mainly because I can see what might be an amazing series and I love to be in on the start of that discovery.
Equilibrium series = 1.) The Core 2.) The Light 3.) The Future 4.) The Past 5.) The Darkness
*I received an e-ARC of The Core from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
There are battles constantly being waged that mortals rarely ever know about. They go about their daily lives never knowing how close they are to utter destruction and mayhem. They have no clue as to how the balance between good and evil in their world is kept in place, or that such a reality actually exists. They simply go about their lives as if nothing will ever change. Mortals are so clueless and so wrong.
Ellie has nursed a crush on David Kelly forever, well at least since she started working for him about two years ago. What’s not to be attracted to? The guy is wealthy, handsome, sexy and very mysterious… maybe too mysterious. Even though Ellie is his assistant, even she doesn’t really know where his wealth comes from or even what the company she works for truly does. Too many mysteries and not enough answers.
Matters come to a head when Ellie sees David covered in blood, obviously not his. He doesn’t appear harmed, but she is making sure that David has no clue she has seen him in this state. She convinces her twin brother to help her stalk David, follow him around to see what he really does – because now she’s not only still attracted to him, but a bit afraid of him as well.
What she learns will change her life – forever.
Paranormal stories have always been my first reading love. I love when romance is involved, but it does not have to be the main focus of the story. In The Core, there is attraction – not a full blown romance, yet. This is the first introductory story into the Equilibrium five novel series. Here we are being given the basic background which the rest of the series will stand on – so see this short, fast paced story at just that.. the very beginning to so much more to come.
I definitely enjoyed this new world that is being built. It has its own rules and players, and is a bit different than many paranormal stories. The characters are engaging if somewhat still in their early stages of development as far as the purpose within the story is concerned. That does not mean that the people of this world are not well created, they certainly are – it means only that knowing this is a longer series leaves the characters room to grow into what they will become within the series. And I enjoy that type of development. I am looking forward to reading the coming books in this series as it has the potential to be an exceptional world.
If you love paranormal, if you enjoy being in on the beginning of something special, if you can emerge yourself in an alternative reality and if you enjoy waiting for the true love romance to build then you would completely enjoy The Core. I recommend this one without hesitation, mainly because I can see what might be an amazing series and I love to be in on the start of that discovery.
Equilibrium series = 1.) The Core 2.) The Light 3.) The Future 4.) The Past 5.) The Darkness
*I received an e-ARC of The Core from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
October 5, 2017
The Core is the first installment in the new series from fantastic author, LA Starkey aka Kate Thomas. The Equilibrium Series kicks off by introducing readers to Ellie and her mysterious boss David. After Ellie walks into David's office and finds him covered in blood, Ellie is convinced she works for a murderer.
March 31, 2015
Title: The Core, Equilibrum Series I
Author: Kate Thomas
Rating: 1/5, DFN at 61%
I very rarely drop books, but for some odd reason, I couldn't bring myself to finish this one. When I requested this book from Netgalley, it was for the concept of balance keepers. I assume this is where this book is heading, but I find it really disappointing that I've reached 60% and I have only heard the name a few times in the last two chapters. We know nothing and I'm not even inclined to read more to find out.
Most of the book so far has been about the main character, Ellie, fawning over her boss David. She obsesses over his every word to her, analyzes everything he does and oh, the struggle to contain her own sexual desires is just so difficult. I could absolutely not relate to her. This felt like a bad attempt at resembling the romance in 50 Shades and Twilight... There's absolutely no action aside from the stalking in the beginning, and the mention of a murder. This book was, at the 61% mark, the story of a girl crushing on her boss. He makes her tag along on a trip, which he pays for, and she basks in luxury while she vents about her dark, mysterious, alluring, handsome, perfect, beautiful, intelligent, rich, (etc. etc. etc.) boss. Not what I was hoping for at all.
I gave up at those lines: "Looking into the depth of his eyes was like getting lost in a moment forever, never wanting to surface and yet needing to breathe so badly. His fingers brushed across her hip and outer thigh, and she sighed like a lovesick puppy." I read a bit after that, but that's where the book really lost me.
Nevertheless, I'd like to thank Patchwork Press, as well as Netgalley, for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I hope others out there can appreciate it more than I did.
Author: Kate Thomas
Rating: 1/5, DFN at 61%
I very rarely drop books, but for some odd reason, I couldn't bring myself to finish this one. When I requested this book from Netgalley, it was for the concept of balance keepers. I assume this is where this book is heading, but I find it really disappointing that I've reached 60% and I have only heard the name a few times in the last two chapters. We know nothing and I'm not even inclined to read more to find out.
Most of the book so far has been about the main character, Ellie, fawning over her boss David. She obsesses over his every word to her, analyzes everything he does and oh, the struggle to contain her own sexual desires is just so difficult. I could absolutely not relate to her. This felt like a bad attempt at resembling the romance in 50 Shades and Twilight... There's absolutely no action aside from the stalking in the beginning, and the mention of a murder. This book was, at the 61% mark, the story of a girl crushing on her boss. He makes her tag along on a trip, which he pays for, and she basks in luxury while she vents about her dark, mysterious, alluring, handsome, perfect, beautiful, intelligent, rich, (etc. etc. etc.) boss. Not what I was hoping for at all.
I gave up at those lines: "Looking into the depth of his eyes was like getting lost in a moment forever, never wanting to surface and yet needing to breathe so badly. His fingers brushed across her hip and outer thigh, and she sighed like a lovesick puppy." I read a bit after that, but that's where the book really lost me.
Nevertheless, I'd like to thank Patchwork Press, as well as Netgalley, for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I hope others out there can appreciate it more than I did.
July 6, 2015
Ellie has been an accountant for David Kelley for 2 years with no idea what the company really does. And, she is becoming attracted to him day by day. One day she sees him covered in blood in his office, with him seemingly unaware she sees him. Wanting to find out what is up with her boss, she and her twin Jacob follow him around. This, strangely enough, leads her to a business trip to LA the next day where he promises to give her answers, even if the answers are more than she can believe. What she finds out startles her and makes her realize there is a lot more to this world than she ever knew. How does he make his money? How did he know they were following him around? And, most of all, how can she believe she is going to help keep the world in balance?
I went into this book not really sure what to expect. Was he a vampire? A werewolf? I am always a little disappointed when the book tries to build up suspense when most of the plot is listed in the description. Please, publishers, give the author a chance! But, I wasn’t at all disappointed in the book. There were well-drawn characters, a satisfying plot, the romance between Ellie and David was sweet, and it was a fast read. There wasn’t any sex, so be warned, but don’t be disappointed as it was still a great romance without it. Sure there were things that drove me a little crazy but not too crazy. At times, I really wanted to slap Ellie for being a little dense. Maybe I would do the same things she did, but when you see those things over and over, you have to realize something’s going on. And the cliffhanger ending! I turned the page (or flicked the page) and it was the end! But well-played, Ms. Thomas, I’m about the get the other ones. Do yourself a favor and get this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Good Tales Book Tours for the chance to read this book.
I went into this book not really sure what to expect. Was he a vampire? A werewolf? I am always a little disappointed when the book tries to build up suspense when most of the plot is listed in the description. Please, publishers, give the author a chance! But, I wasn’t at all disappointed in the book. There were well-drawn characters, a satisfying plot, the romance between Ellie and David was sweet, and it was a fast read. There wasn’t any sex, so be warned, but don’t be disappointed as it was still a great romance without it. Sure there were things that drove me a little crazy but not too crazy. At times, I really wanted to slap Ellie for being a little dense. Maybe I would do the same things she did, but when you see those things over and over, you have to realize something’s going on. And the cliffhanger ending! I turned the page (or flicked the page) and it was the end! But well-played, Ms. Thomas, I’m about the get the other ones. Do yourself a favor and get this book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Good Tales Book Tours for the chance to read this book.
February 24, 2015
The Core, Equilibrium I, Kate Thomas
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal , New Adult.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
This sounded an interesting read – and it was. Its something new in the fantasy/paranormal genre, well at least to me. Its about people with special abilities who are chosen to keep the balance in the world, the mix of good and bad.
I liked the connection between Ellie and David, and his enigmatic way of speaking. Its as if everything he says as an answer is really another question. No wonder poor Ellie was so confused. There are so many secrets, and he takes her on a journey of discovery where she meets others, and needs to make a choice – is there really a way to say no though?
It’s a shortish read and hard to rate I feel, as its really just an intro into what’s coming, a taster of what could develop. We can see already that her background may not be as she’s always thought, and I wonder how she will explain this to her brother and mum, whether they will have any part to play or remain “normal” people? I want to read more – its certainly whetted my appetite, and though David suggests there can be nothing between him and Ellie on a personal level, that its purely professional from now, there’s a definite attraction for both of them and I wonder how that’s going to work out with them needing to work closely together. It promises to be a fun read, something different from the usual and though its not classes as a romance I can’t help hoping one develops!
Stars: Four – I think its going to develop into a five star series but at the moment Its still a clear work in progress and this novel felt a bit incomplete to me. Started books do have a hard job when a series begins.
ARC provided by Netgalley and publishers.
April 10, 2015
The blurb for The Core doesn't do it justice. Yes, Ellie does have to make a decision and yes there is a precarious balance to be upheld, but the so much more compelling issue here is the amazing chemistry between Ellie and her boss Mr. Kelley, David that is. And that magnetic chemistry makes this book well worth picking up. Thomas sets up intrigue and drama seductively in this first installment in what could be a very long series (please please please).
This reader was not always a fan of Thomas' prose, the in-between moments are blah. But when there is action (and there is quite a lot of it) the narrative moves swiftly, tension is built to perfection and you can fall right into this alternate world that Thomas has created. My hope is that Thomas tightens her transitions in books to come, but I'll still read them even if she doesn't because the meat of this is so delicious that I don't mind the less than sturdy tendons. I hate spoilers, so I won't be one. The most I will say is that if you aren't good with cliffhangers, you might want to wait until the sequel to The Core is released this summer to pick this up. But if you are like me and believe anticipation is a feeling to be relished, then go get this book today!
The narrative structure is different as Thomas doesn't pretend that this is a story in and of itself; she sets us up neatly for the long run. But The Core is still a quick, yummy read that fans of paranormal romance will enjoy.
This reader was not always a fan of Thomas' prose, the in-between moments are blah. But when there is action (and there is quite a lot of it) the narrative moves swiftly, tension is built to perfection and you can fall right into this alternate world that Thomas has created. My hope is that Thomas tightens her transitions in books to come, but I'll still read them even if she doesn't because the meat of this is so delicious that I don't mind the less than sturdy tendons. I hate spoilers, so I won't be one. The most I will say is that if you aren't good with cliffhangers, you might want to wait until the sequel to The Core is released this summer to pick this up. But if you are like me and believe anticipation is a feeling to be relished, then go get this book today!
The narrative structure is different as Thomas doesn't pretend that this is a story in and of itself; she sets us up neatly for the long run. But The Core is still a quick, yummy read that fans of paranormal romance will enjoy.
April 23, 2015
Ok, it starts off with a shocker weirdness that I have to say confused me and confounded me. I also got hooked right away. I mean, really, everything in my gut was yelling at her to back off and to run for the hills. But amazingly, she did not listen to my inner voice - even though it was strong enough for my kids to remind me it was a book. Ellie feels very connected to David and she cannot figure out why, until their special trip. And then everything she knows and has believed, is altered and she is forced to make that choice between staying and doing or walking away and wondering. I was immediately drawn into this book as the characters are so different and unique. I felt that they all had totally different personailities and that somehow they were all very intermixed with each other to totally balance the others. I am very intrigued to see where this story goes from here. I am excited to figure out who becomes the Core and what that means for the others. And also to see where David and Ellie's connection goes and why it is so strong. This a 5 star book in my opinion, because if my day job and family weren't the priority they are, I would have not stopped reading til I reached the end. I mean as it was I finished in 2 days but I had to work and kiddos have activities. Cannot wait for Book 2 next month!!
May 16, 2015
David Kelley is a man of mystery. Ellie Miller is intrigued. She caught her boss frantically wiping his body covered with blood. Now who wouldn't be mystified? Plus the obvious fact that Mr. Kelley is a very attractive man, with immeasurable amount of wealth. Ellie and her twin brother Jacob did some stalking on him; they knew something's off with him, but what could it be?
When David asked Ellie to come with him to LA for a business meeting, Ellie didn't pass up the chance to get to know more about him. And boy, was she surprised with her discoveries. The password, the flower delivery, the masquerade party, the gold dust, the kidnapping, the pictures.... It was all too much to take! And those uncanny abilities - seeing the future, going back to the past, manipulating thoughts, whispering commands, balancing the good and the bad - these had been one thrilling and fast-paced story I wouldn't have wanted to miss.
The words that came out of my mouth after reading The Core? "It's unbelievably beautiful! This had been an unexpectedly pleasant surprise from Kate Thomas. I love this new concept she had written, she actually kept me guessing and churning until the end. Truly a breath-taking story!
I am now reading The Light and no one's gonna stop me. Not even David Kelley!
When David asked Ellie to come with him to LA for a business meeting, Ellie didn't pass up the chance to get to know more about him. And boy, was she surprised with her discoveries. The password, the flower delivery, the masquerade party, the gold dust, the kidnapping, the pictures.... It was all too much to take! And those uncanny abilities - seeing the future, going back to the past, manipulating thoughts, whispering commands, balancing the good and the bad - these had been one thrilling and fast-paced story I wouldn't have wanted to miss.
The words that came out of my mouth after reading The Core? "It's unbelievably beautiful! This had been an unexpectedly pleasant surprise from Kate Thomas. I love this new concept she had written, she actually kept me guessing and churning until the end. Truly a breath-taking story!
I am now reading The Light and no one's gonna stop me. Not even David Kelley!
May 9, 2015
What can is say about this book hmmmm one word AMAZZZINNG.This is a book I would not have been inclined to read usually but from I opened the book until I closed it,I was completely drawn into it,I literally could not put it down and read it in a few short hours. I don't want to spoil the book by giving to much away so I will tell you a little about it. Elle works for her very handsome very rich and very mysterious boss David after walking into his office and seeing something quite shocking she realises she knows nothing about her boss and decides to stalk him only to be caught and find out nothing more than she already knows. Her boss takes her away for work were things start to change and the balance of what's real and what she thinks isn't starts to blurr and merge into the same. After some private investigation of her own she soon realise things sent always what they seem and there's more to David than meets the eye. Will she choose to believe this and embrace what's lays ahead of her, or choose to ignore it. This book will draw you in from the first page and I promise you you will not be disappointed I look forward to reading the next instalment of this book
May 31, 2015
Jacob is Ellie's boss. She thinks he may have committed a crime. She and her brother decide to stake out her boss and follow him. Jacob catches them and surprises her.
Ellie loves working for Jacob. He took a chance on her and hired her straight out of college. Lately she has noticed she is starting to have feelings for him. She is not sure how to approach this with her work-all-the-time boss.
Jacob has many secrets he is not sure if he should share with her. She is supposed to be a part of a future partnership with him. How to tell her? Will she believe? Can he go forward in a different relationship with her if she turns him down?
So much going on in this book. I do not want to give spoiler so I will just summarize for you that it is an amazing read!! I had trouble putting it down. Ellie and Jacob have sexy banter and sizzling kisses that make reading worthwhile!
This is the first book in the Equilibrium series. The 2nd book is out now, The Light. I cannot wait to continue the next story!!
Ellie loves working for Jacob. He took a chance on her and hired her straight out of college. Lately she has noticed she is starting to have feelings for him. She is not sure how to approach this with her work-all-the-time boss.
Jacob has many secrets he is not sure if he should share with her. She is supposed to be a part of a future partnership with him. How to tell her? Will she believe? Can he go forward in a different relationship with her if she turns him down?
So much going on in this book. I do not want to give spoiler so I will just summarize for you that it is an amazing read!! I had trouble putting it down. Ellie and Jacob have sexy banter and sizzling kisses that make reading worthwhile!
This is the first book in the Equilibrium series. The 2nd book is out now, The Light. I cannot wait to continue the next story!!
December 10, 2015
Kate Thomas is a new author to me but I was completely engaged with her work from the first page. At 60% of the way through I was that addicted that I purchased The Core in audiobook format so that I can listen to it on the way to work once I finished the book. Well I finished yesterday and have left it one day to let my thoughts percolate.
I love the characters, Ellie is intelligent, independent and I find myself envious of her relationship she has with her brother. David, it the strong, mysterious type. I love how at the beginning of the book I am wary of him and by the end I, like Ellie am enraptured.
The plot and its twists are exciting and kept me gripped. It has been a while since I have read a book I thoroughly enjoyed so quickly (Yep 4 days is quick for me.)
I find the secondary characters, the balance keepers, fascinating, I am looking forward to how they will come into play in the series.
The Core is an excellent read, which has good pace and believable characters and an intriguing ending. I have recommended to my friends.
I love the characters, Ellie is intelligent, independent and I find myself envious of her relationship she has with her brother. David, it the strong, mysterious type. I love how at the beginning of the book I am wary of him and by the end I, like Ellie am enraptured.
The plot and its twists are exciting and kept me gripped. It has been a while since I have read a book I thoroughly enjoyed so quickly (Yep 4 days is quick for me.)
I find the secondary characters, the balance keepers, fascinating, I am looking forward to how they will come into play in the series.
The Core is an excellent read, which has good pace and believable characters and an intriguing ending. I have recommended to my friends.
May 10, 2015
I got this book for an honest review and bloody hell what a story. Only read a handful of supernatural storylines, glad I had the chance to read this. Ellie working for a rich powerful man she hardly sees and knows, yet she can't seem to get out of her head. She wants to know more, her knowing more brings a world she didn't know existed. The only reason I gave it 4.5 stars as little disappointed that I read the whole book and nothing more happened romantically than a kiss, wanted bit more to happen between them. Looking forward to book 2 to see what happens next. This I definitely recommend, you won't be disappointed. Well done Kate, brilliant book.
February 26, 2016
Buy a clue, sweetheart
I'm torn on whether to give this a two or three stars rating. There was a decent plot that seems like it would be interesting to follow through the flowing three more books. However, Ellie is so entirely uninteresting in how she continually rejected all opportunities given to her, that it got frustrating. I came to not be as interested in her personal p.o. as much as how I would have *liked* her to behave.
I'm torn on whether to give this a two or three stars rating. There was a decent plot that seems like it would be interesting to follow through the flowing three more books. However, Ellie is so entirely uninteresting in how she continually rejected all opportunities given to her, that it got frustrating. I came to not be as interested in her personal p.o. as much as how I would have *liked* her to behave.
May 11, 2017
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I am not a paranormal fan normally, but I decided to give this book a try. It was fantastic and I could not put it down. I cannot wait to read book 2!
The mystery behind the book was fantastic, and I cannot wait to read what unfolds next not only regarding what secrets and powers the characters hold, but also the interpersonal relationships between the characters.
The mystery behind the book was fantastic, and I cannot wait to read what unfolds next not only regarding what secrets and powers the characters hold, but also the interpersonal relationships between the characters.
August 30, 2017
This book was pretty good. I thought that the story was unique. There are 5 beings who keep balance in the world. One had passed away a few years before, so the main character is finding out about who this group is, how she plays a part and who the one that passed was to her. I enjoyed it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes paranormal romance beyond vampires and werewolves.
June 6, 2017
Core
What is the core of a person? Elle and her twin go on a fact finding mission but Elle is the one to discover there is more in this world than what we see. Great reading
What is the core of a person? Elle and her twin go on a fact finding mission but Elle is the one to discover there is more in this world than what we see. Great reading
May 16, 2019
The Core (Equilibrium Book 1 )by Kate Thomas
I’ve read a few paranormal genre novels so that parts not totally new but the romance part is not my first choice and I leave that to the person across the room from me. Occasionally we do cross paths and I have to admit that this one caught my eye first so I will be recommending this to the romance lover.
The story starts simple enough with Elle and her twin Jacob spying on her boss whom she has recently witnessed possibly cleaning blood out of his office. Elle has worked for David for two year now and though she does accounting for him and is well paid she has no idea what he does. So when he catches her spy on him and ends up waiting for her at her house she realizes she's putting her well paid job to risk. And predictably it's easy to see that she is interested in him as more than just her boss even if she doesn't know it yet.
So when he decides to take her on his next business trip to the west coast she's surprise. But later she's flabbergasted by being invited into his world for an eye opening look at what he does. And as this mystery unfolds she falls deeper under his charming spell. And that's about as far as I'll go with that so we don't spoil things.
What makes this story unique for me (remember there might be some aspects of this story that don't fall into my usual genre) is that what the story is really about arrives a bit later when we find out about the Core and the Equilibrium which I'll leave for the next readers to uncover for themselves. I’ll just say that how things were manipulated and why, add to the intriguing element that drove the magic in the story.
There is a certain fantastic magical nature to the story and the fact that it doesn't really quite end isn't even the least bit troubling. Or at least it wasn't for me.
Even though this is not an action packed thriller this book is well paced and kept me right into it from the beginning while wondering how it was that David seemed to be able to almost read Elle's mind at times; and watching her sleuth around to find answers to things that she could have just ask David about, is rather entertaining. Even so there are elements of the story that rise above the seeming and somewhat misleading silliness; because there is an element of seriousness to the plot.
A little bit aside from my usual SFF; but the paranormal and magic bit, though requiring some suspension of disbelief, fit in quite well with all the great prose around it.
J.L. Dobias
I’ve read a few paranormal genre novels so that parts not totally new but the romance part is not my first choice and I leave that to the person across the room from me. Occasionally we do cross paths and I have to admit that this one caught my eye first so I will be recommending this to the romance lover.
The story starts simple enough with Elle and her twin Jacob spying on her boss whom she has recently witnessed possibly cleaning blood out of his office. Elle has worked for David for two year now and though she does accounting for him and is well paid she has no idea what he does. So when he catches her spy on him and ends up waiting for her at her house she realizes she's putting her well paid job to risk. And predictably it's easy to see that she is interested in him as more than just her boss even if she doesn't know it yet.
So when he decides to take her on his next business trip to the west coast she's surprise. But later she's flabbergasted by being invited into his world for an eye opening look at what he does. And as this mystery unfolds she falls deeper under his charming spell. And that's about as far as I'll go with that so we don't spoil things.
What makes this story unique for me (remember there might be some aspects of this story that don't fall into my usual genre) is that what the story is really about arrives a bit later when we find out about the Core and the Equilibrium which I'll leave for the next readers to uncover for themselves. I’ll just say that how things were manipulated and why, add to the intriguing element that drove the magic in the story.
There is a certain fantastic magical nature to the story and the fact that it doesn't really quite end isn't even the least bit troubling. Or at least it wasn't for me.
Even though this is not an action packed thriller this book is well paced and kept me right into it from the beginning while wondering how it was that David seemed to be able to almost read Elle's mind at times; and watching her sleuth around to find answers to things that she could have just ask David about, is rather entertaining. Even so there are elements of the story that rise above the seeming and somewhat misleading silliness; because there is an element of seriousness to the plot.
A little bit aside from my usual SFF; but the paranormal and magic bit, though requiring some suspension of disbelief, fit in quite well with all the great prose around it.
J.L. Dobias
December 23, 2019
Very interesting
I didn't know what to expect when I started this series, but the more I read, the more fascinated I became. Ellie works for a man she rarely sees, doing a job to keep him organized. She makes a while lot of money, but really has no idea what he does as a business. She only knows that he is filthy rich and handsome.
David seems to be able to see the future, or do she believes. She and her twin start stalking him, trying to find out who he really is and what he foes. The answer will open her eyes to a while new life. But what happens then? And is she ready to embark on a journey with him??
Read to find the answers.
Read on my friends
I didn't know what to expect when I started this series, but the more I read, the more fascinated I became. Ellie works for a man she rarely sees, doing a job to keep him organized. She makes a while lot of money, but really has no idea what he does as a business. She only knows that he is filthy rich and handsome.
David seems to be able to see the future, or do she believes. She and her twin start stalking him, trying to find out who he really is and what he foes. The answer will open her eyes to a while new life. But what happens then? And is she ready to embark on a journey with him??
Read to find the answers.
Read on my friends
November 23, 2016
This was a new author for me and I must say I enjoyed her book. I've never read anything like it ,it kept my attention the whole time, I though for sure he was a vampire or something but I'm glad I was wrong. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
May 7, 2017
when I started reading the book I thought it was very funny that Ellie got her brother involved in a stake out ... and on her boss! but as it turned out there was something fishy about David a really good read looking forward to what might happen next
January 18, 2018
Did not finish
August 3, 2018
I enjoyed the story. The characters were interesting. Some of the theology is questionable. At least, the book is clean enough for most audiences. I would recommend this book for all ages.
July 25, 2022
Omg
Omg this book was so good. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more of this series. This author is so good.
Omg this book was so good. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more of this series. This author is so good.
April 23, 2015
The CORE
BY Kate Thomas
THE CORE is an interesting book that found its way to my desk this last week. The premise was such that is demanded that I jump places and pulled it from Its rightful place in my TBR pile and crawled beneath my comfy snuggle with a “cuppa” and settled down to read. Though the first in a Serial, it held promise to keep my brain ticking about the plot and characters as the opening pages immediately dove me into intrigue and romantic longing.
Having taken the time to get to know the author a little, I knew that there would be more to the story, than romance and intrigue. I was not disappointed! Initially, Kate Thomas introduced the reader to a three main characters. Two of the main characters were twins, a brother (Jacob) and a sister (Ellie), who also happened to be the CPA for the third main character, who was her good-looking, single, thirty-something, boss (David). The only problem was Ellie could have sworn she saw her boss washing immense amounts of blood from his body at the office a few nights before and so with her brother’s help, was determined to discover what it was that her boss did to earn money for his clients and himself.
Before they can uncover the income sources, David whisks Ellie off from New York City to Los Angeles for a business trip where he promises to answer questions and offer her a partnership. Huh? The mystery deepens before the book gets going, and this reader was sucked in. No sleep coming till I had answers.
The storyline was not limited to romantic tension, which there was plenty of between the leading characters. There was no shortage of mystery, as new characters were introduced and the questions continued to pile up instead of being answered. Then worlds began to tilt on end and a taste of the paranormal started slithering its’ way between the lines and tingling down my spine as it became obvious that not all was as it seemed.
Ellie was spooked. Had she been pulled into something “wicked this way comes”? Or could she depend of the realm of the norm, David finally start to open up. The discoveries that Ellie makes about David, his friends, their clients, and finally about herself is at first mind-boggling, and then mind-altering. Only time and more answers will help Ellie come to the decisions she needs to make.
I am thankful that there are more novels in this series, as I, too have many more questions for David and his team of friends in the coming tales that they have to share.
As an analytical reader, I loved this book for the sub-story and potential for allegories that I read beneath the wonderful storyline that Kate Thomas wrote for our enjoyment. Though not discussed here, they would be wonderful topics in group reads and discussions.
I would recommend this book, and potentially this series for YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Romance. This book received a good FIVE STAR rating for the depth of character development and multi-level plot that leads to much discussion.
BY Kate Thomas
THE CORE is an interesting book that found its way to my desk this last week. The premise was such that is demanded that I jump places and pulled it from Its rightful place in my TBR pile and crawled beneath my comfy snuggle with a “cuppa” and settled down to read. Though the first in a Serial, it held promise to keep my brain ticking about the plot and characters as the opening pages immediately dove me into intrigue and romantic longing.
Having taken the time to get to know the author a little, I knew that there would be more to the story, than romance and intrigue. I was not disappointed! Initially, Kate Thomas introduced the reader to a three main characters. Two of the main characters were twins, a brother (Jacob) and a sister (Ellie), who also happened to be the CPA for the third main character, who was her good-looking, single, thirty-something, boss (David). The only problem was Ellie could have sworn she saw her boss washing immense amounts of blood from his body at the office a few nights before and so with her brother’s help, was determined to discover what it was that her boss did to earn money for his clients and himself.
Before they can uncover the income sources, David whisks Ellie off from New York City to Los Angeles for a business trip where he promises to answer questions and offer her a partnership. Huh? The mystery deepens before the book gets going, and this reader was sucked in. No sleep coming till I had answers.
The storyline was not limited to romantic tension, which there was plenty of between the leading characters. There was no shortage of mystery, as new characters were introduced and the questions continued to pile up instead of being answered. Then worlds began to tilt on end and a taste of the paranormal started slithering its’ way between the lines and tingling down my spine as it became obvious that not all was as it seemed.
Ellie was spooked. Had she been pulled into something “wicked this way comes”? Or could she depend of the realm of the norm, David finally start to open up. The discoveries that Ellie makes about David, his friends, their clients, and finally about herself is at first mind-boggling, and then mind-altering. Only time and more answers will help Ellie come to the decisions she needs to make.
I am thankful that there are more novels in this series, as I, too have many more questions for David and his team of friends in the coming tales that they have to share.
As an analytical reader, I loved this book for the sub-story and potential for allegories that I read beneath the wonderful storyline that Kate Thomas wrote for our enjoyment. Though not discussed here, they would be wonderful topics in group reads and discussions.
I would recommend this book, and potentially this series for YA, Paranormal, Contemporary Romance. This book received a good FIVE STAR rating for the depth of character development and multi-level plot that leads to much discussion.
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