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Earth Reclaimed #1
Earth's Requiem
Resilient, kickass, and determined, Aislinn's walled herself off from anything that might make her feel again. Until a wolf picks her for a bond mate and a Celtic god rises out of legend to claim her for his own. Aislinn Lenear lost her anthropologist father high in the Bolivian Andes. Her mother, crazy with grief that muted her magic, was marched into a radioactive vortex by dark creatures and killed. Three years later, stripped of every illusion that ever comforted her, twenty-two year old Aislinn is one resilient, kickass woman with a take no prisoners attitude. In a world turned upside down, where virtually nothing familiar is left, she’s conscripted to fight the dark gods responsible for her father’s death. Battling evil on her own terms, Aislinn walls herself off from anything that might make her feel again in this compelling dystopian urban fantasy. Fionn MacCumhaill, Celtic god of wisdom, protection, and divination has been laying low since the dark gods stormed Earth. He and his fellow Celts decided to wait them out. After all, three years is nothing compared to their long lives. On a clear winter day, Aislinn walks into his life and suddenly all bets are off. Awed by her courage, he stakes his claim to her and to an Earth he's willing to fight for. Aislinn’s not so easily convinced. Fionn’s one gorgeous man, but she has a world to save. Emotional entanglements will only get in her way. Letting a wolf into her life was hard. Letting love in may well prove impossible.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2013
69 people are currently reading
1171 people want to read
About the author
Ann Gimpel
174 books654 followersAnn Gimpel is a USA Today bestselling fantasy and romance author. She's also a clinical psychologist with a Jungian bent. Avocations include mountaineering, skiing, wilderness photography and, of course, writing. A lifelong aficionado of the unusual, she began writing speculative fiction a few years ago. Since then her short fiction has appeared in a number of webzines and anthologies. Her longer books run the gamut from urban fantasy to paranormal romance. She’s published over 75 books to date, with several more contracted for 2019 and beyond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
December 10, 2014
1.5 stars. The .5 is because though I didn't like it I don't hate it enough to want it to DIAF.
This book started okay but gradually become more and more ridiculous as things went along. I ended up skimming the last 25% and I don't think I really missed out on anything.
I only read this because it had so many glowing 4 and 5 star reviews and a 4.00 rating, but I'm now left wondering if I was reading the same book. I'm used to not liking stories many others do simply because I'm a picky bastard with almost impossibly high standards, but this time I am genuinely confused as to how the book those people are praising and the book I read can be one and the same.
This book started okay but gradually become more and more ridiculous as things went along. I ended up skimming the last 25% and I don't think I really missed out on anything.
I only read this because it had so many glowing 4 and 5 star reviews and a 4.00 rating, but I'm now left wondering if I was reading the same book. I'm used to not liking stories many others do simply because I'm a picky bastard with almost impossibly high standards, but this time I am genuinely confused as to how the book those people are praising and the book I read can be one and the same.
May 13, 2015
I think sometimes it feels that I've read a complete different book regarding the other reviews. Eitherway, for me.. this one. Couldn't finish it. The summary were completely my alley: "Resilient, kickass, and determined, Aislinn's walled herself off from anything that might make her feel again". This I thought, this one will be perfect after exam reading. Especially, "Kickass" and "walled", were two words wich made me buy the book. Also, the rest of the storyline just seemed to be pretty amazing. So, what threw me off...?
I didn't find any "walled in" or "kickass" about the heroine except maybe the first and second chapter. Then everything were just going down hill. Perhaps this will be better and fixed later in the book, but for me, an emotionally scarred, and "walled in" person, does not open up to, and trust a complete stranger after one shag. Or a wolf for that matter. And the backdrop / storyline / and why things are the way they are, well... it could have been better explained or layed out. I really dont like it to be there just because it gives the heroine a storyline... it needs depth, meaning, insentive. If one understand my meaning.
Im sorry but one cannot tell the reader that one is though, this gotta be shown by action, interaction and storyline.
Later I will try to pick it up and see if I just didnt give it a desent chance, or if its just not my kinda chocolate.
I didn't find any "walled in" or "kickass" about the heroine except maybe the first and second chapter. Then everything were just going down hill. Perhaps this will be better and fixed later in the book, but for me, an emotionally scarred, and "walled in" person, does not open up to, and trust a complete stranger after one shag. Or a wolf for that matter. And the backdrop / storyline / and why things are the way they are, well... it could have been better explained or layed out. I really dont like it to be there just because it gives the heroine a storyline... it needs depth, meaning, insentive. If one understand my meaning.
Im sorry but one cannot tell the reader that one is though, this gotta be shown by action, interaction and storyline.
Later I will try to pick it up and see if I just didnt give it a desent chance, or if its just not my kinda chocolate.
December 4, 2013
Aislinn lives on our earth, but you wouldn't recognise it if it weren't for the place names. Lemurians, tall lizard-like creatures who hide behind an illusion of humanity have taken over our world. They sorted out which humans had magic and got rid of the others by luring them into a vortex. Those who remain must fight for the Lemurians against the dark gods that appeared when they took over. Aislinn is one of the ones that fights, and when her Lemurian bosses discover that she has more magic than the normal human they invite her to their realm. On the way, she meets Rune, a wolf who convinces her that she has hunter magic as well as that of a seer, a seeker and a healer - a rare combination - and Fionn, a rather gorgeous hunk of man who turns out to be a Celtic god. Sparks fly and together they confirm her suspicions that the Lemurians are not the benign ones they would have the humans believe. With the old Celtic gods on their side, can the humans free the earth from the Lemurians and the dark gods ?
This is a well-written, tightly edited novel in true urban fantasy style. Aislinn is the typical gutsy heroine from a tortured past who has the obligatory hot sex with the handsome love interest between battles with dark forces. But although it has all the elements required by the genre, this book is never derivative. The combination of science fiction elements with Celtic mythology makes this a truly unique story, and though some aspects were hard to imagine, for example a dragon having sex with a Minotaur, it didn't detract from the ride.
The author paces the action well, with suitable breathing spaces for characters to grow and relationships to form. The characters are complex, easy to relate to and don't necessarily behave as you'd expect; the dragon is a good example of a relationship with unexpected developments. The Celtic gods are as delightful as their speech patterns.
The prose is immediate and engaging and draws the reader into the action from page one. The end is a bit of a cliffhanger, but it's well enough done that I wasn't left screaming in frustration as I do with most cliffhangers; perhaps this is because I trust the characters to get themselves sorted out in the next book.
In a nutshell, Earth's Requiem an excellent example of contemporary fantasy with science fiction elements. I recommend it for all fans of urban fantasy and any other fantasy fans who like a bit of heat in their romance.
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of the Awesome Indies.
5 stars.
This is a well-written, tightly edited novel in true urban fantasy style. Aislinn is the typical gutsy heroine from a tortured past who has the obligatory hot sex with the handsome love interest between battles with dark forces. But although it has all the elements required by the genre, this book is never derivative. The combination of science fiction elements with Celtic mythology makes this a truly unique story, and though some aspects were hard to imagine, for example a dragon having sex with a Minotaur, it didn't detract from the ride.
The author paces the action well, with suitable breathing spaces for characters to grow and relationships to form. The characters are complex, easy to relate to and don't necessarily behave as you'd expect; the dragon is a good example of a relationship with unexpected developments. The Celtic gods are as delightful as their speech patterns.
The prose is immediate and engaging and draws the reader into the action from page one. The end is a bit of a cliffhanger, but it's well enough done that I wasn't left screaming in frustration as I do with most cliffhangers; perhaps this is because I trust the characters to get themselves sorted out in the next book.
In a nutshell, Earth's Requiem an excellent example of contemporary fantasy with science fiction elements. I recommend it for all fans of urban fantasy and any other fantasy fans who like a bit of heat in their romance.
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed on behalf of the Awesome Indies.
5 stars.
December 17, 2013
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am an Ann Gimpel fan - you know that if you read my reviews and I freely admit that she has never written anything I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. So when she offered me this book to read and review of course I jumped at it sight and knowledge unseen. Well this a post-apocalyptic, dystopian, Earth after a disaster and how the survivors survive and fight for their planet from invaders book. I am not really a fan of that type of book - AT ALL! But I have complete faith in Ann that what she writes I will like. She has written magic, shifters, contemporary military/covert spy endeavours, dragons that wake up after nearly 300 YEARS and I have enjoyed them all. Some more than others - obviously - but not one of them disappointed. And once I got into it and met the characters and got the whole backstory straight neither did this. *whew*
A gifted writer can take any scenario and write about it, using their personal style of creating and introducing the characters, slowly building the world with just enough information to understand the setting but not so much that you aren't curious about what "that over there" is or does or.... Ann Gimpel is a gifted writer in my humble opinion. She made me continue to read when I wasn't sure. She made me like the characters once they opened up to me. She even made me care about the fight for her Earth from the Dark Gods and the Lemurians. And by the end of the book (which I admit took way too long to read cause stupid real life kept getting in the way) I was asking when book #2 will be ready. Yeah ME ASKING FOR A POST‑APOCALYPTIC sequel. Crazy, huh?
It took me a while to warm up to Aislinn but I think that was as much my apprehension of this "genre" of book as it was the way the character herself was very walled‑off and closed to all human contact when we first meet her. She sounds like a callous, unfeeling, scrounging for anything she can find first and hide kind of person - exactly the way you fear all humanity will be when it truly comes down to you or me. When there are no good choices only "the lesser of evils". However, slowly as the book progresses and we see the state the world is in and hear why there are so few humans left, we begin to understand the attitude of "me only" has literally become self‑preservation because there isn't enough food or wood for fires or safe places to sleep. And letting someone in is as likely to get you killed as it is to break you when they are killed by whatever horror they faced that day. How would I react and who would I become if I had to find a way to survive in a world like that. How do you go from a college student on vacation in Bolivia with her parents to a young woman who saw her father brutally murdered in front of her and had to run from him to save herself and her mother. A young woman now alone, who has MAGIC? and is fighting the bad guys on behalf of the not‑so‑bad guys who invaded her world and killed her mother? I know my body and my sanity would not make it.
This book manages to blend a complete urban fantasy, dystopian, action‑packed, do or die, every choice is a bad one so just choose and live through it with a true romance between two people who are stuck in a hell not of their own making. It amazes me how she manages to carve out little, tiny slices of happy or even joy and insert them into their crazy, mixed‑up, are we going to die today? lives. But she does it and does it in a way that it belongs there. The relationships that are forged, not only the romance between Aislinn and Fionn, but all the relationships between the humans and gods and animals, become necessary for life in this crazy, scary world.
Once again I stand in awe of the creation that Ann Gimpel has made and given to us. Now seriously, when is book two out?
I am an Ann Gimpel fan - you know that if you read my reviews and I freely admit that she has never written anything I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. So when she offered me this book to read and review of course I jumped at it sight and knowledge unseen. Well this a post-apocalyptic, dystopian, Earth after a disaster and how the survivors survive and fight for their planet from invaders book. I am not really a fan of that type of book - AT ALL! But I have complete faith in Ann that what she writes I will like. She has written magic, shifters, contemporary military/covert spy endeavours, dragons that wake up after nearly 300 YEARS and I have enjoyed them all. Some more than others - obviously - but not one of them disappointed. And once I got into it and met the characters and got the whole backstory straight neither did this. *whew*
A gifted writer can take any scenario and write about it, using their personal style of creating and introducing the characters, slowly building the world with just enough information to understand the setting but not so much that you aren't curious about what "that over there" is or does or.... Ann Gimpel is a gifted writer in my humble opinion. She made me continue to read when I wasn't sure. She made me like the characters once they opened up to me. She even made me care about the fight for her Earth from the Dark Gods and the Lemurians. And by the end of the book (which I admit took way too long to read cause stupid real life kept getting in the way) I was asking when book #2 will be ready. Yeah ME ASKING FOR A POST‑APOCALYPTIC sequel. Crazy, huh?
It took me a while to warm up to Aislinn but I think that was as much my apprehension of this "genre" of book as it was the way the character herself was very walled‑off and closed to all human contact when we first meet her. She sounds like a callous, unfeeling, scrounging for anything she can find first and hide kind of person - exactly the way you fear all humanity will be when it truly comes down to you or me. When there are no good choices only "the lesser of evils". However, slowly as the book progresses and we see the state the world is in and hear why there are so few humans left, we begin to understand the attitude of "me only" has literally become self‑preservation because there isn't enough food or wood for fires or safe places to sleep. And letting someone in is as likely to get you killed as it is to break you when they are killed by whatever horror they faced that day. How would I react and who would I become if I had to find a way to survive in a world like that. How do you go from a college student on vacation in Bolivia with her parents to a young woman who saw her father brutally murdered in front of her and had to run from him to save herself and her mother. A young woman now alone, who has MAGIC? and is fighting the bad guys on behalf of the not‑so‑bad guys who invaded her world and killed her mother? I know my body and my sanity would not make it.
This book manages to blend a complete urban fantasy, dystopian, action‑packed, do or die, every choice is a bad one so just choose and live through it with a true romance between two people who are stuck in a hell not of their own making. It amazes me how she manages to carve out little, tiny slices of happy or even joy and insert them into their crazy, mixed‑up, are we going to die today? lives. But she does it and does it in a way that it belongs there. The relationships that are forged, not only the romance between Aislinn and Fionn, but all the relationships between the humans and gods and animals, become necessary for life in this crazy, scary world.
Once again I stand in awe of the creation that Ann Gimpel has made and given to us. Now seriously, when is book two out?
October 5, 2013
Earths Requiem
By Ann Gimpel
4/5
This book throws you in at the deep straight away, no soft footing around; earth has went straight to hell to not pass go do not collect £200, life as we know it is gone.
Aislinn, not only had to watch while an alien killed her father in front of her, that event also drove her mother to madness, before they killed her as well, to make matters even worse there are 2 types of aliens that have arrive to what looks like extinguishing the human population from earth, the only thing that can keep you alive is if you possess any real magic, yeah that thing we’ve only read about in story books from 100’s of years ago.
Aislinn has had to work for the lesser of the 2 evils to survive, she works totally alone not needing anyone, and then when her alien master orders to make her way to their gateway within a set time, little does she know her worlds about to change as well.
First off she meets a wolf who speak into her mine and says he’s her bond mate (Hunter magic), only when she agrees does he shock her by then speaking out loud to her ( it’s a bond mate thing ), she did not want to care for another living thing again it just hurt too damn much, if something happened to them, after discovering her not only had hunter magic to add to the 2 she already had, however when Rune gets injured and she manages to heal him with magic, what other surprises are in store for her also what else could go wrong on her way to this gateway.
Enter Fionn (drool) he is what looks like to all intensive purposes a hunter, with his very large black Raven, however he’s not what he seems.
If Aislinn thought the event of 3 years ago were a shock, that nothing to what she is about to learn, and could Fionn and herself possibly find a way to rid the earth of these 2 alien life forms .
This is a beautifully written start of a Trilogy, its fast moving from the start, and there are so many twists and turns, it’s very hard to guess what’s next, it can be emotional at times, a few funny bits, a large red slutty Dragon to boot, is there any way of defeating these 2 alien beings, can love survive in such a hostile environment, well you’ll need to read it to find out.
I would have given 5/5, however book 1, ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, you do get to read chapter 1 of book 2 at the end
By Ann Gimpel
4/5
This book throws you in at the deep straight away, no soft footing around; earth has went straight to hell to not pass go do not collect £200, life as we know it is gone.
Aislinn, not only had to watch while an alien killed her father in front of her, that event also drove her mother to madness, before they killed her as well, to make matters even worse there are 2 types of aliens that have arrive to what looks like extinguishing the human population from earth, the only thing that can keep you alive is if you possess any real magic, yeah that thing we’ve only read about in story books from 100’s of years ago.
Aislinn has had to work for the lesser of the 2 evils to survive, she works totally alone not needing anyone, and then when her alien master orders to make her way to their gateway within a set time, little does she know her worlds about to change as well.
First off she meets a wolf who speak into her mine and says he’s her bond mate (Hunter magic), only when she agrees does he shock her by then speaking out loud to her ( it’s a bond mate thing ), she did not want to care for another living thing again it just hurt too damn much, if something happened to them, after discovering her not only had hunter magic to add to the 2 she already had, however when Rune gets injured and she manages to heal him with magic, what other surprises are in store for her also what else could go wrong on her way to this gateway.
Enter Fionn (drool) he is what looks like to all intensive purposes a hunter, with his very large black Raven, however he’s not what he seems.
If Aislinn thought the event of 3 years ago were a shock, that nothing to what she is about to learn, and could Fionn and herself possibly find a way to rid the earth of these 2 alien life forms .
This is a beautifully written start of a Trilogy, its fast moving from the start, and there are so many twists and turns, it’s very hard to guess what’s next, it can be emotional at times, a few funny bits, a large red slutty Dragon to boot, is there any way of defeating these 2 alien beings, can love survive in such a hostile environment, well you’ll need to read it to find out.
I would have given 5/5, however book 1, ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, you do get to read chapter 1 of book 2 at the end
December 30, 2013
Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/10/earths-requiem-blog-tour-review-earths.html
Earth's Requiem is a story that takes place sometime in the future. The world we know is gone and we have been taken over by aliens. The only people left have magic and are controlled by the aliens, the Lemurians (aka the Old Ones). Aislinn had to side with the Lemurians or die like her mother and father. She doesn't understand why they are so interested in, but she will do what they say. While on a journey sent by her Lemurian magelord, Aislinn starts to make discoveries about herself. She also stumbles on another human who may actually be able to shed some light as to why the world has fallen.
Gimpel can pack quite a punch. This book starts off with a bang and doesn't let up. Our main character, Aislinn is definitely my kind of heroine. She is tough as nails and very determined to survive. She hates that she has to work for the Old Ones to survive, but it was that or the dark gods that were responsible for her parents death. So she is caught in the middle. Aislinn is a Mage and a Seeker. She soon finds out she may have more powers she didn't know about when she is discovered by a wolf named Rune. Only Hunters get animal bond mates and she knows she isn't a Hunter, but Rune may prove her wrong. I loved Rune. He was a lot like Aislinn. They are bother very stubborn and they have lost a lot. Neither one wants to put the other in danger. I loved the banter between them. They had such a great connection.
Aislinn and Rune then meet a fellow Hunter and bond mate, Fionn and his raven, Bella. Fionn was mouthwatering. I go nuts for an Irishman and he fit the bill perfectly. Fionn and Aislinn have both been alone for a very long time, but specifically Aislinn. Since the death of her parents, she tries not to have connections to people because it is so easy for someone to lose their life in the world they live in now. Anything and everything wants to kill you. She doesn't know what to make of how she feels about Fionn, but she knows it may be dangerous. Not to mention, Aislinn doesn't know about Fionn's special little secret yet. His secret may be enough to help Aislinn and probably the world.
This story was amazing. Gimpel really knows her world building. We are thrust into this new world and you feel like you are there. It was very easy to get lost in this book. The idea that the aliens we hear about one day come true and pretty much eradicate the world is quite scary. Aislinn wants a way to get rid of them and the dark gods. Both of which are bad and both want to use her for one reason or another and she doesn't know why. The journey she is sent on by her Lemurian magelord, Metae, is very dangerous. But that is nothing to what she finds out not only about herself, but the Lemurians and dark gods as well. The twists and turns that take place were insane. You won't believe what happens. Thank you Gimpel, you have made me very happy.
This is definitely a favorite read. It is full of so much imagination and is very fast paced. Also, I don't know about anyone else, but something about this book kind of reminded me of Karen M. Moning's Fever series. Well, bits and pieces anyway. Hell, the aliens and the dark gods actually had a very Fae-like quality to them. They take human forms and make themselves extremely attractive and control people through sex. The aliens and the dark gods were very scary especially the dark gods. So if you want a great Urban Fantasy, I would definitely recommend this to you. The sequel comes out in February and I can't wait until then. I think I am in love.
Earth's Requiem is a story that takes place sometime in the future. The world we know is gone and we have been taken over by aliens. The only people left have magic and are controlled by the aliens, the Lemurians (aka the Old Ones). Aislinn had to side with the Lemurians or die like her mother and father. She doesn't understand why they are so interested in, but she will do what they say. While on a journey sent by her Lemurian magelord, Aislinn starts to make discoveries about herself. She also stumbles on another human who may actually be able to shed some light as to why the world has fallen.
Gimpel can pack quite a punch. This book starts off with a bang and doesn't let up. Our main character, Aislinn is definitely my kind of heroine. She is tough as nails and very determined to survive. She hates that she has to work for the Old Ones to survive, but it was that or the dark gods that were responsible for her parents death. So she is caught in the middle. Aislinn is a Mage and a Seeker. She soon finds out she may have more powers she didn't know about when she is discovered by a wolf named Rune. Only Hunters get animal bond mates and she knows she isn't a Hunter, but Rune may prove her wrong. I loved Rune. He was a lot like Aislinn. They are bother very stubborn and they have lost a lot. Neither one wants to put the other in danger. I loved the banter between them. They had such a great connection.
Aislinn and Rune then meet a fellow Hunter and bond mate, Fionn and his raven, Bella. Fionn was mouthwatering. I go nuts for an Irishman and he fit the bill perfectly. Fionn and Aislinn have both been alone for a very long time, but specifically Aislinn. Since the death of her parents, she tries not to have connections to people because it is so easy for someone to lose their life in the world they live in now. Anything and everything wants to kill you. She doesn't know what to make of how she feels about Fionn, but she knows it may be dangerous. Not to mention, Aislinn doesn't know about Fionn's special little secret yet. His secret may be enough to help Aislinn and probably the world.
This story was amazing. Gimpel really knows her world building. We are thrust into this new world and you feel like you are there. It was very easy to get lost in this book. The idea that the aliens we hear about one day come true and pretty much eradicate the world is quite scary. Aislinn wants a way to get rid of them and the dark gods. Both of which are bad and both want to use her for one reason or another and she doesn't know why. The journey she is sent on by her Lemurian magelord, Metae, is very dangerous. But that is nothing to what she finds out not only about herself, but the Lemurians and dark gods as well. The twists and turns that take place were insane. You won't believe what happens. Thank you Gimpel, you have made me very happy.
This is definitely a favorite read. It is full of so much imagination and is very fast paced. Also, I don't know about anyone else, but something about this book kind of reminded me of Karen M. Moning's Fever series. Well, bits and pieces anyway. Hell, the aliens and the dark gods actually had a very Fae-like quality to them. They take human forms and make themselves extremely attractive and control people through sex. The aliens and the dark gods were very scary especially the dark gods. So if you want a great Urban Fantasy, I would definitely recommend this to you. The sequel comes out in February and I can't wait until then. I think I am in love.
August 13, 2016
Earth’s Requiem seemed the promising listen when I first sampled it and sent my request off. I really wanted another unique fantasy to listen. Unfortunately while the world building is quite interesting and the story held a lot of promise, there were a lot of moments where it seemed to stall out in favor of sex.
Now, you guys know I’m not a prude…I’ve read some weird stuff and I read erotica on occasion, so the fact that there is sex isn’t the issue. When I requested this book no where did I find a tag or hint that this was going to on the same level as erotica, I just wanted a cool urban fantasy to listen to, but about 20% in I was already tired about hearing of ‘crashing orgasms’. The story itself holds a lot of promise, and I really enjoyed that portion of the world building. It’s a world where humans are struggling to survive thanks to the constant clashing of two other races, the Lumarians and the Dark Ones, and Aislinn wants to bring them both down but she’ll have some help from some Irish gods as well. It’s an odd mix, but that part worked really well. Even the magic system is rather cool, with different classes and types of magic ranging from healing to hunter (animal familiar). The moments where Aislinn was handling the problems the Lumarians were really cool, but every other being in this book seems to revolve around sex. The Dark Gods are hyper sexualized beings who need that closeness and heat to sustain themselves, and thus basically mind control humans into having sex until they die (fun, right?). Even the larger creatures like the dragon and Minotaur are sexualized…I set aside days where I read weird monster erotica and on those days I’m using in the mood to laugh my butt off and can handle being grossed out, so imagine my surprise at hearing about a Minotaur’s private bits while eating lunch.
Then there are the characters themselves. Aislinn held promise as a heroine, but she stalls out around the same time the plot started to focus less on the fight to survive and more on the fight to sate lust. She has a temper, is fiercely independent, and sort of just rushes headlong into things. She starts out being okay with magic, but by the middle of the book the Chosen One syndrome kicks in and she’s suddenly pretty good at everything. Finn was pretty interesting to being with as well and serves as a sort of magic mentor for Aislinn, but in between exercising his Alpha gland and his penis I can’t be quite sure how much Aislinn actually learned.
The narration is probably the best thing about this one. McLuaghlin probably won’t hit my top narrator list but she does bring some uniqueness to each character and does some pretty decent accents when needed.
I wanted to like this one, I really did, but I think the fact that I went into this expecting a normal urban fantasy novel and ended up getting a fantasy erotica novel really brought it down.
Now, you guys know I’m not a prude…I’ve read some weird stuff and I read erotica on occasion, so the fact that there is sex isn’t the issue. When I requested this book no where did I find a tag or hint that this was going to on the same level as erotica, I just wanted a cool urban fantasy to listen to, but about 20% in I was already tired about hearing of ‘crashing orgasms’. The story itself holds a lot of promise, and I really enjoyed that portion of the world building. It’s a world where humans are struggling to survive thanks to the constant clashing of two other races, the Lumarians and the Dark Ones, and Aislinn wants to bring them both down but she’ll have some help from some Irish gods as well. It’s an odd mix, but that part worked really well. Even the magic system is rather cool, with different classes and types of magic ranging from healing to hunter (animal familiar). The moments where Aislinn was handling the problems the Lumarians were really cool, but every other being in this book seems to revolve around sex. The Dark Gods are hyper sexualized beings who need that closeness and heat to sustain themselves, and thus basically mind control humans into having sex until they die (fun, right?). Even the larger creatures like the dragon and Minotaur are sexualized…I set aside days where I read weird monster erotica and on those days I’m using in the mood to laugh my butt off and can handle being grossed out, so imagine my surprise at hearing about a Minotaur’s private bits while eating lunch.
Then there are the characters themselves. Aislinn held promise as a heroine, but she stalls out around the same time the plot started to focus less on the fight to survive and more on the fight to sate lust. She has a temper, is fiercely independent, and sort of just rushes headlong into things. She starts out being okay with magic, but by the middle of the book the Chosen One syndrome kicks in and she’s suddenly pretty good at everything. Finn was pretty interesting to being with as well and serves as a sort of magic mentor for Aislinn, but in between exercising his Alpha gland and his penis I can’t be quite sure how much Aislinn actually learned.
The narration is probably the best thing about this one. McLuaghlin probably won’t hit my top narrator list but she does bring some uniqueness to each character and does some pretty decent accents when needed.
I wanted to like this one, I really did, but I think the fact that I went into this expecting a normal urban fantasy novel and ended up getting a fantasy erotica novel really brought it down.
October 5, 2013
This book charts the life of Aislinn and how she lives through an apocolyptic event here on Earth. The world and life as we now know it has ended. Dark creatures now walk the Earth . Alien beings that closely resemble fabled demons. For the past three years they have systematically destroyed any human life that does not possess magic that they can use . These Dark Ones killed Aislinns father and she has subsequently aligned herself with the Lemurians who say they seek to help destroy the evil Dark Ones. Trusting no one Aislinn finds herself alone as more and more humans are needlessly slaughtered.
Left to face a world with little comfort Aislinn finds herself begrudgingly working alongside the Lemurians . Her only wish now is to survive long enough to eradicate the aliens that have obliterated so many lives. She finds herself sent on a mission and as her journey takes her to new places discovers that she has more magic then she previously thought. She is befriended by a wolf Rune, who bonds with her and helps to show her that their is still hope left in this new world.
Aislinn is not alone in wanting the aliens vanquished and encounters Fionn a gorgeous man who has magical abilities the likes of which Aislinn has never believed possible. Dare she trust him and this madness between them? Or worse still will her own heart betray her? Aislinn will need all her courage to face the challenges that lie ahead and one thing is certain defeat is not an option.
I was absolutely blown away by this book. I read the beginning and thought I knew exactly what to expect from this story but was completely astounded! Aislinn the heroine is such a strong character even though at times it's almost impossible to believe that anyone could go through her trials and survive. Everything and everyone she loved is gone and yet her tenacity and will power drive her on. What started out as a desolate tale of a world destroyed by Aliens morphed into a book full of magic, mythology and above all else hope.
The writing is superb and as usual from this gifted author the romance was a sensual delight. Hot yes but gratuitous? No. This is a story that gripped this reader and I can only hope that the follow up to it will be available soon.
An absolutely amazing book and heartily recommended
Left to face a world with little comfort Aislinn finds herself begrudgingly working alongside the Lemurians . Her only wish now is to survive long enough to eradicate the aliens that have obliterated so many lives. She finds herself sent on a mission and as her journey takes her to new places discovers that she has more magic then she previously thought. She is befriended by a wolf Rune, who bonds with her and helps to show her that their is still hope left in this new world.
Aislinn is not alone in wanting the aliens vanquished and encounters Fionn a gorgeous man who has magical abilities the likes of which Aislinn has never believed possible. Dare she trust him and this madness between them? Or worse still will her own heart betray her? Aislinn will need all her courage to face the challenges that lie ahead and one thing is certain defeat is not an option.
I was absolutely blown away by this book. I read the beginning and thought I knew exactly what to expect from this story but was completely astounded! Aislinn the heroine is such a strong character even though at times it's almost impossible to believe that anyone could go through her trials and survive. Everything and everyone she loved is gone and yet her tenacity and will power drive her on. What started out as a desolate tale of a world destroyed by Aliens morphed into a book full of magic, mythology and above all else hope.
The writing is superb and as usual from this gifted author the romance was a sensual delight. Hot yes but gratuitous? No. This is a story that gripped this reader and I can only hope that the follow up to it will be available soon.
An absolutely amazing book and heartily recommended
January 27, 2016
So this is a tough one, and while there are no big spoilers….there may be some small ones ahead…..I did not care for this story at all in the beginning, Aislinn was not a kick ass heroine, I found her to be kinda whiny and not very likable….because of how it started out with Aislinn by the time we get close to the 30ish % mark when she started to come into her magic, I had a hard time buying it, she was changing to quickly and it did not really fit with how she (her personality/attitude) was initially presented to the reader/listener. Then she was starting to become likeable and would lapse into the whiney person we met. It was not until about halfway through the story that I actually started liking it.
So from the halfway point the story was more engaging and Aislinn became a much more likeable person for me, and she is starting to become the kick ass person the book blurb describes her as. She is coming into her magic and discovering that she can do more. Fionn, the Celtic God of wisdom, protection and divination hooks up with Aislinn and while they have a rocky start they seem to work it out. I’m not sure how I feel about Fionn while he was likeable there seemed to be something missing from his character….not sure if something was lost in the narration versus reading. As we are introduced to some of the other Celtic Gods that are still around, it me wonder that if the Celtic Gods are still around what about the other pantheons and why not try to get them involved…..I guess I need to keep reading to find out. While I did end up liking this at the end, it did end on a cliff hanger so definitely need to pick up the second book to see what happens next, but the second book will be a “make it or break it” read for me.
The narrator Caroline McLaughlin, is a new to me narrator and while I think she did a good job there were points of the story where the narration seemed off and a bit disjointed….not sure if it was how she was trying to convey the emotion of the situation or not but that aside the characters were easily distinguishable and she did good on the voices.
Audiobook provided by Author/Publisher via Audiobookreviewer.com for an honest reveiew
So from the halfway point the story was more engaging and Aislinn became a much more likeable person for me, and she is starting to become the kick ass person the book blurb describes her as. She is coming into her magic and discovering that she can do more. Fionn, the Celtic God of wisdom, protection and divination hooks up with Aislinn and while they have a rocky start they seem to work it out. I’m not sure how I feel about Fionn while he was likeable there seemed to be something missing from his character….not sure if something was lost in the narration versus reading. As we are introduced to some of the other Celtic Gods that are still around, it me wonder that if the Celtic Gods are still around what about the other pantheons and why not try to get them involved…..I guess I need to keep reading to find out. While I did end up liking this at the end, it did end on a cliff hanger so definitely need to pick up the second book to see what happens next, but the second book will be a “make it or break it” read for me.
The narrator Caroline McLaughlin, is a new to me narrator and while I think she did a good job there were points of the story where the narration seemed off and a bit disjointed….not sure if it was how she was trying to convey the emotion of the situation or not but that aside the characters were easily distinguishable and she did good on the voices.
Audiobook provided by Author/Publisher via Audiobookreviewer.com for an honest reveiew
November 11, 2013
I love these kind of books. It falls right into the goodies, AND it’s so well done. Aliens are here, they are going to kill us all, unless you are “special”. I usually don’t do sci-fi, but it’s written like a fantasy as those aliens are here and they are coming for us. Think Sci-Fi meets Horror meets supernatural. Most of it will be the story of Aislinn and how she is surviving the world as it is then, not now, because it’s basically an apocalyptic event.
Aislinn has a devastating life… She watches her father’s murder by something alien, and watches her mother lose herself because of this, then also be killed AND these beings are here to kill us all. Unless you have magic. Maybe you might live. She also gets caught by these beings. I feel really bad for her. She has essentially three huge tragic events happen to her, and she has to live with those who caused those events and be ruled by them. Until she meets a wolf. She doesn’t want to be controlled by those beings, so she agrees to help the wolf. Actually, he helps her LOL. She’s definitely stronger than me.
Rune is the wolf who is bonding with Aislinn. Fionn is the gorgeous magical man, he’s also a hunter. Together with Aislinn, they go on a shocking adventure to rid the world of these creatures that have devastated everything. Things and people are not what they seem, nothing is predictable, and everything you think you know will blow your mind when you find out the truth.
I can’t wait for the next installment. The plot had me glued to the story, and there are so many moments to surprise you, no matter how many guesses you get wrong. The writing is excellent, it’s emotional, it’s captivating, and I look forward to more hope that these characters can take the Earth back! Also, a little warning, there’s a little cliff hanger, so maybe just be a little prepared. I like cliff hangers, so excellent way to keep me on my toes. 4.5 SHOCKING JAW DROPPING PAWS!
Aislinn has a devastating life… She watches her father’s murder by something alien, and watches her mother lose herself because of this, then also be killed AND these beings are here to kill us all. Unless you have magic. Maybe you might live. She also gets caught by these beings. I feel really bad for her. She has essentially three huge tragic events happen to her, and she has to live with those who caused those events and be ruled by them. Until she meets a wolf. She doesn’t want to be controlled by those beings, so she agrees to help the wolf. Actually, he helps her LOL. She’s definitely stronger than me.
Rune is the wolf who is bonding with Aislinn. Fionn is the gorgeous magical man, he’s also a hunter. Together with Aislinn, they go on a shocking adventure to rid the world of these creatures that have devastated everything. Things and people are not what they seem, nothing is predictable, and everything you think you know will blow your mind when you find out the truth.
I can’t wait for the next installment. The plot had me glued to the story, and there are so many moments to surprise you, no matter how many guesses you get wrong. The writing is excellent, it’s emotional, it’s captivating, and I look forward to more hope that these characters can take the Earth back! Also, a little warning, there’s a little cliff hanger, so maybe just be a little prepared. I like cliff hangers, so excellent way to keep me on my toes. 4.5 SHOCKING JAW DROPPING PAWS!
November 11, 2013
Good start to the series. Fantasy with a little bit of paranormal romance thrown in for good measure. Post-apocalyptic, dragons, magic, Celtic gods, demons (dark gods), alien critters, and some may consider it to be a bit dystopian.
The heroine is a strong young woman who has lost everything, including her family, with the breaching of the portals by the demon dark gods with the assistance of naïve druids and witches. The world as we know it has been forever changed with the arrival of the alien creatures who took over under the guise of helping the humans to fight the dark gods. Lucky for her, the heroine had latent magic abilities the aliens, “the old ones”, brought out and helped her learn to control. In her struggles to stay alive, she’s learned the hard way emotional entanglements just get in the way.
She’s thrown for a loop by the one-two punch of a wolf claiming her for his bondmate and Fionn, one of the original Celtic gods, claiming her for his own. Add to mix her undeniable attraction to Fionn, more magical abilities at her disposal, and the new plans the old ones have for her when she shows up on the radar of the dark gods who ooze sex appeal while they suck you dry. Ya know, there is only so much a girl can take before something has to give, and she breaks loose to fight back.
Ann Gimpel has such good world building abilities, you feel like you are in the story. You don't want to leave once you meet the interesting characters.
The story does however end with a series cliffhanger (but not a relationship cliffhanger). But that is okay because book two is in final edits and should be out in December 2013 or January 2014. I was given the opportunity to have a sneak peek at book two, and it is even better than this first book in the series. I hope Ann Gimpel has book three in works.
The heroine is a strong young woman who has lost everything, including her family, with the breaching of the portals by the demon dark gods with the assistance of naïve druids and witches. The world as we know it has been forever changed with the arrival of the alien creatures who took over under the guise of helping the humans to fight the dark gods. Lucky for her, the heroine had latent magic abilities the aliens, “the old ones”, brought out and helped her learn to control. In her struggles to stay alive, she’s learned the hard way emotional entanglements just get in the way.
She’s thrown for a loop by the one-two punch of a wolf claiming her for his bondmate and Fionn, one of the original Celtic gods, claiming her for his own. Add to mix her undeniable attraction to Fionn, more magical abilities at her disposal, and the new plans the old ones have for her when she shows up on the radar of the dark gods who ooze sex appeal while they suck you dry. Ya know, there is only so much a girl can take before something has to give, and she breaks loose to fight back.
Ann Gimpel has such good world building abilities, you feel like you are in the story. You don't want to leave once you meet the interesting characters.
The story does however end with a series cliffhanger (but not a relationship cliffhanger). But that is okay because book two is in final edits and should be out in December 2013 or January 2014. I was given the opportunity to have a sneak peek at book two, and it is even better than this first book in the series. I hope Ann Gimpel has book three in works.
December 31, 2017
Oh boy where to start. How about the whiplash you receive when you first begin? Now you expect to get a download of information when you jump into the middle of an apocalypse. You don't expect to be jerked around from one fact to the next. There's no rhythm to the way you're introduced to this new world. Its just a constant stream of info and you feel like you're getting whiplash trying to follow. Normally I can deal with this; the info is out of the way and now we can get to the good part but the killer of this book was our characters personality. Our heroin is supposed to be closed off to emotions, she shut down her ability to get attached so she wouldn't have to go through the pain of losing people again. Only I never see this emotionally closed off girl, she immediately becomes attached to the talking wolf that randomly appears going as far as to trust him within hours of meeting him. The love interest we finally get to meet goes the same way. Where is the shell shattering moment? Or the internal struggle of not getting close to people? I would expect someone who has sworn off human attachment would at least have some kind of emotional struggle with these two characters, three if you count the talking bird, suddenly being apart of her life. All in all these were my main problems with the book and it made me lose interest in it pretty quickly, I read until about 30 percent in and then I just couldn't do it anymore. I honestly had to go back and reread the summery to make sure I was reading the right book. I'm not saying that for some readers this won't be right up they're alley, many reviews state that people loved it. But for those of my opinion it just wasn't our cup of tea. Please if you think this book is worth a shot don't let my review stop you, read it and make your own opinion.
November 6, 2013
Fantastic and Amazing Story! Anne does it timea and time again! I truly love her storytelling for she brings out the heartfelt and the road weary moments so that you feel them right down to your core and truly makes the heroic ones shine!
Resilient, kickass, and determined, Aislinn's walled herself off from anything that might make her feel again. Until a wolf picks her for a bond mate and a Celtic god rises out of legend to claim her for his own.
Aislinn Lenear lost everything that ment anything to her so she hardened her heart determined not to let anything or anyone in again. until the fateful day she met Rune and found out she powers were expanding. Now with a bond mate at her side and her world opening up Aislinn is finding it hard to keep her hardened hart behind the carefully erected walls.
Especially when they run into the gorgeous and sexy Celtic God Fionn. Who could help but love him for he is a complete pain in the ass! and the greatest thing to ever come into her life. boy is she in trouble! together they must all bring the people together to rid the planet of the evil beings who have inhibited and have been in control for the last 5 years, killing most of the humans and forcing the gods into hiding.
But how do you kill something that has the strength and power of a God and the sexual allure of a succubus times 100?
this was such and awesome book!!!! Does Anne know how to spin a story or what???? I loved the use of the different Celtic Gods in this story which are my favs of course being of Celtic descent. I so can't wait to read more of the story!
the bad guys were the BEST in this! truly evil to the core. I soooo loved it!
if you haven't read it yet TBR it today! not recommend for mature audiences.
Resilient, kickass, and determined, Aislinn's walled herself off from anything that might make her feel again. Until a wolf picks her for a bond mate and a Celtic god rises out of legend to claim her for his own.
Aislinn Lenear lost everything that ment anything to her so she hardened her heart determined not to let anything or anyone in again. until the fateful day she met Rune and found out she powers were expanding. Now with a bond mate at her side and her world opening up Aislinn is finding it hard to keep her hardened hart behind the carefully erected walls.
Especially when they run into the gorgeous and sexy Celtic God Fionn. Who could help but love him for he is a complete pain in the ass! and the greatest thing to ever come into her life. boy is she in trouble! together they must all bring the people together to rid the planet of the evil beings who have inhibited and have been in control for the last 5 years, killing most of the humans and forcing the gods into hiding.
But how do you kill something that has the strength and power of a God and the sexual allure of a succubus times 100?
this was such and awesome book!!!! Does Anne know how to spin a story or what???? I loved the use of the different Celtic Gods in this story which are my favs of course being of Celtic descent. I so can't wait to read more of the story!
the bad guys were the BEST in this! truly evil to the core. I soooo loved it!
if you haven't read it yet TBR it today! not recommend for mature audiences.
December 15, 2013
Action-Packed Urban Fantasy. Great world-building with detailed, well-written physical and emotional descriptions that pull you into the story. In spite of the exceedingly bleak (dystopian) setting, the brisk pace and frequent-enough upturn in events (and graphic, steamy love scenes) kept this book from being a downer. Although the story’s told only from the heroine, Aislinn’s, perspective, I was grateful it’s not in the first-person (so common in UF). She is a highly independent and bitter heroine. There’s a strong, terribly handsome, and somewhat mysterious love interest in Fionn. Animal bond-mates (a wolf, a crow, and a dragon (!)), along with other secondary characters round out the story nicely. The inclusion of Celtic gods and lore (and a bit of dialect) added interest, too. Although the ending is a cliff-hanger, the author was kind enough to include half of the first chapter of the next book in the trilogy to peak my interest rather than disappoint me. I recommend this for fans of paranormal romance, fantasy, and urban fantasy and am looking forward to the next book.
May 28, 2015
Do you want a book where you don't care about the characters? Where they just all magically appear with no real character development? Do you want a book that seems to be more of an outline for a book that could have been pretty good? Well this is the book for you!
What book did all the 4 star plus people read because I don't think we are reading the same book. It started off with really cool ideas that turned into a hot mess 50% through and turned me off to the rest of the book. The book as a whole was poorly exicutted. It jumped around too much, felt like 90% of the time it was then eating or looking for food, and the book became more fantastical in a bad way as you read on. One paragraph she's some girl the next she had sex and by the next she's blessed by god. Like literally, in just a span of paragraphs. Overall this book just seems like an outline of the book, never finished and rushed.
What book did all the 4 star plus people read because I don't think we are reading the same book. It started off with really cool ideas that turned into a hot mess 50% through and turned me off to the rest of the book. The book as a whole was poorly exicutted. It jumped around too much, felt like 90% of the time it was then eating or looking for food, and the book became more fantastical in a bad way as you read on. One paragraph she's some girl the next she had sex and by the next she's blessed by god. Like literally, in just a span of paragraphs. Overall this book just seems like an outline of the book, never finished and rushed.
November 25, 2013
The world as we know it has disappeared. Humans have opened the gates to the Dark Gods and the Lemurians, a reptilian race of intelligent, magic wielding beings. Aislinn was young when the Surges began, losing both her parents and left alone in a post-apocalyptic Salt Lake City. She discovers magic she'd never had and is soon caught between the battle of good and evil.
It takes a really strong writer to create a world so vividly that you can see it unfold before your very eyes. Ann Gimpel is just such a writer. She weaves tales of fantasy and magic so expertly, I must confess I consider her nothing short of a magician herself. Earth's Requiem is an epic tale of survival, hope, and love. If you're a fan of Celtic mythology, you won't be disappointment. Surprises lurk in every chapter, and nothing is as it seems. I'm already anxiously awaiting book 2!
It takes a really strong writer to create a world so vividly that you can see it unfold before your very eyes. Ann Gimpel is just such a writer. She weaves tales of fantasy and magic so expertly, I must confess I consider her nothing short of a magician herself. Earth's Requiem is an epic tale of survival, hope, and love. If you're a fan of Celtic mythology, you won't be disappointment. Surprises lurk in every chapter, and nothing is as it seems. I'm already anxiously awaiting book 2!
February 6, 2014
I have read quite few of Ann's books and they never disappoint. Earth's Requiem tells the story of Aislinn, she loses both her parents, her father was killed by the dark ones, her mother soon after. Aislinn joins forces with the Lemurins, who want to get rid of the dark ones, to rid the earth of these aliens. Aislinn is sent on a mission, she meets Fionn who has magical abilities as does she. They bond and set to battle to save earth. Fionn is sexy and magical and a hunter, there's twists and turns and Ann keeps u guessing as to what will happen next. There's lots of hot sex and romance too. Ann's books are never boring, there's always lots going on. This is the first instalment and does end on a cliff-hanger.
April 25, 2015
As a first time reader of Ann Gimpel I have to say that I was very pleased with the detailing and story line of Earth's Requiem. It was a bit slow going the first few chapters but once the adventure started it was a nonstop action thrill ride. The first few chapters are a sort of back story to the build up of the intensity of the rest of the incredible story. I cant wait to finish the trilogy.
August 19, 2014
4.5/5.0
The desolation of Earth is richly detailed in Aislinn’s narrative.
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
The desolation of Earth is richly detailed in Aislinn’s narrative.
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
August 1, 2015
Interesting premiss.
Not interesting enough for me to get the second book.
Not interesting enough for me to get the second book.
November 16, 2015
An epic blend of fantasy, myth, and romance
I’ve come to expect great things from Ann Gimpel in a very short time. This author has a way of blending fantasy, myth, paranormal, action, adventure, and romance in a way I really love. Earth’s Requiem is a great example of just what you can expect from her. With a world gone nuts at the invasion of dark gods, Ann gives us a kickass heroine and struggle for survival of the human species that everyone is sure to enjoy.
Aislinn was a twenty-year-old college student off in the jungles of Bolivia with her folks when the world as she knew it came to a screeching halt. Her anthropologist father was brutally murdered by a dark god and her mother pretty much lost it. Life became all about surviving in the world turned upside down. The old ones have risen and anyone without a promise of magic or the sense to join their ranks quickly found themselves walked into a radioactive vortex. Watching her beautiful but desolate mother marched into the vortex was the final straw. If there is one thing the experience has taught her, it's to not get close to others. Just how many times can a person have their heart ripped out and survive it? With no real choice in the matter, Aislinn has become a law unto herself. She’s learned to hone her mage and seeker magics and she fights one day after the other in a war not of her choosing. The heat gets turned up a notch when she finds herself the target of the dark gods themselves. With their sickening, slimy way of ensorcelling a person with unwanted passion it’s a struggle to keep one step ahead of them. Not to mention fighting off their dark minions. Life takes another turn on the dime when the wolf Rune claims her as bondmate. Aislinn has operated the last three years with the understanding that she was a mage with a smattering of skill in the seeker magic. Now she is finding out she has yet another magic to add to her repertoire… hunter.
Rune is a talking wolf. Having lost the bondmate that rescued and raised him from a pup to the malevolence of the dark gods, he’s on a quest to find another bondmate when he happens upon Aislinn. When I first read the blurb for this book I assumed Rune was going to be a love interest for Aislinn and was perhaps a shifter. Nope, not even. What is it about the word mate and it has us assuming there is a love interest, and sex involved? In this instance, the term refers to the bond that forms between a hunter and his animal. It’s a magical bond that allows the two to communicate and blend their powers. Pretty heady stuff when you can all the sudden hear, see and smell like a predator. One little issue… the animal is subservient to the hunter and must follow direct commands, something Rune has grown to regret with the loss of his prior bondmate. Let’s just say it hasn’t been an easy pill to swallow for this wolf and he’s not so willing to be placed in the same position yet again. Love and affection grow quickly between Aislinn and Rune, if not a grudging acceptance that the bond means that neither will be walking into battle alone once again.
When Aislinn is handed the mission of finding Taltos, the realm of the old ones in four days time things go a little off kilter for her. When she and Rune run across Fionn and his raven, Bella, it presents the perfect opportunity to learn more about her new hunter abilities. What she didn’t expect was to find herself falling for the big hunter. Nor did she expect to find out that Fionn is not only a hunter but actually the Celtic God of Wisdom among other things. When the two join forces to find out just what is really going on in their world gone mad things really heat up both between the sheets and in the world around them. Fionn finds himself falling helplessly for the human long before he discovers fate was right all along.
I really enjoyed this start to the Earth Reclaimed series. Earth’s Requiem is left on a bit of a cliffhanger after a nasty twist. I can’t wait to pick up Earth’s Blood. Another ride on the back of dragon sounds mighty fine to me… oh did I forget to mention there was a dragon? Needless to say, I’ve really bought into the characters and world Ann Gimpel has created and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions.com*****
I’ve come to expect great things from Ann Gimpel in a very short time. This author has a way of blending fantasy, myth, paranormal, action, adventure, and romance in a way I really love. Earth’s Requiem is a great example of just what you can expect from her. With a world gone nuts at the invasion of dark gods, Ann gives us a kickass heroine and struggle for survival of the human species that everyone is sure to enjoy.
Aislinn was a twenty-year-old college student off in the jungles of Bolivia with her folks when the world as she knew it came to a screeching halt. Her anthropologist father was brutally murdered by a dark god and her mother pretty much lost it. Life became all about surviving in the world turned upside down. The old ones have risen and anyone without a promise of magic or the sense to join their ranks quickly found themselves walked into a radioactive vortex. Watching her beautiful but desolate mother marched into the vortex was the final straw. If there is one thing the experience has taught her, it's to not get close to others. Just how many times can a person have their heart ripped out and survive it? With no real choice in the matter, Aislinn has become a law unto herself. She’s learned to hone her mage and seeker magics and she fights one day after the other in a war not of her choosing. The heat gets turned up a notch when she finds herself the target of the dark gods themselves. With their sickening, slimy way of ensorcelling a person with unwanted passion it’s a struggle to keep one step ahead of them. Not to mention fighting off their dark minions. Life takes another turn on the dime when the wolf Rune claims her as bondmate. Aislinn has operated the last three years with the understanding that she was a mage with a smattering of skill in the seeker magic. Now she is finding out she has yet another magic to add to her repertoire… hunter.
Rune is a talking wolf. Having lost the bondmate that rescued and raised him from a pup to the malevolence of the dark gods, he’s on a quest to find another bondmate when he happens upon Aislinn. When I first read the blurb for this book I assumed Rune was going to be a love interest for Aislinn and was perhaps a shifter. Nope, not even. What is it about the word mate and it has us assuming there is a love interest, and sex involved? In this instance, the term refers to the bond that forms between a hunter and his animal. It’s a magical bond that allows the two to communicate and blend their powers. Pretty heady stuff when you can all the sudden hear, see and smell like a predator. One little issue… the animal is subservient to the hunter and must follow direct commands, something Rune has grown to regret with the loss of his prior bondmate. Let’s just say it hasn’t been an easy pill to swallow for this wolf and he’s not so willing to be placed in the same position yet again. Love and affection grow quickly between Aislinn and Rune, if not a grudging acceptance that the bond means that neither will be walking into battle alone once again.
When Aislinn is handed the mission of finding Taltos, the realm of the old ones in four days time things go a little off kilter for her. When she and Rune run across Fionn and his raven, Bella, it presents the perfect opportunity to learn more about her new hunter abilities. What she didn’t expect was to find herself falling for the big hunter. Nor did she expect to find out that Fionn is not only a hunter but actually the Celtic God of Wisdom among other things. When the two join forces to find out just what is really going on in their world gone mad things really heat up both between the sheets and in the world around them. Fionn finds himself falling helplessly for the human long before he discovers fate was right all along.
I really enjoyed this start to the Earth Reclaimed series. Earth’s Requiem is left on a bit of a cliffhanger after a nasty twist. I can’t wait to pick up Earth’s Blood. Another ride on the back of dragon sounds mighty fine to me… oh did I forget to mention there was a dragon? Needless to say, I’ve really bought into the characters and world Ann Gimpel has created and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions.com*****
October 3, 2016
Here let me summarize this book: self pity, self pity, sex with some random guy, self pity, more sex with another random guy, and more self pity. This was a God awful boring read.
September 2, 2016
I was fascinated with the whole story and characters. This book is the first one I've read by the author Ann Gimpel. I think it went a little slow at first for me, but then it took off with so much adventure and all the different characters coming together that I couldn't stop reading. It was fast paced and enticing! The was so much suspense, adventure, erotica, mystery and magic. Aislinn is the main character of the story. She thinks she is weak after all that is taken from her and the world falling apart with so much death for the humans, but in time becomes strong and has powers beyond what she ever thought she'd have. There are God's, dragons, bond mate animals, aliens and humans that are hunters with magic. The story will keep you on the edge and yes there is a cliff hanger at the end. There should not be a doubt you will want to continue reading this story. The story has 3 novels to this exciting story. It's a pager turner. Best for 18+ Readers. I highly recommend this story and to continue with the next novel of Earth's Blood by Anne Gimpel.
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December 27, 20134.5/5.0
Since the Surge that released the dark gods three years ago Aislinn Lenear has lost everyone and everything she’s ever cared about. Forced to choose between using her magic to fight the dark gods for the Lemurians (the Old Ones) or die, she chooses to live, fight the dark gods and figure out a way to someday defeat the Old Ones and their hold on humans.
For full review see 2013 Dec/Jan. Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Since the Surge that released the dark gods three years ago Aislinn Lenear has lost everyone and everything she’s ever cared about. Forced to choose between using her magic to fight the dark gods for the Lemurians (the Old Ones) or die, she chooses to live, fight the dark gods and figure out a way to someday defeat the Old Ones and their hold on humans.
For full review see 2013 Dec/Jan. Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 21, 2015
A MAGNIFICENT AND TOP NOTCH READ!!
Prophecies, God's, Magic, Myths and Love in a post apocalyptic Earth. But oh so much more! But that's just a few for starters. Ann Gimpel is a master story teller and world builder. I have yet to read a book by this author that I haven't absolutely loved. I am HOOKED and you will be too. You will completely lose yourself in this book and all her books. I know I did. Another one that you won't be able to put down. I know I can't wait to read the next one (Earths Blood).
Prophecies, God's, Magic, Myths and Love in a post apocalyptic Earth. But oh so much more! But that's just a few for starters. Ann Gimpel is a master story teller and world builder. I have yet to read a book by this author that I haven't absolutely loved. I am HOOKED and you will be too. You will completely lose yourself in this book and all her books. I know I did. Another one that you won't be able to put down. I know I can't wait to read the next one (Earths Blood).
August 9, 2015
Excellent
Very different from the other paranormal books i have read and enjoyed . This book was refreshing . I will be getting the next one soon .
Very different from the other paranormal books i have read and enjoyed . This book was refreshing . I will be getting the next one soon .
June 25, 2017
DNF at 60%.
This book had great potential, in accordance with a seemingly "end of the world, a girl ends up saving it with her brilliant wits and fiery courage" sort of a thing going on, but it fell flat.
I can't even remember the MC's name right now.
Anyways, the world has basically been taken over by evil "dark gods" and their long time rivals, the "Old Ones." Humans are caught in the middle of this conflict, and the MC has strong magic, with which she's just trying to survive. Pretty cool so far. She meets this wolf, who becomes her 'bond animal,' and a 'super hot' (god forbid that the love interest doesn't have washboard abs) Celtic god nonetheless, and continues on her journey (I quit the book before I ever figured out what the actual point of the story was other than the more generalized goal of getting rid of the aliens/god things).
I can work with all this at a stretch, provided the author doesn't throw all of this at me within a span of like 12 pages.
Unfortunately, that's exactly what she did.
Our MC (still can't remember her name) is what I would call, a lone wolf.
She works alone, lives alone, blah blah, other than occasional dalliances with other magic wielders. No normal/humans without magic are left because they're all sent into a vortex by the 'Old Ones' to presumably die. Anyways, the MC is now working for them. They can read minds, but they somehow don't realize that she hates them and isn't loyal, even though she thinks these thoughts right in front of them.
She stumbles upon a wolf, who just randomly chooses to bond with her, and suddenly this kickass female is now a blubbering emotional wreck. Cue entry of hot guy, and now she's a love-struck, blubbering, emotional wreck.
Her attachment to them was instantaneous and completely unbelievable. No other way to put it.
Then we find out she's actually an irish queen (?) and destined to be the dude's soul mate. He's been searching for her for centuries but since he couldn't find her, marries repeatedly, blah blah.
This is where I stopped.
The writing is simplistic, it's a fast read, (as far as how far I went) but it's not deep enough for me. Not a recommended read from me.
This book had great potential, in accordance with a seemingly "end of the world, a girl ends up saving it with her brilliant wits and fiery courage" sort of a thing going on, but it fell flat.
I can't even remember the MC's name right now.
Anyways, the world has basically been taken over by evil "dark gods" and their long time rivals, the "Old Ones." Humans are caught in the middle of this conflict, and the MC has strong magic, with which she's just trying to survive. Pretty cool so far. She meets this wolf, who becomes her 'bond animal,' and a 'super hot' (god forbid that the love interest doesn't have washboard abs) Celtic god nonetheless, and continues on her journey (I quit the book before I ever figured out what the actual point of the story was other than the more generalized goal of getting rid of the aliens/god things).
I can work with all this at a stretch, provided the author doesn't throw all of this at me within a span of like 12 pages.
Unfortunately, that's exactly what she did.
Our MC (still can't remember her name) is what I would call, a lone wolf.
She works alone, lives alone, blah blah, other than occasional dalliances with other magic wielders. No normal/humans without magic are left because they're all sent into a vortex by the 'Old Ones' to presumably die. Anyways, the MC is now working for them. They can read minds, but they somehow don't realize that she hates them and isn't loyal, even though she thinks these thoughts right in front of them.
She stumbles upon a wolf, who just randomly chooses to bond with her, and suddenly this kickass female is now a blubbering emotional wreck. Cue entry of hot guy, and now she's a love-struck, blubbering, emotional wreck.
Her attachment to them was instantaneous and completely unbelievable. No other way to put it.
Then we find out she's actually an irish queen (?) and destined to be the dude's soul mate. He's been searching for her for centuries but since he couldn't find her, marries repeatedly, blah blah.
This is where I stopped.
The writing is simplistic, it's a fast read, (as far as how far I went) but it's not deep enough for me. Not a recommended read from me.
October 9, 2017
Oh my god! This is single WORST audio narration I have heard ever! I guess there might have been some bad ones in the past but not in long while. Someone check that lady for a pulse cuz I think she does not have one or she is a robot. I mean she gives dead-pan monotone voice a whole new face to put to it. She is inspiring me to start a new shelf: Warning! Bad book reading ahead!
I just could not get her. She is fast at reading it, but there is no pacing. No urgency when action demands it. No slowing down and painting a picture for the listener so they feel like they are there experiencing it. Nope. Nada. Niet.
Unfortunately I wish my issue with the narrator was all the bad that there was in here but the story did no lend it to much awe either. I wish I have listened to another reviewer who commented on all the bad things in this book. He pointed out the last scene of non-consensual... thing for the lack of the better word that happened between the dragon, main heroine and the Minotaur that can be best categorized as some disturbing form of bestiality... And that should tell you how disturbing that was.
And of course there is the disturbing sexual vibe throughout this book what with these invading being all about sex and just saturating the air with it so like everyone will forget billions of people died and are now wandering shadow ghost things.... And then there is is the funky love interest we got to watch develop... I do not know what that was all about but that ain't no kind of love development that should ever be developed.
Needless to say I will not be continuing on with this series. With how heavy they started out on the murder and the rape-ish scenes and just the overall dark vibe of this thing I hold no love or interest for this world.
I just could not get her. She is fast at reading it, but there is no pacing. No urgency when action demands it. No slowing down and painting a picture for the listener so they feel like they are there experiencing it. Nope. Nada. Niet.
Unfortunately I wish my issue with the narrator was all the bad that there was in here but the story did no lend it to much awe either. I wish I have listened to another reviewer who commented on all the bad things in this book. He pointed out the last scene of non-consensual... thing for the lack of the better word that happened between the dragon, main heroine and the Minotaur that can be best categorized as some disturbing form of bestiality... And that should tell you how disturbing that was.
And of course there is the disturbing sexual vibe throughout this book what with these invading being all about sex and just saturating the air with it so like everyone will forget billions of people died and are now wandering shadow ghost things.... And then there is is the funky love interest we got to watch develop... I do not know what that was all about but that ain't no kind of love development that should ever be developed.
Needless to say I will not be continuing on with this series. With how heavy they started out on the murder and the rape-ish scenes and just the overall dark vibe of this thing I hold no love or interest for this world.
September 18, 2018
3.5 This was a tough one for me. I did not like the narration at all, and unfortunately that does play into an audio book. I kept trying to follow the plot and tune her out. Tough to do in an audio book.
I was lost in the beginning and when I finally started grasping the plot, the hidden twists and secrets I started to really enjoy. I lost count of how many times c**k was said, and or discussed, I personally prefer to be able to enjoy the story and the sex, be the icing on the cake, or interspersed as needed to advance the plot. Now that is me, and many people love it, so take my opinions with a grain of salt.
The story premise was intriguing enough, and continuously improved that I will be going for book 2 :)
I was lost in the beginning and when I finally started grasping the plot, the hidden twists and secrets I started to really enjoy. I lost count of how many times c**k was said, and or discussed, I personally prefer to be able to enjoy the story and the sex, be the icing on the cake, or interspersed as needed to advance the plot. Now that is me, and many people love it, so take my opinions with a grain of salt.
The story premise was intriguing enough, and continuously improved that I will be going for book 2 :)
August 30, 2019
The premise and synopsis was the only thing worth reading in this book.
I really wanted to like it, but it was terrible.
There are only two books in my life (I'm not old, but old enough) that I just could not finish. This was the second one. I got to chapter 24 and I was just done.
I think the author wanted to make it an erotica novel, but never mentioned it in the synopsis. And the erotica bits were just horrible.
I just could not wrap my head around this book. It was absolutely disjointed and confusing.
Of course, I'm only one person, good luck to the author, but I think the editor needs to do a better job in helping her.
I really wanted to like it, but it was terrible.
There are only two books in my life (I'm not old, but old enough) that I just could not finish. This was the second one. I got to chapter 24 and I was just done.
I think the author wanted to make it an erotica novel, but never mentioned it in the synopsis. And the erotica bits were just horrible.
I just could not wrap my head around this book. It was absolutely disjointed and confusing.
Of course, I'm only one person, good luck to the author, but I think the editor needs to do a better job in helping her.
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