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The Watchers
Dark Watcher
The
Theodora Morgan knows she's a little strange. Her talent for healing has marked her as different all through a life spent moving from town to town when someone notices her strangeness. Now she has a home, and she doesn't want to leave-but she's been found. The Crusade wants her dead because she's psychic, the Dark wants to feed on her talent, and then there's Dante. Tall and grim and armed with black-bladed knives, guns, and a sword, he says he's here to protect her. But what if he's what Theo needs protection from most?
The
Dante is a Watcher, sworn by Circle Lightfall to protect the Lightbringers. His next assignment? Watch over Theo. She doesn't know she's a Lightbringer, she doesn't know she's surrounded by enemies, and she doesn't know she's been marked for death by a bunch of fanatics. He can't protect her if she doesn't trust him, but how can she possibly trust a man scarred by murder and warfare-a man who smells like the same Darkness Theo has been running from all her life?
Bounced around the world as a military brat, Lilith Saintcrow fell in love with writing in second grade and never looked back. She currently resides in Vancouver, Washington, with two children, a menagerie, and books. Find her on the web at lilithsaintcrow.com.
Theodora Morgan knows she's a little strange. Her talent for healing has marked her as different all through a life spent moving from town to town when someone notices her strangeness. Now she has a home, and she doesn't want to leave-but she's been found. The Crusade wants her dead because she's psychic, the Dark wants to feed on her talent, and then there's Dante. Tall and grim and armed with black-bladed knives, guns, and a sword, he says he's here to protect her. But what if he's what Theo needs protection from most?
The
Dante is a Watcher, sworn by Circle Lightfall to protect the Lightbringers. His next assignment? Watch over Theo. She doesn't know she's a Lightbringer, she doesn't know she's surrounded by enemies, and she doesn't know she's been marked for death by a bunch of fanatics. He can't protect her if she doesn't trust him, but how can she possibly trust a man scarred by murder and warfare-a man who smells like the same Darkness Theo has been running from all her life?
Bounced around the world as a military brat, Lilith Saintcrow fell in love with writing in second grade and never looked back. She currently resides in Vancouver, Washington, with two children, a menagerie, and books. Find her on the web at lilithsaintcrow.com.
178 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2004
62 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
About the author
Lilith Saintcrow
132 books4,511 followersLilith Saintcrow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as a child, and fell in love with writing stories when she was ten years old. She and her library co-habitate in Vancouver, Washington.
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November 5, 2017
Dark Watcher 2015 is the new edited version of one of Ms Saintcrow's earlier works. I read it years ago, and was curious to see what she had done differently this second time.
I didn't want to read the two versions along, as I wanted to enjoy the story fully. So I won't be able to tell you how or if the 2015 version is different. I do have the feeling this latest version is smoother, though. :) Still, Dark Watcher is Saintcrow-light.
If you are one of her fans, you know how complex and nuanced her worlds and characters are. Dark Watcher shows you all the hints of what she'll become, but her characters here are a bit too thin. The book is short(ish), but I doubt this is the real problem. There's not enough meat on them for me to understand fully why the refuse the Circle and go indipendent or honestly any other choice they make. Moreover, they are so black and white to be on the boring side.
If Dante is a shadow of what Jaf will be, Theo is not yet her best female characters. Too whiny and clean.
The plot itself, while interesting, revolves around simplicistic, black and white situation. Even in a book with different fight scenes there's not much action. There's no real tension nor passion (for all that there's a romantic thread).
Even with the romantic element, I doubt I could call this a romance. Again not my first choice, as I'm not a fan of bonds that appear out of thin air, above all when I'm not then given a "follow-up" (in other words when the author doesn't show me that bonds apart the couple really falls in love).
Overall I enjoyed it, but not enough to decide to grab immediately all the other books in the series.
I own a copy of the original paperback edition, and was given an Arc of the 2015 kindle edition by the publisher via Netgalley.
I didn't want to read the two versions along, as I wanted to enjoy the story fully. So I won't be able to tell you how or if the 2015 version is different. I do have the feeling this latest version is smoother, though. :) Still, Dark Watcher is Saintcrow-light.
If you are one of her fans, you know how complex and nuanced her worlds and characters are. Dark Watcher shows you all the hints of what she'll become, but her characters here are a bit too thin. The book is short(ish), but I doubt this is the real problem. There's not enough meat on them for me to understand fully why the refuse the Circle and go indipendent or honestly any other choice they make. Moreover, they are so black and white to be on the boring side.
If Dante is a shadow of what Jaf will be, Theo is not yet her best female characters. Too whiny and clean.
The plot itself, while interesting, revolves around simplicistic, black and white situation. Even in a book with different fight scenes there's not much action. There's no real tension nor passion (for all that there's a romantic thread).
Even with the romantic element, I doubt I could call this a romance. Again not my first choice, as I'm not a fan of bonds that appear out of thin air, above all when I'm not then given a "follow-up" (in other words when the author doesn't show me that bonds apart the couple really falls in love).
Overall I enjoyed it, but not enough to decide to grab immediately all the other books in the series.
I own a copy of the original paperback edition, and was given an Arc of the 2015 kindle edition by the publisher via Netgalley.
December 24, 2014
First read August 19, 2011.
First in the urban-fantasy series, Watcher, revolving around four witches with a share in an occult shop.
My Take
I like the concept and I like Dante and Theo. I just wish Saintcrow had put some depth, passion, and tension into the story. And, no, Theo whining is not the passion or tension to which I'm referring. The last battle at the shop, Dante has gone out to fight the monsters while Hanson gets the women to safety. And Theo is whining. Again. Whimper, whimper, whine, doubt…it is irritating.
Another irritant is Theo's hysteria over the icky monster that Dante kills. She keeps going on and on and on about "ewww, you killed that". I mean, hey, it's obviously a monster. It was trying to kill Dante. What was he supposed to do? Wave a hankie at it?
That whining over with, there's a nice cozy feel to this story. It makes me want to own a magic shop! In truth, the ladies have a busy life: Theo haunts Pavement Paradise healing the homeless, junkies, and the dying; Mari is going to school; Elise is in a band and loves those bad boys; and, Suzanne writes songs.
As much as it bugged me that the ladies were questioning Dante and Hanson's presence, it also dawned on me that I know both sides of the story. They don't. And their reactions are perfectly normal. Even if it does bug me to hell and gone.
Dante is such a powerful man, and yet Saintcrow gives him such vulnerability. He's so sweet in his wanting Theo. It makes me want to cry.
Well that bit about Cinderella and sex and fertility was most unexpected.
At one point, one of the girls notes that one reason for doing this massive spell is to provide a refuge for other Lightbringers, and yet, after they do the spell, the Circle Lightfall Lightbringer and her Watcher have to leave because they're so uncomfortable. Now, if Circle Lightfall members are Lightbringers and they can't come to the city, what was the point of saying this bit about a refuge?
I do like Saintcrow's twist on witches and bonding in this. Then there's her twist on witchhunting and the Church. Ooh, boy. Believable enough, although when it comes to zombie knights, I dunno. There's a nasty mind in that woman's head! A fascinating blend of cozy-comfy-homey with wicked-evil.
The Story
Theo Morgan has built a nice life for herself. She loves her occult shop, the Magick Cauldron, her partners, and her neighbors. It's a nice change to settle in and not be running in fear. What she doesn't know is that her nice, peaceful life is about to change, dramatically. For the Crusade has found her, and Dante is determined to Watch over her, protect her from them whether she allows it or not.
The Characters
Theodora Morgan is an earth witch with healing powers who owns an occult shop called the Magick Cauldron. Powers she feels compelled to share, to heal others. Thorin is her cat. Her partners are also witches and include Suzanne who is an air elemental and a Teacher and Mari who is water and the scrappy Elise who is fire and good at offensive magicks.
Dante and Hanson are both Watchers working for the Circle Lightfall. Their task is to guard Lightbringers and persuade them to join the Circle. The Watchers are created from men who have grown to need to kill but are in anguish about the deed, so the Circle gives them new purpose even as they plant a bit of Dark inside them. Protecting feeds their souls but the hope of finding their witch keeps them going.
Other Watchers include Jack Gray, Piers, and Anna Sorenson is a witch with Circle Lightfall and Stone is her Watcher. I think a tanak is the little piece of Dark put inside the Watchers; it heals them, makes them stronger, and causes them tremendous pain.
Mark. Moira has cancer and Theo is working runespells to help. Hink and Billy seem to be a couple whom Theo is trying to help detox. Abe Francklin owns the Creation, an independent coffeehouse the ladies like to patronize. Sage (he's working toward a law degree) is the barista who took over after Matt Dartmouth quit and opened up the Free Shelter; Daniel is another barista. Joffrey, Todd, and are some of the coffeehouse's patrons. Joe Cool is seeing werewolves. Grody is another of the homeless whom Theo helps. Taz, Grody's usual buddy; Terence the Nose; and, Guitar Joe are more homeless. Marla Browley is a cop — the homeless kids call her "Officer Browbeat". Mary Locarno and Alexandra "Sandy" Lewis are nurses at the local hospital. Dr. Georges is moving to Alaska, thank god. Tina's cancer has returned; Yann is her devoted father. Tantan is a small pub; the Galaxie is a bar where Elise's band plays.
Lightbringers are witches. They first banded together to try and escape the Church when it started up its Inquisition. Sir Gideon de Hauteville was rescued during a battle by Jeanne Tourenay, a healer Lightbringer. They married and his love for her resulted in three gifts, one of which is the bond all Watchers seek. Circle Lightfall is an organization that watches the witches, and they turn men who have fallen into the depths into Watchers, the combat arm of Circle Lightfall, who protect and bring the Lightbringers into the organization.
The Kine are shapeshifters.
The Crusade is a secret Church-sanctioned group originally assembled to destroy witches to retain the authority of the Church. Today, they simply want to kill anyone who is psychic. Masters are living Knights of the Crusade; the zombie Knights are former junkies and thugs who have been through an indoctrination that includes more drugs than even they could want. Bishops are referred to be color: White, Black, Red. They're the worst because they chose to take this path. Kramer and Sprenger were part of the Malleus Malleficarium. Hammer of the Witches. Cardinal Givelli, the Gray Demon, found a way to turn men into zombie Knights. Seekers are their hell-dogs that hunt witches and live on psychics.
The Dark simply wants to eat their talent. Sliders are nocturnal opportunists. Gimmers are Grays, a semi-nocturnal demon. The Brotherhood. The Thains.
The Cover and the Title
This cover is all my favorite colors: greens, blues, and purples…with some naked man flesh in those lovely dusky, peachy tones. Yum. It's a shirtless Dante, his muscled back toward us as he almost looks over his shoulder. There's a sense of the rain-drenched in how the light shines off that dark and iridescent pavement while lightning forks down.
The title is certainly apt as there is a bit of Dark in every Watcher.
First in the urban-fantasy series, Watcher, revolving around four witches with a share in an occult shop.
My Take
I like the concept and I like Dante and Theo. I just wish Saintcrow had put some depth, passion, and tension into the story. And, no, Theo whining is not the passion or tension to which I'm referring. The last battle at the shop, Dante has gone out to fight the monsters while Hanson gets the women to safety. And Theo is whining. Again. Whimper, whimper, whine, doubt…it is irritating.
Another irritant is Theo's hysteria over the icky monster that Dante kills. She keeps going on and on and on about "ewww, you killed that". I mean, hey, it's obviously a monster. It was trying to kill Dante. What was he supposed to do? Wave a hankie at it?
That whining over with, there's a nice cozy feel to this story. It makes me want to own a magic shop! In truth, the ladies have a busy life: Theo haunts Pavement Paradise healing the homeless, junkies, and the dying; Mari is going to school; Elise is in a band and loves those bad boys; and, Suzanne writes songs.
As much as it bugged me that the ladies were questioning Dante and Hanson's presence, it also dawned on me that I know both sides of the story. They don't. And their reactions are perfectly normal. Even if it does bug me to hell and gone.
Dante is such a powerful man, and yet Saintcrow gives him such vulnerability. He's so sweet in his wanting Theo. It makes me want to cry.
Well that bit about Cinderella and sex and fertility was most unexpected.
At one point, one of the girls notes that one reason for doing this massive spell is to provide a refuge for other Lightbringers, and yet, after they do the spell, the Circle Lightfall Lightbringer and her Watcher have to leave because they're so uncomfortable. Now, if Circle Lightfall members are Lightbringers and they can't come to the city, what was the point of saying this bit about a refuge?
I do like Saintcrow's twist on witches and bonding in this. Then there's her twist on witchhunting and the Church. Ooh, boy. Believable enough, although when it comes to zombie knights, I dunno. There's a nasty mind in that woman's head! A fascinating blend of cozy-comfy-homey with wicked-evil.
The Story
Theo Morgan has built a nice life for herself. She loves her occult shop, the Magick Cauldron, her partners, and her neighbors. It's a nice change to settle in and not be running in fear. What she doesn't know is that her nice, peaceful life is about to change, dramatically. For the Crusade has found her, and Dante is determined to Watch over her, protect her from them whether she allows it or not.
The Characters
Theodora Morgan is an earth witch with healing powers who owns an occult shop called the Magick Cauldron. Powers she feels compelled to share, to heal others. Thorin is her cat. Her partners are also witches and include Suzanne who is an air elemental and a Teacher and Mari who is water and the scrappy Elise who is fire and good at offensive magicks.
Dante and Hanson are both Watchers working for the Circle Lightfall. Their task is to guard Lightbringers and persuade them to join the Circle. The Watchers are created from men who have grown to need to kill but are in anguish about the deed, so the Circle gives them new purpose even as they plant a bit of Dark inside them. Protecting feeds their souls but the hope of finding their witch keeps them going.
Other Watchers include Jack Gray, Piers, and Anna Sorenson is a witch with Circle Lightfall and Stone is her Watcher. I think a tanak is the little piece of Dark put inside the Watchers; it heals them, makes them stronger, and causes them tremendous pain.
Mark. Moira has cancer and Theo is working runespells to help. Hink and Billy seem to be a couple whom Theo is trying to help detox. Abe Francklin owns the Creation, an independent coffeehouse the ladies like to patronize. Sage (he's working toward a law degree) is the barista who took over after Matt Dartmouth quit and opened up the Free Shelter; Daniel is another barista. Joffrey, Todd, and are some of the coffeehouse's patrons. Joe Cool is seeing werewolves. Grody is another of the homeless whom Theo helps. Taz, Grody's usual buddy; Terence the Nose; and, Guitar Joe are more homeless. Marla Browley is a cop — the homeless kids call her "Officer Browbeat". Mary Locarno and Alexandra "Sandy" Lewis are nurses at the local hospital. Dr. Georges is moving to Alaska, thank god. Tina's cancer has returned; Yann is her devoted father. Tantan is a small pub; the Galaxie is a bar where Elise's band plays.
Lightbringers are witches. They first banded together to try and escape the Church when it started up its Inquisition. Sir Gideon de Hauteville was rescued during a battle by Jeanne Tourenay, a healer Lightbringer. They married and his love for her resulted in three gifts, one of which is the bond all Watchers seek. Circle Lightfall is an organization that watches the witches, and they turn men who have fallen into the depths into Watchers, the combat arm of Circle Lightfall, who protect and bring the Lightbringers into the organization.
The Kine are shapeshifters.
The Crusade is a secret Church-sanctioned group originally assembled to destroy witches to retain the authority of the Church. Today, they simply want to kill anyone who is psychic. Masters are living Knights of the Crusade; the zombie Knights are former junkies and thugs who have been through an indoctrination that includes more drugs than even they could want. Bishops are referred to be color: White, Black, Red. They're the worst because they chose to take this path. Kramer and Sprenger were part of the Malleus Malleficarium. Hammer of the Witches. Cardinal Givelli, the Gray Demon, found a way to turn men into zombie Knights. Seekers are their hell-dogs that hunt witches and live on psychics.
The Dark simply wants to eat their talent. Sliders are nocturnal opportunists. Gimmers are Grays, a semi-nocturnal demon. The Brotherhood. The Thains.
The Cover and the Title
This cover is all my favorite colors: greens, blues, and purples…with some naked man flesh in those lovely dusky, peachy tones. Yum. It's a shirtless Dante, his muscled back toward us as he almost looks over his shoulder. There's a sense of the rain-drenched in how the light shines off that dark and iridescent pavement while lightning forks down.
The title is certainly apt as there is a bit of Dark in every Watcher.
August 20, 2020
While at times I think the Witches act irrationally & unreasonably -- it is totally true to how they are presented -- so much of the light they just have problems comprehending the violence capable by the Dark things they attract.
Interesting premise & I am glad she continued with 4 more books.
Last logged: Jan 19/2013
Interesting premise & I am glad she continued with 4 more books.
Last logged: Jan 19/2013
January 4, 2015
Dark Watcher by Lilith Saintcrow is the first book of the Watcher Series. The story comes to an ending per say, there are no cliffhangers, but things are left open for the next installment.
In a modern world where witches are hunted, the watchers are their guardians. Theo is a rare witch called a Lightbringer. Unfortunately for Theo, her ability brings unwanted attention from mean ugly things that are meant to hunt her down. Enter Dante. Dante's sole purpose in life is to watch over witches. He is supposed to protect them from the aforementioned mean ugly things. Dante is a tortured sole whose suffering will not be eased until he finds the one special witch that is meant to be his and his alone. In other words, he hurts until he finds The One. You know, the yin to his yang, the peanut butter to his jelly, the cheese to his crackers. As it just so happens, Theo is the one for Dante. The story involves them dancing around each other while trying to find a way to fight the evil forces that be.
The world Saintcrow has created is somewhat original. Consisting of witches, demons, and crusaders a group of women and their watchers have to stave off the evil that is after them. The plot isn't bad, it is a pretty simple and straightforward one of good vs. evil. Saintcrow's writing is smooth, and is easily read. It is just the characters and the action of the story that I had some problems with. I hate to criticize any writer's body of work. But I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review so honest I must be. That being said, I will be as respectful as I possibly can.
The characters seemed a little flat to me. They didn't seem very deep and didn't evolve very much, if it all, throughout the story. They very much are at the end who they were in the beginning. In a novel such as this, I would have liked to see a little development. Also, the action seemed a little stagnant. Nothing every really seemed to happen. Sure you had a few fights between Dante and the creepy crawlies, but I felt like the characters were going around in circles most of the time.
The choice of dialogue was somewhat nice. It was clean and lacked some of the more unfavorable descriptive terms often found in romance novels. Just to be clear there are no naughty scenes in this book. It is PG rated. For example, words like slurp, juices, etc. were not to be found. However, the dialogue was a bit repetitive. Everyone just kept saying the same things over and over. Nothing ever seemed to get accomplished really, just voicing the same thoughts again and again.
Overall, the book wasn't bad (trust me I've read worse), just a little boring to me. The events and dialogue of the story just didn't hold my attention.
In a modern world where witches are hunted, the watchers are their guardians. Theo is a rare witch called a Lightbringer. Unfortunately for Theo, her ability brings unwanted attention from mean ugly things that are meant to hunt her down. Enter Dante. Dante's sole purpose in life is to watch over witches. He is supposed to protect them from the aforementioned mean ugly things. Dante is a tortured sole whose suffering will not be eased until he finds the one special witch that is meant to be his and his alone. In other words, he hurts until he finds The One. You know, the yin to his yang, the peanut butter to his jelly, the cheese to his crackers. As it just so happens, Theo is the one for Dante. The story involves them dancing around each other while trying to find a way to fight the evil forces that be.
The world Saintcrow has created is somewhat original. Consisting of witches, demons, and crusaders a group of women and their watchers have to stave off the evil that is after them. The plot isn't bad, it is a pretty simple and straightforward one of good vs. evil. Saintcrow's writing is smooth, and is easily read. It is just the characters and the action of the story that I had some problems with. I hate to criticize any writer's body of work. But I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review so honest I must be. That being said, I will be as respectful as I possibly can.
The characters seemed a little flat to me. They didn't seem very deep and didn't evolve very much, if it all, throughout the story. They very much are at the end who they were in the beginning. In a novel such as this, I would have liked to see a little development. Also, the action seemed a little stagnant. Nothing every really seemed to happen. Sure you had a few fights between Dante and the creepy crawlies, but I felt like the characters were going around in circles most of the time.
The choice of dialogue was somewhat nice. It was clean and lacked some of the more unfavorable descriptive terms often found in romance novels. Just to be clear there are no naughty scenes in this book. It is PG rated. For example, words like slurp, juices, etc. were not to be found. However, the dialogue was a bit repetitive. Everyone just kept saying the same things over and over. Nothing ever seemed to get accomplished really, just voicing the same thoughts again and again.
Overall, the book wasn't bad (trust me I've read worse), just a little boring to me. The events and dialogue of the story just didn't hold my attention.
December 12, 2014
I thought this was a pretty interesting read, it sorta reminded me of a mash up of The Hollows meets the Black Dagger Brotherhood, but ixnay on the vampires. I really liked the fact that Theo was more fun and caring, while Dante was more in charge. Usually Saintcrow's heroines are more on the tougher side, this was a nice change-up. I also thought the singing and talking to herself was kinda funny, it helped break up some of the more serious parts.
The story itself was very intriguing, because normally "witches" aren't that scarce in the Urban fantasy or paranormal romance genre. The fact that they're actually hunted down by evil foes as almost a food source is pretty creepy, and original. So, the story basically follows Dante desperately trying to protect Theo from said baddies. He kinda gets attached to her and doesn't wanna see her turned into a snack. However, Theo isn't really into trusting the guy she just met, specially when she thinks about her past.
I'm going to classify this as more a short story since it's only 186 pages. I really enjoyed it, and felt like the world developed as you would expect it to within this short amount of time. I think if there would have been any more packed into this story it would have been almost too much, so I'm happy about what's included. Sometimes less is more. As for the romance, I felt it was more believable because it wasn't really rushed or overly intense. I'd recommend this to others into the Urban fantasy genre.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story itself was very intriguing, because normally "witches" aren't that scarce in the Urban fantasy or paranormal romance genre. The fact that they're actually hunted down by evil foes as almost a food source is pretty creepy, and original. So, the story basically follows Dante desperately trying to protect Theo from said baddies. He kinda gets attached to her and doesn't wanna see her turned into a snack. However, Theo isn't really into trusting the guy she just met, specially when she thinks about her past.
I'm going to classify this as more a short story since it's only 186 pages. I really enjoyed it, and felt like the world developed as you would expect it to within this short amount of time. I think if there would have been any more packed into this story it would have been almost too much, so I'm happy about what's included. Sometimes less is more. As for the romance, I felt it was more believable because it wasn't really rushed or overly intense. I'd recommend this to others into the Urban fantasy genre.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2013
I am definitely in the minority in loving this book, and I admit that I am biased.
I love Lilith Saintcrow! I fell in love after her characters after reading Dante Valentine: The Complete Series. With her, you always know that her characters will always be devoted to one another no matter what hurdle is thrown their way. It's sweet watching them interact, and such a relief after reading novels with mediocre character figures.
I love her UF settings as well. It is always unique and she develops a well-rounded UF world.
I love Lilith Saintcrow! I fell in love after her characters after reading Dante Valentine: The Complete Series. With her, you always know that her characters will always be devoted to one another no matter what hurdle is thrown their way. It's sweet watching them interact, and such a relief after reading novels with mediocre character figures.
I love her UF settings as well. It is always unique and she develops a well-rounded UF world.
February 25, 2015
Just found this series by Saintcrow and am gobbling them up! Really love the world of witches and watchers! And the romance ain’t bad either. ;)
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December 4, 2016
First in the paranormal romance series, The Watchers, revolving around four witches with a share in an occult shop.
My Take
I like the concept and I like Dante and Theo. I just wish Saintcrow had put some depth, passion, and tension into the story. And, no, Theo whining is not the passion or tension to which I'm referring. The last battle at the shop, Dante has gone out to fight the monsters while Hanson gets the women to safety. And Theo is whining. Again. Whimper, whimper, whine, doubt…it is irritating.
Another irritant is Theo's hysteria over the icky monster that Dante kills. She keeps going on and on and on about "ewww, you killed that". I mean, hey, it's obviously a monster. It was trying to kill Dante. What was he supposed to do? Wave a hankie at it?
That whining over with, there's a nice cozy feel to this story. It makes me want to own a magic shop! In truth, the ladies have a busy life: Theo haunts Pavement Paradise healing the homeless, junkies, and the dying; Mari is going to school; Elise is in a band and loves those bad boys; and, Suzanne writes songs.
As much as it bugged me that the ladies were questioning Dante and Hanson's presence, it also dawned on me that I know both sides of the story. They don't. And their reactions are perfectly normal. Even if it does bug me to hell and gone.
Dante is such a powerful man, and yet Saintcrow gives him such vulnerability. He's so sweet in his wanting Theo. It makes me want to cry.
Well that bit about Cinderella and sex and fertility was most unexpected.
At one point, one of the girls notes that one reason for doing this massive spell is to provide a refuge for other Lightbringers, and yet, after they do the spell, the Circle Lightfall Lightbringer and her Watcher have to leave because they're so uncomfortable. Now, if Circle Lightfall members are Lightbringers and they can't come to the city, what was the point of saying this bit about a refuge?
I do like Saintcrow's twist on witches and bonding in this. Then there's her twist on witchhunting and the Church. Ooh, boy. Believable enough, although when it comes to zombie knights, I dunno. There's a nasty mind in that woman's head! A fascinating blend of cozy-comfy-homey with wicked-evil.
The Story
Theo Morgan has built a nice life for herself. She loves her occult shop, the Magick Cauldron, her partners, and her neighbors. It's a nice change to settle in and not be running in fear. What she doesn't know is that her nice, peaceful life is about to change, dramatically. For the Crusade has found her, and Dante is determined to Watch over her, protect her from them whether she allows it or not.
The Characters
Theodora Morgan is an earth witch with healing powers who owns an occult shop called the Magick Cauldron. Powers she feels compelled to share, to heal others. Thorin is her cat. Her partners are also witches and include Suzanne who is an air elemental and a Teacher and Mari who is water and the scrappy Elise who is fire and good at offensive magicks.
Dante and Hanson are both Watchers working for the Circle Lightfall. Their task is to guard Lightbringers and persuade them to join the Circle. The Watchers are created from men who have grown to need to kill but are in anguish about the deed, so the Circle gives them new purpose even as they plant a bit of Dark inside them. Protecting feeds their souls but the hope of finding their witch keeps them going.
Other Watchers include Jack Gray, Piers, and Anna Sorenson is a witch with Circle Lightfall and Stone is her Watcher. I think a tanak is the little piece of Dark put inside the Watchers; it heals them, makes them stronger, and causes them tremendous pain.
Mark. Moira has cancer and Theo is working runespells to help. Hink and Billy seem to be a couple whom Theo is trying to help detox. Abe Francklin owns the Creation, an independent coffeehouse the ladies like to patronize. Sage (he's working toward a law degree) is the barista who took over after Matt Dartmouth quit and opened up the Free Shelter; Daniel is another barista. Joffrey, Todd, and are some of the coffeehouse's patrons. Joe Cool is seeing werewolves. Grody is another of the homeless whom Theo helps. Taz, Grody's usual buddy; Terence the Nose; and, Guitar Joe are more homeless. Marla Browley is a cop — the homeless kids call her "Officer Browbeat". Mary Locarno and Alexandra "Sandy" Lewis are nurses at the local hospital. Dr. Georges is moving to Alaska, thank god. Tina's cancer has returned; Yann is her devoted father. Tantan is a small pub; the Galaxie is a bar where Elise's band plays.
Lightbringers are witches. They first banded together to try and escape the Church when it started up its Inquisition. Sir Gideon de Hauteville was rescued during a battle by Jeanne Tourenay, a healer Lightbringer. They married and his love for her resulted in three gifts, one of which is the bond all Watchers seek. Circle Lightfall is an organization that watches the witches, and they turn men who have fallen into the depths into Watchers, the combat arm of Circle Lightfall, who protect and bring the Lightbringers into the organization.
The Kine are shapeshifters.
The Crusade is a secret Church-sanctioned group originally assembled to destroy witches to retain the authority of the Church. Today, they simply want to kill anyone who is psychic. Masters are living Knights of the Crusade; the zombie Knights are former junkies and thugs who have been through an indoctrination that includes more drugs than even they could want. Bishops are referred to be color: White, Black, Red. They're the worst because they chose to take this path. Kramer and Sprenger were part of the Malleus Malleficarium. Hammer of the Witches. Cardinal Givelli, the Gray Demon, found a way to turn men into zombie Knights. Seekers are their hell-dogs that hunt witches and live on psychics.
The Dark simply wants to eat their talent. Sliders are nocturnal opportunists. Gimmers are Grays, a semi-nocturnal demon. The Brotherhood. The Thains.
The Cover and the Title
This cover is all my favorite colors: greens, blues, and purples…with some naked man flesh in those lovely dusky, peachy tones. Yum. It's a shirtless Dante, his muscled back toward us as he almost looks over his shoulder. There's a sense of the rain-drenched in how the light shines off that dark and iridescent pavement while lightning forks down.
The title is certainly apt as there is a bit of Dark in every Watcher.
My Take
I like the concept and I like Dante and Theo. I just wish Saintcrow had put some depth, passion, and tension into the story. And, no, Theo whining is not the passion or tension to which I'm referring. The last battle at the shop, Dante has gone out to fight the monsters while Hanson gets the women to safety. And Theo is whining. Again. Whimper, whimper, whine, doubt…it is irritating.
Another irritant is Theo's hysteria over the icky monster that Dante kills. She keeps going on and on and on about "ewww, you killed that". I mean, hey, it's obviously a monster. It was trying to kill Dante. What was he supposed to do? Wave a hankie at it?
That whining over with, there's a nice cozy feel to this story. It makes me want to own a magic shop! In truth, the ladies have a busy life: Theo haunts Pavement Paradise healing the homeless, junkies, and the dying; Mari is going to school; Elise is in a band and loves those bad boys; and, Suzanne writes songs.
As much as it bugged me that the ladies were questioning Dante and Hanson's presence, it also dawned on me that I know both sides of the story. They don't. And their reactions are perfectly normal. Even if it does bug me to hell and gone.
Dante is such a powerful man, and yet Saintcrow gives him such vulnerability. He's so sweet in his wanting Theo. It makes me want to cry.
Well that bit about Cinderella and sex and fertility was most unexpected.
At one point, one of the girls notes that one reason for doing this massive spell is to provide a refuge for other Lightbringers, and yet, after they do the spell, the Circle Lightfall Lightbringer and her Watcher have to leave because they're so uncomfortable. Now, if Circle Lightfall members are Lightbringers and they can't come to the city, what was the point of saying this bit about a refuge?
I do like Saintcrow's twist on witches and bonding in this. Then there's her twist on witchhunting and the Church. Ooh, boy. Believable enough, although when it comes to zombie knights, I dunno. There's a nasty mind in that woman's head! A fascinating blend of cozy-comfy-homey with wicked-evil.
The Story
Theo Morgan has built a nice life for herself. She loves her occult shop, the Magick Cauldron, her partners, and her neighbors. It's a nice change to settle in and not be running in fear. What she doesn't know is that her nice, peaceful life is about to change, dramatically. For the Crusade has found her, and Dante is determined to Watch over her, protect her from them whether she allows it or not.
The Characters
Theodora Morgan is an earth witch with healing powers who owns an occult shop called the Magick Cauldron. Powers she feels compelled to share, to heal others. Thorin is her cat. Her partners are also witches and include Suzanne who is an air elemental and a Teacher and Mari who is water and the scrappy Elise who is fire and good at offensive magicks.
Dante and Hanson are both Watchers working for the Circle Lightfall. Their task is to guard Lightbringers and persuade them to join the Circle. The Watchers are created from men who have grown to need to kill but are in anguish about the deed, so the Circle gives them new purpose even as they plant a bit of Dark inside them. Protecting feeds their souls but the hope of finding their witch keeps them going.
Other Watchers include Jack Gray, Piers, and Anna Sorenson is a witch with Circle Lightfall and Stone is her Watcher. I think a tanak is the little piece of Dark put inside the Watchers; it heals them, makes them stronger, and causes them tremendous pain.
Mark. Moira has cancer and Theo is working runespells to help. Hink and Billy seem to be a couple whom Theo is trying to help detox. Abe Francklin owns the Creation, an independent coffeehouse the ladies like to patronize. Sage (he's working toward a law degree) is the barista who took over after Matt Dartmouth quit and opened up the Free Shelter; Daniel is another barista. Joffrey, Todd, and are some of the coffeehouse's patrons. Joe Cool is seeing werewolves. Grody is another of the homeless whom Theo helps. Taz, Grody's usual buddy; Terence the Nose; and, Guitar Joe are more homeless. Marla Browley is a cop — the homeless kids call her "Officer Browbeat". Mary Locarno and Alexandra "Sandy" Lewis are nurses at the local hospital. Dr. Georges is moving to Alaska, thank god. Tina's cancer has returned; Yann is her devoted father. Tantan is a small pub; the Galaxie is a bar where Elise's band plays.
Lightbringers are witches. They first banded together to try and escape the Church when it started up its Inquisition. Sir Gideon de Hauteville was rescued during a battle by Jeanne Tourenay, a healer Lightbringer. They married and his love for her resulted in three gifts, one of which is the bond all Watchers seek. Circle Lightfall is an organization that watches the witches, and they turn men who have fallen into the depths into Watchers, the combat arm of Circle Lightfall, who protect and bring the Lightbringers into the organization.
The Kine are shapeshifters.
The Crusade is a secret Church-sanctioned group originally assembled to destroy witches to retain the authority of the Church. Today, they simply want to kill anyone who is psychic. Masters are living Knights of the Crusade; the zombie Knights are former junkies and thugs who have been through an indoctrination that includes more drugs than even they could want. Bishops are referred to be color: White, Black, Red. They're the worst because they chose to take this path. Kramer and Sprenger were part of the Malleus Malleficarium. Hammer of the Witches. Cardinal Givelli, the Gray Demon, found a way to turn men into zombie Knights. Seekers are their hell-dogs that hunt witches and live on psychics.
The Dark simply wants to eat their talent. Sliders are nocturnal opportunists. Gimmers are Grays, a semi-nocturnal demon. The Brotherhood. The Thains.
The Cover and the Title
This cover is all my favorite colors: greens, blues, and purples…with some naked man flesh in those lovely dusky, peachy tones. Yum. It's a shirtless Dante, his muscled back toward us as he almost looks over his shoulder. There's a sense of the rain-drenched in how the light shines off that dark and iridescent pavement while lightning forks down.
The title is certainly apt as there is a bit of Dark in every Watcher.
August 28, 2024
A decent read but not one I’d actively recommend, Saintcrow definitely has better works. It’s just too short - both in its timespan of two/three days and page length of 180. It meant for surface level relationships and instalove, can this be called a PNR? The world of Circle Lightfall and the Crusade is an interesting premise but not built up enough at all. Also, I much preferred Dante’s POV but why did all the action scenes have to be skipped - had this been written later in her career maybe we’d have seen it as I enjoyed them in Gallow and Ragged! Not sure that I’ll continue this series, but I’ll definitely read more from Saintcrow.
September 18, 2018
The Dark Versus The Light
Author Lilith Saintcrow has an amazing imagination. In this urban paranormal fantasy, witches can be Lightbringers who battle the Dark, bringing peace and healing. The Watchers, themselves imbued with darkness, nonetheless try to protect the light. The dual narration by Jack Wayne and Rayna Cole is so well handled that action flowed seamlessly and characters came fully to life. The immediate story is completed within the novel, but as you will have guessed from the title, there will be more! And I, for one, will be looking for volume 2 in this series.
Author Lilith Saintcrow has an amazing imagination. In this urban paranormal fantasy, witches can be Lightbringers who battle the Dark, bringing peace and healing. The Watchers, themselves imbued with darkness, nonetheless try to protect the light. The dual narration by Jack Wayne and Rayna Cole is so well handled that action flowed seamlessly and characters came fully to life. The immediate story is completed within the novel, but as you will have guessed from the title, there will be more! And I, for one, will be looking for volume 2 in this series.
August 9, 2018
Short story about Witches and the Watchers, who protect them from evil!
May 13, 2017
Another case of reading an author I like only to be disappointed. If I'd started with this series I wouldn't have found the much better JILL Kismet series.
January 1, 2015
High magic trained or untrained will attract the dark side. For those who liked the show, Charmed, this story is for you. Theodora is a witch with a little bit of training. She is happy with her little shop and her few close friends. Always on the move, this witchy gypsy finally finds a place where she may want to settle down and grow some roots. The problem is, her constant move is what help protect her from the evil Crusade, determined to suck her powers dry.
Fortunately for her, she does have a tough guardian, Dante. He's a Watcher from a secret society, Circle Lightfall. With Theodora and her friends caught between these two opposing forces, which one will succeed in bringing them in? What if there was a third option neither side has considered?
Ms. Saintcrow creates another world of magic, mysteries and the fight between good and evil. Her forte - straddling the line and blurring it. From a character building perspective, only Dante is interesting. The rest of the characters, including Theodora are annoying. These women are hostile, suspicious and ungrateful. Theodora does "fall" for Dante. The chemistry just isn't there for me. I feel Dante deserves better. Since I am swayed by how much I like the characters, this book was a bit difficult to read. I kept wanting the Dark side to take the spiteful witches and eat them.
The world building and plot is what keeps this book moving and enjoyable for me. I've always liked Ms. Saintcrow's imagination and how she builds her worlds. They are gritty and almost graphic novel-esque. She doesn't write fantasy and romance. Her stories have an edge to them which cuts to the quick. This is what brings me back to her time and time again. Her tendency to ignore a happily ever after ending is attractive. In this one, it is a bittersweet ending. Because in this world, sacrifice is needed to perform high magic. The paranormal romance is recommended to those who enjoy their stories a bit darker without all the fluffy sweetness.
*provided by NetGalley
Fortunately for her, she does have a tough guardian, Dante. He's a Watcher from a secret society, Circle Lightfall. With Theodora and her friends caught between these two opposing forces, which one will succeed in bringing them in? What if there was a third option neither side has considered?
Ms. Saintcrow creates another world of magic, mysteries and the fight between good and evil. Her forte - straddling the line and blurring it. From a character building perspective, only Dante is interesting. The rest of the characters, including Theodora are annoying. These women are hostile, suspicious and ungrateful. Theodora does "fall" for Dante. The chemistry just isn't there for me. I feel Dante deserves better. Since I am swayed by how much I like the characters, this book was a bit difficult to read. I kept wanting the Dark side to take the spiteful witches and eat them.
The world building and plot is what keeps this book moving and enjoyable for me. I've always liked Ms. Saintcrow's imagination and how she builds her worlds. They are gritty and almost graphic novel-esque. She doesn't write fantasy and romance. Her stories have an edge to them which cuts to the quick. This is what brings me back to her time and time again. Her tendency to ignore a happily ever after ending is attractive. In this one, it is a bittersweet ending. Because in this world, sacrifice is needed to perform high magic. The paranormal romance is recommended to those who enjoy their stories a bit darker without all the fluffy sweetness.
*provided by NetGalley
June 12, 2015
Theodora Morgan’s healing abilities has brought her to the attention of the Crusade and the Dark, fortunately the Watcher Dante shows up to protect her but he smells like the same Darkness Theo has been running from all her life in this mesmerizing paranormal fantasy romance.
Dante is sworn to protect Lightbringers and his next assignment is Theo only she doesn’t know that she’s surrounded by enemies and the reader can’t help but get caught up in all the intrigue and excitement as Dante has his work cut out for him not only protecting Theo but convincing her that she’s his witch. There is no sex in this book, but there is some smoldering heat and sizzling kisses between Theo and Dante as they get to know each other and the chemistry between this couple hints at plenty of heat. The characters are strong, captivating and demand your attention and since magic is involved I certainly recommend that you don’t disappoint while the fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with lots of suspense, action and romance.
There are lots of villainous creatures to be found in this book and they have focused all their evil and hatred on Theo and her friends so Dante and his friends get very little time in between some major exciting battles as they try to keep the witches safe. Lots of spine shivering tension builds throughout as the danger escalates and more magic is unleashed and the well written scenes and details bring it all to life while the suspense and excitement ensure that the reader has to know every last detail.
The author has twisted some historical and mythological elements in such a way that she has created a fascinating and refreshingly different fantasy world full of magic and interesting characters (just a little hint…zombie knights). I was completely enthralled with the story from the very beginning and I can’t wait to find out what happens next especially after that spectacular battle at the end.
Dante is sworn to protect Lightbringers and his next assignment is Theo only she doesn’t know that she’s surrounded by enemies and the reader can’t help but get caught up in all the intrigue and excitement as Dante has his work cut out for him not only protecting Theo but convincing her that she’s his witch. There is no sex in this book, but there is some smoldering heat and sizzling kisses between Theo and Dante as they get to know each other and the chemistry between this couple hints at plenty of heat. The characters are strong, captivating and demand your attention and since magic is involved I certainly recommend that you don’t disappoint while the fast paced and smooth flowing plot keeps readers on their toes with lots of suspense, action and romance.
There are lots of villainous creatures to be found in this book and they have focused all their evil and hatred on Theo and her friends so Dante and his friends get very little time in between some major exciting battles as they try to keep the witches safe. Lots of spine shivering tension builds throughout as the danger escalates and more magic is unleashed and the well written scenes and details bring it all to life while the suspense and excitement ensure that the reader has to know every last detail.
The author has twisted some historical and mythological elements in such a way that she has created a fascinating and refreshingly different fantasy world full of magic and interesting characters (just a little hint…zombie knights). I was completely enthralled with the story from the very beginning and I can’t wait to find out what happens next especially after that spectacular battle at the end.
December 20, 2014
I read the Watcher series before I was posting reviews. Since the series is being released on Kindle, I thought this would be the perfect time to reread and review the books. Luckily, my library has all of them.
Saintcrow's Santiago City teases me with glimpses of half-remembered places from Jill Kismet's city. I found the Watcher books when I looked for something to read while waiting for another Kismet book. At its heart, this series is about good fighting evil, and good sometimes does evil to win. The torture and melding of the Watchers is evil done to form protection for the witches that stand against the Dark. The pairing of Theo and Dante is a good start for the series. I should not write reviews when I have a migraine....
Saintcrow's Santiago City teases me with glimpses of half-remembered places from Jill Kismet's city. I found the Watcher books when I looked for something to read while waiting for another Kismet book. At its heart, this series is about good fighting evil, and good sometimes does evil to win. The torture and melding of the Watchers is evil done to form protection for the witches that stand against the Dark. The pairing of Theo and Dante is a good start for the series. I should not write reviews when I have a migraine....
February 28, 2019
I read the book in 2011 and liked it. No sex and only romantic elements. This time I listened to the audio book. The narration was good and I enjoyed revisiting a paranormal story I enjoyed years ago.
December 30, 2017
Today’s post is on Dark Watcher by Lilith Saintcrow. It is 178 pages long and is published by Imajinn Books. It is first in her Watcher series. The cover has a storm in the back ground and the main male character looking over his shoulder towards the reader. The intended reader is someone who likes urban fantasy, very mild romance, and high action. There is foul language, no sex, and violence in this short story. The story is told from third person close of the characters moving from one to the next as the story goes. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- The Lightbringer: Theodora Morgan knows she's a little strange. Her talent for healing has marked her as different all through a life spent moving from town to town when someone notices her strangeness. Now she has a home, and she doesn't want to leave--but she's been found. The Crusade wants her dead because she's psychic, the Dark wants to feed on her talent, and then there's Dante. Tall and grim and armed with black-bladed knives, guns, and a sword, he says he's here to protect her. But what if he's what Theo needs protection from most?
The Watcher: Dante is a Watcher, sworn by Circle Lightfall to protect the Lightbringers. His next assignment? Watch over Theo. She doesn't know she's a Lightbringer, she doesn't know she's surrounded by enemies, and she doesn't know she's been marked for death by a bunch of fanatics. He can't protect her if she doesn't trust him, but how can she possibly trust a man scarred by murder and warfare--a man who smells like the same Darkness Theo has been running from all her life?
Review- This is a fine novel but I wanted more romance from this story. With a blurb that the one above you would expect more of a love story but it is barely touched on. Theo is the only one who can ease Dante’s pain but that is never explored. The world building is fine and I think that this happens in the same world as her Dante Valentine series but I am not totally sure about that. The magic is neat and understandable and the villains are evil enough. But the lack of relationship building between the two main characters makes it lose a star. I did like it enough to read the next one and I think that I will like it better because now I know that there will be little to no romance in spite of how the book is described.
I give this short story a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.
From the back of the book- The Lightbringer: Theodora Morgan knows she's a little strange. Her talent for healing has marked her as different all through a life spent moving from town to town when someone notices her strangeness. Now she has a home, and she doesn't want to leave--but she's been found. The Crusade wants her dead because she's psychic, the Dark wants to feed on her talent, and then there's Dante. Tall and grim and armed with black-bladed knives, guns, and a sword, he says he's here to protect her. But what if he's what Theo needs protection from most?
The Watcher: Dante is a Watcher, sworn by Circle Lightfall to protect the Lightbringers. His next assignment? Watch over Theo. She doesn't know she's a Lightbringer, she doesn't know she's surrounded by enemies, and she doesn't know she's been marked for death by a bunch of fanatics. He can't protect her if she doesn't trust him, but how can she possibly trust a man scarred by murder and warfare--a man who smells like the same Darkness Theo has been running from all her life?
Review- This is a fine novel but I wanted more romance from this story. With a blurb that the one above you would expect more of a love story but it is barely touched on. Theo is the only one who can ease Dante’s pain but that is never explored. The world building is fine and I think that this happens in the same world as her Dante Valentine series but I am not totally sure about that. The magic is neat and understandable and the villains are evil enough. But the lack of relationship building between the two main characters makes it lose a star. I did like it enough to read the next one and I think that I will like it better because now I know that there will be little to no romance in spite of how the book is described.
I give this short story a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.
March 26, 2020
The Lightbringer:
Theodora Morgan knows she's a little strange. Her talent for healing has marked her as different all through a life spent moving from town to town when someone notices her strangeness. Now she has a home, and she doesn't want to leave--but she's been found. The Crusade wants her dead because she's psychic, the Dark wants to feed on her talent, and then there's Dante. Tall and grim and armed with black-bladed knives, guns, and a sword, he says he's here to protect her. But what if he's what Theo needs protection from most?
The Watcher:
Dante is a Watcher, sworn by Circle Lightfall to protect the Lightbringers. His next assignment? Watch over Theo. She doesn't know she's a Lightbringer, she doesn't know she's surrounded by enemies, and she doesn't know she's been marked for death by a bunch of fanatics. He can't protect her if she doesn't trust him, but how can she possibly trust a man scarred by murder and warfare--a man who smells like the same Darkness Theo has been running from all her life?
Lilith Saintcrow books are my Happy Place and this one does not disappoint.
Theodora Morgan knows she's a little strange. Her talent for healing has marked her as different all through a life spent moving from town to town when someone notices her strangeness. Now she has a home, and she doesn't want to leave--but she's been found. The Crusade wants her dead because she's psychic, the Dark wants to feed on her talent, and then there's Dante. Tall and grim and armed with black-bladed knives, guns, and a sword, he says he's here to protect her. But what if he's what Theo needs protection from most?
The Watcher:
Dante is a Watcher, sworn by Circle Lightfall to protect the Lightbringers. His next assignment? Watch over Theo. She doesn't know she's a Lightbringer, she doesn't know she's surrounded by enemies, and she doesn't know she's been marked for death by a bunch of fanatics. He can't protect her if she doesn't trust him, but how can she possibly trust a man scarred by murder and warfare--a man who smells like the same Darkness Theo has been running from all her life?
Lilith Saintcrow books are my Happy Place and this one does not disappoint.
September 14, 2020
Another Urban Fantasy Series Well Worth Reading from Lilllith Saintcrow!
Dark Watcher is the first of five in the Watchers Book series. Saintcrow only writes books in clusters of five. Just as her other greats, the Jill Kismet books and Dante Valentine were in books of five. The Watchers are enhanced,expanded or perhaps deeply insightful tales of the Inquisitions' Crusaders and the white witches or Light Bringers who have Watchers keep safe unsuspecting witches from the long sword and certain death of the Crusaders and their Bishops. Add a few piloted or controlled zombies and other dark creatures that kill good witches then you are ready for this tale of good, protection, faithful Watchers and the Witches they protect often in fights to the death. Preferably not of the Witches under their protection. At some time, a Watcher can find 'his witch.'. The one he will take care of and love until one of them dies. If the witch dies, so does the Watcher. So right is their bond. Read on. Lilllith Saintcrow is worth every page.
Dark Watcher is the first of five in the Watchers Book series. Saintcrow only writes books in clusters of five. Just as her other greats, the Jill Kismet books and Dante Valentine were in books of five. The Watchers are enhanced,expanded or perhaps deeply insightful tales of the Inquisitions' Crusaders and the white witches or Light Bringers who have Watchers keep safe unsuspecting witches from the long sword and certain death of the Crusaders and their Bishops. Add a few piloted or controlled zombies and other dark creatures that kill good witches then you are ready for this tale of good, protection, faithful Watchers and the Witches they protect often in fights to the death. Preferably not of the Witches under their protection. At some time, a Watcher can find 'his witch.'. The one he will take care of and love until one of them dies. If the witch dies, so does the Watcher. So right is their bond. Read on. Lilllith Saintcrow is worth every page.
April 20, 2022
I enjoyed this series, but there were many flaws. The premise of this universe is our reality but add in a few dark entities and teams of villains and pit them against good witches and their guardians. It makes for some good bones, right? But there wasn’t enough meat. Storylines repeated. Rinse and repeat characters. She even recycled imagery, which made the writing seem uninventive. I think if she spent a bit more time planning storylines, this series could have been a great 3 book series rather than a lackluster 6.
(There were some annoying time-stamp issues that screamed “Written in the early 2000s” too)
(There were some annoying time-stamp issues that screamed “Written in the early 2000s” too)
July 18, 2017
Easy fantasy romance
I give this book 5 stars as its easy reading and ticks all my easy reading points. Also love the easy Wicca ways of these books.
Good characters
Good and evil with a magical twist
Easy soul love and redemption.
There's no teen angst just clear story.
If your looking for an intense long haul book there's plenty others out there.
If you want easy reading and more books to come definitely give these books ago.
I give this book 5 stars as its easy reading and ticks all my easy reading points. Also love the easy Wicca ways of these books.
Good characters
Good and evil with a magical twist
Easy soul love and redemption.
There's no teen angst just clear story.
If your looking for an intense long haul book there's plenty others out there.
If you want easy reading and more books to come definitely give these books ago.
December 3, 2017
Despite being so short, this was still a surprisingly good and entertaining read. While the writing wasn't quite as good here as in some Of Saintcrow's other books, it was still easy easy enough to follow so I can't complain to much. I would recommend this to anyone who is a big Saintcrow fan, if you haven't read anything by Lilith Saintcrow then I suggest you start with one of her other books rather than this one.
May 1, 2018
This is the blooming of a love between Theo and Dante. It's intertwined with the action of the story and why Dante is here. We have the sweet moments where we can see there could be more between the characters. But they have to live through much more to get there, getting to know each other. We also have our action and fights as Dante protects Theo and the other witches.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
April 28, 2018
My review is based on the Audiobook. I have read other books by this author that are much better. This one is okay. I would have liked more action, magic and character development. The narration was good and probably what kept me in it until the end - if I were reading I would have skimmed alot. Hopefully the series improves since I know the author is capable of more.
March 2, 2019
Love and Sacrifice
Love and sacrifice. This is one of my all time favorite books. Strong powerful women and the courageous men who will do anything to protect them. Dante is Theo’s watcher and protector. She is everything to him so his protection is not overbearing. He stands back and let’s her find her own way.
Love and sacrifice. This is one of my all time favorite books. Strong powerful women and the courageous men who will do anything to protect them. Dante is Theo’s watcher and protector. She is everything to him so his protection is not overbearing. He stands back and let’s her find her own way.
April 26, 2024
I didn't enjoy this at all. Repetitive dialogue, clunky writing, and poor flow. It read like a middle school student had been given an assignment with a word count minimum. Lots of unnecessary details like how much waffle batter was left and what she would do with it. Readers don't care about everybody's drink choices for breakfast.
July 1, 2017
I rather enjoy these type of stories. They're fun reads and action packed. I love that Theodora is called Theo, and that she just lives her life and a spark of joy comes to find her in the madness of bewitched world.
Thank you.
Thank you.
April 23, 2018
I found it very entertaining. I've always enjoy books about witches being hunted. This one has a slight twist, the witches have watcher to look after them. This is the first book in this series, with its interesting characters and suspenseful plot, I'll be listening to the next book.
December 6, 2018
A great book! I couldn't put it down.
Fast paced and well written. You can bet I'm getting the rest of the series!! I loved all the characters.
Fast paced and well written. You can bet I'm getting the rest of the series!! I loved all the characters.
October 9, 2020
Dark Watcher
If you read Lilith Saintcrow, you will love this series. Witches, watchers, zombies, good versus evil. It has it all. I now will go purchase the rest of the series
If you read Lilith Saintcrow, you will love this series. Witches, watchers, zombies, good versus evil. It has it all. I now will go purchase the rest of the series
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