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The Watchers

Storm Watcher

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The

All Mariamne Niege wants is to finish her thesis and get a job. Unfortunately, she's a Guardian now, and her visions of the future have grown so intense she's blind to the world while in their grip. Her Watcher, Hanson, is sleeping on her couch and scaring her roommates when he's not shepherding her through the visions and calming her worsening nightmares. Then the earthquakes start, warning of an even bigger disaster-a cataclysm that could level her beloved city and claim countless innocent lives. A disaster her visions say are triggered by Hanson, even though he's sworn to protect her . . .

The

Hanson joined the Watchers to atone for a life of lies, but the only way he can stay close enough to Mari to protect her is to use some of his less-than-honest talents. She is the only witch who can ease the agony of being a Watcher, and the only woman in the world he wants. Then Mari's house is broken into and her roommates slaughtered, and in order to save his witch, Hanson is going to have to become more vicious than the Dark-even though it might mean losing her forever.

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.

182 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 2005

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About the author

Lilith Saintcrow

132 books4,512 followers
Lilith 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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5 stars
155 (21%)
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242 (33%)
3 stars
244 (33%)
2 stars
78 (10%)
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14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
958 reviews5 followers
December 27, 2023
Reread

I’ve read this series before but it’s fun to read them again. Mari and Hanson are cute and awkward and really bad at reading each other, and the story is very much trope driven but I don’t care. I like it.
Profile Image for Beth.
844 reviews75 followers
August 21, 2020
A good addition to the series -- in that it expands the world.

But I found Mari aggravating -- I don't think I could be a Watcher -- I'd shake her until her teeth rattled.

On reflection it is good (?) to see a character like Mari? Just because she has power doesn't mean she doesn't have weaknesses or insecurities that prevent her from seeing or acting rationally.
Profile Image for Feminista.
872 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2013
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

This second book was a bit of a let down. Mari was such a pushover. I almost wish that Hanson said that to her face, that girl needed a bit of a reality check. I also disliked how she made excuses for Brandon, she was pretty much in denial with how dangerous Brandon was. All I could think was, why would she let herself trust her own instincts after her previous choices of abusive boyfriends. Let Hanson do the thinking, at least he isn't oblivious or in denial.
Profile Image for Kathy Davie.
4,876 reviews738 followers
December 4, 2016
Second in The Watchers paranormal romance series revolving around Circle Lightfall and the three witches who are the Guardians of the city. The couple focus is on Mari and Hanson.

My Take
The only reason I'll let Mira live is to help her Watcher, Hanson. She is the most irritating person!! She never, never thinks of her safety. Always running away and being stupid. She really needs two Watchers. Or chains… Maybe if someone explained...again...to the twit about the relationship between a Watcher and the witch who settles his pain, she wouldn't be so annoying. It certainly wouldn't hurt if Hanson or Dante would explain these facts of life to her...please...if only to put me out of my irritation.

Of course, Hanson's excessive lack of self-esteem is so not helping here. I can sort of understand it with his background, the training he's suffered through, and the loss he suffered that he does have these lack of entitlement issues, but, must Saintcrow go on and on about it. Between the two of them I just wanted to put the book down.

Most of the story is of Hanson wanting to touch Mari but not feeling good enough, especially since he believes that Mari can't stand him. Mari wants him to touch her, kiss her, but she thinks he can't stand to be around her. Says something about the power of communication…!

The Story
Mari is almost done getting her degree. She simply has to finish up her thesis paper, tidy up the bibliography, and get it printed. Only she can't get Hanson out of her mind.

Now a strange man is giving her notes, saying they're from Suzanne, telling her to beware the Watchers. The fact that neither Dante nor Hanson have ever given her any cause to believe this guy…

Meanwhile, the attacks on Mari and the visions she suffers through continue and Hanson continues to be there to protect her...as long as she doesn't run off while he does it. But there is one vision in particular that terrifies Mari. The one where Hanson is killing Theo. Naturally, Mari must panic and not consider any other possibility at all…can you tell, how irritating I find her!

She runs and runs into Rossini. The scary man she's encountered twice. Naturally, she goes off with him and into yet another scary situation. A dangerous path to follow, the Library to enter...and exit.

The Characters
Mariamne "Mari" Niege's strengths are in precog and water, a Lightbringer. Thankfully, Hanson is her Watcher because Mari has no concept of safe and the visions that come on her leave her unaware and at risk. Brandon Cochran, Gretchen, and Amy are her roommates and they all seem to take advantage of Mari. Of course, she can be pretty irritating in her wishy-washiness and whining...I'd probably use her, too. None of her roommates like Hanson and are constantly on her back about him even though she is paying double rent for him to be there.

Theodora Morgan is one of the witches and a Lightbringer as well and owns Rowangrove, a shop that sells metaphysical and occult supplies. Dante is her Watcher (see Dark Watcher ). Elise Nicholson is another and her power is fire.

All three are now Guardians of the City courtesy of the spell their friend and teacher, Suzanne, a.k.a., Zsuszanna, did when she sacrificed herself in setting the spell that now keeps the city safe.

Rossini is a gargoyle. He guards the Library in between making mischief. Esmeralda is the Librarian with an urgent task for the Guardians; Suzanne was her sister ( Dark Watcher ). Mrs. Crutcher is the librarian at the college.

Watchers are men given a second chance to redeem themselves by protecting and obeying the witch they are assigned to Watch. They are trained by Circle Lightfall and embedded with a bit of the Dark. The Dark pain is a constant, only relieved when they find the witch who is theirs.

The Cover and Title
The cover is purples and reds in a night scene outside Theo's shop. Headlights coming down the street outline one of the enemy as lightning flashes and Hanson is jumping down from the roof pulling his sword from its sheath.

The Storm half of the title I can only surmise is from all the storms that seem to follow these two around. The last half---Watcher makes sense as it refers to the series name.
Profile Image for Elissa.
Author 39 books109 followers
January 11, 2019
The Evil Within

Dually narrated by Rayna Cole and Jack Wayne (this works surprisingly well!), there is a lot of action in this second tale of the saga. If you haven't read the first, you will not have the background explaining how the city status was modified and the coven's role changed (note how I'm avoiding spoilers here!), but will be able to enjoy a solid paranormal adventure with a great deal of violence. I suspect this plot format would be terrific for a role-playing game.
Profile Image for Tonya Breck.
275 reviews15 followers
January 16, 2012
Like the first book in this series, I have to give this one a low rating because of how helpless and weak all the women are shown. Not only that, but in this book, I can't find it in my to like any of the female characters. Definitely not a good sign in a book.
Profile Image for Genrelove.
66 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2012
The plot of the Watcher books seems very thin, although enough to keep me reading, apparently. This one seems especially light.
Profile Image for John A. Sillasen.
358 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2020
Water Witch Meet Your Dark & Torn Up Watcher

This could be construed as a wishy washy water witch and a guilt ridden dark watcher trying to find love but it is not. Read Book 1! It happened the same between Dante, (not Valentine), the Watcher and Theodora, Theo - the Green Or Earth Witch. This is a tale of Dark and Light. Their witches, the ones the Watchers watch over are the Lightbringers. Their Watchers used to be the ne'er do wells, the criminals, thieves and other desperados at or near or just dead and brought back to serve the Circle Lightfall. With grueling training and education the worthy are given a dark symbiote that heals them during battle, gives them speed and strength and aids them in seeing dark creatures before they attack allowing the Watcher to go on the offensive to protect their Lightbringer. The touch and even close proximity of those they serve to protect is extremely painful for them thanks to the Darkness inside of them. Then there's that one in a million Lightbringer who's touch provides a deep keep of connection, pleasing and calming.
Now meet the Water Witch, Mari, Mariame who never thinks she's quite good enough, strong enough or powerful enough, abused bin relationships - never lovable enough. Now meet Hanson, a cheat, thief but never murderer, brought to the Watchers near death doused with the burning gasoline by those he double crossed, he couldn't possibly have found his "forever witch," let alone be with a Guardian of the City, a Lightbringer so pure and strong she and her 3 fellow witch friends made a spell together so strong it evicted the Crusaders set out to destroy all witches from the city forever! Could he? This story has these two repellent personalities somehow finding each other and become the stronger for it.
582 reviews
November 19, 2018
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher and found it very entertaining. The second book in this series is as good as the first as we follow the tale of the Guardians and their Watchers. The spell that turned the Witches into Guardians must be completed, but the Dark doesn't want that happening. Again the two narrators enhances the experience , combined the fast paced plot and great characters, makes this is a great listen. Looking forward to book three.
Profile Image for Curly's  Ramblings.
2,034 reviews6 followers
May 31, 2019
Audiobook review: Storm Watcher is about Mari, a light witch, and Hansen, a watcher. I like the premise of this story and storyline with evil lurking, protection needed, and a slow love interest build. Unfortunately, I could not connect with either character. Both were very relationship insecure, which would be ok for a beginning story but would have been better if the characters emotionally developed in this area. I liked the use of two narrators. I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Ulla Bisgaard.
180 reviews
June 4, 2019
I was given this book in exchange for a honest review.
The beginning of the book are mostly about the drama of emotions between the characters and it made it hard to really get into the book. Since that writing style really isn’t my cup of tea, I would probably not have finished it, if I hadn’t made the commitment.
It did pick up about half way through and became more interesting.
I think this is a book for people who likes emotional dramas, combined with romance and a bit of action.
In the audiobook the narrators did a good job at bringing life to the story.
243 reviews6 followers
January 27, 2020
I keep wanting to like this series, but I wish the women didn't consistently make stupid decisions. I found Mari aggravating and really didn't think she was smart enough to live. There are only so many times you can make decisions like hers before natural selection takes care of it. Hanson's lack of self esteem also got irritating. I wanted to shake both of them and say just talk to each other already!
Profile Image for Rosie Piqué-Christie.
5 reviews
July 19, 2017
Love and Witchery

Great little read more story and back ground from the first book.
Compared to some series these books seem to be quite short and sweet but that is a lovely change from having everything in on book and having to read for 4 days before you get to the good bits.
Definitely reading the next book 😊
Profile Image for Denise Fisher.
113 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2018
I loved this book! Action all the time. Could not stop reading.

This can be a standalone, but I always have to read the series. This was book 2 and #3 is already waiting. I guess I know what I'll be doing. My favorite book of this author's is Working For The Devil. It is my favorite book period. So read this book, you won't be sorry!
95 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2020
Storm Watcher

I enjoy reading her books. This series has everything; witches, magic, good versus evil. I plan on reading the entire series.
Profile Image for Shanti.
525 reviews14 followers
February 4, 2021
2 and 1/2
It’s just that Mari was so damn timid.
Profile Image for Jennifer  (BTH Reviews).
498 reviews19 followers
May 7, 2015
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review Courtesy of: Books That Hook

“Storm Watcher” is the second book in the Watcher series by Lilith Saintcrow.

Based on the number of pages, I’d say this is a novella rather than a novel.

Tense: Past
Person: 3rd, alternating
Audience: Adult due to sexual content

The Watcher series continues, this time focusing on Mari and Hanson. Mari is a water witch and Hanson is her Watcher whose whole existence revolves around keeping her safe.

Both of the main characters have serious self-esteem issues. I’ve read some scathing reviews about how annoying they are. I wasn’t particularly annoyed, but I wasn’t a fan of either of them. They were both whiny. While it was understandable at times, it didn’t make them characters I could relate to.

A bigger problem, though, is that they have terrible communication. A lot of angst on both their parts could have been avoided if they had just talked to one another. It’s seems all Hanson can really say to Mari is that he’s sorry (over and over).

Even though the book is classified as urban fantasy, this book reads like a romance from the very beginning. Yes, there’s the deal about needing to stop the earthquake, but the main story seems to be about Hanson’s need for Mari to eliminate his pain because, as he said many times, “She’s my witch.”

The book starts out really slow. It isn’t until chapter four that the reader gets a hint that something bad is going to happen. Then, it isn’t until chapter six that something does happen–Mari and Hanson are attacked.

Another problem I had with this book was that I couldn’t see the connection between the different plot points. Some things that happened ended up not meaning anything.

I also didn’t like the Alice in Wonderland reference made. It’s like the 10th book in the last month that I have read that referred to “down the rabbit hole” or “through the looking glass.” I’m getting really tired of it.

The positives? Probably the writing itself, the descriptions, and the action scenes are the best parts of “Storm Watcher.” It wasn’t a horrible book. I just thought the characters could have had more likable qualities and the story could have started out with more action.

I’m hoping that the next book will be better because it’s about the most outspoken of the witches, Elise. Her Watcher better have a backbone to be able to deal with her, because she’s going to be a handful.

I give “Storm Watcher” three stars. I’m on the fence about recommending it. Some readers will love it; some readers will hate it.
Profile Image for Lynn.
1,670 reviews45 followers
February 15, 2019
Today's post is on Storm Watcher by Lilith Saintcrow. It is the second in her Watchers series. It is 183 pages and is published by ImaJinn. The cover has the main male character on it without a shirt and a dagger in his belt. The intended reader is someone who likes urban fantasy romances. There is mild foul language, mild sexuality, and some violence this book. The story is told from the third person of the two main characters moving as the story goes. There Be Spoilers Ahead.

From the back of the book- The Witch: All Mariamne Niege wants is to finish her thesis and get a job. Unfortunately, she's a Guardian now, and her visions of the future have grown so intense she's blind to the world while in their grip. Her Watcher, Hanson, is sleeping on her couch and scaring her roommates when he's not shepherding her through the visions and calming her worsening nightmares. Then the earthquakes start, warning of an even bigger disaster-a cataclysm that could level her beloved city and claim countless innocent lives. A disaster her visions say are triggered by Hanson, even though he's sworn to protect her . . .
The Watcher: Hanson joined the Watchers to atone for a life of lies, but the only way he can stay close enough to Mari to protect her is to use some of his less-than-honest talents. She is the only witch who can ease the agony of being a Watcher, and the only woman in the world he wants. Then Mari's house is broken into and her roommates slaughtered, and in order to save his witch, Hanson is going to have to become more vicious than the Dark-even though it might mean losing her forever.


Review- This second novel follows on the heels of the first novel with Mari and Hanson just trying to deal with her visions and difficult people. We do not get really anything new in this novel it is more of the same, the Lightbringers need to protect the city and their Watchers need to protect them. The two characters we follow in this are not terrible but I did not like Mari as much as Theo, at times is she Too Stupid To Live. She has visions and instead of talking to Hanson or her fellow Lightbringers, she runs off on her own and causes lots of problems. That said I did enjoy the book, it was a fun fast read that does not take much to engage with. If you want a quick paranormal romance read then you should like this novel and this series.

I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.
Profile Image for Sunshine✰✰✰.
449 reviews
January 20, 2015
I was not looking forward to reading this book. From reading other reviews about how annoying Mari was I held off until now. Mari is a witch and one of the Guardians of the city. She is watched over and protected by her Watcher, Hanson. Believe the reviews. They are both a bit annoying. Mari is too timid, too whiny, doesn't listen, and constantly getting into trouble. She makes Hanson's job that much harder by never staying where it's safe. Hanson is always walking on eggshells around Mari, which is only slightly justified. Speak up man! Get a backbone!

The story itself is not horrible. Something new is out there and is even keeping the other "monsters" on guard. It is stalking Mari. The city is built on a fault line which was magically held together by witches back when the city was built. That spell is unraveling and is allowing this thing to come through. It seems to be up to Mari to reinforce that spell before the big earthquake hits.
Profile Image for Leslie.
253 reviews
June 30, 2008
After Dark Watcher, I was looking forward to reading the next book. Storm Watcher is centered around Mari, the "water" Lightbringer and Hanson, her Watcher. I liked Hanson right away, but Mari tended to be too...too...well, too much like a damsel in distress. I did grow to like her when she found her spunk at the end and saved the world in spite of herself.

Great read and great series. Recommended.
Profile Image for Wendy coling ( trowbridge).
615 reviews14 followers
March 3, 2012
I love mary in this book she so depends on the other witches and then hanson comes along and he is her watcher. she is not sure why things are happening to her antil teacher tells her what to do but she is sure of her feeling that are growing for hanson. i think hanson is good for her she likes being looked after it makes her stronger and with her visions that plague her he is there to keep her safe.
this book was a great read i couldnt put it down.
Profile Image for Dr susan.
3,052 reviews51 followers
December 18, 2014
I found the Watcher series when I was waiting for another Jill Kismet book and before I joined Goodreads. Having a migraine means my head hurts too much to put this review in polite terms. Storm Watcher is my least favorite book in the series, because Mari annoyed me. She would show signs of a backbone, and then she would be a wimpy marshmallow. Theo, Elise, and Hanson enabled Mari's wimpiness. Only the Maleficent told Mari to 'suck it up' and do what she needed to do.
Profile Image for Jackie.
3,955 reviews128 followers
March 5, 2015
When started this it seemed a good premise and had interesting characters.

What should have been a fast read instead turned into a study in procrastination as kept going to browse Facebook rather than finishing. Now done can say liked but did not love the story either in world building nor characters, will not read rest of series as just could not gather enthusiasm to care what happens in rest of books.
Profile Image for Lydia Presley.
1,387 reviews114 followers
September 16, 2009
Horrible book. Insipid, uninspiring, weak characters. I couldn't even bring myself to finish this book (let alone the series) and I'm massively OCD about books and finishing them.

I'm shipping back all this author's books to the library. I had faith, I had hoped that I could see what others see in her, but holy cow.. this was really, really bad.
Profile Image for Melissa Hayden.
979 reviews120 followers
November 28, 2018
This is a romance read mixed with action and worry. We learn there is still trouble in the city that needs tending to yet Mari and Hanson are drawn to each other as they work through all the troubles. There are sensual moments along with a growth of trust and feelings between them. I love the blend of action and love in this story.

****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
522 reviews8 followers
June 28, 2009
I enjoyed this book more than the first one, but again I found Mari to be a very insipid character for the majority of the book. Hanson on the other hand was amazing. I have such a thing for brooding bad boys with inferiority complexes.
Profile Image for Sydney.
1 review
June 10, 2012
Stumbled across this book by accident. Has to be the best book I've ever read with the dialogue between characters you fall in love with them. How protective Hanson is to Mari makes you dive into the book even more. LOVED IT!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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