What do you think?
Rate this book
Ayala Storme #3
Taken By Storm
Stripped of her Silver Scale, made a pariah by the Summit, and with a price tag the size of Kentucky on her head, Ayala is on her own. Gregor Gaskin is still missing, and when Ayala discovers he’s far outside the Mediator territory line, she will unravel more about the Summit than she ever thought possible. Finding Gregor will take her far from home, but catching him might hit her right where she lives — and Gregor’s plans may just release hell on earth before she can stop him.
467 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
9 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Emmie Mears
21 books154 followersEmmie Mears writes the books they always needed to read about characters they wish they could be. Emmie is multilingual, autistic, agender, and a bad pescetarian.
Emmie makes their home with two cats in Glasgow, Scotland and hopes to keep it that way.
Emmie is represented by Sara Megibow of kt literary.
Emmie makes their home with two cats in Glasgow, Scotland and hopes to keep it that way.
Emmie is represented by Sara Megibow of kt literary.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 7, 2018
This third book in the series fumbles in quality some from the first two in the series. It just didn't feel as smooth or have as many clever comments. It's also on the bleaker side.
I did feel the 2nd half of the book was better than the 1st half, though. Overall, this read felt like a bridge between the 2nd and 4th books because not a terrible amount happens but a lot is disclosed and we get a good set up for the finale.
In this read, we get to see the developing relationship between Ayala and a particular shade which offers some warmth to the story arc. I don't want to say who because it would be a spoiler. And for Ayala, who was once a loner with no true friends or family, we see her build quite a supporting and chosen posse around her even though she's in exile.
We also see further inside the dysfunction, deception, and rules of the Summit. And, finally, Ayala catches a clue and we get a romantic connection between Mira and Ayala. I say "romantic" but it's more an acknowledgement and intention for things to come. Because of the amount of death, destruction, and action I wouldn't call this a romance in the slightest. Due to the shades, there's a lot of naked men walking around but that's as graphic as it gets. No sexual intimacy here. Move along folks.
Still, it's a decent and entertaining read and a "must read" to continue the series.
If I haven't mentioned before, I like that this series has ethnic and sexuality diversity. Ayala is bisexual. Mira is Mexican. The leader of the Nashville Summit (and Ayala's leader) is, Alamea, a black woman. The west coast is made of a strong Native American population of Mediators. And the shades come in a plethora of ethnic diversity: Black, Asian, White, Indian, etc.
I did feel the 2nd half of the book was better than the 1st half, though. Overall, this read felt like a bridge between the 2nd and 4th books because not a terrible amount happens but a lot is disclosed and we get a good set up for the finale.
In this read, we get to see the developing relationship between Ayala and a particular shade which offers some warmth to the story arc. I don't want to say who because it would be a spoiler. And for Ayala, who was once a loner with no true friends or family, we see her build quite a supporting and chosen posse around her even though she's in exile.
We also see further inside the dysfunction, deception, and rules of the Summit. And, finally, Ayala catches a clue and we get a romantic connection between Mira and Ayala. I say "romantic" but it's more an acknowledgement and intention for things to come. Because of the amount of death, destruction, and action I wouldn't call this a romance in the slightest. Due to the shades, there's a lot of naked men walking around but that's as graphic as it gets. No sexual intimacy here. Move along folks.
Still, it's a decent and entertaining read and a "must read" to continue the series.
If I haven't mentioned before, I like that this series has ethnic and sexuality diversity. Ayala is bisexual. Mira is Mexican. The leader of the Nashville Summit (and Ayala's leader) is, Alamea, a black woman. The west coast is made of a strong Native American population of Mediators. And the shades come in a plethora of ethnic diversity: Black, Asian, White, Indian, etc.
January 4, 2016
(RabidReads.com)The first two books in this series featured fascinating characters, almost non-stop action, and were total thrill rides. Both were five star reads for me. Did this one measure up to the others?Absolutely!
Ayala Storme is a mediator(demon killer)that works in Nashville. Or rather she did until she got blamed for everything bad that has been happening, including being in cahoots with her old mentor, Gregor. Of course it’s all a crock, but Ayala now has to fight to find Gregor before he manages to continue his evil plan to ruin the world and release more and more demons onto earth. To that end, there are new Shades being born, ones that aren’t near as human as the original shades. Shades are new creatures that are part demon/part human, and now Ayala finds herself more connected to the shades than ever. She takes her shade friends and moves to Kentucky to try and stay off the Summit’s(home of the mediators)radar. When she finds out that Gregor is in Seattle, things get really interesting. And that’s because mediators literally can’t leave the area that they are born in, which is why the farthest Ayala can move is to southern Kentucky. Gregor being able to go across the country is a mystery that needs to be solved on top of everything else that’s going on.
If I had to pick a couple of words to describe Ayala, the first one would be real. The second one would be honorable. Real, because with her, what you see if what you get. She doesn’t have secrets, or a big bad mystery in her past. She is just a good person that cares about the people of Nashville and her friends. After being taken from her parents at birth due to the color of her eyes that mark her as a mediator, the few friends she has are important to her. Honorable, because her entire life centers on her work as a mediator. Killing demons is all she knows. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not a goody two shoes. She’s got a bit of a potty mouth at times, and don’t get me started on her mind and all her snarky thoughts! Her closest friend, Mira, a fellow mediator, is by her side throughout the read, along with her brother Evis(a shade),and several other shades, as well. The camraderie between them all was one of my favorite things about this read, although it’s pretty tense most of the time.
So much happens in this read. As with the others, it was full of action, demon killing, deaths, and literally fighting for their lives. There’s so much treachery coming from Gregor and his cohorts, that there are surprises at every turn. It doesn’t help that most of her fellow mediators are trying to kill her. An unexpected character does come back into the story. A very welcome character in my mind, but maybe not so much for Ayala. There’s even a hint of a possible romance for Ayala. Maybe.
Fascinating premise, fast paced, and well written with fully realized characters, this book was every bit as good as the last two. This series is definitely going to be an auto buy for me from now on.
Ayala Storme is a mediator(demon killer)that works in Nashville. Or rather she did until she got blamed for everything bad that has been happening, including being in cahoots with her old mentor, Gregor. Of course it’s all a crock, but Ayala now has to fight to find Gregor before he manages to continue his evil plan to ruin the world and release more and more demons onto earth. To that end, there are new Shades being born, ones that aren’t near as human as the original shades. Shades are new creatures that are part demon/part human, and now Ayala finds herself more connected to the shades than ever. She takes her shade friends and moves to Kentucky to try and stay off the Summit’s(home of the mediators)radar. When she finds out that Gregor is in Seattle, things get really interesting. And that’s because mediators literally can’t leave the area that they are born in, which is why the farthest Ayala can move is to southern Kentucky. Gregor being able to go across the country is a mystery that needs to be solved on top of everything else that’s going on.
If I had to pick a couple of words to describe Ayala, the first one would be real. The second one would be honorable. Real, because with her, what you see if what you get. She doesn’t have secrets, or a big bad mystery in her past. She is just a good person that cares about the people of Nashville and her friends. After being taken from her parents at birth due to the color of her eyes that mark her as a mediator, the few friends she has are important to her. Honorable, because her entire life centers on her work as a mediator. Killing demons is all she knows. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not a goody two shoes. She’s got a bit of a potty mouth at times, and don’t get me started on her mind and all her snarky thoughts! Her closest friend, Mira, a fellow mediator, is by her side throughout the read, along with her brother Evis(a shade),and several other shades, as well. The camraderie between them all was one of my favorite things about this read, although it’s pretty tense most of the time.
So much happens in this read. As with the others, it was full of action, demon killing, deaths, and literally fighting for their lives. There’s so much treachery coming from Gregor and his cohorts, that there are surprises at every turn. It doesn’t help that most of her fellow mediators are trying to kill her. An unexpected character does come back into the story. A very welcome character in my mind, but maybe not so much for Ayala. There’s even a hint of a possible romance for Ayala. Maybe.
Fascinating premise, fast paced, and well written with fully realized characters, this book was every bit as good as the last two. This series is definitely going to be an auto buy for me from now on.
June 11, 2016
Taken by Storm continues to deliver on the promises the first two books made: a sassy leading lady who is struggling more and more with who she is and how she fits into her world; an awesome best friend; a hint of romance (but no "love at first sight"); and more fight scenes than you can spray a flamethrower named Lucy at. The story is so fast-paced that it leaves you breathless. Even when you think Ayala might get a bit of downtime, things inevitably go wrong. Poor girl.
Ayala becomes less of a loner, which is great to see (especially after she got schooled in the previous book for complaining she had no friends), and we also discover that she's bisexual, though it's not presented as a big deal, just accepted as part of who she is. I really liked that element.
Plot-wise, we get to discover explanations for a few Mediator secrets and about the world more broadly, and there is closure on some story arcs while others -- primarily what the demons are up to, which is the primary meta-plot for the series -- are elaborated on but not resolved.
As with the previous book, there isn't any sex. There is situationally appropriate swearing. And I've preordered the next (and I believe last?) book in the series, which comes out later this month. Waiting is hard, you guys.
4.5 stars!
Ayala becomes less of a loner, which is great to see (especially after she got schooled in the previous book for complaining she had no friends), and we also discover that she's bisexual, though it's not presented as a big deal, just accepted as part of who she is. I really liked that element.
Plot-wise, we get to discover explanations for a few Mediator secrets and about the world more broadly, and there is closure on some story arcs while others -- primarily what the demons are up to, which is the primary meta-plot for the series -- are elaborated on but not resolved.
As with the previous book, there isn't any sex. There is situationally appropriate swearing. And I've preordered the next (and I believe last?) book in the series, which comes out later this month. Waiting is hard, you guys.
4.5 stars!
December 29, 2015
Blood, gore, excessive casualties, stupidity and a failed romance. That is what you can expect from this 2-1\2 star book.
March 22, 2016
I love this series. Seriously love it.
Vivid worldbuilding, fantastic character depth, excellent twists.
Overall very enjoyable.
Vivid worldbuilding, fantastic character depth, excellent twists.
Overall very enjoyable.
December 28, 2015
4.5 stars: I really love this series for its' good writing, excitement and uniqueness. I also love Ayala, the well-rounded yet kick-butt heroine. While significant things do happen here in book three, and there is no shortage of excitement, it felt a little bit like a placeholder between the previous books and those yet to come. Big things are happening both to Ayala and the world she lives in and this book gives us a "sneak peek" at them. I can't wait to read more. ** This is not a standalone book. You need to read the previous two books first to really follow this one. Both are amazing and I highly recommend them.
A note on the audiobook-- I listened to a little over half of this but finished it up on my kindle. While I have loved narrator Amber Benson reading other books, I wasn't quite as keen on her for this one. Her voice for Ayala was just a little too laid back for me and the voices for the men were not good. She's OK, I guess, but the voice I have in my head is better and I preferred reading it in print over listening to it.
A note on the audiobook-- I listened to a little over half of this but finished it up on my kindle. While I have loved narrator Amber Benson reading other books, I wasn't quite as keen on her for this one. Her voice for Ayala was just a little too laid back for me and the voices for the men were not good. She's OK, I guess, but the voice I have in my head is better and I preferred reading it in print over listening to it.
May 19, 2016
Ayala, a Mediator born with the skills to kill demons, has been exiled and marked for death by her former colleagues for fraternizing with the enemy. Ayala and her remaining loyal friends must figure out why the balance of good and evil has shifted. With demons walking in daylight, frightening new abilities and a new breed of shade, Ayala must find a way out of the darkness or live in a world overrun by evil.
This is the third...and darkest of the Ayala Storme books. She continues to struggle with her role as a rebel leader. Mason, the shade who first saved her life, makes an encore appearance just as things seems to hit bottom. Friends are enemies, enemies are friends, and everyone she cares about become targets.
Consistently good series with complex characters.
This is the third...and darkest of the Ayala Storme books. She continues to struggle with her role as a rebel leader. Mason, the shade who first saved her life, makes an encore appearance just as things seems to hit bottom. Friends are enemies, enemies are friends, and everyone she cares about become targets.
Consistently good series with complex characters.
April 26, 2017
This book was amazing. Another fine addition to this thrilling series.
I love the Ayala is more than just a hero. She also has emotions, and has to deal with them like any other human.
I really enjoy the world-building. I would love to read the alternate versions of history that this book touches on occasionally.
I love that other-than-heterosexuality is mentioned, but not harped upon. It's normal. Everyone accepts it. I wish that were the case in the world today.
This book wrapped up nicely, tying the main plot up, but leaving great expectations for the next installment.
I love the Ayala is more than just a hero. She also has emotions, and has to deal with them like any other human.
I really enjoy the world-building. I would love to read the alternate versions of history that this book touches on occasionally.
I love that other-than-heterosexuality is mentioned, but not harped upon. It's normal. Everyone accepts it. I wish that were the case in the world today.
This book wrapped up nicely, tying the main plot up, but leaving great expectations for the next installment.
February 19, 2016
Meh...
This book is just okay. Not sure what all the praise is for. It is very wordy. Nothing much happens really at all. No big climactic ending or anything. No real character development. Rather boring. Prior to this I was reading an Illona Andrews series. Take your pick and it's a gonna be a great book. Action packed. This book, not so much. Third book in and the main character is just dull. Doesn't hold a candle to the Kate Daniels or Kat Crawfields of the genre. It's a pass for me on finishing the series in the future.
This book is just okay. Not sure what all the praise is for. It is very wordy. Nothing much happens really at all. No big climactic ending or anything. No real character development. Rather boring. Prior to this I was reading an Illona Andrews series. Take your pick and it's a gonna be a great book. Action packed. This book, not so much. Third book in and the main character is just dull. Doesn't hold a candle to the Kate Daniels or Kat Crawfields of the genre. It's a pass for me on finishing the series in the future.
December 9, 2015
I don't even know where to start. Other reviewers will surely tell you more about the book than I will. I'm mostly here just to say that I loved this book.
The entire series has been fantastic. Ayala Storme is going to end up pretty high on my list of all time favorite heroes.
This book definitely has some surprises in it, and I don't want to spoil them for you. So just go read it. Really. Just read the whole series.
The entire series has been fantastic. Ayala Storme is going to end up pretty high on my list of all time favorite heroes.
This book definitely has some surprises in it, and I don't want to spoil them for you. So just go read it. Really. Just read the whole series.
January 2, 2016
A must read series by Emmie Mears!
I can't say how much I loved this book! It had all the right twist and turns and even a few that caught be by total surprise! Can't wait for the next book in the series to come out! On pins and needles here waiting!!!!! Another amazing piece to and awesome series!
I can't say how much I loved this book! It had all the right twist and turns and even a few that caught be by total surprise! Can't wait for the next book in the series to come out! On pins and needles here waiting!!!!! Another amazing piece to and awesome series!
December 14, 2015
After binge listening to all three books, I have the predictable book hangover. I don't know what to listen to next and I'm not sure what will compare or compete! This installment to the series wrapped up one story line and opened another. I can't wait for the next!
Read
December 22, 2015Cant' wait for the next book in this series. The flow from book to book was great. Each picked up where the previous left off. I love the heroine's feisty character. She is a fighter and has a strong belief in truth. She has made great strides in learning how to love.
December 24, 2015
Very Good
I enjoyed this book. The world is still a harsh and brutal place. The story does move forward and I thought the character growth was good enough. I am looking forward to the next book. I do wish for more information on the world.
I enjoyed this book. The world is still a harsh and brutal place. The story does move forward and I thought the character growth was good enough. I am looking forward to the next book. I do wish for more information on the world.
July 4, 2016
Great book
Loved this, now to Dow load book 4. I nearly took a star off for the way her relationship is going.... Boo. But I won't for this book! Highly recommend it to you. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Loved this, now to Dow load book 4. I nearly took a star off for the way her relationship is going.... Boo. But I won't for this book! Highly recommend it to you. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
January 14, 2016
Another fabulous novel by Emmie Mears! This book holds up in the series and I can't wait for the next one.
December 3, 2015
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
March 2, 2016
I really like this book. One of the better supernatural stories.
March 22, 2016
Decent entertaining read
So I've read all in the series. Good train and airport reading. Shallow - would be more interesting with more depth in some areas.
So I've read all in the series. Good train and airport reading. Shallow - would be more interesting with more depth in some areas.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews