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The Warding #1
Iron
Not every fairy-tale needs a Prince Charming.
When a troll no one else can see attacks her outside the bar on her 30th birthday, Caitlin Moore thinks someone spiked her drink. It isn’t until a team of faeries rescues her and reveals that she has a special Gift that she realizes it’s something worse: she’s just become the star of her own twisted fairy-tale.
Her newly awakened Gift of the Warding makes her immune to fae magic, something unheard of in a human. Her rescuers are exiled enemies of the High King who has allowed bestial creatures like the troll to cross the boundary that separates their worlds. They promise to right the King’s wrongs, but first they need her Gift to find the key to breaking their banishment.
Unable to a turn blind eye to the danger she now sees in every shadow, Caitlin dives headfirst into their world of crazy. In return for her help they teach her to fight back against the nasties, but she isn’t prepared for the thrill she feels on the hunt. As the normal life she once knew slips further and further away, she wonders if protecting humanity from the monsters is worth the stain killing leaves on her soul.
When a troll no one else can see attacks her outside the bar on her 30th birthday, Caitlin Moore thinks someone spiked her drink. It isn’t until a team of faeries rescues her and reveals that she has a special Gift that she realizes it’s something worse: she’s just become the star of her own twisted fairy-tale.
Her newly awakened Gift of the Warding makes her immune to fae magic, something unheard of in a human. Her rescuers are exiled enemies of the High King who has allowed bestial creatures like the troll to cross the boundary that separates their worlds. They promise to right the King’s wrongs, but first they need her Gift to find the key to breaking their banishment.
Unable to a turn blind eye to the danger she now sees in every shadow, Caitlin dives headfirst into their world of crazy. In return for her help they teach her to fight back against the nasties, but she isn’t prepared for the thrill she feels on the hunt. As the normal life she once knew slips further and further away, she wonders if protecting humanity from the monsters is worth the stain killing leaves on her soul.
238 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2015
9 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Robin L. Cole
4 books33 followersRobin L. Cole is a quirky New Jersey based indie urban fantasy author who likes to game, cook, and play with makeup when she is not writing. She is guilty of posting visual proof of all three of those hobbies far too frequently on Instagram.
Robin writes the dark and snarky, emotionally-driven urban fantasy series The Warding. "Iron" was her first full-length publication, and its sequel, "Faster," was released in fall of 2016. She has also written "First Hunt," the first of many short stories set in the Warding world. Another short story is expected to be released in early 2017.
She is hard at work on the next full length book in the series, "The Last Dance."
Robin writes the dark and snarky, emotionally-driven urban fantasy series The Warding. "Iron" was her first full-length publication, and its sequel, "Faster," was released in fall of 2016. She has also written "First Hunt," the first of many short stories set in the Warding world. Another short story is expected to be released in early 2017.
She is hard at work on the next full length book in the series, "The Last Dance."
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 20 reviews
February 16, 2016
Caitlin Moore works a dead end job, lives alone and spends weekends drinking it up at the local watering hole where her bestie serves as a bar maid. Yeah, life couldn't be more boring for the brand new 30 year old. So when she gains new magical powers and bumps into an ugly troll outside the bar, she freaks out and nearly gets her head smashed in, only to be rescued by a bunch of fairies. Well, Fae, if they hear you call them fairies they will probably rip your arms off.
Tossed into a world of magic and magical creatures – both evil and not so evil so it seems – Cat ends up making a pact with Kaine, the snotty, handsome and bossy fae lord, just so she can not get dead. In return for protecting her, and teaching her about the fae and how to fight them, she will use her new found warding gift to find the Secret Keeper, another kind of fae who doesn't want to be found. According to these bossy fae people she'd just met, they have to get back into fairy land – again, don't let them hear you call it that – so they can all stop the High King from dicking around further with both their world and Cat's. She helps them get home, they keep her safe and hopefully stop the bad fairy critters from destroying Earth, more than they already have.
It goes really well for about a day then she gets her arse handed to her by Gannon, guardian of the manor and a right royal pain in the butt, and everywhere else. But, does Cat give up and go home to nurse her hurts – well she does got home to nurse her hurts, but she then goes back the next day and you guessed it – she gets her butt kicked again.
I don't know, you'd think that a woman who supposedly has brains would try to reason with Gannon sooner so she doesn't get picked on by the misogynist fae again and again. Boundaries woman. Learn them.
OK, so I didn't enjoy Caitlin as a main character. Yes she had guts, yes she turned her life around, yes she learned to become a knife wielding kickarse heroine, but she was whinny and snotty, and gave up on her best and only friend all because she couldn't manager her life very well. Too much pity-party, not enough pay back, in my liking. My guess, the rest of the series will have less self-hatred and more power-puff. I don't know as I'm not so interested in reading any more.
3.5 stars out of 5 for Iron. It was OK.
Tossed into a world of magic and magical creatures – both evil and not so evil so it seems – Cat ends up making a pact with Kaine, the snotty, handsome and bossy fae lord, just so she can not get dead. In return for protecting her, and teaching her about the fae and how to fight them, she will use her new found warding gift to find the Secret Keeper, another kind of fae who doesn't want to be found. According to these bossy fae people she'd just met, they have to get back into fairy land – again, don't let them hear you call it that – so they can all stop the High King from dicking around further with both their world and Cat's. She helps them get home, they keep her safe and hopefully stop the bad fairy critters from destroying Earth, more than they already have.
It goes really well for about a day then she gets her arse handed to her by Gannon, guardian of the manor and a right royal pain in the butt, and everywhere else. But, does Cat give up and go home to nurse her hurts – well she does got home to nurse her hurts, but she then goes back the next day and you guessed it – she gets her butt kicked again.
I don't know, you'd think that a woman who supposedly has brains would try to reason with Gannon sooner so she doesn't get picked on by the misogynist fae again and again. Boundaries woman. Learn them.
OK, so I didn't enjoy Caitlin as a main character. Yes she had guts, yes she turned her life around, yes she learned to become a knife wielding kickarse heroine, but she was whinny and snotty, and gave up on her best and only friend all because she couldn't manager her life very well. Too much pity-party, not enough pay back, in my liking. My guess, the rest of the series will have less self-hatred and more power-puff. I don't know as I'm not so interested in reading any more.
3.5 stars out of 5 for Iron. It was OK.
January 19, 2016
I received the book as part of my Holiday Give Back Book Blast preview review special. However, I began liking it so much that I decided to read the whole thing, at which point it no longer qualified for my "preview review" but a full on review.
So, allow me to trudge on as spoiler free as I can make it and tell you what I thought about the book in order to persuade you to buy it. Or I can just say go buy the book, or at the very least download it for 2.99 on Kindle. Seriously, it's a pittance compared to what the story is worth.
"Iron" follows the story of Caitlin, a recently-turned-30-and-sort-of-booze-fiend, who finds out she's the special...wait, that's the Lego Movie. Anywho, Caitlin is immune to pixie dust or ferry magic or something along those lines (it's not as weird and kooky as it sounds) and is whisked away on an adventure with a group of fae to find the secret to getting them back into their world.
It's a bit of a mind-twister, but it totally makes sense in the book. I'm trying to summarize here in a way that doesn't ruin shit for you. Just go with it.
The good:
The story is told from Caitlin's POV (1st) and you're very much in her thoughts. Her character is fleshed out incredibly. Her perceptions are visceral. The language used is vivid yet not pretentious. This is probably the highlight of the story.
Caitlin is whimsical and sometimes self-loathing, cryptic in a funny sort of way, and dark at times. Yet, she never comes off as an artificial creation. I can seriously picture the author ripping this story from some recently turned 30 loser's diary.
I recently turned 30 (in December) so I had a unique connection with Caitlin, only I own my house. So...
Lovers of a central protagonist based story should gobble this book up. It has everything you'd like about a main character's POV and inner working thoughts you loved about the Hunger Games, only this protagonist actually makes things happen. Sorry Katniss, but you kind-of depend on other people to move shit along.
The neutral:
The action and fights were good, but not a central focus for the book despite being billed as "fighting back against the nasties." They do happen frequently enough for an action novel, but it's by no means DEFINED by it's action as most of these books can be. That's a product of the POV and trying to stay true to it. Since it's 1st person, you're not privy to the spectacle that 3rd person observation allows. As such, it's more so how the character feels about what's going on and the very intimate details of combat, which is done well. I'm speaking from personal preference, bee-tee-dub.
The bad:
I don't know if you can call it bad, but I'm into books that give you more about a multitude of voices and motives instead of being centrally focused. You're probably shouting at me that "hey, dipshit, this is a 1st person POV, what do you expect?" And to that I'd say, you're right but you can still give me more...
I didn't get much of a sense for the opposing forces other than they're there to be dealt with. There are some decent secondary characters, Gannon probably being the best, but no one who really stood out as helping accent who Caitlin is. In even first person POV books, you still need those outside and opposing forces that help construct your view of the central protagonist. Maybe this is an effect of Caitlin's inner voice being so strong and well done.
The ugly:
You expect me to believe that Caitlin is 30, spends a good amount of her nights in a bar, and she's downing glasses of Riesling? Sorry. That's a noob mistake. Drink Cabernet like a f*cking adult.
The conclusion:
In the end, the book was very much enjoyable. It's well paced, and the plot is pretty in-depth. I recommend it and look forward to the next installment. Thanks again to Ms. Cole for supplying a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
So, allow me to trudge on as spoiler free as I can make it and tell you what I thought about the book in order to persuade you to buy it. Or I can just say go buy the book, or at the very least download it for 2.99 on Kindle. Seriously, it's a pittance compared to what the story is worth.
"Iron" follows the story of Caitlin, a recently-turned-30-and-sort-of-booze-fiend, who finds out she's the special...wait, that's the Lego Movie. Anywho, Caitlin is immune to pixie dust or ferry magic or something along those lines (it's not as weird and kooky as it sounds) and is whisked away on an adventure with a group of fae to find the secret to getting them back into their world.
It's a bit of a mind-twister, but it totally makes sense in the book. I'm trying to summarize here in a way that doesn't ruin shit for you. Just go with it.
The good:
The story is told from Caitlin's POV (1st) and you're very much in her thoughts. Her character is fleshed out incredibly. Her perceptions are visceral. The language used is vivid yet not pretentious. This is probably the highlight of the story.
Caitlin is whimsical and sometimes self-loathing, cryptic in a funny sort of way, and dark at times. Yet, she never comes off as an artificial creation. I can seriously picture the author ripping this story from some recently turned 30 loser's diary.
I recently turned 30 (in December) so I had a unique connection with Caitlin, only I own my house. So...
Lovers of a central protagonist based story should gobble this book up. It has everything you'd like about a main character's POV and inner working thoughts you loved about the Hunger Games, only this protagonist actually makes things happen. Sorry Katniss, but you kind-of depend on other people to move shit along.
The neutral:
The action and fights were good, but not a central focus for the book despite being billed as "fighting back against the nasties." They do happen frequently enough for an action novel, but it's by no means DEFINED by it's action as most of these books can be. That's a product of the POV and trying to stay true to it. Since it's 1st person, you're not privy to the spectacle that 3rd person observation allows. As such, it's more so how the character feels about what's going on and the very intimate details of combat, which is done well. I'm speaking from personal preference, bee-tee-dub.
The bad:
I don't know if you can call it bad, but I'm into books that give you more about a multitude of voices and motives instead of being centrally focused. You're probably shouting at me that "hey, dipshit, this is a 1st person POV, what do you expect?" And to that I'd say, you're right but you can still give me more...
I didn't get much of a sense for the opposing forces other than they're there to be dealt with. There are some decent secondary characters, Gannon probably being the best, but no one who really stood out as helping accent who Caitlin is. In even first person POV books, you still need those outside and opposing forces that help construct your view of the central protagonist. Maybe this is an effect of Caitlin's inner voice being so strong and well done.
The ugly:
You expect me to believe that Caitlin is 30, spends a good amount of her nights in a bar, and she's downing glasses of Riesling? Sorry. That's a noob mistake. Drink Cabernet like a f*cking adult.
The conclusion:
In the end, the book was very much enjoyable. It's well paced, and the plot is pretty in-depth. I recommend it and look forward to the next installment. Thanks again to Ms. Cole for supplying a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 6, 2020
Believable, character driven narrative and an honest depiction of poor mental health.
Robin L. Cole did a wonderful job of bringing her protagonist to life by placing us in her inner, running monologue from a first person perspective. And, love or hate Caitlin, she is written very honestly. I think readers whom have or currently suffer from depression will find her particularly relatable.
I'll be back for the sequel.
Robin L. Cole did a wonderful job of bringing her protagonist to life by placing us in her inner, running monologue from a first person perspective. And, love or hate Caitlin, she is written very honestly. I think readers whom have or currently suffer from depression will find her particularly relatable.
I'll be back for the sequel.
October 31, 2015
Today, I am reviewing the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy story Iron by Robin L. Cole. The first novel in the exciting The Warding series, we’re introduced to a world where fae folk (don’t call them “faeries;” it pisses them off) walk between the worlds. Some of them, however, have run afoul of the increasingly mad High King, and have been exiled to Earth, searching for some way to return.
Unfortunately for Caitlin, a regular woman who’s rapidly approaching her 30th birthday (and feeling every minute of it), she’s exactly what they’re looking for. She has the Warding, the ability to repel fae magics and glamours, and the exiles need her.
This is an absolutely stellar book, filled with action, character development, and intriguing plot. I give it a 4.5/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. A definite strength of this novel. It’s often a trope of urban fantasy how easily and quickly the characters shift from their “normal” lives into the new powers and/or responsibilities thrust upon them. It’s tough to make the journey seem natural and realistic, but Cole has done just that. As Caitlin evolves from a soft woman lamenting hitting 30 into an absolute badass, I felt every step on the journey as she struggled to come to grips with lying to her best friend, her guilt about her new fae compatriots…even the first life she stole. Beyond that, the whole supporting cast was played fantastically, with particular favorites of mine being Mairi and Gannon.
Yeah, definitely like Gannon. /looks over his shoulder and wipes his brow.
Plot/Storyline: 5/5. Realistic yet fantastical, Cole blended fae politics and intrigues with the present day like a seasoned professional. Every plot twist was handled excellently, with just enough “whoa” and none of the “WTHeck?” The final reveals made total sense, and I loved the unfolding of interpersonal relationships and how they drove the story. Character-driven storylines are the best, and this one did it just right.
Flow: 5/5. Perfection. Cole paced between beats like a marching band – always in rhythm, always in tune, and when things got heated you could tell by the tap-tap-tapping of your heart along with the words. The pages passed through my fingers until, at the end, I was astonished that it was already over. In fact, the first thing I said to Cole was “Is the sequel done yet?”
(No, not yet. But she’s writing as fast as she can!)
Spelling/Grammar: 4/5. There were a few typos in this book. A few homophone errors and a couple dropped words round out the mistakes, but I’ve seen much worse. It was a solid, but not fantastic, editing job.
Overall: 4.5/5. I loved Iron and, if you’re a fan of E.J. Stevens’ Ivy Granger series, or Neil Gaiman, or Curse of Prometheus by Morgan St. Knight, then you’ll absolutely adore it too. I’m waiting on tenterhooks for Faster, the sequel, and I’ll let you know what I think
Unfortunately for Caitlin, a regular woman who’s rapidly approaching her 30th birthday (and feeling every minute of it), she’s exactly what they’re looking for. She has the Warding, the ability to repel fae magics and glamours, and the exiles need her.
This is an absolutely stellar book, filled with action, character development, and intriguing plot. I give it a 4.5/5. Here is my breakdown:
Characters: 5/5. A definite strength of this novel. It’s often a trope of urban fantasy how easily and quickly the characters shift from their “normal” lives into the new powers and/or responsibilities thrust upon them. It’s tough to make the journey seem natural and realistic, but Cole has done just that. As Caitlin evolves from a soft woman lamenting hitting 30 into an absolute badass, I felt every step on the journey as she struggled to come to grips with lying to her best friend, her guilt about her new fae compatriots…even the first life she stole. Beyond that, the whole supporting cast was played fantastically, with particular favorites of mine being Mairi and Gannon.
Yeah, definitely like Gannon. /looks over his shoulder and wipes his brow.
Plot/Storyline: 5/5. Realistic yet fantastical, Cole blended fae politics and intrigues with the present day like a seasoned professional. Every plot twist was handled excellently, with just enough “whoa” and none of the “WTHeck?” The final reveals made total sense, and I loved the unfolding of interpersonal relationships and how they drove the story. Character-driven storylines are the best, and this one did it just right.
Flow: 5/5. Perfection. Cole paced between beats like a marching band – always in rhythm, always in tune, and when things got heated you could tell by the tap-tap-tapping of your heart along with the words. The pages passed through my fingers until, at the end, I was astonished that it was already over. In fact, the first thing I said to Cole was “Is the sequel done yet?”
(No, not yet. But she’s writing as fast as she can!)
Spelling/Grammar: 4/5. There were a few typos in this book. A few homophone errors and a couple dropped words round out the mistakes, but I’ve seen much worse. It was a solid, but not fantastic, editing job.
Overall: 4.5/5. I loved Iron and, if you’re a fan of E.J. Stevens’ Ivy Granger series, or Neil Gaiman, or Curse of Prometheus by Morgan St. Knight, then you’ll absolutely adore it too. I’m waiting on tenterhooks for Faster, the sequel, and I’ll let you know what I think
February 18, 2016
Overall good, but unlikable heroine
I liked the storyline of Iron but, as indicated, I found the heroine unlikable. Being in Caitlin's head almost caused me to give up on this book several times.
First of all, is 30 the new 18? This is a trend I'm seeing in UF books lately; an adult female lead acting very immature. In this story, Caitlin at least is aware she's being petty, childish, overdramatic, petulant, selfish, sulking and so on. But in a way that's worse. If you know you're being a childish idiot, so why don't you stop being one? A grown woman having fits of hysterics, shrieking, curling up in a ball crying, and screaming into a pillow while -- I'm not exaggerating -- kicking her feet like a toddler. "I sounded pre-tween whiny even to my own ears," she says. Yeah, you do.
Caitlin agonizes endlessly about things that she then does nothing to change them. "I'm a terrible friend, a rotten employee, my life is awful, these people are mean to me, it's just not fair!" (Stamps foot.) Is it supposed to be cute or endearing, the childish way she behaves? The way she blames everyone else for something that isn't their fault...and they apologize to her! Why? She acts like a spoiled teenage brat, not a 30 year old woman.
I almost gave up halfway through, when it suddenly seemed as though events were shaping Caitlin into a better, stronger person. Well, yes and no. Even these necessary changes were met with excessive hand wringing, self doubt and dramatic despair. I wanted to shake her, maybe slap some sense into her, which is what the other characters should have done IMO, instead of putting up with her moods and fits of rage.
3 stars for good world building and secondary characters, but it would have received 4 stars, possibly more, if the author had indulged less in the overwrought emotions of the lead character and more on the important story going on in her world. Actually, thinking about it now, the plot might have worked better if Caitlin was turning 20, not 30, although I still would have found her behavior annoyingly self-centered.
I'm undecided if I'll continue with the series.
I liked the storyline of Iron but, as indicated, I found the heroine unlikable. Being in Caitlin's head almost caused me to give up on this book several times.
First of all, is 30 the new 18? This is a trend I'm seeing in UF books lately; an adult female lead acting very immature. In this story, Caitlin at least is aware she's being petty, childish, overdramatic, petulant, selfish, sulking and so on. But in a way that's worse. If you know you're being a childish idiot, so why don't you stop being one? A grown woman having fits of hysterics, shrieking, curling up in a ball crying, and screaming into a pillow while -- I'm not exaggerating -- kicking her feet like a toddler. "I sounded pre-tween whiny even to my own ears," she says. Yeah, you do.
Caitlin agonizes endlessly about things that she then does nothing to change them. "I'm a terrible friend, a rotten employee, my life is awful, these people are mean to me, it's just not fair!" (Stamps foot.) Is it supposed to be cute or endearing, the childish way she behaves? The way she blames everyone else for something that isn't their fault...and they apologize to her! Why? She acts like a spoiled teenage brat, not a 30 year old woman.
I almost gave up halfway through, when it suddenly seemed as though events were shaping Caitlin into a better, stronger person. Well, yes and no. Even these necessary changes were met with excessive hand wringing, self doubt and dramatic despair. I wanted to shake her, maybe slap some sense into her, which is what the other characters should have done IMO, instead of putting up with her moods and fits of rage.
3 stars for good world building and secondary characters, but it would have received 4 stars, possibly more, if the author had indulged less in the overwrought emotions of the lead character and more on the important story going on in her world. Actually, thinking about it now, the plot might have worked better if Caitlin was turning 20, not 30, although I still would have found her behavior annoyingly self-centered.
I'm undecided if I'll continue with the series.
February 14, 2017
On her 30th birthday Caitlin makes a wish to “Please let me figure out who I am.” Well she should have known better than to tempt fate! As she’s leaving the bar she sees a troll that no one else can see. When it attacks her she is saved by a man who is really a faerie who has been exiled along with some of his friends. While being rescued she hits her head and is knocked out. When she wakes she is told that she has a newly awakened gift called The Warding. Her gift makes her immune to fae magic.
This group of Fae need her help to find another Fae who is hiding so they can go back home. They teach her how to fight against fae in exchange for her help.
Follow Caitlin as she learns what to do when the world as you know it changes!
This group of Fae need her help to find another Fae who is hiding so they can go back home. They teach her how to fight against fae in exchange for her help.
Follow Caitlin as she learns what to do when the world as you know it changes!
December 21, 2016
Caitlin turns 30 and is beaten up by a troll on the same night. A mysterious group of fae (not faries) helps her fight off the nasty troll and the story is off and running. She has an innate power that lets her not be affected by fae magic that blossoms on her thirtieth birthday. She does not fall immediately in love with the leader of the group, thankfully. That is a cliche that was avoided and it is a better story because of it.
The action is non-stop and made me have trouble putting it down so I could unimportant stuff like sleep. The characters react in ways that normal people would have; for example, Caitlin does not automatically trust her rescuers and is wary of them and the change they could bring into her life. The characters are well developed and have dynamic personalities, especially Caitlin.
I only have two complaints about this book. First, "per se" is spelled "per say." Very minor, I know, and does not affect the plot, but still annoyed me. Second, there are not more sequels in print. There is one, but I want to keep exploring this universe for a while. I can't wait for more in this series.
This book is appropriate for high school age and above. There are a few curse words and some graphic violence.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program. Thank you to the author.
The action is non-stop and made me have trouble putting it down so I could unimportant stuff like sleep. The characters react in ways that normal people would have; for example, Caitlin does not automatically trust her rescuers and is wary of them and the change they could bring into her life. The characters are well developed and have dynamic personalities, especially Caitlin.
I only have two complaints about this book. First, "per se" is spelled "per say." Very minor, I know, and does not affect the plot, but still annoyed me. Second, there are not more sequels in print. There is one, but I want to keep exploring this universe for a while. I can't wait for more in this series.
This book is appropriate for high school age and above. There are a few curse words and some graphic violence.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways program. Thank you to the author.
March 3, 2016
This book was amazing! I love that this book kept me wanting to continue reading until the very end! The main character's personality and reaction to every situation was quite realistic and relateable. To be honest, I honestly thought Cat would've ended up with Kaine but then as i kept reading I saw hints that Gannon might have feelings for her but she seems oblivious but at the same time, it looks like she has feelings for him but doesn't realize it. And I can't believe she didn't figure out Kaine is born into royalty and same thing with the other three's backrounds lol I figured that out probably in chapter. 8.... I felt bad for her of the way her "mother" would treat her and would brush her off when she needed her the most. It made me think that probably Cat's father has Fae blood and was in a relationship with her real mother before actually being with that women, who she thinks is her mother. I found it strange how, Cat never even questioned about her Father's family bloodline because she always mentions her "maternal" side of the family. But yeah lol Over all I loved reading this book and also, I absolutely got hooked on the first chapter of the second book , I really can't wait to read the second book of The Warding Series !!!! <3 <3 <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2015
Caitlin is my new hero! Blunt, honest, and a quick sense of humor sprinkled generously with sarcasm. She is the poster child for everyone who has ever looked at their life and wondered where the time has gone, and how the heck they ended up this far without any clear direction or focus. Her character immediately speaks to that part of you that daydreams over your coffee break of being something more, doing something meaningful, and yearns for the excitement of a flash of steel or tight fae abs; the part that ever hopes for something to drop in your lap to change your life and give it purpose and direction and make you feel alive. She gets that life-altering chance and more, and finds that enviable inner strength to embrace who she truly is and go out and kick some bestial butt.
Right from the get-go, this book was a rollercoaster of intense action and fun, with a more than colorful array of characters that draw you right in and entice you to love them; even (especially?) the less than warm and cuddly. This was one of those late into the night reads for me because it was so hard to put it down. I can’t wait for book two and the sleep I’ll lose devouring it!
Right from the get-go, this book was a rollercoaster of intense action and fun, with a more than colorful array of characters that draw you right in and entice you to love them; even (especially?) the less than warm and cuddly. This was one of those late into the night reads for me because it was so hard to put it down. I can’t wait for book two and the sleep I’ll lose devouring it!
February 9, 2016
It was a good book with a strong female lead. The main character is not one that I love, but I think the author specifically tried to show her as flawed. She finds out she is suddenly part of a much bigger world and tries to figure out how to balance her new truth with her old truth. In some cases the lessons are pretty harsh. However I found myself thinking that the changes and growth are perhaps part of the origin development that leads to the wisdom that I see in some of my more mature heroes and heroines. In some books I find myself dealing with characters in similar situations who are TSTL. This character was better than that though I felt she made some questionable decisions now and then. I think the world building was pretty good, though I can see that the next book will have to expand the vision a bit. Overall I felt it was an interesting story and I would definitely read the next one in the series.
November 21, 2016
Turning 30 has never felt more exciting!
It's the first time I've read read a novel by Robin L. Cole and it's been a thrilling ride.
The story is great, but what really got me hooked were the characters, and especially, the dialogues.
Caitlin is full of funny replies and "blurted out" gems. She can whine a bit at times, but it's part of her charm and unique personality.
The more I read, the more the characters appeared layered, defined, with agendas of their own.
Some other characters, I grew attached like Mairi and Gannon, can't wait to see what will happen to them.
Don't mind that the story is not an immediate HEA, it's worth the ride. I definitely recommend it and I will read the next novels in the series!!!
It's the first time I've read read a novel by Robin L. Cole and it's been a thrilling ride.
The story is great, but what really got me hooked were the characters, and especially, the dialogues.
Caitlin is full of funny replies and "blurted out" gems. She can whine a bit at times, but it's part of her charm and unique personality.
The more I read, the more the characters appeared layered, defined, with agendas of their own.
Some other characters, I grew attached like Mairi and Gannon, can't wait to see what will happen to them.
Don't mind that the story is not an immediate HEA, it's worth the ride. I definitely recommend it and I will read the next novels in the series!!!
June 1, 2016
I thought this was a good book, and I will be reading the next one. The protagonist was a bit of an internalizing, whiny ass baby. But she did learn, and try to move past it. Frustrating part was she just kept falling back into the whiny ass routine and mentally beat herself out of it. Too much of that gets repetitive and boring to the reader. The reader expects the protagonist to learn and grow without too much repeating the same lesson.
All the internal monologue was annoying.
The story itself is similar to other urban fantasies, but I like the concept. I'm hoping it gets better as the story progresses. For a short book, it's a good read/break from other genres.
All the internal monologue was annoying.
The story itself is similar to other urban fantasies, but I like the concept. I'm hoping it gets better as the story progresses. For a short book, it's a good read/break from other genres.
October 21, 2015
I loved this book, and am already anxiously awaiting the sequel. The author writes with such confidence that you get a feel for her heroine in the first few pages. Caitlin might be the definition of a reluctant hero, but that makes her story even more compelling. Cat's story shows what happens when everything you thought you knew is completely turned upside down. She finds strength she didn't know she has, as well as a dark side of things she could never fathom. A great book, and an incredibly impressive debut.
November 6, 2015
Great story
This is a good story about a woman finding her place in the world as a heroine. A normal woman who overcomes many obstacles to help others.
Looking forward to finding out more about her family and I hope that jenni and her can become closer again
This is a good story about a woman finding her place in the world as a heroine. A normal woman who overcomes many obstacles to help others.
Looking forward to finding out more about her family and I hope that jenni and her can become closer again
December 21, 2015
I loved this book. It is is a saturated genre, but one I love. Cat is a great lead character. She is fun to learn about, as are the other characters. I think she might have done at least one the differently, at least going into the second book, but overall o enjoyed it and recommend it with glee.
March 5, 2016
Ok
I enjoyed the story line, but found my self wanting to skip past some repetition in how the character was building herself into a warrior or bemoaning her existence and found it unnecessary. I don't think I will read the next one...
I enjoyed the story line, but found my self wanting to skip past some repetition in how the character was building herself into a warrior or bemoaning her existence and found it unnecessary. I don't think I will read the next one...
April 22, 2016
Awesome! I read it in a day, my daughter picked it up and read it in a day, my wife did the same! Can't wait for book 2!!!
October 10, 2016
a must read
A definite must read. Very interesting, enjoyable and quick read. Can't wait to see what is next from this auther
A definite must read. Very interesting, enjoyable and quick read. Can't wait to see what is next from this auther
Read
November 10, 2016Decent start of series. not without a few flaws but nothing major.
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