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Call of Affliction
I am no longer in control of my own body.
Without warning and without my consent, my shape shifts and contorts into the half woman, half bird form of the Gamayun. That’s bad enough, but then I’m forced to deliver prophecies to Sirin, the immortal who guards the gates of hell. Messages she doesn’t care to hear, and she’s not afraid to use deadly force to silence me.
I’m starting to see things no one else can see. The last Gamayun died in a psych ward, having lost everyone she ever loved. I refuse to meet that same fate, even if that means lying to my sister and best friend.
The only person I can turn to is Sasha, the mysterious stranger who guarded the previous Gamayun. When I stare into those pale blue eyes, it’s hard to be objective. Can I really trust him? For every piece of advice he gives, there are ten more secrets he’s not telling me.
Call of Affliction is the first book in a six part series.
Without warning and without my consent, my shape shifts and contorts into the half woman, half bird form of the Gamayun. That’s bad enough, but then I’m forced to deliver prophecies to Sirin, the immortal who guards the gates of hell. Messages she doesn’t care to hear, and she’s not afraid to use deadly force to silence me.
I’m starting to see things no one else can see. The last Gamayun died in a psych ward, having lost everyone she ever loved. I refuse to meet that same fate, even if that means lying to my sister and best friend.
The only person I can turn to is Sasha, the mysterious stranger who guarded the previous Gamayun. When I stare into those pale blue eyes, it’s hard to be objective. Can I really trust him? For every piece of advice he gives, there are ten more secrets he’s not telling me.
Call of Affliction is the first book in a six part series.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2015
19 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 1, 2015
Lara Chase is a brand new urban fantasy author, and she left me wanting more after I finished her first book in the Gamayun Prophecies series.
What do I look for in a good urban fantasy or paranormal romance read? I like to see strong world-building, fleshed-out characters, a compelling fast-paced plot, and some romance thrown in there for good measure. Call of Affliction has all of the above.
Galine, the main character, is a young woman who has had a difficult life. She takes care of her younger sister entirely on her own and has even become her legal guardian, forgoing college in order to become a nursing assistant and make the meager living they need to get by. She's strong, she's gutsy, and she loves very, very deeply. Let me say I hate a Mary Sue type of character who is perfect in every way, which we see a lot of with female leads in UF and PNR. Galine is flawed, and she has a tortured past behind her. This causes her to be suspicious, guarded, and sometimes kind of difficult to deal with! I loved it. I found her highly relatable, and she's the kind of person you'd want on your side.
And then she turns into a bird. Or rather, a winged prophet with hair that looks like it's been set on fire. And she's completely and totally freaked out. She doesn't want that interruption to her life.
Cue the love interest--her guardian who has a tortured past of his own. Another loyal person who loves deeply and puts others way ahead of himself.
Galine's role as prophet is extremely mysterious, and nothing is explained to her. Not even Sasha, her deeply faithful guardian, can explain it to her. And Galine is left to deliver prophecies for a God she's not sure if she believes in.
The mystery of her situation left me wanting to read much, much more. And I'm betting you'll feel the same exact way once you dive in to Call of Affliction!
What do I look for in a good urban fantasy or paranormal romance read? I like to see strong world-building, fleshed-out characters, a compelling fast-paced plot, and some romance thrown in there for good measure. Call of Affliction has all of the above.
Galine, the main character, is a young woman who has had a difficult life. She takes care of her younger sister entirely on her own and has even become her legal guardian, forgoing college in order to become a nursing assistant and make the meager living they need to get by. She's strong, she's gutsy, and she loves very, very deeply. Let me say I hate a Mary Sue type of character who is perfect in every way, which we see a lot of with female leads in UF and PNR. Galine is flawed, and she has a tortured past behind her. This causes her to be suspicious, guarded, and sometimes kind of difficult to deal with! I loved it. I found her highly relatable, and she's the kind of person you'd want on your side.
And then she turns into a bird. Or rather, a winged prophet with hair that looks like it's been set on fire. And she's completely and totally freaked out. She doesn't want that interruption to her life.
Cue the love interest--her guardian who has a tortured past of his own. Another loyal person who loves deeply and puts others way ahead of himself.
Galine's role as prophet is extremely mysterious, and nothing is explained to her. Not even Sasha, her deeply faithful guardian, can explain it to her. And Galine is left to deliver prophecies for a God she's not sure if she believes in.
The mystery of her situation left me wanting to read much, much more. And I'm betting you'll feel the same exact way once you dive in to Call of Affliction!
December 2, 2015
AWESOME DEBUT NOVEL!
This book was great fun to read. The characters are well thought out and intriguing and the setting is charmingly southern without being over the top. Loved the Russian mythology and religious tension. I already CANNOT WAIT for the next book of the series!!
This book was great fun to read. The characters are well thought out and intriguing and the setting is charmingly southern without being over the top. Loved the Russian mythology and religious tension. I already CANNOT WAIT for the next book of the series!!
November 30, 2015
actual rating: 1.5 stars
I’m sitting here trying to figure out how a book could start off so good but end so badly...
Call of Affliction is a book with a premise unlike any I’ve ever read before. Galine is a 20 year old Nurse living in Durham, North Carolina, just trying to make ends meet and take care of her kid sister Katja. A strange string of events occur that result in Galine becoming the Gamayun, one of three immortal beings with the head of a human and the body of a bird. The Gamayuns job is to deliver the word of God in the form of prophecies. In addition to her hair turning different shades of red, Galine’s transformation also entails having a guardian to protect her when people aren’t too happy about the prophecies she has to deliver. That guardian is a gorgeous and smart man named Sasha.
All of this to me seemed like the recipe to what could have amounted to a very entertaining story...but it fell apart. When I started this book I was excited and intrigued. Everything was happening so fast but it was all good because it kept me at the edge of my seat. I didn’t know what was going on but I definitely wanted to keep reading to find out. But by the end of the book I found myself completely confused, annoyed and frustrated at the fact that I’d wasted my time.
There were a combination of things that came together to really kill my enjoyment of this book but it all really started with the lack of exposition. I understand that Galine is now immortal, turns into a bird and delivers the word of God. But its never explained WHY these prophecies need to be delivered or WHAT they mean, for her or the people they’re meant for. She gives a total of two prophecies in the entire book, both to the same person and there’s no explanation or hints as to what their purpose is for the story. Those two scenes did absolutely nothing to move the plot along or help the reader better understand what it is that Galine is really supposed to be doing with her new role. And I won’t even get on the fact that her reaction to being able to turn into a bird and fly was completely unrealistic.
Then there was Sasha who I love...BUT, the insta-love. Try as hard as you might, but sometimes you just can’t escape it. The email I was sent claimed that the heat in Call of Affliction is a ‘low sizzle that focuses on the tension that builds between Galine and Sasha’....Now I love me a slow burn. There’s nothing I like more than the moments that lead up to two characters falling in love...But when you have a character claiming feelings for a person after they’ve only briefly interacted twice...I’m going to have to call a FOUL on that “low sizzle.” I mean...they didn’t even know each others birthday, middle name or favorite color! So how can you be in love?! I just don’t get how authors do this!
70% into the book is when I got past the point of being confused and started to get annoyed. The climax in this novel is the most contrived and forced thing I’ve ever experienced without having to watch porn. The events following, just continued to baffle and upset me and I don’t even want to THINK about that “ending.” I understand this is going to be a series and things will hopefully be explained and hashed out in the coming books. But the thing is...the goal needs to be to get the reader to WANT TO READ the coming books. By the end of Call of Affliction, after the story went from being about a girl trying to cope with becoming a prophet, to a girl going to the gym to fight, yelling at volleyball coaches and going on dates with random college boys, I was done! I don’t want to know what happens next because I can’t even figure out what the hell I just read to begin with.
What sucks is I was really enjoying this book in the beginning. I liked Galine. She’s brave, selfless and strong. I liked Sasha who was funny, protective and honorable. They were cool characters and Lara did a great job of creating characters whose lives were easy to get invested in. Initially, I wanted nothing more that to know what was happening with them and how certain things were going to play out. But the ball was literally dropped in all other aspects and that’s not something I can just overlook because I enjoyed the characters. I’ve read books where I didn’t so much connect with the characters initially but the execution of the rest of the elements were flawless and so I enjoyed the books (Kate Daniels book 1-3.) There has NEVER been a time when every aspect in a book besides the characters was lacking and I still enjoyed the book. Unfortunately, this time was no different...Sad to say, I just didn’t enjoy it at all.
I’m sitting here trying to figure out how a book could start off so good but end so badly...
Call of Affliction is a book with a premise unlike any I’ve ever read before. Galine is a 20 year old Nurse living in Durham, North Carolina, just trying to make ends meet and take care of her kid sister Katja. A strange string of events occur that result in Galine becoming the Gamayun, one of three immortal beings with the head of a human and the body of a bird. The Gamayuns job is to deliver the word of God in the form of prophecies. In addition to her hair turning different shades of red, Galine’s transformation also entails having a guardian to protect her when people aren’t too happy about the prophecies she has to deliver. That guardian is a gorgeous and smart man named Sasha.
All of this to me seemed like the recipe to what could have amounted to a very entertaining story...but it fell apart. When I started this book I was excited and intrigued. Everything was happening so fast but it was all good because it kept me at the edge of my seat. I didn’t know what was going on but I definitely wanted to keep reading to find out. But by the end of the book I found myself completely confused, annoyed and frustrated at the fact that I’d wasted my time.
There were a combination of things that came together to really kill my enjoyment of this book but it all really started with the lack of exposition. I understand that Galine is now immortal, turns into a bird and delivers the word of God. But its never explained WHY these prophecies need to be delivered or WHAT they mean, for her or the people they’re meant for. She gives a total of two prophecies in the entire book, both to the same person and there’s no explanation or hints as to what their purpose is for the story. Those two scenes did absolutely nothing to move the plot along or help the reader better understand what it is that Galine is really supposed to be doing with her new role. And I won’t even get on the fact that her reaction to being able to turn into a bird and fly was completely unrealistic.
Then there was Sasha who I love...BUT, the insta-love. Try as hard as you might, but sometimes you just can’t escape it. The email I was sent claimed that the heat in Call of Affliction is a ‘low sizzle that focuses on the tension that builds between Galine and Sasha’....Now I love me a slow burn. There’s nothing I like more than the moments that lead up to two characters falling in love...But when you have a character claiming feelings for a person after they’ve only briefly interacted twice...I’m going to have to call a FOUL on that “low sizzle.” I mean...they didn’t even know each others birthday, middle name or favorite color! So how can you be in love?! I just don’t get how authors do this!
70% into the book is when I got past the point of being confused and started to get annoyed. The climax in this novel is the most contrived and forced thing I’ve ever experienced without having to watch porn. The events following, just continued to baffle and upset me and I don’t even want to THINK about that “ending.” I understand this is going to be a series and things will hopefully be explained and hashed out in the coming books. But the thing is...the goal needs to be to get the reader to WANT TO READ the coming books. By the end of Call of Affliction, after the story went from being about a girl trying to cope with becoming a prophet, to a girl going to the gym to fight, yelling at volleyball coaches and going on dates with random college boys, I was done! I don’t want to know what happens next because I can’t even figure out what the hell I just read to begin with.
What sucks is I was really enjoying this book in the beginning. I liked Galine. She’s brave, selfless and strong. I liked Sasha who was funny, protective and honorable. They were cool characters and Lara did a great job of creating characters whose lives were easy to get invested in. Initially, I wanted nothing more that to know what was happening with them and how certain things were going to play out. But the ball was literally dropped in all other aspects and that’s not something I can just overlook because I enjoyed the characters. I’ve read books where I didn’t so much connect with the characters initially but the execution of the rest of the elements were flawless and so I enjoyed the books (Kate Daniels book 1-3.) There has NEVER been a time when every aspect in a book besides the characters was lacking and I still enjoyed the book. Unfortunately, this time was no different...Sad to say, I just didn’t enjoy it at all.
December 7, 2015
Although Urban Fantasy isn't my typical genre of choice, this book was very enjoyable! Chase does a great job of creating a vivid cast of characters. I love her main character, Galine. A very strong female protagonist is a great plus for me. Especially one who has passionate resilience and a sarcastic sense of humor. The fact that she has mystical powers is just a bonus. I also love that Chase doesn't make you wait hundreds of pages for any good conflict, action, or romance. It is action packed from the beginning and it never really stops. I also enjoy all the different relationships that Galine is balancing throughout the novel with the main supporting characters: her sister, her mother, her best friend, her love interest, her enemies. Chase has also created a whole wealth of minor characters as well that add even more interest to the novel.
If you like an action packed fantasy story in a modern day setting with a true depth of character relationships and romance, Call of Affliction will not dissapoint. Can't wait for book #2!
If you like an action packed fantasy story in a modern day setting with a true depth of character relationships and romance, Call of Affliction will not dissapoint. Can't wait for book #2!
December 1, 2015
This is a really great book full of surprises. I loved how the author created a new mythology regarding death and those who bring souls to their proper homes.
It starts off with a young woman working at a hospital and raising her younger sister. They don't have much but they have each other. She meets a strange woman on the bus who she later encounters at the hospital. Shortly after their meeting, her life is changed forever. She becomes a half bird/ half woman called the Gamayun who delivers warnings to those living an immoral life. She has to keep this all a secret from those she loves and cares about and only has one man she can talk to about it. He served as the protector to the previous Gamayun and is the only one who can guide her.
I don't want to ruin any surprises so I will just say that she faces a unique struggle to deal with the changes in her life. Just when she thinks she has it under control, her world is rocked again. I can't wait for the next book to see where the story goes.
It is a great read. I had to see where it ended so I stayed up to read it all in one night. I really enjoy it when an author keeps you in suspense. You don't know what is coming.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
It starts off with a young woman working at a hospital and raising her younger sister. They don't have much but they have each other. She meets a strange woman on the bus who she later encounters at the hospital. Shortly after their meeting, her life is changed forever. She becomes a half bird/ half woman called the Gamayun who delivers warnings to those living an immoral life. She has to keep this all a secret from those she loves and cares about and only has one man she can talk to about it. He served as the protector to the previous Gamayun and is the only one who can guide her.
I don't want to ruin any surprises so I will just say that she faces a unique struggle to deal with the changes in her life. Just when she thinks she has it under control, her world is rocked again. I can't wait for the next book to see where the story goes.
It is a great read. I had to see where it ended so I stayed up to read it all in one night. I really enjoy it when an author keeps you in suspense. You don't know what is coming.
I received a copy in return for a honest review.
December 7, 2015
Although Urban Fantasy isn't my typical genre of choice, this book was very enjoyable! Chase does a great job of creating a vivid cast of characters. I love her main character, Galine. A very strong female protagonist is a great plus for me. Especially one who has passionate resilience and a sarcastic sense of humor. The fact that she has mystical powers is just a bonus. I also love that Chase doesn't make you wait hundreds of pages for any good conflict, action, or romance. It is action packed from the beginning and it never really stops. I also enjoy all the different relationships that Galine is balancing throughout the novel with the main supporting characters: her sister, her mother, her best friend, her love interest, her enemies. Chase has also created a whole wealth of minor characters as well that add even more interest to the novel.
If you like an action packed fantasy story in a modern day setting with a true depth of character relationships and romance, Call of Affliction will not dissapoint. Can't wait for book #2!
If you like an action packed fantasy story in a modern day setting with a true depth of character relationships and romance, Call of Affliction will not dissapoint. Can't wait for book #2!
December 8, 2015
Interesting series so far, not a story I usually read, but was given book to read a a honest review. it has mystery, fantasy, love but most of all there is trust and honour. I do look forward to the next book in the series..
February 19, 2021
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.
December 12, 2015
Galine is a twenty year old nursing assistant and has custody of her teenage sister. Her life isn't easy, but she is doing the best she can, and then everything changes. She is sent to the psych floor at the hospital where she works to help out with a Russian speaking patient. The woman says some strange things to Galine, and then dies in her arms. The next thing Galine knows is that she has turned into a bird like creature. She crash lands in a clearing in the woods and meets Sasha, the love of her life. I thought this book was fantastic. Fascinating, with some suspense, romance, and even some chuckles, I loved this book!
I received this free ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received this free ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
Ms. Chase is a talented writer. Her dialogue is quick-witted and smart. Her main character Galine is in the beginnings of what looks to be a very wild and untamable journey. Chase writes dramatic scenes seamlessly and oddly believable despite the story lines imagination and mythology. The relationships held between Galine and the cast prove endearingly both awkward and lovable at the same time, tossed with snark, sass and love, making the read simply enjoyable. Chase isn't afraid to tackle subjects such as faith, figuring life out, and Russian folklore. Go read it!
December 10, 2015
This is a well written fantasy where the author has created a powerfully magical world where amazing things can and do happen. This is the first book in this series and the first book I've read by this author, but it definitely won't be the last! I love the characters and the story grabbed my attention from page one and never let go. I can't wait to see more of this series and from this author. I highly recommend this to anyone and I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2016
I got this in exchange for an honest review, I liked this book a lot it was very fascinating and interesting I liked the story line and plot in this one I learned so many new things that were captivating this one was full of action suspense and many thing that kept me reading more and more till the end and I was so sad when I reached the end because I wanted to know more about these characters I recommend this to everyone you will enjoy diving into a new world that will make you become addicted to each character and people
March 8, 2016
I am not sure if this was meant to be a YA book but it read like one. This is my least favorite version of fantasy but it was a refreshing mashup of mythologies. It was a little slow to start but I was hooked by the end. I was super annoyed the ending was a Clift hanger but then I started reading the second book so clearly it worked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2015
AWESOME DEBUT NOVEL!
This book was great fun to read. The characters are well thought out and intriguing and the setting is charmingly southern without being over the top. Loved the Russian mythology and religious tension. I already CANNOT WAIT for the next book of the series!!
This book was great fun to read. The characters are well thought out and intriguing and the setting is charmingly southern without being over the top. Loved the Russian mythology and religious tension. I already CANNOT WAIT for the next book of the series!!
December 18, 2015
Was a good story, just not my cup of tea I guess. I just couldn't seem to be able to really get into it.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2015
This book sounds great! I hope to win, read it and enjoy the story ... If I win, the review will be updated once I finish the book :)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews