Dauntless

The Dauntless Saga #1

by Thomas G. Atwood Jr.

Kacey Alexander is your typical high school graduate until she receives a chest as part of her inheritance. She looks inside and finds out that her late mother was a Sentinel, a member of an ancient order of Mages, each one dedicated to protecting humans from the forces of Darkness. She refuses to accept this until her own powers emerge, protecting and healing her body from harm.

She finds herself trapped between opposing forces, each one determined to use her to take over her city. She gathers an unlikely a gruff, older sentinel, a Dark Fey warrior, and a young woman who can control the weather.

They gather to face the mercenary Pyrus and his shadowy employer. Kacey must learn to cast aside her fears to become the warrior she was born to be and stop the men who seek to destroy her city.

Genres: Paranormal, Urban, Fae, Procedural, Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2016

Reviews

[Liz Bench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so the book starts off a bit boring even though there's some mystery in the beginning. However it does pick up in speed and action. To the point where I will happily recommend this book to some friends. Saying that it just wasn't a 5/5 stars for me. There could be a tiny bit more romance, more working to heal and get better at what she doesn't know. Also maybe a bit more where the heroes get hurt that's what would make this a bit more fun. Other than that it's a good read. I feel like I've said some bad things about it so now the pros of this book. Strong badass female character, friends to lovers, an amazing dad, friends who are hilarious, a bad guy who is just so caught up in his own desires, sarcasm for days, and battles that just make you think "what" and "that's so cool". So this book is a solid 4 out of 5 stars for me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Torie Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a world to live in! I loved how the real world and this world were merged so well that I believed all the madness that was happening. Great pace, great characters, great read!

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kacey once had a normal life, a normal best friend, a normal crush. Or so she had thought. In the blink of an eye, or more accurately within the final gift left to her by her mother, everything changed. This final gift had been kept from her, sealed away until her eighteenth birthday, and it contained her true heritage. One bound until this day. The inheritance from her mother went beyond material possessions, it was magic itself. A magic she had recognised and sealed within her own child. Kacey's first glimpse of this world was through her mother's journal. Its pages detailing monsters, and how to kill them. Kacey's mother had been renowned, working for a hidden organisation known as The Sentinels and now, with a bounty on her head, Kacey must quickly learn to utilise her new found powers, whilst trying to protect her mother's journal, a prize and powerful tool to anyone, be them good or evil. But there is more than one part to this journal, and rumours say the two halves are a Kingmaker. Kacey has the first half and both sides wish to use her for their own gains.

If Grimm, Supernatural, and Buffy had a love child it would be something like this. A hidden world of monsters and hunters, with a little comedy thrown in, makes Dauntless by Thomas G. Atwood Jr. an enjoyable feast for those wanting an action-packed, quick-paced read. I found some of the descriptions wonderful, the narrative and imagery from the first chapter alone had me hooked. It's written perfectly for the young adult genre but will also hold a similar appeal to the adult market.

[Robbie Hadley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has potential, but....

I bought the kindle version off Amazon, excited to start reading it because it sounded like it would be an excellent adventure. But I was highly disappointed. I am left to wonder if this book went through an editing process, because the amount of mistakes was just astounding. And I'm not talking spelling mistakes, or just punctual mistakes. I found words that were used incorrectly, repeating what a character is doing multiple times in the same paragraph to the point at the end, a character stood up 4 times in less than one full paragraph without ever having even sat down once. I don't fault the author completely, because as an aspiring artist, I can understand how that can happen. But that's what an editors job is supposed to be, to find and correct all these mistakes. If you can get over the many, many mistakes in the book, then it will be a good read, cause like I said, the book has potential. It was just extremely hard for me to read and enjoy this book because of that. I personally won't be recommending the book to anyone, unless a revised edition comes out, but I will check out other books by the author because I loved his idea for the book.

[Rebekah Jonesy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic urban fantasy with a strong, steely, sarcastic, smart mouthed, hilarious, dork of a heroine. In a single day this teens life crumbles before her very eyes and she sees the magic and horror that has been seething under the surface of not just her town but her life, family, and friends. With no time to reflect or even deal with the massive changes that are taking over she has to immediately jump into action and learn to protect everyone before she even knows the rules. A nonstop twisty roller coaster of hilarious adventure. Definitely a series to keep an eye on.

[Carinkla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a good book but the pace is too high for me. The story is great and intriguing but would work better for me if it woul move slower and spread over two books. 


The characters and their relationships  are kind of relatable but there is no time to get to know them. The appearance of the gift and adjusting to it happens fast, ( not believable because of the pace) The training facilities, trainers, allies, enemies seem to drop out of the sky in rapid succession.


I really loved the basics of the story but to be perfect for me it would have to be slower and deeper.

[Brandie Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This YA urban fantasy has one of my favorite FMC of all time. I love her strength, sass, and her ability to overcome. Her banter, humor, and sass give you so much to look forward to. She is quick witted, which comes in handy in so many different ways. This book offers so much for a reader. There are twists and turns, love interests, found family, and more. There is nothing this book does not have. I can not wait to read the next book "Titan".

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow Kacey, her friends, and family on the journey of stopping evil, while Kacey learns more about her power.This is a great read, my only problem was the ending part with the fighting. I felt it was too much going from Kacey not able to hold her own to being able to come back and fight. If not for that I would have given this book 5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strong start to the Dauntless series, it had that urban fantasy element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening. I enjoyed this as a opening chapter and am excited to read more in this universe. The characters had that overall feel that I was wanting and enjoyed getting to know them in this world. Tom Atwood Jr. has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting book.
Has a lot of characters, complex and believable, some of them lovable, and some true villains.
A great story line, with a lot of twists and turns, that kept me glued to the book.
It remind me of Sarah J. Maas storytelling style.
And I hope this author to reach her status.
This first book is a great start!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining read which was full of drama and suspense. I chose to read this book because of the intriguing premise. The book was even better than I imagined. Great characters, palpable suspense, well written scenes and entertaining to read.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

256 Impossible Rescue
Set aside two days (or a very long one) for this laugh-out-loud contemporary YA urban fantasy dystopian-paranormal-good-vs-evil rescue quest adventure procedural combined with coming-of-age in Woodland Falls, Colorado during the winter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book, and wow, I am hooked! Kacey Alexander starts off as such a relatable character—just a regular girl trying to figure out life after high school. But then everything flips when she discovers her mom’s crazy secret about being part of this ancient group of Mages. The whole idea of Sentinels and fighting against the Darkness felt so unique and exciting. I could practically feel Kacey’s shock and hesitation as she slowly accepted her powers. The way her abilities emerged was written so vividly that I could imagine every moment.
The supporting characters made it even better! Each of them added something special to the story, and their dynamic kept me turning the pages late into the night. And don’t even get me started on the villains! Pyrus gave me chills. The stakes felt so high, and I was constantly on edge wondering how Kacey and her team would pull through.
By the end, I was literally cheering for Kacey. Her journey from being scared and unsure to stepping up as this brave warrior was so satisfying. The action scenes were intense, the twists kept surprising me, and I loved the mix of magic and danger. Now I’m just sitting here dying to know what happens next because there’s no way I’m stopping with just one book! If you love stories about underdogs finding their strength, this is 100% for you.

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this new series … book 1 “Dauntless” was gripping and really drew me in … excited for more

[Heather Shower · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked. it's fast pace, bold characters, and nonstop action. A couple parts felt a little quick, but overall, it was such a fun, thrilling read. It's totally worth picking up!

[Tony Fecteau · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was entertaining and had a lot of action. I kept on comparing the character to Buffy, and because of this is detracted from the story for me.

[shugharz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Excruciating .... I know it's a teen heroine, stupid is still stupid.

[Momma T's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A YA Urban Fantasy with a dash of awkward romance. Which weirdly belongs and goes right along with the whole vibe.

Imagine reading through the world-building and it dawning on you that our FMC is basically learning right along with you. That is what's happening. Kacey will eventually be your badass FMC, but she has to learn, just like us.

The author’s writing style is perfect. The storyline has everything you didn't know you needed. Action packed, twists, and turns. Mages, zombies, and vampires?? And even some one-liners that'll make you laugh.

"I loved him, like the internet loved bacon." And so many more. It's definitely a must-read if you are looking for a bit of the same, but completely different.

[Lloyd fullerton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.


I'll start by saying that I love the premise. Though i have an issue with the main character. I do not like her. She had potential, but quite of few things that happen in this book were avoidable. Amd after they happen she blames herself which is all well and good. Except they were avoidable. Like her friend getting kidnapped and tortured her fault. Book was good her as a main character couldnt stand.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. This story quickly grabbed and held my interest. I found an interesting plot and found this to be a fast read. I am looking forward to finding more books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set aside two days (or a very long one) for this laugh-out-loud contemporary YA urban fantasy dystopian-paranormal-good-vs-evil rescue quest adventure procedural combined with coming-of-age in Woodland Falls, Colorado during the winter.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch out Cassandra Clare. Kacey is a kick ass lead who will have you turning the pages in this book I couldn't put down. Every chapter had explosive action, comedy, a little bit of romance, and lots of nerdy quotes. Loved it from beginning to end.

[Mistral Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine losing a parent and then losing everything you ever thought you knew about the world around you all in one blow. That's what happens to Kacey Alexander when she opens a chest she received as part of her inheritance and discovers her mother was a Sentinel! Then the race is on to see if she can learn enough to take up the mantle left by her mother and face down the evil that's trying to destroy her city. Will Kacey be up to the challenge? You'll have to read to find out!

This is a fun YA urban fantasy. It was a little confusing at first because there's a lot of backstory that the reader doesn't know, but it makes sense because the main character doesn't know it either, and part of the story is accompanying her on her journey as she finds the answers to all the questions swirling around the reader's mind about her world. The characters are well-developed and read like "real" people and not caricatures. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. Five stars.

[Brittany Goodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
I really liked the story and the characters. The plot was fast paced, and the events, while steeped on fantasy had realistic consequences. There are some editing iissues, profanity, pagan rituals and closed door sex (you see nothing, you just know it happens). Despite this, the story was excellent and the characters were endearing, even the gruff ones. I want to see what happens next. There is at least one thing left dangling and I want to see how it is dealt with. I look forward to it.

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dauntless reads like an action movie. It is unpredictable, fast-paced and funny. There are tons of geeky pop culture references throughout.

The beginning is rocky, and I didn't feel like I knew the characters until the last 50 pages. The villans are the best characters, and the most consistent.

There were plenty of grammar mistakes and many repetitive words. There was a lack of adequate explanation and background information, with some points being inconsistent. The reader had to Infer too much.

Lastly, the protagonist did not feel like a teenage girl at all. I felt like I was looking at her actions as indicators of her emotions rather than feeling what she was going through.

[Teresa]

* e-Arc provided by Edelweiss *