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The Boris Chronicles #2
Retaliation
Thinking that Boris was dead - a mistake. Not making sure was a bigger one. They attacked his town – HUGE mistake.
He knows who was responsible - for the attack, for the destruction, for the deaths. What comes next is justice, is RETALIATION!
A third of his people have chosen to fight at his side. They must smash the force sent to capture those who chose to leave and serve his Czarina elsewhere. Only then can his forces deal with those that betrayed them.
His team is not the dream team, but a nightmare for his enemies. This old Werebear has allies - Werewolf, disavowed Military Intelligence officer, former Australian SAS trooper – not to mention the Queen Bitch. They have skills that few others have. But will that be enough to take down his foes? Are the secret UnknownWorld enemies enough to kill the Ghost Bear?
He knows who was responsible - for the attack, for the destruction, for the deaths. What comes next is justice, is RETALIATION!
A third of his people have chosen to fight at his side. They must smash the force sent to capture those who chose to leave and serve his Czarina elsewhere. Only then can his forces deal with those that betrayed them.
His team is not the dream team, but a nightmare for his enemies. This old Werebear has allies - Werewolf, disavowed Military Intelligence officer, former Australian SAS trooper – not to mention the Queen Bitch. They have skills that few others have. But will that be enough to take down his foes? Are the secret UnknownWorld enemies enough to kill the Ghost Bear?
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2016
269 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Paul C. Middleton
42 books39 followersI was born on Remembrance day, I was early. My mother wanted me to be born at 11, but the doctors delivered me at 9:30. I’m contrary like that. My childhood was shaped by a bout of meningitis, that was diagnosed by my grandmother over the phone. She was one of her generation's few female doctors. The effects of which, including loss of fine motor control, would shape the rest of my life. Proving you can still be a writer with bad handwriting, but not bad enough for me to follow in her footsteps and become a doctor.
I may not be a surgeon now, but I still like sharp things. Swords are my thing, and I studied Iaijutsu, and a plethora of other martial arts, with and without blades. Not in the serial killer kind of way, but more of a curious enthusiast. Also the blunted weapons, gotta have a bit of a thump. Tie that in with 15 years of medieval reenactment (and no I don’t mean ren-fair) and studying history and psychology at uni. I’ve got a lot of knowledge built around weaponry, tactics and military history.
I spent some time in cadets, and a lot more around soldiers and ex-soldiers. I learnt how to shoot, gun safety, camping, how to march, how to navigate with a map and compass (forget that GPS stuff) and other basic military skills, like how to make a verse in a marching tune about each individual in the unit. Hopefully some of that comes across in the realism I put into the more military oriented books.
I’m always working on several fictional worlds simultaneously, including a collaboration with Michael Anderle. Some of my works have been published, maybe more by the time you’re reading this, while hundreds more pages are lying orphaned in my incomplete folders. So, I’m generally working on three books (at least) at any one time. One day they’ll all be out there for you to read. In the meantime I’m living in a regional town in Australia, with a day's drive to the nearest capital city.
Right now I live at home with my partner of eight years, and between novels I’m a full time carer. I’m completing my bachelors degree with a major is philosophy, and right now I’m applying that learning to the deep question of whether a self-published author can survive on more than cat food. This is a terribly important question, as I have two beagles to feed. I am wary of bumps in the house due to my partner’s severe epilepsy. The nurse beagles assist me in keeping an ear out enthusiastically… oh so enthusiastically… in this.
I may not be a surgeon now, but I still like sharp things. Swords are my thing, and I studied Iaijutsu, and a plethora of other martial arts, with and without blades. Not in the serial killer kind of way, but more of a curious enthusiast. Also the blunted weapons, gotta have a bit of a thump. Tie that in with 15 years of medieval reenactment (and no I don’t mean ren-fair) and studying history and psychology at uni. I’ve got a lot of knowledge built around weaponry, tactics and military history.
I spent some time in cadets, and a lot more around soldiers and ex-soldiers. I learnt how to shoot, gun safety, camping, how to march, how to navigate with a map and compass (forget that GPS stuff) and other basic military skills, like how to make a verse in a marching tune about each individual in the unit. Hopefully some of that comes across in the realism I put into the more military oriented books.
I’m always working on several fictional worlds simultaneously, including a collaboration with Michael Anderle. Some of my works have been published, maybe more by the time you’re reading this, while hundreds more pages are lying orphaned in my incomplete folders. So, I’m generally working on three books (at least) at any one time. One day they’ll all be out there for you to read. In the meantime I’m living in a regional town in Australia, with a day's drive to the nearest capital city.
Right now I live at home with my partner of eight years, and between novels I’m a full time carer. I’m completing my bachelors degree with a major is philosophy, and right now I’m applying that learning to the deep question of whether a self-published author can survive on more than cat food. This is a terribly important question, as I have two beagles to feed. I am wary of bumps in the house due to my partner’s severe epilepsy. The nurse beagles assist me in keeping an ear out enthusiastically… oh so enthusiastically… in this.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 24, 2017
Boris and now Jenna!!
Boris continues his quest to eliminate those opposing his way of life and working for the Russian government. He now has himself a partner and lifelong companion in Jenna a newly created Werebear. Together with their forces take out a forsaken vampire called Konrad. But they still have to find Konrad's laboratory. They have finally found it. Now on to book three to find out what happens. Enjoy!
Boris continues his quest to eliminate those opposing his way of life and working for the Russian government. He now has himself a partner and lifelong companion in Jenna a newly created Werebear. Together with their forces take out a forsaken vampire called Konrad. But they still have to find Konrad's laboratory. They have finally found it. Now on to book three to find out what happens. Enjoy!
January 28, 2024
A short story about Boris and his group. Just another area that needs protecting that Bethany Anne has delegated to one of her allies
April 27, 2018
I am still way behind with my book reviews so here is another three in one review. This time for the first three books in The Boris Chronicles, another side-story in the Kurtherian universe.
To me these books are a fun, straightforward read. It takes a couple of characters at the time just before The Queen Bitch herself leaves Earth in The Kurtherian Gambit and spins a story around them. It is a simple story and a fairly fast read but it does add a few more details to the Kurtherian universe.
I did feel that the writing in these books was closer to the writing in the original series than, for instance, the books by Martha R. Carr. I like Michael Anderle’s writing so for me this is a good thing.
As usual with books in this universe it all centers around a few very likable and very kick-ass characters. In this case the main protagonist is of course Boris, a very likable werebear. The bad guys are made up of elements of the Russian government who are even more criminal, corrupt and despicable than the average Russian politician. And, just for good measure, the author also throws in a few old-fashioned vampires to round of the bad-guy menagerie.
The Queen Bitch herself is actually part of the story. She and her closest ass-kickers are involved in a fair part of the story which, to me, is another plus.
There are also a few twists, discoveries and revelations, including the introduction of another character that is, well, let’s just say that she is not entirely human and comes with a history to avoid any spoilers here. I guess these twists may or may not have an influence on future books in the Kurtherian universe, whether they are side stories or not, depending on where Michael wants to go.
If you liked any of the previous books in the Kurtherian universe then you will probably like these ones as well. It is a nice well paced roller coaster ride with plenty of wise-ass comments, action and ass-kicking. Oh, and of course some language not suited for the easily offended.
To me these books are a fun, straightforward read. It takes a couple of characters at the time just before The Queen Bitch herself leaves Earth in The Kurtherian Gambit and spins a story around them. It is a simple story and a fairly fast read but it does add a few more details to the Kurtherian universe.
I did feel that the writing in these books was closer to the writing in the original series than, for instance, the books by Martha R. Carr. I like Michael Anderle’s writing so for me this is a good thing.
As usual with books in this universe it all centers around a few very likable and very kick-ass characters. In this case the main protagonist is of course Boris, a very likable werebear. The bad guys are made up of elements of the Russian government who are even more criminal, corrupt and despicable than the average Russian politician. And, just for good measure, the author also throws in a few old-fashioned vampires to round of the bad-guy menagerie.
The Queen Bitch herself is actually part of the story. She and her closest ass-kickers are involved in a fair part of the story which, to me, is another plus.
There are also a few twists, discoveries and revelations, including the introduction of another character that is, well, let’s just say that she is not entirely human and comes with a history to avoid any spoilers here. I guess these twists may or may not have an influence on future books in the Kurtherian universe, whether they are side stories or not, depending on where Michael wants to go.
If you liked any of the previous books in the Kurtherian universe then you will probably like these ones as well. It is a nice well paced roller coaster ride with plenty of wise-ass comments, action and ass-kicking. Oh, and of course some language not suited for the easily offended.
January 24, 2023
not as good, was hoping for more
I was disappointed with this book. It was longer I think then the first, which is good, so it didn’t seem as just a quick short story to tell in between the main author’s books. It fails though for being a worthwhile read. I still gave it two stars, only because then Boris character has potential. I just don’t think this author is doing the character justice in telling the story.
I was really annoyed with how he sprinkled in a lot of word usage from another language. Anderle does this as well. I actually like it when an author includes words from another language. It teaches me something I wouldn’t know otherwise.
The frustration though is what is the damned language?? I used three different translate sites trying to figure out what was being said, when these were included. I would copy and paste the entire section as written, and then go to a translate site. Auto-detect wouldn’t find it. I also tried Russian, Ukrainian, and Serbian. The auto-detect thought some were Dutch or Bulgarian, but still couldn’t translate them.
The Kindle app actually has a translate function within it, yet it couldn’t translate or identify each of these as written either. If an author is going to do something like this, make it easy on the reader - either verify the internal translation matrix will work correctly or use bloody footnotes!!
Having to stop and get frustrated every time words came up in another language detracted from the story and certainly didn’t make it more enjoyable. Michael Anderle does this as well. His previous book in the chronological order for the series to this book, had quite a bit of what I think was Chinese in it. It was untranslatable as well. If you aren’t going to footnote or make sure translate apps work with what you wrote, then at least include in the story itself the translation or tell us what the damned language is since auto-detect wouldn’t work with either author’s entries.
I also found that most of the writing was about military actions, and regarding groups out of Russia. I don’t mind learning about such things, but this was written as if we already had the same working knowledge as the author. I got lost trying to keep track of the various groups and who was running what.
I also thought the entire Janna storyline was pointless and lame. Oh my she looks like his lost love. She amazingly gets transformed into a were-bear from swallowing his blood while trying to save Boris. They immediately fall in love. What lazy piece of crap writing. It was not only ridiculously simple and obvious that the author was adding this in, but it didn’t actually help the story move forward. This is supposed to be sci-fi with a fantasy twist, not a Harlequin romance novel. Anderle is doing the same in the main series, which is a joke. He’s making sure each of the main characters gets tied with a significant other and that it’s love and poetry and blah blah blah. It didn’t help here and it’s not helping in the main books either.
I hope the remaining books of the series are better but truthfully I’m not expecting much any longer.
I was disappointed with this book. It was longer I think then the first, which is good, so it didn’t seem as just a quick short story to tell in between the main author’s books. It fails though for being a worthwhile read. I still gave it two stars, only because then Boris character has potential. I just don’t think this author is doing the character justice in telling the story.
I was really annoyed with how he sprinkled in a lot of word usage from another language. Anderle does this as well. I actually like it when an author includes words from another language. It teaches me something I wouldn’t know otherwise.
The frustration though is what is the damned language?? I used three different translate sites trying to figure out what was being said, when these were included. I would copy and paste the entire section as written, and then go to a translate site. Auto-detect wouldn’t find it. I also tried Russian, Ukrainian, and Serbian. The auto-detect thought some were Dutch or Bulgarian, but still couldn’t translate them.
The Kindle app actually has a translate function within it, yet it couldn’t translate or identify each of these as written either. If an author is going to do something like this, make it easy on the reader - either verify the internal translation matrix will work correctly or use bloody footnotes!!
Having to stop and get frustrated every time words came up in another language detracted from the story and certainly didn’t make it more enjoyable. Michael Anderle does this as well. His previous book in the chronological order for the series to this book, had quite a bit of what I think was Chinese in it. It was untranslatable as well. If you aren’t going to footnote or make sure translate apps work with what you wrote, then at least include in the story itself the translation or tell us what the damned language is since auto-detect wouldn’t work with either author’s entries.
I also found that most of the writing was about military actions, and regarding groups out of Russia. I don’t mind learning about such things, but this was written as if we already had the same working knowledge as the author. I got lost trying to keep track of the various groups and who was running what.
I also thought the entire Janna storyline was pointless and lame. Oh my she looks like his lost love. She amazingly gets transformed into a were-bear from swallowing his blood while trying to save Boris. They immediately fall in love. What lazy piece of crap writing. It was not only ridiculously simple and obvious that the author was adding this in, but it didn’t actually help the story move forward. This is supposed to be sci-fi with a fantasy twist, not a Harlequin romance novel. Anderle is doing the same in the main series, which is a joke. He’s making sure each of the main characters gets tied with a significant other and that it’s love and poetry and blah blah blah. It didn’t help here and it’s not helping in the main books either.
I hope the remaining books of the series are better but truthfully I’m not expecting much any longer.
February 16, 2018
Another great story!
The characters were already pretty solid in the prior book and now they are more like friends who you want to see succeed. There were a couple of gross points for me: I don’t think certain things should be eaten. But then, I suppose an enraged werebear would have a different opinion in the midst of battle. Lol
Looking forward to reading the next books in the series. I love having some of the background filled in for characters in the main series and these are great stories on their own too! :)
The characters were already pretty solid in the prior book and now they are more like friends who you want to see succeed. There were a couple of gross points for me: I don’t think certain things should be eaten. But then, I suppose an enraged werebear would have a different opinion in the midst of battle. Lol
Looking forward to reading the next books in the series. I love having some of the background filled in for characters in the main series and these are great stories on their own too! :)
April 17, 2020
Well...
This book and the one before it is far too heavy on the Russian military and political side of things, and too light on the storyline. Paragraphs and paragraphs of military jargon, and totally unexplained Russian politics. It was really tough reading. I only picked it up because I wanted to read the series again but in the proper order this time, and these ones hadn't been released the first time round. Not entirely sure it was worth the effort.
This book and the one before it is far too heavy on the Russian military and political side of things, and too light on the storyline. Paragraphs and paragraphs of military jargon, and totally unexplained Russian politics. It was really tough reading. I only picked it up because I wanted to read the series again but in the proper order this time, and these ones hadn't been released the first time round. Not entirely sure it was worth the effort.
November 17, 2021
a DELIGHT
I cannot stress enough how amazing this joint book is. The writing is done so well I can’t tell where Paul stops and Mike picks up! Some of the lines in here are just… amazing. “Moth eaten ambulatory bear rug” or something like that. Just gorgeous. I love these characters, even though they are but a small thread in a larger tapestry of the Kurtherian universe. Even so, they are weaving their own pattern within it, and it is amazing.
I cannot stress enough how amazing this joint book is. The writing is done so well I can’t tell where Paul stops and Mike picks up! Some of the lines in here are just… amazing. “Moth eaten ambulatory bear rug” or something like that. Just gorgeous. I love these characters, even though they are but a small thread in a larger tapestry of the Kurtherian universe. Even so, they are weaving their own pattern within it, and it is amazing.
February 23, 2022
Oh boy!
I'm really loving these Boris Chronicles, and they are fitting in seamlessly with the Kurtherian Gambit books!
This second book: Retaliation, is a zinger, and could give anyone a quick lesson in attack and defense.
I'm loving the storyline so far - and the relationship developing so nicely with Boris and Jenna, and I'm looking forward to coming back to them, when the chronology of the KG let's me!
I'm really loving these Boris Chronicles, and they are fitting in seamlessly with the Kurtherian Gambit books!
This second book: Retaliation, is a zinger, and could give anyone a quick lesson in attack and defense.
I'm loving the storyline so far - and the relationship developing so nicely with Boris and Jenna, and I'm looking forward to coming back to them, when the chronology of the KG let's me!
July 7, 2017
Another great book.
I love how you have taken Boris and showed his side of things and his story. I can not wait to finish the next two books. And your other books. I love how auctioned packed they are. Thank you and Michael for the great series of books you are doing own you own and together.
I love how you have taken Boris and showed his side of things and his story. I can not wait to finish the next two books. And your other books. I love how auctioned packed they are. Thank you and Michael for the great series of books you are doing own you own and together.
January 13, 2018
Book 3 is next
Boris' tale continues while we learn more about his community in Siberia. He protects refugees as they travel to the border after an unexpected attack on their village. The dynamic of werebears vs. wolf shifters vs. vampires was fun to read. I've got one more book in this series before I can move back to the main Kutherian series.
Boris' tale continues while we learn more about his community in Siberia. He protects refugees as they travel to the border after an unexpected attack on their village. The dynamic of werebears vs. wolf shifters vs. vampires was fun to read. I've got one more book in this series before I can move back to the main Kutherian series.
July 12, 2019
Great collaboration in a favorite series
The authors did an amazing job of collaborating and creating an amazing series, inside of one of my new favorite series. I usually get lost when authors work together on separate yet connected series but this one works seamlessly. Boris is fun and Janna is awesome.
The authors did an amazing job of collaborating and creating an amazing series, inside of one of my new favorite series. I usually get lost when authors work together on separate yet connected series but this one works seamlessly. Boris is fun and Janna is awesome.
December 4, 2019
Boris' saga continues
Boris and his colleagues search out the teams that were sent to destroy his people. The werebear finds love along with plenty of fighting and adventure. He continues to stay connected to Bethany Anne, and she helps keep the vulnerable safe. Exciting book that seems much too short. Off to read number three!
Boris and his colleagues search out the teams that were sent to destroy his people. The werebear finds love along with plenty of fighting and adventure. He continues to stay connected to Bethany Anne, and she helps keep the vulnerable safe. Exciting book that seems much too short. Off to read number three!
September 10, 2017
Great book, should have started this series sooner!
This is a great book and the progression of the author is notable. The characters are great and the picture he paints is vivid.
BUY THIS BOOK!!!
This is a great book and the progression of the author is notable. The characters are great and the picture he paints is vivid.
BUY THIS BOOK!!!
March 14, 2018
Adds to the Kirtherian Gambit Universe
I like the character Boris and it’s great that they made a series about him. This story line adds to kirtherian gambit universe which is great. The more the merrier.
I like the character Boris and it’s great that they made a series about him. This story line adds to kirtherian gambit universe which is great. The more the merrier.
December 11, 2019
Good story!!!
Decent, intelligent plot that I can understand. That counts for a lot. Paul, you do words in a row very well. Keep on writing and taking care of your partner, God loves you!
Decent, intelligent plot that I can understand. That counts for a lot. Paul, you do words in a row very well. Keep on writing and taking care of your partner, God loves you!
May 30, 2020
Loving Boris!
I love this book as it is the beginning of Boris becoming more involved with others. He has punished himself for so many years, it makes me happy he has found love once again. Janna makes a huge difference.
I love this book as it is the beginning of Boris becoming more involved with others. He has punished himself for so many years, it makes me happy he has found love once again. Janna makes a huge difference.
March 9, 2021
Action!
Lots and lots of kicking butt and taking names is what this one's about. Guess that's why it's named "Retaliation"! There are a few minor typos but otherwise it's well written and very enjoyable. This is a great series to dive into and stay a while.
✋🐺
Lots and lots of kicking butt and taking names is what this one's about. Guess that's why it's named "Retaliation"! There are a few minor typos but otherwise it's well written and very enjoyable. This is a great series to dive into and stay a while.
✋🐺
August 28, 2021
Decent
I almost expect Bethany Ann to appear in front of me to slap me upside the head, only four stars? But the story is not long enough, the characters seem like cardboard cut outs, and it just doesn't have the "zing" I expect.
I almost expect Bethany Ann to appear in front of me to slap me upside the head, only four stars? But the story is not long enough, the characters seem like cardboard cut outs, and it just doesn't have the "zing" I expect.
April 15, 2022
Loving this series
Boris's story is so much fun that reading it is a joy. I have now discovered a new author in Paul C. Middleton who I'm looking forward to reading more of when I getting the chance. My bookmarks overflow with author websites but I am not complaining.
Boris's story is so much fun that reading it is a joy. I have now discovered a new author in Paul C. Middleton who I'm looking forward to reading more of when I getting the chance. My bookmarks overflow with author websites but I am not complaining.
January 24, 2017
Love the Bears
In this one I really enjoyed Jenna's part. The whole story although I felt was too short lol was very good. Looking forward to part 3
In this one I really enjoyed Jenna's part. The whole story although I felt was too short lol was very good. Looking forward to part 3
November 1, 2017
Great series
Really liking the characters in this series. Boris and Jenna are both engaging and easy to sync with. Really looking forward to the next installment.
Really liking the characters in this series. Boris and Jenna are both engaging and easy to sync with. Really looking forward to the next installment.
June 21, 2018
A bit rushed but good.
This one definitely needs some additional proofing/editing. :) The character self-reflections were a bit slow so I just sped read through those sections.
This one definitely needs some additional proofing/editing. :) The character self-reflections were a bit slow so I just sped read through those sections.
August 27, 2018
Love it
I like the interaction between Boris and everyone else. He is a good grounding character. This series is a good companion to the other series.
I like the interaction between Boris and everyone else. He is a good grounding character. This series is a good companion to the other series.
November 11, 2018
Great Read
This book is better than the last. And the last one was great. I like this Boris character. Action, drama, intrigue.
This book is better than the last. And the last one was great. I like this Boris character. Action, drama, intrigue.
January 10, 2019
Yes, the writing was better.
June 6, 2019
Fun story.
August 6, 2019
Whoa!
The story is so much fun to read that it ended way too soon. I look forward to seeing what happens next to Boris and the refugees.
The story is so much fun to read that it ended way too soon. I look forward to seeing what happens next to Boris and the refugees.
October 30, 2019
more on boris ... you get to know his wife to be. you find out about why he is a werebear... as opposed to wolf or cat and you get to meet the lone ancient cat
January 8, 2020
Great book
March 27, 2021
Fanfreakintastik!
Go Jenna! Her fight scene was Awesome!!! FanGirling here! She's on par with Ekaterina and Gabrielle with her Awesomeness!!! Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!
Go Jenna! Her fight scene was Awesome!!! FanGirling here! She's on par with Ekaterina and Gabrielle with her Awesomeness!!! Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews