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The Watchers
Mindhealer
“In the Watchers series, Saintcrow writes stories that are almost always nonstop action from beginning to end. Her women are kick-ass strong, her men ruggedly handsome and dedicated to the women they serve. It isn’t a bad combination at all.” —CJReading The The attacks are brutal, leaving the victims unconscious and broken. A powerful Mindhealer might be able to piece together what's happening to these crushed bodies and shattered minds, so Caroline Robbins is pulled away from her relatively quiet life. A Mindhealer is incredibly vulnerable to the Dark—and Caro refuses even the idea of having a Watcher. She won’t have another man die in front of her, and that’s that. Unfortunately, the Watcher she just ran into has other ideas . . . The Caro, the witch Merrick rescues from the dogs of the Dark, is obnoxiously stubborn, infuriating, and seemingly determined to throw herself into every dangerous situation possible. It’s enough to drive a man insane, and definitely enough to make a Watcher frustrated. How is he supposed to protect her, especially when she insists she doesn’t need a Watcher? But Caro is going to need all of Merrick’s skill and strength sooner than anyone guesses. The attacks haven’t stopped, and the closer Caro gets to solving the mystery, the more danger she’s in. Because she’s the next victim—unless Merrick can save her. And Merrick just might die in the line of fire if Caro can’t find a way to keep her Watcher safe. Bounced around the world as a military brat, Lilith Saintcrow fell in love with writing in second grade and never looked back. She currently resides in Vancouver, Washington, with two children, a menagerie, and books. Find her on the web at lilithsaintcrow.com.
198 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
14 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Lilith Saintcrow
139 books4,508 followersLilith Saintcrow was born in New Mexico, bounced around the world as a child, and fell in love with writing stories when she was ten years old. She and her library co-habitate in Vancouver, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 23, 2020
Really good entry into the series. While I do want to shake Caro -- she actually takes a reality check & recalibrates.
Also re-introduces the Crusade a serious threat. Really wish the author could/did continue with this series -- I'd like to see where she was going.
Although I suppose in my head the Guardian's city turns into Saint City from her Dante's series after a few hundred years.
Also re-introduces the Crusade a serious threat. Really wish the author could/did continue with this series -- I'd like to see where she was going.
Although I suppose in my head the Guardian's city turns into Saint City from her Dante's series after a few hundred years.
July 5, 2015
Witches aka lightbringers who avoid and don't want their own personal watcher just flummoxes me. Caro Robbins is a strong Mindhealer, probably stronger than any other. She carries more baggage than any of the other lightbringers to date. She purposely places herself in danger because she doesn't want another Watcher to die for her. The stupidity in her reasoning is beyond me.
Ms. Saintcrow writes females with no middle ground. Either they are kick ass and can take care of themselves and everyone else, or they are completely bumbling idiots. Guess which one Caro resembles? Bingo - idiot and not an idiot savant. Caro stubbornly believes she can go out and about, avoid the dark Seekers and basically everything evil that wants to devour her. Not sure how her logic works, but apparently, she thinks she won't attract them despite all evidence. The poor schlep who is Caro's "one" is Merrick. The only way Merrick can stop the pain and become more than a Watcher is if he finds his own witch - the witch whose touch won't hurt. The other half of him… and it's demented Caro the mindhealer. Caro does just about everything she can to kill herself and take Merrick with her. She's foolhardy, impulsive and in need of a good spanking. Merrick needs to forget the rules and take Caro in hand because she doesn't need a watcher, she needs a minder. I felt bad for Merrick the entire story as Caro is the epitome of a high maintenance girlfriend. She's irrational and wants everything her way.
Despite my disgust with Caro, the story line is interesting. What Merrick figures out despite Caro's unintentional sabotage, creates a whole new set of problems for Circle Lightfall. Trying to figure out how these religious nuts who work with demons will make the world a better place is mind boggling. It is as if these psychotic men only read "Thou shalt not suffer a witch" and ignored everything else. The new demon spawns created in this book is disturbing. Caro does do a good job of showing compassion and a willingness to sacrifice in order to find out what is causing these people to die. This is the only redeeming quality to Caro.
This book moves at a rather slow pace. There are some scenes which are drawn out to set up the next scene. The action occurs in intense spurts which actual works out well. The descriptions are solid as readers can clearly visualize places, buildings and characters. Ms. Saintcrow writes a good story to keep a reader's attention. Sometimes her characters are a bit weak and this is one story where the main character is definitely not to my taste. Recommended for magic readers who enjoy good battling evil themes.
*provided by NetGalley
Ms. Saintcrow writes females with no middle ground. Either they are kick ass and can take care of themselves and everyone else, or they are completely bumbling idiots. Guess which one Caro resembles? Bingo - idiot and not an idiot savant. Caro stubbornly believes she can go out and about, avoid the dark Seekers and basically everything evil that wants to devour her. Not sure how her logic works, but apparently, she thinks she won't attract them despite all evidence. The poor schlep who is Caro's "one" is Merrick. The only way Merrick can stop the pain and become more than a Watcher is if he finds his own witch - the witch whose touch won't hurt. The other half of him… and it's demented Caro the mindhealer. Caro does just about everything she can to kill herself and take Merrick with her. She's foolhardy, impulsive and in need of a good spanking. Merrick needs to forget the rules and take Caro in hand because she doesn't need a watcher, she needs a minder. I felt bad for Merrick the entire story as Caro is the epitome of a high maintenance girlfriend. She's irrational and wants everything her way.
Despite my disgust with Caro, the story line is interesting. What Merrick figures out despite Caro's unintentional sabotage, creates a whole new set of problems for Circle Lightfall. Trying to figure out how these religious nuts who work with demons will make the world a better place is mind boggling. It is as if these psychotic men only read "Thou shalt not suffer a witch" and ignored everything else. The new demon spawns created in this book is disturbing. Caro does do a good job of showing compassion and a willingness to sacrifice in order to find out what is causing these people to die. This is the only redeeming quality to Caro.
This book moves at a rather slow pace. There are some scenes which are drawn out to set up the next scene. The action occurs in intense spurts which actual works out well. The descriptions are solid as readers can clearly visualize places, buildings and characters. Ms. Saintcrow writes a good story to keep a reader's attention. Sometimes her characters are a bit weak and this is one story where the main character is definitely not to my taste. Recommended for magic readers who enjoy good battling evil themes.
*provided by NetGalley
November 5, 2017
This series does not seem written by the same author of Dante Valentine or her other heroines. I can't say they are bad, but definitely they are not my cup. I want my women strong and smart. And none of this series heroines is such. Caro is also the TSTL variety, and a whiner.
As usual her world is so intriguing.
As usual her world is so intriguing.
November 4, 2012
Fifth in the Watcher paranormal romance series usually revolving around the Guardian witches in Santiago City. This story expands it out and simply refers to the first three Guardians. The couple focus is on Caro Robbins and Merrick, the Tracker.
My Take
In a series of stupid protagonists, this one takes the cake. It really is irritating as Saintcrow has an interesting idea and technically the writing is well done. I said "technically".
It's too bad that someone let her slip all these idiots in who whine on and on and on and on and...ad infinitum. Firstly, it's irritating; secondly, it's exhausting.
The previous Watchers have all had history, a long history about which we receive the background. Merrick seems to be quite modern and ran afoul of wanting to leave a system that thought he knew too much, and we don't receive much in the way of information.
In this one, while I understand the need for the Watchers to observe their duty and honor and obey their Lightbringer, Merrick is so stupidly annoying with his angst over "disobeying" his witch when just words earlier, he's justified doing it because part of the Watcher code is to overrule his witch if it's to ensure her safety. [For the full effect of reading this story, read this paragraph over a minimum of five times.]
Then there's the really annoying Caro...I almost want to leave her trapped in her mental prison! She whines on and on and...and it's all about preventing a Watcher from dying while trying to protect her. Again. So, with this uppermost in her mind, what does she do? Yup, she goes out of her way to do the stupidest things that will practically guarantee extreme danger.
She claims to have spent so much time in the Circle Lightfall arms, so why doesn't she have more of a clue of what the Watchers are capable?
The Circle sends her out, to drive to another city, in a Miata with a cloth roof. Mmm-hmm. 'Cause that just is so practical when someone is a target of really big things with teeth and claws.
Saintcrow has made it a point throughout all her books that Watchers bond with a particular witch. That "his" witch is the only one that can ease the pain caused by the tanak placed within them. So, obviously, Caro must have some idea about this from her exposure to Circle Lightfall and the Watchers. She does mention the schoolgirl sessions in which the girls talked endlessly about the Watchers. So, for all her declared "compassion", why is she so determined to refuse Merrick's bond with her?
The North Side attacks are so awful, so devastating. So, Fran takes her time about getting Caro to come and check it out. She takes her time about getting the necessary files to Caro so she can examine the case history. Can someone explain the reasoning for this? Am I missing it or just so annoyed that I'm purposely ignoring it??
Oh, yes, and I do just love that Caro refuses to allow Merrick to kill a bad guy. 'Cause that way, he gets to attack again. Oh, goodie… Excuse me while I find a bucket. Then there's the idiot brother. Oh, he's well meaning enough, but totally thoughtless.
It's so lame that all I want to do is take the book out and drown it.
The Story
A routine trip to Altamira turns out to be so much more. A Dark entity that none of the Watchers have ever encountered before is attacking normal and psychic people.
Caro's first experience with one of the victims in which she nearly dies, spurs her on to taking fewer and fewer of the "expected" precautions as she dives into the minds of more and more victims. Thoughtlessly, purposely putting herself into more and more precarious situations all while worrying endlessly over the possibility of something happening to Merrick.
The Characters
Caro Robbins is a mindhealer within the ranks of the Lightbringers. A deep emotional loss has caused her to withdraw and refuse Watcher protection in spite of all the travel she does between the various Circle Lightfall safehouses, teaching other mindhealers what she knows. She's based in Santiago City, a.k.a., Saint City. Vince is a Watcher who died protecting her. Eleanor D'Arcy is the mindhealer teacher who took her under her wing. Trevor Robbins is her brother with a minor talent in Air and he drums with Elise's band. His watcher is Keenan.
Merrick is a Watcher in Altamira. He's close to a breaking point and seeking more and more suicidal missions. He's known as the Tracker for his ability to find anything.
Francine Edwardton is the witch in charge of the safehouse in Altamira. She is also Caro's friend. Oliver is the head of the Watchers in Altamira.
Men who were doomed by their actions are given the opportunity to become Watchers. A super-enhanced being who can detect and fight the Dark while protecting a Lightbringer, a witch with a strength in one of several elements: Air, Water, Fire, Earth, Tech, and Mind. The Watchers suffer excruciating pain as part of their punishment (I think); they hold on both as penance for their past deeds and in hopes of finding the one woman, the Lightbringer, who can bring them peace. Circle Lightfall is an organization that creates the Watchers and finds and protects the Lightbringers. The Crusade is a religious organization---natch---determined to destroy the witches. There are a maximum of four to five Bishops with great powers; Crusade Masters are live soldiers; Seekers are hell-dogs created with ceremonial magic; zombie knights are paired with Seekers to hunt down and kill Lightbringers; and, Slayers. A new breed created by the experimental attacks that are intended to be Watcher equivalents. The Dominion is a more mercenary version of the Crusade.
The Cover
The cover is another cheesy one with a pair of hands in a cradling position as blue-green mists?, smoke?, encompass a figure in agony. I think it's the colors in the title and author's name that causes it to feel so cheesy.
The title is accurate enough. Caro is a Mindhealer.� Now if only she could heal this story...
My Take
In a series of stupid protagonists, this one takes the cake. It really is irritating as Saintcrow has an interesting idea and technically the writing is well done. I said "technically".
It's too bad that someone let her slip all these idiots in who whine on and on and on and on and...ad infinitum. Firstly, it's irritating; secondly, it's exhausting.
The previous Watchers have all had history, a long history about which we receive the background. Merrick seems to be quite modern and ran afoul of wanting to leave a system that thought he knew too much, and we don't receive much in the way of information.
In this one, while I understand the need for the Watchers to observe their duty and honor and obey their Lightbringer, Merrick is so stupidly annoying with his angst over "disobeying" his witch when just words earlier, he's justified doing it because part of the Watcher code is to overrule his witch if it's to ensure her safety. [For the full effect of reading this story, read this paragraph over a minimum of five times.]
Then there's the really annoying Caro...I almost want to leave her trapped in her mental prison! She whines on and on and...and it's all about preventing a Watcher from dying while trying to protect her. Again. So, with this uppermost in her mind, what does she do? Yup, she goes out of her way to do the stupidest things that will practically guarantee extreme danger.
She claims to have spent so much time in the Circle Lightfall arms, so why doesn't she have more of a clue of what the Watchers are capable?
The Circle sends her out, to drive to another city, in a Miata with a cloth roof. Mmm-hmm. 'Cause that just is so practical when someone is a target of really big things with teeth and claws.
Saintcrow has made it a point throughout all her books that Watchers bond with a particular witch. That "his" witch is the only one that can ease the pain caused by the tanak placed within them. So, obviously, Caro must have some idea about this from her exposure to Circle Lightfall and the Watchers. She does mention the schoolgirl sessions in which the girls talked endlessly about the Watchers. So, for all her declared "compassion", why is she so determined to refuse Merrick's bond with her?
The North Side attacks are so awful, so devastating. So, Fran takes her time about getting Caro to come and check it out. She takes her time about getting the necessary files to Caro so she can examine the case history. Can someone explain the reasoning for this? Am I missing it or just so annoyed that I'm purposely ignoring it??
Oh, yes, and I do just love that Caro refuses to allow Merrick to kill a bad guy. 'Cause that way, he gets to attack again. Oh, goodie… Excuse me while I find a bucket. Then there's the idiot brother. Oh, he's well meaning enough, but totally thoughtless.
It's so lame that all I want to do is take the book out and drown it.
The Story
A routine trip to Altamira turns out to be so much more. A Dark entity that none of the Watchers have ever encountered before is attacking normal and psychic people.
Caro's first experience with one of the victims in which she nearly dies, spurs her on to taking fewer and fewer of the "expected" precautions as she dives into the minds of more and more victims. Thoughtlessly, purposely putting herself into more and more precarious situations all while worrying endlessly over the possibility of something happening to Merrick.
The Characters
Caro Robbins is a mindhealer within the ranks of the Lightbringers. A deep emotional loss has caused her to withdraw and refuse Watcher protection in spite of all the travel she does between the various Circle Lightfall safehouses, teaching other mindhealers what she knows. She's based in Santiago City, a.k.a., Saint City. Vince is a Watcher who died protecting her. Eleanor D'Arcy is the mindhealer teacher who took her under her wing. Trevor Robbins is her brother with a minor talent in Air and he drums with Elise's band. His watcher is Keenan.
Merrick is a Watcher in Altamira. He's close to a breaking point and seeking more and more suicidal missions. He's known as the Tracker for his ability to find anything.
Francine Edwardton is the witch in charge of the safehouse in Altamira. She is also Caro's friend. Oliver is the head of the Watchers in Altamira.
Men who were doomed by their actions are given the opportunity to become Watchers. A super-enhanced being who can detect and fight the Dark while protecting a Lightbringer, a witch with a strength in one of several elements: Air, Water, Fire, Earth, Tech, and Mind. The Watchers suffer excruciating pain as part of their punishment (I think); they hold on both as penance for their past deeds and in hopes of finding the one woman, the Lightbringer, who can bring them peace. Circle Lightfall is an organization that creates the Watchers and finds and protects the Lightbringers. The Crusade is a religious organization---natch---determined to destroy the witches. There are a maximum of four to five Bishops with great powers; Crusade Masters are live soldiers; Seekers are hell-dogs created with ceremonial magic; zombie knights are paired with Seekers to hunt down and kill Lightbringers; and, Slayers. A new breed created by the experimental attacks that are intended to be Watcher equivalents. The Dominion is a more mercenary version of the Crusade.
The Cover
The cover is another cheesy one with a pair of hands in a cradling position as blue-green mists?, smoke?, encompass a figure in agony. I think it's the colors in the title and author's name that causes it to feel so cheesy.
The title is accurate enough. Caro is a Mindhealer.� Now if only she could heal this story...
December 27, 2020
I got this book from work and I had read recently. It's very short. I thought the story was okay. It's part of a series, but I hadn't read the previous books in that series and I am okay. I got it, because the cover art was really nice.
This book is about a witch works for the organization that runs by other witches and they have these hot bodyguards that known as The Watchers; the main female character got called into work,because there was an outbreak where she works at that causes by parasitic demons. On the way to work, she attacked by a demon and there was a guy who's The Watcher that had came to her rescued, but suddenly he started to fall "instantly" in love with her and claimed himself to be her watcher because she didn't have one (Oh, Okay 🙄). The main female character started to acting like a b**ch to him throughout the book,because she lost a Watcher who was like a father figure to her and her brother and she don't want to lose the other Watcher. I do like the relationship between her and brothers,because they reminded me of me and my brothers (I have older brothers,Btw). The main villains are religious military cult and I found them creepy and interesting at the same way.
I thought the book was okay. 😒
This book is about a witch works for the organization that runs by other witches and they have these hot bodyguards that known as The Watchers; the main female character got called into work,because there was an outbreak where she works at that causes by parasitic demons. On the way to work, she attacked by a demon and there was a guy who's The Watcher that had came to her rescued, but suddenly he started to fall "instantly" in love with her and claimed himself to be her watcher because she didn't have one (Oh, Okay 🙄). The main female character started to acting like a b**ch to him throughout the book,because she lost a Watcher who was like a father figure to her and her brother and she don't want to lose the other Watcher. I do like the relationship between her and brothers,because they reminded me of me and my brothers (I have older brothers,Btw). The main villains are religious military cult and I found them creepy and interesting at the same way.
I thought the book was okay. 😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2020
Final Story of the Watcher Series the Best of All
While there is still the weakness of not being worthy of a relationship from the Watcher in this story, it is not nearly as prevalent as in some of the earlier ones. Possibly this is because the heroine witch in this story is a strong character, strongest most brave and daring yet so fragile and tiniest of all the lead witches. Caroline or Caro as she prefers is a Mindhealer. Unlike Green witches or healers, the Mindhealer is one who travels into the mind of someone broken. A broken mind that is. Whether do to trauma or psychic attack, only a Mindhealer can leave her body and traverse the broken neural pathways of the mind. Some weaker or less strong Mindheales may get lost in a broken mind and die. Carolyn finds if she is anchored to her Watcher she can do more good healing- but at what cost as she finds herself ripped from the mind she's healing and thrown back abruptly into her body and ends up in a coma like state. Only the strong will of her bound Watcher can bring her back to herself. Now this is Saintcrow at her best story telling!
While there is still the weakness of not being worthy of a relationship from the Watcher in this story, it is not nearly as prevalent as in some of the earlier ones. Possibly this is because the heroine witch in this story is a strong character, strongest most brave and daring yet so fragile and tiniest of all the lead witches. Caroline or Caro as she prefers is a Mindhealer. Unlike Green witches or healers, the Mindhealer is one who travels into the mind of someone broken. A broken mind that is. Whether do to trauma or psychic attack, only a Mindhealer can leave her body and traverse the broken neural pathways of the mind. Some weaker or less strong Mindheales may get lost in a broken mind and die. Carolyn finds if she is anchored to her Watcher she can do more good healing- but at what cost as she finds herself ripped from the mind she's healing and thrown back abruptly into her body and ends up in a coma like state. Only the strong will of her bound Watcher can bring her back to herself. Now this is Saintcrow at her best story telling!
December 17, 2018
Great book! Could not put it down.
Last book of the series so far. I shudder to think if it was the last. It is also a standalone. My favorite book ever she wrote Working For The Devil. It really makes you think and is fascinating. Never mind that, this book is full of action.
Last book of the series so far. I shudder to think if it was the last. It is also a standalone. My favorite book ever she wrote Working For The Devil. It really makes you think and is fascinating. Never mind that, this book is full of action.
October 16, 2020
Mindhealer
I am loving this series. It's vintage Lilith Saintcrow. I have purchased as many of the series that I can.
I am loving this series. It's vintage Lilith Saintcrow. I have purchased as many of the series that I can.
October 10, 2021
Enjoying this series. Very specific set structure in a lot of ways, but that's not a bad thing.
February 17, 2023
Read this years ago
August 25, 2008
I'm actually reviewing all five of the Watcher books. They're quite short—novella length, really—and very much interrelated (especially the first four). I read all of them in about a day and a half, despite doing other things. I do advise taking them all in row, which is the equivalent of reading one "normal" novel.
Dark Watcher opens in Santiago City (aka Saint City), with a quartet of witches. Mindhealer is the only book that takes place outside of Santiago City, which seems to be the primary setting for all of Saintcrow's novels (from what I've read in the descriptions).
Theodora, earth witch and healer, runs the Cauldron, an occult book and supply store. Mariamne Niege (water witch, prognosticator) and Elise Nicholson (fire witch) work for her in addition to being, respectively, a graduate student and a musician. Suzanne (air witch, I don't believe we ever learn her last name) is Elise's foster mother and their teacher, something of a high priestess to the little group.
The four women know that they're psychic and that "magick" is real. They don't know that they are "Lightbringers," that there are groups and creatures in the world that hunt them, or that a group called Circle Lightfall trains and sends out "Watchers" to protect (and recruit) Lightbringers in order to counterbalance the darkness in the world.
Watchers are formerly wicked men with some psychic talents who have been given a chance to redeem themselves. They are bonded with a tanak, a dark symbiote that gives them supernatural speed, strength, healing power, and longevity. The tanak also makes it possible for them to sense darkness, but it causes the Watchers to experience pain whenever they're around Lightbringers.
The catch is that for every Watcher, there is one Witch whose presence and touch will be intensely pleasurable instead of torturous. The hope of finding that one witch is what keeps each Watcher going, fighting and surviving horrific wounds for one chance at happiness.
The use of the tired soulmate meme (though that specific word is never used) is annoying, and it detracts from what is otherwise a fairly original concept. The fact that there are only male Watchers, though there are a few (mostly queer) male lightbringers, is a bigger disappointment. The reasoning given is that women do not have the viciousness to kill without hesitation. That's simplistic, at best. Male lightbringers are also painted as weaker than females, and that, in combination with the pedestal upon which Watchers place Lightbringers, unbalances the novels.
Theodora is the main subject of the first book. Mariamne is the focus of Storm Watcher. Fire Watcher, of course, is primarily about Elise. We meet a new air witch, Anya Harris, in Cloud Watcher. And finally, Mindhealer is about Caro Robbins, whose brother plays a small part in Fire Watcher.
The books should certainly be classified as romances first, although they do have very strong paranormal themes. Every book follows the classic romance novel formula. The fact that I kept reading despite my dislike of romances is a testament to Saintcrow's talent.
I suspect that the author either is pagan, or is very familiar with pagan practices. The rituals in each novel are nicely done, and I wouldn't be surprised to hear people using some of the invocations used in Circle.
I do have to propose the Watcher drinking game. Take a shot every time there's any mention of treating a Watcher "dreadfully," and every time a Watcher moans about how unworthy he is to be in the presence of a Lightbringer. You'll be past noticing any formulae in no time!
June 9, 2015
This is the first book I have read in The Watchers series. I am a big fan of paranormal books and enjoyed my introduction to this new world. It features witches with different skills needed to fight in the battle of good verses evil. The witches are at great risk and are assigned Watchers to protect them. These Watchers are assigned to various witches unless they find their own witch and become part of a bonded pair.
The struggle between good and evil is the basis of many books. I enjoy how each author has their own take on the battle and the roles their characters have in the struggle. This book had a good combination of the supernatural elements as well as including humans who hate and are more easily paralleled to what we see in our own society. There are those who chose to hate those they don't understand or for their own profit.
Caro is the witch featured in this book and she has a lot of issues due to her childhood as a foster child before her abilities were noticed and she was taken in and educated. She loves her little brother and is reluctant to place anyone in danger by being her Watcher after losing one during an attack. She is an expert at healing minds touched by evil and travels to teach others these skills. She has gotten an agreement that she can travel alone without a Watcher if she agrees to travel only during the day and stays in safe houses. She finds out in this book that she has a Watcher she can't avoid.
Merrick has scars on the outside and the inside. He rescues Caro from an attack and discovers he has found his witch. Caro is the one witch who makes him feel comfortable and good again. He is willing to risk anything to protect her even if it means shaming himself by violating the rules of being a Watcher. We learn some of his history but I would like to know more about his childhood.
Caro's biggest weakness is her desire to save and protect others without thinking through the consequences to herself or the long term effects of her actions. She is very reactionary and that behavior scares those who care about her. They think she is too quick to react and that she will end up killing herself. If she was being selfish in those actions, I would have been annoyed and repelled. I understood that she has a deep rooted need to protect and help others.
Merrick is such a conflicted man. He deeply regrets his past and seems to feel he can never repent enough for what he was involved with before becoming a Watcher. He doesn't know that he deserves a witch of his own but he is truly committed to her safety and wants her very much.
I thought they were a great couple and enjoyed watching them bond. I didn't have any preconceived ideas about what they would be like or should be like and just let myself absorb the details of their world and their fight against the evil trying to spread. I was able to jump right in and understand the back-story without any difficultly and would now like to read the other four books in the series.
I am glad to discover this new series. I was provided a copy by the publisher in return for a honest review.
The struggle between good and evil is the basis of many books. I enjoy how each author has their own take on the battle and the roles their characters have in the struggle. This book had a good combination of the supernatural elements as well as including humans who hate and are more easily paralleled to what we see in our own society. There are those who chose to hate those they don't understand or for their own profit.
Caro is the witch featured in this book and she has a lot of issues due to her childhood as a foster child before her abilities were noticed and she was taken in and educated. She loves her little brother and is reluctant to place anyone in danger by being her Watcher after losing one during an attack. She is an expert at healing minds touched by evil and travels to teach others these skills. She has gotten an agreement that she can travel alone without a Watcher if she agrees to travel only during the day and stays in safe houses. She finds out in this book that she has a Watcher she can't avoid.
Merrick has scars on the outside and the inside. He rescues Caro from an attack and discovers he has found his witch. Caro is the one witch who makes him feel comfortable and good again. He is willing to risk anything to protect her even if it means shaming himself by violating the rules of being a Watcher. We learn some of his history but I would like to know more about his childhood.
Caro's biggest weakness is her desire to save and protect others without thinking through the consequences to herself or the long term effects of her actions. She is very reactionary and that behavior scares those who care about her. They think she is too quick to react and that she will end up killing herself. If she was being selfish in those actions, I would have been annoyed and repelled. I understood that she has a deep rooted need to protect and help others.
Merrick is such a conflicted man. He deeply regrets his past and seems to feel he can never repent enough for what he was involved with before becoming a Watcher. He doesn't know that he deserves a witch of his own but he is truly committed to her safety and wants her very much.
I thought they were a great couple and enjoyed watching them bond. I didn't have any preconceived ideas about what they would be like or should be like and just let myself absorb the details of their world and their fight against the evil trying to spread. I was able to jump right in and understand the back-story without any difficultly and would now like to read the other four books in the series.
I am glad to discover this new series. I was provided a copy by the publisher in return for a honest review.
April 24, 2014
Part of a series, this book is about a modern-day society in the middle of a long-term war between the forces of Light and Dark.
Caroline (Caro) Robbins is a Mindhealer, a special kind of witch. She has the ability to go into the mind of someone who has been psychically ravaged by Dark forces, and repair the damage. During an ill-advised drive to a safe house in the city, Caro almost becomes the next victim. She is rescued by a Watcher named Merrick, and brought to the safe house.
Watchers and Witches are never supposed to physically touch; if they do, the physical reaction is something like a severe electric shock. When Merrick touches Caro, and nothing happens, he realizes that the two are bonded. The Watcher/Witch relationship is much more than just a lifelong, 24-hour bodyguard.
Merrick is bound by honor and duty to never let Caro out of his sight, and to sacrifice his life, if necessary, to keep her alive. This is despite Caro's extreme disinterest in having another Watcher. Her previous Watcher died in the line of duty, and she is determined to not go through that again.
The safe house is under nearly constant attack by Dark forces, despite being covered in magical protection spells. Being saved by Merrick, more than once, has not blunted Caro's very wide stubborn streak. During one trip inside a victim's mind, a waiting Dark carnivore almost makes a psychic, and physical, meal out of Caro. Merrick is tormented by not wanting to disobey her, wanting to handcuff her, and sit on her, to keep her out of danger, and the tendency of his crotch to do the thinking, instead of his brain. Do they survive the attacks?
My only complaint about this book is that it is not the first in the series; I am one of those who has to read a series in order. It's a first-rate piece of writing, with enough romance and emotion between Caro and Merrick (maybe a little too much). Even for those who don't think that they like dark fantasy stories, this is very much worth reading.
Caroline (Caro) Robbins is a Mindhealer, a special kind of witch. She has the ability to go into the mind of someone who has been psychically ravaged by Dark forces, and repair the damage. During an ill-advised drive to a safe house in the city, Caro almost becomes the next victim. She is rescued by a Watcher named Merrick, and brought to the safe house.
Watchers and Witches are never supposed to physically touch; if they do, the physical reaction is something like a severe electric shock. When Merrick touches Caro, and nothing happens, he realizes that the two are bonded. The Watcher/Witch relationship is much more than just a lifelong, 24-hour bodyguard.
Merrick is bound by honor and duty to never let Caro out of his sight, and to sacrifice his life, if necessary, to keep her alive. This is despite Caro's extreme disinterest in having another Watcher. Her previous Watcher died in the line of duty, and she is determined to not go through that again.
The safe house is under nearly constant attack by Dark forces, despite being covered in magical protection spells. Being saved by Merrick, more than once, has not blunted Caro's very wide stubborn streak. During one trip inside a victim's mind, a waiting Dark carnivore almost makes a psychic, and physical, meal out of Caro. Merrick is tormented by not wanting to disobey her, wanting to handcuff her, and sit on her, to keep her out of danger, and the tendency of his crotch to do the thinking, instead of his brain. Do they survive the attacks?
My only complaint about this book is that it is not the first in the series; I am one of those who has to read a series in order. It's a first-rate piece of writing, with enough romance and emotion between Caro and Merrick (maybe a little too much). Even for those who don't think that they like dark fantasy stories, this is very much worth reading.
June 28, 2015
Great Story, Great Characters **I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**Caro was a strong mindhealer going to Altamira. She specially trained the mindhealers and seers. Caro had been a foster kid who heard voices. Trev was Caro's little brother and wanted her to travel with a watcher. He was a light bringer, an air witch. Merrick was a watcher who saved Caro's life as she'd gotten lost and had been attacked. He then realized she was his witch. Humans and psychics were being attacked. That had started about 6 months ago. They were found mostly on the north side of town. There was a sense of something not right. Only mindhealers could smell that the air was fowl around someone that had been attacked. There had been 14 attacks, 8 victims were already dead. Having their own witch was the only way the watcher could make up whatever bloody acts or series of acts had tortured them into becoming something inhuman to atone for it. Caro was a mindhealer, very mentally and physically strong. She was a good person through and through. She could be stubborn and determined. When she decided something, it was nearly impossible to change her mind. She was afraid to have another watcher. I really enjoyed her character. Merrick was mentally and physically strong. he knew his job and knew it well. Then he saved Caro and knew she was his witch. He didn't feel he deserved her, but he'd give his all to protect her, even against her will. I rooted for him all through this story. I loved this story, the characters and the plot. I do hope another comes out. I highly recommend it.
May 4, 2008
The mindhealer is one of the rarest witches. Caro Robbins is a mindhealer. For years, she has traveled the world, healing the minds of witches. Unlike most witches within the lightfall circle, Caro does not have a Watcher. Since her own Watcher died protecting her, Caro has refused a Watcher.
However, there is something terribly wrong in Saint City. The dark is attacking the minds of normals and witches. As soon as she arrives, Caro finds herself under attack. She is rescued by the Watcher, Merrick. Merrick realizes that Caro is his witch. Against her will, Caro now has a Watcher. Merrick will do whatever he must to protect his witch.
This fifth book is the Watcher series was just as satisfying as the first. In the Wtcher world, the lightfall circle finds and protects witches from the dark. Among the dark are fanatical Christian groups. Watchers are bad, bad men who get a chance at redemption. They commit their lives to duty, honor, and obedience to the witches. They protect the witches with their lives. But the tanak in their bodies, which gives them super human stength and healing power, is a part of the darkness. As a result, the proximity to the healing power of witches is painful to Watchers. Except for the one special witch with whom the Watcher can bond.
Saintcrow created two interesting characters with Merrick and Caro. Caro is a tightly controlled, uber adult. She is all about responsibility and duty. Merrick is willing to sacrifice honor and redemption to save her. It is a great romance.
However, there is something terribly wrong in Saint City. The dark is attacking the minds of normals and witches. As soon as she arrives, Caro finds herself under attack. She is rescued by the Watcher, Merrick. Merrick realizes that Caro is his witch. Against her will, Caro now has a Watcher. Merrick will do whatever he must to protect his witch.
This fifth book is the Watcher series was just as satisfying as the first. In the Wtcher world, the lightfall circle finds and protects witches from the dark. Among the dark are fanatical Christian groups. Watchers are bad, bad men who get a chance at redemption. They commit their lives to duty, honor, and obedience to the witches. They protect the witches with their lives. But the tanak in their bodies, which gives them super human stength and healing power, is a part of the darkness. As a result, the proximity to the healing power of witches is painful to Watchers. Except for the one special witch with whom the Watcher can bond.
Saintcrow created two interesting characters with Merrick and Caro. Caro is a tightly controlled, uber adult. She is all about responsibility and duty. Merrick is willing to sacrifice honor and redemption to save her. It is a great romance.
July 28, 2011
I really like this series and I can't be sure why. It isn't terribly well written, but it is interesting. I think the author does a wonderful job in developing the magic and her version of the sterotypical witch and watcher in this series. My only complaint is that so much time is spent building sexual tension between the characters and then it is all resolved in 2 paragraphs. I don't need erotica, but when you are dealing with a man who has just found the only woman he can touch without pain, you would expect things to get a little wild.
This installment in the series was one of the best. It was the first time that I felt I was really reading a series with an overall plot line as opposed to individual novels(novellas-these are short) that are connected. I liked the characters in the previous books very much, so I was sad to deviate away from them, but it was nice to see more of the authors world and make some new frinds. Looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next for this world of hers.
This installment in the series was one of the best. It was the first time that I felt I was really reading a series with an overall plot line as opposed to individual novels(novellas-these are short) that are connected. I liked the characters in the previous books very much, so I was sad to deviate away from them, but it was nice to see more of the authors world and make some new frinds. Looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next for this world of hers.
October 23, 2016
Mindhealer is the fifth book in the Watchers series by Lilith Staintcrow. I have not read the previous four books in the series, in fact this is the first Saintcrow I have read. The setting of this story really drew me in, and made me want to read more of the series. The action scenes were well written and frequent enough that I never felt like I was waiting. I found the relationship between the watchers and the witches interesting. There was the impression that the watchers are voluntary servants of the witches. The witches are physically fragile, but magically powerful. While the watchers are physically enhanced, super strong protectors, and fanatically subservient to the witches. It seemed that both groups are able to have power over each other without taking too much advantage, or using their power against the other party. They are of course on the same side, so romance follows. The evil forces are complex and scary in a really good way. I will enjoy reading more from this author.
May 20, 2015
This is the fifth book in the Watcher Series. This story is told from the point of view of both the watcher and the witch.
Merrick is by far my favorite character in this series. He has some depth and a complex background. However, I didn't really care for Caro. I prefer heroines that are tough and can stand on their own. She didn't come across that way to me. She was stubborn, sometimes stupidly so, which in turn almost gets her and Merrick both killed. Caroline seemed more of a spoiled child to me. Then there is the fact that she constantly stated that she didn't cry much and she didn't like it when she did, yet all the while she was continually doing just that. If she didn't get her way, she threw a tantrum. Those are not traits that I care for in a female lead. She annoyed me and almost ruined the story for me. That was somewhat disappointing.
For my complete review, please Word Gurgle at www.wordgurgle.blogspot.com
Merrick is by far my favorite character in this series. He has some depth and a complex background. However, I didn't really care for Caro. I prefer heroines that are tough and can stand on their own. She didn't come across that way to me. She was stubborn, sometimes stupidly so, which in turn almost gets her and Merrick both killed. Caroline seemed more of a spoiled child to me. Then there is the fact that she constantly stated that she didn't cry much and she didn't like it when she did, yet all the while she was continually doing just that. If she didn't get her way, she threw a tantrum. Those are not traits that I care for in a female lead. She annoyed me and almost ruined the story for me. That was somewhat disappointing.
For my complete review, please Word Gurgle at www.wordgurgle.blogspot.com
June 30, 2008
Another book in the Watcher series! Yes!
Caro is a Mindhealer - a very rare gift among the Lightbringers. After her last Watcher died saving her life, Caro swore she would never agree to another to safeguard her. Well Merrick will not take no for an answer, especially when Caro is HIS witch!
The Dark factions are attacking Lightbringers (and normal humans) and Caro is called in on a special case. While traveling to the Lightbringer safehouse, she is attacked and Merrick saves her.
Caro is a very strong-willed and stubborn heroine. Unfortunately these traits usually mean that she tends to overextend her abilities and risks her well-being on a regular basis. Poor Merrick!
I am glad that Ms. Saintcrow wrote another book in this series and I look forward to more!
Caro is a Mindhealer - a very rare gift among the Lightbringers. After her last Watcher died saving her life, Caro swore she would never agree to another to safeguard her. Well Merrick will not take no for an answer, especially when Caro is HIS witch!
The Dark factions are attacking Lightbringers (and normal humans) and Caro is called in on a special case. While traveling to the Lightbringer safehouse, she is attacked and Merrick saves her.
Caro is a very strong-willed and stubborn heroine. Unfortunately these traits usually mean that she tends to overextend her abilities and risks her well-being on a regular basis. Poor Merrick!
I am glad that Ms. Saintcrow wrote another book in this series and I look forward to more!
May 13, 2015
Merrick knows how to get his point across, "duty.” Merrick shivered. “Honor. Obedience. You’re my witch, Caroline. Mine. I’m bloody well going to make sure nothing happens to you. If I have to violate my oath of obedience, so be it. I will not lose you. You will never, ever, ever do anything like that ever again, do you hear me? If I have to hold you down or sit on you to keep you out of trouble, I will." He sometimes has to convince his woman he's serious, "Caro,” he said, gently , “you’re my bloody witch and you couldn’t pry me away with a chainfall. Let’s get to work." I liked this book but not as much as I did with the other books in the series.
June 15, 2015
I am finally caught up with this series and really enjoy it. However, and maybe it's just because I've read the series in such a short time period, this book seemed to be cloned from the others. Merrick was the most likable of the characters, and I liked that the world within the books is carried forward.
I'm ready now for some originality...something besides the warrior who wants the witch, but the witch is too independent for her own good and doesn't want him. I'm kind of tired of the "take my knives" bit. This is a solid world that Saintcrow built and I would look forward to seeing more of it.
I'm ready now for some originality...something besides the warrior who wants the witch, but the witch is too independent for her own good and doesn't want him. I'm kind of tired of the "take my knives" bit. This is a solid world that Saintcrow built and I would look forward to seeing more of it.
July 12, 2015
This is the 5th book in the Watcher series and I think it is my favorite. Merrick is great fun, more 'human' than some of the other watchers have been. He needs it as the witch he bonds with tests his convictions all the way through the book. Caro is determined to never have another watcher and does all she can to make Merrick leave her alone. Of course this isn't going to happen and the road to acceptance is fun to follow.
March 19, 2012
I really loved this book. Caro had melick on his feet, it was never dull. He feels it from the start and caro takes longer to accept it because of her last watcher.
The story's is well written and full of action an things happening. Never once was I board or wanting to put it down. A book I recommend and the series too.
Well done lillith saintcrow. Great book. Keep stirring these ones. Xxxx
The story's is well written and full of action an things happening. Never once was I board or wanting to put it down. A book I recommend and the series too.
Well done lillith saintcrow. Great book. Keep stirring these ones. Xxxx
September 25, 2010
This is the first book of Saintcrow's that I have read. It was what I expect from a paranoraml in many ways. Had a hot, brooding guys and a hurting, brooding heroine. But I liked it and the world she has built. I am curious to read the rest of the books in this series to see what else she can do with this world of Watchers, Light Bringers and the Dark. I must say I was quite attached to Merrick by the end too, he was pretty sexy.
December 26, 2014
Damn! I read Mindhealer again so that I could write a review, and I forgot to write it. I like Mindhealer, but Saintcrow's worlds are not for everyone. This world is often grim, very dark, and has the instant attachment, not love, that some readers find annoying. The Watchers are not easy men to love, but the Lightbringers are not always easy to like. Personally, I would not call these books paranormal romance; I think the Watcher series is dark urban fantasy brushed with romance.
August 19, 2012
this was definitely one of the better books of the Watcher series. it was - beside the fire watcher - my favorite. I really love that this book is told equally from Caros as from Merricks point of view. unfortunately there are some minor mishaps in the story ... for example, I had sometimes the feeling that Merrick is always repeating himself. the romance is better in this book but not perfect
so, a good read but not my favorite Lilith Saintcrow book
so, a good read but not my favorite Lilith Saintcrow book
May 23, 2014
This is definitly the best series by this author, everything works well. i only have 2 complaints, the watchers not thinking that they deserve to be with their witch, they have so much going for them this attitude doesn't really match. A bit of wondering would be fine but the non deserving point is overdone in my mind.
My other complaint is that there is no more books in the series. Major disappointment.
My other complaint is that there is no more books in the series. Major disappointment.
June 28, 2009
This book definitely restored my interest in this series. I enjoyed Merrick and Caro, especially Caro's determination not to accept Merrick and his determination to betray everything if only to keep her safe
April 21, 2012
This formulaic and somewhat cheesey Watcher series is incredibly addictive. Each book focuses on a different strong female character and will warm the heart of any girl looking for a female role model.
April 2, 2016
This book kept me hooked from first page to last!
Non-stop action, intense romance, and imaginative worldview kept me turning pages long after I should have been sleeping. Gutsy heroines and tormented heroes abound. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Non-stop action, intense romance, and imaginative worldview kept me turning pages long after I should have been sleeping. Gutsy heroines and tormented heroes abound. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
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