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The Spell Slinger Chronicles #1
Throne to the Wolves
An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
Hey, I'm Annie. Mage. Nerd. Gamer Extraordinaire.
And yes, I wrote that on my nametag.
I was having a great day right up until Justin Bailey, werewolf prince and Grade A Pain-In-My-Ass came barreling into the shop I work at. Then he threw around words like "blood feud," "sorceress," and "murderer," so I couldn't just kick him out, especially since they all seemed connected to me.
Now the only thing I can do to clear my name is use my magic to help him find the culprit before the council of wolves takes matters into their own hands. If they do, they won't just kill me, they'll put the kibosh on anyone who's ever talked to me.
I guess Uncle Ben was right about that whole responsibility thing.
Hey, I'm Annie. Mage. Nerd. Gamer Extraordinaire.
And yes, I wrote that on my nametag.
I was having a great day right up until Justin Bailey, werewolf prince and Grade A Pain-In-My-Ass came barreling into the shop I work at. Then he threw around words like "blood feud," "sorceress," and "murderer," so I couldn't just kick him out, especially since they all seemed connected to me.
Now the only thing I can do to clear my name is use my magic to help him find the culprit before the council of wolves takes matters into their own hands. If they do, they won't just kill me, they'll put the kibosh on anyone who's ever talked to me.
I guess Uncle Ben was right about that whole responsibility thing.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2016
85 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Cipriano
92 books585 followersWhen New York Times Bestselling author, J. A. Cipriano was in second grade, his teacher gave everyone in class a journal to write down whatever they wanted. Their first subject was to write about something they didn’t like. J. A. chose to write about why he didn’t like writing. His reasoning was simple. He had bad handwriting. Even then, he was destined to be an engineer due to his messy scrawl.
Unfortunately, he found through the course of this little adventure that he actually liked writing. That year was sort of the high point for his writing career because he won a writing contest for the state. He got to go to a big dinner and his teacher was all dressed up.
He kept writing little stories, year after year, and in sixth grade, won another contest. In seventh grade, he broke his arm and got the cast signed by both Dean Koontz and Stan Lee. It is, by far, the coolest cast he’s owned. That was about the time he found video games and anime. His writing turned mostly toward fanfiction until about ninth grade when he wrote his first novel, a small book about twenty thousand words called Revelations. In sophomore year, he wrote two more books to complete the trilogy because he saw Star Wars that year and learned trilogies were the cool thing to do.
He rewrote Revelations during his senior year, and his wife swears it is the best thing he’s written. J.A. is not so sure. Every time he reads it, he cringes, but then again, he hates everything he writes, so there is that.
It was about that time, he got heavily involved in a fanfiction writing group, but that isn’t one hundred percent accurate. It was a world based on a popular anime but everything was created especially for this world. It made it so that every story someone wrote was unique.
Imagine writing a Star Wars novel set 1,000 years after A New Hope, where everything that happened was a distant memory and you get the idea. You have the force, some distant memories of the past, and that’s pretty much it.
He wrote about a million words (863K to be exact) for them before he decided to do his own thing. He wrote another novel. He put it in a drawer. He wrote another one that eventually became the basis for The Hatter is Mad. His next novel was Kill It With Magic, his first real novel. It’s not bad, but it’s bumpy. This is unfortunate because the books get loads better as the series progresses.
Since then, he’s written six more novels, four of which are in the Lillim Callina Series, and one in the Abby Banks series. The other is stuck in a drawer for time undetermined. He’s writing his next book now which is about werewolves fighting mummies in Ancient Egypt. After that, he will move onto Abby Banks 2. The Spy Within will come out in June or July.
J.A. also has three chinchillas. Two of them are grey, and because of this, they are named Slate and Cadmium. The third is named Jet because he’s black, and Jet is old English for black. See, creative. He also has a cat named Turtle. This does pose problems for his two-year-old from time to time.
Unfortunately, he found through the course of this little adventure that he actually liked writing. That year was sort of the high point for his writing career because he won a writing contest for the state. He got to go to a big dinner and his teacher was all dressed up.
He kept writing little stories, year after year, and in sixth grade, won another contest. In seventh grade, he broke his arm and got the cast signed by both Dean Koontz and Stan Lee. It is, by far, the coolest cast he’s owned. That was about the time he found video games and anime. His writing turned mostly toward fanfiction until about ninth grade when he wrote his first novel, a small book about twenty thousand words called Revelations. In sophomore year, he wrote two more books to complete the trilogy because he saw Star Wars that year and learned trilogies were the cool thing to do.
He rewrote Revelations during his senior year, and his wife swears it is the best thing he’s written. J.A. is not so sure. Every time he reads it, he cringes, but then again, he hates everything he writes, so there is that.
It was about that time, he got heavily involved in a fanfiction writing group, but that isn’t one hundred percent accurate. It was a world based on a popular anime but everything was created especially for this world. It made it so that every story someone wrote was unique.
Imagine writing a Star Wars novel set 1,000 years after A New Hope, where everything that happened was a distant memory and you get the idea. You have the force, some distant memories of the past, and that’s pretty much it.
He wrote about a million words (863K to be exact) for them before he decided to do his own thing. He wrote another novel. He put it in a drawer. He wrote another one that eventually became the basis for The Hatter is Mad. His next novel was Kill It With Magic, his first real novel. It’s not bad, but it’s bumpy. This is unfortunate because the books get loads better as the series progresses.
Since then, he’s written six more novels, four of which are in the Lillim Callina Series, and one in the Abby Banks series. The other is stuck in a drawer for time undetermined. He’s writing his next book now which is about werewolves fighting mummies in Ancient Egypt. After that, he will move onto Abby Banks 2. The Spy Within will come out in June or July.
J.A. also has three chinchillas. Two of them are grey, and because of this, they are named Slate and Cadmium. The third is named Jet because he’s black, and Jet is old English for black. See, creative. He also has a cat named Turtle. This does pose problems for his two-year-old from time to time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 18, 2016
Loved this one - a great new series to get stuck into. But, bloody hell, don't you hate it when you have to wait for the next book to come out and there's no date and no pre-order. Boo hoo...
October 12, 2016
I've been blowing through a lot of urban fantasy on my KU subscription, so that may be why I find this book so derivative. Yes, if you've read Annie Bellet's series, it's virtually the same. It's also Dresden with a female lead, a twist off of Chloe Neil's series, it is ultimately a mash-up of much of what is out there in UF right now.
I can't complain but so much, because on KU it's free. (Which is one of the reasons I like KU, I get to try a lot of authors I wouldn't ordinarily try.) However, this book feels like J.A. Cirpriano wrote a first draft, said "good enough for government work", and published. Nothing made this book unique or gave it it's own voice. Based on this outing I won't be giving any other of Cipriano's books a try.
I can't complain but so much, because on KU it's free. (Which is one of the reasons I like KU, I get to try a lot of authors I wouldn't ordinarily try.) However, this book feels like J.A. Cirpriano wrote a first draft, said "good enough for government work", and published. Nothing made this book unique or gave it it's own voice. Based on this outing I won't be giving any other of Cipriano's books a try.
December 18, 2016
Throne to the Wolves: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Spell Slinger Chronicles Book 1) by J.A. Cipriano had me right away and would not let me go! Annie is a gamer, mage, but also only a handful of her kind left. The werewolves had killed off her kind and that is why she has hidden all her life, ever since they killed her brother. So what walks through the door in the magic gaming shop? A werewolf, a prince. It is all downhill after that for Annie. Action, adventure, suspense, humor, magic, fantasy, weres, mages, mysteries, and a touch of romance. It is non-stop! Each page goes and goes, I could hardly catch my breath, loved it! One to book 2!
October 12, 2016
Immersing
Oooh what fun. Crazy, creative, interesting, and full of action. Great storyline and the characters are not what you'd expect. Fantastic Read.
Oooh what fun. Crazy, creative, interesting, and full of action. Great storyline and the characters are not what you'd expect. Fantastic Read.
October 13, 2016
This was so much fun! I loved all the videogame, comic and D&D talk! I loved that the lead is a nerd and a badass! Annie is a Animator, which is super cool because she can use inanimate objects to make them actually work, such as a toy lightsaber can be turned into a real lightsaber, which Annie uses to fight her enemies! She also uses lots of other really cool things for weapons and potions that she gets from videogames, movies, and comics! Such a cool idea! Also, who knew a game of Donkey Kong could be so intense and important! Annie is asked by werewolf, Justin, to help find out who is killing werewolves, but Animators and Werewolves don't exactly get along, so Annie is hesitant to help the wolves, but Annie has her own reasons for wanting to help. Annie and Justin go on a bit of a dangerous adventure to find out what in the heck is going on with the deaths of the wolves; I knew the score rather early on because there were quite a few clues to what was going on, but I still was very entertained. It was fun that Justin is a popular B-movie actor, and I loved the humor throughout the book. There were a couple things I would have liked to be better fleshed out, Justin and Annie's relationship or whatever you want to call it because I didn't really know what the connection was, so it was a bit of a let down, and I also didn't really get the whole Laura thing with Justin; it felt like something that could've been omitted. Other than those couple of things, I loved everything else! I also love the fun play on words in the title! I look forward to reading the next book!
October 15, 2016
Throne to the Wolves is an urban paranormal fantasy/adventure. The main character, Annie, is a mage. But not just your average, every day, run of the mill caster. She is part of a dying breed, hunted to near extinction due to her abilities. When werewolves are being murdered, she is dragged deep into the danger to try and discover the culprits. But when things hit too close to home for comfort, how will she decide which is the right course to follow?
This was not your typical paranormal tale. This was a gamer's fantasy come to life. I can't really say too much without posting spoilers but let me say this - if you like gaming, sci-fi & action films, this is the book for you. The characters were well developed and the action was non-stop. The plot was engaging and full of twists. Trust me, this is not a story to be missed.
This was not your typical paranormal tale. This was a gamer's fantasy come to life. I can't really say too much without posting spoilers but let me say this - if you like gaming, sci-fi & action films, this is the book for you. The characters were well developed and the action was non-stop. The plot was engaging and full of twists. Trust me, this is not a story to be missed.
October 15, 2016
A foray into the world of the gamer-girl, this was fun and different. I didn't get some of the comic references but still enjoyed them. I don't know enough about the grenre to know if it is accurate but it didn't matter as it wouldn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
It's fast paced, exciting and has a few laugh out loud moments. It flows very well, making the time spent reading fly by.
As the first in a series the characters progress nicely, so they aren't merely cardboard cutouts and you know enough to like them (or hate them).
It's fast paced, exciting and has a few laugh out loud moments. It flows very well, making the time spent reading fly by.
As the first in a series the characters progress nicely, so they aren't merely cardboard cutouts and you know enough to like them (or hate them).
December 24, 2016
Loved it
You sometime find a gem when you borrow a book from kindle unlimited. Today I got one. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
You sometime find a gem when you borrow a book from kindle unlimited. Today I got one. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
October 15, 2016
Original concept
Well written, fast paced nerdy fun fantasy. I'd recommend this to anyone that has ever wished for any of the cool gadgets their fav superhero/villain uses.
Well written, fast paced nerdy fun fantasy. I'd recommend this to anyone that has ever wished for any of the cool gadgets their fav superhero/villain uses.
November 4, 2016
Bad
I wouldn't recommend this. It reads like a comic book without the pictures. The heronine is like a whinny 15 year old with a bad attitude. I really can't find anything good to say about.
I wouldn't recommend this. It reads like a comic book without the pictures. The heronine is like a whinny 15 year old with a bad attitude. I really can't find anything good to say about.
March 7, 2017
Just so so
An interesting story, but it leaves you in the middle. Not a fan of cliffhangers! Not my cup of tea.
An interesting story, but it leaves you in the middle. Not a fan of cliffhangers! Not my cup of tea.
December 14, 2017
Very different. Anne is a great main character with really cool gift that I had never heard of before... kudos on something new.
August 5, 2019
Predictable but still very good
Better than most fun characters. A little predictable but a fun twist at the end. Good for young teens who love the paranormal genre.
Better than most fun characters. A little predictable but a fun twist at the end. Good for young teens who love the paranormal genre.
April 25, 2020
Great book.
Looking forward to reading more by this author. The characters were well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the snarkiness of the main character. Woot woot!
Looking forward to reading more by this author. The characters were well written and I thoroughly enjoyed the snarkiness of the main character. Woot woot!
October 14, 2016
An AwEsOmE Book for Sci-fi Fantasy Geek lover. (JArroyo 10/13/16)
Wow, I just loved this book. It has everything from Shifters and Magicals. Annie uses Star Trek, Star Wars and Dr. Who gadgets. There's video games, magical of course. There were references to all kinds oh superhero comic books. This book has a great storyline with a good verses evil theme. I love the characters Annie and Justin. Annie has a choice to make to help save a society that destroyed her home. Does she make the right one? This book is full of action and adventure. It is part of a series so I'll have to wait for the next book to come out. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend this to everyone.
Wow, I just loved this book. It has everything from Shifters and Magicals. Annie uses Star Trek, Star Wars and Dr. Who gadgets. There's video games, magical of course. There were references to all kinds oh superhero comic books. This book has a great storyline with a good verses evil theme. I love the characters Annie and Justin. Annie has a choice to make to help save a society that destroyed her home. Does she make the right one? This book is full of action and adventure. It is part of a series so I'll have to wait for the next book to come out. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend this to everyone.
October 14, 2016
Star Trek, Star Wars and Dr. Who gadgets!
Nerd, animator and more like Sci-fi fanatic is more like it lol, sure there are a couple of gamer words but as a gamer chick myself it is hard to say someone is a gamer when they only play one game! I love how Annie's magic is to animate things with all the sci-fi and fantasy shows I have seen there are plenty of ideas that can be used in future books in the series and YES I want to read them! I have never read a fantasy Book with a magic type like this and I loved it
Nerd, animator and more like Sci-fi fanatic is more like it lol, sure there are a couple of gamer words but as a gamer chick myself it is hard to say someone is a gamer when they only play one game! I love how Annie's magic is to animate things with all the sci-fi and fantasy shows I have seen there are plenty of ideas that can be used in future books in the series and YES I want to read them! I have never read a fantasy Book with a magic type like this and I loved it
October 17, 2016
Throne To The Wolves is an awesome fantasy!
I really enjoyed Throne To The Wolves! It kept me entranced from beginning to end. Its a fast paced novel with mage , werewolves, necromancy and all other types of fantasy!
I really enjoyed Throne To The Wolves! It kept me entranced from beginning to end. Its a fast paced novel with mage , werewolves, necromancy and all other types of fantasy!
March 16, 2017
This book was incredibly geeky and super fun. While way too short and bit corny at times, it was still really good, and I'll probably read on.
(But seriously, talk about the coolest power EVER)
3.5/5
(But seriously, talk about the coolest power EVER)
3.5/5
October 16, 2016
The only disappointment in the opening of the novel, if it could be defined in that way, is when initial excitement over the head splatting on the wall, and the cry "Boom! Headshot" gives way to the realisation of the two gaming consoles involved. Thus the dreamy opening turns to nerdy gaming lingo as quickly as the contestant's head was blown away by our leading lady - Annie. Not that there's anything wrong with that. With an opening theme likened to Twenty-Sided Sorceress meets H.P., its no wonder really when even the characters, from within their residence on Magic Alley comment on not having to tap three times on any bricks to gain entrance into the shop.
All is far from lost however, as within a couple of page turns at most, the on screen action is replaced by equally stunning real action. The meeting of the 'powers that be' in the story turns excitedly loud and gets off on the wrong foot. Only four characters have been identified thus far, but the ruckus they create is worthy of many more. If you've never grown to enjoy the full-blown babble of nerdy gamers before, those exemplified herein are sure to sell you on the comedic potential they entail.
Just as humour turns to action, action turns to suspense, as the evidence of an obvious killer with both rage and werewolf issues, blackens the pages with the atrosities of his or her actions. Whilst most Animators (a type of mage able to animate objects with the imaginary life force cultures have grown to believe those objects contain) would be happy with said developments, given the blood fued that exists between werewolves and them, Annie is not like most animators.
Justin too is not like most werewolves, which is why, despite the rocky start to their working relationship, he absolutely must obtain Annie's agreement to help them. Annie can also get objects to tell her their history, the reason her employer Blair hired her. Justin needs a reader so they can establish who used the objects that killed his fellow werewolves, before he's next. That he happens to be the movie star behind one of Annie's crushes is an unexpected bonus.
Our killer it seems has a vendetta to fulfill against the royals of Justin's breed; being a Prince and only child he's expected to be next on the list. Having lived with the blood fued her whole life Annie's no stranger to dead bodies. Despite the deaths of her brother and master, acts she witnessed at the hands of werewolves, Annie just wants to live her life free of the fear of pursuit and a death sentence for no more than being born the type of mage she is. In exchange for her help she's offered a never seen boon, exemption from the blood fued. That Justin's the imaginary partner of some of her fantasies is just the icing on the cake.
Annie has that totally endearing quality of being able to get away with saying absolutely ridiculous but totally sane things that leave shoulders and diaphragms shaking. Lucky in many ways that at heart Justin is a nerdy gamer geek too, or the moments of hilarity would be lost on all bar the reader. That her mage power turns her and the objects she religiously carries on her person into a budding multi-comic heroine adds to the uniqueness of the plot.
Life long conditioning and prejudice have shaped both their lives, but Annie and Justin were born with open eyes. Hopefully giving them the ability to make up their own minds and not commit the preconceived notions of their clans. Just as closed-minded people can commit the most atrocious of acts simply because that's the way things are, attraction and independent thinking can form the greatest of bonds; perhaps enough to resist even the oldest of feuds. The biggest question therefore becomes, is the olive branch big enough to bare the elephant in the room? Even when people are acting in a way that reputes your expectations its sometimes as difficult to get past as when they do. Its often this phenomenon that makes habits the hardest behaviours to change.
A fast paced exciting plot with entertaining characters and eye opening action. Suspense, betrayal and seemingly unstoppable deaths make this novel hard to put down. Humour, attraction and a narrator with a unique look upon the world, all ingredients necessary in creating the best books. A great start to a new series to follow, events reach some conclusion whilst still leaving the door open for more. Annie's undoubtedly a new budding heroine worthy of a following of her own.
All is far from lost however, as within a couple of page turns at most, the on screen action is replaced by equally stunning real action. The meeting of the 'powers that be' in the story turns excitedly loud and gets off on the wrong foot. Only four characters have been identified thus far, but the ruckus they create is worthy of many more. If you've never grown to enjoy the full-blown babble of nerdy gamers before, those exemplified herein are sure to sell you on the comedic potential they entail.
Just as humour turns to action, action turns to suspense, as the evidence of an obvious killer with both rage and werewolf issues, blackens the pages with the atrosities of his or her actions. Whilst most Animators (a type of mage able to animate objects with the imaginary life force cultures have grown to believe those objects contain) would be happy with said developments, given the blood fued that exists between werewolves and them, Annie is not like most animators.
Justin too is not like most werewolves, which is why, despite the rocky start to their working relationship, he absolutely must obtain Annie's agreement to help them. Annie can also get objects to tell her their history, the reason her employer Blair hired her. Justin needs a reader so they can establish who used the objects that killed his fellow werewolves, before he's next. That he happens to be the movie star behind one of Annie's crushes is an unexpected bonus.
Our killer it seems has a vendetta to fulfill against the royals of Justin's breed; being a Prince and only child he's expected to be next on the list. Having lived with the blood fued her whole life Annie's no stranger to dead bodies. Despite the deaths of her brother and master, acts she witnessed at the hands of werewolves, Annie just wants to live her life free of the fear of pursuit and a death sentence for no more than being born the type of mage she is. In exchange for her help she's offered a never seen boon, exemption from the blood fued. That Justin's the imaginary partner of some of her fantasies is just the icing on the cake.
Annie has that totally endearing quality of being able to get away with saying absolutely ridiculous but totally sane things that leave shoulders and diaphragms shaking. Lucky in many ways that at heart Justin is a nerdy gamer geek too, or the moments of hilarity would be lost on all bar the reader. That her mage power turns her and the objects she religiously carries on her person into a budding multi-comic heroine adds to the uniqueness of the plot.
Life long conditioning and prejudice have shaped both their lives, but Annie and Justin were born with open eyes. Hopefully giving them the ability to make up their own minds and not commit the preconceived notions of their clans. Just as closed-minded people can commit the most atrocious of acts simply because that's the way things are, attraction and independent thinking can form the greatest of bonds; perhaps enough to resist even the oldest of feuds. The biggest question therefore becomes, is the olive branch big enough to bare the elephant in the room? Even when people are acting in a way that reputes your expectations its sometimes as difficult to get past as when they do. Its often this phenomenon that makes habits the hardest behaviours to change.
A fast paced exciting plot with entertaining characters and eye opening action. Suspense, betrayal and seemingly unstoppable deaths make this novel hard to put down. Humour, attraction and a narrator with a unique look upon the world, all ingredients necessary in creating the best books. A great start to a new series to follow, events reach some conclusion whilst still leaving the door open for more. Annie's undoubtedly a new budding heroine worthy of a following of her own.
October 14, 2016
Great start!
I refuse to post spoilers, and thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were likable, and the plot not too predictable.
I refuse to post spoilers, and thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were likable, and the plot not too predictable.
March 9, 2017
A real page turner
I'm completely shocked that I enjoyed this one. I'm all for shifters and mages but it was different from what I usually read. Action packed from beginning to end. Kept me guessing and trying to figure out what would happen next. Can't wait to read the next part in this series. Strong characters and a great storyline. A little geeky due to me not being a fan of comic books, nerdy movies, and video games laughing out loud....
I'm completely shocked that I enjoyed this one. I'm all for shifters and mages but it was different from what I usually read. Action packed from beginning to end. Kept me guessing and trying to figure out what would happen next. Can't wait to read the next part in this series. Strong characters and a great storyline. A little geeky due to me not being a fan of comic books, nerdy movies, and video games laughing out loud....
October 15, 2016
I'll start this review by saying that I own every single book in Annie Bellet's Twenty Sided Sorceress series, I love this sub genre, it really makes me nostalgic and brings up references that are near and dear to me. Throne to the Wolves falls into the same sub genre and I found it as appealing and entertaining.
I loved Annie, the avid geeky gamer and comic aficionado, she is also an animator which means that as long as she understands how an object works, she can make a toy model into the real deal. Annie also has one more trick up her sleeve, she is a reader which means that she can get an idea of things people have said while holding onto an object, a skill that her employer utilises regularly.
Justin comes into the store to hire a reader but gets a lot more than he bargained for with Annie, as animators can kill werewolves. He puts aside his animosity for the sake of a friend's death, in the hope that she can read the objects held by the victim shortly before being attacked and identify the killer.
Things get dicey very quickly and he ends up taking her to his family's stronghold. From there, things start to unfold and conspirators are revealed.
My only issue is that towards the end, the story looses it's edge a bit, however, it didn't take away too much for me as I loved all the gamer banter and found myself laughing on more than one occasion.
Overall, it was funny, made me nostalgic and kept me turning pages and I can't wait to see what happens next for Annie and Justin.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Annie, the avid geeky gamer and comic aficionado, she is also an animator which means that as long as she understands how an object works, she can make a toy model into the real deal. Annie also has one more trick up her sleeve, she is a reader which means that she can get an idea of things people have said while holding onto an object, a skill that her employer utilises regularly.
Justin comes into the store to hire a reader but gets a lot more than he bargained for with Annie, as animators can kill werewolves. He puts aside his animosity for the sake of a friend's death, in the hope that she can read the objects held by the victim shortly before being attacked and identify the killer.
Things get dicey very quickly and he ends up taking her to his family's stronghold. From there, things start to unfold and conspirators are revealed.
My only issue is that towards the end, the story looses it's edge a bit, however, it didn't take away too much for me as I loved all the gamer banter and found myself laughing on more than one occasion.
Overall, it was funny, made me nostalgic and kept me turning pages and I can't wait to see what happens next for Annie and Justin.
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2016
I have been reading Mr. Cipriano books for a little while and when I was able to read the first book in the new Spell Slinger Chronicles, I was very excited, because how could it be bad? I'm glad to say I was right! Annie is the manager of a comic book store, and is an animator, but no one knows about her animator status as the wolves would want her dead if they knew; they've killed almost all the animators. She does reading of inanimate objects on the side to help make more money, and, one day, in walks a wolf wanting a read for some murders, and soon Annie is drawn into the murders of the royal magic families. She has a signed contract stating that she will be left in peace if she solves the murders, but because of their murderous history, she doesn't trust anyone. What follows is a fun-filled ride of practically non-stop action. The romance was excellent, too, but I wish we had gotten to know Justin just a little bit better, but we did get to know him. The plot was very good with some very interesting plot-twists thrown in, including one big one at the end, ending the book in a cliffhanger. Of course, now I can't wait until the next one! If you like Mr. Cipriano's books, you will love this one, which I think is the best so far. If not, what are you waiting for? They are excellent. Highly recommend!
This exact review will be posted on both Amazon and Goodreads.
This exact review will be posted on both Amazon and Goodreads.
October 12, 2016
Another amazing book written by J. A. Cipriano. If you don't catch my interest on page one you have lost me. In this book I was blown away. I completely finished it in less than a day because I couldn't put it down, yes I lost sleep, but it was well worth it.
For me the characters came alive, I felt like I was a part of the story, and that is hard to do. When an author is able to bring his story to life you become invested in the characters, they become familiar and you love some and others you hate. I was so sad when I finished this book I can't wait for the second one in this series.
Who knew that Annie and Justin would clash, yet the sparks would fly in more than one way. The fast paced storyline was part of the charm of this book. Annie is so spunky and won't put up with any bs from Justin. Yet Justin isn't shallow as you would think. The depth of the characters adds to the likability of them.
As I read each book it's like I step into them, if they are well written you experience something magical. Not all authors can do this. I feel privileged to get to write a review for this book as my thank you. Also sharing what you think of it. I've already shared with others how amazing this is. This paranormal delight is a must read!!
*Disclaimer... I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.*
For me the characters came alive, I felt like I was a part of the story, and that is hard to do. When an author is able to bring his story to life you become invested in the characters, they become familiar and you love some and others you hate. I was so sad when I finished this book I can't wait for the second one in this series.
Who knew that Annie and Justin would clash, yet the sparks would fly in more than one way. The fast paced storyline was part of the charm of this book. Annie is so spunky and won't put up with any bs from Justin. Yet Justin isn't shallow as you would think. The depth of the characters adds to the likability of them.
As I read each book it's like I step into them, if they are well written you experience something magical. Not all authors can do this. I feel privileged to get to write a review for this book as my thank you. Also sharing what you think of it. I've already shared with others how amazing this is. This paranormal delight is a must read!!
*Disclaimer... I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.*
October 13, 2016
Nerdy urban fiction at its finest
I have read and enjoyed other books by JA Cipriano and enjoyed them. This was no different. A fast paced book filled will so many little homages to classics one can't help but enjoy the story of Annie and Justin. For a long time nerds were ignored in fiction but now I am seeing quite a few books which incorporate or at least mention items and people from fan favourite shows and books. And comics. Throne to the wolves is one of them. From the mention of a rare comic in the beginning to sonic screw drivers and donkey Kong, the reader is treated to a heroine who likes the things many folks have for ages and have been made fun of for. But this is the age of the "nerd" and I for one loved reading about all of my favourites coupled with kick butt actions scenes and werewolves. Magic and mayhem along with an interesting story make for a fun and hard to put down read. I would have given this four stars except it ended on a cliff hanger and I can't stand that. Just one more chapter to wrap at least one or two storylines up and I would have been happier and given a higher rating. That being said I hope the author is a quick writer because I want to know what happens.
I have read and enjoyed other books by JA Cipriano and enjoyed them. This was no different. A fast paced book filled will so many little homages to classics one can't help but enjoy the story of Annie and Justin. For a long time nerds were ignored in fiction but now I am seeing quite a few books which incorporate or at least mention items and people from fan favourite shows and books. And comics. Throne to the wolves is one of them. From the mention of a rare comic in the beginning to sonic screw drivers and donkey Kong, the reader is treated to a heroine who likes the things many folks have for ages and have been made fun of for. But this is the age of the "nerd" and I for one loved reading about all of my favourites coupled with kick butt actions scenes and werewolves. Magic and mayhem along with an interesting story make for a fun and hard to put down read. I would have given this four stars except it ended on a cliff hanger and I can't stand that. Just one more chapter to wrap at least one or two storylines up and I would have been happier and given a higher rating. That being said I hope the author is a quick writer because I want to know what happens.
October 13, 2016
Very imaginative, fast and engaging fantasy book that serves as a catchy opening to a new series.
Annie is a gamer girl, mage and animator, hiding from werewolves in general, until their prince walks directly into the shop where she works, in order to employ her to investigate a murder. Justin is not only a werewolf prince, but also damn hot movie star, which makes Annie's job much harder. Tracking the source of deadly ritual that lead to eight murders bring some tough surprises for Annie, and she needs to make a couple of truly hard decisions.
The author is very skilled and talented with words, and the whole storytelling was easygoing and fluent. The plot developed quickly, as much as the characters, and I loved the scent of irony in Annie's way of thinking and acting. She is tough, strong, and total fun, whileJustin is a naive Prince Charming discovering the real world the hard way, being spoiled by his parents his whole life.
I absolutely adored the gaming and comic references. Being a fan of RPGs and video games myself, I truly enjoyed the hints and quotes, and comics are... well, comics. One must simply love the adaptations.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Annie is a gamer girl, mage and animator, hiding from werewolves in general, until their prince walks directly into the shop where she works, in order to employ her to investigate a murder. Justin is not only a werewolf prince, but also damn hot movie star, which makes Annie's job much harder. Tracking the source of deadly ritual that lead to eight murders bring some tough surprises for Annie, and she needs to make a couple of truly hard decisions.
The author is very skilled and talented with words, and the whole storytelling was easygoing and fluent. The plot developed quickly, as much as the characters, and I loved the scent of irony in Annie's way of thinking and acting. She is tough, strong, and total fun, whileJustin is a naive Prince Charming discovering the real world the hard way, being spoiled by his parents his whole life.
I absolutely adored the gaming and comic references. Being a fan of RPGs and video games myself, I truly enjoyed the hints and quotes, and comics are... well, comics. One must simply love the adaptations.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
October 14, 2016
Great new series!
Author, Jasmine Walt, referred this book to me and I'm so glad she did. It's the first in a brand new series; completely different from other urban fantasy shifter novels. Annie is animator mage. She makes toys come to life with magic, along with other special skills. Unfortunately, her kind is hated among werewolves. Animators are the only beings who can kill werewolves. They've been hunted into near extinction for this very reason. Annie's lived her life hiding her true nature until one day she's discovered by a werewolf, but not just any werewolf; a movie star named Justin whom she's idolized for years.
In a series of twists and turns, these two fight for their lives. Justin isn't like his kin...he only wants her help, but will it kill him, his family and Annie in the process? This is an amazing, fast-paced read. One I'm sure you'll enjoy! 5 well deserved stars for the beginning of what I'm sure will be a wonderful new series! I can't wait for book two!
Author, Jasmine Walt, referred this book to me and I'm so glad she did. It's the first in a brand new series; completely different from other urban fantasy shifter novels. Annie is animator mage. She makes toys come to life with magic, along with other special skills. Unfortunately, her kind is hated among werewolves. Animators are the only beings who can kill werewolves. They've been hunted into near extinction for this very reason. Annie's lived her life hiding her true nature until one day she's discovered by a werewolf, but not just any werewolf; a movie star named Justin whom she's idolized for years.
In a series of twists and turns, these two fight for their lives. Justin isn't like his kin...he only wants her help, but will it kill him, his family and Annie in the process? This is an amazing, fast-paced read. One I'm sure you'll enjoy! 5 well deserved stars for the beginning of what I'm sure will be a wonderful new series! I can't wait for book two!
October 12, 2016
get your inner geek on. this book has it all, you have Annie who works in a comic store for a witch, Annie can "read" items but that is not all that she can do. Enter Justin Bailey, movie star hunk and he wants to hire Annie, unfortunately Annie has spent her whole life hiding from his kind (werewolf) they kill her family on sight. they both have to find a way to work together. this is a fast easy read book that i was stunned when it ended due to it being such an easy read.
yes it does sound simular to other books on the market but it is not. its like saying all shifter books are the same, all action books are the same etc etc. yes i agree that some people love a book more than others and perfer different writing styles, books are like movies you have those who are seen one seen them all, and others, like myself go into books yes some get repeated but every once in a while you come across a new series you cant help but follow, for me this is one of those books.
yes it does sound simular to other books on the market but it is not. its like saying all shifter books are the same, all action books are the same etc etc. yes i agree that some people love a book more than others and perfer different writing styles, books are like movies you have those who are seen one seen them all, and others, like myself go into books yes some get repeated but every once in a while you come across a new series you cant help but follow, for me this is one of those books.
October 15, 2016
I'd give this 4.5 stars if Amazon would permit it. I am not a gamer, but this book sucked me in and my family had to eat a late dinner because I didn't want to put it down. Great characters with unique and interesting "gifts" made this a refreshing read. The story is told from Annie's snarky POV. She is a gifted mage in hiding, until she's hired to "read" a crime scene and her secret is uncovered. Everything plummets from there, except for her attraction to a charming enemy. If you like sarcastic heroines, gaming, action, and a hint of romance, Throne to the Wolves will deliver on all fronts. Can't wait for the next book!
Side note: If you are hesitating to read this because a couple of reviewers claim it's similar to another author's, don't. There are some very unique takes on supernaturals in Throne to the Wolves that I've not read in other books. The similarities end at gaming and great characters. Read the book!
Side note: If you are hesitating to read this because a couple of reviewers claim it's similar to another author's, don't. There are some very unique takes on supernaturals in Throne to the Wolves that I've not read in other books. The similarities end at gaming and great characters. Read the book!
October 24, 2016
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you could make any replica from your favorite movie/comic/TV show into the real thing? Annie is an Animator that can do exactly that.
Annie has spent the last 10 years hiding from the werewolves who are sworn, by blood feud, to kill all Animators on sight. The werewolves have killed all her people including her brother and master. When a customer shows up to his appointment to hire her as a Reader she is surprised to find out that he is a famous B movie star...and a Prince of the werewolves.
The werewolves need Annie to read the object from a murder to help them solve the murders of several members if the werewolf royalty. As she learns more it appears the murders are being committed by an Animator intending to use a spell to wipe out all the werewolf royalty. Will she betray her people and save the werewolves or allow a massacre to occur?
Annie has spent the last 10 years hiding from the werewolves who are sworn, by blood feud, to kill all Animators on sight. The werewolves have killed all her people including her brother and master. When a customer shows up to his appointment to hire her as a Reader she is surprised to find out that he is a famous B movie star...and a Prince of the werewolves.
The werewolves need Annie to read the object from a murder to help them solve the murders of several members if the werewolf royalty. As she learns more it appears the murders are being committed by an Animator intending to use a spell to wipe out all the werewolf royalty. Will she betray her people and save the werewolves or allow a massacre to occur?
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