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The Books of Winter #1
Dangerous Ways
From the Dragon Award-nominated author, R.R. Virdi.
Jonathan Hawthorne has lived over a century beholden to one rule: do not meddle in mortal affairs. He's broken it twice. So when he crosses paths with Cassidy Winters, he's forced to interfere again.
Strike three. And the third time's not the charm.
Hawthorne is swept along as Cassidy slips through the cracks in reality.
And being hunted by bands of monsters doesn't help.
To find the answers they need, they'll have to play in a dangerous world. One where the odds and rules are stacked against them. They will have to navigate magical courts, queens and lords all while trying to keep Cassidy out of their scheming hands.
If they fail, she will end up a pawn in a plot that will consume them all.
Hawthorne will have to face the consequences of his past, and risk his future to ensure Cassidy can have one of her own.
For a man with all the time in the world--it seems to be running out--fast!
Also by the author: The Dragon Award-nominated urban fantasy series, The Grave Report. (Ongoing)
Book one: Grave Beginnings.
Book two: Grave Measures.
Jonathan Hawthorne has lived over a century beholden to one rule: do not meddle in mortal affairs. He's broken it twice. So when he crosses paths with Cassidy Winters, he's forced to interfere again.
Strike three. And the third time's not the charm.
Hawthorne is swept along as Cassidy slips through the cracks in reality.
And being hunted by bands of monsters doesn't help.
To find the answers they need, they'll have to play in a dangerous world. One where the odds and rules are stacked against them. They will have to navigate magical courts, queens and lords all while trying to keep Cassidy out of their scheming hands.
If they fail, she will end up a pawn in a plot that will consume them all.
Hawthorne will have to face the consequences of his past, and risk his future to ensure Cassidy can have one of her own.
For a man with all the time in the world--it seems to be running out--fast!
Also by the author: The Dragon Award-nominated urban fantasy series, The Grave Report. (Ongoing)
Book one: Grave Beginnings.
Book two: Grave Measures.
561 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2016
35 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
R.R. Virdi
26 books769 followersR.R. Virdi is a USA Today Bestselling author, two-time Dragon Award finalist, and a Nebula Award finalist. He is the author of two urban fantasy series, The Grave Report, and The Books of Winter. The author of the LitRPG/portal fantasy series, Monster Slayer Online. And the author of a space western/sci fi series, Shepherd of Light. He has worked in the automotive industry as a mechanic, retail, and in the custom gaming computer world. He's an avid car nut with a special love for American classics.
The hardest challenge for him up to this point has been fooling most of society into believing he's a completely sane member of the general public.
The hardest challenge for him up to this point has been fooling most of society into believing he's a completely sane member of the general public.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 18, 2016
Why do we read?
Do we do it for simple entertainment? Do we do it to escape the stress of our lives? Do we do it to learn something about ourselves, about the world in which we live? Or perhaps we do it for all of the above reasons.
Whatever the reason, when we are transfixed by a phenomenal tale, one so well crafted that it grabs us and transports us to an entirely different world, it's a magical thing. Dangerous Ways, the first book in R.R. Virdi's The Books of Winter series, is one such experience -- as vibrant and evocative and intense as the myriad of gateways leading to other worlds.
This book takes place in the same universe as Virdi's Grave Report series, and there are satisfying callbacks, but this tome is a being all its own. Its a massive one -- not quite troll massive, but close -- and yet Virdi's quick-witted first-person style is so free-flowing that you'll push your way through hundreds of pages without truly realizing it.
Where the Grave novels are gritty, street-level thrillers with a healthy dose of the freakish, Dangerous Ways is grand, bordering on high fantasy. The numerous worlds are fantastical and well-developed; for all of Virdi's skill at weaving through the English language, he is equally adept at creating entire worlds -- and something tells me he's only scratched the surface.
Of course, none of that matters if the characters fall flat. But they don't; Jonathan Hawthorne and Cassidy Winters are a joy to be around; despite the fact that they're constantly threatened with certain death, you can't help but be with them step for step. They're individual characteristics -- bravery, determination, sarcasm, wit, and smarts, just to name a few -- make them easy to root for, and the supporting cast is equally delightful in its own right.
As much as I'm eager for the next Grave Report book, I'm just as excited at the prospect of the next Book of Winter. There is no cliffhanger here, but there are enough threads to fill several more volumes... and with writing this clean, this crisp, I can definitely see myself devouring more of this genre.
Fantasy fans -- urban, high, and everything in between -- should definitely add Dangerous Ways to their collection. This is a fun, engrossing, entertaining read -- and I would argue, the best book I've read in all of 2016.
Do we do it for simple entertainment? Do we do it to escape the stress of our lives? Do we do it to learn something about ourselves, about the world in which we live? Or perhaps we do it for all of the above reasons.
Whatever the reason, when we are transfixed by a phenomenal tale, one so well crafted that it grabs us and transports us to an entirely different world, it's a magical thing. Dangerous Ways, the first book in R.R. Virdi's The Books of Winter series, is one such experience -- as vibrant and evocative and intense as the myriad of gateways leading to other worlds.
This book takes place in the same universe as Virdi's Grave Report series, and there are satisfying callbacks, but this tome is a being all its own. Its a massive one -- not quite troll massive, but close -- and yet Virdi's quick-witted first-person style is so free-flowing that you'll push your way through hundreds of pages without truly realizing it.
Where the Grave novels are gritty, street-level thrillers with a healthy dose of the freakish, Dangerous Ways is grand, bordering on high fantasy. The numerous worlds are fantastical and well-developed; for all of Virdi's skill at weaving through the English language, he is equally adept at creating entire worlds -- and something tells me he's only scratched the surface.
Of course, none of that matters if the characters fall flat. But they don't; Jonathan Hawthorne and Cassidy Winters are a joy to be around; despite the fact that they're constantly threatened with certain death, you can't help but be with them step for step. They're individual characteristics -- bravery, determination, sarcasm, wit, and smarts, just to name a few -- make them easy to root for, and the supporting cast is equally delightful in its own right.
As much as I'm eager for the next Grave Report book, I'm just as excited at the prospect of the next Book of Winter. There is no cliffhanger here, but there are enough threads to fill several more volumes... and with writing this clean, this crisp, I can definitely see myself devouring more of this genre.
Fantasy fans -- urban, high, and everything in between -- should definitely add Dangerous Ways to their collection. This is a fun, engrossing, entertaining read -- and I would argue, the best book I've read in all of 2016.
February 25, 2017
Mr. R.R. Virdi does it again! Dangerous Ways takes place in the same universe as his Grave Report books but gives us far more detail on the world and its "ways" (see what I did there). This book goes beyond typical Urban Fantasy, bending the genre into something I'd call Epic Urban Fantasy. It's a long book but reads with a building sense of anticipation that makes you wish it went on for another few hundred pages. From what I understand, there is more to this series. While it doesn't matter whether you read this or the Grave Report books first, there are nods and references between the two sides of this world, which only enriches things. I can't wait to read more of Mr. Virdi's work!
October 6, 2017
I have read the Grave Report, book 1 and 2 by R.R. Virdi and liked them very much. When I got the chance to read Dangerous Ways, I jumped on it. I sure wasn't disappointed by any means. This book was , oh what is the word? Outstanding! No it's, Fantastic! No it's, Exciting! No it's all of them put together. This book had me right from the beginning. Full of mystery, action, fantasy, and real life. I have never read a book like this one before ( in a good way). I was so shocked to find out who was behind all of it. I tried to figure it out along the way, eliminating who I thought could be the one, but I was wrong. This book was fun to read and you went through most of your emotions too.
The story starts out in New York City, our time, in the winter. John is from the Timeless, he is a watcher, an observer and isn't suppose to get involved with the humans in any way. Well that is hard for John, cause when he see's a young adult girl being chased down the street by two hooded men, he just has to step in. And that is how he met Cassie.
Cassie has no idea why she is being chased and by whom. But John knows who the chasers are just by their smell, Trolls. Because of this, he has to see this through to the end, what ever that might me. And so the adventure of John and Cassie starts and boy is it an adventure. You have glamour monsters, The Ageless and Timeless. You have Queens from a different dimension and Ways like you wouldn't believe. All this makes for an exciting story and that it is. I don't want to divulge to much so not to take away from any of it.
This book is a stand alone, but leaves room for a book 2 and I sure hope there is one. So if you like fantasy, mystery, action, a very small touch of romance and a whole lot of amazing reading, then this book is for you. So get your's and enjoy! I know I did!
The story starts out in New York City, our time, in the winter. John is from the Timeless, he is a watcher, an observer and isn't suppose to get involved with the humans in any way. Well that is hard for John, cause when he see's a young adult girl being chased down the street by two hooded men, he just has to step in. And that is how he met Cassie.
Cassie has no idea why she is being chased and by whom. But John knows who the chasers are just by their smell, Trolls. Because of this, he has to see this through to the end, what ever that might me. And so the adventure of John and Cassie starts and boy is it an adventure. You have glamour monsters, The Ageless and Timeless. You have Queens from a different dimension and Ways like you wouldn't believe. All this makes for an exciting story and that it is. I don't want to divulge to much so not to take away from any of it.
This book is a stand alone, but leaves room for a book 2 and I sure hope there is one. So if you like fantasy, mystery, action, a very small touch of romance and a whole lot of amazing reading, then this book is for you. So get your's and enjoy! I know I did!
December 14, 2016
Every once in a while, a book comes along that changes the landscape of a genre, pushing the limits just a little further and challenges genre perceptions. This is one of those books. Buckle up, readers. This one’s going to be awesome.
Officially, I think Mr. Virdi is calling it something like epic urban fantasy, which is very accurate. Dangerous Ways is every bit as epic and sweeping in size as blockbuster books like Game of Thrones with all the urban fantasy flavor you can handle.
While I loved R.R. Virdi’s first two Grave Report novels, I think this series is going to be something special all its own. It’s set in the same world as Grave Beginnings and Grave Measures but doesn’t need the other series to prop it up. Fans of Vincent Graves will be pleased to find there are plenty of Easter eggs hidden in the pages of Dangerous Ways and even a familiar face.
The world Virdi creates is impressively intricate. I was especially enthralled by how he uses elves in his world. Elves are in a lot of fantasy these days, but I’ve never read anything quite like the Night Runners in Dangerous Ways. The trolls were a close second and this book barely scratched the surface of their unique society. I can’t wait to read more about them in subsequent books.
The two main characters, Cassie and Jonathan, were great leading roles. Cassie is a bit of a smart ass and loaded with pop-culture references that will have nerds like me reading over and over to find them all. Jonathan Hawthorne is clearly a guy with a past and I love the way all of that unfolds. As much as I love Jonathan and Cassie, it was Tatiana I fell in love with. She’s a supporting character, but she’s one of the best female characters I’ve read in modern fantasy. I saw a little of myself in Tatiana and that really endeared me to her. I fully believe everyone will find a character in Dangerous Ways that reminds them a little of themselves or someone they know. These are people you can imagine meeting walking down the street, which is what makes them so wonderful.
Dangerous Ways is only the first book in a series titled The Books of Winter. After this gut punch to the feels, I can’t wait to see what else happens to our heroes. I have a feeling we’re in for a long, fun ride.
Officially, I think Mr. Virdi is calling it something like epic urban fantasy, which is very accurate. Dangerous Ways is every bit as epic and sweeping in size as blockbuster books like Game of Thrones with all the urban fantasy flavor you can handle.
While I loved R.R. Virdi’s first two Grave Report novels, I think this series is going to be something special all its own. It’s set in the same world as Grave Beginnings and Grave Measures but doesn’t need the other series to prop it up. Fans of Vincent Graves will be pleased to find there are plenty of Easter eggs hidden in the pages of Dangerous Ways and even a familiar face.
The world Virdi creates is impressively intricate. I was especially enthralled by how he uses elves in his world. Elves are in a lot of fantasy these days, but I’ve never read anything quite like the Night Runners in Dangerous Ways. The trolls were a close second and this book barely scratched the surface of their unique society. I can’t wait to read more about them in subsequent books.
The two main characters, Cassie and Jonathan, were great leading roles. Cassie is a bit of a smart ass and loaded with pop-culture references that will have nerds like me reading over and over to find them all. Jonathan Hawthorne is clearly a guy with a past and I love the way all of that unfolds. As much as I love Jonathan and Cassie, it was Tatiana I fell in love with. She’s a supporting character, but she’s one of the best female characters I’ve read in modern fantasy. I saw a little of myself in Tatiana and that really endeared me to her. I fully believe everyone will find a character in Dangerous Ways that reminds them a little of themselves or someone they know. These are people you can imagine meeting walking down the street, which is what makes them so wonderful.
Dangerous Ways is only the first book in a series titled The Books of Winter. After this gut punch to the feels, I can’t wait to see what else happens to our heroes. I have a feeling we’re in for a long, fun ride.
December 4, 2016
The author of the Grave Report series - nominated for a dragon award, overall amazing person - is about to launch a new series, "The Books of Winter," an Urban Fantasy world that's set to become a classic. I've had the privilege of reading Dangerous ways - the first book - and I have a lot to tell you!
Fans of the Grave Report series will be pleased to know that the author has kept the same wit and charm that draws you into his works. We’re exploring much much more of the world that Vincent comes from, from a completely different angle. The worldbuilding that has gone into this series is outstanding: from the Trolls to the Magic itself, the creative twists to the lore will have you spellbound.
We’re introduced to a new character, Johnathan Hawthorne, an immortal who cares too much about helping us mere mortals – though admittedly, it’s not like he plans to get swept up into other people’s messes . When Cassidy Winters – Cassie – falls into his life, he has no choice but to help her. He’s a girl who can create rips in the universe… and every faction wants a piece of her.
It’s a race against the clock, a fight against his own institution, a desperate quest to help this girl and stop the people who want her dead. This of course means dragging some unwilling allies along into this, or traveling to places where they’re not exactly welcome. No one said it was going to be easy.
There’s just so much to love about this book. The effortless style that sweeps you into the narrative and sucks you into the plot – it seems as though the author had as much fun writing it as we have reading it. And truth is, this thing is a monster of a book: it’s about the size of A Game of Thrones, though I admit I read Dangerous Ways in half the time because it was just so impossible to put down.
If you need a book to gift your friends this holiday season, might I suggest this one. It’s fun, exciting, and absolutely huge to boot! You’re going to need a copy yourself – but you only have to wait until December 14th.
Fans of the Grave Report series will be pleased to know that the author has kept the same wit and charm that draws you into his works. We’re exploring much much more of the world that Vincent comes from, from a completely different angle. The worldbuilding that has gone into this series is outstanding: from the Trolls to the Magic itself, the creative twists to the lore will have you spellbound.
We’re introduced to a new character, Johnathan Hawthorne, an immortal who cares too much about helping us mere mortals – though admittedly, it’s not like he plans to get swept up into other people’s messes . When Cassidy Winters – Cassie – falls into his life, he has no choice but to help her. He’s a girl who can create rips in the universe… and every faction wants a piece of her.
It’s a race against the clock, a fight against his own institution, a desperate quest to help this girl and stop the people who want her dead. This of course means dragging some unwilling allies along into this, or traveling to places where they’re not exactly welcome. No one said it was going to be easy.
There’s just so much to love about this book. The effortless style that sweeps you into the narrative and sucks you into the plot – it seems as though the author had as much fun writing it as we have reading it. And truth is, this thing is a monster of a book: it’s about the size of A Game of Thrones, though I admit I read Dangerous Ways in half the time because it was just so impossible to put down.
If you need a book to gift your friends this holiday season, might I suggest this one. It’s fun, exciting, and absolutely huge to boot! You’re going to need a copy yourself – but you only have to wait until December 14th.
March 5, 2017
“One hundred years of age doesn’t mean you have to bury your inner child. You age better if you hold onto a little petulance and let it out now and again.”
― R.R. Virdi, Dangerous Ways
When it comes to writing characters that make you laugh, groan, or roll your eyes in response to their exploits R. R. Virdi is the King! Dangerous Ways takes place in the same universe as his Grave Reports novels, and I have to say at first I was leery. In my experience book cross overs don't always pan out the best but I am very happy to say that this was a mind blowing success. The tone of this book is much more respectful and heart warming in nature than the Grave Reports, complete with a more mature male lead. As much as I LOVE Graves, I find myself loving Hawthorne even more. He thinks, and speaks in a manner that shows his long existence in a way that gives him style and makes him an even more endearing character. Of course there are plenty of laughs, and Virdi really delivers on well rounded and thought out characters and a plot that I followed avidly.
While this does take place in the same space and time as the Grave books I am glad that you don't have to have read them to be able to get into narrative. I really enjoy how much Virdi expands on the Narevene and its inhabitants, and also really found myself being floored at how he was able to weave otherworldly creatures into the "real world". The ways he approached the classes of creatures and the issues they face was very refreshing to me and made me want to learn even more about the characters.
I also found it to be great that there are already undercurrents of stories between the characters that hopefully will be delved deeper into in future installments. Over all I have to say that I can't wait for the next one and am already emotionally invested in these characters.
― R.R. Virdi, Dangerous Ways
When it comes to writing characters that make you laugh, groan, or roll your eyes in response to their exploits R. R. Virdi is the King! Dangerous Ways takes place in the same universe as his Grave Reports novels, and I have to say at first I was leery. In my experience book cross overs don't always pan out the best but I am very happy to say that this was a mind blowing success. The tone of this book is much more respectful and heart warming in nature than the Grave Reports, complete with a more mature male lead. As much as I LOVE Graves, I find myself loving Hawthorne even more. He thinks, and speaks in a manner that shows his long existence in a way that gives him style and makes him an even more endearing character. Of course there are plenty of laughs, and Virdi really delivers on well rounded and thought out characters and a plot that I followed avidly.
While this does take place in the same space and time as the Grave books I am glad that you don't have to have read them to be able to get into narrative. I really enjoy how much Virdi expands on the Narevene and its inhabitants, and also really found myself being floored at how he was able to weave otherworldly creatures into the "real world". The ways he approached the classes of creatures and the issues they face was very refreshing to me and made me want to learn even more about the characters.
I also found it to be great that there are already undercurrents of stories between the characters that hopefully will be delved deeper into in future installments. Over all I have to say that I can't wait for the next one and am already emotionally invested in these characters.
March 7, 2017
R.R. Virdi is an exceptional author, an exceptional author with wit and a sense of humor, who weaves a masterpiece of Urban Fantasy balancing Trolls and Faerie Queens with the modern world in an especially believable way.
Cassidy Winters is a girl of our generation, Netflix and Chill and an unabashed nerd with a quote and quip to deal with anything. She also has a few small problems. The novel begins as Jonathan Hawthorne stumbles upon Cassidy being chased by Trolls. Virdi hardly allows the reader to pause for a breath from there, keeping his novel running at a fast pace, thrusting characters and the reader from one situation into the next, with trolls and trickery and magic, leaving the reader just as breathless as his characters until the very end (and desperately aching for more).
For those who loved Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, Dangerous Ways is easily a must have, and sits quite comfortably on my shelf near Seanan McGuire as well. For those who love modern day tales of the creatures that go bump in the night, tales in which they don't sparkle in the light, and Faerie Queens just as frightening as they are beautiful, Virdi's Dangerous Ways is perfect, every bit as fulfilling as I hoped it could be.
Cassidy Winters is a girl of our generation, Netflix and Chill and an unabashed nerd with a quote and quip to deal with anything. She also has a few small problems. The novel begins as Jonathan Hawthorne stumbles upon Cassidy being chased by Trolls. Virdi hardly allows the reader to pause for a breath from there, keeping his novel running at a fast pace, thrusting characters and the reader from one situation into the next, with trolls and trickery and magic, leaving the reader just as breathless as his characters until the very end (and desperately aching for more).
For those who loved Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, Dangerous Ways is easily a must have, and sits quite comfortably on my shelf near Seanan McGuire as well. For those who love modern day tales of the creatures that go bump in the night, tales in which they don't sparkle in the light, and Faerie Queens just as frightening as they are beautiful, Virdi's Dangerous Ways is perfect, every bit as fulfilling as I hoped it could be.
July 1, 2017
Dangerous Ways.
The title is extremely clever in more ways than one, and I'm sure Cassidy herself would call it appropriate. Virdi's writing style is easy to read, funny, and doesn't make you feel like you're struggling to believe what's happening or intruding upon the story. There's no unnecessary sexualization, no unnecessary swearing, simply great writing and amazing characters. Cassidy is extremely relatable, I adored John and his inner dialogue, and if you've read the Grave Report books you will recognize a cameo! This story is well worth the page count!
Virdi is truly a wonderful writer and any publisher would be proud to have him in their lineup, which makes the fact that he is an indie writer so powerful. He is talented and self-motivated and has a real heart for his characters and bettering his craft.
The title is extremely clever in more ways than one, and I'm sure Cassidy herself would call it appropriate. Virdi's writing style is easy to read, funny, and doesn't make you feel like you're struggling to believe what's happening or intruding upon the story. There's no unnecessary sexualization, no unnecessary swearing, simply great writing and amazing characters. Cassidy is extremely relatable, I adored John and his inner dialogue, and if you've read the Grave Report books you will recognize a cameo! This story is well worth the page count!
Virdi is truly a wonderful writer and any publisher would be proud to have him in their lineup, which makes the fact that he is an indie writer so powerful. He is talented and self-motivated and has a real heart for his characters and bettering his craft.
April 25, 2017
I will never look at pennies or smell cotton candy in the same way again.
Mr. Viirdi takes us on a journey of epic thrills and discoveries. A place where all your preconceived notions of fairies, elves and trolls are tossed out, to make a Way for Viirdi's new world of monsters, who aren't always monsters, and beauty, that's frequently hiding ugliness. Add in a dewdrop and unifly to make things complete, and you have...
Dangerous Ways a well written and fast paced joy ride, complete with death defying heroism, beauty, friendship, fun, laughter, and a few tears.
I know that I'll carry pennies with me always, now. A must read!
Mr. Viirdi takes us on a journey of epic thrills and discoveries. A place where all your preconceived notions of fairies, elves and trolls are tossed out, to make a Way for Viirdi's new world of monsters, who aren't always monsters, and beauty, that's frequently hiding ugliness. Add in a dewdrop and unifly to make things complete, and you have...
Dangerous Ways a well written and fast paced joy ride, complete with death defying heroism, beauty, friendship, fun, laughter, and a few tears.
I know that I'll carry pennies with me always, now. A must read!
May 22, 2017
An amazing breakthrough in urban fantasy on the epic fantasy scale in size and scope of worldbuilding. It's like if Brandon Sanderson and Neil Gaiman partnered to write about fairy tales and monsters set today in New York. Gripping, emotional, a wide cast of diverse and well-written characters. Loads of humor, depth, action, and suspense. The plot is amazingly deep with three plots being told. Jonathan Hawthorne, the narrator and timeless up for inquisitions. Cassidy Winters, the girl who is slipping between worlds, and being hunted. And the story of the powers after her and why they are.
I've never seen so many stories juggled with only one narrator, but it's brilliant.
I've never seen so many stories juggled with only one narrator, but it's brilliant.
June 24, 2017
Even better than Virdi's The Grave Report. Epic urban fantasy. Larger in scale. More depth with the mythology and showing us way more of the neravene. More magic. More courts and intrigue. More paranormal politics and adventure. A truly modern epic adventure portal fantasy.
Has hints of the wonder from Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere meets Jim Butcher's Dresden Files in familiarity of monsters, narration and vibe. BEAUTIFUL.
Has hints of the wonder from Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere meets Jim Butcher's Dresden Files in familiarity of monsters, narration and vibe. BEAUTIFUL.
September 23, 2018
This was different than what i came to expect of Virdi after Grave Report, but... I think I might like this better?
True, this one is much, MUCH longer than Grave Report and goes on a bunch more twists and turns along the way. So if that's not your thing, you may end up frustrated. But I absolutely adore Cassidy. Snarky young nerd girl who can kick butt? Sign me up with a double serving, please. I probably mostly read the book for her and her pop culture snark, if I'm honest with myself. It just hit a perfect sweet spot for me. I'm beginning to just expect snark from Virdi books at this point, which is one of my favorite elements, honestly.
The one thing that slightly bothered me was some of the lines Hawthorne delivered sounded... Mmm, preachy? Sometimes I lost the illusion of reading a little because I almost felt like I could feel the author smiling at his own depth. Some character would deliver some line, and then there would be a moment in the prose afterward where it hangs heavy in the air and everyone acknowledges how profound that was. Personally, I felt like these moments would have had a lot more punch if they'd happened a whole lot less. Maybe a couple or three times for the whole book.
All in all though, I really enjoyed it. It was nice seeing some similar elements blended together with what definitely had a more classic fantasy feel to it. Definitely hoping we'll end up getting to read more of this someday. Though if the length keeps up, the entire collection might end up being heavier than a full grown man!
True, this one is much, MUCH longer than Grave Report and goes on a bunch more twists and turns along the way. So if that's not your thing, you may end up frustrated. But I absolutely adore Cassidy. Snarky young nerd girl who can kick butt? Sign me up with a double serving, please. I probably mostly read the book for her and her pop culture snark, if I'm honest with myself. It just hit a perfect sweet spot for me. I'm beginning to just expect snark from Virdi books at this point, which is one of my favorite elements, honestly.
The one thing that slightly bothered me was some of the lines Hawthorne delivered sounded... Mmm, preachy? Sometimes I lost the illusion of reading a little because I almost felt like I could feel the author smiling at his own depth. Some character would deliver some line, and then there would be a moment in the prose afterward where it hangs heavy in the air and everyone acknowledges how profound that was. Personally, I felt like these moments would have had a lot more punch if they'd happened a whole lot less. Maybe a couple or three times for the whole book.
All in all though, I really enjoyed it. It was nice seeing some similar elements blended together with what definitely had a more classic fantasy feel to it. Definitely hoping we'll end up getting to read more of this someday. Though if the length keeps up, the entire collection might end up being heavier than a full grown man!
July 27, 2017
Don't expect to sit down and finish this one in one go. This book took me five nights, where as most take me one or two. It's not because it's a slow read. It's just that big. It is a solid book, but the pacing rolls right along. There was never a point where I laid it down out of boredom, just the necessity of sleep.
Dangerous Ways is based in the same world as Virdi's Grave Report series. There's even a character cameo from GR here. I would be hard put to chose between Jonathan and Graves. I like them both.
Discover the world hidden within and parallel to ours. Open the Ways and brave what lays beyond.
Dangerous Ways is based in the same world as Virdi's Grave Report series. There's even a character cameo from GR here. I would be hard put to chose between Jonathan and Graves. I like them both.
Discover the world hidden within and parallel to ours. Open the Ways and brave what lays beyond.
February 4, 2017
R. R. Virdi is an author who plays with evil, frightening villains and yet creates hope and encourages people to look for the good in diversity. He has evil trolls, but they aren't all evil, and one made me mourn. The characters in this book are reminiscent of characters in Jim Butcher's Dresden universe, but they have soul and life of their own. They made me angry, they made me feel empathy and they made me laugh and cry. I have loved other books by this author, and waited impatiently for this. Then I read it slowly to savor the story. I can't recommend this story enough, if you like stories of the Fairy realms and the battle for balance and an escape from reality that somehow still makes you resolve to look at your reality more hopefully. Excellent way to spend my down time and now I have to wait for the next.
February 20, 2017
Deeper. Larger in scope. Fantastic modern day fantasy!
If R.R. Virdi's The Grave Report is a noir urban fantasy thriller, this is like a great fantasy adventure set in the modern world. I would go so far as to say it is like the writings of Neil Gaiman, Brandon Sanderson, with the overall imagery and world similar to Jim Butcher.
It's a wonderful, mature combination. The characters are well rounded all with stories of their own. It's beautiful story telling.
If R.R. Virdi's The Grave Report is a noir urban fantasy thriller, this is like a great fantasy adventure set in the modern world. I would go so far as to say it is like the writings of Neil Gaiman, Brandon Sanderson, with the overall imagery and world similar to Jim Butcher.
It's a wonderful, mature combination. The characters are well rounded all with stories of their own. It's beautiful story telling.
June 8, 2017
Wow. Wow. WOW! A leap above the grave report by r.r. virdi. Larger in the world and story told. Hawthorne is such a different man than graves. He carries dry wit and cold intelligence but still has a heart of gold deep down. The writing has only improved, which is saying something. Beautiful places to visit within the Neravene, the magical world shown to us. Great twists on famous mythology and creatures. Such a magical tale! Wonderful!
May 17, 2017
Pushing the plot forward with fighting instead of with the plot
This is... not an easy review to make. Like a lot of books I give a DNF to; I genuinely wanted to like it. And I did enjoy what I did make it through.
But couldn't make it through the book. It has a slow start. And while there is more than enough action; it's gratuitous. The story is slow. You can't make it one chapter without a fight scene. The plot of bogged down by them and with every swing of the sword I'm left caring less and less about the characters.
The writing is good and engaging. The characters are interesting. The tone however, is very clearly inspired by Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. At some points it does read like Dresden Files fanfiction. (The million pop culture references do not help.) And as good as the writing and characters are they just cannot escape the plot. I'd like the action to slow down a bit and just give us more to go on, more to learn, and more to care about.
The story is a whirlwind carnival ride and I needed off. I was beginning to not look forward to reading because I knew this was the book I was on. I'd love to come back to this in the future and have a better review but for now this is what I have to give.
This is... not an easy review to make. Like a lot of books I give a DNF to; I genuinely wanted to like it. And I did enjoy what I did make it through.
But couldn't make it through the book. It has a slow start. And while there is more than enough action; it's gratuitous. The story is slow. You can't make it one chapter without a fight scene. The plot of bogged down by them and with every swing of the sword I'm left caring less and less about the characters.
The writing is good and engaging. The characters are interesting. The tone however, is very clearly inspired by Jim Butcher's Dresden Files. At some points it does read like Dresden Files fanfiction. (The million pop culture references do not help.) And as good as the writing and characters are they just cannot escape the plot. I'd like the action to slow down a bit and just give us more to go on, more to learn, and more to care about.
The story is a whirlwind carnival ride and I needed off. I was beginning to not look forward to reading because I knew this was the book I was on. I'd love to come back to this in the future and have a better review but for now this is what I have to give.
January 3, 2018
In Dangerous Ways, author R.R. Virdi offers a fantastical journey with intriguing new characters and worlds never imagined previously. The witty thoughts and actions of the first-person narrating character Jonathan Hawthorne will have you laughing and urging him on through one seemingly impossible circumstance after another. And the equally clever and sassy Cassidy Winter is what drives him on, as they work with a team of supernatural wonders to save her from her own rare ability and those who seek to use her as a tool of destruction.
I would recommend that anyone wanting to read a greatly imagined fantasy adventure, should read Dangerous Ways. I’ve also great enjoyed Virdi’s Grave Report series, and am now very pleased to see a whole new unique potential series in Dangerous Ways.
I would recommend that anyone wanting to read a greatly imagined fantasy adventure, should read Dangerous Ways. I’ve also great enjoyed Virdi’s Grave Report series, and am now very pleased to see a whole new unique potential series in Dangerous Ways.
June 8, 2017
Decided to give this a chance since the author's other novel is urban fantasy, something I find just boring and a crappy genre. The cover and the premise made me think fantasy. I was wrong. It's another urban fantasy trash-fest that's like if Brandon Sanderson and Jim Butcher were chained to a desk and were forced to write this.
There was so much potential. The writing is great. The descriptions, action, the mythology and creatures would have been much better served in a fantasy novel. This could have been a 5 star glowing fantasy epic. Instead, it was set today, with first person, and another urban fantasy style disaster. The growing trend of this genre is getting on my nerves.
There was so much potential. The writing is great. The descriptions, action, the mythology and creatures would have been much better served in a fantasy novel. This could have been a 5 star glowing fantasy epic. Instead, it was set today, with first person, and another urban fantasy style disaster. The growing trend of this genre is getting on my nerves.
June 10, 2018
Love this twist of a contemporary fantasy set in New York and other, more twisted worlds. It's like an adult modern day fairy tail. Great action. Wonderfully creative characters: Hawthorne is a brilliant spin for a genre where normally people have magical talents that let them sling spells and destroy things left and right. The idea of an ageless watcher, whose abilities are essentially longevity and thus, endless skills and knowledge, was interesting to see. Especially when mixed with the fact he can still die from injuries. Cassidy was a treat as a portal jumping upstart whose humor and snark balanced out Hawthorne's dry wit and reserve.
A great pair and paranormal romp.
A great pair and paranormal romp.
did-not-finish
November 2, 2023DNF @ 8%. I think if you like Storm Front and Rivers of London you'll like this, but I dislike both of those and am not faring any better here. The male gaze permeates it and from the way Cassie talks, I'm not sure Virdi has ever spoken to an actual woman in her 20s.
August 26, 2017
Deep, rich storytelling with great writing. A fantastic blend and use of mythology. I'd say it's a mix of Neverwhere (but set in NY) with a more American protagonist in that they are sort of the old American hero archetype. A bit rough, gritty, you know the type. And, it has a dash of a world like Grimm, or at least of the fairy tails. Beautiful, enrapturing. Great characters, humor, and heart felt.
November 27, 2017
Freaking awesome. Huge epic urban fantasy. A bit like Neverwhere with more Jim Butcher's writing. Fast pace, action, adventuring, faerie courts and troll chases, street car battles, hounded by gremlins, and they're not fuzzy monsters from the 80s, a millenia old samurai, a court of ageless immortals made up from warriors and scholars throughout time. It's crazy cool and twisted in a good way. I don't know what else to say. Read it.
June 20, 2018
A really creative and fun twist on modern fantasy set in New York and alternate realms/portal through a set of paranormal worlds. Great spins on mythologies, especially the fairy queens and how Virdi wrote trolls. It's cool to see a non magically powerful character in the genre. I loved Hawthorne, by Cassie is every girl's bff that you need. Great book.
June 24, 2018
Really enjoyed it. I can't peg the genre although urban fantasy seems a fit. It's more like an adult fairy tale with lots of portal fantasy woven in and fairy court intrigue, politics, action, and heavy metaphysics and philosophy. A bit like Neverwhere, American Gods, The Dresden Files, and Shakespeare but all set today. Great read.
October 4, 2017
Hell, this is complex, fun, the writing's good, and I like the fact the main character is old enough to have fought in the Civil War. Bout time we have some older guys kicking ass than these jumped up tween heroes. Sit down kids, let the adults handle it.
November 29, 2017
5/5 Larger details and story than the author's other series. More fairy tail like with heavier mythology and fantastical things. Really good. A little bit like Brandon Sanderson mixed with Neil Gaiman. A little bit. But it was nice
November 30, 2017
Really different twist from the author. A magical portal fantasy today but in the same world as the graves books. Lots of action, adventure, twists and fun with mythology.
December 31, 2017
Very fun modern fairy tale fantasy set in new york and many magical portal worlds beside it. Creative. Fun twists. Good characters I want to know more about. Enjoyable.
September 16, 2020
5 stars. Loved it!
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