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Tainted Souls #1
Everlasting Flame
Joan becomes involved in a war that will change her life forever. She discovers that the world holds many secrets, even magic beyond her wildest dreams. The existence of immortality drove humanity to the edge. Humans are hunting Joan's kind to extinction. Circumstances force her to act. She wishes to put an end to the slaughter of innocent Tainted Beings. Only she has the courage to step up. How far can a hero fall before they became a villain? The road of revenge is a dangerous and slippery path. That doesn't stop Joan from making the ultimate decision of becoming an assassin. Her true test is to prevail and not become consumed by darkness. Will she succeed or will she turn into the monster she was trying to destroy?
456 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2017
65 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Katelyn Anderson
7 books41 followersKatelyn Anderson's chaotic muse thrives on weaving captivating dark tales with morally grey characters, spicy tension, high stakes, wicked plot twists and magic. She dabbles in paranormal romance, epic fantasy, sci-fi, litRPG, and mythology.
When Katelyn isn't lost inside fantasy worlds, you'll find her in New Zealand chilling in her gaming office, snuggling her ginger furbabies, or trying to wade through her ever-increasing TBR.
When Katelyn isn't lost inside fantasy worlds, you'll find her in New Zealand chilling in her gaming office, snuggling her ginger furbabies, or trying to wade through her ever-increasing TBR.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 19, 2017
Wow. What a book.
I loved and devoured every word. This book captivated me and had me on edge.
I can't wait to see what's next.
I loved and devoured every word. This book captivated me and had me on edge.
I can't wait to see what's next.
August 5, 2016
This book was everything packed in one. The journey of Joan from a young innocent girl to the strong badass woman she is now is one everyone has to read. The action scenes are superb, The plot engrossing, The Romance entrancing. Seeing the love triangle between Joan, Lorenzo and Cyrus is like my favorite guilty pleasure. This book is a thrilling ride of fun, excitement, tension and is literally one of the most badass YA novels of 2016. Katelyn Anderson's debut is one of a kind. This is a series I definitely will not mind following up. I can recommend this to everyone who like badass powerful heroines with a touch of vulnerability that just makes them so damn irresistible. I immensely enjoyed this book and I so can't wait for the second book in the series. The magic in this book is quite unique and while different is definitely formidable. Joan becoming an assassin and an agent is one tale I loved and who she was before the ending was equally fascinating. Be prepared for a devastating ending that leaves you quite anxious for the next book. Everlasting Flame is a tale of love, loyalty ,humor, friendship, power and will.
December 8, 2016
This is a great first novel and the plot leaves great room for the sequels! The characters are fun and the magic system is really interesting. There is some brilliant description which paints a picture with all the senses. I think the character motivations could be clearer but hopefully this will be expanded upon in the later books. I would also like more information in the world building, specifically about the actions of the Agency and the actions they have undertaken that make them so feared. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters and thought the dialogue was natural. I really like Dane and think you have a bit of a talent for writing villains, I hope we see more of him and find out more about how he thinks.
Thanks for having me read your book!
Thanks for having me read your book!
October 12, 2016
Wow! What an imagination! I entered this book not really knowing what to expect. Joan is very feisty and capable which is nice to see in a heroine! She isn't flaky or obtuse! I loved that she had trials and worked to overcome them. I was so sorry for how her relationships ended.... hoping for better things in the next books. It ended well and with no real cliffhanger. If you're looking for an entertaining and fresh story, this is it!
September 6, 2016
An excellent read and very hard to put down. Complex characters,
an amazing plot kept me up reading late at night! I can't wait to
to read the rest of the trilogy. Very well done by a young and budding
author. I am excited to see what comes next!
an amazing plot kept me up reading late at night! I can't wait to
to read the rest of the trilogy. Very well done by a young and budding
author. I am excited to see what comes next!
October 26, 2016
this book was amazing. Joan(main character) is a badass. I love when the heroine is. its hard to pin point all the plot for you so read it its definitely worth it.
October 21, 2016
Note: I received a review copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. This in no way influences my opinion.
Can I just say WOW!! Whilst this book took me a little bit to get emotionally involved, when I was it was a rollercoaster of emotions! It had me on edge, laughing and crying with the characters. Also, THAT ENDING!!!! SERIOUSLY!! WHAT WAS THAT ENDING! *Ahem* I've had stern words with the author (AKA my friend) and she was apologetic... but not at the same time. This book broke me in a lot of ways.
I absolutely LOVE Joan. She was hilariously sassy and didn't know when to stop. She is one of those characters that you just wish existed because you know she will be your best friend if she did. She never held back, even if she knew it would get her into trouble. I loved that she treated everyone the same, despite ranking, and she would put you on your arse if the occasion called for it. She does a certain something to a certain Russian... lets just say CRINGEWORTHY!! Pretty sure Katelyn was laughing at my hilarious spam the entire time. She goes through a lot throughout the entire book and it makes you want to wrap her up in bubble wrap and never let her go. I felt so sorry for her it was unreal!
Dane is my new babe. Lets put it that way! He absolutely scared the hell out of me and he was still a character, by the end of the book, that I would not want to run into in a dark alleyway. However, I, personally, think that he is misunderstood. I think there is more to him than meets the eye and I cannot wait to find out what his story is! I'm so excited for the next book because I want to know what made him the way he is! He is ruthless, constantly threatening Joan and generally a pretty creepy guy!
Lorenzo and Damian are the fictional family members that I don't have! I loved them both, but I didn't entirely ship Lorenzo with Joan. For me, they were more like a brother sister relationship, rather than a couple. *ahem* Dane *Ahem*. They were both hilarious and sarcastic, but they were also serious when they needed to be. They both help Joan when she needs it most and they are generally cute! I really want to know more about Damian and his past - which we briefly touch on, but I am definitely looking forward to getting to know him more. I would've liked to have seen more of Damian within the book, but his wife is pretty scary... so I guess it's probably better that we didn't!
Cyrus.... Where do I even begin with Cyrus?? He is a ruthless assassin who only really cares about himself... until he does something really nice to redeem himself - and then he goes and does a dick move!! SERIOUS DICK MOVE!!!! He needs to be shot really... but no one comes close because he is the worlds best assassin... go figure! I want to know more about him and I hope he can really redeem himself because what he did was NOT COOL!
The plot itself was absolutely AMAZING. There were so many plot twists and there was never really a quiet moment where you could, as a reader, take a breath and calm down. I say this because, everything came one after the other after the other, which all led up to the horrible, horrible ending. I don't know enough words to do the plot justice, just know that it was great! And you guys seriously need to get in on this book!
That ending BROKE ME UP INTO A THOUSAND PIECES!!!! I was bawling like a baby, spamming the author and telling her that I hate her. It was THAT BAD!! I still don't forgive Katelyn for that! Seriously. Ugh... its one of those endings that you really don't want to talk about because it was so awful, but you need to talk about it because it was important to the story and without it, it wouldn't have worked. This doesn't mean I'm happy. Im royally miffed. I actually put the book down and didn't want to read the last 10%. Yeah... *DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP BREATHS!!!*
The only real issue I had with this book was that it took me a little bit to actually get into the book itself. I found it a little difficult to become emotionally attached because I wasn't feeling the characters grief - if that makes sense? However, that all changed pretty quickly and when I did get into it, it was AMAZING!!!
I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read more from this series! I really want to get to know Dane and Damian more because I NEED to know their stories. Also... still holding out hope here for DANE AND JOAN!! Because I totally ship them. Even if Dane is REALLY scary and constantly threatening to shoot Joan. With reason because she is sassy and doesn't know when to shut up :-P I cannot wait for the next instalment in this series and gave this book 4/5 stars!
Can I just say WOW!! Whilst this book took me a little bit to get emotionally involved, when I was it was a rollercoaster of emotions! It had me on edge, laughing and crying with the characters. Also, THAT ENDING!!!! SERIOUSLY!! WHAT WAS THAT ENDING! *Ahem* I've had stern words with the author (AKA my friend) and she was apologetic... but not at the same time. This book broke me in a lot of ways.
I absolutely LOVE Joan. She was hilariously sassy and didn't know when to stop. She is one of those characters that you just wish existed because you know she will be your best friend if she did. She never held back, even if she knew it would get her into trouble. I loved that she treated everyone the same, despite ranking, and she would put you on your arse if the occasion called for it. She does a certain something to a certain Russian... lets just say CRINGEWORTHY!! Pretty sure Katelyn was laughing at my hilarious spam the entire time. She goes through a lot throughout the entire book and it makes you want to wrap her up in bubble wrap and never let her go. I felt so sorry for her it was unreal!
Dane is my new babe. Lets put it that way! He absolutely scared the hell out of me and he was still a character, by the end of the book, that I would not want to run into in a dark alleyway. However, I, personally, think that he is misunderstood. I think there is more to him than meets the eye and I cannot wait to find out what his story is! I'm so excited for the next book because I want to know what made him the way he is! He is ruthless, constantly threatening Joan and generally a pretty creepy guy!
Lorenzo and Damian are the fictional family members that I don't have! I loved them both, but I didn't entirely ship Lorenzo with Joan. For me, they were more like a brother sister relationship, rather than a couple. *ahem* Dane *Ahem*. They were both hilarious and sarcastic, but they were also serious when they needed to be. They both help Joan when she needs it most and they are generally cute! I really want to know more about Damian and his past - which we briefly touch on, but I am definitely looking forward to getting to know him more. I would've liked to have seen more of Damian within the book, but his wife is pretty scary... so I guess it's probably better that we didn't!
Cyrus.... Where do I even begin with Cyrus?? He is a ruthless assassin who only really cares about himself... until he does something really nice to redeem himself - and then he goes and does a dick move!! SERIOUS DICK MOVE!!!! He needs to be shot really... but no one comes close because he is the worlds best assassin... go figure! I want to know more about him and I hope he can really redeem himself because what he did was NOT COOL!
The plot itself was absolutely AMAZING. There were so many plot twists and there was never really a quiet moment where you could, as a reader, take a breath and calm down. I say this because, everything came one after the other after the other, which all led up to the horrible, horrible ending. I don't know enough words to do the plot justice, just know that it was great! And you guys seriously need to get in on this book!
That ending BROKE ME UP INTO A THOUSAND PIECES!!!! I was bawling like a baby, spamming the author and telling her that I hate her. It was THAT BAD!! I still don't forgive Katelyn for that! Seriously. Ugh... its one of those endings that you really don't want to talk about because it was so awful, but you need to talk about it because it was important to the story and without it, it wouldn't have worked. This doesn't mean I'm happy. Im royally miffed. I actually put the book down and didn't want to read the last 10%. Yeah... *DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP BREATHS!!!*
The only real issue I had with this book was that it took me a little bit to actually get into the book itself. I found it a little difficult to become emotionally attached because I wasn't feeling the characters grief - if that makes sense? However, that all changed pretty quickly and when I did get into it, it was AMAZING!!!
I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait to read more from this series! I really want to get to know Dane and Damian more because I NEED to know their stories. Also... still holding out hope here for DANE AND JOAN!! Because I totally ship them. Even if Dane is REALLY scary and constantly threatening to shoot Joan. With reason because she is sassy and doesn't know when to shut up :-P I cannot wait for the next instalment in this series and gave this book 4/5 stars!
April 3, 2017
If you're looking for an action packed, roller-coaster of emotion, keep you on the edge of your seat style book, look no further. Prepare yourself to dive into a world that is intriguing, and to get lost in our heroine's heart wrenching story. You first meet Joan as a young girl who knows nothing of the outside world because she's been locked away for her safety and protection. You get a lot of information right off the bat, so be ready to remember everything. Because of the heart-breaking turn of events in the beginning of the book, Joan is tossed into the real world to decide her own path. Joan struggles with the decision to be overtaken by darkness and bloodlust. She wants to do the right thing, and rid the world of the evil power that caused her so much pain, but is she willing to sacrifice everything she holds dear to make that happen? Her journey is tough to imagine, and honestly, I don't know what I would have done if I had been Joan.
The thing that I love most about Joan is her sense of humor. We live in her mind, and get to hear every single dry, witty, and snarky comment she thinks about. She reels you in because she feels like your best friend, your sister, your confidant. She hilarious, and I relate to using humor as a coping mechanism just like she does. One thing I admire about the author is that she decides to take you on Joan's timeline from age 15-22. Most fantasy style books occur over the span of a week to a month and all of this crazy stuff happens. Not Katelyn Anderson. She spreads Joan's life out like she's leading you with bread crumbs to the next big event. We see Joan's pain and hurt and how that shapes her into the weapon she becomes. The way the events take place in Joan's life feels incredibly realistic, and it's portrayed very well.
I can't wait to reread this book over and over again, soaking up anything I missed on my first round through. I think huge things are in store for Joan, and I plan on being there for the ride. Keep your emotions in check while reading because you're not only going to laugh out loud numerous times, but you're going to be pissed, and probably cry your eyeballs out as well. 5 stars wasn't enough.
The thing that I love most about Joan is her sense of humor. We live in her mind, and get to hear every single dry, witty, and snarky comment she thinks about. She reels you in because she feels like your best friend, your sister, your confidant. She hilarious, and I relate to using humor as a coping mechanism just like she does. One thing I admire about the author is that she decides to take you on Joan's timeline from age 15-22. Most fantasy style books occur over the span of a week to a month and all of this crazy stuff happens. Not Katelyn Anderson. She spreads Joan's life out like she's leading you with bread crumbs to the next big event. We see Joan's pain and hurt and how that shapes her into the weapon she becomes. The way the events take place in Joan's life feels incredibly realistic, and it's portrayed very well.
I can't wait to reread this book over and over again, soaking up anything I missed on my first round through. I think huge things are in store for Joan, and I plan on being there for the ride. Keep your emotions in check while reading because you're not only going to laugh out loud numerous times, but you're going to be pissed, and probably cry your eyeballs out as well. 5 stars wasn't enough.
June 1, 2017
PNR meets La Femme Nikita
There is a war going on between humans and Immortals with the powerful and influencial "Agency" being at the forefront of the war against Immortals. The Council is the organization belonging to the mages that have done nothing to interfere in the conflict.
Joan is a immortal/mage hybrid that has been hidden away from society by her parents. Apparently there is a prophecy regarding a young, unregistered Immortal that will take down The Agency and bring about world peace. Somehow the agency suspects the whereabouts of the prophecy child after an interview with Joan's father, raids Joan's house, and kills her family. Joan is rescued by her mother's coven, and housed by her uncle, Damian (who happens to be an extremely powerful mage with connections to The Council.)
Joan swears to avenge her murdered family and bring down The Agency. Trained by another infamous Immortal/mage hybrid assassin, Cyrus, she accquires the skills to accomplish her goals.
*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Joan is extremely immature from the start. She's only 15 when all these events take place. We see her go through training, and eventually reach young adulthood, yet she's still overtly snarky and childish. She's always complaining about what a dangerous psycho Cyrus is, yet developes an attraction to him. Once she turns 18, Cyrus finally reveals his feelings for her, and after giving her virginity to the assassin, something that the reader might have missed had it not been mentioned pages later, the two spit because it will endanger "the mission." Cyrus promises to continue the relationship via the dream world using his power, but that isn't good enough for Joan.
After an entire book of emotional ups and downs, Joan loses everything she's worked for, and almost everyone she cares about, with no resolution in sight. Not sure where the author will go from here, but I might be willing to check out the next books.
3.5 ⭐
There is a war going on between humans and Immortals with the powerful and influencial "Agency" being at the forefront of the war against Immortals. The Council is the organization belonging to the mages that have done nothing to interfere in the conflict.
Joan is a immortal/mage hybrid that has been hidden away from society by her parents. Apparently there is a prophecy regarding a young, unregistered Immortal that will take down The Agency and bring about world peace. Somehow the agency suspects the whereabouts of the prophecy child after an interview with Joan's father, raids Joan's house, and kills her family. Joan is rescued by her mother's coven, and housed by her uncle, Damian (who happens to be an extremely powerful mage with connections to The Council.)
Joan swears to avenge her murdered family and bring down The Agency. Trained by another infamous Immortal/mage hybrid assassin, Cyrus, she accquires the skills to accomplish her goals.
*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Joan is extremely immature from the start. She's only 15 when all these events take place. We see her go through training, and eventually reach young adulthood, yet she's still overtly snarky and childish. She's always complaining about what a dangerous psycho Cyrus is, yet developes an attraction to him. Once she turns 18, Cyrus finally reveals his feelings for her, and after giving her virginity to the assassin, something that the reader might have missed had it not been mentioned pages later, the two spit because it will endanger "the mission." Cyrus promises to continue the relationship via the dream world using his power, but that isn't good enough for Joan.
After an entire book of emotional ups and downs, Joan loses everything she's worked for, and almost everyone she cares about, with no resolution in sight. Not sure where the author will go from here, but I might be willing to check out the next books.
3.5 ⭐
May 25, 2017
Everlasting Flame really was a (good. great. amazing) surprise. The story is complexe and full of events, far away from the "simple but nice" novel you could expect with a teenager as main character.
I loved Joan sass, her personality, between fierce and fragile, someone extraordinary, but also someone you're able to identify to. You can see her evolution, and that's amazing. I admit I would have love to see more of her uncle's heritage, but I'll stop there, because, well, no spoiler intended ;) I'm sure book 2 or 3 will satisfy this point. Because of course, I'm so eager to read the sequel...
But back to this book, I really loved it, I think it digs deep into human (or immortal) soul, without manichean points of view, entertaining us but also making us think, which is definitely a good point. Sometimes it may seem long, and it's true some information may seem to miss in our head, but trust the author, because 1) this is worth it and 2) I'm sure we'll have them in due time!
The characters are all interesting, and well, sexy ones are to be expected... ;) I have mixed feelings about them (the sexy ones ;) ): okay, I love them all but I'm struggling with which one I'm loving most. A certain someone disappointed me a little bit (make up for this, you-I-won't-name!). And I'm sure another one will surprise me ;)
Magic, epic fights, love and hate, good and bad feelings, and so much more to come... This is a first book, but this is also a must read!
I loved Joan sass, her personality, between fierce and fragile, someone extraordinary, but also someone you're able to identify to. You can see her evolution, and that's amazing. I admit I would have love to see more of her uncle's heritage, but I'll stop there, because, well, no spoiler intended ;) I'm sure book 2 or 3 will satisfy this point. Because of course, I'm so eager to read the sequel...
But back to this book, I really loved it, I think it digs deep into human (or immortal) soul, without manichean points of view, entertaining us but also making us think, which is definitely a good point. Sometimes it may seem long, and it's true some information may seem to miss in our head, but trust the author, because 1) this is worth it and 2) I'm sure we'll have them in due time!
The characters are all interesting, and well, sexy ones are to be expected... ;) I have mixed feelings about them (the sexy ones ;) ): okay, I love them all but I'm struggling with which one I'm loving most. A certain someone disappointed me a little bit (make up for this, you-I-won't-name!). And I'm sure another one will surprise me ;)
Magic, epic fights, love and hate, good and bad feelings, and so much more to come... This is a first book, but this is also a must read!
May 26, 2017
In a world where Immortals are hunted and magic is an unspoken reality, 15 year old Joan craves to be free, to live in a world where Humans and Immortals coexist. Hidden away from those that would threaten her young life by her parents, Joan's world is flipped upside down when the unspeakable happens and she loses everything.
We get to watch Joan turn from a child into a woman, from a timid emotional young girl into a strong unstoppable woman, experience love and friendship, and have her heart broken over and over in her self imposed mission to make her world safer for those of her kind.
This book was a great read, and a great first in what looks to be a fantastic series. Starting as a young adult, it grows into an urban fantasy that I was surprised to love. Emotions run wild, and you'll find yourself feeling what Joan feels; heart break and joy, pain and peace.
I can't wait to see where Miss Anderson takes us in the next installment.
4 fantastic stars!
We get to watch Joan turn from a child into a woman, from a timid emotional young girl into a strong unstoppable woman, experience love and friendship, and have her heart broken over and over in her self imposed mission to make her world safer for those of her kind.
This book was a great read, and a great first in what looks to be a fantastic series. Starting as a young adult, it grows into an urban fantasy that I was surprised to love. Emotions run wild, and you'll find yourself feeling what Joan feels; heart break and joy, pain and peace.
I can't wait to see where Miss Anderson takes us in the next installment.
4 fantastic stars!
April 20, 2017
Okay so I'm trying to decide how to write this review...... So it took me awhile to get into this book, I just didn't seem to be clicking with the main character, and I was getting really frustrated with her, but then.... all of a sudden.... something happens (no I'm not going to tell you what that something was) but I was hooked to the end. A great read by Katelyn Anderson A new and promising Author and I can't wait to see what else she will bring.
May 26, 2017
I loved this book. It's action packed and addictive. The writing is flawless and the characters just make the story even better. I was drawn to the pages right from the very beginning.
April 15, 2017
Intriguing
Everlasting Flame. Is amazing. From beginning to end one never knows what will happen next. I do wish there was a little more explanation of Joan's reaction to the house and what it looked like but that's the woman in me. I can hardly wait to begin the second book as this ended without much hope.
Everlasting Flame. Is amazing. From beginning to end one never knows what will happen next. I do wish there was a little more explanation of Joan's reaction to the house and what it looked like but that's the woman in me. I can hardly wait to begin the second book as this ended without much hope.
May 22, 2017
What a great book!! Who could tell that a free e-book would be this good?? Loved it.
March 15, 2017
Omg! I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a really good book ( ok, I may be slightly biased towards one character but shhhhhhhhhh ) and everything about it is mesmerizing. It refused to let me go until the very last page, and has a very Men in Black-like feel to it , especially for those who are Tainted Souls. The characters, the plot, the setting.... everything makes me want more, to know more, to read more.
Katelyn is a truly amazing author, and I'm looking forward to so much more !
Signing off,
Promisary
This is a really good book ( ok, I may be slightly biased towards one character but shhhhhhhhhh ) and everything about it is mesmerizing. It refused to let me go until the very last page, and has a very Men in Black-like feel to it , especially for those who are Tainted Souls. The characters, the plot, the setting.... everything makes me want more, to know more, to read more.
Katelyn is a truly amazing author, and I'm looking forward to so much more !
Signing off,
Promisary
April 5, 2017
Good
Good. Fast flowing story. Lots of action, crime, love, every emotion you can think of. I would definitely recommend to all.
Good. Fast flowing story. Lots of action, crime, love, every emotion you can think of. I would definitely recommend to all.
March 19, 2017
Best Book in a Long Time
This story amazingly and thoroughly covers the time the main character, Joan, is 15 until she's in her 20's. This is the best action book with romance ever. It covers a new world with immortals, tainted or mixed mage and immortals, and a few other beings. If you love stories that are long and pull you in, this is that book!!
This story amazingly and thoroughly covers the time the main character, Joan, is 15 until she's in her 20's. This is the best action book with romance ever. It covers a new world with immortals, tainted or mixed mage and immortals, and a few other beings. If you love stories that are long and pull you in, this is that book!!
September 10, 2016
Well now I have a slight hate towards you and your characters but hey the book was super awesome and it was better than I expected. I love how Joan took her tragedy and turned it into an opportunity even though it was taking her towards the wrong path, Lorenzo was always her anchor keeping her light shinning, Cyrus was an jerk and Dane oh don't even get me started it on him. Damian is bad ass! Now lets go to the angel of death, our dear Joan. Her life was a mess from the day she was orphaned yet she became bad ass and I would have loved seeing her become as bad ass as her uncle but Cyrus had to ruing everything even if it was to save her though I understand why he did it and I sure hope so that she becomes the angel of death again and destroy the agency bringing the peace she wants and not end the world like the council thinks she will....
September 28, 2016
Well now I have a slight hate towards you and your characters but hey the book was super awesome and it was better than I expected. I love how Joan took her tragedy and turned it into an opportunity even though it was taking her towards the wrong path, Lorenzo was always her anchor keeping her light shinning, Cyrus was an jerk and Dane oh don't even get me started it on him. Damian is bad ass! Now lets go to the angel of death, our dear Joan. Her life was a mess from the day she was orphaned yet she became bad ass and I would have loved seeing her become as bad ass as her uncle but Cyrus had to ruin everything even if it was to save her though I understand why he did it and I sure hope so that she becomes the angel of death again and destroy the agency bringing the peace she wants and not end the world like the council thinks she will....
September 26, 2016
This book was an enjoyable ride! The characters were great and kept me wanting to read more. I loved the banter and sass between Joan and the others! She seems to do a lot of growing in this book but still has more to sort out with herself. I am disappointed in you Lorenzo…! That’s all I’m saying….! The writing is good but perhaps the book could have been tightened up a little in parts. I got a little confused with the plot and motivations for the characters at times but despite that I was still hooked and wanted to keep reading! I enjoyed this book and am really looking forward to book 2!
September 19, 2016
First off Dick move Cyrus Dick move you double standard ass. Secondly I really loved this book it gave a refreshing on Immortals and magic plus the sass is always welcomed. I liked Joan a lot she reminds me of my Best friend sass. Dane well he's on the same place as Cyrus and both are scared pissed at Damian but hey even I would. aside from that this story was gloriously sassy
May 29, 2017
3.5 stars
This book had me all over the place, I like it, I love it, I wanted to throw it at a wall, I was angry then I was engrossed for like a few pages, and repeat. Why was I so, discombobulated? Well dear friends the book, for me, felt all over the damn place.
The opening was amazing, explosives, and heart breaking. But, it slowed down, the pacing was all over the place. And repetitive, every other chapter I was hearing Joan tell me the same thing over and over again, about her parents death, why she wanted to become an assassin, wanting to make a world a better place, her resolve. I got it the first time. It was too much filler that didn't need to be there. There was over explaining, under explaining, and then there was the weird love plot that I felt had no need to be in there. I was getting a Stockholm syndrome vibe.
Outside of that, I love the overall plot and the world that was created, it's original, and when there was action, it was bloody, exciting and entertaining. I wanted to see more of Joan's training, the time skips were a little bit of a piss off because there was no transition, it just happened. I get that this is a set up book as most first books are, but come on, you just can't skip a year on a dime.
This book needs some more work, filler needs to be cut down and more background on the fighting between humans and immortals, a prologue at the start will help with this. I wanted to know more about how they came about, what happens that made the hunt start.
And Joan is a bit of a Mary-sue, I hate to say it, but that's how I feel. Outside of losing her parents, she had it pretty easy, I say this because there isn't any real detail of how horrible her training was. Her mouthy bratty attitude didn't help with that. I didn't find her all that sassy, she was quick to overreact and it got old. There wasn't enough time spent on devolving her as a character.
But there is so much good in this book, and the potential is there hidden under the filler and time skips. I can see it, almost touch it and that's why I kept reading, I needed to know how she became the villain as the synopsis said.
I am going to read the second book, like I said, I do like this story, there are just sometimes that had me shaking my head. I am in love with the plot, the darkness and hero-turned evil. Outside of my own problems with sometimes, this is truly a one of a kind book that you should take a chance on. Everyone reads differently and what I dislike you might not have a problem with. Take my recommendation that you will get hook on this world, the sinister plot and the spiral of good to evil.
Happy Reading.
E.A. Walsh
This book had me all over the place, I like it, I love it, I wanted to throw it at a wall, I was angry then I was engrossed for like a few pages, and repeat. Why was I so, discombobulated? Well dear friends the book, for me, felt all over the damn place.
The opening was amazing, explosives, and heart breaking. But, it slowed down, the pacing was all over the place. And repetitive, every other chapter I was hearing Joan tell me the same thing over and over again, about her parents death, why she wanted to become an assassin, wanting to make a world a better place, her resolve. I got it the first time. It was too much filler that didn't need to be there. There was over explaining, under explaining, and then there was the weird love plot that I felt had no need to be in there. I was getting a Stockholm syndrome vibe.
Outside of that, I love the overall plot and the world that was created, it's original, and when there was action, it was bloody, exciting and entertaining. I wanted to see more of Joan's training, the time skips were a little bit of a piss off because there was no transition, it just happened. I get that this is a set up book as most first books are, but come on, you just can't skip a year on a dime.
This book needs some more work, filler needs to be cut down and more background on the fighting between humans and immortals, a prologue at the start will help with this. I wanted to know more about how they came about, what happens that made the hunt start.
And Joan is a bit of a Mary-sue, I hate to say it, but that's how I feel. Outside of losing her parents, she had it pretty easy, I say this because there isn't any real detail of how horrible her training was. Her mouthy bratty attitude didn't help with that. I didn't find her all that sassy, she was quick to overreact and it got old. There wasn't enough time spent on devolving her as a character.
But there is so much good in this book, and the potential is there hidden under the filler and time skips. I can see it, almost touch it and that's why I kept reading, I needed to know how she became the villain as the synopsis said.
I am going to read the second book, like I said, I do like this story, there are just sometimes that had me shaking my head. I am in love with the plot, the darkness and hero-turned evil. Outside of my own problems with sometimes, this is truly a one of a kind book that you should take a chance on. Everyone reads differently and what I dislike you might not have a problem with. Take my recommendation that you will get hook on this world, the sinister plot and the spiral of good to evil.
Happy Reading.
E.A. Walsh
March 26, 2017
4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this and decided to share my review on it.
I found this read enjoyable, and loved how ready to take on the world Joan was through the majority of the story line. The love triangle is entrancing and the presence of magic throughout the novel just draws you in as a reader.
I loved this story overall, but felt the writing may have started to branch off into other areas here and there (thus the half star). It always came back to the same place though, so definitely worth a read for you supernatural/paranormal fans out there that are craving a book with a magical twist. I believe Katelyn Anderson is definitely an author I'd be interested in adding to my 'must read' author list as I seek out future fantasy novels to read.
I received a free copy of this and decided to share my review on it.
I found this read enjoyable, and loved how ready to take on the world Joan was through the majority of the story line. The love triangle is entrancing and the presence of magic throughout the novel just draws you in as a reader.
I loved this story overall, but felt the writing may have started to branch off into other areas here and there (thus the half star). It always came back to the same place though, so definitely worth a read for you supernatural/paranormal fans out there that are craving a book with a magical twist. I believe Katelyn Anderson is definitely an author I'd be interested in adding to my 'must read' author list as I seek out future fantasy novels to read.
June 1, 2017
Very good book!
Everlasting Flame is written by Katelyn Anderson
. It is the first book in The Tainted Souls Trilogy. Joan lost her parents in seconds and was thrust into a life with her Uncle Damian who was a mage. Damian made her feel safe and loved but Joan wanted revenge on those who took her parenta from her. Joan finally meets someone willing to train her for that mission, but is that really the life she wants? Does she have another option?
I liked Joan, she was your typical moody teenager in the beginning and grew into an amazing atrong woman throughout the book. I think Lorenzo was my favorite character and his relationship with Joan broke my heart. I can't wait to read the rest of the seriea to see how Joan overcomes the betrayal at the end.
Everlasting Flame is written by Katelyn Anderson
. It is the first book in The Tainted Souls Trilogy. Joan lost her parents in seconds and was thrust into a life with her Uncle Damian who was a mage. Damian made her feel safe and loved but Joan wanted revenge on those who took her parenta from her. Joan finally meets someone willing to train her for that mission, but is that really the life she wants? Does she have another option?
I liked Joan, she was your typical moody teenager in the beginning and grew into an amazing atrong woman throughout the book. I think Lorenzo was my favorite character and his relationship with Joan broke my heart. I can't wait to read the rest of the seriea to see how Joan overcomes the betrayal at the end.
June 5, 2017
Oh wow, this is a new author to me and boy am I glad I found her and this book!! It was awesome! Truly, it was. The author pulls you in right from the beginning and has her hold on you even after the book is finished. The magical essence of it was amazing and I loved the characters. This book had a hold over my emotions like crazy...I was upset, sad, happy, mad, excited, wow'd, etc... The writing was excellent and I could hardly put the book down. I loved Joan from who she was in the beginning to how she grew throughout the book. Basically I loved the book and I cannot wait to read the next one! I give this book 5*****!!
April 20, 2018
Absolutely epic
Let get the cons out of the way.....A few jumps in the timeline that caused some confusion periodically but not for long!! Within a couple of paras you were brought back on line. Otherwise....man what a hell of a story!!! The good guys and bad guys switch...at least from the main character perception. They all use her to their own ends and twist her around ...but she is so strong and makes a success with what she has left. This is most definitely one of those series that would become addictive and it is so well written.....thanks Katelyn for a wonderful escape x
Let get the cons out of the way.....A few jumps in the timeline that caused some confusion periodically but not for long!! Within a couple of paras you were brought back on line. Otherwise....man what a hell of a story!!! The good guys and bad guys switch...at least from the main character perception. They all use her to their own ends and twist her around ...but she is so strong and makes a success with what she has left. This is most definitely one of those series that would become addictive and it is so well written.....thanks Katelyn for a wonderful escape x
June 16, 2018
Interesting story.....
Joan is a tainted being and immortal. Her family destroyed by the Agency. She is only 16, but elects to be trained as an assassin. Her uncle is a deadly, powerful immortal, who saved her more times than she knows. When he is not available, Lorenzo is her backup plan.
Cyrus is her mentor. The objective is to bring down the Agency from the inside. But she must get past Dane, the head of the Agency. Things get complicated then unread as she learns to mix and play with others. Joan finds herself for a little while.
This is an interesting story. I felt bad for this child who single handedly takes on the enemy. She's special. I just hope she lives long enough to appreciate her youth before it's too late.
Read on my friends.
Joan is a tainted being and immortal. Her family destroyed by the Agency. She is only 16, but elects to be trained as an assassin. Her uncle is a deadly, powerful immortal, who saved her more times than she knows. When he is not available, Lorenzo is her backup plan.
Cyrus is her mentor. The objective is to bring down the Agency from the inside. But she must get past Dane, the head of the Agency. Things get complicated then unread as she learns to mix and play with others. Joan finds herself for a little while.
This is an interesting story. I felt bad for this child who single handedly takes on the enemy. She's special. I just hope she lives long enough to appreciate her youth before it's too late.
Read on my friends.
May 14, 2017
Excellent Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It took me a couple chapters to get into rhythm with Joan but once I did I really enjoyed following her journey. The supporting characters are excellent and the writing style is quick and easy to get through (as a mum to two children under 3, this is a godsend!) I can not wait for the next book, I will be pushing it to the top of my TBR pile XD
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It took me a couple chapters to get into rhythm with Joan but once I did I really enjoyed following her journey. The supporting characters are excellent and the writing style is quick and easy to get through (as a mum to two children under 3, this is a godsend!) I can not wait for the next book, I will be pushing it to the top of my TBR pile XD
Read
September 2, 2021Got this as a freebie on Amazon and I'll admit this, I am very happy I did not pay money for this book.
The premise is cool, the idea of immortal beings being hunted by the government because of the imbalance they create in the scheme of power. The hypocrisy of the self-same government using those people to hunt others who try and escape the system was also great, but the writing was not and it was the reason I failed to get very far into this novel before giving up on it.
There's a bit of a prologue but it should have been skipped. All it is the hero, Joan talking about how she wants to change the world. This would've been okay but in the first two chapters alone Joan repeats this over again.
Yes Joan, we realized during the first eighty times you said this that you want to change the world, quit telling us. And on that note, this book was full of telling. When we get a look at Joan's life,
The premise is cool, the idea of immortal beings being hunted by the government because of the imbalance they create in the scheme of power. The hypocrisy of the self-same government using those people to hunt others who try and escape the system was also great, but the writing was not and it was the reason I failed to get very far into this novel before giving up on it.
There's a bit of a prologue but it should have been skipped. All it is the hero, Joan talking about how she wants to change the world. This would've been okay but in the first two chapters alone Joan repeats this over again.
Yes Joan, we realized during the first eighty times you said this that you want to change the world, quit telling us. And on that note, this book was full of telling. When we get a look at Joan's life,
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