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The Alder Tales #3

Hale and Gemini

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*A Paranormal Romance reimagining of Hansel and Gretel*

The third son of the Bear Clan, Hale thought he had his life figured out. He had a stunning bride, his iron faith in the Mother, and has spent the last five years training to be the future clan leader. But when his life comes crashing down around him, Hale knows he can’t stay home.

Leaving behind everyone he’s ever known, Hale is alone with his thoughts as he crosses the Alderwood in search of his sister. Then Gemini—the clan flirt and known gossip—follows him, demanding his protection. She’s just as determined to leave her life behind. Hale doesn’t know what made her leave her sisters or suitor, but he has no choice but to continue with a helpless girl at his side. Neither ever expected just how dangerous the Alderwood could be.

Oblivious of Hale’s departure, Parson and Raene travel to Terrana to ask political favors in exchange for their clan leader’s freedom, but lingering injuries threaten their arrival—and their lives. They’ll need the help of an unlikely ally if they hope to succeed.

A new paranormal romance from RS McCoy, author of The Sparks Saga, The Luminary Chronicles, and The Extraction Files series.

Book Three of The Alder Tales.

388 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2017

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59 people want to read

About the author

R.S. McCoy

20 books203 followers
Rachel McCoy is a Texan living in Baltimore. Between binge-watching MTV reality shows and baking gluten-free treats, she writes paranormal fantasy and science fiction novels.

She is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Sparks Saga trilogy, The Alder Tales series, and The Extraction Files. Back when she lived in the real world, Rachel earned a degree in marine biology, which contributed to her die-hard love of manta rays.

To connect with RS McCoy (or swap recipes), visit her on her website (www.rsmccoyauthor.com) or check out her Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AuthorRSMcCoy). You can also join her newsletter to receive release updates, free stories, and bonus extras (http://eepurl.com/YItp1).

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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews634 followers
July 15, 2017
4.5 Stars
His journey began with a broken heart and broken faith. He was determined to find Blossom, but would he discover what he needed to find was himself? Hale has faced his final heartbreak, but discovers his solo journey of contemplation has been interrupted by Gemini, the aggravating friend of his sister’s. There is something different about the Gemini he sees now, she is stronger, determined and so much more than she was ever given credit for. As they each run from their own demons, they find a companionship and budding trust that could will prove to be more powerful than either could have known. Crossing the Alderwood is dangerous. Highwaymen will do anything to take Gemini for their own purposes, but Hale is there to stand as her protector, even as she reveals a secret she carries and the life she is leaving behind.

Their journey will end in Terrana, but their new lives will truly be just beginning. Family reunions, uncomfortable moments, emotional revelations and the possible freedom of their patriarch from prison, so many changes, so many lives affected, but does the Mother have a plan she has not unveiled? Politics, romance, rivalries and true justice will pepper the tale of HALE AND GEMINI by R.S. McCoy as, one again, she brings the magic of the Alderwood, the Bear Clan and the strength of one family in alignment with the fates and the Mother.

Not a blistering fast read, but one to be savored as each scene brings the fantasy of R.S. McCoy to life.

I received an ARC edition from R.S. McCoy in exchange for my honest review.

Series: The Alder Tales - Book 3
Publication Date: July 18, 2017
Publisher: R.S. McCoy
Genre: Fantasy | Folk Tales
Print Length: 326 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,594 reviews239 followers
July 18, 2017
This is my first introduction to this series. I was worried having not read the prior two novels that I would get lost and not have as good an experience had I followed this series from the beginning. As I have experienced this before. Yet, I was able to truly jump right into this series. In fact, it felt like I had been with all of the characters from the beginning. It was so smooth to jump into this story and follow along with Hale and Gemini.

The shape shifting ability that each character possessed was great. There was of course the bears, which Hale was one. Then there was Gem who was a hare. There is also a tiger, elk, and falcon to name some others.

Although, back to Hale and Gem. Hale is a powerful protector, yet he could also show his tender side and even be put in his place by Gem. She may be a hare but she had lots of spunk. I loved Gem for her spunk. Again, having not read any of the other books, when the other characters voices and stories were told in this book, it felt natural. Additionally, they played roles in this story as a whole as well. I am a fan. I plan to grab the first two books to read until the fourth one is released. Hale and Gem forever.
Profile Image for iamnotabookworm.
402 reviews16 followers
November 10, 2017
It's live ! RS McCoy's third installment of the Alder Tales is finally out. Congratulations RS McCoy!

This is a re-imagining of the story of Hansel and Gretel. In this case, they are not siblings but rather friends - childhood friends who grew up together.

I have waited for this book to come out. The story just keeps getting better and better-more interesting, more engrossing and more surprising. I just love the surprises that came with this book. Things are looking really really good. Everything seems to be hopeful. But like all good things, they get worse before they get better. My favorite characters in this story had to go through pain, heartbreak and sorrow before they finally find the reason behind what fate had given them. And in the end, it all worked out for the best. Of the three books, this is probably the most hopeful, things are looking up and getting brighter for the Franes. But then again, classic RS McCoy leaves the readers open-mouthed and tongue-tied because something unexpected happened before this book closes. And that makes the readers even more addicted to this story.

Let's talk about Hale and Gemini. Hale is Blossom's third older brother and Gemini is Blossom's best friend. Hale used to comb and plait Gemini's hair when they were younger since Hale is Blossom's default bodyguard. He goes where Blossom and Gemini are. And since Blossom and Gemini are inseparable, Gemini sort of became Hale's adopted little sister. But that kind of relationship changed when they left the Alder forest to runaway from their pains and the reminders of these pains. Unexpectedly, these two were thrown together and in turn formed a bond that is different from what they had. A far stronger bond. Gemini became Hale's companion and the only person who understood what he was going through. And Hale, promised to protect and keep Gemini safe from all that threatened to take her away or harm her.

This book is more than what I was hoping for. It gave me more than I wanted and turned the story into a very fascinating adventure and quest for purpose. Each character started with a mission to find what other purpose s/he has to fulfill in life. Why s/he was given this specific lot and why not the other way around? As the story came to an end, they were answered. At this point in the story, everyone seemed to have found their place and things have sort of fallen into place. Which in truth what every reader expects or wishes for every story but in this case, you never see it coming. I never expected that things will be resolved because the story is far from over. And I understand, because some other issues took their place. New hurdles are to be overcome. This is good news because there is definitely another book. I hope this story does not end with the next book. I think two or three more books will do.

I give this book 5/5 tattoos of trees. I just love how this story is unraveling and progressing. I have no complaints. It is far more than I could ever imagine it to be. I am looking forward to the next three books of this series. Please... RS McCoy let there be more of this series. I am so privileged to have read this series from the start and I am hoping that I would be able to see this through to the end. I will make sure of it. Thank you so much RS McCoy for the ARC. Again, Congratulations! This is absolutely fantastic!

His life was nothing more than the rubble after an earthquake. Each piece was recognizable as something it had been before, but every facet of him was shattered.
Profile Image for Katelyn Bolds.
Author 1 book77 followers
March 2, 2018
I absolutely tore through this book and the other four in the series in a matter of days. R.S. McCoy has a gift for writing bewitching characters and forbidden romance. This retelling of Hansel and Gretel is not my favorite of the series, but I still very much enjoyed reading it.

I received an ARC.
Profile Image for Brittney Jenson.
7 reviews
August 4, 2017
"Hale and Gemini" is book 3 in the dystopian/fairytale retelling series "The Alder Tales". I have really enjoyed this series and each book is better and better in my opinion.

Each book takes a fairytale as its focus (Blossom and the Beast = Beauty and the Beast, Renee and the Three Bears = Goldielocks and the Three Bears, Hale and Gemini = Hansel and Gretel) and each one has a great, slow burning, YA level romance in it amidst turmoil and a unique civilization.

In the Alder Tales, each person is granted the ability to shift into an animal after an injection on their 18th birthday. Each person also retains a level of their animal counter part in human form, for instance if you are a bat you would be able to hear well even as a human, if you were a bear you have a heightened sense of smell, etc. Predatory animals are highly coveted, and lesser prey animals ... still have some good qualities, but they are significantly less coveted.

Each book in this series has a unique set of main characters, but it also continues the plot of the pervious books and it's going to be hard to give this one a full review while avoiding spoilers so pardon me if I'm a little vague and leave out character names.

I will say this romance was my favorite of any of them, and I love the time that R.S. McCoy has taken to let her characters get to know each other a before they are full on head over heels. I also love how unique the romances in each book have been.

We've got a great cast of genuine characters in this series and in this book especially I feel like Blossom has really grown up, and rather than pouting about how difficult things are and throwing a fit about wanting her old life back she has straitened her spine and done what needed to be done.

Gemini sounds like she would be awesome to meet in person, she friendly and fun, but also strong enough to plow forward despite some near crippling (and well deserved) fears.

And finally I really liked the humanity of Renee, she knows there were consequences for her actions in the previous books and she's fighting hard to make things right, and do everything she can to help.

Ha, ha, ha... sorry this is the most vague review. Bottom line, we've got three well thought out, well executed YA level romances (kissing and fade to black), three kick A** females, three fun plots that occasionally overlap, and characters that show a lot of growth through each book and the series just gets better and better.

The final book in the series "The Snow Owl" will be released in 2018 and I'm really looking forward to it.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,193 reviews119 followers
July 18, 2017
Hale and Gemini is the fairytale retelling of Hansel and Gretel, written in R.S. McCoy's inimitable style. It is the third book in The Alder Tales series, and although I would say you don't 'have' to have read those to understand the story, you will benefit immensely from reading books one and two, plus you get the added bonus of reading fantastic stories.

What to say about this one? My first thought was "poor Hale". He got put through the wringer in the previous book, and you can't even be annoyed with Raene for doing so. He makes the decision to leave Clan land and travel to Pyrona, in the hope of reuniting with his sister, Blossom, not realising that her story has moved her on from there. Gemini follows him for her own reasons, and through arguments and disagreements, these two become friends with the possibility of more.

I LOVE THIS SERIES! Every story is different, and yes it's a retelling, but no it's not 'usual'. This world is unique (as far as I am aware), with characters that are simply amazing. Each section has people that you will loathe and love, sometimes both! The world-building is second to none, and the political scheming constantly has me amazed.

It was with a smile on my face that I read about Kaide and Blossom! Seriously, I NEED these two to be happy! Parson and Raene continue to delight, and then we have Hale and Gemini.

Fair Warning - this book ends on one helluva cliffhanger. It should be against the law! ;) A fantastic read that updates you on past pairings, gives full attention to the new story, whilst leaving you wanting more. I definitely can't wait for book 4! Highly recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Profile Image for Patricia Hamill.
Author 16 books100 followers
August 5, 2017
This is a fantastic continuation of the series. Hale and Gemini is book three in The Alder Tales, stories set in a post-war future where mankind has branched off into groups closely related to their animal totems. The story continues with Blossom and Kaide, Parson and Raene, but adds in Hale and Gemini, who have both decided to leave their clan for good.

I love how the main characters from the previous books are revisited and their stories continue to progress, particularly Blossom’s. It kind of blew me away what happens with her, and for me, it’s the Blossom and Beast story that pulls me from book to book.

That being said, I enjoyed Hale and Gemini. Hale is a bit more interesting than Gemini. He’s abandoned everything he’s ever believed in, but Gemini, timid and prone to running, turns him around. Their story is deep, one of growth and overcoming personal obstacles, though there’s plenty of action, too.

Parson and Raene, while featured a bit in their quest, take a back seat in this one, even though they are allotted a fair share of chapters. Their main purpose seems to give the reader another peek into the stories of the other couples. It worked for me. I really was more interested in the others in this one.

Overall, I loved this book, particularly the spike in action, the progression of the previous tales, and the deeper story of Hale and Gemini’s literal and figurative egress from the Alderwood. I strongly recommend this series to folks who enjoy paranormal romance with a touch of science fiction.

I would strongly recommend that readers new to the series start at the beginning.

I received this as an ARC from author. This review was written for the blog at PureTextuality.com.
Profile Image for Angela Meas.
Author 1 book200 followers
August 4, 2017
When the SPFBO challenge began, I picked Blossom and the Beast from the pile as a unique read I wanted to give a go and Rachel McCoy was so kind as to offer a copy of a book from her Alder Tales series for review!

I have yet to read Blossom and the Beast, or its sequel, but I have just finished the newest book to the series, Hale and Gemini.

Sadly, the first Alder Tales book, Blossom and the Beast, won't be advancing any further in the SPFBO competition, but that doesn't mean this series wasn't a worthy opponent!

The book was very well written and is a lovely, imaginative tale of beastly transformations, heartache, and holding firm to your beliefs and who you are.

If you don't like cliffhangers, then maybe wait until the fourth and final book arrives to get started on this series because OMG, cliffhangers are evil.

I didn't feel I was missing any huge chunk of information by not having read the first two, but there sure is a hell of a lot missing now waiting for the next book!
Profile Image for Tina.
55 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2018
I feel like I am saying nearly the same about every book: I liked the story, but I am still not getting the retelling part. This one seems further away from the original than the others, but by now I don't care anymore as I like the characters and the stories.

As well as in the second book, I am craving more Blossom + Kaide. I really hope the last book will give me enough to fill my needs :D

It took me until this book (yes, I am that slow) to finally put my finger on, what the state-system reminds me of: Divergent Series! The whole setup of branches, their traits and jobs are very similar to the divergent factions. Not saying it's a bad thing, I am sure there was something equal to it before Divergent cam along, but it was a light-bulb turning on above my head when I finally realised... like I said, I am slow.

Aaaaanyway, there were several moments in this book where I was just "wait what?!", I thought some behavior was a bit odd for a character here and there, but I am sure in the end it makes sense.
On to book #4!
Profile Image for Karen Harper.
383 reviews
July 25, 2017
My first thought when I finished “Hale & Gemini” was ‘How long will I have to wait until I can read the next book in this amazing series?’

I admit it took me a little longer to get into the third book in The Alder Tales Series, but that was because this book didn’t just involve Hale and Gemini, but the characters I’ve come to know and love: Blossom and Kaide, Raene and Parson. I didn’t like going back and forth between these characters as they each undertook their personal journeys. But that didn’t last long.

Even though I knew most of these characters well, Gemini was still a bit of an enigma to me. To say I was glad I got to know and fall in love with her is an understatement. Hale and Gemini became my new favourite couple. I loved their story! I was Team Hale & Gemini the whole way, even before they were.

My only problem now is I can’t wait to read the next book.

I gave Hale & Gemini 5 beautiful stars.

Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
Profile Image for Clarice.
400 reviews6 followers
July 11, 2017
This has to be one of my favorite series! I love how different it is to anything else I have read. It's kind of like twisting together Hunger Games with shape shifters. Why Hunger Games? Because of how they are divided into districts. And the districts are each different. I see the same thing in this series but with totally different elements. I love how they are all shape shifters as adults because of a shot they receive, which gives each person their totem. Some shocking things about Blossom's totem comes out in this book and I was so happy to see the whole gang featured in this book. Hale and Gemini have quite the story and it is by far not a traditional relationship/story with those two. The end is a complete cliff hanger that left me wanting to yell, "No!!!" But overall, it was a great read!
254 reviews30 followers
August 22, 2017
This was a great read and a real page turner. Da gets arrested and Parson sets out to help free him. Meanwhile Hale leaves and Gemini follows him, setting them up for a trying adventure on the way to Pyronia. There are a lot of major events in this book that really propel the series forward and a ton of reveals (including what happens with Blossom and Kaide). I really liked everything here...the fantasy setting, the world building, the pacing, and the great characters. This book just makes the series all the more valuable and it is going to be one of my new favorites.This review was originally posted on MichaelSciFan
Profile Image for Brian.
28 reviews
May 10, 2018
Another great read from R.S. McCoy. I truly enjoyed this story from start to finish. If you enjoy story with action twist and turns and even a bit of romance I recommend this story.
Follow Hale and Gemini as they try to find Hales younger sister after there father was taken for crimes that he has already been given the clear on. They try to find her to get the help they need to free there father from prison.
Follow them on there adventure through dangers they never new existed into a world they are completely unfamiliar with and unprepared for. See there love bloom as they fight to save each other on this journey of discovery and forgiveness.
Profile Image for Bookish_Sally.
391 reviews10 followers
July 4, 2017
I don't think my heart can handle this!!!!! I love this series so much!!! This is book 3 Hale and Gemini in the Alder Tales series. Book 1 Blossom and the Beast and book 2 Raene and the 3 Bears. This series is best read in order to get the full effect of everything. I loved how each book touches back with previous characters from the first 2 books and brings everyone together to show the reader what is going on in their lives. The angst, the drama, the excitement, the emotion... it's all beautifully perfect for this series. I can't wait for book 4!
Profile Image for Terri Oconnell.
303 reviews11 followers
July 16, 2017
This is the third in the series and I loved it just as much as the first two. This focuses on Hale, upset over Raene choosing his brother, leaves the village unaware Gemini is following him. The two find themselves in danger time and time again as someone appears to be stalking them. The convey meanwhile is trying to rescue Da and Blossom is trying to meet with her Beast. Although There are many storylines going but the author manages to make them all flow together with ease. I can't wait for the last book to see if everyone gets a HEA.
Profile Image for Becky Price.
717 reviews45 followers
July 19, 2017
I am so sad that the next book will be the last, but I am also so excited to read it too. I don't want this series to end, but I cannot wait for some resolutions! You would think that adding two more characters in this alternating POV series would be seriously confusing, but it was actually very easy to follow. The characters are very easy to identify and are vastly different. I didn't have trouble following it at all. Hale and Gemini were great characters to add in the mix and I am excited to see where their lives take them. I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE SNOW OWL!!!
5 reviews
July 26, 2017
Wonderful

Once again R. S. McCoy has brought us into her wonderful world of complex romance. She weaves a beautiful tail of love, betrayal, and a very strict political world with characters that draw you into their lives. So much so that left me excited to turn every page. I can't wait for the next installment to find out the next plot twist.
Profile Image for Courtney Pletcher.
162 reviews43 followers
December 19, 2017
I am in love with this series. The characters are so good and undergo such amazing personal growth unique to their situations. I read this book in two days, I couldn’t put it down! Each book gets progressively better! This is by far my favorite in the Alder Tales Saga! It is so good (did I already say that? It’s that good). This is definitely a series that I am recommending!
Profile Image for Terry Spears.
15 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2017
Wow just wow!!! I am so anxiously awaiting the next book!! This come to love story is a real nail biter!
Profile Image for Jessica.
503 reviews
September 2, 2018
Addicted

Hello, my name is Jessica and I’m an Alder Tales addict. Seriously, I’m just devouring this series and I can’t get enough. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
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