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Paranormal Huntress #1
Never Look Back
USA Today Bestselling author, W.J. May, brings you to a new level of fantasy. Fans of Underworld and paranormal worlds will love this story!
"The wise learn many things from their enemies."
My name's Atlanta Skolar, and I’m a huntress. No, not the vampire-slaying type, or the ever-brooding Winchester brothers from Supernatural. I live a relatively normal life—during the day at least. I go to school, have friends, and try my best to survive Uncle James’ horrendous cooking.
However, the nights in the city of Calen are not always calm. There’s a thin veil between our world and the world of monsters, the good and the bad. I'm one of the few who stands between the two. With the help of my uncle, who’s taken me in since my parents’ deaths, I spend the nights making sure the balance is maintained and that each side keeps to their respective places.
At least, that was until something rattled the cages and everything hit the fan. There’s a new evil in town, an evil that's been here before, and it may be responsible for my parents’ deaths. An evil that isn’t satisfied with the balance. It'll do all it can to make sure darkness falls over Calen and the rest of the world once again.
Scary? That ain't the half of it.
It’s particularly interested in me.
Why? No idea.
But it’s my job as a huntress to make sure the evil is stopped, no matter what.
Paranormal Huntress Series:
Never Look Back
Coven Master
Alpha's Permision
"The wise learn many things from their enemies."
My name's Atlanta Skolar, and I’m a huntress. No, not the vampire-slaying type, or the ever-brooding Winchester brothers from Supernatural. I live a relatively normal life—during the day at least. I go to school, have friends, and try my best to survive Uncle James’ horrendous cooking.
However, the nights in the city of Calen are not always calm. There’s a thin veil between our world and the world of monsters, the good and the bad. I'm one of the few who stands between the two. With the help of my uncle, who’s taken me in since my parents’ deaths, I spend the nights making sure the balance is maintained and that each side keeps to their respective places.
At least, that was until something rattled the cages and everything hit the fan. There’s a new evil in town, an evil that's been here before, and it may be responsible for my parents’ deaths. An evil that isn’t satisfied with the balance. It'll do all it can to make sure darkness falls over Calen and the rest of the world once again.
Scary? That ain't the half of it.
It’s particularly interested in me.
Why? No idea.
But it’s my job as a huntress to make sure the evil is stopped, no matter what.
Paranormal Huntress Series:
Never Look Back
Coven Master
Alpha's Permision
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2017
240 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
W.J. May
236 books1,187 followers Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. Crazy-happy childhood, she always has had a vivid imagination and loads of energy.
The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.
At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.
But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occassion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the travelling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favourite past time.
Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories.
Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelain (one of the business' website: www.wadeincanada.com ).
After her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.
Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - will be available October 2011 by kNight Romance Publishing.
She is currently represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.
At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.
But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occassion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the travelling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favourite past time.
Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories.
Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelain (one of the business' website: www.wadeincanada.com ).
After her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.
Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan - will be available October 2011 by kNight Romance Publishing.
She is currently represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 26, 2018
Atlanta is a Hunter, a Slayer, a Druid and perhaps even a Witch. She's also at school and whilst she lacks a team of 'Scoobies' she most definitely reminded me at times of a certain tv heroine. Yes there's a guardian to watch over her and yes we get Vampires and Werewolves too. Perhaps the most original thing here though is her enemy and exactly what they are capable of. I liked the ideas but occasionally the execution felt a wee bit disjointed. There are surprises along the way but it's a huge cliff hanger leaving this reader feeling let down.
July 10, 2017
This book was a unique twist on vampires and weres, including the Druids who add an interesting element to this mix. Atlanta is a slayer with a frightening and overwhelming destiny that at times is almost too much for her to bear. Befriending both vampires and weres, she faces a new enemy that will test her in every way.
I liked her character but at times wished she spoke out more often about what she felt and thought. This novel is the first in a series so I understand why we are left with more questions than answers. There seemed to be some missing details that could have deepened the storyline and connection to Atlanta without giving anything away. All in all, I like the book and can't wait for the sequel. And that ending, wow! As a fan of the Chronicles of Kerrigan and having read all of those books, I was hoping for more with this one. Still, I don't think it will disappoint.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I liked her character but at times wished she spoke out more often about what she felt and thought. This novel is the first in a series so I understand why we are left with more questions than answers. There seemed to be some missing details that could have deepened the storyline and connection to Atlanta without giving anything away. All in all, I like the book and can't wait for the sequel. And that ending, wow! As a fan of the Chronicles of Kerrigan and having read all of those books, I was hoping for more with this one. Still, I don't think it will disappoint.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2017
Werewolves, Vampires, Druids and Witches. Who could ask for anything more. A very good book with great characters. Bring on the next one.
August 14, 2017
Note: I received an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.
I never include in any review spoilers of any kind..so you won't find that here.
Now if you've never read anything by the author this is a great start. W.J. May is at it again with an amazing series, and yes I say this after just having read this one book. It's paranormal, with a touch of love interest thrown in and of course somehow she throws in mystery too.
It's got an amazing main lead (a female of course) and a totally interesting plot/world she's created too. It's well written and of course I can say I rarely put down the book - I just had to know what would happen next.
The downside to it all? It's only the 1st in the series, so here I am awaiting "patiently" for the next, because I very much enjoyed this book.
In conclusion, be it brief as its as simple as you should definitely pick the book up if you like paranormal romance/mystery type books or if you're a fan of the author too! You won't be disappointing, goodness I'll probably read this book a couple of times between now and its sequel.
I never include in any review spoilers of any kind..so you won't find that here.
Now if you've never read anything by the author this is a great start. W.J. May is at it again with an amazing series, and yes I say this after just having read this one book. It's paranormal, with a touch of love interest thrown in and of course somehow she throws in mystery too.
It's got an amazing main lead (a female of course) and a totally interesting plot/world she's created too. It's well written and of course I can say I rarely put down the book - I just had to know what would happen next.
The downside to it all? It's only the 1st in the series, so here I am awaiting "patiently" for the next, because I very much enjoyed this book.
In conclusion, be it brief as its as simple as you should definitely pick the book up if you like paranormal romance/mystery type books or if you're a fan of the author too! You won't be disappointing, goodness I'll probably read this book a couple of times between now and its sequel.
July 7, 2017
A decent start to a new series. There are a lot of unanswered questions and this book was interesting enough to make me want to continue reading.
The heroine of the book is likable enough. She's had a rough life so far, but she gets by with the help of her Uncle, who's raised her. She has a best friend I wasn't very fond of but whatever. There's a relationship or two that need a bit more explanation IMHO, but again this is just the first book.
I like the overall premise of the book; you don't get Druids very often!
Pacing was decent. I think some things were too obvious while others left me puzzled. I'd like to see where the author takes this!
The heroine of the book is likable enough. She's had a rough life so far, but she gets by with the help of her Uncle, who's raised her. She has a best friend I wasn't very fond of but whatever. There's a relationship or two that need a bit more explanation IMHO, but again this is just the first book.
I like the overall premise of the book; you don't get Druids very often!
Pacing was decent. I think some things were too obvious while others left me puzzled. I'd like to see where the author takes this!
May 26, 2017
Book was fantastic!! Loved the characters!! Book had my attention from beginning to end!! Can't wait for the remaining books!!!
July 1, 2017
I just wanted to say that i love this author. She has always engaged me in all her books. Which I have read more than half her books, almost all of them, and have never been let down. And this one did not let me down at all. With enough of a back story to keep me turning pages this is going to be a real good series. You meet our young lady, in high school, with some very important secrets to keep from her best friend. But when an ancient enemy finally decides to come back, her uncle is frantic to keep the peace that has held up when the druids came to help. Now that they are getting just a glimmer of what they can do, and the fate of the town not looking too good. What is a clueless girl to do?
Defiantly worth the read, I am going to pre-order this series which the next book releases soon.
Defiantly worth the read, I am going to pre-order this series which the next book releases soon.
June 29, 2017
I love this book. Atlanta is a huntress. She lives in a town that is full of supernatural history. Her uncle took her in when she was young and trains her to protect the town. She is a high school student by day and a huntress by night. She has to deal with werewolves and vampires to maintain the peace in the town. A must read to find out more about Atlanta and those around her. Why did her uncle have to take her in? Who is her best friend? W. J. May makes her characters very interesting with unique abilities and backgrounds. I always get caught up in the world she creates for her characters and I love their personalities and interactions. If you have ever read one of W.J. May's books before then you will love this book too, if not and you enjoy this one, then you'll want to her other books too.
June 7, 2017
Downloaded this on a whim from Instafreebies.
First, I offer my sincere apologies for the author as I hate leaving bad reviews, but I did not enjoy this book even a little. I gave it 2 stars, because I actually managed to read up to the 75% mark. I know you're probably thinking, why didn't you just keep going, but I honestly couldn't. My eyes were glazing over with boredom and I just had to stop reading.
The first thing that bothered me was the cover/title of the book. The title was intriguing enough, but in my opinion was the opposite of what happened in the book. The book is called Never Look Back and yet, in the book, all the characters seemed to be doing was looking to the past for answers. They all seemed to second guess themselves and this doesn't ring true for me when the book is called Never Look Back.....plus, the actual cover art of the book, not a fan.
Secondly was the writing. I don't know if the author was trying to hard to be lyrical or what, but some of the statements/sentences just made absolutely no sense to me. For example on page 60/137 "they talked for hours as the hands of time slowly made moved forward" and also pg. 92/137 "her clothes in the wardrobe were a perfect reflection of the spectrum of dispersed white light" ??? Huh?
SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT
Lastly, the characters. No depth to them whatsoever. We have Atlanta (love the name tho, which is partly why I chose to read this story) and her Uncle James who are Druids that help keep the peace; Colin & Ryan, who represent the werewolves, and also Marcus who represents the vamps. Plus an array of side characters. There was no real explanation as to who they were and how they came to be. Atlanta learned that she was a Druid when she was 12, but yet her Uncle still refuses to tell her everything she needs to know about their situation and the supernaturals they are "Sworn to Protect". Atlanta at times bothered me. At the beginning of the book, she was almost blase about this Ryan dude that her best friend was drooling over. Her & Skylar are supposed to be best friends, yet best friend has no idea that Atlanta actually KNOWS her crush? They acted like complete strangers to each. Then Suddenly she seemed to be head over heels in love with Ryan (after spending a few hours together). Then suddenly, he's dating her best friend and she's all forlorn and upset. Not really sure where or how that happened. Plus, one other thing that bugged me for some reason. There was a scene of Atlanta & her Uncle driving through the tunnels on bikes (I am assuming motorcycles as this wasn't clarified) and the author made a comment about them "riding in silence the whole way". Well ya. I've never been on a motorcycle, but I can only imagine it's a bit difficult to carry on a conversation, especially if you are both riding one. I could keep going, but this is all that stood out after I decided to stop reading it.
Otherwise, I really and truly wanted to enjoy this story, but I just found that I was "forcing" myself to read it and I wasn't enjoying it. I would say its definitely a pass for me and I will not read anything else by the author. Terribly sorry, but this was just a terrible read.
First, I offer my sincere apologies for the author as I hate leaving bad reviews, but I did not enjoy this book even a little. I gave it 2 stars, because I actually managed to read up to the 75% mark. I know you're probably thinking, why didn't you just keep going, but I honestly couldn't. My eyes were glazing over with boredom and I just had to stop reading.
The first thing that bothered me was the cover/title of the book. The title was intriguing enough, but in my opinion was the opposite of what happened in the book. The book is called Never Look Back and yet, in the book, all the characters seemed to be doing was looking to the past for answers. They all seemed to second guess themselves and this doesn't ring true for me when the book is called Never Look Back.....plus, the actual cover art of the book, not a fan.
Secondly was the writing. I don't know if the author was trying to hard to be lyrical or what, but some of the statements/sentences just made absolutely no sense to me. For example on page 60/137 "they talked for hours as the hands of time slowly made moved forward" and also pg. 92/137 "her clothes in the wardrobe were a perfect reflection of the spectrum of dispersed white light" ??? Huh?
SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT
Lastly, the characters. No depth to them whatsoever. We have Atlanta (love the name tho, which is partly why I chose to read this story) and her Uncle James who are Druids that help keep the peace; Colin & Ryan, who represent the werewolves, and also Marcus who represents the vamps. Plus an array of side characters. There was no real explanation as to who they were and how they came to be. Atlanta learned that she was a Druid when she was 12, but yet her Uncle still refuses to tell her everything she needs to know about their situation and the supernaturals they are "Sworn to Protect". Atlanta at times bothered me. At the beginning of the book, she was almost blase about this Ryan dude that her best friend was drooling over. Her & Skylar are supposed to be best friends, yet best friend has no idea that Atlanta actually KNOWS her crush? They acted like complete strangers to each. Then Suddenly she seemed to be head over heels in love with Ryan (after spending a few hours together). Then suddenly, he's dating her best friend and she's all forlorn and upset. Not really sure where or how that happened. Plus, one other thing that bugged me for some reason. There was a scene of Atlanta & her Uncle driving through the tunnels on bikes (I am assuming motorcycles as this wasn't clarified) and the author made a comment about them "riding in silence the whole way". Well ya. I've never been on a motorcycle, but I can only imagine it's a bit difficult to carry on a conversation, especially if you are both riding one. I could keep going, but this is all that stood out after I decided to stop reading it.
Otherwise, I really and truly wanted to enjoy this story, but I just found that I was "forcing" myself to read it and I wasn't enjoying it. I would say its definitely a pass for me and I will not read anything else by the author. Terribly sorry, but this was just a terrible read.
June 2, 2017
This story started out with a BIG BANG, and didn't slow down, even at the end!?
The character development is perfect, enough background to get you going, but enough information withheld to have you yearning for more, keeping a bit of mystery in the mix.
Atlanta is a teenager and a druid. She was raised by her uncle James after her parents were killed in a car accident. Now she is learning she is much more...
The story involves druids, vampires, werewolves, and witches. Just imagine what a war with all these supernatural beings would entail! And war is on the way...unless Atlanta can figure out a way to stop it!
More twists and turns than a rollercoaster and most definitely an exciting ride!
Great first of the series story, but I need book 2 YESTERDAY! Sorry...no spoilers here...
The character development is perfect, enough background to get you going, but enough information withheld to have you yearning for more, keeping a bit of mystery in the mix.
Atlanta is a teenager and a druid. She was raised by her uncle James after her parents were killed in a car accident. Now she is learning she is much more...
The story involves druids, vampires, werewolves, and witches. Just imagine what a war with all these supernatural beings would entail! And war is on the way...unless Atlanta can figure out a way to stop it!
More twists and turns than a rollercoaster and most definitely an exciting ride!
Great first of the series story, but I need book 2 YESTERDAY! Sorry...no spoilers here...
July 6, 2017
Never Look Back by W.J. May is book 1 in the YA Paranormal Huntress Series.
I havnt read anything of W. J. Mays before and I found this book easy to read and understand. I also liked the writing style, the plot and the characters. It felt like an original story in amongst the overly saturated genre of YA paranormal that is currently available.
It was a short but enjoyable read that ends on a cliffhanger but continues with book 2 which is to released later this month. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series continues.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
I havnt read anything of W. J. Mays before and I found this book easy to read and understand. I also liked the writing style, the plot and the characters. It felt like an original story in amongst the overly saturated genre of YA paranormal that is currently available.
It was a short but enjoyable read that ends on a cliffhanger but continues with book 2 which is to released later this month. I'm looking forward to seeing how this series continues.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
July 26, 2023
The premise sounded so good. It could have been so good. But I felt like I was reading badly thought-out fanfiction. Where did it go wrong?? I hate that you asked, but let me explain, so you don't have to suffer as I have.
There were a lot of contradictions in any one scene, like the author just wrote and never looked back for plot holes or anything. For instance, in one scene, the MC, Atlanta, is in danger, and she's thinking about how she's unprepared and unarmed and 'what is she going to do??' Well, imagine my surprise when, mere sentences later, she's pulling a knife from her sleeve. And there was no like, discovery of the knife, it was just there, she knew it was there, and she pulled it in case it came to physically defending herself. So...what she unarmed or not?? And that happened several times. Way too many for a full novel, let alone however few pages/words this was.
Also, stop trying to write poetry. This is fiction, not poetry, you're in the wrong genre. I copied three of them before I was as tired of writing of them down as I was reading them.
'His thick black hair fell back like a pillow to his head.' (I had to read that several times and then write it very slowly, because it did not seem like English, then or now)
'Her thoughts were an array of metaphors and lines that tore and strained to rhyme.' (Like, what the actual fuck??)
'The night passed as the voices in Atlanta's head settled like dust falling from the wind.'
That last one was not the worst, by any means. But please, someone, tell me this isn't just me? Those are weird, right? And some of them were back-to-back, which only made them more annoying.
Then we get about halfway or just over half, through the book. Another character death has taken place, and Ryan, the heir to the werewolf pack/leadership, has started acting weird. For one, he has taken a sudden interest in Skylar, Atlanta's human best friend, and this seems very out of the blue. You know what else is out of the blue, W.J. May? Atlanta being upset about it, because she has a crush on him, apparently! Um, since when?? They barely seemed to know each other outside of supernatural business, and I certainly never got the sense that she had any interest in him even as a friend. In fact, she seemed to think it was silly, how much Skylar fawned over this guy and always wanted to stare at him in the hallways. To be clear, that is a little stalker-ish, but also, did not tell me Atlanta was interested. It's almost as if this is written just to juxtapose how different he is since coming back. In one scene, Atlanta is thinking about how there has always been this undercurrent between them (has there??) but now she is wondering if she imagined it. Look, I personally would've gotten the picture that something was really different when he came back suddenly interested in Skylar, who supposedly, he had hardly even seemed to notice before. Did he even know her name? Possibly not, and if he did, only in association with Atlanta. Also, the day he came back, he went to school like it was no big deal that he had disappeared for days (weird, got it) and then he saw Skylar, walked up to her, grabbed her, and kissed her like they'd been dating for weeks. Right, so, he's very, very different. Noted. Still don't need Atlanta crushing on him out of nowhere to see it.
Then there is just weird phrasing of things, like May wanted to stand out as an author for their unique voice. Maybe that's what the poetry was for?? But get this line: '...and drove in verbal silence.' Imagine my face. My very confused face that has to go back and re-read that, like so many other lines in this book, and is still confused. What is 'verbal silence'? I know what silence is, you don't have to describe it in a unique way for me to get it. Was the car still making noise? Well, I hope so, or I imagine they would look awful silly just sitting at an intersection for hours! Of course they could be silent with other, but still have ambient noise going on. Does this author think that silence between two people can mean the room is suddenly void of ANY sound, even if you, I don't know, drop something? You can just say 'they were silent the rest of the ride', or something else perfectly normal, and I will get it. Better yet, I can read on without confused moments! How does this book have 3.76 stars??
Last but not least, 'She was one step ahead, she knew it was a trap.' Oh, honey, no. That just means you're not going in blind. Which, yay you, but you are NOT one step ahead! You still don't know what to expect! Is Skylar okay? Where is the hybrid? Where is Adelaid? Is this a trap for you, or Ryan? Like, I have so many questions, so why doesn't the MC?? She just seems naive and overconfident. Oh, and her uncle is an idiot for not telling her the truth up front, especially as they are the last of the Druids. I hate secret keeping in stories like this. Like, the fate of the world is at stake, and you won't equip the MC's with ALL the info they need to stay alive?? Dumb fucker. Sorry, not sorry. He deserved to die, and now the world is fucked for it. Dumbass!
Oh, spoiler. Guess I should've mentioned that. Yeah, the uncle dies, Skylar is Adelaid (saw that coming a mile away), and Atlanta is too stupid/ill-prepared to not doom everyone. That sucks. Too bad I won't be reading the sequel to see if she fixes it.
P.S. The magic system makes no sense. Like how Druids can't be compelled, but then Atlanta ends up going through exactly that. Also, she's a witch, too, so shouldn't that potentially give her more protection?? Just looking for logic, here, or like, consistency, at least.
There were a lot of contradictions in any one scene, like the author just wrote and never looked back for plot holes or anything. For instance, in one scene, the MC, Atlanta, is in danger, and she's thinking about how she's unprepared and unarmed and 'what is she going to do??' Well, imagine my surprise when, mere sentences later, she's pulling a knife from her sleeve. And there was no like, discovery of the knife, it was just there, she knew it was there, and she pulled it in case it came to physically defending herself. So...what she unarmed or not?? And that happened several times. Way too many for a full novel, let alone however few pages/words this was.
Also, stop trying to write poetry. This is fiction, not poetry, you're in the wrong genre. I copied three of them before I was as tired of writing of them down as I was reading them.
'His thick black hair fell back like a pillow to his head.' (I had to read that several times and then write it very slowly, because it did not seem like English, then or now)
'Her thoughts were an array of metaphors and lines that tore and strained to rhyme.' (Like, what the actual fuck??)
'The night passed as the voices in Atlanta's head settled like dust falling from the wind.'
That last one was not the worst, by any means. But please, someone, tell me this isn't just me? Those are weird, right? And some of them were back-to-back, which only made them more annoying.
Then we get about halfway or just over half, through the book. Another character death has taken place, and Ryan, the heir to the werewolf pack/leadership, has started acting weird. For one, he has taken a sudden interest in Skylar, Atlanta's human best friend, and this seems very out of the blue. You know what else is out of the blue, W.J. May? Atlanta being upset about it, because she has a crush on him, apparently! Um, since when?? They barely seemed to know each other outside of supernatural business, and I certainly never got the sense that she had any interest in him even as a friend. In fact, she seemed to think it was silly, how much Skylar fawned over this guy and always wanted to stare at him in the hallways. To be clear, that is a little stalker-ish, but also, did not tell me Atlanta was interested. It's almost as if this is written just to juxtapose how different he is since coming back. In one scene, Atlanta is thinking about how there has always been this undercurrent between them (has there??) but now she is wondering if she imagined it. Look, I personally would've gotten the picture that something was really different when he came back suddenly interested in Skylar, who supposedly, he had hardly even seemed to notice before. Did he even know her name? Possibly not, and if he did, only in association with Atlanta. Also, the day he came back, he went to school like it was no big deal that he had disappeared for days (weird, got it) and then he saw Skylar, walked up to her, grabbed her, and kissed her like they'd been dating for weeks. Right, so, he's very, very different. Noted. Still don't need Atlanta crushing on him out of nowhere to see it.
Then there is just weird phrasing of things, like May wanted to stand out as an author for their unique voice. Maybe that's what the poetry was for?? But get this line: '...and drove in verbal silence.' Imagine my face. My very confused face that has to go back and re-read that, like so many other lines in this book, and is still confused. What is 'verbal silence'? I know what silence is, you don't have to describe it in a unique way for me to get it. Was the car still making noise? Well, I hope so, or I imagine they would look awful silly just sitting at an intersection for hours! Of course they could be silent with other, but still have ambient noise going on. Does this author think that silence between two people can mean the room is suddenly void of ANY sound, even if you, I don't know, drop something? You can just say 'they were silent the rest of the ride', or something else perfectly normal, and I will get it. Better yet, I can read on without confused moments! How does this book have 3.76 stars??
Last but not least, 'She was one step ahead, she knew it was a trap.' Oh, honey, no. That just means you're not going in blind. Which, yay you, but you are NOT one step ahead! You still don't know what to expect! Is Skylar okay? Where is the hybrid? Where is Adelaid? Is this a trap for you, or Ryan? Like, I have so many questions, so why doesn't the MC?? She just seems naive and overconfident. Oh, and her uncle is an idiot for not telling her the truth up front, especially as they are the last of the Druids. I hate secret keeping in stories like this. Like, the fate of the world is at stake, and you won't equip the MC's with ALL the info they need to stay alive?? Dumb fucker. Sorry, not sorry. He deserved to die, and now the world is fucked for it. Dumbass!
Oh, spoiler. Guess I should've mentioned that. Yeah, the uncle dies, Skylar is Adelaid (saw that coming a mile away), and Atlanta is too stupid/ill-prepared to not doom everyone. That sucks. Too bad I won't be reading the sequel to see if she fixes it.
P.S. The magic system makes no sense. Like how Druids can't be compelled, but then Atlanta ends up going through exactly that. Also, she's a witch, too, so shouldn't that potentially give her more protection?? Just looking for logic, here, or like, consistency, at least.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2017
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Right away, I was hooked and did not want to stop reading! Once the action and intrigue starts, it does not stop. It had a great twist at the end that I didn't see coming. It even cleared up a part that had left me extremely confused earlier in the book. The ending is very abrupt and leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions to set up for the anticipation of more sequels. This was a very exciting read and can't wait to see where the story goes!
Right away, I was hooked and did not want to stop reading! Once the action and intrigue starts, it does not stop. It had a great twist at the end that I didn't see coming. It even cleared up a part that had left me extremely confused earlier in the book. The ending is very abrupt and leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions to set up for the anticipation of more sequels. This was a very exciting read and can't wait to see where the story goes!
June 3, 2017
Within a few minutes of reading you're hooked!
This is the first of a new series & is a fast paced page turner.
It doesn't take long for you to feel for the characters & lose yourself in their world.
Atlanta is an orphan.
She & her uncle are the last of their race.
They are the peace keepers between the werewolves and the vampires.
A lot of responsibility for one so young.
I really enjoyed this start to a new series & I can't wait for the next instalment!
June 1, 2017
I received an ARC copy of this book for a honest review. On a paranormal spectrum you can't ask for more! Vampires, werewolves, druids, and witches all looking for a balance in the world. Briefly touched on a possible love story assuming they all survive. Definitely a good start to a series.
June 6, 2017
Loved this book and can't wait for next in series. The storey is interesting, characters are fairly developed and this was fast paced and great entertainment. Give this book a try.
May 19, 2019
Having trouble with this one. I'm at 36% and unsure if I'll be able to finish. Never Look Back is entry level work by someone with over 30 published works under their belt.
The writing is so flowery at points that it makes no sense:
"Marcus’ power oozed out of him like a heavy veil." Veils do not ooze.
"Confusion ran through her veins like a river that coursed through indefinite paths."
"the oncoming dread she felt quivering through the exhaust of her uncle’s speeding bike." Why is his bike expelling dread? And why is that dread quivering?
"her thoughts fell to a comatose state at the person in front of her." She is neither in a coma nor frozen in place so why are her thoughts in a coma?
"Her lips were two crescent moons embracing at the bottom of her face."
There is only enough background in the story to keep it running. A century ago a bad person did bad things. How long has Atlanta known her best friend? What exactly is her relationship to Ryan? Is he her charge? Are Druids a kind of supernatural bodyguards? What happened to her parents? Dunno. Not important enough to the plot for May to include it.
What bothers me the most is that there is enough here for Never Look Back to be a full length novel if care was taken to make it one. There is none of that care here. May gives me the impression that she is pumping out stories for the money and the art aspect is a lower priority. Even if I push myself to continue reading, I won't pick up more of her work.
The writing is so flowery at points that it makes no sense:
"Marcus’ power oozed out of him like a heavy veil." Veils do not ooze.
"Confusion ran through her veins like a river that coursed through indefinite paths."
"the oncoming dread she felt quivering through the exhaust of her uncle’s speeding bike." Why is his bike expelling dread? And why is that dread quivering?
"her thoughts fell to a comatose state at the person in front of her." She is neither in a coma nor frozen in place so why are her thoughts in a coma?
"Her lips were two crescent moons embracing at the bottom of her face."
There is only enough background in the story to keep it running. A century ago a bad person did bad things. How long has Atlanta known her best friend? What exactly is her relationship to Ryan? Is he her charge? Are Druids a kind of supernatural bodyguards? What happened to her parents? Dunno. Not important enough to the plot for May to include it.
What bothers me the most is that there is enough here for Never Look Back to be a full length novel if care was taken to make it one. There is none of that care here. May gives me the impression that she is pumping out stories for the money and the art aspect is a lower priority. Even if I push myself to continue reading, I won't pick up more of her work.
May 27, 2017
Not kindle unlimited. Got this as one of my they give me a free book and hope I review it type things, and all I get is a free copy of the book and yes all opinions are mine and so on and so forth.
This story seemed to leave me with more questions than answers. Wrong key, then why did it work, and why did they not have to do what they did before? If the house is protected how could the one person gain free entry but not the other? Does the red and green in colors and auras have anything to do with the story, because if they do it's contradictory reasons between one person or item versus another. Why did the one guy start dating the one female, it's never really explained, nor what happened while he was gone before that. What did the missing gargoyle have to do with anything, and if it was important enough to mention why was it just left hanging. Why would her uncle, knowing what he knew about very important probably life saving details in regards to her and the city tell never her much of anything, and especially not the important pivotal parts? What is the title in reference to? I expected to like the story more than I actually did.
Luved the blurb; the story eh not so much.
The 3 star rating on amazon was why gave it 3 stars on goodreads, get tired of trying to match the 'meaning' of stars so now just doing 3 stars = 3 stars.
This story seemed to leave me with more questions than answers. Wrong key, then why did it work, and why did they not have to do what they did before? If the house is protected how could the one person gain free entry but not the other? Does the red and green in colors and auras have anything to do with the story, because if they do it's contradictory reasons between one person or item versus another. Why did the one guy start dating the one female, it's never really explained, nor what happened while he was gone before that. What did the missing gargoyle have to do with anything, and if it was important enough to mention why was it just left hanging. Why would her uncle, knowing what he knew about very important probably life saving details in regards to her and the city tell never her much of anything, and especially not the important pivotal parts? What is the title in reference to? I expected to like the story more than I actually did.
Luved the blurb; the story eh not so much.
The 3 star rating on amazon was why gave it 3 stars on goodreads, get tired of trying to match the 'meaning' of stars so now just doing 3 stars = 3 stars.
July 13, 2017
Never Look Back is a breathlessly imaginative and highly entertaining paranormal series that will set your heart and mind on fire. This is a treasure of a read, and it will delight and engage every step of the way. You will not be disappointed as there are just enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes and second guessing what happens next. If you enjoy being hopelessly enthralled and completely engaged in your story, then this is a perfect read for you!
I was in awe of the fact that I have come to feel for these characters in such a short period of time. I fell in love with their world full of deadly magic and beautiful creatures. This YA series has started off chock full of sizzling mystery and heartfelt struggle that has won me over. I am very interested in seeing what happens next. This book contains a dazzling storyline that will make you flip through these pages faster than you ever imagined.
W. J. May has graced us with a fantastic plot and a whole cast of wildly enjoyable characters. I love the way her mind thinks and puzzles through the sub plots as she builds and transitions to the ultimate cliffhanger. Wow! She had my heart in my throat the entire time, and I can’t enough of stories like that!
I was in awe of the fact that I have come to feel for these characters in such a short period of time. I fell in love with their world full of deadly magic and beautiful creatures. This YA series has started off chock full of sizzling mystery and heartfelt struggle that has won me over. I am very interested in seeing what happens next. This book contains a dazzling storyline that will make you flip through these pages faster than you ever imagined.
W. J. May has graced us with a fantastic plot and a whole cast of wildly enjoyable characters. I love the way her mind thinks and puzzles through the sub plots as she builds and transitions to the ultimate cliffhanger. Wow! She had my heart in my throat the entire time, and I can’t enough of stories like that!
July 20, 2017
Note: I received an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.
Never Look Back is the beginning of a new series by W.J. May, if you haven't read any of the authors work before this will be a great read to start with. I really liked the story, the characters and the new world the author is giving us. If you have read anything by her before this one won't disappoint.
Considering this is book 1 of 3, you never really know what to expect. I found once I had finished it was a great read but definitely leaves you anxious for the next book - only because you can't wait to get further into the plots and the world itself.
I don't want to say too much as it could spoil your experience but know it is a great read, not too long and not boring. You follow along at a good pace, and it gets further into the mindset of the main character. You understand where she is coming from and can understand what she's experiencing (all signs of a good read and a job well done by an author).
I really commend this book whether you have read anything before or not by W.J. May. Just know you most likely will finish it loving it and wanting more of this new Huntress series.
Never Look Back is the beginning of a new series by W.J. May, if you haven't read any of the authors work before this will be a great read to start with. I really liked the story, the characters and the new world the author is giving us. If you have read anything by her before this one won't disappoint.
Considering this is book 1 of 3, you never really know what to expect. I found once I had finished it was a great read but definitely leaves you anxious for the next book - only because you can't wait to get further into the plots and the world itself.
I don't want to say too much as it could spoil your experience but know it is a great read, not too long and not boring. You follow along at a good pace, and it gets further into the mindset of the main character. You understand where she is coming from and can understand what she's experiencing (all signs of a good read and a job well done by an author).
I really commend this book whether you have read anything before or not by W.J. May. Just know you most likely will finish it loving it and wanting more of this new Huntress series.
May 31, 2017
Atlanta is orphaned as a baby and raised by her uncle. As the last peacekeepers between the Vamps and Were's they are responsible for ensuring peace and guarding the key to the door, except Atlanta doesn't have the details. As the start of the series it does lay a foundation and leaves many questions to be answered throughout the series.
As the first book of the series I would have liked a little more foundation for the story and characters personally but there is plenty of action and some background to get you interested in a good premise for a series and characters it seems you will see again. It was a fast action packed read.
As the first book of the series I would have liked a little more foundation for the story and characters personally but there is plenty of action and some background to get you interested in a good premise for a series and characters it seems you will see again. It was a fast action packed read.
June 1, 2017
We need to be strong for each other.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
If you are liking Baffy (an old TV-show) and the Underworld movies, than this book is for you. Very light and easy reading. Only in the end you reealise that this is not over! Well, we will be waiting what next!
I would have liked to read more foundation, more about this town, about characters, why all this points are so important. More details! Because right now this book is boring (for me). We haven't details, only good enough dynamic and a some kind of plot twist.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
If you are liking Baffy (an old TV-show) and the Underworld movies, than this book is for you. Very light and easy reading. Only in the end you reealise that this is not over! Well, we will be waiting what next!
I would have liked to read more foundation, more about this town, about characters, why all this points are so important. More details! Because right now this book is boring (for me). We haven't details, only good enough dynamic and a some kind of plot twist.
September 14, 2017
the beginning the book was bit confusing as I struggled to make sense of it, but nearing the end things started to flow together, a lot of holes to cover, but I am guessing that with the next book more light is going to be she'd, ending would have sucked if it didn't end the way it did , I love the books of W.J May and am looking forward to the next book
May 23, 2018
Wow
Cannot believe how it turned out. Ryan turned on her. She lost her uncle and she did the one thing she wasn't suppose to. Her friend was not who she said and now more is to come. Not any of it good.
Cannot believe how it turned out. Ryan turned on her. She lost her uncle and she did the one thing she wasn't suppose to. Her friend was not who she said and now more is to come. Not any of it good.
October 16, 2017
I liked the book but times I did not like Atlanta. She second guessed herself too much. I thought she was so much tougher. I guessed about her friend from the beginning.
July 6, 2020
Cliffhanger.
June 28, 2019
I was not bad. But there was no world development and character development either. It kinda felt like the 2nd book to a series and u were supposed to already know the relationships behind all the characters. It just felt under developed and rushed.
September 3, 2018
This book was...okay. It gave a lot of information in a short time, but the plot was iffy - inconsistent and not executed as well as it could have been - and the writing was not quite for me.
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