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Outcast Season #1
Undone
Once she was a powerful Djinn. Then Cassiel defied her ruler, Ashan, who tore her very essence away and reshaped her in human flesh as punishment. Forced to live among mortals, Cassiel has found refuge among the Weather Wardens--whose power she must tap into regularly, or she will die.
Cassiel earns her keep by assisting the Earth Warden Manny Rocha on his missions--which she finds much easier than coping with the emotions and frailties of her human condition, especially her growing affection for Manny's brother, Luis. But when Cassiel encounters a malevolent force that threatens the Rocha family, she discovers that her perceived human weakness may be her greatest strengths...
Cassiel earns her keep by assisting the Earth Warden Manny Rocha on his missions--which she finds much easier than coping with the emotions and frailties of her human condition, especially her growing affection for Manny's brother, Luis. But when Cassiel encounters a malevolent force that threatens the Rocha family, she discovers that her perceived human weakness may be her greatest strengths...
305 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 17, 2008
142 people are currently reading
4922 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Caine
217 books19.3k followersRachel Caine was a pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad.
She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell
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She has also published as:
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Julie Fortune
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
July 19, 2021
This is a spin-off series of Rachel's Weather Warden series. I enjoyed that series, but, for some reason, I stopped reading them after book 3. I might have to go back and re-visit that series - I do have a BS in meteorology after all! And this book had an interesting premise and I liked the characters. But if you're new to this universe, I'd advise you start with Ill Wind, which I think is the first Weather Warden book!
Side note, I finished this book in 2 days! A record for me - helped that I was on vacation ;)
Side note, I finished this book in 2 days! A record for me - helped that I was on vacation ;)
September 17, 2018
Undone is book one in the Outcast Season series by Rachel Caine.
What pulled me towards this book is that it features Djinn. You don’t find many books written with Djinn in them, so I was intrigued.
I didn’t know when going into Undone that it is part of another series/universe. As I was reading I noticed some of the characters have connections and are developed, so it made me think that this is a spin-off. After reading I did some digging and I think that this series is part of the Weather Wardon Universe. The author showcases that their are things going on with the Wardens, New Djinn, and Old Djinn in this book. If you look at the Weather Warden Universe Series, Undone pops up between Gale Force and Cape Storm in the Weather Wardon series. Now, even thou Undone is part of the Weather Wardon Universe we can still read this series without reading the Weather Wardon series. I will say I did feel a little behind; because of this series combo, but the more I read the more I picked up information and started to enjoy the book.
Cassiel is a Old Djinn. At the start of Undone we don't know why Cassiel is striped of her Djinn powers and aspect. We do know she refused to do something for the head Djinn, but we don’t know what that thing is. Now with her being cast out, she is now human and must learn to live that way. She struggles with what a Djinn would do and what a human would do. She’s learning to come to terms and live in this human body, but still she struggles. It's interesting to see the two aspects collide and watching her learn to accept herself as she is now and work with the Wardens. Their are struggles, sad moments, and action.
Now if you don’t care for cliffhanger’s then I’m sorry to say Undone leaves you hanging at the end, but it’s in a good way. We know that the store and adventure will continue into book 2 and we will follow Cassiel as she deals with a threat and her new life.
Undone was interesting. It was a little slow going, but the more I read the more I liked and I’m curious to see what happens next. I will also be checking out the Weather Warden series too.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
What pulled me towards this book is that it features Djinn. You don’t find many books written with Djinn in them, so I was intrigued.
I didn’t know when going into Undone that it is part of another series/universe. As I was reading I noticed some of the characters have connections and are developed, so it made me think that this is a spin-off. After reading I did some digging and I think that this series is part of the Weather Wardon Universe. The author showcases that their are things going on with the Wardens, New Djinn, and Old Djinn in this book. If you look at the Weather Warden Universe Series, Undone pops up between Gale Force and Cape Storm in the Weather Wardon series. Now, even thou Undone is part of the Weather Wardon Universe we can still read this series without reading the Weather Wardon series. I will say I did feel a little behind; because of this series combo, but the more I read the more I picked up information and started to enjoy the book.
Cassiel is a Old Djinn. At the start of Undone we don't know why Cassiel is striped of her Djinn powers and aspect. We do know she refused to do something for the head Djinn, but we don’t know what that thing is. Now with her being cast out, she is now human and must learn to live that way. She struggles with what a Djinn would do and what a human would do. She’s learning to come to terms and live in this human body, but still she struggles. It's interesting to see the two aspects collide and watching her learn to accept herself as she is now and work with the Wardens. Their are struggles, sad moments, and action.
Now if you don’t care for cliffhanger’s then I’m sorry to say Undone leaves you hanging at the end, but it’s in a good way. We know that the store and adventure will continue into book 2 and we will follow Cassiel as she deals with a threat and her new life.
Undone was interesting. It was a little slow going, but the more I read the more I liked and I’m curious to see what happens next. I will also be checking out the Weather Warden series too.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
February 8, 2024
Ashan had made me a beggar, and in that moment, I hated him for it so bitterly that I felt tears in my eyes. Now I would weep like a human, too. How much more humiliation could I bear?Getting a spin-off in this universe about a character cast from the Djinn and stuck in a curious limbo with humanity, and not have that character be Imara, is a little bittersweet.
Cassiel, like Imara, has an almost childlike understanding of the human world (all theory, no practice), as if, like Imara, she could have been born yesterday, but I’ll let that go.
“Living room,” he said. Which I thought was a curious way to refer to it — did they not live in all the rooms? Was there a dying room?Caine introduces us to Cassiel — an old Djinn whose never deigned to visit the human world. At the start of Undone Cassiel is cast out by Ashan for refusing him something that remains a mystery until the very end.
This fish-out-of-water scenario is enlivened by Cassiel’s imperious disdain for humanity and how tortuously dependent she has become on them. Without a Warden to feed her power, she’ll die, and watching her navigate that cognitive dissonance is where the book mines most of its drama.
Surprisingly, Caine takes her time establishing Cassiel’s new world. We get to experience her rescue by David, her evaluation by Lewis, and then a decent portion of the book is dedicated to establishing a good rapport between her and her co-worker, Manny.
Caine has never been great at fleshing out her secondary characters, so I was genuinely impressed by how efficient she was here. Once the other dramatic shoe drops and Manny and his wife are killed, their loss is meaningfully felt — with a few caveats.
The Rocha family are Hispanic. How Caine pairs this information with the odd dios mio and references to gang activity, when it comes to Manny’s younger brother, Luis, is an unfortunate choice. Especially given how little his past gang affiliation actually factors into the plot.
Regardless, Manny and his wife, Angela, are murdered in a drive-by shooting … yeah, and their daughter, Isabel, is kidnapped. This sets Cassiel and Luis on a race against time to find Isabel and uncover a conspiracy surrounding the taking of the children of Wardens.
In terms of the timeline, I’m a little confused. On the one hand, all the Wardens are concentrated on Jo’s voyage teased at the end of Gale Force (which allows Luis and Cassiel to break all kinds of laws unimpeded), and yet, the Wardens are still secret if the conversation between Cassiel and the police officer is anything to go by — and the press conference happened before that mass exodus to the ocean. Even Jo and David’s brief appearance didn’t clear any of that up.
Undone’s strength relies on Cassiel as a character. Caine captures Cassiel’s continued bewilderment without overdoing it, and her relationship with Luis is a vast improvement over the romance in Ill Wind.
February 2, 2009
I love Rachel Caine. I love her characters so much that I felt kinda reluctant to start reading this book because I didn't want to jump from the POV of her amazing characters Joanna and David from the Weather Warden books.
This new series is based is the same world, there's even character crossover. I had a bit of a hard time getting started (the main character is standoffish) but the book hooked me in, and by the exciting ending I was definitely all the way with this book. Can't wait to see the next one, quite the cliffhanger!!
This new series is based is the same world, there's even character crossover. I had a bit of a hard time getting started (the main character is standoffish) but the book hooked me in, and by the exciting ending I was definitely all the way with this book. Can't wait to see the next one, quite the cliffhanger!!
March 27, 2015
*57%*
OH THE PROSE, THE PROSE!!!
Yesyesyesss, I do love the big events and the world building etc etc. But come on, who wants to read books with the most yawn-y proses ever right?! But no!!! THIS ROCKS. I LOVE YOU, CAINE.
OH THE PROSE, THE PROSE!!!
Yesyesyesss, I do love the big events and the world building etc etc. But come on, who wants to read books with the most yawn-y proses ever right?! But no!!! THIS ROCKS. I LOVE YOU, CAINE.
February 4, 2012
Originally published on my blog: http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
The Good
O. M. G. I was genuinely surprised by Undone. I did not expect to love this book as much as I loved Caine's Weather Warden series. But I truly did. It was everything one comes to expect from Caine and her beautifully descriptive writing.
Now that Cassiel has been struck from the Djinn race and turned into a kinda, sorta human, she has been having trouble assimilating to human living and emotions. And her assimilation process is violently cut short as something tragic happens that will change the rest of her life, short as it may be. But with the help of Luis, a strong earth warden, Cassiel is hell bent on destroying the evil entity that seems just as determined to eliminate the ex-Djinn. Of course, it's not going to be that easy as this entity gains power and followers each day, and its final goal might be more catastrophic to the human race than Cassiel first assumed.
I just love the world Caine has created in both series. There's never a dull moment in her books because enemies are just too abundant. Even the weather, earth, and closest friends are never what they seem. The action is ridiculously constant (which I love), and Caine's characterization is superb. Not one character is the same. Each have their very own personalities, mannerisms, and motives. And for those who miss the characters we have come to love from the Weather Warden series, you will get your Joanna, David, and Lewis fix in Undone since they do appear at the beginning of the first few chapters.
Cassiel is pretty much one of the most amazing characters ever. Reading about her transformation and journey in a human body was inspiring. Especially when she was one of the old Djinn who thought humans and the new Djinn were worthless beings. I loved how Caine made everyday human things seem so weird and odd through Cassiel's eyes. It made me see our world in a whole new light. Cassiel is both hilarious in her ignorance and frightening in her seriousness. It was so endearing how human emotions crept up on her ever so slowly. Her fondness for Ibby, the daughter of the warden who provides Cassiel with her energy to stay alive, was the sweetest thing I ever read. And Ibby was pretty much as cute as a button. She almost made me like kids...almost. Oh, and I am totally obsessed with Cassiel's hair. You'll understand what I mean when you read this book.
I really didn't get Luis at first. He seemed a little unnecessary, but as the book progressed he became vital to Cassiel's survival. I like the idea of him but he has not won me completely over yet. But I do love that he doesn't put up with Cassiel's crap. Come to think of it, he is probably a perfect match for her.
I was stunned with the twists and turns in this book. I didn't expect Undone to turn out the way it did. I wanted to cry most of the time because Cassiel's constant regret and sorrow over events she in no way could have prevented. But it's understandable why she blames herself, especially when loss is a new experience for her.
The big reveal at the end made my jaw drop. I wasn't expecting Cassiel's big secret to be so monumental. With this new information I know the next few books will not lack in the action or drama department. This series looks very promising.
The Bad
I truly loved every part of this book. Okay, maybe I wanted to pull my hair out when it ended on a cliffhanger. Okay, okay, maybe I DID pull my hair out, but just a little. My hair grows pretty fast so it's all good.
The Snuggly
Don't hold your breath for any snuggly. Cassiel was an unemotional Djinn who is now a slightly less unemotional human. Sex is not in her current equation, either is romance. But there is a scene that signifies future romance.
Overall
The constant adventure and "who done it" feel of this book made it one amazing read. Cassiel's haughty attitude and struggle to fit in with humanity make her a fun and unique character. And as her human emotions start to crack through her iron tough shell of her past Djinn attitude, you can't help but love her. Any fan of the Weather Warden series will easily adore the Outcast Season series. Highly recommended.
Quotes
I learned more of my human body, and the more I learned, the less I liked. Its machinery was too fragile and required too much maintenance. Food. Breathing. Finally, sleeping. The humiliating process of waste elimination was enough to make me wish fondly for oblivion.
~
The child bounced up from the couch and jumped in place, face alight with pleasure. "Cassie, Cassie, Cassie!"
I sighed. "Cassiel, please." For all the good I sensed it would do. Angela stifled a laugh.
I had no idea of the human protocol for such things, but I knelt down, and the child rushed my arms. Warm, chubby arms around my neck. A moist kiss on my cheek. "Ewwww, you smell like burning things," Ibby said.
The Good
O. M. G. I was genuinely surprised by Undone. I did not expect to love this book as much as I loved Caine's Weather Warden series. But I truly did. It was everything one comes to expect from Caine and her beautifully descriptive writing.
Now that Cassiel has been struck from the Djinn race and turned into a kinda, sorta human, she has been having trouble assimilating to human living and emotions. And her assimilation process is violently cut short as something tragic happens that will change the rest of her life, short as it may be. But with the help of Luis, a strong earth warden, Cassiel is hell bent on destroying the evil entity that seems just as determined to eliminate the ex-Djinn. Of course, it's not going to be that easy as this entity gains power and followers each day, and its final goal might be more catastrophic to the human race than Cassiel first assumed.
I just love the world Caine has created in both series. There's never a dull moment in her books because enemies are just too abundant. Even the weather, earth, and closest friends are never what they seem. The action is ridiculously constant (which I love), and Caine's characterization is superb. Not one character is the same. Each have their very own personalities, mannerisms, and motives. And for those who miss the characters we have come to love from the Weather Warden series, you will get your Joanna, David, and Lewis fix in Undone since they do appear at the beginning of the first few chapters.
Cassiel is pretty much one of the most amazing characters ever. Reading about her transformation and journey in a human body was inspiring. Especially when she was one of the old Djinn who thought humans and the new Djinn were worthless beings. I loved how Caine made everyday human things seem so weird and odd through Cassiel's eyes. It made me see our world in a whole new light. Cassiel is both hilarious in her ignorance and frightening in her seriousness. It was so endearing how human emotions crept up on her ever so slowly. Her fondness for Ibby, the daughter of the warden who provides Cassiel with her energy to stay alive, was the sweetest thing I ever read. And Ibby was pretty much as cute as a button. She almost made me like kids...almost. Oh, and I am totally obsessed with Cassiel's hair. You'll understand what I mean when you read this book.
I really didn't get Luis at first. He seemed a little unnecessary, but as the book progressed he became vital to Cassiel's survival. I like the idea of him but he has not won me completely over yet. But I do love that he doesn't put up with Cassiel's crap. Come to think of it, he is probably a perfect match for her.
I was stunned with the twists and turns in this book. I didn't expect Undone to turn out the way it did. I wanted to cry most of the time because Cassiel's constant regret and sorrow over events she in no way could have prevented. But it's understandable why she blames herself, especially when loss is a new experience for her.
The big reveal at the end made my jaw drop. I wasn't expecting Cassiel's big secret to be so monumental. With this new information I know the next few books will not lack in the action or drama department. This series looks very promising.
The Bad
I truly loved every part of this book. Okay, maybe I wanted to pull my hair out when it ended on a cliffhanger. Okay, okay, maybe I DID pull my hair out, but just a little. My hair grows pretty fast so it's all good.
The Snuggly
Don't hold your breath for any snuggly. Cassiel was an unemotional Djinn who is now a slightly less unemotional human. Sex is not in her current equation, either is romance. But there is a scene that signifies future romance.
Overall
The constant adventure and "who done it" feel of this book made it one amazing read. Cassiel's haughty attitude and struggle to fit in with humanity make her a fun and unique character. And as her human emotions start to crack through her iron tough shell of her past Djinn attitude, you can't help but love her. Any fan of the Weather Warden series will easily adore the Outcast Season series. Highly recommended.
Quotes
I learned more of my human body, and the more I learned, the less I liked. Its machinery was too fragile and required too much maintenance. Food. Breathing. Finally, sleeping. The humiliating process of waste elimination was enough to make me wish fondly for oblivion.
~
The child bounced up from the couch and jumped in place, face alight with pleasure. "Cassie, Cassie, Cassie!"
I sighed. "Cassiel, please." For all the good I sensed it would do. Angela stifled a laugh.
I had no idea of the human protocol for such things, but I knelt down, and the child rushed my arms. Warm, chubby arms around my neck. A moist kiss on my cheek. "Ewwww, you smell like burning things," Ibby said.
March 20, 2013
WOW, talk about the mother lode of cliffhangers! Rachel Caine has done it again with the spin-off of the Weather Warden series, and what an amazing debut it is.
Undone follows Cassiel, a Djinn that has been cast out of the Old Djinn by her boss Ashan. We don’t know why or what she’s done to deserve this. She’s left in the hands of Manny Rocha, an Earth Warden who teaches her the ropes and feeds her power to keep her going. Cassiel learns about being a human and finds herself growing close to Manny’s family, including his ex-gang member brother, Luis Rocha and Manny’s child, Isabel.
Before she knows it, Cassiel’s intense need to protect Manny and his family leads her on a mission that poses a sinister threat to all Djinn, and only her Earth powers and Djinn detachment can lead her down the path to victory.
I just loved how different this is to the Weather Warden series. Those books talk about the weather, stopping worldly disasters and the war between the Djinn and the wardens on a much more broader scale. The Outcast Season is where we can finally narrow it all down to one badass Djinn stuck in a human body with a narrow focused mission – to protect and save a child, while adjusting to her new form.
The voice given to Cassiel is also wildly different to the gossipy, warm, and snarky voice of Joanne Baldwin in the weather warden series. As a Djinn, Cassiel’s voice is quite clinical, matter-of-fact, and observational. She offers some interesting sentiments about being a human which is quite funny at times. Cassiel is really a badass character, she’s determined, ruthless, unyielding and focused, making her the perfect assassin of Ashan’s in the past.
I’m thoroughly impressed with the first of the Outcast Season and look forward to reading the rest – especially after that major cliffhanger.
This review has been posted on my Happy Indulgence Blog. Check it out for more reviews!
Undone follows Cassiel, a Djinn that has been cast out of the Old Djinn by her boss Ashan. We don’t know why or what she’s done to deserve this. She’s left in the hands of Manny Rocha, an Earth Warden who teaches her the ropes and feeds her power to keep her going. Cassiel learns about being a human and finds herself growing close to Manny’s family, including his ex-gang member brother, Luis Rocha and Manny’s child, Isabel.
Before she knows it, Cassiel’s intense need to protect Manny and his family leads her on a mission that poses a sinister threat to all Djinn, and only her Earth powers and Djinn detachment can lead her down the path to victory.
I just loved how different this is to the Weather Warden series. Those books talk about the weather, stopping worldly disasters and the war between the Djinn and the wardens on a much more broader scale. The Outcast Season is where we can finally narrow it all down to one badass Djinn stuck in a human body with a narrow focused mission – to protect and save a child, while adjusting to her new form.
The voice given to Cassiel is also wildly different to the gossipy, warm, and snarky voice of Joanne Baldwin in the weather warden series. As a Djinn, Cassiel’s voice is quite clinical, matter-of-fact, and observational. She offers some interesting sentiments about being a human which is quite funny at times. Cassiel is really a badass character, she’s determined, ruthless, unyielding and focused, making her the perfect assassin of Ashan’s in the past.
I’m thoroughly impressed with the first of the Outcast Season and look forward to reading the rest – especially after that major cliffhanger.
This review has been posted on my Happy Indulgence Blog. Check it out for more reviews!
March 15, 2010
If you haven't read Caine's Weather Warden series yet, I strongly suggest you stop where you are and pick up those books first. Or at least, read the first one, okay? I'm telling you this now, because while you can read Undone without too much prior knowledge of the Weather Warden universe, you're not gonna know who the hell all these other characters are that are introduced in the beginning. You're also going to read about lots of allusions to past events in the other series and be like huh? And I know that some people might not be thrilled about that, especially in the start of the book. Plus, Caine doesn't delve further into these concepts as much in Undone as she does in her Weather Warden series. So, I think people might be a teensy bit confused if they start with the Outcast Season series first. Just my fair warning.
Warning aside, Caine does it again with beautiful characterization. Cassiel had me cracking up with her strange Djinn mannerisms at the start. Seriously, they were hilarious. I fell in love with her persona all over again the past two days because of that, it was wonderful.
Cassiel's thoughts really invade your own, effecting the way you view the other characters. You grow bored of a certain person when she does. Your interest is sparked when hers is with Luis. You feel a softening of emotions towards little Isabel. It's the strangest thing, because it doesn't happen often enough for me as a reader. Usually I still feel somewhat detached, but with Undone, I felt as if I were Cassiel at times.
I found that the most interesting aspect of the story was Cassiel coping with all of these new human emotions. Seeing things initially through a Djinn's perspective is a great new and interesting approach.
It's definitely worth checking out, especially if you're a fan of Rachel Caine.
Warning aside, Caine does it again with beautiful characterization. Cassiel had me cracking up with her strange Djinn mannerisms at the start. Seriously, they were hilarious. I fell in love with her persona all over again the past two days because of that, it was wonderful.
Cassiel's thoughts really invade your own, effecting the way you view the other characters. You grow bored of a certain person when she does. Your interest is sparked when hers is with Luis. You feel a softening of emotions towards little Isabel. It's the strangest thing, because it doesn't happen often enough for me as a reader. Usually I still feel somewhat detached, but with Undone, I felt as if I were Cassiel at times.
I found that the most interesting aspect of the story was Cassiel coping with all of these new human emotions. Seeing things initially through a Djinn's perspective is a great new and interesting approach.
It's definitely worth checking out, especially if you're a fan of Rachel Caine.
November 12, 2009
FROM THE BOOK COVER:
Once she was a powerful Djinn. Then Cassiel defied her ruler, Ashan, who tore her very essence away and reshaped her in human flesh as punishment. Forced to live among mortals, Cassiel has found refuge among the Weather Wardens—whose power she must tap into regularly, or she will die.
Cassiel earns her keep by assisting the Earth Warden Manny Rocha on his missions—which she finds much easier than coping with the emotions and frailties of her human conditions especially her growing affection for Manny's brother, Luis. But when Cassiel encounters a malevolent force that threatens the Rocha family, she discovers that her perceived human weaknesses may be her greatest strengths....
My thoughts
Undone is a spin-off of her popular Weather Warden series with a new perspective. Four books are planned. I really liked her MorganVille Vampires series and heard great things about her Weather Warden series so I picked up this spin-off book of her Weather Warden series.
The opening of Undone finds Cassiel (I wouldn't advise you to call her Cassie) being cast down to earth in human form for refusing to obey an order from her master Ashan. Cassiel is one of the oldest of the True Djinn and is pretty arrogant. She was a very powerful Djinn, mean and strong. She's never found the human world had much importance on her. She was dismissive of human concerns and didn't understand why other Djinn's had their own human lives besides their Djinn selves. But, now she's cast into the human realm as a frail human and finds herself having human concerns of herself.
She finds herself relying on the Wardens for help..She cannot survive without bursts of energy and only a Warden can give her it. Cassiel has been partnered with Manny, a warden who’s actually willing to work with her. From the very start problems hit both of them hard and they find themselves being targeted by someone or something who wants them destroyed. Not having her usual power she finds it hard to adjust to her reshaped self, but she has never felt for humans as she does now, so she's not going to let herself or her friends down.
I usual find it hard to be emotionally attached to a character right away in a book, but I found this book had great emotion that reeled me in. I laughed and cried with the characters and felt Caine wrote each one perfectly. I'm going to be picking up her Weather Warden series now for sure. I really loved the new take in character for Cassiel and cannot wait to pick up Unknown.
Once she was a powerful Djinn. Then Cassiel defied her ruler, Ashan, who tore her very essence away and reshaped her in human flesh as punishment. Forced to live among mortals, Cassiel has found refuge among the Weather Wardens—whose power she must tap into regularly, or she will die.
Cassiel earns her keep by assisting the Earth Warden Manny Rocha on his missions—which she finds much easier than coping with the emotions and frailties of her human conditions especially her growing affection for Manny's brother, Luis. But when Cassiel encounters a malevolent force that threatens the Rocha family, she discovers that her perceived human weaknesses may be her greatest strengths....
My thoughts
Undone is a spin-off of her popular Weather Warden series with a new perspective. Four books are planned. I really liked her MorganVille Vampires series and heard great things about her Weather Warden series so I picked up this spin-off book of her Weather Warden series.
The opening of Undone finds Cassiel (I wouldn't advise you to call her Cassie) being cast down to earth in human form for refusing to obey an order from her master Ashan. Cassiel is one of the oldest of the True Djinn and is pretty arrogant. She was a very powerful Djinn, mean and strong. She's never found the human world had much importance on her. She was dismissive of human concerns and didn't understand why other Djinn's had their own human lives besides their Djinn selves. But, now she's cast into the human realm as a frail human and finds herself having human concerns of herself.
She finds herself relying on the Wardens for help..She cannot survive without bursts of energy and only a Warden can give her it. Cassiel has been partnered with Manny, a warden who’s actually willing to work with her. From the very start problems hit both of them hard and they find themselves being targeted by someone or something who wants them destroyed. Not having her usual power she finds it hard to adjust to her reshaped self, but she has never felt for humans as she does now, so she's not going to let herself or her friends down.
I usual find it hard to be emotionally attached to a character right away in a book, but I found this book had great emotion that reeled me in. I laughed and cried with the characters and felt Caine wrote each one perfectly. I'm going to be picking up her Weather Warden series now for sure. I really loved the new take in character for Cassiel and cannot wait to pick up Unknown.
June 7, 2015
Re-read: 6/7/15 - 4 stars
Originally read 3/30/2009 - 5 stars
Undone was fantastic. Ms. Caine does an excellent job in drawing this reader into a great spin-off to the Weather Warden series. It's about a former Djinn named Cassiel. She was banished to a human body for disobeying her leader. The course of the story follows Cassiel as she learns to deal with her human limitations and the world that the Wardens live in. It was suspenseful from the very beginning. It was action-packed, funny and, at times, tender and left me wondering what road this was taking. It was nice seeing the transition from cold Djinn to caring human. In Caine's usual fashion, we are left with a cliff-hanger, but I cannot wait for the next one.
Originally read 3/30/2009 - 5 stars
Undone was fantastic. Ms. Caine does an excellent job in drawing this reader into a great spin-off to the Weather Warden series. It's about a former Djinn named Cassiel. She was banished to a human body for disobeying her leader. The course of the story follows Cassiel as she learns to deal with her human limitations and the world that the Wardens live in. It was suspenseful from the very beginning. It was action-packed, funny and, at times, tender and left me wondering what road this was taking. It was nice seeing the transition from cold Djinn to caring human. In Caine's usual fashion, we are left with a cliff-hanger, but I cannot wait for the next one.
April 16, 2023
Cassiel has defied the ruler of the Old Djinn and been turned into a human dependent on the Wardens for her survival. She's assigned to Earth Warden Manny Rocha and sent to My New Mexico.
Cassiel has a lot of adjustments to make. From being an all-powerful Djinn to a human dependent on others is quite a change. She also finds herself in a time of change for the Wardens and the Djinn and with an unknown enemy threatening.
When Manny and his wife are gunned down and his five-year-old daughter Isabel kidnapped, Cassiel has to team up with Manny's brother Luis, a powerful Earth Warden, to find the missing child. That leads them to a much larger conspiracy than either of them had imagined and an old enemy with stunning new plans.
Cassiel is an intriguing character. I enjoyed watching her adjust to life as a human and come to appreciate humans. I liked her strong relationship with Isabel who pours out love and acceptance. I liked the worldbuilding in this new series set in the same universe as the Weather Wardens series.
I enjoyed this urban fantasy story. My only complaint is that it is the first book of four and has a cliffhanger ending and tons of unresolved plot threads.
Cassiel has a lot of adjustments to make. From being an all-powerful Djinn to a human dependent on others is quite a change. She also finds herself in a time of change for the Wardens and the Djinn and with an unknown enemy threatening.
When Manny and his wife are gunned down and his five-year-old daughter Isabel kidnapped, Cassiel has to team up with Manny's brother Luis, a powerful Earth Warden, to find the missing child. That leads them to a much larger conspiracy than either of them had imagined and an old enemy with stunning new plans.
Cassiel is an intriguing character. I enjoyed watching her adjust to life as a human and come to appreciate humans. I liked her strong relationship with Isabel who pours out love and acceptance. I liked the worldbuilding in this new series set in the same universe as the Weather Wardens series.
I enjoyed this urban fantasy story. My only complaint is that it is the first book of four and has a cliffhanger ending and tons of unresolved plot threads.
March 5, 2021
Undone (Outcast Season #1) by Rachel Caine is great series opener and spinoff. I liked getting to know this cast of characters and more about their world. It reminded me pretty quickly that I need to catch up on the Weather Warden series as soon as possible. You don't need to be familiar with that series to enjoy this, but it would sure make it all the more fun.
October 18, 2015
Cassiel is one of the Old Djinn, the more powerful Djinn who came before humans walked the earth. She was one of the most powerful but when she refused to follow Ashan's orders he cast her away. Stripped of her powers and trapped in human form Cassiel is forced to go to the Weather Wardens for help. She needs to access their power regularly to sustain herself or she will die. She is partnered with Earth Warden Manny and finds it easier to help him with his missions than she does to deal with her new human body and emotions.
Undone is the first book in Rachel Caine's Outcast Season series which a spin off from her popular Weather Warden series. Being a massive fan of the Weather Warden series I was really looking forward to getting started on this series - I was expecting a fast paced thrill ride and Rachel didn't disappoint me.
I loved getting to find out more about the Djinn by looking at the world from Cassiel's perspective. She is one of the Djinn who had never chosen to take human form so her new body is a strange experience for her. She has never had to deal with humans before so everything is very new to her - she doesn't know the rules and is still learning how her body works. I really enjoyed her interactions with Manny and his family (his daughter Isobel is adorable) and watching her opinion of humans start to change as the story progressed. I mustn't forget to mention Manny's brother Luis - the sexual tension between him and Cassiel was great & I'm looking forward to seeing how things may develop between them in the future.
It was nice to see Jo, David and Lewis (from the Weather Warden series) make an appearance although this was brief and only at the start of the book. To be honest although I liked the chance to see them again I'm glad they didn't feature more prominently in the story as it would make it too easy to get confused between the 2 series. I think you could probably pick up this series even if you've never read any of the Weather Warden books although that is a series I would highly recommend to those who haven't tried it yet.
Undone was a great start to a new series, it had me gripped from the very beginning and took me through a full range of emotions from tugging at my heartstrings to making me laugh out loud. My one minor complaint would be the cliffhanger ending. I think anyone who is familiar with Rachel Caine's work will know by now that she is a master at leaving you desperate for more and Undone was no exception. I have already ordered book 2 (Unknown) but I'm not too sure what I'll do with myself between reading that and the long wait until Unseen is published next year. Perhaps I'll finally make a start on the Rachel's Morganville series while I wait!
Undone is the first book in Rachel Caine's Outcast Season series which a spin off from her popular Weather Warden series. Being a massive fan of the Weather Warden series I was really looking forward to getting started on this series - I was expecting a fast paced thrill ride and Rachel didn't disappoint me.
I loved getting to find out more about the Djinn by looking at the world from Cassiel's perspective. She is one of the Djinn who had never chosen to take human form so her new body is a strange experience for her. She has never had to deal with humans before so everything is very new to her - she doesn't know the rules and is still learning how her body works. I really enjoyed her interactions with Manny and his family (his daughter Isobel is adorable) and watching her opinion of humans start to change as the story progressed. I mustn't forget to mention Manny's brother Luis - the sexual tension between him and Cassiel was great & I'm looking forward to seeing how things may develop between them in the future.
It was nice to see Jo, David and Lewis (from the Weather Warden series) make an appearance although this was brief and only at the start of the book. To be honest although I liked the chance to see them again I'm glad they didn't feature more prominently in the story as it would make it too easy to get confused between the 2 series. I think you could probably pick up this series even if you've never read any of the Weather Warden books although that is a series I would highly recommend to those who haven't tried it yet.
Undone was a great start to a new series, it had me gripped from the very beginning and took me through a full range of emotions from tugging at my heartstrings to making me laugh out loud. My one minor complaint would be the cliffhanger ending. I think anyone who is familiar with Rachel Caine's work will know by now that she is a master at leaving you desperate for more and Undone was no exception. I have already ordered book 2 (Unknown) but I'm not too sure what I'll do with myself between reading that and the long wait until Unseen is published next year. Perhaps I'll finally make a start on the Rachel's Morganville series while I wait!
August 21, 2022
Reread in 2022 as part of my ongoing shelf audit. Verdict: I still agree with my original review, and while I've put the rest of the series on hold at the library, I'm not going to keep them on my shelves.
Original review circa 2019:
While this spinoff series didn't draw me in the way that Ill Wind did, it's still a solid entry in a solid universe. Caine gives us another magically empowered heroine with a love for fast machines - motorcycles, here, instead of classic cars - and an equally magically powerful love interest. Cassiel's debut happens at a slower speed than Joanne's did, but it works, because the focus here is on character development.
A few of the particular highlights:
- Manny Rocha and his family, and especially Isabel. Kids in books can really break immersion when they're written poorly, but Izzy was charming and felt believable, and I cared about her just as Cassiel came to.
- Cassiel's perspective shift is handled well, and accompanied by a very smooth transition in the tone of the first-person narration.
- There's a lot of emphasis on limitations of the characters' supernatural abilities, which is something I appreciated in the original series as well. It makes their struggles that much more engaging.
So, why only three stars? Because, fundamentally, it felt kind of like a popcorn read that never defined itself as anything more. That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable, and there's nothing wrong with a popcorn read every so often, but I just ended up feeling pretty... shrug? about it.
(That said, the conflict that was revealed at the end is MUCH more intriguing, and later books in this quartet may rate higher as the arc plot comes into focus.)
Original review circa 2019:
While this spinoff series didn't draw me in the way that Ill Wind did, it's still a solid entry in a solid universe. Caine gives us another magically empowered heroine with a love for fast machines - motorcycles, here, instead of classic cars - and an equally magically powerful love interest. Cassiel's debut happens at a slower speed than Joanne's did, but it works, because the focus here is on character development.
A few of the particular highlights:
- Manny Rocha and his family, and especially Isabel. Kids in books can really break immersion when they're written poorly, but Izzy was charming and felt believable, and I cared about her just as Cassiel came to.
- Cassiel's perspective shift is handled well, and accompanied by a very smooth transition in the tone of the first-person narration.
- There's a lot of emphasis on limitations of the characters' supernatural abilities, which is something I appreciated in the original series as well. It makes their struggles that much more engaging.
So, why only three stars? Because, fundamentally, it felt kind of like a popcorn read that never defined itself as anything more. That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable, and there's nothing wrong with a popcorn read every so often, but I just ended up feeling pretty... shrug? about it.
(That said, the conflict that was revealed at the end is MUCH more intriguing, and later books in this quartet may rate higher as the arc plot comes into focus.)
May 13, 2017
This was a neat start to the spinoff series! I thought Ms. Caine did a great job with Cassiel's thoughts and emotions as the character made the difficult transition from Djinn to Human. Loved that we got a glimpse of David and Jo, too.
The story moved quickly, easily keeping my attention. I was surprised at how fast I grew attached to Manny and his family. Luis is a bit mysterious, but I'm sure we will learn more about him as the series progresses. I do like the way Cassiel and Luis are working together to help the missing children. Their unique need for the other is interesting to watch. They are up against a powerful force. I suspect it will take some creative thinking to survive. Yes, there was a cliffhanger ending, but it wasn't bad. We know the story will pick up in the next book, which I plan to read right away.
On a side note, there is exciting news on the Weather Warden Front! Rachel Caine plans to release Red Hot Rain: A Weather Warden Novel sometime in 2016! If you loved Jo and David as much as I did, be sure to check out the details on Rachel's website!
The story moved quickly, easily keeping my attention. I was surprised at how fast I grew attached to Manny and his family. Luis is a bit mysterious, but I'm sure we will learn more about him as the series progresses. I do like the way Cassiel and Luis are working together to help the missing children. Their unique need for the other is interesting to watch. They are up against a powerful force. I suspect it will take some creative thinking to survive. Yes, there was a cliffhanger ending, but it wasn't bad. We know the story will pick up in the next book, which I plan to read right away.
On a side note, there is exciting news on the Weather Warden Front! Rachel Caine plans to release Red Hot Rain: A Weather Warden Novel sometime in 2016! If you loved Jo and David as much as I did, be sure to check out the details on Rachel's website!
April 27, 2012
Whenever I want a comfort read, I turn to the Weather Warden universe. This is the first in Outcast Season, a spin-off featuring different characters. Cassiel is a powerful djinn cast out and forced to live as a human, relying on the Weather Wardens for energy and sustenance. Her POV made this tough to get into at first -- she's cold, standoffish, and pretty ruthless when she's pissed off. It's testament to Rachel Caine's characterization that she can write a spin-off with a completely different voice from Joanne's. The tone of this is much more serious than the first few WW books were. I can't elaborate much, as things get Very Real early on in the book, but I really enjoyed seeing Cassiel start to connect with humanity while trying to retain her shreds of djinn pride.
I loved seeing more Earth Warden powers in action, and this ends with the typical Caine cliffhanger. Can't wait to read the next one.
I loved seeing more Earth Warden powers in action, and this ends with the typical Caine cliffhanger. Can't wait to read the next one.
May 31, 2012
WARNING.. If you have not read the Weather Warden Series then I suggest you read those first.. if not you will be confused. Having said that , this book was great!! If u have read the WW series and loved them then I think you will also love this!! It has cameos of ww characters, Joanne, David, Lewis, and alot of the new and old Djinn!
In my opinion these books are way under rated!!!
In my opinion these books are way under rated!!!
January 8, 2013
I have never read a Weather Warden book and I didn't know this was the first spin-off book. I really enjoyed it even though I felt like I was behind trying to figure out the rules of the world. I'll have to start the main series before I read the next one. The main character was very cold and distant and it took me a long time to get used to her, but I enjoyed the story very much!
April 3, 2015
Cass was a djinn but was turned human when she wouldn't obey her leader. She's dependent on the Weather Wardens for energy to stay alive. While I enjoyed the story,it's too serious! I have no interest in continuing the series.
June 19, 2021
This was a really fantastic read, loved being in this world but following a new character, and I can't wait to read more!
June 14, 2021
Chronique de Diana :
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
Rachel Caine est une auteure que je connais depuis des années, elle a d’ailleurs été une des premières que j’ai suivi lorsque j’ai commencé la lecture avec « Vampire City » et « Les Gardiens des éléments ». Cette série est aussi le spin-off des Gardiens. Cette merveilleuse auteure nous a quitté en 2020 et je suis heureuse de voir encore ses récits nous parvenir et faire qu’on ne n’oubliera jamais.
Pas d’inquiétude si vous n’avez pas lu les Gardiens, j’avoue que moi-même je n’ai pas lu tous les tomes encore de cette saga. Ce récit est un tome d’introduction, il permet parfaitement de rentrer dans l’univers, de nous donner les références nécessaires et ainsi d’avancer sans problème sur l’histoire de Cassiel.
Cassiel est Djinn, elle va se retrouver bannie après avoir refusé les ordres directs de son supérieur. Lors de sa chute, elle va opter pour la forme humaine, alors qu’en toute honnêteté, elle ne porte pas l’être humain dans son cœur. Seul problème c’est que sous cette forme elle a besoin d’un gardien pour prélever un peu de force et ne pas disparaitre complètement. C’est ainsi qu’elle va être amener à travailler pour eux et à aider l’humanité.
C’est un premier tome bien construit et intéressant, il nous permet de rencontrer les personnages et de commencer à les cerner. Cassiel va découvrir qu’être humaine est compliquée, fatiguant et que l’empathie et l’affection peuvent vite changer votre fonctionnement. Je ne dirais pas qu’elle est attachante car elle ne sait pas qui elle est et nous encore moins à ce stade, mais elle reste intéressante et j’attends de la voir encore plus évoluer.
Les frères Rocha sont importants et j’ai aimé le fait de les voir si différents, je suis impatiente de voir comment Luis va s’accommoder de la présence de cette Djinn déchue parfois aussi têtue et téméraire que lui.
J’ai passé un bon moment, les choses se mettent en place et je pense que la suite sera plus rythmée que cette introduction. La plume de Rachel Caine me plait toujours autant et si vous aimez l’urban fantasy, cet univers devrait vous convenir parfaitement.
Action, magie, complot, les choses n’ont pas l’air simple et j’espère que Cassiel nous prouvera que même sous cette forme elle est capable de tout. Concernant une possible romance, je ne sais pas, on verra par la suite si ça ce concrétise ou pas.
Un roman qui pose des bases solides, ce n’est que le début mais laissez-vous tenter.
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
Rachel Caine est une auteure que je connais depuis des années, elle a d’ailleurs été une des premières que j’ai suivi lorsque j’ai commencé la lecture avec « Vampire City » et « Les Gardiens des éléments ». Cette série est aussi le spin-off des Gardiens. Cette merveilleuse auteure nous a quitté en 2020 et je suis heureuse de voir encore ses récits nous parvenir et faire qu’on ne n’oubliera jamais.
Pas d’inquiétude si vous n’avez pas lu les Gardiens, j’avoue que moi-même je n’ai pas lu tous les tomes encore de cette saga. Ce récit est un tome d’introduction, il permet parfaitement de rentrer dans l’univers, de nous donner les références nécessaires et ainsi d’avancer sans problème sur l’histoire de Cassiel.
Cassiel est Djinn, elle va se retrouver bannie après avoir refusé les ordres directs de son supérieur. Lors de sa chute, elle va opter pour la forme humaine, alors qu’en toute honnêteté, elle ne porte pas l’être humain dans son cœur. Seul problème c’est que sous cette forme elle a besoin d’un gardien pour prélever un peu de force et ne pas disparaitre complètement. C’est ainsi qu’elle va être amener à travailler pour eux et à aider l’humanité.
C’est un premier tome bien construit et intéressant, il nous permet de rencontrer les personnages et de commencer à les cerner. Cassiel va découvrir qu’être humaine est compliquée, fatiguant et que l’empathie et l’affection peuvent vite changer votre fonctionnement. Je ne dirais pas qu’elle est attachante car elle ne sait pas qui elle est et nous encore moins à ce stade, mais elle reste intéressante et j’attends de la voir encore plus évoluer.
Les frères Rocha sont importants et j’ai aimé le fait de les voir si différents, je suis impatiente de voir comment Luis va s’accommoder de la présence de cette Djinn déchue parfois aussi têtue et téméraire que lui.
J’ai passé un bon moment, les choses se mettent en place et je pense que la suite sera plus rythmée que cette introduction. La plume de Rachel Caine me plait toujours autant et si vous aimez l’urban fantasy, cet univers devrait vous convenir parfaitement.
Action, magie, complot, les choses n’ont pas l’air simple et j’espère que Cassiel nous prouvera que même sous cette forme elle est capable de tout. Concernant une possible romance, je ne sais pas, on verra par la suite si ça ce concrétise ou pas.
Un roman qui pose des bases solides, ce n’est que le début mais laissez-vous tenter.
October 20, 2022
I almost gave up on this book at around page 25 but I kept reading. It got better and then the ending was a lot of "What the heck!?" I'm not sure if I'll read other books in the series.
March 10, 2012
Originally posted at: http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
The Good
O. M. G. I was genuinely surprised by Undone. I did not expect to love this book as much as I loved Caine's Weather Warden series. But I truly did. It was everything one comes to expect from Caine and her beautifully descriptive writing.
Now that Cassiel has been struck from the Djinn race and turned into a kinda, sorta human, she has been having trouble assimilating to human living and emotions. And her assimilation process is violently cut short as something tragic happens that will change the rest of her life, short as it may be. But with the help of Luis, a strong earth warden, Cassiel is hell bent on destroying the evil entity that seems just as determined to eliminate the ex-Djinn. Of course, it's not going to be that easy as this entity gains power and followers each day, and its final goal might be more catastrophic to the human race than Cassiel first assumed.
I just love the world Caine has created in both series. There's never a dull moment in her books because enemies are just too abundant. Even the weather, earth, and closest friends are never what they seem. The action is ridiculously constant (which I love), and Caine's characterization is superb. Not one character is the same. Each have their very own personalities, mannerisms, and motives. And for those who miss the characters we have come to love from the Weather Warden series, you will get your Joanna, David, and Lewis fix in Undone since they do appear at the beginning of the first few chapters.
Cassiel is pretty much one of the most amazing characters ever. Reading about her transformation and journey in a human body was inspiring. Especially when she was one of the old Djinn who thought humans and the new Djinn were worthless beings. I loved how Caine made everyday human things seem so weird and odd through Cassiel's eyes. It made me see our world in a whole new light. Cassiel is both hilarious in her ignorance and frightening in her seriousness. It was so endearing how human emotions crept up on her ever so slowly. Her fondness for Ibby, the daughter of the warden who provides Cassiel with her energy to stay alive, was the sweetest thing I ever read. And Ibby was pretty much as cute as a button. She almost made me like kids...almost. Oh, and I am totally obsessed with Cassiel's hair. You'll understand what I mean when you read this book.
I really didn't get Luis at first. He seemed a little unnecessary, but as the book progressed he became vital to Cassiel's survival. I like the idea of him but he has not won me completely over yet. But I do love that he doesn't put up with Cassiel's crap. Come to think of it, he is probably a perfect match for her.
I was stunned with the twists and turns in this book. I didn't expect Undone to turn out the way it did. I wanted to cry most of the time because Cassiel's constant regret and sorrow over events she in no way could have prevented. But it's understandable why she blames herself, especially when loss is a new experience for her.
The big reveal at the end made my jaw drop. I wasn't expecting Cassiel's big secret to be so monumental. With this new information I know the next few books will not lack in the action or drama department. This series looks very promising.
The Bad
I truly loved every part of this book. Okay, maybe I wanted to pull my hair out when it ended on a cliffhanger. Okay, okay, maybe I DID pull my hair out, but just a little. My hair grows pretty fast so it's all good.
The Snuggly
Don't hold your breath for any snuggly. Cassiel was an unemotional Djinn who is now a slightly less unemotional human. Sex is not in her current equation, either is romance. But there is a scene that signifies future romance.
Overall
The constant adventure and "who done it" feel of this book made it one amazing read. Cassiel's haughty attitude and struggle to fit in with humanity make her a fun and unique character. And as her human emotions start to crack through her iron tough shell of her past Djinn attitude, you can't help but love her. Any fan of the Weather Warden series will easily adore the Outcast Season series. Highly recommended.
Quotes
I learned more of my human body, and the more I learned, the less I liked. Its machinery was too fragile and required too much maintenance. Food. Breathing. Finally, sleeping. The humiliating process of waste elimination was enough to make me wish fondly for oblivion.
~
The child bounced up from the couch and jumped in place, face alight with pleasure. "Cassie, Cassie, Cassie!"
I sighed. "Cassiel, please." For all the good I sensed it would do. Angela stifled a laugh.
I had no idea of the human protocol for such things, but I knelt down, and the child rushed my arms. Warm, chubby arms around my neck. A moist kiss on my cheek. "Ewwww, you smell like burning things," Ibby said.
The Good
O. M. G. I was genuinely surprised by Undone. I did not expect to love this book as much as I loved Caine's Weather Warden series. But I truly did. It was everything one comes to expect from Caine and her beautifully descriptive writing.
Now that Cassiel has been struck from the Djinn race and turned into a kinda, sorta human, she has been having trouble assimilating to human living and emotions. And her assimilation process is violently cut short as something tragic happens that will change the rest of her life, short as it may be. But with the help of Luis, a strong earth warden, Cassiel is hell bent on destroying the evil entity that seems just as determined to eliminate the ex-Djinn. Of course, it's not going to be that easy as this entity gains power and followers each day, and its final goal might be more catastrophic to the human race than Cassiel first assumed.
I just love the world Caine has created in both series. There's never a dull moment in her books because enemies are just too abundant. Even the weather, earth, and closest friends are never what they seem. The action is ridiculously constant (which I love), and Caine's characterization is superb. Not one character is the same. Each have their very own personalities, mannerisms, and motives. And for those who miss the characters we have come to love from the Weather Warden series, you will get your Joanna, David, and Lewis fix in Undone since they do appear at the beginning of the first few chapters.
Cassiel is pretty much one of the most amazing characters ever. Reading about her transformation and journey in a human body was inspiring. Especially when she was one of the old Djinn who thought humans and the new Djinn were worthless beings. I loved how Caine made everyday human things seem so weird and odd through Cassiel's eyes. It made me see our world in a whole new light. Cassiel is both hilarious in her ignorance and frightening in her seriousness. It was so endearing how human emotions crept up on her ever so slowly. Her fondness for Ibby, the daughter of the warden who provides Cassiel with her energy to stay alive, was the sweetest thing I ever read. And Ibby was pretty much as cute as a button. She almost made me like kids...almost. Oh, and I am totally obsessed with Cassiel's hair. You'll understand what I mean when you read this book.
I really didn't get Luis at first. He seemed a little unnecessary, but as the book progressed he became vital to Cassiel's survival. I like the idea of him but he has not won me completely over yet. But I do love that he doesn't put up with Cassiel's crap. Come to think of it, he is probably a perfect match for her.
I was stunned with the twists and turns in this book. I didn't expect Undone to turn out the way it did. I wanted to cry most of the time because Cassiel's constant regret and sorrow over events she in no way could have prevented. But it's understandable why she blames herself, especially when loss is a new experience for her.
The big reveal at the end made my jaw drop. I wasn't expecting Cassiel's big secret to be so monumental. With this new information I know the next few books will not lack in the action or drama department. This series looks very promising.
The Bad
I truly loved every part of this book. Okay, maybe I wanted to pull my hair out when it ended on a cliffhanger. Okay, okay, maybe I DID pull my hair out, but just a little. My hair grows pretty fast so it's all good.
The Snuggly
Don't hold your breath for any snuggly. Cassiel was an unemotional Djinn who is now a slightly less unemotional human. Sex is not in her current equation, either is romance. But there is a scene that signifies future romance.
Overall
The constant adventure and "who done it" feel of this book made it one amazing read. Cassiel's haughty attitude and struggle to fit in with humanity make her a fun and unique character. And as her human emotions start to crack through her iron tough shell of her past Djinn attitude, you can't help but love her. Any fan of the Weather Warden series will easily adore the Outcast Season series. Highly recommended.
Quotes
I learned more of my human body, and the more I learned, the less I liked. Its machinery was too fragile and required too much maintenance. Food. Breathing. Finally, sleeping. The humiliating process of waste elimination was enough to make me wish fondly for oblivion.
~
The child bounced up from the couch and jumped in place, face alight with pleasure. "Cassie, Cassie, Cassie!"
I sighed. "Cassiel, please." For all the good I sensed it would do. Angela stifled a laugh.
I had no idea of the human protocol for such things, but I knelt down, and the child rushed my arms. Warm, chubby arms around my neck. A moist kiss on my cheek. "Ewwww, you smell like burning things," Ibby said.
January 17, 2018
Great read
October 16, 2023
I was initially afraid that Cassiel was just a side character and that everything important would happen in the main series. (Spoiler for Weather Warden series).
But it's not a side quest at all! It's a big fight for the fate of the world type of thing, (or will be.) And I ended up liking it better than most of the Weather Warden books. (All but 1-2.)
I'm not sure about Cassiel as a main character. She's a little strange, and a little removed from humanity. But she's still better than Joanne. Granted, Cassiel likes clothes and her motorcycle, but she's not completely obsessed like Joanne is with cars and fashion.
All of the other characters were also way better than most of those in the main series. I particularly liked Manny and his wife and daughter. Luis, the guy who is obviously going to become a love interest, was just okay. I'm glad they didn't instantly become a couple. I always prefer a slow burn romance.
I was afraid we wouldn't get answers about why Cassiel was cast out, but everything is finally explained in the last chapter! I still felt a bit ripped off though because there wasn't an ending. I hate cliffhangers at the end of book one!
But it's not a side quest at all! It's a big fight for the fate of the world type of thing, (or will be.) And I ended up liking it better than most of the Weather Warden books. (All but 1-2.)
I'm not sure about Cassiel as a main character. She's a little strange, and a little removed from humanity. But she's still better than Joanne. Granted, Cassiel likes clothes and her motorcycle, but she's not completely obsessed like Joanne is with cars and fashion.
All of the other characters were also way better than most of those in the main series. I particularly liked Manny and his wife and daughter. Luis, the guy who is obviously going to become a love interest, was just okay. I'm glad they didn't instantly become a couple. I always prefer a slow burn romance.
I was afraid we wouldn't get answers about why Cassiel was cast out, but everything is finally explained in the last chapter! I still felt a bit ripped off though because there wasn't an ending. I hate cliffhangers at the end of book one!
April 5, 2009
I'm only giving this novel this many stars because I enjoyed the characters, rather despite myself. The book should have either been 100 pages less than what it was or been much more tightly plotted. I picked up on there being problems with Scott and in Colorado so early that I remember looking at the page number when supposedly pattern-brilliant Cassiel FINALLY did and thinking, "It took you till page 155 to get that?" (Yes, I remember the exact page number.) Solving this from a plot point is simple: Have Cassiel figure it our earlier, or don't leave such blatant clues for the readers. If one of those two things had been done, I would not have spent 100 pages of the book exasperated with the extraordinarily slow plot development.
Not one reference from the Weather Warden series is explained for new Caine readers (which I wasn't), and there are so many other unexplained things: For a major one, how come Cassiel doesn't know what a hotel or a cellphone is some days into her life as a human, but can describe clothes and appearances in detail the minute she becomes human? I felt like Caine's addiction to writing in a certain style (in particular, talking a lot about clothes and appearances and scenery) left her writing more weakly than she typically does.
I also felt like the plot needed to be much stronger to draw the reader in to a world in which a nearly emotionless character is narrating the story. I kept reading because I enjoyed the main characters' company, not because I found the book to be in any way a page turner, and if I hadn't liked the characters, I'm not sure I would have even finished the book. I'm glad I wasn't expecting a resolution, because there isn't one; this book reads more like a prequel than like a novel that stands on its own, and to find out what happens to the characters, I'll have to pick up book two of the series.
I expect so much more from Caine than what this book turned out to be.
Not one reference from the Weather Warden series is explained for new Caine readers (which I wasn't), and there are so many other unexplained things: For a major one, how come Cassiel doesn't know what a hotel or a cellphone is some days into her life as a human, but can describe clothes and appearances in detail the minute she becomes human? I felt like Caine's addiction to writing in a certain style (in particular, talking a lot about clothes and appearances and scenery) left her writing more weakly than she typically does.
I also felt like the plot needed to be much stronger to draw the reader in to a world in which a nearly emotionless character is narrating the story. I kept reading because I enjoyed the main characters' company, not because I found the book to be in any way a page turner, and if I hadn't liked the characters, I'm not sure I would have even finished the book. I'm glad I wasn't expecting a resolution, because there isn't one; this book reads more like a prequel than like a novel that stands on its own, and to find out what happens to the characters, I'll have to pick up book two of the series.
I expect so much more from Caine than what this book turned out to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2012
This is the second book I've picked up by Rachel Caine, the first being Ill Winds which I was thoroughly disappointed in. With that said, I had some pretty low expectations for this book and even so I was still disappointed when I reached the end of the book.
Had I not read Ill Winds from Caine's Weather Warden series I probably would've felt really lost during this book as there weren't as many explanations for Cassiel's world.
It's very odd that this book turned out the way it did because it had all the elements for a good book. Cassiel's past and current predicament should've made it so easy for there to be some real character development. And even though there was, it felt forced. Rather than having events play out or have Cassiel actually analyze certain situations, the character development was revealed through Cassiel simply stating it. The relationship between Cassiel and Luis had so many possibilities, but somehow Caine managed to screw that up as well. Just like in the Weather Wardens series with Joanne and David, I found the relationship to be lacking. With the lack of any real events occurring to strengthen their bond or feelings for each other and in such little time I found it hard to believe they could possibly feel anything for each other, except maybe lust. So really there was just no natural development in their relationship. I don't appreciate authors shoving romance down my throat. I'm not even going to get into how ridiculous some of the situations were and the coincidences that occurred.
This book read more like a typical and trending YA book nowadays. I'm baffled by the high ratings this book was given and also question those who recommended it to me. It was very disappointing and I don't think I'll be reading anything written by Caine in the future.
Had I not read Ill Winds from Caine's Weather Warden series I probably would've felt really lost during this book as there weren't as many explanations for Cassiel's world.
It's very odd that this book turned out the way it did because it had all the elements for a good book. Cassiel's past and current predicament should've made it so easy for there to be some real character development. And even though there was, it felt forced. Rather than having events play out or have Cassiel actually analyze certain situations, the character development was revealed through Cassiel simply stating it. The relationship between Cassiel and Luis had so many possibilities, but somehow Caine managed to screw that up as well. Just like in the Weather Wardens series with Joanne and David, I found the relationship to be lacking. With the lack of any real events occurring to strengthen their bond or feelings for each other and in such little time I found it hard to believe they could possibly feel anything for each other, except maybe lust. So really there was just no natural development in their relationship. I don't appreciate authors shoving romance down my throat. I'm not even going to get into how ridiculous some of the situations were and the coincidences that occurred.
This book read more like a typical and trending YA book nowadays. I'm baffled by the high ratings this book was given and also question those who recommended it to me. It was very disappointing and I don't think I'll be reading anything written by Caine in the future.
April 14, 2013
'Undone' is the first in the series of Rachel Caine's 'Outcast Season', a spin-off of the Weather Wardens. I strongly recommend reading them in publication order before reading this one, so that would entail reading the first seven WW. I think the book would make more sense, you'd have a better idea of the world and it wouldn't give any spoilers away when you come to read the WW (I think the twists in the series is one of its best traits).
Okay, so Cassiel is a Djinn who has been cast out by the head of the Old Djinn and who needs the Wardens to survive. She is completely different to Joanne (who does make an appearance which was fun), arrogant and quite alien I suppose - I liked seeing her character progression through the book. Not sure about Luis yet, I don't feel I know him enough to truly love him at the moment but I'm hoping that will come in the next book.
The gangs were a weird addition. Then we got back on track with the ginormous-end-of-world-threat.
Do I like it as much as the Weather Wardens? No, but I'm not too worried about that since it took me a few books to really get into them anyway. With Rachel Caine, I think it takes a while to get used to her writing. I'm not talking about the writing style, I'm talking about the content. She is not afraid to go all out on ideas and I like that (at first I was a little unsure). It's almost like an epic fantasy... set in the real world... but different. I also like that she's not afraid to kill off some characters.
I will be reading the next one hopefully soon after I've read Cape Storm
Okay, so Cassiel is a Djinn who has been cast out by the head of the Old Djinn and who needs the Wardens to survive. She is completely different to Joanne (who does make an appearance which was fun), arrogant and quite alien I suppose - I liked seeing her character progression through the book. Not sure about Luis yet, I don't feel I know him enough to truly love him at the moment but I'm hoping that will come in the next book.
The gangs were a weird addition. Then we got back on track with the ginormous-end-of-world-threat.
Do I like it as much as the Weather Wardens? No, but I'm not too worried about that since it took me a few books to really get into them anyway. With Rachel Caine, I think it takes a while to get used to her writing. I'm not talking about the writing style, I'm talking about the content. She is not afraid to go all out on ideas and I like that (at first I was a little unsure). It's almost like an epic fantasy... set in the real world... but different. I also like that she's not afraid to kill off some characters.
I will be reading the next one hopefully soon after I've read Cape Storm
April 19, 2010
Cassiel is a Djinn who is ripped from her powers and thrown to Earth as punishment for refusing a request from the one who rules her. She has always held disdain for humans and now not only does she find herself in a human form, but at the mercy of them as well because she cannot keep her form alive without siphoning powers from the Wardens. She agrees to work with an Earth Warden, Manny Rocha in New Mexico as his partner.
I absolutely loved reading about her transformation from a being who was not used to feeling to suddenly having emotions and physical feelings and not quite knowing what to do with or about them. Caine has an impeccable way of describing things, it makes you feel as if you're just learning what a car smells like or how claustrophobic an airplane can be yourself.
I've read Caine's Morganville Vampire series and am a huge fan, but this series is even better. This takes the action to a whole new level with ethereal writing that makes you feel like you're riding in the jeep with Cassiel on her next adventure. A DEFINITE recommend!
I absolutely loved reading about her transformation from a being who was not used to feeling to suddenly having emotions and physical feelings and not quite knowing what to do with or about them. Caine has an impeccable way of describing things, it makes you feel as if you're just learning what a car smells like or how claustrophobic an airplane can be yourself.
I've read Caine's Morganville Vampire series and am a huge fan, but this series is even better. This takes the action to a whole new level with ethereal writing that makes you feel like you're riding in the jeep with Cassiel on her next adventure. A DEFINITE recommend!
March 20, 2013
I really liked this book. I think it's a great departure from the Weather Warden series, yet had many of the elements that I loved about that series. I am so happy that there were cameos from some of the characters we know and love from WW
I think Cassiel is fabulous. She's very different from Joanne, but I think that's exactly why she works. We really got an idea of what the Old Djinn were like in the WW series, cold, calculating and uncaring. Cassiel is all of that, but as she spends more time as a human she's learning to be more.
I think it'll be interesting to see where she and Luis go from here. That ending was a crazy cliffhanger and not what I was expecting. And seriously (early in the book spoiler)
I think Cassiel is fabulous. She's very different from Joanne, but I think that's exactly why she works. We really got an idea of what the Old Djinn were like in the WW series, cold, calculating and uncaring. Cassiel is all of that, but as she spends more time as a human she's learning to be more.
I think it'll be interesting to see where she and Luis go from here. That ending was a crazy cliffhanger and not what I was expecting. And seriously (early in the book spoiler)
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