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Wyrd Blood #1
Wyrd Blood
Sometimes I wonder what life was like before magic burst into existence, before the Magical War of 810 destroyed our world. What it was like before there were Wyrd Blood, or we were forced into hiding. And that's what I've been doing for years, hiding me and my crew. But that's about to end.My crew is starving and things are getting dire. When I get desperate enough to try and steal from Ryker, one of the toughest men in these parts, things go bad and my Wyrd Blood origins are outed. But it's not all bad. Ryker can help keep me alive from the mysterious illness that's been plaguing me. He can also feed my crew. The only thing I have to do in return is start another war.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2017
666 people are currently reading
541 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
October 23, 2017
2 1/2
This book started with a bang and ended in a disappointing fizzle. I read the first half and almost couldn't put it down, even with its flaws and holes. But somewhat, somewhere along the chapters the story started to unravel. At 80% I was close to DNF.
One of the main reasons was the heroine that regressed with every chapter. She started as a woman and moved back in time to girl child. I couldn't believe it. Both her and her crew were depicted like dogs: panting around the hand that feeds them and idolizing the human even when it kicks you.
It might be his curse, but it was painful to see. From clever, cunny survivors they were transformed into idiots without an inch of brain. They had no loyalty, and even less brain. And it so clashed with the world and the beginning. (Think Lord of the Flies going Twilight).
The plot revolved around her magic that was needed to break a ward. But there was almost no explanation to it, no magic systems to back it up. Way worse the book revolves around nothing, because they keep talking about training her, but there's no training. At least the usual definition of it where there's one who teaches or shows how to do something and the other learns and repeats. Here we had an excuse to make the 2 MC staying together and showing (?) the readers (not this one) how the 2 thawed. Pretty painful, sorry.
The backstory was hinted, but never coalesced into anything, and when it did appear it made her behavior even less logic.
I found no reason for many of her actions or feelings. Again given the world they weren't that solid IMHO.
I'm not going to keep reading the series.
This book started with a bang and ended in a disappointing fizzle. I read the first half and almost couldn't put it down, even with its flaws and holes. But somewhat, somewhere along the chapters the story started to unravel. At 80% I was close to DNF.
One of the main reasons was the heroine that regressed with every chapter. She started as a woman and moved back in time to girl child. I couldn't believe it. Both her and her crew were depicted like dogs: panting around the hand that feeds them and idolizing the human even when it kicks you.
It might be his curse, but it was painful to see. From clever, cunny survivors they were transformed into idiots without an inch of brain. They had no loyalty, and even less brain. And it so clashed with the world and the beginning. (Think Lord of the Flies going Twilight).
The plot revolved around her magic that was needed to break a ward. But there was almost no explanation to it, no magic systems to back it up. Way worse the book revolves around nothing, because they keep talking about training her, but there's no training. At least the usual definition of it where there's one who teaches or shows how to do something and the other learns and repeats. Here we had an excuse to make the 2 MC staying together and showing (?) the readers (not this one) how the 2 thawed. Pretty painful, sorry.
The backstory was hinted, but never coalesced into anything, and when it did appear it made her behavior even less logic.
I found no reason for many of her actions or feelings. Again given the world they weren't that solid IMHO.
I'm not going to keep reading the series.
September 9, 2018
I honestly don't know what to say about this book. I was a little excited since the premise seemed promising, but I didn't have great expectations. The previous books I read from this author are all similar to this one: Pretty good concept, interesting beginning, then somehow goes rapidly downhill and sort of fizzles out.
Not awful, but just not memorable.
This book is about a girl-thief (I don't even remember her name) who has some power that she has kept hidden her whole life and which she uses to keep herself and her crew alive by robbing people.
Neither the powers, nor the countries and political systems are explained at all! It is said she cares incredibly for her crew, but when they leave her or she barely even reacts, and when she does, she does something super unecessary and stupid.
Like, for example,
The thing is, where was the storyline? The climax was anticlimatic as could be, any problems they encountered where disregarded in a sentence and even Even had there been any real stakes, I didn't have any sort of connection to those pale, uninteresting characters.
Somone might ask themselves, if I hated that book, why did I give it 2 Stars?
The writing was not terrible, I liked the concept of the book, and overall, I didn't have an unpleasant experience reading it. It is kind of dumb, and neither the world building nor characters are fleshed out, but it is a fun read nonetheless. There is a very slight chance I might even read the next book.
Not awful, but just not memorable.
This book is about a girl-thief (I don't even remember her name) who has some power that she has kept hidden her whole life and which she uses to keep herself and her crew alive by robbing people.
Neither the powers, nor the countries and political systems are explained at all! It is said she cares incredibly for her crew, but when they leave her or she barely even reacts, and when she does, she does something super unecessary and stupid.
Like, for example,
The thing is, where was the storyline? The climax was anticlimatic as could be, any problems they encountered where disregarded in a sentence and even Even had there been any real stakes, I didn't have any sort of connection to those pale, uninteresting characters.
Somone might ask themselves, if I hated that book, why did I give it 2 Stars?
The writing was not terrible, I liked the concept of the book, and overall, I didn't have an unpleasant experience reading it. It is kind of dumb, and neither the world building nor characters are fleshed out, but it is a fun read nonetheless. There is a very slight chance I might even read the next book.
November 30, 2018
Wyrd Blood Book 1
Donna Augustine
Augustine’s first in a new series is a melding of sorts of NA- Urban Fantasy and post apocalyptic fiction set in a world almost a thousand years after the demise of civilization. Her attention to detail in her inventive world building gives readers a clear visual of her fantastic people, places and things. Her main protagonists are a fabulous pair, there’s Bugs a mix of wisdom, innocence and common sense and Ryker an enigma whose quiet strength makes him the perfect leader. Her other players are all interesting and the storyline is action packed and engaging and will leave her audience salivating for book two. Well done!
Tantor Media production
Narrated by Nicole Poole
6 hrs – 15 mins
Nicole Poole’s narration of Wyrd Blood is fabulous. She handles both male and female voices plus interpreting the emotions of the characters to perfection while keeping the story moving at a great pace. But it’s definitely her portrayal of Bugs that stands out, going above and beyond showing Bugs’ strength and her vulnerabilities, her compassion and her stubbornness and doing it with an eloquent yet straightforward and expressive style that will keep the audience’s rapt attention and waiting for book two with bated breath.
SUMMARY:
It’s 910 AC-After the change when magic was unleashed on an unsuspecting world and forever changed it and not for the better.
Bugs has relied on her Wyrd Blood, (magic) to keep her one step ahead of her enemies and to keep her and her small crew alive and fed in the crumbling Ruined City. But lately something’s wrong, she’s off her game struck low by a strange illness and that’s the only reason she found herself trapped by her enemy. And the only reason she’s alive to tell about it is that he wants something from her.
Ryker, lord of the country of Valley has need of someone with strong magic, someone he can use to get through the wards of a neighboring country. Someone who’s disposable, luckily the culprit just got herself snagged in one of his traps. Unlucky for him, he might have just met his match.
Donna Augustine
Augustine’s first in a new series is a melding of sorts of NA- Urban Fantasy and post apocalyptic fiction set in a world almost a thousand years after the demise of civilization. Her attention to detail in her inventive world building gives readers a clear visual of her fantastic people, places and things. Her main protagonists are a fabulous pair, there’s Bugs a mix of wisdom, innocence and common sense and Ryker an enigma whose quiet strength makes him the perfect leader. Her other players are all interesting and the storyline is action packed and engaging and will leave her audience salivating for book two. Well done!
Tantor Media production
Narrated by Nicole Poole
6 hrs – 15 mins
Nicole Poole’s narration of Wyrd Blood is fabulous. She handles both male and female voices plus interpreting the emotions of the characters to perfection while keeping the story moving at a great pace. But it’s definitely her portrayal of Bugs that stands out, going above and beyond showing Bugs’ strength and her vulnerabilities, her compassion and her stubbornness and doing it with an eloquent yet straightforward and expressive style that will keep the audience’s rapt attention and waiting for book two with bated breath.
SUMMARY:
It’s 910 AC-After the change when magic was unleashed on an unsuspecting world and forever changed it and not for the better.
Bugs has relied on her Wyrd Blood, (magic) to keep her one step ahead of her enemies and to keep her and her small crew alive and fed in the crumbling Ruined City. But lately something’s wrong, she’s off her game struck low by a strange illness and that’s the only reason she found herself trapped by her enemy. And the only reason she’s alive to tell about it is that he wants something from her.
Ryker, lord of the country of Valley has need of someone with strong magic, someone he can use to get through the wards of a neighboring country. Someone who’s disposable, luckily the culprit just got herself snagged in one of his traps. Unlucky for him, he might have just met his match.
November 21, 2018
Bugs is starving, and she's trying to hide what she can do, while still trying to get food for her crew. But when she is captured by Ryker, the notorious Wyrd Blood who is supposed to be ruthless, and bad. Things go from bad to worse when he ends up helping, and making her do what he wants.
This book was very very interesting. I didn't like how Bugs acted sometimes, so that's what made it not really a four star, but I really enjoyed the plot, and I loved the end. I'm looking forward to more. This has huge promise to be another one of this author's great series! I can't wait for more.
This book was very very interesting. I didn't like how Bugs acted sometimes, so that's what made it not really a four star, but I really enjoyed the plot, and I loved the end. I'm looking forward to more. This has huge promise to be another one of this author's great series! I can't wait for more.
December 19, 2023
This writer writes very similar heroines. Which is a pity. But I liked this book nonetheless. Specially because it was in audio version, and the time just flew by with a nice entertainment. Recommended if you have the audiobook option.
November 12, 2017
This book is everything; Subtle humour, a slow-burn relationship, a plot you can't predict. Donna Augustine strikes again!
January 1, 2025
Audiobook narrated by
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First.
Great narration by Nicole Poole!
She's a master of her craft.
Then the book.
The stubborn streak of the fmc was entertaining at first. Then, it became tedious and childish.
No character development whatsoever.
It was weird.
That being said.
The world building was on par, and I think it has a lot of potential.
Nicole Poole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First.
Great narration by Nicole Poole!
She's a master of her craft.
Then the book.
The stubborn streak of the fmc was entertaining at first. Then, it became tedious and childish.
No character development whatsoever.
It was weird.
That being said.
The world building was on par, and I think it has a lot of potential.
September 12, 2017
Charged with eeking out a meager life for herself and her crew in the Ruined City, "Bugs" has a trove of secrets, the least of which is that she has Wyrd Blood, that is magical abilities. What should be a blessing leaves her marked for the unscrupulous to exploit, so a secret life is adequate, until she's forced to cut a deal with Ryker, a leader of a nearby colony. An uneasy alliance is formed and Bugs learns there is so much more about life, and herself, then she ever realized.
This was an excellent read; Donna Augustine's world building is perfect - a different time period with its own caste system was superbly developed. I love reading her books because she has a way to write the strong and flawed heroines, you want to nudge and push them a bit, but mostly you just want to keep turning the page! I can't wait for the follow-up!
This was an excellent read; Donna Augustine's world building is perfect - a different time period with its own caste system was superbly developed. I love reading her books because she has a way to write the strong and flawed heroines, you want to nudge and push them a bit, but mostly you just want to keep turning the page! I can't wait for the follow-up!
October 12, 2017
Donna Augustine never disappoints me. Set in a world so changed from ours, you've got the main character, Bugs, go through so many changes it keeps your mind set on the next word and the next. I couldn't put this down. If you love magic, brooding romance like characters, a character who talks to worms (really cute), cares deeply for her crew and has a heart as big as the universe, this book is for you.
I loved it!
When a bar of soap is so precious people would kill over it or even living in a house without holes in the roof could endanger your life, it's a great world!
I loved it!
When a bar of soap is so precious people would kill over it or even living in a house without holes in the roof could endanger your life, it's a great world!
September 10, 2017
Love Donna Augustine books, great female leads, great unique story lines. This book is no exception. Looking forward to the next instalment. Now need some help making a few decisions so off to find me a worm!
July 16, 2019
The all present pessimism and stubborn streak of the h was so frustrating. I was hoping for some change or h growing into her powers but character wise there was no development at all.
June 13, 2022
***3.5 stars***
Started off with a bang and a lot of promise, got super excited at the dystopian/magic trope... Unfortunately things started declining as things progressed. At around 80% I still had no idea what Bugs'/Ryker's actual magic was and what it was based on. Ryker can set uber powerful wards, Bugs can break uber powerful wards - but how and why? There was so much that needed further delving into. Bugs didn't want her crew to stay in Ryker's "country", despite the fact that they had food there and some semblance of a life? Why? Pretty disappointed, another potentially great read with a good idea, but short on the delivery.
Started off with a bang and a lot of promise, got super excited at the dystopian/magic trope... Unfortunately things started declining as things progressed. At around 80% I still had no idea what Bugs'/Ryker's actual magic was and what it was based on. Ryker can set uber powerful wards, Bugs can break uber powerful wards - but how and why? There was so much that needed further delving into. Bugs didn't want her crew to stay in Ryker's "country", despite the fact that they had food there and some semblance of a life? Why? Pretty disappointed, another potentially great read with a good idea, but short on the delivery.
November 4, 2018
Rating 3.5 out of 5.
Interesting plot and world setting. However I didn't enjoy the Ryken's revolving door.
Interesting plot and world setting. However I didn't enjoy the Ryken's revolving door.
June 25, 2025
This 3-book series is designed to be read as a single, continuous story, as there is very little payoff within the individual volumes. Overall, this was honestly not a very good book series.
My main complaint is that it's incredibly clichéd, and despite an attempt to tell a darker story, it really struggles to let any sort of emotional or physical pain linger. Everything has to be resolved quickly, in a way that you don't have to feel too bad for too long, which kind of annoyed me. The series doesn't hesitate to kill quite a few characters central to the story, but then it doesn't have the guts to let the pain linger in a meaningful way. If you want me to feel things, then let me feel them and don't neutralize it all almost immediately!
At its core, the driving thing that made the series work for me was the angst and the heartburn of believing you are not wanted by the person you desire. This kind of thing, if done right, always gets a hook into me. I am a sucker for reading and feeling this kind of pain of rejection and the visceral feeling of loneliness that doesn't fuel resentment or self-pity.
But that is really the only thing the book has going for it, at least for my own sensibilities. The only other part that was actually good was the smut, but there are like two scenes in the third book and that’s it.
Teeechnically, there is a 20-something virgin + ancient guy kind of dynamic going on, but the books don't actually place any value on the virgin aspect. It's not touted as this great virtue or as this sacred thing, to the point that it doesn't actually matter to their relationship or anything else at all. The age of the love interest wasn't relevant to their relationship in a meaningful way, so it didn't really bother me.
In regards to the plot, it was pretty all over the place. The world-building was actually kind of interesting. Usually, I really dislike romance in a dystopian setting because these settings usually are just terrible and chock-full of terrible clichés. But the setting overall in this one actually did a half-decent job of getting me to really feel this dystopia and the feudal political dynamics that typically emerge in those.
The plot itself doesn't make a whole lot of sense, though. It's kind of more a vehicle to get the romance going and have these characters be forced to cooperate and be around each other. But it is way more intricate than it needs to be to serve this purpose while also not adding much else to the books. It's just various morally ambiguous or evil characters with very opaque motivations causing problems. A less charitable word than opaque would be nonsensical. The books, especially early on, try to motivate and justify the behaviors of these characters, but it rarely rings true, and most of it doesn't actually work if you think about it a bit.
I am kind of tempted to start listing all the terrible tropes this series did not indulge in even though it easily could have which is something worth mentioning. But at some point a review must end.
So where does this leave us? If you are, like me, a sucker for this type of heartache despite it being very obvious from the very start where things would go eventually, you might find enjoyment in this story.
If you are looking for some piece of high quality literature you are probably not going to be very happy with this one. It's very clichéed and very predictable.
My main complaint is that it's incredibly clichéd, and despite an attempt to tell a darker story, it really struggles to let any sort of emotional or physical pain linger. Everything has to be resolved quickly, in a way that you don't have to feel too bad for too long, which kind of annoyed me. The series doesn't hesitate to kill quite a few characters central to the story, but then it doesn't have the guts to let the pain linger in a meaningful way. If you want me to feel things, then let me feel them and don't neutralize it all almost immediately!
At its core, the driving thing that made the series work for me was the angst and the heartburn of believing you are not wanted by the person you desire. This kind of thing, if done right, always gets a hook into me. I am a sucker for reading and feeling this kind of pain of rejection and the visceral feeling of loneliness that doesn't fuel resentment or self-pity.
But that is really the only thing the book has going for it, at least for my own sensibilities. The only other part that was actually good was the smut, but there are like two scenes in the third book and that’s it.
Teeechnically, there is a 20-something virgin + ancient guy kind of dynamic going on, but the books don't actually place any value on the virgin aspect. It's not touted as this great virtue or as this sacred thing, to the point that it doesn't actually matter to their relationship or anything else at all. The age of the love interest wasn't relevant to their relationship in a meaningful way, so it didn't really bother me.
In regards to the plot, it was pretty all over the place. The world-building was actually kind of interesting. Usually, I really dislike romance in a dystopian setting because these settings usually are just terrible and chock-full of terrible clichés. But the setting overall in this one actually did a half-decent job of getting me to really feel this dystopia and the feudal political dynamics that typically emerge in those.
The plot itself doesn't make a whole lot of sense, though. It's kind of more a vehicle to get the romance going and have these characters be forced to cooperate and be around each other. But it is way more intricate than it needs to be to serve this purpose while also not adding much else to the books. It's just various morally ambiguous or evil characters with very opaque motivations causing problems. A less charitable word than opaque would be nonsensical. The books, especially early on, try to motivate and justify the behaviors of these characters, but it rarely rings true, and most of it doesn't actually work if you think about it a bit.
I am kind of tempted to start listing all the terrible tropes this series did not indulge in even though it easily could have which is something worth mentioning. But at some point a review must end.
So where does this leave us? If you are, like me, a sucker for this type of heartache despite it being very obvious from the very start where things would go eventually, you might find enjoyment in this story.
If you are looking for some piece of high quality literature you are probably not going to be very happy with this one. It's very clichéed and very predictable.
June 8, 2021
I finished whole series and though I leave a review.
I really like Donna's style of writing - its easy reading, no cussing and the characters are very likable and I don't regret reading this book at all, but I am very very very confused by the plot and the ending and general storyline. I left 4 start against each book in the series because I generally enjoyed them, but at the end I had so many questions about the plot that I think i might need another 4-5 books just to answer them, but alas there aren't any...
I really like Donna's style of writing - its easy reading, no cussing and the characters are very likable and I don't regret reading this book at all, but I am very very very confused by the plot and the ending and general storyline. I left 4 start against each book in the series because I generally enjoyed them, but at the end I had so many questions about the plot that I think i might need another 4-5 books just to answer them, but alas there aren't any...
September 20, 2017
I've read the author's Wilds and Ollie Witt series. Bugs, the protagonist of Wyrd Blood, is cut from the same cloth...snarky and antisocial with a past she is unwilling to revisit. Bugs lives in a world where those with magical "wyrd" blood are aggressively hunted by those in power to fight wars. A stubborn survivor, she ekes out an existence along with her loyal crew in a violent Mad Max'esque border community. Not even her crew knows the powerful magic she so desperately hides.
Things change when she catches the attention of Ryker, leader of a "country" that Bugs and her crew routinely steal from. Detained during a raid, Ryker offers Bugs a deal she can't refuse...help him steal something from a neighboring "country," and he'll forgive the trespass, feed her crew and help with a pesky 'death mark.'
In true Augustine fashion, Ryker is attracted to Bugs (and vice versa), yet they deal with said attraction in a less than adult manner. Bugs has never gotten close to anyone, and continuously misinterprets Ryker's reactions. Ryker has no idea how to handle Bugs and is alternately intrigued, baffled and frustrated.
I am always amused by this author's feisty, antisocial...and surprisingly vulnerable protagonists. How Bugs interprets the world and the actions of those around her is highly entertaining. Definitely worth a read.
Things change when she catches the attention of Ryker, leader of a "country" that Bugs and her crew routinely steal from. Detained during a raid, Ryker offers Bugs a deal she can't refuse...help him steal something from a neighboring "country," and he'll forgive the trespass, feed her crew and help with a pesky 'death mark.'
In true Augustine fashion, Ryker is attracted to Bugs (and vice versa), yet they deal with said attraction in a less than adult manner. Bugs has never gotten close to anyone, and continuously misinterprets Ryker's reactions. Ryker has no idea how to handle Bugs and is alternately intrigued, baffled and frustrated.
I am always amused by this author's feisty, antisocial...and surprisingly vulnerable protagonists. How Bugs interprets the world and the actions of those around her is highly entertaining. Definitely worth a read.
January 14, 2020
I think that this is an entertaining book. It has all the best elements of a story for me, though there were some times when it didn't a hundred percent hit the mark. Bugs is starving and in a last attempt to save her crew from total starvation, she decides to rob a whole country and very quickly gets caught. Ryker has been looking for her though because she is a wyrd blood, she has magic and her natural ability for it marks her at the top of the magic food chain. She's untrained though, so to really reach her potential she needs to work with Ryker and wow shocker they have a lot of romantic tension.
The cover is bad, I acknowledge this and I really wish that there weren't all these great books on Kindle Unlimited literally limited by their covers. This cover is better than the one on Kindle, and that's really saying something. But the content is good, like I said there are certain cliches but it's what I wanted from the book and I liked the character. Though there were some issues with Bugs, I think it's understandable given the trauma of her past. I also want everyone around her to commit more to calling her Bugs, like, that's her name and yet hardly anyone ever uses it.
Another minor issue was how similar it was to Donna Augustine's other series. That goes along with it being cliche, but I started reading it and it reminded me of her other series and then I realized that it was the same author and it all made sense. I don't think it's really a major issue, it's just something that strikes me as potentially problematic.
I think I'd recommend it if you're into like slowburn romances and the whole chosen-one plot. I like that and so I was satisfied with everything that was happening but there haven't been any surprises that make it unique yet. I'm looking forward to more individuality in the next.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
April 30, 2023
Less then promised
I liked the very beggining of the book. It held such hopes for it to be a good book, a strong heroine, forged through hardship with a big heart and willing to sacrifice for others, yet having to make tough choices. But as soon as she's captured it all changes. All the gloom and misery of the world gets washed away, everyone is smiling and friendly and good. From there to the end it's just a soft, breezie reading, with no meat or substance or real stakes. It's even a bit dumb, when we realize they spent a good portion training how to break a ward, him telling her to learn to feel and control her magic, she doesn't and just rams through when angry, they go in the quest before she's minimally ready, and when she needs to break the bad guy ward, all of a sudden she's feeling the magic and looking for the week spot in the ward. It would've been much more satisfying, since we spent to much time with training, to actually see when she learned the skill. I thought it was going to be really good and puch you in the feelings, instead it was just fluffy and meah.
I liked the very beggining of the book. It held such hopes for it to be a good book, a strong heroine, forged through hardship with a big heart and willing to sacrifice for others, yet having to make tough choices. But as soon as she's captured it all changes. All the gloom and misery of the world gets washed away, everyone is smiling and friendly and good. From there to the end it's just a soft, breezie reading, with no meat or substance or real stakes. It's even a bit dumb, when we realize they spent a good portion training how to break a ward, him telling her to learn to feel and control her magic, she doesn't and just rams through when angry, they go in the quest before she's minimally ready, and when she needs to break the bad guy ward, all of a sudden she's feeling the magic and looking for the week spot in the ward. It would've been much more satisfying, since we spent to much time with training, to actually see when she learned the skill. I thought it was going to be really good and puch you in the feelings, instead it was just fluffy and meah.
September 23, 2021
The Magical War of 810 destroyed the world and started a bid for power. People with magic had Wyrd Blood and were hunted to either indenture the person into a high-powered person’s service or killed to gain their power neither being a way to live your life. Bugs has been hiding since she was 7 and runs a small crew. They depend on her to feed and keep them safe and times are getting extremely tough. Bugs decides the only way to help her crew it to steal from Ryker but things go badly and she’s outed as a Wryd Blood. Bugs has to decide if making a deal with Ryker is the best way to keep her crew alive as well as herself.
In a world where people in power are greedy and selfish, this story makes you think about the troubles in society where different castes of people struggle while others do not. Even though I like to live in fantasy through books sometimes it is nice to see that even in a fantasy world it relates to reality. Augustine always delivers a new and exciting story that is an easy read and you do not want to miss this one!
In a world where people in power are greedy and selfish, this story makes you think about the troubles in society where different castes of people struggle while others do not. Even though I like to live in fantasy through books sometimes it is nice to see that even in a fantasy world it relates to reality. Augustine always delivers a new and exciting story that is an easy read and you do not want to miss this one!
June 22, 2025
I liked this one. It wasn't ground breaking, but it was a fast, entertaining read. As usual, this author seems to struggle with world building. We got enough to enjoy the story, but a longer book with a richer background could have made this amazing. I do like all the characters, but I wish we got to know them better. We barely reach beyond the surface. We also don't actually get the answer to what was so important in Bedlam, which was frustrating. I expected an explanation by the end of the book. Overall, if you want a fun, easy read, you might enjoy this, but don't expect a deeply captivating world or deep emotional ties. The MC is stubborn and rash sometimes, but she has a good heart and is actually intelligent. She picked up on most things rather quickly and we didn't have to deal with the usual trope of the MC knowing absolutely nothing and needing everything explicitly spelled out, which was refreshing.
August 27, 2025
Like a dwindling fire left untended, the story burned brightly at first before sputtering into disappointment.
I was initially captivated by Bugs’ adventure, thrilled by her magical ability, her vital role within the crew, and the intrigue of her mysterious identity. The early promises of fantasy and excitement hooked me. But as the story progressed, the characters' behaviour dragged it down. Bugs, in particular, became unbearable with her frustrating decisions and immaturity, and my enthusiasm waned.
Even the supporting characters, namely Ryker, Burn, and Sneak, felt recycled, mirroring their counterparts from the Ollie Wit series with little variation. It’s as if they were simply transplanted into a new setting without fresh depth.
Still, I’ll give the rest of the series a chance, after all, I already own the books. Here’s hoping the next instalments reignite the spark I felt at the beginning. 🤞
I was initially captivated by Bugs’ adventure, thrilled by her magical ability, her vital role within the crew, and the intrigue of her mysterious identity. The early promises of fantasy and excitement hooked me. But as the story progressed, the characters' behaviour dragged it down. Bugs, in particular, became unbearable with her frustrating decisions and immaturity, and my enthusiasm waned.
Even the supporting characters, namely Ryker, Burn, and Sneak, felt recycled, mirroring their counterparts from the Ollie Wit series with little variation. It’s as if they were simply transplanted into a new setting without fresh depth.
Still, I’ll give the rest of the series a chance, after all, I already own the books. Here’s hoping the next instalments reignite the spark I felt at the beginning. 🤞
October 23, 2017
3.5 stars. This book may have got 4 stars if it was longer and didn't stray in to using few anachronisms.
I did like the characters though and the world shows a promise of being interesting so I'd be happy to read the next in the series.
I did like the characters though and the world shows a promise of being interesting so I'd be happy to read the next in the series.
June 17, 2019
4.5 rounded up
This fantasy packs a punch, one you don’t quite see coming. It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but by the time I did - I was fully invested in Bugs’ story and the epic of her crew. She wise in the ways of her world, but wholly ignorant of the facts of THE world, and what those facts will mean for her and those she fights for. Add in a brooding and talented Wyrd blood who both challenges and taunts her, and you’ve got a story worthy to be told.
Pros:
- The way the author wraps a phrase or twists a word. It’s lyrical and compelling, a seduction of the literary kind.
- Bugs. She’s tough, hard headed and far too stubborn for anyone’s good. Kinda love her.
- The twist. WHO is he???
Cons:
- need more answers! Ok, so that’s not a con, but I had to put something! 🤷♀️
This fantasy packs a punch, one you don’t quite see coming. It took me a few chapters to really get into it, but by the time I did - I was fully invested in Bugs’ story and the epic of her crew. She wise in the ways of her world, but wholly ignorant of the facts of THE world, and what those facts will mean for her and those she fights for. Add in a brooding and talented Wyrd blood who both challenges and taunts her, and you’ve got a story worthy to be told.
Pros:
- The way the author wraps a phrase or twists a word. It’s lyrical and compelling, a seduction of the literary kind.
- Bugs. She’s tough, hard headed and far too stubborn for anyone’s good. Kinda love her.
- The twist. WHO is he???
Cons:
- need more answers! Ok, so that’s not a con, but I had to put something! 🤷♀️
January 19, 2022
This was ok. Liked some things but some misses for me. These books I like to call fantasy ✨LITE✨. They pump out a story that pushes along a plot but doesn't provide a ton of typical fantasy/PNR/Dystopian details so feels LITE.
Miss #1 - Magic but no magic system 😭
Miss #2 - Side characters didn't stand out and had no emotional impact for me
Miss #3 - No description for environment or really anything...I can't say I have any picture in my head for anyone or anything
Although my misses above may sound like I didn't enjoy it. I actually did. I would have enjoyed it more if it had been longer and some more details added.
This felt more liked a fleshed out outline rather than a full story so while it was easy breezy to read I actually wanted more details because I was interested and thought the story could have been more.
Not sure this is gonna stick out in my head for too long.
Miss #1 - Magic but no magic system 😭
Miss #2 - Side characters didn't stand out and had no emotional impact for me
Miss #3 - No description for environment or really anything...I can't say I have any picture in my head for anyone or anything
Although my misses above may sound like I didn't enjoy it. I actually did. I would have enjoyed it more if it had been longer and some more details added.
This felt more liked a fleshed out outline rather than a full story so while it was easy breezy to read I actually wanted more details because I was interested and thought the story could have been more.
Not sure this is gonna stick out in my head for too long.
November 25, 2017
I really loved it. This is exactly the kind of fantasy I like to read.....an interesting world but it's not bogged down by too much description, a lot of actual dark stuff happening or being alluded to but also a lot of humor to keep the story enjoyable, and great lead characters. I thought the heroine was really great....at first when she's with her crew, she seems very tough because she has to be. Later as things get easier, we see her act more her actual age (18/19) but still stand her ground and stay a leader. Nornally don't like such young heroines because I don't like ya or new adult, but this story works more as an adult fantasy novel. Her relationship with the male lead is well done emotionally and it stays interesting and fun throughout.
November 2, 2017
As always, Donna Augustine never disappoints. She's definitely one of my favorite authors and keeps you on your toes the entire time. This book definitely does not disappoint.
The story is about bugs who has magic, and magical beings are hunted to be used against other magical beings. She then steals from Ryker and is pretty much forced to help him to try and break a ward so he can steal something from another magical guy. A long the line, they both start liking each other and Ryker gets what he wanted to steal. Bugs had a choice to either stay or leave his camp and she chose to stay and fight with them.
Can't wait for more of the series!!
The story is about bugs who has magic, and magical beings are hunted to be used against other magical beings. She then steals from Ryker and is pretty much forced to help him to try and break a ward so he can steal something from another magical guy. A long the line, they both start liking each other and Ryker gets what he wanted to steal. Bugs had a choice to either stay or leave his camp and she chose to stay and fight with them.
Can't wait for more of the series!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2018
Another 5 star hit!!
Every one of Donna Augustine’s books are amazing. Her characters and the worlds they live in are so amazing- her imagination truly amazes me.
In this story, those with magic are referred to as Wyrd blood, and our main character is a young leader of a small group of people, trying not to starve during the next harsh winter. I don’t want to give away any parts of the story, but I love Bugs and her crew, and I love everyone at the Valley, especially their fearless leader. I hope he and Bugs end up together. There are some definite sparks there, and not just the magical kind.
Every one of Donna Augustine’s books are amazing. Her characters and the worlds they live in are so amazing- her imagination truly amazes me.
In this story, those with magic are referred to as Wyrd blood, and our main character is a young leader of a small group of people, trying not to starve during the next harsh winter. I don’t want to give away any parts of the story, but I love Bugs and her crew, and I love everyone at the Valley, especially their fearless leader. I hope he and Bugs end up together. There are some definite sparks there, and not just the magical kind.
September 12, 2017
Don't judge a book by its cover
Once I started this book I couldn't stop till I was finished and I was not disappointed. As always Donna Augustine created a world that draws you in and keeps you there till the end. It's a post apocalyptic world and a sad state we meet the heroine in but she has people that depend on her that keep her going. The heroine was fierce and independent almost to a fault but I'm excited to see how she grows in the next book that was hinted at at the end. The interactions between her and the hero are enough to keep me coming back for more, I can't wait to see how their relationship grows and of course how the story progresses.
Once I started this book I couldn't stop till I was finished and I was not disappointed. As always Donna Augustine created a world that draws you in and keeps you there till the end. It's a post apocalyptic world and a sad state we meet the heroine in but she has people that depend on her that keep her going. The heroine was fierce and independent almost to a fault but I'm excited to see how she grows in the next book that was hinted at at the end. The interactions between her and the hero are enough to keep me coming back for more, I can't wait to see how their relationship grows and of course how the story progresses.
September 18, 2017
Quite good
Donna Augustine is definitely getting better at writing. This book still follows her pattern of female protagonist getting stuck with male having to complete some task, male is an asshole until he's not, however her storytelling has improved. I fell in love with her Ollie series and find this one to be just as imaginative and fascinating. I couldn't put the story down until I finished. I enjoyed the world building and character development and would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys magic, fantasy, and a snarky female lead.
Donna Augustine is definitely getting better at writing. This book still follows her pattern of female protagonist getting stuck with male having to complete some task, male is an asshole until he's not, however her storytelling has improved. I fell in love with her Ollie series and find this one to be just as imaginative and fascinating. I couldn't put the story down until I finished. I enjoyed the world building and character development and would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys magic, fantasy, and a snarky female lead.
October 5, 2019
The main character in this one definitely falls into the TSTL category and seemed to get worse as the book progressed. The hero was a jerk and there was something about the age gap that didn’t sit right with me. He’s a man-whore and she’s a virginal 18 year old who acts much younger than that. What if she’s a direct descendant? And how many mini-Rykers are wandering around in this world. Ick! Just not what I wanted to read.
I’ve read two other series by this author and they were great. I’m sad that this one fell flat.
I’ve read two other series by this author and they were great. I’m sad that this one fell flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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