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Jade Dober #1
Mediator Seeks
NEGOTIATING IS A DELICATE PROCESS… UNTIL SOMEONE STARTS PLAYING DIRTY.
The world is fractured. Few dare to cross the lines dividing the three main factions — Humans, Horned, and Shifters. Except for the Mediators trained to settle inter-factional disputes and enforce the Human Office’s regulations in the lawless zones.
Jade Dober is one of those Mediators, though sometimes she feels more like a glorified halfling social worker sent into the hinterlands to make it appear the Office gives a crap.
Saving a life is Jade’s stock-in-trade. But when her investigation uncovers an illegal plot to breed a new species of shifter, the resulting ruckus captures the attention of the Horned King. This is bad. Very bad. Because Jade isn’t quite what she seems. And if the Horned King lays claim to her first, no one on this planet — or her own — can save her.
***This urban fantasy is written for an Adult Audience.
The world is fractured. Few dare to cross the lines dividing the three main factions — Humans, Horned, and Shifters. Except for the Mediators trained to settle inter-factional disputes and enforce the Human Office’s regulations in the lawless zones.
Jade Dober is one of those Mediators, though sometimes she feels more like a glorified halfling social worker sent into the hinterlands to make it appear the Office gives a crap.
Saving a life is Jade’s stock-in-trade. But when her investigation uncovers an illegal plot to breed a new species of shifter, the resulting ruckus captures the attention of the Horned King. This is bad. Very bad. Because Jade isn’t quite what she seems. And if the Horned King lays claim to her first, no one on this planet — or her own — can save her.
***This urban fantasy is written for an Adult Audience.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2016
16 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Milana Jacks
73 books1,034 followersMilana grew up with tales of water fairies that seduced men, vampires that seduced women, and Babaroga who'd come to take her away if she didn't eat her bean soup. She writes sci-fi fantasy romance with over-the-top heroes from her home on Earth where she lives with her mate and their three little monsters. • Safe from cheating, otherwoman drama, and with HEA every time, Milana's stories will entertain you. Try one!
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NEW to Milana READERS - start reading Beast Mates Series with Virgin FREE.
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NEW to Milana READERS - start reading Beast Mates Series with Virgin FREE.
Book 2.5 is available FREE on my website. Click!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 1, 2017
First word that comes to mind when I was reading this book. Bizarre, utterly and totally bizarre. I mean that in the most positive way thought. Bare bones of the book coming so I won’t give too much away.
Jade Dober is a mediator. Her next job is tough. She has been called out to the zones to mediate a case between a school, consisting of a lot of different types of shifters and a pure shifter pack of wolves. They think that one of the shifters has gone wild but the whole entire case seems to be off.
For various reasons the heir alpha of the Sound Pack Sarsen Gael gets involved. He has his reasons. The Horned King gets involved he also has his reasons. Jade doesn’t know whether to eat the two or fuck them.
The female protagonist is strong and I loved her sense of humor. I also love that she gets the job done no matter what. And she is a female anti-hero in my eyes.
Jade is also other which means she isn’t a shifter, a horned or a human. In all honesty I was thrown off by what she is and other things that I didn’t expect to happen that did throughout the book.
It’s a race against time and death and well Jade is losing. She is stuck between a rock and three hard places. But she still has a couple of aces up her sleeves.
In regards to the male characters in the book I can’t decide who I find more appealing the Demon King who is slightly bonkers, okay really bonkers or the bald headed (not that is a problem, very sexy) pure shifter wolf of one of the biggest packs there is.
Ms. Jacks has created a unique world where three species have to co-exist with one another. The humans, the horned and the shifters. Whereas I think that the world created is fantastic. It is original unique and at some points utterly surreal. And yet I still had problems with it. Maybe I wasn’t concentrating hard enough.
It on my part was hard to immerse myself into this world and navigate through all the species and what Jade is and that there are factions and laws and each species has their own law. Very confusing that is why I docked a star. There are so many chess pieces in play here that it is hard to keep up with what is going on.
I would certainly recommend this book as it’s full of surprises, originality and nothing like I have read before in the paranormal romance genre so far.
Review can also be found @ http://jerisbookattic-reviewblog.blog...
May 28, 2016
How did The Mediator surprise me?
1 Jane The Mediator
When you read the word social worker you think of someone sweet simple and kind. Jane was none of these.
She was strong, cunning, practical and considerate. She has the title of Mediator but thought of herself as a glorified social worker.
But Jane is handed complicated, sensitive cases and she has a 100 % record. This was a mediator without a moral compass. It was fun to see her worm out of tricky situations.
2 Romantic Relations
Jane has two potential love interests and both are shrewd, ruthless and powerful in their own right.
Their attraction towards Jane was swift but the romance never turned to mush.
Even these interactions had the tone of negotiations, which was unique and funny.
3 Deceptive and Unpredictable
The story started with a deceptively simple case which led Jane to a conspiracy theory. She was surrounded by suspects and there was not a clue in sight. It was sad to see how things functioned in the neutral zone.The author managed to keep me guessing till the very end.
4 Inventive
This was not an easy book to read. People were killed mercilessly, betrayed without a thought and power plays dominated the scene. But I'm glad I read this book. The author built a
dangerous, divided world, offered glimpses into the motives and backstories of all characters
and Jane pulled out all the stops for the cause she believed in.
This book is perfect for Urban Fantasy readers and anyone who enjoys a plot heavy book with a mystery, romance and banter.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
1 Jane The Mediator
When you read the word social worker you think of someone sweet simple and kind. Jane was none of these.
She was strong, cunning, practical and considerate. She has the title of Mediator but thought of herself as a glorified social worker.
But Jane is handed complicated, sensitive cases and she has a 100 % record. This was a mediator without a moral compass. It was fun to see her worm out of tricky situations.
2 Romantic Relations
Jane has two potential love interests and both are shrewd, ruthless and powerful in their own right.
Their attraction towards Jane was swift but the romance never turned to mush.
Even these interactions had the tone of negotiations, which was unique and funny.
3 Deceptive and Unpredictable
The story started with a deceptively simple case which led Jane to a conspiracy theory. She was surrounded by suspects and there was not a clue in sight. It was sad to see how things functioned in the neutral zone.The author managed to keep me guessing till the very end.
4 Inventive
This was not an easy book to read. People were killed mercilessly, betrayed without a thought and power plays dominated the scene. But I'm glad I read this book. The author built a
dangerous, divided world, offered glimpses into the motives and backstories of all characters
and Jane pulled out all the stops for the cause she believed in.
This book is perfect for Urban Fantasy readers and anyone who enjoys a plot heavy book with a mystery, romance and banter.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
March 24, 2017
I went into this without reading much of the summary and I would recommend not reading it because it spoils the mystery. I read the whole summary part way through the book and I regret it. It would have been much better if I got to uncover the mystery myself. Despite the spoilers in the summary I still love a good fantasy mystery and this story still had some interesting twists. It was a fast entertaining read with a lot of action. I liked how this was light on the romance but it did have some sexually explicit scenes.
All you need to know is that the main character Jade is a type of social worker sent by the Human Office to help the Beings in the lawless zones. Her most recent case is a hafling shifter who after going missing for a week comes back barely responsive or "tamed" and unable to shift back to his human form. Jade must discover what happened and how to fix it before the shifters sister comes to euthanize him. As more people start showing up "tamed" Jade must decided who to trust.
The main characters intelligent, resourceful and got the job done. I loved getting more of her back story and I wasnt expecting to like her as much as I did. Even the Alpha Wolf and the Horned King were kind of appealing for the dominant type. The world was creative and unlike anything Ive read before but wasnt explained as much as I would have liked. Some of the dialogue needs a little work because I didnt always understand what they meant and I didnt understand why the Horned King didnt just ask the shifter cat Jade was protecting if she was trying to kidnap her or protect her.
*Received copy from xpresso book tours in exchange for an honest review*
All you need to know is that the main character Jade is a type of social worker sent by the Human Office to help the Beings in the lawless zones. Her most recent case is a hafling shifter who after going missing for a week comes back barely responsive or "tamed" and unable to shift back to his human form. Jade must discover what happened and how to fix it before the shifters sister comes to euthanize him. As more people start showing up "tamed" Jade must decided who to trust.
The main characters intelligent, resourceful and got the job done. I loved getting more of her back story and I wasnt expecting to like her as much as I did. Even the Alpha Wolf and the Horned King were kind of appealing for the dominant type. The world was creative and unlike anything Ive read before but wasnt explained as much as I would have liked. Some of the dialogue needs a little work because I didnt always understand what they meant and I didnt understand why the Horned King didnt just ask the shifter cat Jade was protecting if she was trying to kidnap her or protect her.
*Received copy from xpresso book tours in exchange for an honest review*
August 30, 2016
Want something unique? Want something different and off the wall? Milana Jacks' first book in this series is totally different than most books I've read. It took a little while for my mind to wrap around what was going on. There are shifters and then there is "other". Jade is one of a kind. It is hard to explain what she is unless you've watched something like Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. This first in the series sets the tone.
The world building is well done and pulls me in. In this world, there are demons (?), shifters and the hybrids. When there are issues with the in between, land, a mediator is needed to help resolve the issue. Said mediator is Jade. Jade is a special blend. Born a human but more, she is able to work within each group's rules. Her success rate for closing cases is 100%. But when she doesn't have all the information, it gets difficult to protect those that need to be protected. And it's hard to hold those who should be held accountable.
What I like about this story is that it is so unfamiliar, my brain has to stretch to understand what is going on. It is refreshing because I cannot predict what will happen; I'm just along for the ride. The ride is wild as the reader learns more about each group and what they find to be important. Hidden alliances hint at intrigue whilst powerful forces fight to take control of Jade.
The conflict in this story is well written and it ends with a question mark. It isn't exactly a cliffhanger. It is a hook that makes me want to read the next book and see what happens to Jade. What will happen to the one other person like her? Will that person be left alone? Jade may have uncovered a plot to control shifters and take their land, but it isn't over yet. This strangely intriguing urban fantasy is filled with twists and turns that delight me. Recommended for urban fantasy readers who are looking for something different.
* provided by the author for an honest review.
The world building is well done and pulls me in. In this world, there are demons (?), shifters and the hybrids. When there are issues with the in between, land, a mediator is needed to help resolve the issue. Said mediator is Jade. Jade is a special blend. Born a human but more, she is able to work within each group's rules. Her success rate for closing cases is 100%. But when she doesn't have all the information, it gets difficult to protect those that need to be protected. And it's hard to hold those who should be held accountable.
What I like about this story is that it is so unfamiliar, my brain has to stretch to understand what is going on. It is refreshing because I cannot predict what will happen; I'm just along for the ride. The ride is wild as the reader learns more about each group and what they find to be important. Hidden alliances hint at intrigue whilst powerful forces fight to take control of Jade.
The conflict in this story is well written and it ends with a question mark. It isn't exactly a cliffhanger. It is a hook that makes me want to read the next book and see what happens to Jade. What will happen to the one other person like her? Will that person be left alone? Jade may have uncovered a plot to control shifters and take their land, but it isn't over yet. This strangely intriguing urban fantasy is filled with twists and turns that delight me. Recommended for urban fantasy readers who are looking for something different.
* provided by the author for an honest review.
December 4, 2017
Not really what I was expecting. Not a romance but more of a Urban Fantasy/SciFi/Horror novel.
Jade Dober is a mediator in a strange near future/ alternate future world. It seems to be very loosely associated with her beast mate series, or maybe not. Maybe she just kept some of the same elements.
It's a world where there are 3 factions that have divided up North America. The 'Horned ones', the Beasts, and the Humans. In between each city is considered a 'Zone' which is kinda the same as being in international waters. The mediators are run by a Human organization to bring peace between the factions and in the Zones.
Although Jade is a mediator, the story starts with more of Gumshoe Detective feel.
There's some sexual tension between Jade and a couple big honchos but this is in no way a romance.
I liked the characters and the intrigue but it definitely fits the Horror genre. And as usual, the author has a penchant for cannibalism.
So, not really my cup of tea, it was still a good story with good intrigue. There were some spots I got a little lost with the vernacular/slang here and there...
So 3 stars but I doubt I'll read anything by this author again. As I said, not my cup of tea.
Jade Dober is a mediator in a strange near future/ alternate future world. It seems to be very loosely associated with her beast mate series, or maybe not. Maybe she just kept some of the same elements.
It's a world where there are 3 factions that have divided up North America. The 'Horned ones', the Beasts, and the Humans. In between each city is considered a 'Zone' which is kinda the same as being in international waters. The mediators are run by a Human organization to bring peace between the factions and in the Zones.
Although Jade is a mediator, the story starts with more of Gumshoe Detective feel.
There's some sexual tension between Jade and a couple big honchos but this is in no way a romance.
I liked the characters and the intrigue but it definitely fits the Horror genre. And as usual, the author has a penchant for cannibalism.
So, not really my cup of tea, it was still a good story with good intrigue. There were some spots I got a little lost with the vernacular/slang here and there...
So 3 stars but I doubt I'll read anything by this author again. As I said, not my cup of tea.
August 17, 2017
Title: The Mediator
Author: Milana Jacks
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Ebok
Pages: 252
Rating: 4.5
Heat: 4
Thoughts: This was fun and exciting, with some unique characters that was really refreshing. The halflings are just that, half shifter and half human not really anything new. The uniqueness was that they can only partially shift and each one is different. May be that only be the top half of the body can shift, maybe only the bottom half, or a mixture in between. Then throw in the fact that there are shifter birds, horses, wolves, bears, bunnies, almost anything and I can see this series going far. The joy of the story being unpredictable pulled me in, I had no idea what what going to happen next and that makes for an awesome read! Yes, a few things were obvious but that's normal. For the most part I would think something was going to happen and it wouldn't or vice versa. The world that Ms. Jacks has created is fantastically built and I can't wait to jump in again!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Author: Milana Jacks
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Ebok
Pages: 252
Rating: 4.5
Heat: 4
Thoughts: This was fun and exciting, with some unique characters that was really refreshing. The halflings are just that, half shifter and half human not really anything new. The uniqueness was that they can only partially shift and each one is different. May be that only be the top half of the body can shift, maybe only the bottom half, or a mixture in between. Then throw in the fact that there are shifter birds, horses, wolves, bears, bunnies, almost anything and I can see this series going far. The joy of the story being unpredictable pulled me in, I had no idea what what going to happen next and that makes for an awesome read! Yes, a few things were obvious but that's normal. For the most part I would think something was going to happen and it wouldn't or vice versa. The world that Ms. Jacks has created is fantastically built and I can't wait to jump in again!
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2016
The first chapter grabbed my attention and as I continued my read I can honestly say that it didn't lessen. I am half in love with Jade. I like her heritage and I find it fascinating, albeit a bit tragic as well. The horned king and the wolf heir are so very different, but at times very alike. I enjoyed their scenes, however I think so far, that the wolf may just be a bit farther ahead. But then again it seems the horned ones are very tasty.
I can't wait to see what happens next, both plot wise and character wise.
4,5 stars.
I can't wait to see what happens next, both plot wise and character wise.
4,5 stars.
May 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this story. Its different then most urban fantasy. It has Shifters, horned who seem like vampires. Jade is neither and trying to keep it secret and hide her powers. Its fast paced never boring and has 2 potential love interest. Jade is tough independent and I really enjoy this character. I'm really looking forward to the next book.
January 2, 2018
Must Read
Holy cow!! This book is amazing, awesome, exciting, extraordinary, and I’ve already pre-purchased the next book!! I could not put this down. I am writing this review in the middle of the night (or is it early morning?) with sleep deprived vision anxious for people to buy this book so the author will hopefully write aggressively! I NEED MORE!
Holy cow!! This book is amazing, awesome, exciting, extraordinary, and I’ve already pre-purchased the next book!! I could not put this down. I am writing this review in the middle of the night (or is it early morning?) with sleep deprived vision anxious for people to buy this book so the author will hopefully write aggressively! I NEED MORE!
December 7, 2016
Amazing first book in a new uf series. better review to come. Go grab a copy!
May 27, 2019
Oh yeah, this is really good. Jade and the King
Read
March 2, 2020Fun different book.not the same old story. I really enjoyed the flawed relatable characters
June 6, 2016
Milana Jacks
The Mediator
The Mediator, an adult urban fantasy, was a thrill ride. Lots of action, quick wit and sexual tension.
Jade is a Mediator for the Human Office between the different factions, mostly trying to protect the halflings. She is badass, intuitive and has a very entertaining wittiness. She might not be altogether human. She encounters numerous different shifters, demons and other species.
The authors description of the world she has created is well done and revealed at appropriate times where it isn't an overload of information. She gave me enough to understand where Jade was and what she was seeing, where I felt I was there with her. I was never overwhelmed or felt the need to skim. I absorbed each word and enjoyed.
I am dying to get my hands on the next book to see how her lust interest(s) may play out. Jacks has woven a great web of mystery and battles for power between different species leaders. All her characters are interesting and not always what they seem at first blush.
The Mediator is urban fantasy with some dystopia and paranormal. I truly enjoyed this read and look forward to the next installment. This is my first book by this author. I am not sure if it is her debut novel or a new pen name, but she does great work and I look forward to more.
I was provided a copy for an honest review.
Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
http://joandisalovebooks.com/
http://joandisalovebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
The Mediator
The Mediator, an adult urban fantasy, was a thrill ride. Lots of action, quick wit and sexual tension.
Jade is a Mediator for the Human Office between the different factions, mostly trying to protect the halflings. She is badass, intuitive and has a very entertaining wittiness. She might not be altogether human. She encounters numerous different shifters, demons and other species.
The authors description of the world she has created is well done and revealed at appropriate times where it isn't an overload of information. She gave me enough to understand where Jade was and what she was seeing, where I felt I was there with her. I was never overwhelmed or felt the need to skim. I absorbed each word and enjoyed.
I am dying to get my hands on the next book to see how her lust interest(s) may play out. Jacks has woven a great web of mystery and battles for power between different species leaders. All her characters are interesting and not always what they seem at first blush.
The Mediator is urban fantasy with some dystopia and paranormal. I truly enjoyed this read and look forward to the next installment. This is my first book by this author. I am not sure if it is her debut novel or a new pen name, but she does great work and I look forward to more.
I was provided a copy for an honest review.
Reviewed by Becky for Jo&IsaLoveBooks
http://joandisalovebooks.com/
http://joandisalovebooks.blogspot.co.uk/
July 15, 2016
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Jade is a Mediator, sent into the Zones to deal with issues that arise between the Human Office and the other species now in the world. The next case is a halfing, human/shifter hybrid, stuck in his shifter state. But the plot around these people getting stuck in their shifter state is far bigger than Jade imagined. And when The Horned King comes a-calling, she knows she may well not get out of this alive.
Okay! SO!
Really brief summary: started off okay-ish, got really good in the middle and then towards the end, I LITERALLY lost the plot. Totally lost it.
Jade is not of this world. And I did like to be kept waiting for her full story. I wasn't entirely sure where the pack of shifter wolves fit in, and The Horned King was a rather....odd character to follow.
I
just
got
lost.
And I'm sorry I can't write a better worded review, but I usually run with my first feeling, and that is it. Lost. totally and utterly lost. I am surprised I managed to finish it, to be brutally honest.
Its getting the three stars because:
A) I DID finish it
B) I was engaged in the story across the first half
C) I did like Jade and what she was trying to do.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear on other sites**
Jade is a Mediator, sent into the Zones to deal with issues that arise between the Human Office and the other species now in the world. The next case is a halfing, human/shifter hybrid, stuck in his shifter state. But the plot around these people getting stuck in their shifter state is far bigger than Jade imagined. And when The Horned King comes a-calling, she knows she may well not get out of this alive.
Okay! SO!
Really brief summary: started off okay-ish, got really good in the middle and then towards the end, I LITERALLY lost the plot. Totally lost it.
Jade is not of this world. And I did like to be kept waiting for her full story. I wasn't entirely sure where the pack of shifter wolves fit in, and The Horned King was a rather....odd character to follow.
I
just
got
lost.
And I'm sorry I can't write a better worded review, but I usually run with my first feeling, and that is it. Lost. totally and utterly lost. I am surprised I managed to finish it, to be brutally honest.
Its getting the three stars because:
A) I DID finish it
B) I was engaged in the story across the first half
C) I did like Jade and what she was trying to do.
3 stars
**same worded review will appear on other sites**
June 4, 2016
Do you love stong, smart, kickass heroines? Then this book is for you. Do you like action? Than this book is for you. Do you enjoy a character that doesn't fall all over herself to please a male? Than this book is for you. If you like amazing books than this book is definitely for you! I read through it in one sitting. I'm not one of those reviewers that go in depth about the characters or the plot. I am this way because first I would not be able to do the book the justice it deserves, and secondly if you want to know that bad read the book. I suggest you read this because you will not be disappointed, this book delivers. I need the next one!
February 4, 2018
Different
I found this book interesting and different from a lot of the paranormal books. Definitely worth the read. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I found this book interesting and different from a lot of the paranormal books. Definitely worth the read. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews