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The Kurtherian Gambit #1
Mutter der Nacht
Was auch immer Du über Vampire und Werwölfe zu wissen glaubtest …. Du lagst dermaßen daneben.
** AMAZON Top 100 Best-Seller-Autor – über 250.000.000 Seiten gelesen (Kindle Unlimited Top 20 Serie!) **
Der tausend Jahre lang um die Unbekannte Welt gehüllte Mantel des Schweigens beginnt zu zerfleddern und der Patriarch ist müde. Er muss einen Nachfolger finden.
Er findet Bethany Anne.
Unbekannt, unerfahren und unerprobt macht sie sich auf, das Unmögliche zu schaffen und eine neue Zukunft zu schmieden. Eine Zukunft, von der niemand wusste, dass sie in Gefahr war.
Und das tut sie mit einer Lebenseinstellung, die Dir gefallen wird, ohne Rücksicht auf jahrhundertealte Traditionen und Regeln.
Der Patriarch wollte nur einen Nachfolger finden, aber er kreierte etwas besseres, größeres – die Mutter der Nacht.
Amazon-Rezensentin MistyDawn schrieb sinngemäß übersetzt aus dem Englischen: "Ich bin überrascht. Als ich das erste Buch der Serie gelesen habe, dachte ich das könnte nicht besser werden… ich lag falsch. Ich habe die Serie in einem Rutsch gelesen, und in den letzten anderthalb Jahren habe ich keine Serie (oder auch nur ein Buch) gelesen, dass ich so geliebt habe. Mit solch loyalen Charakteren, der Freundschaft und den krassen Aktionen sollte man nicht lange darauf warten, mit dem Lesen anzufangen. Ich bin einfach nur begeistert."
** Bitte sei gewarnt, dass in den Büchern dieser Serie schamlos unflätige oder vulgäre Sprache vorkommen kann. Die Hauptprotagonistin meiner Bücher hat, wie Ihr merken werdet, kein Problem mit dem Fluchen, sondern nur mit dem phantasielosen Fluchen. **
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2015
4744 people are currently reading
3977 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 784 reviews
March 30, 2017
It's not hard to categorize this book, even for all the little quirks that creep in that is not all that standard for our UF craze.
You named it: Vampires. Werewolves. Love-interest between the two. Oh, my.
Don't get me wrong, it's good for what it is, a fast-paced stereotype-laden action romp that tickles most of the fancies even as it fails to nourish. In other words, it's fast food.
Some of the dialogue reads out of a cliché manual, but the energy is bright and there seems to be real love from the author for the world he's building. It's right out of Vampire Masquerade, only the names have changed and the number of houses decreased, but that's fine, too. We're here to focus on the Underworld chosen one syndrome... and her name is Bethany. :)
BUT, let me tell you what it does right: Pace, high-energy characters, willingness to introduce some wacky SF elements, and the obvious build-up to some really Big Happenings later.
Wanna change the world, one torn throat at a time? This is probably your book. :)
I like it well enough, but I suspect that I like it more because I listened to the equally high-energy narration within the audiobook. I also suspect that any number of editing sins can be swept under the rug this way, too. :)
No matter. I enjoyed it.
I'll probably enjoy tearing through the rest of the series, too, because it's all a very light read that doesn't much challenge us. We can just roll with the action and the spunky (aggressive) heroine as she discovers just how much damage she can do to the world around her. :)
You named it: Vampires. Werewolves. Love-interest between the two. Oh, my.
Don't get me wrong, it's good for what it is, a fast-paced stereotype-laden action romp that tickles most of the fancies even as it fails to nourish. In other words, it's fast food.
Some of the dialogue reads out of a cliché manual, but the energy is bright and there seems to be real love from the author for the world he's building. It's right out of Vampire Masquerade, only the names have changed and the number of houses decreased, but that's fine, too. We're here to focus on the Underworld chosen one syndrome... and her name is Bethany. :)
BUT, let me tell you what it does right: Pace, high-energy characters, willingness to introduce some wacky SF elements, and the obvious build-up to some really Big Happenings later.
Wanna change the world, one torn throat at a time? This is probably your book. :)
I like it well enough, but I suspect that I like it more because I listened to the equally high-energy narration within the audiobook. I also suspect that any number of editing sins can be swept under the rug this way, too. :)
No matter. I enjoyed it.
I'll probably enjoy tearing through the rest of the series, too, because it's all a very light read that doesn't much challenge us. We can just roll with the action and the spunky (aggressive) heroine as she discovers just how much damage she can do to the world around her. :)
March 20, 2018
*** 3.44 ***
"... “We are the ones who protect the protectors; we are the ones who nightmares fear.”..."
This book was much better than I expected! Let's start with the genre - it is a typical Urban Fantasy with some Science Fiction mixed in. We are thrown in the middle of a Black-Opp gone wrong and the following is a result of a major member of the North American Vampire Family being killed and the Patriarch Michael being awakened. The situation is dire and a new recruit for the family is needed fast, only the candidate has to be well vetted, well trained, and have a condition which would kill him or her soon, since the rest of the world needs to think of them as deceased and they could never contact their old life once brought over. Lucky for them, the ex CIA and current Black Opps agent with a blood illness and a life expectancy of 2-4 months Bethany Anne is just what they need. If they could only make her and her General father see that it is the perfect fit...
"... “Michael believed in the old biblical philosophy of cut down the tree, burn out the roots and then salt the ground so nothing ever grew there again.”..."
The UnknownWorld is full of Vampires, weres and other creatures, all being kept from us regular people, and all of them living under the strict rules reinforced by Michael for generations. However, he is getting old and he feels he needs new blood to take over the mental. Bethany Anne, whose name is not representative in the least of the person wearing it, since it sounds so girly and genteel, while she is one tough as nails kick-ass chick, with the vocabulary of a sailor full of piss and vinegar, and with the temperament of a keg full of dynamite rigged and ready to blow up with the change of the breeze, is a very good choice for "enforcing" anything. Once she is brought over, her blood-thirsty nature makes a rabid grizzly look like they prefer gluten-free vegan diet. A worthy replacement for Michael indeed.
"... “One should know truth, and truth was taking the time to know oneself. Not to lie about your actions, your feelings, your thoughts and beliefs but accept yourself for what and who you are. Once you understand those things, your future is more assured as you won’t subconsciously be fighting both your enemies and yourself to accomplish your goals. ”..."
We get to meet some werewolves, werebears and some other, more extraterrestrial creatures, all of it making for a non-stop action party and promises much more of the same to come. If you are looking for high-prose and literature, or something that challenges your intellect, this is not it. The prose is very every-day conversational and the point of the book and the subsequent books, the way I see it, is to have a high-octane adventure and battles TV Series in the form of a book series. If you leave the other expectations behind and come to it for the entertainment value, this could be a very pleasant quick read in between your more serious daily grind. Just read it for the fun:):):)!
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you Need in the pages of a Good Book!!!
"... “We are the ones who protect the protectors; we are the ones who nightmares fear.”..."
This book was much better than I expected! Let's start with the genre - it is a typical Urban Fantasy with some Science Fiction mixed in. We are thrown in the middle of a Black-Opp gone wrong and the following is a result of a major member of the North American Vampire Family being killed and the Patriarch Michael being awakened. The situation is dire and a new recruit for the family is needed fast, only the candidate has to be well vetted, well trained, and have a condition which would kill him or her soon, since the rest of the world needs to think of them as deceased and they could never contact their old life once brought over. Lucky for them, the ex CIA and current Black Opps agent with a blood illness and a life expectancy of 2-4 months Bethany Anne is just what they need. If they could only make her and her General father see that it is the perfect fit...
"... “Michael believed in the old biblical philosophy of cut down the tree, burn out the roots and then salt the ground so nothing ever grew there again.”..."
The UnknownWorld is full of Vampires, weres and other creatures, all being kept from us regular people, and all of them living under the strict rules reinforced by Michael for generations. However, he is getting old and he feels he needs new blood to take over the mental. Bethany Anne, whose name is not representative in the least of the person wearing it, since it sounds so girly and genteel, while she is one tough as nails kick-ass chick, with the vocabulary of a sailor full of piss and vinegar, and with the temperament of a keg full of dynamite rigged and ready to blow up with the change of the breeze, is a very good choice for "enforcing" anything. Once she is brought over, her blood-thirsty nature makes a rabid grizzly look like they prefer gluten-free vegan diet. A worthy replacement for Michael indeed.
"... “One should know truth, and truth was taking the time to know oneself. Not to lie about your actions, your feelings, your thoughts and beliefs but accept yourself for what and who you are. Once you understand those things, your future is more assured as you won’t subconsciously be fighting both your enemies and yourself to accomplish your goals. ”..."
We get to meet some werewolves, werebears and some other, more extraterrestrial creatures, all of it making for a non-stop action party and promises much more of the same to come. If you are looking for high-prose and literature, or something that challenges your intellect, this is not it. The prose is very every-day conversational and the point of the book and the subsequent books, the way I see it, is to have a high-octane adventure and battles TV Series in the form of a book series. If you leave the other expectations behind and come to it for the entertainment value, this could be a very pleasant quick read in between your more serious daily grind. Just read it for the fun:):):)!
Now I wish you all Happy Reading and may you always find what you Need in the pages of a Good Book!!!
June 10, 2017
Death Becomes Her (The Kurtherian Gambit #1) by Michael Anderle is a very interesting and exciting book. I enjoyed it. A military gal, grown up under a military family, finds she has only 6 months to live, has a chance to live but has to work for the ones that help her. Those are vampires. Those vampires are working for the government. Only a few know. Pretty cool story.
Read
May 14, 2020DNF at 5%.
I couldn't find a hook here to hang my interest on.
A shame really - looks good otherwise.
Not rated on policy.
I couldn't find a hook here to hang my interest on.
A shame really - looks good otherwise.
Not rated on policy.
August 30, 2017
This is a fun, action packed, mainstream paranormal/sci-fi series. This is actually the first non lesfic/LGBT book I have read all year. But I enjoy mainstream if the main character is a strong, kick-ass woman, and that fits this book perfectly. It is rare to find a paranormal book that is also sci-fi. Yet when it does come together, it is normally pretty good.
This is a really long series. I bought this book on sale, and picked up the second for my free KU book of the month with Prime. I enjoyed this enough, I will be reading the next right away. I will not be knocking out this series all in one go though. It is too long, and I have too many other books to read. But if this series keeps up like this first book, I will come back to it periodically in the future.
If you are a fan of vamps, weres, and a lot of action, this book will be for you. It is pretty violent, but you don't feel bad about it. Bethany Ann, has been turned into one of the biggest, baddest vamps ever, and you can't wait to see her take everybody on. This book got better and better as it went on. I have to be to work in a few hours, but could not stop reading all night until I was done.
P.S. Jane, now I know why you like this series so much:)
This is a really long series. I bought this book on sale, and picked up the second for my free KU book of the month with Prime. I enjoyed this enough, I will be reading the next right away. I will not be knocking out this series all in one go though. It is too long, and I have too many other books to read. But if this series keeps up like this first book, I will come back to it periodically in the future.
If you are a fan of vamps, weres, and a lot of action, this book will be for you. It is pretty violent, but you don't feel bad about it. Bethany Ann, has been turned into one of the biggest, baddest vamps ever, and you can't wait to see her take everybody on. This book got better and better as it went on. I have to be to work in a few hours, but could not stop reading all night until I was done.
P.S. Jane, now I know why you like this series so much:)
April 7, 2019
Intriguing
It didn’t grab me from the very beginning, however once it did I was a goner. I didn’t want to have to stop reading for nothing. I found this story very good. I’m getting very attached to the excellent characters, that are coming together, friendships are being made, Bethany Ann is starting to get her gang together that will help her in her endeavors. Bethany Ann is certainly going to stir things up in the family and different fractions.
This book was really good, but I have a feeling it’s just going to get better. I’ve been looking forward to reading this series and am so happy I’m finally getting to read it. I’d certainly recommend it as of now.
It didn’t grab me from the very beginning, however once it did I was a goner. I didn’t want to have to stop reading for nothing. I found this story very good. I’m getting very attached to the excellent characters, that are coming together, friendships are being made, Bethany Ann is starting to get her gang together that will help her in her endeavors. Bethany Ann is certainly going to stir things up in the family and different fractions.
This book was really good, but I have a feeling it’s just going to get better. I’ve been looking forward to reading this series and am so happy I’m finally getting to read it. I’d certainly recommend it as of now.
January 28, 2018
I have not been one to read books dealing with vampires and werewolves. That said, I found this story compelling even though it was choppy and jumped around a bit. I didn't care and stayed engaged in this "righteous violence" story involving a main character named Bethany Anne. The name! Bethany Anne. It's like "Becky Sue" or something and totally doesn't fit with the subject matter and the usual exotically named heroines. It stopped me every now and then but with a smile.
The book has frequent alternating viewpoints and Bethany Anne is not present enough to be labelled a real main character but I hope that changes.
The author creates a changed world wth vampires and werewolves but with a fresh take involving vampire creation I found intriguing. This was a fresh-faced story which had me turning pages rapidly then ordering the sequel at 2:00 am in the morning. I am excited to see what happens.
The book has frequent alternating viewpoints and Bethany Anne is not present enough to be labelled a real main character but I hope that changes.
The author creates a changed world wth vampires and werewolves but with a fresh take involving vampire creation I found intriguing. This was a fresh-faced story which had me turning pages rapidly then ordering the sequel at 2:00 am in the morning. I am excited to see what happens.
July 31, 2017
Vampires, weres, humans. What more could you want?
I loved LL Raands Midnight Hunt series. A friend of mine suggested I read this book. She even went as far to say that if I didn't love it she would buy the coffees for the next month. Hell, it was too good an offer to turn down.
So, I went into this book with the attitude that I was gonna hate it. What? Don't judge I love my coffee. But Damn it! It was not only good but bloody good. Ok, so it had one obvious exception to it from Raands series but it didn't matter I loved it anyway.
I have read many supernatural books and it's a genre I adore especially when written well. This is way outside what you normally expect. You experienced the transformation of an actual vampire and her immediate interactions with humans and weres.
The basic story is that these vampires work closely with human governments to ensure that all are protected. They go where even black ops fear to go. The leader of the vampires wants to create a vampire who can take his place. Bethany Anne is his choice for two reasons. First she is a black operative at the top of her profession and only has six months to live as she has an incurable blood disease. The perfect candidate.
The book is well written and keeps you turning the pages. I felt a little like a sponge. I couldn't get enough. I'm off to read book two. All are available on kindle unlimited so I'm guess I'm gonna be reading one a month if I can wait that long. Enjoy!
I loved LL Raands Midnight Hunt series. A friend of mine suggested I read this book. She even went as far to say that if I didn't love it she would buy the coffees for the next month. Hell, it was too good an offer to turn down.
So, I went into this book with the attitude that I was gonna hate it. What? Don't judge I love my coffee. But Damn it! It was not only good but bloody good. Ok, so it had one obvious exception to it from Raands series but it didn't matter I loved it anyway.
I have read many supernatural books and it's a genre I adore especially when written well. This is way outside what you normally expect. You experienced the transformation of an actual vampire and her immediate interactions with humans and weres.
The basic story is that these vampires work closely with human governments to ensure that all are protected. They go where even black ops fear to go. The leader of the vampires wants to create a vampire who can take his place. Bethany Anne is his choice for two reasons. First she is a black operative at the top of her profession and only has six months to live as she has an incurable blood disease. The perfect candidate.
The book is well written and keeps you turning the pages. I felt a little like a sponge. I couldn't get enough. I'm off to read book two. All are available on kindle unlimited so I'm guess I'm gonna be reading one a month if I can wait that long. Enjoy!
February 14, 2019
Wow,this book really took cliffhanger to another level. It legit stopped as she was about to go shower.Who does that?!
While I enjoyed this book it was a bit hard to get into. I liked the premise, it was something different from all the other vampire origin books out there. I also liked that the MC was female.
However, I did not like the multiple POVs, it seemed as though every character that made an appearance had his/her own POV, POVs that basically lead us no where. Why do I have to spend time in someone's head when he/she is not integral to the story. I almost stopped reading because it got frustrating. Luckily it picked up towards the end.
I can't wait to see more of Bethany in action.
While I enjoyed this book it was a bit hard to get into. I liked the premise, it was something different from all the other vampire origin books out there. I also liked that the MC was female.
However, I did not like the multiple POVs, it seemed as though every character that made an appearance had his/her own POV, POVs that basically lead us no where. Why do I have to spend time in someone's head when he/she is not integral to the story. I almost stopped reading because it got frustrating. Luckily it picked up towards the end.
I can't wait to see more of Bethany in action.
May 1, 2016
I don't want to be Debbie Downer here, but Death Becomes Her doesn't meet the 3 bill-star standard of worthiness. The writing is stilted and herky-jerky. Everything is a notch below what you hope for in reading a book. I understand that this is a serial and not literature, but still, I didn't feel a connection with the characters or what they were going through. Also, I'm not a vampire guy. Or a mafia guy. I've been hit with too many vampire and mafia stories over the years in books, TV shows, and movies. It's a tired genre.
That said... I admit that everyone else on the planet (pretty much) love vampires and the mob (hence all the stories). The reviews on Goodreads for this series of books are about as high as I've seen. So, don't listen to me. Listen to the people who like a good vampire story. I don't think the book is terrible. For me, there just wasn't enough to reach the 3 bill-star mark.
QOTD
I really enjoy reading independent, smaller authors like Michael Anderle. It's a nice side effect of the internet. Prior to sites like Amazon and Goodreads, how would people have ever have found a book like this? The author notes at the end of the book are fun to read. Very positive! He notes some of the software and websites that are part of his writing. It's interesting to get this glimpse into his process.
* He used Scrivener as a text editor++: www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php
* He got images for his book cover at: www.photodune.net/. And it sounds like he played with the images he bought using this editor: www.pixelmator.com/mac/
*And, of course, he has his own website: www.kurtherianbooks.com/ and www.facebook.com/TheKurtherianGambitB...
Not a good enough read for me. But I will say this - I might try Kurtherian Gambit #2 some day. The reviews for the series get better and better with each book, so who knows.
That said... I admit that everyone else on the planet (pretty much) love vampires and the mob (hence all the stories). The reviews on Goodreads for this series of books are about as high as I've seen. So, don't listen to me. Listen to the people who like a good vampire story. I don't think the book is terrible. For me, there just wasn't enough to reach the 3 bill-star mark.
QOTD
Although her hair was jet black, her personality could be straight from a red-head at the best of times.
- Death Becomes Her
I really enjoy reading independent, smaller authors like Michael Anderle. It's a nice side effect of the internet. Prior to sites like Amazon and Goodreads, how would people have ever have found a book like this? The author notes at the end of the book are fun to read. Very positive! He notes some of the software and websites that are part of his writing. It's interesting to get this glimpse into his process.
* He used Scrivener as a text editor++: www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php
* He got images for his book cover at: www.photodune.net/. And it sounds like he played with the images he bought using this editor: www.pixelmator.com/mac/
*And, of course, he has his own website: www.kurtherianbooks.com/ and www.facebook.com/TheKurtherianGambitB...
Not a good enough read for me. But I will say this - I might try Kurtherian Gambit #2 some day. The reviews for the series get better and better with each book, so who knows.
October 30, 2025
Every once in awhile you come across a new series that just blows you away. Surprisingly this series is not from one of the big publishing houses. Not since I discovered Kristen Ashley and most recently Scarlett Dawn, has an author's writing so just perfectly fit with my love for escapist storytelling. Kudos to Michael Anderle, I will be reading every book you write and look forward to being thrust into your amazing world building and outstanding characters. I will absolutely be binge reading The Kurtherian Gambit.
My Rating: 5 stars FAVORITE
My Rating: 5 stars FAVORITE
October 16, 2017
Quite entertaining in a Ninja Babes From Outer Space way.
Just two things...
1. Men don't write women well...I mean the author mentioned how long her legs were 3 times. I get it. She has long legs.
2. The ending. Well the lack of an ending. It kind of just stopped. I guess they want me to buy book two.
Maybe I will...it was entertaining. Maybe I won't...it really annoys me when books don't conclude satisfactorily.
Just two things...
1. Men don't write women well...I mean the author mentioned how long her legs were 3 times. I get it. She has long legs.
2. The ending. Well the lack of an ending. It kind of just stopped. I guess they want me to buy book two.
Maybe I will...it was entertaining. Maybe I won't...it really annoys me when books don't conclude satisfactorily.
October 22, 2024
I did not like this at all. Every thought was told, every step was told, repetitive and took to long to get going. I stopped and started and had to make myself read it with hopes that it would get better.
December 9, 2017
Though I think that the basic concept is interesting I cannot recommend this book because the writing is awful. This makes Stephanie Meyers' work look like national book award material. Aside from the typos and grammatical errors the writing was incredibly clunky, the narrative jumped around way too much, and the dialogue was unbelievable and stilted. Truly cringe worthy. I gave up 3/4 of the way through after finding myself constantly re-writing his sentences in my head.
March 10, 2017
What do you want me to add to the start of one of the most awesome series in recent history (I am not just throwing out superlatives, when you start getting around 1500 reviews and still have over a 4 Star average you have joined a very elite club).
Let me just throw out this is going to take a direction for vampires and shifters nobody else has ever taken that I am aware of and to me has elements of some of the best authors in the history of urban fantasy and science fiction.
Bethany Anne becomes one of the most amazing heroines I have ever read about, I am not going to give you a repeat of what is already in the synopsis so let me share this little bit of insight, I have NEVER EVER read 15 books in a row by one author in 1 series but I stopped every review and book I had in progress to read this whole series and then signed up for his Facebook page to beg for more.
I even read one of the spin-off series AND the follow-on series (which I have been assured will end with a LONG awaited HEA. So if you love to see evil get faced with justice this is your series but I wish he would get a real editor to go through these books so if you are OCD about the editing (editing about a 7/10) then you might have to miss this outstanding series.
Let me just throw out this is going to take a direction for vampires and shifters nobody else has ever taken that I am aware of and to me has elements of some of the best authors in the history of urban fantasy and science fiction.
Bethany Anne becomes one of the most amazing heroines I have ever read about, I am not going to give you a repeat of what is already in the synopsis so let me share this little bit of insight, I have NEVER EVER read 15 books in a row by one author in 1 series but I stopped every review and book I had in progress to read this whole series and then signed up for his Facebook page to beg for more.
I even read one of the spin-off series AND the follow-on series (which I have been assured will end with a LONG awaited HEA. So if you love to see evil get faced with justice this is your series but I wish he would get a real editor to go through these books so if you are OCD about the editing (editing about a 7/10) then you might have to miss this outstanding series.
September 20, 2016
I noticed a lot of my friends enjoyed this one, but I was in the minority. I'm sure it was just one of those "it was just me" things. I found the writing and plot to be a little scattered and I never connected to any of the characters. In addition it needs an editor. There are currently 12 books in this series was a deal breaker for me. I tend to lose interest in a series after 5 or so books. It wont be a series I personally continue, but I do appreciate it being offered as a kindleunlimited.
July 12, 2017
Strong and wonderfully suprising start! I'm really looking forward to the rest!
May 3, 2018
Just.... awful.
Awful dialog (no one talks like this).
Awful character development.
World building so thin its transparent.
And no one is ever surprised by anything. At all. EVER.
"So there are vampires created by aliens? You don't say... huh, how about that."
"I now have powers and lots of money? That's great."
"You're a sentient alien computer who talks like a 21st century millennial? Well that only makes total sense, no need to be skeptical or ask follow up questions. We're good."
I finished this book.... and I'm ashamed of it.
Awful dialog (no one talks like this).
Awful character development.
World building so thin its transparent.
And no one is ever surprised by anything. At all. EVER.
"So there are vampires created by aliens? You don't say... huh, how about that."
"I now have powers and lots of money? That's great."
"You're a sentient alien computer who talks like a 21st century millennial? Well that only makes total sense, no need to be skeptical or ask follow up questions. We're good."
I finished this book.... and I'm ashamed of it.
February 21, 2016
Don't waste time reading my review - just read the books.
Highly recommended.
Read the first one as an Amazon freebie and so glad that I did. It sucked me in and I immediately bought and read the next 5 in the series. Now the wait is on for the follow-ups which I understand are being released in short order - thankfully.
Highly recommended.
Read the first one as an Amazon freebie and so glad that I did. It sucked me in and I immediately bought and read the next 5 in the series. Now the wait is on for the follow-ups which I understand are being released in short order - thankfully.
April 28, 2016
The story is entertaining, but the writing is pretty awful.
September 8, 2018
Plenty of action
Okay, so you take a kick-ass, sassy woman, turn her into a vampire, but a good one that has to fight against the evil ones. Toss in an alien. Mix it up with some were-wolves. And… you have an awesome story. You, the reader, get tossed into a strange world just like the main character does and you’re left thinking, “What the hell’s going on here?”. If you want a fun, easy, entertaining read that’ll make you forget real life and immerse you in a world where pretty much, anything can happen, this is your book.
Okay, so you take a kick-ass, sassy woman, turn her into a vampire, but a good one that has to fight against the evil ones. Toss in an alien. Mix it up with some were-wolves. And… you have an awesome story. You, the reader, get tossed into a strange world just like the main character does and you’re left thinking, “What the hell’s going on here?”. If you want a fun, easy, entertaining read that’ll make you forget real life and immerse you in a world where pretty much, anything can happen, this is your book.
June 4, 2017
I don't like this writer's style. The scenes are short and choppy, there's not much detail, and he moves around all over the place.
November 18, 2016
I'm a big fan of urban sci-fi books. I like the concept of vampires, weres, and other supernatural entities running around modern society. There're many books that you do this very well my favorite being the Harry Dresden series. I kind of doubt this series will be anywhere near as good.
In this book, lead character, Bethany, is chosen to become a vampire. The story jumps back and forth between various characters. I found this technique to be a little disorientating. Through the progression of the story Bethany is taken to a secluded location to be turned. Up to this point, I was okay with the direction the story. Yes there is some grammatical errors. Yes the jumping back and forth was disorienting, but it was still okay with that direction. Then the story starts to nose dive. She is suddenly the most powerful vampire and she is without her mentor. Having no idea who is a good guy and who is a bad guy or what the standard procedures are she starts making life and death decisions. If you just woke up with superpowers and had no idea who was a good guy and a bad guy, who were allies and who were enemies, would you go on a killing rampage??
Then the book suddenly ends. No issues were solved. No real bad guy was stopped. The book just ends.
There are hints of romance but I am unsure if it will be minor such as the Harry Dresden or Alex Verus Series, the more romance such as The Hollows or Kelly Armstrong's books, or god forbid the travesty that is the Anita Blake novels.
I am unsure if I will continue the series. Usually, I read two or three books before dropping a series, but this book falls short in so many ways, this may be a one and done.
In this book, lead character, Bethany, is chosen to become a vampire. The story jumps back and forth between various characters. I found this technique to be a little disorientating. Through the progression of the story Bethany is taken to a secluded location to be turned. Up to this point, I was okay with the direction the story. Yes there is some grammatical errors. Yes the jumping back and forth was disorienting, but it was still okay with that direction. Then the story starts to nose dive. She is suddenly the most powerful vampire and she is without her mentor. Having no idea who is a good guy and who is a bad guy or what the standard procedures are she starts making life and death decisions. If you just woke up with superpowers and had no idea who was a good guy and a bad guy, who were allies and who were enemies, would you go on a killing rampage??
Then the book suddenly ends. No issues were solved. No real bad guy was stopped. The book just ends.
There are hints of romance but I am unsure if it will be minor such as the Harry Dresden or Alex Verus Series, the more romance such as The Hollows or Kelly Armstrong's books, or god forbid the travesty that is the Anita Blake novels.
I am unsure if I will continue the series. Usually, I read two or three books before dropping a series, but this book falls short in so many ways, this may be a one and done.
March 19, 2017
Not nearly as good as Justice is Calling or Claimed by Honor..
I’m giving this 3 stars for the last 40% of the book, because the first 60% was as boring as hell. There were so many characters and very little of the heroine Bethany Anne, until the last 40% of the book. That was a big disappointment. However, I’m hoping Queen Bitch will be a lot better.
This is a little sci-fi, since Michael takes Bethany Anne to Romania and leaves her there and she wakes up in a spaceship after seven months in stasis, and with a computer named T.O.M. attached to her spinal cord, and Michael nowhere to be found. She had to learn as much as she could from TOM before heading out to return to the town nearby, only to meet up with Nathan the werewolf, Alexi the brown bear and Ecaterina the human, in a battle with 5 or 6 other bad werewolves.
After the battle with the bad guys they went after Petre and his evil vamps and killed all of them. And then they were heading back to the United States. I can’t wait to see what trouble Bethany Anne starts there.
There was no sex but the F-bomb was used 31 times.
As to the narration: Emily Beresford was just ok for me. She did ok with the voices and ok with some of the emotions when she read. She just doesn't have a memorable voice. Several times the book said “someone laughed” and EB did not. Laughing and whispering is the two most important things for a narrator to do when reading, at least to me it is.
I’m giving this 3 stars for the last 40% of the book, because the first 60% was as boring as hell. There were so many characters and very little of the heroine Bethany Anne, until the last 40% of the book. That was a big disappointment. However, I’m hoping Queen Bitch will be a lot better.
This is a little sci-fi, since Michael takes Bethany Anne to Romania and leaves her there and she wakes up in a spaceship after seven months in stasis, and with a computer named T.O.M. attached to her spinal cord, and Michael nowhere to be found. She had to learn as much as she could from TOM before heading out to return to the town nearby, only to meet up with Nathan the werewolf, Alexi the brown bear and Ecaterina the human, in a battle with 5 or 6 other bad werewolves.
After the battle with the bad guys they went after Petre and his evil vamps and killed all of them. And then they were heading back to the United States. I can’t wait to see what trouble Bethany Anne starts there.
There was no sex but the F-bomb was used 31 times.
As to the narration: Emily Beresford was just ok for me. She did ok with the voices and ok with some of the emotions when she read. She just doesn't have a memorable voice. Several times the book said “someone laughed” and EB did not. Laughing and whispering is the two most important things for a narrator to do when reading, at least to me it is.
April 2, 2017
Too many typos and errors to continue.
I tried. I really did. But at about the halfway point, I gave up. After ignoring sentences that just trailed off without any ending punctuation, including one that stopped mid-word, and some kind of weird bolding issue where sections were set in boldface type for no discernible reason, I came to a sentence that made absolutely no sense, no matter how many times I read it. That was it, game over. I can count on one hand the number of books I've abandoned before finishing and still have fingers left over. Now I have one more. Sad.
I tried. I really did. But at about the halfway point, I gave up. After ignoring sentences that just trailed off without any ending punctuation, including one that stopped mid-word, and some kind of weird bolding issue where sections were set in boldface type for no discernible reason, I came to a sentence that made absolutely no sense, no matter how many times I read it. That was it, game over. I can count on one hand the number of books I've abandoned before finishing and still have fingers left over. Now I have one more. Sad.
May 21, 2017
I read this one for a Pick it for Me challenge. It was a freebie from Kindle Unlimited.
I chose to read this because the person selecting it for me has very similar tastes to mine and she really loved the series. And, she said she frequently laughed out loud. I needed to laugh out loud.
The first half of the book, there was no laughing. It was a very slow build, introducing characters, and the world in which they lived. We were hopping all over the place, following several different characters and what they were doing. It was all just a teensy bit confusing. Because of aforementioned recommendation, I persevered. I also understood that the world was being build and shown me and we had to get through this to get to the meat of the story. But, it was a little drudgelike.
At about the 40% mark, things took off. Finally, our main character met her destiny and the real story took off. And, the promised snark became evident. I never laughed out loud - but I definitely smirked a time or two.
I did really enjoy the characters. The romance that was built was a bit abrupt and eye rolling - and not really much of one. The powers that Bethany grew into were a little over done and over the top. She was a little *too* much for me. And, there still wasn't a whole lot of character development or nuance.
I will say that the way and the manner and the powers of Bethany surprised me a bit. I really enjoyed that little twist on the urban fantasy theme.
I would give this book 4 stars - I will definitely move on in the series. But, I really think the book would have greatly benefited from a good editor. There were several misspelled words (asses - not assess - two entirely different words!) which were distracting. But, truly, I think a good editor could have help tighten the plot and the story flow. So, that takes it down to 3 for me.
I chose to read this because the person selecting it for me has very similar tastes to mine and she really loved the series. And, she said she frequently laughed out loud. I needed to laugh out loud.
The first half of the book, there was no laughing. It was a very slow build, introducing characters, and the world in which they lived. We were hopping all over the place, following several different characters and what they were doing. It was all just a teensy bit confusing. Because of aforementioned recommendation, I persevered. I also understood that the world was being build and shown me and we had to get through this to get to the meat of the story. But, it was a little drudgelike.
At about the 40% mark, things took off. Finally, our main character met her destiny and the real story took off. And, the promised snark became evident. I never laughed out loud - but I definitely smirked a time or two.
I did really enjoy the characters. The romance that was built was a bit abrupt and eye rolling - and not really much of one. The powers that Bethany grew into were a little over done and over the top. She was a little *too* much for me. And, there still wasn't a whole lot of character development or nuance.
I will say that the way and the manner and the powers of Bethany surprised me a bit. I really enjoyed that little twist on the urban fantasy theme.
I would give this book 4 stars - I will definitely move on in the series. But, I really think the book would have greatly benefited from a good editor. There were several misspelled words (asses - not assess - two entirely different words!) which were distracting. But, truly, I think a good editor could have help tighten the plot and the story flow. So, that takes it down to 3 for me.
January 18, 2018
Loved it! Could not put this one down! Bethany Anne's character was wonderful to read about. The author did a nice job making her one kick-ass female without ruining her feminity. I loved reading Nathan Lowell's thoughts and his character also kept me turning the pages. Other characters that I enjoyed in this story were: Ecaterina, Ivan and Alexi, Carl, Bethany Anne's dad and Michael! There was the usual story building at the beginning, but I found it moved right along and there were some laugh-out-loud moments.
Bethany Anne's character reminded me a lot of the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost (Cat). Kick ass and take names type of character with a good heart. Bethany Anne was not a whiny, crying female, but a woman that was formely with the CIA, then moved into black ops before events that I will not tell about in this review have her smack in the middle of the vampires, werewolves, werebears, zombies and even aliens (Kurtherian's) world.
Felt the writing was not as polished in places and it looks like this was a self-published book. Not that there is anything wrong with a self-published book. This book had quite a few mistakes (wrong/missing words, both tenses of a word here and there) and I don't believe it adds to the story to continue with titles to idenfity the location when the location hasn't changed. It looked like start and stop points for writing that should probably have been removed.
Hopefully, the author's writing will improve and I'm looking forward to reading the next in this wonderful series. Amazing read! This could be turned into a Netflix mini series, like Van Helsing or the Walking Dead!
5 Star Favorites from This Reader!
Bethany Anne's character reminded me a lot of the Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost (Cat). Kick ass and take names type of character with a good heart. Bethany Anne was not a whiny, crying female, but a woman that was formely with the CIA, then moved into black ops before events that I will not tell about in this review have her smack in the middle of the vampires, werewolves, werebears, zombies and even aliens (Kurtherian's) world.
Felt the writing was not as polished in places and it looks like this was a self-published book. Not that there is anything wrong with a self-published book. This book had quite a few mistakes (wrong/missing words, both tenses of a word here and there) and I don't believe it adds to the story to continue with titles to idenfity the location when the location hasn't changed. It looked like start and stop points for writing that should probably have been removed.
Hopefully, the author's writing will improve and I'm looking forward to reading the next in this wonderful series. Amazing read! This could be turned into a Netflix mini series, like Van Helsing or the Walking Dead!
5 Star Favorites from This Reader!
December 30, 2019
“Death Becomes Her (Kurtherian Gambit 1)” is an amazing beginning to what may be the largest series on audible; I think there are over 60 books spread across several interrelated series!
In book 1, narrator Emily Beresford convinces us to plan on spending money on each and every one of these books!! We are introduced to MC Bethany Ann, her father the general, and “Tom” the pilot of the alien Kurtherian ship.
“Death Becomes Her” is not lesfic, but it’s a hugely creative and entertaining rethinking of vampires and werewolves, by adding aliens into the mix. This isn’t lesfic, but neither is it hetero romance or erotica; it’s pure sci-fi paranormal fun and action!
MC Bethany is an adorably foul-mouthed heroine! Highly recommended! 5*
In book 1, narrator Emily Beresford convinces us to plan on spending money on each and every one of these books!! We are introduced to MC Bethany Ann, her father the general, and “Tom” the pilot of the alien Kurtherian ship.
“Death Becomes Her” is not lesfic, but it’s a hugely creative and entertaining rethinking of vampires and werewolves, by adding aliens into the mix. This isn’t lesfic, but neither is it hetero romance or erotica; it’s pure sci-fi paranormal fun and action!
MC Bethany is an adorably foul-mouthed heroine! Highly recommended! 5*
April 30, 2021
4.5
This series has a lot of potential!
I could hardly put the book down once I started reading it!
I'll admit, the writing style is a bit different from what I'm used to (it's actually why I went on with it, seemed interesting), but once you get used to it, the book is really good!
I feel like this could be a really amazing series.
Not sure what to say more atm, just that it's worth trying and I can't wait to get to the next book.
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This series has a lot of potential!
I could hardly put the book down once I started reading it!
I'll admit, the writing style is a bit different from what I'm used to (it's actually why I went on with it, seemed interesting), but once you get used to it, the book is really good!
I feel like this could be a really amazing series.
Not sure what to say more atm, just that it's worth trying and I can't wait to get to the next book.
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March 19, 2017
I tried this one because Douglas Meeks raved about it, but alas, it really did not work for me. The writing reminded me of Victoria Danann's writing. And I stopped reading her series because her writing started to really annoy me.
I disliked the female protagonist quite a bit. She was too hard, too dispassionate, too foul mouthed. She felt like a man put in a woman's body, too. I wouldn't have liked her written as a man, either.
I disliked the female protagonist quite a bit. She was too hard, too dispassionate, too foul mouthed. She felt like a man put in a woman's body, too. I wouldn't have liked her written as a man, either.
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