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Yliaster Crystal #1
Stolen Soul
They say no man can rob a dragon. Good thing I’m not a man. There’s an underground magical vault, protected by sorcery, security cameras, guards and whatnot. Think of the most impenetrable place in the world. Now triple it. Here comes the bad news. It belongs to a dragon, and I was hired to break into it and steal his hoard. Suicidal? Insane? Maybe, but… actually, there’s no but. It’s suicidal and insane. Still, fortune favors the bold. Let’s hope fortune has a good disposition toward the crazy as well. I might be an alchemist extraordinaire, and the best burglar on the East Coast, but this is not a solo job. I’ll need a team for this one. Accompanied by a powerful sorcerer, a fortune teller, a scam artist, and a hacker, I embark on the heist of the century. If we succeed, we’ll be legends. If not – crispy dragon snacks.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2018
735 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Alex Rivers
239 books201 followersAlex Rivers is the co-author of the Dark Fae FBI Series. In the past, he's been a journalist, a game developer, and the CEO of the company Loadingames. He is married to a woman who diligently forces him to live his dream, and is the father of an angel, a pixie, and a gremlin. He has two voracious hounds that wag their tail quite menacingly at anyone who comes near his home.
Alex has been imagining himself fighting demons and vampires since forever. Writing about it is even better, because he doesn't get bitten, or tormented in hell, or even just muddy. In fact, he does it in his slippers.
Alex also writes crime thrillers under the pen name Mike Omer.
You can contact Alex by sending him an email to alex@strangerealm.com
Alex has been imagining himself fighting demons and vampires since forever. Writing about it is even better, because he doesn't get bitten, or tormented in hell, or even just muddy. In fact, he does it in his slippers.
Alex also writes crime thrillers under the pen name Mike Omer.
You can contact Alex by sending him an email to alex@strangerealm.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 21, 2018
DNF 40%. I tried, but damn this was so flat for me. I never found any reasons to care about any of the characters, and I was similarly apathetic to the world this takes place in.
The writing itself was clean. No editing issues that distracted me. But the main character was approaching being insufferably boring so I pulled the plug.
There is a potential relationship that also felt totally dead so if you’re looking for a romantic undercurrent I don’t think this is good for that either.
I am in a book rut so I’ll prob just re-read some Ilona Andrews six times until something new and good comes along.
The writing itself was clean. No editing issues that distracted me. But the main character was approaching being insufferably boring so I pulled the plug.
There is a potential relationship that also felt totally dead so if you’re looking for a romantic undercurrent I don’t think this is good for that either.
I am in a book rut so I’ll prob just re-read some Ilona Andrews six times until something new and good comes along.
February 26, 2018
I've read Alex Rivers books which he co wrote with C. N. Crawford and loved them but this was the first of just his books that I've read and I was pleasantly surprised by just how good it was! I mean, I was expecting good things from this author after reading The Dark Fae FBI series, but also wasn't sure how he would just do on his own especially as he's a pretty new to me author, but oh my god did he blow me away and I'm now a fan for life.
This book really was amazing! The heroine is gritty, and dark and flawed but she's also kickass awesome and does have a good moral compass. The cast of characters around her are also intriguing, I think my favourite was Siobhan, but I liked them all and I liked how they banded together for the task they had to complete.
The main character, Lou, is an alchemist. I loved that as I've not read any other book so far where the MC is an alchemist. It's different and new and exciting. This is one of those Urban Fantasy reads at it's best, it's set in dark and shady Boston where there are many varied supernaturals living amongst the humans, and best of all for me a Dragon (although we don't really see much of the dragon, however they are my favourite creatures so even the mention of them gets me excited.) The MC is struggling in everyday life and does what she needs to do to exist as do the other characters, but they work together to survive in what is not a great situation.
The end of the book did close down one story line, which this first book was focusing on, but it opened up several more for the future. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book and seeing what will happen next with Lou and if she'll survive her next adventure. This really was an enjoyable and exciting read for me and it very easily gets five stars. I loved every minute of it.
This book really was amazing! The heroine is gritty, and dark and flawed but she's also kickass awesome and does have a good moral compass. The cast of characters around her are also intriguing, I think my favourite was Siobhan, but I liked them all and I liked how they banded together for the task they had to complete.
The main character, Lou, is an alchemist. I loved that as I've not read any other book so far where the MC is an alchemist. It's different and new and exciting. This is one of those Urban Fantasy reads at it's best, it's set in dark and shady Boston where there are many varied supernaturals living amongst the humans, and best of all for me a Dragon (although we don't really see much of the dragon, however they are my favourite creatures so even the mention of them gets me excited.) The MC is struggling in everyday life and does what she needs to do to exist as do the other characters, but they work together to survive in what is not a great situation.
The end of the book did close down one story line, which this first book was focusing on, but it opened up several more for the future. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book and seeing what will happen next with Lou and if she'll survive her next adventure. This really was an enjoyable and exciting read for me and it very easily gets five stars. I loved every minute of it.
March 23, 2018
DNF, I guess it's just one of those weeks for me. This is a story that the whole premise is built upon the MC's horrible decisions. Really cannot connect with characters whose problems are all self-inflicted, like borrowing money from a mobster... I don't feel sorry for someone like that, I just find them annoying.
May 3, 2018
I think I'll give this one a solid 3 stars
Lou is an alchemist with a bit of a dodgy past. When she can't repay a load from the local crime lord whom she used to work for, she is roped into doing a crazy ass, nearly impossible heist from a dragon's vault. She forms a team with include her two besties (Sinead and Isabel) and magical hacker, and a sexy sorcerer.
The plot here is pretty simple, the characters have distinct personalities that come through in the writing although the all lacked a bit of depth that really allows you to connect. It was definitely entertaining enough to keep me reading, and the story line was nicely wrapped up in the end while leaving plenty of room to continue on with future story lines.
Lou is an alchemist with a bit of a dodgy past. When she can't repay a load from the local crime lord whom she used to work for, she is roped into doing a crazy ass, nearly impossible heist from a dragon's vault. She forms a team with include her two besties (Sinead and Isabel) and magical hacker, and a sexy sorcerer.
The plot here is pretty simple, the characters have distinct personalities that come through in the writing although the all lacked a bit of depth that really allows you to connect. It was definitely entertaining enough to keep me reading, and the story line was nicely wrapped up in the end while leaving plenty of room to continue on with future story lines.
March 11, 2018
I was given this as an ARC by the author, but this review is all my own! I loved this book. The prequel was great and this book picked up partly through the prequel but from a different character's perspective.
Lou Vitalis is an alchemist with a difficult background. When she cannot afford to pay this month's interest to the local mob boss, he has two options for her: either she can have her shop and flat burnt down courtesy of his goons or she can carry out one more job for him, which involves her breaking in to a vault and stealing an incredibly valued artefact from a dragon! Not a particularly easy task, but a better choice than losing everything she owns! However, this is not something she can do on her own, so she gathers friends and acquaintances in order to complete the job successfully.
I was really looking forward to reading this book as I really enjoyed the prequel and have also really enjoyed the Dark Fae FBI books that Alex Rivers co-authored with C.N. Crawford. The characters were great - I really liked Lou and her budding romance with Kane is definitely something to look forward to in the next book.
The details of the break-in and all the various elements were so well put together - it was almost the perfect heist! I was on the edge of my seat through that whole part though as I wasn't sure what would happen if they did get caught! And the event that happened the next morning was not something I was expecting either.
Overall, a great start to a new series and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Thank you to Alex for sharing the ARC with me!
Lou Vitalis is an alchemist with a difficult background. When she cannot afford to pay this month's interest to the local mob boss, he has two options for her: either she can have her shop and flat burnt down courtesy of his goons or she can carry out one more job for him, which involves her breaking in to a vault and stealing an incredibly valued artefact from a dragon! Not a particularly easy task, but a better choice than losing everything she owns! However, this is not something she can do on her own, so she gathers friends and acquaintances in order to complete the job successfully.
I was really looking forward to reading this book as I really enjoyed the prequel and have also really enjoyed the Dark Fae FBI books that Alex Rivers co-authored with C.N. Crawford. The characters were great - I really liked Lou and her budding romance with Kane is definitely something to look forward to in the next book.
The details of the break-in and all the various elements were so well put together - it was almost the perfect heist! I was on the edge of my seat through that whole part though as I wasn't sure what would happen if they did get caught! And the event that happened the next morning was not something I was expecting either.
Overall, a great start to a new series and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. Thank you to Alex for sharing the ARC with me!
February 28, 2018
Meet Lou Vitalis, alchemist extraordinaire with a troubled past. When she can’t make a payment to the local mob boss, he has an alternative for her: break into a vault protected by high end security, magic and oh yeah.. it belongs to a dragon who will know instantly when you enter the house let alone the vault itself.
Undertake the legendary (and pretty much doomed to fail) heist together with Kane (sorcerer), Isabel (fortune teller), Sinead (con artist) and Harutaka (hacker) and get ready to pull this off.. or well.. end up roasted.
My take on the book:
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It had a great plot, a looooooot of humor, enough action to get your adrenaline pumping and enough downtime in between to catch your breath.
I loved the characters: Lou, Kane, Isabel, Sinead and a dash of Harutaka in the mix. They all had depth, their own story and while some weren’t always on the right path, you could still understand why they made those choices.
The abilities/mix of the group, be it paranormal or not, are awesome!! A really great combination of flavors.
The book was well thought out and well written. I don’t think I have found any errors.
As stated before the pacing was excellent and while a lot happens it didn’t feel rushed at all.
In no time I was laughing so hard with Lou's inner musings.. I mean... who the hell thinks about Jason Momoa's toes lifting weights while trying to relax and meditate? :D It was funny, unexpected and yet.. so Lou :)
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I'm very much looking forward for the next installment! Hope the full group comes together again :D
If you are looking for a new urban fantasy series with an great mix of characters, a lot of humor and action, then pick this one up!
Undertake the legendary (and pretty much doomed to fail) heist together with Kane (sorcerer), Isabel (fortune teller), Sinead (con artist) and Harutaka (hacker) and get ready to pull this off.. or well.. end up roasted.
My take on the book:
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It had a great plot, a looooooot of humor, enough action to get your adrenaline pumping and enough downtime in between to catch your breath.
I loved the characters: Lou, Kane, Isabel, Sinead and a dash of Harutaka in the mix. They all had depth, their own story and while some weren’t always on the right path, you could still understand why they made those choices.
The abilities/mix of the group, be it paranormal or not, are awesome!! A really great combination of flavors.
The book was well thought out and well written. I don’t think I have found any errors.
As stated before the pacing was excellent and while a lot happens it didn’t feel rushed at all.
In no time I was laughing so hard with Lou's inner musings.. I mean... who the hell thinks about Jason Momoa's toes lifting weights while trying to relax and meditate? :D It was funny, unexpected and yet.. so Lou :)
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I'm very much looking forward for the next installment! Hope the full group comes together again :D
If you are looking for a new urban fantasy series with an great mix of characters, a lot of humor and action, then pick this one up!
March 22, 2018
Stolen Soul's story rides along a fairly simple plot line, such that towards the end I wondered "Really? That's it?" And yet, the way the author unfolds of each character around the story line, made the read worthwhile. So my initial comment should be taken in context, as this story lays the groundwork for much more to come. When the next book comes out, I'll most likely bite and see where he goes.
June 10, 2019
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I liked the humor the author used and I felt like the characters were having fun even in the tough moments in the is book. There was magic and dragons, vampires and much more. I will look forward to reading book two in this series! You would not feel sad if you give this book a try. I have not read anything by this author before and I think I will look into more.
January 14, 2020
This is a really fun book.
You've got a great core of female friends, fun abilities (an alchemist, which is mostly unusual in a female lead, in my experience), and an Oceans 11-style high-stakes heist.
I completely blitzed through the book, and am already mostly finished with the second one. Definitely thrilled to have found this series.
You've got a great core of female friends, fun abilities (an alchemist, which is mostly unusual in a female lead, in my experience), and an Oceans 11-style high-stakes heist.
I completely blitzed through the book, and am already mostly finished with the second one. Definitely thrilled to have found this series.
March 29, 2020
4.5 Amazing stars! Great concept, characters and execution! An easy read but with depth...
This book has it all! Action, adventure, doubt, passion, love, pain... you find yourself screaming the equivalent of “No, don’t go in there, that’s where the killer is!”. Sometimes the realization is in time... sometimes not... as in life I guess...
Lou is an amazingly determined individual and although she has the obligatory sad back story (as they all do) it is not just a means to explain her choices, it is real, believable. The same can be said for our dear Mr Underwood... I see interesting things for him on the horizon...
Can’t wait for the next one!
This book has it all! Action, adventure, doubt, passion, love, pain... you find yourself screaming the equivalent of “No, don’t go in there, that’s where the killer is!”. Sometimes the realization is in time... sometimes not... as in life I guess...
Lou is an amazingly determined individual and although she has the obligatory sad back story (as they all do) it is not just a means to explain her choices, it is real, believable. The same can be said for our dear Mr Underwood... I see interesting things for him on the horizon...
Can’t wait for the next one!
February 26, 2018
That was stunning. The perfect mix of funny, adventure, chaos and magic. I've read all of Rivers FBI Fae books with CN Crawford and loved every second of them. This was not those books. Not a huge departure but just enough to know this is all Rivers and he is going places! You will be mesmerized and addicted once you start so please read with caution. Work and other familial obligations will only vaguely matter.
February 22, 2019
I gave this book three stars because it did, actually, have a story line I haven't read 100 times before. It was well written as far as having a semi decent flow. It was just...boring.
Right from the start, the main character was...well...uninteresting. Lou is an alchemist and a thief who's hands and arms occasionally catch on fire because she was a klutz while mixing a potion. That's about it.Part of me kept wanting for there to be more to her but, nope, she's just someone who can plan a heist and mix some potions according to a book she inherited from her dead mom.
Maybe it's just me but when you get a character that's pretty much shown all of what she is in the first book, what's the point of reading? It's like the author is saying, "Okay, folks. Nothing more to see here." There was no depth. Call me crazy but I want to know that there is more about the character than just the summary. It's like when you read about a human stuck in a world of fantasy and all they ever are is...human. There is literally nothing that says they are remarkable. They just got stuck in the right scene at the right time.
Excuse me while I take a nap.
There is no reason to keep the reader wanting to know more. Even Kane was a bit yawn worthy. I didn't feel any tension or chemistry between the characters. Maybe if he had tried to assume a little more control. Maybe some honest to God back and forth feuding between the two. Something other than, OH! Hey, how about some tension here.
Frankly, I wouldn't recommend this to my friends unless they were looking for something to put them to sleep. If you're thinking of reading it, expect a lot of talking, some smart remarks, a little bit of action and little to no romance. That way, you won't be disappointed because you've wasted your time.
Right from the start, the main character was...well...uninteresting. Lou is an alchemist and a thief who's hands and arms occasionally catch on fire because she was a klutz while mixing a potion. That's about it.Part of me kept wanting for there to be more to her but, nope, she's just someone who can plan a heist and mix some potions according to a book she inherited from her dead mom.
Maybe it's just me but when you get a character that's pretty much shown all of what she is in the first book, what's the point of reading? It's like the author is saying, "Okay, folks. Nothing more to see here." There was no depth. Call me crazy but I want to know that there is more about the character than just the summary. It's like when you read about a human stuck in a world of fantasy and all they ever are is...human. There is literally nothing that says they are remarkable. They just got stuck in the right scene at the right time.
Excuse me while I take a nap.
There is no reason to keep the reader wanting to know more. Even Kane was a bit yawn worthy. I didn't feel any tension or chemistry between the characters. Maybe if he had tried to assume a little more control. Maybe some honest to God back and forth feuding between the two. Something other than, OH! Hey, how about some tension here.
Frankly, I wouldn't recommend this to my friends unless they were looking for something to put them to sleep. If you're thinking of reading it, expect a lot of talking, some smart remarks, a little bit of action and little to no romance. That way, you won't be disappointed because you've wasted your time.
March 29, 2018
Stolen Soul is the bee’s knees, peachy keen... now hand me some wondrous stupidifier!
Seriously though, an Alchemist, Sorcerer, Psychic, Hacker and Con-Artist get together to rob the vault of a Dragon. What could go wrong?
I love a good robbery movie...ya know along the lines of Ocean's Eleven, where a team of individuals with crazy special talents get together to pull off a miracle of a job. It's like poetry in motion for me and that's exactly what Stolen Soul is. The concept in a world of super natural with the likes of alchemists and sorcerers added so much more dimension to the classic tale. It was great. Alex Rivers delivers a fabulous story with great characters. Their dynamic made this book so much fun to read. I thought Lou was a great character. Not your prototypical bad ass female lead, because let's be honest, that's getting a bit old and stale these days. No, Lou was more down to earth...more normal (for an alchemist whose hands catch on fire). She can handle her self but has flaws and problems like everyone else and she's not that female lead who is suppose to be awesome but has to constantly be saved by others. She saves herself! I really liked Kane as well. He's a troubled man due to mistakes he's made in the past and he hopes by teaming with Lou on this job she can eventually help him and I really hope we get to explore more of that and more of his background story. My favorite character of the book though is...MAGNUS! Magnus is awesome. Read the book, you'll see!
This book is definitely hard to put down once you get into. It's well written with great characters in a great story. I HIGHLY recommend it!
Seriously though, an Alchemist, Sorcerer, Psychic, Hacker and Con-Artist get together to rob the vault of a Dragon. What could go wrong?
I love a good robbery movie...ya know along the lines of Ocean's Eleven, where a team of individuals with crazy special talents get together to pull off a miracle of a job. It's like poetry in motion for me and that's exactly what Stolen Soul is. The concept in a world of super natural with the likes of alchemists and sorcerers added so much more dimension to the classic tale. It was great. Alex Rivers delivers a fabulous story with great characters. Their dynamic made this book so much fun to read. I thought Lou was a great character. Not your prototypical bad ass female lead, because let's be honest, that's getting a bit old and stale these days. No, Lou was more down to earth...more normal (for an alchemist whose hands catch on fire). She can handle her self but has flaws and problems like everyone else and she's not that female lead who is suppose to be awesome but has to constantly be saved by others. She saves herself! I really liked Kane as well. He's a troubled man due to mistakes he's made in the past and he hopes by teaming with Lou on this job she can eventually help him and I really hope we get to explore more of that and more of his background story. My favorite character of the book though is...MAGNUS! Magnus is awesome. Read the book, you'll see!
This book is definitely hard to put down once you get into. It's well written with great characters in a great story. I HIGHLY recommend it!
May 9, 2018
Fantastic start to a new series!
I was introduced to Alex Rivers through his collaboration with C.N. Crawford. After being obsessed with that series I couldn't wait to dive into Alex's series!! The story takes place in Boston and starts by introducing us to Lou. I loved the fact that she is alchemist which is something I haven't seen in a lot of fantasy novels I have read. Lou has had a hard life so far with lots of loss, but has also gained a solid friend base through Sinead and Isabel. Lou is also a seriously good thief who owes a debt to a ridiculously bad guy. When said bad guy comes to collect his monthly payment Lou is short and gets the option to complete a job for said bad guy or have a secret exposed. Lou of course signs up for the job and begins building her team. Her two best friends, along with a sorcerer named Kane come up with a plan to rescue the best hacker there is in order to complete the ultimate heist to complete Lou's job.
The story is action packed and incredibly intriguing because you learn bits and pieces here and there about the various characters. They all are incredibly interesting and make you anxious to learn more. There is also the slight romance element between two of the characters that adds to the story. The book was incredibly well written and the wit and funny comments throughout make it even more of an awesome read! I love that the book didn't end on a huge cliffhanger but instead hinted at things to come. Seriously cannot wait for the next installment!!
I was introduced to Alex Rivers through his collaboration with C.N. Crawford. After being obsessed with that series I couldn't wait to dive into Alex's series!! The story takes place in Boston and starts by introducing us to Lou. I loved the fact that she is alchemist which is something I haven't seen in a lot of fantasy novels I have read. Lou has had a hard life so far with lots of loss, but has also gained a solid friend base through Sinead and Isabel. Lou is also a seriously good thief who owes a debt to a ridiculously bad guy. When said bad guy comes to collect his monthly payment Lou is short and gets the option to complete a job for said bad guy or have a secret exposed. Lou of course signs up for the job and begins building her team. Her two best friends, along with a sorcerer named Kane come up with a plan to rescue the best hacker there is in order to complete the ultimate heist to complete Lou's job.
The story is action packed and incredibly intriguing because you learn bits and pieces here and there about the various characters. They all are incredibly interesting and make you anxious to learn more. There is also the slight romance element between two of the characters that adds to the story. The book was incredibly well written and the wit and funny comments throughout make it even more of an awesome read! I love that the book didn't end on a huge cliffhanger but instead hinted at things to come. Seriously cannot wait for the next installment!!
May 5, 2018
Rating: 6/10
Interesting Start to a Series, and Intrrested in Reading War
Warning: This review may contain spoilers.
Stolen Soul offers an intriguing introduction to a new world and series. Whilst I wasn't "wowed" by the book it was an interesting series.
Alex Rivers has created a very interesting world, as well as interesting characters. Whilst the world building and introduction of species/types and their abilites was a little clunky and confusing (underdeveloped) it parts, it sets up an exciting narrative with characters that you are interested in learning more of.
The other weakness of the novel was Isabel. Whilst she a childhood friend, she didn't really have a purpose in the story or the world and felt like a character eating valuable page spaces.
That being said I'm interested in seeing where the series goes.
Interesting Start to a Series, and Intrrested in Reading War
Warning: This review may contain spoilers.
Stolen Soul offers an intriguing introduction to a new world and series. Whilst I wasn't "wowed" by the book it was an interesting series.
Alex Rivers has created a very interesting world, as well as interesting characters. Whilst the world building and introduction of species/types and their abilites was a little clunky and confusing (underdeveloped) it parts, it sets up an exciting narrative with characters that you are interested in learning more of.
The other weakness of the novel was Isabel. Whilst she a childhood friend, she didn't really have a purpose in the story or the world and felt like a character eating valuable page spaces.
That being said I'm interested in seeing where the series goes.
August 23, 2019
Quite good!
I actually enjoyed this urban fantasy quite a bit. It flows well and there is a lyrical quality to the way the words are twisted or phrases thrown. It does lack a full emotional punch romantically, but here were aspects that took me off guard - and made the entire story better... emotional facets regarding her life and past. Many urban fantasies focus just in the present and the future, yet with this one, we see how past decisions and even mistakes have shaped who this alchemist has become - and who she may yet grow into.
Pros:
- Very well written. Word choice is prime.
- Character development is intriguing.
- there a HFN, but not really.
- Change can be brutal.
Cons:
- There is something missing, though I not 100% certain what, at least not enough to define it. Hopefully this sense will pass on book 2 and I can fully immerse myself.
I actually enjoyed this urban fantasy quite a bit. It flows well and there is a lyrical quality to the way the words are twisted or phrases thrown. It does lack a full emotional punch romantically, but here were aspects that took me off guard - and made the entire story better... emotional facets regarding her life and past. Many urban fantasies focus just in the present and the future, yet with this one, we see how past decisions and even mistakes have shaped who this alchemist has become - and who she may yet grow into.
Pros:
- Very well written. Word choice is prime.
- Character development is intriguing.
- there a HFN, but not really.
- Change can be brutal.
Cons:
- There is something missing, though I not 100% certain what, at least not enough to define it. Hopefully this sense will pass on book 2 and I can fully immerse myself.
August 7, 2020
I think this might be the first heist-book I've ever read. While I can enjoy the genre in a movie, I haven't found a book where it worked for me - not that I've tried, but still - so this book was a pleasent surprise.
There were many things about this book that I liked:
The MC and the other characters.
The magic-system.
The writing-style - mostly, it over-used a word or two at times, but what author doesn't?
The general story.
The romance - or lack there-off.
The MCs backstory - I'm really curious as to where things might be going in the rest of the series!
Considering I liked everything, it feels kind of weird to give it 3/5 stars and not any higher rating, but a 4/5 star rating looked wrong, somehow. I liked the book, but it didn't blow me away, and I don't think I'll be doing a relisten of the series in the future, so a 3 it is.
There were many things about this book that I liked:
The MC and the other characters.
The magic-system.
The writing-style - mostly, it over-used a word or two at times, but what author doesn't?
The general story.
The romance - or lack there-off.
The MCs backstory - I'm really curious as to where things might be going in the rest of the series!
Considering I liked everything, it feels kind of weird to give it 3/5 stars and not any higher rating, but a 4/5 star rating looked wrong, somehow. I liked the book, but it didn't blow me away, and I don't think I'll be doing a relisten of the series in the future, so a 3 it is.
February 26, 2018
I have read this author before when he co-wrote with C.N. Crawford on the Dark Fae FBI series, and I really loved that series. So, when I was offered a chance to read this new series titled The Yliaster Crystal, I jumped at the chance to see how he writes alone. I am so very glad I did! This book was fun, well-written, and had some great characters. I was drawn in right from the beginning, and the book was fast-paced enough I really didn’t want to put it down. I really liked Lou and Kane (as well as the other characters), and I’m really looking forward to the next book to see what is coming next. One thing that I really liked was that the characters were not perfect but were still really good people doing bad or wrong things for the right reasons. This was a great addition to the urban fantasy genre, and I think I will become a big fan of Mr. Rivers. Highly recommend! I was provided the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.
March 29, 2018
Not my cup of tea
Ok guys I want to first explain I did lots of page skipping!!!!. so I didn't care for lou what so ever. Didn't like how she made bad decisions. So she worked for this mob boss, does time, says shes done but goes back to borrowing money from the guy? Can't pay the debt and he wants her to put her life in danger for another job and threatens a kid I guess was taken from her? She kinda sees her kid walk to school with the adopted parents, is still doing b*llsh*t and puts her child in danger being a sh*t person, like she couldn't get a regular job and change her life around? Yeah didn't like the chick. Besides that the book just bored me to death. Nothing about this read did it for me.
Ok guys I want to first explain I did lots of page skipping!!!!. so I didn't care for lou what so ever. Didn't like how she made bad decisions. So she worked for this mob boss, does time, says shes done but goes back to borrowing money from the guy? Can't pay the debt and he wants her to put her life in danger for another job and threatens a kid I guess was taken from her? She kinda sees her kid walk to school with the adopted parents, is still doing b*llsh*t and puts her child in danger being a sh*t person, like she couldn't get a regular job and change her life around? Yeah didn't like the chick. Besides that the book just bored me to death. Nothing about this read did it for me.
March 22, 2018
Great job
I love the attitude of Lou. She is smart, resourceful, and snarky. Her friends and a few new acquaintances are a ragtag team that must steal from a dragon. The story is fun as it follows Lou from the beginning of how she meets Kane and finds herself in the predicament of having to steal from the dragon, to the planning and outcome of her job. The story also shows the growth of Lou as she faces her past. The characters are rich and it is easy to become immersed in the story. It definitely recommend reading this one and look forward to the next book.
I love the attitude of Lou. She is smart, resourceful, and snarky. Her friends and a few new acquaintances are a ragtag team that must steal from a dragon. The story is fun as it follows Lou from the beginning of how she meets Kane and finds herself in the predicament of having to steal from the dragon, to the planning and outcome of her job. The story also shows the growth of Lou as she faces her past. The characters are rich and it is easy to become immersed in the story. It definitely recommend reading this one and look forward to the next book.
May 2, 2018
Fresh of breath air
I really enjoyed this book because the author didn’t give me what I always expect. Most books, the main characters fall in love, head over heels quickly.
This one not so much. The characters smoke. I don’t usually read that in other books. The black mail was a daughter. I don’t usually read that. Best friends betrayal. That was a plus. Everything was unexpected and different and I loved that. Stealing from a dragon should have been impossible but the team did it!! Twist and turns you won’t see coming.
I really enjoyed this book because the author didn’t give me what I always expect. Most books, the main characters fall in love, head over heels quickly.
This one not so much. The characters smoke. I don’t usually read that in other books. The black mail was a daughter. I don’t usually read that. Best friends betrayal. That was a plus. Everything was unexpected and different and I loved that. Stealing from a dragon should have been impossible but the team did it!! Twist and turns you won’t see coming.
May 4, 2018
Vanilla Ice Cream
This book was like vanilla ice cream...without the fudge, nuts, sprinkles, caramel and m and m's. It was smooth but rather plain.
Seldom do I want to chuck a book at 85 percent complete...in fact I can't recall ever a time. I kept waiting for something to finally justify my determination to finish. It kinda happened...like in the last 5 percent (yes I finished it).
So while I won't be reading a sequel, if you like tame stuff this is for you. The characters are nice the story compelling...er enough-but don't expect it to keep you a wake.
This book was like vanilla ice cream...without the fudge, nuts, sprinkles, caramel and m and m's. It was smooth but rather plain.
Seldom do I want to chuck a book at 85 percent complete...in fact I can't recall ever a time. I kept waiting for something to finally justify my determination to finish. It kinda happened...like in the last 5 percent (yes I finished it).
So while I won't be reading a sequel, if you like tame stuff this is for you. The characters are nice the story compelling...er enough-but don't expect it to keep you a wake.
March 4, 2018
An exciting read that I found “unputdownable” with a whole bunch of magic, mayhem and let’s not forget the whole “stealing from a dragon” thing....
I really enjoyed discovering more about all the characters and found them interesting and complex. It was funny at times, and also at other times quite sad but real. I would love to find out what happens next, not only with Lou’s love life (because, of course!) but also what will happen with her working for the vampire!
I really enjoyed discovering more about all the characters and found them interesting and complex. It was funny at times, and also at other times quite sad but real. I would love to find out what happens next, not only with Lou’s love life (because, of course!) but also what will happen with her working for the vampire!
March 21, 2018
Alright
The plot and writing was good. I would recommend the book for its oceans eleven aspect but not for its magic. Again it was a good read but the magic was extremely disappointing. If you reads this for a complex and interesting magic system or a powerful heroine this is not the book for you. She is basically a smart women with a few barley useful tricks. She couldn’t even beat common thugs. But good book
The plot and writing was good. I would recommend the book for its oceans eleven aspect but not for its magic. Again it was a good read but the magic was extremely disappointing. If you reads this for a complex and interesting magic system or a powerful heroine this is not the book for you. She is basically a smart women with a few barley useful tricks. She couldn’t even beat common thugs. But good book
April 10, 2018
One little job...
Lou Vitalis is broke, and the alchemical ingredients she needs for her job are hard to come by. She's got a crime boss breathing down her neck, and secrets to keep. He promises to forgive the debt if she does one job for him....
Awesome book. I liked the characters, the world building is fantastic, and the tension in the plot skyrockets fast. It has a promising potential romance for the main character. Good stuff.
Lou Vitalis is broke, and the alchemical ingredients she needs for her job are hard to come by. She's got a crime boss breathing down her neck, and secrets to keep. He promises to forgive the debt if she does one job for him....
Awesome book. I liked the characters, the world building is fantastic, and the tension in the plot skyrockets fast. It has a promising potential romance for the main character. Good stuff.
December 22, 2018
Good read.
Lou Vitalis is a character I could get on board with from the beginning. She has had her hardships and now just wants to make ends meet selling her concoctions and be left alone so she can watch her daughter from so near yet so far. But alas fate has other plans.
Enjoyable read with some great twists and turns along the way.
Another new to me author who I will be reading again (already downloaded book 2).
Lou Vitalis is a character I could get on board with from the beginning. She has had her hardships and now just wants to make ends meet selling her concoctions and be left alone so she can watch her daughter from so near yet so far. But alas fate has other plans.
Enjoyable read with some great twists and turns along the way.
Another new to me author who I will be reading again (already downloaded book 2).
September 19, 2020
Lou's a fun protagonist. She has a great sense of humor (I laughed so much while reading this book), bonds well with her friends (I love found families!), and rocks as an alchemist.
I love that this is an urban fantasy book following a unique type of magic. (And she was smart with it, too!)
I like the romantic interest, but would definitely like more from him and their interactions in future books. (Which I'm sure there is!)
I love that this is an urban fantasy book following a unique type of magic. (And she was smart with it, too!)
I like the romantic interest, but would definitely like more from him and their interactions in future books. (Which I'm sure there is!)
February 23, 2018
Loved this book!!! Gimme me more. Horribly flawed characters but still good people. The characters know their not perfect but they are so strong and the book causes you to root for the flawed underdog. I couldn't put the book down it literally griped me and wouldn't let me go. I love Kane!! I hope to see more of him in book 2
February 26, 2018
This book is amaze-balls. The heroine is interesting, the narration is flawless, and the editing fantastic.
I really loved the plot, and even when you think the book is going to end, it keeps going! Lots of attention to details, funny moments with just enough seriousness. I definitely need more of this series and author!
I really loved the plot, and even when you think the book is going to end, it keeps going! Lots of attention to details, funny moments with just enough seriousness. I definitely need more of this series and author!
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