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Cloaked
As the Cloaked Shadow, Fawkes has made his career breaking into prisons for any contract with a large enough purse. He takes advantage of the kingdom's impending revolution by playing both sides of the conflict. Each rescue contract he fulfills turns a tidy profit until he angers the wrong duke.
Charlotte is a criminal-in-training who yearns to crack her mentor’s guarded façade, but is unprepared to confront the depths of his dark past. As her sense of right and wrong blurs, Charlotte discovers just how far she will go for the Cloaked Shadow and the sacrifices he requires.
Now hunted throughout the land, Fawkes must face long-buried secrets in order to survive, but they could destroy him. Charlotte risks everything, including her heart, to set Fawkes on the path to redemption.
Will Charlotte have the strength to pull Fawkes into the light, or will she follow him into the shadows?
Charlotte is a criminal-in-training who yearns to crack her mentor’s guarded façade, but is unprepared to confront the depths of his dark past. As her sense of right and wrong blurs, Charlotte discovers just how far she will go for the Cloaked Shadow and the sacrifices he requires.
Now hunted throughout the land, Fawkes must face long-buried secrets in order to survive, but they could destroy him. Charlotte risks everything, including her heart, to set Fawkes on the path to redemption.
Will Charlotte have the strength to pull Fawkes into the light, or will she follow him into the shadows?
308 pages, ebook
Published August 22, 2018
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Hobbs
4 books13 followersTaylor Hobbs lives in the PNW with her husband and two small children. HEARTBREAK AND OTHER ORGAN FAILURES (Norton Young Readers, August 2026) is her first YA novel. She is represented by Michaela Whatnall of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 25, 2019
5 brave stars full of longing!
For one of the best books I've read this year.
I love you. Be strong. I love you. Be strong.
art @za-ra-h on tumblr.com
How far would you go to save the one you love? Would you face your greatest fear and risk losing your life in the gamble?
What would you sacrifice to make sure he's happy? Would you even risk your very heart and soul?
Charlotte, an ordinary young village girl, never expected to end up crawling through the sewers stark naked, to break her younger brother out of the Duke's dungeon. A pretty desperate plan especially since, after reaching his cell and being able to unlock it, she finds no way for both of them to flee. Luckily for them, the Cloaked Shadow needs to fulfill a contract that very same night in the very same dungeon.
The most feared criminal in the kingdom, Fawkes, the infamous Cloaked Shadow, has made his career breaking into prisons for any contract with a large enough purse. He takes advantage of the kingdom's impending revolution by playing both sides of the conflict. Each rescue contract he fulfills turns a tidy profit. Of course the naked lass pleading for her brother in the dank dungeon has nothing to reward him with. And yet, Fawkes finds he cannot leave her behind.
The brother is saved and in hiding, but the Duke suspects foul play and his men ruthlessly kill Charlotte's mother as a result, while Charlotte barely escapes with her life. And ends up on the run, alongside The Cloaked Shadow. As his informal apprentice and criminal-in-training, Charlotte is swept up in a dark and dangerous adventure that will not only blur her sense of right and wrong, but also endanger her life and break her heart.
Ready To Fight by jamesdesign1 on DeviantArt
They simply stood frozen in the moment, two warriors acknowledging the fire and skill they both shared.
On a wonderfully crafted background of a kingdom in turmoil, Taylor Hobbs gives us here a gripping dark tale full of feeling, enacted by compelling characters that practically jump of the page.
Hope and despair, longing and love, anger, fear and guilt... this author brilliantly renders each and every feeling through two of the most remarkable characters I have ever met. Not because they are magically special and badass, but because they are real.
Fawkes with his fighter's heart and anguish, broken in ways Charlotte couldn't fix. Scarred and imperfect. At times full of an anger so deep that not even fear of death can overpower it; and at others, breaking down under such agony and devastation, that you cannot help but want to reach out through the pages to offer him any comfort you can. A ruthless assassin who would slit a highwayman's throat and then use the same knife unflinchingly for supper later that day. But also a gentle gentle companion who would let a woman break down in his arms and stand still holding her tight for as long as she needs it. He is one of the most complex characters I have ever encountered.
And then we have Charlotte. Sweet and gentle Charlotte. Compassionate and kind but at the same time just as ruthless as the toughest assassin.
dropdeadcoheed - deviantart
Charlotte is so complex and real! Both strong and vulnerable; brave despite being afraid! She is one of those characters you easily identify with and root for.
I read this book in one day, not wanting to set it down. Not even while I was cooking. I just had to know what Charlotte would do and got so swept within the story that I forgot to stir in my pot and ended up burning the dinner!
This tale made me angry at the injustice Charlotte had to face. It made me tear up at both her anguish, as well as that of Fawkes. And don't even let me start with the way the two supported each other because that was so heartfelt and wonderful!!
"This is going to hurt," she whispered to him. But I have to do it. It's the only way to save you. I know right now you probably don't want to be saved, but it's in my hands. And I'm selfish. I don't want you to die."
Charlotte is a role model for not only what each and every woman can become, but also what each human should do. The best for those you love, regardless of what you need to sacrifice in return. Because after all, that's what true love is.
If you love Romantic Fantasy with flawlessly described emotions and masterfully build characters, do give this book a try! Who knows, you might enjoy it just as much as I did.
Happy reading Bookdragons!
And may you always have the strength to bravely fight the shadows and step into the light!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
For one of the best books I've read this year.
I love you. Be strong. I love you. Be strong.
art @za-ra-h on tumblr.com
How far would you go to save the one you love? Would you face your greatest fear and risk losing your life in the gamble?
What would you sacrifice to make sure he's happy? Would you even risk your very heart and soul?
Charlotte, an ordinary young village girl, never expected to end up crawling through the sewers stark naked, to break her younger brother out of the Duke's dungeon. A pretty desperate plan especially since, after reaching his cell and being able to unlock it, she finds no way for both of them to flee. Luckily for them, the Cloaked Shadow needs to fulfill a contract that very same night in the very same dungeon.
The most feared criminal in the kingdom, Fawkes, the infamous Cloaked Shadow, has made his career breaking into prisons for any contract with a large enough purse. He takes advantage of the kingdom's impending revolution by playing both sides of the conflict. Each rescue contract he fulfills turns a tidy profit. Of course the naked lass pleading for her brother in the dank dungeon has nothing to reward him with. And yet, Fawkes finds he cannot leave her behind.
The brother is saved and in hiding, but the Duke suspects foul play and his men ruthlessly kill Charlotte's mother as a result, while Charlotte barely escapes with her life. And ends up on the run, alongside The Cloaked Shadow. As his informal apprentice and criminal-in-training, Charlotte is swept up in a dark and dangerous adventure that will not only blur her sense of right and wrong, but also endanger her life and break her heart.
Ready To Fight by jamesdesign1 on DeviantArt
They simply stood frozen in the moment, two warriors acknowledging the fire and skill they both shared.
On a wonderfully crafted background of a kingdom in turmoil, Taylor Hobbs gives us here a gripping dark tale full of feeling, enacted by compelling characters that practically jump of the page.
Hope and despair, longing and love, anger, fear and guilt... this author brilliantly renders each and every feeling through two of the most remarkable characters I have ever met. Not because they are magically special and badass, but because they are real.
Fawkes with his fighter's heart and anguish, broken in ways Charlotte couldn't fix. Scarred and imperfect. At times full of an anger so deep that not even fear of death can overpower it; and at others, breaking down under such agony and devastation, that you cannot help but want to reach out through the pages to offer him any comfort you can. A ruthless assassin who would slit a highwayman's throat and then use the same knife unflinchingly for supper later that day. But also a gentle gentle companion who would let a woman break down in his arms and stand still holding her tight for as long as she needs it. He is one of the most complex characters I have ever encountered.
And then we have Charlotte. Sweet and gentle Charlotte. Compassionate and kind but at the same time just as ruthless as the toughest assassin.
dropdeadcoheed - deviantart
Charlotte is so complex and real! Both strong and vulnerable; brave despite being afraid! She is one of those characters you easily identify with and root for.
I read this book in one day, not wanting to set it down. Not even while I was cooking. I just had to know what Charlotte would do and got so swept within the story that I forgot to stir in my pot and ended up burning the dinner!
This tale made me angry at the injustice Charlotte had to face. It made me tear up at both her anguish, as well as that of Fawkes. And don't even let me start with the way the two supported each other because that was so heartfelt and wonderful!!
"This is going to hurt," she whispered to him. But I have to do it. It's the only way to save you. I know right now you probably don't want to be saved, but it's in my hands. And I'm selfish. I don't want you to die."
Charlotte is a role model for not only what each and every woman can become, but also what each human should do. The best for those you love, regardless of what you need to sacrifice in return. Because after all, that's what true love is.
If you love Romantic Fantasy with flawlessly described emotions and masterfully build characters, do give this book a try! Who knows, you might enjoy it just as much as I did.
Happy reading Bookdragons!
And may you always have the strength to bravely fight the shadows and step into the light!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
September 6, 2018
Occasionally if you’re lucky, someone comes along that you do what is best for that person no matter the sacrifice to yourself. It might be a friend, a child, or another loved one. Often this trauma can drive you to the very end of your rope; maybe to the end of your life. That’s what this story is about. It’s almost like Robin Hood and his trusty sidekick except in this case, the sidekick is a young lady. A story of how we ladies have come to prove we can stand and learn right along beside the men.
The storyline involving the young lady is about a young girl trying to save her brother from the horrid confines of prison and fortunately running into the “Cloaked Man” trying to save someone else. Poor Charlotte saves her brother but loses her mother to the Duke’s men and barely escapes with her life. What follows are even more difficult and horrid times except that is…for the cloaked man.
These are strong characters; some likeable and some not. Then again bad guys aren’t supposed to be likeable, are they? There is a little love interest here, but it is not a strong point of the story at all. Not by any means strong enough to make it a romance to me although it does have a genre of Historical/Fantasy/Romance listed.
This was a quick read for me and really and truly a sweet story even with all the King’s men and all the King’s horses trying to kill the good guys.
This is a debut novel for Taylor Hobbs and something she should really be proud of.
***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are definitely my own.
The storyline involving the young lady is about a young girl trying to save her brother from the horrid confines of prison and fortunately running into the “Cloaked Man” trying to save someone else. Poor Charlotte saves her brother but loses her mother to the Duke’s men and barely escapes with her life. What follows are even more difficult and horrid times except that is…for the cloaked man.
These are strong characters; some likeable and some not. Then again bad guys aren’t supposed to be likeable, are they? There is a little love interest here, but it is not a strong point of the story at all. Not by any means strong enough to make it a romance to me although it does have a genre of Historical/Fantasy/Romance listed.
This was a quick read for me and really and truly a sweet story even with all the King’s men and all the King’s horses trying to kill the good guys.
This is a debut novel for Taylor Hobbs and something she should really be proud of.
***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are definitely my own.
September 13, 2018
Cloaked is a pretty good start for Taylor Hobbs’ writing career. This debut novel is intriguing, captivating, and exciting. I love Charlotte from the start. I admire her strength encourage. The story is part fantasy, part mystery, part suspense, part romance, and part historical. Which is a perfect combination for me to be included in a book.
I give Cloaked 4 1/2 stars. I look forward to where Taylor Hobbs’ imagination will take a reader to next.
I received this book from the publisher. This review was 100% my honest opinion.
I give Cloaked 4 1/2 stars. I look forward to where Taylor Hobbs’ imagination will take a reader to next.
I received this book from the publisher. This review was 100% my honest opinion.
August 24, 2018
Well written, captivating story.
September 12, 2018
This story had a very interesting, gripping beginning. As the world grew, all the hate, pain, and fear became more apparent. I hated how Charlotte lost her innocent approach to life, trying to protect her family and all. Fawkes brought out the better in her and built her inner strength as well as her outer strength. He was almost like three different people, with his pain from past hurts helping him survive. The two supported each other, and there were times I actually had tears in my eyes. I would have loved a better overall "view" of the world created in this book, but it did not take away from the storytelling.
I received an ARC of this story for free, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC of this story for free, and this is my unsolicited review.
September 23, 2018
If you are looking for action, romance, and a badass woman look no further. The pacing of this book is phenomenal, making it hard to put down. Charolette is a strong female protagonist, who shows the capabilities of being compassionate and ruthless. She is well rounded and believable. Fawkes is intriguing and multifaceted, his past driving him to live in a morally gray world. I enjoyed the raw emotions of both characters-which can be lost when trying to create a badass female protagonist and a realistic male dealing with trauma, but Taylor Hobbs does it flawlessly. It is a great read.
October 1, 2018
From the very first page, Ms. Hobbs transported me into her beautifully written fantasy world and set me on a path of a phenomenal adventure with the Cloaked Shadow (Fawkes) and Charlotte. I experienced the angst as this couple journeyed across the land, each with their own purpose and pain from past haunts. The love between Fawkes and Charlotte is sweet, and I enjoyed how the author revealed this slowly. I laughed, cried, and held my breath in fear as I turned the page to see what would happen next. I'm eagerly awaiting the next story from this author!
January 16, 2019
With so few reviews for this book, it feels like I’ve stumbled across a hidden gem. It has action, heart, grit, and romance. I absolutely fell in love with Fawkes and Charlotte. The story itself has a good foundation. The writing is pretty average, but I can’t help thinking that with better writing and development, this story would be absolutely amazing. I’m kind of wishing for a sequel.
May 6, 2019
Awesome! I love how Hobbs writes this book, though it IS much less suspenseful than other books I've read (like the Mortal Instruments and accompanying series by Cassandra Clare).
September 9, 2018
I loved this book! Great pacing, strong female heroine, action, and a good bit of romance, too! I couldn't put it down!
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews