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Redeemer Wars #1
Redeemer
July, 1945.
Soldiers are coming home from the war...and monsters come with them.
THE REDEEMER
Rosie Ransom wants to defy convention and keep her job, even when her boyfriend comes home from war. But there's defying convention, and then there's executing a demon on the factory floor. Rosie is ready to roll with the demon-slaying power that's awakened inside her--if she can figure out how to make it work on command...
THE HUNTER
Crippled by monsters in Europe, Hank Vaughn is home and searching for evidence of a demonic insurgence in Detroit--or better yet, a Redeemer, one of the rare women capable of freeing demons from their torment. Rosie could be his ticket to proving himself within the ranks of a secret demon-hunting society, if she would just play along...
THE CATCH
Rosie can't fight. Hank won't talk. They might be able to take down the infestation in Detroit together...if they don't walk out on each other first. But the demons are coming for them, so Rosie and Hank had better work together--and avoid getting arrested as the bodies pile up. Unfortunately, Rosie's already on the police radar, and Hank has a few hometown secrets that could end up killing their investigation before it begins.
And killing Hank and Rose as well....
Soldiers are coming home from the war...and monsters come with them.
THE REDEEMER
Rosie Ransom wants to defy convention and keep her job, even when her boyfriend comes home from war. But there's defying convention, and then there's executing a demon on the factory floor. Rosie is ready to roll with the demon-slaying power that's awakened inside her--if she can figure out how to make it work on command...
THE HUNTER
Crippled by monsters in Europe, Hank Vaughn is home and searching for evidence of a demonic insurgence in Detroit--or better yet, a Redeemer, one of the rare women capable of freeing demons from their torment. Rosie could be his ticket to proving himself within the ranks of a secret demon-hunting society, if she would just play along...
THE CATCH
Rosie can't fight. Hank won't talk. They might be able to take down the infestation in Detroit together...if they don't walk out on each other first. But the demons are coming for them, so Rosie and Hank had better work together--and avoid getting arrested as the bodies pile up. Unfortunately, Rosie's already on the police radar, and Hank has a few hometown secrets that could end up killing their investigation before it begins.
And killing Hank and Rose as well....
326 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2008
62 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Murphy
97 books1,796 followersCE Murphy began writing around age six, when she submitted three poems to a school publication. The teacher producing the magazine selected (inevitably) the one she thought was by far the worst, but also told her–a six year old kid–to keep writing, which she has. She has also held the usual grab-bag of jobs usually seen in an authorial biography, including public library volunteer (at ages 9 and 10; it’s clear she was doomed to a career involving books), archival assistant, cannery worker, and web designer. Writing books is better.
She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.
She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.
She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.
She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 3, 2018
C.E. Murphy is one of my favorite authors, so when she ran a Kickstarter about a Rosie the Riveter meets Buffy book, I had to pitch in. I’m so glad I did. The book proved to be cozy and fun. Rosie abounds in gumption, but the whole cast is great, especially Jean. The 1945 setting is fantastic and real, complete with grating sexism; I practically cackled with joy a few times when Rosie defied the many people who tried to keep her down.
September 5, 2018
I was excited when I saw that this book was going to be released this book to greater audiences. I really like the author, love reading about WWII and loved Buffy, there was no way that this book shouldn’t have worked for me. Sadly it didn’t. I found Rosie to be too naïve, too wholesome. Sure some of that would have been the time, but once Rosie realized that monster were real I thought it would change, it didn’t. She kept telling people expecting them to believe her. Then when Hank, the cop, started to talk to her about how the world of monsters really was and she got all indigent about the men and women having different roles I gave up. It wasn’t that I think men and women have specific roles, but this is the 1940’s and that was the norm. Also the roles set out were due to how they related to the demons and made sense to me. This one wasn’t for me.
March 27, 2020
So fun. Great world building, love the idea. The lead character is a bit clueless about certain things but she is a girl to get behind. She will learn and she is already changing a bit. Her friends are awesome and can't wait to read another one in this series. There is more to do!!
December 18, 2017
I wanted to slap every man in this book at least once, except for Rosie's dad who is a stellar human being and supports his daughter quietly and with a lot of love. Then I wanted to hug all the women. My first instinct is to tell them it will get better, but then I looked around me at all the news recently and my own history, and I know that it doesn't. Or at least, not enough. SOME things have improved, but not as much as they should have, and other things haven't improved at all.
This book made me think a lot about how difficult it must have been for those women to be placeholders, only holding down the jobs (and doing them well) until the men came back from the war to take their "rightful" place. How demoralizing and patronizing it all must have been, for everyone to think that you only existed to support a man and a family, and that you couldn't possibly want to work or accomplish anything else.
Gah. These things being said, I enjoyed the book quite a bit. I enjoyed Rosie's character development, and her thought processes. Every time she discovered that she could accomplish something on her own, I delighted and celebrated with her. She tried so hard to be true to herself, while also being true to those who supported her; she was never going to be able to make everyone happy, but she tried. Also, I adore Jean-Marie. In some ways, the innocence of society then made it easier for "sporty" girls and "lifelong bachelors" to spend time with each other, but how crushing to never be able to publicly declare themselves. And Ruby's family was just awful.
This book made me think a lot about how difficult it must have been for those women to be placeholders, only holding down the jobs (and doing them well) until the men came back from the war to take their "rightful" place. How demoralizing and patronizing it all must have been, for everyone to think that you only existed to support a man and a family, and that you couldn't possibly want to work or accomplish anything else.
Gah. These things being said, I enjoyed the book quite a bit. I enjoyed Rosie's character development, and her thought processes. Every time she discovered that she could accomplish something on her own, I delighted and celebrated with her. She tried so hard to be true to herself, while also being true to those who supported her; she was never going to be able to make everyone happy, but she tried. Also, I adore Jean-Marie. In some ways, the innocence of society then made it easier for "sporty" girls and "lifelong bachelors" to spend time with each other, but how crushing to never be able to publicly declare themselves. And Ruby's family was just awful.
December 31, 2018
The perfect book to end my year on. vivid, queer, and fantastic. voicey and period. I love it. <3
December 12, 2017
I loved this! Rosie the Riveter, Demon Slayer. If you're a fan of Buffy, you have to read this. I'm not sure if it's available publicly yet - I was a Kickstarter supporter of the project so I received the book through that. But when it comes out, you've got to read it. Spunky heroines, cute guys, and a great storyline.
September 4, 2018
Bring On Book Two, Three , Four and More
Just Wow.
Maybe more when my brain can say something non-spoilery.
Highly highly recommend this book. WWII setting, a bit Agent Carter, plus vampires. Get your red lipstick and go adventuring!
Just Wow.
Maybe more when my brain can say something non-spoilery.
Highly highly recommend this book. WWII setting, a bit Agent Carter, plus vampires. Get your red lipstick and go adventuring!
August 30, 2019
What a book!
I picked this up at worldcon after attending an amazing reading of the first chapter by the author herself, and I was so sold on the concept! Rosie the Riveter... fighting demons! It's got the same feel as that Agent Carter tv show: women kicking asses and the patriarchy at the same time, with some amazing passages. This book takes no hostages!
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and not just because it's *Rosie the riveter kicking demon ass* but bcause it takes a close look at the life of a woman in the 40s, with her boyfriend coming back from the war, everyone expecting her to settle back and make babies and be happy; her housemates being petty ().
It's also got a main disabled character who got injured in the war, and it takes a strong look at how he's being treated because of it - and who I'd consider the third main character is a queer widow who cannot even say the word out loud (but it's made very clear), and got me realising that I don't really mind gay characters being killed off if it happens offscreen/prior to the beginning. I don't think we ever get a good look into grief for LGBT couples, especially in that kind of (historical, fantasy) setting?
As I said to a friend, this isn't a fast-paced action novel (although there is action in droves), it's a stroll down the narrative plot line. And I love that, because we get to know Rosie and her friends outside of just fighting demons, and that's what I want from my historical fantasy. The 1945 that CE Murphy depicts is vivid and it makes the story all the better.
I picked this up at worldcon after attending an amazing reading of the first chapter by the author herself, and I was so sold on the concept! Rosie the Riveter... fighting demons! It's got the same feel as that Agent Carter tv show: women kicking asses and the patriarchy at the same time, with some amazing passages. This book takes no hostages!
I thoroughly enjoyed it, and not just because it's *Rosie the riveter kicking demon ass* but bcause it takes a close look at the life of a woman in the 40s, with her boyfriend coming back from the war, everyone expecting her to settle back and make babies and be happy; her housemates being petty ().
It's also got a main disabled character who got injured in the war, and it takes a strong look at how he's being treated because of it - and who I'd consider the third main character is a queer widow who cannot even say the word out loud (but it's made very clear), and got me realising that I don't really mind gay characters being killed off if it happens offscreen/prior to the beginning. I don't think we ever get a good look into grief for LGBT couples, especially in that kind of (historical, fantasy) setting?
As I said to a friend, this isn't a fast-paced action novel (although there is action in droves), it's a stroll down the narrative plot line. And I love that, because we get to know Rosie and her friends outside of just fighting demons, and that's what I want from my historical fantasy. The 1945 that CE Murphy depicts is vivid and it makes the story all the better.
November 24, 2018
THE REDEEMER
Rosie Ransom wants to defy convention and keep her job, even when her boyfriend comes home from war. But there's defying convention, and then there's executing a demon on the factory floor. Rosie is ready to roll with the demon-slaying power that's awakened inside her--if she can figure out how to make it work on command...
THE HUNTER
Crippled by monsters in Europe, Hank Vaughn is home and searching for evidence of a demonic insurgence in Detroit--or better yet, a Redeemer, one of the rare women capable of freeing demons from their torment. Rosie could be his ticket to proving himself within the ranks of a secret demon-hunting society, if she would just play along...
THE CATCH
Rosie can't fight. Hank won't talk. They might be able to take down the infestation in Detroit together...if they don't walk out on each other first. But the demons are coming for them, so Rosie and Hank had better work together--and avoid getting arrested as the bodies pile up. Unfortunately, Rosie's already on the police radar, and Hank has a few hometown secrets that could end up killing their investigation before it begins.
And killing Hank and Rose as well....
wow i loved this, backed the Kickstarter after 2 chapters and excellent life choice Past Me. the characters were fabulous, the setting was great and i did not see the plot twist coming!
Rosie Ransom wants to defy convention and keep her job, even when her boyfriend comes home from war. But there's defying convention, and then there's executing a demon on the factory floor. Rosie is ready to roll with the demon-slaying power that's awakened inside her--if she can figure out how to make it work on command...
THE HUNTER
Crippled by monsters in Europe, Hank Vaughn is home and searching for evidence of a demonic insurgence in Detroit--or better yet, a Redeemer, one of the rare women capable of freeing demons from their torment. Rosie could be his ticket to proving himself within the ranks of a secret demon-hunting society, if she would just play along...
THE CATCH
Rosie can't fight. Hank won't talk. They might be able to take down the infestation in Detroit together...if they don't walk out on each other first. But the demons are coming for them, so Rosie and Hank had better work together--and avoid getting arrested as the bodies pile up. Unfortunately, Rosie's already on the police radar, and Hank has a few hometown secrets that could end up killing their investigation before it begins.
And killing Hank and Rose as well....
wow i loved this, backed the Kickstarter after 2 chapters and excellent life choice Past Me. the characters were fabulous, the setting was great and i did not see the plot twist coming!
April 5, 2020
A great read. If Buffy the Vampire Slayer had been a female factory girl in wartime Detroit, this would be her story. Rosie has changed during World War II, she loves her job as a riveter and she's not sure how much she wants her soldier boyfriend to come home. Instead she enjoys life sharing a house with her girls and is saving to go to college.
So when she kills a vampire-like demon and redeems (clenses) its soul in the process it puts a large crimp in her life plans. Turns out that she is a rare being, a redeemer, and she needs to help a demon hunter, Hank, to save her city.
Along the way she helps a good friend, Jean (who I adored), deal with her grief and find a new ass-kicking purpose in life. The setting shone - diners, classic cars, and those amazing 1940s dresses - made me want to time travel.
Good pacy read, escapist, fun, well-written (as I'd expect from CE Murphy who has a great catalogue of stories in many genres). Absolutely loved it and will be picking up another copy as a gift for a Buffy-fan friend. I really hope she dreams up another adventure for Rosie soon.
So when she kills a vampire-like demon and redeems (clenses) its soul in the process it puts a large crimp in her life plans. Turns out that she is a rare being, a redeemer, and she needs to help a demon hunter, Hank, to save her city.
Along the way she helps a good friend, Jean (who I adored), deal with her grief and find a new ass-kicking purpose in life. The setting shone - diners, classic cars, and those amazing 1940s dresses - made me want to time travel.
Good pacy read, escapist, fun, well-written (as I'd expect from CE Murphy who has a great catalogue of stories in many genres). Absolutely loved it and will be picking up another copy as a gift for a Buffy-fan friend. I really hope she dreams up another adventure for Rosie soon.
January 24, 2018
Its 1945, Rosie Ransom is enjoying her independence, working as a riveter in Detroit and hoping to go to college, but becoming anxious about whether her sweetheart will be able to accept how she has changed, and whether there will still be space or an independent woman once the men come home from the war.
And then she meets her first vampire...
I love CE Murphy's work and signed up for her Kickstarter to fund this book, and I'm glad I did. The book is a lot of fun, I think we can all support Rosie's desire to be taken seriously, as a woman in a man's world, and the period is beautifully captured - even if the casual misogyny is frustrating as well as authentic.
Like all good fantasy, the people are real and relatable, and the writing is excellent.
This will, all being well, be the first in a series, and I look forward to reading the sent instalment.
And then she meets her first vampire...
I love CE Murphy's work and signed up for her Kickstarter to fund this book, and I'm glad I did. The book is a lot of fun, I think we can all support Rosie's desire to be taken seriously, as a woman in a man's world, and the period is beautifully captured - even if the casual misogyny is frustrating as well as authentic.
Like all good fantasy, the people are real and relatable, and the writing is excellent.
This will, all being well, be the first in a series, and I look forward to reading the sent instalment.
February 17, 2019
CE Murphy is one of my favourite published authors for incorporating fandom shoutouts into her books, and this book is an original novel with a fanfic vibe to it (that's not a criticism, by the way - if you're new to my reviews, you might not realise that I love well written fanfic, and no, that's NOT an oxymoron)
Redeemer is an urban fantasy set in post-WWII Detroit, and the premise involves answering the question "What if Rosie the Riveter were a demon slayer?"
The best way I can describe it is to imagine both a protagonist and a setting that are crosses between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Agent Carter (and yes, Peggy Carter as a slightly younger riveter comes somewhere close to describing Rosie's personality)
This is a series that I hope Ms Murphy writes more in, because I really enjoyed the first instalment.
Redeemer is an urban fantasy set in post-WWII Detroit, and the premise involves answering the question "What if Rosie the Riveter were a demon slayer?"
The best way I can describe it is to imagine both a protagonist and a setting that are crosses between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Agent Carter (and yes, Peggy Carter as a slightly younger riveter comes somewhere close to describing Rosie's personality)
This is a series that I hope Ms Murphy writes more in, because I really enjoyed the first instalment.
January 25, 2020
I'm no historian but parts of this seem unlikely. Fridge/freezers weren't really common until the 50s. I don't know what the food situation was like in the US during the war, but Canada had food rations so I assume food was was not wasted in the US. So things like frequent burgers, fries, and milkshakes seem out of place. And if Americans were eating like this while other countries were struggling.. well. Ugh. Was take out food like this even a thing in this era? That's a lot of paper waste at a time when everything was reused as part of the war effort. And a take away milkshake? In a paper cup? This felt like the 60s or 70s but I don't know. Either way it was so distracting, it kept pulling me out of the story. I liked the story, but the food aspect just kind of ruined it.
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December 3, 2021This Review is for the collection of Redeemer Chronicles Books 1-3 in audio book format.
Ms. Gilbert is the fantasy queen! I loved these books as much as all the rest she has written. I was glad for the continuation of the story of Victoria and her companions from the Aeris Legends. I would recommend beginning with the River's Edge Ransom Prequel to The Redeemer Chronicles. I think the story could continue. I will be checking for more.
The narration was very good which also makes the listening more enjoyable.
I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Ms. Gilbert is the fantasy queen! I loved these books as much as all the rest she has written. I was glad for the continuation of the story of Victoria and her companions from the Aeris Legends. I would recommend beginning with the River's Edge Ransom Prequel to The Redeemer Chronicles. I think the story could continue. I will be checking for more.
The narration was very good which also makes the listening more enjoyable.
I requested this audio book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
September 7, 2024
https://fromtheheartofeurope.eu/redeemer-by-c-e-murphy/
A cheerful tale of a young woman, working in a Detroit factory at the end of the second world war, who discovers that she is the chosen Redeemer capable of ridding the world (or at least America) of the demon enemies of humanity, one exorcism at a time. She must also deal with friends, potential lovers and family, and their expectations, in particular choosing between Boring But Handsome Guy and Smart But Weedy Guy. The book is the first in a series, so that last question is unresolved, but I know which side my money is on. Good fun anyway.
A cheerful tale of a young woman, working in a Detroit factory at the end of the second world war, who discovers that she is the chosen Redeemer capable of ridding the world (or at least America) of the demon enemies of humanity, one exorcism at a time. She must also deal with friends, potential lovers and family, and their expectations, in particular choosing between Boring But Handsome Guy and Smart But Weedy Guy. The book is the first in a series, so that last question is unresolved, but I know which side my money is on. Good fun anyway.
September 30, 2018
Engaging paranormal alternate history built on the premise of a riveter during WWII discovering she’s a Buffy-like slayer. One of the things I liked about this was its realistic portrayal of humanity - there’s period typical sexism, some people are just terrible, and it illustrates what it might be like to be in a lesbian relationship in the 1940s. There were a couple predictable elements where I got a bit impatient til they materialized, but on the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this and hope a second one in this series is published.
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May 21, 2020So much fun... I stayed up too late reading it. :) all the characters were awesome, and it was SO nice that Rosie was both independent, kickass, and unashamedly girly, without making a fuss about combining them all, and has lots of healthy, supportive female friendships. I do wonder if guys in the 40s were that aggressively “I am man! No cook!!”
October 28, 2018
What happens when Rosie the Riveter meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Fun, well paced. Lots of smart, interesting women. A fun read. And the way that art is used in fighting monsters is intriguing, putting a fresh twist on some of the genre tactics.
February 9, 2019
Entertaning enough novel. DEfiniteley feels like she's prepping us for more to come. IT's the curse of authorship, what takes you months or years to complete can be consumed by an aid reader in hours.
So, when's book 2 out
So, when's book 2 out
February 9, 2020
3.5, but rounded up to 4 for the queerness, and the quirkiness of re-imagining Rosie the riveter as a demon hunter.
I’m still not sure if slipping a few Captain America references in was cute or not.
I did enjoy how completely clueless Rosie was about a few certain things. “Room mates” 😂
I’m still not sure if slipping a few Captain America references in was cute or not.
I did enjoy how completely clueless Rosie was about a few certain things. “Room mates” 😂
October 31, 2025
Felt like strong heroine is not actually valued for the strength she had built, but for a random chosen one trope. Also lots of period-appropriate but still distressing bigotry amongst the characters. Had to force myself to finish it. YMMV
September 13, 2018
I waited along time for this book and once it came I read it straight away. The story is good, I enjoyed it, I felt the end was rushes but overall it's a nice read. Well done to the author :)
January 4, 2019
Alternate history fantasy set at the end of WW2, with a Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibe to it. A fun read.
April 1, 2019
Another good book by Murphy. Likable characters, humor, and action. Just how I like my stories. Some implied LGBT, sexism and feminism to keep it interesting. Can't wait until the next book.
April 23, 2020
Interesting to read an urban fantasy story set at the end of WWII as there are very few set in that time period. Some nice plot twists and well set up for future volumes.
July 7, 2020
I usually love C.E. Murphy but I joust could maintain interest in this one.
dnf
June 27, 2025Reminder to self: don’t read another CE Murphy book
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January 5, 2021"come on. things will look ...just as awful in the morning, probably." "thanks. that's better than somebody saying it all happens for a reason and things will look brighter tomorrow."
"i feel like i better keep busy or i'll just fall apart forever."
"the worst part is i keep living. i keep right on living without her and i dont even want to be doing that."
"you're going to keep putting one foot in front of the other no matter how hard it is because the only way out is through."
"arent you supposed to tell me we cant do anything and everything happens for a reason? that god tests us but doesnt give us anything we cant handle?"
"if everything happens for a reason then sometimes that reason is just life isnt fair and bad things cant always be stopped. and if god tests people like that, then he's just a son of a bitch. i dont think thats comforting."
- i got tired of all the 'would you be asking a man that question' crap. got tired of all the 'get married and be a good wife' crap too. that her constantly saying how shes a strong independent woman, but nobody wants her to be strong and independent. i get that it was a different era back then, but it lost its appeal with the constant reminders and declarations.
"i feel like i better keep busy or i'll just fall apart forever."
"the worst part is i keep living. i keep right on living without her and i dont even want to be doing that."
"you're going to keep putting one foot in front of the other no matter how hard it is because the only way out is through."
"arent you supposed to tell me we cant do anything and everything happens for a reason? that god tests us but doesnt give us anything we cant handle?"
"if everything happens for a reason then sometimes that reason is just life isnt fair and bad things cant always be stopped. and if god tests people like that, then he's just a son of a bitch. i dont think thats comforting."
- i got tired of all the 'would you be asking a man that question' crap. got tired of all the 'get married and be a good wife' crap too. that her constantly saying how shes a strong independent woman, but nobody wants her to be strong and independent. i get that it was a different era back then, but it lost its appeal with the constant reminders and declarations.
September 12, 2018
Riveting!
It's the end of WW2 in Europe, the boys are coming home... and yet things have changed. The women who have been building the machines of war with huge wrenches and rivet guns aren't the delicate, fragile flowers the men expect.
They've been forced to become independent, competent and some even enjoy working for a living. Oh my! Now blend in demons in human suits and Rosie, whose helping looking into a friend's disappearance.
A must read and hopefully, the beginning of a fabulous new series as unique as Urban Shaman. I must confess, watching Rosie teach men how to make lemonade and dinner are adorable!
More please? With a fudge recipe attached?
It's the end of WW2 in Europe, the boys are coming home... and yet things have changed. The women who have been building the machines of war with huge wrenches and rivet guns aren't the delicate, fragile flowers the men expect.
They've been forced to become independent, competent and some even enjoy working for a living. Oh my! Now blend in demons in human suits and Rosie, whose helping looking into a friend's disappearance.
A must read and hopefully, the beginning of a fabulous new series as unique as Urban Shaman. I must confess, watching Rosie teach men how to make lemonade and dinner are adorable!
More please? With a fudge recipe attached?
September 7, 2018
Loved it!
Rosie the riveter comes into her own in this alternate reality. What would you do if you found out that demons were real? Rosie grew up and dreamed bigger dreams because of her time as a riveter. Now she finds that there’s a whole demonic world out there, and she is part of the light that can stop it. Read this book to find out how!
Rosie the riveter comes into her own in this alternate reality. What would you do if you found out that demons were real? Rosie grew up and dreamed bigger dreams because of her time as a riveter. Now she finds that there’s a whole demonic world out there, and she is part of the light that can stop it. Read this book to find out how!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews