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Wildlands #3
Nine of Stars
Winter has always been a deadly season in Temperance, but this time, there’s more to fear than just the cold....
As the daughter of an alchemist, Petra Dee has faced all manner of occult horrors - especially since her arrival in the small town of Temperance, Wyoming. But she can’t explain the creature now stalking the backcountry of Yellowstone, butchering wolves and leaving only their skins behind in the snow. Rumors surface of the return of Skinflint Jack, a 19th-century wraith that kills in fulfillment of an ancient bargain.
The new sheriff in town, Owen Rutherford, isn’t helping matters. He’s a dangerously haunted man on the trail of both an unsolved case and a fresh kill - a bizarre murder leading him right to Petra’s partner, Gabriel. And while Gabe once had little to fear from the mortal world, he’s all too human now. This time, when violence hits close to home, there are no magical solutions.
It’s up to Petra and her coyote sidekick, Sig, to get ahead of both Owen and the unnatural being hunting them all - before the trail turns deathly cold.
As the daughter of an alchemist, Petra Dee has faced all manner of occult horrors - especially since her arrival in the small town of Temperance, Wyoming. But she can’t explain the creature now stalking the backcountry of Yellowstone, butchering wolves and leaving only their skins behind in the snow. Rumors surface of the return of Skinflint Jack, a 19th-century wraith that kills in fulfillment of an ancient bargain.
The new sheriff in town, Owen Rutherford, isn’t helping matters. He’s a dangerously haunted man on the trail of both an unsolved case and a fresh kill - a bizarre murder leading him right to Petra’s partner, Gabriel. And while Gabe once had little to fear from the mortal world, he’s all too human now. This time, when violence hits close to home, there are no magical solutions.
It’s up to Petra and her coyote sidekick, Sig, to get ahead of both Owen and the unnatural being hunting them all - before the trail turns deathly cold.
10 pages, Audiobook
First published December 27, 2016
56 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Laura Bickle
27 books502 followersLaura Bickle grew up in rural Ohio, reading entirely too many comic books out loud to her favorite Wonder Woman doll. After graduating with an MA in Sociology – Criminology from Ohio State University and an MLIS in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she patrolled the stacks at the public library and worked with data systems in criminal justice. She now dreams up stories about the monsters under the stairs, also writing contemporary fantasy novels under the name Alayna Williams.
Her work has been included in the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project 2013 reading list and the State Library of Ohio’s Choose to Read Ohio reading list for 2015-2016.
Her work has been included in the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project 2013 reading list and the State Library of Ohio’s Choose to Read Ohio reading list for 2015-2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 3, 2016
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to read this book solely because of it's cover. I'm a person that will read the book because of the cover and this time I unfortunately didn't see that this is a series. So this is the third book and I highly recommend to all other readers that they read the first two books first. I had some throuble at the beginning of the story to get the hang of it all, since we have two worlds that the characters tell the story in or it relates to what happened there in the past. Also, the prologue is told by a wolf that belongs to the Nine of Stars wolf pack, so that was definitely confusing to me. But the rest is also told by Petra and other characters. After I found my way into the story it all started to make more sense. This is a fantasy/crime/bit of romance story. There is this 'supernatural evil' that this pack makes an enemy of and now they are in big trouble. Also, since the events that took place in the previous books we have another story beside this one. I love how a book can tell more than one story. That definitely makes up for an interesting story as a whole.
Petra is a very smart woman and that sometimes leads her into trouble. But this time her body is not on her side as well but that doesn't stop her to investigate the new killings. I also liked Gabriel's character. He's lost a lot in his other magical world. Being now 'less' is taking some use to but at the end he does the right thing. I'm not so sure how I feel about Owen's character. He's like a dog that once smells blood, there's no stopping him.
All in all I liked this story. The plot is quite interesting and fresh but I don't like the ending. The cliffy is not my favourite part in a book. I want to know how the story unfolds and aslo, will Gabriel manage to escape or not. This is definitely one great read!
I wanted to read this book solely because of it's cover. I'm a person that will read the book because of the cover and this time I unfortunately didn't see that this is a series. So this is the third book and I highly recommend to all other readers that they read the first two books first. I had some throuble at the beginning of the story to get the hang of it all, since we have two worlds that the characters tell the story in or it relates to what happened there in the past. Also, the prologue is told by a wolf that belongs to the Nine of Stars wolf pack, so that was definitely confusing to me. But the rest is also told by Petra and other characters. After I found my way into the story it all started to make more sense. This is a fantasy/crime/bit of romance story. There is this 'supernatural evil' that this pack makes an enemy of and now they are in big trouble. Also, since the events that took place in the previous books we have another story beside this one. I love how a book can tell more than one story. That definitely makes up for an interesting story as a whole.
Petra is a very smart woman and that sometimes leads her into trouble. But this time her body is not on her side as well but that doesn't stop her to investigate the new killings. I also liked Gabriel's character. He's lost a lot in his other magical world. Being now 'less' is taking some use to but at the end he does the right thing. I'm not so sure how I feel about Owen's character. He's like a dog that once smells blood, there's no stopping him.
All in all I liked this story. The plot is quite interesting and fresh but I don't like the ending. The cliffy is not my favourite part in a book. I want to know how the story unfolds and aslo, will Gabriel manage to escape or not. This is definitely one great read!
January 18, 2017
The cover says this is the start of a new series but this book is listed as #3 and it seems like it was not the beginning. Obviously a bunch of story had already happened and I continually wished I'd read it. As to this book, the plot and magic elements were clear and easy to follow, the writing was good and I enjoyed the characters for the most part. There was one character who I thought I was going to like but then I didn't then I did , then I didn't....
Then it ended on a MASSIVE cliff hanger. That's not really a good way to make me want to keep on with a series. I would rather like your characters then have them end to the story at hand in a happyish way. There can be threads left hanging but not cutting off in the middle of a scene as happened here.
Honestly I would have given it higher stars except for that ending.
Then it ended on a MASSIVE cliff hanger. That's not really a good way to make me want to keep on with a series. I would rather like your characters then have them end to the story at hand in a happyish way. There can be threads left hanging but not cutting off in the middle of a scene as happened here.
Honestly I would have given it higher stars except for that ending.
October 1, 2017
Nine of Stars was a good entry into the Dark Alchemy series. I liked it better than the last book, but that ending! Way to leave us all hanging. Apparently the author has decided to make this trilogy a prequel to another series called The Wildlands. At least I think that's what she's doing. I'm a little confused. I'm still enjoying this series though and I'm curious about what direction it is taking in the new series. I do want a couple of things resolved in the next book though .
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
December 4, 2016
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
*spoilers from the first two installments*
“There was a man, back in 1861. He came to be known as Skinflint Jack, the Jack of Harts.”
Petra Dee may be accustomed to the magical happenings in Temperance, Wyoming, but after the re-appearance of a man who was transformed through alchemy into a formidable creature in the 1800s, she knows she’s the only one that would be capable of overcoming him. Destroying an 18th century monster isn’t the only thing troubling Petra these days though. Gabe is trying to both acclimate to being mortal once again and staying under the radar of the local authorities after Sal’s disappearance, Sal’s cousin being the sheriff and all. Petra is dealing with some health issues of her own which has her adjusting plans for her future. But when the wolves of Yellowstone are viciously attacked and Petra’s work colleague is left hospitalized after going to investigate, she knows that no one will have much of a future if this danger is left to roam.
“We all have our dark sides, I guess,” Gabe said, taking a swig of his beer.
“Yeah. And sometimes, the darkness finds us.”
Combining both ordinary and mystical mysteries, life is never dull for Petra Dee. I thoroughly enjoyed the complexity of the mystery behind the Luneria, the alchemical tree of life, but after its destruction in Mercury Retrograde it seemed as if that storyline had finished. I was pleased to see it reintroduced in this installment, albeit in an extremely unsettling way. The death of Sal didn’t mean the end of the mysterious Rutherford family either. Temperance, Wyoming is, suffice it to say, a most enigmatic and peculiar town.
I’ve seen Nine of Stars marketed as both a brand new series and the third of the continued Dark Alchemy series. While I can see it working as a brand new start, the “prequel” novels as they’re being referred to, I feel, are an integral part of giving you the necessary context behind these characters. Whether you start here or with Dark Alchemy, Bickle still manages to properly introduce you to a world of magic and mystery which also incorporates Native American folklore that will appeal to any fantasy fan. There are no supernatural creatures in these stories, just by-products of alchemical experiments, the “magical process of transformation, creation, or combination,” a subject that has clearly been researched extensively by the author. Nine of Stars possessed an ending that was extremely abrupt that felt more like a chapter end than a story end but I am still eager for more Petra Dee.
I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
*spoilers from the first two installments*
“There was a man, back in 1861. He came to be known as Skinflint Jack, the Jack of Harts.”
Petra Dee may be accustomed to the magical happenings in Temperance, Wyoming, but after the re-appearance of a man who was transformed through alchemy into a formidable creature in the 1800s, she knows she’s the only one that would be capable of overcoming him. Destroying an 18th century monster isn’t the only thing troubling Petra these days though. Gabe is trying to both acclimate to being mortal once again and staying under the radar of the local authorities after Sal’s disappearance, Sal’s cousin being the sheriff and all. Petra is dealing with some health issues of her own which has her adjusting plans for her future. But when the wolves of Yellowstone are viciously attacked and Petra’s work colleague is left hospitalized after going to investigate, she knows that no one will have much of a future if this danger is left to roam.
“We all have our dark sides, I guess,” Gabe said, taking a swig of his beer.
“Yeah. And sometimes, the darkness finds us.”
Combining both ordinary and mystical mysteries, life is never dull for Petra Dee. I thoroughly enjoyed the complexity of the mystery behind the Luneria, the alchemical tree of life, but after its destruction in Mercury Retrograde it seemed as if that storyline had finished. I was pleased to see it reintroduced in this installment, albeit in an extremely unsettling way. The death of Sal didn’t mean the end of the mysterious Rutherford family either. Temperance, Wyoming is, suffice it to say, a most enigmatic and peculiar town.
I’ve seen Nine of Stars marketed as both a brand new series and the third of the continued Dark Alchemy series. While I can see it working as a brand new start, the “prequel” novels as they’re being referred to, I feel, are an integral part of giving you the necessary context behind these characters. Whether you start here or with Dark Alchemy, Bickle still manages to properly introduce you to a world of magic and mystery which also incorporates Native American folklore that will appeal to any fantasy fan. There are no supernatural creatures in these stories, just by-products of alchemical experiments, the “magical process of transformation, creation, or combination,” a subject that has clearly been researched extensively by the author. Nine of Stars possessed an ending that was extremely abrupt that felt more like a chapter end than a story end but I am still eager for more Petra Dee.
I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 16, 2024
I liked this one the best of this series. In this book not only do we get Petra’s point of view but Owen, who is Sal’s relative and the sheriff, as well as the point of view of a wolf. I liked the action better in this one. Owen is a unique character as he has a ghost that haunts him and I kind of want to like him but there is something not quite right with him. In this one Petra sets out to stop an evil being who attacked Mike and is killing wolves. The book did leave me with some unanswered questions. Overall, this book was better but I don’t think I will read anymore in this series.
December 14, 2016
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
Nine of Stars, by author Laura Bickle, is the first installment in her new Wildland series. You maybe asking yourselves, what are you talking about? I think you've lost your mind! There were two books before this Dark Alchemy and Mercury Retrograde! Yes, you are correct my dear brilliant book nerds who know everything. However, they are now being called prequels, which means this is the first book in a new series.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Expected publication: December 27th 2016 by Harper Voyager
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5
*My Thoughts*
Nine of Stars, by author Laura Bickle, is the first installment in her new Wildland series. You maybe asking yourselves, what are you talking about? I think you've lost your mind! There were two books before this Dark Alchemy and Mercury Retrograde! Yes, you are correct my dear brilliant book nerds who know everything. However, they are now being called prequels, which means this is the first book in a new series.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Expected publication: December 27th 2016 by Harper Voyager
December 11, 2016
4.5. Really loved everything except appropriation of the skin walker mythology.
February 10, 2018
Ms. Bickle is only getting better and better. Plot flow, character development, attention to detail and research that doesn't slow you down, and a perfect balance of stark reality and deep magic make this book one that you want to sit down and read until the end. Her timelines are not unimaginable, though. Her characters don't get pushed into action that is unbelievably paced, nor do they get injured and bounce back unmarred. Scars run deep and recovery takes time, and this books evokes a tremendous empathy in the reader for the plights of all characters involved, whether two or four legged (or both!). I was brought to tears of compassion a few times. Each of her adventures into the magic of Yellowstone country takes you deeper and deeper into both its natural splendor and the magic she has created.
#Bewitchingbooktours
#Bewitchingbooktours
October 19, 2020
I think I liked book 2 a tiny bit better, but this bad guy is scary. Some weird things are left awry at the end, curious what happens next! And there was something still unresolved from book 2. More good stuff to come, hopefully!
February 3, 2019
Wow. Petra and Sig, her adorable coyote companion, are up against a wolf killing Wendigo. You just never know what they’re going to bump into which each new book.
This is the third book in the series. I’ll do my best not to spoil it for you. Just sayin.
The wolf pack Nine Of Stars goes up against a creature that collects the skins of wolves. It ends badly for one and they’re now being hunted down. A magical being, it’s relentless and darn near unstoppable in its pursuit.
Petra is grappling with some personal issues but that takes a second seat when wolves are being attacked and killed in the park. She’s also having to deal with the new sheriff, an odd duck who’s set his sights on Gabe as the killer. And Gabe has problems of his own. Human ones, to be exact.
It’s going to take everything they have and then some to stop Skinflint Jack. The bitter cold and a huge winter storm add to the struggles for these characters. I like when the elements come in to play. A reckoning is coming, and who survives the battle isn’t certain.
I loved this book. I’ve loved all of the books in this series. Petra is bad to the bone and loves with such intensity. And Sig is, well, Sig. What can I say about the wily coyote. He’s something else.
So much has happened in this series and I wonder what’s coming next. Can’t wait to find out.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
This is the third book in the series. I’ll do my best not to spoil it for you. Just sayin.
The wolf pack Nine Of Stars goes up against a creature that collects the skins of wolves. It ends badly for one and they’re now being hunted down. A magical being, it’s relentless and darn near unstoppable in its pursuit.
Petra is grappling with some personal issues but that takes a second seat when wolves are being attacked and killed in the park. She’s also having to deal with the new sheriff, an odd duck who’s set his sights on Gabe as the killer. And Gabe has problems of his own. Human ones, to be exact.
It’s going to take everything they have and then some to stop Skinflint Jack. The bitter cold and a huge winter storm add to the struggles for these characters. I like when the elements come in to play. A reckoning is coming, and who survives the battle isn’t certain.
I loved this book. I’ve loved all of the books in this series. Petra is bad to the bone and loves with such intensity. And Sig is, well, Sig. What can I say about the wily coyote. He’s something else.
So much has happened in this series and I wonder what’s coming next. Can’t wait to find out.
I received a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.
February 25, 2025
When I apply to giveaways on goodreads, I don't filter the books thoroughly. I read the description and if I don't hate or dislike it, I apply for it. However, I usually don't apply for books further along in a series, so I must have missed that this was 3rd in the Dark Alchemy series when I applied for it and won.
First off, I really enjoyed Nine of Stars, and it wasn't too hard to follow along even though it IS third in a series. I'd suggest to anyone to read the first two books before reading this, but if you don't want to do it that way, it's not a big deal. I think it really helps more with the little details and understanding character growth and their personal story arcs and so on.
What I enjoyed most was that the characters never frustrated me at any point in the book. I enjoyed the magic and the originality of it. I liked that the characters had flaws, regrets, everyday obstacles as well as the magic ones. I liked that even though the novel is set in present time, the feel of the magic and the stories of the character's pasts (like Gabriel and Skinflint Jack), and the isolation of Temperance and Yellowstone make it seem timeless (kind of). And I liked it enough to go and buy books 1 and 2 so I can read them too!
I was conflicted on rating-- I guess 4.5 stars would be my rating if there were half-stars allowed. But why not round up? ;)
First off, I really enjoyed Nine of Stars, and it wasn't too hard to follow along even though it IS third in a series. I'd suggest to anyone to read the first two books before reading this, but if you don't want to do it that way, it's not a big deal. I think it really helps more with the little details and understanding character growth and their personal story arcs and so on.
What I enjoyed most was that the characters never frustrated me at any point in the book. I enjoyed the magic and the originality of it. I liked that the characters had flaws, regrets, everyday obstacles as well as the magic ones. I liked that even though the novel is set in present time, the feel of the magic and the stories of the character's pasts (like Gabriel and Skinflint Jack), and the isolation of Temperance and Yellowstone make it seem timeless (kind of). And I liked it enough to go and buy books 1 and 2 so I can read them too!
I was conflicted on rating-- I guess 4.5 stars would be my rating if there were half-stars allowed. But why not round up? ;)
December 26, 2016
I pre-ordered this pearl as soon as it was available on bookdepository so I would get my trotters on it as soon as it released. Then the awesome Laura Bickle provided me with an Advance Reader Copy so I could even read it sooner!
And this is such a great read.
This book continues the story lines from the Dark Alchemy books, but is set up in a way that it would work as a first book in a new series for new readers as well. But let me tell you: You want to read all the books in this setting. They're awesome!
I love Petra, Gabe and Sig. They're a good team. Lots of nastiness is coming their way, both supernatural and mundane, but they are doing their best to overcome their problems and to stay alive.
The story switches between Petra and Gabe, and Owen. Usually when a story switches to a character who opposes my favorite characters I don't much like reading from their point of view, but Bickle managed to get me invested and to even root just a little bit for Owen at times.
The ending of this book is quite the cliffhanger, and you bet I'll be getting my greedy trotters on the next book.
All in all an awesome read that I can recommend to anyone who's looking for a cool UF read set outside of the city.
And this is such a great read.
This book continues the story lines from the Dark Alchemy books, but is set up in a way that it would work as a first book in a new series for new readers as well. But let me tell you: You want to read all the books in this setting. They're awesome!
I love Petra, Gabe and Sig. They're a good team. Lots of nastiness is coming their way, both supernatural and mundane, but they are doing their best to overcome their problems and to stay alive.
The story switches between Petra and Gabe, and Owen. Usually when a story switches to a character who opposes my favorite characters I don't much like reading from their point of view, but Bickle managed to get me invested and to even root just a little bit for Owen at times.
The ending of this book is quite the cliffhanger, and you bet I'll be getting my greedy trotters on the next book.
All in all an awesome read that I can recommend to anyone who's looking for a cool UF read set outside of the city.
September 12, 2016
Petra, geologist at Yellowstone and daughter of an alchemist, finds herself defending wolves against an ancient monster who is terrorizing them. I enjoyed the plot and the characters in this novel, but was unhappy that it had a cliffhanger ending.
July 27, 2017
This is another good story, the third in the series. There are enough changes afoot to keep things fresh and interesting, yet all of the old characters and situations are revisited and familiar continuity is maintained. The characters are all interesting and continually developing, and the plot is a fast-paced page-turner. One point that I especially enjoyed is that the protagonists find themselves needing to melt some metal in a blizzard, and the solution they find is quite ingenious. I couldn't help but wonder if the author cremated many snowmobiles for research in the preparation of the manuscript. (I remember a similar scene in the previous book where technology and alchemy are mixed to very good effect.) The only disappointment I had was that even though the individual story is concluded nicely, the overall arc ends on a real cliff-hanger for the two main characters. (Dude, it's like Han and Leia are -both- left frozen in Carbonite.) I thought the packaging of the book was confusing, because it says on the cover (which is quite attractive, by the way) that this is the first book in a series, but it's actually the third. One might be able to follow the events of this novel if they weren't familiar with the first two, but I think the effect would be lessened. The previous two are listed opposite the title page as prequel novels, but that makes no sense because this is clearly the third book of an ongoing series. It must be one of those marketing mysteries. Anyway, I recommend reading Dark Alchemy, Mercury Retrograde, and now Nine of Stars to fans of modern fantasy.
January 25, 2017
I wasn't aware that there were previous books in this series so I felt like I was missing backstory to some of the characters but overall I liked the characters and would love to see more about some of them particularly Nine and Sig the Coyote.
December 28, 2016
Imaginative, dark and yet somehow hopeful, Nine of Stars was a fantasy novel that kept me wrapped up in the legends it explored and with the lives of the characters we followed through to the cliffhanger ending.
First off, Nine of Stars is part of the Dark Alchemy series, with the first two books being considered prequels by author Laura Bickle. It would probably be best to read the other two installments first before diving into this story. I didn’t, so I went in rather blind here. I’ll admit to being a bit lost at times but I was able to piece together enough of what happened previously for this to ultimately make sense. But given how well written this was, I would highly recommend anything Bickle has released anyway.
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Original Notes:
Nine of Stars is not easily read as a standalone but I was able to piece together the major events from previous books, which are being called prequels by author Laura Bickle. Overall, though, this was an incredibly interesting story filled with magic, alchemy, love, and personal growth. I've not read many books that deal so directly with alchemy so that alone sparked my interest in picking this one up. And Bickle didn't disappoint with how she wove that into the storyline. I came to care for each character. Yes, even Owen in his own way...until the end. Which I will warn readers is a bit of a cliffhanger. Full review to come.
First off, Nine of Stars is part of the Dark Alchemy series, with the first two books being considered prequels by author Laura Bickle. It would probably be best to read the other two installments first before diving into this story. I didn’t, so I went in rather blind here. I’ll admit to being a bit lost at times but I was able to piece together enough of what happened previously for this to ultimately make sense. But given how well written this was, I would highly recommend anything Bickle has released anyway.
Read More
_____________________
Original Notes:
Nine of Stars is not easily read as a standalone but I was able to piece together the major events from previous books, which are being called prequels by author Laura Bickle. Overall, though, this was an incredibly interesting story filled with magic, alchemy, love, and personal growth. I've not read many books that deal so directly with alchemy so that alone sparked my interest in picking this one up. And Bickle didn't disappoint with how she wove that into the storyline. I came to care for each character. Yes, even Owen in his own way...until the end. Which I will warn readers is a bit of a cliffhanger. Full review to come.
November 3, 2016
This new title from Laura Bickle, scheduled for a December release, is given the description as "the first in a new series" (The Wildlands) on Amazon, though it is actually the continuation of the Dark Alchemy series, which includes Dark Alchemy and Mercury Retrograde. I do think a reader would have to be somewhat familiar with the first two books to get the most out of Nine of Stars. What I love about this series is that it's not quite definable, genre-wise. Is it Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Fantasy, or something else - Weird Western? That makes it a bit difficult to classify to my patrons, but any chance I get, I recommend this series for adventurous readers.
This time out, we have a new protagonist, the skinwalker/wolf "Nine" and a new antagonist, Owen, the current sheriff and relative of the evil, now deceased, Sal Rutherford, and the author smoothly switches the narrative between the various characters. Ms. Bickle is a great writer, with well-developed characters, smooth dialogue and a setting that is beautifully described. I was cold reading this book, and I live in Texas! Petra and Gabe's relationship progresses in this book, and we suffer along with Gabe as he adjusts to mortality and the death of the Lunaria and the Hanged men. The Evil-Bad Skinflint Jack is a suitably creepy character for our heroes to vanquish. Great job on this one, and I'll be impatiently waiting to see what happens in the next book.
This time out, we have a new protagonist, the skinwalker/wolf "Nine" and a new antagonist, Owen, the current sheriff and relative of the evil, now deceased, Sal Rutherford, and the author smoothly switches the narrative between the various characters. Ms. Bickle is a great writer, with well-developed characters, smooth dialogue and a setting that is beautifully described. I was cold reading this book, and I live in Texas! Petra and Gabe's relationship progresses in this book, and we suffer along with Gabe as he adjusts to mortality and the death of the Lunaria and the Hanged men. The Evil-Bad Skinflint Jack is a suitably creepy character for our heroes to vanquish. Great job on this one, and I'll be impatiently waiting to see what happens in the next book.
March 14, 2019
Solid Urban Fantasy
This was another well written tale in the Wildlands series, which is full of myths and legends set against the backdrop of Yellowstone park. I really like this series despite there being a few minor problems for me, as a few mysteries points aren’t completely solved by the end of the book. Like why was Jack hunting the wolves? The reasoning for the hunting and what was revealed in the plot just didn’t add up. These are minor points that didn’t hurt the overall plot, of Petra, and Gabe trying to find a wolf killer. A new character of Owen Rutherford was introduced, who’s backstory is murky and maybe not what it seems.
This is pretty unique urban fantasy which I like. It should be noted despite the romantic aspects of Petra and Gabe’s relationship all sex takes place off page.
This was another well written tale in the Wildlands series, which is full of myths and legends set against the backdrop of Yellowstone park. I really like this series despite there being a few minor problems for me, as a few mysteries points aren’t completely solved by the end of the book. Like why was Jack hunting the wolves? The reasoning for the hunting and what was revealed in the plot just didn’t add up. These are minor points that didn’t hurt the overall plot, of Petra, and Gabe trying to find a wolf killer. A new character of Owen Rutherford was introduced, who’s backstory is murky and maybe not what it seems.
This is pretty unique urban fantasy which I like. It should be noted despite the romantic aspects of Petra and Gabe’s relationship all sex takes place off page.
April 30, 2023
It’s not often I read a book and genuinely enjoy it- enough that I want to continue with the series- and yet still only feel it’s a 3 star book. That’s how I’ve felt about the series up until now. The thing is I’m invested in the characters now, the town, the coyote. Reading this installment finally gave me the 4 star feels and I’m happy about that- a part of me felt bad only giving the former books 3.
I like where the story is going, I like that the author introduces us to interesting and new paranormal creatures in each book- a refreshing take on the paranormal genre. I definitely see the horror elements here. This is no frilly love story- it’s dark and gritty. I will give a content warning for serious illness. This is actually a big trigger for me so I was nonplussed to see this pop up so far into a story that I’m now invested in, I will be continuing on and hoping to get through it unscathed. I’m sorry if anyone considers this a spoiler but I’m going to share the illness here just in case anyone else has a sensitivity as well- in the first chapter we learn that our main character has Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Even though I find this type of illness triggering there is also a part of me that finds the addition of something like this in fantasy an interesting take. It really brings real life and magic together in a way I rarely see. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward does something similar and I found it added a level of believability to a fantasy-based story. I was initially worried that the author would implement some type of magical cure- so far it seems our character is facing down this disease the same way the rest of us mortals would have to and I appreciate that. Curing cancer with magic just seems like the wrong way to go- especially when it’s a very real thing many, many people face. I’d much rather read about character enduring the good fight rather than magic-ing it away when so many people would give anything for that to be a real option.
The end of this book leaves off on a pretty intense cliffhanger so I’ll be diving into book four, Witch Creek, today. If you like dystopian, horror, and/or paranormal set in a darker world then you’re likely to enjoy this series. I also recommend listening to the Wildlands series on audio if you enjoy that format. I like the life the narrator brings to the narrative.
I like where the story is going, I like that the author introduces us to interesting and new paranormal creatures in each book- a refreshing take on the paranormal genre. I definitely see the horror elements here. This is no frilly love story- it’s dark and gritty. I will give a content warning for serious illness. This is actually a big trigger for me so I was nonplussed to see this pop up so far into a story that I’m now invested in, I will be continuing on and hoping to get through it unscathed. I’m sorry if anyone considers this a spoiler but I’m going to share the illness here just in case anyone else has a sensitivity as well- in the first chapter we learn that our main character has Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Even though I find this type of illness triggering there is also a part of me that finds the addition of something like this in fantasy an interesting take. It really brings real life and magic together in a way I rarely see. The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward does something similar and I found it added a level of believability to a fantasy-based story. I was initially worried that the author would implement some type of magical cure- so far it seems our character is facing down this disease the same way the rest of us mortals would have to and I appreciate that. Curing cancer with magic just seems like the wrong way to go- especially when it’s a very real thing many, many people face. I’d much rather read about character enduring the good fight rather than magic-ing it away when so many people would give anything for that to be a real option.
The end of this book leaves off on a pretty intense cliffhanger so I’ll be diving into book four, Witch Creek, today. If you like dystopian, horror, and/or paranormal set in a darker world then you’re likely to enjoy this series. I also recommend listening to the Wildlands series on audio if you enjoy that format. I like the life the narrator brings to the narrative.
August 6, 2019
I make a point of finding Ms Bickle every Ohioana book festival I get to because a) she's fun to talk to and b) this is a really fun series. This one is quite a bit different from the last two in some important ways. The main arc of book one and two has been resolved (for example, Petra now knows her father's fate and Gabe is no longer one of the inhuman Hanged Men). It opens with a lot of tragedy in many ways (and side note, some series you can come in on later books, this is not one of them). Petra is facing a life changing illness, Gabe is remembering what it is to be human, Sheriff Owen Rutherford takes over Rutherford ranch, finding what his wicked relative had done to Gabe and the others and what had been done to him and the Nine of Stars wolf pack is facing an inhuman killer.
It opens, in fact, with the wolf pack and I'll be honest I'm always iffy about talking animals (even when it's just in their own heads) unless that's the point of the whole book but later we find a reason for the high level of intelligence of these wolves (higher than the already high intelligence wolves possess). Something is hunting them, ripping them apart and displaying them.
Petra is called in to help examine one of the displays but in some ways she has bigger problems between her health and that Gabe could be a murder suspect in the eyes of Owen who is determined to find out about all the bodies under his cousin's ranch including that of his cousin. But when a friend is hurt and the back country of Yellowstone seems like a good place to hide, she and Gabe try to get to the bottom of it all along with Sig, Petra's semi-tame Coyote (who has secrets of his own).
While they've planned well for taking on the supernatural killer, they underestimate Owen who might just be haunted by the ghost of a young murder victim or he might just be bat crap crazy. He's not about to let Gabe go and it's now a cat and mouse triangle game out in the wilderness.
Petra and Gabe (and Sig!!) are as engaging as always. Owen is fascinating. I enjoyed this but I was less thrilled with the final chapter being basically the first chapter of the next book. I don't like cliffhanger endings. Still, it's a book worth reading.
It opens, in fact, with the wolf pack and I'll be honest I'm always iffy about talking animals (even when it's just in their own heads) unless that's the point of the whole book but later we find a reason for the high level of intelligence of these wolves (higher than the already high intelligence wolves possess). Something is hunting them, ripping them apart and displaying them.
Petra is called in to help examine one of the displays but in some ways she has bigger problems between her health and that Gabe could be a murder suspect in the eyes of Owen who is determined to find out about all the bodies under his cousin's ranch including that of his cousin. But when a friend is hurt and the back country of Yellowstone seems like a good place to hide, she and Gabe try to get to the bottom of it all along with Sig, Petra's semi-tame Coyote (who has secrets of his own).
While they've planned well for taking on the supernatural killer, they underestimate Owen who might just be haunted by the ghost of a young murder victim or he might just be bat crap crazy. He's not about to let Gabe go and it's now a cat and mouse triangle game out in the wilderness.
Petra and Gabe (and Sig!!) are as engaging as always. Owen is fascinating. I enjoyed this but I was less thrilled with the final chapter being basically the first chapter of the next book. I don't like cliffhanger endings. Still, it's a book worth reading.
January 22, 2018
Nine of Stars by Laura Bickle
Reviewed by Angi
I am becoming a Laura Bickle fangirl.
This is the second book I've read and she has a wonderful way of making a story come to life. Both books I read are totally different stories. There are few authors I have found that can do multiple storylines and do them all well. But Laura does it.
I picked up Nine if Stars in anticipation of if the new release Witchcreek coming out soon.
It sounded so good I had to read the 1st to get started. I got sucked in from the start. You start by meeting the wolf Nine the omega wolf. The pack is struggling as it's a hard winter. Then you meet Owen the sheriff who starts as one type of character and ends up something so different. It's slow and sneaks up on you but the character change is a huge part of the story. Then Petra and Gabe there are so many facets to this couple. And Petra has a coyote for a pet. I want a coyote, don't you?
And then the big evil Jack of harts. He is a unique bad guy. Large and formidable mythic urban legends material. Part man part elk. And this is where Laura stands out from other authors. Her characters are unique, not your typical vamps and weres. They are well thought out and plotted. Though made up and at times strange (see the book Flesh) They hold up without you scratching your head saying nope nope never that can't happen. Because in Laura's world it can ...and does happen.
This story has magic and mystery and history. The only issue I had is that I thought it was the first in the series but it's the 3rd in the Dark Alchemy series and 1st in the Winlands. So a crossover introduction? There were a few times I thought I was dropped in the middle of a story and that's when I realized the Dark Alchemy side of the series. So ...yeah I just downloaded the 2 from that series cause I'm addicted.
If you want a good read with magic and mystery with great well-written plot and characters hit the buy button. Oh and if you do it soon you will get it for the low price of .99 cents like I did on Amazon!! What a deal.
Reviewed by Angi
I am becoming a Laura Bickle fangirl.
This is the second book I've read and she has a wonderful way of making a story come to life. Both books I read are totally different stories. There are few authors I have found that can do multiple storylines and do them all well. But Laura does it.
I picked up Nine if Stars in anticipation of if the new release Witchcreek coming out soon.
It sounded so good I had to read the 1st to get started. I got sucked in from the start. You start by meeting the wolf Nine the omega wolf. The pack is struggling as it's a hard winter. Then you meet Owen the sheriff who starts as one type of character and ends up something so different. It's slow and sneaks up on you but the character change is a huge part of the story. Then Petra and Gabe there are so many facets to this couple. And Petra has a coyote for a pet. I want a coyote, don't you?
And then the big evil Jack of harts. He is a unique bad guy. Large and formidable mythic urban legends material. Part man part elk. And this is where Laura stands out from other authors. Her characters are unique, not your typical vamps and weres. They are well thought out and plotted. Though made up and at times strange (see the book Flesh) They hold up without you scratching your head saying nope nope never that can't happen. Because in Laura's world it can ...and does happen.
This story has magic and mystery and history. The only issue I had is that I thought it was the first in the series but it's the 3rd in the Dark Alchemy series and 1st in the Winlands. So a crossover introduction? There were a few times I thought I was dropped in the middle of a story and that's when I realized the Dark Alchemy side of the series. So ...yeah I just downloaded the 2 from that series cause I'm addicted.
If you want a good read with magic and mystery with great well-written plot and characters hit the buy button. Oh and if you do it soon you will get it for the low price of .99 cents like I did on Amazon!! What a deal.
January 30, 2017
3 stars from Jana, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers
Nine of Stars (2016), Laura Bickle‘s dark and fantastical tale of an alchemist’s daughter in Wyoming, is attempting to cast a wide net as far as its readership goes. It is billed as both the third instalment of the DARK ALCHEMY trilogy, as well as the first book in the WILDLANDS series, which readers can jump straight into. What’s more, it’s a fantasy-cum-crime-cum-romance, so it should in theory be ticking a lot of boxes for a lot of readers. Jana and Ray have once again joined forces in this review, so in the interest of clarity, we’ve marked Jana’s contributions in black whilst Ray’s are in blue.
Jana: Petra Dee is a geologist living in the small town of Temperance, Wyoming; she spends her days taking rock samples in Yellowstone Park and hanging out with her coyote companion, Sig. She also happens to be the daughter of a skilled alchemist, but seems to be mostly focused on science and its effects on the physical world, a focus she’ll need after her recent leukemia diagnosis. Her supernaturally-inclined boyfriend, Gabriel Manget, worked on a local ranch owned by Sal Rutherford until one mysterious night, when Sal was murdered and the rest of the ranch hands disappeared. And Owen Rutherford, local sheriff and Sal’s cousin, is desperate to find answers after discovering some extremely strange circumstances surrounding Sal’s death and an underground cavern on the Rutherford ranch....3 stars from Jana, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
Disclaimer: just so you know, some of the books we review are received free from publishers
Nine of Stars (2016), Laura Bickle‘s dark and fantastical tale of an alchemist’s daughter in Wyoming, is attempting to cast a wide net as far as its readership goes. It is billed as both the third instalment of the DARK ALCHEMY trilogy, as well as the first book in the WILDLANDS series, which readers can jump straight into. What’s more, it’s a fantasy-cum-crime-cum-romance, so it should in theory be ticking a lot of boxes for a lot of readers. Jana and Ray have once again joined forces in this review, so in the interest of clarity, we’ve marked Jana’s contributions in black whilst Ray’s are in blue.
Jana: Petra Dee is a geologist living in the small town of Temperance, Wyoming; she spends her days taking rock samples in Yellowstone Park and hanging out with her coyote companion, Sig. She also happens to be the daughter of a skilled alchemist, but seems to be mostly focused on science and its effects on the physical world, a focus she’ll need after her recent leukemia diagnosis. Her supernaturally-inclined boyfriend, Gabriel Manget, worked on a local ranch owned by Sal Rutherford until one mysterious night, when Sal was murdered and the rest of the ranch hands disappeared. And Owen Rutherford, local sheriff and Sal’s cousin, is desperate to find answers after discovering some extremely strange circumstances surrounding Sal’s death and an underground cavern on the Rutherford ranch....3 stars from Jana, read the full review at FANTASY LITERATURE
March 20, 2022
Like a lot of people, I didn't realize this was the third in a series until I did some research. I suspected it wasn't a first book just by the way the reader seems to be expected to already know who these characters are, but once I got into it that didn't really matter. It's a fun book with good pacing and interesting characters. My only real quibble is that I didn't quite buy Owen's turn to straight up antagonist when he's first presented as a mostly decent man who just wants answers as to what's going on. His sudden batshit obsession with hunting down Petra and Gabriel at all costs just didn't seem to fit with his character as presented, even taking into account that he's pretty freaked out by the weird stuff he's seen by that point. And even after it seems that he and Gabriel have reached an understanding, that ending... I don't mind the cliffhanger, I minded how it went down. Kind of disappointing, but I do want to read the next book, so I guess the ending worked.
December 11, 2016
This is not a standalone book. Missed the beginning of this story, but liked it anyway. Is about monsters, shape shifting. and wolves. Takes place in Wyoming as a geologist in Yellowstone is working and discovers wolves being killed in a torturous way. Her life partner, Gabriel, who was once a raven are set to find the killer. Petra has a coyote for a pet who is loyal to a fault. All these characters have paranormal abilities and work together to find the killer monster. Of course, there is a sheriff in town who blocks their ventures at every move. Is an action packed adventure between good and evil and left me hanging at the end. So will await the sequel of Petra and Gabe's story. Thanks to Goodreads and Ms. Bickle
February 3, 2018
This was a tough start but stick with it! An original premis combining alchemy, tarot, myth and legend I really enjoyed the world, the characters and the mystery. I also liked the geologist as our unlikely hero. This book is jam backed with details of geology, forestry, extreme weather survival and of course Alchemy.
March 5, 2019
This book according to the author's website is Wildlands #1 and not as listed here (GR) as Dark Alchemy #3 or Wildlands #3.
I do recommend before starting this book to first read the Dark Alchemy series. (Dark Alchemy & Mercury Retrograde) Those 2 books will give a better background to the characters that remain as the writing is a bit choppy at times.
I speak of the characters that 'remain', because the end of Mercury Retrograde left a cliff hanger on one of the characters that is never heard from again. Therefore, the rating of 2 stars.
I do recommend before starting this book to first read the Dark Alchemy series. (Dark Alchemy & Mercury Retrograde) Those 2 books will give a better background to the characters that remain as the writing is a bit choppy at times.
I speak of the characters that 'remain', because the end of Mercury Retrograde left a cliff hanger on one of the characters that is never heard from again. Therefore, the rating of 2 stars.
May 8, 2018
Really enjoying this series. Great characters and twists and turns. My only caveat being that werewolves seem to be trapped in the world of alpha wolf and so on. I'd love it if some fantasy author debunked the whole alpha thing, as it's been debunked in the real world.
September 6, 2019
I liked the magic and the idea of a bunch of magicians who'd changed to wolves and couldn't change back. I don't know if I loved the characters much but that may have been my own fault for accidentally starting in the middle of a series. Good magic.
March 4, 2020
Haven't read the previous 2 books in the series, but it isn't really necessary (I think they're prequels?), it didn't reference back too much.
I liked the characters & the worldbuilding was pretty cool - alchemy is an interesting subject & I liked how the author used it. Overall, a good read.
I liked the characters & the worldbuilding was pretty cool - alchemy is an interesting subject & I liked how the author used it. Overall, a good read.
May 11, 2017
Liking this series and hoping that it will continue as the ending suggests there will be at least one more book.
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