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Alison Brownstone #3
My Name is Alison
What’s stronger than magic itself? A Brownstone with a mission.
Brownstone Security continues cleansing Seattle’s magical mobster underbelly while Alison draws strength from her trusted circle as she fights off the virus draining her powers.
She uncovers the smuggling of magical pets and the harmful side effects of testing savage spells on humans and still has time to chase down her enemies.
It’s dirty, dangerous work and leaves her friends the targets of vicious attacks.
Not smart, bad guys. Do you even know who you are messing with?
It would help if Hana wouldn’t let her guard down in her continuing quest for companionship.
But it takes a direct assault on Brownstone HQ for Alison to stop playing nice. A warning to the bad guys: a Brownstone never backs down from a fight, especially when protecting those she cares for.
Don’t miss the third thrilling adventure in the series that’s guaranteed to keep your heart pounding!
Brownstone Security continues cleansing Seattle’s magical mobster underbelly while Alison draws strength from her trusted circle as she fights off the virus draining her powers.
She uncovers the smuggling of magical pets and the harmful side effects of testing savage spells on humans and still has time to chase down her enemies.
It’s dirty, dangerous work and leaves her friends the targets of vicious attacks.
Not smart, bad guys. Do you even know who you are messing with?
It would help if Hana wouldn’t let her guard down in her continuing quest for companionship.
But it takes a direct assault on Brownstone HQ for Alison to stop playing nice. A warning to the bad guys: a Brownstone never backs down from a fight, especially when protecting those she cares for.
Don’t miss the third thrilling adventure in the series that’s guaranteed to keep your heart pounding!
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2019
661 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Judith Berens
76 books197 followersJudith Berens is a figment of your imagination, made up of the fevered brainpower of Michael Anderle and Martha Carr, fueled by a lot of people helping them out - as well as all of you, The Fans. Great stories mixed with a lot of great readers equals more adventures to follow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 26, 2019
Basically I loved this book, my only concern is that the authors still seem to be limiting Alison’s intelligence. Even after Hana is taken, she still doesn’t seem to think through the consequences of her actions and her interactions with the PDA are almost childish. At times her ‘A bull in a China shop’ approach shows absolutely no thought behind it, in many ways the authors have made her too much like her Dad.
July 17, 2019
This review is directed primarily at the authors should they happen to read it. It contains minor spoilers. I like Alison a lot she's a great character. Here is where I part with the story you wrote. I do not believe that Alison would have any actual interest in or date Mr. Security Guard. I know she's in the business but she owns the business. That "personal bodyguard" horse manure at the end is total crap. A woman such as Alison doesn't want to date a man who "guards" her, she'd look down on such a man. And a man that's worthy of dating her would not be employed by her. The bottom line is that in relations between men and women, women date up the social ladder. On that ladder some security hump is so far down the ladder she'd never even look at him. You lost me in the story there because it's not even believable. Princesses (and she's one) don't swoon for the garbage man (social equivalent of the security hump you paired her with...why not a Corrections Officer, or the kid who works the checkout stand...almost the same thing). Next time you write a female character who has a love interest I hope you think this through better. If you would have paired her with a professor who does some occasional treasure hunting (like her parents) I would have at least found that a credible match. Now I cannot read the rest of the story because it's no more credible than the authors who have the girl fall for her kidnappers, or the guy who treats her like dirt the whole story, but she's in insta-love with.
January 8, 2021
Love this series!!! All the connected series!
I love Alison's adventures!!!
I am upset though by one small detail. Chapter 17. (In Brownstown series you were great with the details of Marines and the terminology and references) but you made a fatal error. You said "ex-Marine" instead of Marine or former Marine. Crushed. I hope if there are any revised editions there's an edit. Thanks!!!
I love Alison's adventures!!!
I am upset though by one small detail. Chapter 17. (In Brownstown series you were great with the details of Marines and the terminology and references) but you made a fatal error. You said "ex-Marine" instead of Marine or former Marine. Crushed. I hope if there are any revised editions there's an edit. Thanks!!!
January 21, 2024
Yet again, I was swept away into Alison Brownstone's life.
She's still determined to find evidence to catch the billionaire techno-mancer, Derek Chesterton, in his bid to take magic away by force, and she's fighting the side effects of the AMDS Virus, while she does so.
But, when her employees, Hana, and then Tahir, are kidnapped, Alison loses all patience - and when a Brownstone does that, then heaven help the person who caused it!
I really loved this book.
There were so many things happening, on so many different levels - as usual with these authors - with revelation, after revelation happening as I read on through the night (yes, as usual, I thought I'd just read the first few pages after I'd loaded the book on my Kindle - a big mistake, as usual)!
Alison also finally gets out on a proper date, with a man who really understands what life can be like for a security person like her.
I'm really loving the grown up Alison, and the way that, despite her power and, let's face it, her privilege, still looks on life the way that, firstly, the School of Necessary Magic, and then her adopted parents, James and Shay Brownstone, have inculcated in her.
She is very rich, and that could have spoiled her, but the early guidance of her birth mother, along with everything else mentioned, has left a self-LESS woman, eager to protect those that need it, and to be a kicka** guardian of her neighbourhood, her City, her Country, and even the two Worlds, if called upon to do so.
With the huge problems that she's been facing, being sorted, for now, I'm looking forward to seeing what else Alison, her friends, and family, will be getting up to, and for that, I need to go on to book four of this series: 'The Family Business', to find out!
Now, THAT sounds intriguing! Lol
So, I'll finish off this review, then start reading the next book and, once I've finished it, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think about this next phase in Alison's life!
She's still determined to find evidence to catch the billionaire techno-mancer, Derek Chesterton, in his bid to take magic away by force, and she's fighting the side effects of the AMDS Virus, while she does so.
But, when her employees, Hana, and then Tahir, are kidnapped, Alison loses all patience - and when a Brownstone does that, then heaven help the person who caused it!
I really loved this book.
There were so many things happening, on so many different levels - as usual with these authors - with revelation, after revelation happening as I read on through the night (yes, as usual, I thought I'd just read the first few pages after I'd loaded the book on my Kindle - a big mistake, as usual)!
Alison also finally gets out on a proper date, with a man who really understands what life can be like for a security person like her.
I'm really loving the grown up Alison, and the way that, despite her power and, let's face it, her privilege, still looks on life the way that, firstly, the School of Necessary Magic, and then her adopted parents, James and Shay Brownstone, have inculcated in her.
She is very rich, and that could have spoiled her, but the early guidance of her birth mother, along with everything else mentioned, has left a self-LESS woman, eager to protect those that need it, and to be a kicka** guardian of her neighbourhood, her City, her Country, and even the two Worlds, if called upon to do so.
With the huge problems that she's been facing, being sorted, for now, I'm looking forward to seeing what else Alison, her friends, and family, will be getting up to, and for that, I need to go on to book four of this series: 'The Family Business', to find out!
Now, THAT sounds intriguing! Lol
So, I'll finish off this review, then start reading the next book and, once I've finished it, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think about this next phase in Alison's life!
December 12, 2019
One more win for a great writing team!
My son recently requested that I recommend a good urban fantasy where the mythical creatures were openly part of modern life. I read a lot. I read a bunch of independently published stories. I winnow through piles of free book offers and free on K. U. to find the books that I and others I know will enjoy. A few free book offers introduced me to the Judith Berens, Martha Carr, Michael Anderle, writing team. I have now read several and have never been disappointed. These stories are always professionally published with impeccable editing, well researched, and we'll developed.
Somewhat less positive: Authors (editor) get a better thesaurus, there is entirely too much snorting going on. The English Language is far too rich for the limited vocabulary of these otherwise great books. There is no need to use the obscure "Word a Day" language that few understand, but you can avoid using the same per phrases as frequently on all characters. Dialog is a bit too monochromatic as well with little difference between characters regardless of region, social class, or species. As very light entertainment, quick and easy reads these books full the bill. A perfect book would have moments of enlightenment and reflection. Gems or nuggets of wisdom need not be the primary focus of a tale, but I often find myself quoting "The Princess Bride" , "Lord of the Rings" or " Jaws" because they have pearls worthy of remembrance. Five stars (and sprinkles on donuts) are reserved for the perfect or so very nearly so.
My son recently requested that I recommend a good urban fantasy where the mythical creatures were openly part of modern life. I read a lot. I read a bunch of independently published stories. I winnow through piles of free book offers and free on K. U. to find the books that I and others I know will enjoy. A few free book offers introduced me to the Judith Berens, Martha Carr, Michael Anderle, writing team. I have now read several and have never been disappointed. These stories are always professionally published with impeccable editing, well researched, and we'll developed.
Somewhat less positive: Authors (editor) get a better thesaurus, there is entirely too much snorting going on. The English Language is far too rich for the limited vocabulary of these otherwise great books. There is no need to use the obscure "Word a Day" language that few understand, but you can avoid using the same per phrases as frequently on all characters. Dialog is a bit too monochromatic as well with little difference between characters regardless of region, social class, or species. As very light entertainment, quick and easy reads these books full the bill. A perfect book would have moments of enlightenment and reflection. Gems or nuggets of wisdom need not be the primary focus of a tale, but I often find myself quoting "The Princess Bride" , "Lord of the Rings" or " Jaws" because they have pearls worthy of remembrance. Five stars (and sprinkles on donuts) are reserved for the perfect or so very nearly so.
August 4, 2019
Less filling, more satisfying
Seems to me that the use of "smirk" and all its adverbial forms are becoming less used, and more appropriate. My training in this most odd and difficult third language, (and adding in that my obsessive and somewhat compulsive nature) often would jar me right out of even the most compelling story arc. I'd often have to stop and have to tell myself it was shorthand for something like "... Lip curled in a tight, half smile, amused that..." and the authors had sold multi millions of copies, Whereas I only had one book published & that back in the late 70's. Lots of AAR's though.
But overall good plot, maybe a little heavyhanded foreshadowing, great character development (I actually caught myself yelling at the protagonist "Ah, com'on! He' s showing you a bloody picture! ") these books are like right proper kettle corn (carnival "food" item) where you set a limit on how much you will eat, but when you look up your bag is empty.
So, now onto the next in this series.
S. F.
Seems to me that the use of "smirk" and all its adverbial forms are becoming less used, and more appropriate. My training in this most odd and difficult third language, (and adding in that my obsessive and somewhat compulsive nature) often would jar me right out of even the most compelling story arc. I'd often have to stop and have to tell myself it was shorthand for something like "... Lip curled in a tight, half smile, amused that..." and the authors had sold multi millions of copies, Whereas I only had one book published & that back in the late 70's. Lots of AAR's though.
But overall good plot, maybe a little heavyhanded foreshadowing, great character development (I actually caught myself yelling at the protagonist "Ah, com'on! He' s showing you a bloody picture! ") these books are like right proper kettle corn (carnival "food" item) where you set a limit on how much you will eat, but when you look up your bag is empty.
So, now onto the next in this series.
S. F.
January 20, 2019
Bravo, this book is excellent!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, this book had it all. Great character development, action, and a situation that was resolved for Allison. This is my fourth favorite series in the EllenVPN catalog I urged anyone who is considering giving this series a try to go ahead and read it you certainly will not be disappointed. Of course there are a few typos but that does not take you out of the series and change the enjoyment of the book. I am waiting eagerly for the next book.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, this book had it all. Great character development, action, and a situation that was resolved for Allison. This is my fourth favorite series in the EllenVPN catalog I urged anyone who is considering giving this series a try to go ahead and read it you certainly will not be disappointed. Of course there are a few typos but that does not take you out of the series and change the enjoyment of the book. I am waiting eagerly for the next book.
March 3, 2019
Engaging!
This series has definitely got better with each consecutive book. Alison the half human, half drow continues in her quest to set up her own security consulting business, along the way she encounters many challenges and faces them with courage, bravery and a snarky attitude at times. The series once again continues to build Alison’s relationships with her friends and family, in this book we meet lily and go tomb raiding. Fast paced, action packed and a definite page turner.
This series has definitely got better with each consecutive book. Alison the half human, half drow continues in her quest to set up her own security consulting business, along the way she encounters many challenges and faces them with courage, bravery and a snarky attitude at times. The series once again continues to build Alison’s relationships with her friends and family, in this book we meet lily and go tomb raiding. Fast paced, action packed and a definite page turner.
January 22, 2019
Martha Carr takes it up to 10
The latest chapter of the Alison Brownstone tales brings the climax to Alison’s quest for a cure. The grown up Alison is much more Brownstone than the powerful little girl of the past. Carr pulled this one off in spades, it has more twist than a mountain road and nothing is as it seems.
One sure thing though, you don’t mess with people a Brownstone cares about.
The latest chapter of the Alison Brownstone tales brings the climax to Alison’s quest for a cure. The grown up Alison is much more Brownstone than the powerful little girl of the past. Carr pulled this one off in spades, it has more twist than a mountain road and nothing is as it seems.
One sure thing though, you don’t mess with people a Brownstone cares about.
October 3, 2019
Alison again
I really love how her character has developed. she has a bit of a martyr complex but her friends are through it and back her up I also like that in not reading the same story line over each time I read her stories. It's interesting to read how she tried to channel both Shay and James. She does tend to react emotionally quite a bit, but with the help of the other characters she calms down.
I really love how her character has developed. she has a bit of a martyr complex but her friends are through it and back her up I also like that in not reading the same story line over each time I read her stories. It's interesting to read how she tried to channel both Shay and James. She does tend to react emotionally quite a bit, but with the help of the other characters she calms down.
March 30, 2020
I am excited to say that I really liked this one. REALLY did.
Hana is coming into her own. Mason is becoming the boyfriend we want for Alison. Billionaires are what we expected. Criminals will always be criminals, except when they're smart. Tahir is also becoming more 'human'.
This is the book where I feel like the characters have finally become close to fully realized. And that's fine, especially for a series. Onto Book 4.
Hana is coming into her own. Mason is becoming the boyfriend we want for Alison. Billionaires are what we expected. Criminals will always be criminals, except when they're smart. Tahir is also becoming more 'human'.
This is the book where I feel like the characters have finally become close to fully realized. And that's fine, especially for a series. Onto Book 4.
January 17, 2019
I love these books!!
I started with the Leira Chronicles, I am not the target audience but I love reading and all the books in the Oriceran Universe have really been a pleasure. Thank you Martha, thank you Michael. You have given me many hours of entertainment and joy. Keep writing, I'll keep reading.
I started with the Leira Chronicles, I am not the target audience but I love reading and all the books in the Oriceran Universe have really been a pleasure. Thank you Martha, thank you Michael. You have given me many hours of entertainment and joy. Keep writing, I'll keep reading.
January 26, 2019
Awesome Siri’s
This is an outstanding action packed urban fantasy adventure series that is full of magic Mayham and even a few surprises. This series is one of many in this magical universe. Urban fantasy lovers will enjoy this series and all of its companion series as well. Check them all out
This is an outstanding action packed urban fantasy adventure series that is full of magic Mayham and even a few surprises. This series is one of many in this magical universe. Urban fantasy lovers will enjoy this series and all of its companion series as well. Check them all out
February 1, 2019
Great Book, Great Series
Alison is busy kicking butt, finding a cure for her power drain, and figuring out who the real bad guys are. There are a lot of twists and turns. I like the action, humor, romance, and mystery. Protection of friends and innocents is the name of the game. I look forward to the next book.
Alison is busy kicking butt, finding a cure for her power drain, and figuring out who the real bad guys are. There are a lot of twists and turns. I like the action, humor, romance, and mystery. Protection of friends and innocents is the name of the game. I look forward to the next book.
February 9, 2019
The story just keeps getting better
This is the third book in the series and if anything it is ever more exciting than the first two books. Great storyline, more from the characters to make it just scream with action and a liberal dose of vengeance. The authors have a brilliant collaboration going on here.
This is the third book in the series and if anything it is ever more exciting than the first two books. Great storyline, more from the characters to make it just scream with action and a liberal dose of vengeance. The authors have a brilliant collaboration going on here.
March 13, 2019
Awesome Alison!
Allison's adventures continue as she gets closer to her friends/coworkers. They are becoming a true family, looking out for one another. Alison continues to grow in her skills. Soon no one will be able to touch her. Lots of challenges and a mystery to solve make for a very interesting story.
Allison's adventures continue as she gets closer to her friends/coworkers. They are becoming a true family, looking out for one another. Alison continues to grow in her skills. Soon no one will be able to touch her. Lots of challenges and a mystery to solve make for a very interesting story.
January 14, 2020
Had a good ending for the overarching story arc even though this will be an ongoing series. There are very few trials or challenges that Allison has to overcome. Everything just seems to fall into place for her with very little conflict, so I can't say I'm captivated by the series. This feels like a good stopping point.
January 29, 2020
Only 3 books till Allison and Mason got ❤,yeah
Good read, liked the various human frailties exhibited by Tahir, Hanna, and Allison, making them even more relatable too us humans. The story moved along, head interesting sidenotes, enjoyed the entrance of Lily and the tomb raiding.
Like many of these stories, they do make you want to get the next one. So go ahead, I am.
Good read, liked the various human frailties exhibited by Tahir, Hanna, and Allison, making them even more relatable too us humans. The story moved along, head interesting sidenotes, enjoyed the entrance of Lily and the tomb raiding.
Like many of these stories, they do make you want to get the next one. So go ahead, I am.
February 11, 2020
This series delivers!
I am falling in love with this series and this universe. I would write more in this review but I'm eager to start listening to the next book. 3 down, 12 to go! If you like magic and ass-kicking action but don't mind a little profanity, I would definitely recommend!!
I am falling in love with this series and this universe. I would write more in this review but I'm eager to start listening to the next book. 3 down, 12 to go! If you like magic and ass-kicking action but don't mind a little profanity, I would definitely recommend!!
March 11, 2020
Learning to invest in fun
Alison, pushing through pain to achieve attainable goals. But never completely sure (just like the rest of us) there will not be collateral damage.
She is learning to take the win & invest a little of the breathing room in her personal relationships. Heroes,, & heroines have to be able to grow. Alison continues to enchant! Planning to read on!
Alison, pushing through pain to achieve attainable goals. But never completely sure (just like the rest of us) there will not be collateral damage.
She is learning to take the win & invest a little of the breathing room in her personal relationships. Heroes,, & heroines have to be able to grow. Alison continues to enchant! Planning to read on!
September 8, 2020
Third Book - Third 5 Star Review
The action just keeps rolling - even power hungry billionaires get their just deserts. A pity the timeline we inhabit doesn't have a brownstone or 3 - I can think of a pseudo billionaire and a pollie or 6 that deserve to be shown the error of their ways.
The action just keeps rolling - even power hungry billionaires get their just deserts. A pity the timeline we inhabit doesn't have a brownstone or 3 - I can think of a pseudo billionaire and a pollie or 6 that deserve to be shown the error of their ways.
September 21, 2020
Epic!!!
Allison and the gang are getting closer to the man who created the virus eating away at her magic, as a result, the danger to her and those she has come to care for have exploded. Things are heating up with her bodyguard boyfriend but finding time for a relationship while taking out bad guys can be problematic.
Allison and the gang are getting closer to the man who created the virus eating away at her magic, as a result, the danger to her and those she has come to care for have exploded. Things are heating up with her bodyguard boyfriend but finding time for a relationship while taking out bad guys can be problematic.
December 2, 2020
I love these books. Alison and Hana are just great characters. I was sorry about Scott but I'm happy for Alison and Mason. Again, they killed so many bad guys it's hard to count but they all deserved it. Now we move in to the next group of baddies.
So, romance but not even a kiss and the F-bomb was used 19 times.
As for the narration: Kate Rudd is just phenomenal. What more can I say?
So, romance but not even a kiss and the F-bomb was used 19 times.
As for the narration: Kate Rudd is just phenomenal. What more can I say?
February 17, 2021
Another fun fast paced story in the Alison Brownstone series! (audible review)
Love all the characters, and so far there are not so many that they get confusing and lost in translation.
Great story line and plot. Lots of action and adventures.
These have been fun easy listens. Well written.
The narration is fantastic, Kate Rudd is perfect for this series.
Love all the characters, and so far there are not so many that they get confusing and lost in translation.
Great story line and plot. Lots of action and adventures.
These have been fun easy listens. Well written.
The narration is fantastic, Kate Rudd is perfect for this series.
December 8, 2021
Alison is typically very intelligent, yet I feel like we are told not shown, the authors are limiting Alison's intelligence and expanding her childish and immature behaviours. This is concerning because Alison's actions towards the PDA do not show any maturity, and when Hana is taken, she is still clueless about why this happened and how her actions caused this.
January 15, 2019
Wow! This was a big one
Huge amount of action in this one. Alison goes up against pretty much everyone tAkes names. The ending surprise is a major jolt but there is a bunch of good news so it all balances out.
Huge amount of action in this one. Alison goes up against pretty much everyone tAkes names. The ending surprise is a major jolt but there is a bunch of good news so it all balances out.
January 16, 2019
Twists & turns!
Alison is pushing ahead to get the bad guys whilst still having some semblance of a personal life. There’s a lot uncovered, and a surprising twist. Another fast-paced, action-packed instalment in Alison’s story. Bring on the next book!
Alison is pushing ahead to get the bad guys whilst still having some semblance of a personal life. There’s a lot uncovered, and a surprising twist. Another fast-paced, action-packed instalment in Alison’s story. Bring on the next book!
January 16, 2019
Well written
Another well written , action filled Alison story. Lots of action and magic. Some plot twists as well. No spoilers here but you don't want to miss this book if you've followed this series so far. Five stars !
Another well written , action filled Alison story. Lots of action and magic. Some plot twists as well. No spoilers here but you don't want to miss this book if you've followed this series so far. Five stars !
March 21, 2019
Shadow blades fire balls exoskeletons..oh my
Nothing like a excellent story about a woman kicking ads and not writing about the names. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Nothing like a excellent story about a woman kicking ads and not writing about the names. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 13, 2019
Megalomaniac billionaires suck
I'm loving this new series. Also I'm happy that also n has been cured of her virus.
Great characters with lots of action and adventure.
I look forward to more from this series 😁
I'm loving this new series. Also I'm happy that also n has been cured of her virus.
Great characters with lots of action and adventure.
I look forward to more from this series 😁
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews