What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hundred #1
The Gathering
Scarred by a brutal past, she has sworn to help those in need.
As one of the Hundred, Yvonne cannot ignore a plea for help, even if all she wants is a quiet life, somewhere safe for her adopted children to grow into adulthood.
Safety is in short supply. Young people, some of them children, are going missing in large numbers, leaving bewildered and grieving families behind. It’s not something she can ignore.
She finds an unexpected ally in an arrogant goblin lord, who seems intent on following her from place to place. With her skills in magic, and his resources, can they track down the kidnappers and return the children home?
As one of the Hundred, Yvonne cannot ignore a plea for help, even if all she wants is a quiet life, somewhere safe for her adopted children to grow into adulthood.
Safety is in short supply. Young people, some of them children, are going missing in large numbers, leaving bewildered and grieving families behind. It’s not something she can ignore.
She finds an unexpected ally in an arrogant goblin lord, who seems intent on following her from place to place. With her skills in magic, and his resources, can they track down the kidnappers and return the children home?
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2019
447 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Nelson
32 books424 followersI am a fantasy author living in Scotland, United Kingdom and spending my days juggling the demands of an elderly, spoiled cat, two giant dogs and a host of fictional characters.
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
As far as the cat is concerned, she’s in charge and should always come first. The older dog’s favourite method of getting my attention is a gentle nudge with his head. At least, he would say it’s gentle. And the younger dog's attention-getting method generally involves playing with the loudest squeaky toy he can find.
You can find out more information at the following places:
Website: www.vanessanelsonwrites.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Taellaneth
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
November 24, 2021
Well crap. I finished this nearly a month ago and I've lost lots of the details. I hate when that happens. All I have are impressions.
So the author takes on some interesting elements and has a somewhat slow delivery. The amazing thing about it is that I never felt like it lagged. Yvonne was interesting and seeing her engage, very carefully, with a new community she intended to settle in was never dull. And I remember being astonished about that even in the middle of experiencing it.
The worldbuilding was interesting as well. The concept of the hundred (now not even double digits) was unique and seeing how much this mattered to Yvonne drew me right in. I loved her service to others and how she worked hard to be helpful in ways both magical and mundane. And that's before you even get to her adopted children and seeing them engage with their community (even if some of it was too idealized to feel real).
And the relationship with Guise (even if the name is stupid and I could never decide if I wanted to pronounce it in a French way or just give up and leave it sounding lame—lamer than it does pronounced in a French way, I mean) was intriguing and layered and subtle in all the right ways.
Anyway, it was a solid five stars even if I have nearly no interest in reading more after reading the blurb for the next one. It looks like Nelson is going to tear down a lot of the assumptions built in this one and I'm not really interested in that. Still, this was outstanding and I enjoyed it a ton.
A note about Chaste: Yvonne is skittish from past trauma and Nelson does an outstanding job with this as a defining characteristic. So she's not interested in relationships, let alone sex. So this is extremely chaste, though that's a bit deceptive. What I mean is that her trauma comes from sexual abuse in her past and she deals with sexual abuse of others in the course of this story. So while there's no sex and no steam, there are some parts that will be disturbing to those who look for "chaste" as a quality of their fiction.
So the author takes on some interesting elements and has a somewhat slow delivery. The amazing thing about it is that I never felt like it lagged. Yvonne was interesting and seeing her engage, very carefully, with a new community she intended to settle in was never dull. And I remember being astonished about that even in the middle of experiencing it.
The worldbuilding was interesting as well. The concept of the hundred (now not even double digits) was unique and seeing how much this mattered to Yvonne drew me right in. I loved her service to others and how she worked hard to be helpful in ways both magical and mundane. And that's before you even get to her adopted children and seeing them engage with their community (even if some of it was too idealized to feel real).
And the relationship with Guise (even if the name is stupid and I could never decide if I wanted to pronounce it in a French way or just give up and leave it sounding lame—lamer than it does pronounced in a French way, I mean) was intriguing and layered and subtle in all the right ways.
Anyway, it was a solid five stars even if I have nearly no interest in reading more after reading the blurb for the next one. It looks like Nelson is going to tear down a lot of the assumptions built in this one and I'm not really interested in that. Still, this was outstanding and I enjoyed it a ton.
A note about Chaste: Yvonne is skittish from past trauma and Nelson does an outstanding job with this as a defining characteristic. So she's not interested in relationships, let alone sex. So this is extremely chaste, though that's a bit deceptive. What I mean is that her trauma comes from sexual abuse in her past and she deals with sexual abuse of others in the course of this story. So while there's no sex and no steam, there are some parts that will be disturbing to those who look for "chaste" as a quality of their fiction.
July 24, 2022
“Help me, Hunar.”
So this was an interesting story and the world building was pretty involved-Yay on great KU finds!
In this book we have our h, Yvonne, who is a Hunar. This is basically a sorcerer who derives their greatest powers by answering the call of those in need of help- and this world has no shortage of humans and supernaturals alike that find themselves in harrowing situations.
The book starts with out h traveling to a new town with her adopted Wolfkin children-looking for a safe place to settle down for a while after fleeing their last home. However, it looks like this new town might be exactly what they need. She is definitely what the town needs though, because as soon as she settles people are seeking her out to help find their missing children. This search coincides with a past acquaintance finding her again and asking her to search for his missing colleague.
This man is Guise, a noble Goblin who has been in and out of her life for years- and although Goblins and Hunar don't necessarily have good relationships- these two have a relatively easy report.
So with Guise's request and the pleas of several families - the two set off to uncover the mystery. However, what they find is that the case is much larger than they expected (and possibly connected) to the point that Yvonne might need the help of the rest of the Hunar to tackle this expanding case.
x--------------------------------------x
All in all I had fun with this story and felt for Yvonne's past trauma and need to help others. I'm interested to see how her relationship develops with Guise after the bomb he dropped on her at the end- and what mysteries she will solve in upcoming books!
On to the next!
March 21, 2025
Wow. This is a new author to me, and I don't remember the last time I just blundered into such a fabulous Kindle Unlimited series.
I loved it. It's a sword and sorcery style fantasy, with a fascinating bit of world building and interesting magic users: the Hunar. Their powers are tied to need - they are filled with their magic when someone asks for their help, and the magic judges them worthy.
I can't wait to read onward as it continues to unfold.
I loved it. It's a sword and sorcery style fantasy, with a fascinating bit of world building and interesting magic users: the Hunar. Their powers are tied to need - they are filled with their magic when someone asks for their help, and the magic judges them worthy.
I can't wait to read onward as it continues to unfold.
August 22, 2021
3.5/5; 4 stars
The first in a new series is often a bit awkward as there is world building to do and there are characters to meet. I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to a new world. Yvonne is quite different from Arrow (from the Taellaneth series) so it felt fresh and interesting. The magic system and cast of characters has enough meat to become a feast!
The first in a new series is often a bit awkward as there is world building to do and there are characters to meet. I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to a new world. Yvonne is quite different from Arrow (from the Taellaneth series) so it felt fresh and interesting. The magic system and cast of characters has enough meat to become a feast!
April 21, 2022
Another exciting series from this author.
I will write the review after ai finished the series!
❤️❤️❤️
I will write the review after ai finished the series!
❤️❤️❤️
August 5, 2021
An indie author to keep an eye on. I really enjoyed this fantasy story with a warrior/sorceress at its core (with a difficult past a a difficult plot to overcome).
It may not be perfect but it was definitely a good read form me.
It may not be perfect but it was definitely a good read form me.
February 16, 2022
Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.
So, me being me, I just read the first five books in the series in one sitting and now I'll have to be very vague and very careful to not let out any spoilers.
What I do remember perfectly is that this story does not end with a cliffhanger, but the second one begins with one. Ta-Dah! It really shocked me.
I think the story has been very balanced. The author chooses very harsh themes to draw the protagonist's past, all off page and without details, but we know that she has suffered sexual abuse and the trauma she carries is real and considerable. Then there is the kidnapping of minors and young people that leads to the suspense-adventure, also all vague and without gory details. The other side of the coin is the life that Ivonne leads with her children (although she does not consider herself a mother, interesting), which takes place in an idyllic and calm way in the community they have just arrived at. Everything was too beautiful and perfect, but I imagine that this counterpoint was needed so as not to turn the story into a full-on drama. It has worked for me.
And then there is the adventure, with a remarkable cast of very interesting characters such as goblins, hunars, werewolves and Antonine rangers. Each with their idiosyncrasies.
Needless to say, I liked it. Hence, reading the 5 books at once. I leave the sixth pending because the author has a couple of unforgivable flaws:
-The repetitions; she abuses of them, with entire descriptive phrases that appear over and over again in the five stories and
-Ivonne, who she does not let grow and develop.
But I recommend this one 100%. And from there, let each one decides...
***
Pues como soy así, acabo de leerme de una sentada los cinco primeros libros de la serie y ahora tendré que se muy vaga y muy cuidadosa para no meter la pata con algún spoiler.
Lo que sí recuerdo a la perfección es que esta historia no termina con un cliffhanger, pero la segunda empieza con uno. ¡Ta-chan! Me ha impactado, la verdad.
Creo que la historia ha estado muy equilibrada. La autora elige temas muy duros para dibujar el pasado de la protagonista, todo fuera de página y sin detalles, pero sabemos que ha sufrido abusos sexuales y el trauma que arrastra es real y considerable. Después está el secuestro de menores y jóvenes que da pie al suspense-aventura. También todo vago y sin detalles escabrosos. La otra cara de la moneda es la vida que lleva Ivonne junto con sus hijos (aunque ella no se considere madre, interesante), que transcurre de manera idílica y tranquila en la comunidad a la que acaban de llegar. Demasiado bonito y perfecto todo, pero imagino que se necesitaba este contrapunto para no convertir la historia en un drama de los gordos. Para mí ha funcionado.
Y después está la aventura, con un elenco notable de personajes muy interesantes tales como goblins, hunars, personaslobo y Antonine rangers. Cada uno con sus idiosincrasias.
Ni que decir tiene que me ha gustado. De ahí lo de leerme los 5 libros del tirón. El sexto lo dejo pendiente porque la autora tiene un par de fallos imperdonables:
-las repeticiones: abusa de ellas, con frases enteras descriptivas que aparecen una y otra vez en todas las historias e
-Ivonne, a la que no deja crecer y desarrollarse.
Pero este lo recomiendo al 100%. Y a partir de ahí, que cada una decida…
May 12, 2024
☆3.98☆
Engaging.
✅️ Different World
✅️ Magic
✅️ Multiple species
✅️ Crimes and Cases
✅️ Single Parent/Guardian
✅️ Single POV
✅️ Clean Book
TRIGGER WARNING:- There is kidnapping of young children. There is also bits and pieces of FMC's memories of Kidnapping and mistreatment.
REVIEW
Likable and written well (though there are some thought-repetitions which are crowded into nearby paragraphs). The characters are all very engaging, especially Yvonne. I don’t know how to pronounce Guise. (Guyz? Gu-is-e? Goose? Geese? Lol).
The world building is naturally and seamlessly done, without being an info dump. The concept behind it is interesting.
I enjoyed reading the book. Though I expect for some, the pace maybe a bit slow.
RECOMMENDATIONS:- I find Maria V. Snyder's [Study] and [Healer] series to be a good companion read for this genre.
Engaging.
"Help me, Hunar."
✅️ Different World
✅️ Magic
✅️ Multiple species
✅️ Crimes and Cases
✅️ Single Parent/Guardian
✅️ Single POV
✅️ Clean Book
TRIGGER WARNING:- There is kidnapping of young children. There is also bits and pieces of FMC's memories of Kidnapping and mistreatment.
REVIEW
Likable and written well (though there are some thought-repetitions which are crowded into nearby paragraphs). The characters are all very engaging, especially Yvonne. I don’t know how to pronounce Guise. (Guyz? Gu-is-e? Goose? Geese? Lol).
The world building is naturally and seamlessly done, without being an info dump. The concept behind it is interesting.
I enjoyed reading the book. Though I expect for some, the pace maybe a bit slow.
RECOMMENDATIONS:- I find Maria V. Snyder's [Study] and [Healer] series to be a good companion read for this genre.
July 13, 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable fantasy read! Very unique and creative yet it holds a warmth that binds the reader immediately to the characters. It isn’t a high octane, action-packed read, although it does have action. But, the overall focus seems more on the characters as it sets up a new series. The flow is so seamless, though, that a reader never feels shorted, as the story keeps one reading while the characters keep one interested.
October 10, 2021
Help us Hunar
This is so very much like the fantasies of my youth, while being more than they are at the same time. There's a lot of information crammed into here, a lot of mystery that gets deeper and darker as the book goes on.
What began as a simple missing child case spirals into a tangle of hundreds of missing kids, slavery, a dark evil and corruption. Yvonne finds herself needing help as things escalated.
If there's one issue I had, it would be that Nelson repeats important world building bits over and over again. The purpose of the Hunar as well as few they are, is repeated ad naseum. Things about the enemies faced is repeated over and over again. The horror of the missing kids.
What I enjoyed however was how the trauma Yvonne (and to an extent her children) faced being given depth. As we learn more it gave meaning to purposeful actions and word choices Yvonne made. For instance she explains that Mariah and Joel are her children, but she would not call herself their mother when introducing them. Later we learn how the three met, the circumstances involved, and it makes sense she would not call herself their mother.
Still a lot happens, even as it builds organically upon itself. Sometimes the Hunar magic seemed a bit too convenient, but that's easy to overlook as the adventure unfolds.
This is so very much like the fantasies of my youth, while being more than they are at the same time. There's a lot of information crammed into here, a lot of mystery that gets deeper and darker as the book goes on.
What began as a simple missing child case spirals into a tangle of hundreds of missing kids, slavery, a dark evil and corruption. Yvonne finds herself needing help as things escalated.
If there's one issue I had, it would be that Nelson repeats important world building bits over and over again. The purpose of the Hunar as well as few they are, is repeated ad naseum. Things about the enemies faced is repeated over and over again. The horror of the missing kids.
What I enjoyed however was how the trauma Yvonne (and to an extent her children) faced being given depth. As we learn more it gave meaning to purposeful actions and word choices Yvonne made. For instance she explains that Mariah and Joel are her children, but she would not call herself their mother when introducing them. Later we learn how the three met, the circumstances involved, and it makes sense she would not call herself their mother.
Still a lot happens, even as it builds organically upon itself. Sometimes the Hunar magic seemed a bit too convenient, but that's easy to overlook as the adventure unfolds.
September 23, 2020
A delightful tale
The first book in a series, "The Hundred", introduces us to Yvonne, a Hunar. She is dedicated to helping those in need and defending those who cannot defend themselves. In this installment, children are being kidnapped and sold into slavery. Yvonne and a goblin lord named Guise set out to uncover the conspiracy. Trying hard to bury her past, Yvonne is constantly reminded of it. We catch glimpses as she unravels this mystery. At times, strong, confident, and powerful, we do see the vulnerable side as well. Scars from her past can almost leave her debilitated. Anyone who suffers from claustrophobia knows that small cramped and crowded spaces can render you helpless.
Vanessa Nelson has put together an original twist on some creatures we think we know. Goblins and wulfkin (werewolves, I believe) take on personalities and abilities we are not used to seeing in them. She does an excellent job of pulling them together. Throughout the story, we see both the good side and bad side of each. There are a few minor editorial issues. But none so bad as to distract from the story. The only real issue I have with Ms Nelson's writing style is that she repeats herself too much. Everyone is always "raising their eyebrows". The story would be better told, in my opinion, if she were to use different phrases to say the same thing. Several times, she used the same phrasing to describe the main character feeling someone's heartfelt pain at the passing of her mentor.
All that being said, "The Gathering: The Hundred" is an excellent story of sacrifice, hope, and even love shown in its many forms. I highly recommend this book and look.forward to the next in the series.
The first book in a series, "The Hundred", introduces us to Yvonne, a Hunar. She is dedicated to helping those in need and defending those who cannot defend themselves. In this installment, children are being kidnapped and sold into slavery. Yvonne and a goblin lord named Guise set out to uncover the conspiracy. Trying hard to bury her past, Yvonne is constantly reminded of it. We catch glimpses as she unravels this mystery. At times, strong, confident, and powerful, we do see the vulnerable side as well. Scars from her past can almost leave her debilitated. Anyone who suffers from claustrophobia knows that small cramped and crowded spaces can render you helpless.
Vanessa Nelson has put together an original twist on some creatures we think we know. Goblins and wulfkin (werewolves, I believe) take on personalities and abilities we are not used to seeing in them. She does an excellent job of pulling them together. Throughout the story, we see both the good side and bad side of each. There are a few minor editorial issues. But none so bad as to distract from the story. The only real issue I have with Ms Nelson's writing style is that she repeats herself too much. Everyone is always "raising their eyebrows". The story would be better told, in my opinion, if she were to use different phrases to say the same thing. Several times, she used the same phrasing to describe the main character feeling someone's heartfelt pain at the passing of her mentor.
All that being said, "The Gathering: The Hundred" is an excellent story of sacrifice, hope, and even love shown in its many forms. I highly recommend this book and look.forward to the next in the series.
October 20, 2022
69% in. High marks in how to kill a story.
This is a highly upsetting read.
Seriously, I’m mad.
4 stars for the story, the ideas,
minus 10 for how it’s told.
It could not be more bland.
There is an endless opportunity to build up tension, be caught up in battles but no ..
Spoiler!!!!
Imagine a tense situation, the heroine surrounded by evil doer’s, the fight imminent and what,? Will there be tension? He goes this way, she combats that way.. no, sorry, that would be too exciting, instead:
bad guys surround her, she steps forward and kills them all, just like that, 10 words or less.
Well, isn’t that captivating. You would think that’s as bad as it gets, naw, it gets worse.
I loved the Taellaneth series. Granted, same non exciting way to describe but still, there was some action.
I had high hopes for this one and because I loved the other series I will continue reading mainly because I just can’t imagine an author would screw up a perfect story that badly by depriving readers of any and all excitement while reading.
Again and again. Monotony perfected
Ever smelled something truly awful and instead of holding your breath and walking away you stay and sniff again?
That’s me, reading this book and probably the next one.
It just can’t be, right?
This is a highly upsetting read.
Seriously, I’m mad.
4 stars for the story, the ideas,
minus 10 for how it’s told.
It could not be more bland.
There is an endless opportunity to build up tension, be caught up in battles but no ..
Spoiler!!!!
Imagine a tense situation, the heroine surrounded by evil doer’s, the fight imminent and what,? Will there be tension? He goes this way, she combats that way.. no, sorry, that would be too exciting, instead:
bad guys surround her, she steps forward and kills them all, just like that, 10 words or less.
Well, isn’t that captivating. You would think that’s as bad as it gets, naw, it gets worse.
I loved the Taellaneth series. Granted, same non exciting way to describe but still, there was some action.
I had high hopes for this one and because I loved the other series I will continue reading mainly because I just can’t imagine an author would screw up a perfect story that badly by depriving readers of any and all excitement while reading.
Again and again. Monotony perfected
Ever smelled something truly awful and instead of holding your breath and walking away you stay and sniff again?
That’s me, reading this book and probably the next one.
It just can’t be, right?
November 5, 2021
I'm hooked :)
November 17, 2023
A very enjoyable read, interesting characters and story. There were a few things mentioned that made me wish there was a prequel book about Yvonne but it came clearer as the book went on.
July 19, 2023
3.75 out of 5
March 12, 2020
More like a 3.5 rounded up, but a very strong 3.5. The main character, and several of the secondary ones were well rounded, and the plot line kept me turning pages. I really wanted to know how the story turned out.
Yvonne is a Hunar, a person who uses magic to help others. After being asked to find a missing child, she discovers that children have been turning up missing all over the place. With the assistance of a handsome goblin lord named Guise, she starts to figure out what happened to them.
Magic isn't common in this universe, and it's generally subtle. I didn't find a lot of inconsistencies in the world building. Yvonne's backstory was sad, but it set her on the path to becoming a Hunar. The hints of romance were nice, but very slow burn.
This would have had a higher rating, but the pace was slow, and there was a lot of repetition of certain bits of information, like secrets - everybody has secrets! Okay, I don't need to be told again and again.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I plan on reading the next book.
Yvonne is a Hunar, a person who uses magic to help others. After being asked to find a missing child, she discovers that children have been turning up missing all over the place. With the assistance of a handsome goblin lord named Guise, she starts to figure out what happened to them.
Magic isn't common in this universe, and it's generally subtle. I didn't find a lot of inconsistencies in the world building. Yvonne's backstory was sad, but it set her on the path to becoming a Hunar. The hints of romance were nice, but very slow burn.
This would have had a higher rating, but the pace was slow, and there was a lot of repetition of certain bits of information, like secrets - everybody has secrets! Okay, I don't need to be told again and again.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I plan on reading the next book.
July 19, 2020
A very good start to a series by an Indy author. This has a good plot, adequate wordbuilding, and very good characterization. I have been reading fantasy for a long time and lately if something doesn't catch my attention pretty quickly I will just go on to something else, my TBR pile is just too big to spend time reading something I don't like. Well this author caught me from the beginning and kept me wanting to know more of the story. I am actually on the fourth book of the series so it has obviously captured my attention enough to keep going. I would love to read more by this author and will check out her other series when I am done. My one complaint, and what keeps this from being a 5 star rating, is the whole series needs a good proofreader. There are a lot of grammatical mistakes that sometimes throw you out of the reading experience because you have to reread a sentence to try and determine the meaning. It says a lot for the plot and dialog that I was willing to keep going despite the bad grammar. I have to say this series has the worst proofreading of any series I am willing to finish. But that just tells you how much I like the story (I am not going to rehash it here, others have done so already).
February 25, 2021
A stunning piece of work
Shows, not tells, and what it shows is mind-boggling. The world is not our world, but the world-building is slmost invisible as the mzin character goes about her days' work. The romantic lead is introduced as a dangerous nuisance. Their eventual pairing and his family (this is not your usual romance) share this quality. Of how many other paranormal romances can you say that?
The main character is a knight errant in her own world, member of a group which never numbered more than a hundred, pledged to render their assistance when petitioned sincerely. So she's got things to do which don't involve waiting for him to call.
In short: two full-fledged adults, each with a complete life of work and family (she has adopted two orphaned werewolves; he is the possibly-renegade son of the goblin queen), find a way to complete a staggeringly difficult magical task, and now have to deal with each other, and each other's family, including her about-to-be-retired warhorse.
Why do they have to do that? Resd the book to find out. You won't be disappointed.
Shows, not tells, and what it shows is mind-boggling. The world is not our world, but the world-building is slmost invisible as the mzin character goes about her days' work. The romantic lead is introduced as a dangerous nuisance. Their eventual pairing and his family (this is not your usual romance) share this quality. Of how many other paranormal romances can you say that?
The main character is a knight errant in her own world, member of a group which never numbered more than a hundred, pledged to render their assistance when petitioned sincerely. So she's got things to do which don't involve waiting for him to call.
In short: two full-fledged adults, each with a complete life of work and family (she has adopted two orphaned werewolves; he is the possibly-renegade son of the goblin queen), find a way to complete a staggeringly difficult magical task, and now have to deal with each other, and each other's family, including her about-to-be-retired warhorse.
Why do they have to do that? Resd the book to find out. You won't be disappointed.
October 8, 2020
I purchased this book on a whim, not sure what my impression would be but as I like a variety of genres it sounded very interesting. I'm glad I did. I've purchased the sequel. It was hard to put down and I finished it in record time. The leading character is dynamic in ways that most female leads are not. She has a past that interrupts her at unexpected times and in uncomfortable ways. She has children, nearly grown, that are unusual for her. She has a driving force within her to do good things for all who ask. What could possibly go wrong? So many things. Yvonne is a character that I must follow. No spoilers - read this is you want to be on the edge of your seat! Be prepared to read the sequel, also.
July 5, 2021
This was impeccably written.
Original ideas, excellent pacing, strong world building, great character dynamics, solid growth in relationships, yet everything was realistic within the story universe, logical, and well-told. All the pieces fit well together, with past traumas and experiences informing new reactions and choices. One of the better written endings I’ve read all year as well, with the falling action and resolution clearly laid out, all plot holes resolved, yet a couple hooks laid out signalling a sequel.
Epic fantasy, quite epically well done. Not the most amazing of books, but among the best I’ve read this year and a very viable candidate for a future actual-print-format book purchase. 5 stars.
Original ideas, excellent pacing, strong world building, great character dynamics, solid growth in relationships, yet everything was realistic within the story universe, logical, and well-told. All the pieces fit well together, with past traumas and experiences informing new reactions and choices. One of the better written endings I’ve read all year as well, with the falling action and resolution clearly laid out, all plot holes resolved, yet a couple hooks laid out signalling a sequel.
Epic fantasy, quite epically well done. Not the most amazing of books, but among the best I’ve read this year and a very viable candidate for a future actual-print-format book purchase. 5 stars.
May 9, 2021
New Classic?
This book reads like a classic. Andre Norton and other classic science fiction/fantasy writers would have enjoyed this first book in a series. Well written and well edited, I enjoyed this book (free) more than almost all I've read with my Prime membership.
Our main character is a sorceress with two almost grown wulfkin children for whom she is Guardian. Asked for help in finding a kidnapped child, she discovers a conspiracy that is continent wide. Kidnapped children are being enslaved with the strongest being used in a mysterious mining effort.
This book reads like a classic. Andre Norton and other classic science fiction/fantasy writers would have enjoyed this first book in a series. Well written and well edited, I enjoyed this book (free) more than almost all I've read with my Prime membership.
Our main character is a sorceress with two almost grown wulfkin children for whom she is Guardian. Asked for help in finding a kidnapped child, she discovers a conspiracy that is continent wide. Kidnapped children are being enslaved with the strongest being used in a mysterious mining effort.
August 28, 2023
Not bad.
October 13, 2023
Um. I absolutely loved this. My 15+ book DNF-spree has FINALLY come to and end!!
Would def recommend this if you you like:
-strong but realistic FMCs who are MATURE!!! (no leading teenagers here thank god)
-realistic representations of trauma
-mysterious men who are respectful of traumatized FMCs with superrrrrr slow burn potential (100% chaste so far, no inkling of spice)
-high stakes
-a pretty unique magic system!!
-descriptive world-building
-large scale kidnapping investigations plot line
-lowkey "who did this to you" moment (not in those exact words, but I loved this scene SO much)
Would not recommend if you're looking for a quick spicy read (there's no spice), or if you're sensitive to TWs like SA, slavery, or anyyy type of mistreatment against children (especially related to trafficking and death)
Okay, rant time :D
I don't even know where to start. I adore the FMC with all of my heart. She's so personable and so traumatized but so unabashedly kind and I just love everything about her. I don't usually read books with main characters who have kids, but fuck it man I love their family dynamic and I love how she came into that role as their caretaker. I even love the man. I never love the man!! But he's great! He's fine! He is so mysterious but so respectful toward her and I'm currently mad at him but it's okay because man do I want them to be together. Idk if you can even categorize it as a romance because homegirl is OBLIVIOUS but it is soooo slow burn. Like. The slowest of slowburn. Not even a hint at hand-holding really. And yet I was eating up every single second of every interaction they had (which was quite a lot!!).
Romance aside, the PLOT??? Wowza dude. Like. Wow. Fucking loved it. The stakes were SO high and they kept increasing the entire time like every time I thought we'd peaked in terms of the tension and the suspense, I was almost immediately proven wrong. The author does a FANTASTIC job of setting the scene and pulling at the heart strings. There is so much trauma in this book, and it is so well done. Honestly all of the conversations around trauma were lovely. Nothing was romanticized. Nothing was randomly or abruptly erased as soon as the victims got into a safe environment. No one was disgustingly pitied or infantilized because of what they went through. It was just really really well done. I enjoyed it a lot.
But yeah anyway the plot had my heart pounding. I was so invested the entire time. (Well okay the beginning was a tad bit slow for me, but that was mainly because 1. the man wasn't there yet and 2. it was very descriptive in terms of the environment and characters and general world-building, and I'm easily bored so I'm just not a huge fan of that). But aside from that, the pacing was really great.
The magic system was cool too. There were a lot of unique intricacies to it. And omg the ugh loved that a lot.
All in all, I could not put this down, and if it wasn't literally 1am, I'd start the second book right this second (which I honestly might do anyway).
Would def recommend this if you you like:
-strong but realistic FMCs who are MATURE!!! (no leading teenagers here thank god)
-realistic representations of trauma
-mysterious men who are respectful of traumatized FMCs with superrrrrr slow burn potential (100% chaste so far, no inkling of spice)
-high stakes
-a pretty unique magic system!!
-descriptive world-building
-large scale kidnapping investigations plot line
-lowkey "who did this to you" moment (not in those exact words, but I loved this scene SO much)
Would not recommend if you're looking for a quick spicy read (there's no spice), or if you're sensitive to TWs like SA, slavery, or anyyy type of mistreatment against children (especially related to trafficking and death)
Okay, rant time :D
I don't even know where to start. I adore the FMC with all of my heart. She's so personable and so traumatized but so unabashedly kind and I just love everything about her. I don't usually read books with main characters who have kids, but fuck it man I love their family dynamic and I love how she came into that role as their caretaker. I even love the man. I never love the man!! But he's great! He's fine! He is so mysterious but so respectful toward her and I'm currently mad at him but it's okay because man do I want them to be together. Idk if you can even categorize it as a romance because homegirl is OBLIVIOUS but it is soooo slow burn. Like. The slowest of slowburn. Not even a hint at hand-holding really. And yet I was eating up every single second of every interaction they had (which was quite a lot!!).
Romance aside, the PLOT??? Wowza dude. Like. Wow. Fucking loved it. The stakes were SO high and they kept increasing the entire time like every time I thought we'd peaked in terms of the tension and the suspense, I was almost immediately proven wrong. The author does a FANTASTIC job of setting the scene and pulling at the heart strings. There is so much trauma in this book, and it is so well done. Honestly all of the conversations around trauma were lovely. Nothing was romanticized. Nothing was randomly or abruptly erased as soon as the victims got into a safe environment. No one was disgustingly pitied or infantilized because of what they went through. It was just really really well done. I enjoyed it a lot.
But yeah anyway the plot had my heart pounding. I was so invested the entire time. (Well okay the beginning was a tad bit slow for me, but that was mainly because 1. the man wasn't there yet and 2. it was very descriptive in terms of the environment and characters and general world-building, and I'm easily bored so I'm just not a huge fan of that). But aside from that, the pacing was really great.
The magic system was cool too. There were a lot of unique intricacies to it. And omg the ugh loved that a lot.
All in all, I could not put this down, and if it wasn't literally 1am, I'd start the second book right this second (which I honestly might do anyway).
August 28, 2023
I'm reviewing the whole series as I've finished all 6 books.
It left me with a "bleh" feeling. It was good at times, but in the end, quite forgettable.
Though, I liked the romance better in this series than any of the others of this author. The lead male character was sure of his feelings, unwavering, dedicated beyond what was expected, and it developed nicely and progressively in the background. Unlike the writer's other books where it kinda always stalled.
I also really liked the mothering aspect. She left her children alone too much, put her job first above family, but her love for her children still shone through and I liked how she embraced motherhood. Which made the quick decision she and the lead male made towards the end, without much discussing, so very, very puzzling. It almost made me stopped reading the book.
The action was passable, though became too repetitive. Each time in the end of every book, she faces the big bad "wolf", fearing for her life, and then it's almost a non-event. She do a bit of magic and voila, she wins the day. It fell a bit flat after we were told a gazzillion times how immensely strong the enemy is every time.
I liked the friendships in this series, they developed at a good pace and made me feel warm and fuzzy at times. She was accepted and understood. Not a reject or barely tolerated, but respected. It was a nice change from the sheer numbers of paranormal books where the female lead is oh, so hated and ostracized and rejected.
I didn't care much for her mocking of the one tribe's beliefs and religion, especially when in the end, it turned out that their "god" did exist, and was very much the warrior they believed he was, and that the "gods" in this world did care and help their "subjects". So why the mocking and almost hatred in the beginning?
I also severely dislike high fantasy (comparable to the Dark Ages). I prefer urban fantasy where phones, cars and such technology is available. It's really, really, really boring to read for the 100th time how she brushes her horse and "he takes it as his due". Blegh. Or how she travels endless periods of times in the books.
I didn't like how the female lead never had money with her. Even after she received an inheritance, she still had to ask money from others! And "sponged" on the male lead. He always paid for her food and hotel rooms.
So why was it so dull in the end? I don't know. Just not enough interesting, new events or changes. Too repetitive. Just a bit boring at times. I didn't get that "wow" feeling like I did with some of her other series'. I'll give it a 4-star though for the series and all books, as I did finish it. So it couldn't have been too boring! It was still a good read, definitely worth it.
It left me with a "bleh" feeling. It was good at times, but in the end, quite forgettable.
Though, I liked the romance better in this series than any of the others of this author. The lead male character was sure of his feelings, unwavering, dedicated beyond what was expected, and it developed nicely and progressively in the background. Unlike the writer's other books where it kinda always stalled.
I also really liked the mothering aspect. She left her children alone too much, put her job first above family, but her love for her children still shone through and I liked how she embraced motherhood. Which made the quick decision she and the lead male made towards the end, without much discussing, so very, very puzzling. It almost made me stopped reading the book.
The action was passable, though became too repetitive. Each time in the end of every book, she faces the big bad "wolf", fearing for her life, and then it's almost a non-event. She do a bit of magic and voila, she wins the day. It fell a bit flat after we were told a gazzillion times how immensely strong the enemy is every time.
I liked the friendships in this series, they developed at a good pace and made me feel warm and fuzzy at times. She was accepted and understood. Not a reject or barely tolerated, but respected. It was a nice change from the sheer numbers of paranormal books where the female lead is oh, so hated and ostracized and rejected.
I didn't care much for her mocking of the one tribe's beliefs and religion, especially when in the end, it turned out that their "god" did exist, and was very much the warrior they believed he was, and that the "gods" in this world did care and help their "subjects". So why the mocking and almost hatred in the beginning?
I also severely dislike high fantasy (comparable to the Dark Ages). I prefer urban fantasy where phones, cars and such technology is available. It's really, really, really boring to read for the 100th time how she brushes her horse and "he takes it as his due". Blegh. Or how she travels endless periods of times in the books.
I didn't like how the female lead never had money with her. Even after she received an inheritance, she still had to ask money from others! And "sponged" on the male lead. He always paid for her food and hotel rooms.
So why was it so dull in the end? I don't know. Just not enough interesting, new events or changes. Too repetitive. Just a bit boring at times. I didn't get that "wow" feeling like I did with some of her other series'. I'll give it a 4-star though for the series and all books, as I did finish it. So it couldn't have been too boring! It was still a good read, definitely worth it.
June 29, 2023
Good
A Hunar, one of The Hundred, a sorceress required to help those in need, Yvonne hasn’t had the easiest of lives.
Keeping her adopted children safe, while following her oaths, she has to help those in need who ask for her help.
Their new home starts out peaceful, but it’s not long before Yvonne discovers children are missing, and a request to find them has her teaming up with a Goblin Lord, and facing dangers they never expected.
After being intrigued by the author’s new (and as of this writing, as yet unfinished) series, I was prompted by another comment to read her already finished series. That lead me to binge my way through the Ageless Mysteries, and then the Taellaneth Series, and now this one. The author is gifted at crafting worlds with a minimum of information, allowing the imagination to take hold, while at the same time allowing the reader to understand, and enjoy the world.
As with her other series, this one begins with a strong, mysterious, female lead. Yvonne is a survivour. Her past is brutal, but she rescued her wards when she herself was saved, and now she travels her world as a kind of Paladin; a knight-sorceress oath-bound to help those in need.
We learn about her past, little by little as the book progresses, and we begin to meet some of those who have been important to her.
Her children, the goblin Lord Guise, the other Hunar…
We also learn a little about what drives them all, and how injustice is the one thing that fires her up.
Ultimately, this is the first book in a series, and serves primarily as an introduction to the characters and the world. There is a mystery, solved by the end of the book, but also the basis for the subsequent books in the series.
While I did enjoy this book, it wasn’t quite as gripping to me as the Taellaneth and Ageless mysteries were. That being said, it’s still a good read, and an intriguing start to a series, and I will definitely read the rest of it.
Due to some of the situations within, I classify this one as a very intense tale that sensitive readers might like to be wary of. The topics are handled with care, and with minimal description, so consider yourself warned.
An entertaining fantasy tale for fans of modern fantasy.
A Hunar, one of The Hundred, a sorceress required to help those in need, Yvonne hasn’t had the easiest of lives.
Keeping her adopted children safe, while following her oaths, she has to help those in need who ask for her help.
Their new home starts out peaceful, but it’s not long before Yvonne discovers children are missing, and a request to find them has her teaming up with a Goblin Lord, and facing dangers they never expected.
After being intrigued by the author’s new (and as of this writing, as yet unfinished) series, I was prompted by another comment to read her already finished series. That lead me to binge my way through the Ageless Mysteries, and then the Taellaneth Series, and now this one. The author is gifted at crafting worlds with a minimum of information, allowing the imagination to take hold, while at the same time allowing the reader to understand, and enjoy the world.
As with her other series, this one begins with a strong, mysterious, female lead. Yvonne is a survivour. Her past is brutal, but she rescued her wards when she herself was saved, and now she travels her world as a kind of Paladin; a knight-sorceress oath-bound to help those in need.
We learn about her past, little by little as the book progresses, and we begin to meet some of those who have been important to her.
Her children, the goblin Lord Guise, the other Hunar…
We also learn a little about what drives them all, and how injustice is the one thing that fires her up.
Ultimately, this is the first book in a series, and serves primarily as an introduction to the characters and the world. There is a mystery, solved by the end of the book, but also the basis for the subsequent books in the series.
While I did enjoy this book, it wasn’t quite as gripping to me as the Taellaneth and Ageless mysteries were. That being said, it’s still a good read, and an intriguing start to a series, and I will definitely read the rest of it.
Due to some of the situations within, I classify this one as a very intense tale that sensitive readers might like to be wary of. The topics are handled with care, and with minimal description, so consider yourself warned.
An entertaining fantasy tale for fans of modern fantasy.
September 21, 2025
I received this AUDIOBOOK for free; my opinions are my own. / Real Rating = 3.75 stars
NARRATION: She uses what sounds to me like a fairly neutral "Mid-Atlantic" accent (i.e. - not quite British). / There is some distinguishing of voices during dialog, but she hasn't given each character a completely distinct voice. / Male voices are, for the most part, a little gruffer. Her own voice is on the deeper end for a female, and she does make it a bit higher or lighter sounding for younger characters. / Speed is pretty slow, I had to bump it up to 1.5 to listen comfortably.
I liked the FMC; she was strong & compassionate, but not lacking in weakness or shortcomings (not overpowered). We didn't learn a lot about the MMC, since being mysterious seems to be part of his half of what is reputed to be a very slow burn relationship (it is nearly non-existant in this book). Some of that mystery is hinted to potentially be involvement in shady dealings, but I wouldn't be surprised if that all turns out to be a front.
The Hunar were sufficiently explained over the course of the book for me, but I would have liked more detail about the other groups & races. This is a series, so hopefully we will get those details in subsequent books.
I did notice some excessive Repetition of details as mentioned in other reviews, but for me it did not rise to level of irritating. (I did listen to this book over a period of a week though, which might have helped.)
Content: The MCs are involved in investigating a group involved in high quantity kidnapping, slavery & trafficking of minors. The FMC also comes across a separate group that has kidnapped & severly abused a group of females of all ages. The FMC herself is a survivor of exactly that type of abuse. (There is not an excessive level of detail, but there are several scenes that might be traumatic to younger or senstive readers.) / There is moderate violence (quite a bit of it, but without much "gore"). / There is no sex or strong language (although non-MCs are referred to as having had "lovers").
NARRATION: She uses what sounds to me like a fairly neutral "Mid-Atlantic" accent (i.e. - not quite British). / There is some distinguishing of voices during dialog, but she hasn't given each character a completely distinct voice. / Male voices are, for the most part, a little gruffer. Her own voice is on the deeper end for a female, and she does make it a bit higher or lighter sounding for younger characters. / Speed is pretty slow, I had to bump it up to 1.5 to listen comfortably.
I liked the FMC; she was strong & compassionate, but not lacking in weakness or shortcomings (not overpowered). We didn't learn a lot about the MMC, since being mysterious seems to be part of his half of what is reputed to be a very slow burn relationship (it is nearly non-existant in this book). Some of that mystery is hinted to potentially be involvement in shady dealings, but I wouldn't be surprised if that all turns out to be a front.
The Hunar were sufficiently explained over the course of the book for me, but I would have liked more detail about the other groups & races. This is a series, so hopefully we will get those details in subsequent books.
I did notice some excessive Repetition of details as mentioned in other reviews, but for me it did not rise to level of irritating. (I did listen to this book over a period of a week though, which might have helped.)
Content: The MCs are involved in investigating a group involved in high quantity kidnapping, slavery & trafficking of minors. The FMC also comes across a separate group that has kidnapped & severly abused a group of females of all ages. The FMC herself is a survivor of exactly that type of abuse. (There is not an excessive level of detail, but there are several scenes that might be traumatic to younger or senstive readers.) / There is moderate violence (quite a bit of it, but without much "gore"). / There is no sex or strong language (although non-MCs are referred to as having had "lovers").
July 3, 2022
This is a review for all 5 books in the series as I read them pretty much in one sitting. This was the first book I read of this author who is new to me. Let me now just say that Vanessa Nelson has become a favourite auto buy for me! This series blew me away, the characters and the interactions between people are what make a book for me, even more so than the plot. And these characters stayed with me long after I put the books down. I anticipate that this will be one of those rare series that I return to read again. The world building was delightful and intriguing, Yvonne was powerful, but not all consuming and she was humble and believable. She went through betrayals, set backs and triumphs and I lived through it all with her. Honestly these books were amazing, go read if you love any sort of fantasy (although I think these were pitched with an easy world to understand so you could be new to the genre), light romance (not the over riding story emphasis, but what there was was clean and delightful) and heartfelt characters.
August 2, 2024
Calling All Cars, Calling All Cars
Hunar1
I am getting used to medieval urban fantasy, at least as done by this author.
Yvonne is Hunar - a mix of magician, healer, avenger - trained, created and inducted into a centuries’ old order, that responds magically to a plea for justice. The response enables her to “track” those she is searching for.
Before she was Hunar, she was badly abused, in ways both sexual and psychological, and she has physical scars to prove it. She also has two wards, who are wulfkin, and a goblin prince, who hires her from time to time as a tracker, for non-judicial purposes, because Yvonne is good at puzzles.
And, ooh boy, do they have a doozy of a mystery to solve. The Hunar once numbered 100, but their numbers are down to eight. And Yvonne is special, though it isn’t something she can see. But, the ancient enemy they were formed to oppose, and had thought long dead, is stirring.
Do they have enough to defeat him again, for good?
Hunar1
I am getting used to medieval urban fantasy, at least as done by this author.
Yvonne is Hunar - a mix of magician, healer, avenger - trained, created and inducted into a centuries’ old order, that responds magically to a plea for justice. The response enables her to “track” those she is searching for.
Before she was Hunar, she was badly abused, in ways both sexual and psychological, and she has physical scars to prove it. She also has two wards, who are wulfkin, and a goblin prince, who hires her from time to time as a tracker, for non-judicial purposes, because Yvonne is good at puzzles.
And, ooh boy, do they have a doozy of a mystery to solve. The Hunar once numbered 100, but their numbers are down to eight. And Yvonne is special, though it isn’t something she can see. But, the ancient enemy they were formed to oppose, and had thought long dead, is stirring.
Do they have enough to defeat him again, for good?
November 22, 2024
What a creative world I fell into caught from the first page until the very end. Humans, wulfkin, goblins and many others populate this world where the most modern weapon appears to be a crossbow and swords and knives most commonly used. Horses, wagons and barges transport the various characters and schemes abound. The main female character is a Hunar sworn to aide those in need and has magic and power to do this. The story revolves around this oath as Yvonne travels to help find missing children. Along with an on-again/off-again traveling partner Guise (wealthy goblins ) a bigger more vile picture forms about all the stolen children. Simple and excellent read in all the areas - plotting, characters, dialogue, settings, and one of my more irritating issues regarding poor grammar (which is inexcusable with all the computer help with this or is it just lazy writing?). Anyhow - great read.
December 7, 2024
Exceptional world building and characters
I am disappointed in myself, having only just discovered Vanessa Nelson. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 is well-written and fascinating, with a strong protagonist who has a rich and oft-painful interior life, yet is absolutely dedicated to her call to help others. Yvonne isn’t merely dedicated to helping others so much as magically bound— she has studied and trained to become a Hunar, one of The Hundred.
And then there’s her… friend? colleague? associate? Guise is a goblin (although nothing like a Tolkienian goblin), tall, debonair, well dressed, yet with a sense of real danger just beneath the surface. He has repeatedly appeared in Yvonne’s life when their missions have aligned, then disappeared a few days later.
Now, as she is asked to find a missing child, only to discover that multiple children are missing, he is beside her again. This time the strength the two bear will not be enough.
Highly recommended.
I am disappointed in myself, having only just discovered Vanessa Nelson. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 is well-written and fascinating, with a strong protagonist who has a rich and oft-painful interior life, yet is absolutely dedicated to her call to help others. Yvonne isn’t merely dedicated to helping others so much as magically bound— she has studied and trained to become a Hunar, one of The Hundred.
And then there’s her… friend? colleague? associate? Guise is a goblin (although nothing like a Tolkienian goblin), tall, debonair, well dressed, yet with a sense of real danger just beneath the surface. He has repeatedly appeared in Yvonne’s life when their missions have aligned, then disappeared a few days later.
Now, as she is asked to find a missing child, only to discover that multiple children are missing, he is beside her again. This time the strength the two bear will not be enough.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews