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Goth Drow #1
Once Upon a Midnight Drow
I’m not Goth to hide my Drow heritage, I’m Goth because I’m not a quitter.
My name is Cheyenne Summerlin, remember that name. Somebody should…
The world can’t know I’m a Drow halfling. Not yet. I barely have these powers under my control, but time’s up. I’m about to take magic for a test drive. Want to come along?
The black ops government group believe they can run my life... But I have plans of my own.
Watch out magical evil doers – I’m about to crash your party.
But will my training be enough?
Scroll back up and click Buy Now or Read For Free to join Cheyenne on her journey to use her Drow heritage and stake her claim in the world in Goth Drow.
730 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2020
991 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Martha Carr
559 books766 followersOkay, I'm a late bloomer who's a big DC comics fan and spent my childhood summers on the Jersey shore but I was born under a wandering star and have lived in different parts of America ever since. That's enough about me. Need to feel inspired today? Looking for something to make you root for an ordinary hero? I'm all about that in everything I write.
I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.
There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.
Thank you for checking out my stories!
I love a good tale that makes me wonder about things and I love a story even more that leaves me feeling inspired or like I'm capable of doing more than I realized. That's my goal with everything I've ever written. Some of the stories I tell involve twisting, turning thrillers and others have a lot of magic.
There's something to be said for getting lost in another world and coming out the other side feeling a little better about yourself or the possibilities in front of you. That's basically the best part of life in a nutshell, no matter what kind of story I'm setting out to tell.
Thank you for checking out my stories!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
November 26, 2020
Once Upon a Midnight Drow
(Goth Drow #1)
by Martha Carr and Michael Anderle
There is a lot to unpack in this novel. Supernatural being normally live below a certain borderline. There is a security force that controls and hunts down those that break the rules. Most humans are clueless that they live among creatures that are powerful and just as smart as they are but look a lot different. There are orcs, trolls, goblins, elves, and more. Some have magic and some don't. No one has seen a half long until the gal of the story comes along. She is half Drow ( dark elf) and half human. The story how that happened is interesting. She doesn't know any drows to help her learn how to control her magic.
It's full of interesting characters and tons of fighting, both magical and other. Enjoyable read but I thought it could have been either enhanced and made into two books or revised to make a shorter book.
(Goth Drow #1)
by Martha Carr and Michael Anderle
There is a lot to unpack in this novel. Supernatural being normally live below a certain borderline. There is a security force that controls and hunts down those that break the rules. Most humans are clueless that they live among creatures that are powerful and just as smart as they are but look a lot different. There are orcs, trolls, goblins, elves, and more. Some have magic and some don't. No one has seen a half long until the gal of the story comes along. She is half Drow ( dark elf) and half human. The story how that happened is interesting. She doesn't know any drows to help her learn how to control her magic.
It's full of interesting characters and tons of fighting, both magical and other. Enjoyable read but I thought it could have been either enhanced and made into two books or revised to make a shorter book.
June 5, 2021
This is shaping up as the worst book I have read in 2021.
I had 3 main issues:
1. It was way too long.
2. Shyanne is completely a Mary-sue
3. A wizard did it.
1.
I am not sure how this story got past beta readers, let alone a professional editor without anyone pointing out the fact that this story has too many irons in the fey fire.
There was no need for the FRoE storyline. It did not offer anything to the plot at all. She was supposed to be getting revenge for Ember, a fact that kept getting buried in everything else that was going on.
The main character had enough goals with Cheyenne trying to meet her father that it didn't need anything beyond the.
It had the puzzle box.
The other magicals out to get the drow (heir of the Drow).
The scavenger hunt to find Guardian 104.
Her conflict with her mother.
That is enough to make a strong story.
Adding in Ember getting shot, the hunt for the one that did it, the testing with the FRoE, the sandwiches, the reservations and suddenly all the reader got was a mishmash of stuff that no longer had enough glue to keep it together.
Cut out at least one part and make it a sequel.
On top of having too many topics the author really likes to repeat themselves. How many times do you need to describe the hair as bone-white hair? or the puckered scar or any of the jargon she uses for the hacker, her electric black hair. All of the terms are used over and over and over and over again without any variation in the terminology.
I already stated that this story was way too long, but not long enough that we kept having to get reminded about what happened at the start of the book. It has refreshers similar to what is usually used in a second or third book to catch you up on what's been happening so far.
Seriously, it baffles me that it got published as it was.
2.
I have been trying to find where to start on my issue with the main character being too overpowered and it's hard. The character is that badly written.
Here is a brief list of issues I have with this character:
Without any training, she can easily use massive amounts of magical energy.
With about 2 days of training, she can use magical energies perfectly.
She can outfight even batman from the way she is described.
She is extremely intelligent and smarter than the teachers.
She has been the best hacker in the entire damn dark web since she was 15.
She is super-rich.
She never makes a mistake, unless it's a mistake that makes her stronger in the next few pages.
She's a 'badass'. That encompasses too much to explain.
Her Drow powers are ridiculous, plain and simple. There is no balancing the magicals abilities.
She has too much magic.
She can run/move at crazy speeds
She can stand up to too much damage without really flinching.
She is the saviour of magicals everywhere and gets her nose into everything.
She is such a flat character, and there are no other characters that are really in the book at all to talk about.
There is Maddy, Reinhart, Sir, and Ember, but they don't do anything other than vaguely give her someone to be 'badass' when compared against.
3.
Halfling.
I know this will sound stupid to some people, but this really aggravated me. Drow, Orcs, Trolls, and a bunch of other mythical races and then they use halfling for a derogative term.
Halflings are their own goddamned race in almost any RPG! A good percentage of the crowd that is going to read this book is going to be someone that has played a game with a Drow in it and those are going to have Halflings as well!
The authors could have said she was a half-drow, a half-dark elf, half-blood, half-magical, or half-earth sider and it would not have jerked me out of the story every single time it came up, and it comes up a lot. It's their favourite little insult.
This isn't the only time the authors choose bad jargon. I noticed that some of the IT-type jargon is jarring but I don't know it well enough to comment on what parts of it are wrong. But Fantasy I do know.
4.
Another thing that really annoys me about the book, but is not a major complaint, is the FroE and the way they keep treating her. Cheyenne has never done anything wrong. There has never been anything other than a little talk back from her but almost any time anyone of the FroE addresses her it's yelling at her, belittling her, taking away her human rights, or just being needlessly cruel. The authors cannot justify this with 'it's how it is in the military' because they do not treat cadets like that, they do not treat contractors like that, they do not treat civilians like that, so why in the hell do they treat her like that?
With what they did, implanting the chip into her without her consent and putting an untrained civilian into the line of fire Cheyenne could have made a legal case about seeing her father. Her mother would know enough people that she could have applied pressure for the visit with her dad, but she didn't. Even after establishing her 'I do things my way attitude' and her 'I'm a badass' persona she let them treat her, however, the hell they felt like and it completely went against the grain of the personality that the character was displaying.
All in All 0 stars is what I would rate it if I could.
I had 3 main issues:
1. It was way too long.
2. Shyanne is completely a Mary-sue
3. A wizard did it.
1.
I am not sure how this story got past beta readers, let alone a professional editor without anyone pointing out the fact that this story has too many irons in the fey fire.
There was no need for the FRoE storyline. It did not offer anything to the plot at all. She was supposed to be getting revenge for Ember, a fact that kept getting buried in everything else that was going on.
The main character had enough goals with Cheyenne trying to meet her father that it didn't need anything beyond the.
It had the puzzle box.
The other magicals out to get the drow (heir of the Drow).
The scavenger hunt to find Guardian 104.
Her conflict with her mother.
That is enough to make a strong story.
Adding in Ember getting shot, the hunt for the one that did it, the testing with the FRoE, the sandwiches, the reservations and suddenly all the reader got was a mishmash of stuff that no longer had enough glue to keep it together.
Cut out at least one part and make it a sequel.
On top of having too many topics the author really likes to repeat themselves. How many times do you need to describe the hair as bone-white hair? or the puckered scar or any of the jargon she uses for the hacker, her electric black hair. All of the terms are used over and over and over and over again without any variation in the terminology.
I already stated that this story was way too long, but not long enough that we kept having to get reminded about what happened at the start of the book. It has refreshers similar to what is usually used in a second or third book to catch you up on what's been happening so far.
Seriously, it baffles me that it got published as it was.
2.
I have been trying to find where to start on my issue with the main character being too overpowered and it's hard. The character is that badly written.
Here is a brief list of issues I have with this character:
Without any training, she can easily use massive amounts of magical energy.
With about 2 days of training, she can use magical energies perfectly.
She can outfight even batman from the way she is described.
She is extremely intelligent and smarter than the teachers.
She has been the best hacker in the entire damn dark web since she was 15.
She is super-rich.
She never makes a mistake, unless it's a mistake that makes her stronger in the next few pages.
She's a 'badass'. That encompasses too much to explain.
Her Drow powers are ridiculous, plain and simple. There is no balancing the magicals abilities.
She has too much magic.
She can run/move at crazy speeds
She can stand up to too much damage without really flinching.
She is the saviour of magicals everywhere and gets her nose into everything.
She is such a flat character, and there are no other characters that are really in the book at all to talk about.
There is Maddy, Reinhart, Sir, and Ember, but they don't do anything other than vaguely give her someone to be 'badass' when compared against.
3.
Halfling.
I know this will sound stupid to some people, but this really aggravated me. Drow, Orcs, Trolls, and a bunch of other mythical races and then they use halfling for a derogative term.
Halflings are their own goddamned race in almost any RPG! A good percentage of the crowd that is going to read this book is going to be someone that has played a game with a Drow in it and those are going to have Halflings as well!
The authors could have said she was a half-drow, a half-dark elf, half-blood, half-magical, or half-earth sider and it would not have jerked me out of the story every single time it came up, and it comes up a lot. It's their favourite little insult.
This isn't the only time the authors choose bad jargon. I noticed that some of the IT-type jargon is jarring but I don't know it well enough to comment on what parts of it are wrong. But Fantasy I do know.
4.
Another thing that really annoys me about the book, but is not a major complaint, is the FroE and the way they keep treating her. Cheyenne has never done anything wrong. There has never been anything other than a little talk back from her but almost any time anyone of the FroE addresses her it's yelling at her, belittling her, taking away her human rights, or just being needlessly cruel. The authors cannot justify this with 'it's how it is in the military' because they do not treat cadets like that, they do not treat contractors like that, they do not treat civilians like that, so why in the hell do they treat her like that?
With what they did, implanting the chip into her without her consent and putting an untrained civilian into the line of fire Cheyenne could have made a legal case about seeing her father. Her mother would know enough people that she could have applied pressure for the visit with her dad, but she didn't. Even after establishing her 'I do things my way attitude' and her 'I'm a badass' persona she let them treat her, however, the hell they felt like and it completely went against the grain of the personality that the character was displaying.
All in All 0 stars is what I would rate it if I could.
February 15, 2021
In one word, shallow.
Lots really bad cyber-hacker talk that clearly shows that the author has not the slightest clue what she is talking about which really kills the mood because it's a major part of the story and because it's not the typical hacker-dude friend but the MC herself.
There are quite a few competent people that can read over your stuff and correct these sections in a way that the terms at least slightly resemble legit IT-terminology. I am willing to do so! Send me your sections of hacker jargon and I'll correct the terminology or even try to invent a plausible scenario that fills the plot-device requirements.
Beyond that, the book starts off with waxing about destiny and prophecy which I personally dislike because it doesn't add anything to a story in most cases.
I would need to write a huge review describing all the individual scenes and how they felt shallow or unnatural to communicate what the big general problem is because I am unable to put the crux of the flaw into words, but I don't think that would be interesting to read.
I guess the best I can do is to say it feels shallow in the way a lot of bad YA feels shallow. Not some specific character or aspect or something. Just everything seems shallow. And there are a lot of bad clichées some of which were quite corny.
I do not recommend it.
ps: I kind of want to give it 1 star but that would put it together with the shit I flung from me in disgust which would be unfair. There is nothing particularly infuriating to me in this book. There is just not a single aspect that redeems its many flaws.
Lots really bad cyber-hacker talk that clearly shows that the author has not the slightest clue what she is talking about which really kills the mood because it's a major part of the story and because it's not the typical hacker-dude friend but the MC herself.
There are quite a few competent people that can read over your stuff and correct these sections in a way that the terms at least slightly resemble legit IT-terminology. I am willing to do so! Send me your sections of hacker jargon and I'll correct the terminology or even try to invent a plausible scenario that fills the plot-device requirements.
Beyond that, the book starts off with waxing about destiny and prophecy which I personally dislike because it doesn't add anything to a story in most cases.
I would need to write a huge review describing all the individual scenes and how they felt shallow or unnatural to communicate what the big general problem is because I am unable to put the crux of the flaw into words, but I don't think that would be interesting to read.
I guess the best I can do is to say it feels shallow in the way a lot of bad YA feels shallow. Not some specific character or aspect or something. Just everything seems shallow. And there are a lot of bad clichées some of which were quite corny.
I do not recommend it.
ps: I kind of want to give it 1 star but that would put it together with the shit I flung from me in disgust which would be unfair. There is nothing particularly infuriating to me in this book. There is just not a single aspect that redeems its many flaws.
March 12, 2020
Enjoyable Read Engaging Main Character
Cheyenne is a believable, likeable, snarky young lady who is coming into her magic.
Lots of plot twists and a background with mysterous elements make the story interesting.
I hope healing magic is a part of future books as she seems to get hurt on a regular basis.
Looking forward to the next book.
Cheyenne is a believable, likeable, snarky young lady who is coming into her magic.
Lots of plot twists and a background with mysterous elements make the story interesting.
I hope healing magic is a part of future books as she seems to get hurt on a regular basis.
Looking forward to the next book.
March 11, 2022
Tough to reconcile someone who consistently refers to herself as a genius and scoffs at how stupid everyone around her is— with someone that’s actually really dang stupid.. and whiney. Charging headfirst into situations she knows nothing about, throwing power around without a firm basis on how to use it/any idea of consequences for use.
She sold out Maddy, the only person willing to help her to an organization that Maddy is terrified of. Literally just told Reinhardt about her without any prompting, then mentioned her connection to her convicted father. Moron.
She’s also frustratingly rude and obstinate to anyone trying to help her or be nice. Mattie trying to help her and she just complains! The whole time! When she laughed in the trolls face for the gift they gave her, I cringed. She’s completely out of her element with the Other Side of stuff and gets pissy when all her questions aren’t answered, but she laughed in the trolls faces when they’re in the SAME situation about not knowing earth customs. What a bitch.
Confidently incorrect: sums up Cheyenne in a nutshell
I agree that it’s embarrassingly clear that the authors have little to no knowledge of programming and ‘hacking’, and it shows. Her super secret hacker name is ShyHand.. and her name is Cheyenne. What kind of fucking moron makes a phonetic parallel to their legal name in order to “surf the dark web”
I’m all for suspension of disbelief, but some of this is so stupid I can’t even
She sold out Maddy, the only person willing to help her to an organization that Maddy is terrified of. Literally just told Reinhardt about her without any prompting, then mentioned her connection to her convicted father. Moron.
She’s also frustratingly rude and obstinate to anyone trying to help her or be nice. Mattie trying to help her and she just complains! The whole time! When she laughed in the trolls face for the gift they gave her, I cringed. She’s completely out of her element with the Other Side of stuff and gets pissy when all her questions aren’t answered, but she laughed in the trolls faces when they’re in the SAME situation about not knowing earth customs. What a bitch.
Confidently incorrect: sums up Cheyenne in a nutshell
I agree that it’s embarrassingly clear that the authors have little to no knowledge of programming and ‘hacking’, and it shows. Her super secret hacker name is ShyHand.. and her name is Cheyenne. What kind of fucking moron makes a phonetic parallel to their legal name in order to “surf the dark web”
I’m all for suspension of disbelief, but some of this is so stupid I can’t even
Want to read
December 21, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/20/2020)! 🎁
January 3, 2024
Not bad but goodness me, if I had to hear “grow halting” one more time my ears were going to bleed!
August 4, 2022
Could have been an excellent book. Great story, believable characters and good world building. But the heroine, in spite of her declarations, is still too much of a teenager. Also, the book is very long. Some of the nitpicky details could have been cut to shorten the overall length.
August 19, 2020
I loved this book most of all of these books so far. There is only one main complaint I have. That is the constant reference to Cheyenne as 'halfling' or 'the halfling'. It seems demeaning. It needs to be explained only once to each new person who meets her. The reader does not need the constant reminder; our memories are better than that.
After that it becomes redundant, repetitive and, well, to anyone who is from a mixed racial background who reads it; it can only remind them of their own struggles in life. When growing up my son was constantly called Jap. How the kids could tell he was half Asian (Chinese) when the adults couldn't, I haven't a clue. He still doesn't look Asian.
I realize writers tire of using the main character's name or using her or she--but they do it quite well and you're a fantastic writer, so I'm certain that you can also. If Halfling were her actual name, it wouldn't be 'quite' as bad--but it's not!
Just one comment left--Whoa is spelled whoa--not woah. God, I see that misspelled SO MUCH!
For the writing, without all the 'haltings' I would give 5 stars. As it is I give 4 1/2. Since we can't give halves I will give a 5.
After that it becomes redundant, repetitive and, well, to anyone who is from a mixed racial background who reads it; it can only remind them of their own struggles in life. When growing up my son was constantly called Jap. How the kids could tell he was half Asian (Chinese) when the adults couldn't, I haven't a clue. He still doesn't look Asian.
I realize writers tire of using the main character's name or using her or she--but they do it quite well and you're a fantastic writer, so I'm certain that you can also. If Halfling were her actual name, it wouldn't be 'quite' as bad--but it's not!
Just one comment left--Whoa is spelled whoa--not woah. God, I see that misspelled SO MUCH!
For the writing, without all the 'haltings' I would give 5 stars. As it is I give 4 1/2. Since we can't give halves I will give a 5.
March 22, 2021
4 A Chameleon With A Strong Case Of Chronic Indecision Stars
One Upon A Midnight Drow is the first book in the Goth Drow series by Martha Carr and Michael Anderle.
Compared to the previous series I read in this universe, this book offered way more insight and information. Left me feeling way more fully informed at the end of this introduction into Cheyenne’s destiny.
Super upset we didn’t actually get to experience any important revelations behind why her father needed her. Just glimpses and hints really. Something along the lines of “only the scion never pursued will rise to their destiny”? I wonder what this entails for Cheyenne. I’m catching some major unknown Princess/savior/prophesied halfling vibes.
The trustworthiness of the FRoE operation is still left up in the air. At least they aren’t as blood thirsty and disregarding as first appearances and rumors displayed them to be. That’s a plus. Maybe just ridiculously underfunded and stumbling around in the dark? I’m also curious who Ember’s friends, never to be seen again, were in the beginning of the book? Baby vigilantes? Poor ones?
Another concern is who this group is sporting the weird bull pendant on chains is? They seem strangely insistent in their dogged determination to end her and maybe all halflings just to be safe? But they obviously represent an oppressive regime of some sort.
I want more information regarding both her professor Mattie, and her guardian Corian. Maybe mostly because they are both Nightstalkers and the only two people who seem truly interested in her well-being. But I find myself questioning whether Mattie’s suspicious past will make Corian receptive to her involvement?
One Upon A Midnight Drow is the first book in the Goth Drow series by Martha Carr and Michael Anderle.
Compared to the previous series I read in this universe, this book offered way more insight and information. Left me feeling way more fully informed at the end of this introduction into Cheyenne’s destiny.
Super upset we didn’t actually get to experience any important revelations behind why her father needed her. Just glimpses and hints really. Something along the lines of “only the scion never pursued will rise to their destiny”? I wonder what this entails for Cheyenne. I’m catching some major unknown Princess/savior/prophesied halfling vibes.
The trustworthiness of the FRoE operation is still left up in the air. At least they aren’t as blood thirsty and disregarding as first appearances and rumors displayed them to be. That’s a plus. Maybe just ridiculously underfunded and stumbling around in the dark? I’m also curious who Ember’s friends, never to be seen again, were in the beginning of the book? Baby vigilantes? Poor ones?
Another concern is who this group is sporting the weird bull pendant on chains is? They seem strangely insistent in their dogged determination to end her and maybe all halflings just to be safe? But they obviously represent an oppressive regime of some sort.
I want more information regarding both her professor Mattie, and her guardian Corian. Maybe mostly because they are both Nightstalkers and the only two people who seem truly interested in her well-being. But I find myself questioning whether Mattie’s suspicious past will make Corian receptive to her involvement?
February 18, 2022
This story captured me pretty effectively. I enjoyed that the main character was a bit off the usual path for Urban Fantasy. I like a little diversity in my MCs, so I appreciated that she was an unusual choice for this sort of thing. I felt a little like it was weird that they talked up her computer skills as much as they did, but she ended up needing help with them from someone who was barely mentioned in the story. I figure I feel like I am supposed to about the shady government agency she works with in this thing, and the specific people she interacts with. Her mother is... interesting. And there are a lot of questions that don't get answered in this thing, which is a little frustrating. There felt like a lot of story here... in that it felt like it took longer than expected to finish it. But I am interested to know more.
One of the things I am always on the look-out for (against rather) are weird sexual relationships out of nowhere in these kinds of books. Other than the opening part of the book where the one-night-stand that gives this world the MC happens, it's like no one in this story really such things--certainly not to the detriment of saving lives or stopping injustice or whatever. The MC didn't even randomly evaluate anyone *hungrily*. I approve of stories that revolve around characters and plot instead of shallow attractions, so that worked nicely for me. I will be looking into the next book soon.
One of the things I am always on the look-out for (against rather) are weird sexual relationships out of nowhere in these kinds of books. Other than the opening part of the book where the one-night-stand that gives this world the MC happens, it's like no one in this story really such things--certainly not to the detriment of saving lives or stopping injustice or whatever. The MC didn't even randomly evaluate anyone *hungrily*. I approve of stories that revolve around characters and plot instead of shallow attractions, so that worked nicely for me. I will be looking into the next book soon.
March 16, 2021
Goth girl with an attitude
Let me just say at the start there were my times in the book when I just wanted to take the main character over my knee. She’s twenty one and a grad student who knows more than her instructors, and shows it.
She’s also a halfling with daddy issues, her mom is human and her father a drow or dark elf.
She’s pretty good at being a badass, but she’s got a redwood sized chip on her shoulder that makes her somewhat unwilling to accept help.
She gets herself in the middle of an operation run by agents of super secretive agency designed to deal with magical creatures and ends up getting shot, which leads to her being coerced into working with the agency known as FRoE. Meanwhile she’s looking to get revenge on the guy or ogre who shot her best friend and left her paralyzed. I must say I ended up enjoying the book, despite her attitude. Martha Carr and Michael Anderle did a great job as usual to deliver a story that provided some satisfaction and at times fun.
I recommend the book despite elements of the main character that sometimes had me pissed off about her attitude. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Let me just say at the start there were my times in the book when I just wanted to take the main character over my knee. She’s twenty one and a grad student who knows more than her instructors, and shows it.
She’s also a halfling with daddy issues, her mom is human and her father a drow or dark elf.
She’s pretty good at being a badass, but she’s got a redwood sized chip on her shoulder that makes her somewhat unwilling to accept help.
She gets herself in the middle of an operation run by agents of super secretive agency designed to deal with magical creatures and ends up getting shot, which leads to her being coerced into working with the agency known as FRoE. Meanwhile she’s looking to get revenge on the guy or ogre who shot her best friend and left her paralyzed. I must say I ended up enjoying the book, despite her attitude. Martha Carr and Michael Anderle did a great job as usual to deliver a story that provided some satisfaction and at times fun.
I recommend the book despite elements of the main character that sometimes had me pissed off about her attitude. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
March 17, 2020
Disappointing, slow, not a very likable protagonist.
First of all I like the premise of the story, but I felt that the execution of it was weak. The story plotted along at a slow pace. The halfling did not develop any of her powers, learn much about herself, and didn’t get much done until the end of the book. I do know in a first book there is some world building that needs to be done which in turn may cause the book to be a bit slower in its execution. The action sequences were interspersed throughout the Book, but I felt there was not enough of them. The next thing is the character main protagonist is not very likable.I understand that this book was darker but even a dark character can be likable. She did not progress and her powers at all or learn any spell. One would hope when they read books of this nature that the character would progress in her personal growth as well as her power. I could wax on philosophically but I hope the next book if one is written will improve the shortcomings in her character.
First of all I like the premise of the story, but I felt that the execution of it was weak. The story plotted along at a slow pace. The halfling did not develop any of her powers, learn much about herself, and didn’t get much done until the end of the book. I do know in a first book there is some world building that needs to be done which in turn may cause the book to be a bit slower in its execution. The action sequences were interspersed throughout the Book, but I felt there was not enough of them. The next thing is the character main protagonist is not very likable.I understand that this book was darker but even a dark character can be likable. She did not progress and her powers at all or learn any spell. One would hope when they read books of this nature that the character would progress in her personal growth as well as her power. I could wax on philosophically but I hope the next book if one is written will improve the shortcomings in her character.
April 15, 2020
I only meant to read a few chapters...
but instead I found myself completely sucked into Cheyenne’s world as she tries to avenge her friends attack, and find her father. During one such hunt, she ends up being captured, locked up, intimidated and blackmailed by ‘Sir’ (a pompous git) into making a shitty deal to help capture other magicals for the government. She’s stuck with Rhynehart (arrogant asshat soldier that needs an asskicking) who is ‘overseeing’ her compliance to said blackmail deal. Of course they double cross her, but what else did you expect.
Seriously, Cheyenne puts up with so much crap that I was almost ready to tear my hair out in frustration at her knuckling under. I know she’s doing it for a reason, but I just want her to put these government soldiers on their asses... but maybe that’s just me? No, it’s really not.
Still, this book took me on quite a ride and even though I had issues with some of the execution of the plot and characters, I had a lot of fun reading this.
Hoping I like the next book even more.
3.5 stars ⭐️
but instead I found myself completely sucked into Cheyenne’s world as she tries to avenge her friends attack, and find her father. During one such hunt, she ends up being captured, locked up, intimidated and blackmailed by ‘Sir’ (a pompous git) into making a shitty deal to help capture other magicals for the government. She’s stuck with Rhynehart (arrogant asshat soldier that needs an asskicking) who is ‘overseeing’ her compliance to said blackmail deal. Of course they double cross her, but what else did you expect.
Seriously, Cheyenne puts up with so much crap that I was almost ready to tear my hair out in frustration at her knuckling under. I know she’s doing it for a reason, but I just want her to put these government soldiers on their asses... but maybe that’s just me? No, it’s really not.
Still, this book took me on quite a ride and even though I had issues with some of the execution of the plot and characters, I had a lot of fun reading this.
Hoping I like the next book even more.
3.5 stars ⭐️
May 23, 2021
Half Dark Elf. Half human. All Goth.
I have read a lot of books either written (or co-written) by Michael Anderle. Some I've enjoyed, others, not so much. This series starter appears to have potential.
Usually I'm not all that fond of college aged females with snarky attitudes. Gets old quick. This young woman, however, had some appeal. I'm not quite sure why, but I liked her. And it takes some character depth to make a reader like someone who is trying so hard NOT to be liked. There is a rich fantasy world, action, and a mystery about the Heroine's origins. Those secrets were revealed, or on their way to being revealed, by the end of this first book.
My biggest complaint was the repetition in using certain words. Yes, I realize that she is a halfling. And she looks Goth. I don't need to read it a few hundred times. Get over it . Another complaint is how easily she develops and uses her new magic abilities. I'd also like to see a love interest in the next installment.
I did enjoy this book, and I look forward to the next one.
I have read a lot of books either written (or co-written) by Michael Anderle. Some I've enjoyed, others, not so much. This series starter appears to have potential.
Usually I'm not all that fond of college aged females with snarky attitudes. Gets old quick. This young woman, however, had some appeal. I'm not quite sure why, but I liked her. And it takes some character depth to make a reader like someone who is trying so hard NOT to be liked. There is a rich fantasy world, action, and a mystery about the Heroine's origins. Those secrets were revealed, or on their way to being revealed, by the end of this first book.
My biggest complaint was the repetition in using certain words. Yes, I realize that she is a halfling. And she looks Goth. I don't need to read it a few hundred times. Get over it . Another complaint is how easily she develops and uses her new magic abilities. I'd also like to see a love interest in the next installment.
I did enjoy this book, and I look forward to the next one.
June 4, 2021
Good
**Warning… slight Cliffhanger Ending.**
It ends in the middle of a scene, but not at a point where someone’s life is in jeopardy. That being said, you might just want to line up the next book ready to read.
Cheyenne is a halfling in hiding. Half drow (dark elf), half human, she has little to no knowledge of her drow side, or the magic that she wields.
When she tries to help a friend, she is suddenly thrust into a world where there are all kinds of magical beings, not all of whom are good- and it isn’t easy to tell which side is right.
This is a LONG book, but that doesn’t make it a bad one. It’s actually very entertaining and well paced, while the reader follows along with Cheyenne as she begins to learn all about her heritage.
It’s a “coming-of-age”, or maybe a “coming-into-power” story, and an engrossing one.
If you’re a fan of epic fantasy or urban fantasy, this may well be a book you will enjoy!
**Warning… slight Cliffhanger Ending.**
It ends in the middle of a scene, but not at a point where someone’s life is in jeopardy. That being said, you might just want to line up the next book ready to read.
Cheyenne is a halfling in hiding. Half drow (dark elf), half human, she has little to no knowledge of her drow side, or the magic that she wields.
When she tries to help a friend, she is suddenly thrust into a world where there are all kinds of magical beings, not all of whom are good- and it isn’t easy to tell which side is right.
This is a LONG book, but that doesn’t make it a bad one. It’s actually very entertaining and well paced, while the reader follows along with Cheyenne as she begins to learn all about her heritage.
It’s a “coming-of-age”, or maybe a “coming-into-power” story, and an engrossing one.
If you’re a fan of epic fantasy or urban fantasy, this may well be a book you will enjoy!
January 23, 2021
Wow
I stumbled upon this book and took a chance. Such an awesome story! At first I was a bit unattached as our main character is a drow (what is that?) and a goth, both of which I have no personal understanding of. I’m so happy I kept reading. Cheyenne is such a complicated woman, but she’s also so interesting and so loyal, brave, badass, generous and intelligent. I love her. I loved diving a bit deeper into the goth mindset as well. And this is a full book! There are no shortcuts in the story and no 10 page monologues that are repeated over and over. It was original and action packed, smart and exciting. I will absolutely be reading the rest of this series and I totally recommend it.
I stumbled upon this book and took a chance. Such an awesome story! At first I was a bit unattached as our main character is a drow (what is that?) and a goth, both of which I have no personal understanding of. I’m so happy I kept reading. Cheyenne is such a complicated woman, but she’s also so interesting and so loyal, brave, badass, generous and intelligent. I love her. I loved diving a bit deeper into the goth mindset as well. And this is a full book! There are no shortcuts in the story and no 10 page monologues that are repeated over and over. It was original and action packed, smart and exciting. I will absolutely be reading the rest of this series and I totally recommend it.
April 6, 2022
RATING: 4⭐
AGE: PG-16
Cheyenne is a Goth college chic with a predestined future that will change her life. Growing up with her famous single mother not knowing who her father is or how she came to be. Super advanced in tech but is working on her masters and college. She has a bbf Amber (aka a Fa e with not powers or is that another story hmm). The 1st book starts the story of Cheyenne's journey of accepts of herself and what she is meant to do to save everyone.
Good Series-sold characters ..sold storyline..i do wish there was a lil more love connects made but all in all it was a Good Sunday afternoon read.
Mrs. C.💋
AGE: PG-16
Cheyenne is a Goth college chic with a predestined future that will change her life. Growing up with her famous single mother not knowing who her father is or how she came to be. Super advanced in tech but is working on her masters and college. She has a bbf Amber (aka a Fa e with not powers or is that another story hmm). The 1st book starts the story of Cheyenne's journey of accepts of herself and what she is meant to do to save everyone.
Good Series-sold characters ..sold storyline..i do wish there was a lil more love connects made but all in all it was a Good Sunday afternoon read.
Mrs. C.💋
April 11, 2020
Engaging
Quite a gripping story with a strong heroine who takes lots of risks.The characters stay true to themselves and I did not notice any continuity lapses. That kind of thing drives me nuts.I'm ready for the next one and wonder what on earth her father did to get locked up.And why everyone seem so afraid of him.Yes your father is not the main feature of the story. Her encounters with misbehaving magical people are intense, and her powers quite amazing. Finally I loved her mother's ability to tear Deserving someone to pieces with just her words.
Quite a gripping story with a strong heroine who takes lots of risks.The characters stay true to themselves and I did not notice any continuity lapses. That kind of thing drives me nuts.I'm ready for the next one and wonder what on earth her father did to get locked up.And why everyone seem so afraid of him.Yes your father is not the main feature of the story. Her encounters with misbehaving magical people are intense, and her powers quite amazing. Finally I loved her mother's ability to tear Deserving someone to pieces with just her words.
August 21, 2020
The ultimate Goth
So in this series, we go back in time to approximately our present. This series takes the magic influx in a different direction than the other series in the Oriceran universe, and at the end of Book One we still don't know much about the opening of the gates/portals. The characters, so far, are witty without being predictable, and there is tons of room for each one to develop. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, and I leave you here with a 5 star review, to dive into Book Two. Join me, and I honestly think you'll be as happy as Iam.
So in this series, we go back in time to approximately our present. This series takes the magic influx in a different direction than the other series in the Oriceran universe, and at the end of Book One we still don't know much about the opening of the gates/portals. The characters, so far, are witty without being predictable, and there is tons of room for each one to develop. I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, and I leave you here with a 5 star review, to dive into Book Two. Join me, and I honestly think you'll be as happy as Iam.
September 14, 2020
I almost gave up on this one, but I'm glad I didn't
The first 30% of this book was hard to get through. I didn't really like Cheyenne all that much, so I stopped reading it for about a week and completely forgot about this book. I picked up my kindle again and this was the book that came up on my screen. It started where Cheyenne had been captured by the FRoE. I decided to give it another try, and I'm glad I did because it turned out to be a really good book. I am now interested to see how things progress in the next book.
The first 30% of this book was hard to get through. I didn't really like Cheyenne all that much, so I stopped reading it for about a week and completely forgot about this book. I picked up my kindle again and this was the book that came up on my screen. It started where Cheyenne had been captured by the FRoE. I decided to give it another try, and I'm glad I did because it turned out to be a really good book. I am now interested to see how things progress in the next book.
October 19, 2020
Different
I like the drop, Drizzit. This is nothing like that series. The main character is goth, as the title says, in order to give a persona based on her human looks. I really have no clue what her human side looks like, except pale skin, long black hair, piercerings and black makeup. She is a loner and a gruff exterior. She is introduced to the paranormal police and learns the systems strengths and weaknesses. Looking forward to the next book in the series, to see what it will unveil.
I like the drop, Drizzit. This is nothing like that series. The main character is goth, as the title says, in order to give a persona based on her human looks. I really have no clue what her human side looks like, except pale skin, long black hair, piercerings and black makeup. She is a loner and a gruff exterior. She is introduced to the paranormal police and learns the systems strengths and weaknesses. Looking forward to the next book in the series, to see what it will unveil.
March 16, 2021
A real bullet stopper.
Author freebie with martha carr and the prolific Mr anderle. Suitable for teens and adults. A Physical copy of this book might be able to a bullet, I have no intention of driving thru the the billion dollar Roxbury ghetto and seeing what happens. This does feel like two thirds of the Lord of the Rings. It has good world building with plenty of room to grow. I found Cheyenne to have some odd responses, though I suppose it would make sense to the character. I would avoid contact with the government and my disappearing dad.
Author freebie with martha carr and the prolific Mr anderle. Suitable for teens and adults. A Physical copy of this book might be able to a bullet, I have no intention of driving thru the the billion dollar Roxbury ghetto and seeing what happens. This does feel like two thirds of the Lord of the Rings. It has good world building with plenty of room to grow. I found Cheyenne to have some odd responses, though I suppose it would make sense to the character. I would avoid contact with the government and my disappearing dad.
March 19, 2021
I can't tell you what caught my attention to want to check this book out but I am extremely glad I did. I listened to this book vice reading and appreciated the fact that the narrator was pronouncing some of the words the author used, e.g. O'gúleesh and Ambar'ogúl. It is nice to know how an author intends words to be pronounced that they make up. One of the main things I like about this book is that the main character is female and unlike a few other books I've read recently there isn't any romance for the female lead.
July 18, 2025
As my first Martha Carr book, I wanted to like this book but the main character is extremely annoying and unrealistic. She's acts entitled, is unreasonable, and expects the world to operate how she wants. When things don't go her way, she can't believe it and complains. Instead of anticipating potential outcomes and solving problems, she jumps into everything without any experience or skill and assumes all will workout with brute force and luck. After reading 1/3 of the book, I can't finish it. I'm hoping Carr's other series are better.
March 20, 2020
Excellent new series!
It took me a minute to realize this is not an Oriceran universe series. Then another hot minute to realize why it couldn't be, though there are similarities. I really like this series, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre. I also REALLY hope the authors choose to continue much further with it (hint, hint) ;-)
You should give it a try today. If you like their work, you will like this new one just as much!
It took me a minute to realize this is not an Oriceran universe series. Then another hot minute to realize why it couldn't be, though there are similarities. I really like this series, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre. I also REALLY hope the authors choose to continue much further with it (hint, hint) ;-)
You should give it a try today. If you like their work, you will like this new one just as much!
January 7, 2021
Fought hard to try and finish this one, only got half way through.
This just is not believable in any way. The main character is a know it all who exudes superiority and angst. When she was told she was joining a black hat group after being kidnapped and drugged and she went with it, that was all I could take. The story is broke, the character is annoying. And the drow as a whole are presented to be severely OP to cover any plot snafus.
This just is not believable in any way. The main character is a know it all who exudes superiority and angst. When she was told she was joining a black hat group after being kidnapped and drugged and she went with it, that was all I could take. The story is broke, the character is annoying. And the drow as a whole are presented to be severely OP to cover any plot snafus.
January 30, 2021
Oh yeah...want more!!
I could not put this down!! An unlikely heroine that epitomizes the saying about books and covers! Some amazing, and sometimes funny, characters...each that works off each other so well. So many magicals both good and bad, and a world that will blow your mind. Another cracker from an amazing partnership...I can't wait to find out what happens next for our Goth Drow!!
I could not put this down!! An unlikely heroine that epitomizes the saying about books and covers! Some amazing, and sometimes funny, characters...each that works off each other so well. So many magicals both good and bad, and a world that will blow your mind. Another cracker from an amazing partnership...I can't wait to find out what happens next for our Goth Drow!!
July 17, 2021
I read the box set so the review for this didn't show up
Great start if you're just looking at this it's so worth diving into but be prepared because you won't quit until you finish the whole series and then you'll be waiting for the next book that's just the way this works fantasy well woven storytelling that keeps you awake and turning pages with a lot of action drama and different ways to achieve endings than what you will expect very well done
Great start if you're just looking at this it's so worth diving into but be prepared because you won't quit until you finish the whole series and then you'll be waiting for the next book that's just the way this works fantasy well woven storytelling that keeps you awake and turning pages with a lot of action drama and different ways to achieve endings than what you will expect very well done
abandonados
September 8, 2021Este libro es largo hasta decir basta.
No creía que fuese a ser un problema pero, al final, resulta que el universo que se nos presenta en él no me interesa demasiado. Me resulta raro. Será porque no es para mí. Tampoco he leído lo suficiente como para hablar de la calidad, ni nada por el estilo. Ha sido fallo mío por no leer la sinopsis u ojear algunas reseñar para ver si había posibilidades de que me gustara.
No creía que fuese a ser un problema pero, al final, resulta que el universo que se nos presenta en él no me interesa demasiado. Me resulta raro. Será porque no es para mí. Tampoco he leído lo suficiente como para hablar de la calidad, ni nada por el estilo. Ha sido fallo mío por no leer la sinopsis u ojear algunas reseñar para ver si había posibilidades de que me gustara.
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