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Veil Knights #1
The Circle Gathers
Not all legends are make-believe…
Three years ago, Jessie “the Berserker” Noble was at the top of the MMA fight game, a world-title contender with a brilliant future ahead of her. Then the visions started and her world came crashing down. Hard. Now Jessie’s a shadow of her former self, taking no-holds barred fights in the underground circuit to earn just enough to buy the drugs she needs to keep the horrible things she sees at bay.
When a man named Dante Grimm tells her she’s the modern incarnation of a champion of old and that she and her soon-to-be companions are desperately needed to hold back the darkness to come, Jessie thinks he’s as insane as she is.
But Grimm’s far from crazy. There is a battle coming the likes of which the world hasn't seen in centuries, a battle against a foe straight out of their worst nightmares.
And for them to succeed, Jessie going to have to dive deep into the heart of the very thing she's been running from all this time - her visions.
Arthurian myth meets urban fantasy in this new series from Rowan Casey!
Rowan Casey is the pseudonym for twelve New York Times, USA Today and Amazon bestselling writers who have come together to create the Veil Knights shared-world experience. With more than ten million copies of their books in print around the world, they include Lilith Saintcrow, CJ Lyons, Joseph Nassise, Steven Savile, Annie Bellet, Jon F. Merz, Pippa DaCosta, Robert Greenberger, William Meikle, Steve Lockley, Hank Schwaeble, and Nathan Meyer.
Three years ago, Jessie “the Berserker” Noble was at the top of the MMA fight game, a world-title contender with a brilliant future ahead of her. Then the visions started and her world came crashing down. Hard. Now Jessie’s a shadow of her former self, taking no-holds barred fights in the underground circuit to earn just enough to buy the drugs she needs to keep the horrible things she sees at bay.
When a man named Dante Grimm tells her she’s the modern incarnation of a champion of old and that she and her soon-to-be companions are desperately needed to hold back the darkness to come, Jessie thinks he’s as insane as she is.
But Grimm’s far from crazy. There is a battle coming the likes of which the world hasn't seen in centuries, a battle against a foe straight out of their worst nightmares.
And for them to succeed, Jessie going to have to dive deep into the heart of the very thing she's been running from all this time - her visions.
Arthurian myth meets urban fantasy in this new series from Rowan Casey!
Rowan Casey is the pseudonym for twelve New York Times, USA Today and Amazon bestselling writers who have come together to create the Veil Knights shared-world experience. With more than ten million copies of their books in print around the world, they include Lilith Saintcrow, CJ Lyons, Joseph Nassise, Steven Savile, Annie Bellet, Jon F. Merz, Pippa DaCosta, Robert Greenberger, William Meikle, Steve Lockley, Hank Schwaeble, and Nathan Meyer.
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First published November 20, 2016
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About the author
Rowan Casey
11 books20 followersRowan Casey is the pseudonym for twelve New York Times, USA Today and Amazon bestselling writers who have come together to create the Veil Knights shared-world experience. With more than ten million copies of their books in print around the world, they include Lilith Saintcrow, CJ Lyons, Joseph Nassise, Steven Savile, Annie Bellet, Jon F. Merz, Pippa DaCosta, Robert Greenberger, William Meikle, Steve Lockley, Hank Schwaeble, and Nathan Meyer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 29, 2016
Quick reminder for all the Clueless Barnacles out there: Rowan Casey doesn't exist. Rowan Casey is the pseudonym for twelve authors who have come together to create this series. One of these authors being Pippa DaCosta. Doesn't ring a bell? Weird. I think I mentioned her once or twice in the past . Another one of these authors is Annie Bellet, aka Jade Crow's mommy. Not that I like her or anything, just thought you'd find the information useful and stuff. You're welcome.
My name is Sarah and I'm a disgusting traitor to the Pippa DaCosta Cause (PDCC™).
I know, I know. I'm in total shock too, my Little Barnacles. I mean, two stars! Two pathetic little stars! What the bloody shrimp?! How can both Pippa DaCosta and Annie Bellet be associated with this...thing?! Who wrote this?! Why did everyone else rated it 4 stars when I thought it was the boredom fest of the century?! And didn't give a freaking damn about a single character?! What the shrimp happened here?! Okay, I need to calm down and think for a minute. There must be a logical explanation to this disgraceful debacle
*brings her two little grey cells together in a effort to ponder over this shocking affair*
*screams EUREKA at the top of her nefarious lungs*
*pats her two little grey cells lovingly on the head*
Bloody shrimping hell!! I now know what happened!! My copy of this book obviously tampered with!! Of course!! My low rating makes perfect sense now!! I knew it was impossible for authors I do not entirely dislike to be involved in such a…thing. There is no freaking way they could have had anything to do with this…thing.
Exactly!! I don't believe for half a quarter of a thousandth of a second that Pippa DaCosta and Annie Bellet would have participated in a book that:
① Felt like a Please Kill Me Somebody 600 Pages LongTorture Session Book (PKMS6PLTSB™). When in reality it was naught but a 147 pages novella. Damn. Reading this felt almost as tedious as reading one quarter of the first chapter in The Way of Kings *cheerfully waves at the Freaky Sanderson Cult* And that's saying something, my Little Barnacles. This story didn't deserve 147 pages. Bloody hell, I'm not even sure it deserved 60 pages. A few chapters, maybe, but there was no reason to stretch things to oblivion this way. Not that the premise of the story doesn't have potential. This series is supposed to be a "modern reimagining of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" for shrimps' sake! This should have been seriously awesome! Only that it wasn't. Because the whole thing is so completely diluted that it ends up loosing all appeal. Most of the chapters in this novella add absolutely nothing to the story, and make you feel like you're reading the same scene over and over again. My advice? If you want to read this book, start at chapter 18. Why? Because the last three chapters are the only interesting ones in the story.
That's what I keep telling you, my Little Barnacles! If that isn't proof my copy of this book was tampered with, I don't know what is!
② Features a heroine who is about as emotional as a cardboard box. Which sucks BIG time, because, bloody hell, her character has tons of potential! The chick's a former professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter who became a drug addict when she started having visions. She now fights illegally to pay for her fixes. She's beautifully screwed-up. She has all it takes to join my Cool Chicks Harem (CCH™). But I didn't give a shrimping damn about her. Worse, she bored me to death. Her character is flat flat flat. The way her visions are described is super uber MEH. Her MMA fight scenes are the dullest thing ever. Come to think of it, all action scenes in this story are the dullest things ever.
Yes!! The Little Barnacles finally see the light!!
There is no way in shrimpy hell Pippa DaCosta and Annie Bellet could be embroiled in such a ghastly disaster, therefore my copy of this book was tampered with. QED and stuff.
» And the moral of this Sometimes it Pays to Judge a Book by its Cover Crappy Non Review (SiPtJaBbiCCNR™) is: in normal, This is Total Crap Circumstances (TiTCC™), I wouldn't even think of bothering with the rest of the series. Because I'm not completely suicidal and stuff. But I already bought book 2. So I'm going to give it a try. And you better hope no one messes with my copy this time. Because if I find out it's been as outrageously altered as this one, you can look forward to total doom, utter destruction and complete annihilation of all life in the universe, my Little Barnacles. And Happy Holidays to you, too.
✎ Book 2: Hound of Night ★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
Pippa Shrimping DaCosta. 2 shrimping stars. Life will never be the same.
Much. Shocked. Too. Breathe. Can't. Nooooooooo!!!!!!!!
I think a spiritual retreat is order here. My life's slightly been shattered and no longer has meaning. Going to lock my little self up in my high security harem for the next few days. It's my only hope. Because if my slaves can't help me regain the joy of living, and give me a renewed appetite for life, then I am severely doomed. Please pray for me while I am away, my Little Barnacles. And worry not, for I shall return. Maybe.
➽ Full I am the Mostest Undeserving and Ungrateful Fangirl Ever Crappy Non Review (IatMUaUFECNR™) to come.
My name is Sarah and I'm a disgusting traitor to the Pippa DaCosta Cause (PDCC™).
I know, I know. I'm in total shock too, my Little Barnacles. I mean, two stars! Two pathetic little stars! What the bloody shrimp?! How can both Pippa DaCosta and Annie Bellet be associated with this...thing?! Who wrote this?! Why did everyone else rated it 4 stars when I thought it was the boredom fest of the century?! And didn't give a freaking damn about a single character?! What the shrimp happened here?! Okay, I need to calm down and think for a minute. There must be a logical explanation to this disgraceful debacle
*brings her two little grey cells together in a effort to ponder over this shocking affair*
*screams EUREKA at the top of her nefarious lungs*
*pats her two little grey cells lovingly on the head*
Bloody shrimping hell!! I now know what happened!! My copy of this book obviously tampered with!! Of course!! My low rating makes perfect sense now!! I knew it was impossible for authors I do not entirely dislike to be involved in such a…thing. There is no freaking way they could have had anything to do with this…thing.
Exactly!! I don't believe for half a quarter of a thousandth of a second that Pippa DaCosta and Annie Bellet would have participated in a book that:
① Felt like a Please Kill Me Somebody 600 Pages Long
That's what I keep telling you, my Little Barnacles! If that isn't proof my copy of this book was tampered with, I don't know what is!
② Features a heroine who is about as emotional as a cardboard box. Which sucks BIG time, because, bloody hell, her character has tons of potential! The chick's a former professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter who became a drug addict when she started having visions. She now fights illegally to pay for her fixes. She's beautifully screwed-up. She has all it takes to join my Cool Chicks Harem (CCH™). But I didn't give a shrimping damn about her. Worse, she bored me to death. Her character is flat flat flat. The way her visions are described is super uber MEH. Her MMA fight scenes are the dullest thing ever. Come to think of it, all action scenes in this story are the dullest things ever.
Yes!! The Little Barnacles finally see the light!!
There is no way in shrimpy hell Pippa DaCosta and Annie Bellet could be embroiled in such a ghastly disaster, therefore my copy of this book was tampered with. QED and stuff.
» And the moral of this Sometimes it Pays to Judge a Book by its Cover Crappy Non Review (SiPtJaBbiCCNR™) is: in normal, This is Total Crap Circumstances (TiTCC™), I wouldn't even think of bothering with the rest of the series. Because I'm not completely suicidal and stuff. But I already bought book 2. So I'm going to give it a try. And you better hope no one messes with my copy this time. Because if I find out it's been as outrageously altered as this one, you can look forward to total doom, utter destruction and complete annihilation of all life in the universe, my Little Barnacles. And Happy Holidays to you, too.
✎ Book 2: Hound of Night ★★
[Pre-review nonsense]
Pippa Shrimping DaCosta. 2 shrimping stars. Life will never be the same.
Much. Shocked. Too. Breathe. Can't. Nooooooooo!!!!!!!!
I think a spiritual retreat is order here. My life's slightly been shattered and no longer has meaning. Going to lock my little self up in my high security harem for the next few days. It's my only hope. Because if my slaves can't help me regain the joy of living, and give me a renewed appetite for life, then I am severely doomed. Please pray for me while I am away, my Little Barnacles. And worry not, for I shall return. Maybe.
➽ Full I am the Mostest Undeserving and Ungrateful Fangirl Ever Crappy Non Review (IatMUaUFECNR™) to come.
December 29, 2016
In case you missed it Rowan Casey is a pseudonym for twelve bestselling authors who have come together to write in a shared world. The authors involved are Lilith Saintcrow, CJ Lyons, Joseph Nassise, Steven Savile, Annie Bellet, Jon F. Merz, Pippa DaCosta, Robert Greenberger, William Meikle, Steve Lockley, Hank Schwaeble, and Nathan Meyer but it was Pippa DaCosta's name that got me excited about the series. I've absolutely loved everything else Pippa has written so I went into this with extremely high hopes and I hate to say this but unfortunately I was disappointed.
I know that the first book in any series has a lot of work to do, it has to introduce a whole bunch of new characters, give readers an idea about the rules of the world and at the same time it needs to include enough of a story to make it an enjoyable read. It's not always an easy task and I tend to judge first books a little less harshly because of that. There is no doubt that the series has potential, anything with the tagline "Arthurian myth meets urban fantasy in this new series" definitely gets my attention, but The Circle Gathers just didn't hit the mark for me.
Jessie is an interesting main character, she was a top MMA fighter but her world crashed around her when she started getting visions of strange worlds and even stranger creatures. She turned to drugs to try and block out the visions and now fights in an illegal underground club trying to earn enough money to pay for her next fix. I had to suspend belief a bit that someone who has been taking heroine for two years would still be fit enough to not just take part in a fight club but to actually win every match and I also thought it was ridiculous that she was just able to immediately stop the drug taking when she was offered a chance at a better quality of fight. I don't think addictions are quite that easy to walk away from! As interesting as Jessie is I just don't find her a realistic or even a particularly likeable character but that may change as we get to know her better.
I think where it really went wrong was trying to introduce too many different characters all in one go, towards the end of the book we're thrown in at the deep end and introduced to all the different Knights and it was really hard to keep track of them. I'm assuming that each story will focus on a different Knight which could be interesting but at the moment I don't particularly feel invested in either the group or any of the individuals. Since this is quite short it might have been better to focus on Jessie and perhaps introduce just a couple of the others. It would also have been nice for there to have been more of a plot, this doesn't feel like a complete book and it ends just as things are starting to get interesting.
Like I said I do think the series has potential and I've already bought the second book, Hound of Night, so I'm hoping that this'll be where the series hooks me in properly.
I know that the first book in any series has a lot of work to do, it has to introduce a whole bunch of new characters, give readers an idea about the rules of the world and at the same time it needs to include enough of a story to make it an enjoyable read. It's not always an easy task and I tend to judge first books a little less harshly because of that. There is no doubt that the series has potential, anything with the tagline "Arthurian myth meets urban fantasy in this new series" definitely gets my attention, but The Circle Gathers just didn't hit the mark for me.
Jessie is an interesting main character, she was a top MMA fighter but her world crashed around her when she started getting visions of strange worlds and even stranger creatures. She turned to drugs to try and block out the visions and now fights in an illegal underground club trying to earn enough money to pay for her next fix. I had to suspend belief a bit that someone who has been taking heroine for two years would still be fit enough to not just take part in a fight club but to actually win every match and I also thought it was ridiculous that she was just able to immediately stop the drug taking when she was offered a chance at a better quality of fight. I don't think addictions are quite that easy to walk away from! As interesting as Jessie is I just don't find her a realistic or even a particularly likeable character but that may change as we get to know her better.
I think where it really went wrong was trying to introduce too many different characters all in one go, towards the end of the book we're thrown in at the deep end and introduced to all the different Knights and it was really hard to keep track of them. I'm assuming that each story will focus on a different Knight which could be interesting but at the moment I don't particularly feel invested in either the group or any of the individuals. Since this is quite short it might have been better to focus on Jessie and perhaps introduce just a couple of the others. It would also have been nice for there to have been more of a plot, this doesn't feel like a complete book and it ends just as things are starting to get interesting.
Like I said I do think the series has potential and I've already bought the second book, Hound of Night, so I'm hoping that this'll be where the series hooks me in properly.
December 8, 2016
Action-packed and addictive read. The sharp writing, intriguing characters and the mystery of Jessie's illusions kept me reading late into the night. I loved the concept of a modern Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and have already bought the next book in the series. Looking forward to getting to know more about the characters and their magical world. Great intro to a new series.
April 18, 2017
"A meh on top of a meh" was my first (and only reaction). It's not a bad book, but it doesn't have anything particularly good either.
Lots of potential that went nowhere which really is a pity. If you want to start a new multiauthor series it might have been better to ask the stronger one to write the first book. You know, so you can hook some readers in...
This novelette had so many problematic nits...
- It never showed its potential. It sets some expectation that went nowhere.
- It's too short and basically a filler. Unfortunately it's the first book! You can't fill it with empty chapters.
- It's not gritty and dark enough for the story it would like to pack. End of the world? Heroin-addict heroine (haha)? Who could care? There's absolutely nothing that says "run, hide, fight...".
- It's oily, as I said, it lacks grip. Words on a page that do not affect you.
- It doesn't read as book one in a series, but as part one of a serial. You don't get a full story, you get a chunk of it.
- To say characters are flat is being generous. But then this is linked to points 3 and 4 above.
I don't think I'll bother with the rest, even if some cool authors will be writing it.
PS I might be mighty wrong, but I suspect the villain was telegraphed....
Lots of potential that went nowhere which really is a pity. If you want to start a new multiauthor series it might have been better to ask the stronger one to write the first book. You know, so you can hook some readers in...
This novelette had so many problematic nits...
- It never showed its potential. It sets some expectation that went nowhere.
- It's too short and basically a filler. Unfortunately it's the first book! You can't fill it with empty chapters.
- It's not gritty and dark enough for the story it would like to pack. End of the world? Heroin-addict heroine (haha)? Who could care? There's absolutely nothing that says "run, hide, fight...".
- It's oily, as I said, it lacks grip. Words on a page that do not affect you.
- It doesn't read as book one in a series, but as part one of a serial. You don't get a full story, you get a chunk of it.
- To say characters are flat is being generous. But then this is linked to points 3 and 4 above.
I don't think I'll bother with the rest, even if some cool authors will be writing it.
PS I might be mighty wrong, but I suspect the villain was telegraphed....
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Blurb:
Not all legends are make-believe…
Three years ago, Jessie “the Berserker” Noble was at the top of the MMA fight game, a world-title contender with a brilliant future ahead of her. Then the visions started and her world came crashing down. Hard. Now Jessie’s a shadow of her former self, taking no-holds barred fights in the underground circuit to earn just enough to buy the drugs she needs to keep the horrible things she sees at bay.
When a man named Dante Grimm tells her she’s the modern incarnation of a champion of old and that she and her soon-to-be companions are desperately needed to hold back the darkness to come, Jessie thinks he’s as insane as she is.
But Grimm’s far from crazy. There is a battle coming the likes of which the world hasn't seen in centuries, a battle against a foe straight out of their worst nightmares.
And for them to succeed, Jessie going to have to dive deep into the heart of the very thing she's been running from all this time - her visions.
Arthurian myth meets urban fantasy in this new series from Rowan Casey!
Rowan Casey is the pseudonym for twelve New York Times, USA Today and Amazon bestselling writers who have come together to create the Veil Knights shared-world experience. With more than ten million copies of their books in print around the world, they include Lilith Saintcrow, CJ Lyons, Joseph Nassise, Steven Savile, Annie Bellet, Jon F. Merz, Pippa DaCosta, Robert Greenberger, William Meikle, Steve Lockley, Hank Schwaeble, and Nathan Meyer.
Blurb:
Not all legends are make-believe…
Three years ago, Jessie “the Berserker” Noble was at the top of the MMA fight game, a world-title contender with a brilliant future ahead of her. Then the visions started and her world came crashing down. Hard. Now Jessie’s a shadow of her former self, taking no-holds barred fights in the underground circuit to earn just enough to buy the drugs she needs to keep the horrible things she sees at bay.
When a man named Dante Grimm tells her she’s the modern incarnation of a champion of old and that she and her soon-to-be companions are desperately needed to hold back the darkness to come, Jessie thinks he’s as insane as she is.
But Grimm’s far from crazy. There is a battle coming the likes of which the world hasn't seen in centuries, a battle against a foe straight out of their worst nightmares.
And for them to succeed, Jessie going to have to dive deep into the heart of the very thing she's been running from all this time - her visions.
Arthurian myth meets urban fantasy in this new series from Rowan Casey!
Rowan Casey is the pseudonym for twelve New York Times, USA Today and Amazon bestselling writers who have come together to create the Veil Knights shared-world experience. With more than ten million copies of their books in print around the world, they include Lilith Saintcrow, CJ Lyons, Joseph Nassise, Steven Savile, Annie Bellet, Jon F. Merz, Pippa DaCosta, Robert Greenberger, William Meikle, Steve Lockley, Hank Schwaeble, and Nathan Meyer.
November 23, 2016
A whole new take on Arthurian legend, set in modern day Los Angeles, kicks off with a female drug addict, former MMA fighter who suffers from hallucinations. Not a particularly auspicious beginning, which is part of what makes this book so good. The story is supposed to be about Arthurian knights, right? So what's the deal with this washed up, heroin shooting, but still undeniably kick ass, has been, Jessie Noble?
Most of the book focuses on introducing Jessie and developing her character as a driven and focused professional fighter. At the apex of Jessie's career, out of the blue she begins experiencing bizarre hallucinations. Jessie begins taking drugs in order to suppress the recurring hallucinations which ultimately ruin her career and her life.
Hopefully, the subsequent books will live up to the promise of the first book! I'm looking forward to reading more!
Most of the book focuses on introducing Jessie and developing her character as a driven and focused professional fighter. At the apex of Jessie's career, out of the blue she begins experiencing bizarre hallucinations. Jessie begins taking drugs in order to suppress the recurring hallucinations which ultimately ruin her career and her life.
Hopefully, the subsequent books will live up to the promise of the first book! I'm looking forward to reading more!
November 23, 2016
While I may be one the legion that is contributing to this series, I had nothing to do with the first volume. Rowan Casey brings us into the world of a down and out MMA fighter, Jessie Noble, and through her we are taken into a world on the brink of disaster. Like her, our incredulousness is torn away as reality insists on being heard. Dante Grimm, her benefactor and savior, has assembled a motley assemblage to save the world. The first few volumes are coming out at lightning speed so readers are in for a treat.
November 26, 2016
A fast and gripping read! Let's face it, Arthurian remakes abound so I admit to being sceptical as I picked this up. I was pleasantly surprised with the character development, and the fact that whilst the original Knight was a male, in this incarnation she was a woman with flaws and troubles of her own fascinated me. The end came too soon, and I can't wait for the next instalment of this tale!
December 1, 2016
Wow
This is a didn't want to put down story. Action packed with shady characters and likeable characters. A female kickboxer with a 9 to 0 record and a mage that may have ties to merlin.
I am looking forward to their next adventure.
This is a didn't want to put down story. Action packed with shady characters and likeable characters. A female kickboxer with a 9 to 0 record and a mage that may have ties to merlin.
I am looking forward to their next adventure.
November 27, 2016
Good start to the series
Looking forward to the next installment to come.
A bit short, but engaging enough. W ok th more background and exposition it could be a very good series. It is a unique idea so far
Looking forward to the next installment to come.
A bit short, but engaging enough. W ok th more background and exposition it could be a very good series. It is a unique idea so far
November 23, 2016
Well, that was refreshing!
No romance, but a really cool protagonist and a new version of the 12 knights of the round table.
But it isn't just to reduce the story to the 12 knights. It's in fact more a story about a woman who had an unfortunate event that destroyed her whole career and which resulted in a quick path to the bottom, including drugs.
Note: a career in MMA-fighting. Which is why there are many exciting fight scenes. Sometimes (but more at the end with hints what is about to come in the series) with some interesting creatures since it's a urban fantasy retelling of the 12 knights.
Pro:
- down-to-earth- protagonist who fights (literally) to keep her life (literally) and sanity
- mysterious supernatural danger to the world (mostly hints)
- fae and other cool creatures
- the 12 knights in a supernatural setting
- some really cool fight scenes
- nearly non-stop suspense
Con:
- Well..... it's the first one in the series and I'd like to see how the story goes on. And I'm kind of afraid that the next book isn't (mostly) from the POV from Jessie.
- The book might have been to short. I've got the impression that it could have been longer.
- Because it's more of a "origin-story" we don't get to know everything about the mysterious danger. We've got some ideas and the books ends exactly as it's about to get deeper into the story about the 12 knights.
No romance, but a really cool protagonist and a new version of the 12 knights of the round table.
But it isn't just to reduce the story to the 12 knights. It's in fact more a story about a woman who had an unfortunate event that destroyed her whole career and which resulted in a quick path to the bottom, including drugs.
Note: a career in MMA-fighting. Which is why there are many exciting fight scenes. Sometimes (but more at the end with hints what is about to come in the series) with some interesting creatures since it's a urban fantasy retelling of the 12 knights.
Pro:
- down-to-earth- protagonist who fights (literally) to keep her life (literally) and sanity
- mysterious supernatural danger to the world (mostly hints)
- fae and other cool creatures
- the 12 knights in a supernatural setting
- some really cool fight scenes
- nearly non-stop suspense
Con:
- Well..... it's the first one in the series and I'd like to see how the story goes on. And I'm kind of afraid that the next book isn't (mostly) from the POV from Jessie.
- The book might have been to short. I've got the impression that it could have been longer.
- Because it's more of a "origin-story" we don't get to know everything about the mysterious danger. We've got some ideas and the books ends exactly as it's about to get deeper into the story about the 12 knights.
March 19, 2017
Unexpected gem
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this or not but I was pleasantly surprised. This has a real good plot, some action, and mystery that it pulled me right into the story. I look forward to reading the next book to find out more about the knights.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this or not but I was pleasantly surprised. This has a real good plot, some action, and mystery that it pulled me right into the story. I look forward to reading the next book to find out more about the knights.
November 29, 2016
Fun read
This was a well written, fun book to read. Started it yesterday and finished all but 20 pages the first day. Characters are likeable and unique as is the story. About to purchase book 2 now.
This was a well written, fun book to read. Started it yesterday and finished all but 20 pages the first day. Characters are likeable and unique as is the story. About to purchase book 2 now.
November 24, 2016
Another best seller
Great book looking forward to the next one in the series. Greatly enjoy this type or story. Love the characters.
Great book looking forward to the next one in the series. Greatly enjoy this type or story. Love the characters.
April 10, 2020
2.5
Geez, what a complete snooze fest! I got soooo bored with the nonstop MMA fight scenes, with nothing but flashbacks (of fights) to break things up. (I finally started skimming them.) Then, just about the time the story FINALLY starts to pick up, other characters are introduced and the plot looks like it might actually move along the book ends precipitously. I am not interested in continuing the series, no matter how many of the authors involved I otherwise like and that the mechanical writing is fine.
Geez, what a complete snooze fest! I got soooo bored with the nonstop MMA fight scenes, with nothing but flashbacks (of fights) to break things up. (I finally started skimming them.) Then, just about the time the story FINALLY starts to pick up, other characters are introduced and the plot looks like it might actually move along the book ends precipitously. I am not interested in continuing the series, no matter how many of the authors involved I otherwise like and that the mechanical writing is fine.
November 24, 2016
This is more like a book serial than a series. The books are short and being released in quick succession. It is being written by several authors under the nom de plume Rowen Casey.
I liked it very much. The premise of modern day Arthurian knights is not exactly new in urban fantasy, but Veil Knights gives a fresh read on the subject. The characters were developed quickly. They weren't perfect in their strengths and they had interesting character flaws. The pacing was fast and kept me interested.
For the meager price of .99 cents, you get a very good story to pass a few hours.
I liked it very much. The premise of modern day Arthurian knights is not exactly new in urban fantasy, but Veil Knights gives a fresh read on the subject. The characters were developed quickly. They weren't perfect in their strengths and they had interesting character flaws. The pacing was fast and kept me interested.
For the meager price of .99 cents, you get a very good story to pass a few hours.
February 22, 2017
While this is an interesting spin on Arthurian legend, considering the creative power behind the pseudonym it came across rather flat - is this a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth? I am on the fence with this one and it is not a location I enjoy(hard surfaces and possibility of splinters in your derrière). I will give the next book a chance and see what happens.
November 25, 2016
Enjoyable
Very enjoyable start to this series and I cannot wait to read what the other authors involved in this collaboration come up with - especially Annie Bellet and Pippa DaCosta.
Definitely recommended.
Very enjoyable start to this series and I cannot wait to read what the other authors involved in this collaboration come up with - especially Annie Bellet and Pippa DaCosta.
Definitely recommended.
November 28, 2016
Great new take on the Arthurian legend a must read for fans of King Arthur
March 12, 2020
Interesting beginning.
It strikes me that there doesn't seem to be a explanation for the stars that are given. So I thought I'd start giving my take on it.
1 horrible no redeeming qualities.
2 ok there are redeeming qualities.
3 good worth reading, or well written but not my cup of tea.
4 great but there's something off.
5 loved it.
So now about this story. It couldn't stop listening, I can't wait for more of this series. A good book, but it took me awhile to get into it. I do look forward to the next part, hopefully it will get better as the series progresses. I want to say more about this story but I absolutely hate spoilers, so I won't go into it. Also it's a open ending almost a cliffhanger, and that's also something I don't care for.
The narrator brings the story to life, drawing me in.
I've recently had several conversations with people that have said that one of the things they'd like to see in a review is if I'd read/listen to it again. So I'm now adding that to my reviews.
I might listen again it depends on the rest of the series.
Reasons I enjoyed this audio.
Wonderful characters, Page-turner, Great world building.
Bookshelves/tags:
contemporary, fantasy, fighting-war, magic, open-ended, recorded, series.
This book was given to me for free at my request from the publisher or author or narrator and I provided this unbiased voluntary review.
It strikes me that there doesn't seem to be a explanation for the stars that are given. So I thought I'd start giving my take on it.
1 horrible no redeeming qualities.
2 ok there are redeeming qualities.
3 good worth reading, or well written but not my cup of tea.
4 great but there's something off.
5 loved it.
So now about this story. It couldn't stop listening, I can't wait for more of this series. A good book, but it took me awhile to get into it. I do look forward to the next part, hopefully it will get better as the series progresses. I want to say more about this story but I absolutely hate spoilers, so I won't go into it. Also it's a open ending almost a cliffhanger, and that's also something I don't care for.
The narrator brings the story to life, drawing me in.
I've recently had several conversations with people that have said that one of the things they'd like to see in a review is if I'd read/listen to it again. So I'm now adding that to my reviews.
I might listen again it depends on the rest of the series.
Reasons I enjoyed this audio.
Wonderful characters, Page-turner, Great world building.
Bookshelves/tags:
contemporary, fantasy, fighting-war, magic, open-ended, recorded, series.
This book was given to me for free at my request from the publisher or author or narrator and I provided this unbiased voluntary review.
Read
July 2, 2019I was astonished to see this was only 147 pages long. And that’s a bad thing. It dragged. It dragged so badly that I am marking it dnf at 56%. I have other books to read. I do not care about any of these characters.
And it’s a pity because it should be a good hook. [I adore all things Arthurian]
It just doesn’t make any sense. Half the scenes seem pointless or repetitive. I found myself wondering if a woman had anything to do with the writing of this with some of the things Jessie did or thought … and then remembered it’s a collaboration, with women writers and some of them are writers whose work I adore.
You know the old ‘too many cooks’ saying?
Maybe that’s where it all went wrong? Or did someone write this one and the rest are writing sequels?
I mean her visions are just meh and HOW do you make MMA fight scenes dull?
Did not finish at 56%
And it’s a pity because it should be a good hook. [I adore all things Arthurian]
It just doesn’t make any sense. Half the scenes seem pointless or repetitive. I found myself wondering if a woman had anything to do with the writing of this with some of the things Jessie did or thought … and then remembered it’s a collaboration, with women writers and some of them are writers whose work I adore.
You know the old ‘too many cooks’ saying?
Maybe that’s where it all went wrong? Or did someone write this one and the rest are writing sequels?
I mean her visions are just meh and HOW do you make MMA fight scenes dull?
Did not finish at 56%
September 7, 2020
I give so many books I read four stars I decided this one was worth 3 or 3.5. Saying that I understand that it is the first book in a series based around a present day fantasy written off King Arthur's knights and creatures from another dimension. It was a fairly decent story and not rating if 4 was so much of this first story didn't really delve into the fantasy aspects. It was gritty which is a plus and minus for me as I don't care for drug use and the primary character was a user. It explained some of her condition but I've read other urban fantasies that don't have it. In the end I will probably pick up the second book and see where the series heads from here but it won't be at the top of my reading list.
December 12, 2017
I wouldn't really call this a full book, nor a complete novella: more like a hook to snag you into the series. That said I enjoyed what I read, and it did indeed hook me to try to follow up.
The character that was mainly introduced was well built and that as well as what she is getting her self into are the extent of this read. There were a couple bloopers in the continuity, ie - a character that has Dark hair with bright red streaks, is said to be recognized late because of his light blonde with bright red streaks in his hair.
The character that was mainly introduced was well built and that as well as what she is getting her self into are the extent of this read. There were a couple bloopers in the continuity, ie - a character that has Dark hair with bright red streaks, is said to be recognized late because of his light blonde with bright red streaks in his hair.
April 11, 2020
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
Start of a new series, with lots of martial arts type action, and an interesting backstory that is developing into a cross between Arthur and knights of round table and Dresden Wizard and the Archangels. Early days, as yet, so only the odd monster has raised its grizzly head.
I believe there obviously is a lot more action to come.
Start of a new series, with lots of martial arts type action, and an interesting backstory that is developing into a cross between Arthur and knights of round table and Dresden Wizard and the Archangels. Early days, as yet, so only the odd monster has raised its grizzly head.
I believe there obviously is a lot more action to come.
November 22, 2016
Almost late for work!
The this book was announced I thought I'd read a chapter or two before work. This was so exciting and intriguing that before I knew it I was nearly late to work! The characters were developed so fast that I had to keep reading to see how things turned out. So excited for the next book!
The this book was announced I thought I'd read a chapter or two before work. This was so exciting and intriguing that before I knew it I was nearly late to work! The characters were developed so fast that I had to keep reading to see how things turned out. So excited for the next book!
December 9, 2017
Shallow
This story was interesting in its way, but did not engage me or make me want to read more. The fantasy seemed to be rushed, or not well thought out. As others have mentioned, the ending was abrupt. I would think an author could write without glaring errors, missing articles like "the" and "a," or using "it's" instead of "its." It's clumsy and distracting.
This story was interesting in its way, but did not engage me or make me want to read more. The fantasy seemed to be rushed, or not well thought out. As others have mentioned, the ending was abrupt. I would think an author could write without glaring errors, missing articles like "the" and "a," or using "it's" instead of "its." It's clumsy and distracting.
August 11, 2018
Very slow going
I had very high hopes for this story and while I did stay engaged enough to make it to the conclusion - I have to say overall the plot moved along so slowly that I did not find myself emersed in the world or connecting with the characters.
I will give the second book in this series a go - just to see if this is a case of first book syndrome.
I had very high hopes for this story and while I did stay engaged enough to make it to the conclusion - I have to say overall the plot moved along so slowly that I did not find myself emersed in the world or connecting with the characters.
I will give the second book in this series a go - just to see if this is a case of first book syndrome.
November 19, 2018
This was a pleasant surprise. I picked up this series only because of Joseph Nassise. He’s one of the writers and I love his Templar Chronicles series. I wasn’t sure I’d like this series as I’m not really into the Arthurian legend. However, this was a good start! Is it the best fantasy I’ve ever read? No, but it was a fun and fast read. I like the characters. I’m definitely reading the rest!
February 18, 2021
Since the story is described as a re-telling of the Round Table, I would have preferred if there was less time spent describing in minute detail Jessie's MMA fights.
The gathering of the Companions could/should have started earlier in the book.
Skipping past the MMA stuff, I enjoyed the rest of the story.
The gathering of the Companions could/should have started earlier in the book.
Skipping past the MMA stuff, I enjoyed the rest of the story.
June 19, 2017
It was a fun read, not bad on character development but the disappointing aspect, extremely too short, it just starts to develop and it's part 2. If it's several writers then can't they at least write more content.
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