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Phantom Touched #1
Tethered to the World
ONE TOUCH CAN SAVE YOU FROM CERTAIN DEATH...OR SENTENCE YOU TO AN ETERNITY IN HELL.
Born with the ability to defy death, Annora has been warned to keep her gift secret, but her greedy uncle can't resist exploiting her by any means necessary. Starvation, beatings, broken bones--she's survived them all and emerged stronger. But it's not enough for him. It will never be enough. When she discovers her uncle plans to sell her to the highest bidder, she risks everything to escape the prison that has become her life.
The last thing she expected was to land at a university for supernaturals...or be paired with a pack of men as broken as her. As students go missing, Annora can't get over the suspicion that she's being hunted. To protect her, the guys must set aside their personal troubles and begin working as a team. But as her past collides with her present, she must make the ultimate sacrifice and expose her secrets to save the guys who've become more than family to her...and hope she's strong enough to live with the consequences.
A Phantom Touched Novel: Book 1
Meet the Pack: Annora, Camden, Xander, Mason, Logan and Edgar.
Born with the ability to defy death, Annora has been warned to keep her gift secret, but her greedy uncle can't resist exploiting her by any means necessary. Starvation, beatings, broken bones--she's survived them all and emerged stronger. But it's not enough for him. It will never be enough. When she discovers her uncle plans to sell her to the highest bidder, she risks everything to escape the prison that has become her life.
The last thing she expected was to land at a university for supernaturals...or be paired with a pack of men as broken as her. As students go missing, Annora can't get over the suspicion that she's being hunted. To protect her, the guys must set aside their personal troubles and begin working as a team. But as her past collides with her present, she must make the ultimate sacrifice and expose her secrets to save the guys who've become more than family to her...and hope she's strong enough to live with the consequences.
A Phantom Touched Novel: Book 1
Meet the Pack: Annora, Camden, Xander, Mason, Logan and Edgar.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2019
1889 people are currently reading
2681 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Brutger
50 books1,295 followersStacey Brutger lives in a small town in Minnesota with her husband and an assortment of animals.
When she's not reading (from the towering stack of books she can't resist buying), she enjoys creating stories about exotic worlds and grand adventures...then shoving in her characters to see how they'd survive. She enjoys writing anything paranormal from contemporary to historical.
~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Where the fanged, furry and spell slingers fight the darkness inside their soul for a chance to claim the one they love.
When she's not reading (from the towering stack of books she can't resist buying), she enjoys creating stories about exotic worlds and grand adventures...then shoving in her characters to see how they'd survive. She enjoys writing anything paranormal from contemporary to historical.
~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~
Where the fanged, furry and spell slingers fight the darkness inside their soul for a chance to claim the one they love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 424 reviews
September 21, 2023
Rating: 4 stars
I have read that story before, more than a few times. It's a bit of Academy of Assassins, a bit of Born of Embers, a bit of Hunted by Shadows, a bit of Bound Spirit, a bit of Trying To Live With The Dead.
But Stacey Brutger managed to make of a very unoriginal plot something complex and worth the read.
Annora has spent most of her life chained in the basement of her psychopath uncle, sold as miracle medicine and beaten to death for the fun of it. After a close escape and a twist of fate, she ends up in an academy for shifters, assigned to find missing students with an odd team of alphas. There, she will find a family, learn how to heal, love and kick ass.
While this was not my favorite Stacey Brutger book so far, I really enjoyed Tethered to the world.
The book in itself was very similar from the other works of the author: damaged yet strong protagonists, a complex universe impossible to entirely grasp by the end of the first book and a cliffhanger at the end, but also quite different from her usual recipe.
+ The reader does not learn it until almost the end of the book, but Annora, the heroine, has always known what she was. No, she does not know the extent of her powers but she does not spend the entire book trying to learn about herself. She know who she is, what she is and why she is.
+ Tethered to the wold doesn't have the same focus on relationships as Academy of Assassins or Electric Storm. First of all, Tethered to the world would be more of a medium burn than the slow medium we are used to, and unlike the other series, the time spent on their connection and bond is relatively short.
In RI, Raven had to accept to take mates and a pack and took a few books to do so. In AoA, Morgan was against any kind of bond but her mates changed her mind more or less slowly. And in the first book of Phantom Touched, the mating happens, nobody questions it, it just is.
+ The book also has a lot more of different point of views. Every main character gets his own voice and gives us the insight readers love to get.
I really missed the deep connection and sexual tension that I usually adore in Stacey Brutger's book but I was glad to be rid of constant inner monologues from indecisive characters and Annora was a great heroine. She is very powerful but knows her limit and does not possess the savior complex most protagonists do. She's is not a pushover but she knows when to follow instructions and run when needed. It was refreshing to see her not make the best selfless decisions all the time and I cannot wait to see how is it going to evolve.
booked.unicorn
I have read that story before, more than a few times. It's a bit of Academy of Assassins, a bit of Born of Embers, a bit of Hunted by Shadows, a bit of Bound Spirit, a bit of Trying To Live With The Dead.
But Stacey Brutger managed to make of a very unoriginal plot something complex and worth the read.
Annora has spent most of her life chained in the basement of her psychopath uncle, sold as miracle medicine and beaten to death for the fun of it. After a close escape and a twist of fate, she ends up in an academy for shifters, assigned to find missing students with an odd team of alphas. There, she will find a family, learn how to heal, love and kick ass.
While this was not my favorite Stacey Brutger book so far, I really enjoyed Tethered to the world.
The book in itself was very similar from the other works of the author: damaged yet strong protagonists, a complex universe impossible to entirely grasp by the end of the first book and a cliffhanger at the end, but also quite different from her usual recipe.
+ The reader does not learn it until almost the end of the book, but Annora, the heroine, has always known what she was. No, she does not know the extent of her powers but she does not spend the entire book trying to learn about herself. She know who she is, what she is and why she is.
+ Tethered to the wold doesn't have the same focus on relationships as Academy of Assassins or Electric Storm. First of all, Tethered to the world would be more of a medium burn than the slow medium we are used to, and unlike the other series, the time spent on their connection and bond is relatively short.
In RI, Raven had to accept to take mates and a pack and took a few books to do so. In AoA, Morgan was against any kind of bond but her mates changed her mind more or less slowly. And in the first book of Phantom Touched, the mating happens, nobody questions it, it just is.
+ The book also has a lot more of different point of views. Every main character gets his own voice and gives us the insight readers love to get.
I really missed the deep connection and sexual tension that I usually adore in Stacey Brutger's book but I was glad to be rid of constant inner monologues from indecisive characters and Annora was a great heroine. She is very powerful but knows her limit and does not possess the savior complex most protagonists do. She's is not a pushover but she knows when to follow instructions and run when needed. It was refreshing to see her not make the best selfless decisions all the time and I cannot wait to see how is it going to evolve.
booked.unicorn
July 20, 2019
rating: 3.5
Tethered to the World was a good book but ended up annoying me at times. Mostly because of all the "explain's" or whatever that bullshit was. PLUS, I was kind of expecting more from her villainous uncle? Or is that just me? I mean we got like five minutes of the dude and I feel like all he really did was just laugh? It was weird but maybe he will be more of an asshole in the next one?
Other than that, Annora was an okay character. She was definitely interesting to a point and I liked her connection to the guys of the group - I feel like Edgar might actually be my favorite? Mostly because of his bad ass entrance at the end of this. I still liked the rest of the gang.. but ya gotta have a favorite from time to time.
That being said, the ending was ughh - I hate cliffhangers. Especially when it's one of her 'mates' being taken instead of ya know - her (the person her uncle really wants). Of course I'm intrigued enough to dive into that book but ugh.. damn you cliffhangers.
Tethered to the World was a good book but ended up annoying me at times. Mostly because of all the "explain's" or whatever that bullshit was. PLUS, I was kind of expecting more from her villainous uncle? Or is that just me? I mean we got like five minutes of the dude and I feel like all he really did was just laugh? It was weird but maybe he will be more of an asshole in the next one?
Other than that, Annora was an okay character. She was definitely interesting to a point and I liked her connection to the guys of the group - I feel like Edgar might actually be my favorite? Mostly because of his bad ass entrance at the end of this. I still liked the rest of the gang.. but ya gotta have a favorite from time to time.
That being said, the ending was ughh - I hate cliffhangers. Especially when it's one of her 'mates' being taken instead of ya know - her (the person her uncle really wants). Of course I'm intrigued enough to dive into that book but ugh.. damn you cliffhangers.
July 20, 2019
Please, for the love of RH, stop saying "Explain." or "Tell me." a billion times because it's annoying AS HELL! I pretty much went like this when I kept seeing them all over the place:
Explain.
Explain.
Tell me.
Explain.
Tell me.
EXPLAIN.
Other than that, this book was okay. I didn't love it, but I liked it enough to want the next one in the series.
Explain.
Explain.
Tell me.
Explain.
Tell me.
EXPLAIN.
Other than that, this book was okay. I didn't love it, but I liked it enough to want the next one in the series.
June 26, 2019
It’s good, it just doesn’t make sense
Pros: 4 stars
Great female lead. Strong, not annoying
The guys are awesome
Loved the Paranormals from a troll with living pink hair to a poisonous lizard. Great characters.
Cons: 3 stars
probably will end up giving spoilers so don’t read further if that will bother you. The whole concept just felt off to me.
I’m not a fan of insta love. They are all head over heels in less than a week. While this is not my fave, I wouldn’t take off stars for that because some people enjoy that in a book.
Absolutely no world building. School structure is not really explained. Other than to say school will start in a week.
The whole university concept. Schools not in session, but they are having try outs for something. Everyone is on campus before school starts and have been there for a while since the disappearances have been going on for months. Who stays at school when it’s not in session. A few sure, but it’s like no one has every left.
Confused about if the guys are teachers or students. Why would you have a student housing with her possible teachers. If they are students why are they heading up the training.
Rufus: gym own / director of university. So she just happens to be saved by this gym owner who also happens to be a director of the university for supernaturals. This is kinda explained away as he had taken a leave of absence. But All the guys knew who he was. I mean come on really and the fact that he sorta knew they would all be mates. No, no the plot lines needed to be stronger than this for me.
The whole time I was reading it... I’m like I love these characters but this makes no sense at all. Why am I reading this... oh yeah the chemistry between the characters is really good. I will probably read the next book.
Pros: 4 stars
Great female lead. Strong, not annoying
The guys are awesome
Loved the Paranormals from a troll with living pink hair to a poisonous lizard. Great characters.
Cons: 3 stars
probably will end up giving spoilers so don’t read further if that will bother you. The whole concept just felt off to me.
I’m not a fan of insta love. They are all head over heels in less than a week. While this is not my fave, I wouldn’t take off stars for that because some people enjoy that in a book.
Absolutely no world building. School structure is not really explained. Other than to say school will start in a week.
The whole university concept. Schools not in session, but they are having try outs for something. Everyone is on campus before school starts and have been there for a while since the disappearances have been going on for months. Who stays at school when it’s not in session. A few sure, but it’s like no one has every left.
Confused about if the guys are teachers or students. Why would you have a student housing with her possible teachers. If they are students why are they heading up the training.
Rufus: gym own / director of university. So she just happens to be saved by this gym owner who also happens to be a director of the university for supernaturals. This is kinda explained away as he had taken a leave of absence. But All the guys knew who he was. I mean come on really and the fact that he sorta knew they would all be mates. No, no the plot lines needed to be stronger than this for me.
The whole time I was reading it... I’m like I love these characters but this makes no sense at all. Why am I reading this... oh yeah the chemistry between the characters is really good. I will probably read the next book.
October 6, 2019
I’m honestly not sure how I managed to push myself this far through the book. DNF at 45% (although to be honest I wanted to give up almost by chapter three). But I had to be fair to the author as I’d liked some of her previous series. Maybe I was judging it too early?
Spolier: I wasn’t.
The first chapter had amazing detail and description and it drew me right in. I was excited for where the sorry went.
By chapter three this had turned into every other RH forced-into-a-team-together type book. But without some of the important details. Like, for example, a plot line. Or any world building whatsoever!
Annora (the FMC) is supposedly scared of all contact and of men in particular since her Uncle tortured her from a young age (that isn’t really made clear). This is, of course, practically forgotten by chapter six.
The university Annora has found herself in is never described. There is no mention of classes, professors, curriculum. The term starts in one week from when Annora arrives yet everyone has already been at the campus for months? And on top of this there are teams (for what I have no idea), and the one Annora is shoved into has the other members training students for something or other. Students or teachers?
Let’s not even mention the gym owner Ammora lived with for a while suddenly became the director of the university (how?)
Even if the details of the so called ‘plot’ were consistent and less clumsy, who would in their right mind force a young 20yr who has no experience of the outside world (e.g she’s never been in a forest), who’s deathly afraid (apparently) of men and people in generally with lots of trust issues, to live in a kind-of-hard to find house with a load of strange men. These people have reputations of having their roommates ‘running screaming’ back to housing to move.
Does this sound like something an abuse victim would casually shrug away and promptly forget, even if she is the ‘true mates’ of them.
For all of you who made it this far, I apologise for the rant. But trust me on this, it was well worth your time if it saved you from buying Tethered To The World.
Spolier: I wasn’t.
The first chapter had amazing detail and description and it drew me right in. I was excited for where the sorry went.
By chapter three this had turned into every other RH forced-into-a-team-together type book. But without some of the important details. Like, for example, a plot line. Or any world building whatsoever!
Annora (the FMC) is supposedly scared of all contact and of men in particular since her Uncle tortured her from a young age (that isn’t really made clear). This is, of course, practically forgotten by chapter six.
The university Annora has found herself in is never described. There is no mention of classes, professors, curriculum. The term starts in one week from when Annora arrives yet everyone has already been at the campus for months? And on top of this there are teams (for what I have no idea), and the one Annora is shoved into has the other members training students for something or other. Students or teachers?
Let’s not even mention the gym owner Ammora lived with for a while suddenly became the director of the university (how?)
Even if the details of the so called ‘plot’ were consistent and less clumsy, who would in their right mind force a young 20yr who has no experience of the outside world (e.g she’s never been in a forest), who’s deathly afraid (apparently) of men and people in generally with lots of trust issues, to live in a kind-of-hard to find house with a load of strange men. These people have reputations of having their roommates ‘running screaming’ back to housing to move.
Does this sound like something an abuse victim would casually shrug away and promptly forget, even if she is the ‘true mates’ of them.
For all of you who made it this far, I apologise for the rant. But trust me on this, it was well worth your time if it saved you from buying Tethered To The World.
July 19, 2019
Typical reverse harem story line, no story line and adoring eyes from all the guys.
Read
January 21, 2022Pages: 287
My rating (stars): 3
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
Tethered to the world is the first book in the series A Phantom Touched Novel.
Annora is working and training at a gym when a group of guys attack here boss and instead of running away she safes him. She is running from her Uncle who kept her prisoner because of her talents. To keep her safe, her boss sends her to a school for humans and supes. He puts her in a house and team in a house with four guys.
The story starts slow. I kind of got distracted and could not read it as fast as other books, which get to me and I cannot put them down. But I still read it slowly until 70 %. Then a lot of things happened and the plot got more interesting and exiting. It all ends on a cliffhanger. I think I will read the second part, but I am not sure. I will wait until the first community reviews show up and then decide, wether I will continue or not.
My rating (stars): 3
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
Tethered to the world is the first book in the series A Phantom Touched Novel.
Annora is working and training at a gym when a group of guys attack here boss and instead of running away she safes him. She is running from her Uncle who kept her prisoner because of her talents. To keep her safe, her boss sends her to a school for humans and supes. He puts her in a house and team in a house with four guys.
The story starts slow. I kind of got distracted and could not read it as fast as other books, which get to me and I cannot put them down. But I still read it slowly until 70 %. Then a lot of things happened and the plot got more interesting and exiting. It all ends on a cliffhanger. I think I will read the second part, but I am not sure. I will wait until the first community reviews show up and then decide, wether I will continue or not.
June 21, 2019
I really liked it. The problem is that it's going to be a while until the next book comes out.
August 27, 2019
YAAS that was such a good fucking book, i need mooore!!
August 28, 2019
SO GOOOOOOOOD!!
and the next book isnt out yet omg major book hangover!! so good, I would like a bit more romance and interactions between her and the guys but man so cool! need that next one!
and the next book isnt out yet omg major book hangover!! so good, I would like a bit more romance and interactions between her and the guys but man so cool! need that next one!
May 14, 2020
Ohhhh man this was a weird one. I heard a lot of good things about it and to me, it missed the mark on so many levels. The romances seemed so rushed and I'm sorry but I cannot understand why the author made one of the love interests a fucking troll with an underbite and fucked up teeth and literal troll doll hair. Why would you think anyone would wanna fuck that? or fantasize about fucking that?? just so much no. And Annora? snoooooooooze fest. If I had to read one more instance of "the urge to run was an itch" or "the need to run" one more mfn' time.... yeah, this wasn't for me. However, the plot line was pretty interesting and not something I've seen before but the shit romances and gross execution of "alpha males" just ruined it. This would've been 100000x better if she left some of the weird relationship stuff out of it and focused more on developing the plot more.
November 12, 2022
3.5 Stars
This is a tough one to rate for me. On one hand the plot is interesting and I love learning more about the heroines abilities. But when it comes to the writing style and the third person narration. Normally this keeps things level and can often make for a better read especially in the RH genre with so many POVs. However here it felt to me a bit impersonal and ambiguous. I typically do enjoy character driven reads but with so many secrets being kept here, being on the outskirts made me feel like an outsider. I prefer to get sucked into the books reality and it was impossible to do that here. The audio was decent and even the almost instant relationship because of mating worked for me. The heroine does have some kickass ability with powers that make her hella scary. A few ferret sidekicks and how can I not love her. I’m holding out hope I can become more invested in the next book!
This is a tough one to rate for me. On one hand the plot is interesting and I love learning more about the heroines abilities. But when it comes to the writing style and the third person narration. Normally this keeps things level and can often make for a better read especially in the RH genre with so many POVs. However here it felt to me a bit impersonal and ambiguous. I typically do enjoy character driven reads but with so many secrets being kept here, being on the outskirts made me feel like an outsider. I prefer to get sucked into the books reality and it was impossible to do that here. The audio was decent and even the almost instant relationship because of mating worked for me. The heroine does have some kickass ability with powers that make her hella scary. A few ferret sidekicks and how can I not love her. I’m holding out hope I can become more invested in the next book!
July 13, 2019
Whew! This was probably a 4-4.5 star read for me. It was kind of phenomenal and I'm loving this story line so far. I'm not quite sure where to start. This story ended up being on the darker side but the characters and the backstory really made this a captivating read. I loved all the characters! Annora, the FMC, manages to be both vulnerable and strong at the same time. The chemistry between Annora and all our guys is on point! All the guys have wonderful differences and different strengths and weaknesses as well as really in depth backstories. Heck all he backstories were tragic and horrifying but you could see how they have shaped the characters and brought a whole team of misfits together. I was absorbed from page one and didn't stop till I hit the last page.
Annora has spent her life in captivity, after her mother dies. Kept captive and abused physically and mentally by her uncle. Annora is used for her supernatural abilities to heal and stay off death. The book starts with Annora having escaped from her uncle and living in hiding trying to avoid capture again. Annora is trying to live a normal life, until a pack of shifters break into her job and try to kill her boss. Annora uses her abilities to save her boss exposing herself to the supernatural world. In an attempt to help her hide her boss sends her to a supernatural school to learn to defend herself as well as learn about the supernatural world she has been kept from all these years. Upon arriving at the school she is put on a team of supernaturals to keep her safe from her uncle as well as for her to help them solve a case of missing supernaturals. Unfortunately for them all just as they are growing closer and discovering more about each other the case brings them closer to answers as well as closer to Annora's biggest fears. As she conquers fears with the help of her team, Annora gets captured by the ones taking the supernaturals and realizes that everything is tied to her and her abilities. Now Annora must not only save herself but all the mates she has gotten along the way.
Yes the worst part about this book is that book 2 is still so far away. I'm super excited for this series and I hope it really keeps up the momentum. Id say its mostly slow burn so far but not lacking in passion and chemistry at all! This is the first book by this author I think I've read but I'm downloading more of her series now to tide me over!
Annora has spent her life in captivity, after her mother dies. Kept captive and abused physically and mentally by her uncle. Annora is used for her supernatural abilities to heal and stay off death. The book starts with Annora having escaped from her uncle and living in hiding trying to avoid capture again. Annora is trying to live a normal life, until a pack of shifters break into her job and try to kill her boss. Annora uses her abilities to save her boss exposing herself to the supernatural world. In an attempt to help her hide her boss sends her to a supernatural school to learn to defend herself as well as learn about the supernatural world she has been kept from all these years. Upon arriving at the school she is put on a team of supernaturals to keep her safe from her uncle as well as for her to help them solve a case of missing supernaturals. Unfortunately for them all just as they are growing closer and discovering more about each other the case brings them closer to answers as well as closer to Annora's biggest fears. As she conquers fears with the help of her team, Annora gets captured by the ones taking the supernaturals and realizes that everything is tied to her and her abilities. Now Annora must not only save herself but all the mates she has gotten along the way.
Yes the worst part about this book is that book 2 is still so far away. I'm super excited for this series and I hope it really keeps up the momentum. Id say its mostly slow burn so far but not lacking in passion and chemistry at all! This is the first book by this author I think I've read but I'm downloading more of her series now to tide me over!
July 21, 2020
Good, fast read. Interesting and action packed. The main characters are uncommon supernaturals (not wolves or vampires). So that was interesting. It is 3.75 starts for me because the relationships get no development, is another fated mates situation, so not a lot of time is spent developing the whole falling in love thing. The world is interesting and different. I will read the next one.
December 30, 2019
Tethered to the World is the less entertaining version of Academy of Assassins, at least this first book really gave me strong flashbacks to those characters from the other series.
The strongest point of this book is the inclusion of paranormal characters than just your typical vamps, fae or wolves.. well the wolves are present but the other supernaturals are refreshing starting with Annora who is a phantom as you can guess from the series' name. Her harem is also made of eclectic characters that keeps it intriguing even if the personalities aren't anything new. The concept of afterworld and soul sucking or whatever Annora's powers are is fun to read but that academy setting is used so badly that it really holds back the book from being better.
There is no real use of being in the academy other than to meet/interact with the guys and have a mystery of missing shifters. The things mentioned/not mentioned about the academy just seemed weird, like 10 years of schooling? Even the schooling part is so shallow, brief mentions of Annora learning and no scenes of classes other than the arena thing which is only utilized to meet the guys, I don't even understand the fighting thing if the academy isn't focused solely on that with the humans part of the academy students who we don't even see. Lots of things are just left in the air when it comes to the academy and frankly it shows when it feels like it's just a decorative thing for the book.
The plot-line for this book which eventually ties to the main arc of Annora vs her evil uncle is that of the missing shifters in the academy. I found that the book doesn't really take it seriously, there is no effort to really create a hook for the readers to become curious about this mystery to feel that impact for the end scenes to hit home.
Much of the focus is Annora interacting with her harem, just get-to-know kinda scenes with her trauma and even the guys' history and sad past. The interactions itself weren't bad but the shift from being prickly towards Annora to being gaga over her felt rushed. I feel like there was room to show more friction before pulling out the mates card.
I think I just expected more substance and better world building with how Academy of Assassins reads so similar to this book. It's lacking but still a decent enough read to continue with the next book.
The strongest point of this book is the inclusion of paranormal characters than just your typical vamps, fae or wolves.. well the wolves are present but the other supernaturals are refreshing starting with Annora who is a phantom as you can guess from the series' name. Her harem is also made of eclectic characters that keeps it intriguing even if the personalities aren't anything new. The concept of afterworld and soul sucking or whatever Annora's powers are is fun to read but that academy setting is used so badly that it really holds back the book from being better.
There is no real use of being in the academy other than to meet/interact with the guys and have a mystery of missing shifters. The things mentioned/not mentioned about the academy just seemed weird, like 10 years of schooling? Even the schooling part is so shallow, brief mentions of Annora learning and no scenes of classes other than the arena thing which is only utilized to meet the guys, I don't even understand the fighting thing if the academy isn't focused solely on that with the humans part of the academy students who we don't even see. Lots of things are just left in the air when it comes to the academy and frankly it shows when it feels like it's just a decorative thing for the book.
The plot-line for this book which eventually ties to the main arc of Annora vs her evil uncle is that of the missing shifters in the academy. I found that the book doesn't really take it seriously, there is no effort to really create a hook for the readers to become curious about this mystery to feel that impact for the end scenes to hit home.
Much of the focus is Annora interacting with her harem, just get-to-know kinda scenes with her trauma and even the guys' history and sad past. The interactions itself weren't bad but the shift from being prickly towards Annora to being gaga over her felt rushed. I feel like there was room to show more friction before pulling out the mates card.
I think I just expected more substance and better world building with how Academy of Assassins reads so similar to this book. It's lacking but still a decent enough read to continue with the next book.
January 4, 2021
Really boring. And the fmc has literally no character except being „not like the other girls“, and we all know what that means.
December 29, 2023
Binged this book in one go.
The book is a
◇strong survival age 20s FMC
◇Paranormal
◇RH, why choose
◇fated rare mates
◇Alpha "touch her and die"
Academy type book.
This book contains a lot of darkness in it
☆Physical and past sexual abuse
☆Bullying
☆Drug abuse
☆Past parental trauma
☆PDT
Plus, high body count
There's lol moments due to some animal antics. There's a twist I didn't expect, but was like "damn I should have seen that coming."
There is spice without anyone having sex. But hot moments that lead to skin and more exploring. The car scene...hot.
The MMCs are all different in their characters and written well enough for me to like their traits.
Nothing is how it seems, but there is a similar formula to the authors other series book.
FMC with unknown power that is rare and grows in strength. The FMC is quite native and innocent, but not from being wrapped up in a bubble, instead more like a trapped or traumatised childhood, which makes the FMC distrustful of others. But it also shows the strength as the FMC navigates in a new Academy type environment.
The FMC is always underestimated but also finds themselves in death type situations. The MMCs are fighters who are seen as tough alphas. Have traumatic pasts, too, that make them do idiotic things to push her away. There is a female Queen Bitch our FMC stands up to. And a destiny of some kind.
4.6 stars
The book is a
◇strong survival age 20s FMC
◇Paranormal
◇RH, why choose
◇fated rare mates
◇Alpha "touch her and die"
Academy type book.
This book contains a lot of darkness in it
☆Physical and past sexual abuse
☆Bullying
☆Drug abuse
☆Past parental trauma
☆PDT
Plus, high body count
There's lol moments due to some animal antics. There's a twist I didn't expect, but was like "damn I should have seen that coming."
There is spice without anyone having sex. But hot moments that lead to skin and more exploring. The car scene...hot.
The MMCs are all different in their characters and written well enough for me to like their traits.
Nothing is how it seems, but there is a similar formula to the authors other series book.
FMC with unknown power that is rare and grows in strength. The FMC is quite native and innocent, but not from being wrapped up in a bubble, instead more like a trapped or traumatised childhood, which makes the FMC distrustful of others. But it also shows the strength as the FMC navigates in a new Academy type environment.
The FMC is always underestimated but also finds themselves in death type situations. The MMCs are fighters who are seen as tough alphas. Have traumatic pasts, too, that make them do idiotic things to push her away. There is a female Queen Bitch our FMC stands up to. And a destiny of some kind.
4.6 stars
November 16, 2022
I have to admit, this started off a little slow for me. I think mostly because i was listening on audio. But this definitely picked up for me about 1/4 of the way through.
Annora is fabulous. She's strong and badass. Seriously. I love stories that feature a strong independent lead heroine. We start this story off with Annora being sent off to a special university.
While there, she meets her harem of men who are her roommates. It's a definite slow-burn. there isn't much spice happening until the end, but the slow build of their relationship is great to watch...
The character development and world building was so interesting..
I initially started off not being sure I'd want to finish the book, but now I can't wait to read the next one.
Annora is fabulous. She's strong and badass. Seriously. I love stories that feature a strong independent lead heroine. We start this story off with Annora being sent off to a special university.
While there, she meets her harem of men who are her roommates. It's a definite slow-burn. there isn't much spice happening until the end, but the slow build of their relationship is great to watch...
The character development and world building was so interesting..
I initially started off not being sure I'd want to finish the book, but now I can't wait to read the next one.
July 3, 2022
Interesting premise. Phantoms are a new one for me. I liked the FMC's tragic backstory-that was exactly what I wanted! The guys are all great. I'm not DYING to read the next one though.
October 6, 2024
DNF 80%. The stilted writing style ensured that there was not one moment where I found myself fully immersed in the story or finding any semblance of enjoyment.
With so many instances of things going unsaid by the author, only to be mentioned later as if it was something innately known, it forces the reader to scramble their initial memory of the conjured event by making us to first imagine a poorly written scene, then later be convinced to picture what should have been described in the first place.
It’s as if we’re expected to be able to read the authors mind, but if it’s anything like the scattered mess of a storyline, we wouldn’t want to.
It’s not intentional miscommunication or a fun purposeful curiosity, it’s laziness.
Everything is done out of order, as well. She confronts the guys before ever finding her room at the school and despite warnings to avoid them that are later mentioned, regardless of being the first time we are hearing of these warnings. We only kind of get why later, but it’s one of the first red flags of strange.
She decides to stand up to them upon first meeting, taking one down in a fight with three months of training under her belt VS. the decade she spent being tortured while living in a cage underground. Sure.
They tell her they’ve decided she’s their fated mate before they even learn her first name, yet guard innocuous secrets until they can trust her enough to know them. ???
The human father figure guy (?) as far as I knew, that has been protecting her lately is suddenly a man of importance at this school, and is a wolf? But she can see people’s animals, so how didn’t she know he had one? If he’s changed from the admittedly cool but awkwardly written first scene, why is that just, like, a Tuesday to these people? Whatever.
“You successfully evaded the Alphas your first night here,” he tells her with pride. ??? She ran away from them like a child in response to a minor miscommunication & slept in the library? I think? It was another thing belatedly mentioned and unclear. But if her protectors couldn’t find her in an open alcove all night, then I’m not seeing how they’re all that great to begin with.
I read a lot of reverse harems, but this is the first time I’ve struggled remembering who each guy is based off name alone. They all pretty much have the same personality, which defeats the purpose of the multifaceted group filling the holes her broken pieces left behind (and the other ones, too).
The conversations and responses don’t make sense sometimes, like something else was written before and they just never fixed the response to match.
She’s somehow intuitive and able to understand the complexities of the guys and their hidden insecurities when her only companions her whole life have been undead ferrets, electrified bars of a cage, and a parade of psychopaths.
There are moments of bravado where she’s like *batman voice* “I am death,” as she puts people in their place, but then she’s a complete loser any other time.
There’s just so much potential behind the painful laziness that my headache is the only thing I’m willingly taking away from this.
With so many instances of things going unsaid by the author, only to be mentioned later as if it was something innately known, it forces the reader to scramble their initial memory of the conjured event by making us to first imagine a poorly written scene, then later be convinced to picture what should have been described in the first place.
It’s as if we’re expected to be able to read the authors mind, but if it’s anything like the scattered mess of a storyline, we wouldn’t want to.
It’s not intentional miscommunication or a fun purposeful curiosity, it’s laziness.
Everything is done out of order, as well. She confronts the guys before ever finding her room at the school and despite warnings to avoid them that are later mentioned, regardless of being the first time we are hearing of these warnings. We only kind of get why later, but it’s one of the first red flags of strange.
She decides to stand up to them upon first meeting, taking one down in a fight with three months of training under her belt VS. the decade she spent being tortured while living in a cage underground. Sure.
They tell her they’ve decided she’s their fated mate before they even learn her first name, yet guard innocuous secrets until they can trust her enough to know them. ???
The human father figure guy (?) as far as I knew, that has been protecting her lately is suddenly a man of importance at this school, and is a wolf? But she can see people’s animals, so how didn’t she know he had one? If he’s changed from the admittedly cool but awkwardly written first scene, why is that just, like, a Tuesday to these people? Whatever.
“You successfully evaded the Alphas your first night here,” he tells her with pride. ??? She ran away from them like a child in response to a minor miscommunication & slept in the library? I think? It was another thing belatedly mentioned and unclear. But if her protectors couldn’t find her in an open alcove all night, then I’m not seeing how they’re all that great to begin with.
I read a lot of reverse harems, but this is the first time I’ve struggled remembering who each guy is based off name alone. They all pretty much have the same personality, which defeats the purpose of the multifaceted group filling the holes her broken pieces left behind (and the other ones, too).
The conversations and responses don’t make sense sometimes, like something else was written before and they just never fixed the response to match.
She’s somehow intuitive and able to understand the complexities of the guys and their hidden insecurities when her only companions her whole life have been undead ferrets, electrified bars of a cage, and a parade of psychopaths.
There are moments of bravado where she’s like *batman voice* “I am death,” as she puts people in their place, but then she’s a complete loser any other time.
There’s just so much potential behind the painful laziness that my headache is the only thing I’m willingly taking away from this.
April 16, 2021
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.
Overall: 3.25-stars
The plot didn't flow as smoothly as I remembered. And, while I have a soft spot for mega-powerful Heroines who just learn about the paranormal world they're a part of... I really don't appreciate it when the Heroine is scared of her abilities. It got really tiring having the Heroine think the only way to protect her love interests was to run away from them – like, surprise the only way to control your abilities, is to practice controlling them and learn the extent of them *facepalm*.
Also, I really did NOT like the subtle sexism / sexist stereotypes:
Note: Camden is insinuating here having feelings is weak = girly, which is also a demonstration of toxic masculinity.
Finally, I didn't realize how many mistakes the Heroine makes. Like every fight scene and detective-type scene is her screwing up in some fashion.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
[2019 November 5]
Overall: 4-stars
Overall: 3.25-stars
The plot didn't flow as smoothly as I remembered. And, while I have a soft spot for mega-powerful Heroines who just learn about the paranormal world they're a part of... I really don't appreciate it when the Heroine is scared of her abilities. It got really tiring having the Heroine think the only way to protect her love interests was to run away from them – like, surprise the only way to control your abilities, is to practice controlling them and learn the extent of them *facepalm*.
Also, I really did NOT like the subtle sexism / sexist stereotypes:
"Women always have a lot of shit and clutter things up." ~ LOGAN (I think)
"You don't have time to be a girl." ~ CAMDEN
Note: Camden is insinuating here having feelings is weak = girly, which is also a demonstration of toxic masculinity.
Finally, I didn't realize how many mistakes the Heroine makes. Like every fight scene and detective-type scene is her screwing up in some fashion.
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
[2019 November 5]
Overall: 4-stars
July 20, 2019
This was a buddy read with the RHR ladies.
In spite of the inexplicable insta-love in this book, I did enjoy it. I am rounding up from 3.75 stars for this one, because the last 30% made me optimistic about the later books...and also, the emergence of a new but kind of not new character has me all sorts of intrigued. If only his name didn't suck so bad.
So. Insta-love. I get it, when mates come into play, people love that idea or hate it. I happen to fall somewhere on that continuum toward the positive, but I've read so many books that use/abuse that trope for lazy relationship building. And this one falls into that camp. If we're meant to empathize with Annora, who, in spite if the worst kind of abuse, is a fighter. She survived, and she isn't all sorts of f*cked up inside (though, I'd love to read a version of this where she is an anti-hero), but I do find it hard to believe that she can bond with her guys in a matter of days. Geez. It was a hard pill to swallow, even for a supernatural book.
The entire book felt rushed, and it felt written for a NA or maybe even YA crowd (though the content isn't YA at all). I wish the author had broken the first book into two, focusing on Annora's escape (that's a big question mark for me) and personal journey a bit more on the first. End on a cliffhanger (hey--I'm ok with that) that jets us into the second book biting our nails but excited about how she's going to overcome it all.
In spite of the inexplicable insta-love in this book, I did enjoy it. I am rounding up from 3.75 stars for this one, because the last 30% made me optimistic about the later books...and also, the emergence of a new but kind of not new character has me all sorts of intrigued. If only his name didn't suck so bad.
So. Insta-love. I get it, when mates come into play, people love that idea or hate it. I happen to fall somewhere on that continuum toward the positive, but I've read so many books that use/abuse that trope for lazy relationship building. And this one falls into that camp. If we're meant to empathize with Annora, who, in spite if the worst kind of abuse, is a fighter. She survived, and she isn't all sorts of f*cked up inside (though, I'd love to read a version of this where she is an anti-hero), but I do find it hard to believe that she can bond with her guys in a matter of days. Geez. It was a hard pill to swallow, even for a supernatural book.
The entire book felt rushed, and it felt written for a NA or maybe even YA crowd (though the content isn't YA at all). I wish the author had broken the first book into two, focusing on Annora's escape (that's a big question mark for me) and personal journey a bit more on the first. End on a cliffhanger (hey--I'm ok with that) that jets us into the second book biting our nails but excited about how she's going to overcome it all.
July 11, 2019
Aaaaaaaallllllrrrrriiighty ... iv been awake for 35ish hours with only a few hours sleep so this review is a bit shit, but harsh, grain of salt people
we have one young lass with a trauma past background
* warning ... warning triggers .. be aware *
At the hands of her uncle for many many years, she is a super natural creature aka the most powerful being ever and she needs protection from the academy of super natural creatures and she gets put with duuun duuun duuuum the top four alphas who can’t help but fall hard for her.
It’s suppose to be mid 20’s but all the trauma and daddy/ mommy issues leaves them teenagers.
75% of the story is set in the academy house where the MC bonds with her harem- slow burn -
There is a some action, some magic talk. Some stuff happens. Harem members get a bit blended .. I get acanana that spirit dude who is a bit of a disembodied voice kind of vibe here (hunter from the dead world Debbie Cassidy vibes towards the end of the book.
I would read the next one ... I didn’t mind it to be honest.
we have one young lass with a trauma past background
* warning ... warning triggers .. be aware *
At the hands of her uncle for many many years, she is a super natural creature aka the most powerful being ever and she needs protection from the academy of super natural creatures and she gets put with duuun duuun duuuum the top four alphas who can’t help but fall hard for her.
It’s suppose to be mid 20’s but all the trauma and daddy/ mommy issues leaves them teenagers.
75% of the story is set in the academy house where the MC bonds with her harem- slow burn -
There is a some action, some magic talk. Some stuff happens. Harem members get a bit blended .. I get acanana that spirit dude who is a bit of a disembodied voice kind of vibe here (hunter from the dead world Debbie Cassidy vibes towards the end of the book.
I would read the next one ... I didn’t mind it to be honest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2021
I made it to 60%
I should’ve taken it as a warning that she was in “University” that this would be too young a book for me. When I started the book on audible (I’m sick today so I bought the book), I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed well thought out and I was interested in all of their stories. However, as the book went on there were serious flaws. There are no classes at the university. No character development. Really no story at all. Just a group of kids who live together and go to a party to GUARD the grounds. It was so juvenile. The writing was juvenile too. Logan said, “.......” then Annora said, “........” then Max said, “.......” It continues like that. The conversations are stilted and don’t really make sense. I wouldn’t recommend this book. Trying to figure out how to get my money back for audible.
I should’ve taken it as a warning that she was in “University” that this would be too young a book for me. When I started the book on audible (I’m sick today so I bought the book), I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed well thought out and I was interested in all of their stories. However, as the book went on there were serious flaws. There are no classes at the university. No character development. Really no story at all. Just a group of kids who live together and go to a party to GUARD the grounds. It was so juvenile. The writing was juvenile too. Logan said, “.......” then Annora said, “........” then Max said, “.......” It continues like that. The conversations are stilted and don’t really make sense. I wouldn’t recommend this book. Trying to figure out how to get my money back for audible.
July 1, 2019
Tethered to the World begins with the heroine running from someone. She finally found a place that will teach her to fight, but when she has to save someones life, she lets out her secret, and now he wants to help her by sending her to a school to help train her.
This book sort of felt like it was all over the place. It had an interesting story, and I enjoyed the characters. But at one time it felt like the heroine was a bad-ass, then the next she needed help, so that was annoying. Other than that, I liked it, and I look forward to more.
This book sort of felt like it was all over the place. It had an interesting story, and I enjoyed the characters. But at one time it felt like the heroine was a bad-ass, then the next she needed help, so that was annoying. Other than that, I liked it, and I look forward to more.
September 24, 2021
I liked the start, but as soon as she arrived to the Academy the plot stop making sense. Why are the males interested in helping her? You cannot just include males to follow the heroine... There has to be a plot that explains their interest/attraction. The 'Academy' appeared to be only about self defense training. And also make up your mind... is the heroine insecure and frightened or is she strong and independent? Is she suffering from trauma and wants to remain unnoticed or is she going to antagonize random men?. DNF
November 22, 2020
With a lot of imagination, I can see what this book tried to do.
I probably would've liked the book this would've been if an experienced writer had written it.
But in reality, the writing is worse than in your average fanfiction.
The book seems like someone gave the notes someone wrote in preparation of writing the first draft to an editor which tried his best to create something resembling a book from it.
I probably would've liked the book this would've been if an experienced writer had written it.
But in reality, the writing is worse than in your average fanfiction.
The book seems like someone gave the notes someone wrote in preparation of writing the first draft to an editor which tried his best to create something resembling a book from it.
October 24, 2019
It was good. Not the best thing I've ever read but not the worst.
Will prob read the sequel when it comes out
Will prob read the sequel when it comes out
February 27, 2021
It read so monotone, but the story was okay. I’ll probably read the second book.
September 8, 2021
Great start to the series, it’s multi POV but you have to work that out by yourself, there’s no names saying who’s POV is who’s. It’s mostly the h’s though.
It lost a star due to too much info on their past sexual preferences! It was this specific quote that I really didn’t need to envisage…
“ Then you have Mason. He’s more selective. Girls throw themselves at him, wanting the beast. Whispers say that because of his size, he makes the girls scream with pleasure before taking his own, until they’re willing to do anything for more.”
Ewww!…..everytime he gets all lovey dovey with the h this us the quote I keep thinking of!….I’d rather not have known thanks!
POV- h’s mainly, with the odd POV from the heroes
M/M - No
F/F - No
RH - nope it was MFMMM
Mates/partners - 5
OW Drama - Not really, a few instances but nothing reciprocated by the Heroes
OM Drama - No
Heroine is a Virgin and all the men have had many women, a little too much detail on what their sexual preferences were though, for my liking anyway.
HEA/HFN - No, as only the first book.
It lost a star due to too much info on their past sexual preferences! It was this specific quote that I really didn’t need to envisage…
“ Then you have Mason. He’s more selective. Girls throw themselves at him, wanting the beast. Whispers say that because of his size, he makes the girls scream with pleasure before taking his own, until they’re willing to do anything for more.”
Ewww!…..everytime he gets all lovey dovey with the h this us the quote I keep thinking of!….I’d rather not have known thanks!
POV- h’s mainly, with the odd POV from the heroes
M/M - No
F/F - No
RH - nope it was MFMMM
Mates/partners - 5
OW Drama - Not really, a few instances but nothing reciprocated by the Heroes
OM Drama - No
Heroine is a Virgin and all the men have had many women, a little too much detail on what their sexual preferences were though, for my liking anyway.
HEA/HFN - No, as only the first book.
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