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The Bureau #5
Convicted
Vietnam veteran Kurt Powell’s addiction almost cost him everything, but a job as federal agent with the Bureau of Trans-Species Affairs helped him find sobriety and purpose. Now he tracks down dangerous paranormal creatures as well as humans who abuse their magical powers in illegal ways.
Sent from Belfast to the United States as a boy, Desmond Hughes later fell into a disastrous relationship that led to horrific murders. He’s spent seventeen years in a bleak prison with few comforts and no hope of release.
A new mission throws Kurt and Des together in a desperate attempt to prevent disaster. Sometimes what’s long been lost can still be found, but the road to redemption is never easy—and a mutual attraction may not ease the way.
Sent from Belfast to the United States as a boy, Desmond Hughes later fell into a disastrous relationship that led to horrific murders. He’s spent seventeen years in a bleak prison with few comforts and no hope of release.
A new mission throws Kurt and Des together in a desperate attempt to prevent disaster. Sometimes what’s long been lost can still be found, but the road to redemption is never easy—and a mutual attraction may not ease the way.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2019
20 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Kim Fielding
176 books1,306 followersKim Fielding lives in Oregon and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phone booth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out assistance to her family. Her favorite word to describe herself is "eclectic" and she finally got that seventh tattoo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 4, 2022
Impossible.
This entire story should have been impossible, but Fielding found a way. She found a way to not only redeem a helpless soul but made him endearing and forgivable as well. Des found a way out of the cell from hell. He is not immortal, but his sentence is irrefutable and unbreakable. And Kurt found his missing piece in the last place imaginable, but he can’t keep it. It would be impossible. Right? I suppose time will tell.
For most, time is a gift but for Des, it’s a curse. Confined in a box for almost half his lifetime, he’s had plenty of time to think. He believes his suffering is a price he must pay, but how long until his reality bends beyond repair and he loses his mind? And did he really have a choice? He was just doing what he was told. He never intended to hurt anyone, let alone play a part in a serial killer’s rampage. Life wasn’t easy or kind to him from the start. It wasn’t his fault that the first person to show him any affection after his mum died was a monster. Reliving his past grievances with Kurt is the last thing he wants to do. However, no one denies the Bureau anything and if it means time breathing fresh air with Kurt by his side, then it’s a wound he’ll pick open.
As they venture on a road trip retracing steps from the past, they are forced to confront the contents of their nightmares. I held my breath as we uncover mysterious boxes and preposterous feelings. Kurt can’t fall for Des, he’s a convicted criminal. This isn’t some fairytale with castles in the sky. Kurt would be insane to grant Des mercy and allow his attraction to run free. Des is a sinner. Besides, there is no room in his life for a partner. Kurt harbors his own demons and would never find anyone willing to shackle themselves to his restless nights and daily encounters with narrow-minded people. He just needs to finish this assignment and return Des. It should be a walk in the park. That is until he discovers Des is not only tethered to this case but permanently bound. And despite his intentions, his heart slips into the mix.
Beware of: Redemption, forgiveness, and ultimately, love. The supernatural creature isn’t part of this pair but part of the past. And a satisfying conclusion with an open door.
This book is for: Paranormal fans looking for a wild ride, this series continues to astound me with its twists and turns. There are still a few books to go but I can easily see myself returning to the beginning for a second run. *whispers* And I’m not a rereader…most of the time.
AND…all of the proceeds from the sale of this book go to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS!
Book UNfunk
This entire story should have been impossible, but Fielding found a way. She found a way to not only redeem a helpless soul but made him endearing and forgivable as well. Des found a way out of the cell from hell. He is not immortal, but his sentence is irrefutable and unbreakable. And Kurt found his missing piece in the last place imaginable, but he can’t keep it. It would be impossible. Right? I suppose time will tell.
For most, time is a gift but for Des, it’s a curse. Confined in a box for almost half his lifetime, he’s had plenty of time to think. He believes his suffering is a price he must pay, but how long until his reality bends beyond repair and he loses his mind? And did he really have a choice? He was just doing what he was told. He never intended to hurt anyone, let alone play a part in a serial killer’s rampage. Life wasn’t easy or kind to him from the start. It wasn’t his fault that the first person to show him any affection after his mum died was a monster. Reliving his past grievances with Kurt is the last thing he wants to do. However, no one denies the Bureau anything and if it means time breathing fresh air with Kurt by his side, then it’s a wound he’ll pick open.
As they venture on a road trip retracing steps from the past, they are forced to confront the contents of their nightmares. I held my breath as we uncover mysterious boxes and preposterous feelings. Kurt can’t fall for Des, he’s a convicted criminal. This isn’t some fairytale with castles in the sky. Kurt would be insane to grant Des mercy and allow his attraction to run free. Des is a sinner. Besides, there is no room in his life for a partner. Kurt harbors his own demons and would never find anyone willing to shackle themselves to his restless nights and daily encounters with narrow-minded people. He just needs to finish this assignment and return Des. It should be a walk in the park. That is until he discovers Des is not only tethered to this case but permanently bound. And despite his intentions, his heart slips into the mix.
Beware of: Redemption, forgiveness, and ultimately, love. The supernatural creature isn’t part of this pair but part of the past. And a satisfying conclusion with an open door.
This book is for: Paranormal fans looking for a wild ride, this series continues to astound me with its twists and turns. There are still a few books to go but I can easily see myself returning to the beginning for a second run. *whispers* And I’m not a rereader…most of the time.
AND…all of the proceeds from the sale of this book go to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS!
Book UNfunk
July 30, 2021
3.5 stars
I keep enjoying this series. I also keep wishing they were full-length books sometimes, because the characters and stories are so rich and complex that I think a little more page time would benefit them, but I like how the various themes are explored and the couples are loosely linked together despite the range in time and place.
Set in the 90’s, Kurt and Des’s story is about redemption and second chances and it was a good addition to the series.
I keep enjoying this series. I also keep wishing they were full-length books sometimes, because the characters and stories are so rich and complex that I think a little more page time would benefit them, but I like how the various themes are explored and the couples are loosely linked together despite the range in time and place.
Set in the 90’s, Kurt and Des’s story is about redemption and second chances and it was a good addition to the series.
Read
October 12, 2019I love writing the stories in this series.
As with the other books, this one can be read as a standalone. However, if you're a fan of Edge and Terry--or of Chief Townsend--you'll be happy to know they all make brief appearances in this book.
But this is the story of Kurt--Vietnam vet, recovering addict, current Bureau agent--and Des, who's a prison inmate. And it's a story about redemption.
This is the longest story yet, at about 45K, so you can really sink your teeth into it. So to speak.
As with the rest of this series, all royalties go to Doctors Without Borders.
As with the other books, this one can be read as a standalone. However, if you're a fan of Edge and Terry--or of Chief Townsend--you'll be happy to know they all make brief appearances in this book.
But this is the story of Kurt--Vietnam vet, recovering addict, current Bureau agent--and Des, who's a prison inmate. And it's a story about redemption.
This is the longest story yet, at about 45K, so you can really sink your teeth into it. So to speak.
As with the rest of this series, all royalties go to Doctors Without Borders.
December 11, 2023
RE-READ Dec 2023:
Still great! :) Off to the latest volumes now...
RE-READ Sep 2020:
I f*cking love this series! Love it!
Des and Kurt's beautiful story makes me want to revisit Grimes and his Ten and maybe even John and Harry ;)
Damn you, Kim Fielding, you make my heart melt with your stories... :)
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Loved it! <3 <3 <3 A great addition to The Bureau series!
Kim Fielding's writing does things to me! Truly! ;)
The review might cotain mild spoilers! But I think maybe it's nothing more than in the blurb :)
If I want to call a serial killer (or rather the murderer's willing assistant) a "gentle" giant - that's why Kim made me feel so much for Des...
Desmond Hughes, imprisoned for 17 long years, gets his second chance at life (still in prison, but with more comforts and privileges) as he's enlisted by the Bureau's agent, Kurt Powell, to help him find some very dangerous magic boxes. The boxes had been hidden by Des's previous lover: power-hungry Larry - a man with magical knowledge and murderous inclinations.
The way Kurt approached and treated Des from the very beginning warmed my heart. And maybe it's the Xmas spirit, if you like, but I really think that Des was (if not oblivious) at least truly believing in Larry's reasons and motives to kill innocent people.
Des and Kurt's journey together was the base of the plot and it showed us Des as a genuinely nice, non-violent, book-loving guy, who hated bigotry and who respected and admired Kurt and his work. Kurt, on the other hand, didn't treat Des as a vicious murderer, although he wanted Des to realise that there's always a choice in what you do, to understand that he did follow Larry willingly and never said 'no' to the crimes.
The friendship, I would say, and even affection that grows between the two men in their quest is so natural that I didn't even mind the lack of steam or very low-profile sexy times. We get it all at the end of the book ;)
All in all, Kim Fielding has a special place in my heart - she's always able to make me love the damaged, seemingly unredeemable or flawed characters. She's a magician with her beautiful writing style and her way to transform the "ugly" MCs into people we could respect and feel for.
Highly recommended!
Still great! :) Off to the latest volumes now...
RE-READ Sep 2020:
I f*cking love this series! Love it!
Des and Kurt's beautiful story makes me want to revisit Grimes and his Ten and maybe even John and Harry ;)
Damn you, Kim Fielding, you make my heart melt with your stories... :)
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Loved it! <3 <3 <3 A great addition to The Bureau series!
Kim Fielding's writing does things to me! Truly! ;)
The review might cotain mild spoilers! But I think maybe it's nothing more than in the blurb :)
If I want to call a serial killer (or rather the murderer's willing assistant) a "gentle" giant - that's why Kim made me feel so much for Des...
Desmond Hughes, imprisoned for 17 long years, gets his second chance at life (still in prison, but with more comforts and privileges) as he's enlisted by the Bureau's agent, Kurt Powell, to help him find some very dangerous magic boxes. The boxes had been hidden by Des's previous lover: power-hungry Larry - a man with magical knowledge and murderous inclinations.
The way Kurt approached and treated Des from the very beginning warmed my heart. And maybe it's the Xmas spirit, if you like, but I really think that Des was (if not oblivious) at least truly believing in Larry's reasons and motives to kill innocent people.
Des and Kurt's journey together was the base of the plot and it showed us Des as a genuinely nice, non-violent, book-loving guy, who hated bigotry and who respected and admired Kurt and his work. Kurt, on the other hand, didn't treat Des as a vicious murderer, although he wanted Des to realise that there's always a choice in what you do, to understand that he did follow Larry willingly and never said 'no' to the crimes.
The friendship, I would say, and even affection that grows between the two men in their quest is so natural that I didn't even mind the lack of steam or very low-profile sexy times. We get it all at the end of the book ;)
All in all, Kim Fielding has a special place in my heart - she's always able to make me love the damaged, seemingly unredeemable or flawed characters. She's a magician with her beautiful writing style and her way to transform the "ugly" MCs into people we could respect and feel for.
Highly recommended!
June 25, 2021
AUDIOBOOK June 2021: Joel Leslie kills it again! I love this series that keeps questioning what makes a monster.
EBOOK Jan 2020:
Redeemed is more an apt title for this novella!
This could possibly be my favorite in this captivating series! (Although it’s difficult to choose).
What our convict did is truly horrific. And yes, he is a guilty mass murderer. So how does Kim Fielding make me care for him, root for him to make it out of the sodden hell of the incarcerated life he’s been living? Maybe because she’s a master storyteller who can create fully fleshed characters with mere sentences.
And that’s it for my review. These books can be read in any order, although cameos from previous books do make appearances. They are dark, but all end with an amazing HEA.
My rec? Hell, yessssssss!
EBOOK Jan 2020:
Redeemed is more an apt title for this novella!
This could possibly be my favorite in this captivating series! (Although it’s difficult to choose).
What our convict did is truly horrific. And yes, he is a guilty mass murderer. So how does Kim Fielding make me care for him, root for him to make it out of the sodden hell of the incarcerated life he’s been living? Maybe because she’s a master storyteller who can create fully fleshed characters with mere sentences.
And that’s it for my review. These books can be read in any order, although cameos from previous books do make appearances. They are dark, but all end with an amazing HEA.
My rec? Hell, yessssssss!
January 10, 2021
It’s crazy how addictive the Bureau series is! I don't know how she does that, but Fielding managed to create yet another pair of awesome characters. Kurt and Des were so good together! 😍 Plus, I really liked the main plot. That was one eventful road trip!
January 10, 2020
Another good story by Ms Fielding. While the case didn't amaze of fascinate me as the previous ones in the series, I really enjoyed well-written deep characters that were Kurt and Desmond. There were many a time when author said something profound while making a point about either man in regards to forgiveness, redemption and hard choices. This is the best part of this author's books - thought provoking narrative.
Told from dual POVs this is a low steam mild angst story of two men beaten by life who are strong enough to start again. I liked that Kurt looked beneath the surface where Des was concerned since Des needed someone to stand up for him and help him understand his past mistakes in order to be able to move on. Desmond caused a lot of feelings from me: uncertainty, dislike and concern, but later on I liked that he was true to his word and took a chance when one was given.
P.S. Chief Townsend is truly an enigma. I wonder what his story is!
Told from dual POVs this is a low steam mild angst story of two men beaten by life who are strong enough to start again. I liked that Kurt looked beneath the surface where Des was concerned since Des needed someone to stand up for him and help him understand his past mistakes in order to be able to move on. Desmond caused a lot of feelings from me: uncertainty, dislike and concern, but later on I liked that he was true to his word and took a chance when one was given.
P.S. Chief Townsend is truly an enigma. I wonder what his story is!
February 3, 2021
This was kind of cut and dry as far as the story went in my opinion and it definitely follows the theme of redemption. The author does a good job of showing that accountability for our actions is important even when we are coerced because we can't blame someone else for our own decisions, but she also shows a path to a better way even if we can't make up for what we did.
I guess the messages that I have been getting from the stories seem a bit like parables and they're being done in an interesting adult package.
I guess the messages that I have been getting from the stories seem a bit like parables and they're being done in an interesting adult package.
October 31, 2019
Post surgery is not going to do this review any justice. Ugh. Sorry.
There was a melancholy bent to this lovely story as we watch the gut wrenching redemption of two complicated men. This Fielding story was primarily character driven, very little of the expected paranormal world reared its head until the final pages. While I fell madly in love with Desmond, I missed the creatures, demons, vampires, shifters, and other beings who go bump in the night.
All in all, a wonderful PNR. This is an incredible series. I’m hoping for something a bit more exotic next time.
There was a melancholy bent to this lovely story as we watch the gut wrenching redemption of two complicated men. This Fielding story was primarily character driven, very little of the expected paranormal world reared its head until the final pages. While I fell madly in love with Desmond, I missed the creatures, demons, vampires, shifters, and other beings who go bump in the night.
All in all, a wonderful PNR. This is an incredible series. I’m hoping for something a bit more exotic next time.
November 18, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up. Not my favorite from The Bureau but still damn good. I really love this series and the world it lives in. And Townsend makes me more and more curious as things progress. Who is he really? I absolutely do not believe that what he appears to be is all that there is. We shall see. *I hope* Looking forward to more!
July 24, 2023
1.5 rounded down
Disappointing. :/
The writing was great, and the world is certainly interesting, but the entire plot concept and the relationship between the characters didn't work for me at all. I felt like the author went *so* dark and gritty with the traumatized prisoner essentially in solitary confinement for 17 years, that there was just never going to be any conceivable way to get past that. There was no chemistry for me, and I really felt the build between them was super weird and forced and I was just uncomfortable the entire time. Kurt never seemed to actually like Des and several times throughout the book seemed unable to get past what Des had been a part of, and I just spent the whole book absolutely baffled by pretty much every choice everybody made. Again, the writing was great on a technical level, and I appreciated that the author was trying to deal with heavy topics. Kurt's being half Black was also really well incorporated into the story, which I appreciated. But I was just so squicked by the relationship, and it was so utterly implausible that I couldn't get into it.
Disappointing. :/
The writing was great, and the world is certainly interesting, but the entire plot concept and the relationship between the characters didn't work for me at all. I felt like the author went *so* dark and gritty with the traumatized prisoner essentially in solitary confinement for 17 years, that there was just never going to be any conceivable way to get past that. There was no chemistry for me, and I really felt the build between them was super weird and forced and I was just uncomfortable the entire time. Kurt never seemed to actually like Des and several times throughout the book seemed unable to get past what Des had been a part of, and I just spent the whole book absolutely baffled by pretty much every choice everybody made. Again, the writing was great on a technical level, and I appreciated that the author was trying to deal with heavy topics. Kurt's being half Black was also really well incorporated into the story, which I appreciated. But I was just so squicked by the relationship, and it was so utterly implausible that I couldn't get into it.
September 30, 2021
Another good one in the series. Lots of tension, interesting suspense story, likeable characters, made this a winner.
November 9, 2019
3.75 stars rounded up
I think this is the first time in this series that one of the main characters is not a supernatural being. Both Desmond and Kurt are human -- although Desmond was involved with warlock (?) that ended up with a lot of murder victims and he was sent to jail. It's a road trip story, and with the close proximity, I can take the rather quick relationship progress. But the ending feels painfully abrupt though.
I think this is the first time in this series that one of the main characters is not a supernatural being. Both Desmond and Kurt are human -- although Desmond was involved with warlock (?) that ended up with a lot of murder victims and he was sent to jail. It's a road trip story, and with the close proximity, I can take the rather quick relationship progress. But the ending feels painfully abrupt though.
October 13, 2020
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/10/13/...
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
January 22, 2021
First of all , this cover is absolutely stunning .
“Convicted” is masterfully built with completely unique and awesome characters . This book captured my heart from the beginning . Needless to say I ‘m already looking forward the next one .
“Redemption isn’t a finish line, a one-and-done . It’s a process . A journey, sometimes a fucking hard one . But the key is to keep on going.”
“Convicted” is masterfully built with completely unique and awesome characters . This book captured my heart from the beginning . Needless to say I ‘m already looking forward the next one .
“Redemption isn’t a finish line, a one-and-done . It’s a process . A journey, sometimes a fucking hard one . But the key is to keep on going.”
September 7, 2024
The impossible made possible. I couldn't put it down. I had a little bit of trouble connecting with the device in my head. I kept picturing the Arc of the Covenant from Raiders of the Lost Arc.🤣 Or a cigar box. Some serious juju my friends. I'm also really curious to find out Chief Townsend's story. What an interesting being. Is he human? Or something else?
November 28, 2022
I wonder if Des will manifest his merfolk heritage in the future books. I was really looking forward to Des getting into the swimming pool and see what will come out of it, but somehow this whole aspect of his life was swiped under the proverbial rug. Why keep giving hints in every other chapter and then drop it altogether? I almost want to take a star off for that. Almost.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Convicted is part of Kim Fielding’s Bureau series. The author indicated the book is a standalone and I had not read the other books in the series. This book takes place in 1993, and it wasn’t until I went back and researched the series that I learned that all of the books take place during different time periods. While the relationship between Kurt and Des stands alone, I did feel off balance as there is no background offered on the Bureau or the world itself.
Kurt is an agent with the Bureau. He has come up against many different species during his career and we are told about a few of them in passing, but how the worlds all fit together is not explained in this book. For Kurt to get a call regarding any type of creature or magical being is just another day’s work. His latest mission takes him to a high security prison where Des is incarcerated.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Convicted is part of Kim Fielding’s Bureau series. The author indicated the book is a standalone and I had not read the other books in the series. This book takes place in 1993, and it wasn’t until I went back and researched the series that I learned that all of the books take place during different time periods. While the relationship between Kurt and Des stands alone, I did feel off balance as there is no background offered on the Bureau or the world itself.
Kurt is an agent with the Bureau. He has come up against many different species during his career and we are told about a few of them in passing, but how the worlds all fit together is not explained in this book. For Kurt to get a call regarding any type of creature or magical being is just another day’s work. His latest mission takes him to a high security prison where Des is incarcerated.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
January 14, 2023
Historia agenta Kurta i więźnia Desa, którzy muszą znaleźć ukryte przed 17 laty magiczne mordercze pudełka.
Czytało mi się dobrze, ale nie do końca lubiłam Kurta. Za to Des był świetny. :)
Czytało mi się dobrze, ale nie do końca lubiłam Kurta. Za to Des był świetny. :)
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October 29, 2021My review for Convicted would be very similar to my review for Chained so to avoid being repetitive, I’ll simply link you to that review and stress that these books will undoubtedly have greater impact enjoyed together and in order. I honestly believe that if I hadn’t read the other books, this one would fall somewhat flat. IMO the ideas and execution rely on the context and the world building that preceded this installment. The themes presented in the series are thought provoking and their impact feels somewhat dependent on the way the ideas expressed build upon each other. Rearrange those building blocks or take some away and the end result will be less impactful and less satisfying.
November 21, 2022
Sooooo good. This is by far my favorite of the series so far, and that's no slam at all on the previous books, since each one has been wonderful in that deep, sweet, lovely way this author always brings to her love stories. But Des and Kurt? ALL the stars 😍😍😍
Want to read
June 6, 2023🎁 Part of The Bureau: Volume 2 (The Bureau #4-5) which is FREE on Amazon today (6/4/2023)! 🎁
November 5, 2019
3.5 stars - I was really looking forward to this installment, although I admit it wasn't anything like what I was expecting. After the last book, I wrongly assumed this would be about Edge and Terry working to bust the dog fighting / breeding ring that was uncovered in that story. While they made an early appearance here, this story takes us in an entirely different direction.
I had a lot of questions that never seemed to be answered here. Why was Kurt chosen all those years ago to be an agent when he was naught but a convenience store clerk? Was Des some other type of creature? I don't think it was ever mentioned he was, but if not, then why did he end up in a prison for monsters/creatures? If he has been incarcerated for 17 years, it took that long for the FBI to want to find the boxes?
The story itself was interesting. Agent Seth is paired up with Des (who is set free long enough to help with the mission) to find magical evil boxes that Des had been involved in with his ex, Larry, before he landed in prison. Larry had been killed when Des was captured, but it was Larry who created or had planned to put the boxes to use. Seth (and Des) are tasked with finding the boxes before someone else.
I liked these two characters. They made a good team and seemed good for each other. Seth has a few issues of his own he is trying to atone for (Vietnam, ensuing alcoholism, failed marriage, etc.), and I loved how he was considerate of Des from the get go. Des is super sweet - basically someone who was taken advantage of at a young age who got caught up in some bad stuff. They had great chemistry although we don't really get to see it in its glory until the end.
I realize it is stated that these are stand alone stories, but they are technically set in the same world - although the time lines seem a bit off from book to book which threw me a bit at times. Regardless, while I wasn't wowed by this one, I love the premise here and am looking forward to seeing where this series goes next should there be more in the future.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
I had a lot of questions that never seemed to be answered here. Why was Kurt chosen all those years ago to be an agent when he was naught but a convenience store clerk? Was Des some other type of creature? I don't think it was ever mentioned he was, but if not, then why did he end up in a prison for monsters/creatures? If he has been incarcerated for 17 years, it took that long for the FBI to want to find the boxes?
The story itself was interesting. Agent Seth is paired up with Des (who is set free long enough to help with the mission) to find magical evil boxes that Des had been involved in with his ex, Larry, before he landed in prison. Larry had been killed when Des was captured, but it was Larry who created or had planned to put the boxes to use. Seth (and Des) are tasked with finding the boxes before someone else.
I liked these two characters. They made a good team and seemed good for each other. Seth has a few issues of his own he is trying to atone for (Vietnam, ensuing alcoholism, failed marriage, etc.), and I loved how he was considerate of Des from the get go. Des is super sweet - basically someone who was taken advantage of at a young age who got caught up in some bad stuff. They had great chemistry although we don't really get to see it in its glory until the end.
I realize it is stated that these are stand alone stories, but they are technically set in the same world - although the time lines seem a bit off from book to book which threw me a bit at times. Regardless, while I wasn't wowed by this one, I love the premise here and am looking forward to seeing where this series goes next should there be more in the future.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
October 30, 2019
Ah, lovely---it’s always a pleasure to hear of a new release by Kim Fielding. I particularly enjoy her supernatural/paranormal stories, so I was looking forward to this new entry in “The Bureau” series very much.
And the story doesn’t disappoint. Here we have a long-imprisoned convict teaming up with a very tightly-wound Bureau operative to recover some dangerous magical artifacts. And as they work together, each perhaps starts to realise that they aren’t as different from one another as they might have thought. Their past lives do have common threads that bind them together; or at least, make it easier to understand one another.
I did appreciate a theme that underlies much of the story, that being: while it may not be possible to undo past mistakes, a person has a choice in the way they live their life from this time forward. It was very inspirational; heck, it made me want to be a better person myself, as I finished reading. Now, whether I’ll actually live up to that sudden resolution, well.....
This is the fifth Bureau story, and while characters from previous entries in the series do make cameo appearances, this is pretty much a stand-alone and you can read it without having read any of the others. That said, if you do read this one first I hope you’ll go back and give the whole series a go!
And the story doesn’t disappoint. Here we have a long-imprisoned convict teaming up with a very tightly-wound Bureau operative to recover some dangerous magical artifacts. And as they work together, each perhaps starts to realise that they aren’t as different from one another as they might have thought. Their past lives do have common threads that bind them together; or at least, make it easier to understand one another.
I did appreciate a theme that underlies much of the story, that being: while it may not be possible to undo past mistakes, a person has a choice in the way they live their life from this time forward. It was very inspirational; heck, it made me want to be a better person myself, as I finished reading. Now, whether I’ll actually live up to that sudden resolution, well.....
This is the fifth Bureau story, and while characters from previous entries in the series do make cameo appearances, this is pretty much a stand-alone and you can read it without having read any of the others. That said, if you do read this one first I hope you’ll go back and give the whole series a go!
November 4, 2019
Sorry for my lack of review on this one but I’ve been road trekking all over Colorado the last few days and am completely toasted and ready for bed...
I will say that this was written in the typical heart wrenching/paranormal style that Fielding is know for, IMO.
Kim does say in her comments that this could be read as a stand-alone... I would disagree... Not only are the first few books some of the best short stories ever but to have a full grasp of the work the bureau does as well as making sense of Townsend and the others I really think you should start from the beginning. Plus they’re short novellas so it would take no time to catch up.
I will say that this was written in the typical heart wrenching/paranormal style that Fielding is know for, IMO.
Kim does say in her comments that this could be read as a stand-alone... I would disagree... Not only are the first few books some of the best short stories ever but to have a full grasp of the work the bureau does as well as making sense of Townsend and the others I really think you should start from the beginning. Plus they’re short novellas so it would take no time to catch up.
November 19, 2019
Another great story from the Bureau, about a search and destroy mission of diabolical 'boxes'. This one was set in the early 90's, and featured two guys in their early 40's: one a detective with the Bureau, and the other a mass-murdering convict. I know...how is this gonna' work, right? Fielding's awesome writing and character development make their relationship believable. I'm looking forward to book #6!
November 5, 2019
This was my favorite in the series. It has a lot more depth, both plot wise and relationship wise, than the previous books. These can be read out of order because each book takes place in different time periods and they're not necessarily chronological.
October 31, 2019
4,5
Toujours génial quoiqu'un poil inférieur aux 2 précédents
Toujours génial quoiqu'un poil inférieur aux 2 précédents
November 8, 2019
Loved it... more please.
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