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The Taking
Peachy is on a mission: steal a priceless family heirloom. All is going according to plan until she finds herself teetering on the edge of death. She wakes up in a bizarre world and under the care of a strange woman who can communicate without spoken words. Little does Peachy know that by taking the amulet, she’s enacted a powerful chain of events and roused a deranged being who will stop at nothing to find her and retrieve the amulet.
Noomi is Fae—a Seer and Shifter—who shares a unique bond with her sister, a two-hundred-pound mountain cat. Their days revolve around creating art, making maps, and enjoying pipeweed. Until the day that Peachy enters their world and plunges it into chaos.
The Taking is a tale of a powerful amulet—a gateway from one world to another. With Noomi’s help, Peachy must combat the forces working against them…forces that will stop at nothing to kill them both.
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Editor: Ann Roberts
Cover Designer: Sandy Knowles
Noomi is Fae—a Seer and Shifter—who shares a unique bond with her sister, a two-hundred-pound mountain cat. Their days revolve around creating art, making maps, and enjoying pipeweed. Until the day that Peachy enters their world and plunges it into chaos.
The Taking is a tale of a powerful amulet—a gateway from one world to another. With Noomi’s help, Peachy must combat the forces working against them…forces that will stop at nothing to kill them both.
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Editor: Ann Roberts
Cover Designer: Sandy Knowles
252 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2019
4 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Celeste Castro
4 books35 followersCeleste Castro is from small-town, rural Idaho where most of her stories take place. She grew up with learning differences though she always kept a journal. Her characters are a little like her, completely versed in the art of Chingóna and speaking Spanglish. When she’s not glued to her laptop, she’s digging in her garden, practicing Tai Chi or looking for something to deep clean. Celeste currently lives with her wife in Chicago-the best city on Earth!
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 14, 2019
This was different and a little weird but in a good way. In the last five years or so I have read more than 700 lesfic and mainstream fantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal books. So imagine my surprise when I read this fantasy, with a light paranormal feel, and discovered that this book was unlike anything I have ever read before. I can’t really compare this to anything else it was so different. And because of that I could not be happier.
Castro is an author that I have read since her debut book. I’m happy to say that each book she has written has been better than the last. I love to see growth in new authors and it makes me excited when I see she has a new book out. This book is not perfect, it still had a few bumps when it came to the execution. I had a little trouble with the pace that would speed up, slow down, speed up and repeat. However, this is clearly Castro’s best and her imagination absolutely shines.
The book is about a young woman named Peachy who is living with one of the last Voodoo Queens of New Orleans. When she is asked to steal an amulet that is a family heirloom, Peachy has no idea how drastically her life is about to change. With danger lurking around every corner, will Peachy find who she can really trust not just with her life but also her heart?
This is absolutely a fantasy book. It takes place on Earth but also in an otherworldly fantasy place. And while this is a fantasy book first, it does have some mix of paranormal with beings like shifters, fae, and even zombies. But the way the paranormal elements are done is really unique. It is not the type of shifters and even zombies that we are used to in every book. I keep mentioning Castro’s imagination but I loved the new take and approach she decided on here.
This book does have a romance. It felt a tad fast to me but then I realized months had actually gone by instead of the days I thought. A clearer timeline is something that Castro could improve on. The sex scenes are slightly explicit but not overly so. I do wish there was a little more time spent in the in-between faze that happens after attraction but before love, but Castro had to move the plot along so I get it. The romance was solid enough that I believed it and was rooting for the potential couple.
I do have to mention that this does end on a cliffhanger. It’s not a horrible cliffhanger but it is definitely one. I didn’t think I would say this but I am actually glad it did end on one. I had forgotten about the cliffhanger as I was reading and when I hit the 80% mark I got really worried. There seemed to be too much story left, how could it end so soon? I thought it was going to be super rushed since it just didn’t seem possible. So to find the cliffhanger, to know there is at least one more book where a good unrushed ending can still play out, made me one happy camper. I know some people don’t like to read cliffhangers until all the books are out, but I think you can go ahead and read this. The cliffhanger is not awful and you might as well see is you like this unusual read. I would recommend this to fantasy-romance fans or people who want to try something different. Readers who want a story they have not read before. I will absolutely be reading the next installment.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
Castro is an author that I have read since her debut book. I’m happy to say that each book she has written has been better than the last. I love to see growth in new authors and it makes me excited when I see she has a new book out. This book is not perfect, it still had a few bumps when it came to the execution. I had a little trouble with the pace that would speed up, slow down, speed up and repeat. However, this is clearly Castro’s best and her imagination absolutely shines.
The book is about a young woman named Peachy who is living with one of the last Voodoo Queens of New Orleans. When she is asked to steal an amulet that is a family heirloom, Peachy has no idea how drastically her life is about to change. With danger lurking around every corner, will Peachy find who she can really trust not just with her life but also her heart?
This is absolutely a fantasy book. It takes place on Earth but also in an otherworldly fantasy place. And while this is a fantasy book first, it does have some mix of paranormal with beings like shifters, fae, and even zombies. But the way the paranormal elements are done is really unique. It is not the type of shifters and even zombies that we are used to in every book. I keep mentioning Castro’s imagination but I loved the new take and approach she decided on here.
This book does have a romance. It felt a tad fast to me but then I realized months had actually gone by instead of the days I thought. A clearer timeline is something that Castro could improve on. The sex scenes are slightly explicit but not overly so. I do wish there was a little more time spent in the in-between faze that happens after attraction but before love, but Castro had to move the plot along so I get it. The romance was solid enough that I believed it and was rooting for the potential couple.
I do have to mention that this does end on a cliffhanger. It’s not a horrible cliffhanger but it is definitely one. I didn’t think I would say this but I am actually glad it did end on one. I had forgotten about the cliffhanger as I was reading and when I hit the 80% mark I got really worried. There seemed to be too much story left, how could it end so soon? I thought it was going to be super rushed since it just didn’t seem possible. So to find the cliffhanger, to know there is at least one more book where a good unrushed ending can still play out, made me one happy camper. I know some people don’t like to read cliffhangers until all the books are out, but I think you can go ahead and read this. The cliffhanger is not awful and you might as well see is you like this unusual read. I would recommend this to fantasy-romance fans or people who want to try something different. Readers who want a story they have not read before. I will absolutely be reading the next installment.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
December 11, 2019
The Taking
by Celeste Castro is a very interesting fantasy novel. This is my first book by Ms. Castro, and also one of the few books I’ve read with shifters as some of the main characters. I have never been a fan of fantasy or books about shifters before, but I’m trying to broaden my reading habits, so I decided to read this one. I’m glad I chose this book.
The story begins in New Orleans where our main character Peachy is trying to steal a family heirloom (an amulet on a necklace) from the home of a very powerful Voodoo High Priestess. She manages to get the amulet but is caught trying to leave and is almost killed. Just before she passes out, Peach puts the amulet on. When she wakes up, she finds herself in another world and under the care of Noomie, a Fae woman and her sister Gabin. Noomie and Gabin are shifters. Gabin normally stays in her animal shape which is a two hundred pound mountain cat. Noomie is also a Seer and has healing powers which is good for Peachy since the sisters find her close to death from her injuries. Peachy is now on a distant planet populated with Fae beings with special powers. It is mostly a gentle planet, but the evil powers that were trying to hurt Peachy are closing in, and this spells danger for everyone.
It is fairly easy to tell the good from the bad in this tale. The bad characters especially are easy to spot since their evil just shines. The plot is interesting and had me hooked from the beginning. The good versus evil story line with the addition of going from our world (New Orleans) to a distant planet of Faes was bound to keep my interest and it did.
The story doesn’t really end with this book. In fact, we are left on a cliffhanger, so I’m assuming there will be a second book to follow. I will be looking forward to reading that novel as well.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
The story begins in New Orleans where our main character Peachy is trying to steal a family heirloom (an amulet on a necklace) from the home of a very powerful Voodoo High Priestess. She manages to get the amulet but is caught trying to leave and is almost killed. Just before she passes out, Peach puts the amulet on. When she wakes up, she finds herself in another world and under the care of Noomie, a Fae woman and her sister Gabin. Noomie and Gabin are shifters. Gabin normally stays in her animal shape which is a two hundred pound mountain cat. Noomie is also a Seer and has healing powers which is good for Peachy since the sisters find her close to death from her injuries. Peachy is now on a distant planet populated with Fae beings with special powers. It is mostly a gentle planet, but the evil powers that were trying to hurt Peachy are closing in, and this spells danger for everyone.
It is fairly easy to tell the good from the bad in this tale. The bad characters especially are easy to spot since their evil just shines. The plot is interesting and had me hooked from the beginning. The good versus evil story line with the addition of going from our world (New Orleans) to a distant planet of Faes was bound to keep my interest and it did.
The story doesn’t really end with this book. In fact, we are left on a cliffhanger, so I’m assuming there will be a second book to follow. I will be looking forward to reading that novel as well.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections:
https://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
December 9, 2019
This was my first exposure to this author, and I was quite pleased by the book. The premise was solid, the writing was satisfying and the characters VERY memorable! I found the cover, while eye-catching didn't really make sense to me, but maybe I'm missing something.
I enjoyed the history and backstory of Heatherton. The author clearly put a lot of thought into the world's foundations. It seemed like a place I'd like to visit, had I been able to. I could almost feel the cold water when Noomi and Peachy took a swim in the lake. Obviously magic is woven throughout the world and responsive to those who wield power.
The pacing was a bit slow as peachy and Noomi developed trust in one another and then fell in love, but stick with it! Back in the real world, there are preparations for a battle that had me shuddering at times. There is darkness here, but also great love and devotion.
There is a sequel coming, so make sure you get this one so you can enjoy both!
I was given a free ARC by the author and publisher for my honest review. Thank you Bella Books, NetGalley and Celeste Castro!
I enjoyed the history and backstory of Heatherton. The author clearly put a lot of thought into the world's foundations. It seemed like a place I'd like to visit, had I been able to. I could almost feel the cold water when Noomi and Peachy took a swim in the lake. Obviously magic is woven throughout the world and responsive to those who wield power.
The pacing was a bit slow as peachy and Noomi developed trust in one another and then fell in love, but stick with it! Back in the real world, there are preparations for a battle that had me shuddering at times. There is darkness here, but also great love and devotion.
There is a sequel coming, so make sure you get this one so you can enjoy both!
I was given a free ARC by the author and publisher for my honest review. Thank you Bella Books, NetGalley and Celeste Castro!
December 25, 2019
This one was interesting for me - I spent most of the book wondering where they were going with the storyline, but still compelled enough to find out where that end was. Turns out it was a bit fruitless because the book does leave off on a pretty big cliff hanger. I do get annoyed with books that do this, seemingly stop right in the middle of something without warning, so while I wasn't surprised by the cliff hanger, I was annoyed that it happened again.
The story follows Peachy as she is sucked into an alternate Fae world after a botched job that leaves her terribly hurt. She falls for Noomi, the Fae that nurses her back to health, but all is not well, as her employ/ surrogate mother's rivals are plotting to take her powers to try to take revenge on this fae world. There's a lot to cram into a 250 page book, and while most of the story tries really hard to set up some of the action in the last half of the book - and for new books- it does a poor job of moving things along. Some of it is compelling, while other parts aren't, but that is an unfortunate aspect of fantasy and sci-fi series starting books.
Peachy is a fine enough protagonist, but she does spend much of the first half of the book broken and out of it, so the other characters have to take of the slack. Noomi and her family are fun, but Lissette and her sisters are pretty boring. This is a little unfortunate because the sisters all play such a pivotal role in the story.
This is a decent start to a fantasy series that has some interesting twists - it doesn't rely on European interpretations of fae, which gives the setting - New Orleans, and its equivalent Fae version a little bit more personality. There were times where the story felt like it came to a stand still, despite all the stuff that was going on. In that sense, it felt more like a bunch of set pieces strung together with some movement. For some people it might be a deal breaker, but for others, it might help them absorb all of the world building that was going on.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review
The story follows Peachy as she is sucked into an alternate Fae world after a botched job that leaves her terribly hurt. She falls for Noomi, the Fae that nurses her back to health, but all is not well, as her employ/ surrogate mother's rivals are plotting to take her powers to try to take revenge on this fae world. There's a lot to cram into a 250 page book, and while most of the story tries really hard to set up some of the action in the last half of the book - and for new books- it does a poor job of moving things along. Some of it is compelling, while other parts aren't, but that is an unfortunate aspect of fantasy and sci-fi series starting books.
Peachy is a fine enough protagonist, but she does spend much of the first half of the book broken and out of it, so the other characters have to take of the slack. Noomi and her family are fun, but Lissette and her sisters are pretty boring. This is a little unfortunate because the sisters all play such a pivotal role in the story.
This is a decent start to a fantasy series that has some interesting twists - it doesn't rely on European interpretations of fae, which gives the setting - New Orleans, and its equivalent Fae version a little bit more personality. There were times where the story felt like it came to a stand still, despite all the stuff that was going on. In that sense, it felt more like a bunch of set pieces strung together with some movement. For some people it might be a deal breaker, but for others, it might help them absorb all of the world building that was going on.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review
January 3, 2020
This is a sci-fi fantasy mix and I love it. The story starts in New Orleans which is magical I its own unique way but then the story gets taken to a different world that is inhabited by Far called the Heathers and has a very fantasy feel to it.
The characters both good and evil are phenomenally well done and captivated me start to finish.
Peachy is so clever, resilient, and loving and I can’t get enough of her. Noomi is so kind, caring, and passionate. The entire cast is so well done and I can’t wait to see more about them in the next book, especially some of the side characters like Gavin and Minette who I believe will have a larger role.
The plot and lore was very well developed and intriguing. There was great development and it had me wanting more.
I absolutely adored the magic system, how it applied, and it’s history. The Heathers Wed also very well thought out both in their civilization and their abilities.
The romance was exciting and sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed that journey.
This entrancing story was more often than not incredibly tragic but still bright and filled with hope and love and I adore it for blending those conflicting emotions so well.
The characters both good and evil are phenomenally well done and captivated me start to finish.
Peachy is so clever, resilient, and loving and I can’t get enough of her. Noomi is so kind, caring, and passionate. The entire cast is so well done and I can’t wait to see more about them in the next book, especially some of the side characters like Gavin and Minette who I believe will have a larger role.
The plot and lore was very well developed and intriguing. There was great development and it had me wanting more.
I absolutely adored the magic system, how it applied, and it’s history. The Heathers Wed also very well thought out both in their civilization and their abilities.
The romance was exciting and sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed that journey.
This entrancing story was more often than not incredibly tragic but still bright and filled with hope and love and I adore it for blending those conflicting emotions so well.
December 11, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Peachy thought stealing a family heirloom will be a piece of cake according to her plan what she didn't count on waking up in a strange land in the care of Noomi a woman who can communicate without spoken words.
There was a lot going as Peachy and Noomi slowly developed trust in each other and eventually falls in love as they try to stop the forcing that are against them. In the real world their a battle going on there magic woven through out especially to those who meant to wield power. I like the banter between Noomi and Gabin. Wow Beatriz was a piece of work and Lisette only telling part truth to Peachy and not really prepare her for what to come.
Peachy thought stealing a family heirloom will be a piece of cake according to her plan what she didn't count on waking up in a strange land in the care of Noomi a woman who can communicate without spoken words.
There was a lot going as Peachy and Noomi slowly developed trust in each other and eventually falls in love as they try to stop the forcing that are against them. In the real world their a battle going on there magic woven through out especially to those who meant to wield power. I like the banter between Noomi and Gabin. Wow Beatriz was a piece of work and Lisette only telling part truth to Peachy and not really prepare her for what to come.
April 5, 2024
I received a free copy via Netgalley.
This is an enjoyable Fantasy read with a good story line.
The characters are well developed.
The story was let down at the end though with a cliff hanger.
I just do not like cliff hangers, which feel to me like trying to force you to buy the next in the series, hence 3 stars.
This is an enjoyable Fantasy read with a good story line.
The characters are well developed.
The story was let down at the end though with a cliff hanger.
I just do not like cliff hangers, which feel to me like trying to force you to buy the next in the series, hence 3 stars.
April 2, 2020
This is a beautiful love story and a suspense filled fantasy all rolled into on. I loved it. The characters were colorful, and the plot had lots of unexpected twists and turns. Peachy and Noomi are lovable and you can’t help but root for them. This story is set up for a sequel and I hope there is one. I look forward to reading more from this creative author.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews