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The Rune Caster Chronicles #1
Storm's Child
An explosive beginning to the hit urban fantasy series, The Rune Caster Chronicles. You won't be able to stop reading!Nathan Mercer lives quietly, tending to his inn and trying to leave his violent past behind him. But after the mysterious death of one of his employees, Nathan finds himself suspecting the fae, an ancient and powerful race he would rather avoid. Nathan’s choice is clear; dive back into a world that thinks he is dead, or let a murderer go free.Readers rave about Storm's 'I loved this story. Ortega has a skill of keeping the reader just enough in the dark to have them curious about what’s going to happen next. Even now I’m left with questions and I’m eager to start the sequel.' - Goodreads reviewer'I haven’t been this engrossed by a book in a very long time. The details and cross overs between cultures, myths, and legends is incredible. The author managed to bring every myth and legend you can think of to life seamlessly. Cant wait to get my hands on book two!' - Goodreads reviewer'Truly a 5 star storyI read this non stop from the first few words, and I'm anxious to read the next one. Unique and fascinating fae story.' - Goodreads reviewer'Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a fantasy enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Great book!' - Goodreads reviewerIf you love mythical creatures and want an action-packed, bit dark fantasy world entwined with modern world, this is THE book for you! 🖤 And, it's just the first one of quite a few to come. - Goodreads reviewer
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2020
25 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 9, 2020
this book was so different from all the other fae books I’m used to! it gave me intense The Witcher vibes, which is always a good thing in my book, and the urban fantasy aspect definitely made for an enjoyable reading experience!
I really appreciated the way magic was handled. each magical creature had its specific kind of magic, with different ways to yield it and use, and I found this so fascinating! I loved that Nathan was Irish and that his magic was linked to runes, or that each mage had a different affinity! it made for such an interesting and well-built world!
one more thing I immensely enjoyed was the writing. this book was funny. I laughed out loud several times, either because Nathan said something funny, or because Sabine (Nathan’s dog and clearly therapist) was absolutely adorable.
I honestly had a lovely time reading Storm’s Child, it’s a nice and short fantasy novel that left me wanting more!
thank you SmashBear Publishing for sending me an e-copy for review!
I really appreciated the way magic was handled. each magical creature had its specific kind of magic, with different ways to yield it and use, and I found this so fascinating! I loved that Nathan was Irish and that his magic was linked to runes, or that each mage had a different affinity! it made for such an interesting and well-built world!
one more thing I immensely enjoyed was the writing. this book was funny. I laughed out loud several times, either because Nathan said something funny, or because Sabine (Nathan’s dog and clearly therapist) was absolutely adorable.
I honestly had a lovely time reading Storm’s Child, it’s a nice and short fantasy novel that left me wanting more!
thank you SmashBear Publishing for sending me an e-copy for review!
December 14, 2020
Every magical creature was different and their source of magic was different too. It is a unique fantasy with humour mixed very well as Nathan and Sabine move from one action to another. Liked it.
November 28, 2020
You'll have to head over to my Instagram (whatisgracereading) on 10th Dec to find out what I think!
October 1, 2021
Holy Urban Fantasy!
Death's Edge is the first book of "The Rune Caster Chronicles," and I could not put this down! Readers are thrown into non-stop action with intricately woven mysteries and tons of witty banter. John Ortega has a masterful skill for plotting, world-building, and penning richly diverse creatures.
Readers are introduced to Nathan who was betrayed by his fellow fae and has Princess of the Winter Court and has fled Faerie for survival. When one of his staff goes missing, Nathan exposes himself after many years of hiding in the hopes of finding the young boy before it's too late.
The premise is quite enjoyable as MC Nathan Mercer owns an inn that acts as a haven for supernatural beings. This was refreshing to me because I tend to read more female-dominated urban fantasy so getting a male POV was interesting. Also, Nathan doesn't work in the conventional careers within the protective services (police/detective), etc. which has become the norm in urban fantasy. Using the Inn as Nathan's base was smart on the author's as it gives a different yet uniquely creative spin.
Reasons why you need to read this ASAP:
-->There is a fantastic synergy between famous legends of Fae courts of Mab and Puck with the uncommon mythical lure that essentially reimagines various mythological fairy tales
-->Non-stop action from the first page
-->The MC has a serious hero complex and an unwavering sense of bravado
-->The villains are exceptionally evil and steadily walking down the path of cray-cray just how I like them. Her dreams of grandiose only fueled the plotline and made for an epic read
--> The female lead is infinitely stronger than the male protagonist and he could give two hoots about that
While it ends on a cliffhanger, I believe The Rune Chronicles has all the essential elements for a highly addictive urban fantasy and I cannot wait to see what else the author has in store!
Thank you to the author and SmashBear Publications for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Death's Edge is the first book of "The Rune Caster Chronicles," and I could not put this down! Readers are thrown into non-stop action with intricately woven mysteries and tons of witty banter. John Ortega has a masterful skill for plotting, world-building, and penning richly diverse creatures.
Readers are introduced to Nathan who was betrayed by his fellow fae and has Princess of the Winter Court and has fled Faerie for survival. When one of his staff goes missing, Nathan exposes himself after many years of hiding in the hopes of finding the young boy before it's too late.
The premise is quite enjoyable as MC Nathan Mercer owns an inn that acts as a haven for supernatural beings. This was refreshing to me because I tend to read more female-dominated urban fantasy so getting a male POV was interesting. Also, Nathan doesn't work in the conventional careers within the protective services (police/detective), etc. which has become the norm in urban fantasy. Using the Inn as Nathan's base was smart on the author's as it gives a different yet uniquely creative spin.
Reasons why you need to read this ASAP:
-->There is a fantastic synergy between famous legends of Fae courts of Mab and Puck with the uncommon mythical lure that essentially reimagines various mythological fairy tales
-->Non-stop action from the first page
-->The MC has a serious hero complex and an unwavering sense of bravado
-->The villains are exceptionally evil and steadily walking down the path of cray-cray just how I like them. Her dreams of grandiose only fueled the plotline and made for an epic read
--> The female lead is infinitely stronger than the male protagonist and he could give two hoots about that
While it ends on a cliffhanger, I believe The Rune Chronicles has all the essential elements for a highly addictive urban fantasy and I cannot wait to see what else the author has in store!
Thank you to the author and SmashBear Publications for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2021
I found this book to be an exciting take on the fantasy genre - very magical but exclusively for adults. Really enjoyed the storyline and looking forward to reading the second in the series!
July 29, 2022
Ortega is a new to me author who has made a fan out of me with Storm’s Child.
This is a fantasy book that takes a new direction in a heavily infused genre. Mixing elements of mystery and romance within a fantasy world, I was very pleased with the unique spin this book took on most aspects including magic and the Fae.
Nathan was a great main character, only beaten out by his dog Sabine who was my favorite! In fact, all of the characters were interesting even if some left me wondering what part they were going to play in this world.
Overall I loved this story. Ortega has a skill of keeping the reader just enough in the dark to have them curious about what’s going to happen next. Even now I’m left with questions and I’m eager to start the sequel.
This is a fantasy book that takes a new direction in a heavily infused genre. Mixing elements of mystery and romance within a fantasy world, I was very pleased with the unique spin this book took on most aspects including magic and the Fae.
Nathan was a great main character, only beaten out by his dog Sabine who was my favorite! In fact, all of the characters were interesting even if some left me wondering what part they were going to play in this world.
Overall I loved this story. Ortega has a skill of keeping the reader just enough in the dark to have them curious about what’s going to happen next. Even now I’m left with questions and I’m eager to start the sequel.
August 10, 2021
Phenomenal
I haven’t been this engrossed by a book in a very long time. The details and cross overs between cultures, myths, and legends is incredible. The author managed to bring every myth and legend you can think of to life seamlessly. Cant wait to get my hands on book two!
I haven’t been this engrossed by a book in a very long time. The details and cross overs between cultures, myths, and legends is incredible. The author managed to bring every myth and legend you can think of to life seamlessly. Cant wait to get my hands on book two!
September 21, 2021
4.5
This is a fantasy book I have been looking for, for some time now. To include all fantasy creatures from witches and faes to those only mentioned in mythology I loved it.
Some times the story felt a bit fast paced and a bit to slow in other points but still overall a great read can’t wait for the second book.
This is a fantasy book I have been looking for, for some time now. To include all fantasy creatures from witches and faes to those only mentioned in mythology I loved it.
Some times the story felt a bit fast paced and a bit to slow in other points but still overall a great read can’t wait for the second book.
February 9, 2021
Truly a 5 star story
I read this non stop from the first few words, and I'm anxious to read the next one. Unique and fascinating fae story.
I read this non stop from the first few words, and I'm anxious to read the next one. Unique and fascinating fae story.
September 12, 2021
such an easy and amazing urban packed with creatures and events!
I was a bit confused at the beginning because of how many supernatural creatures there were but once I got the hang of it I loved it! Every creature had a special gift and I loved Nathan’s character he is hilarious and I have a strong feeling that he is a Taurus! MAJOR the Witcher vibes!
Also can I talk about the weapons bracelet he carries around? I wanna have it! It’s so cool
I was a bit confused at the beginning because of how many supernatural creatures there were but once I got the hang of it I loved it! Every creature had a special gift and I loved Nathan’s character he is hilarious and I have a strong feeling that he is a Taurus! MAJOR the Witcher vibes!
Also can I talk about the weapons bracelet he carries around? I wanna have it! It’s so cool
April 16, 2021
This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a fantasy enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!
March 12, 2022
A book for true fantasy lovers!
It ain't some sweet love story dusted in fairy dust and found in magical forest. It's a story about amazing friendship, impressive courage and so many more! It's fairly dark and brutal world, where you never know what horrible creatures lurks around.
I could discuss this book for hours, as it have such an impressive world building, diverse characters and mythical creatures that you possibly didn't even knew about. I know I didn't. It may not be a long book, but a lot happens and, to be honest, it doesn't feel rushed or forced. Events unravel smoothly, you can feel connection to characters and feel their bond with each other.
One thing I can promise, you will absolutely love Sabine. And another thing, we all have book boyfriend, but I can promise you, Nathan gonna be your book husband!
If you love mythical creatures and want an action packed, bit dark fantasy world entwined with modern world, this is THE book for you! 🖤 And, it's just the first one of quite a few to come. So far there is 2 books of "The Rune Caster Chronicles" published and third one is in the works!
It ain't some sweet love story dusted in fairy dust and found in magical forest. It's a story about amazing friendship, impressive courage and so many more! It's fairly dark and brutal world, where you never know what horrible creatures lurks around.
I could discuss this book for hours, as it have such an impressive world building, diverse characters and mythical creatures that you possibly didn't even knew about. I know I didn't. It may not be a long book, but a lot happens and, to be honest, it doesn't feel rushed or forced. Events unravel smoothly, you can feel connection to characters and feel their bond with each other.
One thing I can promise, you will absolutely love Sabine. And another thing, we all have book boyfriend, but I can promise you, Nathan gonna be your book husband!
If you love mythical creatures and want an action packed, bit dark fantasy world entwined with modern world, this is THE book for you! 🖤 And, it's just the first one of quite a few to come. So far there is 2 books of "The Rune Caster Chronicles" published and third one is in the works!
April 23, 2021
The action scenes in this book made me feel like I was watching a show or a movie. Very fast- paced with a lot of interesting characters. I would love to see more from these characters in the future, especially from alternative points of view.
April 25, 2021
A well-developed and fast-paced story with mind-boggling lore, fantastical creatures, high-stakes fights, and a charming main character. Competently plotted (though riddled with comma-centric errors I'm blaming the editors for), the author's prose really hits a crescendo of poetic lushness when the love interest makes her appearance - those kisses and that bone-deep emotional need (no pun intended) are genuinely gorgeous. Really appreciated the parallel drawn between certain injuries to the main character and the Spirit of Oregon. And also, Sabine is the most relatable and expressive dog I've ever read. An imaginative and engaging debut from John Ortega.
February 24, 2023
A new author (to me). Nathan was taken as a young child and raised in Faerie. After being betrayed 10 years ago, he faked his death and escaped to the land of men and now runs an inn located in Portland.
As such, he is much out of practice wielding weapons or his magic. Unfortunately the Fae have turned up and it's only a matter of time before they realize he's quite alive.
A very good novel, keeps a good pace
As such, he is much out of practice wielding weapons or his magic. Unfortunately the Fae have turned up and it's only a matter of time before they realize he's quite alive.
A very good novel, keeps a good pace
September 26, 2020
Excellent Fantasy/Mystery - No Disney Here
This was a fast moving mystery with some unexpected surprises. What I appreciated the most was that there was no happily ever after here. Good people die, etc. Haven’t read a book this engrossing in awhile. Well done.
This was a fast moving mystery with some unexpected surprises. What I appreciated the most was that there was no happily ever after here. Good people die, etc. Haven’t read a book this engrossing in awhile. Well done.
November 1, 2020
Amazing!
I read this book in 5 hours. I couldn't put it down. There's so many things I want to know. I can't wait till the next book. Amazing start to a new and hopefully long series.
I read this book in 5 hours. I couldn't put it down. There's so many things I want to know. I can't wait till the next book. Amazing start to a new and hopefully long series.
September 30, 2021
Awesome!
John Ortega has done it again! I read this in KU and promptly bought it. You will enjoy it immensely! Waiting for the sequel.
John Ortega has done it again! I read this in KU and promptly bought it. You will enjoy it immensely! Waiting for the sequel.
November 24, 2020
I was kindly sent a copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review - thank you Smash Bear Publishing!
Urban fantasy isn’t a genre I typically reach for but this book has seriously changed my mind!
Our main character Nathan is a man of mystery and wit (I almost get Geralt from The Witcher vibes from him?) who’s just trying to live a quiet life before his old one comes knocking.
I liked how quick the pace was, the plot is full of action whilst revealing more details about different characters and setting the scene of blending the modern world and the magic one and I absolutely loved the dry humour throughout!
A great beginning to what I’m sure will be a magical series ✨
Urban fantasy isn’t a genre I typically reach for but this book has seriously changed my mind!
Our main character Nathan is a man of mystery and wit (I almost get Geralt from The Witcher vibes from him?) who’s just trying to live a quiet life before his old one comes knocking.
I liked how quick the pace was, the plot is full of action whilst revealing more details about different characters and setting the scene of blending the modern world and the magic one and I absolutely loved the dry humour throughout!
A great beginning to what I’m sure will be a magical series ✨
November 11, 2020
A good start to a new series with plenty of action and good characters. I wish there was a little more world development but overall I would be interested in reading the next in the series.
January 22, 2021
I saw a reviewer claim that this book has serious Witcher vibes, and I have to agree. Storm's Child is pure fantasy escapism at its best. From the colourful cast of characters to the vast magic systems, to the beasties that feel like they may have been ripped straight from a strange nightmare.
Our protagonist is Nathan Mercer. Manager of a cosy inn welcome to all creatures great and small, he just wants to put his past behind him and live a quiet life. As you can imagine, life has other ideas. What I love most about Nathan is that he's the perfect mix of nice guy hero and badass monster slayer. He's got your back in a pinch, but you do not want to get on his bad side.
John Ortega's writing style is quick and witty in a sort of effortless way. It sucks you in and keeps you turning pages long after you invoked one last chapter. I'll be looking out for the sequel for sure!
Our protagonist is Nathan Mercer. Manager of a cosy inn welcome to all creatures great and small, he just wants to put his past behind him and live a quiet life. As you can imagine, life has other ideas. What I love most about Nathan is that he's the perfect mix of nice guy hero and badass monster slayer. He's got your back in a pinch, but you do not want to get on his bad side.
John Ortega's writing style is quick and witty in a sort of effortless way. It sucks you in and keeps you turning pages long after you invoked one last chapter. I'll be looking out for the sequel for sure!
October 4, 2020
Amazing book with great character development. Definitely recommend to read, can’t wait for the next!
September 28, 2020
Really unique fantasy novel. I’ll admit I wasn’t captivated by the prologue, but Nathaniel’s story really captured my interest and I’m excited to read more of this series!
August 19, 2021
Great Urban Fantasy
Compelling plot, incredible imagination and some of the most fun characters out there. Couldn’t put this down can’t wait for book 2!!!
Compelling plot, incredible imagination and some of the most fun characters out there. Couldn’t put this down can’t wait for book 2!!!
June 12, 2021
I will try and avoid spoilers, but this review includes quotes.
Storm's Child was a fun surprise!
I enjoy a lot of Urban Fantasies, but this one was amusing from the start with the pop culture references and the main character--Nathan's dedication and love for pizza.
We follow our narrator, Nathan Mercer. Nathan runs an inn for all creatures who aren't of the human variety and my, Ortega has created MANY!
Nathan, seems like your average dry-humored, dog lover until we learn Nathan has some special abilities of his own. Nathan is a rune caster, meaning he gets his magic by writing runes on objects or himself. Quite a nifty take if you ask me.
Nathan just wants to run his inn as peacefully as he can, if you can call having a dragon living in the attic, or married werewolves fighting...peaceful...
Nathan's hired help and young mage, Lucas goes missing and Nathan is delivered some devastating news. When Nathan learns of some mysterious happenings he can't help but launch his own investigtion into Lucas's disappearance. Along the way, we meet a host of supernatural creatures and diabolical fae, but Nathan takes most things in stride and with a sandwich in hand!
This book gives Witcher vibes with its intense magical system and fights, but it's Nathan's comedic jabs and one-liners that had me laughing out loud along with his conversations with Sabine, his trusty beagle.
"Yeah, we're basically in a witchy version of The Lion King."
"Is that a wand? Really? What, are you Harry Potter now?"
"By your driving, I bet you're a Hufflepuff..."
"Hades eating a pomegranate...trust me, the irony isn't lost on me."
If you enjoy The Witcher, Netflix's Ragnarok, Jupiter's Legacy, and ACOTAR (but adult and set in the modern world where the fae don't give Rhys vibes)...Try Storm's Child.
I look forward to checking out the sequels!
Storm's Child was a fun surprise!
I enjoy a lot of Urban Fantasies, but this one was amusing from the start with the pop culture references and the main character--Nathan's dedication and love for pizza.
We follow our narrator, Nathan Mercer. Nathan runs an inn for all creatures who aren't of the human variety and my, Ortega has created MANY!
Nathan, seems like your average dry-humored, dog lover until we learn Nathan has some special abilities of his own. Nathan is a rune caster, meaning he gets his magic by writing runes on objects or himself. Quite a nifty take if you ask me.
Nathan just wants to run his inn as peacefully as he can, if you can call having a dragon living in the attic, or married werewolves fighting...peaceful...
Nathan's hired help and young mage, Lucas goes missing and Nathan is delivered some devastating news. When Nathan learns of some mysterious happenings he can't help but launch his own investigtion into Lucas's disappearance. Along the way, we meet a host of supernatural creatures and diabolical fae, but Nathan takes most things in stride and with a sandwich in hand!
This book gives Witcher vibes with its intense magical system and fights, but it's Nathan's comedic jabs and one-liners that had me laughing out loud along with his conversations with Sabine, his trusty beagle.
"Yeah, we're basically in a witchy version of The Lion King."
"Is that a wand? Really? What, are you Harry Potter now?"
"By your driving, I bet you're a Hufflepuff..."
"Hades eating a pomegranate...trust me, the irony isn't lost on me."
If you enjoy The Witcher, Netflix's Ragnarok, Jupiter's Legacy, and ACOTAR (but adult and set in the modern world where the fae don't give Rhys vibes)...Try Storm's Child.
I look forward to checking out the sequels!
March 9, 2022
A fast-paced and entertaining jolt to the system.
I won’t sit here and say that this book is wholly original because it’s not. It’s a fairly standard fae novel, but that’s not a bad thing. This book has some wonderful characters and interesting ideas that are enough to keep an audience engaged.
Our main character, Nathan Mercer is entertaining in his persistent exhaustion and done-with-this attitude. He does hop to threatening people a bit quick but this is understandable given the danger that the fae in this book represent. His runes, embedded onto the most magical pandora charms you’ve ever seen, are amazing. His use of wide range of weapons keeps the fights scenes varied. He also has a number of tantalising mysteries surrounding him.
The side-characters are also very enticing. A highlight being Anastasia, a hydra, who spends her days living her best life eating in fancy restaurants, plotting and scheming. Sabine, Nathan’s beagle, who was always a delight. I love how the language changed when she’s around, Nathan’s softer side emerging. And his best friend, Cassius who has a neat trick where he summons and elephant made of stars to tear through all of his opponents.
Storm’s Child is the first book of a series but it seems too eager to dive right into the larger ideas that could have supported a whole narrative in a sequel. Such as Nathan’s past with his fae lover, since this was brought up more or less exclusively in the prologue I thought that it served as purely backstory and that if she was to make a physical appearance it would be in later books in the series and not slipped into the climax of this book among the other plot threads.
Let’s actually talk about that climax because I found it a tad hard to follow and not because of the walking embodiment of the US state of Oregon or the ritual or the emergence of a new super magical being, the Storm’s Child. No. It was just because of how many characters were present during the climax. Just very crowded and I understand that that’s because all of the story lines were being touched upon but it’s just too much and because this is a 1st person POV we don’t interact with any of the multiple characters present unless Nathan does, leading to things being very hard to keep track of.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this book, it’s fun. I have some issues but hey, it’s the first book in a series and a debut. I’ll cut it some slack because the overall experience was just so enjoyable. I’m going to continue with this series because I need answers.
I won’t sit here and say that this book is wholly original because it’s not. It’s a fairly standard fae novel, but that’s not a bad thing. This book has some wonderful characters and interesting ideas that are enough to keep an audience engaged.
Our main character, Nathan Mercer is entertaining in his persistent exhaustion and done-with-this attitude. He does hop to threatening people a bit quick but this is understandable given the danger that the fae in this book represent. His runes, embedded onto the most magical pandora charms you’ve ever seen, are amazing. His use of wide range of weapons keeps the fights scenes varied. He also has a number of tantalising mysteries surrounding him.
The side-characters are also very enticing. A highlight being Anastasia, a hydra, who spends her days living her best life eating in fancy restaurants, plotting and scheming. Sabine, Nathan’s beagle, who was always a delight. I love how the language changed when she’s around, Nathan’s softer side emerging. And his best friend, Cassius who has a neat trick where he summons and elephant made of stars to tear through all of his opponents.
Storm’s Child is the first book of a series but it seems too eager to dive right into the larger ideas that could have supported a whole narrative in a sequel. Such as Nathan’s past with his fae lover, since this was brought up more or less exclusively in the prologue I thought that it served as purely backstory and that if she was to make a physical appearance it would be in later books in the series and not slipped into the climax of this book among the other plot threads.
Let’s actually talk about that climax because I found it a tad hard to follow and not because of the walking embodiment of the US state of Oregon or the ritual or the emergence of a new super magical being, the Storm’s Child. No. It was just because of how many characters were present during the climax. Just very crowded and I understand that that’s because all of the story lines were being touched upon but it’s just too much and because this is a 1st person POV we don’t interact with any of the multiple characters present unless Nathan does, leading to things being very hard to keep track of.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this book, it’s fun. I have some issues but hey, it’s the first book in a series and a debut. I’ll cut it some slack because the overall experience was just so enjoyable. I’m going to continue with this series because I need answers.
September 16, 2023
Crikey, this book moves at 90 miles an hour and you'll read it that fast, too! It's not a big book, but I still tore through it much faster than I expected. That's because the narrative picks up speed fast, and then just doesn't stop and doesn't let you go. Every time you think you're going to find a good stopping point, something else happens!
So the Rune Caster Chronicles strikes me as the kind of stuff that would make a really good TV show. You know the kind - a grizzled protagonist with a mysterious past reluctantly finds himself drawn into the murders, plots and adventures of the hidden supernatural world around him. For Nathan Mercer, it's a world he knows and tried hard to leave behind, but of course that never goes well. The first book, 'Storm's Child', starts with him looking into the murder of a close friend, and ends with all manner of fae shenanigans! It's a wild ride with some familiar names (any book with Robin Goodfellow as a character instantly gets my love), and Nathan is sarcastic and charismatic enough to keep the reader interested and invested throughout. The descriptions of the different magics are vivid and imaginative - they'd look great onscreen! Seriously, does anyone know someone who works for Amazon or Netflix?
Ortega's not reinventing the wheel here, but who cares? It's a solid and entertaining story and an excellent addition to the urban fantasy genre. I'm excited to read the next one. Once I've had a rest. Phew!
So the Rune Caster Chronicles strikes me as the kind of stuff that would make a really good TV show. You know the kind - a grizzled protagonist with a mysterious past reluctantly finds himself drawn into the murders, plots and adventures of the hidden supernatural world around him. For Nathan Mercer, it's a world he knows and tried hard to leave behind, but of course that never goes well. The first book, 'Storm's Child', starts with him looking into the murder of a close friend, and ends with all manner of fae shenanigans! It's a wild ride with some familiar names (any book with Robin Goodfellow as a character instantly gets my love), and Nathan is sarcastic and charismatic enough to keep the reader interested and invested throughout. The descriptions of the different magics are vivid and imaginative - they'd look great onscreen! Seriously, does anyone know someone who works for Amazon or Netflix?
Ortega's not reinventing the wheel here, but who cares? It's a solid and entertaining story and an excellent addition to the urban fantasy genre. I'm excited to read the next one. Once I've had a rest. Phew!
December 3, 2020
Nathan Mercer learns one of his friends has been killed and it’s upto him to find out who did it.
Question is, who murdered his friend?
Follow Nathan as he goes on his quest with his dog, Superdogs, who Nathan alone can understand.
However, we soon find out that this turns out to be more of a dangerous quest than we can imagine and he is very close to finding the killer as he meets faeries, arrachs and more. But there’s a lot more to Nathan than meets the eye.
I loved meeting all the different creatures in this story and was constantly surprised as I went on throughout the story. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next part of this new series.
There is some brilliant character development throughout the story. Full of some great descriptive language, this is a fast paced book. Also full of lots of humour and action, it’s a mystery/dark fantasy that is guaranteed to keep you guessing.
If you love dark and gritty reads and don’t mind your book filled with magical creatures then this is for you.
Question is, who murdered his friend?
Follow Nathan as he goes on his quest with his dog, Superdogs, who Nathan alone can understand.
However, we soon find out that this turns out to be more of a dangerous quest than we can imagine and he is very close to finding the killer as he meets faeries, arrachs and more. But there’s a lot more to Nathan than meets the eye.
I loved meeting all the different creatures in this story and was constantly surprised as I went on throughout the story. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next part of this new series.
There is some brilliant character development throughout the story. Full of some great descriptive language, this is a fast paced book. Also full of lots of humour and action, it’s a mystery/dark fantasy that is guaranteed to keep you guessing.
If you love dark and gritty reads and don’t mind your book filled with magical creatures then this is for you.
November 28, 2020
“Storm’s Child” is an urban fantasy novel that intrigued me right from the prologue: Nathan is betrayed by one of the Fae, who stab him and leave him for dead. Fast forward 10 years, Nathan is alive and well, and working as an innkeeper for magical creatures 🧚♀️ When one of his employees, Lucas (and son to one of his best friends) is found dead, Nathan knows something weird is going on - he embarks on a journey to discover what happened to Lucas and find the truth 🧝♀️
I really enjoyed this book, even though I usually don’t read fantasy: I was hooked from the first page, and couldn’t seem to put it down until I finished it ✨ if fantasy novels that take place in the modern world, where magical creatures and humans coexist is your thing, than you should definitely give this one a try 💫
I really enjoyed this book, even though I usually don’t read fantasy: I was hooked from the first page, and couldn’t seem to put it down until I finished it ✨ if fantasy novels that take place in the modern world, where magical creatures and humans coexist is your thing, than you should definitely give this one a try 💫
October 7, 2020
Okay, I'm positively impressed with Storm's Child. I just wish that after reading this book, I could also enjoy it in Audible edition. Because truly, this was an awesome beginning into a new urban fantasy series. The mystery behind Nathan Mercer past is huge, we know very little about him. Only what he tells us through the story. I just wish, we already had a sequel to read.
RECOMMENDED new series!
RECOMMENDED new series!
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