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Wayward Haunt #1
The Wayward Haunt
A girl with a morbid ability...
In the middle of a centuries-fought war, teenager Zaya Wayward is sentenced to the filthy coal mines of Gosheniene. Accused of a murder she didn't commit, the true identity of the killer must remain secret, the black-veined woman, a cursed, sadistic wraith fuelled by violence and rage.
When Zaya is conscripted into service life at the Tarahik Military base, the ghost is waiting. Zaya's ability to see the dead is the key that could annihilate human existence, and sinister forces will go to unstoppable lengths to get it.
Determined to find the link between her past and a puzzle that threatens the world, Zaya joins forces with Captain Jad Arden, the pair propelled into a breakneck chase across haunted wastelands, desolate ruins, and ravaged cities. But Jad has secrets of his own, and Zaya's feelings for him could be her undoing.
One thing the wraith does ensure-the wrong choice will cost Zaya her life.
“Polished and sharply written, The Wayward Haunt grabs readers’ attention from the opening line of its prologue (“Ghosts haunt dreams”) and doesn’t let go until its thrilling conclusion.” - BookLife Review
In the middle of a centuries-fought war, teenager Zaya Wayward is sentenced to the filthy coal mines of Gosheniene. Accused of a murder she didn't commit, the true identity of the killer must remain secret, the black-veined woman, a cursed, sadistic wraith fuelled by violence and rage.
When Zaya is conscripted into service life at the Tarahik Military base, the ghost is waiting. Zaya's ability to see the dead is the key that could annihilate human existence, and sinister forces will go to unstoppable lengths to get it.
Determined to find the link between her past and a puzzle that threatens the world, Zaya joins forces with Captain Jad Arden, the pair propelled into a breakneck chase across haunted wastelands, desolate ruins, and ravaged cities. But Jad has secrets of his own, and Zaya's feelings for him could be her undoing.
One thing the wraith does ensure-the wrong choice will cost Zaya her life.
“Polished and sharply written, The Wayward Haunt grabs readers’ attention from the opening line of its prologue (“Ghosts haunt dreams”) and doesn’t let go until its thrilling conclusion.” - BookLife Review
Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2020
49 people are currently reading
256 people want to read
About the author
Cas E. Crowe
6 books33 followersCas E. Crowe is an admirer of all things spooky, quirky, and witchy. She enjoys writing YA and NA dark fantasy, horror, and romantasy stories filled with magic and adventure. Cas lives in Brisbane, Australia and, when she is not reading or writing, is often daydreaming about her next story or creating art with Photoshop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 22, 2024
This was the year I was supposed to do rereads of series but instead I’m drowning myself in indie authors.
I have zero regrets.
Some of my best reads of 2023 were indie authors and I’ve had Cas on my list for so long now!
The Wayward Haunt was a mash up of genres that I haven’t seen before. It’s dystopian but also fantasy with gothic themes and some horror chucked in.
This makes it super original and creative which I absolutely loved about it. But as someone who’s not into horror I did find the horror aspects or the random candelabras in a dystopian setting jarring. Maybe for me it’s too many genres in one? That’s why it didn’t quite make five stars.
BUT it is legit perfection with everything else.
The story is not only original but the writing is clean and the pacing is good. The descriptions are clear and vivid and the slow burn was done well. The plot twists are great and I really love the whole war dynamic.
Cas has managed to create an environment where both sides are horrid. There’s so many political levers being pulled and I loved that we have this dynamic between the previous generation and the new generation.
The MC is a necromancer which gave me Bone smith vibes and I was all about it. The action scenes, the training, the romance was *chefs kiss* and I love the friendships.
The benefit of starting this series is that it’s also complete so even with the cliffhanger I know I’ll get answers straight away.
The covers are gorgeous and cas is honestly the sweetest person so I’m keen to dive deeper into this world and uncover more secrets.
Solid four stars 🌟
I have zero regrets.
Some of my best reads of 2023 were indie authors and I’ve had Cas on my list for so long now!
The Wayward Haunt was a mash up of genres that I haven’t seen before. It’s dystopian but also fantasy with gothic themes and some horror chucked in.
This makes it super original and creative which I absolutely loved about it. But as someone who’s not into horror I did find the horror aspects or the random candelabras in a dystopian setting jarring. Maybe for me it’s too many genres in one? That’s why it didn’t quite make five stars.
BUT it is legit perfection with everything else.
The story is not only original but the writing is clean and the pacing is good. The descriptions are clear and vivid and the slow burn was done well. The plot twists are great and I really love the whole war dynamic.
Cas has managed to create an environment where both sides are horrid. There’s so many political levers being pulled and I loved that we have this dynamic between the previous generation and the new generation.
The MC is a necromancer which gave me Bone smith vibes and I was all about it. The action scenes, the training, the romance was *chefs kiss* and I love the friendships.
The benefit of starting this series is that it’s also complete so even with the cliffhanger I know I’ll get answers straight away.
The covers are gorgeous and cas is honestly the sweetest person so I’m keen to dive deeper into this world and uncover more secrets.
Solid four stars 🌟
April 1, 2022
What I Did Like:
-Chosen one trope. I’m a fan of the chosen one. I like when it takes shape, I like following the character as they learn who they are and what that means. This was a great example of that. This character already KNEW what she could do but she was intentionally hiding it. Great way to use the trope.
-The romance was never the focus. Especially since it felt forced, I loved that the author let that fizzle out. It was never the focus of the story. The character, her journey, and her mission were the focus.
-Great build up for the next book. This one ends on a great note to make you crave that second book and where it’s going next.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of dark fantasy who like the idea of a necromancer being used as a chosen one will like how this one plays out.
My Rating: 3 Stars
The slower spots are worth wading through if you’re a fan of the genre.
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
-Chosen one trope. I’m a fan of the chosen one. I like when it takes shape, I like following the character as they learn who they are and what that means. This was a great example of that. This character already KNEW what she could do but she was intentionally hiding it. Great way to use the trope.
-The romance was never the focus. Especially since it felt forced, I loved that the author let that fizzle out. It was never the focus of the story. The character, her journey, and her mission were the focus.
-Great build up for the next book. This one ends on a great note to make you crave that second book and where it’s going next.
Who Should Read This One:
-Fans of dark fantasy who like the idea of a necromancer being used as a chosen one will like how this one plays out.
My Rating: 3 Stars
The slower spots are worth wading through if you’re a fan of the genre.
For Full Review: https://tabathashipleybooks.com/2022/...
June 18, 2021
Even with a simple writing style, the author evokes some strong visuals.
In the beginning, I got a futuristic-throne of glass vibe with a female Hans Solo as the protagonist. But then the plot developed into its own, and I struggled to put the book down.
For me, the greatest highlight of the book is the protagonist's sense of humour.
The author’s ability to come up with such awesome names and creative settings is also highly commendable.
I’m not a ghost person. I don’t like ghosts. Or zombies. I believe dead things should stay dead. So, believe me when I say this book gave me goosebumps... The black-veined woman gave me nightmares! And that’s a massive strength for a book of this genre.
My personal thought; the book might have benefited from more POV characters. Though the author did a smashing job of the 1st person narrative with Zaya, I found I kept wanting to experience the world through other characters’ lives. (Maybe she’d write that someday. Who knows?)
All in all, I really liked the story.
I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
In the beginning, I got a futuristic-throne of glass vibe with a female Hans Solo as the protagonist. But then the plot developed into its own, and I struggled to put the book down.
For me, the greatest highlight of the book is the protagonist's sense of humour.
The author’s ability to come up with such awesome names and creative settings is also highly commendable.
I’m not a ghost person. I don’t like ghosts. Or zombies. I believe dead things should stay dead. So, believe me when I say this book gave me goosebumps... The black-veined woman gave me nightmares! And that’s a massive strength for a book of this genre.
My personal thought; the book might have benefited from more POV characters. Though the author did a smashing job of the 1st person narrative with Zaya, I found I kept wanting to experience the world through other characters’ lives. (Maybe she’d write that someday. Who knows?)
All in all, I really liked the story.
I can’t wait to read what she writes next.
October 27, 2025
There wasn’t anything particularly wrong with this book. I just couldn’t get into it.
I didn’t care about the characters or the plot or care to know what’s going to happen next.
I won’t be continuing the series.
I didn’t care about the characters or the plot or care to know what’s going to happen next.
I won’t be continuing the series.
September 5, 2024
Slow but had a good twist and end
June 18, 2021
The Wayward Haunt, Cas E. Crowe (2021, 378 pps.)
Reviewed by: Patricia M. Muhammad
Date: June 18, 2021
* Originally published on LibraryThing at https://www.librarything.com/work/258...
**I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review
*CONTAINS SPOILERS*
(Read only the first and last paragraphs to avoid major spoilers)
The Wayward Haunt is a crossover new adult novel which contains dystopian, magical realism, suspense elements. Other than the Free Zones where the privileged of "casters" and humans live, the author incorporates other regions and settings causing the characters to use futuristic transport and weapons in order to travel to them. One object that is often mentioned is a "cast-shooter" that has the ammunition of both advanced technology and magical spells. In these instances, the book becomes a sort of science fiction novel wrought with action sequences that balances other aspects of the book. The initial setting of Zaya's journey in a labour camp at Gosheniene. Zaya is falsely accused of using her magic to kill another girl at the Brendlash Orphanage. Multiple traumas cause Zaya to suffer from amnesia. She makes several attempts to escape Gosheniene and each time fails. Zaya is a rebellious young woman named who is known to not follow the rules and often finds herself in verbal and physical conflicts with others. Zaya has magical powers but has not mastered them and often relies on her curt tongue, wit and ability to outmaneuver others to survive her arduous sentence. Zaya also have dreams. She believes these ghosts are a taunt which only compounds the present state of her miserable life. One recurring dream or vision she experiences is that of a ghastly being which she cannot distinguish between human or creature. This character's obstinate nature reflects the turmoil and difficult life she has had since she was child. Her retorts and quips which manifest her tough exterior heavily contribute to the bouts of unexpected humour throughout about two-thirds of the story. The author interweaves a plethora of characters, several of whom are not what they seem, figuratively and literally. After Zaya incurs several infractions at the Gosheniene labour camp, she is brought before a panel and is ordered transferred to a military based called Tarahik. This is where the unraveling of her history, her importance to several people—and possibly this world's future begins.
As a new cadet, Zaya's presence at the dorm garners immediate attention from both her peers and commanding officers. Yet her transfer does not prevent her from having dreams or odd experiences. The main building where offices are and classes are held is a castle which holds secrets. It knows the nature of each entrant and teases them with echoes, shadows and possibly spells. This only contributes to Zaya's tendency to not trust anyone and keep to herself as a means of survival wherever she may be. There are several characters introduced at the military base compound, some of them include:
Captain Mascalan: She is the primary authority figure that Zaya becomes acquainted with at Tarahik and likely for the first time actually respects. Captain Mascalan, however, does not hesitate in reprimanding the protagonist for her penchant to disobey the rules. Zaya often uses the defense of fairness to justify her actions. At this point, she has yet to understand friend from foe.
Senator Kerr: He appears to be a diplomatic character though Zaya is suspicious of him. He appears a few times before Zaya. The first is when she is informed of her transfer from Gosheniene to Tarahik. On another occasion is when she is at Tarahik and must present herself at a welcoming ceremony for new recruits. Although Zaya suffers from bouts of amnesia, she remembers him, but does not know whether her encounters with the senator hold much significance.
Council of Founding Sovereigns has an alliance with the Infinite Eye whose primary purpose is to protect humans. They have a profound interest in the stability of the Tarahik military base. Several of the successful cadets become members of the Haxsan Guard and are deployed to the Free Zones to protect the privileged—whether human or "caster". The Council is not what it seems and profits from heightening the tensions and ongoing war between the casters and humans.
ULD: The United League of Dissenters is an extremist group who seeks to use people with magical powers in order to bring forth a great devastation in which black magic and pure casters reign. Their primary purpose is to murder full (non-magicals) and half-magical humans in order to fully establish their reign. They use deceit, connivance and conspire with those of the Council who purport themselves as the established authority necessary to maintain peace between human and casters. It is later revealed that the Council is a "front" organization and that their alliance is with ULD whose ultimate goal is the permeation of black magic as the supreme and only force. They use children and those unaware of their scheme to accomplish their ends. Jad was one of their victims. He was tricked by the ULD to cause harm to innocent casters, but found his previous path, involuntarily curated by someone close to him. The ULD now consider Jad their enemy, yet even they cannot destroy him. He is able to redeem himself and be with Zaya.
Lainie: is able to read emotions and has a form of power that contributes to balance and healing. She and Zaya generally do not get on well. Lainie's appearance is reminiscent of Goth popular culture, dark hair, heavy eyeliner and unconventional hair styling.
Talina: She is of a wealthy family, with a bubbly personality and appears to be a sensitive person. Talina is a healer and is training to be a nurse. She acts as mediator between Zaya and Lainie, who has no qualms that she is not fond of Zaya. Zaya is initially mistrustful of both of her roommates, but eventually allows Talina to befriend her.
Captain Jad Arden: He is one of Zaya's training supervisors. He initially mocks her unfortunate circumstances and threatens to disclose her origins. This is one of the incidents in which Zaya loses her patience and temper and begins a physical altercation with Jad. Jad let it slips that he has orders to watch her. When Zaya is seized and presented before Captain Mascalan, she is surprised to see Jad and others present. More secrets begin to unfold as it seems they are trying to protect Zaya, not to punish her.
Melvina Raskovitch: This hybrid between a human, evil spirt and creature is the black veined woman who has haunted Zaya since she was a child. She and others surveilled Zaya since her youth to understand her powers and plan the perfect moment to abduct her and use it for their own sinister purposes.
Vulcan Stormouth: He is the father of Trajan Stormouth and a high member of the ULD. He appears to be nearly second in command to the ULD's founding leader, Morgmouth. Vulcan allowed himself to be experimented on and within him flows the blood of a Lycanthor (a type of beast)
Morgmouth: The founder of the United League of Dissent. He is able to travel through realms of existence and seemingly through the living and the dead. Morgmouth is the strongest and greatest caster known to their history.
Zaya continues to have dreams while at Tarahik. Her room is provided with a binding spell and a dreamcatcher. Bit by bit, Captain Mascalan provides details of how they sought to protect Zaya. Through realms, the use of magic and those who have betrayed the rightful cause that she and a few others at the base work for, Zaya continues to be tracked wherever she goes.
When she is sent to the detention centre for one of her infractions, she escapes to the Wailing Woods and is followed by two of her roommates. All three of their absence is known—but only for a while. Talina nearly dies after their leap into the frigid cold waters to stave off the hound trackers. Lainie and Zaya carry her until they encounter a small and unexpected cottage situated in the woods. They meet an elderly blind woman who is able to heal Talina through a potion. All three gather to listen to stories and more secrets are revealed, this include Macha's revelation that she had siblings, one of which upheld the aims of the ULD. This sister was wicked and willing to sacrifice Macha in order to use her powers and gifts to further the ULD's sinister plans. In this respect, Macha's life mirrors that of Zaya. Both fled because they were hunted. Both possess magical powers and refuse to allow them to be used to further the presence of evil. Though Macha's cottage was dilapidated and she lived with meager means, she further reveals that she is the descendant of the king and queen who reigned before this overturn of sovereign authority. Macha is thus a royal and lives in a form of concealment for her own protection, though she still possesses much of her power. She discloses even more secrets that overwhelms Zaya, further traumatizes Lainie and keeps Talina in her state of shock. From the metaphorical mirror to an ethereal one, Macha provides an escape for the three cadets to return to the base unscathed from the military air onslaught.
Through haunting revelation and ghosts, Zaya understands why certain casters were being killed. She Protagonist encounters Lunette who speaks cryptically and is a telepath. Zaya is later able to decipher a clue from the recently deceased Lunette, a telepath, who tried to escape the base before her untimely death. She was one of the casters Melvina is "collecting" of the five, a number which some have argued represents power. These five magical types are: illusionist, trickster, telepath, clairvoyant and necromancer. This revelation has the familiarity of one of the 'Twilight' movies in which the strongest vampires (a council) recruits others who has powers they do not possess into their fold. There are two important objects that both sides seek for two opposing reasons. One is a map and the other is a special magical sabre whose magic can only be wielded by a necromancer. Zaya sneaks aboard a military aircraft that is headed towards the island of Essida where the sabre is located. It just happens to be the same craft that Jad is to command. Throughout the book, the author crafts a tale in which Jad and Zaya continuously encounter each other. She foreshadows their fate that they would be together regardless of what happens external of them. However, Jad often displays anger towards Zaya due to her consistent insubordination. It seems that he was conflicted with his initial attraction towards Zaya as much as she was, yet destiny easily dissipated this barrier by bringing them together by unexpected circumstances. Yet this never weakens her obvious attraction and her then secretive fondness of him. Zaya considers his reproach of her as a hindrance to the primary mission. Jad reluctantly allows her to remain aboard the aircraft. Ironically, it is she who discovers the map whose contents is revealed only after an incidental form of blood magic has occurred. Zaya is confronted by the cross breed Melvina. Certain casters can survive severe or normally fatal blows of specialized weapons, and Melvina, the black veined woman is one of them. Although Zaya is able to escape her grasp, she confronts another enemy where the sabre lays—Vulcan Stormouth. He explains what he knows of her history and how members of her family were willing to sacrifice her for the ULD cause—in order to bring forth the permanent rule of evil. ULD is aware that humans are evolving into casters. This is reminiscent of one of the X-Men movies in which "mutants" have dormant genes that manifest themselves in different generations or lie dormant. Nonetheless, members of the ULD are extremists and do not want to wait for this transformation to naturally take place. Instead they seek humans' total destruction. Zaya believes she is on her own. It was Jad who told her to continue with her task. Zaya believes he is about to die, only for Jad to reappear and save her from Vulcan's grip. Zaya is not the only one who had a nebulous past. Vulcan reveals some truths about Jad's own history and shoots him with a cast shooter. Most of those on the Tarahik base believe Jad is dead. A memorial service is held. Others are aware of what is real, including Jad's survival. It appears this had to appear so in order to secure Zaya. She is guided to a portal in one of the offices at the base. Zaya is conflicted and feels responsible for others. As she enters the portal, she witnesses one of the people whom she respects, Captain Mascalan being seized. Her future lied with Jad and elsewhere—and that is exactly whom she traveled to be with. The true war has begun and both sides seek to access the ultimate power for one reason or another—and Zaya holds the key.
The Wayward Haunt is written with rich detail alternating between simplistic dialogue, heightened vocabulary. There are poignant moments in the story where the author emphasizes the abuses and trauma of war. One of which she states: "If you wanted to re-educate somebody and make them hate your enemy, it worked best when the mind was tortured and the body in agony." The author's ability to write with moments of interactive composition prompts the reader to ponder over recent events and piece together the enigma of why Zaya has undergone these events, including several strangers who have a keen or unsavory interest in her. It is a magical realism, paranormal mystery in which Zaya's journey unravels her history, the special gifts contained within her as well as her vulnerability that she primarily exhibits in the presence of "Jad". Initially, they both internally acknowledge their affection for one another. Yet, both demonstrate that they would die or do anything to save each other as the ward between two factions, the blurring of lines between good and evil, and others' actions that interfere with their being together. In the end, the story provides Zaya her freedom and Jad his redemption. Though the author leaves the reader in suspense, Jad and Zaya are reunited with one another.
Reviewed by: Patricia M. Muhammad
Date: June 18, 2021
* Originally published on LibraryThing at https://www.librarything.com/work/258...
**I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review
*CONTAINS SPOILERS*
(Read only the first and last paragraphs to avoid major spoilers)
The Wayward Haunt is a crossover new adult novel which contains dystopian, magical realism, suspense elements. Other than the Free Zones where the privileged of "casters" and humans live, the author incorporates other regions and settings causing the characters to use futuristic transport and weapons in order to travel to them. One object that is often mentioned is a "cast-shooter" that has the ammunition of both advanced technology and magical spells. In these instances, the book becomes a sort of science fiction novel wrought with action sequences that balances other aspects of the book. The initial setting of Zaya's journey in a labour camp at Gosheniene. Zaya is falsely accused of using her magic to kill another girl at the Brendlash Orphanage. Multiple traumas cause Zaya to suffer from amnesia. She makes several attempts to escape Gosheniene and each time fails. Zaya is a rebellious young woman named who is known to not follow the rules and often finds herself in verbal and physical conflicts with others. Zaya has magical powers but has not mastered them and often relies on her curt tongue, wit and ability to outmaneuver others to survive her arduous sentence. Zaya also have dreams. She believes these ghosts are a taunt which only compounds the present state of her miserable life. One recurring dream or vision she experiences is that of a ghastly being which she cannot distinguish between human or creature. This character's obstinate nature reflects the turmoil and difficult life she has had since she was child. Her retorts and quips which manifest her tough exterior heavily contribute to the bouts of unexpected humour throughout about two-thirds of the story. The author interweaves a plethora of characters, several of whom are not what they seem, figuratively and literally. After Zaya incurs several infractions at the Gosheniene labour camp, she is brought before a panel and is ordered transferred to a military based called Tarahik. This is where the unraveling of her history, her importance to several people—and possibly this world's future begins.
As a new cadet, Zaya's presence at the dorm garners immediate attention from both her peers and commanding officers. Yet her transfer does not prevent her from having dreams or odd experiences. The main building where offices are and classes are held is a castle which holds secrets. It knows the nature of each entrant and teases them with echoes, shadows and possibly spells. This only contributes to Zaya's tendency to not trust anyone and keep to herself as a means of survival wherever she may be. There are several characters introduced at the military base compound, some of them include:
Captain Mascalan: She is the primary authority figure that Zaya becomes acquainted with at Tarahik and likely for the first time actually respects. Captain Mascalan, however, does not hesitate in reprimanding the protagonist for her penchant to disobey the rules. Zaya often uses the defense of fairness to justify her actions. At this point, she has yet to understand friend from foe.
Senator Kerr: He appears to be a diplomatic character though Zaya is suspicious of him. He appears a few times before Zaya. The first is when she is informed of her transfer from Gosheniene to Tarahik. On another occasion is when she is at Tarahik and must present herself at a welcoming ceremony for new recruits. Although Zaya suffers from bouts of amnesia, she remembers him, but does not know whether her encounters with the senator hold much significance.
Council of Founding Sovereigns has an alliance with the Infinite Eye whose primary purpose is to protect humans. They have a profound interest in the stability of the Tarahik military base. Several of the successful cadets become members of the Haxsan Guard and are deployed to the Free Zones to protect the privileged—whether human or "caster". The Council is not what it seems and profits from heightening the tensions and ongoing war between the casters and humans.
ULD: The United League of Dissenters is an extremist group who seeks to use people with magical powers in order to bring forth a great devastation in which black magic and pure casters reign. Their primary purpose is to murder full (non-magicals) and half-magical humans in order to fully establish their reign. They use deceit, connivance and conspire with those of the Council who purport themselves as the established authority necessary to maintain peace between human and casters. It is later revealed that the Council is a "front" organization and that their alliance is with ULD whose ultimate goal is the permeation of black magic as the supreme and only force. They use children and those unaware of their scheme to accomplish their ends. Jad was one of their victims. He was tricked by the ULD to cause harm to innocent casters, but found his previous path, involuntarily curated by someone close to him. The ULD now consider Jad their enemy, yet even they cannot destroy him. He is able to redeem himself and be with Zaya.
Lainie: is able to read emotions and has a form of power that contributes to balance and healing. She and Zaya generally do not get on well. Lainie's appearance is reminiscent of Goth popular culture, dark hair, heavy eyeliner and unconventional hair styling.
Talina: She is of a wealthy family, with a bubbly personality and appears to be a sensitive person. Talina is a healer and is training to be a nurse. She acts as mediator between Zaya and Lainie, who has no qualms that she is not fond of Zaya. Zaya is initially mistrustful of both of her roommates, but eventually allows Talina to befriend her.
Captain Jad Arden: He is one of Zaya's training supervisors. He initially mocks her unfortunate circumstances and threatens to disclose her origins. This is one of the incidents in which Zaya loses her patience and temper and begins a physical altercation with Jad. Jad let it slips that he has orders to watch her. When Zaya is seized and presented before Captain Mascalan, she is surprised to see Jad and others present. More secrets begin to unfold as it seems they are trying to protect Zaya, not to punish her.
Melvina Raskovitch: This hybrid between a human, evil spirt and creature is the black veined woman who has haunted Zaya since she was a child. She and others surveilled Zaya since her youth to understand her powers and plan the perfect moment to abduct her and use it for their own sinister purposes.
Vulcan Stormouth: He is the father of Trajan Stormouth and a high member of the ULD. He appears to be nearly second in command to the ULD's founding leader, Morgmouth. Vulcan allowed himself to be experimented on and within him flows the blood of a Lycanthor (a type of beast)
Morgmouth: The founder of the United League of Dissent. He is able to travel through realms of existence and seemingly through the living and the dead. Morgmouth is the strongest and greatest caster known to their history.
Zaya continues to have dreams while at Tarahik. Her room is provided with a binding spell and a dreamcatcher. Bit by bit, Captain Mascalan provides details of how they sought to protect Zaya. Through realms, the use of magic and those who have betrayed the rightful cause that she and a few others at the base work for, Zaya continues to be tracked wherever she goes.
When she is sent to the detention centre for one of her infractions, she escapes to the Wailing Woods and is followed by two of her roommates. All three of their absence is known—but only for a while. Talina nearly dies after their leap into the frigid cold waters to stave off the hound trackers. Lainie and Zaya carry her until they encounter a small and unexpected cottage situated in the woods. They meet an elderly blind woman who is able to heal Talina through a potion. All three gather to listen to stories and more secrets are revealed, this include Macha's revelation that she had siblings, one of which upheld the aims of the ULD. This sister was wicked and willing to sacrifice Macha in order to use her powers and gifts to further the ULD's sinister plans. In this respect, Macha's life mirrors that of Zaya. Both fled because they were hunted. Both possess magical powers and refuse to allow them to be used to further the presence of evil. Though Macha's cottage was dilapidated and she lived with meager means, she further reveals that she is the descendant of the king and queen who reigned before this overturn of sovereign authority. Macha is thus a royal and lives in a form of concealment for her own protection, though she still possesses much of her power. She discloses even more secrets that overwhelms Zaya, further traumatizes Lainie and keeps Talina in her state of shock. From the metaphorical mirror to an ethereal one, Macha provides an escape for the three cadets to return to the base unscathed from the military air onslaught.
Through haunting revelation and ghosts, Zaya understands why certain casters were being killed. She Protagonist encounters Lunette who speaks cryptically and is a telepath. Zaya is later able to decipher a clue from the recently deceased Lunette, a telepath, who tried to escape the base before her untimely death. She was one of the casters Melvina is "collecting" of the five, a number which some have argued represents power. These five magical types are: illusionist, trickster, telepath, clairvoyant and necromancer. This revelation has the familiarity of one of the 'Twilight' movies in which the strongest vampires (a council) recruits others who has powers they do not possess into their fold. There are two important objects that both sides seek for two opposing reasons. One is a map and the other is a special magical sabre whose magic can only be wielded by a necromancer. Zaya sneaks aboard a military aircraft that is headed towards the island of Essida where the sabre is located. It just happens to be the same craft that Jad is to command. Throughout the book, the author crafts a tale in which Jad and Zaya continuously encounter each other. She foreshadows their fate that they would be together regardless of what happens external of them. However, Jad often displays anger towards Zaya due to her consistent insubordination. It seems that he was conflicted with his initial attraction towards Zaya as much as she was, yet destiny easily dissipated this barrier by bringing them together by unexpected circumstances. Yet this never weakens her obvious attraction and her then secretive fondness of him. Zaya considers his reproach of her as a hindrance to the primary mission. Jad reluctantly allows her to remain aboard the aircraft. Ironically, it is she who discovers the map whose contents is revealed only after an incidental form of blood magic has occurred. Zaya is confronted by the cross breed Melvina. Certain casters can survive severe or normally fatal blows of specialized weapons, and Melvina, the black veined woman is one of them. Although Zaya is able to escape her grasp, she confronts another enemy where the sabre lays—Vulcan Stormouth. He explains what he knows of her history and how members of her family were willing to sacrifice her for the ULD cause—in order to bring forth the permanent rule of evil. ULD is aware that humans are evolving into casters. This is reminiscent of one of the X-Men movies in which "mutants" have dormant genes that manifest themselves in different generations or lie dormant. Nonetheless, members of the ULD are extremists and do not want to wait for this transformation to naturally take place. Instead they seek humans' total destruction. Zaya believes she is on her own. It was Jad who told her to continue with her task. Zaya believes he is about to die, only for Jad to reappear and save her from Vulcan's grip. Zaya is not the only one who had a nebulous past. Vulcan reveals some truths about Jad's own history and shoots him with a cast shooter. Most of those on the Tarahik base believe Jad is dead. A memorial service is held. Others are aware of what is real, including Jad's survival. It appears this had to appear so in order to secure Zaya. She is guided to a portal in one of the offices at the base. Zaya is conflicted and feels responsible for others. As she enters the portal, she witnesses one of the people whom she respects, Captain Mascalan being seized. Her future lied with Jad and elsewhere—and that is exactly whom she traveled to be with. The true war has begun and both sides seek to access the ultimate power for one reason or another—and Zaya holds the key.
The Wayward Haunt is written with rich detail alternating between simplistic dialogue, heightened vocabulary. There are poignant moments in the story where the author emphasizes the abuses and trauma of war. One of which she states: "If you wanted to re-educate somebody and make them hate your enemy, it worked best when the mind was tortured and the body in agony." The author's ability to write with moments of interactive composition prompts the reader to ponder over recent events and piece together the enigma of why Zaya has undergone these events, including several strangers who have a keen or unsavory interest in her. It is a magical realism, paranormal mystery in which Zaya's journey unravels her history, the special gifts contained within her as well as her vulnerability that she primarily exhibits in the presence of "Jad". Initially, they both internally acknowledge their affection for one another. Yet, both demonstrate that they would die or do anything to save each other as the ward between two factions, the blurring of lines between good and evil, and others' actions that interfere with their being together. In the end, the story provides Zaya her freedom and Jad his redemption. Though the author leaves the reader in suspense, Jad and Zaya are reunited with one another.
October 18, 2020
Initially reading like the love-child of the Harry Potter books and the Mortal Instruments series, this book quickly finds its own voice as the reader is pushed headlong into this dark and atmospheric world.
Darkness, magic, war, romance, friendship, guilt and betrayal are all served in just the right measure, and the plot moves along at a rapid pace and covers a lot of ground. While some scenes may feel a tad rushed, this may be excused given the size of the book and the amount of ground covered by the story.
And while there is a lot of story here, by the end of the book the reader will most likely be left wanting more simply because it is such an exciting tale. I feel sure the majority of readers would be happy to return to this world for more of Zaya Wayward's exploits, or perhaps even to follow the adventures of other characters in this expansive world.
The world feels fully realised, with a complex back story and history, and so it is quite apparent when some characters may appear less than three dimensional. Again, this may be excused in service of the amount of story that needs to be covered, and the number of characters involved.
Fans of Cassandra Clare will feel right at home in this world.
Darkness, magic, war, romance, friendship, guilt and betrayal are all served in just the right measure, and the plot moves along at a rapid pace and covers a lot of ground. While some scenes may feel a tad rushed, this may be excused given the size of the book and the amount of ground covered by the story.
And while there is a lot of story here, by the end of the book the reader will most likely be left wanting more simply because it is such an exciting tale. I feel sure the majority of readers would be happy to return to this world for more of Zaya Wayward's exploits, or perhaps even to follow the adventures of other characters in this expansive world.
The world feels fully realised, with a complex back story and history, and so it is quite apparent when some characters may appear less than three dimensional. Again, this may be excused in service of the amount of story that needs to be covered, and the number of characters involved.
Fans of Cassandra Clare will feel right at home in this world.
September 3, 2023
The Wayward Haunt was a completely different novel from what I expected. To be fair though, I think I just looked at the cover, saw a spooky old castle, and didn't even bother reading the blurb to see what the book was about, thinking this would be another haunted house book. So, imagine my surprise when the main character, Zaya, is a prisoner in a labour camp, on a future Earth that has undergone a catastrophic environmental disaster far in the future? I was like, boy did I ever read this one wrong. Then, I was hooked. I devoured this book, enjoyed the world building, and liked the interactions between the characters.
Zaya was a formidable main character and I enjoyed her tenacity, strength, and daring. But I also liked her vulnerability, something the author built into her character very well without making her seem pitiable. Having lost her parents at a very young age for reasons she can't remember, Zaya struggles with the possibility they may have been dissenters in the centuries-long war destroying her world. Conscripted into a ten-year service for the opposite side, she constantly questions her loyalties and the choices being made for her as well as the loyalties of those around her. Can they be trusted? And as she learns more, she beings to question where to put her own loyalties. This is the kind of emotional struggle I like as I want to see characters deal with difficult decisions and choices as very few things we deal with in life are black and white. Zaya is dealing with multiple traumas and betrayals, so the emotional roller coaster she is on makes her so much more relatable as a character.
The plot itself is definitely a science-fiction dystopian novel, an Earth far in the future, destroyed by cataclysmic events. The science and the magic balanced each other out so you've got the futuristic transport systems and weapons mixed in with lycanthors, magic, and necromancers. And I wasn't too disappointed as we also had the ghosts. Written in rich detail without leading the reader, but allowing the reader to discover the world along with the characters, I enjoyed the world-building and thought it was well done. The balance of fun and clever dialogue with sharp and poignant scenes of death and destruction made this book hard to put down. The author also gave us clever hints built into the prose about Zaya and her family as well as some of the other characters, enough to be tantalizing and making you want to learn more. And personally, I am so glad there was love triangle, no insta-love, or any of those other tropes that destroy this kind of book for me. There is possibly something starting to happen between Jad and Zaya, but at this point we'll have to see where that leads.
The Wayward Haunt was a pleasant surprise featuring a dystopian landscape of war, destruction, and darkness, but also magic, mayhem, fantasy, ghosts, friendship, secrets, and betrayal. There is a complex backstory to the main story, and all the threads fit together even if you don't quite understand all of them at this point. Because there are a large amount of characters, only a few of them seem more than one-dimensional, but there are two more books in the series, so we'll see what happens in those books. In the end, this was full of action, fast-paced, and Zaya was a great character to get to know. I definitely recommend this book to those of you who enjoy a mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian fiction.
Zaya was a formidable main character and I enjoyed her tenacity, strength, and daring. But I also liked her vulnerability, something the author built into her character very well without making her seem pitiable. Having lost her parents at a very young age for reasons she can't remember, Zaya struggles with the possibility they may have been dissenters in the centuries-long war destroying her world. Conscripted into a ten-year service for the opposite side, she constantly questions her loyalties and the choices being made for her as well as the loyalties of those around her. Can they be trusted? And as she learns more, she beings to question where to put her own loyalties. This is the kind of emotional struggle I like as I want to see characters deal with difficult decisions and choices as very few things we deal with in life are black and white. Zaya is dealing with multiple traumas and betrayals, so the emotional roller coaster she is on makes her so much more relatable as a character.
The plot itself is definitely a science-fiction dystopian novel, an Earth far in the future, destroyed by cataclysmic events. The science and the magic balanced each other out so you've got the futuristic transport systems and weapons mixed in with lycanthors, magic, and necromancers. And I wasn't too disappointed as we also had the ghosts. Written in rich detail without leading the reader, but allowing the reader to discover the world along with the characters, I enjoyed the world-building and thought it was well done. The balance of fun and clever dialogue with sharp and poignant scenes of death and destruction made this book hard to put down. The author also gave us clever hints built into the prose about Zaya and her family as well as some of the other characters, enough to be tantalizing and making you want to learn more. And personally, I am so glad there was love triangle, no insta-love, or any of those other tropes that destroy this kind of book for me. There is possibly something starting to happen between Jad and Zaya, but at this point we'll have to see where that leads.
The Wayward Haunt was a pleasant surprise featuring a dystopian landscape of war, destruction, and darkness, but also magic, mayhem, fantasy, ghosts, friendship, secrets, and betrayal. There is a complex backstory to the main story, and all the threads fit together even if you don't quite understand all of them at this point. Because there are a large amount of characters, only a few of them seem more than one-dimensional, but there are two more books in the series, so we'll see what happens in those books. In the end, this was full of action, fast-paced, and Zaya was a great character to get to know. I definitely recommend this book to those of you who enjoy a mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian fiction.
November 5, 2020
This is the first in a series of Wayward para-normal, fantasy books from young, debut author, Cas E. Crowe. She may be new but she has you gripping the edge of your seat from the word go and doesn’t let up, keeping you guessing until the end. It’s an absolute page turner of a book.
The Wayward Haunt begins with youthful Zaya Wayward unjustly imprisoned and festering in appalling conditions in a foreboding slave mine with scant chance of escape. To make matters worse, she is constantly haunted by a vindictive wraith - the black-veined woman. After much travail at Gosheneine, Zaya is mysteriously whisked far away to the Tarahik military base, where she is conscripted to combat the forces of evil, using her ability to see the dead. A tortured relationship unfolds between Zaya and the impressive but enigmatic Captain Jad Arden. But this is not the end of Zaya’s suffering or incarceration by any means. Throughout the book, the author introduces the reader to a retinue of unique presences, including Haxsan Guards, Free Zones, the Council of Founding Sovereigns and the United League of Dissent, along with heaps of shattering destruction, anarchy, necromancy, and weird and manipulative characters aplenty. Suffice to say that the plot twists and turns and builds to an almighty crescendo, well several actually, each more awesome than the last.
The writing is sharp, insightful and thrilling, for example, ‘…The elevator plummeted down the shaft like the weighted blade of a guillotine, the floor seeming to rush at me. My organs jammed into my throat, my gut curdling with burning nausea. It was amazing how seconds felt like hours when you had no idea how long you’d be falling. This was an eternity. I didn’t know what was worse, bracing for the impact or not knowing when it was about to strike.’
For someone less accustomed to reading fantasy fiction, some of the names seemed unusually convoluted, others were tongue twisters, but once you got a grasp of who was who, it all came together. And as the novel gains yet more pace towards the end, everything is moving so fast you scarcely have time to draw breath, let alone worry about dissecting any superficial detail. It’s all go, go, go!
While this book is perfect for young adults it is also bound to be enjoyed by any reader who loves to be taken on a thrilling adventure in an imaginative world of thrilling fantasy and the paranormal. I recommend you to give it a try and experience for yourself how it quickly hooks you in…then look forward with eager anticipation to the second and subsequent novels in the series.
The Wayward Haunt begins with youthful Zaya Wayward unjustly imprisoned and festering in appalling conditions in a foreboding slave mine with scant chance of escape. To make matters worse, she is constantly haunted by a vindictive wraith - the black-veined woman. After much travail at Gosheneine, Zaya is mysteriously whisked far away to the Tarahik military base, where she is conscripted to combat the forces of evil, using her ability to see the dead. A tortured relationship unfolds between Zaya and the impressive but enigmatic Captain Jad Arden. But this is not the end of Zaya’s suffering or incarceration by any means. Throughout the book, the author introduces the reader to a retinue of unique presences, including Haxsan Guards, Free Zones, the Council of Founding Sovereigns and the United League of Dissent, along with heaps of shattering destruction, anarchy, necromancy, and weird and manipulative characters aplenty. Suffice to say that the plot twists and turns and builds to an almighty crescendo, well several actually, each more awesome than the last.
The writing is sharp, insightful and thrilling, for example, ‘…The elevator plummeted down the shaft like the weighted blade of a guillotine, the floor seeming to rush at me. My organs jammed into my throat, my gut curdling with burning nausea. It was amazing how seconds felt like hours when you had no idea how long you’d be falling. This was an eternity. I didn’t know what was worse, bracing for the impact or not knowing when it was about to strike.’
For someone less accustomed to reading fantasy fiction, some of the names seemed unusually convoluted, others were tongue twisters, but once you got a grasp of who was who, it all came together. And as the novel gains yet more pace towards the end, everything is moving so fast you scarcely have time to draw breath, let alone worry about dissecting any superficial detail. It’s all go, go, go!
While this book is perfect for young adults it is also bound to be enjoyed by any reader who loves to be taken on a thrilling adventure in an imaginative world of thrilling fantasy and the paranormal. I recommend you to give it a try and experience for yourself how it quickly hooks you in…then look forward with eager anticipation to the second and subsequent novels in the series.
September 29, 2020
"For there is truly no greater or powerful emotion than hope. It brings optimism, faith, aspiration."
With October right around the corner, you might wanna stack up your spooky reads for the month. When you do, make sure to add this amazing debut novel in your TBR lists.
The Wayward Haunt is a well penned Fantasy novel with just the right amount of spook to give you the heebie-jeebies. It outlines the story of a teenage girl Zaya, in a war infested dystopian world, struggling with the demons of her past. Enter the good looking Captain Jad, who makes it pretty hard for Zaya to ignore her feelings. You know what they say? Sometimes one's feelings, can be their undoing.
I admit, the basic plot of the book might ring a little familiar with the Shannara Chronicles fans. But, the story line of this book was a fresh abberation from the otherwise mundane and redundant stories of dystopian societies where human are depicted as the lesser privileged species. Since the very beginning, I was drawn to this story as a spider being beckoned to an unwitting fly.
The myriad twists and turns in the novel were utterly unpredictable. Anytime I tried to get ahead of myself and make a prediction, the author's words proved me wrong. The world building was commendable. There were enough details to make the world in the story seem real & not more. The way the author threads the entire story is applauding! The secrets unravel layer by layer. The reader is not rushed into anything. The story takes it's time, building and coming to life right in front of the reader's eyes.
During the climax of the story, I felt as if someone had wedged a knife in my heart! It was so heartwrenching! I had tears streaming down my face for a solid 15 minutes.
The characters were vivid and seemed real enough. Zaya was a recalcitrant, but with a past like hers, it's understandable. Though the character of Jad was shown relatively less, he still had a very vivid personality. The supporting characters were also articulately penned.
One of the best parts about this book was that the Romance between Zaya & Jad gradually built. There was just a subtle & implied essence of Romance & that was nice because it prevented the novel being deterred from it's focus.
In a nutshell, this book is a must read for all the people who love Fantasy! I, for one, can't wait for the second part of the series so that I can emerge myself into the world of Zaya again. On that note, trust me when I say this guys, your October is incomplete without this amazing read.
With October right around the corner, you might wanna stack up your spooky reads for the month. When you do, make sure to add this amazing debut novel in your TBR lists.
The Wayward Haunt is a well penned Fantasy novel with just the right amount of spook to give you the heebie-jeebies. It outlines the story of a teenage girl Zaya, in a war infested dystopian world, struggling with the demons of her past. Enter the good looking Captain Jad, who makes it pretty hard for Zaya to ignore her feelings. You know what they say? Sometimes one's feelings, can be their undoing.
I admit, the basic plot of the book might ring a little familiar with the Shannara Chronicles fans. But, the story line of this book was a fresh abberation from the otherwise mundane and redundant stories of dystopian societies where human are depicted as the lesser privileged species. Since the very beginning, I was drawn to this story as a spider being beckoned to an unwitting fly.
The myriad twists and turns in the novel were utterly unpredictable. Anytime I tried to get ahead of myself and make a prediction, the author's words proved me wrong. The world building was commendable. There were enough details to make the world in the story seem real & not more. The way the author threads the entire story is applauding! The secrets unravel layer by layer. The reader is not rushed into anything. The story takes it's time, building and coming to life right in front of the reader's eyes.
During the climax of the story, I felt as if someone had wedged a knife in my heart! It was so heartwrenching! I had tears streaming down my face for a solid 15 minutes.
The characters were vivid and seemed real enough. Zaya was a recalcitrant, but with a past like hers, it's understandable. Though the character of Jad was shown relatively less, he still had a very vivid personality. The supporting characters were also articulately penned.
One of the best parts about this book was that the Romance between Zaya & Jad gradually built. There was just a subtle & implied essence of Romance & that was nice because it prevented the novel being deterred from it's focus.
In a nutshell, this book is a must read for all the people who love Fantasy! I, for one, can't wait for the second part of the series so that I can emerge myself into the world of Zaya again. On that note, trust me when I say this guys, your October is incomplete without this amazing read.
June 5, 2024
END ZIONIST REGIME. LONG LIVE FREEDOM FIGHTERS.
The blurb was intriguing.
The first part of the book, specially Zaya's escape attempt from prison. It show her spice, strength and bit on the edge.
The story line is broad. But I got a feeling of contradiction. Like, Zaya is necromancer. Jad Arden magic is fire. There are healer, premonition, dark magic, etc. And yet I only see Jad's fire in action. Zaya's and the other power felt non combative... I couldn't the right word here. But, when you say magic and power, I would expect you don't use a "barbaric" weapon as gun.
Futuristic with how they mention human and human cultures as ancient. But Zaya read Dante Inferno.
The whole adventure was page turner. Definitely the kind of adventure I need with all the steamy books I encountered before this book. Yes, the steamy kinda get bored me.
But I realised, Zaya is alone. Her lonely POV were backed by how alone she is. Even with her roommate, Jad, Macaslan and etc, she's alone. I remember in Harry Potter, a line on how he shouldn't be alone cause that's what voldemort wants.
And I think Zaya being alone, is her downfall. Keep being reckless. In the end it makes her look weak for me as reader.
And how she seems not to know what to do when fight or flight situation arises. Once again, contradict the Zaya I meet in the prison.
Then the disent and the council. The rebel and the goverment. There's no white and black here. There's only black and evil. Cause in essential, council and disent are both greedy, lusting for power, and not once act if not for them self.
In this part seems like the author don't have the villain and good guy yet. Cause everyone have their own agenda.
But one thing stood out for me in this book.
" The group had worked hard and sacrificed much to find a way toward peace. They were mutineers, freedom fighters, revolutionists. I admired each of them. I knew whose side I was on."
When you can identify your self with the freedom fighters in a book or a movie.
When you can support the freedom fighters who fight for freedom of their people, in a book or a movie.
When you Champion the mutineers, the freedom fighters, the revolutionist in fiction, then why do you still stand with genocide entity Zionist Nazi with USA and their supporters?
The hypocrisy is strong, when you turn your back when it's real life.
End Zionist regime. Long live freedom fighters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The blurb was intriguing.
The first part of the book, specially Zaya's escape attempt from prison. It show her spice, strength and bit on the edge.
The story line is broad. But I got a feeling of contradiction. Like, Zaya is necromancer. Jad Arden magic is fire. There are healer, premonition, dark magic, etc. And yet I only see Jad's fire in action. Zaya's and the other power felt non combative... I couldn't the right word here. But, when you say magic and power, I would expect you don't use a "barbaric" weapon as gun.
Futuristic with how they mention human and human cultures as ancient. But Zaya read Dante Inferno.
The whole adventure was page turner. Definitely the kind of adventure I need with all the steamy books I encountered before this book. Yes, the steamy kinda get bored me.
But I realised, Zaya is alone. Her lonely POV were backed by how alone she is. Even with her roommate, Jad, Macaslan and etc, she's alone. I remember in Harry Potter, a line on how he shouldn't be alone cause that's what voldemort wants.
And I think Zaya being alone, is her downfall. Keep being reckless. In the end it makes her look weak for me as reader.
And how she seems not to know what to do when fight or flight situation arises. Once again, contradict the Zaya I meet in the prison.
Then the disent and the council. The rebel and the goverment. There's no white and black here. There's only black and evil. Cause in essential, council and disent are both greedy, lusting for power, and not once act if not for them self.
In this part seems like the author don't have the villain and good guy yet. Cause everyone have their own agenda.
But one thing stood out for me in this book.
" The group had worked hard and sacrificed much to find a way toward peace. They were mutineers, freedom fighters, revolutionists. I admired each of them. I knew whose side I was on."
When you can identify your self with the freedom fighters in a book or a movie.
When you can support the freedom fighters who fight for freedom of their people, in a book or a movie.
When you Champion the mutineers, the freedom fighters, the revolutionist in fiction, then why do you still stand with genocide entity Zionist Nazi with USA and their supporters?
The hypocrisy is strong, when you turn your back when it's real life.
End Zionist regime. Long live freedom fighters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2021
Zaya (C # 317, aka Wayward) screamed/screamed.
Thessio Barnes (m, jailer) enjoyed prodding inmates with his stun gun.
Lycanthor (wolf/human being like) creatures lived below the jail cells.
Thessio & Romadus (m, dignitary) were discussing Zaya (United League of Dissent).
Romadus informed Zaya she was the property of the Council of Founding Sovereigns & had been called to serve.
Zaya was assigned to the Tarahik Military Base.
Captain Jad Arden assumed the command of Zaya.
Tarahik base. The ULD & lycanthors are allies.
Millie Flitcroft (C/O Macaslan’s PA) informed Zaya C/O Macaslan was wanted by the United League of Dissent.
Vulcan Trajan Stormouth & his forces are getting stronger.
Colonel Harper oversees military leadership/performance & supervises cadet training.
Cadet Zaya was given the Cadet daily schedule.
She met her 2 roommates: Cadet Lainie & Cadet Talina.
Tarahik Military Base. General Marcelo Kravis will conduct the graduating class ceremonies.
Ms. Clarita Davies stated by the video; Zaya was the last person to enter # 216 before Adaline White’s death.
If convicted Zaya was going to be sent to Gosheniene Internment/labor Camp.
General Kravis ordered the attack & Commander Macaslan organized the rescue mission.
Where is the Vanquish Larthalgule blade that so many are looking for?
Jad, Macaslan, Harper, & Darius Kerr are a hard-working group that consists of: mutineers, freedom fighters, & revolutionists that sacrificed their selves to find a way toward peace.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written paranormal book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great paranormal movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini-TV series. To be continued. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Thessio Barnes (m, jailer) enjoyed prodding inmates with his stun gun.
Lycanthor (wolf/human being like) creatures lived below the jail cells.
Thessio & Romadus (m, dignitary) were discussing Zaya (United League of Dissent).
Romadus informed Zaya she was the property of the Council of Founding Sovereigns & had been called to serve.
Zaya was assigned to the Tarahik Military Base.
Captain Jad Arden assumed the command of Zaya.
Tarahik base. The ULD & lycanthors are allies.
Millie Flitcroft (C/O Macaslan’s PA) informed Zaya C/O Macaslan was wanted by the United League of Dissent.
Vulcan Trajan Stormouth & his forces are getting stronger.
Colonel Harper oversees military leadership/performance & supervises cadet training.
Cadet Zaya was given the Cadet daily schedule.
She met her 2 roommates: Cadet Lainie & Cadet Talina.
Tarahik Military Base. General Marcelo Kravis will conduct the graduating class ceremonies.
Ms. Clarita Davies stated by the video; Zaya was the last person to enter # 216 before Adaline White’s death.
If convicted Zaya was going to be sent to Gosheniene Internment/labor Camp.
General Kravis ordered the attack & Commander Macaslan organized the rescue mission.
Where is the Vanquish Larthalgule blade that so many are looking for?
Jad, Macaslan, Harper, & Darius Kerr are a hard-working group that consists of: mutineers, freedom fighters, & revolutionists that sacrificed their selves to find a way toward peace.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written paranormal book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great paranormal movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini-TV series. To be continued. It was just OK for me so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 23, 2024
I absolutely loved this story, I was hooked from the very start.. There are some very intense themes at play here. The theme had a Star wars rebel type vibe. Nothing is at it seems, the novel crams mystery, intrigue, fantasy and thrilling storytelling into new levels. I thoroughly enjoyed the the MC journey from Prisoner to strong sassy heroine.
There were so many plot twists on my journey with this book, it felt rather fitting, as I've been very poorly the last few months and unable to read, so EVERYTIME I picked up to read, something new was happening, I felt like I was reading some deeply gripping TV soap. This could be a little overwhelming for some, but I loved it!
I really do love a book that keeps me guessing.
This book helped to keep my spirits up when I was unwell, it was fast paced and delightfully slowburny in all the right ways. I'm left frustrated and flabbergasted at the books conclusion because I have questions and I need answers, leaving me on a cliffhanger after such a rollercoaster journey is like -whatttt.
Plus that big reveal at the end, and we still don't know who the bloody rebel spy is. I'm happy and angry and relieved but also mad that I have to wait for the next book for resolution.
The world building here was phenomenal, we have a dystopian future, that has divided the populus into either caster or human, casters are deemed superior because they have magic, but are treated like swine among humans and serve them. It's very complex and thoroughly interesting.
I'm so very glad I had a chance to read this, it's a slower than slowburny book, basically feelings are noticed by the villain, never actually expressed amongst the characters, but I hope that all changes in book 2.
it's delightfully PG, unless you count all the war, death and dead body mentions throughout, there's alot, so I'd recommend this to young adult range readers or mature adolescents who can handle such topics.
I'm really looking forward to reading the revenants. I bet it's going to be an epic follow up. 4 well deserved stars for a wonderful book.
There were so many plot twists on my journey with this book, it felt rather fitting, as I've been very poorly the last few months and unable to read, so EVERYTIME I picked up to read, something new was happening, I felt like I was reading some deeply gripping TV soap. This could be a little overwhelming for some, but I loved it!
I really do love a book that keeps me guessing.
This book helped to keep my spirits up when I was unwell, it was fast paced and delightfully slowburny in all the right ways. I'm left frustrated and flabbergasted at the books conclusion because I have questions and I need answers, leaving me on a cliffhanger after such a rollercoaster journey is like -whatttt.
Plus that big reveal at the end, and we still don't know who the bloody rebel spy is. I'm happy and angry and relieved but also mad that I have to wait for the next book for resolution.
The world building here was phenomenal, we have a dystopian future, that has divided the populus into either caster or human, casters are deemed superior because they have magic, but are treated like swine among humans and serve them. It's very complex and thoroughly interesting.
I'm so very glad I had a chance to read this, it's a slower than slowburny book, basically feelings are noticed by the villain, never actually expressed amongst the characters, but I hope that all changes in book 2.
it's delightfully PG, unless you count all the war, death and dead body mentions throughout, there's alot, so I'd recommend this to young adult range readers or mature adolescents who can handle such topics.
I'm really looking forward to reading the revenants. I bet it's going to be an epic follow up. 4 well deserved stars for a wonderful book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2023
The Wayward Haunt was a fantasy fiction book written by Cas E Crowe. The book is the first book in the Wayward Haunt series. It was released in the year of 2020 as the first book of Cas E Crowe.
The Wayward Haunt was about a teenage girl named Zaya who possessed the magic of seeing ghosts. She was sent to a coal mine of Gosheniene during a war. Zaya was then transferred to Tarahik Military Base where met her friends and discovered the secrets of her identities. The black veined woman played a major role in Zaya’s difficult journey also known as her enemy. Zaya encountered challenges that required her to choose difficult choices that may cost her life.
I think the plot for The Wayward haunt is a 4/5 stars because even though it was interesting, I felt that towards the end the plot felt rushed. The book gives out thrilling and horror vibes throughout the story. Spoilers: The romance in this book between Zaya and Captain Arden felt forced which ruined the book a little to me. The book was all in Zaya’s perspective so we don’t really know much about Captain Arden. I felt Zaya liked Captain Arden too fast, it could have been better if she saw him as a brother. I think the author did a good job writing the book and guided her readers to the fantasy world very well.
I rated this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers. I would also not recommend this book if you don’t want romance ( in a fantasy book. I think The Wayward haunt was similar to the Harry Potter series with the strong and determined main character.
The Wayward Haunt was about a teenage girl named Zaya who possessed the magic of seeing ghosts. She was sent to a coal mine of Gosheniene during a war. Zaya was then transferred to Tarahik Military Base where met her friends and discovered the secrets of her identities. The black veined woman played a major role in Zaya’s difficult journey also known as her enemy. Zaya encountered challenges that required her to choose difficult choices that may cost her life.
I think the plot for The Wayward haunt is a 4/5 stars because even though it was interesting, I felt that towards the end the plot felt rushed. The book gives out thrilling and horror vibes throughout the story. Spoilers: The romance in this book between Zaya and Captain Arden felt forced which ruined the book a little to me. The book was all in Zaya’s perspective so we don’t really know much about Captain Arden. I felt Zaya liked Captain Arden too fast, it could have been better if she saw him as a brother. I think the author did a good job writing the book and guided her readers to the fantasy world very well.
I rated this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers. I would also not recommend this book if you don’t want romance ( in a fantasy book. I think The Wayward haunt was similar to the Harry Potter series with the strong and determined main character.
August 27, 2021
3.5/5
And interesting read that doesn't hold back on gore and intrigue, spinning you through a world of magic and deception.
I liked the world building, the descriptions and the land. The buildings and the world were fantastic and rich with descriptions, making it enjoyable to read and picture.
I wasn't a fan of the characters and how they were written, unfortunately. The main character - Zaya - was very difficult to like at the start. I didn't like her assessment of others; she seemed really sexist and evasive about everyone she met. Throughout the book she continued to judge and condemn people based on physical appearance, and she would insult others in this way too (either mentally or with words). I didn't appreciate that writing at all, and the character didn't seem to grow out of it either.
I also wasn't a fan of the 'relationship' or the attraction Zaya started to have, it didn't sit right with me.
Zaya never seemed to grow in her personal abilities. She grew in general strength and being able to use weapons surprisingly fast but no development of her magical abilities.
But of course 'the general rules don't apply for her'.
The novel didn't hold back on gory details which I appreciated, and there was no whitewashing the horrors of wars.
There are lots of questions left unanswered, and I hope that in the next novel they are resolved in a satisfying and explainable way for the readers.
And interesting read that doesn't hold back on gore and intrigue, spinning you through a world of magic and deception.
I liked the world building, the descriptions and the land. The buildings and the world were fantastic and rich with descriptions, making it enjoyable to read and picture.
I wasn't a fan of the characters and how they were written, unfortunately. The main character - Zaya - was very difficult to like at the start. I didn't like her assessment of others; she seemed really sexist and evasive about everyone she met. Throughout the book she continued to judge and condemn people based on physical appearance, and she would insult others in this way too (either mentally or with words). I didn't appreciate that writing at all, and the character didn't seem to grow out of it either.
I also wasn't a fan of the 'relationship' or the attraction Zaya started to have, it didn't sit right with me.
Zaya never seemed to grow in her personal abilities. She grew in general strength and being able to use weapons surprisingly fast but no development of her magical abilities.
But of course 'the general rules don't apply for her'.
The novel didn't hold back on gory details which I appreciated, and there was no whitewashing the horrors of wars.
There are lots of questions left unanswered, and I hope that in the next novel they are resolved in a satisfying and explainable way for the readers.
February 20, 2022
If you want to lose yourself in another world, with a strong female lead, this is one story you need to read!
In her debut novel, Cas E Crowe has brought to life the character of Zaya Wayward in a way that makes you feel you are right there with her. Her ability to "show you" through words the scenes being laid out before you is an amazing talent that transports you right into the story, giving enough information for you to understand what's happening with it flowing easily through the book.
In the beginning, it felt like Zaya was living such a struggle in life. Little did we know just how much harder it was going to get for her.
Zaya's abilities were something even she was trying to figure out, because she'd never had an opportunity to. Her growth through her struggles was so real and raw.
I found myself waiting with baited breath, hoping for her to overcome her trials, needing to know how she was going to do it. The depth of feeling that we get to experience reading this novel is epic, I felt myself stressed for her, happy for her, and sad for her.
Cas E Crowe should be incredibly proud of her debut novel, a thoroughly intriguing story, masterfully written, and one that I'm so keen to find out what happens next in Zayas world!
In her debut novel, Cas E Crowe has brought to life the character of Zaya Wayward in a way that makes you feel you are right there with her. Her ability to "show you" through words the scenes being laid out before you is an amazing talent that transports you right into the story, giving enough information for you to understand what's happening with it flowing easily through the book.
In the beginning, it felt like Zaya was living such a struggle in life. Little did we know just how much harder it was going to get for her.
Zaya's abilities were something even she was trying to figure out, because she'd never had an opportunity to. Her growth through her struggles was so real and raw.
I found myself waiting with baited breath, hoping for her to overcome her trials, needing to know how she was going to do it. The depth of feeling that we get to experience reading this novel is epic, I felt myself stressed for her, happy for her, and sad for her.
Cas E Crowe should be incredibly proud of her debut novel, a thoroughly intriguing story, masterfully written, and one that I'm so keen to find out what happens next in Zayas world!
April 6, 2021
This is a story about a young woman's challenging journey to discover who she is and what matters. It is set in a sci-fi/fantasy world characterised by violence and greed.
The main female character, Zaya, is absolutely my favourite. While exhibiting human fraility she also has enormous reserves of strength. She is completely driven by her need to know, but behaves within the boundaries of her principles.
Its a fast-moving read and kept me guessing as the characters were drawn in such a way that often there were multiple 'suspects'. And there were some real surprises. The story just keeps unfolding but will lots of twists and turns.
If I said what my faviourite part of the book was, I would be giving too much away!
I particularly liked the use of personification such as 'fear ran up my throat'. It was used often and to good effect as it significantly sharpened the descriptions. This is a strong feature of the writing style. The scenes of chaos were the strongest. This is because of the vivid and detailed descriptions - I could see, hear and feel it!
I give this author's first novel a 10 out of 10 and await the next book in the installment.
The main female character, Zaya, is absolutely my favourite. While exhibiting human fraility she also has enormous reserves of strength. She is completely driven by her need to know, but behaves within the boundaries of her principles.
Its a fast-moving read and kept me guessing as the characters were drawn in such a way that often there were multiple 'suspects'. And there were some real surprises. The story just keeps unfolding but will lots of twists and turns.
If I said what my faviourite part of the book was, I would be giving too much away!
I particularly liked the use of personification such as 'fear ran up my throat'. It was used often and to good effect as it significantly sharpened the descriptions. This is a strong feature of the writing style. The scenes of chaos were the strongest. This is because of the vivid and detailed descriptions - I could see, hear and feel it!
I give this author's first novel a 10 out of 10 and await the next book in the installment.
July 29, 2022
Thank you, partner BookTrib for a copy of this incredible book.
Wow. This book was so good.
I went ahead and ordered a physical copy of book two (even though this is available on Kindle Unlimited for free). This book really needs to get into the hands of every person who loves Sci Fi Fantasy YA. Necromancers, wraiths, witches, lycanthorpes, etc. are part of this story of a war between humans/casters and lycanthorpes.
It's not scary, but just edge of your seat addictive. I was addicted from the beginning when Zaya Wayward started kicking some butt when she was being dragged out of a work camp to head to basic training to fight in the war. She sees wraiths and ghosts, a forbidden subject, because in their world, they do not exist. Any mention of it and you could be slaughtered.
But she's a necromancer. She sees them.
This book was so entertaining, I fell in love with the story and the characters. And that ending!!! OMG. I cannot wait for Book 2 to arrive when the four revenants appear.
This book is a must for those who love YA Sci Fi Fantasy and ghosts, necromancers, etc. I can't even begin to tell you how good this book was. Loved it.
Wow. This book was so good.
I went ahead and ordered a physical copy of book two (even though this is available on Kindle Unlimited for free). This book really needs to get into the hands of every person who loves Sci Fi Fantasy YA. Necromancers, wraiths, witches, lycanthorpes, etc. are part of this story of a war between humans/casters and lycanthorpes.
It's not scary, but just edge of your seat addictive. I was addicted from the beginning when Zaya Wayward started kicking some butt when she was being dragged out of a work camp to head to basic training to fight in the war. She sees wraiths and ghosts, a forbidden subject, because in their world, they do not exist. Any mention of it and you could be slaughtered.
But she's a necromancer. She sees them.
This book was so entertaining, I fell in love with the story and the characters. And that ending!!! OMG. I cannot wait for Book 2 to arrive when the four revenants appear.
This book is a must for those who love YA Sci Fi Fantasy and ghosts, necromancers, etc. I can't even begin to tell you how good this book was. Loved it.
February 28, 2021
The Wayward Haunt is a phenomenal first novel from Australian author Cas E Crowe. As the first book in a series, it is a powerful introduction to Zaya, the protagonist. With a heavily descriptive environment and a well-defined supportive cast, Zaya is entirely relatable. Her inner strength and simultaneous vulnerability had me feeling for her and caring very deeply about her wellbeing, and I rooted for her from the very first page. Cas E Crowe has created a novel that doesn’t always follow the norms of storytelling, and this is why I like it. Its often unpredictable story arc and Zayas own personal development kept me deeply invested in the story from the very beginning. I highly recommend The Wayward Haunt to readers from the age of 16 and up, it is a human story with strong relationships and, in the midst of all the excitement, addresses the issues we all deal with on a daily basis. Dive right into this one, just make sure you have a good chunk of free time because you won’t want to put it down.
April 16, 2021
This book is absolutely amazing. This is by far my favourite book I have ever read. There is nothing I can say that is wrong with this book, it was just awesome. The pacing of the book was amazing and it really flowed smoothly. All of the character are really well done and you really feel for them, as you feel like you really know the character, this book goes really in depth with the characters but still keeping a lot of mystery in what they are really thinking. In this book there are quite a few plot twists which really help with the story and let it progress really smoothly. The battle and fight scenes are really well done and everything in this book is described so well, I could see all of the setting and what's happening so vividly which is absolutely amazing. This book is by far the greatest book I have read so far and I am so glad I decided to read this and can;t wait for the next one.
August 12, 2024
This is book one of The Wayward haunt series. It’s a young adult dark fantasy slow burn romance adventure. From the start of the book, you are drawn in and can’t put it down. This book has a strong, well-developed and an interesting story line with twists and unexpected turns that keep you reading and turning the pages. It pulled me in from beginning to end and held my attention. The atmosphere that’s created and characters were so realistic. Strong, interesting, and fascinating characters that are well developed and diverse. The world building is detailed, imaginative and so well done that you're drawn into a fantastic world unlike any other. The storyline is fast-paced and very well written, filled with magic, danger, death, politics, intrigue, and subterfuge. The plot thickens, the suspense builds, and the passion erupts! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
August 21, 2024
“The Wayward Haunt,” by Cas E. Crowe
Zaya is a necromancer, and necromancy is forbidden magic, so she has been in prison. They need her for the magic war so they send her to the military academy so she can protect the kingdom. Ghosts are warning her of evil, so she keeps questioning and investigating the leadership. Forced to work with Captain Jad Arden they need to uncover whoever is creating problems for the school.
I really liked this book. It is very gothic in setting and with ghosts and dark magic. I love the entire magic school trope and the found family with the friends she makes was essential and added a level of lightness to the dark themes in the book. This book has a lot of political intrigue. 4 out of 5 stars. The cover is also gorgeous.
-Magic
-Necromancer
-Magic School
-Slow Burn
-Political Intrigue
Thank you for the free copy, Booksprout.
Zaya is a necromancer, and necromancy is forbidden magic, so she has been in prison. They need her for the magic war so they send her to the military academy so she can protect the kingdom. Ghosts are warning her of evil, so she keeps questioning and investigating the leadership. Forced to work with Captain Jad Arden they need to uncover whoever is creating problems for the school.
I really liked this book. It is very gothic in setting and with ghosts and dark magic. I love the entire magic school trope and the found family with the friends she makes was essential and added a level of lightness to the dark themes in the book. This book has a lot of political intrigue. 4 out of 5 stars. The cover is also gorgeous.
-Magic
-Necromancer
-Magic School
-Slow Burn
-Political Intrigue
Thank you for the free copy, Booksprout.
September 14, 2024
Wayward Haunt by Cas E. Crowe is set against the backdrop of a tumultuous war, where the protagonist, Zaya, faces a grim fate after being wrongfully accused of murder and sentenced to the filthy coal mines. As she toils in the mines, Zaya is driven to uncover the missing piece of her past that holds the key to saving her world.
Crowe’s writing style is both engaging and accessible, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps the reader hooked. The descriptive prose vividly brings Zaya’s experiences to life, painting a clear picture of her struggles and triumphs. As the plot unfolds and Zaya’s character evolves, I found myself deeply immersed in the storyline and invested in the characters. Crowe’s ability to weave a compelling tale makes Wayward Haunt a captivating read from start to finish.
September 19, 2024
Just a warning that there is some graphic horror in this story. I skimmed over a lot of the visuals that were explained about the dead.
Besides that, this is a great fantasy story.
Bookbub or The Fussy Librarian offered this book for free and it was a great read.
I just read reviews about the next 3 books. I can see that poor Zaya never gets a break. I can't believe what she survives. I don't know how the fourth book ends, but from the reviews I've read, it sounds like everything works out. It is fast paced, many twists and turns and keeps the mind interested. Someone wrote that the second book is even better than the first. I was able to piece a lot together from the reviews for the next books.
So, I'm leaving Zaya now. I'm off to read one of my other free books now and see what adventures I can find.
Besides that, this is a great fantasy story.
Bookbub or The Fussy Librarian offered this book for free and it was a great read.
I just read reviews about the next 3 books. I can see that poor Zaya never gets a break. I can't believe what she survives. I don't know how the fourth book ends, but from the reviews I've read, it sounds like everything works out. It is fast paced, many twists and turns and keeps the mind interested. Someone wrote that the second book is even better than the first. I was able to piece a lot together from the reviews for the next books.
So, I'm leaving Zaya now. I'm off to read one of my other free books now and see what adventures I can find.
April 15, 2022
I was hooked from the first page. A dark and gritty story with great characters. The writing is descriptive and atmospheric building a Earth filled with magic, corruption and cruelty but also great courage and strength. Zaya is imprisoned at Gosheniene prison camp for a crime she did not commit, and is haunted by a terrifying creature in her dreams. When she is taken for guard training, horrifying secrets and cruel conspiracies are revealed. I liked Zaya, tough, ballsy and no fan of authority. Cas E Crowe is a accomplished descriptive writer who as created an enthralling and dark world. Highly recommended and I will be reading more of these.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2021
I was expecting to enjoy this book, but didn’t think I’d absolutely fall in love with it! I was hooked from the very beginning, and now I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.
Zaya Wayward lives on a future Earth abounding with magic and dangerous mythical creatures. Her power is supposed to be a secret, but someone is hunting her down and she needs to figure out why before it’s too late.
The world building is amazing and there were multiple twists that I didn’t see coming. Although I was often frustrated with Zaya, she’s an incredibly relatable character and I’m very invested in her now.
If you like dark, paranormal fantasy, Wayward Haunt is a wonderful choice!
Zaya Wayward lives on a future Earth abounding with magic and dangerous mythical creatures. Her power is supposed to be a secret, but someone is hunting her down and she needs to figure out why before it’s too late.
The world building is amazing and there were multiple twists that I didn’t see coming. Although I was often frustrated with Zaya, she’s an incredibly relatable character and I’m very invested in her now.
If you like dark, paranormal fantasy, Wayward Haunt is a wonderful choice!
September 8, 2023
3.5/5
Things I enjoyed:
•The FMC isn’t seen as someone who is weak and needs to be saved. Fantasy tend to lean this way, so having a strong FMC was refreshing.
•The development of roommates->friends. With how much was initially hidden, they could have easily turned their backs on the FMC.
What I wish were different:
•There was a bigger opportunity for romance to take part in the book. It seems as if it were written in, and then quickly dismissed
•The chapter could have ended on a bigger cliffhanger if it were ended earlier
I enjoyed the book as a whole, and look forward to reading the next one.
Things I enjoyed:
•The FMC isn’t seen as someone who is weak and needs to be saved. Fantasy tend to lean this way, so having a strong FMC was refreshing.
•The development of roommates->friends. With how much was initially hidden, they could have easily turned their backs on the FMC.
What I wish were different:
•There was a bigger opportunity for romance to take part in the book. It seems as if it were written in, and then quickly dismissed
•The chapter could have ended on a bigger cliffhanger if it were ended earlier
I enjoyed the book as a whole, and look forward to reading the next one.
September 18, 2023
I haven't really delved into science-fiction dystopian novels much but this novel is making me want to explore this genre more.
I found it so easy to loose myself in Zaya's (FMC) reality of harsh living conditions as the only female in a male environment. She was forced to show her strength, both physically and mentally, just to make sure the men did not mess with her.
When Zaya found out she has a match, her life turned upside down and for the better, even though she didn't want to believe it could happen.
As Zaya's feeling grew the more we found out about the government, rebels and there plans.
There was multiple plot twists which kept me reading and what a cliffhanger 😱
I found it so easy to loose myself in Zaya's (FMC) reality of harsh living conditions as the only female in a male environment. She was forced to show her strength, both physically and mentally, just to make sure the men did not mess with her.
When Zaya found out she has a match, her life turned upside down and for the better, even though she didn't want to believe it could happen.
As Zaya's feeling grew the more we found out about the government, rebels and there plans.
There was multiple plot twists which kept me reading and what a cliffhanger 😱
March 24, 2021
I loved this book. I couldn’t stop reading it. The characters are fun, the plot is always keeping you guessing and rooting for the characters and the writing is excellent! I’m so glad I chose this book to read. I hope more are coming so we can continue following the adventures! Very creative and unique plot!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2023
The scene building was amazing. I was immersed into this chaotic world from the first page and absolutely hooked!
The MC story is sad but I loved watching her continue to grow!
This book series has suspense, shock and sooo much intrigue and I love how the author had given us backstories without making it so obvious. We're learning while the character is which was amazing and such a fun way to read and learn more about the characters world's history!
The MC story is sad but I loved watching her continue to grow!
This book series has suspense, shock and sooo much intrigue and I love how the author had given us backstories without making it so obvious. We're learning while the character is which was amazing and such a fun way to read and learn more about the characters world's history!
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