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Kidnapping Phoenixes and Other Ways to Die #1-8
Kidnapping Phoenixes and Other Ways to Die: The Complete Series
Eight books and over 1400+ pages of magic and mayhem, action and humor fill this snarky urban fantasy boxed set.
Mythical creatures are real and the world is only now finding out.
All Frances wants is a simple, safe life.
Kidnapping the Phoenix was probably a bad move.
My name is Frances Church. Not the name you’d expect from someone on the run from the paranormal mob.
You know, ogres with machine guns, kind of mob.
But when the unborn ashes of the Phoenix ask for help, well, what’s a girl gonna do? I stole her urn from the mob and went on the run.
Now I'm hiding in small town Indiana, where I work as a medic for fantasical beasts. I should be safe here, right?
But the mob aren’t the only ones looking for the Phoenix.
An ancient evil is searching for her in hopes to usher in Armageddon.
Now I have a choice to make: abandon the Phoenix and run, or stop these supernatural bullies and beasts from harnessing the Phoenix’s magic for evil.
Like I said, what’s a girl gonna do?
Meet Frances, the latest hero in the GoneGod World. Frances a paranormal medic, treating the mythical creatures who now walk among us. If you love Mercy Thompson, Buffy or Katrina Darling, then you’ll absolutely love this unexpected heroine.
Mythical creatures are real and the world is only now finding out.
All Frances wants is a simple, safe life.
Kidnapping the Phoenix was probably a bad move.
My name is Frances Church. Not the name you’d expect from someone on the run from the paranormal mob.
You know, ogres with machine guns, kind of mob.
But when the unborn ashes of the Phoenix ask for help, well, what’s a girl gonna do? I stole her urn from the mob and went on the run.
Now I'm hiding in small town Indiana, where I work as a medic for fantasical beasts. I should be safe here, right?
But the mob aren’t the only ones looking for the Phoenix.
An ancient evil is searching for her in hopes to usher in Armageddon.
Now I have a choice to make: abandon the Phoenix and run, or stop these supernatural bullies and beasts from harnessing the Phoenix’s magic for evil.
Like I said, what’s a girl gonna do?
Meet Frances, the latest hero in the GoneGod World. Frances a paranormal medic, treating the mythical creatures who now walk among us. If you love Mercy Thompson, Buffy or Katrina Darling, then you’ll absolutely love this unexpected heroine.
1492 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2021
3390 people are currently reading
1216 people want to read
About the author
Ramy Vance
115 books419 followersRamy is the creator of the GoneGod World - a universe dedicated to myth, magic, mischief and mayhem.
He lives in Edinburgh with his wife, demonic toddler, monstrous 8-year old and imaginary dog.
Terrified, he pretty much stays in his office and writes.
He lives in Edinburgh with his wife, demonic toddler, monstrous 8-year old and imaginary dog.
Terrified, he pretty much stays in his office and writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
August 13, 2023
Interesting premise
I guess, but very poor execution.
Yes, reading "GoneGods" was aggravating. After the first couple of times, I forced myself to ignore or skip over that annoying phrase.
In this "book set" the story just keeps dragging. And dragging. About ½ way through, I'm slogging, and I'm only at chapter 104?107? There's no resolution.
The potential love interest is thrown in as an afterthought, as though pandering to paranormal romance readers then promptly forgotten until someone reminds the author to bring them back.
The fact that *spoilers* is an Other isn't a surprise, no matter how much the author wants it to be.
I'm done. I'm giving up at 50ish%. Too much plot revision and lost plot threads, using words incorrectly, and very bad character development.
So why 2 stars? Because it could be better with another read through, tightening up, and a better editor.
I guess, but very poor execution.
Yes, reading "GoneGods" was aggravating. After the first couple of times, I forced myself to ignore or skip over that annoying phrase.
In this "book set" the story just keeps dragging. And dragging. About ½ way through, I'm slogging, and I'm only at chapter 104?107? There's no resolution.
The potential love interest is thrown in as an afterthought, as though pandering to paranormal romance readers then promptly forgotten until someone reminds the author to bring them back.
The fact that *spoilers* is an Other isn't a surprise, no matter how much the author wants it to be.
I'm done. I'm giving up at 50ish%. Too much plot revision and lost plot threads, using words incorrectly, and very bad character development.
So why 2 stars? Because it could be better with another read through, tightening up, and a better editor.
Read
January 16, 2022A fun, fun read!
The idea of the series intrigued me, but wasn't sure if the writing would live up to the promise. Happily it did and then some! Story starts off introducing the main character as someone who is very flawed and somewhat broken. She keeps herself together with rules that keep her alive but at a steep emotional cost. As the series rolls along she grows into a heroine you are rooting and jumping up and down for. There are laugh out loud moments though out as Frances and her chosen family learn to love and trust each other and to always be there for each other. I really hope this isn't the end of Frances and the FART....snicker.....you just know this crew still.has a lot more trouble (ahem, FUN) to get into ! Please write more adventures!!!
The idea of the series intrigued me, but wasn't sure if the writing would live up to the promise. Happily it did and then some! Story starts off introducing the main character as someone who is very flawed and somewhat broken. She keeps herself together with rules that keep her alive but at a steep emotional cost. As the series rolls along she grows into a heroine you are rooting and jumping up and down for. There are laugh out loud moments though out as Frances and her chosen family learn to love and trust each other and to always be there for each other. I really hope this isn't the end of Frances and the FART....snicker.....you just know this crew still.has a lot more trouble (ahem, FUN) to get into ! Please write more adventures!!!
December 12, 2023
I was surprised how engaging this series of books was, and also how impossible it was to put one down without starting the next. I think I’d expected more separate stories, but each of these feels more like one long chapter in the whole. That said, the whole is a fascinating fantasy, with small-town communities and clever hints of magic gradually morphing into apocalyptic terrors, big-government intrusion, and, well, slightly bigger magic. There’s a demon too, and he’s a great character. I really enjoyed reading the set. I just know I’d have been really disappointed if I’d only bought one of the books.
Disclosure: I think I might be more careful about buying “book one” after this. But I loved this set.
Disclosure: I think I might be more careful about buying “book one” after this. But I loved this set.
October 21, 2025
Fantastic series
Omg what an epic read. i laughed so hard in places, my family gave me the side eye. The characters are a motley crew of misfits that worm their way into your heart. The twists and turns are endless. Francis rocks.
Omg what an epic read. i laughed so hard in places, my family gave me the side eye. The characters are a motley crew of misfits that worm their way into your heart. The twists and turns are endless. Francis rocks.
May 5, 2025
Großartige Unterhaltung - eine Welt, in der die Götter vor vier Jahren das Weite gesucht haben und ihre Diener, etc. nun mit der neuen Situation fertig werden müssen - GoneGodDamned World halt. Die Geschichte macht auf jeden Fall Laune und ist an vielen Stellen einfach nur zum Schreien komisch :D
June 29, 2023
Entertaining series full of fun and unique characters, and the action is pretty much non-stop. But it is a *haul* to get through, and nothing really seems to get completely resolved until the last few chapters - more shi+ is just piled on top of all the rest of the shi+ already being dealt with.
There's also almost no down time between crises. At first the constant action does tend to keep you reading, but much like the mindset of the siblings in Spy Kids - you can only fall into the endless pit for so long before it stops being an adrenaline rush and starts to become boring and tedious.
There's also almost no down time between crises. At first the constant action does tend to keep you reading, but much like the mindset of the siblings in Spy Kids - you can only fall into the endless pit for so long before it stops being an adrenaline rush and starts to become boring and tedious.
July 27, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this story.
I hadn't realized it, but I read throughout this whole set, as though each book were a Chapter, so I just kept reading on right through until the end, which means it's been a few days since I started it! Lol
I really loved this story, which centers around Frances Austin, a twenty-eight year-old Veterinarian, who started working in Chicago, for the Cardinelli Family, to help their Vet, Dr. Talbert, in what she had assumed was a Private Mythical Beasts Zoo.
At this time, all the many and varied Gods had decided they'd had enough of Earth, and hightailed it out of there, to pastures new, leaving behind their many, and varied, servants.
This caused many problems, and all the mythical beasts were treated like second class citizens, until people like the Cardinelli Family saw a niche Market opportunity - which turned out to be Harvesting Mythical Beasts' Organs, for profit!
As soon as she realises what's going on - too late to stop the harvesting of a live Demon - and was finagled into helping them, Frances runs.
Sadly, the Cardinelli Family decide they're going to catch her, and make her pay for not staying, and so she keeps on running.
While all of this is happening, Frances thinks that there's something wrong, as she suddenly has four voices - apart from her own - inside her head, which causes her to have blinding headaches - and conversations with one of the voices, which makes her even more paranoid!
Her escaping path takes her many miles, and nine months of time, to a small town, called Cornish Roost, Indiana, in the middle of nowhere, where her Mother had once lived, and where she takes a job as the local Medicus, seeing to the health problems of the many local mythical beasts.
It's in this town, and its mix of Humans, and mythical beasts, that Frances' story really begins, as she gradually uncovers exactly who she has lodging in her mind.
it's also here, that she ends up as the Master of a Demon of the 5th Level, and becomes the leader of a whole group of mythical beasts, including Blanche, a not-so-nice Tooth Fairy, and a small Demon, whose Pen she broke, and who was sticking to her like glue, until she fixes it!
This set of books is absolutely filled with a whole Cast of characters, both Good, and Bad, and it is Frances who becomes their common denominator!
Everyone who meets her, is eventually sucked into her story, to become either a fast friend, or an enemy.
I'm not going to tell you the story - after all, it's eight books long, and I'm assuming you are interested in reading it, hence looking at these Reviews - but I can assure you that this is one of the funniest and, sometimes the saddest, of stories that I've read in some time.
I would recommend this book to ANYONE who enjoys good humour, along with a fast and crazy plotline! Lol
As a Bonus, there's another, story after this one is done. Still set in the same GoneGod World, and called 'Better Demons', which is as good as the main story!
So you'll be getting two fabulous stories with this - well worth getting, in order to read!
I tend to buy my books, rather than renting them - it's the Bibliophile in me - but I imagine that this will be available on Kindle Unlimited, if you belong there!
As I'd forgotten just how much I love Ramy Vance's books, I think I'll continue with his 'Better Demons' Series, as there was only part of it at the of this GoneGod series - it appears I'd read his last series first so, once I've read the whole 'Better Demons', I'll go on to his other GoneGod series though, this time, from the beginning series.
Once I've read this series, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know if I still love it, or just like it! Lol
(What am I saying? I've loved everything I've read, involving Ramy Vance, so far!) Lol
I hadn't realized it, but I read throughout this whole set, as though each book were a Chapter, so I just kept reading on right through until the end, which means it's been a few days since I started it! Lol
I really loved this story, which centers around Frances Austin, a twenty-eight year-old Veterinarian, who started working in Chicago, for the Cardinelli Family, to help their Vet, Dr. Talbert, in what she had assumed was a Private Mythical Beasts Zoo.
At this time, all the many and varied Gods had decided they'd had enough of Earth, and hightailed it out of there, to pastures new, leaving behind their many, and varied, servants.
This caused many problems, and all the mythical beasts were treated like second class citizens, until people like the Cardinelli Family saw a niche Market opportunity - which turned out to be Harvesting Mythical Beasts' Organs, for profit!
As soon as she realises what's going on - too late to stop the harvesting of a live Demon - and was finagled into helping them, Frances runs.
Sadly, the Cardinelli Family decide they're going to catch her, and make her pay for not staying, and so she keeps on running.
While all of this is happening, Frances thinks that there's something wrong, as she suddenly has four voices - apart from her own - inside her head, which causes her to have blinding headaches - and conversations with one of the voices, which makes her even more paranoid!
Her escaping path takes her many miles, and nine months of time, to a small town, called Cornish Roost, Indiana, in the middle of nowhere, where her Mother had once lived, and where she takes a job as the local Medicus, seeing to the health problems of the many local mythical beasts.
It's in this town, and its mix of Humans, and mythical beasts, that Frances' story really begins, as she gradually uncovers exactly who she has lodging in her mind.
it's also here, that she ends up as the Master of a Demon of the 5th Level, and becomes the leader of a whole group of mythical beasts, including Blanche, a not-so-nice Tooth Fairy, and a small Demon, whose Pen she broke, and who was sticking to her like glue, until she fixes it!
This set of books is absolutely filled with a whole Cast of characters, both Good, and Bad, and it is Frances who becomes their common denominator!
Everyone who meets her, is eventually sucked into her story, to become either a fast friend, or an enemy.
I'm not going to tell you the story - after all, it's eight books long, and I'm assuming you are interested in reading it, hence looking at these Reviews - but I can assure you that this is one of the funniest and, sometimes the saddest, of stories that I've read in some time.
I would recommend this book to ANYONE who enjoys good humour, along with a fast and crazy plotline! Lol
As a Bonus, there's another, story after this one is done. Still set in the same GoneGod World, and called 'Better Demons', which is as good as the main story!
So you'll be getting two fabulous stories with this - well worth getting, in order to read!
I tend to buy my books, rather than renting them - it's the Bibliophile in me - but I imagine that this will be available on Kindle Unlimited, if you belong there!
As I'd forgotten just how much I love Ramy Vance's books, I think I'll continue with his 'Better Demons' Series, as there was only part of it at the of this GoneGod series - it appears I'd read his last series first so, once I've read the whole 'Better Demons', I'll go on to his other GoneGod series though, this time, from the beginning series.
Once I've read this series, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know if I still love it, or just like it! Lol
(What am I saying? I've loved everything I've read, involving Ramy Vance, so far!) Lol
April 2, 2024
This series has so many things that nerds like me love: mythology, cryptids, science, legendary creatures, sarcasm, magic, and a badass heroine.
This series takes place after all gods/goddesses have left/disappeared. Every creature that exists in nightmares, legends, mythologies, religions, etc. has been made mortal and thrown to earth to live amongst humans. These beings are called Other. They have been forced to adapt to human laws and lifestyles.
Frances Church is a Medicus, a doctor for Others. She is on the run from the mob she used to help harvest Other body parts for. When she left, she stole some artifacts, one of which was a Phoenix. It has now bound itself to her. Oh ya, and its psyche has been shattered into 4 different beings.
Along the way she meets a ferocious fairy that loves to collect teeth and eat her victims bones. Frances names her Blanche, and naturally they become best friends. A former Battler demon forms a blood oath with her, she names him Clyde, and now he is always at her side. He often transforms into a hedgehog for travel purposes.
As the story goes on, it introduces more memorable characters as Frances tries to adapt to life a the Medicus of a small town. Nothing ever goes as planned, and what follows is a series of events that leads right up the end of the world.
This book series is full of action, adventure, life lessons, love stories, and humor. I absolutely love Clyde and his dry sense of humor. Several times I would laugh out loud or read my husband a particularly entertaining passage I just read. At times, the writing can seem redundant, but it is to help those that may have spent some time between books to catch back up on the story.
I highly recommend this series to those that love these types of genres. It is described as an Urban fantasy series. Besides, what's not to love about a 6 foot Battler demon transforming into a hedgehog with a squeaky voice?
This series takes place after all gods/goddesses have left/disappeared. Every creature that exists in nightmares, legends, mythologies, religions, etc. has been made mortal and thrown to earth to live amongst humans. These beings are called Other. They have been forced to adapt to human laws and lifestyles.
Frances Church is a Medicus, a doctor for Others. She is on the run from the mob she used to help harvest Other body parts for. When she left, she stole some artifacts, one of which was a Phoenix. It has now bound itself to her. Oh ya, and its psyche has been shattered into 4 different beings.
Along the way she meets a ferocious fairy that loves to collect teeth and eat her victims bones. Frances names her Blanche, and naturally they become best friends. A former Battler demon forms a blood oath with her, she names him Clyde, and now he is always at her side. He often transforms into a hedgehog for travel purposes.
As the story goes on, it introduces more memorable characters as Frances tries to adapt to life a the Medicus of a small town. Nothing ever goes as planned, and what follows is a series of events that leads right up the end of the world.
This book series is full of action, adventure, life lessons, love stories, and humor. I absolutely love Clyde and his dry sense of humor. Several times I would laugh out loud or read my husband a particularly entertaining passage I just read. At times, the writing can seem redundant, but it is to help those that may have spent some time between books to catch back up on the story.
I highly recommend this series to those that love these types of genres. It is described as an Urban fantasy series. Besides, what's not to love about a 6 foot Battler demon transforming into a hedgehog with a squeaky voice?
February 5, 2024
I enjoyed this series, but I also think it really could have been better with another round of editing. A few spots were a bit too much rambling details about stuff not really relevant to the plot, and I felt some was repetitive but I realize that's probably because it's written as separate short books and I read it through as one. Some parts dragged on and I thought about DNF because my Kindle told me I still had hours of reading left, but then it grabbed my interest again.
I felt like the beginning of the series tried too hard to make Frances "quirky" (like constantly quoting holla back girl), but I started to like her character more as the series went on and she seemed to find herself instead of being a caricature of a quirky 20-something that is a little weird and secretly a badass. I felt like she was supposed to be fit from rock climbing (if I remember correctly) and being on the run, but the number of times they mention her triglycerides and how she ate a lot of comfort food and didn't reference much about her actually exercising and working out to stay fit was a bit weird and made it a little harder to think of her as this fit badass that's kicking ass.
The Others were pretty cool and I liked the dynamic of humans vs. others and how the author worked really hard to show the biases humans have for Others because they're different. I liked the Others that became a big part of the stories, they had fun personalities and I like that the Others all(?) or most seem to have roots in real mythology and weren't completely made up by the author.
Overall I'm glad I bought it (after starting on Kindle Unlimited) and enjoyed reading it, but not sure I'll continue on with this author unless it's a single book here and there so I can take a break instead of feeling like it's a chore when I hit a lull and see I have 6+ hours left of reading left in the series.
I felt like the beginning of the series tried too hard to make Frances "quirky" (like constantly quoting holla back girl), but I started to like her character more as the series went on and she seemed to find herself instead of being a caricature of a quirky 20-something that is a little weird and secretly a badass. I felt like she was supposed to be fit from rock climbing (if I remember correctly) and being on the run, but the number of times they mention her triglycerides and how she ate a lot of comfort food and didn't reference much about her actually exercising and working out to stay fit was a bit weird and made it a little harder to think of her as this fit badass that's kicking ass.
The Others were pretty cool and I liked the dynamic of humans vs. others and how the author worked really hard to show the biases humans have for Others because they're different. I liked the Others that became a big part of the stories, they had fun personalities and I like that the Others all(?) or most seem to have roots in real mythology and weren't completely made up by the author.
Overall I'm glad I bought it (after starting on Kindle Unlimited) and enjoyed reading it, but not sure I'll continue on with this author unless it's a single book here and there so I can take a break instead of feeling like it's a chore when I hit a lull and see I have 6+ hours left of reading left in the series.
October 12, 2022
Wow! What a wild ride. I basically spent every free moment with this fast-paced book that presents one "out of the frying pan into the fire" scenario after another. There's a large cast of well-developed characters--some human, some not. Enough plot twists to keep you spinning. A virtual catalog of nearly ever creature from the mythology of every culture.
The background story is that ALL the gods have left earth, leaving behind a huge population of "Others," now mortal but still retaining most of their mythological characteristics. Frances is a veterinarian turned medicus (doctor to the "Others") who is recruited by Chicago mobsters. Once she realizes they're killing "Others" to harvest their organs she wants to escape. The recently acquired voices in her head, whom she's doing her best to ignore, come to her rescue, using her body as a conduit to wreak havoc at the mob base. Frances is on the run, hiding from the mob and other acquired enemies, for most of the book. She keeps getting involved in dangerous liaisons, including bonding with a demon newly released from hell. And so it goes. A hard book to put down.
The background story is that ALL the gods have left earth, leaving behind a huge population of "Others," now mortal but still retaining most of their mythological characteristics. Frances is a veterinarian turned medicus (doctor to the "Others") who is recruited by Chicago mobsters. Once she realizes they're killing "Others" to harvest their organs she wants to escape. The recently acquired voices in her head, whom she's doing her best to ignore, come to her rescue, using her body as a conduit to wreak havoc at the mob base. Frances is on the run, hiding from the mob and other acquired enemies, for most of the book. She keeps getting involved in dangerous liaisons, including bonding with a demon newly released from hell. And so it goes. A hard book to put down.
August 7, 2022
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring.)
Got the box set, read the first 2 or three books, but just didn't gel with me.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes -- but not from this collection.
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
Got the box set, read the first 2 or three books, but just didn't gel with me.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes -- but not from this collection.
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
March 14, 2024
I really wanted to like this
This is not a favorite. It took me forever to get through and not just because it was very long (it is many parts made in to one). My issue was the same stuff being regurgitated. It makes sense for the author to allow for some reminders when they are separate books but when all is made in to one, it gets very tiresome to reread the same stuff over and over. The same with the jokes. Certain things got old very quickly or lost their luster. With that in mind, I enjoyed part 1. As well as the very last part (# unknown and there were so many that I lost count). There are some very cute characters and some not so cute but noteworthy all the same. Clyde was the one that did everything, so to me, he really is the main character! There's so much going on in this 8(?) Part series. its hard to keep all of the Others in order! If you like that sort of thing, this book is for you.
This is not a favorite. It took me forever to get through and not just because it was very long (it is many parts made in to one). My issue was the same stuff being regurgitated. It makes sense for the author to allow for some reminders when they are separate books but when all is made in to one, it gets very tiresome to reread the same stuff over and over. The same with the jokes. Certain things got old very quickly or lost their luster. With that in mind, I enjoyed part 1. As well as the very last part (# unknown and there were so many that I lost count). There are some very cute characters and some not so cute but noteworthy all the same. Clyde was the one that did everything, so to me, he really is the main character! There's so much going on in this 8(?) Part series. its hard to keep all of the Others in order! If you like that sort of thing, this book is for you.
May 26, 2025
Aboslutely LOVE this series!
I wasn't sure what made me check this out on KU, but it set in my TBR list for a minute until I just decided to give it a try. I'm mostly a mood reader and could not find anything that kept my attenton.
Once I started this, I was hooked from the get-go! There is barely any down time, always action going on. One scene flows to another in a way that kept me gripped and having a hard time putting my kindle down!
Mfc Frances is just the right mix of BadAsss and vulnerable. Just martyr enough, yet also selfish enough to be awesome!
I love her sidekick -soulmate- Clyde. And the love interest, Johnny, was so intriguing, never disappointing!
Got a little worried about her bestie, Blanche, there near the end, but you know it turned out all good.
I had to buy this omnibus ebook series, because I know I will want to read it again!
And I look forward to starting the next, sort of follow-up or spin-off, series.
Spoiler:
If you are curious why, if I loved it so much, I only gave it 4 stars instead of the full 5; because the dog dies. That was too far!
I wasn't sure what made me check this out on KU, but it set in my TBR list for a minute until I just decided to give it a try. I'm mostly a mood reader and could not find anything that kept my attenton.
Once I started this, I was hooked from the get-go! There is barely any down time, always action going on. One scene flows to another in a way that kept me gripped and having a hard time putting my kindle down!
Mfc Frances is just the right mix of BadAsss and vulnerable. Just martyr enough, yet also selfish enough to be awesome!
I love her sidekick -soulmate- Clyde. And the love interest, Johnny, was so intriguing, never disappointing!
Got a little worried about her bestie, Blanche, there near the end, but you know it turned out all good.
I had to buy this omnibus ebook series, because I know I will want to read it again!
And I look forward to starting the next, sort of follow-up or spin-off, series.
Spoiler:
If you are curious why, if I loved it so much, I only gave it 4 stars instead of the full 5; because the dog dies. That was too far!
Read
November 27, 2023Kidnapping Phoenixes
I was looking for a "little light reading" to pull me from my book slump & HELLO FRANCES!!
A brilliant series! A fresh take. A new flavour for us lovers of urban fantasy (especially the action kind) & I've gotta say I love it! A limoncello cheesecake of a read & now I've a new world to explore x
Honestly I did see one or two of the plot twists coming but am 87% sure that's because I read the whole thing over three days (am a bit of a die hard urban fantasy/mythos geek😅) still plenty of twists, turns, plot twists & a good few "that's like, sooooo not ok" 😆 The characters are seriously some of the best I've read & Frances is definitely someone I'd want to have a beer with.... Funny, snarky & human
I was looking for a "little light reading" to pull me from my book slump & HELLO FRANCES!!
A brilliant series! A fresh take. A new flavour for us lovers of urban fantasy (especially the action kind) & I've gotta say I love it! A limoncello cheesecake of a read & now I've a new world to explore x
Honestly I did see one or two of the plot twists coming but am 87% sure that's because I read the whole thing over three days (am a bit of a die hard urban fantasy/mythos geek😅) still plenty of twists, turns, plot twists & a good few "that's like, sooooo not ok" 😆 The characters are seriously some of the best I've read & Frances is definitely someone I'd want to have a beer with.... Funny, snarky & human
September 29, 2024
I read this entire series during a long work trip with lots of stops and airports. I liked the heroine Frances, a veterinarian for supernatural creatures who were dumped into our world when the gods up and left. She was accidentally employed by the mob, and left with stolen goods and some blood on her hands, so she's in hiding in a small town with lots of supes. Only the thing she stole was actually a phoenix and it's bonded to her. The small town sheriff is a distraction she doesn't need, and the men in black have her on their radar, and there's a whole plot about an imprisoned (left behind) god out to destroy her and the planet, too. I really liked the heroine - she came off as quirky, a little funny sometimes, and likeable.
March 24, 2025
lots of fun reading this set.
After hundreds of reviews, yes reading is my only hobby, where is my check Amazon!? I almost never give 5 stars. I laughed so much reading this I had to this time. The miscommunication demon was my favorite. I felt bad not wanting him fixed. The characters definitely earned earned their high rating. I do think I would have found these book’s frustrating if it wasn’t the whole set at once. There just didn’t seem to be any parts conductive to a book break. The writing style has the cozy mystery feel. The plot was complex enough. The world building itself was only ok but the idea is great. If I ever need my mood lifted by laughter in the future I would read this set again.
After hundreds of reviews, yes reading is my only hobby, where is my check Amazon!? I almost never give 5 stars. I laughed so much reading this I had to this time. The miscommunication demon was my favorite. I felt bad not wanting him fixed. The characters definitely earned earned their high rating. I do think I would have found these book’s frustrating if it wasn’t the whole set at once. There just didn’t seem to be any parts conductive to a book break. The writing style has the cozy mystery feel. The plot was complex enough. The world building itself was only ok but the idea is great. If I ever need my mood lifted by laughter in the future I would read this set again.
October 2, 2025
This is a box set of eight books. Each book picks up right where the previous one ended. This series takes us on wild ride. Frances just wants a simple life helping heal people and others. Then her life takes a turn. Turns out she has been working for the mob and they want to bring her into the fold further. Now she has an urn and is on the run. Turns out the urn holds the ashes of a phoenix who asking for help. She has been on the run finds herself settling in a small town with more paranormals than she could imagine. She is a medicus pretending to be a vet. This book is a crazy tale. Really a series of interconnected tales. I picked this series up from an ad for it on facebook and I am so glad I did. It is a wonderful, crazy, action packed read.
January 5, 2024
why haven’t you read these???WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
EXCELLENT. WORLD BUILDING, MESHING MONSTERS WITH HUMANS….Fairy tales with fables….mythology with, well you name it, it’s probably in these. Laugh out loud snarky fun, sun kissed hair, brown curls, country music….Yellowstone, Indiana. Yes, Indiana. Romance, misunderstandings, mischief and mayhem! These books are so enjoyable, funny and entertaining I read them straight through. Battles…I could go on and rhapsodizes about all the little nuances and actions in these but you need to read them. If you like action, great, if mismatched hero’s and funny, funny stuff….read these.
EXCELLENT. WORLD BUILDING, MESHING MONSTERS WITH HUMANS….Fairy tales with fables….mythology with, well you name it, it’s probably in these. Laugh out loud snarky fun, sun kissed hair, brown curls, country music….Yellowstone, Indiana. Yes, Indiana. Romance, misunderstandings, mischief and mayhem! These books are so enjoyable, funny and entertaining I read them straight through. Battles…I could go on and rhapsodizes about all the little nuances and actions in these but you need to read them. If you like action, great, if mismatched hero’s and funny, funny stuff….read these.
March 15, 2024
I almost never write reviews for books, because other people do such a good job, but just in case anybody is following me on Goodreads, this was the best. Book. Ever. Anyone who read the story will understand the periods. I swear I was transported back to being a child again when books could just take you anywhere, and you were totally lost in them for hours. The characters are so adorable I immediately had to get the next box set. I’m reading it on Kindle unlimited, but I’ve already bought the first set for my granddaughter, and I’m probably gonna end up buying them because I never want to be parted from Frances Church and Company.
May 6, 2025
First, I'd like to compliment the author on his character development. He could give lessons to a lot of authors, some of whom offer cheat sheets as if they also had issues keeping track. Blanche's pit bull smile just slays me, and I missed her when she was AWOL.
Second, I'd advise the curious that, granted the size of this complete series may be off-putting, but sugar, most of the 'books' in this volume end in cliffhangers and the author takes very little space re-hashing the happenings in the previous books, thus saving time.
So, thanks to Ramy Vance. I will read more of his offerings, already have some of them...
Second, I'd advise the curious that, granted the size of this complete series may be off-putting, but sugar, most of the 'books' in this volume end in cliffhangers and the author takes very little space re-hashing the happenings in the previous books, thus saving time.
So, thanks to Ramy Vance. I will read more of his offerings, already have some of them...
December 15, 2021
Really Wild And Wacky Supernatural Saga
I read the entire series non-stop and it was an amazing experience. Unfortunately, the series is riddled with spelling and grammar errors. Ramy needs to use Grammarly or hire a proofreader because the errors are obvious and repeated. I am sure this series was an enormous effort as the dialog and action was excellent all through the 19000 pages. Failing to proofread this work made this incredible saga a travesty. I strongly suggest you run these stories through Grammarly and publish the result as a second edition.
I read the entire series non-stop and it was an amazing experience. Unfortunately, the series is riddled with spelling and grammar errors. Ramy needs to use Grammarly or hire a proofreader because the errors are obvious and repeated. I am sure this series was an enormous effort as the dialog and action was excellent all through the 19000 pages. Failing to proofread this work made this incredible saga a travesty. I strongly suggest you run these stories through Grammarly and publish the result as a second edition.
November 30, 2022
Throughly enjoyed it
I started reading the entire series before I started traveling. It kept me entertained in airports, on airplanes, waiting for rides, waiting for family gatherings to start, in family homes where the TV was always going and I don’t watch TV, and as I was getting ready to sleep in strange beds. The series is long, but as I said, entertaining. And I believe I’ll miss these characters.
FYI – these volumes are not stand-alones. Pretty much one right after the other as far as the story goes.
I started reading the entire series before I started traveling. It kept me entertained in airports, on airplanes, waiting for rides, waiting for family gatherings to start, in family homes where the TV was always going and I don’t watch TV, and as I was getting ready to sleep in strange beds. The series is long, but as I said, entertaining. And I believe I’ll miss these characters.
FYI – these volumes are not stand-alones. Pretty much one right after the other as far as the story goes.
July 4, 2023
A Surprise
I selected this series fully expecting it to be silly. It is. It is also well researched, with engaging characters and unlikely alliances. It captivated my imagination and had me researching the various different mythological creatures. I've always been a bit of a mythology junkie, but in these works, the sheer quantities of cross-cultural creatures were an education in itself. There's a lot of action peppered with humor that keeps things moving along. It was definitely a pleasant surprise and an excellent, fun read.
I selected this series fully expecting it to be silly. It is. It is also well researched, with engaging characters and unlikely alliances. It captivated my imagination and had me researching the various different mythological creatures. I've always been a bit of a mythology junkie, but in these works, the sheer quantities of cross-cultural creatures were an education in itself. There's a lot of action peppered with humor that keeps things moving along. It was definitely a pleasant surprise and an excellent, fun read.
September 24, 2023
This was a fun read, France’s heart had me at the beginning, it needs tightening though, because it drags, the way the love interest is included with blushing and gushing, doesn’t fit with the strength of the main character. Yes there are plot holes, and it drags on, but they can be fixed with an editor.
The relationship with Landon is way too nice after he sold her out so many times. The resolution there is too easy. I kept reading it, though, so it did suck me into the story, I needed to know what happened next. It was why I’ve given it 3 stars.
The relationship with Landon is way too nice after he sold her out so many times. The resolution there is too easy. I kept reading it, though, so it did suck me into the story, I needed to know what happened next. It was why I’ve given it 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2024
While I enjoyed this series, after the second book of the series, it seemed to become rather repetitive. I mean, the monsters differed, and some of the characters changed, but basically the remaining books were just the same basic story with different villains that needed conquering. It got kind of boring after a while seeing the same fights, the same defeats, the same triumphs, etc. I suppose that if I had read them as individual books with a break before reading the next one, it would not have been as it was.
April 28, 2024
The opening chapters were packed with characters - Human and Other (many creatures from multiple pantheons. And the government agency that **tried** so hard to obtain samples for their scientific study for possible use for either offensive and\or offensive use.
Quirky takes on the relationships between humans (with magic or without) and The Others and the bonds made and broken.
This Kindle contains ALL volumes of this series, more than 1500 pages.
There were a few awkward typos in the editing.
I am not sure I will be reading the other volume(s).
Quirky takes on the relationships between humans (with magic or without) and The Others and the bonds made and broken.
This Kindle contains ALL volumes of this series, more than 1500 pages.
There were a few awkward typos in the editing.
I am not sure I will be reading the other volume(s).
May 8, 2024
Hijinks on an epic scale!
This is a story that will keep you interested all the way to its dazzling finale.
With a broad cast of different characters, loads of action and oddball moments at every turn, this group of books will not disappoint.
Funny, quirky, action packed, fast paced and well written. I recommend to any fans of the genre. I also note that the story is quite PG friendly. A few swear words, but nothing outrageous. Suitable for mature minded readers from 12 to 120.
This is a story that will keep you interested all the way to its dazzling finale.
With a broad cast of different characters, loads of action and oddball moments at every turn, this group of books will not disappoint.
Funny, quirky, action packed, fast paced and well written. I recommend to any fans of the genre. I also note that the story is quite PG friendly. A few swear words, but nothing outrageous. Suitable for mature minded readers from 12 to 120.
July 18, 2024
WOW!
Oh my lordt this was SUCH AN AMAZING READ!! I totally loved everything that happened and how immersed I got into this series! I won’t lie I missed out on 2 days of sleep just to finish this awesome freaking series!! Home girl went through SOOO MUCH! I will say though I’m usually a spice content kind of girlie and more like romance type but this had me enthralled the whole way through which is crazy but SUPER AWESOME! I highly recommend giving this series a chance ! You will not regret it at all! Thank you so much for such an inspiring series!
Oh my lordt this was SUCH AN AMAZING READ!! I totally loved everything that happened and how immersed I got into this series! I won’t lie I missed out on 2 days of sleep just to finish this awesome freaking series!! Home girl went through SOOO MUCH! I will say though I’m usually a spice content kind of girlie and more like romance type but this had me enthralled the whole way through which is crazy but SUPER AWESOME! I highly recommend giving this series a chance ! You will not regret it at all! Thank you so much for such an inspiring series!
October 3, 2024
Dnf - lost my patience about 50% in
This book/series has a really great premise, has a really great FMC, and has really good humor sprinkled through. Unfortunately it's dragging on like crazy. Very little forward motion, lots and lots and lotslotslotsLOTS of layers of details and over complexity just killing the momentum. If I didn't have about 6 other books on my tbr I might stick in a bit longer but there are too many better options available at the moment to continue with something that isn't capturing my interest enough.
This book/series has a really great premise, has a really great FMC, and has really good humor sprinkled through. Unfortunately it's dragging on like crazy. Very little forward motion, lots and lots and lotslotslotsLOTS of layers of details and over complexity just killing the momentum. If I didn't have about 6 other books on my tbr I might stick in a bit longer but there are too many better options available at the moment to continue with something that isn't capturing my interest enough.
September 15, 2025
That was Amazing!!!!
I am so glad this was available as a complete box set because I would have been impossible to live with if I had to wait for each book and to be written and published. Frances is fantastic. Blanche charmingly abrasive. Clyde freaking adorable. This is such a well fleshed story. Lots of layers. So many amazing characters. Worth the hours you will invest in it. Closest thing I can think of to compare it to is LOTR- the pace of the story, how the characters develop, the battle between Good & Evil- OK stand down! Read the set and THEN tell me I am wrong.
I am so glad this was available as a complete box set because I would have been impossible to live with if I had to wait for each book and to be written and published. Frances is fantastic. Blanche charmingly abrasive. Clyde freaking adorable. This is such a well fleshed story. Lots of layers. So many amazing characters. Worth the hours you will invest in it. Closest thing I can think of to compare it to is LOTR- the pace of the story, how the characters develop, the battle between Good & Evil- OK stand down! Read the set and THEN tell me I am wrong.
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