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Mackenzie Green #1
Green Gryphon
The Dragon Protector asking Mackenzie for a favor—Maybe the sky truly has fallen.
Mackenzie works for Catch and Release, a bounty-hunting guild, and she loves her job. She goes after the usual suspects: Rogue vampires, feral shifters, and crazed mages. Nightmare stuff.
The last thing she ever imagined was Lucan, an infuriating and high-ranking dragon shifter, hiring her to find a child kidnapped from his Tribe. Even though her magical talents lean more towards bodyguarding and hunting dangerous beings, condemning a kid to death isn’t who she is.
But as Mackenzie gets deeper into her hunt, she uncovers deadly secrets surrounding the child, the kidnapper, and Lucan himself.
One thing’s for sure; when the going gets tough, Mackenzie gets dangerous.
Mackenzie works for Catch and Release, a bounty-hunting guild, and she loves her job. She goes after the usual suspects: Rogue vampires, feral shifters, and crazed mages. Nightmare stuff.
The last thing she ever imagined was Lucan, an infuriating and high-ranking dragon shifter, hiring her to find a child kidnapped from his Tribe. Even though her magical talents lean more towards bodyguarding and hunting dangerous beings, condemning a kid to death isn’t who she is.
But as Mackenzie gets deeper into her hunt, she uncovers deadly secrets surrounding the child, the kidnapper, and Lucan himself.
One thing’s for sure; when the going gets tough, Mackenzie gets dangerous.
387 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2021
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2346 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 323 reviews
September 22, 2022
Sorry in advance for the clapping thing but it needs to be done. 👏"strong" 👏 heroines 👏 don't 👏 have 👏 to 👏 be 👏 martyrs!!!!
I get it if she learned her lesson the first time but she didn't. Why do women have to be self-sacrificing to the point of being suicidal?
Beyond my gripe about the martyr trope, it's a well developed world. I can tell the author is very enthusiastic so it can get a little infodumpy at times. Other urban fantasy books suffer from this too, I'm assuming it's hard to manage a new world with new rules without laying a good chunk of lore down.
Plot: Terran mage and her siblings have been on the run for a long time. For the past 3 years, they've settled into one city and she's been the main breadwinner with her mercenary work. Theres a few mysteries to be solved, an awkward "slow burn" (miscommunication/assumption) romance, and a side (chaste) MM romance.
It feels like one of the author's first books, the pacing and dialogue can feel awkward. I also love some good lore, but most of it could have been held off until it was relevant for the plot. I would have been fine not knowing some of the side info until book 2 or 3.
I'm willing to give the next book a chance because I see potential in this series, and I'm interested to see how the author grows. Overall a fun book and I'm looking forward to more conversations with plants 🌱
I get it if she learned her lesson the first time but she didn't. Why do women have to be self-sacrificing to the point of being suicidal?
Beyond my gripe about the martyr trope, it's a well developed world. I can tell the author is very enthusiastic so it can get a little infodumpy at times. Other urban fantasy books suffer from this too, I'm assuming it's hard to manage a new world with new rules without laying a good chunk of lore down.
Plot: Terran mage and her siblings have been on the run for a long time. For the past 3 years, they've settled into one city and she's been the main breadwinner with her mercenary work. Theres a few mysteries to be solved, an awkward "slow burn" (miscommunication/assumption) romance, and a side (chaste) MM romance.
It feels like one of the author's first books, the pacing and dialogue can feel awkward. I also love some good lore, but most of it could have been held off until it was relevant for the plot. I would have been fine not knowing some of the side info until book 2 or 3.
I'm willing to give the next book a chance because I see potential in this series, and I'm interested to see how the author grows. Overall a fun book and I'm looking forward to more conversations with plants 🌱
January 13, 2023
Sadly DNF. I liked the MC, but unfortunately there were just so many info dumps that it was difficult for me to enjoy the story. This was also just way too close to Kate Daniels for comfort.
November 20, 2022
There’s a new kid on the UF block. All hail her :)
Sorry I got carried away. *grin*
2.5
I liked Mackenzie Green book 1, it has a nice idea of a plot and world building. The “nice idea of” is due to the skin-deep feel this book has. Nothing is really impacting, everything is superficial or lightly touched. Maybe only racism is touched a little bit more (but then it’s aimed against a kid, it is quite easy…) The ouch moment arrived when a gay character says he wasn’t gay before meeting his partner (ouch, ouch ouch, yes I know it wasn’t meant that way but still ouch :D) .
All side character except the MFC are pretty watered down, so you get only a glimpse of them, the healer, the guardian, the metalsmith, but they are pretty cardboard or in some case black and white. There aren’t nuances nor real people, see the scene of the revelation, there’s no real reaction to the news she’s a murderer (and a serial one at that). A step back isn’t much of a reaction, even if yes it’s at least some kind of it. But then it’s not really touched upon (maybe in the future).
Again I need a reason to understand why she decides to trust them. We are shown her paranoia, we know some of her back history, but mostly we are told which isn’t good enough.
BTW She dies at least 3 times and it as easy as pie for her, a couple of days and voila. (This is sarcasm, but not too far away from some truth…)
So lots of interesting things but non developed enough to get 3 stars from me.
Sorry I got carried away. *grin*
2.5
I liked Mackenzie Green book 1, it has a nice idea of a plot and world building. The “nice idea of” is due to the skin-deep feel this book has. Nothing is really impacting, everything is superficial or lightly touched. Maybe only racism is touched a little bit more (but then it’s aimed against a kid, it is quite easy…) The ouch moment arrived when a gay character says he wasn’t gay before meeting his partner (ouch, ouch ouch, yes I know it wasn’t meant that way but still ouch :D) .
All side character except the MFC are pretty watered down, so you get only a glimpse of them, the healer, the guardian, the metalsmith, but they are pretty cardboard or in some case black and white. There aren’t nuances nor real people, see the scene of the revelation, there’s no real reaction to the news she’s a murderer (and a serial one at that). A step back isn’t much of a reaction, even if yes it’s at least some kind of it. But then it’s not really touched upon (maybe in the future).
Again I need a reason to understand why she decides to trust them. We are shown her paranoia, we know some of her back history, but mostly we are told which isn’t good enough.
BTW She dies at least 3 times and it as easy as pie for her, a couple of days and voila. (This is sarcasm, but not too far away from some truth…)
So lots of interesting things but non developed enough to get 3 stars from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2023
DNF way too many similarities between Kate Daniel’s - almost copied? I’m disappointed because other reviewers said the main character was strong and referenced Kate Daniel’s. I wasn’t expecting an exact copy of her.
Main character similarities to Kate Daniels - female, brown hair wears in a braid, has to dispose of her blood, works for a mercenary guild, has a PoC shifter side kick, main interest powerful male shifter, lives in a time where technology was wiped out by magic - rides horses everywhere, unusual powerful magic…
Differences - has a family and different weapons.
I understand that a lot of these stories will have similarities, but some of these details were way too similar to the premise and details of the character of Ilona Andrew’s novels.
I would have been more inclined to finish the book if the main character wasn’t an exact replica of Kate Daniels. The story has a good premise.
Main character similarities to Kate Daniels - female, brown hair wears in a braid, has to dispose of her blood, works for a mercenary guild, has a PoC shifter side kick, main interest powerful male shifter, lives in a time where technology was wiped out by magic - rides horses everywhere, unusual powerful magic…
Differences - has a family and different weapons.
I understand that a lot of these stories will have similarities, but some of these details were way too similar to the premise and details of the character of Ilona Andrew’s novels.
I would have been more inclined to finish the book if the main character wasn’t an exact replica of Kate Daniels. The story has a good premise.
March 26, 2023
This was a lot of fun. Someone said it reminds them of the Hidden Legacy series by Ilona Andrews. And I’d have to agree. Sort of. But also somewhat like Kate Daniels series too. It’s not a copy but it’s also a post magic world with a badass mercenary woman. With a secret in her blood.
I enjoyed the adventure and the history of this family-by-choice who love and support each other. I’m excited to see what happens.
The things that knock this down for me are the quality of the writing. This author feels new. I feel like they are going to improve but they could use some editing support. And the other is the potential love interest. This dude is awful to the heroine. Emotionally and physically trying to hurt her. And the heroine starts to go mushy over him before there is any clue he’s got redeeming qualities. There has to be a REALLY good reason I’ll put up with a hero who tries to hurt someone.
I allowed it in Hidden Legacy with Mad Rogan because Nevada demands better and he actually makes changes.
I’m eager to continue this series but won’t be happy if we get more mushy lovey dovey stuff without apologies and change.
I enjoyed the adventure and the history of this family-by-choice who love and support each other. I’m excited to see what happens.
The things that knock this down for me are the quality of the writing. This author feels new. I feel like they are going to improve but they could use some editing support. And the other is the potential love interest. This dude is awful to the heroine. Emotionally and physically trying to hurt her. And the heroine starts to go mushy over him before there is any clue he’s got redeeming qualities. There has to be a REALLY good reason I’ll put up with a hero who tries to hurt someone.
I allowed it in Hidden Legacy with Mad Rogan because Nevada demands better and he actually makes changes.
I’m eager to continue this series but won’t be happy if we get more mushy lovey dovey stuff without apologies and change.
May 2, 2023
This was fun. I liked Mackenzie and her siblings. Unfortunately, the editing left a lot to be desired, to the point it was distracting. Take this sentence from 56% in:
This was probably the worst of the errors I noticed. Riggers are people who, generally, work on ships. Shifter children probably don't come with a team of them. "Rigors" is the word she meant here.
The other issue I have is that the concept of what constitutes a "synthetic" material is poorly defined. Roads deteriorated because they weren't "natural", but asphalt paving is composed of bitumen and gravel, two materials that are naturally occurring. Brick fronted houses, on the other hand, are fine. What makes baked clay more "natural" than mixing two things together to make asphalt? Electricity isn't used because after the change they have nothing to insulate the wires with... but latex is also naturally occurring. Even if synthetic rubber dissolved, natural rubber wouldn't, and in fifty years, surely someone could figure out how to combine magic with rubber trees to produce something workable?
But in the end, most non-shifters didn't want the riggers that came with raising a shifter child.
This was probably the worst of the errors I noticed. Riggers are people who, generally, work on ships. Shifter children probably don't come with a team of them. "Rigors" is the word she meant here.
The other issue I have is that the concept of what constitutes a "synthetic" material is poorly defined. Roads deteriorated because they weren't "natural", but asphalt paving is composed of bitumen and gravel, two materials that are naturally occurring. Brick fronted houses, on the other hand, are fine. What makes baked clay more "natural" than mixing two things together to make asphalt? Electricity isn't used because after the change they have nothing to insulate the wires with... but latex is also naturally occurring. Even if synthetic rubber dissolved, natural rubber wouldn't, and in fifty years, surely someone could figure out how to combine magic with rubber trees to produce something workable?
November 3, 2023
Green Gryphon is book one in the Mackenzie Green series by JS Kennedy. This novel was a recommendation on Kindle Unlimited after I read The Death Before Dragons series.
My fist impression was this has the set up of the Kate Daniels series, but also different. It’s fast-paced and action-packed. Featuring a kick-ass heroine with significant powers trying to hide in plan sight from those that created her. We’re treated to mysteries inside mysteries. Twists and turns that keep you on your toes. The author also does a superb job of building the world and explaining all the different factions, supernaturals, and how the world became what it is.
The beginning was a bit slow, but things do soon pick up and you’re on a wild ride. I loved the verity of supernaturals. I also enjoyed the mysteries. We get several side-characters that add to the story and make you want to know their secrets.
There is a potential for a romance, but that’s not the focus. We see it build slow and it doesn’t come to fruition until book 3. Yes, I binged the first 3 books. What took this novel down was seeing Mackenzie go mushy over our hero who is awful to her from the start and me not seeing any redeeming qualities on him in this novel.
Green Gryphon was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the magic, mystery, and adventure. It’s a mix of Hidden Legacy and Kate Daniels for those that like those worlds. As I said I binged the three books out and hope more are coming. Love the cover!
Rated: 4 Stars
My fist impression was this has the set up of the Kate Daniels series, but also different. It’s fast-paced and action-packed. Featuring a kick-ass heroine with significant powers trying to hide in plan sight from those that created her. We’re treated to mysteries inside mysteries. Twists and turns that keep you on your toes. The author also does a superb job of building the world and explaining all the different factions, supernaturals, and how the world became what it is.
The beginning was a bit slow, but things do soon pick up and you’re on a wild ride. I loved the verity of supernaturals. I also enjoyed the mysteries. We get several side-characters that add to the story and make you want to know their secrets.
There is a potential for a romance, but that’s not the focus. We see it build slow and it doesn’t come to fruition until book 3. Yes, I binged the first 3 books. What took this novel down was seeing Mackenzie go mushy over our hero who is awful to her from the start and me not seeing any redeeming qualities on him in this novel.
Green Gryphon was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the magic, mystery, and adventure. It’s a mix of Hidden Legacy and Kate Daniels for those that like those worlds. As I said I binged the three books out and hope more are coming. Love the cover!
Rated: 4 Stars
February 1, 2023
4.25 ⭐️
Hidden Legacy series meets the Kate Daniels series in this urban fantasy.
It had enough unique elements that I will be continuing the story. I really really dislike the mmc Lucan. He is shallow and temperamental and takes the alpha thing too far. I am however, interested enough in the plot to continue the series.
Hidden Legacy series meets the Kate Daniels series in this urban fantasy.
It had enough unique elements that I will be continuing the story. I really really dislike the mmc Lucan. He is shallow and temperamental and takes the alpha thing too far. I am however, interested enough in the plot to continue the series.
July 15, 2023
Writing a bit clunky, maybe a first effort 🤔 but some interesting choices in a fairly standard UF magic apocalypse set-up.
Nice found family, trauma survival lead characters.
Nice found family, trauma survival lead characters.
October 9, 2022
I thought the author did a pretty good job in the world-building of this story, but she unfortunately created two incredibly unlikeable MCs. Their interactions with one another in particular were so hateful and toxic that I had zero interest in finishing this story and DNF’d it at 43%.
October 7, 2022
It is always nice to stumble upon something new. "Green Gryphon" as well as the author, JS Kennedy both fit that bill. I am excited to read this series and learn more about this author. Mackenzie Green is a monster. She knows it but she hides her secret well. She works as a Lifer and takes on investigative work for Catch and Release, an organization dedicated to apprehending paranorms who break the law but are given a chance at redemption.
While on a hunt to capture a master vampire, Kenzie realizes he is not working alone. Apparently he has formed an illegal pack and they have captured three teenage dragon girls to feed on. There is no time to waste and Kenzie can't seem to get backup so she decides to handle this situation herself. After she corrals the vampire, she is faced with dealing with the traumatized females. In order to keep them from shifting and going after her Kenzie allows one of them to call for reinforcements. When it arrives, it is none other than the Dragon Protector, Lucan. He is as handsome as he is arrogant.
After taking care of this situation, Kenzie is ready for next job; but, she is surprise to find out it is none other than Lucan. He wants her help in locating a missing girl but he is not telling Kenzie everything. Kenzie is not about to let a child suffer but she also has to keep her family and her own secrets safe is they are to survive. The question is what monster is more powerful, MacKenzie or the people looking for her?
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. The author does a good job of world building, characterizations and action scenes. Additionally, you can feel the heat through the pages between Kenzie and Lucan. I cannot wait to see how this series progresses. If you are looking for something new; then, I highly recommend "Green Gryphon."
While on a hunt to capture a master vampire, Kenzie realizes he is not working alone. Apparently he has formed an illegal pack and they have captured three teenage dragon girls to feed on. There is no time to waste and Kenzie can't seem to get backup so she decides to handle this situation herself. After she corrals the vampire, she is faced with dealing with the traumatized females. In order to keep them from shifting and going after her Kenzie allows one of them to call for reinforcements. When it arrives, it is none other than the Dragon Protector, Lucan. He is as handsome as he is arrogant.
After taking care of this situation, Kenzie is ready for next job; but, she is surprise to find out it is none other than Lucan. He wants her help in locating a missing girl but he is not telling Kenzie everything. Kenzie is not about to let a child suffer but she also has to keep her family and her own secrets safe is they are to survive. The question is what monster is more powerful, MacKenzie or the people looking for her?
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. The author does a good job of world building, characterizations and action scenes. Additionally, you can feel the heat through the pages between Kenzie and Lucan. I cannot wait to see how this series progresses. If you are looking for something new; then, I highly recommend "Green Gryphon."
July 6, 2024
This story was just okay for me. I initially thought I would love it but then I begin to see what a couple other reviewers saw. One of the things that was way too repetitive were all the flashbacks to MacKenzie's past. It seemed like every action and an equal memory to go along with it. After like the 4th or 5th time I was definitely over it. Another thing that was annoying was the fact that she almost died way too much. She's a guild hunter with magic. She even talked about how she was this killer everyone was afraid of yet she almost died 3 times. It also didn't help that kept promising to be safe and then her drive to help caused her to drop her inhibitions at the wrong moments that would almost get her killed.
What kept me reading through this was the case. It was well written and I was definitely invested because I was really rooting for this little girl to be found. I also really liked Quinn and her other family members as well as Curtis. The world itself is definitely what I look for in an urban fantasy. There was a barely there love interest hinted at in the form of a very alpha asshole dragon shifter but I won't be continuing cause I don't like him and the reviews for the 2nd book left nothing to be desired for me.
What kept me reading through this was the case. It was well written and I was definitely invested because I was really rooting for this little girl to be found. I also really liked Quinn and her other family members as well as Curtis. The world itself is definitely what I look for in an urban fantasy. There was a barely there love interest hinted at in the form of a very alpha asshole dragon shifter but I won't be continuing cause I don't like him and the reviews for the 2nd book left nothing to be desired for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2023
This is another one I stumbled across when looking for a new UF series that even kind of sparks my interest. I had to put it down while reading Sinister Magic because with two arrogant dragon shifter love interests, I was worried I'd start cross-pollinating the plot. (It was a good call.)
The author definitely drew some, erm, inspiration from my beloved Kate Daniels in her world building. We have a world where technology used to reign, but once it got too powerful, magic took over again (although it doesn't shift back and forth between magic and tech, the way it does in the KDU). We also have a heroine in hiding, on the run, who has to burn her blood any time it spills, tangling with a powerful shifter who will obviously be a love interest at some point. Luckily, the similarities mostly stop there. Mac has a close family she is protecting and wants to connect with people, but doesn't want to risk putting them in danger.
This book had a lot of potential, but the execution lacked something. For example, I also didn't understand certain plot points that it felt like the author threw in, but never fleshed out.
Will I continue? Yeah, possibly. I'm curious about how the confrontation between Mac and her childhood tormentors will go. I'm also hoping Lucan gets better as a character once he isn't working against Mac. My hopes aren't high, but that's what's great about KU -- all I'm really out is time.
The author definitely drew some, erm, inspiration from my beloved Kate Daniels in her world building. We have a world where technology used to reign, but once it got too powerful, magic took over again (although it doesn't shift back and forth between magic and tech, the way it does in the KDU). We also have a heroine in hiding, on the run, who has to burn her blood any time it spills, tangling with a powerful shifter who will obviously be a love interest at some point. Luckily, the similarities mostly stop there. Mac has a close family she is protecting and wants to connect with people, but doesn't want to risk putting them in danger.
This book had a lot of potential, but the execution lacked something. For example, I also didn't understand certain plot points that it felt like the author threw in, but never fleshed out.
Will I continue? Yeah, possibly. I'm curious about how the confrontation between Mac and her childhood tormentors will go. I'm also hoping Lucan gets better as a character once he isn't working against Mac. My hopes aren't high, but that's what's great about KU -- all I'm really out is time.
January 21, 2024
I listened to the Audible version.
April 21, 2024
Could not compell myself to finish. I didn't like the main character with her annoying internal dialogue. And I found myself turning pages blindly as the writing didn't begin to engage my mind.
August 17, 2022
Wow! I wasn’t expecting much from this book (I don’t know why…) but was so pleasantly surprised! I really, REALLY enjoyed this story! It takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, which has been destroyed by the onset of Magic, with standard electronics and mechanicals not working consistently, and people being ‘gifted’ with varying magical talents.
Mackenzie is struggling to mother her siblings and keep them protected and provided for. She is a tough, kickass hunter at the Catch and Release Guild, which keeps society safe from rogue magic creatures. In addition to learning about her background (hidden trauma), and her family (adorable), we also see Makenzie take on the search for a lost child. In spite of knowing she was given deliberately wrong information, she can’t stand to leave a child in peril.
This book had great characters, that you really care about, and lots of action. No romance or (except for a side character’s relationship), and an enticing (and horrifying) back story for Mac and her family. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. This writer is a hidden gem!
Mackenzie is struggling to mother her siblings and keep them protected and provided for. She is a tough, kickass hunter at the Catch and Release Guild, which keeps society safe from rogue magic creatures. In addition to learning about her background (hidden trauma), and her family (adorable), we also see Makenzie take on the search for a lost child. In spite of knowing she was given deliberately wrong information, she can’t stand to leave a child in peril.
This book had great characters, that you really care about, and lots of action. No romance or (except for a side character’s relationship), and an enticing (and horrifying) back story for Mac and her family. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. This writer is a hidden gem!
February 11, 2025
Pretty good story. It reminds me a lot of Ilona Andrew’s “Hidden Legacy” series, but not enough to feel like it copies that in any way. Just similar tone and family feel. She has siblings (who are all uniquely overpowered like her) that she takes care of, though their history is much different and darker than Hidden Legacy.
I like all the characters and the plot so far. The world has an interesting “post emergence of magic” lore and some of the magic and shifters are different from mainstream.
This is a very slow burn romance though. The two main characters barely cross paths until about 45% of the way into the book, and they’re in opposition for almost the entire book. Frankly, he’s an ass, but by the last few pages we start to see signs of him being redeemable in later books.
Diving into book two ASAP. 😊
I like all the characters and the plot so far. The world has an interesting “post emergence of magic” lore and some of the magic and shifters are different from mainstream.
This is a very slow burn romance though. The two main characters barely cross paths until about 45% of the way into the book, and they’re in opposition for almost the entire book. Frankly, he’s an ass, but by the last few pages we start to see signs of him being redeemable in later books.
Diving into book two ASAP. 😊
January 28, 2024
2 stars. Reads like a first draft; a lot of info dumps, lots of back to back action just for filler, cheesy internal dialogue. Had to skim the back half. Not for me, I won’t continue.
June 3, 2024
Update - I wanted to say I think for a debut (non publisher) It's really good. Even though the review is stark it's only because I had that almost feeling. Almost hurts more than not close. But I'm sticking with what I said, but I will read 1 more book from the series to be fair. UF rules because first books are hard for me to get onboard with in urban fantasy series from new authors to me.
This starts off a little to Ilona Andrews meets Nalini Singh in a .. I read this book way. Even though I haven't read this book yet.
Which shocked me then I grab the google 1 hour preview of the audiobook for free. It's the same dang reader that guild hunter series uses LMAO. The first scene is so close to the guild hunter book 1 scene it's uncanny. And I'm left in this place. Well.......... the woman has good reading taste at least.
Overall it's not a bad first book. But it also feels like I'm reading a book version of a disney channel movie. Becuse everytime were about to get an angsty unfilled have to work through it moment. adult complexity the author shoves tension resolution at you. The family wants her to actually have a social life because they worry about her and he can't move forward until she does. Never mind tension resolution for ya don't worry about it.
The female MC doesn't have a unredeemable flaw. shes a little to for my family perfect. Which made an interesting conflicted character who might have issues hangups and struggle and turns all of into a boring lifetime movie version of it. If you ever had trama in your life the kind where it's not always fixable and you have to shut down and do it for your family or for yourself. REAL actual problems reading this is hard. Too disney channel in that way where emotional scaring can be fix in a 60 min runtime. Which in it's own way disrespect what parentification, psycial abuse, emotional abuse and all the jazz that did happen feels like when you step in the unpack the trama moments mine field. I get what she was trying to do. Write past the section so you can have an upbeat none drag you down book. But........... that could have been done without the disney channel wrapup moments. Just says he has to work on it. I need to take steps blah blah blah give her things to do to work on. Hell, I know the author read Ilona Andrews Legecy series she jacked a few scenes from it for the books. parentification isn't solved for the MC of that 3 book series but her taking steps to live her own life is. And the fight to take those steps happens in stage. I'm not sure what was going on at the end of the book ...but................................................
Ok Male lead................................................................ way to ruin a book. The male lead lies which for romance plot is the quickest way to ruin your male lead. Can see the scene of what happen a different way, can have a different outlook. Can be guarded but can't straight up iron clad LIE about the whole encounter. Like unreedemable. And the guy doesn't get better through the whole thing. He's gross at every single turn. Now, this might have worked out if there was another male in the picture even if she wasn't going to go through with it. But there's not ...........................................So,,,,,,,,,, we get dragon sluge
Character count, too many name character for too large of a world build in a first book to a series. very busy and in section your sorta just treading water in the book not really moving forward in a good way. Not able to get slice of life moments from brothers and sisters. Just a lot to balance and the brothers and sisters are fully embeded in the mainplot. But at the same time she writes them super forward to the point of subploting a romance for her brother. A weird romance at that because the guy does NOTHING to meet and build up to it just sorta yearn and throw himself at the guy. It's just a lot. I dig lgbt romance in book but this aint it. It feels like how straight women write boys love romances. When there was actually a lot more interesting of a story in there. That could have took place over more books.
........... At the end of everything I'm not glad I read it but I'm not mad I did either. I'd not recomend the book at this time. But if I read the next one it might wrap it up better. It's one of those almost good almost very interesting things. Almost my jam which makes it harder and more of disappointment. I've wanted a mix fantasy urban world in the style of Ilona Andrews Pair from a young author that wasn't over the top paranormal romancy for YEARsssssssssssssssssssssssss. So this one hurt because almost.
3.5 ish rounded up to 4. (never rereading, not recomending at this time, but not a bad read)
This starts off a little to Ilona Andrews meets Nalini Singh in a .. I read this book way. Even though I haven't read this book yet.
Which shocked me then I grab the google 1 hour preview of the audiobook for free. It's the same dang reader that guild hunter series uses LMAO. The first scene is so close to the guild hunter book 1 scene it's uncanny. And I'm left in this place. Well.......... the woman has good reading taste at least.
Overall it's not a bad first book. But it also feels like I'm reading a book version of a disney channel movie. Becuse everytime were about to get an angsty unfilled have to work through it moment. adult complexity the author shoves tension resolution at you. The family wants her to actually have a social life because they worry about her and he can't move forward until she does. Never mind tension resolution for ya don't worry about it.
The female MC doesn't have a unredeemable flaw. shes a little to for my family perfect. Which made an interesting conflicted character who might have issues hangups and struggle and turns all of into a boring lifetime movie version of it. If you ever had trama in your life the kind where it's not always fixable and you have to shut down and do it for your family or for yourself. REAL actual problems reading this is hard. Too disney channel in that way where emotional scaring can be fix in a 60 min runtime. Which in it's own way disrespect what parentification, psycial abuse, emotional abuse and all the jazz that did happen feels like when you step in the unpack the trama moments mine field. I get what she was trying to do. Write past the section so you can have an upbeat none drag you down book. But........... that could have been done without the disney channel wrapup moments. Just says he has to work on it. I need to take steps blah blah blah give her things to do to work on. Hell, I know the author read Ilona Andrews Legecy series she jacked a few scenes from it for the books. parentification isn't solved for the MC of that 3 book series but her taking steps to live her own life is. And the fight to take those steps happens in stage. I'm not sure what was going on at the end of the book ...but................................................
Ok Male lead................................................................ way to ruin a book. The male lead lies which for romance plot is the quickest way to ruin your male lead. Can see the scene of what happen a different way, can have a different outlook. Can be guarded but can't straight up iron clad LIE about the whole encounter. Like unreedemable. And the guy doesn't get better through the whole thing. He's gross at every single turn. Now, this might have worked out if there was another male in the picture even if she wasn't going to go through with it. But there's not ...........................................So,,,,,,,,,, we get dragon sluge
Character count, too many name character for too large of a world build in a first book to a series. very busy and in section your sorta just treading water in the book not really moving forward in a good way. Not able to get slice of life moments from brothers and sisters. Just a lot to balance and the brothers and sisters are fully embeded in the mainplot. But at the same time she writes them super forward to the point of subploting a romance for her brother. A weird romance at that because the guy does NOTHING to meet and build up to it just sorta yearn and throw himself at the guy. It's just a lot. I dig lgbt romance in book but this aint it. It feels like how straight women write boys love romances. When there was actually a lot more interesting of a story in there. That could have took place over more books.
........... At the end of everything I'm not glad I read it but I'm not mad I did either. I'd not recomend the book at this time. But if I read the next one it might wrap it up better. It's one of those almost good almost very interesting things. Almost my jam which makes it harder and more of disappointment. I've wanted a mix fantasy urban world in the style of Ilona Andrews Pair from a young author that wasn't over the top paranormal romancy for YEARsssssssssssssssssssssssss. So this one hurt because almost.
3.5 ish rounded up to 4. (never rereading, not recomending at this time, but not a bad read)
January 2, 2025
The Dragon Protector asking Mackenzie for a favor—Maybe the sky truly has fallen.
Mackenzie works for Catch and Release, a bounty-hunting guild, and she loves her job. She goes after the usual suspects: Rogue vampires, feral shifters, and crazed mages. Nightmare stuff.
The last thing she ever imagined was Lucan, an infuriating and high-ranking dragon shifter, hiring her to find a child kidnapped from his Tribe. Even though her magical talents lean more towards bodyguarding and hunting dangerous beings, condemning a kid to death isn’t who she is.
But as Mackenzie gets deeper into her hunt, she uncovers deadly secrets surrounding the child, the kidnapper, and Lucan himself.
One thing’s for sure; when the going gets tough, Mackenzie gets dangerous.
Heather's Notes
This was a really good start to the series. I have to say I didn't care for Lucian but I think the author did that deliberately. I was not surprised by the bad guy (girl) at all. I definitely plan to continue.
Mackenzie works for Catch and Release, a bounty-hunting guild, and she loves her job. She goes after the usual suspects: Rogue vampires, feral shifters, and crazed mages. Nightmare stuff.
The last thing she ever imagined was Lucan, an infuriating and high-ranking dragon shifter, hiring her to find a child kidnapped from his Tribe. Even though her magical talents lean more towards bodyguarding and hunting dangerous beings, condemning a kid to death isn’t who she is.
But as Mackenzie gets deeper into her hunt, she uncovers deadly secrets surrounding the child, the kidnapper, and Lucan himself.
One thing’s for sure; when the going gets tough, Mackenzie gets dangerous.
Heather's Notes
This was a really good start to the series. I have to say I didn't care for Lucian but I think the author did that deliberately. I was not surprised by the bad guy (girl) at all. I definitely plan to continue.
July 9, 2025
I’m so invested in this character and series. Also thrilled it’s a complete one so I can binge through.
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Kennedy is another new to me author on my search for new writers of strong female characters and great stories.
Green Gryphon is the first book in Kennedy’s Mackenzie Green series, a novel set 50 years after magic drastically reappeared in the world, resulting in the death of billions, loss of the then governments of countries and chaos. Cities crumbled, anything created of plastic or non natural materials dissolved, leaving destruction and disaster behind. And magical beings that formed from some of those who were left.
Several aspects of this book surprised me. Not the foundation whereby a reappearance of magic destroys the world’s technology as well as its current countries structures, that’s a well established concept.
What caught me was the main character of MacKenzie Green and her small family. In a world of fantasy characters, dragons, gryphons, vampires, werewolves, and other mythical beings that this magical shift created, the book adds another element with her.
This is actually a darker story than I expected. Far from the sort of light tone that we get from the book’s blurb.
It’s far better than that.
It’s got a tinge of horror, that riding the edge of terrifying science fiction mixed with a fantasy vibe that makes this a fascinating and exciting story.
Plus dragon shifters and found family.
However, I’m thinking this novel should have trigger warnings as there’s plenty of bodies, bloodshed, and in the future stories, torture.
Mackenzie is a plant mage who’s hiding plenty of secrets. Those are slowly revealed towards the end of this book.
The world building is slowly coming together, as the author gives us the new structure as it pertains to this city and how humans and the otherworldly beings are governed. And the newly formed purity rights group that has formed within certain communities.
It’s highly suspenseful, action packed, and full of character driven storytelling.
I’m so invested in this character and series. Also thrilled it’s a complete one so I can binge through.
Another winner and recommendation.
Cover art by : Original Book Cover Design
Mackenzie Green Series: complete
Catch and Release – A prequel novella
Green Gryphon #1
Green Mage #2
Green Shadow #3
Green Vampire #4
Green Dragon #5
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Kennedy is another new to me author on my search for new writers of strong female characters and great stories.
Green Gryphon is the first book in Kennedy’s Mackenzie Green series, a novel set 50 years after magic drastically reappeared in the world, resulting in the death of billions, loss of the then governments of countries and chaos. Cities crumbled, anything created of plastic or non natural materials dissolved, leaving destruction and disaster behind. And magical beings that formed from some of those who were left.
Several aspects of this book surprised me. Not the foundation whereby a reappearance of magic destroys the world’s technology as well as its current countries structures, that’s a well established concept.
What caught me was the main character of MacKenzie Green and her small family. In a world of fantasy characters, dragons, gryphons, vampires, werewolves, and other mythical beings that this magical shift created, the book adds another element with her.
This is actually a darker story than I expected. Far from the sort of light tone that we get from the book’s blurb.
It’s far better than that.
It’s got a tinge of horror, that riding the edge of terrifying science fiction mixed with a fantasy vibe that makes this a fascinating and exciting story.
Plus dragon shifters and found family.
However, I’m thinking this novel should have trigger warnings as there’s plenty of bodies, bloodshed, and in the future stories, torture.
Mackenzie is a plant mage who’s hiding plenty of secrets. Those are slowly revealed towards the end of this book.
The world building is slowly coming together, as the author gives us the new structure as it pertains to this city and how humans and the otherworldly beings are governed. And the newly formed purity rights group that has formed within certain communities.
It’s highly suspenseful, action packed, and full of character driven storytelling.
I’m so invested in this character and series. Also thrilled it’s a complete one so I can binge through.
Another winner and recommendation.
Cover art by : Original Book Cover Design
Mackenzie Green Series: complete
Catch and Release – A prequel novella
Green Gryphon #1
Green Mage #2
Green Shadow #3
Green Vampire #4
Green Dragon #5
July 11, 2023
This book could have been better as the chemistry between the two protagonists is non-existent. They interacted only a few time which was disappointing. The potential was there and unfortunately the author didn't take the opportunity. I felt the story was only based on the heroine, her history, her job and her family. I'd felt bored by the end.
Still, not everything was negative, the author was very good at describing everything and was able to create a futuristic world. She was amazing at making plots and the other protagonists in the story but was unable to view the two main characters. Some romantic spices were needed to make it more appealing.
Still, not everything was negative, the author was very good at describing everything and was able to create a futuristic world. She was amazing at making plots and the other protagonists in the story but was unable to view the two main characters. Some romantic spices were needed to make it more appealing.
April 18, 2025
4 stars easy but maybe more? PROBABLY closer to 5. I’ve definitely needed this book! In fact, this is exactly the book I’ve been hoping to find. Maybe it’s not the most beautiful of writing but it does the job entirely. No complaints.
Yes there are fated mates or something like it, but it doesn’t feel forced. It just fits.
Awesome action which totally precedes anything romance related but there’s so much heart and love in this and romance is the least of it!
Also, THERE ARE DRAGONS! And griffins and wyverns and etc shifters. And super cool magic with a touch of post apocalyptic sci-fi.
I had to speed up the screen reader in order to push myself through the super tense bits. Yes I finally figured out how. Anyway, I can’t wait for the next. Except I need to sleep. But do I?
Yes there are fated mates or something like it, but it doesn’t feel forced. It just fits.
Awesome action which totally precedes anything romance related but there’s so much heart and love in this and romance is the least of it!
Also, THERE ARE DRAGONS! And griffins and wyverns and etc shifters. And super cool magic with a touch of post apocalyptic sci-fi.
I had to speed up the screen reader in order to push myself through the super tense bits. Yes I finally figured out how. Anyway, I can’t wait for the next. Except I need to sleep. But do I?
September 29, 2023
Green Gryphon could use a round with a copy editor and a proofreader, but it was still a fun read. *Very* strong Ilona Andrews vibes, from the tight sibling relationships (the Hidden Legacy books) to the worldbuilding (similar to Kate Daniels). I hesitated until I'd finished reading the first before ordering the next, but in the end I ordered both books two and three and I'm looking forward to them.
April 10, 2023
3 stars for the story + 1 star for some truly unique story elements.
I feel like the strength of this book was in the unique ways our MFC used her powers. I wish we would have seen a little more of this, but I'm hopeful we will in the next book. The story itself was pretty average overall for the urban fantasy genre.
I feel like the strength of this book was in the unique ways our MFC used her powers. I wish we would have seen a little more of this, but I'm hopeful we will in the next book. The story itself was pretty average overall for the urban fantasy genre.
February 14, 2025
For fuck’s sake, finished book 2 before realizing this series isn’t complete yet. Aieeeeeee.
+ Interesting world and plot
+ Badass heroine and likeable side characters
- Needs maybe just a little bit more editing. Wrong homonym used every now and then, such as hoard for horde or too for to.
- Romance is interesting but so far lacks frissons for me
+ Interesting world and plot
+ Badass heroine and likeable side characters
- Needs maybe just a little bit more editing. Wrong homonym used every now and then, such as hoard for horde or too for to.
- Romance is interesting but so far lacks frissons for me
December 20, 2022
Interesting world-building, writing was just okay, but I was still able to binge it all in a few hours.
I loved Mackenzie's (FMC) magic powers but by GOD I hated Lucan (MMC).
He was so arrogant and rude and a total asshole. A total dealbreaker.
I loved Mackenzie's (FMC) magic powers but by GOD I hated Lucan (MMC).
He was so arrogant and rude and a total asshole. A total dealbreaker.
started-didn-t-finish
July 20, 2025No rating. DNF @ 32% because I just realized I have no idea what is going on & I’m over a quarter way through the audiobook. I can’t keep focus bc I do not care. Part of it due to the narrator. She sounds like a goat. She has this wavering, bleeting-like voice. I keep waiting to hear ‘Baaaahahahahah’, it’s distracting & I end up tuning her out. Not good.
May 28, 2024
Read a little amateurish here and there but I was hooked. Right up my alley. The enemy to lover energy was a little much, but I’ll be reading the next one.
October 16, 2024
Nicely done
Good read. Simple and to the point, just the way I like it. The heroine is smart and badass, another good thing. So far, it's a good read.
Good read. Simple and to the point, just the way I like it. The heroine is smart and badass, another good thing. So far, it's a good read.
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