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Origins
If you had the power to save everyone, would you? Even if it meant being hunted for life… Tia has always known being a hero wasn’t for her. It was her best friend Anna’s dream, not hers. But when Anna gets the chance to join the heroes who fight the undercity’s demons, Tia gets dragged from the security of the shadows to fight by her side. When a hero who’s saved Tia’s life in the past becomes injured, Tia and her friend decide that rescuing him is worth more than staying safe. With secret identities now exposed, Tia fears the Upper City will come for them and that the secrets of her past—and her true powers—will be revealed. Can Tia protect her anonymity while keeping her friends safe? Or will the Upper City hunt her down as the most powerful hero of all?
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 21, 2023
Teen/Young Adult read, No spoilers. Book 1 in the Undercity Heroes series - Dystopian Scifi SuperHero Urban Fantasy
Tia is our FMC with her best friend Anna, the secondary FMC living in a future World where Technology, Magical abilities and Demons are the norm, Heroes celebrated and Narcs hunted down.
Despite her endeavors for a secluded existence Tia is drawn into an adventure which has her making choices where revealing her Past and Magical abilities could have dire consequences not only for the present but the future.
I needed a palate cleanser and this came recommended for being completely different to my normal reads and I am pleased I listened.
It was a well paced and quick read, no romance involved just adventure with an intelligent, young female lead character with courage and bolas!
Although aimed at a much younger audience it did not feel it, there was no dumbing down in speech, loss in plot or love interest.
Mainly character driven, there was enough World building to give atmosphere and to set the scene without getting too heavy. Not a lot of emphasis on the Demons themselves, maybe would have liked a little more but I was a gory minded Teen back in the day.
Tia is young but due to the Dystopian world she is living in, life is harder, being insular is more than just a coping mechanism it's a life saver however she still retains that young, vulnerable edge which I found quite believable and easy to like. Anna is a little more frivolous but she is the perfect friend for Tia.
The Heroes being more adult, were well written with secrets of their own to be revealed.
As with all Communities there are Politics and you get a taster of that along with the Rule breakers.
I look forward to reading more about Tia as she grows up as think there is a lot more to come from her. This was an enjoyable, snappy read and will look for Book 2 along with the prequels I have just learned are available.
Tia is our FMC with her best friend Anna, the secondary FMC living in a future World where Technology, Magical abilities and Demons are the norm, Heroes celebrated and Narcs hunted down.
Despite her endeavors for a secluded existence Tia is drawn into an adventure which has her making choices where revealing her Past and Magical abilities could have dire consequences not only for the present but the future.
I needed a palate cleanser and this came recommended for being completely different to my normal reads and I am pleased I listened.
It was a well paced and quick read, no romance involved just adventure with an intelligent, young female lead character with courage and bolas!
Although aimed at a much younger audience it did not feel it, there was no dumbing down in speech, loss in plot or love interest.
Mainly character driven, there was enough World building to give atmosphere and to set the scene without getting too heavy. Not a lot of emphasis on the Demons themselves, maybe would have liked a little more but I was a gory minded Teen back in the day.
Tia is young but due to the Dystopian world she is living in, life is harder, being insular is more than just a coping mechanism it's a life saver however she still retains that young, vulnerable edge which I found quite believable and easy to like. Anna is a little more frivolous but she is the perfect friend for Tia.
The Heroes being more adult, were well written with secrets of their own to be revealed.
As with all Communities there are Politics and you get a taster of that along with the Rule breakers.
I look forward to reading more about Tia as she grows up as think there is a lot more to come from her. This was an enjoyable, snappy read and will look for Book 2 along with the prequels I have just learned are available.
February 13, 2024
The book was enjoyable.
This YA Dystopian Scifi SuperHero Urban Fantasy, is set in our world after it was overrun by demons. We have the Heroes who have magic, wind, flame, metal, enchanters and earth, living in the Undercity who decide to fight the demons at night while fearing the Military from Uppercity who abduct the heroes and take them to the passages where they are left to fight until they die.
Tia, the MFC, is introduced to us as an awkward poverty stricken 16 year old who wants to keep invisible, her magic was a guaranteed death sentence in this world. Her best friend Anna, a wind user, dream is to become a hero.
Tia does not want to become a hero, but will not deny her friend of a chance at her dream. After one fateful night, the rescue of a fallen Hero that saved their lives from a swarm demon, Tia is thrust into a world where she can't stay invisible and she must make a choice that will change her life.
I finished this book in one sitting, I would say around 5 hours, the world building isn't very heavy but enough to take you into that world without it getting overcomplicated. I do wish to know more about these demons that can't climb (so slightly well off normal folks mostly live on the 1st floor while those poverty strikes are limited to living on ground level with the hopes that the locks on their doors will keep the demons out), don't like water and don't like the sun.
A good in-between read.
This YA Dystopian Scifi SuperHero Urban Fantasy, is set in our world after it was overrun by demons. We have the Heroes who have magic, wind, flame, metal, enchanters and earth, living in the Undercity who decide to fight the demons at night while fearing the Military from Uppercity who abduct the heroes and take them to the passages where they are left to fight until they die.
Tia, the MFC, is introduced to us as an awkward poverty stricken 16 year old who wants to keep invisible, her magic was a guaranteed death sentence in this world. Her best friend Anna, a wind user, dream is to become a hero.
Tia does not want to become a hero, but will not deny her friend of a chance at her dream. After one fateful night, the rescue of a fallen Hero that saved their lives from a swarm demon, Tia is thrust into a world where she can't stay invisible and she must make a choice that will change her life.
I finished this book in one sitting, I would say around 5 hours, the world building isn't very heavy but enough to take you into that world without it getting overcomplicated. I do wish to know more about these demons that can't climb (so slightly well off normal folks mostly live on the 1st floor while those poverty strikes are limited to living on ground level with the hopes that the locks on their doors will keep the demons out), don't like water and don't like the sun.
A good in-between read.
October 13, 2022
Survival (not necessity) is the Mother of Invention
Tia’s smart; she knows she has a talent and she knows it’s safer to be on a support team rather than an active team. Let each person contribute to the best of his or her capabilities and not chase glory for glory’s sake. She’s seen the downfall of the latter up close and has learned from the mistakes of others.
Best type of friend – brought up soo many great memories from high school and college:
‘But I had the feeling I was about to get dragged into something stupid. You got that feeling with Anna sometimes.’
Words to live by:
“Messengers,” I said, holding my hands up in surrender. “As in, don’t shoot the.”
Sage advice from the author that applies IRL:
‘Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses is essential.’
“Don’t look at what [people] can’t do,” he was saying. “You’ve got to judge them by the things that they can.”
Fave quote:
‘Now they know not to mess with me.’
May we all find the tools and support we need to fight off the demons – both individual and collective.
Can’t wait for the next book – my favorite word ‘Rebels’.
**Edit:
JUST found two prequels (Flashfire and Technopath)!
Tia’s smart; she knows she has a talent and she knows it’s safer to be on a support team rather than an active team. Let each person contribute to the best of his or her capabilities and not chase glory for glory’s sake. She’s seen the downfall of the latter up close and has learned from the mistakes of others.
Best type of friend – brought up soo many great memories from high school and college:
‘But I had the feeling I was about to get dragged into something stupid. You got that feeling with Anna sometimes.’
Words to live by:
“Messengers,” I said, holding my hands up in surrender. “As in, don’t shoot the.”
Sage advice from the author that applies IRL:
‘Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses is essential.’
“Don’t look at what [people] can’t do,” he was saying. “You’ve got to judge them by the things that they can.”
Fave quote:
‘Now they know not to mess with me.’
May we all find the tools and support we need to fight off the demons – both individual and collective.
Can’t wait for the next book – my favorite word ‘Rebels’.
**Edit:
JUST found two prequels (Flashfire and Technopath)!
February 6, 2024
Good
Tia lives in a dystopian future, one where magic exists, and demons regularly attack the city where she resides.
Tia’s best friend Anna wants to be one of the heroes she admires so much, and when opportunity knocks, Tia is taken along for the ride…
Tia is sixteen, and on her own. Her magics allow her to play around with inventions, but she has to scrabble for a living: and since her magic is also forbidden, she doesn’t want to bring notice to herself. Anna’s plans conflict with that, and so it’s interesting to watch Tia grow into herself; going from fearful kid hiding in the shadows, to a young woman taking control of her future.
Although the setting is dystopian, it’s a coming of age story, one about a girl transitioning into womanhood and on her own heroine’s journey.
It’s an engaging tale, that urban fantasy fans will enjoy (even if YA isn’t necessarily your favourite sub-genre), and lovers of dystopian fantasy will too.
Tia lives in a dystopian future, one where magic exists, and demons regularly attack the city where she resides.
Tia’s best friend Anna wants to be one of the heroes she admires so much, and when opportunity knocks, Tia is taken along for the ride…
Tia is sixteen, and on her own. Her magics allow her to play around with inventions, but she has to scrabble for a living: and since her magic is also forbidden, she doesn’t want to bring notice to herself. Anna’s plans conflict with that, and so it’s interesting to watch Tia grow into herself; going from fearful kid hiding in the shadows, to a young woman taking control of her future.
Although the setting is dystopian, it’s a coming of age story, one about a girl transitioning into womanhood and on her own heroine’s journey.
It’s an engaging tale, that urban fantasy fans will enjoy (even if YA isn’t necessarily your favourite sub-genre), and lovers of dystopian fantasy will too.
October 10, 2022
So good I read it in one sitting.
Believable characters, logical development of the storyline, no sudden changing of the rules to make a plot twist, thoroughly enjoyable. I can't wait for book 2.
The action takes place in an anonymous American city and the description of place and person is sparse to non-existent. You may find this off-putting, I didn't because the story was what mattered and in this Ren has it in spades. I had already read the two prequels (the only faults with them being that they weren't long enough and (perhaps) I could have done with an introductory paragraph to set the scene. Because I had enjoyed the prequels so much I was predisposed to enjoy Origins and it exceeded my expectations. I even ignored a Man U match to keep reading it!
Believable characters, logical development of the storyline, no sudden changing of the rules to make a plot twist, thoroughly enjoyable. I can't wait for book 2.
The action takes place in an anonymous American city and the description of place and person is sparse to non-existent. You may find this off-putting, I didn't because the story was what mattered and in this Ren has it in spades. I had already read the two prequels (the only faults with them being that they weren't long enough and (perhaps) I could have done with an introductory paragraph to set the scene. Because I had enjoyed the prequels so much I was predisposed to enjoy Origins and it exceeded my expectations. I even ignored a Man U match to keep reading it!
October 7, 2022
This is a fun book to read. The world building is great and the characters have engaging personalities. And there are some plot twists that will both keep you guessing and keep you smiling.
One note: I had already read the prequel “Flashfire Angel”. Although Origins can be read as a stand alone book, there are some references to things that happened in Flashfire Angel that will be easier to understand if you have already read the prequel. And there are a few things from the prequel that will still be secrets after Origins if you don’t read the prequel.
A big thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy for me to help proof and review.
One note: I had already read the prequel “Flashfire Angel”. Although Origins can be read as a stand alone book, there are some references to things that happened in Flashfire Angel that will be easier to understand if you have already read the prequel. And there are a few things from the prequel that will still be secrets after Origins if you don’t read the prequel.
A big thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy for me to help proof and review.
October 10, 2022
Let me first say that I think you should read the prequel to this before reading this novel, although this can be read as a stand alone. This is a well written novel. The author has well developed world building, the story line was strong and the characters well developed. I enjoyed this novel and I was able to read it in one sitting, which I did enjoy. I highly recommend this novel. I received this from bookfunnel. This is my true and honest review.
October 20, 2022
What a great read! Who doesn't love reading about heroes, demons, and friendship? This was so fun and I loved getting to know the world of the undercity. I loved watching Tia go on her journey with fun plot twists, and getting to know the different heroes and their spunky personalities. I can't wait to see where this series goes!
October 29, 2022
Tia and Anna, are traveling to meet and join the undercity 's heroes for the purpose of battling and ultimately defeat Demons.
Without revealing top much, Tia has many secrets and fears that sharing them with Anna would jeoperdise their friendship.
I found that there were lengthy chapters prompting me to skip pages at times. 3 Stars.
Without revealing top much, Tia has many secrets and fears that sharing them with Anna would jeoperdise their friendship.
I found that there were lengthy chapters prompting me to skip pages at times. 3 Stars.
October 16, 2022
I enjoyed this story about Tia and her friend Anna. It is at heart a hero story and was a blast to read. Enjoyed meeting Tia and watching the trouble she gets into. A good story line with fun characters to enjoy. Some secrets abound in this crazy world full of demons and heroes. H
May 12, 2023
Off to a Great Start
As a fan of the superhero genre, I enjoyed this book immensely. I have a tendency to predict outcomes of stories, so it's always nice to find one that has at least a few things that I didn't anticipate. I will definitely be reading more of the series.
As a fan of the superhero genre, I enjoyed this book immensely. I have a tendency to predict outcomes of stories, so it's always nice to find one that has at least a few things that I didn't anticipate. I will definitely be reading more of the series.
February 28, 2025
ace read
Couldn’t leave it alone. Gutted i had started to late in the day and had to go to sleep, but couldn’t help myself so woke up early and finished it. Brilliant characters and good story. Already downloaded book 2.
Couldn’t leave it alone. Gutted i had started to late in the day and had to go to sleep, but couldn’t help myself so woke up early and finished it. Brilliant characters and good story. Already downloaded book 2.
October 8, 2022
I really couldn't get into this book I couldn't finished reading this.
I received a free copy for a honest review
I received a free copy for a honest review
January 1, 2024
We don’t need another hero, ….
What a fun read. I really enjoyed reading this book. Where’s the next one?? Or maybe I should investigate more of Ms. Blake’s writing.
What a fun read. I really enjoyed reading this book. Where’s the next one?? Or maybe I should investigate more of Ms. Blake’s writing.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews