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Para-Military Recruiter #1
Drafted
Julie Meadows is down on her luck when she receives an e-mail drafting her into the Official Para-Military Agency.
She didn’t expect “para” to mean paranormal. Her partner is an Aether Elf prince, her boss is a Were…something, and the IT department is staffed by literal trolls.
The prospect of a steady job and financial security draws her into a world filled with every myth and legend she’s ever read about.
Julie dives into the magical, mystical, and downright fantastic when she and her partner, Taylor are tasked with finding new recruits for the Agency.
The problem? Julie is human, and the cost of failing to find a recruit is her life.
With the help of Taylor and a snarky mystical artifact, Julie races against the clock to avoid a killer mind-wipe.
Should she succeed, her place at OPMA will be secure. If she fails, avoiding her mom’s insistence on the health benefits of aloe vera juice won’t be a problem anymore.
Either way, her life will never be the same again.
She didn’t expect “para” to mean paranormal. Her partner is an Aether Elf prince, her boss is a Were…something, and the IT department is staffed by literal trolls.
The prospect of a steady job and financial security draws her into a world filled with every myth and legend she’s ever read about.
Julie dives into the magical, mystical, and downright fantastic when she and her partner, Taylor are tasked with finding new recruits for the Agency.
The problem? Julie is human, and the cost of failing to find a recruit is her life.
With the help of Taylor and a snarky mystical artifact, Julie races against the clock to avoid a killer mind-wipe.
Should she succeed, her place at OPMA will be secure. If she fails, avoiding her mom’s insistence on the health benefits of aloe vera juice won’t be a problem anymore.
Either way, her life will never be the same again.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2022
1316 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Renée Jaggér
82 books67 followersA long time ago I was born in Los Angeles. That's where I spent many of my formative years. After I became an adult, I moved around for a bit before ending up in a small town in Oregon, very similar to Bailey's hometown. Greenhearth is fake, if you haven't already Googled that, but it's like many small towns with less than 1,000 people.
My pets...
I love animals, especially my two even if they do create havoc in my daily life. I have a cat, named Snowstorm, Storm for short. Then I have a rescue, Josephine. She's a Labradoodle - I think. It's hard to say but it's the best I can come up with.
What I'm working on...
I'm already working on the next book in the series - was working on it before Bad Attitude came back from editing. And now that it has released, need to stay on track with A Bit Aggressive.
For the latest and greatest about me and what I'm working on, check out my website: reneejagger dot com
My pets...
I love animals, especially my two even if they do create havoc in my daily life. I have a cat, named Snowstorm, Storm for short. Then I have a rescue, Josephine. She's a Labradoodle - I think. It's hard to say but it's the best I can come up with.
What I'm working on...
I'm already working on the next book in the series - was working on it before Bad Attitude came back from editing. And now that it has released, need to stay on track with A Bit Aggressive.
For the latest and greatest about me and what I'm working on, check out my website: reneejagger dot com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
November 23, 2024
OMG!!! I was a little skeptical about this book because I normally don’t like books right away. But NO! From the first sentence I was hooked! I read it in less than 4 hours (not straight reading)!! This book is AMAZING it’s got great humor and character development
I will say this- it does have some bad language which adds to the humor but does make it a bit more mature
I’m SO EXCITED to read the rest of this series!!!
I will say this- it does have some bad language which adds to the humor but does make it a bit more mature
I’m SO EXCITED to read the rest of this series!!!
June 24, 2023
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Drafted is a fluffy and mostly fun story. It is the first in the Para-Military Recruiter series featuring a human that accidentally ends up as a recruiter in the paranormal world. Julie might be human but soon finds out, after eating some magic mushrooms, she can see people of the paranormal community. Now she has been drafted to help recruit para-normals into service and she has a deadline to get her first one or end up dead.
I picked this up because of the description and the cover. Drafted is a bit different in the UF sense as our heroine is not some kick-butt chick but just a run of the mill human who has been drawn into a magical community she didn't know was around her this entire time. Partnered with an Aether Elf prince and a sentient software system that comes in the form of a hat, she is off to find someone to sign up before the end of the week or she may end up dead. Sucks to have a literal deadline.
This is an introduction story. It did a pretty good job of introducing the reader into a few facets of this world along with some tidbits that lead me to believe there is something going on in the recruiting department and there is a reason with the new rollout of some software recruiting has dropped to almost 0. Seems like there is a reason and the trolls in the IT department are behind it.
I can see in the future there is going to be some possible romance between Julie and maybe a few of the potential male characters of the book. Julie's interactions with the other characters were fun and interesting. Her mother is a bit over the top and could have been toned down a little bit. I'm also sure there is a backstory happening with the lady who owns the house where Julie is renting a room. It will be interesting to see how that is developed.
Overall a good start to something set in a paranormal world, in a way we don't normally see it.
Narration:
Rebecca Mitchell is a new to me narrator. She captured the fun of the story and all the characters had distinct voices. I liked her narration and it followed the tone of the story well. Overall a good narration of a fun book. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Drafted is a fluffy and mostly fun story. It is the first in the Para-Military Recruiter series featuring a human that accidentally ends up as a recruiter in the paranormal world. Julie might be human but soon finds out, after eating some magic mushrooms, she can see people of the paranormal community. Now she has been drafted to help recruit para-normals into service and she has a deadline to get her first one or end up dead.
I picked this up because of the description and the cover. Drafted is a bit different in the UF sense as our heroine is not some kick-butt chick but just a run of the mill human who has been drawn into a magical community she didn't know was around her this entire time. Partnered with an Aether Elf prince and a sentient software system that comes in the form of a hat, she is off to find someone to sign up before the end of the week or she may end up dead. Sucks to have a literal deadline.
This is an introduction story. It did a pretty good job of introducing the reader into a few facets of this world along with some tidbits that lead me to believe there is something going on in the recruiting department and there is a reason with the new rollout of some software recruiting has dropped to almost 0. Seems like there is a reason and the trolls in the IT department are behind it.
I can see in the future there is going to be some possible romance between Julie and maybe a few of the potential male characters of the book. Julie's interactions with the other characters were fun and interesting. Her mother is a bit over the top and could have been toned down a little bit. I'm also sure there is a backstory happening with the lady who owns the house where Julie is renting a room. It will be interesting to see how that is developed.
Overall a good start to something set in a paranormal world, in a way we don't normally see it.
Narration:
Rebecca Mitchell is a new to me narrator. She captured the fun of the story and all the characters had distinct voices. I liked her narration and it followed the tone of the story well. Overall a good narration of a fun book. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed
Listen to a clip: HERE
February 1, 2023
DNF. The characters were mildly interesting, as were the world building and the few events. But the story was just really, really boring. So at some point I stopped reading and just never picked it up again.
August 2, 2023
2.5
An sich ist die Idee Klasse, die Ausführung hat mich allerdings überhaupt nicht abgeholt. Mal sehen, ob ich weiterlese...
An sich ist die Idee Klasse, die Ausführung hat mich allerdings überhaupt nicht abgeholt. Mal sehen, ob ich weiterlese...
September 29, 2025
Me ha gustado mucho, os lo recomiendo si queréis un libro de fantasía militar 👌🏻
April 9, 2023
DNF.
I'm leaving this not a review because twice now I've completely forgotten ever trying to read this and been suckered in by the cover.
"What's this? Looks interesting!" I say to myself, then struggle through several chapters of not clicking with any of the characters or their situations, until the "snarky mystical artifact" shows up and vague memories finally start drifting to the surface.
I don't think this is truly a bad story, just a rather middle of the road one I've already read some variation of a dozen times before and don't want to read again right now. Most of my issues stem from the cover and synopsis making me think I'm going to get a more serious, crime solving side of Urban Fantasy, where this falls firmly in "quirky fluff read".
You probably know the type, where everything is a set-up so the clueless main character can be sassy and confident (even when she really shouldn't be), and at some point a romance is going to feature front and centre.
That's fine if that's what you like and are expecting to read (I've read my share of those too), but it's a very unfulfilling realisation if you aren't.
So this is a case of "it's me, not you" and a note to my future self telling me I don't need to try again for the 3rd time!
I'm leaving this not a review because twice now I've completely forgotten ever trying to read this and been suckered in by the cover.
"What's this? Looks interesting!" I say to myself, then struggle through several chapters of not clicking with any of the characters or their situations, until the "snarky mystical artifact" shows up and vague memories finally start drifting to the surface.
I don't think this is truly a bad story, just a rather middle of the road one I've already read some variation of a dozen times before and don't want to read again right now. Most of my issues stem from the cover and synopsis making me think I'm going to get a more serious, crime solving side of Urban Fantasy, where this falls firmly in "quirky fluff read".
You probably know the type, where everything is a set-up so the clueless main character can be sassy and confident (even when she really shouldn't be), and at some point a romance is going to feature front and centre.
That's fine if that's what you like and are expecting to read (I've read my share of those too), but it's a very unfulfilling realisation if you aren't.
So this is a case of "it's me, not you" and a note to my future self telling me I don't need to try again for the 3rd time!
January 6, 2025
This was pretty cute. Not a lot of action but pretty steady for a debut and world building
July 23, 2023
I needed something to read (via audiobook) and this seemed mildly interesting. It’s ok. The narrator does a good job with less-than-great writing. The premise was interesting. TBH, i may have sent it to TBR, but it looks like subsequent books get better, so I finished.
June 20, 2023
I received this Audiobook for free. My opinions are my own.
Real Rating: 3.25* (I rounded up because I have read the first few in the series and it gets better)
The Bad (again, the next books get better): There is a scene in Chapter 1 where she is accosted late at night by two guys, who are definitely planning something bad. When she resists we get the following - "Leave her, Greg," Pete hissed. "She's gonna fight. We'll grab another." She then goes home & goes to bed and it is never mentioned again. People, if something like this happens, you need to call 911 with the descriptions (and names, since they used them) of the guys and where they tried to grab you. I know this is fiction, but it bothers me a lot. / The mother is really annoying; I know she is supposed to be, but her scenes need to be toned down. / I hate the hat's name. / This first book was a bit boring.
The Good: The book was mostly enjoyable while I was reading it. I found the characters, and their dynamic, intriguing enough to check out the sequels. I like that the set-up is a bit unique; I'm pretty sure I've never read an Urban Fantasy about a para-military recruiter before.
Contents: Some strong language (no F words, but about a dozen S words) / A mother who seemingly advocates sex on a first (blind) date + stripping as a career for her intelligent bookish teenage daughter
Narrator: I am struggling to get over the fact that I have another Urban Fantasy series that is also read by this narrator, and I have to keep reminding myself this is a different world. Other than that, she did a good job and captured the flavor of the characters.
Real Rating: 3.25* (I rounded up because I have read the first few in the series and it gets better)
The Bad (again, the next books get better): There is a scene in Chapter 1 where she is accosted late at night by two guys, who are definitely planning something bad. When she resists we get the following - "Leave her, Greg," Pete hissed. "She's gonna fight. We'll grab another." She then goes home & goes to bed and it is never mentioned again. People, if something like this happens, you need to call 911 with the descriptions (and names, since they used them) of the guys and where they tried to grab you. I know this is fiction, but it bothers me a lot. / The mother is really annoying; I know she is supposed to be, but her scenes need to be toned down. / I hate the hat's name. / This first book was a bit boring.
The Good: The book was mostly enjoyable while I was reading it. I found the characters, and their dynamic, intriguing enough to check out the sequels. I like that the set-up is a bit unique; I'm pretty sure I've never read an Urban Fantasy about a para-military recruiter before.
Contents: Some strong language (no F words, but about a dozen S words) / A mother who seemingly advocates sex on a first (blind) date + stripping as a career for her intelligent bookish teenage daughter
Narrator: I am struggling to get over the fact that I have another Urban Fantasy series that is also read by this narrator, and I have to keep reminding myself this is a different world. Other than that, she did a good job and captured the flavor of the characters.
January 8, 2023
Listen, I saw the cover of book 1 and 2 (2 has a gun), I saw the title. And I was expecting the typical Urban Fantasy story.
But.. it wasn't. The MC isn't in the military. The MC isn't kicking ass or investigating anything.
.. The MC is literally a recruiter. (yes I missed that part of the name)
And I kind of loved it. It was very slice of life. It was a human getting thrown into the supernatural world and getting steeped in it. There is a little more action in book 2 than in book 1, but the MC is still a non-combatant. Her being curious about some monsters and accidentally getting into a fight (where she did literal nothing but scream) didn't change the narrative to suddenly "I'm going to solve this!"
Nah, Julie went back to paperwork and asking people if they'd like to join the Para-Military (which is both police, government, and military)
A slight annoyance is that there is multiple potential love interests in the story, (I'm counting 3), and they all do tiny hints that something COULD happen. But the hints are TINY and they never get bigger. It's.. annoying because it's giving me the vibes of potential romance without ever taking the next step, but it's too hinty for you to be secure enough to say that will be an non-romance urban fantasy. (I know they exist with male MCs, but I've never really encountered it with female ones)
But.. it wasn't. The MC isn't in the military. The MC isn't kicking ass or investigating anything.
.. The MC is literally a recruiter. (yes I missed that part of the name)
And I kind of loved it. It was very slice of life. It was a human getting thrown into the supernatural world and getting steeped in it. There is a little more action in book 2 than in book 1, but the MC is still a non-combatant. Her being curious about some monsters and accidentally getting into a fight (where she did literal nothing but scream) didn't change the narrative to suddenly "I'm going to solve this!"
Nah, Julie went back to paperwork and asking people if they'd like to join the Para-Military (which is both police, government, and military)
A slight annoyance is that there is multiple potential love interests in the story, (I'm counting 3), and they all do tiny hints that something COULD happen. But the hints are TINY and they never get bigger. It's.. annoying because it's giving me the vibes of potential romance without ever taking the next step, but it's too hinty for you to be secure enough to say that will be an non-romance urban fantasy. (I know they exist with male MCs, but I've never really encountered it with female ones)
February 4, 2023
Drafted is book one in the Para-Military Recruiter series by Renée Jaggér & Michael Anderle.
This book was unexpected in many ways. I saw the cover and blurb and thought it sounded good. I enjoyed enough to read on and now I wait for each new book to come out.
The book is fast-paced and funny. Julie is accidentally recruited to the Para-Military Agency. You might think with a name Para-Military she'd be put into the army aspect, but nope she’s assigned to be a recruiter for the agency and is teamed up with a Fae Elf Prince, Taylor.
The story just sucks you in and your routining for Julie to succeed. Lots of characters to enjoy like Kaplan, Taylor, Hat, and Lilly plus our lead. There is no romance in the story though there are hints. It’s more Urban Fantasy.
The only thing I was surprised about was that Julie is only 19. She felt like she was much older and I think she should have been in her mid 20’s. That was the only thing I did like.
Drafted was a decent start to the series and I look forward to reading on.
Rated: 3 Stars
This book was unexpected in many ways. I saw the cover and blurb and thought it sounded good. I enjoyed enough to read on and now I wait for each new book to come out.
The book is fast-paced and funny. Julie is accidentally recruited to the Para-Military Agency. You might think with a name Para-Military she'd be put into the army aspect, but nope she’s assigned to be a recruiter for the agency and is teamed up with a Fae Elf Prince, Taylor.
The story just sucks you in and your routining for Julie to succeed. Lots of characters to enjoy like Kaplan, Taylor, Hat, and Lilly plus our lead. There is no romance in the story though there are hints. It’s more Urban Fantasy.
The only thing I was surprised about was that Julie is only 19. She felt like she was much older and I think she should have been in her mid 20’s. That was the only thing I did like.
Drafted was a decent start to the series and I look forward to reading on.
Rated: 3 Stars
January 27, 2023
Sweet and funny but with a pretty solid storyline. I am not a great fan of YA books but because of this level headed heroine who does not take herself too seriously it did not feel all angst-y and juvenile like most books in that genre. I had a great time reading this and I think I will be following this series.
April 10, 2023
Absolute garbage with not a single redeeming quality. It fails to develop a world, deliver on its concept, on building tension and endearing the character, on making any single character sound like a real person for a single sentence.
June 9, 2023
abandoned at 17%
September 18, 2023
Oh man, was this dumb. It was almost nostalgic how dumb this was, because I don't usually let myself waste my time finishing books this bad anymore. I just kept waiting and waiting for it to get good, and by the time I realized this was all we were going to get, I figured I might as well see it to the end.
Fresh off a bad date and a phone call from her mom nagging her about her dead-end job, Julie receives a notice that she's been "drafted" by the Para-Military Agency. She has no idea what that is, but she shows up in the hopes of free food and winds up immersed in a world of trolls, dwarves, elves, and vampires she never knew existed.
The premise sounds charming, but it's badly let down by the nearly non-existent worldbuilding. We're told some of the fantasy races that exist, a few lines about how they keep themselves a secret and don't connect to human technology, and that's about it. Julie's supposed to be a RECRUITER, for some reason, meaning it's literally her job to find "paranormals" and convince them to join the Agency, yet she (and the reader) is given basically no information about what "paras" exist, what they are like, how their cultures function, how they relate to other groups, etc. OR about the Agency itself. There are a few random info-dumps here and there, but it's usually long after the information would have been relevant. Crucially, the narrative NEVER establishes rules or information early on which then pays off later. Everything Julie succeeds in is based off things revealed just-prior to being necessary.
The world-building we do get is painfully bland and uninteresting. Not a single character actually feels inhuman or other; they're just shallowly-written humans in funny hats. Supernatural abilities come up maaaaybe three times throughout the entire book, with the exception of a magical hat that's basically just a glorified "Alexa" device and doesn't do anything besides change appearances that you wouldn't expect a computer in an action movie to be able to do. The characters, likewise, are lackluster, with predictable and limp arcs. The author seems to think making characters quirky is the same thing as making them interesting, so they all have their "thing" - Julie's landlady loves hot rods, her mom wants her to drink aloe juice and keeps telling her it's fine if she wants to be a stripper, a vampire is an online gamer, Julie's partner Taylor is a sheltered rich-kid, Hat has a constant sarcastic commentary on everything and everyone... but none of it is that funny, and none of it made me care at all about these irritating people.
Any tension the book could have had is sabotaged from the beginning. Julie's new boss tells her that if she can't make a new recruit, she'll be terminated, and since humans can't know about the para-world, that means she'll be killed. Immediately afterwards, we see one of three scenes from Taylor's point of view, letting us know it's all a big bluff by the boss. So while Julie acts as though her life is on the line (and takes commensurate risks), the reader knows the stakes aren't actually that high. It only serves to scuttle any chance the reader might like Taylor who doesn't even hint to Julie about the truth even while she takes dramatic risks and becomes more and more convinced her life is about to end.
Fresh off a bad date and a phone call from her mom nagging her about her dead-end job, Julie receives a notice that she's been "drafted" by the Para-Military Agency. She has no idea what that is, but she shows up in the hopes of free food and winds up immersed in a world of trolls, dwarves, elves, and vampires she never knew existed.
The premise sounds charming, but it's badly let down by the nearly non-existent worldbuilding. We're told some of the fantasy races that exist, a few lines about how they keep themselves a secret and don't connect to human technology, and that's about it. Julie's supposed to be a RECRUITER, for some reason, meaning it's literally her job to find "paranormals" and convince them to join the Agency, yet she (and the reader) is given basically no information about what "paras" exist, what they are like, how their cultures function, how they relate to other groups, etc. OR about the Agency itself. There are a few random info-dumps here and there, but it's usually long after the information would have been relevant. Crucially, the narrative NEVER establishes rules or information early on which then pays off later. Everything Julie succeeds in is based off things revealed just-prior to being necessary.
The world-building we do get is painfully bland and uninteresting. Not a single character actually feels inhuman or other; they're just shallowly-written humans in funny hats. Supernatural abilities come up maaaaybe three times throughout the entire book, with the exception of a magical hat that's basically just a glorified "Alexa" device and doesn't do anything besides change appearances that you wouldn't expect a computer in an action movie to be able to do. The characters, likewise, are lackluster, with predictable and limp arcs. The author seems to think making characters quirky is the same thing as making them interesting, so they all have their "thing" - Julie's landlady loves hot rods, her mom wants her to drink aloe juice and keeps telling her it's fine if she wants to be a stripper, a vampire is an online gamer, Julie's partner Taylor is a sheltered rich-kid, Hat has a constant sarcastic commentary on everything and everyone... but none of it is that funny, and none of it made me care at all about these irritating people.
Any tension the book could have had is sabotaged from the beginning. Julie's new boss tells her that if she can't make a new recruit, she'll be terminated, and since humans can't know about the para-world, that means she'll be killed. Immediately afterwards, we see one of three scenes from Taylor's point of view, letting us know it's all a big bluff by the boss. So while Julie acts as though her life is on the line (and takes commensurate risks), the reader knows the stakes aren't actually that high. It only serves to scuttle any chance the reader might like Taylor who doesn't even hint to Julie about the truth even while she takes dramatic risks and becomes more and more convinced her life is about to end.
July 4, 2023
In case you have time, and don't mind shutting up your brain a little, you'll enjoy this story. Perhaps many might get bored with the pacing, but it is build to progress with every book.
Overall, 2.5 stars. Read From 1-6, then half of 7, and had to give up.
Some nitpicking in case you want to read, but are uncertain:
- From 1-4 it seems like it's one book splitted into different parts. From then on it becomes a little repetitive and it reminds you of certain characters and situations, which didn't happen in the first parts, and it it gets a little chopped up, normalcy-war-normalcy-missions-normalcy-fights, etc.
- FMC is human, but will become the special snowflake, you see it coming right away.
- She's 19, likes to read, has no friends, and is outgoing and sassy (but no too overbearing), so basically YA and semi-New Adult genre.
- Clean reading, No smut, almost No swearing.
- MMC is the passive one in the relationship as they grow, you'll think he suits her better as a friend, but it might just be a healthy relationship looking back at you.
- FMC will be hyper independent , so opening car doors for her could be an issue.
- They seem to be the only capable recruiters on the whole section, since nobody had the FMC ideas or wanted to implement them before.
- Everything is easy or seems like it, the delivery is quite good, and there is a subplot of scheming and war, but regarding training, going up in ranks, succeeding in missions, turning bad people into good ones, encouraging others to do something with their lives, etc. Everything goes smoothly.
Only a few characters die because of this, and you get over it quickly.
-Important royal characters are not snobbish and everyone likes FMC.
- You might cry reading some emotional scenes, I don't understand what was the purpose of those, but it was similar to life, so it's ok.
- After book 4 or 6, it becomes a parody of a parody. Nothing is serious anymore, well, most of it.
It had good points, but when you start skipping parts is when you know the story lost you.
Overall, 2.5 stars. Read From 1-6, then half of 7, and had to give up.
Some nitpicking in case you want to read, but are uncertain:
- From 1-4 it seems like it's one book splitted into different parts. From then on it becomes a little repetitive and it reminds you of certain characters and situations, which didn't happen in the first parts, and it it gets a little chopped up, normalcy-war-normalcy-missions-normalcy-fights, etc.
- FMC is human, but will become the special snowflake, you see it coming right away.
- She's 19, likes to read, has no friends, and is outgoing and sassy (but no too overbearing), so basically YA and semi-New Adult genre.
- Clean reading, No smut, almost No swearing.
- MMC is the passive one in the relationship as they grow, you'll think he suits her better as a friend, but it might just be a healthy relationship looking back at you.
- FMC will be hyper independent , so opening car doors for her could be an issue.
- They seem to be the only capable recruiters on the whole section, since nobody had the FMC ideas or wanted to implement them before.
- Everything is easy or seems like it, the delivery is quite good, and there is a subplot of scheming and war, but regarding training, going up in ranks, succeeding in missions, turning bad people into good ones, encouraging others to do something with their lives, etc. Everything goes smoothly.
Only a few characters die because of this, and you get over it quickly.
-Important royal characters are not snobbish and everyone likes FMC.
- You might cry reading some emotional scenes, I don't understand what was the purpose of those, but it was similar to life, so it's ok.
- After book 4 or 6, it becomes a parody of a parody. Nothing is serious anymore, well, most of it.
It had good points, but when you start skipping parts is when you know the story lost you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2024
This was completely different from what I expected.
So based on the series title of "para-military", and the description, I imagined a supernatural version of something like Tanya Huff's gritty military Confederation series.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The books read like YA fantasy. It's almost campy, in the style of early K.M. Shea novels. The writing, characterization, and dialogue are a bit shaky. Everything is extremely light and fluffy and easy. Characters don't really feel like real characters; there is no depth to them (or to the story really) and they all just kind of bounce along on a merry rollicking adventure.
Things happen that don't make sense and are only acceptable if you think of it as a children's book (for example, the elf grows a pair and tells the boss guy to do this and the boss guy does. Why? Just because he used a stern voice? Really? Another example is the heroine--a total neophyte in this world--demands that she get a certain supposedly incredibly valuable item, and she gets it. Again, why? Just because she asked for it?
Everyone just immediately becomes friends with the heroine and takes a liking to her for no discernible reason. Even the definition of friendship seems rather sketchy--apparently just exchanging some greetings and a couple of lines of conversation means they are friends.
However.
I am persevering because though it is pretty shallow and fluffy to read, it's still easy reading. There are also some funny parts. I think it may get better later on in the series, based on some reviews for the later books I saw. Hopefully it does.
---
*Edit: I've now read books 1 - 14. It matches my expectations. It's very shallow and happy and light. The story is a complete wish fulfillment vehicle and the heroine is a Mary Sue. She's Superman with no kryptonite. She's overpowered and everyone (except specially designated hecklers and villains) is instantly her friend after exchanging a couple of words with her. When she gets new abilities, she never has to struggle or train with them. Poof! She immediately uses them as effortlessly as any master and defeats enemies who have been using those abilities for centuries of their lives. It's quite ridiculous.
There is 0 depth to the politics. 0 depth to the relationships, and no relationship building or character development whatsoever.
Why did I read through then? Well, the bits of humor got me. And the what-happens-next-itis. I will say it was pretty entertaining, action-packed, and easy reading, just as watching a silly TV show would go.
So based on the series title of "para-military", and the description, I imagined a supernatural version of something like Tanya Huff's gritty military Confederation series.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The books read like YA fantasy. It's almost campy, in the style of early K.M. Shea novels. The writing, characterization, and dialogue are a bit shaky. Everything is extremely light and fluffy and easy. Characters don't really feel like real characters; there is no depth to them (or to the story really) and they all just kind of bounce along on a merry rollicking adventure.
Things happen that don't make sense and are only acceptable if you think of it as a children's book (for example, the elf grows a pair and tells the boss guy to do this and the boss guy does. Why? Just because he used a stern voice? Really? Another example is the heroine--a total neophyte in this world--demands that she get a certain supposedly incredibly valuable item, and she gets it. Again, why? Just because she asked for it?
Everyone just immediately becomes friends with the heroine and takes a liking to her for no discernible reason. Even the definition of friendship seems rather sketchy--apparently just exchanging some greetings and a couple of lines of conversation means they are friends.
However.
I am persevering because though it is pretty shallow and fluffy to read, it's still easy reading. There are also some funny parts. I think it may get better later on in the series, based on some reviews for the later books I saw. Hopefully it does.
---
*Edit: I've now read books 1 - 14. It matches my expectations. It's very shallow and happy and light. The story is a complete wish fulfillment vehicle and the heroine is a Mary Sue. She's Superman with no kryptonite. She's overpowered and everyone (except specially designated hecklers and villains) is instantly her friend after exchanging a couple of words with her. When she gets new abilities, she never has to struggle or train with them. Poof! She immediately uses them as effortlessly as any master and defeats enemies who have been using those abilities for centuries of their lives. It's quite ridiculous.
There is 0 depth to the politics. 0 depth to the relationships, and no relationship building or character development whatsoever.
Why did I read through then? Well, the bits of humor got me. And the what-happens-next-itis. I will say it was pretty entertaining, action-packed, and easy reading, just as watching a silly TV show would go.
April 11, 2025
Cast Wide The Net!
PMARecruiter1
This book is a hoot!
Julie Meadows is looking for a job to underwrite her independence. Since her mother objected to college as a try- until -you- find venture with a shackle of student debt, Julie goes to job fairs and submits resumes, to no avail.
Then, she gets a draft notice, that promises breakfast and an interview. For the possibility of real coffee, Jules rides a plethora of busses to a swanky compound, shows her draft notice at the gate, and soon has a plate full of bacon and pancakes. But, those mushrooms… turn her world on its ear.
Turns out, fairy food will let a small subset of humans see paranormal creatures in their tue forms. The adjustment knocks her out. When she comes to, she is told to recruit or face decapitation!
Then, it gets fun. Far from being cowed, Jules negotiates for a sign-on bonus, and time to figure out what the job requires. She also gets a partner - a nervous royal elf.
Since it’s succeed or die, Julie decides to go for the hardest species on the recruitment wish list. When she asks the IT department for assistance, they promise her names in a couple of days - from their state-of-the-art new system!?! What’s wrong with this turnaround?
She only has two weeks. So our girl goes for the OG - DumbleDork. He is a sentient artifact, who resents being shuffled aside for a machine with glitches. For Julie’s promise to let him see the world, he agrees to help her find recruits.
And, it builds from there. Too fun!
PMARecruiter1
This book is a hoot!
Julie Meadows is looking for a job to underwrite her independence. Since her mother objected to college as a try- until -you- find venture with a shackle of student debt, Julie goes to job fairs and submits resumes, to no avail.
Then, she gets a draft notice, that promises breakfast and an interview. For the possibility of real coffee, Jules rides a plethora of busses to a swanky compound, shows her draft notice at the gate, and soon has a plate full of bacon and pancakes. But, those mushrooms… turn her world on its ear.
Turns out, fairy food will let a small subset of humans see paranormal creatures in their tue forms. The adjustment knocks her out. When she comes to, she is told to recruit or face decapitation!
Then, it gets fun. Far from being cowed, Jules negotiates for a sign-on bonus, and time to figure out what the job requires. She also gets a partner - a nervous royal elf.
Since it’s succeed or die, Julie decides to go for the hardest species on the recruitment wish list. When she asks the IT department for assistance, they promise her names in a couple of days - from their state-of-the-art new system!?! What’s wrong with this turnaround?
She only has two weeks. So our girl goes for the OG - DumbleDork. He is a sentient artifact, who resents being shuffled aside for a machine with glitches. For Julie’s promise to let him see the world, he agrees to help her find recruits.
And, it builds from there. Too fun!
July 10, 2023
Light entertainment using usual plot lines, familiar fare with different names and places.
This first book could have used another draft to fix some plot holes where the author forgot what they wrote before and then something happened that needed me, the reader/listener, to adjust to the new way things are happening.
The main character had a couple of too-stupid-to-live moments where the other characters were the sensible ones and she was just determined to do the wrong thing, and we all could see what was coming. Obvious plot device. Also, the main character was sometimes very annoying on purpose in various situations, which just made her a very annoying character I had to put up with. Not my idea of entertainment.
The narrator was not great at first, but later on got into the groove of the story. She didn't have broad range of unique voices, but was enthusiastic and clear. There was at least one sentence where the words were out of order and that could have been fixed by someone paying attention.
This was light fare, not layered or deep or interesting because of unique new ideas. Old trope, shallow snarky conversations, obvious plot. It was good enough for me to listen to while doing chores, but I will read other things lined up and think about continuing the series. It wasn't bad, just not so great that I would recommend it to anyone. I spent too much time noticing flaws to stay in the story.
This first book could have used another draft to fix some plot holes where the author forgot what they wrote before and then something happened that needed me, the reader/listener, to adjust to the new way things are happening.
The main character had a couple of too-stupid-to-live moments where the other characters were the sensible ones and she was just determined to do the wrong thing, and we all could see what was coming. Obvious plot device. Also, the main character was sometimes very annoying on purpose in various situations, which just made her a very annoying character I had to put up with. Not my idea of entertainment.
The narrator was not great at first, but later on got into the groove of the story. She didn't have broad range of unique voices, but was enthusiastic and clear. There was at least one sentence where the words were out of order and that could have been fixed by someone paying attention.
This was light fare, not layered or deep or interesting because of unique new ideas. Old trope, shallow snarky conversations, obvious plot. It was good enough for me to listen to while doing chores, but I will read other things lined up and think about continuing the series. It wasn't bad, just not so great that I would recommend it to anyone. I spent too much time noticing flaws to stay in the story.
April 14, 2025
Julie is down on her luck, unemployed, basically broke, just had the date from hell, and received a letter saying she had been drafted to the Official Para-Military Agency. Having no idea what it is but decided that the free breakfast being offered is worth the trip, she shows up. Starting on breakfast, all of a sudden everything looks weird and she passes out. When she come to, it is discovered that Julie, a normal human, can now see the paranormal world.
Told by the commanding officer that she must requite new members t the PMA within 5 days or she will be terminated, Julie gets to work with her new partner, Taylor, the sixth prince of a royal elf family.
Finding out she was recruited due to a glitch in the new computer system, Julie manages to get the old system, a magical artifact, that can change shape and gives a lot of advice, some not helpful.
This book covers her learning about the paranormal world as she works with Taylor to find a new recruit. Aided by the loan of a classic mustang muscle car, from her eccentric landlord, this is an interesting read.
This book has no action but a good story, lots of different characters, and humour. The IT staff of the PMA are real trolls.
A bit different from my normal read but definitely enjoyed it.
Told by the commanding officer that she must requite new members t the PMA within 5 days or she will be terminated, Julie gets to work with her new partner, Taylor, the sixth prince of a royal elf family.
Finding out she was recruited due to a glitch in the new computer system, Julie manages to get the old system, a magical artifact, that can change shape and gives a lot of advice, some not helpful.
This book covers her learning about the paranormal world as she works with Taylor to find a new recruit. Aided by the loan of a classic mustang muscle car, from her eccentric landlord, this is an interesting read.
This book has no action but a good story, lots of different characters, and humour. The IT staff of the PMA are real trolls.
A bit different from my normal read but definitely enjoyed it.
April 29, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was funny, and different, and I absolutely fell in love with DumbleDork, the Hat! lol
From the first word to the last, this book was a real page-turner, and I'm very much looking forward to reading what other adventures Julie Meadows, newly drafted Human Recruiter for the Para-Military Agency, and her work partner, the Aether Elf Prince, Taylor Woodskin, will get up to, next.
When Julie goes for her first interview with her new Boss, Captain Jack Kaplan, she is shocked to hear the terms of her draft but, despite this, she's determined to do what has to be done, at any cost, but only with honesty and truth so, with the help of Taylor, and their new friend, DumbleDork, who Julie fondly nicknames Hat, they set off on their first Recruitment drive, determined that Julie will beat the deadline her Boss gave her.
On her journey, she meets a whole variety of new people, mostly non-human, and it's in her relationships with everyone,, that Julie finds both newer friends, and a purpose to her life!
I'm now going to start Book 2: 'Recruiter' so, once. I've finished it, I'll catch you on the. flip side, to let you know ifbit lives up to the enjoyment I got from Book one!
From the first word to the last, this book was a real page-turner, and I'm very much looking forward to reading what other adventures Julie Meadows, newly drafted Human Recruiter for the Para-Military Agency, and her work partner, the Aether Elf Prince, Taylor Woodskin, will get up to, next.
When Julie goes for her first interview with her new Boss, Captain Jack Kaplan, she is shocked to hear the terms of her draft but, despite this, she's determined to do what has to be done, at any cost, but only with honesty and truth so, with the help of Taylor, and their new friend, DumbleDork, who Julie fondly nicknames Hat, they set off on their first Recruitment drive, determined that Julie will beat the deadline her Boss gave her.
On her journey, she meets a whole variety of new people, mostly non-human, and it's in her relationships with everyone,, that Julie finds both newer friends, and a purpose to her life!
I'm now going to start Book 2: 'Recruiter' so, once. I've finished it, I'll catch you on the. flip side, to let you know ifbit lives up to the enjoyment I got from Book one!
October 20, 2023
This is not working for me at all. The writing style is too simple and boring.
Julie, (whose real name is actually Julia, but she doesn't like to be called that, becauseshe is mentally five). Is not a sassy world weary woman, but a whiney teenager who has no money, but doesn't want to do menial work, because that's just not good for her. I hate to break it to you, princess, but a LOT of people hate their jobs. They still do it, because guess what? They need money.
When I hate the main character, there is very little chance that I'll finish the book, but the last nail in the coffin was the most idiotic and forced premise ever. Big bad not human: "You are a human, and now you have seen at least two supernatural creatures from up close, so you know about us. We will have to kill you, because of this knowledge. Or you can work for us." What the ever loving fuck????
1. Who would believe her, if she told anyone?
2. There are supernatural creatures, but none of them has memory erasing magic?
3. How would her working for you change the situation? She can still tell anyone.
No more Renée Jaggér for me. I don't read stupid books from most likely not the brightest author.
Julie, (whose real name is actually Julia, but she doesn't like to be called that, becauseshe is mentally five). Is not a sassy world weary woman, but a whiney teenager who has no money, but doesn't want to do menial work, because that's just not good for her. I hate to break it to you, princess, but a LOT of people hate their jobs. They still do it, because guess what? They need money.
When I hate the main character, there is very little chance that I'll finish the book, but the last nail in the coffin was the most idiotic and forced premise ever. Big bad not human: "You are a human, and now you have seen at least two supernatural creatures from up close, so you know about us. We will have to kill you, because of this knowledge. Or you can work for us." What the ever loving fuck????
1. Who would believe her, if she told anyone?
2. There are supernatural creatures, but none of them has memory erasing magic?
3. How would her working for you change the situation? She can still tell anyone.
No more Renée Jaggér for me. I don't read stupid books from most likely not the brightest author.
June 24, 2023
(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 down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
First time read the author's work?: No = Renee Jagger -- // -- Yes = Michael Anderle
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
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. :-)
First time read the author's work?: No = Renee Jagger -- // -- Yes = Michael Anderle
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
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. :-)
January 19, 2023
This book was so unexpectedly funny! I laughed multiple times throughout reading this and really enjoyed Julie and the characters and the developing storyline.
I must say nothing really happens in this book lol. I don't know how I read through a book so quickly when the only that she tries to do through the book is just find 1 recruit but it just unfolds in such a good way. The book isn't perfect obviously but it's much better than I thought it would be and I'm going to keep reading. Also just so you are aware, there's not really any romance in this book so don't read this is if you are looking for romance. I feel like there are super subtle hints but it's like finding one particular grain of sand at a beach lol. So everything is too early to tell.
Unfortunately this series is supposed to be like 9 books! And there's only like 4 out so I don't know how long things will take for the next one to come out and how long it'll take for all 9 to come out!
I must say nothing really happens in this book lol. I don't know how I read through a book so quickly when the only that she tries to do through the book is just find 1 recruit but it just unfolds in such a good way. The book isn't perfect obviously but it's much better than I thought it would be and I'm going to keep reading. Also just so you are aware, there's not really any romance in this book so don't read this is if you are looking for romance. I feel like there are super subtle hints but it's like finding one particular grain of sand at a beach lol. So everything is too early to tell.
Unfortunately this series is supposed to be like 9 books! And there's only like 4 out so I don't know how long things will take for the next one to come out and how long it'll take for all 9 to come out!
March 15, 2023
“You...slapped a vampire?”
“He was trying to put his hoodoo voodoo juju cooties on me.”
This was a cute read.
Nothing crazy but a light fluffy UF with our human h, Julie, accidentally being drafted into the paranormal military and now can see the supernatural world. After landing a job as a recruiter, she has a week to find a para to sign up with her or its lights out for our plucky lead- this is because you can't exactly have a human running around knowing about elves, trolls, and weres.
With this deadline hanging over her head...literally...Julie and her elven Prince partner have to do whatever it takes to build the ranks of the para military while trying not to get themselves into trouble...
We'll not too much anyway.
April 17, 2023
delightful playful fun. Julie is drafted to PMA as a recruiter. since she is human a mistake has been made.
Julie is desperate for a decent job. Her mother is hounding her and her Landlady is doing everything she can to keep her happy.
Then she receives a notice she has been drafted into the PMA. The address is good so she goes to check it out., after all they offer a free breakfast. Turns out she is one of the very few humans that can see the paranormal when given the right medicine. So they claim she is there under false id but give her one week to come up with a new recruit or she will be decapatated . She is partnered with a young elf and given ninty minutes of training. It is hilariously up to them to find hat and partner up to all kinds of mischief for one week to find her first recruit. . This is a really enjoyable story laughed and gasped my way through it.
Julie is desperate for a decent job. Her mother is hounding her and her Landlady is doing everything she can to keep her happy.
Then she receives a notice she has been drafted into the PMA. The address is good so she goes to check it out., after all they offer a free breakfast. Turns out she is one of the very few humans that can see the paranormal when given the right medicine. So they claim she is there under false id but give her one week to come up with a new recruit or she will be decapatated . She is partnered with a young elf and given ninty minutes of training. It is hilariously up to them to find hat and partner up to all kinds of mischief for one week to find her first recruit. . This is a really enjoyable story laughed and gasped my way through it.
June 20, 2023
Amazing!!!!! i've read this one in one sitting and i can't wait to get more it's wonderful full of action, snarky humour and great characters.
Julie is looking for a job when she receives a letter announcing she has been drafted for the Para Military Agency....thinking it's a joke she still can't resist the promise of a free meal...until she discover it's no joke but an error and one that could means her death. Human with the abilities to see paranormals she is given the opportunity of a job- or termination ....she must recruit paranormals for the agency with Taylor, a elf prince , as a partner she must succeed in one week. in a world she has to learn everything about.
Vampire, Kelpie, drow, aether elves, orc, troll and so many other paranormal. This is perfect you get immersed into the series, you gather there are more to discover and want more but you enjoy this greatly!
to be recommended without a doubt
Julie is looking for a job when she receives a letter announcing she has been drafted for the Para Military Agency....thinking it's a joke she still can't resist the promise of a free meal...until she discover it's no joke but an error and one that could means her death. Human with the abilities to see paranormals she is given the opportunity of a job- or termination ....she must recruit paranormals for the agency with Taylor, a elf prince , as a partner she must succeed in one week. in a world she has to learn everything about.
Vampire, Kelpie, drow, aether elves, orc, troll and so many other paranormal. This is perfect you get immersed into the series, you gather there are more to discover and want more but you enjoy this greatly!
to be recommended without a doubt
June 15, 2023
Five stars are not enough.
There's a conspiracy, out of work Julie is sending out her CV in the hopes of getting at least an interview, When she receives a letter inviting her to one breakfast included she just has to attend (cos BREAKFAST!) Absolutely hilarious who knew that fea princes vampires werewolves and all manner of paranormal beings are real, and don't forget the trolls running the IT department. With the help of her new partner and an obsolete sentiment computer system that can disguise itself as anything she sets out to recruit paranormals to the organisation, what could possibly go wrong? With a cast of crazy characters and a brilliant storyline, you don't want to miss this first in-a-series blockbuster of a book. I've downloaded book two and I'm of to read it now, Baz.
There's a conspiracy, out of work Julie is sending out her CV in the hopes of getting at least an interview, When she receives a letter inviting her to one breakfast included she just has to attend (cos BREAKFAST!) Absolutely hilarious who knew that fea princes vampires werewolves and all manner of paranormal beings are real, and don't forget the trolls running the IT department. With the help of her new partner and an obsolete sentiment computer system that can disguise itself as anything she sets out to recruit paranormals to the organisation, what could possibly go wrong? With a cast of crazy characters and a brilliant storyline, you don't want to miss this first in-a-series blockbuster of a book. I've downloaded book two and I'm of to read it now, Baz.
April 3, 2024
2.5
Hmm, well...
Dunno what to say about this book.
It has a bit of potential, started out a bit interesting, but ended up being kinda boring.
I don't think it's the book, I think it's me. This seems to be written for a teenage audience, or anyway, young readers, and I'm just not that interested.
There were some issues with the plot as well, some moments when I didn't really like the MC, so I'm definitely not going on with the series.
I wouldn't recommend it to people who are used to fantasy, UF, or SF, this book didn't really hit the spot. At the same time, it's a good book to read if you're new to the UF genre, so you decide.
Hmm, well...
Dunno what to say about this book.
It has a bit of potential, started out a bit interesting, but ended up being kinda boring.
I don't think it's the book, I think it's me. This seems to be written for a teenage audience, or anyway, young readers, and I'm just not that interested.
There were some issues with the plot as well, some moments when I didn't really like the MC, so I'm definitely not going on with the series.
I wouldn't recommend it to people who are used to fantasy, UF, or SF, this book didn't really hit the spot. At the same time, it's a good book to read if you're new to the UF genre, so you decide.
August 14, 2024
Packing it in at the 54% mark, nothing has happened, nothing!
Our character Julia is all over the place, meek, over confident, out of her depth, brazen for no good reason. She doesn’t make sense. Nor does the fact she is recruited, and something about tasting supernatural food kicks off the weird rare dna thing she has allowing her to see paranormal creatures ??? This is never explained, everyone just shrugs, her life is threatened if she doesn’t take the job, then the story meanders, meanders further, then it goes down tangent pathways that lead no where…. And nothing still hasn’t happened.
Life is too short
Our character Julia is all over the place, meek, over confident, out of her depth, brazen for no good reason. She doesn’t make sense. Nor does the fact she is recruited, and something about tasting supernatural food kicks off the weird rare dna thing she has allowing her to see paranormal creatures ??? This is never explained, everyone just shrugs, her life is threatened if she doesn’t take the job, then the story meanders, meanders further, then it goes down tangent pathways that lead no where…. And nothing still hasn’t happened.
Life is too short
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