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Outcast Season #2
Unknown
Living among mortals, the djinn Cassiel has developed a reluctant affection for them—especially for Warden Luis Rocha. As the mystery deepens around the kidnapping of innocent Warden children, Cassiel and Luis are the only ones who can investigate both the human and djinn realms. But the trail will lead them to a traitor who may be more powerful than they can handle...
305 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2010
61 people are currently reading
2747 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Caine
217 books19.3k followersRachel Caine was a pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad.
She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell
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She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
February 8, 2024
“Remove humans, and the world will recover. Mourn, yes. [...] Create more life to replace what was lost, as she has before. But if you remove the Djinn, if you remove Oracles, you attack the heart and brain and blood of the Earth. You destroy her. And that is what Pearl intends. She intends to be the murderer of this entire world.”Undone ended with the revelation of what exactly Cassiel refused to do for Ashan that led to her being outcast: Ashan asked her to obliterate humankind.
On a slightly frustrating note, its never specified why Cassiel has to be the one to do it — why she’s the only Djinn that apparently has the doomsday button for the human race. Why Ashan can’t outsource this or, hell, even do it himself? It’s a strange oversight.
However, what I like about this twist is how it doesn’t actually paint Ashan as a genocidal villain, so much as an impetuous one. All due to Pearl, an ancient Djinn who managed to eke out a broken existence to become closer in power to an Oracle than a Djinn. She's getting stronger from feeding off humanity. Once she’s strong enough she’ll devour the Djinn, and kill the Earth, in consequence.
It’s a matter of choosing one great devastation over the total annihilation of life as a concept, and I love that Caine doesn’t oversimplify that equation.
Unknown follows in the same footsteps as Undone as Cass and Luis continue their search for Ibby, his niece, and dealing with Pearl’s full-scale kidnapping of children with latent Warden abilities.
Cass travels to Sedona to speak to Imara, an Oracle, about tracking these kidnapped children. Imara gives her a scroll with every future-Warden child’s name worldwide and the usefulness of the scroll is never fully taken advantage of — maybe Caine is leaving that until book three, but to spend so long retrieving it, I expected a little more than for it to backfire critically after one or two uses.
That backfire does lead to an interesting scenario where Cass contemplates death or making a deal with a Djinn, Rashid, and chooses the third option of chopping off her left hand before the necrosis can spread.
There’s an interesting distinction made between Djinn Cass and human Cass that I’d like to be explored more.
However, Rashid eventually does get her to agree to a deal with him, and we get the second time in two books that a Djinn leverages aid to Cass under the condition she performs sexual favours. You’d think a Djinn would be more interesting, but no, just regular perverts. They bicker until its decided that Cass will owe Rashid her firstborn, and I just don’t understand what the point of any of that agreement is.
Maybe it’ll make sense later, but now its just an odd addition to an otherwise straightforward story.
Unknown is a solid follow-up to Undone, I’m just a little wary about the direction of this story as we get closer to a confrontation with Pearl, and the afterthought of a reveal that the US government are actively spying on the Wardens, and vice versa.
I want more time spent on the kidnapped children and less on government intrigue (Joanne's series has enough bureaucracy for both). And Caine seems to have considerably toned down Cassiel's ignorance of the world and its customs to degrees where she could absolutely read as just an average human protagonist. Cass hasn't had nearly enough development to earn that change.
April 28, 2013
This review has been cross posted on my blog. Check it out here for more book reviews!
Like all Rachel Caine books, Unknown was incredibly intense. But unlike the weather warden series, where the intensity is balanced out by Jo's snarky remarks and hilarious actions, fallen Djinn Cassiel is serious from start to finish.
The first book in the Outcast Season contained a different kind of humour, where the reformed Djinn observed human emotions with a clinical efficiency. However, the 2nd book of the Outcast Season seems to lack this humour, as the whole book has a very dark premise - Pearl, a Djinn enemy is using children with powers to do her bidding, including attacking Cassiel and her Earth warden companion, Luis Rocha.
It seems Rachel Caine has a knack for end of the world, apocalyptic scenarios, and while most of the Wardens are out on a cruise ship preventing a massive storm from consuming them (in Cape Storm, Weather Warden #8), Cassiel and Luis are busy with preventing Pearl from destroying humans, Djinn, and everything they stand for.
While I like Cassiel and her scary badass Djinn ways, the whole reason I liked the Undone was because the story seemed contained. We never really got a break from the whole epic feel in the weather warden series; the cast is always at odds with the rest of the world, until Undone, the first of the Outcast Season. It was refreshing reading about this Djinn developing human emotions for a young girl and her uncle, which added to the charm of the series.
Unfortunately, that's the reason why I didn't love Unknown as much as the weather warden series and the first Outcast book. The world is constantly under gun from multiple forces, and it seems a little too dire for the humans.
I'm still going to keep reading though, because I love Rachel Caine's work.
Like all Rachel Caine books, Unknown was incredibly intense. But unlike the weather warden series, where the intensity is balanced out by Jo's snarky remarks and hilarious actions, fallen Djinn Cassiel is serious from start to finish.
The first book in the Outcast Season contained a different kind of humour, where the reformed Djinn observed human emotions with a clinical efficiency. However, the 2nd book of the Outcast Season seems to lack this humour, as the whole book has a very dark premise - Pearl, a Djinn enemy is using children with powers to do her bidding, including attacking Cassiel and her Earth warden companion, Luis Rocha.
It seems Rachel Caine has a knack for end of the world, apocalyptic scenarios, and while most of the Wardens are out on a cruise ship preventing a massive storm from consuming them (in Cape Storm, Weather Warden #8), Cassiel and Luis are busy with preventing Pearl from destroying humans, Djinn, and everything they stand for.
While I like Cassiel and her scary badass Djinn ways, the whole reason I liked the Undone was because the story seemed contained. We never really got a break from the whole epic feel in the weather warden series; the cast is always at odds with the rest of the world, until Undone, the first of the Outcast Season. It was refreshing reading about this Djinn developing human emotions for a young girl and her uncle, which added to the charm of the series.
Unfortunately, that's the reason why I didn't love Unknown as much as the weather warden series and the first Outcast book. The world is constantly under gun from multiple forces, and it seems a little too dire for the humans.
I'm still going to keep reading though, because I love Rachel Caine's work.
August 21, 2022
Read as part of my ongoing shelf audit... sorta... because I also just bought this book over the summer when I found it for $1 at a used bookstore. Regardless - I've got the third and fourth books on library hold, but I'll be taking the first two back to said used bookstore anyway.
I still just don't quite click with this series the way I do with the original Weather Warden books, which I think may be a lot to do with the fact that Cassiel doesn't have the same compelling sense of self as Joanne Baldwin. Her process of self-discovery could be interesting on its own, except that it kind of takes a back seat to all the action sequences.
As with Undone, I remain intrigued by the series plot more than I'm engaged with the events of a particular installment. This is partly because, as of this book, the protagonists are forced into being reactive - they don't actually have enough information to be proactive, and so they get bounced around, beaten up, and led by the antagonist. That's great to raise the overall stakes, but not a very compelling story in and of itself.
Also, I'm starting to feel like Earth Wardens are a little overpowered. They can wipe memories, precision-vibrate someone's eardrum to 'talk' to them, and now make local changes to gravity? It's getting to be a bit much. Kind of wild when the people who can manipulate fire are starting to look like the least dangerous members of the group.
I still just don't quite click with this series the way I do with the original Weather Warden books, which I think may be a lot to do with the fact that Cassiel doesn't have the same compelling sense of self as Joanne Baldwin. Her process of self-discovery could be interesting on its own, except that it kind of takes a back seat to all the action sequences.
As with Undone, I remain intrigued by the series plot more than I'm engaged with the events of a particular installment. This is partly because, as of this book, the protagonists are forced into being reactive - they don't actually have enough information to be proactive, and so they get bounced around, beaten up, and led by the antagonist. That's great to raise the overall stakes, but not a very compelling story in and of itself.
Also, I'm starting to feel like Earth Wardens are a little overpowered. They can wipe memories, precision-vibrate someone's eardrum to 'talk' to them, and now make local changes to gravity? It's getting to be a bit much. Kind of wild when the people who can manipulate fire are starting to look like the least dangerous members of the group.
March 2, 2012
4.5 stars
Originally reviewed on my blog: http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
The Good
'It' Factor...
Sometimes I just can't figure out how Caine does it. She writes in such rich detail and description that you would think it would bore the reader, but no. She has so much action and fighting going on in Unknown you would think it would be too much, but no. She writes about such complex characters you would think they'd be hard to understand, but no. I think Caine has that 'it' factor, whatever the hell it means, doesn't matter, she's got it in spades. Sometimes I think it's not even the stories she writes that fascinate me so much, it's HOW she writes these stories that gets me every time.
Ch-Ch-Changes...
Cassiel is faced with a world-changing predicament. Give into Ashan, the Djinn conduit, and destroy all of humanity to ensure Djinn survival and her return as a Djinn, or fight with the humans (and remain one in the process) and hope that she can destroy Pearl, a one-time Djinn who has gained unspeakable power. The choice is not so easy anymore since Cassiel has turned human. Now her emotions control her actions and her growing attraction to Warden Luis Rocha has only solidified her determination to save the world. But with Luis's niece and many other kidnapped children in the hands of the monster Pearl, Cassiel doesn't know if she can win. Can she fight an army of well trained Warden children, even if they are trying to kill her and her friends, when her human side says never to hurt a child?
Up Sh!t Creek Without a Paddle...
Unknown starts off where Undone ends. It was revealed that Cassiel was cast out of the Djinn race for her refusal to destroy mankind. But even Cassiel has to admit that killing off every last human on Earth might be the only way to stop Pearl from destroying not only the world but all the Djinn as well. Soooo, yeah, Cassiel is pretty much up sh!t creek. Hey, but at least Luis will be at her side during the journey. Dying is so much more fun when you have a hunk at your side. Okay, maybe not, but a hottie at your side does make most things better.
Ms. Don't Call Me Cass, My Name's Cassiel...
I love Cassiel. I am literally obsessed with her character. I have this odd interest in characters without emotions. Characters that don't follow the status quo of what 'good' characters should be like. Experiencing the world through her eyes is almost hypnotic. She doesn't understand all the stupid crap humans do or put up with. She likes saying what she wants and doing what feels right, not worrying what society expects of her. Though turning human has taught her some things: weighing options before acting, how emotions make life worth living, how the physicality of the human body makes your time on the earth more precious because it's finite. But what's better than watching Cass learn her new world, is seeing what she was like as a Djinn. She pretty much was horrible, which is why I like her even more. I love flawed characters, ones who have not always been the heroes.
The Menfolk...
Sure, I like Luis, but he still hasn't sparked too much interest in me. He is the kind of guy that I like when he is around Cassiel and they are arguing and saving each other's lives, but I have a feeling that if I had to read a page with him as the main character, I would skip it. Now, I don't think he deserves to be in the bad section of my review because he is still an overall cool character, he just hasn't done it for me yet. Maybe in a few more books I will be under his spell. We shall see.
Now to the good part. The one, the only...Rashid. He's a new Djinn, unlike Cassiel who was once an old Djinn (born Djinn). The old Djinn think very little of the new Djinn, who were once humans. But with Cassiel being humanfied and fragile, Rashid has started taking an interest in her. But we don't know for sure what his true agenda is. Watching Cassiel fear a Djinn she would have once sneered for even existing is quite entertaining. Rashin thinks so, too. He is playing some kind of game with Cassiel, and I wish I knew what his goal is. But whatever it is, I can guarantee you it does not bode well for Cass.
When the Men are Scared of You, Then You Might have Gone Too Far...
I can't tell you how exciting Unknown was to read. Some scenes literally made my jaw drop in horror and fascination. The lengths Cassiel will go are just amazing. All I can say is she does something so shocking that she has to let her human consciousness hide while the Djinn part of her takes over and gets the job done. And when she did this thing, the men around her witnessing this act didn't even know what to do with themselves. They just sat their and stared at her in horror and fear. If I remember correctly, one person even threw-up from what he witnessed. So, yeah, good times.
I hate to say it but Cassiel might be even more interesting than Joanne (the main character in Caine's connected series, Weather Wardens). And I LOVED Joanne. But there is something about Cassiel that just hits every trait I love about main characters.
And So...
The storyline may not be the most unique but it still makes me want to read more. The action was fast-paced and abundant and the character development was superb. The pace was perfect, never a dull moment. I felt all the emotions: fear, excitement, joy, and shock. And with how this book ended, I need the next book STAT.
The Bad
Though I had as much fun reading this book as I did the first book of the series, I couldn't help but knock off a half a star for the dragged out plot. This book pretty much gained no momentum from the continued storyline of Undone. We just get a bunch of awesome actions scenes and crazy adventures then, pretty much, nothing is resolved once again. Come on, Caine, this is book two, you can't drag this same storyline on for this many books. Don't get me wrong, I love the concept, but having the characters running around trying to save the day two books in a row without any resolution is a little annoying.
The Snuggly
We get an almost sex scene which really annoyed me. Not that it wasn't well written or interesting. No, my problem is a little more scandalous. I wanted to scream in frustration when Cassiel and Luis got interrupted because I actually wanted them to have SEX. I think Luis is kind of a chicken when it comes to admitting his feelings for Cassiel, so I know he is going to overthink it and probably say it's not a good idea that they hook-up next time. Luis, you wuss, grow a pair and dive in because Cassiel is a cool chick who deserves to have her moment of fun. I can't believe I am fighting over imaginary sex. *bangs head on desk*
Overall
If not for the lack of an ending to the storyline that has lasted two books, I would say this book is perfect. I read it in two days and was sad to put it down. Cassiel has easily become my second favorite heroine in urban fantasy history, and I can't wait to see what Caine has in store for her next.
Excerpts
They (bikers) surrounded my Victory in a ring of metal and bodies.
I straddled the motorcycle, tossed the empty bottle effortlessly in the trash twenty feet away, and said, simply, "Move."
They laughed.
"That's a whole lot of bike for you, lady," one of them said. "You sure you can handle it?" That woke suggestions from several about what else I could handle, or might want to.
For answer, I gave the speaker a brilliant, false smile. "Your bike is also nice," I said. "Is it a ten speed?"
~
"I wanted to hate you," he continued softly, "but I couldn't. You're just...baffling."
"Baffling," I repeated. I rather enjoyed that description. "How so? I try to speak my mind."
"No shit." He pulled in a breath as I circled my hips on his. "Holy crap, don't do that."
"Is it because I wish to touch you? To remove your clothes and touch you everywhere, to know you completely?" I was not certain of human protocols in these matters, but Luis didn't seem offended. I leaned closer, slowly, and settled my arms around his neck. His skin felt hot and firm. "Because I wish to feel your body on mine? Your needs pounding through your veins?"
Originally reviewed on my blog: http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....
The Good
'It' Factor...
Sometimes I just can't figure out how Caine does it. She writes in such rich detail and description that you would think it would bore the reader, but no. She has so much action and fighting going on in Unknown you would think it would be too much, but no. She writes about such complex characters you would think they'd be hard to understand, but no. I think Caine has that 'it' factor, whatever the hell it means, doesn't matter, she's got it in spades. Sometimes I think it's not even the stories she writes that fascinate me so much, it's HOW she writes these stories that gets me every time.
Ch-Ch-Changes...
Cassiel is faced with a world-changing predicament. Give into Ashan, the Djinn conduit, and destroy all of humanity to ensure Djinn survival and her return as a Djinn, or fight with the humans (and remain one in the process) and hope that she can destroy Pearl, a one-time Djinn who has gained unspeakable power. The choice is not so easy anymore since Cassiel has turned human. Now her emotions control her actions and her growing attraction to Warden Luis Rocha has only solidified her determination to save the world. But with Luis's niece and many other kidnapped children in the hands of the monster Pearl, Cassiel doesn't know if she can win. Can she fight an army of well trained Warden children, even if they are trying to kill her and her friends, when her human side says never to hurt a child?
Up Sh!t Creek Without a Paddle...
Unknown starts off where Undone ends. It was revealed that Cassiel was cast out of the Djinn race for her refusal to destroy mankind. But even Cassiel has to admit that killing off every last human on Earth might be the only way to stop Pearl from destroying not only the world but all the Djinn as well. Soooo, yeah, Cassiel is pretty much up sh!t creek. Hey, but at least Luis will be at her side during the journey. Dying is so much more fun when you have a hunk at your side. Okay, maybe not, but a hottie at your side does make most things better.
Ms. Don't Call Me Cass, My Name's Cassiel...
I love Cassiel. I am literally obsessed with her character. I have this odd interest in characters without emotions. Characters that don't follow the status quo of what 'good' characters should be like. Experiencing the world through her eyes is almost hypnotic. She doesn't understand all the stupid crap humans do or put up with. She likes saying what she wants and doing what feels right, not worrying what society expects of her. Though turning human has taught her some things: weighing options before acting, how emotions make life worth living, how the physicality of the human body makes your time on the earth more precious because it's finite. But what's better than watching Cass learn her new world, is seeing what she was like as a Djinn. She pretty much was horrible, which is why I like her even more. I love flawed characters, ones who have not always been the heroes.
The Menfolk...
Sure, I like Luis, but he still hasn't sparked too much interest in me. He is the kind of guy that I like when he is around Cassiel and they are arguing and saving each other's lives, but I have a feeling that if I had to read a page with him as the main character, I would skip it. Now, I don't think he deserves to be in the bad section of my review because he is still an overall cool character, he just hasn't done it for me yet. Maybe in a few more books I will be under his spell. We shall see.
Now to the good part. The one, the only...Rashid. He's a new Djinn, unlike Cassiel who was once an old Djinn (born Djinn). The old Djinn think very little of the new Djinn, who were once humans. But with Cassiel being humanfied and fragile, Rashid has started taking an interest in her. But we don't know for sure what his true agenda is. Watching Cassiel fear a Djinn she would have once sneered for even existing is quite entertaining. Rashin thinks so, too. He is playing some kind of game with Cassiel, and I wish I knew what his goal is. But whatever it is, I can guarantee you it does not bode well for Cass.
When the Men are Scared of You, Then You Might have Gone Too Far...
I can't tell you how exciting Unknown was to read. Some scenes literally made my jaw drop in horror and fascination. The lengths Cassiel will go are just amazing. All I can say is she does something so shocking that she has to let her human consciousness hide while the Djinn part of her takes over and gets the job done. And when she did this thing, the men around her witnessing this act didn't even know what to do with themselves. They just sat their and stared at her in horror and fear. If I remember correctly, one person even threw-up from what he witnessed. So, yeah, good times.
I hate to say it but Cassiel might be even more interesting than Joanne (the main character in Caine's connected series, Weather Wardens). And I LOVED Joanne. But there is something about Cassiel that just hits every trait I love about main characters.
And So...
The storyline may not be the most unique but it still makes me want to read more. The action was fast-paced and abundant and the character development was superb. The pace was perfect, never a dull moment. I felt all the emotions: fear, excitement, joy, and shock. And with how this book ended, I need the next book STAT.
The Bad
Though I had as much fun reading this book as I did the first book of the series, I couldn't help but knock off a half a star for the dragged out plot. This book pretty much gained no momentum from the continued storyline of Undone. We just get a bunch of awesome actions scenes and crazy adventures then, pretty much, nothing is resolved once again. Come on, Caine, this is book two, you can't drag this same storyline on for this many books. Don't get me wrong, I love the concept, but having the characters running around trying to save the day two books in a row without any resolution is a little annoying.
The Snuggly
We get an almost sex scene which really annoyed me. Not that it wasn't well written or interesting. No, my problem is a little more scandalous. I wanted to scream in frustration when Cassiel and Luis got interrupted because I actually wanted them to have SEX. I think Luis is kind of a chicken when it comes to admitting his feelings for Cassiel, so I know he is going to overthink it and probably say it's not a good idea that they hook-up next time. Luis, you wuss, grow a pair and dive in because Cassiel is a cool chick who deserves to have her moment of fun. I can't believe I am fighting over imaginary sex. *bangs head on desk*
Overall
If not for the lack of an ending to the storyline that has lasted two books, I would say this book is perfect. I read it in two days and was sad to put it down. Cassiel has easily become my second favorite heroine in urban fantasy history, and I can't wait to see what Caine has in store for her next.
Excerpts
They (bikers) surrounded my Victory in a ring of metal and bodies.
I straddled the motorcycle, tossed the empty bottle effortlessly in the trash twenty feet away, and said, simply, "Move."
They laughed.
"That's a whole lot of bike for you, lady," one of them said. "You sure you can handle it?" That woke suggestions from several about what else I could handle, or might want to.
For answer, I gave the speaker a brilliant, false smile. "Your bike is also nice," I said. "Is it a ten speed?"
~
"I wanted to hate you," he continued softly, "but I couldn't. You're just...baffling."
"Baffling," I repeated. I rather enjoyed that description. "How so? I try to speak my mind."
"No shit." He pulled in a breath as I circled my hips on his. "Holy crap, don't do that."
"Is it because I wish to touch you? To remove your clothes and touch you everywhere, to know you completely?" I was not certain of human protocols in these matters, but Luis didn't seem offended. I leaned closer, slowly, and settled my arms around his neck. His skin felt hot and firm. "Because I wish to feel your body on mine? Your needs pounding through your veins?"
August 1, 2011
Rachel Caine is one prolific author. She writes three different series' of books, all within the urban fantasy genre, and she manages to put out sequels to all three yearly. And while the quality of her books is quite good in comparison to most, there are signs that Caine's writing is getting a bit formulaic.
In "Unknown," the second book of her Outcast Season series, Caine continues the story of Cassiel, a Djinn that has been cast to Earth and stripped of her powers. Forced to rely on the Wardens for her survival Cassiel is first assigned to Manny Rocha, but after a tragic series of events that kills Manny, she teams up with his brother Luis as she hunts down the rogue Djinn responsible for Manny's death and the abduction of his daughter.
When Cassiel is first cast out she struggles to integrate with humanity. She is no longer a powerful Djinn but carries their immortal arrogance. But Manny and his family somehow penetrated her wall of indifference and now she's determined to avenge the family she feels she failed to protect.
The first book in the Outcast Season series was good for two main reasons: a unique plot and interesting characterizations. But "Unknown" doesn't quite capture the essence of the first book and it seems as if Caine has reached the point where she is writing her stories by rote.
Paranormal fantasy seems to have become the genre of non-stop action with a little magic thrown in for good measure. A very common trend is for the story to have a strong female lead character, lots of busy work for her to do and approximately 300 pages to do it in. Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs and Caine-- among others-- follow this pattern to the letter. Sometimes this formula works but when it doesn't the reader is just ingesting mindless action without any real character development; and I'm afraid that's the trap "Unknown" falls into.
The problem with "Unknown" is that the only character that seems to have any arc at all is Cassiel herself. Sometimes that's enough, but in this case Luis Rocha is giving a prominent role in the book, but has virtually no backstory of his own. Another issue is that the story hasn't really progressed from the last book to this one. It almost feels as if the same plot line has been regurgitated for an extra book and once it ended, I'm still not sure that we won't be treated to a nearly identical version of this tale next time around.
Maybe I'm getting a little jaded. I've read several other reviews of this book that give it the thumbs up. But by the end I felt as if I was being led on a frantic journey that couldn't quite keep me interested because I had already read this book. I like the idea of the story, but wasn't enthralled with the execution.
In "Unknown," the second book of her Outcast Season series, Caine continues the story of Cassiel, a Djinn that has been cast to Earth and stripped of her powers. Forced to rely on the Wardens for her survival Cassiel is first assigned to Manny Rocha, but after a tragic series of events that kills Manny, she teams up with his brother Luis as she hunts down the rogue Djinn responsible for Manny's death and the abduction of his daughter.
When Cassiel is first cast out she struggles to integrate with humanity. She is no longer a powerful Djinn but carries their immortal arrogance. But Manny and his family somehow penetrated her wall of indifference and now she's determined to avenge the family she feels she failed to protect.
The first book in the Outcast Season series was good for two main reasons: a unique plot and interesting characterizations. But "Unknown" doesn't quite capture the essence of the first book and it seems as if Caine has reached the point where she is writing her stories by rote.
Paranormal fantasy seems to have become the genre of non-stop action with a little magic thrown in for good measure. A very common trend is for the story to have a strong female lead character, lots of busy work for her to do and approximately 300 pages to do it in. Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs and Caine-- among others-- follow this pattern to the letter. Sometimes this formula works but when it doesn't the reader is just ingesting mindless action without any real character development; and I'm afraid that's the trap "Unknown" falls into.
The problem with "Unknown" is that the only character that seems to have any arc at all is Cassiel herself. Sometimes that's enough, but in this case Luis Rocha is giving a prominent role in the book, but has virtually no backstory of his own. Another issue is that the story hasn't really progressed from the last book to this one. It almost feels as if the same plot line has been regurgitated for an extra book and once it ended, I'm still not sure that we won't be treated to a nearly identical version of this tale next time around.
Maybe I'm getting a little jaded. I've read several other reviews of this book that give it the thumbs up. But by the end I felt as if I was being led on a frantic journey that couldn't quite keep me interested because I had already read this book. I like the idea of the story, but wasn't enthralled with the execution.
November 9, 2011
I enjoyed it. It started off on a bad note when they got pulled into healing a little girl through a situation that was way too coincidental, it was one of those cases of author laziness that makes me nuts. There was no reason for anyone to have been able to find them or pull them into that situation, it was just annoying. But it got better after that. What I really like about this series and the Weather Warden series is that the women (Cassiel and Joanne) are solidly the heroes but the men (Luis, David, and Lewis) are still strong. The author manages to isolate the women enough with good enough reasons that they get to take center stage in the stories without emasculating the men or the romances at the same time, very tricky to handle. Often if the woman is the hero then then man has to take a back seat, it's hard to have him be an actual partner in a series with a woman lead character, but this author manages it. In fact, so far, I think she's managing it better with Luis than with David. He's a lot more interesting. David was a knight in shining armor from day one, even though she tried to introduce levels, but Luis is a real man, which makes him more interesting to me. I'm not quite as sure about Cass, I think the author may be trying a bit too hard to hammer her point home sometimes (suddenly human with human emotions, it's all a bit too fast), but she's fine.
One picky complaint is that she named this guy Luis when such a major character in nine other books in the same world, a character occasionally mentioned in these books, is named Lewis. My eyes play tricks in me sometimes and I get them mixed up.
As usual, it's hard for me to say if non-Weather Warden fans would dig it, but I'm getting more confident that if they tried this series they'd like it fine, and probably get sucked into trying the other, of course.
One picky complaint is that she named this guy Luis when such a major character in nine other books in the same world, a character occasionally mentioned in these books, is named Lewis. My eyes play tricks in me sometimes and I get them mixed up.
As usual, it's hard for me to say if non-Weather Warden fans would dig it, but I'm getting more confident that if they tried this series they'd like it fine, and probably get sucked into trying the other, of course.
October 17, 2021
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J’avais hâte de retrouver Cassiel et Luis dans cette nouvelle aventure. La fin du premier tome laissait présager beaucoup d’action et c’est bien le cas. J’ai vraiment adoré ma lecture et je pense que la suite va devenir de plus en plus intense.
Notre ancienne Djinn qui doit composer avec un corps humain n’est pas au bout de ses peines. Maintenant qu’elle sait qui est derrière les enlèvements d’enfants et quel est le but de leur ennemie, elle se donne pour mission de l’arrêter par n’importe quel moyen. Mais ce tome montre aussi que sa psyché va évoluer et que ça manière de penser et d’agir aussi. Bon on ne la change pas complètement mais on voit son évolution.
Ce qui donne aussi une nouvelle dynamique dans ce tome c’est la relation entre Luis et Cassiel, ce n’est pas simple pour eux d’avoir un tel lien et leur relation est bien plus douce que le caractère des personnages. C’est un contraste intéressant qui permet de calmer parfois la violence des événements qu’ils subissent.
Si je devais y voir un petit bémol c’est le fait de moins découvrir le personnage de Luis. Certes l’on sait que c’est un gardien puissant, avec du tempérament, qu’il voit aussi des changements chez Cassiel et qu’elle l’attire plus qu’elle ne devrait. Mais ça pourrait être vraiment plus développé.
Je dois dire que j’adore ma lecture et que j’ai déjà hâte d’avoir la suite. Rachel Caine est une auteure merveilleuse et les univers qu’elle propose sont travaillés, développés. Les personnages ne sont pas noirs ou blancs mais tout en nuances et ça fait du bien de ne pas savoir comment les choses vont évoluer au tiers du récit.
Il faut absolument lire le premier tome pour poursuivre avec celui-ci. Le rythme est très soutenu et le lecteur n’est pas épargné, c’est pour moi de l’excellent Urban Fantasy et si vous aimez le genre alors il ne faut plus attendre pour plonger dans cette série.
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
J’avais hâte de retrouver Cassiel et Luis dans cette nouvelle aventure. La fin du premier tome laissait présager beaucoup d’action et c’est bien le cas. J’ai vraiment adoré ma lecture et je pense que la suite va devenir de plus en plus intense.
Notre ancienne Djinn qui doit composer avec un corps humain n’est pas au bout de ses peines. Maintenant qu’elle sait qui est derrière les enlèvements d’enfants et quel est le but de leur ennemie, elle se donne pour mission de l’arrêter par n’importe quel moyen. Mais ce tome montre aussi que sa psyché va évoluer et que ça manière de penser et d’agir aussi. Bon on ne la change pas complètement mais on voit son évolution.
Ce qui donne aussi une nouvelle dynamique dans ce tome c’est la relation entre Luis et Cassiel, ce n’est pas simple pour eux d’avoir un tel lien et leur relation est bien plus douce que le caractère des personnages. C’est un contraste intéressant qui permet de calmer parfois la violence des événements qu’ils subissent.
Si je devais y voir un petit bémol c’est le fait de moins découvrir le personnage de Luis. Certes l’on sait que c’est un gardien puissant, avec du tempérament, qu’il voit aussi des changements chez Cassiel et qu’elle l’attire plus qu’elle ne devrait. Mais ça pourrait être vraiment plus développé.
Je dois dire que j’adore ma lecture et que j’ai déjà hâte d’avoir la suite. Rachel Caine est une auteure merveilleuse et les univers qu’elle propose sont travaillés, développés. Les personnages ne sont pas noirs ou blancs mais tout en nuances et ça fait du bien de ne pas savoir comment les choses vont évoluer au tiers du récit.
Il faut absolument lire le premier tome pour poursuivre avec celui-ci. Le rythme est très soutenu et le lecteur n’est pas épargné, c’est pour moi de l’excellent Urban Fantasy et si vous aimez le genre alors il ne faut plus attendre pour plonger dans cette série.
September 18, 2021
Yeah, this was such a great read, loved how everything continued, and I can't wait to read book 3!
October 18, 2015
I've said it before but I'll happily say it again - I'm a massive fan of Rachel Caine's Weather Warden series, in fact I'd rate it right up there amongst my all time favorite urban fantasy series for it's fast paced, action packed, unique story lines and fantastic well drawn out characters. Of course I was expecting to like the spin off Outcast Season series but what has surprised me is the fact that I think I'm growing to love these books even more than I love the Weather Warden ones. Although I would recommend reading the Weather Warden series first I think you can probably pick up this series first if you prefer - I would say it's vital to read each series in order though so don't read Unknown unless you've already read the first Outcast Season book Undone.
Cassiel was one of the old Djinn, one of the first who was created and has been around since before humans even existed. She has been cast out by her leader Ashan after refusing to obey his order to destroy humanity and is now in human form. Cut off from her own source of power she has been forced to work with the Weather Wardens so she can use them as a link to gain the power she needs. This isn't easy for Cassiel who has never had any interest in humans before but living among the Wardens has started to change her in ways that she would never have expected. She has found herself growing to care for some of them, Luis and his niece Ibby in particular. With Weather Warden children going missing, seemingly taken by an old enemy that Cassiel believed was dead, it is up to Cassiel and Luis to try and figure out what is happening and find a way to get the children back.
Jo (from the Weather Warden series) is one of my favorite fictional heroines and in a lot of ways Cassiel is her complete opposite but I love her just as much. I love the way Rachel Caine has captured her personality and made her thought process feel so alien. From everything we know of the Djinn from the previous series the majority of them come across as cold and uncaring and this shows through in Cassiel. As much as they don't sound like great qualities to have in a heroine it is the way that you see Cassiel change as the books progress that make her such a lovable character. Watching her come to care for those around her has been really interesting but I also love the way that she still does or says things that prove she still has more to learn.
I'm also really liking Luis and the way things are developing between the two of them. There was no trust between them in the beginning but they are slowly coming to rely on each other. The chemistry between them is great but their romance has a slow build to it that I'm enjoying. Things between them are both sweet and funny (especially Cassiel's thoughts about Luis and the effect he has on her) but I'm expecting the heat levels to go through the roof when they finally get their acts together.
If you're already a fan of the Weather Warden series then you'll know to expect a action packed thrill ride when reading any of Rachel Caine's adult books (I'm sure this is probably the case in her YA Morganville vampire series too but I've not read any of them yet so I can't comment) and Unknown will not disappoint. If you liked Undone then you're sure to love this installment to the series and if you haven't started reading the Outcast Season books yet then you should definitely give them a try.
Cassiel was one of the old Djinn, one of the first who was created and has been around since before humans even existed. She has been cast out by her leader Ashan after refusing to obey his order to destroy humanity and is now in human form. Cut off from her own source of power she has been forced to work with the Weather Wardens so she can use them as a link to gain the power she needs. This isn't easy for Cassiel who has never had any interest in humans before but living among the Wardens has started to change her in ways that she would never have expected. She has found herself growing to care for some of them, Luis and his niece Ibby in particular. With Weather Warden children going missing, seemingly taken by an old enemy that Cassiel believed was dead, it is up to Cassiel and Luis to try and figure out what is happening and find a way to get the children back.
Jo (from the Weather Warden series) is one of my favorite fictional heroines and in a lot of ways Cassiel is her complete opposite but I love her just as much. I love the way Rachel Caine has captured her personality and made her thought process feel so alien. From everything we know of the Djinn from the previous series the majority of them come across as cold and uncaring and this shows through in Cassiel. As much as they don't sound like great qualities to have in a heroine it is the way that you see Cassiel change as the books progress that make her such a lovable character. Watching her come to care for those around her has been really interesting but I also love the way that she still does or says things that prove she still has more to learn.
I'm also really liking Luis and the way things are developing between the two of them. There was no trust between them in the beginning but they are slowly coming to rely on each other. The chemistry between them is great but their romance has a slow build to it that I'm enjoying. Things between them are both sweet and funny (especially Cassiel's thoughts about Luis and the effect he has on her) but I'm expecting the heat levels to go through the roof when they finally get their acts together.
If you're already a fan of the Weather Warden series then you'll know to expect a action packed thrill ride when reading any of Rachel Caine's adult books (I'm sure this is probably the case in her YA Morganville vampire series too but I've not read any of them yet so I can't comment) and Unknown will not disappoint. If you liked Undone then you're sure to love this installment to the series and if you haven't started reading the Outcast Season books yet then you should definitely give them a try.
March 18, 2010
Cassiel, a Djinn-turned-human, is faced with a huge predicament revealed at the end of Undone: give in to Ashan's demands and thus, become Djinn again, or fight Pearl--a malevolent force she destroyed thousands of years ago--but as a human this time.
Paired with Luis Rocha, the duo are constantly attacked by child soldiers trained by Pearl. Not only that, but more and more reports of missing children are popping up everywhere they turn. Isabel, kidnapped in the prior installment of this series, is still missing. Perhaps there is a link between these children and Ibby's disappearance?
I am in love. I thought that I enjoyed the Weather Warden series, but Cassiel's story definitely beats Joanne's in my books.
The slow and steady shift from Djinn to human is what intrigued me the most with this newest installment. Djinn in Caine's universe are cold and calculating, yet we see such warmth in Cassiel's character. It is a sudden, significant shift that occurred in Undone, and one that was written beautifully and explored further in Unknown. It is important to note, however, that while Cassiel is human and acts more human with each and every page, the Djinn in her still pops up here and there throughout the book. Reintroducing the cold and calculating back into Cassiel's character added a new and interesting twist for me. The shift between the two is both subtle and smooth, and the reactions from all the secondary characters are amusing, to say the least.
The strange physical attraction Cassiel felt towards the Earth Warden, Luis, in Undone has sparked romance betwixt the duo now. Said romance is not only believable, but also charming, hilarious, and absolutely "aww!"-worthy. Unknown ended on such a beautiful note, I squealed in delight and hugged the book to my chest in glee.
Wondering if you should start this series by Ms. Caine? I highly suggest you do.
Paired with Luis Rocha, the duo are constantly attacked by child soldiers trained by Pearl. Not only that, but more and more reports of missing children are popping up everywhere they turn. Isabel, kidnapped in the prior installment of this series, is still missing. Perhaps there is a link between these children and Ibby's disappearance?
I am in love. I thought that I enjoyed the Weather Warden series, but Cassiel's story definitely beats Joanne's in my books.
The slow and steady shift from Djinn to human is what intrigued me the most with this newest installment. Djinn in Caine's universe are cold and calculating, yet we see such warmth in Cassiel's character. It is a sudden, significant shift that occurred in Undone, and one that was written beautifully and explored further in Unknown. It is important to note, however, that while Cassiel is human and acts more human with each and every page, the Djinn in her still pops up here and there throughout the book. Reintroducing the cold and calculating back into Cassiel's character added a new and interesting twist for me. The shift between the two is both subtle and smooth, and the reactions from all the secondary characters are amusing, to say the least.
The strange physical attraction Cassiel felt towards the Earth Warden, Luis, in Undone has sparked romance betwixt the duo now. Said romance is not only believable, but also charming, hilarious, and absolutely "aww!"-worthy. Unknown ended on such a beautiful note, I squealed in delight and hugged the book to my chest in glee.
Wondering if you should start this series by Ms. Caine? I highly suggest you do.
April 18, 2013
This book was non-stop action from beginning to end. There was really barely any time between issues to stop and take a breath or to progress the relationship between Luis and Cassiel. I was kind hoping for a little bit of downtime like Jo and David got in the Weather Warden series, but I think that Cassiel and her gang have their hands full right out of the gate. Their situation almost seems too dire to get out of and I can’t wait to see how Rachel Caine works this out. Really, how do you save the world from someone who doesn’t care who they destroy? From someone who ultimately wants everyone to suffer and perish?
I still adore Cassiel and I love seeing her grow as a character/human. The badass Cassiel is definitely still in there. No one in either this series or the Weather Warden series would have been able to handle a certain situation in this book the way that Cass did. She is practical, but is now also looking to her human side to make decisions and I can’t wait to see how she continues to evolve. I also can’t wait to see how her relationship with Luis grows. In such a short time their time together has been a roller coaster of love, hate, respect and admiration. I have a vision of what I hope happens in the end and I can’t wait to get there to see if I am going to get what I want.
I also like that this series/book has explained some things that I felt were kind of missing from the Weather Warden series, especially in regards to the Ma’at. I also like that we were told just where this book falls in regards to the Weather Warden timeline. It really kind of drives home just how dire things are in both situations and makes me even more eager to get to Cassiel and Luis’ finale so I can see how things work out for them.
I still adore Cassiel and I love seeing her grow as a character/human. The badass Cassiel is definitely still in there. No one in either this series or the Weather Warden series would have been able to handle a certain situation in this book the way that Cass did. She is practical, but is now also looking to her human side to make decisions and I can’t wait to see how she continues to evolve. I also can’t wait to see how her relationship with Luis grows. In such a short time their time together has been a roller coaster of love, hate, respect and admiration. I have a vision of what I hope happens in the end and I can’t wait to get there to see if I am going to get what I want.
I also like that this series/book has explained some things that I felt were kind of missing from the Weather Warden series, especially in regards to the Ma’at. I also like that we were told just where this book falls in regards to the Weather Warden timeline. It really kind of drives home just how dire things are in both situations and makes me even more eager to get to Cassiel and Luis’ finale so I can see how things work out for them.
August 3, 2016
Full disclosure: this is the first of Rachel Caine’s books that I’ve read. For the most part I was able to follow along quite well—nicely done on Ms. Caine’s part—although of course I would have gotten more out of Unknown if I had the background.
Cassiel is fundamentally alien without being randomly weird or boringly wooden. One of the more skillful things Ms. Caine has done is depict the very gradual changes Cassiel is going through as she adjusts to her humanity. I also very much enjoyed the interplay between her and Luis, and the ways in which their relationship adapts and changes.
Unknown is fast-paced and filled with danger and tragedy. The plot is intriguing, and the villain is interesting. That does lead to my one negative, though: I had a hard time getting a handle on the logic of the villain’s abilities vs. weaknesses. Thus, some of the events during the most heated times of conflict seemed somewhat arbitrary.
I look forward to reading the first book in the series, as well as following along with later installments.
NOTE: review book provided by publisher.
For a longer review including premise, you can visit my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2014/05/r...
Cassiel is fundamentally alien without being randomly weird or boringly wooden. One of the more skillful things Ms. Caine has done is depict the very gradual changes Cassiel is going through as she adjusts to her humanity. I also very much enjoyed the interplay between her and Luis, and the ways in which their relationship adapts and changes.
Unknown is fast-paced and filled with danger and tragedy. The plot is intriguing, and the villain is interesting. That does lead to my one negative, though: I had a hard time getting a handle on the logic of the villain’s abilities vs. weaknesses. Thus, some of the events during the most heated times of conflict seemed somewhat arbitrary.
I look forward to reading the first book in the series, as well as following along with later installments.
NOTE: review book provided by publisher.
For a longer review including premise, you can visit my site: http://www.errantdreams.com/2014/05/r...
April 24, 2010
I admit it. I'm a Rachel Caine junkie. i got hooked on the Weather Warden series and now I'm thoroughly hooked on the Outcast Season series. I think I might actually like Cassiel better than I liked Joanna. (I know, insert gasp here).
This is what I love about these books. I can expect for 300ish pages to get tons of action, steamy hot characters (with none of the smut that's typically accompanying said steamy hot characters), guns, crime-fighting, magic, fantasy and a story that has so many twists and turns it's impossible to see where it will end.
That's what Rachel Caine has given me in every single one of these Warden books I've read and she did it again in Unknown. So. Much. Fun.
This is what I love about these books. I can expect for 300ish pages to get tons of action, steamy hot characters (with none of the smut that's typically accompanying said steamy hot characters), guns, crime-fighting, magic, fantasy and a story that has so many twists and turns it's impossible to see where it will end.
That's what Rachel Caine has given me in every single one of these Warden books I've read and she did it again in Unknown. So. Much. Fun.
February 19, 2010
I cannot rave enough about this book. Cassiel is an amazing character who makes you want to hug her then slap her. She gets to unleash a little bit of her Djinn craziness and when she does, holy cow! I gasped, I laughed, I swooned, and I almost cried because this book was just made of awesomesauce!
June 18, 2018
62 points/100 (3.25 stars/5).
There are still children missing, and Djinn, Wardens, and humans alike after Cassiel (and by extension Luis). As the mystery deepens, the situation gets even more dangerous, and they're desperate to find both Luis' niece and the rest of the children.
Definite dip in enjoyment this book compared to Undone. Last book was interesting because it had Cassiel learning to be human. This book doesn't really have much going for it on its own. Despite taking place maybe a few days after becoming human, Cassiel has basically fully assimilated into being human. This book forsakes everything in order to cram as much action into it, yet it still manages to cram in half a sex scene.
The best thing about this series was the fact that Cassiel was never human, and now she is. Almost everything about this fact has been erased except when it suits the plot. It is frustrating how quickly Cassiel "assimilated" to being human. It is only relevant at all when she appears slightly less than what the people around her expect her to be for the situation (despite everyone acting different, and her not acting too different from the rest - or worse, exactly the same as everyone else is acting). The only other time it comes up is when the author choose a really inconvenient time to explore her "human feelings, ethics, and morals". All of this is incredibly frustrating, and doesn't really make for a good read.
The events in this book can be categorised in two different ways. The first way is Cassiel does something morally or ethically questionable, for a human, and everyone looks at her weird for it but it is the right call. This is especially annoying, because this was the choice they were always going to make this choice, Caine just had to highlight her otherness with these scenes. The second way things play out is Cassiel makes a boneheaded decision, lets see how it comes back to bite her in the ass later!
The book has pretty much zero downtime. Things like eating and sleeping are mostly forgotten about, despite the book going on for several days. For the most part, the only time they get any real sleep is when they're knocked out, which really is not a real sleep. They get hurt so often in this book, and they "drain themselves of power" so much that the fact that basic life necessities are missed is really glaring. This book is seriously gogogogogogogo, gotta go have to do what I've set out to do, everything depends on it. It is absolutely exhausting.
While the book does spike up my adrenaline a bit, it feels artificially done so. Despite the adrenaline, it doesn't really mean I find the plot especially interesting. It feels pretty bland, even. None of the events stand out as being overly important or that there is any specific purpose to them having happened the way they do. It is like the events could have unfolded in any way the author could have come up with, because the outcome would have been the same either way because that is "The Plan".
This romance still feels completely off-balance to me. The disparity in powers is incredible. Not only is there the whole djinn powers + human powers (which isn't all that bad, really, except that Cassiel could still turn into cold Cassiel), there is the fact that both of them could easily hold something over the other in order to get what they want. They don't have the relationship yet where this would never happen (and the way it is going, they never will have that sort of relationship, either). Not to mention the fact that Cassiel literally has to feed off of him in order to survive. While mildly cute, it is an incredibly creepy relationship, leaves me feeling uneasy.
Not as good a book as the last one was. At least this book didn't really end on a cliffhanger, those are annoying.
There are still children missing, and Djinn, Wardens, and humans alike after Cassiel (and by extension Luis). As the mystery deepens, the situation gets even more dangerous, and they're desperate to find both Luis' niece and the rest of the children.
Definite dip in enjoyment this book compared to Undone. Last book was interesting because it had Cassiel learning to be human. This book doesn't really have much going for it on its own. Despite taking place maybe a few days after becoming human, Cassiel has basically fully assimilated into being human. This book forsakes everything in order to cram as much action into it, yet it still manages to cram in half a sex scene.
The best thing about this series was the fact that Cassiel was never human, and now she is. Almost everything about this fact has been erased except when it suits the plot. It is frustrating how quickly Cassiel "assimilated" to being human. It is only relevant at all when she appears slightly less than what the people around her expect her to be for the situation (despite everyone acting different, and her not acting too different from the rest - or worse, exactly the same as everyone else is acting). The only other time it comes up is when the author choose a really inconvenient time to explore her "human feelings, ethics, and morals". All of this is incredibly frustrating, and doesn't really make for a good read.
The events in this book can be categorised in two different ways. The first way is Cassiel does something morally or ethically questionable, for a human, and everyone looks at her weird for it but it is the right call. This is especially annoying, because this was the choice they were always going to make this choice, Caine just had to highlight her otherness with these scenes. The second way things play out is Cassiel makes a boneheaded decision, lets see how it comes back to bite her in the ass later!
The book has pretty much zero downtime. Things like eating and sleeping are mostly forgotten about, despite the book going on for several days. For the most part, the only time they get any real sleep is when they're knocked out, which really is not a real sleep. They get hurt so often in this book, and they "drain themselves of power" so much that the fact that basic life necessities are missed is really glaring. This book is seriously gogogogogogogo, gotta go have to do what I've set out to do, everything depends on it. It is absolutely exhausting.
While the book does spike up my adrenaline a bit, it feels artificially done so. Despite the adrenaline, it doesn't really mean I find the plot especially interesting. It feels pretty bland, even. None of the events stand out as being overly important or that there is any specific purpose to them having happened the way they do. It is like the events could have unfolded in any way the author could have come up with, because the outcome would have been the same either way because that is "The Plan".
This romance still feels completely off-balance to me. The disparity in powers is incredible. Not only is there the whole djinn powers + human powers (which isn't all that bad, really, except that Cassiel could still turn into cold Cassiel), there is the fact that both of them could easily hold something over the other in order to get what they want. They don't have the relationship yet where this would never happen (and the way it is going, they never will have that sort of relationship, either). Not to mention the fact that Cassiel literally has to feed off of him in order to survive. While mildly cute, it is an incredibly creepy relationship, leaves me feeling uneasy.
Not as good a book as the last one was. At least this book didn't really end on a cliffhanger, those are annoying.
Read
February 1, 2021In the second book of Outcast Season, Cassiel and Luis keep right on from where we left them, trying to thwart the evil former djinn, Pearl, who is kidnapping talented children and training them to be her mindless followers. The end game for Pearl is to force Cassiel to do that for which she was exiled, destroy the human race.
The romantic and sexual tension between Luis and Cassiel continues to build in this novel. I have to give Ms. Caine credit for not having her protagonists give in to their primal urges - that's a rare thing in the world of urban fantasy today.
The pace continues to be fast and frantic, with our duo racing to find the missing children and rescue them. The tough thing is that the children don't really want to be rescued. They've been brainwashed into believing that Luis and Cassiel are the villains, having been shown illusions of their parents being murdered by Cassiel.
Our heroes forge some new alliances, e.g., getting the FBI to help track down Pearl's fortresses in remote areas, and to participate in a raid on one of those compounds. Cassiel also convinces one of the New Djinn, Rashid, to help fight Pearl and her minions.
It's a good thing that Cassiel and Luis are able to channel power back and forth between them, as the number of times they're seriously wounded in a fight, and have to be miraculously healed borders on the absurd. I'll keep forging ahead to find out how it all turns out, but I'm forced to suspend my critical faculties far too often while reading the series.
The romantic and sexual tension between Luis and Cassiel continues to build in this novel. I have to give Ms. Caine credit for not having her protagonists give in to their primal urges - that's a rare thing in the world of urban fantasy today.
The pace continues to be fast and frantic, with our duo racing to find the missing children and rescue them. The tough thing is that the children don't really want to be rescued. They've been brainwashed into believing that Luis and Cassiel are the villains, having been shown illusions of their parents being murdered by Cassiel.
Our heroes forge some new alliances, e.g., getting the FBI to help track down Pearl's fortresses in remote areas, and to participate in a raid on one of those compounds. Cassiel also convinces one of the New Djinn, Rashid, to help fight Pearl and her minions.
It's a good thing that Cassiel and Luis are able to channel power back and forth between them, as the number of times they're seriously wounded in a fight, and have to be miraculously healed borders on the absurd. I'll keep forging ahead to find out how it all turns out, but I'm forced to suspend my critical faculties far too often while reading the series.
July 3, 2018
DNF @ 68%
The amount of suspension of disbelief this book required was...unbelievable.
Loved the concept, but too many "rules of the universe" were ignored/stomped all over by the protagonists for my liking.
The amount of suspension of disbelief this book required was...unbelievable.
Loved the concept, but too many "rules of the universe" were ignored/stomped all over by the protagonists for my liking.
May 18, 2023
The second book in the Outcast Season series finds Cassiel becoming more human and falling in love with Earth Warden Luis Rocha. They are both on a quest to rescue Luis's niece who has been kidnapped by Pearl along with many other Warden children to be turned into weapons in her war against humanity.
Cassiel is conflicted and alone. She was exiled from the Djinn and turned human because she refused to massacre humanity. Her leader believes that this is the only way to defeat Pearl and save the Djinn. More and more Cassiel fears that he might be right. But the more she spends time with humans, the more determined she is to find a way to defeat Pearl and still save humanity.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding in this story. I am also getting to like Cassiel more as she becomes more involved with humans and their problems.
Cassiel is conflicted and alone. She was exiled from the Djinn and turned human because she refused to massacre humanity. Her leader believes that this is the only way to defeat Pearl and save the Djinn. More and more Cassiel fears that he might be right. But the more she spends time with humans, the more determined she is to find a way to defeat Pearl and still save humanity.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding in this story. I am also getting to like Cassiel more as she becomes more involved with humans and their problems.
October 28, 2017
A former Djinn is trying to destroy another outcast Djinn that she foolishly didn't completely destroy in their last battle. Now, it looks like the only way to destroy her enemy is to destroy all of humanity, including the child and Warden she's come to love as she becomes more human. Hesitant to kill those she loves, and billions of other strangers, Cass and Luis struggle to stop Pearl from abducting more children to twist into powerful evil soldiers while she hides her time to destroy th Djinn who cast her out and made her crazy in th first place. This ends with a battle, but the war is still far from won and Cass is running out of power and out of options. What will she do to herself to save humanity next?
March 21, 2018
I had forgotten how rare boring bits are in this particular series - as soon as one battle is won (or at least at a draw), another one explodes out at you, usually from behind and when least expected. Not necessarily a bad thing, but if you are ill and a little feverish (as I was while reading a good chunk of this) and/or pron to anxiety, it is definitely not a particularly restful read. I actually had to stop reading and wait until I was feeling better to finish.
That's was really my only big issue, though - I'd just rather not be stressed out by what is supposed to be a chill and sedate hobby. If you aren't sick and/or pron to anxiety, however, and like a good action/disaster flick with explosions and - bonus - an actual plot, have at it and enjoy.
That's was really my only big issue, though - I'd just rather not be stressed out by what is supposed to be a chill and sedate hobby. If you aren't sick and/or pron to anxiety, however, and like a good action/disaster flick with explosions and - bonus - an actual plot, have at it and enjoy.
October 25, 2018
I ended up reading this one because there was no audio version and found that I enjoyed it very much. I so often listen and love the experience but this reminded me that Caine is really a good writer. It has her trade mark nonstop action with likeable characters. And another thing that was a surprise that I would have missed if I'd been listening to a recording, is that at the end of the book she has an extensive list of music she listened to while writing. I found that I very much enjoyed the long list of Blues-Rock songs. My thanks to Rachel Caine for the many hours of entertainment I've enjoyed with her books and now her musical recommendations as well.
February 15, 2017
Cass has become aware that the nuclear option of wiping out humanity might become the only option to stop Pearl from destroying everything, and it horrifies her. She and Luis struggle to find children with Warden powers who have gone missing and realize Pearl is raising an army, and that it's a distraction. Through it all, Cass questions her identity as djinn and fears the djinn persona locked deep in her person. She's been cut off by the djinn, even for help, and the Wardens are in bad shape. Can this be won? Will she have to destroy herself in the process? Really action-packed.
August 17, 2020
This second book in the Outcast Season series picks up right where the first left off as Cassiel, a Djinn turned into a human, and Weather Warden Luis are searching for Luis' missing niece after the death of her parents. As with many of the author's novels, the plot moves along fairly quickly with the background of Cassiel seamlessly woven into the story. Not to delve into spoiler territory, but there are several surprises thrown in along the way that will impact Cassiel for the rest of her human life. You don't really need to read the first book to enjoy the second, but it is recommended.
March 26, 2018
I liked book #2 even better than #1
I had a hard time with the first book getting into the Djinn frame of mind did not flow easily at first but by the end of the first book I was getting hooked and the second totally hooked me. Perfect for readers who was to get away vamps and breeds for a breather. More adult than the young adult of Morganville series which I liked also. Keeps this 60+ young at heart!!
I had a hard time with the first book getting into the Djinn frame of mind did not flow easily at first but by the end of the first book I was getting hooked and the second totally hooked me. Perfect for readers who was to get away vamps and breeds for a breather. More adult than the young adult of Morganville series which I liked also. Keeps this 60+ young at heart!!
November 3, 2019
I really enjoy the main character Cass is this series. She's just so awkward but also cool. It's great watching her get used to being human. I also like the other characters and the story. Going on to book 3.
April 17, 2020
I really enjoyed the relationship between Luis and Cassiel. I liked the book a lot, but the end felt a little anticlimactic. The best past is that it didn't end with a big cliffhanger, so I won't be freaking out for the next year.
July 14, 2017
Another heart-pounding, fast-paced episode in the Outcast Season series. So much happens so often, it's hard to keep up!
September 2, 2017
I thought this was well written with great characters.
February 7, 2018
Interesting and adventurous. Not predictable like many other novels of its kind. An enjoyable read.
February 19, 2018
Not as good as the first in the series - but I will read the next one. Plot feels a bit thin in this one - reads like one long chase with the main female character having no real power.
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