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Gatherers #2
Stealing Kathryn
New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank invites you to explore a strange and sensuous world of darkest desire ruled by an extraordinary being who is about to meet his earthly match. . .
Sandman. Angus. Morpheus. He is known by many names, except his true one, Adrian. When he departs his world, it is to enter the sacred space of sleep, and he is not there to sow sweet dreams. Adrian's mission is to reap the dark energy of nightmares, work that has twisted his soul as well as his once-handsome face. Now, he lives only to await the day darkness finally overcomes him. . .and to collect exquisite reminders of what he's lost. . .
But there is one treasure that stands apart. Having risked everything to obtain her, Adrian soon realizes his mistake. For Kathryn has a wholly unexpected power over him, not only for what she represents, but for what for she a soul with desires as strong as his own, tempered by compassion that could save Adrian from his self-made hell--or condemn them both. . .
Praise for the Novels of Jacquelyn Frank
"A lush narrative sure to please readers who have longed for new gothic and darkly romantic tales." -- Booklist on Gideon
"Frank's Nightwalker series depicts an engrossing alternate world, drawn in prose that is lush and lyrical." --Linda Howard
Sandman. Angus. Morpheus. He is known by many names, except his true one, Adrian. When he departs his world, it is to enter the sacred space of sleep, and he is not there to sow sweet dreams. Adrian's mission is to reap the dark energy of nightmares, work that has twisted his soul as well as his once-handsome face. Now, he lives only to await the day darkness finally overcomes him. . .and to collect exquisite reminders of what he's lost. . .
But there is one treasure that stands apart. Having risked everything to obtain her, Adrian soon realizes his mistake. For Kathryn has a wholly unexpected power over him, not only for what she represents, but for what for she a soul with desires as strong as his own, tempered by compassion that could save Adrian from his self-made hell--or condemn them both. . .
Praise for the Novels of Jacquelyn Frank
"A lush narrative sure to please readers who have longed for new gothic and darkly romantic tales." -- Booklist on Gideon
"Frank's Nightwalker series depicts an engrossing alternate world, drawn in prose that is lush and lyrical." --Linda Howard
363 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 27, 2010
24 people are currently reading
1326 people want to read
About the author
Jacquelyn Frank
85 books3,428 followersI live in Asheville NC and have written a book...or two...or is it ten?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 21, 2011
The first couple chapters of this book, I thought, “Uh-oh, for the first time I’m not going to like a Jacquelyn Frank book.” I was disappointed, to say the least. And also premature in my thoughts.
I actually should have known better, because I enjoy the worlds she creates with dreams, the human mind, and her characters. The way this book starts out with the hero and his mirror and how he kidnaps Kathryn wasn’t working for me. It made Adrian seem too bizarre and the story darker than I usually like. But I’m glad I hung on.
Adrian is a keeper of treasures, beautiful items he’s collected over the years as he’s taken the negative energy from humans’ dreams that his people desperately need to survive. So when he finds Kathryn in her dreams, he’s so taken with her that he continues to go back to her when there’s no need. And then he decides to add her to his collection.
And that’s literally. He puts her in the same room, locks her in, going back to look often as he does with any of his treasures. Of course, Kathryn is not liking it one bit, though at first she feels sorry for the misshapen creature until she discovers he’s her captor. Fearing her father and sister will die of their illness before she can return home, Kathryn finally succumbs to a deep sleep after pounding her hands raw on the door that no one ever opens to release her so she can go home.
After a failed attempt by Adrian and his twin, Aerlyn, who has the opposite assignment for their people of collecting good, positive energy, to manipulate Kathryn through her dreams to believe she’s mending from an accident and will be home with her family soon, Adrian and Kathryn begin to spend more time together and he’s amazed that she’s no longer afraid of him, though his temper is still fierce but his visage is beginning to return to its former self.
Called before their governing body for his behavior, Adrian claims Kathryn is his kindra, his one true mate, the woman destined only for him. He is given a week to make the claim true, but he will never force Kathryn into such an intimate situation until she’s ready, if she ever is. But seeing himself return to normal, to the man he used to be, Adrian believes she really is his kindra, despite the doubt from all others.
Once it becomes clear what Adrian has given up for his people and when the changes in him occur because of Kathryn’s kindness and ultimate love, I couldn’t help but love this hero. The scenes between them are at times volatile and then at others the emotion just emanates from Adrian as he struggles to keep his word to Kathryn and his temper under control.
Ms. Frank is one of those authors for me who gives a reader something unique every time, and I was clearly short-sighted with this book to doubt the story and the characters so early. Adrian is that scarred hero, inside and out, that I love to read. If I had followed my first instinct to perhaps put the book down, I would never have met the true Adrian and what he’s capable of.
I’ve learned my lesson.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
I actually should have known better, because I enjoy the worlds she creates with dreams, the human mind, and her characters. The way this book starts out with the hero and his mirror and how he kidnaps Kathryn wasn’t working for me. It made Adrian seem too bizarre and the story darker than I usually like. But I’m glad I hung on.
Adrian is a keeper of treasures, beautiful items he’s collected over the years as he’s taken the negative energy from humans’ dreams that his people desperately need to survive. So when he finds Kathryn in her dreams, he’s so taken with her that he continues to go back to her when there’s no need. And then he decides to add her to his collection.
And that’s literally. He puts her in the same room, locks her in, going back to look often as he does with any of his treasures. Of course, Kathryn is not liking it one bit, though at first she feels sorry for the misshapen creature until she discovers he’s her captor. Fearing her father and sister will die of their illness before she can return home, Kathryn finally succumbs to a deep sleep after pounding her hands raw on the door that no one ever opens to release her so she can go home.
After a failed attempt by Adrian and his twin, Aerlyn, who has the opposite assignment for their people of collecting good, positive energy, to manipulate Kathryn through her dreams to believe she’s mending from an accident and will be home with her family soon, Adrian and Kathryn begin to spend more time together and he’s amazed that she’s no longer afraid of him, though his temper is still fierce but his visage is beginning to return to its former self.
Called before their governing body for his behavior, Adrian claims Kathryn is his kindra, his one true mate, the woman destined only for him. He is given a week to make the claim true, but he will never force Kathryn into such an intimate situation until she’s ready, if she ever is. But seeing himself return to normal, to the man he used to be, Adrian believes she really is his kindra, despite the doubt from all others.
Once it becomes clear what Adrian has given up for his people and when the changes in him occur because of Kathryn’s kindness and ultimate love, I couldn’t help but love this hero. The scenes between them are at times volatile and then at others the emotion just emanates from Adrian as he struggles to keep his word to Kathryn and his temper under control.
Ms. Frank is one of those authors for me who gives a reader something unique every time, and I was clearly short-sighted with this book to doubt the story and the characters so early. Adrian is that scarred hero, inside and out, that I love to read. If I had followed my first instinct to perhaps put the book down, I would never have met the true Adrian and what he’s capable of.
I’ve learned my lesson.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
May 6, 2010
Read Full Review Here
How could I not read this book with a teaser like this..
And then I knew…I. Need. This. Book.
Adrian is the Freddy Kruger of the dream realm. He reaps dark energy off of human nightmares, feeding off of fear, darkness, and people’s deepest darkest desires to siphon energy to his people. Katheryn is an innocent; she doesn’t know she is encountering Adrian in her dreams…or in her case, nightmares. Lured by her dark need for forced seduction, Adrian kidnaps her and places her in his treasure room. Outside the dream realm, he is hideously formed with fangs, hunchback, and a deformed face. Is Kathryn’s innocent power enough to save his soul….?
Stealing Kathryn is an erotic take on the story of The Beauty and The Beast transported to the realm of dreams. Adrian, a Guardian lives off of energy, in order to keep his people alive he enters dreams and feeds off of people’s dark desires and fear. Without this he people would starve – after many years he has lost his emotions and humanity. Given to extreme displays of rage and in several scenes he actually backhands his sister Aerlyn – Adrian is a beast. Frank expounds on why he behaves this way but just prepare yourselves, his character is a tad ‘dark’.
Kathryn on the other hand is an innocent who captivates Adrian to the point that he steals her away for his own pleasure. I did feel that Kathryn conceded a bit quickly given that this crazy, monster-beast kidnaps her, scares her to death and yet she “knows” she needs to treat him with kindness. That somehow her amplification of goodness and kindness will rehabilitate his brutish ways. Hookay…I’m a huge fan of the whole dark warrior kidnaps the innocent maid, I have a whole shelf dedicated to Jaid Black’s Viking series, however, Frank’s use of Kathryn’s ‘innocence’ was flimsy and a bit forced. Her immediate compliance made her appear weak-willed and powerless. Had Frank focused more on the relationship build-up where Kathryn can see that Adrian isn’t’ really a monster, but that his Guardian duties have made him the way he is, I would have bought this reconstruction through innocence angle a bit more. Also, after Adrian claims her as his kadrin (mate), she is never allowed to go back to her family, a point that was EXTREMELY glossed over.
What I liked most about Stealing Kathryn is Frank’s ability to weave sensual, erotic scenes throughout the book. That’s code for hot sexy time. Kathryn and Adrian’s first time is when he is still somewhat of a beast and if I hadn’t read a few Nancy Friday stories, I think I would have had to speed dial my therapist and ask her why I think deformed animals are sexy. At times, in his ‘beast form’ Adrian was described as being twice the size of a man…’down there’… which combined with Kathryn’s innocent but curious nature made these scenes very sensual and dare I saw naughty. And the things he did with his claws *bits lip* you’ll just have to read and find out.
All in all Stealing Kathryn is an erotic/paranormal hybrid that integrates one of my most beloved fairy tales with some erotic steaminess. Despite some ho-hums regarding the main heroine I was still able to enjoy the story and am secretly online shopping for future Halloween costumes for hubs:
claws
fangs
hunchback
For those of you liked Rapture, or rough n’ tuff beasties, this one’s for you.
3 1/2 Smokin' Smooches
How could I not read this book with a teaser like this..
You are so easy, he remarked. “Just a nibble on your neck and you’re ready to throw open your legs for me.”
And then I knew…I. Need. This. Book.
Adrian is the Freddy Kruger of the dream realm. He reaps dark energy off of human nightmares, feeding off of fear, darkness, and people’s deepest darkest desires to siphon energy to his people. Katheryn is an innocent; she doesn’t know she is encountering Adrian in her dreams…or in her case, nightmares. Lured by her dark need for forced seduction, Adrian kidnaps her and places her in his treasure room. Outside the dream realm, he is hideously formed with fangs, hunchback, and a deformed face. Is Kathryn’s innocent power enough to save his soul….?
Stealing Kathryn is an erotic take on the story of The Beauty and The Beast transported to the realm of dreams. Adrian, a Guardian lives off of energy, in order to keep his people alive he enters dreams and feeds off of people’s dark desires and fear. Without this he people would starve – after many years he has lost his emotions and humanity. Given to extreme displays of rage and in several scenes he actually backhands his sister Aerlyn – Adrian is a beast. Frank expounds on why he behaves this way but just prepare yourselves, his character is a tad ‘dark’.
Kathryn on the other hand is an innocent who captivates Adrian to the point that he steals her away for his own pleasure. I did feel that Kathryn conceded a bit quickly given that this crazy, monster-beast kidnaps her, scares her to death and yet she “knows” she needs to treat him with kindness. That somehow her amplification of goodness and kindness will rehabilitate his brutish ways. Hookay…I’m a huge fan of the whole dark warrior kidnaps the innocent maid, I have a whole shelf dedicated to Jaid Black’s Viking series, however, Frank’s use of Kathryn’s ‘innocence’ was flimsy and a bit forced. Her immediate compliance made her appear weak-willed and powerless. Had Frank focused more on the relationship build-up where Kathryn can see that Adrian isn’t’ really a monster, but that his Guardian duties have made him the way he is, I would have bought this reconstruction through innocence angle a bit more. Also, after Adrian claims her as his kadrin (mate), she is never allowed to go back to her family, a point that was EXTREMELY glossed over.
What I liked most about Stealing Kathryn is Frank’s ability to weave sensual, erotic scenes throughout the book. That’s code for hot sexy time. Kathryn and Adrian’s first time is when he is still somewhat of a beast and if I hadn’t read a few Nancy Friday stories, I think I would have had to speed dial my therapist and ask her why I think deformed animals are sexy. At times, in his ‘beast form’ Adrian was described as being twice the size of a man…’down there’… which combined with Kathryn’s innocent but curious nature made these scenes very sensual and dare I saw naughty. And the things he did with his claws *bits lip* you’ll just have to read and find out.
All in all Stealing Kathryn is an erotic/paranormal hybrid that integrates one of my most beloved fairy tales with some erotic steaminess. Despite some ho-hums regarding the main heroine I was still able to enjoy the story and am secretly online shopping for future Halloween costumes for hubs:
claws
fangs
hunchback
For those of you liked Rapture, or rough n’ tuff beasties, this one’s for you.
3 1/2 Smokin' Smooches
February 7, 2015
3,5 Stars
This book took me forever to read. Although I end up really enjoying it, I just had a difficult time getting throught the first 50 pages. It was so confusing. Then it went smoothly but I just know that if I was really into it I would have finish it a long time ago, so for this only 3,5 stars.
Stealing Kathryn felt to me a little like the Beauty and the Beast tale. We have our main characters Adrian and Kathryn (of course). Adrian is a collector of energy throught human dreams, but only dreams of nightmares. Because of this negative energy he has changed phisically to became a monster with claws and sharp theet and a number of other things. Kathryn is a girl who lives in Austrália with her father and little sister in their farm. She is stuck there taking care of the family estate and being a mom and housewife for everyone. Throught her dreams Adrian meets her and decides he wants her for himself, so he kidnaps Kathryn to his world. From there forward we see their relashionship evolve and what they mean to each other.
This book has romance, sexy times and fantasy/paranormal elements. If you like these you should give it a try :)
This book took me forever to read. Although I end up really enjoying it, I just had a difficult time getting throught the first 50 pages. It was so confusing. Then it went smoothly but I just know that if I was really into it I would have finish it a long time ago, so for this only 3,5 stars.
Stealing Kathryn felt to me a little like the Beauty and the Beast tale. We have our main characters Adrian and Kathryn (of course). Adrian is a collector of energy throught human dreams, but only dreams of nightmares. Because of this negative energy he has changed phisically to became a monster with claws and sharp theet and a number of other things. Kathryn is a girl who lives in Austrália with her father and little sister in their farm. She is stuck there taking care of the family estate and being a mom and housewife for everyone. Throught her dreams Adrian meets her and decides he wants her for himself, so he kidnaps Kathryn to his world. From there forward we see their relashionship evolve and what they mean to each other.
This book has romance, sexy times and fantasy/paranormal elements. If you like these you should give it a try :)
July 27, 2010
It's official; I take back many of the reservations I had about the Gatherer series. While Hunting Julian, the first book, didn't exactly ring my bell, this second book was a definite winner for me. Combine the vivid worldbuilding and unique setting of the first book with a clever reworking of the Beauty and the Beast story and introduce some characters that will make perfect leads for future books (but not so many that the story bogs down or the pacing suffers) and you've got a book that's lush, vivid, and engrossing.
By all accounts, Adrian is not a nice guy. He's so warped by his duties to his people that he's basically sitting around waiting to expire; only his sense of duty, his infatuation with Kathryn, and his vague recollections of love for his twin sister are keeping him from exiting the mortal coil.
Kathryn isn't much of a catch either; trapped in a cycle of codependency by a father who loves her but wants a housekeeper-wife but doesn't want to go to the trouble of getting married again and a sister whose health problems pose another full time job, Kathryn's life is one of duty and obligation but little fun or joy. Kathryn's dreams are the only place where she has any sense of identity at all; Adrian finds this very engrossing to say the least.
Adrian takes matters into his own hands and brings Kathryn to his temporary home, ostensibly
to take her place among the treasures and baubles he's collected over generations. Kathryn is no wilting flower, though, and makes it clear that Adrian can get stuffed if he expects her to just sit back and take whatever he feels like dishing out. When he, in his infinite insensitivity, points out that Kathryn's life up until this point has consisted entirely of sitting back and taking whatever people feel like dishing out, Kathryn doesn't know what to make of that; the seeds of self awareness are officially sown.
The primary theme of this book is that it's never to late to change and that changing as a result of one's circumstances isn't always a bad thing; Adrian becomes less monstrous and more human as his relationship with Kathryn deepens and takes shape. Kathryn, likewise, learns that she doesn't have to be a doormat and that sometimes people we think we're helping just wish we would move on; there's a really poignant scene where Kathryn visits her sister's dreams to say goodbye and learns that the world will move on without her, and not in a bad way.
This book has all the characteristics of my favorite Jacquelyn Frank novels; great setting, vivid details, a spicy, spicy romance (VERY spicy, in fact), and characters who have depth as well as stamina, so to speak. I'm now officially excited to read more in this series, which shows that giving the benefit of the doubt can sometimes pay off in a big way, and after all, that's kind of what this book is trying to communicate from the beginning.
Overall Grade: A-
Check out other reviews at What Book is That?
By all accounts, Adrian is not a nice guy. He's so warped by his duties to his people that he's basically sitting around waiting to expire; only his sense of duty, his infatuation with Kathryn, and his vague recollections of love for his twin sister are keeping him from exiting the mortal coil.
Kathryn isn't much of a catch either; trapped in a cycle of codependency by a father who loves her but wants a housekeeper-wife but doesn't want to go to the trouble of getting married again and a sister whose health problems pose another full time job, Kathryn's life is one of duty and obligation but little fun or joy. Kathryn's dreams are the only place where she has any sense of identity at all; Adrian finds this very engrossing to say the least.
Adrian takes matters into his own hands and brings Kathryn to his temporary home, ostensibly
to take her place among the treasures and baubles he's collected over generations. Kathryn is no wilting flower, though, and makes it clear that Adrian can get stuffed if he expects her to just sit back and take whatever he feels like dishing out. When he, in his infinite insensitivity, points out that Kathryn's life up until this point has consisted entirely of sitting back and taking whatever people feel like dishing out, Kathryn doesn't know what to make of that; the seeds of self awareness are officially sown.
The primary theme of this book is that it's never to late to change and that changing as a result of one's circumstances isn't always a bad thing; Adrian becomes less monstrous and more human as his relationship with Kathryn deepens and takes shape. Kathryn, likewise, learns that she doesn't have to be a doormat and that sometimes people we think we're helping just wish we would move on; there's a really poignant scene where Kathryn visits her sister's dreams to say goodbye and learns that the world will move on without her, and not in a bad way.
This book has all the characteristics of my favorite Jacquelyn Frank novels; great setting, vivid details, a spicy, spicy romance (VERY spicy, in fact), and characters who have depth as well as stamina, so to speak. I'm now officially excited to read more in this series, which shows that giving the benefit of the doubt can sometimes pay off in a big way, and after all, that's kind of what this book is trying to communicate from the beginning.
Overall Grade: A-
Check out other reviews at What Book is That?
November 3, 2011
If you are into slightly dark and twisted paranormal romances, this book is definitely for you! When I first started Stealing Kathryn, I was kind of put off by the depiction of the main character...of course, that was before I realized this was a twisted re-telling of Beauty and the Beast.
I very much like Frank's writing style and I found her world creation and creativity intriguing. The story can stand alone; however, it is better if you read the first Gatherer's story as the characters from that book make a reappearance.
I very much like Frank's writing style and I found her world creation and creativity intriguing. The story can stand alone; however, it is better if you read the first Gatherer's story as the characters from that book make a reappearance.
October 4, 2012
I loved the idea that good energy could shed away evil that one has been exposed to for decades. Love how the story progressed though I wish there would have been more interaction with people of Beneath. Really hope she would continue this series. Kathryn and Adrian are just a joy to read about. Always nice to see such tortured souls prevail in the end.
January 1, 2022
3 1/2
So much better than the first; a beauty and the beast story.
Adrian has become a monster both internally and externally as he collects energy from the nightmares of others. He has lost all care and humanity (not human) though he sister think he is still in there somewhere. She has been trying to calm his beast for years but the leaders, Ampliphi, think that his time might be up and his contribution of energy over.
Adrian is obsessed with one of the many human's that he collects the energy of nightmares from. He promotes the nightmare but they come from the thoughts within. This young one has been in one sort of prison and he thinks it is time for her to be put in with his treasures, another sort of prison. Only once taken, he realizes that she is more than one of his many treasures and might be the end of him. He claims her as Kindra a special kind of mate that will draw down so much energy that they are revered but it is the only way in his society to keep a woman for himself. As they get to know one another, Adrian slowly reverts to his former self, and starts to care if he may have signed is end by claiming her as kindra or might she actually be? As some forces want he gone, it will not be easy to prove their relationship as well as learn to live back in society without anger.
It was a pretty good Beauty and the Beast story with a better romance than the the first book.
So much better than the first; a beauty and the beast story.
Adrian has become a monster both internally and externally as he collects energy from the nightmares of others. He has lost all care and humanity (not human) though he sister think he is still in there somewhere. She has been trying to calm his beast for years but the leaders, Ampliphi, think that his time might be up and his contribution of energy over.
Adrian is obsessed with one of the many human's that he collects the energy of nightmares from. He promotes the nightmare but they come from the thoughts within. This young one has been in one sort of prison and he thinks it is time for her to be put in with his treasures, another sort of prison. Only once taken, he realizes that she is more than one of his many treasures and might be the end of him. He claims her as Kindra a special kind of mate that will draw down so much energy that they are revered but it is the only way in his society to keep a woman for himself. As they get to know one another, Adrian slowly reverts to his former self, and starts to care if he may have signed is end by claiming her as kindra or might she actually be? As some forces want he gone, it will not be easy to prove their relationship as well as learn to live back in society without anger.
It was a pretty good Beauty and the Beast story with a better romance than the the first book.
March 16, 2018
Stealing Kathryn is the 2nd book in the Gatherers series and is very much a Beauty and the Beast-type story. The main focus is on the development of Adrian and Kathryn's relationship rather than any type of conflict with outside forces. I would highly suggest reading Hunting Julian first because there is very little world development in this book. This is a much darker story than the first book but it was still very enjoyable.
July 7, 2017
This was super delicious!! I must have more.
October 4, 2017
DNF at 30%
December 5, 2017
A little difficult start
April 24, 2018
Hot hot hot
Abduction fantasy I. The dream world. Very spicy. It had a Good ending, interesting world building. I liked this book.
Abduction fantasy I. The dream world. Very spicy. It had a Good ending, interesting world building. I liked this book.
July 23, 2018
Not really feeling it
September 13, 2024
I really liked this book. I enjoyed the series, & I would recommend this author. There's passion and romance mixed into a great story. The series is a "read again" one
July 20, 2015
2.5
This was a tough one. It gets back on track and parallels to book 1 between Pages 50-80 if you can hang on the long.
I really thought I was going to DNF STEALING KATHRYN. The first 50 pages were so weird that only skimming reviews and flipping through the book and seeing some pretty juicy moments kept me going.
Adrian takes energy from nightmares. This has caused him to become a monster both on the inside and outside. He lives in exile with his twin sister who collects energy from happy dreams. For months Adrian has been stalking Kathryn in her nightmares before he finally brings her across his mirror and into his reality.
Like Asia in HUNTING JULIAN, Kathryn can no longer go home. When Adrian declares her his Kindra, the Ampliphi give him a week to prove it while secretly see it as an opportunity to get rid of a beast that has gotten out of control.
However, Adrian begins to change back into a man the longer he is with Kathryn. He loses his beast appearance and conscious.
Kathryn was a two sided coin. At times she hated Adrian for stealing her and then at other times she loved the adventure she was on. She took to Beneath much better than Asia did and fought for Adrian’s life when he faced death from the Ampliphi.
Adrian was also complexed with his beastly thoughts of Kathryn as treasure he owned and truly loving her. He opened her eyes to a whole new world and luckily for him, it paid off.
This was a tough one. It gets back on track and parallels to book 1 between Pages 50-80 if you can hang on the long.
I really thought I was going to DNF STEALING KATHRYN. The first 50 pages were so weird that only skimming reviews and flipping through the book and seeing some pretty juicy moments kept me going.
Adrian takes energy from nightmares. This has caused him to become a monster both on the inside and outside. He lives in exile with his twin sister who collects energy from happy dreams. For months Adrian has been stalking Kathryn in her nightmares before he finally brings her across his mirror and into his reality.
Like Asia in HUNTING JULIAN, Kathryn can no longer go home. When Adrian declares her his Kindra, the Ampliphi give him a week to prove it while secretly see it as an opportunity to get rid of a beast that has gotten out of control.
However, Adrian begins to change back into a man the longer he is with Kathryn. He loses his beast appearance and conscious.
Kathryn was a two sided coin. At times she hated Adrian for stealing her and then at other times she loved the adventure she was on. She took to Beneath much better than Asia did and fought for Adrian’s life when he faced death from the Ampliphi.
Adrian was also complexed with his beastly thoughts of Kathryn as treasure he owned and truly loving her. He opened her eyes to a whole new world and luckily for him, it paid off.
June 21, 2010
I really love Jacquelyn Frank which is why I read the second in The Gatherers series when I really didn't like the first one. I'm glad I did. It wasn't awesome like her previous books (I think that has more to do with I'm not enchanted with this new world she created rather than her writing skills), but it was a much better read. Perhaps because when the two main characters - Kathryn and Adrian - fight there are good reasons for it.
Kathryn is a woman at the end of her rope as she cares for her sick father and sister on a ranch in Australia. Adrian is no longer a man, but more a monster who invades Kathryn's dreams and turns them into nightmares. That is his power - he is able to gather the energy of nightmares and channel it back to his people who feed on all kinds of energy, and he has done so for decades. Sadly, being in constant contact with such darkness has turned Adrian into a beast.
But when he finds Kathryn, he steals her and brings her to his world. From there, Adrian learns how strong Kathryn is and how strong two people can be when they have love on their side.
Kathryn is a woman at the end of her rope as she cares for her sick father and sister on a ranch in Australia. Adrian is no longer a man, but more a monster who invades Kathryn's dreams and turns them into nightmares. That is his power - he is able to gather the energy of nightmares and channel it back to his people who feed on all kinds of energy, and he has done so for decades. Sadly, being in constant contact with such darkness has turned Adrian into a beast.
But when he finds Kathryn, he steals her and brings her to his world. From there, Adrian learns how strong Kathryn is and how strong two people can be when they have love on their side.
October 5, 2016
Sandman. Angus. Morpheus. This one man has many names in the many lands of Earth. He longs to be called by his own name, Adrian. An other worldly crash course on beauty and the beast. He was the beast of legend that put the terror in night-terrors. He was the one that stole into your dreams and caused it all to break apart. After many, many years of harvesting the energy his people needed, it took it tole on who he was and his appearance. He had two people that knew him for who he was before and presently. Only one truly loved. He needed someone to love him for him. One nigh he found one that he connected to and decided that she was a treasure he could not pass on.
Kathryn one day wakes to find herself closed in a room full of precious items. Later to find that she too was counted among those treasures. Her life began to change in ways she could have never imagined. Until she saw the world she was in for what it was. Truths come to light and she finds there are things out there the can truly frighten the soul.
Kathryn one day wakes to find herself closed in a room full of precious items. Later to find that she too was counted among those treasures. Her life began to change in ways she could have never imagined. Until she saw the world she was in for what it was. Truths come to light and she finds there are things out there the can truly frighten the soul.
July 17, 2010
This is the second book in the Gatherer series, and although I liked it I didn't feel it was as good as the first book. It took me a little while to get into the book and I found myself putting it down quite frequently.
There was less world building which I didn't like because the world was the reason I really enjoyed the first book. That was what separated this series from others I have read before. This book seemed more like a futuristic re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. Also, the main female character of Kathryn I found to just be annoying. She was too good and too innocent, after awhile I just rolled me eyes at her comments and actions.
I will read the next book, but if it's not that good, this will be the end of me reading this series.
I wish Frank would put her efforts into continuing to write her other series, The Nightwalkers.
There was less world building which I didn't like because the world was the reason I really enjoyed the first book. That was what separated this series from others I have read before. This book seemed more like a futuristic re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. Also, the main female character of Kathryn I found to just be annoying. She was too good and too innocent, after awhile I just rolled me eyes at her comments and actions.
I will read the next book, but if it's not that good, this will be the end of me reading this series.
I wish Frank would put her efforts into continuing to write her other series, The Nightwalkers.
October 16, 2011
I loved this book. A play on beauty and the beast done quite spectacularly! I loved both Adrian and Kathryn equally. I enjoy the great sci-fi/fantasy aspect of Ms. Frank's writing. Adrian is a casualty of his sacrifice for the lives of his people. He has toiled so long in the nightmare realm that is has twisted him into a grotesque monster. The pinnacle of his madness is reached when he steals Kathryn from her family and plans to keep her lock-up in his room of plundered treasure. He sees her as the ultimate prize. Taking a woman out of her realm is punishable by death in his world and she will never be returned because the law will not allow it. As Ms. Frank weaves a HEA out of this plot the reader is just hooked: bait, line and sinker!
March 29, 2016
It was pretty good ,there were some things that i would have done differently but over all it was a good read.
I love Adrian there is just something about him that makes you really feel for him ,at first you don't think that there is gonna be anything that you would like about him but once you learn more about him the more you see what a great guy he is.
I liked Kathryn but there were times where i was like grr ,but after you get to know her you start to like her ,it was funny to see her and Adrian get together at first because they both didn't really know anything about relationships and it was great to see this build their own in a different way then others would have.
I love Adrian there is just something about him that makes you really feel for him ,at first you don't think that there is gonna be anything that you would like about him but once you learn more about him the more you see what a great guy he is.
I liked Kathryn but there were times where i was like grr ,but after you get to know her you start to like her ,it was funny to see her and Adrian get together at first because they both didn't really know anything about relationships and it was great to see this build their own in a different way then others would have.
February 14, 2011
Ok this book was awesome...again Jacquelyn took me away! The love story is great and captured me! I love how hard Adrian tries to be better for his kindra, and I love the way she loves him even with his flaws! The secondary characters are great as well, I loved how Kine was when they all went out to dinner, and the way they all talk about the other Gardians! Seriously can't wait to read more on Shade. I will admit that I teared up in the last chapter!! I really enjoyed the dynamic of the love story in this one... they all have a love story, but this was an interesting twist on the beauty and the beast type romance! Highly recommended!
October 30, 2010
2nd in this new series from Jacquelyn Frank. I liked this one far better than the 1st in the series. I simply didn't care for the female MC in the 1st book. I liked all the characters in this book including some of the ones I met in the 1st one. Kathryn is absolutely darling and strong. Adrian gets more and more attractive, sexual and appealing as the story moves forward. Like all good romance there is a happy ending but the journey getting there is what interests me the most. Their journey was wonderful and full of ups and downs. I can't wait for the next in the series. Bravo Ms Frank.
February 20, 2011
3.5 stars.
I wanted to give this story 4 stars but I didnt really start to enjoy the book until the middle-ish end.
The crazy-ness that was Adrian was just too out there to even grasps. After the story kinda got fleshed out ( I didn't read book 1 so that could have been where some of my confusion came from) I really got into the story. I loved the world Jacquelyn Frank created. The romance was oh so great. I've even heard it compared to beauty and the beast and I believe in it's simplistic form it could be labeled as such but this story is so much more.
I wanted to give this story 4 stars but I didnt really start to enjoy the book until the middle-ish end.
The crazy-ness that was Adrian was just too out there to even grasps. After the story kinda got fleshed out ( I didn't read book 1 so that could have been where some of my confusion came from) I really got into the story. I loved the world Jacquelyn Frank created. The romance was oh so great. I've even heard it compared to beauty and the beast and I believe in it's simplistic form it could be labeled as such but this story is so much more.
December 14, 2013
I read this book before I read book one. I did enjoy it, even though it went along with most romances. It did have that extra umph with it though. The plot of twins controlling good and bad dreams through a mirror was original.
Kathryn was pretty darn understand person if you ask me. But all in all she wanted out anyway.
The Beast as most call him, has always had some sort of soft spot. hence his treasure room.
Overall this review is short. I enjoyed it as much as her other books. recommend if you like her writings.
Kathryn was pretty darn understand person if you ask me. But all in all she wanted out anyway.
The Beast as most call him, has always had some sort of soft spot. hence his treasure room.
Overall this review is short. I enjoyed it as much as her other books. recommend if you like her writings.
January 27, 2012
I love this series, the world building to me is new and unique, didn't find the story as good as the first one but then I loved it anyway. Adrian Starting out the way he did was a pleasant change and to be honest if he had stayed that way I very well may have stopped reading the book but I'm glad I continued. I love the way he maintained his viciousness though.
Overall loved the concept and would read the next in the series
Overall loved the concept and would read the next in the series
April 28, 2012
I enjoyed this one much more than the first book in the series, Hunting Julian. Although this book lacked a significant plot, the Beauty and the Beast themed romance was very sweet and endearing. Adrian was a great character who demonstrates believable growth throughout the book. Although you need to read the first in this series to truly understand the world, dont give up before reading this one because it really is better.
November 29, 2014
I loved this book as I love all Jacquelyn Frank's books. This world she has built in Stealing Kathryn is incredibly different and so in keeping with her other books themes.
A dream walker steals nightmare emotions to fuel his world. . . but falls for the woman he stalks in her dreams. He decides he is keeping her. What happens is so much interesting it pulls me in. . . yup. . . like all her books do.
Fantastic read.
A dream walker steals nightmare emotions to fuel his world. . . but falls for the woman he stalks in her dreams. He decides he is keeping her. What happens is so much interesting it pulls me in. . . yup. . . like all her books do.
Fantastic read.
May 4, 2010
This books was an amazing look at a old tale. Beauty and the beast in a dark fantasy world that leaves the reader hungry for more. I was tempted to call out from work to finish the book. The characters have current and important issues that will leave you not only rooting for these two misfits, but looking at your own life. This is a must read. :)
July 29, 2010
I was very happy with this book. After Frank's Nightwalker series, I started to read the Shadowdwellers series and I didnt even finish it, I couldnt.. so I was hesitant about reading the Gatherer's series.. Hunting Julian was good but Syealing Kathryn was great. Dark dreams, energy sucking, and crazy love.. makes for a great Jacquelyn Frank book series. Cant wait for the next one.. LOVIN IT!!!
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April 30, 2010Adrian has the ability to enter human's dreams but he can only access nightmares. He does this to save his people because of the energies that he can harvest during these dreams. He meets Kathryn during one of this "visits" and brings her back to his realm. This is against his peoples' laws and he gets one week to prove that she is his mate or he will be executed.
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