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Cataclysm #1
Harsh Line: An Urban Fantasy
My very existence is under attack. I've kept a low profile, told myself the craziness sweeping the world would pass me by. Yeah, it was wishful thinking, actually an outright lie, but it's kept me sane. I've been hiding out forever in one guise or another. Currently, I run a nightclub. Ascent is an "ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies" haven. For everybody. I'm a Vampire. Far be it from me to judge. My closest ally is a shapeshifting dire wolf. I adopted him when he was a scrawny puppy, but I'm getting ahead of my tale. The fragile détente between supernaturals and humans has crashed and burned. I can't avoid the truth any longer. Lucky for me, mortals don't know exactly what I am. When I moved to Seattle, some vampiric sixth sense urged me to play my cards close to my vest, but I'm done burying my secrets. And my power. It's past time for supernaturals to get over their stupid infighting. Meh. So what if Witches hate Druids? Or Fae never deal with Sorcerers? We have to pull together, or we'll have no chance at all. Not that it's likely, but if any mortals see the light and sign up for our side, we'd damn well better welcome them. I'm Ariana Hawke. No more skulking in the shadows for me.
296 pages, Paperback
Published March 17, 2020
82 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Ann Gimpel
174 books654 followersAnn Gimpel is a USA Today bestselling fantasy and romance author. She's also a clinical psychologist with a Jungian bent. Avocations include mountaineering, skiing, wilderness photography and, of course, writing. A lifelong aficionado of the unusual, she began writing speculative fiction a few years ago. Since then her short fiction has appeared in a number of webzines and anthologies. Her longer books run the gamut from urban fantasy to paranormal romance. She’s published over 75 books to date, with several more contracted for 2019 and beyond.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 7, 2020
Harsh Line is the first book in Ann Gimpel's Cataclysm series. Ariana Hawke is an ancient vampire who has managed to blend into a human world that would like nothing more than to see all supernatural creatures be eradicated. She runs Ascent, a nightclub that caters to everyone and employs the very creatures the humans who patronize the club want put to their eternal deaths. Ariana's sidekick is Conan, a mysterious dire wolf she rescued as a pup and nurtured, contrary to a vampire's nature. Ariana and Conan unlikely companions who have ever other's backs - Always! But they both harbor secrets; secrets that may cause their ultimate demise.
Harsh Line is a wonderful book that has author, Ann Gimpel, creating vampires on the side of good,when her vampires are generally on the opposing side. I loved Ariana and Conan's characters. An unlikely pair, their bond is strong and the trust they have for one another runs deep. Her ability to run a club that employs other supernatural creatures that tend avoid vampires at all cost prove her leadership ability. Ariana is not a typical vampire, a fact a newly arrived vampire, Nickolas, discovers after meeting her.
All of the characters are strong and multi-dimensional. Ariana's character is strong but we learn a lot about her past and what makes her tick. We don't get a lot out of Conan's past at the beginning, however, as the book progresses, he character unwillingly opens up and we find out more about him. The world building creates a sense of belonging at Ascend. I felt like I was in the story, hearing the words, visualizing the scenes, feeling the emotions.
I look forward to the next book.
Harsh Line is a wonderful book that has author, Ann Gimpel, creating vampires on the side of good,when her vampires are generally on the opposing side. I loved Ariana and Conan's characters. An unlikely pair, their bond is strong and the trust they have for one another runs deep. Her ability to run a club that employs other supernatural creatures that tend avoid vampires at all cost prove her leadership ability. Ariana is not a typical vampire, a fact a newly arrived vampire, Nickolas, discovers after meeting her.
All of the characters are strong and multi-dimensional. Ariana's character is strong but we learn a lot about her past and what makes her tick. We don't get a lot out of Conan's past at the beginning, however, as the book progresses, he character unwillingly opens up and we find out more about him. The world building creates a sense of belonging at Ascend. I felt like I was in the story, hearing the words, visualizing the scenes, feeling the emotions.
I look forward to the next book.
June 28, 2021
An new to me author with an interesting world.
August 22, 2023
I enjoyed the story as a whole. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, but I got a handy dandy notebook like Blue`s Clues taught me.
*
*
Ariana Hawk is our main MC. We get most of the book through her POV. I like her. From the start, she`s just a vampire who wants everyone to get over superficial BS and work together. The humans have declared was on all Supernaturals ever since a few groups of them went and outed everybody because they decided the humans must be evolved enough to deal. We were not. shocker. Humans can still only barely tolerate their own species let alone the monsters that plague our horror movies...
*
Anyway, Ariana is on her own, one of the oldest vampires, after beheading her maker Mistral, in a heat of jealous passion. Fortunately, she is not actually alone. Not long after heading off on her own, she comes across a young wolf pup dripping in magical energy and immediately feels an instinctual need to protect him. His name is Conan, and he grew up to be a dire wolf shapeshifter embedded with powerful magic that allowed him to shift into anything, emphasis on anything. He is particular to a very sleek and powerful motorcycle.
*
Here in the US, they have managed well for themselves. She opened a nightclub, Ascend, a safe place for both human and supernatural. She wishes that the world could go back to being in the dark about the truth of supernaturals. Her staff are also all supernaturals: Ruby: bartending Fae, Dee: good Witch/necromancer, Percy: good Sorcerer/hacker/bouncer, 3 waitresses- Selene a wolf shifter & two other Fae, featuring Christa a seer. They are all family even though Vampires are the black sheep of both the mortal and immortal, nobody likes them or wants them around. Ariana`s club has provided a safe haven and made it easier for her employees to actually find work without fear of consequences should a human learn their secret.
I love our little family 💕
*
Cue 3 new vampires to fuck things up even more. Nickolas Giovanni, Clive, and Lorenzo. They just woke after being in stasis (deep sleep) for over 100 years and have no idea what they have just awakened to. Being the oldest one by several centuries of the three (but not Ariana), Nick`s first instincts are an old-fashioned way of thinking. Time for a major history lesson that he`s not quite the king he was back in the day, figuratively speaking. And boy does he want Ariana bad . She, however, is not having any of it.
*
Nickolas is the other POV that we get every handful of chapters or so and it works. There is some overlap with scenes, but it also provided us with a different perspective AND it has been nice watching his character grow a bit. As he tries his best to adapt to a new environment in more ways than he ever imagined I'm sure, he starts to have respect for the other supernaturals he meets and especially for Ariana and Conan. He is learning, which is good.
*
*
Dark sorcerers, among other dark magic creatures and practitioners, have made their way into our world from another using an intersecting point of ley lines. They seek vampire blood for use in their magic practices. This is the reason for Nick and his clan members` stasis long ago. Lorenzo fucks up and gets killed unwilling to listen to warnings about maintaining cover now more than ever. Practically a homing beacon for the dark magic wielders to find the others.
*
Now everybody is involved and must come together despite their reservations (mostly about vampires), (which Nick agrees they have good reason - see he is learning), for they really need to only be fighting one war at a time. For now, with the good magic wielders, Fae, vampires, and Conan coming together, they are able to put that particular threat to rest. There is also the start of an understanding that right now, it is all supernaturals on deck together, for old prejudices have no room here now. Not if the current supernaturals wish to survive the ongoing war with humanity. I wonder if we`ll have a jailbreak at some point to either members of our growing family or just supernaturals in general.
*
*
In the land of the dead, we discovered that the ley lines are protected by the guardians, whose chosen appearance is a wolf... see where this is going yet? Conan`s name was Moonwraith, but he has long moved on from his life as a guardian. Turns out this is why he was so powerful and not like any creature anyone had ever seen before. There are five guardians in total- Conan, his mother, and three other males. They welcome him home, but they never looked for him and he has made a home with Ariana and will not leave it. (#teamfoundfamily) The guardians helped to sever the connection to the other world and transport our group back to the others kill off the intruders.
*
*
Darker things are sure to come. The connection is severed for now, but they threat still lingers. The war is brewing, and Chista, our Fae seer waitress, has seen that Ariana will play a major role in the war to come between the supernaturals and humanity. Also, after the revelation with Conan about his origins, the two of them start to think that bigger things are at play in terms of their finding and developing such a bond with one another. That maybe they were always meant to be together. Fate is a fickle thing...
*
*
Ariana Hawk is our main MC. We get most of the book through her POV. I like her. From the start, she`s just a vampire who wants everyone to get over superficial BS and work together. The humans have declared was on all Supernaturals ever since a few groups of them went and outed everybody because they decided the humans must be evolved enough to deal. We were not. shocker. Humans can still only barely tolerate their own species let alone the monsters that plague our horror movies...
*
Anyway, Ariana is on her own, one of the oldest vampires, after beheading her maker Mistral, in a heat of jealous passion. Fortunately, she is not actually alone. Not long after heading off on her own, she comes across a young wolf pup dripping in magical energy and immediately feels an instinctual need to protect him. His name is Conan, and he grew up to be a dire wolf shapeshifter embedded with powerful magic that allowed him to shift into anything, emphasis on anything. He is particular to a very sleek and powerful motorcycle.
*
Here in the US, they have managed well for themselves. She opened a nightclub, Ascend, a safe place for both human and supernatural. She wishes that the world could go back to being in the dark about the truth of supernaturals. Her staff are also all supernaturals: Ruby: bartending Fae, Dee: good Witch/necromancer, Percy: good Sorcerer/hacker/bouncer, 3 waitresses- Selene a wolf shifter & two other Fae, featuring Christa a seer. They are all family even though Vampires are the black sheep of both the mortal and immortal, nobody likes them or wants them around. Ariana`s club has provided a safe haven and made it easier for her employees to actually find work without fear of consequences should a human learn their secret.
I love our little family 💕
*
Cue 3 new vampires to fuck things up even more. Nickolas Giovanni, Clive, and Lorenzo. They just woke after being in stasis (deep sleep) for over 100 years and have no idea what they have just awakened to. Being the oldest one by several centuries of the three (but not Ariana), Nick`s first instincts are an old-fashioned way of thinking. Time for a major history lesson that he`s not quite the king he was back in the day, figuratively speaking. And boy does he want Ariana bad . She, however, is not having any of it.
*
Nickolas is the other POV that we get every handful of chapters or so and it works. There is some overlap with scenes, but it also provided us with a different perspective AND it has been nice watching his character grow a bit. As he tries his best to adapt to a new environment in more ways than he ever imagined I'm sure, he starts to have respect for the other supernaturals he meets and especially for Ariana and Conan. He is learning, which is good.
*
*
Dark sorcerers, among other dark magic creatures and practitioners, have made their way into our world from another using an intersecting point of ley lines. They seek vampire blood for use in their magic practices. This is the reason for Nick and his clan members` stasis long ago. Lorenzo fucks up and gets killed unwilling to listen to warnings about maintaining cover now more than ever. Practically a homing beacon for the dark magic wielders to find the others.
*
Now everybody is involved and must come together despite their reservations (mostly about vampires), (which Nick agrees they have good reason - see he is learning), for they really need to only be fighting one war at a time. For now, with the good magic wielders, Fae, vampires, and Conan coming together, they are able to put that particular threat to rest. There is also the start of an understanding that right now, it is all supernaturals on deck together, for old prejudices have no room here now. Not if the current supernaturals wish to survive the ongoing war with humanity. I wonder if we`ll have a jailbreak at some point to either members of our growing family or just supernaturals in general.
*
*
In the land of the dead, we discovered that the ley lines are protected by the guardians, whose chosen appearance is a wolf... see where this is going yet? Conan`s name was Moonwraith, but he has long moved on from his life as a guardian. Turns out this is why he was so powerful and not like any creature anyone had ever seen before. There are five guardians in total- Conan, his mother, and three other males. They welcome him home, but they never looked for him and he has made a home with Ariana and will not leave it. (#teamfoundfamily) The guardians helped to sever the connection to the other world and transport our group back to the others kill off the intruders.
*
*
Darker things are sure to come. The connection is severed for now, but they threat still lingers. The war is brewing, and Chista, our Fae seer waitress, has seen that Ariana will play a major role in the war to come between the supernaturals and humanity. Also, after the revelation with Conan about his origins, the two of them start to think that bigger things are at play in terms of their finding and developing such a bond with one another. That maybe they were always meant to be together. Fate is a fickle thing...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
FYI -- The blurb makes it seem like this book is only Arianna's POV but it's also the POV of her would be love interest Nickolas.
MC not, finally, telling her backstory to those she knows, but telling right after to the reader is just weird. I'd have preferred some flashbacks, that would have made more sense.
The term 'mate' (not romantic interest version), is working class, it is not upper-class. So Clive (not the love interest) using that from first appearance, but he's said in the same paragraph to be upper class, is very jarring. Every time he uses it, it pulls me from immersion in the story. Chap would be the word, not mate. -- Fellows used a little later by the would be LI is actually more accurate, than mate.
Now the love interest is waffling on, to himself, about background stuff re vampires. -- I'm getting bored! Stop telling me! -- I don't mind 'telling' when its giving other characters information but MCs who just keep telling me background stuff like they know they've got a reader is annoying. They're not Deadpool or She-Hulk.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
FYI -- The blurb makes it seem like this book is only Arianna's POV but it's also the POV of her would be love interest Nickolas.
MC not, finally, telling her backstory to those she knows, but telling right after to the reader is just weird. I'd have preferred some flashbacks, that would have made more sense.
The term 'mate' (not romantic interest version), is working class, it is not upper-class. So Clive (not the love interest) using that from first appearance, but he's said in the same paragraph to be upper class, is very jarring. Every time he uses it, it pulls me from immersion in the story. Chap would be the word, not mate. -- Fellows used a little later by the would be LI is actually more accurate, than mate.
Now the love interest is waffling on, to himself, about background stuff re vampires. -- I'm getting bored! Stop telling me! -- I don't mind 'telling' when its giving other characters information but MCs who just keep telling me background stuff like they know they've got a reader is annoying. They're not Deadpool or She-Hulk.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
July 20, 2024
From the First Bite Anthology:
She was the owner of Ascent, a nightclub where both humans and supernaturals could go and have a good time as long as they did not start any trouble. A detente, if you will, or a don’t ask, don’t tell type of understanding. Yes, supernaturals came out about fifty years ago, and since it has been leading up to a confrontation. Then, about six months ago, talks between the two sides broke down. Humans, in their hubris and fear, started passing laws to curtail the freedoms of the magical, and of course, the magical basically said hell no. Now, Ariana Hawke also had another problem besides keeping the peace between her and her employees, each other, and the customers. A new vampire is in town and has been asleep for about one hundred years. So, he is clueless about the current state of affairs in the world, but he is willing to help Ariana out, not only to figure out this new world but also to deal with these strange happenings.
Okay, some supernaturals came out to the humans and named others along the way. They came to find out that humans would retreat to the primitive part of their brains when faced with what they feared. So, this is a realm where supernaturals need to team up with their historical enemies to survive against the humans. How much fun you could have with this one? I mean, it could be a mean hack-and-slash RPG adventure of the supernatural with characters who hated each other or, at best, tolerated each other. Then, there is the author’s FMC, a strong woman. The character’s interaction is believable. The character’s history is part of the story or at least the main parts of it. The physical world-building leaves some fuzziness but is done well in other spots. The ethereal world-building is mostly personal but is shared in spots.
This book has paranormal characters and is full of fantasy. It hints at spice and the struggle with attraction. I give this fanciful tale five stars out of five stars.
She was the owner of Ascent, a nightclub where both humans and supernaturals could go and have a good time as long as they did not start any trouble. A detente, if you will, or a don’t ask, don’t tell type of understanding. Yes, supernaturals came out about fifty years ago, and since it has been leading up to a confrontation. Then, about six months ago, talks between the two sides broke down. Humans, in their hubris and fear, started passing laws to curtail the freedoms of the magical, and of course, the magical basically said hell no. Now, Ariana Hawke also had another problem besides keeping the peace between her and her employees, each other, and the customers. A new vampire is in town and has been asleep for about one hundred years. So, he is clueless about the current state of affairs in the world, but he is willing to help Ariana out, not only to figure out this new world but also to deal with these strange happenings.
Okay, some supernaturals came out to the humans and named others along the way. They came to find out that humans would retreat to the primitive part of their brains when faced with what they feared. So, this is a realm where supernaturals need to team up with their historical enemies to survive against the humans. How much fun you could have with this one? I mean, it could be a mean hack-and-slash RPG adventure of the supernatural with characters who hated each other or, at best, tolerated each other. Then, there is the author’s FMC, a strong woman. The character’s interaction is believable. The character’s history is part of the story or at least the main parts of it. The physical world-building leaves some fuzziness but is done well in other spots. The ethereal world-building is mostly personal but is shared in spots.
This book has paranormal characters and is full of fantasy. It hints at spice and the struggle with attraction. I give this fanciful tale five stars out of five stars.
October 1, 2020
Ariana Hawke is a vampire and owner of the Ascent night club. She has secrets from her past and has been alone for a long time until she created Ascent, a nightclub that caters to all, as long as they don't cause trouble. She's unlike other vampires, and has worked hard to bring other super naturals together as they hide from humans who have turned against them.
Conan is a dire wolf shapeshifter who Ariana saved when he was just a puppy. He's been her best friend and companion for hundreds of years. I loved everything about this character.
Nick Giovanni has been in stasis for over a hundred years, waking to discover the world is less safe than it used to be and Ariana helps bring him and his companions up to speed while keeping him at a distance no matter their attraction.
I really fell in love with this book and it's characters. Watching Ariana pull together natural enemies, showing them how much better off they all are by letting go of their hatred and working together, was a pleasure as they fought a common foe.
This first book in the series has the perfect blend of world building, interesting characters and short and long story arcs to keep you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
Conan is a dire wolf shapeshifter who Ariana saved when he was just a puppy. He's been her best friend and companion for hundreds of years. I loved everything about this character.
Nick Giovanni has been in stasis for over a hundred years, waking to discover the world is less safe than it used to be and Ariana helps bring him and his companions up to speed while keeping him at a distance no matter their attraction.
I really fell in love with this book and it's characters. Watching Ariana pull together natural enemies, showing them how much better off they all are by letting go of their hatred and working together, was a pleasure as they fought a common foe.
This first book in the series has the perfect blend of world building, interesting characters and short and long story arcs to keep you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2020
What can I say except WOW!!! In most of Ms. Gimpel's stories, vampires are the bad guys. She's turned this one around and our main character, AKA the good guy, is a female vampire named Ariana. She's not like most other vampires as she thinks all of the supernaturals should stick together since the humans are trying to control everyone. She owns a club, Ascend, that serves humans and supes as long as everyone behaves. Her diverse staff is a mix of several different paranormals and they are protective of her and the club. Her best friend and long time companion is a paranormal dire wolf, Conan, who has more power than anyone can explain. This first book is fast paced and never a dull moment. Ariana, Conan and their newfound vampire friends are going to fight this threat with everything and everyone they can possibly get. Like all of Ms. Gimpel's worlds, this is well thought out and written clearly for the reader. I am very much looking forward to book two, Warped Line. I requested an advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to leave this review.
April 25, 2020
(4.5) Ann loves all the supernatural forms and her books will have a variety. I think that is one of the great things about her urban fantasy/paranormal. A little bit of each supernatural, sometimes new ones and turning your ideas upside down. I like Ariana, our main character, you want to like her as she struggles with her past and the now. Humans are rising up against supernaturals and Ariana keeps her vampire status to herself and a limited few that work with her in Ascent, her bar. Her sidekick Conan is a wolf, a dire wolf with some surprises on the way. Ann is the only vampire, as far as she knows. There is evil there is good and this is a wild "ascent" into Ann Cataclysm world. I highly recommend this read, take your mind off the day to day and come along to this urban fantasy world. Thank you Ann for the Arc, I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions.
May 4, 2020
This is exactly what I needed right now. It's fun, funny, suspenseful, exciting, has amazing characters, is fast-paced, and left me wanting more. It's slightly different from what I'm used to when I pick up an Ann Gimpel book when it comes to vampires, but everything else was exactly what I expect. The story line is strong and kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end. I actually lost sleep over it because I both stayed up way to late reading and then couldn't wait to get up to continue reading. It took over my thoughts and made it difficult to focus on the things I was supposed to be doing. Ariana was a vamp after my own heart, but Conan holds a special place in my heart, too. I don't want to say anything about the storyline, other than to say that I can't wait for the next one because this one is still haunting me and I know I won't be satisfied until I know what happens next.
May 16, 2020
The first book in the series introduces us to Ariana, a vampire, and Conor, her shapeshifting wolf. Not the only supernatural entities in the book, but our main heroine and her very special canine companion.
Ariana has been a vampire for a long time, and unlike some stories I've read, vampires are bottom-feeders in the supernatural hierarchy. Admittedly, it is hard to feel a ton of sympathy for anyone who feeds on people, but Ariana is old enough to control her urge to drain a human and there are always bad "seeds" in every species. Conor is a dire wolf she rescued as a pup, and who has been with her ever since.
After the last big reveal, where all supernatural beings were outed, Ariana has worked hard to stay under the radar. Unlike many others, she fully expects a time will come where humans and immortals will be at war. A war she expects will last a very long time, and one that she believes immortals will lose unless they can get past their biases and all work together.
After a fight in the alley behind Ariana's bar leads to the death of her attackers, tension with humans rise, when Ariana and Conor begin to suspect that there is more going on. This will be the spark that starts an alliance among the supernatural community. Unfortunately, it also leads to more questions.
Ariana has been a vampire for a long time, and unlike some stories I've read, vampires are bottom-feeders in the supernatural hierarchy. Admittedly, it is hard to feel a ton of sympathy for anyone who feeds on people, but Ariana is old enough to control her urge to drain a human and there are always bad "seeds" in every species. Conor is a dire wolf she rescued as a pup, and who has been with her ever since.
After the last big reveal, where all supernatural beings were outed, Ariana has worked hard to stay under the radar. Unlike many others, she fully expects a time will come where humans and immortals will be at war. A war she expects will last a very long time, and one that she believes immortals will lose unless they can get past their biases and all work together.
After a fight in the alley behind Ariana's bar leads to the death of her attackers, tension with humans rise, when Ariana and Conor begin to suspect that there is more going on. This will be the spark that starts an alliance among the supernatural community. Unfortunately, it also leads to more questions.
April 26, 2020
At this time we really need new worlds to go to and I found one in this from this author. Also though is craziness in this world and a club that you can run too. The characters will be intriguing weaving their spell casting a net over us readers. What is coming to terms in this is exciting. Ariana will be the lead to take us along. The club is aptly named with things and others that mingle here. Because of the story it will be a fast pace but filled with attention grabbing words. Many twists that fill the ridges. Fulfills the craving for the reason we read. Thank goodness more to come.
May 2, 2020
Ariana owns a nightclub and just happens to be a vampire. Conor is her closest friend and happens to be a dire wolf shapeshifter. Usually in most stories the vampires are just the bad guys, however this story is different. Ariana is the good guy! This is a fast paced story with all the wonderful things that come in one of Ann's books. She creates worlds that just pull you and keep you engrossed in the story till the last page. I can't wait to read the next one and see what Ariana and her new friends get up to!
September 21, 2020
Great start to the series.
Nice to see a strong female lead character/Vampire.
Ariana Hawke, brilliant character and not your normal Vampire, wanting sex and blood and nothing else. She owns Ascent her night club that serves more than humans, and who's staff is 'more' 😉
Conan her Dire Wolf companion, who is more than he seems.
Nick, a Vampire who has slept for a hundred years to get away from Black Sorcerers who were hunting him and his two 'minions 😉' for their blood.
Fab start for me to this series 😁😁😁👍👍👍
Nice to see a strong female lead character/Vampire.
Ariana Hawke, brilliant character and not your normal Vampire, wanting sex and blood and nothing else. She owns Ascent her night club that serves more than humans, and who's staff is 'more' 😉
Conan her Dire Wolf companion, who is more than he seems.
Nick, a Vampire who has slept for a hundred years to get away from Black Sorcerers who were hunting him and his two 'minions 😉' for their blood.
Fab start for me to this series 😁😁😁👍👍👍
April 19, 2020
Normally the vamps are the evil characters in Ann's world, but Ariana is the heroine in this new series. Supernaturals are running scared in society. Humans fear and prosecute them and alliances between the races are slim. But in the bar that Ariana owns, all are welcome and troubles are turfed quickly. Which is why when it comes calling, decisive action needs to be take. Will Conor, Nick, and the other mystical species rally around or will Ariana be left hanging?
April 23, 2020
Harsh Line is Ann Gimpel's first book in her new Cataclysm Series. It starts off with a bang and never slows down! Although the main character is a vampire, the book is stuffed full of all kinds of supernaturals. Banding together, they are virtually unstoppable. The storyline is fast-paced, filled with magic and mayhem, twists and turns, intrigue, danger and deep-seated secrets. The characters are enchanting and well-developed. I can't wait to see what book 2 brings!
May 3, 2020
Finding a shifter/vampire book that takes place in a time we can relate to was a good start... getting into the club with its variety of beings that shouldn’t get along, much less work together, is downright awesome.
I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I look forward to diving in to the next installment and seeing where our characters find themselves next as they work together to save their lives as well as mankind.
I enjoyed the book from start to finish. I look forward to diving in to the next installment and seeing where our characters find themselves next as they work together to save their lives as well as mankind.
April 20, 2020
A Wonderfully fast paced and action packed start to this new series , this adventure will grab you and wrap you up tight. The characters and plot are just wonderful and it is loaded with magic wielders and a fresh new take on vampires. I loved every last minute of this book and am looking forward to reading more. I read an Advanced copy with NO expectation of a review.
May 1, 2020
Harsh Line: An Urban Fantasy (Cataclysm Book 1) by Ann Gimpel is an amazing story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number one in this amazing series that I can not get enough of and can not wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about Urban Fantasy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
May 2, 2020
This is the first book in a three part series called Cataclysm.
This one is about Ariana who is a vampire and her friends who
are all supernatural.
There’s plenty of action drama suspense twists and turns and the beginning
of romance.
It finishes up on a bit of a cliffhanger though.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
This one is about Ariana who is a vampire and her friends who
are all supernatural.
There’s plenty of action drama suspense twists and turns and the beginning
of romance.
It finishes up on a bit of a cliffhanger though.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
May 2, 2020
A great new series by Ms Gimpel. In a world that is at war with the supernatural, Ariana tries to protect her bar and friends. Being a vampire is difficult in the modern age, but with the help of other supernaturals, she will protect those she cares for. A fast paced story with some unique twists. I voluntarily reviewed.
September 14, 2020
Meh
A little on the shallow side emotionally, with a dull romance and a bevy of misogynist males as side characters. Even the comments from than love interest are gross or offensive, though he appears to be learning. Plot-wise, there wasn't much happening and the story lacked verve.
A little on the shallow side emotionally, with a dull romance and a bevy of misogynist males as side characters. Even the comments from than love interest are gross or offensive, though he appears to be learning. Plot-wise, there wasn't much happening and the story lacked verve.
April 14, 2020
Different, but quite interesting
This was different, but quite an interesting story. I want to know more about the character relationships and how she is going to save the world or at least her small piece of it.
Looking forward to the next book.
This was different, but quite an interesting story. I want to know more about the character relationships and how she is going to save the world or at least her small piece of it.
Looking forward to the next book.
April 17, 2020
A twisted concept on what tomorrow could bring. The idea of Ariana being a catalyst for the supernatural. She is one very unique character. Can't wait to see what is in store for her and her friends. This includes Nick and where he will fit in.
April 30, 2020
Sooo Much Intrigue ... This story instantly captured my attention!! Everything from ... the action, suspense to revealing secrets had me quickly turning pages. I’m definitely looking forward to what’s next for these supernatural characters. This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy
June 28, 2020
Harsh Line
I enjoyed this book . It seem a bit calm for Anne. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I wonder what lies with Nicholas. Araina is interesting character and Conan makes you want to learn more about him. I volunteered to review this book.
I enjoyed this book . It seem a bit calm for Anne. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I wonder what lies with Nicholas. Araina is interesting character and Conan makes you want to learn more about him. I volunteered to review this book.
January 6, 2021
New and interesting
Great story line, well rounded characters, with enough background to make them enticing. Vampires, Sorcerers, witch's and the Far, versus human, who's going to win.
Great story line, well rounded characters, with enough background to make them enticing. Vampires, Sorcerers, witch's and the Far, versus human, who's going to win.
June 8, 2022
I think this does a very good job of laying the foundation for the series and piquing the interest of the reader to want to know what comes next. As usual, author provides unique action-packed plot with very detailed and informative storyline. I even learned a new word.
August 24, 2023
Surprisingly different
I started this story with expectations of a different kind of book. What a wonderful surprise it turned out to be! With a cast of all kinds of magical beings, mystery, secrets, and romance. Plus humans. It was a magnificent read!
I started this story with expectations of a different kind of book. What a wonderful surprise it turned out to be! With a cast of all kinds of magical beings, mystery, secrets, and romance. Plus humans. It was a magnificent read!
October 24, 2021
Enthralling
This was a great book.i just kept reading.the story line was very entertaining.looking forward to next book.thanks.for a great read
This was a great book.i just kept reading.the story line was very entertaining.looking forward to next book.thanks.for a great read
August 28, 2022
I like this paranormal book . It's different from the other's I've read . Hope to read book #2 warped line
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