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Sentinels #1
A Hidden Magic
Fey incursions into the mortal world have been on the rise, and Paul MacAllister's trying to figure out what the king of the local Elven enclave Under the Hill is up to and how to stop it. Rory Ellison was caught up in one of those attacks and nearly killed by a gang of goblins. He doesn't believe they were real, though, and is resisting anything Paul might say to the contrary.
Normally Paul would be willing to let Rory go his own way, at least until he's taken care of more immediate business. But Rory has a particularly rare gift, one the Elven king needs to have under his control in order to carry out his plan. Keeping Rory away from the fey who will use him, to death if necessary, means protecting him night and day, whether Rory agrees or not.
Normally Paul would be willing to let Rory go his own way, at least until he's taken care of more immediate business. But Rory has a particularly rare gift, one the Elven king needs to have under his control in order to carry out his plan. Keeping Rory away from the fey who will use him, to death if necessary, means protecting him night and day, whether Rory agrees or not.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2010
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January 30, 2011
4.5 stars
FINALLY an urban fantasy m/m book instead of paranormal erotica. It was like a breath of fresh air. I love these characters, I love the way the magic works, I love the mix of harmful and mostly not evil fey creatures.
But I think I love this book mostly for things it DOESN'T have. There is no instalove, no super hot gym studs, no big misunderstanding plot device. The characters are really normal (except for that whole fighting goblins thing!).
FINALLY an urban fantasy m/m book instead of paranormal erotica. It was like a breath of fresh air. I love these characters, I love the way the magic works, I love the mix of harmful and mostly not evil fey creatures.
But I think I love this book mostly for things it DOESN'T have. There is no instalove, no super hot gym studs, no big misunderstanding plot device. The characters are really normal (except for that whole fighting goblins thing!).
February 25, 2021
3.8
That cover does nothing for this book. It's ambiguous in the worst way, because this is actually a very awesome urban fantasy story about a team of humans or "Sentinels", who protect the mortal realm from things that go bump in the night. It's not particularly original or sexy, but it was consistently engaging and the characters were compelling. I am very much going to read the rest of the series.
That cover does nothing for this book. It's ambiguous in the worst way, because this is actually a very awesome urban fantasy story about a team of humans or "Sentinels", who protect the mortal realm from things that go bump in the night. It's not particularly original or sexy, but it was consistently engaging and the characters were compelling. I am very much going to read the rest of the series.
May 30, 2011
I laughed, I hung on the edge of my seat, I laughed some more, I spewed coffee on my keyboard, I stayed up too late reading. Angela Benedetti brought all the characters of A Hidden Magic to glorious technicolor life, spinning a yarn that had me turning page after page, ignoring all else to find out what happened next.
What a fantastic bit of world-building, in which magic exists in all humans -- moreso in some than in others -- and fey lurk just outside of our perception. The characters of Rory and Paul were so beliveable in their reluctant attraction to each other. While the intimacy was hot, the book would have still gotten five stars from me even without it. The sex merely provided the dessert for a five-course literary meal. Love, love, love the character of Azzy.
What a fantastic urban fantasy! Highly recommended.
What a fantastic bit of world-building, in which magic exists in all humans -- moreso in some than in others -- and fey lurk just outside of our perception. The characters of Rory and Paul were so beliveable in their reluctant attraction to each other. While the intimacy was hot, the book would have still gotten five stars from me even without it. The sex merely provided the dessert for a five-course literary meal. Love, love, love the character of Azzy.
What a fantastic urban fantasy! Highly recommended.
January 29, 2011
I absolutely loved A Hidden Magic. The world building is so vivid and the characters are so real (or at least as real as mages can get). I adore magical creatures and this book is filled to the brim with them. And the love story is touching too.
The tiny pixie lizard/squirrel Azzy is one of the funniest sidekicks ever written. I’d give the little guy a Milky Way bar anyday! Highly recommended.
The tiny pixie lizard/squirrel Azzy is one of the funniest sidekicks ever written. I’d give the little guy a Milky Way bar anyday! Highly recommended.
October 26, 2015
2010 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
August 9, 2011
This book was just awesome. I loved reading it. It was fun had great characters and several laughs. I just loved Azzy he was so cute
January 13, 2013
3.5 - 4 stars: An interesting m/m romance/urban fantasy story about Paul, a “sentinel” who works with a team of mortals to use magic to control the fey and other magical beings that invade their world from “under the hill”. As incidents between the magical realm and the human world increase, Paul meets Rory, a young man who is convinced that his history of seeing strange creatures is a mental illness. Little does he know that his ability and those creatures are far more real than he ever expected.
What I liked: I really dug the creativity and world-building in this one. There is magic all over the place, even though most humans can’t see it, and it was fun to see pixies, boggles, goblins, and snooty fey pop up throughout the story.
Paul and Rory’s relationship is also a very slow build and there are no sexy times until the very end of the book. This is fine though because the slow growth and back-and-forth was fun to read.
Also, interesting side characters, especially the youthful-appearing-but-really-old Aubrey and his student and lover Cam.
What was harder for me: I liked Rory, but he seemed (and read) very young for someone who was 28. It could be easily explained that the treatment by his family and all the psychiatric work has stunted him both emotionally and experience-wise, but at times his perspective was harder to sink in to, and sometimes I felt frustrated reading his wavering viewpoint.
At times there was also a lot of exposition (either in regular text or dialogue) to explain the world and how magic fits, which slowed down the pacing a bit. I was also confused by a couple points at the end, and wasn’t quite sure if things weren’t explained enough or if it’s just something being hinted at and will be explained in the sequel Emerging Magic.
But even with those points, I still had a fun time reading this book and really appreciated how imaginative it was. I look forward to checking out the sequel.
What I liked: I really dug the creativity and world-building in this one. There is magic all over the place, even though most humans can’t see it, and it was fun to see pixies, boggles, goblins, and snooty fey pop up throughout the story.
Paul and Rory’s relationship is also a very slow build and there are no sexy times until the very end of the book. This is fine though because the slow growth and back-and-forth was fun to read.
Also, interesting side characters, especially the youthful-appearing-but-really-old Aubrey and his student and lover Cam.
What was harder for me: I liked Rory, but he seemed (and read) very young for someone who was 28. It could be easily explained that the treatment by his family and all the psychiatric work has stunted him both emotionally and experience-wise, but at times his perspective was harder to sink in to, and sometimes I felt frustrated reading his wavering viewpoint.
At times there was also a lot of exposition (either in regular text or dialogue) to explain the world and how magic fits, which slowed down the pacing a bit. I was also confused by a couple points at the end, and wasn’t quite sure if things weren’t explained enough or if it’s just something being hinted at and will be explained in the sequel Emerging Magic.
But even with those points, I still had a fun time reading this book and really appreciated how imaginative it was. I look forward to checking out the sequel.
June 17, 2010
This one definitely grew on me as I read it. I went into it thinking it was primarily about the fey. Turns out it's a mixture between the fey and "magegifted mortals" (think sorcerers) who protect the humans from fey excursions into the human realm.
It's ironic - timing wise - since yesterday I was discussing flavors of urban fantasy and saying how I preferred vampires and werewolves to "magic wielding" preternatural creatures. Couldn't get into Harry Potter or Harry Dresden. Not even particularly fond of Merlin. (Said discussion.)
I guess that's the "it grew on me part". I liked the author's explanation for how all creatures hold magic, and those who hold more have gifts. Pushes the "magic" closer to the ESP side of things.
But enough on genre arguments. The thing that drew me to the book was the character of Rory, who has been seeing "beyond the veil" all his life, but has let the doctors convince him that they are nothing but disillusions. Now he's found friends who are trying to convince him that everything he's been seeing is real, and it's the rest of the world that can't see the truth.
As a result of this, Rory is this compelling combination of innocence and courage, strength and vulnerability. All the other major characters are well rounded and easy to love. But Rory is especially delightful. As is Azzy. *g*
The author has already written several shorts in the same universe (focused on different characters), but I'm hoping we'll get a chance to hear more about this particular group. Rory and Paul, in particular.
The book is urban fantasy with just the right taste of m/m romance. The pace of the romance worked for me, although when the book ended, I still found myself wanting more. A great series starter without the obviousness that some "first books" have.
Highly recommended.
It's ironic - timing wise - since yesterday I was discussing flavors of urban fantasy and saying how I preferred vampires and werewolves to "magic wielding" preternatural creatures. Couldn't get into Harry Potter or Harry Dresden. Not even particularly fond of Merlin. (Said discussion.)
I guess that's the "it grew on me part". I liked the author's explanation for how all creatures hold magic, and those who hold more have gifts. Pushes the "magic" closer to the ESP side of things.
But enough on genre arguments. The thing that drew me to the book was the character of Rory, who has been seeing "beyond the veil" all his life, but has let the doctors convince him that they are nothing but disillusions. Now he's found friends who are trying to convince him that everything he's been seeing is real, and it's the rest of the world that can't see the truth.
As a result of this, Rory is this compelling combination of innocence and courage, strength and vulnerability. All the other major characters are well rounded and easy to love. But Rory is especially delightful. As is Azzy. *g*
The author has already written several shorts in the same universe (focused on different characters), but I'm hoping we'll get a chance to hear more about this particular group. Rory and Paul, in particular.
The book is urban fantasy with just the right taste of m/m romance. The pace of the romance worked for me, although when the book ended, I still found myself wanting more. A great series starter without the obviousness that some "first books" have.
Highly recommended.
April 17, 2011
3.5 stars.
This is a tricky review for me - there is a lot to like but I found the pacing or the focus to be all over the place. Certainly the concept of magic potential in humans being discussed in genetic terms was interesting, as was the explanation of the various fae. Unfortunately though, I found the dynamics between the two main characters difficult with Rory being almost TSTL, and Paul see-sawing between compassion and carelessness. I found the HFN ending less than convincing given all that had passed before. I also felt bogged down at times with the time spent focusing on Rory's wavering belief in Magic etc. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the magical demesne scenes were pretty light-weight. Personally, I think I would have enjoyed the two spectrums to be more balanced. Perhaps this will be resolved by the release of the next installment which I'd probably read just so that this one can get the resolution it's lacking.
This is a tricky review for me - there is a lot to like but I found the pacing or the focus to be all over the place. Certainly the concept of magic potential in humans being discussed in genetic terms was interesting, as was the explanation of the various fae. Unfortunately though, I found the dynamics between the two main characters difficult with Rory being almost TSTL, and Paul see-sawing between compassion and carelessness. I found the HFN ending less than convincing given all that had passed before. I also felt bogged down at times with the time spent focusing on Rory's wavering belief in Magic etc. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the magical demesne scenes were pretty light-weight. Personally, I think I would have enjoyed the two spectrums to be more balanced. Perhaps this will be resolved by the release of the next installment which I'd probably read just so that this one can get the resolution it's lacking.
November 28, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It started a bit slow for me as we get into the world but Angela did a good job with the world building by the end of the book. I like how Paul and Rory didn't just jump into bed with each other. They spent most of the book getting to know each other and building trust. I loved Rory's reaction when they finally (as it seemed to him) came and rescued him (although I would have liked to see Rory's reaction when they told him how little time had passed in the real world). I cannot wait to read more about this world and hope the author plans to write another full length book (as opposed to the few follow up short stories that are currently out). 4 stars.
June 18, 2010
A Hidden Magic made me late for work: I *had* to read the ending! I was fully engaged with the story and the characters of this urban fantasy from beginning to end.
A universe where magic exists but not everyone believes has to make for a very active mental health industry, which has caught Rory. He's bought a little too heavily into the idea that what he's seeing isn't real and can be medicated away, an idea that Paul and the other Sentinels have to reverse before it gets him killed. Between Rory's hesitant acceptance of his reality, his growing affection and attraction for Paul, and the very real dangers of the fey's incursions into the upper world, the story moved beautifully.
The fey have a very strong sense of 'otherness' which I appreciate; Paul's admonition to Rory to never forget that Azzy (a charmer whose motivations are peculiarly his own) is not his friend, stands the too-common perception of the fey as cute and/or sexy, but not dangerous, on its head, where it belongs. The Sentinels' sense of limitation of their responsibilities was refreshing; no one was trying to hide the magic, its results, or deny that it existed in the real world, but only to limit the ill effects. If the rest of the world refused to acknowledge what was happening under their noses, too bad for them.
The cast of secondary characters is rich and complex, offering the bright hope of more stories in this universe. And I will be sure to start reading at a time that won't get me in trouble with the boss.
A universe where magic exists but not everyone believes has to make for a very active mental health industry, which has caught Rory. He's bought a little too heavily into the idea that what he's seeing isn't real and can be medicated away, an idea that Paul and the other Sentinels have to reverse before it gets him killed. Between Rory's hesitant acceptance of his reality, his growing affection and attraction for Paul, and the very real dangers of the fey's incursions into the upper world, the story moved beautifully.
The fey have a very strong sense of 'otherness' which I appreciate; Paul's admonition to Rory to never forget that Azzy (a charmer whose motivations are peculiarly his own) is not his friend, stands the too-common perception of the fey as cute and/or sexy, but not dangerous, on its head, where it belongs. The Sentinels' sense of limitation of their responsibilities was refreshing; no one was trying to hide the magic, its results, or deny that it existed in the real world, but only to limit the ill effects. If the rest of the world refused to acknowledge what was happening under their noses, too bad for them.
The cast of secondary characters is rich and complex, offering the bright hope of more stories in this universe. And I will be sure to start reading at a time that won't get me in trouble with the boss.
August 26, 2010
"A Hidden Magic" is the first book in the "Sentinels" series, a wonderful story set in a fantasy world were magic and the fey are real. The main characters are varied, engaging and well developed. I love the sentinels and their interactions. What a wonderful band of anti-heroes! The fabulous cast of supporting characters is large but meaningful, well worth the word count. The plot is fast paced, with enough action and humor to keep the reader turning pages non stop with a smile. All in all, score top marks for storytelling!
The world building truly stands out in this story. Everything comes to life in great detail and with fabulous descriptions guaranteed to become a full color mental movie. From downright gross to charming and cute, Ms.Benedetti's magical creatures are imaginative and engaging. In this regard, the book far surpassed my expectations.
Like most first installments in a fantasy romance series, this story carries the burden of developing a complex world, introducing a large cast of characters and telling the story of the romance. So, while the romance well done and certainly plays a key role in the story, it is a relatively smaller portion of the story. This in no way detracts from the enjoyment of the story. It is just something to keep in mind before picking up the book.
All in all, this is a great book that opens the door to a world that I can't wait to visit again. Great story, great world, great characters, excellent writing, Ms. Benedetti surely penned a winner!
The world building truly stands out in this story. Everything comes to life in great detail and with fabulous descriptions guaranteed to become a full color mental movie. From downright gross to charming and cute, Ms.Benedetti's magical creatures are imaginative and engaging. In this regard, the book far surpassed my expectations.
Like most first installments in a fantasy romance series, this story carries the burden of developing a complex world, introducing a large cast of characters and telling the story of the romance. So, while the romance well done and certainly plays a key role in the story, it is a relatively smaller portion of the story. This in no way detracts from the enjoyment of the story. It is just something to keep in mind before picking up the book.
All in all, this is a great book that opens the door to a world that I can't wait to visit again. Great story, great world, great characters, excellent writing, Ms. Benedetti surely penned a winner!
October 9, 2011
This is one of the best books i have read in a long time. The characters were so well developed, and the world building was fantastic, i felt like apart of the world, (one of the pixies to be precise :D)
The romance has such perfect balance, that it made me feel giddy inside, wanting to know what was the future for Paul and Rory. And the sentinel team, the love they have for eachother, the jokes and teasing was really amusing and warming to the heart.
The plot was filled with magic and mystical creatures, and beings, which is fantastic to see the diversity of such an outstanding world.
Overall, this is such an inspirational book, with plenty of magical creatures and spells and a vast world to loose yourself inside. The Lovely Angela Benedetti has really won my heart and hope she continues with the greatest success!!
The romance has such perfect balance, that it made me feel giddy inside, wanting to know what was the future for Paul and Rory. And the sentinel team, the love they have for eachother, the jokes and teasing was really amusing and warming to the heart.
The plot was filled with magic and mystical creatures, and beings, which is fantastic to see the diversity of such an outstanding world.
Overall, this is such an inspirational book, with plenty of magical creatures and spells and a vast world to loose yourself inside. The Lovely Angela Benedetti has really won my heart and hope she continues with the greatest success!!
January 3, 2015
Good-ish, I think. Interesting/weird.
I see a Princess Bride reference!
Actually, it gets really Princess Bride-y towards the end.
It's funny/weird because I live in the Bay Area, so all these locations listed...I've been to most of these places. It's interesting in a Dresden Files sort of way, I guess.
And man. Talk about slow burn.
I see a Princess Bride reference!
Actually, it gets really Princess Bride-y towards the end.
It's funny/weird because I live in the Bay Area, so all these locations listed...I've been to most of these places. It's interesting in a Dresden Files sort of way, I guess.
And man. Talk about slow burn.
May 12, 2015
Fun story with great world building that didn't get bogged down in the details. Looking forward to reading more from this world.
May 24, 2016
Really enjoyed this short book. A nice pace and characters that are actually believable, with promise of more to follow.
About to start the second book in the series....
About to start the second book in the series....
October 17, 2014
++Grammar++
The book was good, but not so good to be a 5 stars. There were some scene i didnt like, but luckly werent so bad either.
The story starts with Rory a 28 years old guy, that is going to meet Manny, his new friend, and he will introduce him to his closest friends. While he is going to his place, he gets attacted by a group of goblins that want to suck all his magic. Rory since he was small had been having visions, and saw strange creatures, but the doctors had said him were allucinations. When Rory is saved by the Sentinels, Manny's friends that were searching for him, he will find out that these visions are real, that his new friends are mages and that he is a Blaze, a mage with a lot of magic. Paul is the guy that will protect him day and night, till they'll understand what the King of the fey wants from him, both him and Rory had previous experience and this didnt annoy me, like in some other books. Rory doesnt know if he can belive what all the others are saying, the only thing that is real to him, is his attraction to the handsome and irritant Paul, that is guarding his house and protecting him. One night an incubus resembling Paul tries to suck his magic by having sex with Rory, i didnt like this scene bcs the incubus is almost raping Rory, who thinks is Paul and so isnt fighting, bcs he wants this. Luckly Paul,that was sleeping in the other room, comes and saves Rory, from that night they sleep in the same bed. Nothing happens, not even a kiss, and the sexual tension is killing the reader. Days pass and they find out the plan of the King. He wants to conquer the mortal world and a Blaze will feed him during his war. Is a day like any other, when while Rory is getting the newspaper out of the house, he gets kidnapped by the servants of the King. For him is like months pass before the others finally come at the court and can save him. Paul and the others explain to all the fey why the plan of the King cant work and Paul asks for Rory back, claims Rory with his words, and the other magical creatures that are at the court, belive him, Paul also tells the King that he will give him his magical powers if after, he lets them all go and the King accepts. In the end what he said wasnt a lie, he really cares about Rory, and maybe also if that word didnt come out, maybe he really loves him. They run and are finally safe, but Paul is so tired he cant even move, and only Rory touch makes him able to move and not be tired.
Finally in the end there is their first kiss and their first time, and is while they're making love that a connection is being created btw them, a bond, and i really wanna know what will happen in the next books, if they'll tell to the other "i love you", if there will be jealousy and something will be explained.
At start i didnt like Rory, but i changed my mind and his just perfect like he is, and he and Paul just need to be together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2010
A Hidden Magic is an excellent beginning to Angela Benedetti's new M/M urban fantasy series. She begins by plunging the reader directly into her world of magic and setting the dark atmosphere that will surround her characters.
Paul McCallister, Cal, Manny and Aubry are members of a Mage Team who use spells and other magic abilities to battle Fey, trolkins, goblins and other magical creatures who come "topside" to steal magic from humans and banish them back to Under the Hill where they belong. The urban setting for these disturbances: Downtown San Jose, California,
Rory Ellison has always been different. He has seen strange creatures all his life, and in fact after years of therapy and medication Rory believes these creatures are hallucinations -- a product of his deluded, psychotic mind. Rory is attacked by a dangerous gang of goblins and almost loses his life. The Sentinels come to the rescue and it is then that he finally learns the truth about himself. His life is about to change forever.
As Paul and the Sentinels protect Rory from more frequent and dangerous attacks from the fey, Rory battles not only his grave doubts about this new world of magic, but a growing attraction to Paul. And Rory fights hard! He doesn't want to believe and he doesn't want to be attracted. However, when all investigations as to the continuous attacks point to King Pelamine, things rapidly deteriorate for the Sentinels and Rory. The real battle begins.
I enjoyed this book. To develop Paul and Rory's romance, Benedetti uses sexual tension quite effectively throughout the story to build up to a final intimate encounter and the beginning to a relationship. Although both Paul and Rory are attracted to each other and there's a satisfactory outcome to their attraction, as follows with most urban fantasy series, there's room for further development of both the romance and the world building in future installments.
The two main characters in this story are well developed, although there's more depth to Rory's character than Paul's. The Sentinels as secondary characters are well defined, their personalities are set and it's obvious that they'll be pairing off in future installments. Aubry as the most powerful Mage and Cal as his assistant stand out in this story.
Benedetti uses Rory's introduction to the Sentinel's world of magic, his doubts, and the exploration of his new powers to introduce the reader to the world building for her new urban fantasy/romance series, and answers questions as the story moves along at a fairly fast pace. The story was intriguing with lots of action, interesting characters and twists and turns along the way, it kept me turning those pages. A solid beginning to this new series.
Paul McCallister, Cal, Manny and Aubry are members of a Mage Team who use spells and other magic abilities to battle Fey, trolkins, goblins and other magical creatures who come "topside" to steal magic from humans and banish them back to Under the Hill where they belong. The urban setting for these disturbances: Downtown San Jose, California,
Rory Ellison has always been different. He has seen strange creatures all his life, and in fact after years of therapy and medication Rory believes these creatures are hallucinations -- a product of his deluded, psychotic mind. Rory is attacked by a dangerous gang of goblins and almost loses his life. The Sentinels come to the rescue and it is then that he finally learns the truth about himself. His life is about to change forever.
As Paul and the Sentinels protect Rory from more frequent and dangerous attacks from the fey, Rory battles not only his grave doubts about this new world of magic, but a growing attraction to Paul. And Rory fights hard! He doesn't want to believe and he doesn't want to be attracted. However, when all investigations as to the continuous attacks point to King Pelamine, things rapidly deteriorate for the Sentinels and Rory. The real battle begins.
I enjoyed this book. To develop Paul and Rory's romance, Benedetti uses sexual tension quite effectively throughout the story to build up to a final intimate encounter and the beginning to a relationship. Although both Paul and Rory are attracted to each other and there's a satisfactory outcome to their attraction, as follows with most urban fantasy series, there's room for further development of both the romance and the world building in future installments.
The two main characters in this story are well developed, although there's more depth to Rory's character than Paul's. The Sentinels as secondary characters are well defined, their personalities are set and it's obvious that they'll be pairing off in future installments. Aubry as the most powerful Mage and Cal as his assistant stand out in this story.
Benedetti uses Rory's introduction to the Sentinel's world of magic, his doubts, and the exploration of his new powers to introduce the reader to the world building for her new urban fantasy/romance series, and answers questions as the story moves along at a fairly fast pace. The story was intriguing with lots of action, interesting characters and twists and turns along the way, it kept me turning those pages. A solid beginning to this new series.
January 24, 2011
Angela Benedetti’s A Hidden Magic was a breath of fresh air for me. I love paranormals and fantasy, but usually they seem to be pieces of a few famous fantasy worlds cobbled together — not very original. Not here. This story took me by surprise and I found myself happily immersed in this unique universe that seemed to flow naturally from one page to the next. Before I started reading M/M, I used to read popular YA paranormals and many of them were about the Fey, in all different manifestations. I remember now why, although I loved the premise of these books, they always turned me off. I always felt like I was supposed to like the fey. Capricious they may be, but I want to like my protaganists and I could never sympathise with them. I was so happy, then, to find this series (though this is only the beginning), where the only fairies that I’m supposed to like are the little furry ones — the pixies and all of the other mostly harmless ones. I did like them too. If you read this, I can promise you that you’ll love Azzy (who nicknamed himself Azriel, after the angel of Death), who not only injects some much needed humor at inopportune moments, but is cute and cuddly while talking like a 10 year old wannabe gangsta. These little touches were what ultimately made this book come alive for me.
There was no dreaded ‘Info Dump’ here and each character introduced seemed to spring dynamic and fully formed from Ms. Benedetti’s pen. I fell in love a little bit with each emerging character, especially the Sentinel team — Aubrey and Cal, who bicker back and forth like old lovers, even though Aubrey is several centuries in age and Cal is only in his thirties. Manny has had a tough life but is sensitive to Rory’s fears — a wonderful friend. Then there are Rory and Paul themselves. How anyone couldn’t fall in love with Rory I don’t understand. He is lost and scared, with a nervous disposition. He has been squashed by life and those around him, even his well-meaning mother who smothers him. He has never been validated, or felt useful or needed because everyone thinks he is crazy. Yet, though he has every reason to lie down and let life finish him, he retains a steely core and forces himself to face his fears. He is impossibly brave and incredibly admirable...
For the full review, visit Reviews by Jessewave.
There was no dreaded ‘Info Dump’ here and each character introduced seemed to spring dynamic and fully formed from Ms. Benedetti’s pen. I fell in love a little bit with each emerging character, especially the Sentinel team — Aubrey and Cal, who bicker back and forth like old lovers, even though Aubrey is several centuries in age and Cal is only in his thirties. Manny has had a tough life but is sensitive to Rory’s fears — a wonderful friend. Then there are Rory and Paul themselves. How anyone couldn’t fall in love with Rory I don’t understand. He is lost and scared, with a nervous disposition. He has been squashed by life and those around him, even his well-meaning mother who smothers him. He has never been validated, or felt useful or needed because everyone thinks he is crazy. Yet, though he has every reason to lie down and let life finish him, he retains a steely core and forces himself to face his fears. He is impossibly brave and incredibly admirable...
For the full review, visit Reviews by Jessewave.
September 13, 2012
I was almost going to put the book down, but when Rory appeared, it immediately caught my interest and I read the book in one go.
Rory thinks he is psychotic because he sees things that shouldn't exist. He tries everything not to excite his imaginative brain, but one day that doesn't seem enough, as he is attacked by goblins. Luckily a friend of his comes to the rescue and Rory finds himself in a group of people who insist that what he sees is true. One of them, Paul, who's the leader of the Sentinels, is set on protecting him from other attacks and making him accept his visions and come to terms with his gift of powerful magic.
I liked Rory because he has always lived a sheltered life, but he is brave and strong. He tries to respect the limitations he supposedly has, but he also makes relatively courageous decisions, like meeting a friend in a neighborhood he doesn't know, facing his fears, but not surrendering to them. They might look like small decisions, but he makes a lot of them, and he compromises without loosing his dignity. I think the author reached a good balance in his character.
The plot had a good pacing and a little twist at the end. The world building is interesting and it has elements of originality. It's not a book that wowed me, but it conquered me page after page with its mix of entertaining story and characters I cared for. I also liked the writing and its gentle humor.
Rory thinks he is psychotic because he sees things that shouldn't exist. He tries everything not to excite his imaginative brain, but one day that doesn't seem enough, as he is attacked by goblins. Luckily a friend of his comes to the rescue and Rory finds himself in a group of people who insist that what he sees is true. One of them, Paul, who's the leader of the Sentinels, is set on protecting him from other attacks and making him accept his visions and come to terms with his gift of powerful magic.
I liked Rory because he has always lived a sheltered life, but he is brave and strong. He tries to respect the limitations he supposedly has, but he also makes relatively courageous decisions, like meeting a friend in a neighborhood he doesn't know, facing his fears, but not surrendering to them. They might look like small decisions, but he makes a lot of them, and he compromises without loosing his dignity. I think the author reached a good balance in his character.
The plot had a good pacing and a little twist at the end. The world building is interesting and it has elements of originality. It's not a book that wowed me, but it conquered me page after page with its mix of entertaining story and characters I cared for. I also liked the writing and its gentle humor.
August 28, 2011
3.5 Stars.
I had alot of trouble reading this story but I cannot really put into words why. It is a bit slow to develop BUT there was an interesting plot. The relationship was slow to build BUT I like each character individually.
I liked the world building but I think a little bit more explaining could have been done earlier on, I was left feeling a bit impatient because I didnt understand stuff.
I also thought that the story should have had another chapter or two at the end...
Even though I have only rated this book 3.5 stars - I do believe it will interest alot of other people. For some reason I just had alot of trouble with it BUT I did enjoy many aspects of this book and I will buy a sequel if there is one.
I had alot of trouble reading this story but I cannot really put into words why. It is a bit slow to develop BUT there was an interesting plot. The relationship was slow to build BUT I like each character individually.
I liked the world building but I think a little bit more explaining could have been done earlier on, I was left feeling a bit impatient because I didnt understand stuff.
I also thought that the story should have had another chapter or two at the end...
Even though I have only rated this book 3.5 stars - I do believe it will interest alot of other people. For some reason I just had alot of trouble with it BUT I did enjoy many aspects of this book and I will buy a sequel if there is one.
September 18, 2015
The writing was good and the world building solid. I liked the ideas about magic and the fey and Underhill. What made me give it 3 stars was the slow development or rather the no-development. Between the part where something actually happens there is a lot of down time. Discussion, explanations, arguments, stuff that could be interesting but is just really dragging the reader's attention away. I missed a golden thread.
Although I am a fan of slow burn this was too slow. In fact, there was just slow without the burn. After long inner monologues of Paul and Rory I got bored with them and started not caring anymore.
For me it is a book which would have gained by removing some pages or adding more significant plot lines.
Although I am a fan of slow burn this was too slow. In fact, there was just slow without the burn. After long inner monologues of Paul and Rory I got bored with them and started not caring anymore.
For me it is a book which would have gained by removing some pages or adding more significant plot lines.
November 11, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The magic and fae were fascinating. The romance build up was great (I'm not really a huge fan of 'insta-love', so this was perfect!). My only complaint is that I wanted more Rory and Paul together! I'm hoping there will be another book featuring them sometime in the future.
ETA - Still a great reread. Glad the author continued the series since the ending was kinda...meh after all that great action!
ETA - Still a great reread. Glad the author continued the series since the ending was kinda...meh after all that great action!
August 29, 2014
I found this story a little light on action. I was expecting more magic and fighting between the fey and the sentinels. Both Rory and Paul were very difficult to become invested in which may have been their dominance in the story. The world building was good and the story flowed fairly well with only a few hiccups. I just expected more after reading the rave reviews.
August 6, 2011
Love, love, loved this book! Took me a little while to get into it, but, once I acclimated to the world, it was fantastic. It was a nice twist on the traditional magical world. Cannot wait for more in this world. I definitely recommend it!
July 19, 2018
Free from Torque during their December giveaway. It's a great story with engaging characters. Not a lot of romance or sex but just enough to satisfy. I enjoyed it so much I bought the next 2 and hope she'll write more. No cliffhanger, just a very good book with characters you want more of.
September 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this. It was a bit shallow but I have enjoyed the story. The characters were fun and interesting. The story kept me reading. I am really interested in reading more of these guys.
April 28, 2012
Really intriguing woeld building and fascinating interpretation of fairies, elves and other fey characters. So hoping for a second book (or even more) in this universe!
April 18, 2015
An intriguing urban fantasy, with action, great characters, and well paced relationship development.
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