Unseen

Outcast Season #3

by Rachel Caine

After Cassiel and Warden Luis Rocha rescue an adept child from a maniacal Djinn, they realize two things: the girl is already manifesting an incredible amount of power, and her kidnapping was not an isolated incident.

This Djinn—aided by her devoted followers—is capturing children all over the world, and indoctrinating them so she can use their strength for herself. With no other options, Cassiel infiltrates the Djinn’s organization—because if Cassiel cannot stop the Djinn’s apocalyptic designs, all of humanity may be destroyed.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Fiction

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 1, 2011

About the author

Rachel Caine was a pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad.

She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell

Her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/rachelcainef...

Her Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/rachelcaine...

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Originally read 1/29/11 - 1/30/11*

4.5 Stars

I just finished this book and *sigh* I am even more in love with this series than ever. I’m really glad that Rachel Caine decided to do a spinoff of her Weather Warden series. I enjoyed that series a lot, but this series has quickly surpassed it and become my favorite.

I know a few people who had a problem with Joanne’s personality and the constant rotation of big bads in such a short timeframe in the Weather Warden series. If you’re one of them, you might want to take another crack at it with this series because it's written very differently. There's one big bad that spans the series instead of a different problem in each book. They just have specific things to accomplish in one book to get them closer to defeating the bad guy.

Also, I wasn't as big of a fan of Jo and David as I think I was supposed to be. I seemed to like the other characters I met along the way better. This one I actually like for the characters and the relationship development (plus the action too). It all feels very solid and even though there's a big bad and the battle to beat her is important, Cassiel's growth and change through the series is a huge part too.

The action and intensity really ratchets up in this installment. We’ve had some pretty gnarly actions scenes to date, but now the stakes seem higher so it it’s all a bit more intense. I don’t think anything can compete for the sheer badass WTF-ery of a certain scene in the second book, Unknown, where Cassiel proves that she’s still Djinn where it counts, but this one certainly doesn’t disappoint.

Cassiel continues to be a fascinating, complex character. She questions her old beliefs as a Djinn and weighs them against her new experiences as a human. Even when she changes, she never feels different than her core self. Cassiel is someone who will never be weak where it counts. Her practicality and willingness to make the hard choice do not endear her to everyone. She knows herself and her worth and doesn’t care if people think she’s arrogant because of it.

"I can manage."

"Do you have any idea of your own arrogance, lady?"

"Yes," I said. "Do you have any idea of yours?"

Her connection to various people is tested here. The bonds that she has built are put to the test and not all of them survive. There was one character who crossed a shocking line for me and I’m curious to see how that will continue to play out in the next book and if it can be fixed. Cassiel also has to make some hard decisions here, even when it hurts the ones she cares about the most.

I was breaking his heart, and mine, and there was nothing I could do that would heal that wound. It was better to let it bleed out the poison...if that was possible.

I wasn't sure that it wouldn't kill us both.

I feel bad that Cassiel has to shoulder the blame because she’s strong enough to take a harsh look at the situation and do what needs to be done, even when she doesn’t want to. I can see why other characters are hurt by her decisions and it seems like no one wins in situations like that.

We got to see more of Rashid—who continues to fascinate me—and also a bit of Ashan. Things are quickly getting out of control, and something toward the end happened that upped the ante dramatically. Something must be done, and it must be done now or it will be too late. The next (and last) book in the series that comes out in 2012 promises to be a wild, intense ride. I can’t wait.

I know that I haven't gone into much detail about the actual events of the story, but I think it'll lose its punch if I give anything away. A large part of the fun of Rachel Caine's writing is uncovering the wild ride page by page. The only caution I would make about this book is that it does not stand alone well. You really need to start it from the beginning to follow along well.

Favorite Quote:

Everything's fine," I said. "I bought Isabel a pet."

There was an interestingly long silence, and finally he said, "Is it poisonous?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"That's...surprising, somehow, from you. All right. You can explain it all to me later."

Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was grateful to get back on my motorcycle. Things seemed simple there, stripped to bare essentials. While I was moving, slipping like a shadow through the world, I didn’t feel so vulnerable to a child’s smile, or an old woman’s pity.

One thing that disappointed me about Unknown was how Cassiel become too adjusted to the human world after such a short time. Undone had done a fantastic job of capturing Cassiel’s aloofness in ways both interesting and frustrating, so I was glad Unseen found a better balance.

What distinguishes this series from a slew of others is Cassiel’s unique perspective and losing that so suddenly hurt Unknown.

Cassiel’s competing human and Djinn instincts are portrayed more nuanced too: before now, her Djinn part was unapologetically cold-blooded, and I think there’s a couple of situations here that better highlight the “virtues” of the Djinn.

Unseen starts like one of those reality shows where they bring troubled teens to prisons to “scare them straight” by listening to the well-meaning posturing of inmates.

In this version, Cass brings Isabel to someone who also messed around with their powers at a young age and suffered the consequence of becoming half-snake from the bottom down after a battle with a Djinn. This interaction leads Isabel to agree to go to a Warden facility to help her deal with her abilities.

I enjoyed all the time we got at the facility, and how much we learned about the children’s conditions. Horrifyingly, awaking a child’s abilities before they can handle them is a death sentence, and all the facility can do is prolong their life but not by much.

After learning this, Luis dedicates himself to caring for the children, Isabel particularly, but Cass has a greater duty in defeating Pearl. This leads to an understandably emotionally-charged fight between them, as Luis interprets this as abandonment. I sympathtised with Luis’s perspective right up until he claimed Rashid.

Unlike with Lewis in the main series, this enslavement plays into a great moment at the end between Luis and Cass. To his horror, she sets Rashid free. He can’t believe she'd bet their lives on a Djinn’s “goodwill” and Cass quickly rejoins, “It was better than betting it on his obedience”, and I just love that.

The second half of the book is spent with Cass going undercover in Pearl’s cult. I liked how the book seemed to be pushed in so many directions, but the confrontation between Pearl and Cass wasn’t as exciting, climactic, or even as significant to the plot as it really should have been.

Buttressing this point, the apocalyptic scenario of the Mother waking up happens out of nowhere at the end, which sort of dwarfs Pearl on the scale of threats.

Unseen is a little all over the place, but that isn’t always a bad thing, and given all the bases Caine covered, I’d even go so far as saying its a strength.

[Jeann (Happy Indulgence) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review appears on my Happy Indulgence Blog. Check it out for more reviews!

I’ve never read a series that depicts Djinn (ie. genies) as well as the Weather Warden series (and Outcast Season) does. No, they’re not blue genies that come out of a bottle but they have super wicked powers and a whole world of their own.

While the Weather Warden series was from a warden’s perspective (who actually happened to be a Djinn early on, although briefly), The Outcast Season is perfect from us seeing things from a Djinn turned human’s perspective.

Cassiel has definitely warmed up to becoming a human as she’s gotten comfortable in her own skin and protecting people that she cares about, Earth Warden Luis and his damaged niece Isabel. Unlike the Weather Warden series which transitioned between several major enemies, the Outcast Season is about one big baddy – Pearl, an evil Djinn (and her sister) who wants to wipe the Earth clean of all life, and to start over again with her as the ruler.

What’s dark and disturbing about Pearl, is that she’s capturing gifted children and forcing them to break and use their Warden powers early, which pretty much assigns them to an early death. With her newly found compassion and Djinn resolve for vengeance despite all odds, Cassiel is the perfect person to take down Pearl’s operation – before its too late.

As always, I really admired Rachel Caine’s flawless writing. The entire weather warden series and Outcast Season spin-off features some mind blowing concepts, such as New Djinn, Old Djinn, and Earth Warden powers. I’ve never been lost once, which is a real testament to the way she can paint these concepts so vividly in your head. While I was reading Unseen, it occurred to me that I felt the depth of pain and betrayal that Cassiel feels, simply because of her unique circumstances of being a Djinn.

It felt like I really understood the choices she had to make, such as going for vengeance instead of staying with her loved ones. That’s just what a Djinn…no, Cassiel does, she can’t sit tight while there are children in the world suffering. It’s evident that she’s grown immensely since we first met her in Undone, as it may have been difficult connecting with her then, but now, I can only see things from her practical, detached perspective.

The series really ramps up here with beloved characters thrown into desperation and reaching breaking point, seeing the bleak results of what happened to poor Isabel underpin the true evil of what Pearl does, and the true power of Earth Wardens. With a classic cliffhanger ending, I can’t wait to see what happens in the final installment of The Outcast Season (and sadly, all things Weather Warden).

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outcast Season is a spin-off series of Caine's Weather Warden books. The number of readers is so far limited and I hope that changes as I want Caine to write adult urban fantasy, not young-adult, as I have tired of her Morganville books. Outcast is an entertaining series and fans of the Warden books will be happy.

The Warden books are notorious for terrible cliffhanger endings. I am happy that Caine has toned that quality down here. The main plot is still very much unresolved but I feel no stress having to wait another year for the next to be published.

As an urban fantasy story, this series is darker than the Warden books. I did not like this at first. As I've mentioned before, the humor is missing but now that I've finished the 3rd book, I feel invested enough with the characters that I can do without the humor. Caine made a smart decision, as a book that is essentially about experimenting, abusing, and exploiting children is not fertile ground for many humorous moments.

I am still not completely sold on Luis. He was a big male baby. Rashid is by far my favorite character. And there is a monster I really loved. And a rolling sphere which was awesome.

I was internally complaining about the timelines of the Warden series and these books not matching up but it did come together in the end. The next book should be very interesting considering what happens with the djinn.

Luis and Cas are a good balance. I like how their instincts differ so greatly, with Luis wanting to protect and Cas wanting to attack. Joanne's history of being tricked and screwed over by unlikely sources is a quality shared by Cas. Those scenes get under my skin but it all comes together and makes for some memorable action.

Additionally, for a book with numerous young characters, I was not the slightest bit annoyed by any of them. I tend to want to run away screaming from books with kids, as most authors are terrible at characterization and writing believable scenarios and actions. Caine did an excellent job of avoiding the pitfalls which other authors fall into.

I hope Caine does not take forever to publish the next in the series. 4 1/2 stars, the best so far.

[April · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy the first two all that much but I suppose I had it coming by trying the third despite that. Mainly my issue was with an unsympathetic character I couldn't begin to care about. This one started out better as she became more sympathetic but then the action just became too unbelievable. Amazingly though I was still interested enough in the plight of the children to read through to the end. And still ended up not satisfied with the result.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story actually takes place at the same time as the events of Cape Storm and Total Eclipse from the Weather Wardens series featuring Joanne Baldwin.

I guess I am one of those who has to be different in my opinion about this story. Cassiel IS an interesting character, but those around her like Isabel (Ibby) and Luis make this series worth continuining to read. In part, she reminds me a little of Joanne in that her decisions aren't always that fun to read about. Cassiel was once a powerful Djinn, a being as old as the earth herself. Thanks to Ashan, the leader of the so-called True Djinn, she lost all her powers and must rely on the charity of the Wardens themselves for her survival. Her powers are Earth Wardens, like her partner Luis Rocha.

Rocha now appears to have an affinity for not only Earth, but Fire as well; same as his niece Ibby. Cassiel and Luis get to know each other horizontally in this book, while Ibby is sleeping. Of course, this doesn't last long as Warden Marian Bearheart, from the Warden Series, demands that Luis bring Ibby to a school in Montana where they are trying to help those stolen by Pearl, the evil former Djinn who was once killed, or so it was thought, by Cassiel herself. Bearheart was hurt so badly in the war between the Djinn and Wardens, that she'll never walk again.

Cassiel makes a decision after arrival that, in my opinion, she should have done before now; go after Pearl and the children she's mind raped. Save them, kill her. Seriously, you can say that's what she did to these children because they have absolutely no control over themselves and their powers are extraordinary powerful. They've become nothing more than a pawn for Pearl against the Wardens, and Humans overall. Ibby's powers are so powerful that she could eventually die prematurely.

I like Ibby's character, especially at the end when she and another Pearl abused child named Gillain take a stand, and decide that it's time to take Pearl out. I also love the addition of Esmeralda the snake girl who Ibby called and asked for help from.

Another shocker? Ashan was actually likable in this story, even though he clearly has an agenda which is the elimination of humankind from the planet in order to stop Pearl, and to save Mother Earth from destruction. Ashan has true feelings for Cassiel, and even goes as far as saving her after Pearl and her children beat her to a bloody pulp. Ashan even fore-tells his destruction in this book, and asks Cass to come back to him. (If you haven't read the last few books in the Warden Series, I suggest you do so.)

What's interesting is, there are actually several real villians in this story. One, you don't see coming until the end. She hides in plain sight as it were, turning the children against those like Marian and Cass. The second group is a cult-like group calling itself the Church of the New World. They are blind followers to Pearl, and kidnappers of Warden children. Of course, there's Pearl who really needs to be stopped soon. Maybe in the last book of the series?

Overall, I shall give this book a 3.5 rating and only because the last 100 pages were actually enjoyable to read, and that's were all the action was as well.

[Book Binge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I go all fangirl when a new Rachel Caine arrives in my mailbox and Unseen is no exception. Set in the same world as the Weather Warden novels (another rockin' series, if you're into urban fantasy), Unseen is the third in the series featuring the ex-Djinn, Cassiel, and her human Warden, Luis. (Since this is the third in the series, there are some spoilers if you haven't read the prior novels.)

Cassiel is growing more comfortable in her human skin, experiencing emotions on a level she never felt as a Djinn, and actually growing to love the humans she's surrounded by. She's not entirely sure she likes this new compassion. It makes her vulnerable in ways she never was when she was a Djinn. This includes caring for and loving humans like little Ibby and, of course, Luis. However, she never loses her practicality and willingness to do what's necessary, no matter what the consequences might be (oh, and there are some serious consequences).

Speaking of that hot Weather Warden Luis, things are moving along quite swimmingly between Cass and Luis. As in, they're finally getting a piece of each other (ooh, and what a nice shower scene that was!). Oh, thank all that is good—the sexual tension between the two of them was about to kill me! Except, despite the ongoing tension and their every-growing feelings for each other, Luis's first priority is his niece, Ibby, and protecting her from the psychotic Djinn Pearl, and Cass's priority is stopping Pearl without offing all of humanity. While that seems like that would go hand-in-hand, it doesn't. Those crazy kids. I have faith they'll work it out, especially considering they really do care for one another and, despite their differences, they just have such a fantastic connection.

Added into the mix are Djinn from Cass's past: Rashid and Ashan. Rashid has always fascinated me, popping in unexpectedly, interfering in Cass's now-human life, and lending aid when least expected but most needed. Then disappearing. And then there's Ashan. If you've read any of the Weather Warden series, you're familiar with Ashan and his distain for human-kind. He's perfectly comfortable ordering Cassiel to wipe out the human race in order to stop Pearl and then turning Cass into a human as punishment when she refuses. So, when he pops up back on her radar, she's somewhat unsure how to deal with him, especially with all those new-to-her human emotions roiling around in her brain. I have the feeling we'll be seeing more of him in the very near future.

Rachel Caine seems to take inordinate pleasure in torturing her characters. She takes the writers' maxim of making characters' lives miserable to a higher level. I'm awed—and a little scared—every time I pick up a book to find out what torture is in store for the characters. Cassiel gets dumped on hard core. Characters die right and left (Just a little warning—don't get attached to anyone new. Most of them don't make it very long in the Outcast world.). Ibby grows up way too fast and is forced to make decisions no one under seven should ever have to make. Unseen is a super-fast, tension-filled story that will have you reading late into the night.

Rating: 4.75/5.0

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Mary.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in Rachel Caine's spin off from the Weather Warden series and I would definitely recommend it to Weather Warden fans. I loved the first series but I'm growing to like the Outcast Season books even more, the only disappointment is having to wait a whole year to get my hands on the next (and final) book in the series. I would say you could pick up the Outcast Season books even if you've not read any of the Weather Warden series but I would definitely recommend reading this series in order starting with Undone.

Cassiel is still struggling to fit into her new place in the world - no longer fully Djinn but also not quite human she finds her lack of power and the fact that she has to rely on the Wardens to live frustrating. Working in such close contact with her Warden partner Luis has had a big effect on her though and we are starting to see a much more human side to her, she is more caring and wants to do everything she can to help those suffering at the hands of her enemy. She hasn't had a personality transplant though, she can still be very cool and logical when she needs to be, she will do what needs to be done no matter how much it hurts her to do it. What I really love about Cassiel is that we are seeing a lot of development in her character, she never comes across as one dimensional and although you might not agree with her decisions sometimes you can understand why she makes the choices she does.

I have been really enjoying the developing relationship between Cassiel and Luis but I have to admit I was disappointed with some of Luis' behavior in this installment. I can't really say why without giving spoilers but there were times I wanted to shake him! I will say that he had started to redeem himself by the end of the book so I have high hopes that I'll be back to liking him more again in the next installment. It broke my heart watching Ibby at the beginning but I was so proud of her by end of the book that I wanted to cheer. I'm also very intrigued the snake girl and wonder if we'll see more of her in the future.

I can't wait to get my hands on Unbroken which will be the final installment in this series. Considering the books so far have coincided with the last few Weather Warden books I'm curious to see where we will be in the timeline for the last book, if it runs alongside Total Eclipse there should be some very interesting times ahead for Cassiel and the Djinn. I would recommend this series to any urban fantasy fan, personally I'd say you're better off starting with the Weather Warden series and reading all of the books in order but if you're not sure you should definitely give Undone a try.

[All Things Urban Fantasy]

Sometimes an author can do their work all too well when creating a villain for protagonists to overcome. As in the Jane True series (where I felt I would never be truly satisfied until Jarl was dead), my dislike for the rogue djinn Pearl has now reached fever pitch. Her cult-like followers, cultivated through a combination of magical manipulation and murder, are heartbreaking enough on their own. Add an army of children being trained as holy warriors and cannon fodder, and I’m out for blood.

Outcast Season book 2, UNKNOWN, revealed a lot of Pearl’s evil without much by way of victory for Cassiel and her allies, circumstances that drove me up the wall with frustration to get my hands on the next in book in the series. UNSEEN did not disappoint. It’s a fast, exciting story that moved the plot forward in several satisfying ways. Normally I dislike books where the love interests are separated for much of the story, but Cassiel and Luis seem to grow deeper in their relationship through the trials they face. In this book more than any other, Cassiel faces how much she has changed since being cast out of the djinn, and her personal growth amidst all of the action and danger was both well written and believable.

UNSEEN includes even more revelations regarding Pearl, and sets the stage for a very satisfying resolution to the series in book four, UNBROKEN. The reality of Pearl's fanatics and child soldiers is chilling, to the point where Pearl is definitely in the top five of my list of Villains Who Should Die. I've got my fingers crossed and high hopes for UNBROKEN, here’s hoping Pearl gets what’s coming to her.

Sexual Content: Mildly explicit sex scenes.

[Paris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know how Rachel Caine does it, but I would love for her to teach me her tricks. I have read a lot of her books and she is still able to surprise me with the feelings and the twists and turns that she fills her books with. While the Weather Warden series was non-stop action and “What could possibly happen next?”, the Outcast Season series is a little more stable in that the big bad is the same one throughout all four books. Although we know the enemy, it still doesn’t make life easy on Cassiel or on the reader.

This installment in the series was even creepier than the last. The children that Pearl is capturing and then damaging, nearly beyond repair, are freaking scary. And the cult that Pearl has doing her dirty work are scary in their own right. They all believe that they are doing the right thing and that Pearl will save them all. She has done such a masterful job brainwashing people that even the strongest minds have nearly fallen victim to her.

Aside from the action and creepiness, this book was full of emotion. Rachel Caine is freaking phenomenal in creating such amazing characters that you can’t help but feel so deeply for. Cassiel, who up until she was turned human, didn’t bother with emotions, is filled with them in this book and most of the time she doesn’t know what they are or what to do with them. I can relate to that.

I love this series and the Weather Warden series that it was spun off from. I cannot wait to see what happens next, although I’m hesitant to finish the next book because it is officially the last and I’ll have to say goodbye.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 star, not just a 3 star.
Ms. Caine does not write happy books. Every book I've read of hers puts me into a tailspin of depression. I'm starting to wonder if Ms. Caine is Chinese hiding in a white woman's body. I say this because every Chinese story or movie I've watched contains violence and betrayal against the hero or heroine. In Unseen, Ms. Caine continues this lovely tradition when Cassie's friends, family, allies and enemies attack her physically and psychologically. The blows just keep coming. The ending of the book is in Ms. Caine's trademark cliffhanger of gloom and doom. Just one time, I'd like to read a book of hers where someone I like DOES NOT DIE. But then, the book wouldn't be a Ms. Caine special.

In Unseen, we see more of Cassie's human side. She struggles still with being human and I can't blame her. I'm human and I still struggle trying to understand people's responses. Her feeling of being all alone and trying to do the right thing hit painfully close to home.

I have to give Ms. Caine props for finding new ways of stabbing the reader in the heart with a dagger. i don't know how many different ways she can cut a person and still leave them breathing and waiting for the next book. I guess this means I'm waiting for the next one.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I felt Book Two was a placeholder, UNSEEN was a fast, exciting book that moved the plot forward in several satisfying ways. Normally I dislike books where the love interests are seperated, but Cassiel and Luis seemed to grow deeper in their relationship despite the distance. I found their conflict and interaction gripping, enough so that it compensated for the repetition of Cassiel's spendthrift magical habits (at least once a chapter, and often twice, she would be "dangerously low" on power, seek out Luis, and then blow her entire store of power on cleaning a motel room or some nonsense).

As for the plot, I felt the revelations regarding Pearl and the ending cliff-hanger set the stage for a very satisfying resolution to the series in Book Four. The reality of Pearl's fanatics and child soldiers is chilling, to the point where Pearl is definitely in the top five of my list of Villains Who Should Die. I've got my fingers crossed and high hopes for Book Four, Caine don't fail me now!

See my full review at All Things Urban Fantasy.

[LilMisGrayBrisk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read: 7/15/15 - 3 stars

Originally read: 5/1/11 - 3 stars

I'm sad to write that I was disappointed with Unseen. It lacked the excitement and adventure of the first two books. The attraction between Luis and Cassiel was missing; they almost seemed to be going through the motions. I was extremely annoyed with Luis's reaction to the task that Cassiel had assigned herself. He didn't have to like it or agree with her, but he should have supported her decision. It's not like he didn't know the reason she was placed on earth as a human. The last fifty pages were interesting but it didn't make up for the rest of the story.

[Ghadeer A · Rating 4 out of 5]

what a great character Cassiel is!
i just love her .she is like a robot but with a human heart :)
this book was packed with action you don't have time to breath
and sometimes i just want to hit Luis on his head he makes me so mad because he does not understand Cassiel and expect her to act HUMAN when she is not..
alot of surprises in this book too.and i can happily and honestly say i have no idea how this series is going to end..but i can't wait for the next book..

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read this series and this time book 3 came with a little more action but I found myself wanting.

Not as strong but it’s the penultimate entry in this series.
On to book 4

[keikii Eats Books · Rating 2 out of 5]

33 points/100 (1.75 stars/5).

Izzy is finally back with Cassiel and Luis, they're recovering but happy. But this is a book, let us find out how everything goes wrong.

These books just keep getting worse to me over time. The story doesn't improve at all. In fact it stays basically in the same place the whole time, which is really impressive. The second half of book one through the third book has all been basically the same thing the whole time. I was bored, and now I'm glad I only have one left.

The plot of this book was infuriating. Cassiel kept going and going and going place only to literally go nowhere. She backtracked several times in this story. It is like the author needed to up the word count and decided that the best way to do that was have Cassiel have to go back a few times to where she just was. Then, not only does this book not just end up back where the book started, it ends up back where book two started. This series makes no progress!

Then, there is a "big confrontation" between Cassiel and her SisterEnemy. This is the poorest planning I have seen for some time. Cassiel does none of it. She just feels like it is her "duty" to do something, so she runs off and does it. No planning, no thinking. Only doing. This is the most ridiculous thing ever. No wonder Cassiel keeps getting her ass kicked, she refuses to do anything other than run into obvious traps, blunder her way into miscommunications, and fighter her way into making bad decisions.

The whole "OH MY GOD CASSIEL WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT WAY?!" shit is really now. It was terrible the previous book. It is even more terrible in this one. These aren't djinn ideas Cassiel is having. They're totally human ideas. They're logical. They're the right choices even if she doesn't have enough knowledge or experience or even fucking backup to be effective. I'm so goddamn annoyed with everyone looking at her sideways every time she does anything human.

The relationship went from bad to awful, too. It was bad enough when they were getting along. They fight this book. All book long. It is filled with cutting barbs, miscommunication, and hurled insults. Luis acts like a terrible person all book. I can't even fault Cassiel too much in these problems. Yes, Cassiel makes some not so wise choices, but this is her first romance after being human for basically no time at all. This is why I felt like the relationship was bad - Cassiel doesn't have enough experience as a person for any kind of romance. So we get this book, where they fight because Cassiel doesn't understand who she is or what she is supposed to do enough to be in a relationship and then Luis goes off. Most of the problems in this book could have been solved if Luis said absolutely anything to her that wasn't an insult or "holier than thou" comment. This is so fucking shit. I hope this relationship doesn't last through book four.

There is so little good in this book. I was really disappointed.

[Carrie Odie · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I finished this book, I heaved a big sigh of annoyance. THREE books each around 300 pages and we're still exactly where we were at the beginning. All three books end the same way: with the Big Bad still out there, apparently invincible. I thought this was the last of a trilogy, or I wouldn't have bothered. After book 2 finished having not resolved the main story conflict exactly as book 1 hadn't resolved it, I felt that surely book 3 in a trilogy will finally resolve it, so I may as well read it since I'd already invested in the series. But nooooo. I don't know if there's a 4th book or if there will be one, but I'm past the point of caring now.

Like most readers, I read the Weather Wardens series and when I reached the end of that, I saw that there was a spin-off series. I enjoyed the first book quite a bit up until the unfinished ending. Since the WW books resolve a story at the end of every book and start up a new antagonist, I found that series satisfying even though I was not on board with the main romance. Those books have a love triangle and I far prefer the other man for the heroine to the one she choooses repeatedly. To me, having Joanne and David together is like watching Titanic and rooting for Rose and Cal. Um, no. Have you met Jack? Jack is perfect for Rose. Caine gives us Jack, but wants us to be satisfied with a romance that sidelines him over and over.

Similarly, I don't get why Cassiel and Luis are so in love. She falls permanently, Djinnly in love with the first single guy she meets? Okay...

What I think this series adds to the WW books is a much more interesting version of Marion Bearheart and compelling secondary characters: Isabel (Ibby) and Djinn Rashid. The flaw it shares with the WW books is how the protagonist always needs to be rescued. She's portrayed as the baddest ass of the badasses, but in every book, at the critical moment when she cannot save herself (usually from some peril she's gotten into due to her own obstinance), a Djinn or Warden swoops in from the air or under the ground or across the sea to save her stubborn ass. Therefore, the only thing that makes her a truly strong character is that she befriends actual strong characters. At least Cassiel is likable, as opposed to Joanne Baldwin who thinks she hilarious but isn't and is shallowly obsessed with shopping and a completely unconvincing obsession with muscle cars. Cassiel has hints of this with her motorcycle fetish, but it at least makes some sense as it's given a compelling reason and she doesn't give her motorcycles annoying nicknames like Joanne gives her stupid cars.

I read every WW book in 1-2 days max. I read the first 2 Outcast books in 2-4 days each. I had to force myself to read this book. It took me 5 days. And I'm talking summer vacation where I do nothing BUT read books.

[Follow the Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronique de Diana :

https://followthereader2016.wordpress...

Ce tome est tellement intense sur bien des points que j’ai terminé frustrée de ne pas avoir la suite juste après. Heureusement je sais qu’Alter Real va publier le dernier tome sans trop nous faire attendre.

Cassiel va ici vraiment prendre conscience qu’être humaine n’est pas simple au niveau des émotions. Elle avait déjà du mal mais là, entre les sentiments et les choix à faire, ça devient compliqué et une fois de plus, elle se fait juger sur ce qu’elle était et non pas qui elle est à présent. Par moment j’ai eu mal pour elle, alors oui, Cassiel est une dure à cuire et elle fonctionne plus avec sa tête que son cœur mais cette dynamique change et les mentalités pas aussi vite hélas.

Retrouver Isabelle va faire du bien à Luis, il faudra pourtant qu’il accepte que la fillette ne l’est plus vraiment après son enlèvement et ses capacités. C’est un tome qui va montrer l’ampleur du souffrances qu’elle a du subir, mais aussi l’impuissance de son oncle à l’aider ou même à dépasser ça. L’arrivée dans le camp sera à la fois un soulagement mais pour combien de temps ?

Cassiel va partir au front en s’infiltrant directement dans la secte qui aide Perle. Je vous laisse découvrir ce qu’elle trouvera sur place et ce qu’elle devra faire pour survivre.

J’ai adoré, il y a toujours de l’action, les sentiments sont là en plus et impossible de ne pas s’immerger et de vivre les choses à 100 à l’heure comme les personnages.

Je suis conquise, je ne sais pas si ça finira bien ou pas du tout pour nos héros, l’auteure ne les épargne pas et peu importe le dénouement je serai à leur côté.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book in the Outcast Season series has Cassiel trying to find a way to kill Pearl with killing all of humanity. She and Luis have reunited with his niece Ibby, but Ibby is not well. Pearl has forced her to develop her powers many years too soon, and the new power will kill her sooner or later and probably sooner.

Luis and Cassiel have a basic difference of opinion. Luis feels that he has to stay and try to help Ibby. Cassiel is sure that she has to take the fight to Pearl. This argument causes them to go their separate ways for a while which nearly breaks Cassiel's heart. Once given, love isn't a gift that a Djinn can take back.

The story is filled with all sorts of battles with the good guys nearly always on the ropes. Pearl, who doesn't care if her soldiers survive, seems to have the advantage in all the battles. But that doesn't mean that Cassiel will give up.

I like the world building in this series and really enjoy Cassiel's character as she develops more human-like characteristics.

[Kogiopsis · Rating 3 out of 5]

At this point - jotting down thoughts several months after I read the actual book, because I do need to return it to the library eventually - I think it's time to admit I'm probably not going to finish this quartet. On a writing level it's fine; I'm just not invested in the story or the characters the way I was in the Weather Warden series, and by now I've forgotten enough of what was going on that picking up the last volume would be mostly confusing.

I'm glad I've assuaged my curiosity thus far, but if I decide to revisit this universe I'll just go back to Ill Wind instead.

[Piroska · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me forever to get through this one. Somehow I can't understand why something that can destroy the world doesn't grab the attention of anyone. Seriously. Just send Venna to kill everyone. Or any other Djinn. And the fake drama between Luis and Cass was a bit too much. I think I'm gonna need some time before I read the next one.

[K.C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cassie went throw it all on this book and more. It actually did to much. Taking three steps forward with five steps back. I could feel Cassie frustration but I also didnt care for it. It needed to move the story slightly forward for me to fall deeper into the story. Hopefully the final book rounds it out.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Book 3 - and things are getting intense! Although initially not quite as action-packed as the first two novels, this third one ramps up and leaves you hanging! Cassiel, former Djinn, has her work cut out for her in Book 4!

[Sadie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I done with this series now - this is the third one in the series and the story is no further forward than the very first book, and has become boring. Finished the book hoping it would have an ending. It doesn't and I just don't have the inclination to find out what happens.

[Fietspomp · Rating 3 out of 5]

6
Cassiel tries to infiltrate in one of the centra. Peaceful setting, however, tricked by warden girl. Other FBI agent killed. Also djinn boss infiltrated.

School is attacked, internal traitor, fight against warden children.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tend to struggle with book 3 in a four part series, it always feels a bit drawn out. I know we are building to a big finale so looking forward to it. Cass, Luis and Isobel are all discovering power in this one. Should be a wild ride.

[Dexter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew it was too good to last. This one finally goes the way of the main Weather Warden books where you can't trust anyone. It's even more infuriating this time around because I genuinely like Cassiel and Luis more than Joanne and David.

Even so, I'm still very much into it.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very serious tone throughout the whole thing.

[Jessica Kunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

It keeps you thinking. Loving the bond between the 3, just when you think its going to disappear it becomes stronger. Hoping for a happy ending.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better and Better

Book #3 is so action packed there is not one moment you have time to be bored. Loved It!! On to #4!!