I’m not usually a big mystery fan because I prefer more time spent on relationships and character growth than the linear nature straight-up mysteries I’m not usually a big mystery fan because I prefer more time spent on relationships and character growth than the linear nature straight-up mysteries afford. HOWEVER, I have read almost every single mystery Ms. Swank has ever written beginning with her very first Rose Gardner book. And that is because she takes time to develop amazing relationships and character growth, all while penning some of the best mystery storylines out there.
In this, the first of a new series, we are introduced to a brand new character while re-visiting a much beloved (to me) character from previous series. James *Skeeter* Malcom is a shady but extremely complex character who is also immensely loyal and honorable (in his own way). He is a straight shooter, brash with little time for finesse or BS. He has also run a world-wide crime syndicate, spent time in prison and is an enigma with layers bone deep. Bottom line, he is probably the reason fans like myself are so excited for this new series and one new fans will quickly become addicted to!
Harper, a new character in the DG Swank universe, is a bit more iffy for me. She is a disgraced police detective whose dismissal is mired in questions (for which the answers will most assuredly come to light little by little as the series continues). She has returned to her hometown only to become a raging but still functioning alcoholic. Even when she is searching for her friend’s daughter, who has been kidnapped, she uses alcohol to get her through and often drinks herself into a stupor at night.
Now, I am sure the author will slowly rehabilitate her and there are all kinds of opportunities for growth (obviously) that will be interesting but you can also see why some (myself included) may have a hard time connecting with her. She has understandably gone through some of the worst that life can throw at her and one can understand her struggle. But, at this point I couldn’t find a lot to like about her aside from trying to help her friend. There wasn’t much of a personality shown aside from the drinking.
The mystery aspect is what makes this first installment shine. It is as good as this author is known for. The villain is always a surprise (although I did amazingly guess this one pretty early… probably because I’m such a fan that I can guess at the weird turns this author’s mind may take!). And the journey is assuredly an un-put-downable ride!
Merged review:
I’m not usually a big mystery fan because I prefer more time spent on relationships and character growth than the linear nature straight-up mysteries afford. HOWEVER, I have read almost every single mystery Ms. Swank has ever written beginning with her very first Rose Gardner book. And that is because she takes time to develop amazing relationships and character growth, all while penning some of the best mystery storylines out there.
In this, the first of a new series, we are introduced to a brand new character while re-visiting a much beloved (to me) character from previous series. James *Skeeter* Malcom is a shady but extremely complex character who is also immensely loyal and honorable (in his own way). He is a straight shooter, brash with little time for finesse or BS. He has also run a world-wide crime syndicate, spent time in prison and is an enigma with layers bone deep. Bottom line, he is probably the reason fans like myself are so excited for this new series and one new fans will quickly become addicted to!
Harper, a new character in the DG Swank universe, is a bit more iffy for me. She is a disgraced police detective whose dismissal is mired in questions (for which the answers will most assuredly come to light little by little as the series continues). She has returned to her hometown only to become a raging but still functioning alcoholic. Even when she is searching for her friend’s daughter, who has been kidnapped, she uses alcohol to get her through and often drinks herself into a stupor at night.
Now, I am sure the author will slowly rehabilitate her and there are all kinds of opportunities for growth (obviously) that will be interesting but you can also see why some (myself included) may have a hard time connecting with her. She has understandably gone through some of the worst that life can throw at her and one can understand her struggle. But, at this point I couldn’t find a lot to like about her aside from trying to help her friend. There wasn’t much of a personality shown aside from the drinking.
The mystery aspect is what makes this first installment shine. It is as good as this author is known for. The villain is always a surprise (although I did amazingly guess this one pretty early… probably because I’m such a fan that I can guess at the weird turns this author’s mind may take!). And the journey is assuredly an un-put-downable ride!...more
Great novella that gives lots of insight into Kaylin as a thirteen year old and how she came to be such an integral part of the Hawks at such a young Great novella that gives lots of insight into Kaylin as a thirteen year old and how she came to be such an integral part of the Hawks at such a young age. Wish I had read it before starting the series, it would have added a lot of depth to the first book, especially. ...more
I actually really enjoyed this start to what looks like a very long series (didn’t know that when I opened the book)! There are a lot of unanswered quI actually really enjoyed this start to what looks like a very long series (didn’t know that when I opened the book)! There are a lot of unanswered questions and things I wish the author had helped us understand a bit more, but it is still intriguing enough that I want to continue and uncover all the depths that are hinted at!...more
LOVING this series! And, as anyone who has read its previous books knows, it isn’t a high action, kick-butt heroine type of book. But rather, it is anLOVING this series! And, as anyone who has read its previous books knows, it isn’t a high action, kick-butt heroine type of book. But rather, it is an extremely addictive and warm series about a 40ish woman who, after the death of her grandmother, is thrust into the role of arbitrator/moderator of seven different realms - something she knew nothing about beforehand. It has magic and humor and conflict galore, just on a more human and endearing level.
This specific book did get a bit long and rambley, though. And I was ready to shove the book at the wall with Rollo’s constant “I don’t want to deal with it now, I’ll do it tomorrow” attitude. That expression was literally repeated infinitum through over 80% of the 776 PAGE book. Even with a kinda reason, it made him look weak and wimpy, which (I hope) he is not going to be going forward. Happily it finally resolved at the end and everything is left looking peachy in the Gateway and in Niki’s life… at least for now. :)
And, I’m still reveling in this fun world and watching its characters grow. So, I’ll be (im)patiently waiting for the next installment to publish!...more
Absolutely adoring every single minute I spend with these lovely characters and their lives. Wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone who4.5/5.0
Absolutely adoring every single minute I spend with these lovely characters and their lives. Wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone who loves a great cozy read that doesn’t stress, but wraps one up in all the feels that create happiness!...more
I just realized, I’m not reading this book and series way into the night because I can’t put it down, but because I don’t want to put it down! 4.5/5.0
I just realized, I’m not reading this book and series way into the night because I can’t put it down, but because I don’t want to put it down! It is just so wonderful and lovely and heart-warming and fun that I completely lose myself in it and never look up until my eyes are aching and drifting down!...more
Oh my goodness, how much fun was this?!? For the first bit, I wasn’t sure I was even going to like the book because Niki (FMC) was such a doormat, I cOh my goodness, how much fun was this?!? For the first bit, I wasn’t sure I was even going to like the book because Niki (FMC) was such a doormat, I could hardly read it. BUT…. Once one gets past the 20% mark or so, she bucks up and decides, “no more!”. Then, we get to watch her grow and learn to stand up for herself, while enjoying one of the most delightful stories of magic and realms and intrigue and friendships and growth that I have fancied in a while! Off to the next book quick!...more
Just as lovely as any previous books by this incredible author. It is shorter, however, (the ebook ends at the 88% mark). And, there isn’t real3.5/5.0
Just as lovely as any previous books by this incredible author. It is shorter, however, (the ebook ends at the 88% mark). And, there isn’t really any real conflict to speak of, just two very different people learning to appreciate and love the other for the qualities they each possess.
I loved the sparks between James and Hannah in previous books, so was a bit disappointed there wasn’t more umph in their actual story. So overall, in this instance, it really isn’t the actual plot that shines, it is just the beautiful writing style and richness of the era and the people that keeps the stars high. ...more
This book rates that rare 5 stars for the absolute jaw-dropping, masterful writing and exquisite execution of an intensely creative story. It i4.5/5.0
This book rates that rare 5 stars for the absolute jaw-dropping, masterful writing and exquisite execution of an intensely creative story. It is multi-leveled, nuanced and yet carries a surprisingly warm and touching pen whenever the main characters are on page.
When reading the synopsis, however, I wasn’t sure if I would even like it. It seemed a bit confusing with more of a technical bent. Upon reading, however, I realized that couldn’t be further from the truth! It didn’t take long at all before I was completely engrossed and enjoying the tale as it unfolded. I was especially impressed with how well the author wove the very intricate world-building so effortlessly into the burgeoning plot. There is not a dump in sight! And that is huge considering all the differing aspects that must be explained and come together. Now, that doesn’t mean it didn’t take a bit of time to really understand how everything fits. It is just that it is written in a way that I enjoyed the journey to that understanding.
The story unfolds from three different perspectives. First, Robinson Dickemore Hawksley (Rob) the MMC. Rob is a gifted young man who is prone to getting so engrossed in his scientific and magical inventions that he forgets to eat or sleep. Next is McKenna Aurora Foster, the FMC, a young lady who suffered from a childhood disease that left her deaf. Then there is Joseph Crossthwait, a highly trained soldier assigned the task of uncovering secret Aesir agents embedded in society. The Aesir are a magical race of people who originally inhabited the world - until humans grew and took over. These ancient beings cannot exist in climates that are warm, so hibernate until winters and climate are cold enough for them to awaken. Then, however, they wage all out war to exterminate the human population. This is the time that our main characters find themselves in… And, the excitement begins!!
It is a delightfully unique story, where magic is melded into technology - giving it an almost steampunk vibe, yet it is accomplished in such a creative way, that the fantasy aspects still shine. Because the reader is just getting to know the world and characters, there isn’t an overload of action in this specific book, although there is some. The intrigue is by far the overarching point that keeps the reader turning pages. Well, that and the wonderful development of the characters! Yes, there is a touch of romance (yay!) As well as some twists one can never guess. Suffice it to say, it is the start of what looks to be a riveting and absolutely addicting series, for sure!...more
A decent, if somewhat generic yet enjoyable story. The writing is basic with very simple sentences, thoughts and set-up. No depth or nuance at all, juA decent, if somewhat generic yet enjoyable story. The writing is basic with very simple sentences, thoughts and set-up. No depth or nuance at all, just a basic story someone might tell if making it up for entertainment’s sake before bedtime.
Given that, character’s actions make no sense at times, and the villains are so glaringly obvious, the author could have just said, “.. and the villain now walks into the room” the first time they are introduced.
So… not sure I’ll continue even though there is a huge cliffhanger at the end that requires reading the next book. It’s just a bit too simplistically written for my personal taste....more
This really should rate a 3.5 stars but I love Rose and her world so much I just couldn’t do it. DGS is the only auto-buy author in the mystery field This really should rate a 3.5 stars but I love Rose and her world so much I just couldn’t do it. DGS is the only auto-buy author in the mystery field for me, and that is solely because of this world, these characters and all the love, warmth and down-home goodness that is sprinkled into all the high-jinx, murder and excitement.
It’s been a few years since we have actually seen Rose, though (there are multiple spin-off series now that are set in this world Rose started). She is now married with two kids of her own, plus the two she is raising of her sisters. One of the best parts of this story is the real, yet lovely way Ms. Swank incorporates the home life, challenges and love of an everyday mother. Absolutely pitch-perfect!
BUT… we have to have some way to draw Rose back into her investigative persona, and that’s where it gets a bit sketchy for me. At first the whole finding a box thing just wasn’t the big deal it was made out to be. Seems like much ado about nothing. (Of course, we know that at some point it has to turn into something, but still). I also had a really hard time with her continually choosing to keep Joe in the dark. Now, the author does a good job of explaining why, but it still didn’t sit well that Rose is putting her marriage so much at risk.
Even with those itches, however, I still absolutely relished each and every page of this slice-of-life, murder mystery! It’s a love that has developed over years and will probabaly endure forever. ;)...more
Guess I’m the odd man out on this one. I have loved the first three books in this series, and this one started out just as promising. Two things happeGuess I’m the odd man out on this one. I have loved the first three books in this series, and this one started out just as promising. Two things happened, though, that threw me completely for a loop - and not a good one.
First, the storyline of defeating Melgar and his nefarious plans to take over the empire that has been the moving factor of the series, suddenly took a huge detour and the characters spent the rest of the BOOK chasing evil wraiths in a totally unrelated adventure! Huh? All the questions about the queen, what is going on in Garimore and the road ahead to save Farhall is completely ignored! At the very end (the VERY end) we do pop back into the regularly scheduled plot, but…. Very weird and annoying.
Second, *hopefully this isn’t a serious spoiler for anyone, but be warned just in case* It took an entire book plus three quarters of another before those three words are said! We spend THAT LONG reading, “Should I? I don’t know if I should. Is it too soon? Maybe he/she doesn’t want to hear it” over and over and over and over…. (You get the picture) again! By the 50% point of this book I was head screaming “Good grief, blurt it out already!!!!” By the 76% point when it actually happens (that’s just shy of 10% left of two freaking books worth of pages!) It was so overdue that I hardly cared. Melodrama to that point is just a turn off.
SO… as much as I loved the series to this point, I think I need a breather before continuing. I still want to see what happens in the overall arc, and I am curious about Vaniell, the absent prince whose story is coming up in the next two books. Just annoyed enough at this installment that I’mma need a break....more
At first I wondered if I would like a complete switch in main characters every two books while the storyline was still progressing. But, I ende4.5/5.0
At first I wondered if I would like a complete switch in main characters every two books while the storyline was still progressing. But, I ended up loving Everaine and enjoyed getting to discover all her depths while still seeing the progress of the overall story-arc immensely! Love this series, so far!!...more
Ever have one of those books where you don’t want to put it down but you don’t want to continue either, because you are afraid of what will happen nexEver have one of those books where you don’t want to put it down but you don’t want to continue either, because you are afraid of what will happen next? That is this story! I loved it but kept wanting to stop reading because I knew what would probably happen and didn’t want to see it!
Happily, the big, feared event didn’t materialize. There is a twist that takes us in a different direction and that made it even better than I anticipated. The story doesn’t end, though. It just walks off the page and (I’m assuming) into the next book. SO… I guess I’m off to find that next book! (Annoyed but not enough to let that stop me)....more
Enjoyed this one almost as much as the first. It is a bit slower in places, and Duren always having to flinch and cow-tow to Lisika makes her a bit haEnjoyed this one almost as much as the first. It is a bit slower in places, and Duren always having to flinch and cow-tow to Lisika makes her a bit hard to like at times. But those are small things in the overall awesomeness of the story. It is fantasy at its very best and a series I would absolutely recommend!
*Be warned, however, the editing is still a major problem for those who notice*...more
Now THIS is why I do what I do! Positive proof that one doesn’t have to be “traditionally” published to be an incredible novelist. Before we go any fuNow THIS is why I do what I do! Positive proof that one doesn’t have to be “traditionally” published to be an incredible novelist. Before we go any further, however, I will warn any readers who can’t get past editing errors, that this one will be a frustrating challenge in that area. Because, while it is the very best of storytelling, it is also the perfect example of why so many people get frustrated at indie books. There are a plethora of editing mistakes. Still, if one can look over those shortcomings, this story is AWESOME!
The plotline revolves around Duren, a young man whose family were murdered by bandits. When the legendary swordsman, Holviti, happens upon the carnage, he discovers a baby underneath its mother, who died trying to protect the child. Holviti takes the child and raises him in the wilderness as his own while teaching him everything he knows about swordsmanship, life and the world. Then, he sends Duren into that world to find his own fortune.
This begins a saga that is absolute can’t-put-down action, humor, intrigue and fun! Duran’s humility and naïveté, combined with his stunning prowess is such an addicting combination. And the author really knows his stuff when it comes to the subject matter. Building the world, explaining the intricacies of battle, swordsmanship etc. are all weaved into the storyline with such a fine touch that one learns without even noticing!
The secondary characters are just as expertly crafted as Duran, himself. Michaeleen is the womanizing but big-hearted best friend and of course, Lisaka, the love interest who is an accomplished swordsman, as well. I did have a bit more trouble relating to her because of her cranky and sometimes off-putting demeanor, but she, too, has a big heart underneath all her bluster.
SO… IF one isn’t OCD with editing, I would highly recommend giving this story a gander. I know reviews are often such a personal preference thing but the fact it rated a rousing five stars from me, despite the mistakes that could drag it down, should attest to how much fun I had reading it....more
This is a sweet little confection of fun. It’s a totally surface story and the villain is blatantly obvious if one uses even a modicum of thought to qThis is a sweet little confection of fun. It’s a totally surface story and the villain is blatantly obvious if one uses even a modicum of thought to question intent. Still the characters carry the day. I absolutely adored Hope and her optimistic attitude and Ian is a great, yet enigmatic character, as well.
SO… if one is looking for a read that requires very few brain cells, can deal with some eye-rolling, this story really is a great little escape....more
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