What do you think?
Rate this book
Dreamwalker Chronicles #1
Stillbringer
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07DZP2KVR
**A slow burn Reverse Harem-style series.**
After learning her family plans to kill her, Aeyli escapes the prison she’s been kept in ‘for the greater good’. She manages to stay one step ahead of her pursuers until a stroke of bad luck leaves her alone, defenseless, and out of options. Faced with certain death, Aeyli flees into the night and lands in the middle of a battlefield. Is she brave enough to ally herself with the monster she finds there, or will she die, never learning the true nature of the power burning inside her?
Agent Fourteen has no thought beyond the current mission—his mind, his life, and his will are bound tightly under the yoke of The Company. A momentary break in his conditioning is all it takes for him to yearn for freedom. Can Fourteen fight his programming long enough to attain true freedom, or is he doomed to be a mindless puppet for the rest of his life?
Following a tragic event, Guardian Marshall has spent the past five years trying to patch up the crumbling walls of his soul. The hauntingly familiar details of a new case draw his attention like nothing has since that terrible day. Will he be able to separate fact from fiction? Or will Marshall lose what is left of his soul?
**A slow burn Reverse Harem-style series.**
After learning her family plans to kill her, Aeyli escapes the prison she’s been kept in ‘for the greater good’. She manages to stay one step ahead of her pursuers until a stroke of bad luck leaves her alone, defenseless, and out of options. Faced with certain death, Aeyli flees into the night and lands in the middle of a battlefield. Is she brave enough to ally herself with the monster she finds there, or will she die, never learning the true nature of the power burning inside her?
Agent Fourteen has no thought beyond the current mission—his mind, his life, and his will are bound tightly under the yoke of The Company. A momentary break in his conditioning is all it takes for him to yearn for freedom. Can Fourteen fight his programming long enough to attain true freedom, or is he doomed to be a mindless puppet for the rest of his life?
Following a tragic event, Guardian Marshall has spent the past five years trying to patch up the crumbling walls of his soul. The hauntingly familiar details of a new case draw his attention like nothing has since that terrible day. Will he be able to separate fact from fiction? Or will Marshall lose what is left of his soul?
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
August 31, 2019
This book wasn’t for me. I like a good slow burn, but this felt just slow. Too slow. Or maybe too much info dumping? Not sure. I can see the appeal though. It’s not a mess and I think others will like it.
August 18, 2019
Okay, the good and the bad.
Good:
Terminator characters are almost always fun.
Jack.
Bad:
It dragged on at some points, especially the magical explanations, and I still feel like I don't know what's going on there.
Didn't feel like much chemistry going on between the MC and other love interests.
It is a personal preference when I say, I don't really like young (teenager), innocent type characters (who literally have experienced none of the world since they were like 7, so basically a child still in a lot of ways) getting romantically involved with an adult..especially one with a large age gap (10 years). It just makes me feel awkward and sets off my 's-pedo senses'.
Good:
Terminator characters are almost always fun.
Jack.
Bad:
It dragged on at some points, especially the magical explanations, and I still feel like I don't know what's going on there.
Didn't feel like much chemistry going on between the MC and other love interests.
It is a personal preference when I say, I don't really like young (teenager), innocent type characters (who literally have experienced none of the world since they were like 7, so basically a child still in a lot of ways) getting romantically involved with an adult..especially one with a large age gap (10 years). It just makes me feel awkward and sets off my 's-pedo senses'.
December 9, 2018
I spent about 80% of this book in the dark as to what was going on, or what kind of magic was happening. But that was ok because this seems like the kind of book where explanations unfold rather than being handed to us readers on a silver platter.
We're really only scratching the surface of the world and the magic in it. stillbringer, guardians, the company we really don't know what they are yet but it's making me want to carry on!
Fourteen was defiantly the terminator
Memory wiped and programmed to be a super solider he stumbles across our MC Aeyli (got no clue how to pronounce that either) by accident who's uncontrollable magic starts to bring feeling back into his life.
The most and only disconcerting part of this is the age gap between the love interests. If Aeyli could have been a little older than 18 it might not have made me cringe so much at the sweet romance.
We also have an interesting group of guardians - who seems to be an all powerful police force - after the two. They added another level of intrigue and all 3 of the characters were great in their own way.
This book was mentioned in the group Reverse Harem Revolution so I was expecting a RH here but I'm not sure if that's where it's gonna go or not. It might but more than likely not. Though being a fan I'd love it to be the case
But there is an even bigger age gap there so maybe not ... if only she'd been in her twenties!
We're really only scratching the surface of the world and the magic in it. stillbringer, guardians, the company we really don't know what they are yet but it's making me want to carry on!
Fourteen was defiantly the terminator
Memory wiped and programmed to be a super solider he stumbles across our MC Aeyli (got no clue how to pronounce that either) by accident who's uncontrollable magic starts to bring feeling back into his life.
The most and only disconcerting part of this is the age gap between the love interests. If Aeyli could have been a little older than 18 it might not have made me cringe so much at the sweet romance.
We also have an interesting group of guardians - who seems to be an all powerful police force - after the two. They added another level of intrigue and all 3 of the characters were great in their own way.
This book was mentioned in the group Reverse Harem Revolution so I was expecting a RH here but I'm not sure if that's where it's gonna go or not. It might but more than likely not. Though being a fan I'd love it to be the case
But there is an even bigger age gap there so maybe not ... if only she'd been in her twenties!
Want to read
March 19, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/19/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
After learning her family plans to kill her, Aeyli escapes the prison she’s been kept in ‘for the greater good’. She manages to stay one step ahead of her pursuers until a stroke of bad luck leaves her alone, defenseless, and out of options. Faced with certain death, Aeyli flees into the night and lands in the middle of a battlefield. Is she brave enough to ally herself with the monster she finds there, or will she die, never learning the true nature of the power burning inside her?
Agent Fourteen has no thought beyond the current mission—his mind, his life, and his will are bound tightly under the yoke of The Company. A momentary break in his conditioning is all it takes for him to yearn for freedom. Can Fourteen fight his programming long enough to attain true freedom, or is he doomed to be a mindless puppet for the rest of his life?
Following a tragic event, Guardian Marshall has spent the past five years trying to patch up the crumbling walls of his soul. The hauntingly familiar details of a new case draw his attention like nothing has since that terrible day. Will he be able to separate fact from fiction? Or will Marshall lose what is left of his soul?
Blurb:
After learning her family plans to kill her, Aeyli escapes the prison she’s been kept in ‘for the greater good’. She manages to stay one step ahead of her pursuers until a stroke of bad luck leaves her alone, defenseless, and out of options. Faced with certain death, Aeyli flees into the night and lands in the middle of a battlefield. Is she brave enough to ally herself with the monster she finds there, or will she die, never learning the true nature of the power burning inside her?
Agent Fourteen has no thought beyond the current mission—his mind, his life, and his will are bound tightly under the yoke of The Company. A momentary break in his conditioning is all it takes for him to yearn for freedom. Can Fourteen fight his programming long enough to attain true freedom, or is he doomed to be a mindless puppet for the rest of his life?
Following a tragic event, Guardian Marshall has spent the past five years trying to patch up the crumbling walls of his soul. The hauntingly familiar details of a new case draw his attention like nothing has since that terrible day. Will he be able to separate fact from fiction? Or will Marshall lose what is left of his soul?
August 1, 2019
We are deep in the trope forest here with no GPS. I can’t say it was a bad thing to get lost there for a little while, but it wasn’t great, either. Around the 40-60% mark i got verra verra confused about all the “magic 4 dummies” explanations from Marshall’s perspective. Couldn’t it be, ya know..simpler? Dreamwalking and witches and power threads/auras that are colored and demons and nightmares and offensive magic and defensive magic and dreamwalking animal forms and and and...oye I’m confused...
Aaaand though this was a slow burn, it kind of read like YA to me, so i can’t say I’m itching to follow up with the next one. Neither Marshall nor Fourteen jumped off the page (not much sizzle/chemistry in my opinion), and much of the dialogue was a little stilted. I’d rather have read a book about Jack and Adelle, who need to make out, like yesterday.
Aaaand though this was a slow burn, it kind of read like YA to me, so i can’t say I’m itching to follow up with the next one. Neither Marshall nor Fourteen jumped off the page (not much sizzle/chemistry in my opinion), and much of the dialogue was a little stilted. I’d rather have read a book about Jack and Adelle, who need to make out, like yesterday.
August 18, 2019
Okay so... I liked the beginning and the (rare) moments of romance in this book. It's clearly slow burn and usually I wouldn't have minded but here, it's a bit of a problem for me because I didn't care about the world and the magic in this book. I didn't find it compelling or enjoyable to read and I ended up skimming some of it because I just wanted it to be over...
August 27, 2018
Magic is real, experience it with Aeyliana, Fourteen and the others.
I got into this book without first reading the synopsis, blurb or any other reviews. All I knew was that it is an urban fantasy.
Just first few chapters in and I thought ‘Oh joy, another runaway girl meets a macho handsome soldier. She melts his heart and he rescues her. Stillbringer is so much more than just that; I was literally just scratching the surface.
What makes the book so captivating and impressive is that there are simple logic and symbolism hinted behind every spell, charm and magical act which makes all the fantastical things seem very real and plausible.
While Ayeliana reminded me of an anime character or a cosplay girl and I kept picturing Arnold Schwarzenegger as Fourteen. Though, I think my favorite character is Marshall. There is even a little bit of inception going on there.
The beautifully descriptive writing style of the author leaves little for the reader to imagine then be it a complex spell or a fierce battle of the magical beings on another realm making it so much easier for one to follow the story and continue their journey in the magic land unobstructed.
However, the book can use another round of editing. I came across a few editing mistakes but nothing too big to sour the reader’s mood.
I didn’t expect the book to be a part of a series; I was really hoping for a sweet happy ending with Aeyli and Fourteen riding into the sunset; especially given the length of the book but now that the writer has thrown a rather large twist in the end with a cruel ‘to be continued’, I have no choice but to eagerly wait for the next book.
Every good book has a message for its readers often hidden in plain sight for them to discover it for themselves. Stillbringer has a couple of words of wisdom to partake with its readers too. Throughout the book, I was constantly reminded to never let my fear, guilt or any other negative emotions to get strong enough to cripple me.
Stillbringer is one of those few books that can be enjoyed by every age group. Minus a few, even though tasteful steamy scenes, it can even make a very good bedtime story for kids.
I got into this book without first reading the synopsis, blurb or any other reviews. All I knew was that it is an urban fantasy.
Just first few chapters in and I thought ‘Oh joy, another runaway girl meets a macho handsome soldier. She melts his heart and he rescues her. Stillbringer is so much more than just that; I was literally just scratching the surface.
What makes the book so captivating and impressive is that there are simple logic and symbolism hinted behind every spell, charm and magical act which makes all the fantastical things seem very real and plausible.
While Ayeliana reminded me of an anime character or a cosplay girl and I kept picturing Arnold Schwarzenegger as Fourteen. Though, I think my favorite character is Marshall. There is even a little bit of inception going on there.
The beautifully descriptive writing style of the author leaves little for the reader to imagine then be it a complex spell or a fierce battle of the magical beings on another realm making it so much easier for one to follow the story and continue their journey in the magic land unobstructed.
However, the book can use another round of editing. I came across a few editing mistakes but nothing too big to sour the reader’s mood.
I didn’t expect the book to be a part of a series; I was really hoping for a sweet happy ending with Aeyli and Fourteen riding into the sunset; especially given the length of the book but now that the writer has thrown a rather large twist in the end with a cruel ‘to be continued’, I have no choice but to eagerly wait for the next book.
Every good book has a message for its readers often hidden in plain sight for them to discover it for themselves. Stillbringer has a couple of words of wisdom to partake with its readers too. Throughout the book, I was constantly reminded to never let my fear, guilt or any other negative emotions to get strong enough to cripple me.
Stillbringer is one of those few books that can be enjoyed by every age group. Minus a few, even though tasteful steamy scenes, it can even make a very good bedtime story for kids.
February 7, 2022
✨ BR with Reverse Harem Revolution ✨
Two things you need to know about this Precious:
1) It's pronounced like Hayley only the H is silent
2) This book is A.W.E.S.O.M.E!
D) Donuts
⅞) I don't know how to count apparently
@) Go read this. NOW.
Memo to me: Originally read this edition (Published: 2018 - 420 pages)
Two things you need to know about this Precious:
1) It's pronounced like Hayley only the H is silent
2) This book is A.W.E.S.O.M.E!
D) Donuts
⅞) I don't know how to count apparently
@) Go read this. NOW.
Memo to me: Originally read this edition (Published: 2018 - 420 pages)
November 10, 2019
Good book with great world building and character development that gets better as the book goes on. Starting Soulcleaver now!
November 18, 2020
I don’t know. It’s so interesting and all, but it was so boring to me, and an information overload. I think it could be a great book for someone who’s looking for less romance and more fantasy, but it wasn’t for me. I desperately want to know what happens though, but I don’t think I want to get sucked into another book.
August 19, 2019
Pages: 273
My rating (stars): 4
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
The heroine of the book Stillbringer thinks her name is Aeyli. She was born into a prominent and powerful family of witches, but has very unstable magic abilities of her own. As the family prepares to elect a new head of the family, Aeyli is appointed by a higher power. But the family doesn't want her, yet everyone tries to beat her, but there is no way to release her from this task. So the family has only one way to get rid of her ....
The story of Aeyli begins in a city where she lives among humans. She is tracked down by her family and can barely escape them. On the run she encounters 14, who wants to save and protect her. As the family commits a magical attack on Aeyli, as a result of which a skyscraper is destroyed, the magical police are involved in the case.
I found this story different from most RH Fantasy stories. Stillbringer is told excitingly and unfortunately ends on a cliffhanger. Now, of course, I'm curious about volume two, which hopefully will be just as exciting.
My rating (stars): 4
Read other books from this author in the future: yes
The heroine of the book Stillbringer thinks her name is Aeyli. She was born into a prominent and powerful family of witches, but has very unstable magic abilities of her own. As the family prepares to elect a new head of the family, Aeyli is appointed by a higher power. But the family doesn't want her, yet everyone tries to beat her, but there is no way to release her from this task. So the family has only one way to get rid of her ....
The story of Aeyli begins in a city where she lives among humans. She is tracked down by her family and can barely escape them. On the run she encounters 14, who wants to save and protect her. As the family commits a magical attack on Aeyli, as a result of which a skyscraper is destroyed, the magical police are involved in the case.
I found this story different from most RH Fantasy stories. Stillbringer is told excitingly and unfortunately ends on a cliffhanger. Now, of course, I'm curious about volume two, which hopefully will be just as exciting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2019
Interesting new world
In this, the first book in the series, the author creates an interesting world. The editing was well done, particularly for a new author, and the characters well developed. The plot is fast, with surprise twists, and enough humor to keep it light. The book ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, so hopefully it will not be too long until the next one is released. I look forward to reading more of this series and seeing these characters again.
In this, the first book in the series, the author creates an interesting world. The editing was well done, particularly for a new author, and the characters well developed. The plot is fast, with surprise twists, and enough humor to keep it light. The book ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger, so hopefully it will not be too long until the next one is released. I look forward to reading more of this series and seeing these characters again.
January 25, 2021
Grr
So very annoyed. This was no RH. There was barely any romance. Barely any interaction. A couple kisses and a whole shit load of backstory and blabbing nonsense. Another showing not telling story. So bummed. Meh on the demons and stillbringer part.
So very annoyed. This was no RH. There was barely any romance. Barely any interaction. A couple kisses and a whole shit load of backstory and blabbing nonsense. Another showing not telling story. So bummed. Meh on the demons and stillbringer part.
August 22, 2018
This is a stunning story with vibrant characters and a compelling and interesting world. The author drops you right into the action and you never know what will happen next. I feel lucky to have gotten an advanced readers copy. Block out some time in your schedule because you will not want to put this book down.
The most compelling element is how the magic of the world is written, but then again my background in role-playing games makes me a sucker for good world building.
The most compelling element is how the magic of the world is written, but then again my background in role-playing games makes me a sucker for good world building.
August 23, 2019
Was a good start to what looks a promising series.
Let see what the next book brings
Let see what the next book brings
March 6, 2019
Stillbringer: A Reverse Harem Urban Fantasy (Dreamwalker Chronicles Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Zile Elliven
I borrowed this book via the KU program and am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
A damsel who isn't always in distress with a new kind of magic. A super soldier who will save her whatever the cost. A Guardian in search of the truth! All that and some of the funniest, cleverest and most sly narration I have come across in a long time combined with fast paced, well blocked combat scenes between magic, hand grenades and programmed super soldiers makes this a rocking and rolling good time.
I originally checked out this book because of the headline “**A slow burn Reverse Harem-style series.** “ on the www,Amazon.com page. I'm on a bit of a binge for the why-choose romances of the sci-fi/fantasy vein. But I only ran into one of the reverse harem members, Fourteen, the super soldier. There are a couple of other, okay maybe three possibilities that show themselves before the amazing if irritating cliffhanger, but there is slow burn and there is glacier like burn. Hopefully, the second book will appear soon and allay my concerns.
Fourteen, in himself, is pretty much a harem with his tangled history and mind. He is soldier/mercenary who is so brainwashed, he is more machine than man (he even has an operating system!) Until he runs into The Girl. The Girl is on the run from her family when she stumbles on Fourteen's latest mission that has gone seriously awry. Each thinks the other has to be protected and that leads to some funny, some exciting and few smexy moments as their connection is formed by her magic and his memories.
The Girl, Aelyi is on the lamb from her family of high ranking witches and magic users who are plotting her death and actively trying to put those plots into action. Her battles and escapes catches the attention of the Guardian Team called Fire, which is made of Marshall (a strong willed but sensitive Dreamwalker with a deep and painful secret), his friend, Jack and Marshall's sister Adelle.
I loved the new type of magic a lot and really did enjoy the smart dialogue and exciting action scenes as well the birth of Fourteen's and Aelyi's romance. Their draw is a fascinating thing and I really liked his back story. I enjoyed Marshall's sharp tongue and Jack's nearly High-British quips. The only problem with the two Guardians? I didn't get a lot of physical description of Jack, his history (there is a bit of a hint) or his actual magic. That was terrifically frustrating! Not having a physical description of a minor character isn't a huge deal breaker for me, but Jack is kind of a lynch pin here. I needed a bit more of him.
The magic system was new, expansive, and laid out carefully through dialogue and flashbacks, so the trap of a huge front load of information or one of those irritating appendices explaining it. Ms. Elliven gives it to us in a very organic matter.
Hints to Fourteen's past are probably the best part. He is reminiscent of a Dean Koontz character. A sexy, sad, strong soldier with a tangled and painful past! I could fall for him in real life!.
Aeyli grows in the story, going from a runaway afraid of herself and her own strengths to a young woman of means and power beyond the magical.
Warning: There is a big, big Cliffhanger with no relief in our immediate future. This book is not for a reader who has to have all the story right away. If this is you, you might want to wait until Ms. Elliven has a few more episodes of Fourteen's and Aeyli's stories out there.
All in all a strong start with only a few annoying quirks.
4 ½ stars rounded up to 5.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
by Zile Elliven
I borrowed this book via the KU program and am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
A damsel who isn't always in distress with a new kind of magic. A super soldier who will save her whatever the cost. A Guardian in search of the truth! All that and some of the funniest, cleverest and most sly narration I have come across in a long time combined with fast paced, well blocked combat scenes between magic, hand grenades and programmed super soldiers makes this a rocking and rolling good time.
I originally checked out this book because of the headline “**A slow burn Reverse Harem-style series.** “ on the www,Amazon.com page. I'm on a bit of a binge for the why-choose romances of the sci-fi/fantasy vein. But I only ran into one of the reverse harem members, Fourteen, the super soldier. There are a couple of other, okay maybe three possibilities that show themselves before the amazing if irritating cliffhanger, but there is slow burn and there is glacier like burn. Hopefully, the second book will appear soon and allay my concerns.
Fourteen, in himself, is pretty much a harem with his tangled history and mind. He is soldier/mercenary who is so brainwashed, he is more machine than man (he even has an operating system!) Until he runs into The Girl. The Girl is on the run from her family when she stumbles on Fourteen's latest mission that has gone seriously awry. Each thinks the other has to be protected and that leads to some funny, some exciting and few smexy moments as their connection is formed by her magic and his memories.
The Girl, Aelyi is on the lamb from her family of high ranking witches and magic users who are plotting her death and actively trying to put those plots into action. Her battles and escapes catches the attention of the Guardian Team called Fire, which is made of Marshall (a strong willed but sensitive Dreamwalker with a deep and painful secret), his friend, Jack and Marshall's sister Adelle.
I loved the new type of magic a lot and really did enjoy the smart dialogue and exciting action scenes as well the birth of Fourteen's and Aelyi's romance. Their draw is a fascinating thing and I really liked his back story. I enjoyed Marshall's sharp tongue and Jack's nearly High-British quips. The only problem with the two Guardians? I didn't get a lot of physical description of Jack, his history (there is a bit of a hint) or his actual magic. That was terrifically frustrating! Not having a physical description of a minor character isn't a huge deal breaker for me, but Jack is kind of a lynch pin here. I needed a bit more of him.
The magic system was new, expansive, and laid out carefully through dialogue and flashbacks, so the trap of a huge front load of information or one of those irritating appendices explaining it. Ms. Elliven gives it to us in a very organic matter.
Hints to Fourteen's past are probably the best part. He is reminiscent of a Dean Koontz character. A sexy, sad, strong soldier with a tangled and painful past! I could fall for him in real life!.
Aeyli grows in the story, going from a runaway afraid of herself and her own strengths to a young woman of means and power beyond the magical.
Warning: There is a big, big Cliffhanger with no relief in our immediate future. This book is not for a reader who has to have all the story right away. If this is you, you might want to wait until Ms. Elliven has a few more episodes of Fourteen's and Aeyli's stories out there.
All in all a strong start with only a few annoying quirks.
4 ½ stars rounded up to 5.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
March 20, 2019
Climb aboard for the magical mystery tour
Aeyli has been a shut in the last decade. Oh, bot because she wants to, but because her family decided she was dangerous and locked her up. After finding a note warning her that her family had decided to kill her she bolted. The last few months have been running, hiding, dodging location spells and just trying to stay one step ahead of them. Granted, death would be better than being locked up again, but even as limited as her freedom has been she doesn't want to give that up, either. But then, in the middle of another fight with her family, she falls into the lap of a guy who seems to be in a battle of his own. He has no name, no emotion, and only one drive- to complete his mission. Fourteen, so named because that was when he was "recruited", read kidnapped and assimilated, is this close to completing what has been a craptastic mission, where his two handlers have died, and moving on to the next. Only, this crazy, pitifully dressed for the weather, shoeless girl lands in his lap in the middle of a shootout. One touch and his already scrambled mind starts both breaking apart and knitting back together. She gave him back his name. He can feel something besides cold detachment. For that alone he would help her out. But discovering what her family is trying to do to her only makes h even more sure that he would use all his training to protect her. But what they come to discover is even crazier than they thought.
Spoilers ahead!
Oh, if this is any indication of how this series is going to be, then the readers are in for a hell of a ride. Aeyli has no social skills, causes anger and rage in everyone in her vicinity, has barely controlled magic and is damned tired of running. Fourteen is basically a robot brain inside human skin, also has no social skills, prefers to kill rather than talk to people and has just discovered that this tiny girl can free him from his programming. But whatever she did that did that also allows her to command him. Rather like Kagome does Inuyasha. This leads to some amusing moments, also some frustrating and sad ones. Guardians have been battling more and more nightmares lately. When guardians, a robotic mercenary and a clueless witch with no training come together, legends are born. Demons and nightmares don't stand a chance, do they? But they aren't the only thing out there. The Company, the people who created Fourteen, are still out there and they've invested a lot of time into him. Now they're fighting crazed family members, demons, nightmares and mysterious mercenaries with brainwashing abilities. The list of enemies keeps growing. For a slow burn, there's certainly a lot of action packed into this book. The characters, their interactions, the world building, it's awesome. It's like looking into a kaleidoscope. You see something cool, turn the dial, and even though it's the same shapes they're turning and sliding, becoming something new, something else but still awesome.
Aeyli has been a shut in the last decade. Oh, bot because she wants to, but because her family decided she was dangerous and locked her up. After finding a note warning her that her family had decided to kill her she bolted. The last few months have been running, hiding, dodging location spells and just trying to stay one step ahead of them. Granted, death would be better than being locked up again, but even as limited as her freedom has been she doesn't want to give that up, either. But then, in the middle of another fight with her family, she falls into the lap of a guy who seems to be in a battle of his own. He has no name, no emotion, and only one drive- to complete his mission. Fourteen, so named because that was when he was "recruited", read kidnapped and assimilated, is this close to completing what has been a craptastic mission, where his two handlers have died, and moving on to the next. Only, this crazy, pitifully dressed for the weather, shoeless girl lands in his lap in the middle of a shootout. One touch and his already scrambled mind starts both breaking apart and knitting back together. She gave him back his name. He can feel something besides cold detachment. For that alone he would help her out. But discovering what her family is trying to do to her only makes h even more sure that he would use all his training to protect her. But what they come to discover is even crazier than they thought.
Spoilers ahead!
Oh, if this is any indication of how this series is going to be, then the readers are in for a hell of a ride. Aeyli has no social skills, causes anger and rage in everyone in her vicinity, has barely controlled magic and is damned tired of running. Fourteen is basically a robot brain inside human skin, also has no social skills, prefers to kill rather than talk to people and has just discovered that this tiny girl can free him from his programming. But whatever she did that did that also allows her to command him. Rather like Kagome does Inuyasha. This leads to some amusing moments, also some frustrating and sad ones. Guardians have been battling more and more nightmares lately. When guardians, a robotic mercenary and a clueless witch with no training come together, legends are born. Demons and nightmares don't stand a chance, do they? But they aren't the only thing out there. The Company, the people who created Fourteen, are still out there and they've invested a lot of time into him. Now they're fighting crazed family members, demons, nightmares and mysterious mercenaries with brainwashing abilities. The list of enemies keeps growing. For a slow burn, there's certainly a lot of action packed into this book. The characters, their interactions, the world building, it's awesome. It's like looking into a kaleidoscope. You see something cool, turn the dial, and even though it's the same shapes they're turning and sliding, becoming something new, something else but still awesome.
July 24, 2018
4.5 stars. I can't stop thinking about this story and these characters.
Admittedly, I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this book, but it impressed me and then some. The dynamic between Aeyli and Fourteen was unique and refreshing, and the fact that he could hold his own so freaking well had me rooting for them big time. Fourteen's circumstances in general made for a really fascinating character. Him and Aeyli were both very well developed and I liked reading their POV's equally, which is not always the case.
When Marshall's POV was introduced, I became a bit wary - plenty of authors love to sprinkle random POV's through their stories as a way to share information with the reader, and that can get pretty tedious for me. (GRRM, anyone?) But, my reservations melted away pretty quickly. Marshall, Jack and Adelle were a great addition to the story, which was all the better for them being part of it.
Some of the different magics mentioned also seem very promising. I can't wait to know exactly what Aeyli's power is, and the Dreamscape concept is just so damn cool. I'd love to see more of that too. At the moment, though, I just need Fourteen to be safe! I'm dreading what will happen now that the Company has their hands on his magic-repelling armor. I'm hoping that Aeyli and the Guardians manage to rescue him before the Colonel can make more of it, but I'm anticipating that it will become a major problem, and the Guard will end up at war with the Company. Just a theory!
Ugh, I need the next book. Yesterday.
Admittedly, I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this book, but it impressed me and then some. The dynamic between Aeyli and Fourteen was unique and refreshing, and the fact that he could hold his own so freaking well had me rooting for them big time. Fourteen's circumstances in general made for a really fascinating character. Him and Aeyli were both very well developed and I liked reading their POV's equally, which is not always the case.
When Marshall's POV was introduced, I became a bit wary - plenty of authors love to sprinkle random POV's through their stories as a way to share information with the reader, and that can get pretty tedious for me. (GRRM, anyone?) But, my reservations melted away pretty quickly. Marshall, Jack and Adelle were a great addition to the story, which was all the better for them being part of it.
Some of the different magics mentioned also seem very promising. I can't wait to know exactly what Aeyli's power is, and the Dreamscape concept is just so damn cool. I'd love to see more of that too. At the moment, though, I just need Fourteen to be safe! I'm dreading what will happen now that the Company has their hands on his magic-repelling armor. I'm hoping that Aeyli and the Guardians manage to rescue him before the Colonel can make more of it, but I'm anticipating that it will become a major problem, and the Guard will end up at war with the Company. Just a theory!
Ugh, I need the next book. Yesterday.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2019
Nice and entertaining
One thing I will give this book is that it is chuck full of action. Aeyli and Fourteen never seem to catch a break. Fourteen was extremely complex and I really liked his character. Aeyli... she definitely has some growing to do, which is understandable being a shut-in sheltered girl. Maybe it was the typos or constant redundancy in her inner monologues that starting to irk me, not sure. She kinda went from 0 to 60 in experience and personality in this book IMO. I wouldn't mind seeing how she develops in the next book.
This is a RH novel which I have been obsessively binge reading the genre for a while. Now, while I can somewhat tolerate slow-burn RH storylines, this one moved at almost a snail-like pace. Yes Fourteen and Aeyli have a steamy scene or 2, but we have some other possibilities for the harem...but they were lacking in physical descriptions and much detail. It's frustrating to say the least. So while I liked the overall story with a magical urban fantasy romance flair, I do hope for more from Aeyli and her "harem".
So it action, fantasy, and twist plot: 5/5stars
Romance and character development (supporting characters): 4/5 borderline 3.5/5 since I'm a bit impatient for the harem to come together. Definitely worth reading though.
One thing I will give this book is that it is chuck full of action. Aeyli and Fourteen never seem to catch a break. Fourteen was extremely complex and I really liked his character. Aeyli... she definitely has some growing to do, which is understandable being a shut-in sheltered girl. Maybe it was the typos or constant redundancy in her inner monologues that starting to irk me, not sure. She kinda went from 0 to 60 in experience and personality in this book IMO. I wouldn't mind seeing how she develops in the next book.
This is a RH novel which I have been obsessively binge reading the genre for a while. Now, while I can somewhat tolerate slow-burn RH storylines, this one moved at almost a snail-like pace. Yes Fourteen and Aeyli have a steamy scene or 2, but we have some other possibilities for the harem...but they were lacking in physical descriptions and much detail. It's frustrating to say the least. So while I liked the overall story with a magical urban fantasy romance flair, I do hope for more from Aeyli and her "harem".
So it action, fantasy, and twist plot: 5/5stars
Romance and character development (supporting characters): 4/5 borderline 3.5/5 since I'm a bit impatient for the harem to come together. Definitely worth reading though.
October 12, 2018
What a Surprise
This book caught my eye and I downloaded the sample on a whim. Before I finished the second chapter, I borrowed the full book from KU. I loved Aeyli and Fourteen straight off. When Marshall, Adelle and Jack were introduced, they were easy to love, too.
This book is almost non-stop action with some sweet and sexy moments, too. When the real reason for Aeyli's family trying to kill her came to light, it wasn't what I was expecting. Talk about one screwed up family. The conclusion of that battle was pretty awesome, though.
I'm scared for Fourteen, though. Really, I should have expected that to happen. I have to wonder how much the Colonel knows about the Other, though. Man I hate that guy and we haven't even met his character outside of one of Fourteen's memories. I hope Aeyli and the others kick his ass but good! I'm really looking forward to book two. I sure hope it comes out in early 2019.
This book caught my eye and I downloaded the sample on a whim. Before I finished the second chapter, I borrowed the full book from KU. I loved Aeyli and Fourteen straight off. When Marshall, Adelle and Jack were introduced, they were easy to love, too.
This book is almost non-stop action with some sweet and sexy moments, too. When the real reason for Aeyli's family trying to kill her came to light, it wasn't what I was expecting. Talk about one screwed up family. The conclusion of that battle was pretty awesome, though.
I'm scared for Fourteen, though. Really, I should have expected that to happen. I have to wonder how much the Colonel knows about the Other, though. Man I hate that guy and we haven't even met his character outside of one of Fourteen's memories. I hope Aeyli and the others kick his ass but good! I'm really looking forward to book two. I sure hope it comes out in early 2019.
May 10, 2020
That book for when someone asks: what if Jason Bourne stumbles into an urban fantasy?
The magic in this book was interesting, and Aeyli is a nice MC (although I could never figure out if the Y was silent). And Fourteen was great - I loved his chapters.
The pacing in this book was untenable, though. I can see what the author was trying to do, weaving the action from Marshall’s team in with Aeyli and Fourteen’s own storyline, but it’s all very jumbled.
Even the descriptions within the chapters are paced badly. Just one of many examples: there is a whole chapter near the end - mid-epic battle - where Fourteen essentially just wrestles with whether or not he should trust the Guardians. Can we Roger back to show, yet?
Despite the major issue of pacing, I still wanted to read to the end, though. And I have a short attention span for books so that must mean something. I might read the sequel, just for Fourteen.
The magic in this book was interesting, and Aeyli is a nice MC (although I could never figure out if the Y was silent). And Fourteen was great - I loved his chapters.
The pacing in this book was untenable, though. I can see what the author was trying to do, weaving the action from Marshall’s team in with Aeyli and Fourteen’s own storyline, but it’s all very jumbled.
Even the descriptions within the chapters are paced badly. Just one of many examples: there is a whole chapter near the end - mid-epic battle - where Fourteen essentially just wrestles with whether or not he should trust the Guardians. Can we Roger back to show, yet?
Despite the major issue of pacing, I still wanted to read to the end, though. And I have a short attention span for books so that must mean something. I might read the sequel, just for Fourteen.
October 5, 2018
There is so much to like about this book. It is very fast-paced, with nonstop action for all of the characters. The way the chapters alternate among the main characters allows breathing space to calm the worry about the characters in the previous chapter. And, of course, the ending sends us off to the next action.
Another strength is that she doesn't really explain the actual magic and what the world of norms and others really is. It would really take a rereading to try to put together the clues that are there. And, of course, makes you want to read the next book in the series.
The humor -- especially from Jack -- lightens up what could have been despairing story since Aeyli, Fourteen and Marshall have really had it rough.
This book would be easy to hand-sell at the library if it were available in print.
Another strength is that she doesn't really explain the actual magic and what the world of norms and others really is. It would really take a rereading to try to put together the clues that are there. And, of course, makes you want to read the next book in the series.
The humor -- especially from Jack -- lightens up what could have been despairing story since Aeyli, Fourteen and Marshall have really had it rough.
This book would be easy to hand-sell at the library if it were available in print.
September 4, 2019
Ummmmm.....
Ok.... so there is a lot to unpack with this book. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, and worth reading - but half the time it feels like you are dropped into the middle of a story and have to struggle to keep up, or even figure out what the heck is going on. It’s confusing, detailed and rather convoluted. I mean, I want to keep going with the series just to understand what the bloody point of all of it is!
Pros:
- Catches you off guard.
- Fourteen..... so many questions.
- Marshall... can this be a RH, please? (Probably not, but dang, it would be awesome)
Cons:
- What the heck is happening here?
- Seriously, I need some explanation.
- WHO is she? HOW is she?
- What....?
Ok.... so there is a lot to unpack with this book. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, and worth reading - but half the time it feels like you are dropped into the middle of a story and have to struggle to keep up, or even figure out what the heck is going on. It’s confusing, detailed and rather convoluted. I mean, I want to keep going with the series just to understand what the bloody point of all of it is!
Pros:
- Catches you off guard.
- Fourteen..... so many questions.
- Marshall... can this be a RH, please? (Probably not, but dang, it would be awesome)
Cons:
- What the heck is happening here?
- Seriously, I need some explanation.
- WHO is she? HOW is she?
- What....?
August 28, 2021
Do We Ever Truly Know Ourselves?
This is an intense story of Aeyli, a girl who thinks she's a danger to everyone and is just trying to survive on her own. But her family has other plans and is out to kill her while keeping dark secrets. Her only chance is Fourteen, a soldier who is cold as the frozen tundra. As Aeyli starts to thaw Fourteen's coldness, she finds him to be a damaged but loyal protector that she is starting to have confusing feelings for. Aeyli is also finding that she is more than what she or her family ever imagined. This is a well-written book with side characters that are equally as intriguing as the main characters. I highly recommend!
This is an intense story of Aeyli, a girl who thinks she's a danger to everyone and is just trying to survive on her own. But her family has other plans and is out to kill her while keeping dark secrets. Her only chance is Fourteen, a soldier who is cold as the frozen tundra. As Aeyli starts to thaw Fourteen's coldness, she finds him to be a damaged but loyal protector that she is starting to have confusing feelings for. Aeyli is also finding that she is more than what she or her family ever imagined. This is a well-written book with side characters that are equally as intriguing as the main characters. I highly recommend!
Read
September 6, 2019Stillbringer is book 1 of the Dreamwalker Chronicles. Well done! A fresh, and unique storyline and characters with internal conflicts and external challenges that keep the reader's attention. The writer does a stellar job creating the minute complexities of Aelia's magic abilities. You never know what will happen next. A handful of typos (puss=pus, fury=furry) and a couple sentences that need revision made me pause, but quite frankly, I was so invested in the story, I skipped over them easily enough. Can't wait to get to book 2, Soulcleaver.
November 25, 2019
An interesting take a young girl with power she can't control, this started out with a great intro to a character I wanted to know more about but found that it fell into a cliche situation that didn't carry across very well, and across the storyline that didn't change very much. The chemistry between the characters was very wooden and felt almost forced. One thing I did like was a twist at the end, and the power mechanics themselves stepping away from the trope which should have been further explored & emphasized.
January 31, 2020
Does not get better
The author had an interesting plot but didn’t build up the characters connections enough for any feelings to develop between them or anyone. The Mc was constantly second guessing herself not in a cute way.. her motives kept flip flopping around. I had hoped the story would improve with more characters, but it ended feeling rushed and unfinished. I will not be continuing the series.
The author had an interesting plot but didn’t build up the characters connections enough for any feelings to develop between them or anyone. The Mc was constantly second guessing herself not in a cute way.. her motives kept flip flopping around. I had hoped the story would improve with more characters, but it ended feeling rushed and unfinished. I will not be continuing the series.
July 26, 2018
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this story! Such creative world building. A great cast of characters you can't help but love (or hate). A full plot ARC that ends with a mild cliff hanger leading into the next book, but it doesn't feel like you're dropped off in the middle of the story at the climax. Highly recommended
I really enjoyed this story! Such creative world building. A great cast of characters you can't help but love (or hate). A full plot ARC that ends with a mild cliff hanger leading into the next book, but it doesn't feel like you're dropped off in the middle of the story at the climax. Highly recommended
April 14, 2019
Loved it and can't wait
This was such a great book. Underdog, love interest, comedy, tears, anger, joy it's all in there. Loved the magic description so we could really picture it. Sets up so many possibilities for other stories. Can't wait to get the second one. Great job and thank you
This was such a great book. Underdog, love interest, comedy, tears, anger, joy it's all in there. Loved the magic description so we could really picture it. Sets up so many possibilities for other stories. Can't wait to get the second one. Great job and thank you
May 16, 2019
Oh that was good
Paranormal. Uf. Rh. 1/?. Slowburn. Natural development relationships. Definitely a unique story. Loads of action and fast paced. Aeyli has been isolated from everything since her 8th birthday. When is runs away she finds herself with a super soldier named Fourteen. It's very entertaining all around. You really want to read this one.
Paranormal. Uf. Rh. 1/?. Slowburn. Natural development relationships. Definitely a unique story. Loads of action and fast paced. Aeyli has been isolated from everything since her 8th birthday. When is runs away she finds herself with a super soldier named Fourteen. It's very entertaining all around. You really want to read this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews