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The Gatekeeper Chronicles #1
Marked by Sin
An assassin’s work is never done.
With forty-nine hits under my assassin belt, ascension is one kill away. Better pay and a swanky flat in Soho are all part of the deal. All I need to do to achieve my goal is take out one more scumbag.
No big deal.
Until it is.
When a man with golden eyes and epic wings interrupts my ascension ceremony, everything I knew to be true is turned on its head.
I’m a weapon.
A key.
And I’m one kill away from unlocking the gates to the underworld and unleashing a legion of demons.
It’s time to atone and fast.
But atonement comes with its own price. Problem is, I’m not sure I’m up to paying it.
With forty-nine hits under my assassin belt, ascension is one kill away. Better pay and a swanky flat in Soho are all part of the deal. All I need to do to achieve my goal is take out one more scumbag.
No big deal.
Until it is.
When a man with golden eyes and epic wings interrupts my ascension ceremony, everything I knew to be true is turned on its head.
I’m a weapon.
A key.
And I’m one kill away from unlocking the gates to the underworld and unleashing a legion of demons.
It’s time to atone and fast.
But atonement comes with its own price. Problem is, I’m not sure I’m up to paying it.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2021
About the author
Debbie Cassidy
121 books2,414 followersDebbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head – in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at [email protected] or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at [email protected] or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 30, 2024
I think I like this book. It did take me some time to associate some of the names with a few of the characters and I did have to google a lot of the creatures in this world lol however I am enjoying it. Definitely not the standard werewolf/vampire type of uf book. The characters are growing on me. I’m interested to see where the story goes next! This is unique and different and so far it’s keeping me interested.
March 4, 2021
Published a few years ago as a co-author offering, this series has been re-released with beautiful new covers, though it boasts the same content. Bringing Cassidy's trademark verve for the complicated, it delves deep into a brand new world of different Gods, new myths, and lore just begging to be revealed.
I am an avid reader of Urban Fantasy and the paranormal, but I cannot recall a series that focused specifically on the Hindu mythology - a facet that makes me want to hit the books and learn more about this culture (even if this book is set in an alternate London). The idea behind it is solid, and the notion that your soul can stain... well... that just sets up what promises to be another epic series by the master of multiple plot lines.
I am an avid reader of Urban Fantasy and the paranormal, but I cannot recall a series that focused specifically on the Hindu mythology - a facet that makes me want to hit the books and learn more about this culture (even if this book is set in an alternate London). The idea behind it is solid, and the notion that your soul can stain... well... that just sets up what promises to be another epic series by the master of multiple plot lines.
March 4, 2021
Marked by Sin is the first book of the Gatekeeper Chronicles series by one of my favorite authors, Debbie Cassidy.
This series is about Malina, an assassin who specializes in poisons, who is about to take on her fiftieth kill. She finds out that her life isn't what she has been led to believe. Deceived by those who would see her corrupted for their own gain, Malina finds out that in order to balance the scales, she has to do some good in the world and save some lives instead of taking them.
Debbie Cassidy is such an amazing author that every time I read one of her books I'm continually wowed. The characters, the stories, and the imaginative world building that goes into the creation of each one of her series always exceeds any expectations I go into the book with.
I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm onto the next book as soon as possible. Love it!
This series is about Malina, an assassin who specializes in poisons, who is about to take on her fiftieth kill. She finds out that her life isn't what she has been led to believe. Deceived by those who would see her corrupted for their own gain, Malina finds out that in order to balance the scales, she has to do some good in the world and save some lives instead of taking them.
Debbie Cassidy is such an amazing author that every time I read one of her books I'm continually wowed. The characters, the stories, and the imaginative world building that goes into the creation of each one of her series always exceeds any expectations I go into the book with.
I can't wait to see what happens next. I'm onto the next book as soon as possible. Love it!
March 8, 2021
First book in this series, a great mixed tale of myths and legends and modern science going too far!
A young woman who was taken from her parents to fulfil a purpose by a god other than what she was born for and finding herself acting as a substitute mother for two children and falling in love with a human in a world where most people are tainted by demon and mythological beings blood! Shock horror. All the while trying to come to terms with who she's meant to be.
I loved loved loved it! A great fantasy tale with some unusual creatures. It's easy to picture being set in contemporary times like an alternate universe.
Easy to read writing as always and the story just flows pulling you along till it suddenly ends and you want more!
There is some sexual themes and violence in this book so not good for younger readers.
A young woman who was taken from her parents to fulfil a purpose by a god other than what she was born for and finding herself acting as a substitute mother for two children and falling in love with a human in a world where most people are tainted by demon and mythological beings blood! Shock horror. All the while trying to come to terms with who she's meant to be.
I loved loved loved it! A great fantasy tale with some unusual creatures. It's easy to picture being set in contemporary times like an alternate universe.
Easy to read writing as always and the story just flows pulling you along till it suddenly ends and you want more!
There is some sexual themes and violence in this book so not good for younger readers.
March 10, 2021
Malina is an assassin that is on the eve of her 50th kill ceremony. She is about to be marked when everything she knows comes crashing down around her. She soon learns that the life she knew was all a lie, and nothing was it seemed. She finds out that she was stolen from her parents, lied to about her fate, her true form was repressed, and her soul has been tainted by the 50 kills. A she finds this out she learns her true purposes a hell hound and a way to redeem herself and u taint her soul. The question is will she be able to?
This is the start in a new series by Debbie Cassidy, who was very quick in become one of my favorite authors. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, you really can see the places you've read and can see it all unfolding in front of you. The characters are all strong and independent people. They all have a purpose and a say in this book and it's great to see such a cohesive group.
A fantastic book for all UF, PNR fans. This book mixes paranormal beings with myths and reality. We are left believing this world and needing more of it! I can't wait to start book 2!
This is the start in a new series by Debbie Cassidy, who was very quick in become one of my favorite authors. The worldbuilding is phenomenal, you really can see the places you've read and can see it all unfolding in front of you. The characters are all strong and independent people. They all have a purpose and a say in this book and it's great to see such a cohesive group.
A fantastic book for all UF, PNR fans. This book mixes paranormal beings with myths and reality. We are left believing this world and needing more of it! I can't wait to start book 2!
March 5, 2021
What a read! A successful assassin who discovers life ain’t what it’s supposed to be! Deception, corruption, secrets and lies this is an exciting and fun read and our kick ass female assassin is awesome despite her world being turned upside down! A great 1st book in this incredible urban fantasy and I’m off to read book two!
March 6, 2021
Debbie Cassidy has such a way with the urban fantasy and paranormal worlds that she writes that you end up completely enthralled by her writing. Marked by sin was a fantastic and gripping read.
Malina is a strong FMC who comes to realise that the world she knows may not be exactly what she thinks it is. The story just flows and has you wishing you could be apart of this world. There's action, adventure and wonder in this story. And this first book gives us a taste of what an amazing series this will end up being. Great first book!
Malina is a strong FMC who comes to realise that the world she knows may not be exactly what she thinks it is. The story just flows and has you wishing you could be apart of this world. There's action, adventure and wonder in this story. And this first book gives us a taste of what an amazing series this will end up being. Great first book!
March 4, 2021
For a first in series this book brings it!. It introduces you to some pretty awesome new characters and and even more awesome world that you might wish you were apart of yourself.
Urban fantasy is such a great genre as there is so much to create and explore anew with themes that have probably been touched upon several hundred times over from many different authors.
Mrs. Cassidy always keeps things fresh, as if it's the first time reading an urban/paranormal fantasy book.
You're definitely gonna want to read this exciting new venture from this author.
I am pretty much hooked and can't wait for more in this series with these characters.
Urban fantasy is such a great genre as there is so much to create and explore anew with themes that have probably been touched upon several hundred times over from many different authors.
Mrs. Cassidy always keeps things fresh, as if it's the first time reading an urban/paranormal fantasy book.
You're definitely gonna want to read this exciting new venture from this author.
I am pretty much hooked and can't wait for more in this series with these characters.
March 5, 2021
Oh wow, this was so much fun to read! I’m dying to figure out who she ends up with or if she ends up with more than one. Debbie always blows me away with her books. Marlina is a feisty character, trying to figure out all the lies and secrets around her upbringing. She has one guy who supports her, another who she can’t decide if he wants her dead or alive, and a third I think she has convinced herself is interested in her best friend. There is a lot to grab onto here and so much to try and figure out, with lots of action along the way to keep you entertained.
March 25, 2023
great plot and characters
No spice
Some crazy twist and turns right off the bat in this book. Great friends, good mystery and suspense and lots of action!
Im getting some major desire to be a step mom to triplets if our FMC doesn’t take that position… I hope she does.
No spice
Some crazy twist and turns right off the bat in this book. Great friends, good mystery and suspense and lots of action!
Im getting some major desire to be a step mom to triplets if our FMC doesn’t take that position… I hope she does.
March 6, 2021
What a great start to the series, I loved this series set in an alternate London and the twists and turns made for an interesting tale. Debbie Cassidy always writes wonderful stories and this one is now different. It grabbed me from page one and didn’t let me go until I’d finished every page. Can’t wait for the next one!
March 8, 2021
I am absolutely in love with this story. The characters are amazing, the plot is perfectly timed and had me going throughout the whole book! I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens!
March 12, 2021
love the introduction into Melina's world ... super excited for the next book in the Gatekeeper Chronicles
February 28, 2021
I am a fan of this author’s writing so when I see a book authored or co-authored by her, I am always eager to read it. When granted access to this title, I dived right in expecting a great book. And, yes, that is what I got. The book was well-written, had a very interesting plot, and kept me engrossed the whole time I was reading it. The mythology was very rich, almost to the point I was tiny bit confused at points. However, the author knew this was going to happen, so she very graciously put a glossary in the front which was extremely helpful. It was nice to see something a little different in the urban fantasy genre. If you are a fan of Ms. Cassidy’s, you will love this book. If you haven’t read her, now is the time; you won’t be disappointed. I am so looking forward to more books in this series! Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
March 4, 2021
Another fantastic series start from Debby! Malina is a strong FMC, that has her entire world turned upside down. She learns that not only is she not an orphan, but that she was raised as a killer for the wrong side. Between her best friends, the two new men in her life & her father she’s trying to atone for her sins & learns some terrible truths along the way.
March 7, 2021
Loved it epic read great plot. Amazing storyline, world etc
March 4, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! I love the incredible world building that is set up in this series and the mystery and intrigue. The FMC is formidable but still has room to grow. I can't wait to see what she grows into. The side characters are also pretty amazing in their own right so far. I am looking forward to continuing this series.
March 4, 2021
This is book one of Debbie Cassidy series and it was so good. Love love love the characters. Another one of those please don’t end kind of books. Storyline to me was captivating. Like I need the next book now. Definitely recommend.
March 6, 2021
I enjoyed this book a lot! This was a great first installment of an epic series. Loved how strong the FMC is and how she isn’t the typical good no bad past main character. She has a taint on her soul and is starting to work hard to clean it. No sexy times unfortunately but the steam inbetween Malina and Garuda and Ajitah is going to be sooo good when they finally go at it.
March 4, 2021
Whhhhhaaaaattttt the duck! Ah-mazing read book 1 of the series and it's set to rapid release!! Eager for book 2!! Amazing job!!
March 4, 2021
Anyone that knows me knows I lean towards MF books and fated mate scenarios. Now Debbie Cassidy is the only author who has ever succeeded in getting me to want to turn an MF into a why choose. I shouldn't be surprised as her Deadside Reaper series made me want to add all the guys to the harem, she knows how to write guys you fall in love with.
I really enjoyed this Debbie is a skilled fantasy writer who has a gift for storytelling that's layered and detailed this book is no exception.
Malina is a kick ass heroine, assassin by trade. On a day that should be a celebration her world is thrown sideways when she is kidnapped and then the sh1t really hits the fan.
We have two hot guys here, Garuda and Ajitah and I can't choose, though we spend more time with Ajitah in the book, I'm kinda hoping Garuda's the one....hmmm maybe I have chosen.
A lovely colourful cast of side characters to support our heroine along with her dog Toto, though I think there is definitely more to him than a passing resemblance to the dog from the Wizard of Oz. Guess we will see, gimme book 2 already.
I really enjoyed this Debbie is a skilled fantasy writer who has a gift for storytelling that's layered and detailed this book is no exception.
Malina is a kick ass heroine, assassin by trade. On a day that should be a celebration her world is thrown sideways when she is kidnapped and then the sh1t really hits the fan.
We have two hot guys here, Garuda and Ajitah and I can't choose, though we spend more time with Ajitah in the book, I'm kinda hoping Garuda's the one....hmmm maybe I have chosen.
A lovely colourful cast of side characters to support our heroine along with her dog Toto, though I think there is definitely more to him than a passing resemblance to the dog from the Wizard of Oz. Guess we will see, gimme book 2 already.
March 1, 2021
Just another great start to a new series, just loving the twist on supernatural, wonderful characters and storyline looking forward to the next book.
February 24, 2021
Wow another fantastic series from my number one favourite author. Where do I start malina is a kick ass assiasing killer untill everything she knows comes crashing down around her and the life she knew was all alie. Finding out she was stole from her parents then she learnt she is a hellhound and a gate keeper to keep the world safe can she handle it as well as Finding out her soul is tainted. Fantastic rollercoaster of action loved it .
February 22, 2021
Malina is a kick-butt assassin but after her fiftieth hit her world comes crashing down around her and she finds out who she really is.
I loved this book because it has one of my favorite things, female assassins. It also has a unique spin on vampires, demons and other supernatural characters. I loved the story and can’t wait to see what happens next!
I loved this book because it has one of my favorite things, female assassins. It also has a unique spin on vampires, demons and other supernatural characters. I loved the story and can’t wait to see what happens next!
March 19, 2021
New series and it amazing. Assassin, mythology and demons what more can you ask for. These book grab you. The end of the book makes me excited to see where this story is going.
February 17, 2021
Love!
I did this a little backwards because I read a set that comes after and then back tracked but I love these stories!! The characters are amazing and the action is what kept me glued to the pages!
I did this a little backwards because I read a set that comes after and then back tracked but I love these stories!! The characters are amazing and the action is what kept me glued to the pages!
August 3, 2021
What an awesome take on supernaturals and the gates of hell! This is one of Cassidy's best M/F urban fantasy, and I can't wait for the second book already!
We first meet Malina, the main character and kick-butt assassin, right before she targets her 50th kill--a major milestone. As soon as she makes that 50th kill and goes to get her tattoo, everything she understands about her world gets turned upside down. Barrett, Malina's adoptive father, isn't able to help her and the new life she finds contradicts everything she has previously known.
We meet a magical entity called Aria, a gatekeeper named Eamon, a herb-loving witch named Drake, and two possible love interests, Garuda and Ajitah. Together they basically have to save all of humanity--you know, all in a day's work. Near the end of the story, Malina starts coming into her own powers, and she is one scary being. The next book can't come out soon enough!
We first meet Malina, the main character and kick-butt assassin, right before she targets her 50th kill--a major milestone. As soon as she makes that 50th kill and goes to get her tattoo, everything she understands about her world gets turned upside down. Barrett, Malina's adoptive father, isn't able to help her and the new life she finds contradicts everything she has previously known.
We meet a magical entity called Aria, a gatekeeper named Eamon, a herb-loving witch named Drake, and two possible love interests, Garuda and Ajitah. Together they basically have to save all of humanity--you know, all in a day's work. Near the end of the story, Malina starts coming into her own powers, and she is one scary being. The next book can't come out soon enough!
May 24, 2021
I read Marked by Sin the first time it came out, I loved it then and I loved it just as much the second time around. There were so many things in this story that some of them I actually forgot so I was pleasantly surprised. The world's that the author can build, even when they are overlaid our own world always fascinates me.
Malina is an assassin, and she is about to get her 50th kill but sadly for her, not everything in her world is what she believes. Deceived and corrupted so she can't fulfill her destiny, Malina must find a way to balance the scales and make things right as well as find out the truths of where she actually comes from.
The author is definitely someone I will one-click. Her stories are always thrilling from the very first page to the very last. She has the ability to draw you into her worlds and have you not wanting to leave. Can't wait to read book two.
Malina is an assassin, and she is about to get her 50th kill but sadly for her, not everything in her world is what she believes. Deceived and corrupted so she can't fulfill her destiny, Malina must find a way to balance the scales and make things right as well as find out the truths of where she actually comes from.
The author is definitely someone I will one-click. Her stories are always thrilling from the very first page to the very last. She has the ability to draw you into her worlds and have you not wanting to leave. Can't wait to read book two.
March 10, 2021
I absolutely love Debbie's books - and this ones is no exception, I utterly enjoyed reading the story. Even though it was published some years ago as co-written book, I gladly re-read the story again, even though content hasn't changed.
Malina is an assassin, hard, trained and proficient. Her skills are appreciated by the Guild and her carrier approaches fast an important milestone. With her fiftieth kill, she will ascend to a new level. But before she can be marked, hidden secrets are revealed and her world is shattered to pieces. Malina does not know who to trust, who she really is and how to right the wrongs she unconsciously made. Meeting her father after years, collaborating with Garuda who attracts her and scares her at the same time, and fighting alongside with Ajitah, fierce warrior with sweet heart, Malina's life becomes a mess and she does not know how to disentangle it. However, she must follow her heart and her true nature to become what and who she was meant to be.
I am absolutely awed. I never rate a book 5 stars if I didn't read it in one breath, and in this case I was probably holding my breath the whole time I raced across the pages. This story created a hunger in me that forced me to continue reading, making breaks only if absolutely necessary. The world of many races and species, where old Gods walk among humans, vampires and witches are no rarity and evil entity threatens to throw the world into a disaster, plays with the reader's imagination and devours him/her sooner than the poor creature realizes all is lost. Malina, Garuda and Ajitah are excellent characters, full of strength and passions of different kind, true to their natures and hearts. The whole story is very vivid and the reader can feel like more than a mere observant while following Malina's story.
Absolutely recommended!
Malina is an assassin, hard, trained and proficient. Her skills are appreciated by the Guild and her carrier approaches fast an important milestone. With her fiftieth kill, she will ascend to a new level. But before she can be marked, hidden secrets are revealed and her world is shattered to pieces. Malina does not know who to trust, who she really is and how to right the wrongs she unconsciously made. Meeting her father after years, collaborating with Garuda who attracts her and scares her at the same time, and fighting alongside with Ajitah, fierce warrior with sweet heart, Malina's life becomes a mess and she does not know how to disentangle it. However, she must follow her heart and her true nature to become what and who she was meant to be.
I am absolutely awed. I never rate a book 5 stars if I didn't read it in one breath, and in this case I was probably holding my breath the whole time I raced across the pages. This story created a hunger in me that forced me to continue reading, making breaks only if absolutely necessary. The world of many races and species, where old Gods walk among humans, vampires and witches are no rarity and evil entity threatens to throw the world into a disaster, plays with the reader's imagination and devours him/her sooner than the poor creature realizes all is lost. Malina, Garuda and Ajitah are excellent characters, full of strength and passions of different kind, true to their natures and hearts. The whole story is very vivid and the reader can feel like more than a mere observant while following Malina's story.
Absolutely recommended!
March 17, 2021
This is the first Hindu mythology UF book I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. It started a tad slow for me but revved up quickly and was fast-paced until the end. Awesome new word, great characters, fabulous storyline!
Malina is an assassin and one mark away from her fiftieth kill which for an assassin that’s a huge deal. It means better pay, better digs…better things all around. She’s hyped and ready to go~ scum of the earth beware! It’s a shame her entire world comes crashing down and everything she thought she knew is nowhere close to the reality before her now and it hits her hard! Devastated from the truths she learns Malina pushes forward learning to navigate her new surroundings with the help from her friends and new allies while trying to stay alive. There’s a big baddie on her heels and Malina learns she has to die in order for evil to reign supreme. Yikes! With two possible love interests, an adorable trio of kids, a dog named Toto, friends and allies to help, and a magical blade that returns to her side, she’s ready to kick some butt and take names. She’s definitely not going down without a fight! New powers are emerging and she’s got a plan…what could possibly go wrong?! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!
Malina is an assassin and one mark away from her fiftieth kill which for an assassin that’s a huge deal. It means better pay, better digs…better things all around. She’s hyped and ready to go~ scum of the earth beware! It’s a shame her entire world comes crashing down and everything she thought she knew is nowhere close to the reality before her now and it hits her hard! Devastated from the truths she learns Malina pushes forward learning to navigate her new surroundings with the help from her friends and new allies while trying to stay alive. There’s a big baddie on her heels and Malina learns she has to die in order for evil to reign supreme. Yikes! With two possible love interests, an adorable trio of kids, a dog named Toto, friends and allies to help, and a magical blade that returns to her side, she’s ready to kick some butt and take names. She’s definitely not going down without a fight! New powers are emerging and she’s got a plan…what could possibly go wrong?! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews