In a realm beset by natural disasters, only the bonded Pairs--Source and Shield--make the land habitable and keep the citizenry safe. But can Dunle...
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reviews
Apr 08, 2008
Angie
rated it: 
I first read about this series on Ann Aguirre's blog. She recommended it so highly and, given how much I enjoyed Grimspace, I immediately picked up a copy of the first book. By the time I cracked it open, I'd been sufficiently warned not to be deterred by the ridiculous cover and anemic title. It's difficult to get past the outside, they said, but persevere you must. The cover is truly cringe-worthy. But the contents are not. The story has its laughable parts. But they're meant to be funny. So
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Jun 09, 2011
Kiri
rated it: 
Haven't finished it yet, but just had to comment on a few things. The writing style is starting to bother me; there's a lot of summation of events that could have been told in a more narrative style. The dialogue has been snappy and humorous all along, but a lot of it seems unnecessary, especially when important plot points are glossed over.
I found the entire bench dancing sequence really hard to picture - the description left me imagining the dancers hopping from one foot to the o More...
I found the entire bench dancing sequence really hard to picture - the description left me imagining the dancers hopping from one foot to the o More...
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Aug 01, 2011
Mlle.
rated it: 
RESENTING THE HERO is the start to an excellent series, much better than you'd guess looking at the title or cover art. I decided to trust other reviews pointing this out, and now I'm repeating it in mine because it's true.
The origin story for this fantasy series sets up the odd world where Lee and Taro, our hero and heroine, have their adventures: nearly six hundred years before the start of the story, spaceships descended from the sky. The passengers intended to settle, but when the More...
The origin story for this fantasy series sets up the odd world where Lee and Taro, our hero and heroine, have their adventures: nearly six hundred years before the start of the story, spaceships descended from the sky. The passengers intended to settle, but when the More...
May 24, 2011
Myonlycookie
rated it:
I liked this book enough to read the rest of the series. This review is post-reading the entire series as it stands now. (Books 1-5.)
The thing that grabbed me the most about this series is the concept of Sources and Shields. I think that's pretty unique, and Moore does a good job of creating a world where these types of people exist. She also has well though-out explanations of the rules and laws concerning Sources and Shields.
I cannot say the writing is stunning, because it' More...
The thing that grabbed me the most about this series is the concept of Sources and Shields. I think that's pretty unique, and Moore does a good job of creating a world where these types of people exist. She also has well though-out explanations of the rules and laws concerning Sources and Shields.
I cannot say the writing is stunning, because it' More...
Feb 27, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
Ok yes, totally cringe-worthy cover, but I really enjoyed this! It's been a while since a book so engaged me that I stole any spare moment I could to read a few pages. The plot isn't particularly strong, nor is the world building. But the two main characters make the book. The magic system is unique ... the environment of the world is extremely volatile and cursed with natural disasters like tornadoes and floods that would threaten to destroy all humanity. However, certain people, known as Sourc
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Nov 23, 2010
Jessica
rated it:
I've read this series completely out of order and, now that I've swapped most of it away, I finally read the first book... and want to read them all again. (that sound you hear is me banging my head against the wall)
It's fun, mostly light-hearted and even though there isn't a whole lot of action, I found myself tensing or laughing because of what's going on in the story. Having read the others in the series, I found myself getting really upset by how resentful and mean Lee was to Taro More...
It's fun, mostly light-hearted and even though there isn't a whole lot of action, I found myself tensing or laughing because of what's going on in the story. Having read the others in the series, I found myself getting really upset by how resentful and mean Lee was to Taro More...
Sep 05, 2010
C.G.
rated it:
I read this book on a recommendation, which is a good thing as the picture on the cover would have put me off ever reading it! I enjoyed it for the most part, although I'm not sure I liked it enough to pick up the second book of the trilogy.
I prefer books that are not written in the first person - I can usually lose myself in them more easily. Having said that, however, most of the books I have read lately, including this one, have been narrated in the first person and for the most More...
I prefer books that are not written in the first person - I can usually lose myself in them more easily. Having said that, however, most of the books I have read lately, including this one, have been narrated in the first person and for the most More...
Aug 15, 2010
Felicia
rated it:
I think this book, the first in the series, really actually deserves 3 1/2 stars, but since it compelled me to read all five books in the series in a 3 day period, I believe the extra 1/2 star is an "obsessiveness bonus".
I picked this book up on a whim from an Amazon List (honestly, I find the best books that way! Thank you Amazon contributors!) It looked to be something I wouldn't necessarily love (a bit twee from the description) but I quickly fell in love with the char More...
I picked this book up on a whim from an Amazon List (honestly, I find the best books that way! Thank you Amazon contributors!) It looked to be something I wouldn't necessarily love (a bit twee from the description) but I quickly fell in love with the char More...
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Mar 21, 2010
Leandra
rated it:
Essentially a pretty trashy novel, but I was in the mood for a typical romance novel and this was a fast read for late evenings when I just needed something to get my mind off things. (I should have been warned by the trashy cover - but went for "Never judge a book by its cover." - also, it was an ebook.) The writing was so-so - not glaringly bad, but surely nowhere near as good as it could have been. The premise is your typical romantic setting - Sources, who channel natural disasters
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Feb 20, 2011
Sally
rated it:
UPDATE: David informs me that my review is lean on real info about the book, for example . . . "Why would I want to read it?" So, here's a bone for those of you who like more of a teaser. (Don't worry, no spoilers.)
In this world of extremes, the population is constantly threatened by violent atmospheric events (earthquakes, floods, tsunamis). A few gifted people "Sources" are able to channel their mental resources to dispel these events, but left undefended, the More...
In this world of extremes, the population is constantly threatened by violent atmospheric events (earthquakes, floods, tsunamis). A few gifted people "Sources" are able to channel their mental resources to dispel these events, but left undefended, the More...
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Mar 22, 2009
CJ - You Carry On As If I Don't Love You
rated it: 
I waited forever to read this book finally found it in the library and grabbed it immediately.
It was completely worth it. Two unlikely people learning to live, work and like each other (think Pride and Prejudice if only Darcy and Lizzie were permanently stuck together on the day of the ball and couldn't separate because it would result in either death or uselessness. I don't think they would get along so well either). Underlying that, Source Taro - reputation: playboy, hero and adven More...
It was completely worth it. Two unlikely people learning to live, work and like each other (think Pride and Prejudice if only Darcy and Lizzie were permanently stuck together on the day of the ball and couldn't separate because it would result in either death or uselessness. I don't think they would get along so well either). Underlying that, Source Taro - reputation: playboy, hero and adven More...
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Mar 22, 2009
Dorri
rated it:
A mildly entertaining first book. With an almost sweet naivety that could put off many reader. Especially if the reader is looking for a quirky fun read. This book is kind of dark and dim witted. But I wouldn't say that it was bad. It really did have the 'first book' syndrome.
The main character, Lee (Dunleavy Mallorough), was more naive than most three year olds I know. She comes off as almost a simpleton who is suddenly thrust into this role that she has supposedly prepaired f More...
The main character, Lee (Dunleavy Mallorough), was more naive than most three year olds I know. She comes off as almost a simpleton who is suddenly thrust into this role that she has supposedly prepaired f More...
Jan 22, 2012
Jacob
rated it:
This book is done an active disservice by its cover. Even the cover copy is, at best, misleading. Dunleavy (sometimes Lee for short), the heroine, is a Shield and trained to service in a partnership that is inherently unequal. This much is true. But she is never subservient and the tone of the novel isn't nearly as light or farcical as the cover would have you believe.
Further, while Lee is unquestionably naieve and this book is largely about her growth and maturity and overcoming her ( More...
Further, while Lee is unquestionably naieve and this book is largely about her growth and maturity and overcoming her ( More...
Mar 10, 2009
Donna
rated it:
I'd been putting this one off because the title and cover make it look like a romantic comedy, very possibly one of the often-terrible "girl fantasy heroine performs feats of greatness thought beyond her sex" variety.
Thankfully, it's not. It's a story about unlikely partners who have innate defensive magic that they use to protect their world from the constant threat of disaster.
It was a bit tough to get into, because there's a lot of exposition about the world More...
Thankfully, it's not. It's a story about unlikely partners who have innate defensive magic that they use to protect their world from the constant threat of disaster.
It was a bit tough to get into, because there's a lot of exposition about the world More...
Dec 27, 2009
Anne
rated it:
Lee is absolutely ordinary. Well, except for the fact that she is a Shield (someone born with the unique ability to keep a Sword from dying when he or she channels the forces that cause natural disasters on Lee’s world). And the fact that Lee is particularly sensitive to music (not in a good way). And that she left her family before the age of ten to be prepared for the day, which happens to be today, that she will be bonded with a Sword.
A bond to someone she has never met. And a bon More...
A bond to someone she has never met. And a bon More...
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Jun 27, 2009
Grace
rated it:
I don't usually read fantasy, but I will admit that I did request the sequel of this book from the library. Here's why - it was a phenomenal story line. Maybe I think so because I'm not well versed in fantasy novels or because it is an original story idea.
However, I wish that Moira J. Moore did a better job at executing her story line. Chapters didn't flow into the next as easily as they could have, which often shook me out of the narrative flow. I think she should have gone more in More...
However, I wish that Moira J. Moore did a better job at executing her story line. Chapters didn't flow into the next as easily as they could have, which often shook me out of the narrative flow. I think she should have gone more in More...
Jun 03, 2011
Sunhi
rated it:
Look at that stupid silly cover. Look at that title. I know what you're thinking, because I thought it too. I'm sure that everyone who passes this novel in the bookstore thinks the same thing, if it's even on the shelves. "That's a comedic fantasy." Maybe you thought it was a childish Piers Anthony pun filled level of humor. Maybe you thought it more mature and sophisticated humor like Pratchett or Christopher Moore. I thought it looked incredibly silly myself and the copy on th
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Sep 26, 2010
Jack
rated it:
Thanks, Ken, for lending me all these "Moore" books! *LOL* They were all just what I needed to get me over my funk.
This one has a deeper plot than the John Moore books. What if space explorers come to a planet and find that the planet doesn't necessarily "like" them. What if some decide to leave and others stay behind, braving the natural disasters. What if they find that the "odd" people, the ones that "don't quite fit" or maybe say or do t More...
This one has a deeper plot than the John Moore books. What if space explorers come to a planet and find that the planet doesn't necessarily "like" them. What if some decide to leave and others stay behind, braving the natural disasters. What if they find that the "odd" people, the ones that "don't quite fit" or maybe say or do t More...
Jan 28, 2010
Writtenwyrdd
rated it:
What a fun fantasy read! Actually, this is technically science fantasy just as the Pern series is science fantasy, but it reads (like the first Pern books do) like straight fantasy.
The story's world is one where horrible natural disasters constantly threaten the human colonists. Long ago, however, a solution was found in the form of Sources, humans who can channel the energy of natural disaster and prevent them from occuring. To keep the Sources from death or going insane from c More...
The story's world is one where horrible natural disasters constantly threaten the human colonists. Long ago, however, a solution was found in the form of Sources, humans who can channel the energy of natural disaster and prevent them from occuring. To keep the Sources from death or going insane from c More...
Nov 26, 2008
Elizabeth
rated it:
Dunleavy Mallorough has prepared for years to be a Shield, and it's finally the big day, when she will be Chosen (hopefully) by the Source she will be paired with for life. Together Source and Shield are a bonded Pair, who work together to keep their world safe from the natural disasters that beset it.
To Dunleavy's chagrin, she is Chosen by the Source she finds unbearable: the fabled Shintaro Karish, who is not only handsome and noble-born, but popular, self-assured and heroic. Lee More...
To Dunleavy's chagrin, she is Chosen by the Source she finds unbearable: the fabled Shintaro Karish, who is not only handsome and noble-born, but popular, self-assured and heroic. Lee More...
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Jan 28, 2012
Lix
rated it:
I enjoyed this! It took a while to get going and I could have done with a little less exposition of the historical variety in the first chapter, but it was good once it found its groove. I found the plot engrossing and complicated enough that even though some things were obviously suspicious I wasn't entirely sure how it was all connected, and I really loved Dunleavy. I hope the rest of the series shows Karish as a more three-dimensional person, though, because in this book he was sort of - blan
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Jan 25, 2012
Coucher de soleil
rated it:
I enjoyed this one. While not the most profound novel ever writen, it was well done and good fun.
I enjoyed the two main characters, who seemed mismatched at first but wound up getting along *quite* well by the end (and who saved the day along the way). The world building was well-done enough to satisfy and the adventure was believable and interesting.
I will admit that the main character did annoy me once or twice with her initial (and unfair) high degree of prejudice tow More...
I enjoyed the two main characters, who seemed mismatched at first but wound up getting along *quite* well by the end (and who saved the day along the way). The world building was well-done enough to satisfy and the adventure was believable and interesting.
I will admit that the main character did annoy me once or twice with her initial (and unfair) high degree of prejudice tow More...
Sep 05, 2009
Leslie
rated it:
"Judge not a book by its cover". How many times has any book lover said that quote to her or himself over their years of reading? Unfortunately, I did pass on this particular book just based on the cover. The illustration did not even draw me in enough to pick it up and read the plot summary on the back. However, a book review in Library Journal gave suggestions on other books similar to the one critiqued. One of the suggested titles was Resenting the Hero. So I found some online
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Aug 17, 2010
Meredith
rated it:
I enjoyed this - it's a light, fun read. Not particularly earth-shattering as far as fantasy goes, but it's got enough of a new take on magic (the source and shield system) to be intriguing, and the characters are enjoyable and well-written. The main character, Lee, is both sarcastic and in some ways totally insensitive. It's funny, but it also begins to grate after awhile. She reminded me a little bit of an early-season Toph from A:TLA. I also did not understand some of the relationship dy
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Jan 12, 2012
Cami
rated it:
In a bookstore, the cover art would have sent me running as far away as possible. It is beyond bad. But this story was fun and a solid read! I love the two main characters, and it's an interesting world.
My thanks to Felicia Day for the recommendation. I also appreciate that my kindle doesn't show me the cover art, so I was able to enjoy this story without being aware of that cover. I have now looked at the covers for all six of the published books in this series, and I don't get i More...
My thanks to Felicia Day for the recommendation. I also appreciate that my kindle doesn't show me the cover art, so I was able to enjoy this story without being aware of that cover. I have now looked at the covers for all six of the published books in this series, and I don't get i More...
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Mar 19, 2011
E.
rated it:
Enjoyable introduction to the Source and Shield combination, pairs keep natural disasters in check. Dunleavy Mallorough (Lee) is a phlegmatic Source who bonds to charismatic Lord Shintaro Karish (Taro), a match probably not made in heaven. The novice pair is the only to escape relatively unscathed when a horrendous disaster occurs at their first official posting. The question becomes, is it a natural disaster and will they survive another even as they struggle to cope with Taro's sudden and u
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Nov 04, 2010
Moonit
rated it:
This book has the worst cover of any book I have ever purchased. I'll admit, I definitely judged it for its cover, and had set the lowest expectation for it before I even cracked it open. I was embarrassed to pick it up and buy it, actually, because of the cute boy standing next to me in the sci-fi fantasy section who seemed to be looking at higher quality books.
However, because I had set such a low expectation for it, I ended up liking it more than I thought I would. The world cr More...
However, because I had set such a low expectation for it, I ended up liking it more than I thought I would. The world cr More...
Feb 07, 2010
Miss Clark
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 01, 2012
Kathryn
rated it:
God this cover is terrible. This is one of the few books that I've read recently that wasn't embarrassingly terrible. Which is saying something because this is still squarely in the, what Felicia Day calls, vaginal fantasy realm. Great story, really interesting world and GREAT lead character. I have a real soft spot for characters that aren't perfect. Lee is arrogant, proud, naive and a little dim at times and in the best way. The only way you can make a character like that work is if she grows
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Nov 15, 2009
Liz
rated it:
The only really big critique I have of this series is the covers.....HORRIBLE. Even my seven year old commented on how different the characters look in each one. I don't like any of them! On the other hand I loved this series. I love Lee. I don't usually like it when an author writes a huge portion of the book as what the main character is thinking and not SAYING. But it totally worked in this book. It made Lee who she was and it was very likable. I really like the concept for these book
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