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The Toil and Trouble Trilogy #1
The Toil and Trouble Trilogy: Book One
Loyalty. Family. Trust.
Olivia Calabrese has valued nothing more strongly since her mob boss father was arrested and her mother was killed in the cross fire. Even though her family sells illegal magical charms that have the nasty side effect of turning some wearers into berserkers—rage-filled monsters—she sees betrayal as a far worse offense than harming people. To prove her loyalty, she dreams of succeeding her father as head of the mob family.
When her uncle, the current boss, is shot by a rival gang, she just might get her chance.
But her cousin, her only competition, whispers something to her that throws her off track. He says her mother ratted the family out to the police. He says that her mother's death wasn't an accident, but a hit ordered by her father.
Her entire worldview called into question, Olivia sets about hunting down the truth about her parents. And to complicate matters, she seems to be falling for a boy who's turning into a berserker—from her own family's charms.
As her set of values shatters around her, Olivia must choose between staying loyal to her family or fighting against them.
Olivia Calabrese has valued nothing more strongly since her mob boss father was arrested and her mother was killed in the cross fire. Even though her family sells illegal magical charms that have the nasty side effect of turning some wearers into berserkers—rage-filled monsters—she sees betrayal as a far worse offense than harming people. To prove her loyalty, she dreams of succeeding her father as head of the mob family.
When her uncle, the current boss, is shot by a rival gang, she just might get her chance.
But her cousin, her only competition, whispers something to her that throws her off track. He says her mother ratted the family out to the police. He says that her mother's death wasn't an accident, but a hit ordered by her father.
Her entire worldview called into question, Olivia sets about hunting down the truth about her parents. And to complicate matters, she seems to be falling for a boy who's turning into a berserker—from her own family's charms.
As her set of values shatters around her, Olivia must choose between staying loyal to her family or fighting against them.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2011
14 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
V.J. Chambers
104 books463 followersV. J. Chambers writes about being inexplicably attracted to the dangerously alluring. Her works span mundane settings and fantastic ones. She writes about serial killers, cult leaders, werewolves, witches, for-hire assassins, zombies, space pirates, and regular everyday people.
She lives in Shepherdstown, WV, with her boyfriend Aaron and their cat Isis.
She lives in Shepherdstown, WV, with her boyfriend Aaron and their cat Isis.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 7, 2018
I read this in an anthology but it was the entire story. It is a teen girl and boy but adult scenarios. No sex but love interest. I will be looking for book 2.
November 28, 2022
Awesome
I loved this book from the very beginning. I recommend it to all those that reads. It is different than the books i normally read.
I loved this book from the very beginning. I recommend it to all those that reads. It is different than the books i normally read.
January 15, 2015
Toil and Trouble, Book One is a fast paced and fun read. I don't normally like present tense, but V. J. Chambers handles it perfectly. The narration is engaging and the main character is intriguing without being unbelievable. Olivia acts like a young woman trying to learn her place in the world. She is not instantly kick-butt (like so many Urban Fantasy heroines) but she is believably tough and handles herself well. She also has an everyday life, outside the paranormal, which is something else many Urban Fantasy stories overlook. I was fully immersed in Olivia's story and her life, eager to find out what happened next.
As much as I loved this (and I did love it), it wasn't perfect. There were a few common sense mistakes. For instance, a major (and well-known) crime family sets up a fake business to handle an underhanded dealing. They name it after their own last name. What? Have these people never heard of fronts? What better way to draw the police's (and the main character's) attention than name it after an infamous crime family. It would have been easy enough to have Olivia discover the connection through research. Or, as we read on, she would have discovered the truth later on anyway and did not need the obvious "check here for bad guys" clue.
Another thing that turned me off was its apparent religious bias. In Toil and Trouble, there are a few forms of magic, one of which is accessed through chants to Christian saints. In this world, the only known practitioners of this form of magic are Catholics (there is a special term for these people, but they are all Catholics), while other Christians turn their back on magic. Later, they find another religious practitioner, but this one uses their magic for evil. Not surprisingly, this practitioner prays to a pagan deity, Diana. A little research could have revealed to Chambers that Diana is the goddess of the hunt, moon and childbirth. At no point was she ever associated with evil or death. Chambers instead seems to fall back on to the old stereotype of anything pagan is automatically evil, an odd mentality for a book that deals with magic. In all, it seems to me that Catholics are portrayed as enlightened, other Christians are misguided, and pagans are evil.
I truly enjoyed this book, even with its drawbacks. I found myself eagerly turning the (electronic) page. I look forward to reading the sequel.
As much as I loved this (and I did love it), it wasn't perfect. There were a few common sense mistakes. For instance, a major (and well-known) crime family sets up a fake business to handle an underhanded dealing. They name it after their own last name. What? Have these people never heard of fronts? What better way to draw the police's (and the main character's) attention than name it after an infamous crime family. It would have been easy enough to have Olivia discover the connection through research. Or, as we read on, she would have discovered the truth later on anyway and did not need the obvious "check here for bad guys" clue.
Another thing that turned me off was its apparent religious bias. In Toil and Trouble, there are a few forms of magic, one of which is accessed through chants to Christian saints. In this world, the only known practitioners of this form of magic are Catholics (there is a special term for these people, but they are all Catholics), while other Christians turn their back on magic. Later, they find another religious practitioner, but this one uses their magic for evil. Not surprisingly, this practitioner prays to a pagan deity, Diana. A little research could have revealed to Chambers that Diana is the goddess of the hunt, moon and childbirth. At no point was she ever associated with evil or death. Chambers instead seems to fall back on to the old stereotype of anything pagan is automatically evil, an odd mentality for a book that deals with magic. In all, it seems to me that Catholics are portrayed as enlightened, other Christians are misguided, and pagans are evil.
I truly enjoyed this book, even with its drawbacks. I found myself eagerly turning the (electronic) page. I look forward to reading the sequel.
December 18, 2014
Olivia Calabrese values family and loyalty above everything else. Olivia has already made her first kill on behalf of the family, a gesture to show she's serious about taking part in the family business. The Calabrese family is renown for selling magically imbued charms outlawed for their tendency to turn their users into animalistic berserkers. Olivia is determined to become head of the family business but learning the source of their magical power has her questioning everything she ever knew.
The Toil And Trouble Trilogy: Book One is an urban fantasy story. Olivia is a young protagonist so the story has a young adult feel but the overall story gives it a darker and edgier perspective. It took me the first two chapters to adjust to the cadence of the narration but I found it an engaging read from that point onward.
I adored Olivia's character, she's a strong heroine that continually grows throughout the story. I liked that her moral dilemmas were framed within such a dark and violent setting. Characterization in general was great for all the characters and I liked how well suited the dialogue was for them all.
I loved the amount of detail that went into the magic system and world building. The berserkers were interesting creatures and I liked how they were portrayed throughout the story. The incorporation of Italian witchcraft was interesting to read. I liked that it further enhanced characterization by showcasing the cultural beliefs and values of the characters.
The organized crime syndicate operations were also a fun addition and I really liked how it colored the story. A majority of the story is Olivia trying to establish a place for herself within the family business. I liked the drama that surrounded her choice to become head of the family. It was fun seeing her efforts to outmaneuver her rival and also continually face tough decisions that could potentially make her lose face.
The Macbeth influences felt a bit heavy to me mainly because I'm not overly familiar with the play. The story did a good job of summarizing and clarifying embedded references though I still wondered if I was missing out on something.
Overall, I found Book One to be an enjoyable read and I look forward to continuing the trilogy.
The Toil And Trouble Trilogy: Book One is an urban fantasy story. Olivia is a young protagonist so the story has a young adult feel but the overall story gives it a darker and edgier perspective. It took me the first two chapters to adjust to the cadence of the narration but I found it an engaging read from that point onward.
I adored Olivia's character, she's a strong heroine that continually grows throughout the story. I liked that her moral dilemmas were framed within such a dark and violent setting. Characterization in general was great for all the characters and I liked how well suited the dialogue was for them all.
I loved the amount of detail that went into the magic system and world building. The berserkers were interesting creatures and I liked how they were portrayed throughout the story. The incorporation of Italian witchcraft was interesting to read. I liked that it further enhanced characterization by showcasing the cultural beliefs and values of the characters.
The organized crime syndicate operations were also a fun addition and I really liked how it colored the story. A majority of the story is Olivia trying to establish a place for herself within the family business. I liked the drama that surrounded her choice to become head of the family. It was fun seeing her efforts to outmaneuver her rival and also continually face tough decisions that could potentially make her lose face.
The Macbeth influences felt a bit heavy to me mainly because I'm not overly familiar with the play. The story did a good job of summarizing and clarifying embedded references though I still wondered if I was missing out on something.
Overall, I found Book One to be an enjoyable read and I look forward to continuing the trilogy.
June 25, 2012
Olivia has worked hard to prove herself to her father and her family; family is number one follow close by loyalty. All her “so called” values will be put to the ultimate test when Olivia starts to uncover just how her mother died and why her father is actually locked up. And least not forget that Olivia has made her first kill, she has taken out the abusive boyfriend that killed her cousin.
This book had me wanting more but the editing was not good. I reread several parts to get a clear comprehension of what was going on, just because there were so many mistakes on some of the pages. So, my finally rating is the 3 stars; I really wish that they have the half star option. The plot was great and the story keeps me wanting more, but there is no way I could look over the editing of this book.
This book had me wanting more but the editing was not good. I reread several parts to get a clear comprehension of what was going on, just because there were so many mistakes on some of the pages. So, my finally rating is the 3 stars; I really wish that they have the half star option. The plot was great and the story keeps me wanting more, but there is no way I could look over the editing of this book.
September 4, 2014
I really liked this book. I'm thinking maybe the Berzerkers remind me of The Walking Dead, and I'm a fan of that show. The main character Olivia Calabrese is a strong female. Wow, this author can pen some root worthy females. Olivia's father is a mob boss. And, I've always loved mob type stories and movies. So, I definitely enjoyed that aspect of the book. The storyline is different for me with the magical charms. Yet, I found myself fascinated with that, thanks to the detail the author uses to keep your attention. The characters are interesting, the writing draws you in and it's fast paced. I like the relationships between characters in the book. Especially, the one between Olivia and her grandmother she calls Nonna. I'm starting book 2 of the trilogy this weekend. I thought I could wait to see what happens with Olivia, Nonna, Brice, Berzerkers and everyone else in the book. Nope!
September 29, 2012
I have always been a big fan of the paranormal genre and especially witchery and magic. I picked up this book on a whim and was not disappointed. I normally do not read "zombie" type books, but I did read and enjoy this one.
I will admit to having a hard time getting into this story, probably because I am predisposed to an aversion to zombies, once I got into the story I found myself enjoying the read.
There were times when I felt that the main character Olivia seemed very immature and should have been portrayed with more maturity.
I probably will pick up another V.J. Chambers book and add it to my TBR list.
I will admit to having a hard time getting into this story, probably because I am predisposed to an aversion to zombies, once I got into the story I found myself enjoying the read.
There were times when I felt that the main character Olivia seemed very immature and should have been portrayed with more maturity.
I probably will pick up another V.J. Chambers book and add it to my TBR list.
September 18, 2013
Olivia Calabrese is another one of Chamber's strong female leads and she takes it to a whole new level. Head of a Mob family, in charge of the family business while her father is in jail.. all while being in high school? And with a boyfriend who has been effected by magic and changes every night? Take that Wonder woman, I would like to see you handle this shit!!
August 2, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyable read.
What a surprise this book is. I enjoyed reading it so much I couldn't put it down. Even when I really needed to go to sleep. I cannot wait to start book two to see how the story unfolds. A new take on a zombie novel that keeps you turning the pages. Very well written with strong yet believable female lead characters.
What a surprise this book is. I enjoyed reading it so much I couldn't put it down. Even when I really needed to go to sleep. I cannot wait to start book two to see how the story unfolds. A new take on a zombie novel that keeps you turning the pages. Very well written with strong yet believable female lead characters.
May 20, 2013
Ok so I admit, I was hooked from the first chapter. Characters were well developed and I loved the different use of magic than other books I have read. I liked the romance development between Olivia and Brice and I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens to them.
February 2, 2012
Very good book, need to right another one.
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September 30, 2013Free on Amazon today
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April 28, 2020
I unfortunately could not get into this at all.
October 4, 2015
Loved it even if the main character was a little too naive and kept getting in over her head. Will definitely read the rest in the series.
November 28, 2013
This was a interesting book with some great twist. It was a good read.
January 4, 2014
This story was ok, i will read the next one in hopes that the story line becomes more exciting.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews