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MetaWars #3
Tempest
The public doesn't trust them. The government wants to control them. Being a superhero has never been this hard, especially for Tempest.
Two months after the discovery of the powerful, non-Meta Recombinants, the former Rangers—Meta-powered humans dedicated to preserving the peace—have made no progress in uncovering the newcomers' origins, or convincing the public to trust them. Newly powered Metas are popping up and causing trouble, while the former Banes—Metas who harm humans and create chaos—show no inclination that they even want to leave the island prison of Manhattan. With a presidential election looming, the hot political debate is all about Meta rights—and whether they deserve to have any.
Still haunted by the murder of so many in the Meta War fifteen years earlier, Ethan "Tempest" Swift accepts an assignment in Manhattan, working with a team that's interviewing Banes to determine which are still threats and which have reformed. But Ethan has a personal reason for going to the island as well. Armed with questions for the Bane who just might be his father, Ethan's quest for answers is interrupted by an unexpected assault on the island. Forced to side with old enemies to uncover who's responsible for the devastating attack, Ethan begins to question more than just his past—he questions his place in defending a world that sees him as its enemy.
Two months after the discovery of the powerful, non-Meta Recombinants, the former Rangers—Meta-powered humans dedicated to preserving the peace—have made no progress in uncovering the newcomers' origins, or convincing the public to trust them. Newly powered Metas are popping up and causing trouble, while the former Banes—Metas who harm humans and create chaos—show no inclination that they even want to leave the island prison of Manhattan. With a presidential election looming, the hot political debate is all about Meta rights—and whether they deserve to have any.
Still haunted by the murder of so many in the Meta War fifteen years earlier, Ethan "Tempest" Swift accepts an assignment in Manhattan, working with a team that's interviewing Banes to determine which are still threats and which have reformed. But Ethan has a personal reason for going to the island as well. Armed with questions for the Bane who just might be his father, Ethan's quest for answers is interrupted by an unexpected assault on the island. Forced to side with old enemies to uncover who's responsible for the devastating attack, Ethan begins to question more than just his past—he questions his place in defending a world that sees him as its enemy.
384 pages, ebook
First published April 22, 2013
About the author
Kelly Meding
27 books699 followersAlso writes as Kelly Meade: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 12, 2013
In a world where super human abilities makes you a target, Ethan “Tempest” Swift will discover what it takes to be a real hero. The government wants to control them. The general population is afraid of them and wants to lock them away. The Metas, they just want to use their abilities for good. So where does Ethan fit in all this...
Ethan is haunted by the Meta war that happened 15 years ago. Ethan has been chosen to do recon on the island of Manhattan, a “Bane” prison. Banes are Metas gone "rogue", or at least that is what the government has labeled them. Now Ethan has a chance to face down his mother’s killer and his biological father, but the more Ethan discovers the more his choices aren’t as black and white as they appeared.
I normally don’t read M/M romance and I also stay away from comic super hero type stories, so why did I read this book. I didn’t realize it was a M/M romance, I found that it wasn’t done in a matter that I’d consider “in your face”. I also felt the superhero abilities was done in such a way that you found the Metas (Superheros) as everyday people trying to make a difference in the world, again not “in your face” comic like storylines. As you could tell, I haven’t read any of the books prior in this series. Although, I did at times wish I had more insight into the Meta Wars and the past battles, I was able to follow this story without difficulties.
Tempest was a book about self discovery, character building realizations and finding love with a touch of super hero powers on the side. I really did enjoy this story. The characters had built a genuine family out of commonality...wanting to not just help their own kind but all those around them. I found this to be an exciting, entertaining read with strong characters with lots of heart.
This ARC copy of Tempest was given to me by Edelweiss and Pocket Star in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date April 22, 2013.
For more reviews check out:
Ethan is haunted by the Meta war that happened 15 years ago. Ethan has been chosen to do recon on the island of Manhattan, a “Bane” prison. Banes are Metas gone "rogue", or at least that is what the government has labeled them. Now Ethan has a chance to face down his mother’s killer and his biological father, but the more Ethan discovers the more his choices aren’t as black and white as they appeared.
I normally don’t read M/M romance and I also stay away from comic super hero type stories, so why did I read this book. I didn’t realize it was a M/M romance, I found that it wasn’t done in a matter that I’d consider “in your face”. I also felt the superhero abilities was done in such a way that you found the Metas (Superheros) as everyday people trying to make a difference in the world, again not “in your face” comic like storylines. As you could tell, I haven’t read any of the books prior in this series. Although, I did at times wish I had more insight into the Meta Wars and the past battles, I was able to follow this story without difficulties.
Tempest was a book about self discovery, character building realizations and finding love with a touch of super hero powers on the side. I really did enjoy this story. The characters had built a genuine family out of commonality...wanting to not just help their own kind but all those around them. I found this to be an exciting, entertaining read with strong characters with lots of heart.
This ARC copy of Tempest was given to me by Edelweiss and Pocket Star in exchange for an honest review. Publish Date April 22, 2013.
For more reviews check out:
April 19, 2013
Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks
Tempest is the third book in Kelly Meding’s Meta Wars series. You know when someone talks about books that start one way then go waaaayyy off from that to finally end up somewhere you never saw coming. Yeah…this book is just like that. In fact, this series is just like that. Kelly does a wonderful job throwing us for a loop then throwing us through another loop then torpedoing us through a bigger loop only to have us land smack on our faces. In the mud. And where you end up will make you chug a bottle of vodka and wiping your brow – and all in the very best of ways.
This series is an odd sort of paranormal romance series with each book seeing a main hero find his HEA, yet it has a very strong urban fantasy feel thanks to the gritty storylines and flow from book to book. I tend to describe it more as UF rather than as PNR but just keep in mind that each book does have a HEA of sorts for the main couple.
Tempest follows Ethan “Tempest” Swift. Ethan’s super power is controlling the wind. He can make cyclones, gusts, breezes…he can even make the wind do his bidding so he can fly.
Oh right. Yes, the characters in these books are super heroes. They each have powers. Most of the main characters grew up knowing they had powers and that they were to be used to help people. Then, when they were all young teenagers, their powers went away. Poof. Just like that. Suddenly, at the beginning of the first book in the series, their powers retuned as mysteriously as they left. Now there are new teenage heroes who never knew they had powers until recently and must learn to harness and use them properly. We meet a few newbies in this book but really the focus is still on Ethan, his love interest and the rest of the ‘Ranger’ crew. In this book they are trying to appease the mass population’s fears and worries. They are trying to reinforce the fact that even though they have super powers they are there to help and not hurt. Unfortunately too many people are afraid and some are starting to fight back. They want the Metas (those with powers) to die horrible deaths.
That is one part of the story in Tempest but, as I mentioned, we also follow Ethan. I was amazed at how much we didn’t know about him. We meet him in the first book. He’s a quiet character, seemingly an introvert with a quick mind. He’s serious and wants to do the best he can to help as many people as he can. He is also not one for the spotlight. All of these things we knew before going into this book but the why behind the way he is, his childhood, just his story is so much deeper than I anticipated. I loved Ethan when I started this book and I adored him when I finished it. He is my favorite character to date from this series. He is an incredible character and has faced some pretty impressive things in his young lifetime. He’s gay and he has yet to come out to his friends, his mother was killed by Banes (bad guy Metas) when he was a boy and he has never met his father. I will give one hint here…Ethan does meet his father in this book and how he controls his emotions, how he takes that entire situation and turns it into something good, is just amazing. He can handle things that most people never could and I truly admire that about him.
I was actually surprised at who Ethan’s HEA was. I will not tell you who it is because I want you to be as pleasantly surprised as I was, but I will tell you that it is someone we have already met. This man is actually a really good match for Ethan as he has also had to deal with some pretty heavy sh*t in his young life. Not exactly the same stuff but the emotions, the impact, are very similar. I found Kelly wrote their relationship very well. We are talking about two men here so there shouldn’t be any fluffy frilly girly type drama. And there wasn’t. The flow and pace of the relationship matched the pair and their personalities perfectly.
One other part of the story in Tempest deals with ex-Banes and how Teresa wants to try to get the deserving Metas pardons. Banes were imprisoned on Manhattan Island before (and after) powers disappeared and Teresa (heroine from book one and leader of the Rangers of now) believes everybody deserves a fresh start. Ethan is sent to Manhattan to try to find some of the Banes who are unaccounted for to see if they too deserve pardons. This will be the first time Ethan is back there since he lost his powers at the height of a terrible Meta war. I was thrilled that we finally learned the details of that night, of the war and of what happened to many of our hero and heroines parents. Through Ethan’s flashbacks we see it all. Such gripping scenes, they will tug on your heart.
One day, when this series is over and I look back on it, I will think mostly of the “OMFG you have GOT to be kidding me” twists and turns that Kelly writes into these books. With every installment my jaw has hit the floor at least three times. There is a DNA twist that will definitely play a role in the next book and it will leave you going O-o in this book. I’ve said it once and I say it again Kelly’s head has to be one spectacularly scary place because some of her ideas and visuals border on absolutely vile. But man do they make a great story.
Speaking of great story, book four should be an interesting read. Titled Chimera, this will be Renee’s story. Renee is one of those characters that rubs you the wrong way. Essentially, she’s a bitch and a little unlikeable. But you just know there is a reason behind why she is the way she is. It will be interesting to see how Kelly makes her pleasant enough for us to want her to have a HEA. But I know Kelly can do it and it will be gory and shocking and awesome all at the same time. It will be a crazy ride and I can’t wait to pick it up when it releases November 11th 2013.
This is such a badass series. I say it over and over when I talk of these books but I feel I can’t say it enough: this series is like nothing else out there. It’s gritty, raw, moving with a side of kick ass. Its strong storylines and even stronger characters keep you coming back for more. As for Tempest, it is my favorite installment to date. If you are a fan of darker urban fantasy, I would definitely give these books a try.
Tempest is the third book in Kelly Meding’s Meta Wars series. You know when someone talks about books that start one way then go waaaayyy off from that to finally end up somewhere you never saw coming. Yeah…this book is just like that. In fact, this series is just like that. Kelly does a wonderful job throwing us for a loop then throwing us through another loop then torpedoing us through a bigger loop only to have us land smack on our faces. In the mud. And where you end up will make you chug a bottle of vodka and wiping your brow – and all in the very best of ways.
This series is an odd sort of paranormal romance series with each book seeing a main hero find his HEA, yet it has a very strong urban fantasy feel thanks to the gritty storylines and flow from book to book. I tend to describe it more as UF rather than as PNR but just keep in mind that each book does have a HEA of sorts for the main couple.
Tempest follows Ethan “Tempest” Swift. Ethan’s super power is controlling the wind. He can make cyclones, gusts, breezes…he can even make the wind do his bidding so he can fly.
Oh right. Yes, the characters in these books are super heroes. They each have powers. Most of the main characters grew up knowing they had powers and that they were to be used to help people. Then, when they were all young teenagers, their powers went away. Poof. Just like that. Suddenly, at the beginning of the first book in the series, their powers retuned as mysteriously as they left. Now there are new teenage heroes who never knew they had powers until recently and must learn to harness and use them properly. We meet a few newbies in this book but really the focus is still on Ethan, his love interest and the rest of the ‘Ranger’ crew. In this book they are trying to appease the mass population’s fears and worries. They are trying to reinforce the fact that even though they have super powers they are there to help and not hurt. Unfortunately too many people are afraid and some are starting to fight back. They want the Metas (those with powers) to die horrible deaths.
That is one part of the story in Tempest but, as I mentioned, we also follow Ethan. I was amazed at how much we didn’t know about him. We meet him in the first book. He’s a quiet character, seemingly an introvert with a quick mind. He’s serious and wants to do the best he can to help as many people as he can. He is also not one for the spotlight. All of these things we knew before going into this book but the why behind the way he is, his childhood, just his story is so much deeper than I anticipated. I loved Ethan when I started this book and I adored him when I finished it. He is my favorite character to date from this series. He is an incredible character and has faced some pretty impressive things in his young lifetime. He’s gay and he has yet to come out to his friends, his mother was killed by Banes (bad guy Metas) when he was a boy and he has never met his father. I will give one hint here…Ethan does meet his father in this book and how he controls his emotions, how he takes that entire situation and turns it into something good, is just amazing. He can handle things that most people never could and I truly admire that about him.
I was actually surprised at who Ethan’s HEA was. I will not tell you who it is because I want you to be as pleasantly surprised as I was, but I will tell you that it is someone we have already met. This man is actually a really good match for Ethan as he has also had to deal with some pretty heavy sh*t in his young life. Not exactly the same stuff but the emotions, the impact, are very similar. I found Kelly wrote their relationship very well. We are talking about two men here so there shouldn’t be any fluffy frilly girly type drama. And there wasn’t. The flow and pace of the relationship matched the pair and their personalities perfectly.
One other part of the story in Tempest deals with ex-Banes and how Teresa wants to try to get the deserving Metas pardons. Banes were imprisoned on Manhattan Island before (and after) powers disappeared and Teresa (heroine from book one and leader of the Rangers of now) believes everybody deserves a fresh start. Ethan is sent to Manhattan to try to find some of the Banes who are unaccounted for to see if they too deserve pardons. This will be the first time Ethan is back there since he lost his powers at the height of a terrible Meta war. I was thrilled that we finally learned the details of that night, of the war and of what happened to many of our hero and heroines parents. Through Ethan’s flashbacks we see it all. Such gripping scenes, they will tug on your heart.
One day, when this series is over and I look back on it, I will think mostly of the “OMFG you have GOT to be kidding me” twists and turns that Kelly writes into these books. With every installment my jaw has hit the floor at least three times. There is a DNA twist that will definitely play a role in the next book and it will leave you going O-o in this book. I’ve said it once and I say it again Kelly’s head has to be one spectacularly scary place because some of her ideas and visuals border on absolutely vile. But man do they make a great story.
Speaking of great story, book four should be an interesting read. Titled Chimera, this will be Renee’s story. Renee is one of those characters that rubs you the wrong way. Essentially, she’s a bitch and a little unlikeable. But you just know there is a reason behind why she is the way she is. It will be interesting to see how Kelly makes her pleasant enough for us to want her to have a HEA. But I know Kelly can do it and it will be gory and shocking and awesome all at the same time. It will be a crazy ride and I can’t wait to pick it up when it releases November 11th 2013.
This is such a badass series. I say it over and over when I talk of these books but I feel I can’t say it enough: this series is like nothing else out there. It’s gritty, raw, moving with a side of kick ass. Its strong storylines and even stronger characters keep you coming back for more. As for Tempest, it is my favorite installment to date. If you are a fan of darker urban fantasy, I would definitely give these books a try.
October 30, 2017
i thouroughly enjoy the journey that these characters take. they all have issues that need addressing, and if they can heal by the end, I am happy.
the pacing of these stories almost make them feel like two stories or maybe it's two acts. so many spots felt like the end only to have it ramped up again. it's an odd feeling to be granted a sense of satisfaction multiple times. granted, those moments do tend to be quickly ripped away...
one more part to the metawars...see you at the conclusion! (?)
the pacing of these stories almost make them feel like two stories or maybe it's two acts. so many spots felt like the end only to have it ramped up again. it's an odd feeling to be granted a sense of satisfaction multiple times. granted, those moments do tend to be quickly ripped away...
one more part to the metawars...see you at the conclusion! (?)
December 6, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Another dark urban fantasy in the MetaWars series, action-packed and realistic in its tone.
Opening Sentence: “Greens are such a pain in the ass.”
The Review:
Tempest is the third novel in the MetaWars series and it begins a few months after the events in Changeling. Each novel so far has been told from a different Metas’ point of view. This time it is Ethan’s turn. Ethan who is known as Tempest, along with Teresa, Gage, Marco and Renee are just about getting used to their three new houseguests when two more are dropped off at their door. Ever since the Meta powers have returned to the world, new children and teenagers are finding out that they have Meta powers themselves and the group has taken it upon themselves to help when they can.
Ethan and the others (the young ex-Rangers) just can’t get a break, even the people they rescue are scared of them. They do everything they can to show the good that they can do but now a new group of Meta-haters is trying to take them down. Also, a Presidential election is near and the front-runner wants all Metas locked up for their own good.
Meanwhile, Ethan is sent to Manhattan Island to see if all the Bane (evil) Metas should remain there or be released. The island currently serves as a prison. Ethan believes that all Banes should remain locked away but since he undertook this mission with possible vengeance on his mind, he is shocked when he learns the gravity of the situation on the island and that not all Banes are truly evil.
Tempest undergoes quite a metamorphosis in this novel. He likes to hide behind his sarcasm and wit but inside he is hiding many secrets. Ethan is scared of what the others will think about him, especially since he has been hiding some of his secrets for a long time. One of the secrets that he has been hiding is the fact that he is gay. There are some sensual moments but the novel is far more than just about Ethan being a gay superhero.
I have throughly enjoyed this series so far. It is a dark series with lots of tragedy and people getting hurt. There isn’t a day that goes by that they aren’t hunted by someone who wants them dead or oppressed. Teresa is the one thread of hope that gets the rest of the group fired up and hoping that one day they will be accepted for who they are. Ethan begins to believe in that hope and that hopefully one day everything will be alright. The emotions that the characters go through seem very realistic and even how the world deals with the aftermath of a war and the superheroes that survived it.
The ending felt quite abrupt to me. There was a bit of a wrap up but not enough that it felt like issues were resolved. I know that the main unresolved story arc will continue in Renee’s book Chimera and I already can’t wait to pick up that story.
Overall, if you are a fan of urban fantasy and superheroes, pick up this series, you just may enjoy this world that has been developed.
Notable Scene:
“It sounds like you’ve got a crush going on,” she said when I finally stopped talking.
Leave it to Dahlia to home in on the most awkward part of the monologue. “Maybe.”
She made a noise.
“Okay, so very probably,” I amended.
“And you’re scared.”
“Honestly? A little. But not of him.”
“Of what the others will think?”
“Yeah. I mean, I don’t think they’ll react badly, exactly. I guess I don’t want them to be disappointed that I didn’t trust them enough to tell them sooner.”
“That wasn’t the problem, though, was it? You trusting them?”
She knew me so well it was frightening. “No. I do trust them, and I always have.”
“But you saw being gay as a weakness, just like having Jinx for a father was a weakness.”
“Exactly. Only I don’t feel that way about McTaggert anymore. Regular people might not get it, and they might judge me as the offspring of a supervillain, but I don’t care. I know who I am.”
“I think you do. And I think you’re ready to accept all parts of yourself without reservations. Do you know how I know this?”
“Do tell.”
“Because right now, Ethan? In the nine months I’ve known you, there’s something in your voice I haven’t ever heard before.”
“Which is?”
“Hope.”
FTC Advisory: Pocket Star/Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of Tempest. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Another dark urban fantasy in the MetaWars series, action-packed and realistic in its tone.
Opening Sentence: “Greens are such a pain in the ass.”
The Review:
Tempest is the third novel in the MetaWars series and it begins a few months after the events in Changeling. Each novel so far has been told from a different Metas’ point of view. This time it is Ethan’s turn. Ethan who is known as Tempest, along with Teresa, Gage, Marco and Renee are just about getting used to their three new houseguests when two more are dropped off at their door. Ever since the Meta powers have returned to the world, new children and teenagers are finding out that they have Meta powers themselves and the group has taken it upon themselves to help when they can.
Ethan and the others (the young ex-Rangers) just can’t get a break, even the people they rescue are scared of them. They do everything they can to show the good that they can do but now a new group of Meta-haters is trying to take them down. Also, a Presidential election is near and the front-runner wants all Metas locked up for their own good.
Meanwhile, Ethan is sent to Manhattan Island to see if all the Bane (evil) Metas should remain there or be released. The island currently serves as a prison. Ethan believes that all Banes should remain locked away but since he undertook this mission with possible vengeance on his mind, he is shocked when he learns the gravity of the situation on the island and that not all Banes are truly evil.
Tempest undergoes quite a metamorphosis in this novel. He likes to hide behind his sarcasm and wit but inside he is hiding many secrets. Ethan is scared of what the others will think about him, especially since he has been hiding some of his secrets for a long time. One of the secrets that he has been hiding is the fact that he is gay. There are some sensual moments but the novel is far more than just about Ethan being a gay superhero.
I have throughly enjoyed this series so far. It is a dark series with lots of tragedy and people getting hurt. There isn’t a day that goes by that they aren’t hunted by someone who wants them dead or oppressed. Teresa is the one thread of hope that gets the rest of the group fired up and hoping that one day they will be accepted for who they are. Ethan begins to believe in that hope and that hopefully one day everything will be alright. The emotions that the characters go through seem very realistic and even how the world deals with the aftermath of a war and the superheroes that survived it.
The ending felt quite abrupt to me. There was a bit of a wrap up but not enough that it felt like issues were resolved. I know that the main unresolved story arc will continue in Renee’s book Chimera and I already can’t wait to pick up that story.
Overall, if you are a fan of urban fantasy and superheroes, pick up this series, you just may enjoy this world that has been developed.
Notable Scene:
“It sounds like you’ve got a crush going on,” she said when I finally stopped talking.
Leave it to Dahlia to home in on the most awkward part of the monologue. “Maybe.”
She made a noise.
“Okay, so very probably,” I amended.
“And you’re scared.”
“Honestly? A little. But not of him.”
“Of what the others will think?”
“Yeah. I mean, I don’t think they’ll react badly, exactly. I guess I don’t want them to be disappointed that I didn’t trust them enough to tell them sooner.”
“That wasn’t the problem, though, was it? You trusting them?”
She knew me so well it was frightening. “No. I do trust them, and I always have.”
“But you saw being gay as a weakness, just like having Jinx for a father was a weakness.”
“Exactly. Only I don’t feel that way about McTaggert anymore. Regular people might not get it, and they might judge me as the offspring of a supervillain, but I don’t care. I know who I am.”
“I think you do. And I think you’re ready to accept all parts of yourself without reservations. Do you know how I know this?”
“Do tell.”
“Because right now, Ethan? In the nine months I’ve known you, there’s something in your voice I haven’t ever heard before.”
“Which is?”
“Hope.”
FTC Advisory: Pocket Star/Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of Tempest. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
February 11, 2017
Originally reviewed at Dark Faerie Tales: http://darkfaerietales.com/review-tem...
Quick & Dirty: Another dark urban fantasy in the MetaWars series, action-packed and realistic in its tone.
The Review:
Tempest is the third novel in the MetaWars series and it begins a few months after the events in Changeling. Each novel so far has been told from a different Metas’ point of view. This time it is Ethan’s turn. Ethan who is known as Tempest, along with Teresa, Gage, Marco and Renee are just about getting used to their three new houseguests when two more are dropped off at their door. Ever since the Meta powers have returned to the world, new children and teenagers are finding out that they have Meta powers themselves and the group has taken it upon themselves to help when they can.
Ethan and the others (the young ex-Rangers) just can’t get a break, even the people they rescue are scared of them. They do everything they can to show the good that they can do but now a new group of Meta-haters is trying to take them down. Also, a Presidential election is near and the front-runner wants all Metas locked up for their own good.
Meanwhile, Ethan is sent to Manhattan Island to see if all the Bane (evil) Metas should remain there or be released. The island currently serves as a prison. Ethan believes that all Banes should remain locked away but since he undertook this mission with possible vengeance on his mind, he is shocked when he learns the gravity of the situation on the island and that not all Banes are truly evil.
Tempest undergoes quite a metamorphosis in this novel. He likes to hide behind his sarcasm and wit but inside he is hiding many secrets. Ethan is scared of what the others will think about him, especially since he has been hiding some of his secrets for a long time. One of the secrets that he has been hiding is the fact that he is gay. There are some sensual moments but the novel is far more than just about Ethan being a gay superhero.
I have throughly enjoyed this series so far. It is a dark series with lots of tragedy and people getting hurt. There isn’t a day that goes by that they aren’t hunted by someone who wants them dead or oppressed. Teresa is the one thread of hope that gets the rest of the group fired up and hoping that one day they will be accepted for who they are. Ethan begins to believe in that hope and that hopefully one day everything will be alright. The emotions that the characters go through seem very realistic and even how the world deals with the aftermath of a war and the superheroes that survived it.
The ending felt quite abrupt to me. There was a bit of a wrap up but not enough that it felt like issues were resolved. I know that the main unresolved story arc will continue in Renee’s book Chimera and I already can’t wait to pick up that story.
Overall, if you are a fan of urban fantasy and superheroes, pick up this series, you just may enjoy this world that has been developed.
Quick & Dirty: Another dark urban fantasy in the MetaWars series, action-packed and realistic in its tone.
The Review:
Tempest is the third novel in the MetaWars series and it begins a few months after the events in Changeling. Each novel so far has been told from a different Metas’ point of view. This time it is Ethan’s turn. Ethan who is known as Tempest, along with Teresa, Gage, Marco and Renee are just about getting used to their three new houseguests when two more are dropped off at their door. Ever since the Meta powers have returned to the world, new children and teenagers are finding out that they have Meta powers themselves and the group has taken it upon themselves to help when they can.
Ethan and the others (the young ex-Rangers) just can’t get a break, even the people they rescue are scared of them. They do everything they can to show the good that they can do but now a new group of Meta-haters is trying to take them down. Also, a Presidential election is near and the front-runner wants all Metas locked up for their own good.
Meanwhile, Ethan is sent to Manhattan Island to see if all the Bane (evil) Metas should remain there or be released. The island currently serves as a prison. Ethan believes that all Banes should remain locked away but since he undertook this mission with possible vengeance on his mind, he is shocked when he learns the gravity of the situation on the island and that not all Banes are truly evil.
Tempest undergoes quite a metamorphosis in this novel. He likes to hide behind his sarcasm and wit but inside he is hiding many secrets. Ethan is scared of what the others will think about him, especially since he has been hiding some of his secrets for a long time. One of the secrets that he has been hiding is the fact that he is gay. There are some sensual moments but the novel is far more than just about Ethan being a gay superhero.
I have throughly enjoyed this series so far. It is a dark series with lots of tragedy and people getting hurt. There isn’t a day that goes by that they aren’t hunted by someone who wants them dead or oppressed. Teresa is the one thread of hope that gets the rest of the group fired up and hoping that one day they will be accepted for who they are. Ethan begins to believe in that hope and that hopefully one day everything will be alright. The emotions that the characters go through seem very realistic and even how the world deals with the aftermath of a war and the superheroes that survived it.
The ending felt quite abrupt to me. There was a bit of a wrap up but not enough that it felt like issues were resolved. I know that the main unresolved story arc will continue in Renee’s book Chimera and I already can’t wait to pick up that story.
Overall, if you are a fan of urban fantasy and superheroes, pick up this series, you just may enjoy this world that has been developed.
August 22, 2013
I must say, I am impressed. Kelly Meding has written a book about a gay male superhero, that manages to treat the lead character like any other hero in any other book. It’s not about the fact that he is gay, yet she doesn’t shy away from it. He has a love interest and a romance that receives no more and no less attention than main characters have in previous books. It’s not a m/m romance. It’s just an urban fantasy with a romantic subplot. It shouldn’t be a big deal, but as I read it, I realized just what a rare find it is.
This is book three in the Meta-Wars series and it picks up a few months after Changeling. These books are complicated and nowhere is that more obvious than when Meding attempts to bring everyone up to speed in the early chapters. I did read the first two books and even I had to sit and think about it for a minute. I shudder to think about how confusing it would be for a new reader. With that in mind, I say, start with Trance if you haven’t read these books already.
Anyway, as public opinion continues to sour on the Metas, Ethan (Tempest) volunteers to take a trip to Manhattan to track down a band of rogue Banes. If there is any hope for some of the Metas living on the prison island to be freed, everyone needs to be accounted for. Among the group of rogues is his father, who killed his mother years ago. He can’t pass up the chance to see the man face-to-face for the first time. Joining him on the trip is Aaron, one of the Changelings we met in the last book.
A ton of stuff is going on here. From Ethan’s search for his dad, to getting to know the Metas on the island… from a brand-new threat to our superheroes to a romance for Ethan. It’s action-packed and hard to put down. Meding does a great job of getting us inside Ethan’s head… showing us so much of what he has been through. But she also made me feel like I knew Aaron for the first time. I never thought I would be able see him beyond his previous actions, yet as Ethan fell for him, I found myself seeing the Changeling in a new light.
If you’re wondering about the sex… it is off-page. But this has never been a series about sex. There is, however, a few kissing and build up scenes that were just enough to satisfy me.
The new villains give the storyline an interesting twist and I am interested to see how it all plays out in future books. I will definitely keep reading –and holding out hope that Meding finally “fixes” poor Noah and Dahlia. That whole thing still really bothers me.
Rating: B
*ARC Provided by Pocket books
This is book three in the Meta-Wars series and it picks up a few months after Changeling. These books are complicated and nowhere is that more obvious than when Meding attempts to bring everyone up to speed in the early chapters. I did read the first two books and even I had to sit and think about it for a minute. I shudder to think about how confusing it would be for a new reader. With that in mind, I say, start with Trance if you haven’t read these books already.
Anyway, as public opinion continues to sour on the Metas, Ethan (Tempest) volunteers to take a trip to Manhattan to track down a band of rogue Banes. If there is any hope for some of the Metas living on the prison island to be freed, everyone needs to be accounted for. Among the group of rogues is his father, who killed his mother years ago. He can’t pass up the chance to see the man face-to-face for the first time. Joining him on the trip is Aaron, one of the Changelings we met in the last book.
A ton of stuff is going on here. From Ethan’s search for his dad, to getting to know the Metas on the island… from a brand-new threat to our superheroes to a romance for Ethan. It’s action-packed and hard to put down. Meding does a great job of getting us inside Ethan’s head… showing us so much of what he has been through. But she also made me feel like I knew Aaron for the first time. I never thought I would be able see him beyond his previous actions, yet as Ethan fell for him, I found myself seeing the Changeling in a new light.
If you’re wondering about the sex… it is off-page. But this has never been a series about sex. There is, however, a few kissing and build up scenes that were just enough to satisfy me.
The new villains give the storyline an interesting twist and I am interested to see how it all plays out in future books. I will definitely keep reading –and holding out hope that Meding finally “fixes” poor Noah and Dahlia. That whole thing still really bothers me.
Rating: B
*ARC Provided by Pocket books
April 27, 2013
After Changeling, where we ventured into the Meta world through the eyes of a new Meta, it was nice to get back into the head of one of the few Meta’s who remember the Meta War. Ethan “Tempest” Swift wasn’t even a teenager at the time of the Meta War, but he carries with him some serious emotional damage from that time frame. The death of his mother was a huge one and we learn in this book that there was a huge gut twisting reveal by Ethan’s mother on her death bed. It explains a lot about Ethan, whom I had come to really like in the first two books in this series.
We learn a lot more about Ethan’s motivations and why he is the way he is in this book. He’s reluctant to trust even his closest friends with his secret at first, except for Dahlia, who is the only person he’s told that he’s gay. Kelly Meding handles all of Ethan’s issues really well and she does a great job of keeping Ethan from going off the deep end, which would have been easy for him to do. On top of Ethan’s story, the overall arc of the series is continued and takes some seriously wild turns that once again I didn’t see coming.
I cannot wait for Chimera to come out. If I’m right about who the protagonist will be for that book then things are definitely going to get interesting. We will be seeing this world from a different set of eyes and that is definitely an intriguing thought. Kelly Meding has made her way onto my must read list and if she keeps putting out books like this, she’ll be there for a long, long time.
We learn a lot more about Ethan’s motivations and why he is the way he is in this book. He’s reluctant to trust even his closest friends with his secret at first, except for Dahlia, who is the only person he’s told that he’s gay. Kelly Meding handles all of Ethan’s issues really well and she does a great job of keeping Ethan from going off the deep end, which would have been easy for him to do. On top of Ethan’s story, the overall arc of the series is continued and takes some seriously wild turns that once again I didn’t see coming.
I cannot wait for Chimera to come out. If I’m right about who the protagonist will be for that book then things are definitely going to get interesting. We will be seeing this world from a different set of eyes and that is definitely an intriguing thought. Kelly Meding has made her way onto my must read list and if she keeps putting out books like this, she’ll be there for a long, long time.
August 5, 2013
I was a little leery to read this one. I really liked the first book, but the second book was a disappointment for me. This one was going to be the make or break book in the series for me. I liked where this book went. I loved that the animosity between the Rangers and Banes was addressed and done in a way that you understood where both sides were coming from and how those that were still alive could forgive those that killed their friends. The whole thing was shades of grey and finally they all realized it.
I also loved how they all had to band together against the new enemy, one that was wrong in so many ways. It had to be hard for them hurt some of them.
I like where this one ended, where the Metas are and where they are heading in the future.
I also loved how they all had to band together against the new enemy, one that was wrong in so many ways. It had to be hard for them hurt some of them.
I like where this one ended, where the Metas are and where they are heading in the future.
April 8, 2013
Tempest by Kelly Meling
This is a great and interesting book that can stand on its own, although it’s evidently a series. I love the idea that it is super heroes who have had many problems, including problems with their abilities. The stories ideals of romance, heroics, are balanced with the fact that the hero trying to avenge his mother’s unfortunate death. This mental twist that it was his Bane father, a Meta (hero) who uses his powers for evil was the cause of his mother’s death. It is interesting and enthralling to learn more and more of this epic world, and the struggles of the people who survive in this dynamic and alternative world.
I believe this writer is one that should join the GRRM Wild Card series if she is willing, or able.
This is a great and interesting book that can stand on its own, although it’s evidently a series. I love the idea that it is super heroes who have had many problems, including problems with their abilities. The stories ideals of romance, heroics, are balanced with the fact that the hero trying to avenge his mother’s unfortunate death. This mental twist that it was his Bane father, a Meta (hero) who uses his powers for evil was the cause of his mother’s death. It is interesting and enthralling to learn more and more of this epic world, and the struggles of the people who survive in this dynamic and alternative world.
I believe this writer is one that should join the GRRM Wild Card series if she is willing, or able.
May 4, 2013
Another good read. Characters and story are alive enough for my baseline 3 stars. Some subplots don't appeal to me but some readers might welcome them. Action, flawed characters, morality questions, some new superpowers. An interesting twist in the perceived backstory.
I see most people give this 4 stars. This book was a good read and does have some strongly developed characters, but it does not have the compelling writing or true depth of world and character and nuances I expect from my 4 and 5 stars that might compel me to re-read the book or think on it a year from now. Putting books into buckets of general quality levels and impact, this is in the right bucket.
I see most people give this 4 stars. This book was a good read and does have some strongly developed characters, but it does not have the compelling writing or true depth of world and character and nuances I expect from my 4 and 5 stars that might compel me to re-read the book or think on it a year from now. Putting books into buckets of general quality levels and impact, this is in the right bucket.
May 10, 2013
I love how each of the books in the MetaWars series builds on each other by giving us little pieces of history of the Rangers/Banes and then mixing it into the present time where the survivors are trying to make sense of their lives. In Tempest, we get a look into Ethan "Tempest" Swift. I will say that although he wasn't my favorite character in the previous books, he had a lot more going on inside than I would have thought and I enjoyed his story. This series is definitely picking up steam for me and I really hope that Meding gets to see her series through!
April 27, 2013
Dynamite! Likely the best of a really good series. Again, we have a different protagonist/1st person narrator going on a voyage of personal discovery while battling some bad guys and further exploring this world that Meding's created. And tho' that's the same M.O. as the other books in the series, she pulls it off so that it feels fresh. No mean feat there.
I really liked this guy and his story, and am ready for the next book
I really liked this guy and his story, and am ready for the next book
Shelved as 'to-read-arc'
January 4, 2013does anyone know?
lol i guess i'll find out soon... :D
damn you arcs.... interfering my saving-4-xmas-holidays shelf....
omg this is a third book?!?! well lucky me :(((
sorry edelweiss but i won't read this :(
*ARC courtesy of Pocket Star via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*
January 29, 2014
These books are suck quick reads for me, but they are amazing. I loved learning more about Ethan and seeing how he handled confronting his past and finally letting go of all the secrets and issues he had bottled up for so long. Now I can look forward to reading Chimera, which should give me a lot more information about Renee. Starting to read that now.
August 11, 2013
I was thrilled when I found out that the third book in the MetaWars series is told from Ethan's POV - he's been one of my favourite characters from the beginning, so I'd been looking forward to getting his story. He has some great character development in this one, and both his story and the continuation of the series plot as a whole kept me glued to the page. Can't wait for the next one!
August 12, 2016
A good read worth the time
Over all not a bad story, however at times it does seem to take a little time to get warmed up and really off and running. The relationship between tempest and the changeling is done well and they grow together..I wanted more about how the metas lost there powers and some of the back ground of tempest was interesting. It,s an ok read.
Over all not a bad story, however at times it does seem to take a little time to get warmed up and really off and running. The relationship between tempest and the changeling is done well and they grow together..I wanted more about how the metas lost there powers and some of the back ground of tempest was interesting. It,s an ok read.
October 26, 2015
Meh. I liked it as well, maybe more than Changeling, not as well as Trance. It's all getting really predictable in the relationship department, and if she says somebody loves someone else "to pieces" one more time I might vomit...
December 3, 2014
As you get more invested in the characters, the story gets more real. These super heroes are having a super tough time. I would like to see them find some happiness and they do a little in this book. Very intense read.
Shelved as 'tbr-series-sequels-x'
July 23, 201523 July 2015: $2.99 on Kindle
July 24, 2016
Ethan "Tempest" and Aaron
4.5 stars
Read April 2013
4.5 stars
Read April 2013
Want to read
December 21, 2012*Recvd via Edelweiss 12/20/2012* Expected publication: April 22nd 2013 by Pocket Star
Want to read
December 21, 2012Which series is this for?
August 14, 2013
Love this series. A refreshing take on the super hero genre.
May 13, 2013
Rated 3.5
May 4, 2013
Kelly's writing is fast and fun. Love all her books
Want to read
June 3, 2013I haven't read it yet, but this book is actually the reason I'm getting myself an e-reader. Since it's not paper published, I cannot get my hands on it fast enough! :D
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