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The Shadow World #1
Uniquely Unwelcome
Edited and re-published September 2013.
Racquel is unique. The bloodlines of four of the most powerful beings in the Shadow World are intertwined within her DNA. She has never craved attention. She just wants to be able to live as normal life as she can. But she's about to find that even though she's uniquely unwelcome wherever she goes, her abilities also make her the best chance the Shadow World has to stop a threat to all the Shadow races. Once arriving home, Racquel finds that greater evils exist and that the person she cares for most in this world, her half-sister Addie, has been kidnapped along with other Shadow World beings. Racquel finds herself facing horrible odds with those who would rather see her dead than alive. As her journey continues, Racquel learns more about herself, what she is capable of, and that not every being looks at her as an abomination. Coy, a human captive that Racquel saves from the Vampires, starts showing kindness toward her. Racquel tries putting distance between her and the human boy but as they spend more time together it becomes harder and harder for Racquel to fight the affection she wants and needs. But will Coy's friendship and her new found discoveries be enough to help Racquel unravel the strangest mystery that has ever plagued the Shadow World?
Racquel is unique. The bloodlines of four of the most powerful beings in the Shadow World are intertwined within her DNA. She has never craved attention. She just wants to be able to live as normal life as she can. But she's about to find that even though she's uniquely unwelcome wherever she goes, her abilities also make her the best chance the Shadow World has to stop a threat to all the Shadow races. Once arriving home, Racquel finds that greater evils exist and that the person she cares for most in this world, her half-sister Addie, has been kidnapped along with other Shadow World beings. Racquel finds herself facing horrible odds with those who would rather see her dead than alive. As her journey continues, Racquel learns more about herself, what she is capable of, and that not every being looks at her as an abomination. Coy, a human captive that Racquel saves from the Vampires, starts showing kindness toward her. Racquel tries putting distance between her and the human boy but as they spend more time together it becomes harder and harder for Racquel to fight the affection she wants and needs. But will Coy's friendship and her new found discoveries be enough to help Racquel unravel the strangest mystery that has ever plagued the Shadow World?
216 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
10 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Brandy Nacole
30 books308 followersBrandy Nacole is a writer of paranormal suspense and mystery. She's penned the bestselling novel DEEP IN THE HOLLOW, THE SHADOW WORLD TRILOGY and MURDER IS A DEBATE.
She loves keeping readers on the edge of their seats as that's where she likes to stay. Her favorite pastimes are reading, writing, exploring the world, and spending as much time with her husband, kids, and fur babies as possible. If Brandy can’t be found, it’s okay, she’s not lost. She’s frolicking in the woods somewhere and will return for tacos eventually.
You can find Brandy Nacole on:
Her website: www.brandynacole.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brandy_nacole_
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorbrandynacole
She loves keeping readers on the edge of their seats as that's where she likes to stay. Her favorite pastimes are reading, writing, exploring the world, and spending as much time with her husband, kids, and fur babies as possible. If Brandy can’t be found, it’s okay, she’s not lost. She’s frolicking in the woods somewhere and will return for tacos eventually.
You can find Brandy Nacole on:
Her website: www.brandynacole.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brandy_nacole_
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorbrandynacole
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 12, 2012
Highly Recommend This Book!
I loved this book and the new perspective I got from a paranormal beings point of view.
Racquel is a Shadow being who had been outcasted from her society because her family "heritage" isn't up to the Shadow Worlds standard traditions. Racquel is bitter from being treated as if she's an abomination. After returning home and finding out that Shadow beings are missing, Racquel is asked to save them. On her journey, Racquel grows and even starts to open up just a bit. The ending had me wanting more. I can't wait for Book 2 to come out!
As far as editing goes, I found no mistakes. When I received my copy of Uniquely Unwelcome, I was given the newest updated version. Brandy Nacole has posted that the few editing mistakes that were found after her second edition was releases had been fixed. I believe that to be true because the version I received was great!!
I loved this book and the new perspective I got from a paranormal beings point of view.
Racquel is a Shadow being who had been outcasted from her society because her family "heritage" isn't up to the Shadow Worlds standard traditions. Racquel is bitter from being treated as if she's an abomination. After returning home and finding out that Shadow beings are missing, Racquel is asked to save them. On her journey, Racquel grows and even starts to open up just a bit. The ending had me wanting more. I can't wait for Book 2 to come out!
As far as editing goes, I found no mistakes. When I received my copy of Uniquely Unwelcome, I was given the newest updated version. Brandy Nacole has posted that the few editing mistakes that were found after her second edition was releases had been fixed. I believe that to be true because the version I received was great!!
November 6, 2012
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The first time I got this book, I didn't read it because due to previous reviews, the author decided to modify some things. So I waited a while and then signed up for the "new book".
I loved the story. Loved it! It's totally original and unique as Racquel.
The premise is well developed and except for the first few chapters, the rest of the book is packed with action.
There is a little romance, not with the person I was expecting, so that was surprising in a good way :) The romance developed slowly and their relationship grew to be so sweet that I was very pleased.
Anyway the plot goes around a lot more things than the love story. Actually it has a small part in the book. But it helps to see the way Racquel matures and changes.
She grew up being rejected by everyone, treated like a freak so she learnt to keep people away and her relationship with this guy (I'm not telling with who lol) helps her get through that and she becomes more compassionate and discovers a lot of great people.
All the characters are likeable, you get to know them, to believe in their motives and you feel with them. Ethan, Danika, Coy, Jared and especially Racquel.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the cities they visited and the different clans, also their leaders where so nicely characterized with perfectly defined personalities and objectives.
My favorite part of all the book was their night in London. Amazing!
There are some things that may seem unfinished or with loose ends but at the ending all those doubts are cleared. So don't worry!
And that end is open and suggest the possibility of a sequel.
I'd be more than glad to read it.
Only 2 things were not good for me.
1. The cover: Sorry but I don't like it and no matter how many times we say: "don't judge a book by the cover", WE ALL DO IT! So I'd have chosen a different one.
2. And the editing... OMG! There are serious editing issues:
"Were"(and even where) instead of "we're", since instead of "sense", "here" instead of "hear", "glade" instead of "glad" and I can't remember how many times I read "your" instead of "you are" .
Well, you get my point. I thought this was the edited version but honestly I believe it needs to be polished.
So to sum up: GREAT BOOK with editing problems.
I will recommend it anyway because Brandy Nacole put on a great effort and it is her first novel, so it can only get better. And she has quite an imagination!
OOPS: UPDATE (Nov 5th) I love the new cover :)
The first time I got this book, I didn't read it because due to previous reviews, the author decided to modify some things. So I waited a while and then signed up for the "new book".
I loved the story. Loved it! It's totally original and unique as Racquel.
The premise is well developed and except for the first few chapters, the rest of the book is packed with action.
There is a little romance, not with the person I was expecting, so that was surprising in a good way :) The romance developed slowly and their relationship grew to be so sweet that I was very pleased.
Anyway the plot goes around a lot more things than the love story. Actually it has a small part in the book. But it helps to see the way Racquel matures and changes.
She grew up being rejected by everyone, treated like a freak so she learnt to keep people away and her relationship with this guy (I'm not telling with who lol) helps her get through that and she becomes more compassionate and discovers a lot of great people.
All the characters are likeable, you get to know them, to believe in their motives and you feel with them. Ethan, Danika, Coy, Jared and especially Racquel.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the cities they visited and the different clans, also their leaders where so nicely characterized with perfectly defined personalities and objectives.
My favorite part of all the book was their night in London. Amazing!
There are some things that may seem unfinished or with loose ends but at the ending all those doubts are cleared. So don't worry!
And that end is open and suggest the possibility of a sequel.
I'd be more than glad to read it.
Only 2 things were not good for me.
1. The cover: Sorry but I don't like it and no matter how many times we say: "don't judge a book by the cover", WE ALL DO IT! So I'd have chosen a different one.
2. And the editing... OMG! There are serious editing issues:
"Were"(and even where) instead of "we're", since instead of "sense", "here" instead of "hear", "glade" instead of "glad" and I can't remember how many times I read "your" instead of "you are" .
Well, you get my point. I thought this was the edited version but honestly I believe it needs to be polished.
So to sum up: GREAT BOOK with editing problems.
I will recommend it anyway because Brandy Nacole put on a great effort and it is her first novel, so it can only get better. And she has quite an imagination!
OOPS: UPDATE (Nov 5th) I love the new cover :)
August 3, 2012
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
First, let me say that Uniquely Unwelcome has potential. The basic plot is good and the characters are relatively likable. That being said, I did find that there were a couple plot holes or things that didn’t quite make sense. For instance, Racquel’s origins. It’s stated in the first chapter that her grandfather was a vampire, and in order for him and her grandmother to conceive a child, a witch gave him life for 24 hrs. To me this translates into making him more or less human for 24 hrs. as it seems like, in this world’s mythology, vampires are dead. Therefore, I don’t entirely buy that her grandfather’s vampire gene was passed down to her father. It kind of makes sense, but it also lacks a bit of plausibility to me. There were other things that I felt didn’t have proper explanation or just didn’t logically work, but I won’t bother repeating them all as some of them were minor.
Also, while the prologue started out good and drew the reader in, the next chapter and a half was all information. In chapter one we’re told about Racquel’s genealogy and the first part of chapter two is about the town she lived in growing up and the various supernatural creatures. While I understand it was all important and that we needed to know it, I couldn’t help but find myself losing a bit of interest right off the bat, as nothing exciting was going on. It felt more like reading a guide. However, this is not a recurring issue throughout the book. So, while the start was a tad slow and hard to get through, the rest of it was well paced and kept me invested.
As for the characters, I liked them well enough, but I didn’t particularly find myself growing attached to them. I enjoyed Racquel’s sarcasm, as I lean towards a dry sense of humor myself, but there were times when I felt she was lacking a bit more depth and some maturity.
What really stopped me from liking this book though was the grammar and repetition. I can’t count how many times “their” was used when “they’re” would have been correct and there were other similar issues. Plus, I would read one sentence, and then the same sentence would be repeated (albeit with slightly different wording) only a little while later in the same paragraph. This made the writing choppy and distracting for me.
In the end, Uniquely Unwelcome isn’t a bad book. As I mentioned above, it has potential. However, this felt more like a first draft to me than a completed version, so while I enjoyed the overall story, it wound up just being okay for me.
First, let me say that Uniquely Unwelcome has potential. The basic plot is good and the characters are relatively likable. That being said, I did find that there were a couple plot holes or things that didn’t quite make sense. For instance, Racquel’s origins. It’s stated in the first chapter that her grandfather was a vampire, and in order for him and her grandmother to conceive a child, a witch gave him life for 24 hrs. To me this translates into making him more or less human for 24 hrs. as it seems like, in this world’s mythology, vampires are dead. Therefore, I don’t entirely buy that her grandfather’s vampire gene was passed down to her father. It kind of makes sense, but it also lacks a bit of plausibility to me. There were other things that I felt didn’t have proper explanation or just didn’t logically work, but I won’t bother repeating them all as some of them were minor.
Also, while the prologue started out good and drew the reader in, the next chapter and a half was all information. In chapter one we’re told about Racquel’s genealogy and the first part of chapter two is about the town she lived in growing up and the various supernatural creatures. While I understand it was all important and that we needed to know it, I couldn’t help but find myself losing a bit of interest right off the bat, as nothing exciting was going on. It felt more like reading a guide. However, this is not a recurring issue throughout the book. So, while the start was a tad slow and hard to get through, the rest of it was well paced and kept me invested.
As for the characters, I liked them well enough, but I didn’t particularly find myself growing attached to them. I enjoyed Racquel’s sarcasm, as I lean towards a dry sense of humor myself, but there were times when I felt she was lacking a bit more depth and some maturity.
What really stopped me from liking this book though was the grammar and repetition. I can’t count how many times “their” was used when “they’re” would have been correct and there were other similar issues. Plus, I would read one sentence, and then the same sentence would be repeated (albeit with slightly different wording) only a little while later in the same paragraph. This made the writing choppy and distracting for me.
In the end, Uniquely Unwelcome isn’t a bad book. As I mentioned above, it has potential. However, this felt more like a first draft to me than a completed version, so while I enjoyed the overall story, it wound up just being okay for me.
January 9, 2013
I read this book for the Read it & Reap program by the Shut up& read group.
When I started reading it I didn't think I was going to enjoy it. I thought that maybe it was a bit too much paranormal/fantasy stuff going on in one book and that it wasn't for me. But hey you have to try something new sometimes right?
Well.. when the story in the book became clear I got completely lost in the book. I couldn't stop reading. I had to force myself to stop reading and go to bed in the middle of the night.
Maybe it's not the most originally story but the author is describing everything from the characters to the surroundings and feelings in the book so well that you just got sucked in and become completely unaware of the real world. I loved the characters, the thrilling action and every clue you got to find the truth in the story.
I also liked that the story was from the main-characters point of view but you still got glimpses from the other characters feelings and stories. That made the reading a lot more interesting I think.
It's a good story, really good writing from the author, maybe a slow start but in the end I enjoyed reading it very much. I was very pleasantly surprised and would recommend this book to people who love good, action thrilling, fantasy novels.
I think that the author, Brandy Nacole, has potential to do some really great things in the future and I will definitely keep a look-out for her books.
When I started reading it I didn't think I was going to enjoy it. I thought that maybe it was a bit too much paranormal/fantasy stuff going on in one book and that it wasn't for me. But hey you have to try something new sometimes right?
Well.. when the story in the book became clear I got completely lost in the book. I couldn't stop reading. I had to force myself to stop reading and go to bed in the middle of the night.
Maybe it's not the most originally story but the author is describing everything from the characters to the surroundings and feelings in the book so well that you just got sucked in and become completely unaware of the real world. I loved the characters, the thrilling action and every clue you got to find the truth in the story.
I also liked that the story was from the main-characters point of view but you still got glimpses from the other characters feelings and stories. That made the reading a lot more interesting I think.
It's a good story, really good writing from the author, maybe a slow start but in the end I enjoyed reading it very much. I was very pleasantly surprised and would recommend this book to people who love good, action thrilling, fantasy novels.
I think that the author, Brandy Nacole, has potential to do some really great things in the future and I will definitely keep a look-out for her books.
November 10, 2012
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this story. The book is well written and keeps you interested.
I know there has to be more and I reeeaaallly want to read the rest of the story.
Racquel/Harmony
she has lived a life alone and ridiculed no friends and losing her parents and then her grandparents, life has been full of pain for her. In a
quest to find out who has kidnapped the people of her world (which by the way it seems she is a vampire, a lycan, a shapeshifter and a witch)
she makes friends and meets a boy whom it seems she loves. Is Micha really the love she desires?
I really liked this story. The book is well written and keeps you interested.
I know there has to be more and I reeeaaallly want to read the rest of the story.
Racquel/Harmony
she has lived a life alone and ridiculed no friends and losing her parents and then her grandparents, life has been full of pain for her. In a
quest to find out who has kidnapped the people of her world (which by the way it seems she is a vampire, a lycan, a shapeshifter and a witch)
she makes friends and meets a boy whom it seems she loves. Is Micha really the love she desires?
November 21, 2013
I received a Copy of this through the R2R Program in exchange for my honest opinion. Everything you are about to read is my full and honest opinion of the book.
Wow! This book BLOW ME AWAY! I loved EVERY MINUTE of this book! It was unlike anything I have EVER read! The author has a wonderful way of sucking the reader in and keeping them interested! This book really caught my attention from the Prologue and held it to the very end! I bought the second book before I was even half-way through with this one because I just loved it that much, and knew I would be finishing this series! I was very Amazed with this book! I have never read a book with a Supernatural Shadow being with bloodlines to 4 different races, Yeah it was surly interesting.
This book follows a four blooded Supernatural girl named Racqel. She has four different mixes of blood in her dilated bloodline. Vampire, Shape-Shifter, Lycan (werewolf) and Witch, but with the mixture of bloodlines, she also inherits the powers of each. As a result of her dilated blood, the Shadow Beings of all races look down upon her. They think of her as an abomination, something that should not be. So Racqel has not had it easy. She has been shunned, tortured, and made fun of her whole life. Most of her family is dead except for her Vampire Grandfather and her half Witch Sister. But she still feels alone. Her Grandfather ran out on her and her sister when they're grandmother, his wife died. Leaving both girls alone with no one else in the world except each other. But Racqel is determined to find others like herself. She sets out on a journey to find people of her kind. With Her Sister Addie alone, with no one else, she decides it's time to start school at the Covenant studying Witch craft. But when Racqel comes up empty-handed and is tired of searching for something that doesn't exist, she decides it's time to go back home. But when she gets there, she finds out from her Witch neighbor that her Sister Addie is in fact not at the Witch Covenant anymore. And that's when the bomb drops on Racqel's life. She receives the devastating news that her sister and several other Shadow Beings from different races are missing.
So with Racqel being a very powerful Shadow from 4 different bloodlines. The Witch Elders think she's the perfect Shadow for the job. Racqel reluctantly agrees knowing her sister is out there, and only god knows what is being done to her. So she sets out on a journey with a few other Shadow beings in search for her Sister Addie and the other missing people. From there on it's nothing but a crazy, heart-pounding, adventure, as she and the others have to overcome threats, attacks and many, many, more crazy things along the way. But what Racqel does find is something she least suspected, love! She never thought she would be lucky enough to find someone who would want her for her. Hell, she never even had a friend let alone a boy that cared for her. So Racqel not only finds information about who's behind the kidnappings she also finds information about herself, things she never even know she was capable of.
This book is truly an original and intriguing story. I loved it! I enjoyed Racqel's character and how she was always guarded an then we slowly got to see her bring the walls down around her heart and open herself up little, by little. We also get to learn about the different Shadow beings and their powers, as they travel through all the different Shadow Territories. It's was great to have all the different Supernatural races in one book and how their all equally important to the story!
This is a must read for anyone who enjoys Paranormal books. This has every Supernatural being you can think of, well almost all! So it will satisfy most! This is a great book and I can't wait to start the second. This book is DEFINITELY worth 5 stars and a lot more. This is a hidden gem and once it's discovered it's going to blow up and ROCK readers like no other! Check it out, you won't be sorry!
October 28, 2012
This was actually a really great story. It was very original and I loved the characters. It did take me a while to get into, though, and I found quite a few typos and misplaced words. I read a notice that it has been edited but I don't think I received that edition. Please keep that in mind as you read this review. I also did receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really feel that this could be an exceptionally wonderful story with some polishing. The writing style in the beginning is kind of tedious, like the main character, Racquel, is just telling the facts of a story. There's not a lot of depth in what she's telling us, and I would've loved to know more about what happened in the past with her family, and where she'd been. We do get some of these facts throughout the story but I always felt like I wanted to know more. Once I got through the first couple chapters, I did get drawn in and enjoyed it very much.
The characters are great but I'd like to see them fleshed out some. They act certain ways but there's not a lot of explanation as to why. For example, one of the main characters, Ethan, is a werewolf who hates Racquel. They end up traveling together on a quest to find out what happened to some missing loved ones who'd been taken by a mysterious hooded figure. As time goes by, there seems to be a truce between them but there's really nothing said to show this. I'd love to see more information on what's going on between all the characters and I think it would add a lot to the story.
As the characters band together to start their journey, I became very engaged in the story. The places that the characters visit are full of very intriguing beings and the story gives the reader a lot of paranormal information. They visit a vampire lair, a witches' coven and happen upon the queen of the fairies, each with their own, unique elements. All of the main characters have different abilities, as well, so you learn more and more about them as they reach each destination. I did guess who the mysterious hooded figure was but I still wasn't totally sure until the very end.
All-in-all, an engaging read with an upcoming sequel that I'm looking forward to reading. I think this author has a lot of potential and it should be interesting to see what she comes up with in the future.
I really feel that this could be an exceptionally wonderful story with some polishing. The writing style in the beginning is kind of tedious, like the main character, Racquel, is just telling the facts of a story. There's not a lot of depth in what she's telling us, and I would've loved to know more about what happened in the past with her family, and where she'd been. We do get some of these facts throughout the story but I always felt like I wanted to know more. Once I got through the first couple chapters, I did get drawn in and enjoyed it very much.
The characters are great but I'd like to see them fleshed out some. They act certain ways but there's not a lot of explanation as to why. For example, one of the main characters, Ethan, is a werewolf who hates Racquel. They end up traveling together on a quest to find out what happened to some missing loved ones who'd been taken by a mysterious hooded figure. As time goes by, there seems to be a truce between them but there's really nothing said to show this. I'd love to see more information on what's going on between all the characters and I think it would add a lot to the story.
As the characters band together to start their journey, I became very engaged in the story. The places that the characters visit are full of very intriguing beings and the story gives the reader a lot of paranormal information. They visit a vampire lair, a witches' coven and happen upon the queen of the fairies, each with their own, unique elements. All of the main characters have different abilities, as well, so you learn more and more about them as they reach each destination. I did guess who the mysterious hooded figure was but I still wasn't totally sure until the very end.
All-in-all, an engaging read with an upcoming sequel that I'm looking forward to reading. I think this author has a lot of potential and it should be interesting to see what she comes up with in the future.
August 3, 2012
I participated in the R2R campaign for the book ‘Uniquely Unwelcome’ by Brandy Nacole.
This book has an intriguing storyline, and I think that it has a lot of potential. The descriptions of the Chimera are pretty neat, and it is easy to picture what they look like. The lead character, Raquel, is angry and bitter for the first half of the story – to the point where it really seems that the author is projecting a little too much bitterness into her character. Raquel softens up in the second half of the book and she is easier to sympathize with, and I think that the second half of the book flows better as well. The premise of the ‘Shadow World’ is very enticing, but the descriptions just aren't there to help the reader understand what it is all about. There are gaps in the storytelling that make the flow difficult to follow at times, and even a part at the end where the author throws in a “…oh, and I forgot to mention that…”
There are so many grammar and punctuation errors throughout the story that it ends up being distracting, to the point of not being able to follow the plot. I had to re-read sections several times just to make sense of what I thought the author meant, and that was frustrating. I think that the author should make use of an editor or even a ghost-writer, to help her tell the story that she wants to tell. I think the author has a great imagination, but the delivery of the story is a little ‘off’ for me. The sentences are choppy and end in odd ways – it is conversational in parts (a lot of “yeah okay” ‘s) and strictly informational in others (like reading out of a guide book). It also switches from present to past tense throughout, and sometimes within the same paragraph.
This seems more like a rough draft than a final copy –judging this as a rough draft, I think this manuscript has a lot of good ideas and potential. Judging this as a final copy, it just doesn’t quite do it for me.
This book has an intriguing storyline, and I think that it has a lot of potential. The descriptions of the Chimera are pretty neat, and it is easy to picture what they look like. The lead character, Raquel, is angry and bitter for the first half of the story – to the point where it really seems that the author is projecting a little too much bitterness into her character. Raquel softens up in the second half of the book and she is easier to sympathize with, and I think that the second half of the book flows better as well. The premise of the ‘Shadow World’ is very enticing, but the descriptions just aren't there to help the reader understand what it is all about. There are gaps in the storytelling that make the flow difficult to follow at times, and even a part at the end where the author throws in a “…oh, and I forgot to mention that…”
There are so many grammar and punctuation errors throughout the story that it ends up being distracting, to the point of not being able to follow the plot. I had to re-read sections several times just to make sense of what I thought the author meant, and that was frustrating. I think that the author should make use of an editor or even a ghost-writer, to help her tell the story that she wants to tell. I think the author has a great imagination, but the delivery of the story is a little ‘off’ for me. The sentences are choppy and end in odd ways – it is conversational in parts (a lot of “yeah okay” ‘s) and strictly informational in others (like reading out of a guide book). It also switches from present to past tense throughout, and sometimes within the same paragraph.
This seems more like a rough draft than a final copy –judging this as a rough draft, I think this manuscript has a lot of good ideas and potential. Judging this as a final copy, it just doesn’t quite do it for me.
January 19, 2013
This is an honest review from a copy provided by the author....
At first I really wasn't sure of the premise of this book. I've read other paranormal stories concerning inbreeding between the various species and the torture and emotional toll it can take on the hero or heroine of the story. As the story progressed, I found myself wondering when Raquel displayed a particular attribute which of the 4 beings she possesses was she using at any given time. Raquel is quarter vampire, quarter lycan, quarter shape-shifter and quarter witch. I very interesting mix you will see as the story places out. Then add the all powerful witch Cerelia and the fun really starts!
There were some parts of the book that were a bit predictable, but the suspense it held until the very end to start putting the pieces together why members of each species have gone missing around the world. I found it confrontations between characters very believable. Bottom line was that just because Raquel forefathers chose a particular path, it is still impacting her life. The story represents that even though Raquel's grandparents did a wonderful thinking many year before, it still came back to hurt and impact those involved generations later. Although the Bible states that the sins of the older generations can be used against the younger ones, this is a bit of a unique take on it.
As I read I did start to believe a particular individual discussed early in the book was involved in the disappearance, but I was stunned to read why the person choose to take this path. It falls into believing you need to do something for someone that they never intended or even WANTED you to do.
Overall I thought it was a very good book, with great character development for Raquel and the other team members.
I give this story a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars!
At first I really wasn't sure of the premise of this book. I've read other paranormal stories concerning inbreeding between the various species and the torture and emotional toll it can take on the hero or heroine of the story. As the story progressed, I found myself wondering when Raquel displayed a particular attribute which of the 4 beings she possesses was she using at any given time. Raquel is quarter vampire, quarter lycan, quarter shape-shifter and quarter witch. I very interesting mix you will see as the story places out. Then add the all powerful witch Cerelia and the fun really starts!
There were some parts of the book that were a bit predictable, but the suspense it held until the very end to start putting the pieces together why members of each species have gone missing around the world. I found it confrontations between characters very believable. Bottom line was that just because Raquel forefathers chose a particular path, it is still impacting her life. The story represents that even though Raquel's grandparents did a wonderful thinking many year before, it still came back to hurt and impact those involved generations later. Although the Bible states that the sins of the older generations can be used against the younger ones, this is a bit of a unique take on it.
As I read I did start to believe a particular individual discussed early in the book was involved in the disappearance, but I was stunned to read why the person choose to take this path. It falls into believing you need to do something for someone that they never intended or even WANTED you to do.
Overall I thought it was a very good book, with great character development for Raquel and the other team members.
I give this story a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars!
April 22, 2013
This novel really is a multicultural melding pot of supernatural races. All of your stereotypical races are represented in utter clarity. Nacole gives a very in depth and interesting history of each of these races or species. This includes the species themselves along with the interactions and interrelations between the two.
It is very difficult to write an entire novel in the present tense but Nacole does it well. She also does it without ever inadvertently flipping tenses or person all over the place. It lends an extra sense of urgency to this novel. Everything is happening now so you cannot help but get caught up in the action. She also works a large amount of detailed and vivid descriptions and narratives into this very well written novel. Nacole doesn’t just tell a story to her readers, she paints a picture for them.
The main characters in this novel are very loveable. They make you laugh because they do the most realistic but ridiculous things. You want to see them succeed against all odds. Each of the characters has an entirely developed history, personality, and mentality. Not only are they individuals who act upon their own beliefs, but they are also bound by the beliefs and laws of their races.
As a whole this novel was a brilliant introduction to the series. Nacole brings forward some remarkable characters who have embarked upon the quest of a lifetime. The ties that develop by individuals of races that do not interact on a regular basis warms your heart and creates a world that you’ve never seen before.
Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
It is very difficult to write an entire novel in the present tense but Nacole does it well. She also does it without ever inadvertently flipping tenses or person all over the place. It lends an extra sense of urgency to this novel. Everything is happening now so you cannot help but get caught up in the action. She also works a large amount of detailed and vivid descriptions and narratives into this very well written novel. Nacole doesn’t just tell a story to her readers, she paints a picture for them.
The main characters in this novel are very loveable. They make you laugh because they do the most realistic but ridiculous things. You want to see them succeed against all odds. Each of the characters has an entirely developed history, personality, and mentality. Not only are they individuals who act upon their own beliefs, but they are also bound by the beliefs and laws of their races.
As a whole this novel was a brilliant introduction to the series. Nacole brings forward some remarkable characters who have embarked upon the quest of a lifetime. The ties that develop by individuals of races that do not interact on a regular basis warms your heart and creates a world that you’ve never seen before.
Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Read
September 16, 2013First, a major disclaimer: I participated in the first Read to Review for Uniquely Unwelcome, where I was introduced to this novel. After reading a third or so of it, I contacted the author to suggest she take another pass at editing. As it turned out, I became her editor. So I will admit to some bias, take that as you will.
Though I haven't read a great number of YA Urban Fantasies, one of the elements that appealed to me about Uniquely Unwelcome was Nacole's decision to create a character who had multiple "Shadow" bloodlines (vampire, werewolf, witch and shapeshifter). Lead character Racquel's unique genetic makeup provides both a source of frustration and source of defense, as she attempts to unravel the central mystery of the novel: who or what is kidnapping the Shadows, and what do they want with them? The core mystery is enhanced by the fact that Racquel's sister is one of those missing.
Another element that I appreciated was the use of the various socio-political groups, and particularly the Witch Covenant, with their James Bond-esque access to jet planes, limousines and accommodations. The juxtaposition of a rather down-to-earth lead character and international travel and intrigue work well for me. It's refreshing to have these sort of quirky plot twists in there.
For a first work I am very impressed with Brandy Nacole's efforts, and if the novel suffers from some problems in story structure, I am sure that as she continues to write, these things will work themselves out. Great job, and looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
Though I haven't read a great number of YA Urban Fantasies, one of the elements that appealed to me about Uniquely Unwelcome was Nacole's decision to create a character who had multiple "Shadow" bloodlines (vampire, werewolf, witch and shapeshifter). Lead character Racquel's unique genetic makeup provides both a source of frustration and source of defense, as she attempts to unravel the central mystery of the novel: who or what is kidnapping the Shadows, and what do they want with them? The core mystery is enhanced by the fact that Racquel's sister is one of those missing.
Another element that I appreciated was the use of the various socio-political groups, and particularly the Witch Covenant, with their James Bond-esque access to jet planes, limousines and accommodations. The juxtaposition of a rather down-to-earth lead character and international travel and intrigue work well for me. It's refreshing to have these sort of quirky plot twists in there.
For a first work I am very impressed with Brandy Nacole's efforts, and if the novel suffers from some problems in story structure, I am sure that as she continues to write, these things will work themselves out. Great job, and looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
January 23, 2013
R2R: Uniquely Unwelcome
(I received a free copy, in exchange for a review)
In a world where there are Witches, Vampires, Shape-shifters and Lycan, Racquel is even more than this. She is all. Looked down upon, ridiculed and taunted her whole life, she depends on her close family for the mental support and love. Her family is now just her full blooded Witch sister, who loves her, regardless of what others think of her.
Now, others of their world are disappearing, without rhyme or reason. One person who vanishes, Addie, Racquel's sister. Now, this has become a personal search, not just for her sister, but also part for herself. Along the way, she picks up a crew of unlikely people, to aid in her quest, to find all the missing begins. It also brings her to each groups headquarters, seeking as much information, on their missing. What they find in the end is nothing anyone, especially Racquel was expecting.
"Take your place beside me Racquel. We will show them. Your rightful place is here not out there with those that treat you with revulsion." I stand there at a loss. I had come here expecting to bring some crazy psycho to an end, and bringing home those he tried to ruin. For a moment, I actually contemplate whether or not to join his ranks. To seek revenge on all those that brought harm to me and my family.
Great mystery story! Just enough details to make for an involving story line and appreciate the characters. I'm really excited for the next one, since there has to be one!
(I received a free copy, in exchange for a review)
In a world where there are Witches, Vampires, Shape-shifters and Lycan, Racquel is even more than this. She is all. Looked down upon, ridiculed and taunted her whole life, she depends on her close family for the mental support and love. Her family is now just her full blooded Witch sister, who loves her, regardless of what others think of her.
Now, others of their world are disappearing, without rhyme or reason. One person who vanishes, Addie, Racquel's sister. Now, this has become a personal search, not just for her sister, but also part for herself. Along the way, she picks up a crew of unlikely people, to aid in her quest, to find all the missing begins. It also brings her to each groups headquarters, seeking as much information, on their missing. What they find in the end is nothing anyone, especially Racquel was expecting.
"Take your place beside me Racquel. We will show them. Your rightful place is here not out there with those that treat you with revulsion." I stand there at a loss. I had come here expecting to bring some crazy psycho to an end, and bringing home those he tried to ruin. For a moment, I actually contemplate whether or not to join his ranks. To seek revenge on all those that brought harm to me and my family.
Great mystery story! Just enough details to make for an involving story line and appreciate the characters. I'm really excited for the next one, since there has to be one!
February 19, 2013
I was given this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Where do I begin at how much I loved this book? I loved the main protagonist and heroin Racquel! I love that she is a hybrid of all the supernatural YA heroins that I've read combined together. It's such an original idea, I'm surprised no one has come up with that idea sooner (if they have I'm sorry, I just have yet to read your book).
The plot and story line were fantastic, even if a tad predictable in some areas, like knowing who the bag guy is before the actual characters in the book figure it out. That just seemed so obvious, it was silly and frustrating that Raquel took so long to pick up on it, but she can be quit a space cadet some times. With that little critique out of the way, this book was a breath of fresh air for me for being so (forgive the pun) unique.
Where do I begin at how much I loved this book? I loved the main protagonist and heroin Racquel! I love that she is a hybrid of all the supernatural YA heroins that I've read combined together. It's such an original idea, I'm surprised no one has come up with that idea sooner (if they have I'm sorry, I just have yet to read your book).
The plot and story line were fantastic, even if a tad predictable in some areas, like knowing who the bag guy is before the actual characters in the book figure it out. That just seemed so obvious, it was silly and frustrating that Raquel took so long to pick up on it, but she can be quit a space cadet some times. With that little critique out of the way, this book was a breath of fresh air for me for being so (forgive the pun) unique.
March 27, 2013
ORIGINAL REVIEW AT: LITTLE BOOK STAR
Rate: 3.5/5
While the human world exists, there is also the shadow world which consists of vampires, werewolves/shifters, witches, leprechauns, fairies, and other paranormal creatures. The main character, Racquel, is part vampire, witch, lycan, and shifter which makes her unique but feared and hated by many creatures. This is one of the things why I liked this book. The concept of having all those paranormal creatures in the book made it more interesting and fresh.
The story starts off with Racquel arriving home and finds out that her half-sister, Addie, is missing and other creatures as well. She sets off a journey with Ethan (her enemy since she was a kid, can you believe it?) Coy, a human, and other creatures to find the missing humans, fairies, vampires, and of course, her sister. It is told in 1st person point of view of Racquel. I really liked her personality. She was funny and sarcastic at times, and such a headstrong protagonist. Even if she was treated as an outcast by her very own fellow creatures, she didn’t let them let her down.
What I did not like in Uniquely Unwelcome though is the love interest between Coy and Racquel. Even though it was cute at times, I feel like it was rushed and just not realistic. I also did not like how the readers did not get to know why Racquel left. All we know is that at the beginning she arrives home. Hmm. Maybe we will get to know where she went in the sequel? I also wish there was more action and less talking of the characters because at times it kind of gotten a bit boring. There are also some glitches that could be fixed (typos etc. and awkwardly phrased sentences). What I do like is the ending. It made me tense and excited. I would have never thought the villain was that … creature? person? You have to read it! Overall I recommend it to lovers of YA paranormal
Rate: 3.5/5
While the human world exists, there is also the shadow world which consists of vampires, werewolves/shifters, witches, leprechauns, fairies, and other paranormal creatures. The main character, Racquel, is part vampire, witch, lycan, and shifter which makes her unique but feared and hated by many creatures. This is one of the things why I liked this book. The concept of having all those paranormal creatures in the book made it more interesting and fresh.
The story starts off with Racquel arriving home and finds out that her half-sister, Addie, is missing and other creatures as well. She sets off a journey with Ethan (her enemy since she was a kid, can you believe it?) Coy, a human, and other creatures to find the missing humans, fairies, vampires, and of course, her sister. It is told in 1st person point of view of Racquel. I really liked her personality. She was funny and sarcastic at times, and such a headstrong protagonist. Even if she was treated as an outcast by her very own fellow creatures, she didn’t let them let her down.
What I did not like in Uniquely Unwelcome though is the love interest between Coy and Racquel. Even though it was cute at times, I feel like it was rushed and just not realistic. I also did not like how the readers did not get to know why Racquel left. All we know is that at the beginning she arrives home. Hmm. Maybe we will get to know where she went in the sequel? I also wish there was more action and less talking of the characters because at times it kind of gotten a bit boring. There are also some glitches that could be fixed (typos etc. and awkwardly phrased sentences). What I do like is the ending. It made me tense and excited. I would have never thought the villain was that … creature? person? You have to read it! Overall I recommend it to lovers of YA paranormal
July 25, 2013
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
First off, I just want to say how freaking amazing I think this cover is! It is both beautiful and powerful and makes me want to dive right in to the book. Uniquely Unwelcome is one of those paranormal books where you don't just get one type of creature, you get all types. But this book has something extra that makes it special, it also has hybrids. There is also a very creative backstory to how they hybrids came to be. But in saying that there were also times where what Brandy Nacole was saying about them was contradictory to other aspects of the story. Also there were a few errors that sometimes made it difficult to navigate through this novel. But it was a good read and I will be picking up book two for sure.
Raquel was a very interesting character because or her intriguing heritage. I really want to learn more about her early life and the kinds of hardships that she had to go through because of what she is. I would have liked to accompany her on her journey to find others like her self. I also enjoyed watching her come into her own. I feel like she grew up even more over the course of the bookend was finally staring to be confident in herself. But she did disappoint me because she hadn't really cared to learn anything about any of the bloodlines that made hers up. If I was her I would have looked up everything and anything on those species just so I would know what I could be dealing with. I can't wait to learn more about Raquel and her unique powers.
I will absolutely carry on with this series. I did really like this book and I want to find out what will happens with our heroine and how she will cope with herself once she finds out more. I would recommend this series to paranormal lovers.
First off, I just want to say how freaking amazing I think this cover is! It is both beautiful and powerful and makes me want to dive right in to the book. Uniquely Unwelcome is one of those paranormal books where you don't just get one type of creature, you get all types. But this book has something extra that makes it special, it also has hybrids. There is also a very creative backstory to how they hybrids came to be. But in saying that there were also times where what Brandy Nacole was saying about them was contradictory to other aspects of the story. Also there were a few errors that sometimes made it difficult to navigate through this novel. But it was a good read and I will be picking up book two for sure.
Raquel was a very interesting character because or her intriguing heritage. I really want to learn more about her early life and the kinds of hardships that she had to go through because of what she is. I would have liked to accompany her on her journey to find others like her self. I also enjoyed watching her come into her own. I feel like she grew up even more over the course of the bookend was finally staring to be confident in herself. But she did disappoint me because she hadn't really cared to learn anything about any of the bloodlines that made hers up. If I was her I would have looked up everything and anything on those species just so I would know what I could be dealing with. I can't wait to learn more about Raquel and her unique powers.
I will absolutely carry on with this series. I did really like this book and I want to find out what will happens with our heroine and how she will cope with herself once she finds out more. I would recommend this series to paranormal lovers.
August 1, 2013
Although it is clear that Brandy Nacole has conceived her paranormal creatures in Uniquely Unwelcome using several literary cliches, this does not remove from the reader's enjoyment of the story.
Racquel is the first character we meet and perhaps the most imaginative of Brandy Nacole's creations. Racquel is a uniques Shadow with a bloodline from the strong Witch, Lycan, Vampire and Shifter species. Racquel has issues returning to her home town because of fear of rejection by the community, because of her 'differences', but her year away has left her both physically and mentally damaged. She constantly surprises the reader, one minute acting the Alpha female, the emotionally breaking down, then rationalising with the group. Racquel is the character who I felt most connected with because she is open with her emotions and has issues with her confidence, although she tries to stay strong. It will be interesting to see how Brandy Nacole develops her character in the second Shadow World book.
Brandy Nacole is very sensitive in the way in which she deals with the relationships in Uniquely Unwelcome because the two developing romances are 'forbidden'. I like the way Coy and Racquel begin as friends and though she doubts his feelings towards her because of her own self-confidence he persists.
Uniquely Unwelcome's plot has a twist which I found unexpected, and I thought Brandy Nacole executed it perfectly. I have already purchased Blood Burdens and am just waiting for a quiet few hours to read it!!
Racquel is the first character we meet and perhaps the most imaginative of Brandy Nacole's creations. Racquel is a uniques Shadow with a bloodline from the strong Witch, Lycan, Vampire and Shifter species. Racquel has issues returning to her home town because of fear of rejection by the community, because of her 'differences', but her year away has left her both physically and mentally damaged. She constantly surprises the reader, one minute acting the Alpha female, the emotionally breaking down, then rationalising with the group. Racquel is the character who I felt most connected with because she is open with her emotions and has issues with her confidence, although she tries to stay strong. It will be interesting to see how Brandy Nacole develops her character in the second Shadow World book.
Brandy Nacole is very sensitive in the way in which she deals with the relationships in Uniquely Unwelcome because the two developing romances are 'forbidden'. I like the way Coy and Racquel begin as friends and though she doubts his feelings towards her because of her own self-confidence he persists.
Uniquely Unwelcome's plot has a twist which I found unexpected, and I thought Brandy Nacole executed it perfectly. I have already purchased Blood Burdens and am just waiting for a quiet few hours to read it!!
March 20, 2013
Original post: http://whateveryoucanstillbetray.blog...
There has been many attempts to get together all the paranormal creatures in one story and to weave all of these distinct elements into one cohesive plot and in some way Uniquely Unwelcome did just that. I entered a world were all the monsters are in one place told through the exciting but harrowing adventures of one who's burdened by it all.
I initially liked Racquel at the beginning of the story. Okay, I thought, her heritage is what's keeping her down but I hope this would also make her strong later in the story. But as the story progressed she became woe-is-me... Get over it already. Rise above it. But I guess a lifetime of being shunned and hated would not make her grow up miraculously. But she is getting there. The one thing I really liked about her is that she's somehow kind. Gruff but kind.
The story has potential. It has a good storyline, exploring and finding out about the hidden world along with Racquel who although she's descended from four of those world, she doesn't really know anything. It ended in a cliffhanger and I actually want to know what's in store next.
There has been many attempts to get together all the paranormal creatures in one story and to weave all of these distinct elements into one cohesive plot and in some way Uniquely Unwelcome did just that. I entered a world were all the monsters are in one place told through the exciting but harrowing adventures of one who's burdened by it all.
I initially liked Racquel at the beginning of the story. Okay, I thought, her heritage is what's keeping her down but I hope this would also make her strong later in the story. But as the story progressed she became woe-is-me... Get over it already. Rise above it. But I guess a lifetime of being shunned and hated would not make her grow up miraculously. But she is getting there. The one thing I really liked about her is that she's somehow kind. Gruff but kind.
The story has potential. It has a good storyline, exploring and finding out about the hidden world along with Racquel who although she's descended from four of those world, she doesn't really know anything. It ended in a cliffhanger and I actually want to know what's in store next.
March 17, 2013
***3.5 stars***
Racquel is different from anyone else in the world. There isn't anyone else like her. She has the blood of four different shadow world lines running through her veins. She is part Vampire, Lycan, Shifter, and Witch. No one trusts her, everyone taunts and shuns her.
Her solitude comes to an abrupt end when she is accused of kidnapping members of the Shadow World. The kicker for her is that one of the kidnapped victims is her half sister. This propels her to take action and to find the missing people. She has others that help her on her journey ending her time alone and giving her reluctant friendship and companionship.
This book is a compelling read. I enjoyed the characters and their rocky relationships. The book is told in the first person from Racquel's point of view. She has been badly hurt by others in the past and it shows in the voice. It is untrusting, but at the same time wanting and yearning for trust.
This book has an interesting concept and I would't mind reading the second. This book has mild swearing and a few intense kissing moments.
Racquel is different from anyone else in the world. There isn't anyone else like her. She has the blood of four different shadow world lines running through her veins. She is part Vampire, Lycan, Shifter, and Witch. No one trusts her, everyone taunts and shuns her.
Her solitude comes to an abrupt end when she is accused of kidnapping members of the Shadow World. The kicker for her is that one of the kidnapped victims is her half sister. This propels her to take action and to find the missing people. She has others that help her on her journey ending her time alone and giving her reluctant friendship and companionship.
This book is a compelling read. I enjoyed the characters and their rocky relationships. The book is told in the first person from Racquel's point of view. She has been badly hurt by others in the past and it shows in the voice. It is untrusting, but at the same time wanting and yearning for trust.
This book has an interesting concept and I would't mind reading the second. This book has mild swearing and a few intense kissing moments.
January 17, 2013
3.5 stars
I liked this book. I didn’t love it, but I liked it. The story is pretty original and I really like Racquel.
The book starts of a bit slow, but the further you read, the better it gets. It’s written pretty good and I always give a thumbs up for that because writing isn’t as easy as some may think. So good job Brandy!
Yeah, there is a little romance and I always love that. Even better is that it doesn’t lead the story. It isn’t the main thing here. The main thing is Racquel, who has to rescue her kidnapped sister. She grows along the way, softens up in the second half of the book and faces a lot of creatures like vampires.
Overall it’s a good story and I will definitely read the second book because the end of this one left me wanting more. I want to know what happens next!
So good story and I would definitely recommend it to fans of the genre!
Oh and I really love the cover, it’s awesome!
I received a free copy of this book through the Read it & Reap program in the club Shut up & read.
I liked this book. I didn’t love it, but I liked it. The story is pretty original and I really like Racquel.
The book starts of a bit slow, but the further you read, the better it gets. It’s written pretty good and I always give a thumbs up for that because writing isn’t as easy as some may think. So good job Brandy!
Yeah, there is a little romance and I always love that. Even better is that it doesn’t lead the story. It isn’t the main thing here. The main thing is Racquel, who has to rescue her kidnapped sister. She grows along the way, softens up in the second half of the book and faces a lot of creatures like vampires.
Overall it’s a good story and I will definitely read the second book because the end of this one left me wanting more. I want to know what happens next!
So good story and I would definitely recommend it to fans of the genre!
Oh and I really love the cover, it’s awesome!
I received a free copy of this book through the Read it & Reap program in the club Shut up & read.
March 4, 2013
When I was reading through the introduction of the characters which included a lycan, a witch, and a hybrid, my first thought was a bad joke involving them all entering a bar. Thankfully, the story itself was no where near this level of corniness! It depicts the conflicts and alliances within the shadow world (that exists alongside the human world, sort of like The Mortal Instruments) that goes beyond the stereotypical vampire/lycan drama.
I can't give it a 5-star rating only because of the editing mistakes (a character is "internally grateful" to another), but I do give it 4 stars overall. The story itself is interesting, and even down right addictive. I found myself trying to steal moments to read, even if only a few paragraphs, to see what happened next!
It ends with a huge cliff hanger, but to my relief the second book is already available! So pick up Uniquely Unwelcome now and add Blood Burdens to your to-be-read list... it is worth it.
I can't give it a 5-star rating only because of the editing mistakes (a character is "internally grateful" to another), but I do give it 4 stars overall. The story itself is interesting, and even down right addictive. I found myself trying to steal moments to read, even if only a few paragraphs, to see what happened next!
It ends with a huge cliff hanger, but to my relief the second book is already available! So pick up Uniquely Unwelcome now and add Blood Burdens to your to-be-read list... it is worth it.
March 6, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
When I first started reading this book, I wasn't really sure if I was going to like it. I love Vampire/werewolf books but the main characters have all been starting to run together for me. I like Racquel. She was witty and sarcastic and I love when the main character has spunk to her and isn't a Mary sue. But she was also very angry and bitter for a lot of the book and I get why but it really started to annoy me and I found myself not liking her after awhile. But she gets better through out the book and she really starts to grow as a person. I love when characters do that. This book a had a action and suspense. Some angst and love and I found myself speeding through it once I really got into the story. Overall I say it was a 3/5 stars just because Racquel got to me with her angry bitterness. But I can't wait to read the next book.
When I first started reading this book, I wasn't really sure if I was going to like it. I love Vampire/werewolf books but the main characters have all been starting to run together for me. I like Racquel. She was witty and sarcastic and I love when the main character has spunk to her and isn't a Mary sue. But she was also very angry and bitter for a lot of the book and I get why but it really started to annoy me and I found myself not liking her after awhile. But she gets better through out the book and she really starts to grow as a person. I love when characters do that. This book a had a action and suspense. Some angst and love and I found myself speeding through it once I really got into the story. Overall I say it was a 3/5 stars just because Racquel got to me with her angry bitterness. But I can't wait to read the next book.
January 13, 2013
This book should read by anyone that feels the need to call people names, bully people, because they are different.
In the Shadow's world you are not supposed to mix races, but Racquel's grandparents and parents changed all that when they married, but they were banned from their clans.
Growing up in this little town she was tormented,abused and treated as a freak, only person who ever loved her was grandparents(are now dead or mia) and her sister. Then something was wrong people missing were from this place and so was her sister.
The only way to find her sister and others she had to work with people who hated her.
But can she trust them?
Who trying to kill them?
And why is school so important? Oh that my question, because she the stays school she would know things that she keep asking.
This was a good and entertaining read, so I bought a copy for my sister.
In the Shadow's world you are not supposed to mix races, but Racquel's grandparents and parents changed all that when they married, but they were banned from their clans.
Growing up in this little town she was tormented,abused and treated as a freak, only person who ever loved her was grandparents(are now dead or mia) and her sister. Then something was wrong people missing were from this place and so was her sister.
The only way to find her sister and others she had to work with people who hated her.
But can she trust them?
Who trying to kill them?
And why is school so important? Oh that my question, because she the stays school she would know things that she keep asking.
This was a good and entertaining read, so I bought a copy for my sister.
January 11, 2013
I received this book and I thought I would just glance in it before work. Bad bad decision. I read and I read, author Brandy Nacole owes me a night's sleep lol!
It has a good mix of adventure, fairy tales and romance. (I loved that it was not too heavy on the romance. Something I could give to a teen yay!). The characters were thought out very well and you could see the "flow" throughout the story
It was a very good book, great storyline and I loved the heroine and her friends. Without giving too much away I want to say that there is something brewing and I wonder what it is. Can't wait to read that either!!
It has a good mix of adventure, fairy tales and romance. (I loved that it was not too heavy on the romance. Something I could give to a teen yay!). The characters were thought out very well and you could see the "flow" throughout the story
It was a very good book, great storyline and I loved the heroine and her friends. Without giving too much away I want to say that there is something brewing and I wonder what it is. Can't wait to read that either!!
May 20, 2013
What did I rally like about this book?? It was different and unique. Something I have never read before and I enjoyed it from cover to cover. Brandy does a great job and describing the scenes so you can have a clear picture in your mind about what is going on. One of my favorite things in a book is a twist! Oh boy is there a twist!!! I am really looking forward to see how the author works this one out!!
January 16, 2013
Wow, what a great book, I was so captivated by this unique paranormal story. But besides the paranormal elements there is an underlying message in this story, which really touches your heart. Below is a few parts that show how she feels as an outcast that is different:
My appearance is no different from any human girl. My face is framed with long black hair. I look like your average hundred and twenty pound girl but my eyes give me away. Unlike most of the other Shadows, whose eyes are a natural color, mine are pearly silver, outlined by darker silver. My pupils are dark purple, which really sets my silver off. The problem of course is that it’s not normal.
I sigh. I didn’t want to walk through my hometown just yet. I wanted to go home, gather my courage, and then set out into the town. My presence wasn’t going to be that appreciated.
And:
I keep my head high as I walk down the streets. Humans just look the other way, afraid of conflict and attention. But the Shadows, they glare. A shifter jumps back out of my way, afraid of my touch. It doesn’t stop him from glaring at me.
I want to use my speed to hurry up and get home. But the streets are too crowded with humans. Instead, I walk at a normal human pace. Once I round the corner to my street, I stop.
A few Witches are out in their yards but once they sense me they hurry inside. I never understood why they agreed to let my family live on their block if they were afraid of me.
I just felt so badly for Raquel, (her first name is Harmony, but she goes by her middle name) She has 4 different Shadows blood (a witch had helped her Grandparents conceive when it should not have been possible, and again her mother) She has Shifter, Werewolf, Vampire, and Witch coursing through her, which makes her different and powerful, and misunderstood. She is shunned for being “mixed” and its just really sad. It’s forbidden for a Lycan (werewolf) to be with a witch for instance, or any others for that matter. Anyway, we get taken on this very important journey with Raquel, where there are many Shadows that have to overcome their feelings, and someone has been kidnapping shadows from all the different ones, the 4 I mentioned plus the fairies too.
During this journey that Raquel has set out on to find her half-sister who is full Witch, she has others join her, and she finally makes some real friends, who she finds out most are more curious of her, and some just scared as they do not know what power she holds.
There are many witty funny parts to this story too, that I enjoyed immensely. Raquel is a strong minded person, and I really liked her a lot. I was glad to see she does have a forgiving heart too, even though the lycan, Ethan, whom she is traveling with, and who has always ridiculed her growing up, she has learned to get along with him, and he also gets a taste of what it was like for her. He feels the stares as they walk into the main residence of the Witches, and it gives him a taste of what her life was like for Raquel.
I liked the touching relationship that comes up between Raquel and Coy, the human that escapes the Vampire lair where they meet with the head of them, he was a slave for his whole life, and wants to escape and also find his brother, who was also taken along with all those Shadows. Micah is one that I see playing a big role in upcoming books, which I can’t wait to read now.
We have a few steamy parts too, I just have to share, with Raquel and Coy, here is a good one:
He leans down, asking permission before bringing our lips together in a soft sweet kiss. His lips softly brush over mine.
The kiss slowly becomes more passionate. His lips push hard and swiftly against mine, intoxicating me. He places his hands around my waist pulling me onto his lap. Now I’m cradled over him, my lips working and moving passionately against his. His hands wander up and down my back, down my legs, over my arms. He keeps pulling me closer like he can’t get enough of me.
I run my hands under his shirt, feeling his skin burn against my palms. I want to rip his shirt completely off of him. Go where I never thought I would. The desire to feel alive and wanted overwhelms me. His touch brings my lonely emotions to the surface. A part of me tries showing reason, reminding me that this is a little fast, that he could hurt me in a matter of seconds. The other part of me lashes out at my reasoning. I could be dead in a few hours, and if not I still want him, still want his touch.
I can’t say enough at how much I love this story, and the meanings behind it as well as the action and excitement within it too. I highly recommend this to all ages, YA and adult alike. Its touching, fun, action, suspense, all of that with a little clean steamy parts. I will be reading book 2, as soon as I can, as the bit of a cliffhanger has me intrigued. It’s the good kind of cliffhanger, not the type that makes you want to through the book across the room like many others I won’t mention here, lol.
Go get this book, its amazing, and so worth your time to read, and written so well too.
I highly recommend it. 5 big stars out of 5 for me.
I was provided a copy of this book from the author for my honest review for the Goodreads Shut up and Read/Read it and Reap group.
You can see my review at my blog too, below, with a short excerpt too.
September 8, 2019
Uniquely Unwelcome takes the werewolf, vampire, shifter, witch thing to a new level. The story opens with Racquel returning to her hometown, and dreading it. From her earliest memories, she has faced ridicule and fear, a side effect of her mixed heritage. Mixing of the shadow world races is discouraged, and in some cases dangerous or impossible, but her family found a way. With years of trauma to deal with, the last thing she wants is to be noticed when she arrives in town, but she is.
This is ya at its finest. The various shadow world races are interesting and well-defined, especially with how they shouldn't be able to be mixed. Besides the four main races, there is also mention of leprechauns and fairies, and we actually get to meet the fairy queen.
It's fantastic seeing how the four main races mingle in Racquel's veins. As part vampire, she occasionally needs blood, especially after an injury or strenuous fight. As part shifter, she can turn into an eagle. As part werewolf, she's stronger than she should be and heals quickly. As part witch, she can use magic. But, and here is where it's interesting, she has had almost no guidance on how to deal with any of this. Instead of accepting her, each of these races has not only snubbed her, but also in some cases attacked, humiliated or harassed her. She's one against them all, which makes it awkward when people from the different races start going missing and they need to call on her to help track them down. She agrees to help, but only because her sister, Addie, is one of those missing. She and a growing team of young people recruited from the various races take up a world tour to visit the main colonies of each race.
Also, as is common in ya, there is a bit of romance, but it is affected by racial stigmas and incompatibilities. We see the love blooming, but we know that the couple(s) will be shunned and any children of theirs would face the same kind of painful existence as Racquel. Makes it hard to know whether to hope they make it or to hope they don't. Of course, I'm always voting for love. I enjoy the way the romance is developed in this story.
Another thing I liked was that Racquel begins to gain acceptance and learn more about herself. This personal growth makes her relatable and gives hope for her future. She's a strong person, too. I love reading about strong female characters, so this was a plus for me.
The only thing I thought was a bit off was how easily and how quickly Racquel was convinced to help the four races. Sure, her sister was taken, but that was really the only explanation. It takes a single conversation to convince her to drop everything and instantly pack her bags to go face the main camps for each of the races who despise her. I don't know if I'd be so easily convinced, especially if I had no previous positive reinforcement and little confidence in my own self-worth, as Racquel seems to have. But, after that odd start, the story picks up and everything flows well.
Overall, I really liked this story. It's a bit of a ya cliche at times with all the various magical races, but the way they are used and presented in the story is believable and interesting. The romantic themes are well developed and seem doomed to failure, but I felt a connection and hoped along with them that things would turn out alright.
I would highly recommend this story to fans of YA literature, especially those who like the werewolf, vampire, shifter, or witch type stories; you get all four in Uniquely Unwelcome. I look forward to the next story in the series.
This is ya at its finest. The various shadow world races are interesting and well-defined, especially with how they shouldn't be able to be mixed. Besides the four main races, there is also mention of leprechauns and fairies, and we actually get to meet the fairy queen.
It's fantastic seeing how the four main races mingle in Racquel's veins. As part vampire, she occasionally needs blood, especially after an injury or strenuous fight. As part shifter, she can turn into an eagle. As part werewolf, she's stronger than she should be and heals quickly. As part witch, she can use magic. But, and here is where it's interesting, she has had almost no guidance on how to deal with any of this. Instead of accepting her, each of these races has not only snubbed her, but also in some cases attacked, humiliated or harassed her. She's one against them all, which makes it awkward when people from the different races start going missing and they need to call on her to help track them down. She agrees to help, but only because her sister, Addie, is one of those missing. She and a growing team of young people recruited from the various races take up a world tour to visit the main colonies of each race.
Also, as is common in ya, there is a bit of romance, but it is affected by racial stigmas and incompatibilities. We see the love blooming, but we know that the couple(s) will be shunned and any children of theirs would face the same kind of painful existence as Racquel. Makes it hard to know whether to hope they make it or to hope they don't. Of course, I'm always voting for love. I enjoy the way the romance is developed in this story.
Another thing I liked was that Racquel begins to gain acceptance and learn more about herself. This personal growth makes her relatable and gives hope for her future. She's a strong person, too. I love reading about strong female characters, so this was a plus for me.
The only thing I thought was a bit off was how easily and how quickly Racquel was convinced to help the four races. Sure, her sister was taken, but that was really the only explanation. It takes a single conversation to convince her to drop everything and instantly pack her bags to go face the main camps for each of the races who despise her. I don't know if I'd be so easily convinced, especially if I had no previous positive reinforcement and little confidence in my own self-worth, as Racquel seems to have. But, after that odd start, the story picks up and everything flows well.
Overall, I really liked this story. It's a bit of a ya cliche at times with all the various magical races, but the way they are used and presented in the story is believable and interesting. The romantic themes are well developed and seem doomed to failure, but I felt a connection and hoped along with them that things would turn out alright.
I would highly recommend this story to fans of YA literature, especially those who like the werewolf, vampire, shifter, or witch type stories; you get all four in Uniquely Unwelcome. I look forward to the next story in the series.
October 11, 2022
Have you ever had one of those books that just simply jumps out of nowhere and slaps you with a big bag of awesome? No? Well then you haven't read Uniquely Unwelcome by Brandy Nacole. Nacole's masterpiece is one in which you have never seen before in any fantasy novel ever written. Imagine taking all the creatures you love to read about and squashing them together into a single badass character. That is what this author did. As hinky as that may strike you and cause you to doubt whether it can truly work in the story, in this case, it does.
Nacole's concocted world is one in which fantastical creatures live side by side with humans but operate under entirely different rules. Segregation is alive and well in the Shadow World, the world that encompasses Vampires, Lycans, Shifters, Faeries, and Witches alike. No race is suppose to mix with a different race. It is seen as abysmal and distasteful, albeit not illegal. Racquel's family takes full advantage of the legality of such unions and through a macabre amount of unions, Racquel was born. She is Vampire, Lycan, Shifter, and Witch all rolled into one little sarcastic ball of a girl.
Of course, that is not the only basis of the story (even though that would have been quite enough). On top of that, there is a great evil out there who is also not so into the segregation thing. He kidnaps, tortures, and even kills people from every race, even humans. Racquel is happy to leave the situation alone and quietly shrug it off as someone else's problem until one of the kidnap victims turns out to be her beloved half-sister, Addie.
That is all it takes. Racquel is off and running with her high school tormentor, Ethan the Lycan bully. She is told she must visit each of the original races and find out what they know so she may combine the knowledge and find the missing people. Along the way Racquel meets and befriends several different people from different races including Danika the witch, Coy the human, and Jared the vampire. Racquel's journey also brings her face to face with her past torments, her present mistrust, and the possible end to her future.
This book was a surprise. I went into it not really believing I would fall in love with the story or the characters. Boy, was I ever wrong. I found my heart bleeding for Racquel, swooning at Coy, and laughing along with Jared's antics. I have not thoroughly enjoyed a book to this magnitude in a while. The ending does leave off on a slight cliffhanger, which I now must rectify by finding the second book in the series, Blood Burdens.
August 1, 2013
We are The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club, to know more about this book, go to the post in our website:
Uniquely Unwelcome (The Shadow World #1) by Brandy Nacole
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Welcome to Brandy Nacole's world, in which all the fantastical creatures you have read about before: shape-shifters, witches, lycans, faeries, vampires... All of them live side by side in a world called Shadow World. With a organized society all the Shadows lived in their clans or sections in the city. The Vampires live in a part of the city with humans who might disappear some day without being noticed and where lycans are not allowed to go. Then there's the witches, the faeries, the shape shifters near de mountains, etc. But all the Shadows go a little bit crazy when one of each Shadow starts to disappear, randomly, and from everywhere.
That's where our main character comes in. Racquel is a crazy combination of Shadows. It all started with her great grandparents when they united a shape-shifter with a lycan. And now she's a vampire, a lycan, a shifter and a witch. Yep, pretty crazy. But imagine all the things Racquel can or could do.
The Shadow society is afraid of what they don't know about, what they are not familiar about, and mingling different species it's an aberration. Racquel has lived all her life feeling the hatred of his own kind, no matter what she did. They even experimented on her to see what she was capable of. And now they needed her help to save their loved ones.
She's not all convinced to saved the ones that made her life a living hell, but her witch sister (it's a long familiar tree. You'll have to read the story to know everything *wink*) has been kidnapped as well and she'd do anything for the only person that still has faith in her and doesn't treat her like a monster or some creature to be afraid of.
That's where Racquel's journey starts and along with a Lycan, Ethan. They travel to the different clans, finding new people to save or to help them, a witch, a human and a vampire and together they will save not just the Shadows that are missing, but the entire Shadow World.
This book promises a lot of action, love, unexpected turns and mysterious places and stories that would captivate you from the first page.
If you are looking for a supernatural summer read with a lot of action and badass characters, this is your book. Although we don't feel all supernatural in summer, we love to read romantic novels while resting on the beach, this book is definitely an exception to our summer routine. And we can assure you that it's worth it.
We're still concerned for the ending of the book and for the main character, Racquel, so we're looking forward to read the second book, Blood Burdens, and see what happens next, because it's blowing our minds just thinking about it!
Uniquely Unwelcome (The Shadow World #1) by Brandy Nacole
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Welcome to Brandy Nacole's world, in which all the fantastical creatures you have read about before: shape-shifters, witches, lycans, faeries, vampires... All of them live side by side in a world called Shadow World. With a organized society all the Shadows lived in their clans or sections in the city. The Vampires live in a part of the city with humans who might disappear some day without being noticed and where lycans are not allowed to go. Then there's the witches, the faeries, the shape shifters near de mountains, etc. But all the Shadows go a little bit crazy when one of each Shadow starts to disappear, randomly, and from everywhere.
That's where our main character comes in. Racquel is a crazy combination of Shadows. It all started with her great grandparents when they united a shape-shifter with a lycan. And now she's a vampire, a lycan, a shifter and a witch. Yep, pretty crazy. But imagine all the things Racquel can or could do.
The Shadow society is afraid of what they don't know about, what they are not familiar about, and mingling different species it's an aberration. Racquel has lived all her life feeling the hatred of his own kind, no matter what she did. They even experimented on her to see what she was capable of. And now they needed her help to save their loved ones.
She's not all convinced to saved the ones that made her life a living hell, but her witch sister (it's a long familiar tree. You'll have to read the story to know everything *wink*) has been kidnapped as well and she'd do anything for the only person that still has faith in her and doesn't treat her like a monster or some creature to be afraid of.
That's where Racquel's journey starts and along with a Lycan, Ethan. They travel to the different clans, finding new people to save or to help them, a witch, a human and a vampire and together they will save not just the Shadows that are missing, but the entire Shadow World.
This book promises a lot of action, love, unexpected turns and mysterious places and stories that would captivate you from the first page.
If you are looking for a supernatural summer read with a lot of action and badass characters, this is your book. Although we don't feel all supernatural in summer, we love to read romantic novels while resting on the beach, this book is definitely an exception to our summer routine. And we can assure you that it's worth it.
We're still concerned for the ending of the book and for the main character, Racquel, so we're looking forward to read the second book, Blood Burdens, and see what happens next, because it's blowing our minds just thinking about it!
March 11, 2013
What if there were people in this world that were different from others? What if they were called Shadows all stayed together with those that were the same and had close bonds? What if you were a blend of four of these Shadows? This is exactly the scenario that Harmony Racquel finds herself in. Racquel is unique, very unique. So unique in fact that either the Shadows hate her or find her fascinating (most are the former). Racquel has had a hard life fighting those all around her. The humans find her scary because of her unnatural grey eyes and the Shadows shun her because she is a mix of four species. The only person that accepts her is her half sister Addie, who is a witch. In the novel, Shadows start to go missing from all of the Shadow clans ( witches, lycans, shifters, vampires, fae, and leprechauns). Addie is one of those that goes missing, and therefore Racquel goes on a search for her sister and all of the other missing Shadows (with a little persuasion from an elder witch). Through this journey, Racquel finds herself and learns to accept those that have wronged her in the past.
Racquel was definitely unique. I spent the majority of the novel trying to decide if I really liked her or not. Her character went from being really heroic and warrior like to "woe is me" in about two seconds. I just didn't understand this. I did understand that she went through a lot during her childhood by being unique and she ended up being hurt by those in the Shadow world. But, she didn't just learn to accept this she ended up accepting and then hurting all within a few paragraphs. Her mood went from one thing to the next far too quickly for me. Overall, I felt that she could have been better because she was a bit whiny, but I ended up liking her just because of the ending confrontation. She was a strong willed and minded individual Even though I say she was whiny, I wish I was half the person she was if I went through the same things. But, the last sentence of the novel completely threw me... Girl you need to make your mind up. There were a few more characters with other flaws, but this is not a rant on flaws. Nobody is perfect after all.
Overall, I really did like this book. There were a few things that bothered me, like small plot holes in a few spots, but I was able to get over these to enjoy the story in its entirety. I loved that I was able to dive into a new world unique in its own. I mean what other book has leprechauns? This book also has a few deeper meanings that were also explored. It is a tale of acceptance and love. I look forward to reading the sequel.
Racquel was definitely unique. I spent the majority of the novel trying to decide if I really liked her or not. Her character went from being really heroic and warrior like to "woe is me" in about two seconds. I just didn't understand this. I did understand that she went through a lot during her childhood by being unique and she ended up being hurt by those in the Shadow world. But, she didn't just learn to accept this she ended up accepting and then hurting all within a few paragraphs. Her mood went from one thing to the next far too quickly for me. Overall, I felt that she could have been better because she was a bit whiny, but I ended up liking her just because of the ending confrontation. She was a strong willed and minded individual Even though I say she was whiny, I wish I was half the person she was if I went through the same things. But, the last sentence of the novel completely threw me... Girl you need to make your mind up. There were a few more characters with other flaws, but this is not a rant on flaws. Nobody is perfect after all.
Overall, I really did like this book. There were a few things that bothered me, like small plot holes in a few spots, but I was able to get over these to enjoy the story in its entirety. I loved that I was able to dive into a new world unique in its own. I mean what other book has leprechauns? This book also has a few deeper meanings that were also explored. It is a tale of acceptance and love. I look forward to reading the sequel.
March 5, 2013
I received this book from the author, who I want to give a big thanks to. I had not read a good paranormal book recently, and here is the start to a promising new series. Racquel just came back to town after a long time away, returning to the same old hate as before. Racquel is very unique, even among a community of supernaturals. She has mixed blood of a witch, vampire, shifter and werewolf, making her something that should not exist. Her entire life was spent being shunned and hated, making her a lonely outcast. She ended up traveling the world to try and find another unique being like herself, but she was unsuccessful, causing her to return home. Once home, she found that supernatural creatures have been going missing allover the world, as well as her beloved half sister, and she being blamed. Racquel decides she needs to find her sister, as well as the other who have gone missing, so she sets out on a quest filled with danger and interesting companions. Raquel, Ethan the werewolf who hated her most of her life, and the unsure witch Danika, travel to the leaders of each supernatural group to try and gleam clues to the kidnapper. Along the way they pick up new members for their group, such as Coy the human and Jared the vampire. While searching for the kidnapper, they themselves are being hunted, and Racquel may have a connection to what is going on.
I liked the character of Racquel. She has been hated and shunned her whole life, yet is willing to do the honorable thing in every situation. She is willing to die just as long as her sister can be saved. Her snarky comments about everything had me laughing in the most tension filled situation, which I really like in a story. Also, her infallible horrible timing made her real, but her complete ignorance about her world and herself was shocking. She was a part of the world, traveled all over searching for supernaturals, was raised by a witch and a vampire, yet had no knowledge of anything. It was sad and shocking.
I did not really like Coy, especially as a love interest for Racquel. He was too sweet, too helpful, too needy... I want her with another supernatural, someone already part of her world who can be as tough as she and she won't have to protect. Coy can be her friend, but I would prefer nothing else between the two of them.
Overall, I look forward to the next book in the series to see how Racquel handles what has been thrown at her. It was a good series opener and fans of supernatural creatures should check it out because it really had a little bit of everything in it.
I liked the character of Racquel. She has been hated and shunned her whole life, yet is willing to do the honorable thing in every situation. She is willing to die just as long as her sister can be saved. Her snarky comments about everything had me laughing in the most tension filled situation, which I really like in a story. Also, her infallible horrible timing made her real, but her complete ignorance about her world and herself was shocking. She was a part of the world, traveled all over searching for supernaturals, was raised by a witch and a vampire, yet had no knowledge of anything. It was sad and shocking.
I did not really like Coy, especially as a love interest for Racquel. He was too sweet, too helpful, too needy... I want her with another supernatural, someone already part of her world who can be as tough as she and she won't have to protect. Coy can be her friend, but I would prefer nothing else between the two of them.
Overall, I look forward to the next book in the series to see how Racquel handles what has been thrown at her. It was a good series opener and fans of supernatural creatures should check it out because it really had a little bit of everything in it.
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