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Rune Gate Cycle #1
Rune Gate
Alexandra Yorke is one of a few trusted clairvoyants working with police on murder cases, but she has a secret. She isn't a clairvoyant, she's a witch unlike any other she has ever met. For years she has struggled to control her gifts, but years living inside one serial killer's head after another has taken its toll, and Alex has reached the end of the road.
Barely able to control her gifts any longer, Alex retreats from the world to live at her grandparents farm where she grew up. Seclusion is her answer, but the world will not leave her alone.
A few months of peace is all she has before a friend calls her in need of help and Alex can't say no. A body has been found, and evidence points to a connection with witches. Who is it that everyone just knows is a witch? Why, that strange woman who just moved back from the big city of course.
What a coincidence!
Barely able to control her gifts any longer, Alex retreats from the world to live at her grandparents farm where she grew up. Seclusion is her answer, but the world will not leave her alone.
A few months of peace is all she has before a friend calls her in need of help and Alex can't say no. A body has been found, and evidence points to a connection with witches. Who is it that everyone just knows is a witch? Why, that strange woman who just moved back from the big city of course.
What a coincidence!
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2012
218 people are currently reading
1235 people want to read
About the author
Mark E. Cooper
26 books244 followersIncursion: Merkiaari Wars 5 is out now (11/11/2016) http://www.impulsebooks.co.uk/incursion/
Mark E. Cooper lives alone in a small town in the south of England, where he writes most mornings and evenings. His background is in mechanical engineering where he spent over thirty years working for Ford. He loves reading about strong female characters and can often be found laughing to himself as he listens to a book on his iPod.
His hobbies include driving his cobra--a V12 monster he built with his best friend--reading fantasy and sci-fi, and maintaining his blog at http://www.impulsebooks.co.uk/markcoo...
He is now the author of more than eight titles in the genres he loves to read.
Mark E. Cooper lives alone in a small town in the south of England, where he writes most mornings and evenings. His background is in mechanical engineering where he spent over thirty years working for Ford. He loves reading about strong female characters and can often be found laughing to himself as he listens to a book on his iPod.
His hobbies include driving his cobra--a V12 monster he built with his best friend--reading fantasy and sci-fi, and maintaining his blog at http://www.impulsebooks.co.uk/markcoo...
He is now the author of more than eight titles in the genres he loves to read.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
June 27, 2017
Rune Gate (Rune Gate Cycle #1) by Mark E. Cooper is a book about witches, magic, powers, other worlds, and more. This book literally had me captivated right away and I stayed up at night until it was finished. I had the audio version so that takes longer than how fast I can read but I started out I was just going to listen to a bit before I went to sleep but I couldn't stop. I had to hear more and then more! It had a murder mystery, (serial killer), an unknown man from an unknown land, Alex's powers, strange runes, action, adventure, intrigue, and suspense. Great book!
June 15, 2017
Rune Gate
This first book in the Rune Gate Cycle was interesting to say the least, actually the first half of the book left me feeling like there were hollow spaces, that the characters and situations should have been fleshed out more, and more interactions should have been added between the characters to create the feel and relationships the book implied were present, but then towards the end the book picked up action wise, and the last few scenes have me excited to see what happens next in book too, i think that is what prompted me to give this a 4 star ... we shall see how book 2 fares..!!
This first book in the Rune Gate Cycle was interesting to say the least, actually the first half of the book left me feeling like there were hollow spaces, that the characters and situations should have been fleshed out more, and more interactions should have been added between the characters to create the feel and relationships the book implied were present, but then towards the end the book picked up action wise, and the last few scenes have me excited to see what happens next in book too, i think that is what prompted me to give this a 4 star ... we shall see how book 2 fares..!!
October 30, 2017
Fans of serial killer police detective stuff may like this one better than me - but for me, it wasn't working. I thought the story would be more complex but it wasn't too my liking. Alexandra is another overburdened and drained psychic who works for the police even though it gives her nightmares, she gets involved with another twisted plot with the killer (although this time it involves paranormal elements), and she has a long-standing crush/ex-love affair with the local sheriff. This was all too familiar to keep my interest, but throw in awkward dialogue where names are overused in discussion and a strange added character where we suddenly get his point of view sometimes, and it kept losing me unfortunately.
lts
April 6, 2019Free on Amazon today!
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rune-Gate-Cyc...
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UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rune-Gate-Cyc...
US - http://www.amazon.com/Rune-Gate-Cycle...
May 5, 2015
Wow! It is not often that I forego sleep because I have become so enthralled by a story but that is what happened to me while listening to Rune Gate. The beginning dragged a bit and I found myself losing interest but then the story line took a turn and recaptured my full attention. The story line seems a bit predictable until it begins to take some unique twists that keep the reader engaged.
Alex Yorke has returned home to her grandparent’s farm to heal her battered soul. Her work with the Los Angeles police department has left her feeling wounded and vulnerable. Pretending to be a clairvoyant has been quite taxing on Alex because she is not one at all but rather a witch. A witch who has never really been able to rein in her powers and make the most of them. She reluctantly agrees to consult on a ritualistic murder even though it means working with her ex-lover. In the midst of investigating the murder a time portal opens and Douglas is thrust into Alex’s world. He holds the key to not only the identity of the murderer but also on helping Alex learn how to use her powers.
I loved the numerous elements this story threw at the reader. Time travel, witch craft and romance to name a few. Most of the main characters were quite likeable and I found myself wondering if Alex and Thomas would reignite the old sparks or would her attentions gravitate to Douglas. I have read a few reviews that believed the ending was abrupt and designed to push the reader into pursuing the next book in the series. I have to disagree somewhat. I thought the ending was spectacular and unexpected. Yes it made me want to listen to the next book in the series but series are supposed to keep the reader on edge and eager to see what happens next.
Mikael Naramore did an excellent job narrating this story. It was my first time listening to him and he made the listening experience quite pleasurable. Each character was given their own distinct voice allowing the listener to forget that the voices all belong to one man. I will absolutely be adding both the author Mark E. Cooper and the narrator to my list of favorites.
*** I received a complimentary copy of this audio recording in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Alex Yorke has returned home to her grandparent’s farm to heal her battered soul. Her work with the Los Angeles police department has left her feeling wounded and vulnerable. Pretending to be a clairvoyant has been quite taxing on Alex because she is not one at all but rather a witch. A witch who has never really been able to rein in her powers and make the most of them. She reluctantly agrees to consult on a ritualistic murder even though it means working with her ex-lover. In the midst of investigating the murder a time portal opens and Douglas is thrust into Alex’s world. He holds the key to not only the identity of the murderer but also on helping Alex learn how to use her powers.
I loved the numerous elements this story threw at the reader. Time travel, witch craft and romance to name a few. Most of the main characters were quite likeable and I found myself wondering if Alex and Thomas would reignite the old sparks or would her attentions gravitate to Douglas. I have read a few reviews that believed the ending was abrupt and designed to push the reader into pursuing the next book in the series. I have to disagree somewhat. I thought the ending was spectacular and unexpected. Yes it made me want to listen to the next book in the series but series are supposed to keep the reader on edge and eager to see what happens next.
Mikael Naramore did an excellent job narrating this story. It was my first time listening to him and he made the listening experience quite pleasurable. Each character was given their own distinct voice allowing the listener to forget that the voices all belong to one man. I will absolutely be adding both the author Mark E. Cooper and the narrator to my list of favorites.
*** I received a complimentary copy of this audio recording in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 19, 2015
Would you consider the audio edition of Rune Gate to be better than the print version?
I definitely prefer the audio because it brings the story and characters to life.
Who was your favorite character and why?
This is hard because I loved all the characters but I think Douglas wins by a fraction. He is such a charmer.
What does Mikael Naramore bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
He brings his voice! I loved how his tone and accent changed for each character and while, at first, I did think it odd that a male was voicing a female MC, Mikael really pulls it off. There are way more male characters than female ones so it made sense to have a male voice. I was really impressed by his range of accents.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
No because I knew it was too long to listen to in one sitting. I did look forward to jumping back into the world the author has created though and I was eager to see what happens next.
Any additional comments?
I'm so glad I got the chance to listen to this story. While reading it would of been good, listening to it was better. The story really came to life and I loved experiencing it along with the characters. The story is shrouded in mystery and when it comes together, it really surprised me because I wasn't expecting Douglas or where he came from. I expected a witchy read but this surpasses that.
Mark E Cooper put a lot into his story and it shows. His characters are all well developed and the plot is fast paced. The story drew me in and I really can't wait to see what happens next. This is one I'd definitely recommend you listen to both for the story and the narrators voice. It's an enjoyable and fairly quick read.
I definitely prefer the audio because it brings the story and characters to life.
Who was your favorite character and why?
This is hard because I loved all the characters but I think Douglas wins by a fraction. He is such a charmer.
What does Mikael Naramore bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
He brings his voice! I loved how his tone and accent changed for each character and while, at first, I did think it odd that a male was voicing a female MC, Mikael really pulls it off. There are way more male characters than female ones so it made sense to have a male voice. I was really impressed by his range of accents.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
No because I knew it was too long to listen to in one sitting. I did look forward to jumping back into the world the author has created though and I was eager to see what happens next.
Any additional comments?
I'm so glad I got the chance to listen to this story. While reading it would of been good, listening to it was better. The story really came to life and I loved experiencing it along with the characters. The story is shrouded in mystery and when it comes together, it really surprised me because I wasn't expecting Douglas or where he came from. I expected a witchy read but this surpasses that.
Mark E Cooper put a lot into his story and it shows. His characters are all well developed and the plot is fast paced. The story drew me in and I really can't wait to see what happens next. This is one I'd definitely recommend you listen to both for the story and the narrators voice. It's an enjoyable and fairly quick read.
March 5, 2017
Alex gets called to a crime scene, only the odd part is she is not with the police, she is a witch, one that can read minds and see things that happen. Then when she meets up with Douglas, a man from the past (and another dimension) all bets are off. But the strange killings make more sense now, but stopping them might be more problematic for the two, and how to explain it all to a sheriff that hardly believes in what Alex does might be out of the question altogether.
This book was very interesting, I really loved all the paranormal/fantasy aspects, and how everything was so well thought out, everything made sense, there where no holes in the story. The action and suspense mixed with the backstories and other parts all made for a happy medium in this book.
Audiobook narrator Mikael Naramore did a awesome job with all the different voices, he had me there trying to help Alex and Douglas, or just helping with the horses around the farm. I found myself not wanting to get out of my car, I just wanted to keep listening.
This book was very interesting, I really loved all the paranormal/fantasy aspects, and how everything was so well thought out, everything made sense, there where no holes in the story. The action and suspense mixed with the backstories and other parts all made for a happy medium in this book.
Audiobook narrator Mikael Naramore did a awesome job with all the different voices, he had me there trying to help Alex and Douglas, or just helping with the horses around the farm. I found myself not wanting to get out of my car, I just wanted to keep listening.
January 4, 2017
The book was entertaining...that's why the (2.5)-3 stars, but I felt there was a spot in the middle of the book where the author jumped so far out of the storyline, that it was unbelievable. Here I am reading a book, everything is making sense, characters are following there personalities then BAM a new chapter starts and the main character, Alex, is in a frenzy and HAS to leave to WARN the Sheriff about something really important right then...then everything is a whirlwind and she never even ends up doing/thinking/talking about what got her all worked up. I just think the continuation of the storyline was abruptly altered for new characters to enter. The new characters really added no value to the story...there was no purpose...and you can tell the author is just adding them for the next book. I wouldn't recommend this book, because even though it's fiction, the storyline was so unbelievable that I couldn't keep my mind in the author's world.
June 15, 2018
3.5 stars
Read this duology quite a while ago (well, audio listen, actually) and had forgotten about it. Recently, it popped into my mind but I couldn't find it to save my life. After weeks of digging through my assorted libraries I finally found it!
Recall it being interesting and enjoyable and now I will need to re-read it for the details.
Proper review to come then :)
Read this duology quite a while ago (well, audio listen, actually) and had forgotten about it. Recently, it popped into my mind but I couldn't find it to save my life. After weeks of digging through my assorted libraries I finally found it!
Recall it being interesting and enjoyable and now I will need to re-read it for the details.
Proper review to come then :)
February 20, 2017
Couldn't put it down
I gave this book 5 stars because its nothing like I normally read. I just couldn't put it down, it was thoroughly entertaining and a very good read. To me, it felt the book was an easy reader although in a lot depth, it felt like a bit of everything, comedy, magic, romance etc
I gave this book 5 stars because its nothing like I normally read. I just couldn't put it down, it was thoroughly entertaining and a very good read. To me, it felt the book was an easy reader although in a lot depth, it felt like a bit of everything, comedy, magic, romance etc
March 18, 2017
Loved This Story, Looking Forward To Continuing Series
Great way of introducing believers of magic to non believers (even if they seem to have some powers of their own). Different worlds found by accidental crossing though a portal. Wonderful, and sometimes funny even when serious problems are about.
Great way of introducing believers of magic to non believers (even if they seem to have some powers of their own). Different worlds found by accidental crossing though a portal. Wonderful, and sometimes funny even when serious problems are about.
February 8, 2017
A great read full of magic and mystery. Alexandra has a gift or as she says a curse. Sheriff Thomas Edwards calls on Alex for help, the victims are being mutilated and strange carvings are drawn on their bodies, with Alex's special gift she can help stop a serial killer.
February 9, 2017
Had me hooked the entire way through from the very first page. I highly recommend especially if you are a fan of Trudi Canavan and others of that ilk
February 15, 2017
Read This!!!
At first I wasn't too excited about this book. That didn't last long! I can't wait to be able to afford to read the next book!
At first I wasn't too excited about this book. That didn't last long! I can't wait to be able to afford to read the next book!
December 28, 2017
This book begins with a crime. A murder has taken place. So there's a mystery, obviously. But this is no cozy. We add a drop of the paranormal with our psychic main character. I've seen these before. I know where we're going.
No. I don't.
Our psychic is not actually a psychic. She's more...a witch. A practitioner of Wicca, certainly, but also a magic-containing witch. OK, let's call it urban fantasy. Some 'ghosts'? Add supernatural.
This would still put the story within the realms of things I've read before if it weren't for the man she runs over late one night who, as it turns out, is not from our world at all, but from a world of swords and sorcery. Well, I'm not sure about sorcery exactly (although it probably qualifies), but definitely a place where magic is known and accepted.
Wait. What? Our paranormal murder-mystery possible urban fantasy with a side order of what would normally qualify as supernatural just got a lot more fantasy fantasy. You'd think that so many genres existing within the one story would create massive potential for it just to become one big, messy stew of nothing identifiable. Which is not the case. We've even got a little romance thrown in there and it's not out of place.
Instead of each new genre reveal feeling like a twist that complicates and constrains the plot, it instead feels like everything just got bigger and broader and has more scope. And the ending does not qualify as a cliffhanger and yet it had a much better hook for the next book than some of the other cliffhangers I've read in the past.
If you like crime, mystery, paranormal, urban fantasy, supernatural, romance and/or fantasy, you might want to check this book out. Ignore the flaws, suspend your disbelief, and just see where it takes you.
No. I don't.
Our psychic is not actually a psychic. She's more...a witch. A practitioner of Wicca, certainly, but also a magic-containing witch. OK, let's call it urban fantasy. Some 'ghosts'? Add supernatural.
This would still put the story within the realms of things I've read before if it weren't for the man she runs over late one night who, as it turns out, is not from our world at all, but from a world of swords and sorcery. Well, I'm not sure about sorcery exactly (although it probably qualifies), but definitely a place where magic is known and accepted.
Wait. What? Our paranormal murder-mystery possible urban fantasy with a side order of what would normally qualify as supernatural just got a lot more fantasy fantasy. You'd think that so many genres existing within the one story would create massive potential for it just to become one big, messy stew of nothing identifiable. Which is not the case. We've even got a little romance thrown in there and it's not out of place.
Instead of each new genre reveal feeling like a twist that complicates and constrains the plot, it instead feels like everything just got bigger and broader and has more scope. And the ending does not qualify as a cliffhanger and yet it had a much better hook for the next book than some of the other cliffhangers I've read in the past.
If you like crime, mystery, paranormal, urban fantasy, supernatural, romance and/or fantasy, you might want to check this book out. Ignore the flaws, suspend your disbelief, and just see where it takes you.
January 26, 2020
All the elements for a great story but it didn't deliver
Kindle keeps eating my review so I'm frustrated and going to make this quick.
Rune Gate had all the things that would normally have me loving a story but after the first few strong chapters, it fell flat.
This book is part thriller and mystery but with a witch protagonist who uses her powers and abilities to help solve murders. That's the cool part. Now, I'm not against pulling in hardcore fantasy elements. I LOVE a good fantasy. But without spoiling the story, the way it was handled wasn't the best.
It's as if the author couldn't decide how to tell the fantasy element of the story. There was a lot of switching between characters in an unclear way that showed the seams. Is this new character confused or does it all make sense? Unanswered questions and unnecessary interactions made the book drag. And honestly, the need for some serious editing became tiresome. Maybe I'll add examples later but I just don't have it in me.
I can safely say I won't continue this series.
Kindle keeps eating my review so I'm frustrated and going to make this quick.
Rune Gate had all the things that would normally have me loving a story but after the first few strong chapters, it fell flat.
This book is part thriller and mystery but with a witch protagonist who uses her powers and abilities to help solve murders. That's the cool part. Now, I'm not against pulling in hardcore fantasy elements. I LOVE a good fantasy. But without spoiling the story, the way it was handled wasn't the best.
It's as if the author couldn't decide how to tell the fantasy element of the story. There was a lot of switching between characters in an unclear way that showed the seams. Is this new character confused or does it all make sense? Unanswered questions and unnecessary interactions made the book drag. And honestly, the need for some serious editing became tiresome. Maybe I'll add examples later but I just don't have it in me.
I can safely say I won't continue this series.
September 2, 2019
Solid read, very interesting and the ending was not at all what I expected. Alex's abilities and her desire to use them despite the cost to her person was admirable. Tomas, the not quite believer but willing to use Alex anyway was a negative mark on his character in my eyes but he redeemed himself in the end when he showed he really cared about her. Douglas was keeping secrets and had a hidden agenda so I wasn't exactly a fan of his either.
The storytelling was such that I was fully engaged in the story, which is a large part of what goes into my rankings. I'm definitely picking up the next one to see where this series goes from here.
The storytelling was such that I was fully engaged in the story, which is a large part of what goes into my rankings. I'm definitely picking up the next one to see where this series goes from here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2017
2.5 stars
Free download from Amazon Kindle.
The very cool cover and interesting plot made me download this book.
The first part of the book was quite interesting and catchy, I didn't really like the secondary characters but I didn't really hate them either… but from the second half of the book things changed, we had a twist in the plot that was quite cool, an interesting character comes from another world, Douglas… but the nice things ended there. We are introduced also to 6 more character who fell totally flat for me (Michael's coven) and I couldn't care less about what happened to them.
This dragged down the story and from 3 stars I am going to give only 2 and half stars.
I am not sure I want to continue the series but I may definitely try more books by this author.
Free download from Amazon Kindle.
The very cool cover and interesting plot made me download this book.
The first part of the book was quite interesting and catchy, I didn't really like the secondary characters but I didn't really hate them either… but from the second half of the book things changed, we had a twist in the plot that was quite cool, an interesting character comes from another world, Douglas… but the nice things ended there. We are introduced also to 6 more character who fell totally flat for me (Michael's coven) and I couldn't care less about what happened to them.
This dragged down the story and from 3 stars I am going to give only 2 and half stars.
I am not sure I want to continue the series but I may definitely try more books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
It was a good read. But a bit more world building would have given the novel a lot more baggage and depth. The main characters were okay i guess, but Alex was downplayed a lot and not much was discussed. Tomas was annoying as hell i really hate that guy just downright annoying.
Well i am hoping that this does not turn into cheesy triangle love story. I hope to see more world building and more depth in the story.
Well i am hoping that this does not turn into cheesy triangle love story. I hope to see more world building and more depth in the story.
June 18, 2017
Reading and reviewing books
I love to read books like this. It was very fast paced and action packed. I also think it was actually quite believable. I could imagine how it would be to he as r everyone's thoughts and not be able to shut them out. It wou l d defiantly make me want to live alone.
I love to read books like this. It was very fast paced and action packed. I also think it was actually quite believable. I could imagine how it would be to he as r everyone's thoughts and not be able to shut them out. It wou l d defiantly make me want to live alone.
February 17, 2020
I received this book free from the author.
Witch helps police find killers , treated badly by community, meets mage from another world and learns about new magic. Gets kidnapped and they fall through a portal to another world. The end. Cliffhanger ending - 1 star. I definitely don't like those but really good story so I forgave and got the second book
Witch helps police find killers , treated badly by community, meets mage from another world and learns about new magic. Gets kidnapped and they fall through a portal to another world. The end. Cliffhanger ending - 1 star. I definitely don't like those but really good story so I forgave and got the second book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2022
Well done
I have yet to find a book by Cooper that I don’t like. He is excellent at developing characters and advancing the story at a pace that keeps you engaged.
The magic system is not novel but certainly logical.
The plot is not necessarily unique but intriguing.
Simply a well crafted enjoyable read.
I have yet to find a book by Cooper that I don’t like. He is excellent at developing characters and advancing the story at a pace that keeps you engaged.
The magic system is not novel but certainly logical.
The plot is not necessarily unique but intriguing.
Simply a well crafted enjoyable read.
March 20, 2017
Slight warning
The books blurb really only accounts for the first 4 chapters. I can see why, because it definitely threw me off a little bit. Won't go into it, would be some major spoilage. I personally didn't like the ending (unresolved). I might look into the next one.
The books blurb really only accounts for the first 4 chapters. I can see why, because it definitely threw me off a little bit. Won't go into it, would be some major spoilage. I personally didn't like the ending (unresolved). I might look into the next one.
August 29, 2017
It was diffrent.
For a free book it was really good. I even bought the second book.
It's not something you read everyday like I feel most fantasy are these day. And I like how it was a murder myster turned fantasy
For a free book it was really good. I even bought the second book.
It's not something you read everyday like I feel most fantasy are these day. And I like how it was a murder myster turned fantasy
January 11, 2018
I downloaded Rune Gate as a free book from Amazon. I'm not a huge fan of time travel or travel between worlds stories, but this one was interesting and the character issues were unique enough to hold my interest and make me curious about the second book in this series.
October 2, 2022
Great start
Great start to a new series and a new-to-me author. It ends in a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to get the next book to see how the characters adjust to their new reality
Great start to a new series and a new-to-me author. It ends in a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to get the next book to see how the characters adjust to their new reality
July 26, 2018
Just as enjoyable the second time around!
A fascinating tale of magic and an Otherworld where criminals are looking to further their war with earthly weapons.
A fascinating tale of magic and an Otherworld where criminals are looking to further their war with earthly weapons.
August 9, 2018
Surprised
U was pleasantly surprised, entertainment, and upset that I now have to purchase the next book. Very well written. Thanks
U was pleasantly surprised, entertainment, and upset that I now have to purchase the next book. Very well written. Thanks
October 5, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
December 24, 2018
Exciting and enjoyable book. Need to read the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews