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Guardians of the Pattern #1.0
Psi Hunter
In a future where humanity has spread out among the stars, those few possessing psychic abilities are looked upon with suspicion at best and murderous intent at worst.
On Aurora, one of the more tolerant worlds of the Federation, Pat Cottrell works for Federation Security as a psi hunter, tracking down and neutralizing dangerous psi criminals.
Kyn Valdari works for the Institute for Psionic Research, running search and rescue operations, in which psions in distress are offered the chance to learn how to control psychic abilities that can threaten sanity and ruin lives.
Kyn and Pat used to be best friends, closer than brothers. Three years ago, one passionate night that never should have happened left both of them shocked, confused, and desperately wanting more.
They haven’t spoken since.
Now, the silence between them must be broken. Kyn and Pat have been ordered to investigate a string of murders that may have been committed by a psion powerful enough to kill with a thought. In order to succeed, they will have to work together to save an abused, traumatized young psion from being taken advantage of by the very organization that is supposed to save him.
On Aurora, one of the more tolerant worlds of the Federation, Pat Cottrell works for Federation Security as a psi hunter, tracking down and neutralizing dangerous psi criminals.
Kyn Valdari works for the Institute for Psionic Research, running search and rescue operations, in which psions in distress are offered the chance to learn how to control psychic abilities that can threaten sanity and ruin lives.
Kyn and Pat used to be best friends, closer than brothers. Three years ago, one passionate night that never should have happened left both of them shocked, confused, and desperately wanting more.
They haven’t spoken since.
Now, the silence between them must be broken. Kyn and Pat have been ordered to investigate a string of murders that may have been committed by a psion powerful enough to kill with a thought. In order to succeed, they will have to work together to save an abused, traumatized young psion from being taken advantage of by the very organization that is supposed to save him.
306 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Jaye McKenna
24 books132 followersJaye McKenna was born a Brit and was dragged, kicking and screaming, across the Pond at an age when such vehement protest was doomed to be misinterpreted as a “paddy”. She grew up near a sumac forest in Minnesota and spent most of her teen years torturing her parents with her electric guitar and her dark poetry. She was punk before it was cool and a grown-up long before she was ready. Jaye writes fantasy and science fiction stories about hot guys who have the hots for each other. She enjoys making them work darn hard for their happy endings, which might explain why she never gets invited to their parties.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 17, 2014
why have just one rapeytrauma storyline when you can have two?
...or even the same one twice?
*thin-lipped sigh*
but honestly what did this book in for me was the occasion of this trope:
fuckin' hate that trope.
...or even the same one twice?
*thin-lipped sigh*
but honestly what did this book in for me was the occasion of this trope:
He knew he’d been rough and cold last night, maybe even cruel, but anything else would only have encouraged Pat to ask for more.
Kyn couldn’t give him more.
Wouldn’t.
Pat deserved far more than the damaged, ugly creature that shivered behind Kyn’s quiet, confident façade.
fuckin' hate that trope.
August 10, 2015
This is a paranormal SciFi, set in a future (or AU) where some humans have strong psychic abilities. They may be able to read minds, or heal, or even kill with a thought. Psions are sometimes treated as useful citizens, but more often are looked on with suspicion or held captive and used for their talents by the unscrupulous.
Pat is involved in the law enforcement end, tracking down those using their psionic talent for illegal motives. Kyn works for the Institute for Psionic Research, responsible for finding exploited psions and running rescue operations. Once the two were friends, and very briefly lovers. Now they are reunited in the search for a young psion with a killing talent. When they find Luka, his painful past wakes nightmare visions of Kyn's own history. And it turns out that a young, manipulable man who can kill with a thought is a hot commodity for more than one user.
I enjoyed this story, although it was a bit tropey. The rape subplots and the "push him away because I'm not good enough for him despite our undying love" theme was heavier than I like, and seemed to recur as the driving force for many of the mistakes the characters made. Pat was uncritical, and Kyn was very self-involved, and their relationship seemed to circle round in well-worn paths. That's not unrealistic, but it didn't pull me in to care about them deeply. Luka, although a secondary character, seemed more fully rounded than the two MCs (and was given a less-sketchy back-story), so I was more invested in what happened to him than in the MC romance. But this isn't a fatal flaw in a heavily-plot-driven story.
This is the first in a series, and it felt like there was promise of something deeper and more developed to come. I will probably read the next one, to see how that plays out.
Pat is involved in the law enforcement end, tracking down those using their psionic talent for illegal motives. Kyn works for the Institute for Psionic Research, responsible for finding exploited psions and running rescue operations. Once the two were friends, and very briefly lovers. Now they are reunited in the search for a young psion with a killing talent. When they find Luka, his painful past wakes nightmare visions of Kyn's own history. And it turns out that a young, manipulable man who can kill with a thought is a hot commodity for more than one user.
I enjoyed this story, although it was a bit tropey. The rape subplots and the "push him away because I'm not good enough for him despite our undying love" theme was heavier than I like, and seemed to recur as the driving force for many of the mistakes the characters made. Pat was uncritical, and Kyn was very self-involved, and their relationship seemed to circle round in well-worn paths. That's not unrealistic, but it didn't pull me in to care about them deeply. Luka, although a secondary character, seemed more fully rounded than the two MCs (and was given a less-sketchy back-story), so I was more invested in what happened to him than in the MC romance. But this isn't a fatal flaw in a heavily-plot-driven story.
This is the first in a series, and it felt like there was promise of something deeper and more developed to come. I will probably read the next one, to see how that plays out.
February 6, 2014
I have to start this by stating that I was one of the beta readers for this novel, which is why I can review it a month before its release date. ;-)
I've read loads and loads of m/m (and written a few) but I can say hand over heart that this is--honestly--one of the best m/m books I've ever read. It is beautiful, both the writing style and the plot. Through the entire story I was chewing my nails as I frantically scrolled the pages, wondering at every turn what was about to happen next.
Luka is the perfect protagonist. His story is a heart-breaker, and he's nicely balanced by the struggles of Pat and Kyn for both one another, and with their line of work. They work for an organization that captures psions, of which Luka is the most powerful one they've ever witnessed. He's grown up on the streets of his home planet and has known only abuse, first in the hands of his mother and then via the gang he falls into with, who use both his skills as a psion and his body at night. To his dismay, he finds out that even when captured, he's never really saved. Not until he learns to control his frightening talent.
This is the first of five novels, and several novellas, one of which, 'Facing the Mirror' is available as a freebie (get it now!!). I'll be sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting until the next one comes my way.
I've read loads and loads of m/m (and written a few) but I can say hand over heart that this is--honestly--one of the best m/m books I've ever read. It is beautiful, both the writing style and the plot. Through the entire story I was chewing my nails as I frantically scrolled the pages, wondering at every turn what was about to happen next.
Luka is the perfect protagonist. His story is a heart-breaker, and he's nicely balanced by the struggles of Pat and Kyn for both one another, and with their line of work. They work for an organization that captures psions, of which Luka is the most powerful one they've ever witnessed. He's grown up on the streets of his home planet and has known only abuse, first in the hands of his mother and then via the gang he falls into with, who use both his skills as a psion and his body at night. To his dismay, he finds out that even when captured, he's never really saved. Not until he learns to control his frightening talent.
This is the first of five novels, and several novellas, one of which, 'Facing the Mirror' is available as a freebie (get it now!!). I'll be sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting until the next one comes my way.
January 20, 2018
3.5 stars
Pretty good first book in the series.
Pretty good first book in the series.
March 11, 2018
4.5 star
The world-building in this series is outstanding and intricate in its detail and scope. In this world, there doesn’t seem to be any angst over being gay (yay!) but there is suspicion and lack of acceptance when it comes to psions. I pictured Downtown Riga as a sort of galactic ghetto slum version of Vegas, and the safe island was so idyllic that I want to visit.
The characters are complex, nuanced, and very believable. They don’t always do the right thing, and they pay the price for their bad choices. There were times when I wanted to slap some sense into a couple of them, but isn’t that how it is in real life?
The world-building in this series is outstanding and intricate in its detail and scope. In this world, there doesn’t seem to be any angst over being gay (yay!) but there is suspicion and lack of acceptance when it comes to psions. I pictured Downtown Riga as a sort of galactic ghetto slum version of Vegas, and the safe island was so idyllic that I want to visit.
The characters are complex, nuanced, and very believable. They don’t always do the right thing, and they pay the price for their bad choices. There were times when I wanted to slap some sense into a couple of them, but isn’t that how it is in real life?
Read
March 11, 2014~101,000 words
Now available on Smashwords and All Romance and Amazon. Coming soon to other retailers.
Now available on Smashwords and All Romance and Amazon. Coming soon to other retailers.
Want to read
July 1, 20187/1/18 Currently FREE at the Smashwords summer sale: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
probably-not-but-freebie
July 10, 2018Freebie at smashie right now: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
March 2, 2014
I'm proud to say that I was one of the privileged Spelling Wench/Grammar Nazi reviewers of this novel before it "went to print". The author and I go wayyyyyy back and I was honored to read some of her first writings, back in the day. To see that her writing has only gotten better, although it wasn't bad back then, makes the chance to beta read for her that much more rewarding.
Psi Hunter is well written with an easy flow and great character development. The combination of the individual story lines into one plot line makes this book what my father fondly called a "son-of-a-bitch" book, because you get to where you might want to stop for the night, at 2:00 a.m., and you can't help but turn the page...which is then followed by the above-quotes curse.
I got so involved in the book that my boyfriend became concerned at times when I talked, yelled, cried, whilst reading said book. To me, reading a good book is like watching a movie in my head. That being said, I look forward to more of Jaye's books/movies, whether to beta read or just read.
Psi Hunter is well written with an easy flow and great character development. The combination of the individual story lines into one plot line makes this book what my father fondly called a "son-of-a-bitch" book, because you get to where you might want to stop for the night, at 2:00 a.m., and you can't help but turn the page...which is then followed by the above-quotes curse.
I got so involved in the book that my boyfriend became concerned at times when I talked, yelled, cried, whilst reading said book. To me, reading a good book is like watching a movie in my head. That being said, I look forward to more of Jaye's books/movies, whether to beta read or just read.
January 12, 2019
This book had a dark setting, lots of suspense, and plenty of drama to drive the plot forward. Overall, it was an entertaining read.
March 7, 2014
3.5
Some quick thoughts:
I liked this story and the world it was set in. I also thought the world building was well done, although sometimes names were introduced with little or no background and it was a little confusing until I figured out who they were.
The characters were interesting, but it did take me awhile to connect with them. Except for Luka. I loved him right away. Sometimes it felt like the story was more about Luka, and Pat and Kyn were more like secondary characters. I was okay with that because he was such a great character and I loved reading about him and I loved getting his POV.
In addition to not connecting with the MCs right away, I didn't like the . It also bothered me . I wish Kyn and Luka both had pulled their heads out sooner than they did. Those things, along with pacing that didn't always work for me, kept me from rounding this story up to 4 stars.
I really like this world, though, and I loved Facing the Mirror, so I'll be watching for future books in this series.
Side notes:
The name Pat didn't work for me for some reason, and it struck a discordant note in my mind through most of the story until I finally got used to it.
Also, it was hard to take a bad guy named Rufio seriously. Whenever his name was on the page, I pictured the character from the movie Hook.
I read this during the prompt claimings of the MM Romance writing event, so I was a bit distracted, and that might have affected my reading experience.
Some quick thoughts:
I liked this story and the world it was set in. I also thought the world building was well done, although sometimes names were introduced with little or no background and it was a little confusing until I figured out who they were.
The characters were interesting, but it did take me awhile to connect with them. Except for Luka. I loved him right away. Sometimes it felt like the story was more about Luka, and Pat and Kyn were more like secondary characters. I was okay with that because he was such a great character and I loved reading about him and I loved getting his POV.
In addition to not connecting with the MCs right away, I didn't like the . It also bothered me . I wish Kyn and Luka both had pulled their heads out sooner than they did. Those things, along with pacing that didn't always work for me, kept me from rounding this story up to 4 stars.
I really like this world, though, and I loved Facing the Mirror, so I'll be watching for future books in this series.
Side notes:
The name Pat didn't work for me for some reason, and it struck a discordant note in my mind through most of the story until I finally got used to it.
Also, it was hard to take a bad guy named Rufio seriously. Whenever his name was on the page, I pictured the character from the movie Hook.
I read this during the prompt claimings of the MM Romance writing event, so I was a bit distracted, and that might have affected my reading experience.
January 31, 2016
A new favorite series. I like the world (and the building of it), the fact that there are hidden elements, and the way the Psion's stay together. The law enforcement parts are well written - other than the fact they become good at it pretty quickly. I think I most enjoy the underneath part of it all - it's a little spiritual and odd but it gives a lot of leeway to explore beyond human perception which makes the concept of the psion seem much more real. Hot sex is always welcomed. My rec is to start at the prequel and read in order because things build (plot, characters, world).
dnf
July 24, 2020Finally marking DNF at 47%
*******************************************
@ 27%
Not really working for me right now. This book started with a huge bang and a lot of action and then all of a sudden it slowed to a snail pace.
We’re in that weird area where one plot line was completed but there is a second plot that we haven’t gotten to yet...
I’m also already over the “I want him so much, but I don’t deserve him so I’m going to be a dick until he goes away” madness. I can usually handle that trope but something about Kyn just makes me hate it.
*******************************************
@ 27%
Not really working for me right now. This book started with a huge bang and a lot of action and then all of a sudden it slowed to a snail pace.
We’re in that weird area where one plot line was completed but there is a second plot that we haven’t gotten to yet...
I’m also already over the “I want him so much, but I don’t deserve him so I’m going to be a dick until he goes away” madness. I can usually handle that trope but something about Kyn just makes me hate it.
May 3, 2016
I loved this book & can't wait to read the next one. Great world building. There are a lot of secondary characters that I can't wait to see how their stories play out. I'm glad these two worked out their issues and came together as a strong couple. I hope that in the future books, we learn what really happened to Kyn & if it is really permanent or if something can be done to change his situation.
Read
July 15, 2017I really feel like there should be a rape warning on this book within the first 6 pages there is mentions of a gange rape and threat of rape to coerce someone
September 2, 2017
Just wish there was more meat to it (as in more world-building, back-stories, etc. - not the meat that was there in quantities).
June 18, 2019
Read as part of Guardians Compilation: Volume #1, Stories #1-3.
September 10, 2019
Rating: 3.5 stars.
February 14, 2023
3.5 stars
August 16, 2014
My first experience with Jaye McKenna was a very well-done short story called Facing the Mirror. I sometimes think writing a short story is almost as much science as art - you've got to wield your words with real precision to get a tale that feels full and complete in such a short space - and I was impressed. I wouldn't have called it perfect, but even reading it with my (sometimes overly-)critical eye, I thought it was very good.
So when this novel-sized book written in the same universe was released, I bought it right away. And then forgot all about it. (If you could see my to-read stack, you'd understand.) But when an online book club I belong to - not even a sci fi one, funnily enough - chose this story for its reading list, my excitement was rekindled.
A little background first:
The universe is a futuristic, galactic, highly technical one where some folks have developed "psi powers" of one kind or another; some people have some facility with telepathy, some are empathic, that kind of thing. Despite a pretty pervasive fear among the general public of having their minds read, etc., an institute was created to train psions - people with psi powers - to use them for the good of society. Separate but related to the institute is a government division devoted to hunting those rogue psions who use their powers in criminal ways.
Pat is a psi hunter. When the book begins, his regular partner has been sidelined just when reports of a psionic crime at an unusually powerful level surface, so Pat's paired up with an old flame who now rescues and trains psions, Kyn. Oh, and yes: Pat and Kyn are men. Men who are hot for each other. If The Gays bother you, you should probably move on - this book doesn't treat it as unusual, doesn't report on it as something shameful or negative, and has an awfully high percentage of gay characters to straight ones. And there are dirty bits. I don't want to hear anyone saying they weren't warned.
I'll start with one thing I thought was less than perfect: the characters. They're well-written, they're nuanced, they're believable, and...they can be totally maddening. They make bad decisions. They're melodramatic. Two of the three mains have martyr complexes. The characters are developed, but they developed in a direction that makes them difficult to like at times. Actually, that might not be fair. I did like the characters overall, I just periodically wanted to shake them. (I'm not kidding when I say they're believable, either; that sort of impulse isn't exactly uncommon in real life.)
Another thing that had me rolling my eyes a bit, and this ties in with the general character complaint, was the romance between Pat and Kyn.
I know, this all sounds like an awful lot of complaining for a book I keep protesting that I really did like. There were lots of other aspects that I can't think of anything to complain about, though...and if you knew me, you'd realize just how amazing that is. The setting is outstanding, if rather gritty. The psionic stuff is great. McKenna has a real gift for making us feel the tortures she's putting her characters through. And the story itself was fast paced and deft.
I'm calling this one a solid four stars, and there's no doubt that I'll be watching for the next books in the series. Her characters may have exasperated me at times, but I'm not quite ready to let them go yet.
So when this novel-sized book written in the same universe was released, I bought it right away. And then forgot all about it. (If you could see my to-read stack, you'd understand.) But when an online book club I belong to - not even a sci fi one, funnily enough - chose this story for its reading list, my excitement was rekindled.
A little background first:
The universe is a futuristic, galactic, highly technical one where some folks have developed "psi powers" of one kind or another; some people have some facility with telepathy, some are empathic, that kind of thing. Despite a pretty pervasive fear among the general public of having their minds read, etc., an institute was created to train psions - people with psi powers - to use them for the good of society. Separate but related to the institute is a government division devoted to hunting those rogue psions who use their powers in criminal ways.
Pat is a psi hunter. When the book begins, his regular partner has been sidelined just when reports of a psionic crime at an unusually powerful level surface, so Pat's paired up with an old flame who now rescues and trains psions, Kyn. Oh, and yes: Pat and Kyn are men. Men who are hot for each other. If The Gays bother you, you should probably move on - this book doesn't treat it as unusual, doesn't report on it as something shameful or negative, and has an awfully high percentage of gay characters to straight ones. And there are dirty bits. I don't want to hear anyone saying they weren't warned.
I'll start with one thing I thought was less than perfect: the characters. They're well-written, they're nuanced, they're believable, and...they can be totally maddening. They make bad decisions. They're melodramatic. Two of the three mains have martyr complexes. The characters are developed, but they developed in a direction that makes them difficult to like at times. Actually, that might not be fair. I did like the characters overall, I just periodically wanted to shake them. (I'm not kidding when I say they're believable, either; that sort of impulse isn't exactly uncommon in real life.)
Another thing that had me rolling my eyes a bit, and this ties in with the general character complaint, was the romance between Pat and Kyn.
I know, this all sounds like an awful lot of complaining for a book I keep protesting that I really did like. There were lots of other aspects that I can't think of anything to complain about, though...and if you knew me, you'd realize just how amazing that is. The setting is outstanding, if rather gritty. The psionic stuff is great. McKenna has a real gift for making us feel the tortures she's putting her characters through. And the story itself was fast paced and deft.
I'm calling this one a solid four stars, and there's no doubt that I'll be watching for the next books in the series. Her characters may have exasperated me at times, but I'm not quite ready to let them go yet.
November 3, 2014
3.5 stars
Having discovered this author through the M/M Romance Group's Don't Read in the Closet writing event, I had high hopes for this story. While I can't say I'm disappointed by the story, it wasn't quite what I expected. Perhaps this is due to the different genre - science fiction rather than fantasy, or perhaps it is due to the fact that this novel is the start of a series, but whatever the reason, I finished reading this feeling vaguely dissatisfied.
Pat is a psi hunter, an investigator for crimes that involve the misuse of psi powers. He finds himself with a new partner, Kyn, a psionic, for a special investigation. Kyn is not a psi hunter, but works with the Institute, helping to both research and train others with psi ability. He is also the man who walked away from Pat three years earlier, after their first and only night in bed together, leaving behind a broken friendship and a devastated Pat.
This is a story of these two old friends reuniting over a case that has far-reaching ramifications for anyone with psi ability and for those who are left to hunt them. Needless to say, neither the romance or the investigation goes smoothly, requiring sacrifice from both men as they struggle with their feelings and fight for their lives.
At times, I found both characters a bit shallow; Pat for his overly-easy forgiveness of Kyn's actions - past and present; and Kyn for his inability to see beyond himself. Indeed, I think this is where the story falls short. Personally, I feel the two MCs are not fully fleshed out, so their responses seem both trite and predictable. That said, I can certainly see the strength of the plot, and I really liked Luka, a secondary character who is a more vibrant, real character to me than either of the two MCs. I have rounded up my rating as I can see the potential in future stories, as well as knowing that McKenna's writing ability will continue to grow as she gains experience.
Having discovered this author through the M/M Romance Group's Don't Read in the Closet writing event, I had high hopes for this story. While I can't say I'm disappointed by the story, it wasn't quite what I expected. Perhaps this is due to the different genre - science fiction rather than fantasy, or perhaps it is due to the fact that this novel is the start of a series, but whatever the reason, I finished reading this feeling vaguely dissatisfied.
Pat is a psi hunter, an investigator for crimes that involve the misuse of psi powers. He finds himself with a new partner, Kyn, a psionic, for a special investigation. Kyn is not a psi hunter, but works with the Institute, helping to both research and train others with psi ability. He is also the man who walked away from Pat three years earlier, after their first and only night in bed together, leaving behind a broken friendship and a devastated Pat.
This is a story of these two old friends reuniting over a case that has far-reaching ramifications for anyone with psi ability and for those who are left to hunt them. Needless to say, neither the romance or the investigation goes smoothly, requiring sacrifice from both men as they struggle with their feelings and fight for their lives.
At times, I found both characters a bit shallow; Pat for his overly-easy forgiveness of Kyn's actions - past and present; and Kyn for his inability to see beyond himself. Indeed, I think this is where the story falls short. Personally, I feel the two MCs are not fully fleshed out, so their responses seem both trite and predictable. That said, I can certainly see the strength of the plot, and I really liked Luka, a secondary character who is a more vibrant, real character to me than either of the two MCs. I have rounded up my rating as I can see the potential in future stories, as well as knowing that McKenna's writing ability will continue to grow as she gains experience.
November 15, 2014
Enjoyable hard sci-fi read. Great world-building and interesting characters and relationships. I liked that the main romance was treated as just another part of their lives. However, a bit of caution-- there is a lot of non-graphic rape and child abuse. It seems as if the author made every single bad guy rape and abuse someone in order to show how horrible they are. It was kind of a short-cut in characterization to me and got a little old after a while. A lead character mentions being raped on at least four different occasions in the first few chapters, including a past gang rape, and two of the other characters suffered the same fate in their pasts.
Also all the main characters are gay males. The women are just supporting secondary characters in this world and I think the only straight couple mentioned never even appears in the book. It was kind of disappointing.
And the plot points do get a little repetitive-- Luka gets scared, he runs, he's captured, gets scared, runs, gets captured, gets scare... you get the point. You'd think he'd learn eventually. Then Pat and Kyn get together, break up, pine, get together, break up, pine... and on. I'll probably check out the second book in the series just to see if it improves any because I do like the world and characters.
Also all the main characters are gay males. The women are just supporting secondary characters in this world and I think the only straight couple mentioned never even appears in the book. It was kind of disappointing.
And the plot points do get a little repetitive-- Luka gets scared, he runs, he's captured, gets scared, runs, gets captured, gets scare... you get the point. You'd think he'd learn eventually. Then Pat and Kyn get together, break up, pine, get together, break up, pine... and on. I'll probably check out the second book in the series just to see if it improves any because I do like the world and characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2015
Ages ago I read Gremlin’s Last Run, which turned out to be book two in the Guardians of the Pattern series by Jaye McKenna. As I enjoyed the second book I thought it was about time I read the first one in this science-fiction m/m romance series. So without further ado lets talk about Psi Hunter by Jaye McKenna.
This is definitely a series that on reflection I should have read in order. The world created by Jaye McKenna, the amount of characters introduced and the amount of storylines developing in parallel meant at times I was a little confused. Not helped by my brain trying to connect what occurred in Gremlin’s Last Run with the storylines and characters being introduced in Psi Hunter. Also although this is the first book in Guardians of the Pattern series it works on the assumption that you have read the prequel novella Facing the Mirror.
“Trevor told me that I didn’t get to do that. That you don’t get to just start over. That life is about living with all that’s happened to you and instead of letting it beat you down, you accept it and know that you’re stronger because you survived it”
Read the full review: buff.ly/1O67NWf
This is definitely a series that on reflection I should have read in order. The world created by Jaye McKenna, the amount of characters introduced and the amount of storylines developing in parallel meant at times I was a little confused. Not helped by my brain trying to connect what occurred in Gremlin’s Last Run with the storylines and characters being introduced in Psi Hunter. Also although this is the first book in Guardians of the Pattern series it works on the assumption that you have read the prequel novella Facing the Mirror.
“Trevor told me that I didn’t get to do that. That you don’t get to just start over. That life is about living with all that’s happened to you and instead of letting it beat you down, you accept it and know that you’re stronger because you survived it”
Read the full review: buff.ly/1O67NWf
September 25, 2015
MM September 2015 AOM challenge.
4.5 stars
I've said about another book I read this year, "I don't go looking for Sci-Fi titles, I let them find me." Am I ever glad this one fell into my lap.
This was easy for a reluctant reader of this genre to follow.
Their weren't any far (out there) concepts, rules, of conventions to try to memorize and grasp as I read. There was just enough "Sci" for me to handle, but the world/universe of the story was still familiar enough for me to be comfortable and not have to tax myself with a struggle to memorize a "foreign" culture.
The story itself was interesting and engaging with like able MCs and supporting characters as well.
I like the author's writing style--simple and not complicated. I had a college professor once tell me that a simple writing style is the best style.
I have looked at the blurb for the next title in the series, and really looking forward to it. It looks promising.
I highly recco this book.
4.5 stars
I've said about another book I read this year, "I don't go looking for Sci-Fi titles, I let them find me." Am I ever glad this one fell into my lap.
This was easy for a reluctant reader of this genre to follow.
Their weren't any far (out there) concepts, rules, of conventions to try to memorize and grasp as I read. There was just enough "Sci" for me to handle, but the world/universe of the story was still familiar enough for me to be comfortable and not have to tax myself with a struggle to memorize a "foreign" culture.
The story itself was interesting and engaging with like able MCs and supporting characters as well.
I like the author's writing style--simple and not complicated. I had a college professor once tell me that a simple writing style is the best style.
I have looked at the blurb for the next title in the series, and really looking forward to it. It looks promising.
I highly recco this book.
December 14, 2016
I really liked this. It could've been shorter, there were times when it was a slog to get to some plot movement. But over all I really liked the world building. The characters were great. I really felt for Luka and Kyn. They endured some horrific stuff. I loved how Pat and Kyn slowly accepted each other's love and support. I liked the dynamic between the three, Luka ends up like a little brother. It made me happy that they'll have each other. The big bad isn't really resolved, but I'm interested and it seems like it'll be a series arc so it's not too annoying that it's so open ended.
February 10, 2015
** 4.5 Stars **
Captivating story!!
I'm looking forward to reading book 2
August 27, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Good m/m and enjoyable sci fi story. Looking forward to the next installment.
January 31, 2016
2nd read Jan 2016 - my favorite 2015 series
Love this!
Love this!
May 15, 2022
reviewette to follow
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