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Ghost Exile #1
Ghost in the Cowl
Overview
Caina Amalas was a nightfighter of the Ghosts, the spies and assassins of the Emperor of Nighmar, and through her boldness and cunning saved the Empire and the world from sorcerous annihilation.
But the victory cost her everything.
Now she is exiled and alone in the city of Istarinmul, far from her home and friends. Yet a centuries-old darkness now stirs in Istarinmul, eager to devour the city and the world itself.
And Caina is the only one that stands in its way...
Caina Amalas was a nightfighter of the Ghosts, the spies and assassins of the Emperor of Nighmar, and through her boldness and cunning saved the Empire and the world from sorcerous annihilation.
But the victory cost her everything.
Now she is exiled and alone in the city of Istarinmul, far from her home and friends. Yet a centuries-old darkness now stirs in Istarinmul, eager to devour the city and the world itself.
And Caina is the only one that stands in its way...
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2014
155 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Moeller
393 books668 followersStanding over six feet tall, USA Today bestselling author Jonathan Moeller has the piercing blue eyes of a Conan of Cimmeria, the bronze-colored hair of a Visigothic warrior-king, and the stern visage of a captain of men, none of which are useful in his career as a computer repairman, alas.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
He has written the DEMONSOULED series of sword-and-sorcery novels, and continues to write THE GHOSTS sequence about assassin and spy Caina Amalas, the COMPUTER BEGINNER'S GUIDE series of computer books, and numerous other works. His books have sold over one million copies worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 1, 2022
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/ghost-in-th...
Caina, at least by this point in proceedings, is a well-rounded heroine, who is skilled without being overpowered. Part of what makes her so effective is, she knows her limits and how to get things done within them. For example, she knows she can’t beat the enhanced warriors known as Immortals in a straight fight, so uses stealth to get around them. Without having read earlier entries, her dwelling in previous tragedy was a bit annoying, and didn’t add much to this entry. But with the genuine first three books of her story in an omnibus edition for just 99 cents, this still easily did enough to make buying that collection a no-brainer.
Caina, at least by this point in proceedings, is a well-rounded heroine, who is skilled without being overpowered. Part of what makes her so effective is, she knows her limits and how to get things done within them. For example, she knows she can’t beat the enhanced warriors known as Immortals in a straight fight, so uses stealth to get around them. Without having read earlier entries, her dwelling in previous tragedy was a bit annoying, and didn’t add much to this entry. But with the genuine first three books of her story in an omnibus edition for just 99 cents, this still easily did enough to make buying that collection a no-brainer.
October 6, 2020
The ghost in exile!
I wondered how the story would go, how the plot would unwind... And I'm really impressed.
A very ingenious way of bringing a whole new set of characters, a different setting and new and exciting mysteries.
Loved how the book ended with a clever cliffhanger. Who is the entity with the eyes of flame? What is the purpose of wraithblood? What is the ultimate scheme?
Can't wait to find out more!
I wondered how the story would go, how the plot would unwind... And I'm really impressed.
A very ingenious way of bringing a whole new set of characters, a different setting and new and exciting mysteries.
Loved how the book ended with a clever cliffhanger. Who is the entity with the eyes of flame? What is the purpose of wraithblood? What is the ultimate scheme?
Can't wait to find out more!
October 23, 2018
With the start of a new series Ghost in Exile there should have been an opportunity for the author to start ‘small’ instead of a yet another ‘end of the world’ scenario. Unfortunately the author just couldn’t resist the temptation and by the end of the book it seems we are again in an end of the world situation.
The majority of the book was an excellent fantasy adventure. The story starts with Cania trying to decide whether she should rebuild her life, or just give up. When her landlady suddenly needs help, it is the incentive to again wear her shadow-cloak and get back to bring retribution to the endless evildoers.
I really enjoyed this book and it has revived some of my faith in this author.
The majority of the book was an excellent fantasy adventure. The story starts with Cania trying to decide whether she should rebuild her life, or just give up. When her landlady suddenly needs help, it is the incentive to again wear her shadow-cloak and get back to bring retribution to the endless evildoers.
I really enjoyed this book and it has revived some of my faith in this author.
February 24, 2024
Wow, this was a great book. Caina, exiled and broken hearted has been sent to create a new ghost circle far away from all she knows. Lots of action, some new characters and of course villains - slavers and sorcerers. Excellent read
January 28, 2019
book 1 of Ghost Exile, but very much after Ghosts, so spoilers for the earlier series ahead.
Starting with how Caina, on her way to her exile as a circlemaster in foreign Istarinmul, is brooding and grief-stricken and throws knives at the mast -- well enough to get a job offer from a circus.
Once there, she goes to piece together what happened to the Ghosts who vanished there, and meets the sister of the old circlemaster, running her coffee shop, and hears about the slavers' drive to get ever more slaves. When a forged document is used to seize the sister's sons and servants, Caina devises a mad plan to rescue them.
The rest involves losing at cards, claiming to have lice, forging a key, a rampage against slavers, the drug wraithblood that is plaguing the city, a woman who can calculate Caina's height and weight, and more
Starting with how Caina, on her way to her exile as a circlemaster in foreign Istarinmul, is brooding and grief-stricken and throws knives at the mast -- well enough to get a job offer from a circus.
Once there, she goes to piece together what happened to the Ghosts who vanished there, and meets the sister of the old circlemaster, running her coffee shop, and hears about the slavers' drive to get ever more slaves. When a forged document is used to seize the sister's sons and servants, Caina devises a mad plan to rescue them.
The rest involves losing at cards, claiming to have lice, forging a key, a rampage against slavers, the drug wraithblood that is plaguing the city, a woman who can calculate Caina's height and weight, and more
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April 16, 2020🎁 Free on Amazon today (4/16/2020)! 🎁
March 15, 2024
About a 2.5, because though it was definitely a "meh" for me, I can't even rightly say what it was doing wrong.
This was my first book by this author, and it's in the middle of a series. Nonetheless, it seemed a good spot to start, given that the main character has finished a big arc and is starting over in a new city. And for awhile I enjoyed it! The worldbuilding wasn't terribly inspired but not terrible either, Caina was capable and independent and had her own personal arc to deal with. So though all the pieces of a plot were there, they felt a bit connect-the-dots rather than creative. And as one thing led to another, I couldn't help but feel like the book was very capably written but not all that complex or deep. The story beats happened where I expected them to, Caina didn't mess up hardly ever, even though there were parts where I was like "that works much better in movies than in real life". There was nothing hugely wrong, it just...felt like there wasn't much to catch my interest, either.
This was my first book by this author, and it's in the middle of a series. Nonetheless, it seemed a good spot to start, given that the main character has finished a big arc and is starting over in a new city. And for awhile I enjoyed it! The worldbuilding wasn't terribly inspired but not terrible either, Caina was capable and independent and had her own personal arc to deal with. So though all the pieces of a plot were there, they felt a bit connect-the-dots rather than creative. And as one thing led to another, I couldn't help but feel like the book was very capably written but not all that complex or deep. The story beats happened where I expected them to, Caina didn't mess up hardly ever, even though there were parts where I was like "that works much better in movies than in real life". There was nothing hugely wrong, it just...felt like there wasn't much to catch my interest, either.
April 18, 2019
Caina is practically suicidal due to her grief over Corvalis' death. Not only does she have to cope with that but she's also been banished to Istarinmul to reestablish a Ghost circle. She gradually picks up the pieces of her life and finds purpose trying to unravel the mystery of wraithblood and the thousands of slaves and citizens being abducted.
She harasses members of the Slavers' Brotherhood enough that Grand Master Callatas puts a bounty on her head as she masquerades as the Balarigar.
She is also visited in her dreams by a spirit spouting vague warnings and pondering whether she is who he has been waiting for.
Lots of action and new situations to be explored.
She harasses members of the Slavers' Brotherhood enough that Grand Master Callatas puts a bounty on her head as she masquerades as the Balarigar.
She is also visited in her dreams by a spirit spouting vague warnings and pondering whether she is who he has been waiting for.
Lots of action and new situations to be explored.
April 27, 2020
This is the first book I have read by the author. Won't be the last. I loved the story!
Caida has been exiled, grieving her mentor and lover's death. Sent to reestablish a ghost circle, she sets out to discover what happened to the previous one. Recklessly seeking justice for those illegally turned into slaves, she joins a circus after barely escaping her own enslavement.
I love this book. It offers intriguing mysteries, disarming disguises,endless exploits, magical mayhem, and vile villains. Settings dry the throat and pierce the heart, the plot twists and turns. I have already purchased the first box set to continue the adventures.
Caida has been exiled, grieving her mentor and lover's death. Sent to reestablish a ghost circle, she sets out to discover what happened to the previous one. Recklessly seeking justice for those illegally turned into slaves, she joins a circus after barely escaping her own enslavement.
I love this book. It offers intriguing mysteries, disarming disguises,endless exploits, magical mayhem, and vile villains. Settings dry the throat and pierce the heart, the plot twists and turns. I have already purchased the first box set to continue the adventures.
June 7, 2018
Ghost in the Coal (Ghost Exile Book 1) (World of the Ghosts) Review
Dear Jonathan, here we are again reading a new adult series from your fabulous creative mind. As you know I really enjoy reading your stories and this new series is a wonderful and imaginative story with an excellent plot line. As always, your characters and imagination are interesting. and fun to read. I highly recommend reading this book and series to adults interested in reading a great story. Thanks for the entertainment!
Dear Jonathan, here we are again reading a new adult series from your fabulous creative mind. As you know I really enjoy reading your stories and this new series is a wonderful and imaginative story with an excellent plot line. As always, your characters and imagination are interesting. and fun to read. I highly recommend reading this book and series to adults interested in reading a great story. Thanks for the entertainment!
September 21, 2021
Ghost Cowl - Exile
Caina saves the world, loses the most important people in her life, and is rewarded with Exile! Now she must find a reason to live while starting over in a foreign city with little more than the shadow cloak on her back.
I'm gonna miss all the characters from the Empire but I have a feeling we might see some of them again. I really enjoyed how Caina used her talents as a thief to cause chaos. It will be fun to watch Caina sow destruction on the Slavers' Brotherhood and the College of Alchemists in Istarinmul.
Caina saves the world, loses the most important people in her life, and is rewarded with Exile! Now she must find a reason to live while starting over in a foreign city with little more than the shadow cloak on her back.
I'm gonna miss all the characters from the Empire but I have a feeling we might see some of them again. I really enjoyed how Caina used her talents as a thief to cause chaos. It will be fun to watch Caina sow destruction on the Slavers' Brotherhood and the College of Alchemists in Istarinmul.
May 19, 2020
With the other Ghost series completed (which I didn't like how it ended but I can see why the author did it that way) comes the Ghost in Exile series. This is the first book in that series and I didn't enjoy it as much as the other series. This series is lacking. But I am going to give it another try. OK Read Everyone!
December 15, 2023
Brilliant
This story is just brilliant fast paced with numerous twists and turns.
Ciana must form a new ghost circle and also find out what Callatas is planning.
Really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend
This story is just brilliant fast paced with numerous twists and turns.
Ciana must form a new ghost circle and also find out what Callatas is planning.
Really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend
February 17, 2025
Interesting character and decent story. There is enough backstory mentioned that I think I missed an entire series! This does work as a starting point though! It is clearly set up for a longer story arc that I will likely read.
February 7, 2019
Ghost exile
Just read ya book and find it gripping. Can’t wait to read the next book. Once start reading can’t put it down
Just read ya book and find it gripping. Can’t wait to read the next book. Once start reading can’t put it down
March 1, 2023
A great continuation of the original Ghosts series. Yay!!!
July 13, 2023
Enjoyable book with strong woman protagonist look forward to the next in the series
December 27, 2024
Caina is back...but shouldn't be. Another big, evil power enslaving people for nefarious purposes...blah blah blah.
Didn't bother reading this unless you're a glutton for punishment.
Didn't bother reading this unless you're a glutton for punishment.
September 15, 2019
Always enjoyable!
I've read most of Mr. Moeller's works and found them all to be well written and interesting. I especially love this series because of the female heroine. Caina never holds back on her enemies and always gets back up if they knock her down. I've missed a few books in other series that she stars in so I'm going to go back to read them before moving ahead with this series.
I've read most of Mr. Moeller's works and found them all to be well written and interesting. I especially love this series because of the female heroine. Caina never holds back on her enemies and always gets back up if they knock her down. I've missed a few books in other series that she stars in so I'm going to go back to read them before moving ahead with this series.
February 22, 2021
I listened to the audio version.
Caina, now in exile struggles to find purpose in her life while dealing with her past. To find some purpose she joins a circus as a knife thrower (as is one's wont). She learns that her landlady has severe problems (family taken) and Caina decides to revert to form an go on the rampage to rescue them.
A nice bridge between the previous series and the one to follow. The narrator did a solid job.
Caina, now in exile struggles to find purpose in her life while dealing with her past. To find some purpose she joins a circus as a knife thrower (as is one's wont). She learns that her landlady has severe problems (family taken) and Caina decides to revert to form an go on the rampage to rescue them.
A nice bridge between the previous series and the one to follow. The narrator did a solid job.
September 1, 2016
Enjoyed the heroine. Refreshing that she is still strong even in her weaker moments. I also liked the the fact that she had already been in love and lost. Too many books focus on the heroines chance at love or her new lover. I liked that he made her who she was in this book, but the story wasn't ruined by mushy love scenes.
February 6, 2017
I did enjoy this first book of the Ghost Exile series but it felt a bit rushed. Caina didn't really have a lot of time to grieve properly but is still setting things alight and saving the world. I'm hoping we may see a return of old characters who have disobeyed the emperor to see Caina and check she is OK. Surely Theodeosia would or Ark? On to the next book now so we shall see...
August 17, 2015
Great, fierce characters. Nicely imagined world. The only two fallbacks (for me) were 1) overlooked editing mistakes and 2) I wish there was a little more romance for the main character... I am looking forward to continuing the journey in the next book.
March 8, 2014
loved it! never been a fan of the cliffhanger but with a series this good, every book feels like a cliffhanger. bring it on ghost in the maze
January 1, 2015
a wonderful new beginning for Caina. New characters, new villains, all well-sketched. And the mystery of the new master-villain replacing Jadriga is growing. Love the series!
August 31, 2015
Misleading title but still an interesting read!
April 30, 2016
There are lots of typos in this one.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews