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Fallen Siren #0.5
Captured
Join FBI Agents Emma Monroe and Zack Armstrong.
She’s a Siren. He’s a Werewolf.
Their mission is redemption.
Emma Monroe is a Fallen Siren, cursed by the gods and banished to Earth for her failure to prevent the kidnapping of Persephone. She’s had many names and many lives, but only one mission: redemption. Now she works for the FBI and is on temporary assignment in Charleston. Solving this next missing persons case could be the key to ending her ancient curse—unless the temptation that’s her new partner gets in the way.
Zack Armstrong is a Werewolf. Tall, dark, and dangerous, he currently works for one of the bureau’s elite Child Abduction Rapid Deployment teams. In many respects the man is every bit as mysterious as his secret and perilous past. But there are two things he’s certain about, that he’s going to get his man and his woman.
When Zack finds himself suddenly shy a partner and a third child goes missing in Charleston, Emma goes from consultant to CARD team member in the space of a few hours. The abductions of the first two boys ended in murder, an outcome that neither Zack nor Emma can abide. As they race against time to track down the kidnapper and rescue the latest victim, they find themselves fighting something just as treacherous—a growing attraction that can’t be ignored or denied.
She’s a Siren. He’s a Werewolf.
Their mission is redemption.
Emma Monroe is a Fallen Siren, cursed by the gods and banished to Earth for her failure to prevent the kidnapping of Persephone. She’s had many names and many lives, but only one mission: redemption. Now she works for the FBI and is on temporary assignment in Charleston. Solving this next missing persons case could be the key to ending her ancient curse—unless the temptation that’s her new partner gets in the way.
Zack Armstrong is a Werewolf. Tall, dark, and dangerous, he currently works for one of the bureau’s elite Child Abduction Rapid Deployment teams. In many respects the man is every bit as mysterious as his secret and perilous past. But there are two things he’s certain about, that he’s going to get his man and his woman.
When Zack finds himself suddenly shy a partner and a third child goes missing in Charleston, Emma goes from consultant to CARD team member in the space of a few hours. The abductions of the first two boys ended in murder, an outcome that neither Zack nor Emma can abide. As they race against time to track down the kidnapper and rescue the latest victim, they find themselves fighting something just as treacherous—a growing attraction that can’t be ignored or denied.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 10, 2014
109 people are currently reading
1304 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Harper
5 books546 followersS.J. Harper is the pen name for the writing team of Samantha Sommersby and Jeanne C. Stein, two friends who met at Comic-Con in San Diego and quickly bonded over a mutual love of good wine, edgy urban fantasy, and everything Joss Whedon.
Samantha Sommersby left what she used to call her “real life” day job in the psychiatric field to pursue writing full-time in 2007. She is the author of more than ten novels and novellas including the critically acclaimed Forbidden series. She currently lives with her husband and cocker spaniel, Buck, in a century old Southern California Craftsman. Sam happily spends her days immersed in a world where vampires, werewolves, and demons are real, myths and legends are revered, magic is possible, and love still conquers all.
Jeanne Stein is the national bestselling author of The Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles. She also has numerous short story credits, including most recently the novella, Blood Debt, from the New York Times bestselling anthology, Hexed. Her series has been picked up in three foreign countries and her short stories published in collections here in the US and the UK. She lives in Denver, CO where she finds gardening a challenge more daunting than navigating the world of mythical creatures.
Samantha Sommersby left what she used to call her “real life” day job in the psychiatric field to pursue writing full-time in 2007. She is the author of more than ten novels and novellas including the critically acclaimed Forbidden series. She currently lives with her husband and cocker spaniel, Buck, in a century old Southern California Craftsman. Sam happily spends her days immersed in a world where vampires, werewolves, and demons are real, myths and legends are revered, magic is possible, and love still conquers all.
Jeanne Stein is the national bestselling author of The Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles. She also has numerous short story credits, including most recently the novella, Blood Debt, from the New York Times bestselling anthology, Hexed. Her series has been picked up in three foreign countries and her short stories published in collections here in the US and the UK. She lives in Denver, CO where she finds gardening a challenge more daunting than navigating the world of mythical creatures.
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July 22, 2015
Rating: 3.5 stars
Well that was a surprisingly entertaining read! I can’t remember how I came across this series but was very intrigued by the whole siren/werewolf set-up and decided to give it a try.
Captured is the prequel to Cursed, the actual first instalment in the Fallen Siren series. Although it is not a full-length book (about 160 pages I think) the plot is very detailed and well-constructed. The mystery part of the story is quite complex and several twists & turns make Captured quite a page turner. I would have loved to see more paranormal and less "classic intrigue" here but I understand that the rest of series is more fantasy-oriented, which is what I am looking for.
What I liked most about Captured is the weird siren + werewolf mix (good weird!). I wasn’t too sure about this mythology meets paranormal cocktail since I’m quite partial to the Andrews and to me they are the only authors who actually manage to pull this mix off. Although the world depicted here is not complex enough to rival Kate Daniels, the authors did manage to create a very interesting setting for the series and, most importantly, great character dynamics. I really like Emma, Zack and their interactions. Flirting, sparks, tension, unspoken truths… Little is actually revealed about the characters here but I can see some great potential.
Captured is a very enjoyable novella and it makes me want to jump into this series right away:)
♦ Cursed (#1) ★★★★
♦ Reckoning (#2) ★★★★★
♦ Forsaken (#2.5) ★★★★
Well that was a surprisingly entertaining read! I can’t remember how I came across this series but was very intrigued by the whole siren/werewolf set-up and decided to give it a try.
Captured is the prequel to Cursed, the actual first instalment in the Fallen Siren series. Although it is not a full-length book (about 160 pages I think) the plot is very detailed and well-constructed. The mystery part of the story is quite complex and several twists & turns make Captured quite a page turner. I would have loved to see more paranormal and less "classic intrigue" here but I understand that the rest of series is more fantasy-oriented, which is what I am looking for.
What I liked most about Captured is the weird siren + werewolf mix (good weird!). I wasn’t too sure about this mythology meets paranormal cocktail since I’m quite partial to the Andrews and to me they are the only authors who actually manage to pull this mix off. Although the world depicted here is not complex enough to rival Kate Daniels, the authors did manage to create a very interesting setting for the series and, most importantly, great character dynamics. I really like Emma, Zack and their interactions. Flirting, sparks, tension, unspoken truths… Little is actually revealed about the characters here but I can see some great potential.
Captured is a very enjoyable novella and it makes me want to jump into this series right away:)
♦ Cursed (#1) ★★★★
♦ Reckoning (#2) ★★★★★
♦ Forsaken (#2.5) ★★★★
June 28, 2014
Everybody loves a good back story to a sizzling hot read! Captured by the dynamic duo known collectively as S. J. Harper tells the story of how FBI agents Zack Armstrong and Emma Monroe from Cursed met. Both are more than just FBI agents, both have pasts they must hide, do they both suspect that the other is more than a mere human?
Emma is a Fallen Siren, seeking redemption for a grievous error she made eons ago. Zack is a werewolf holding his past deep within. Children are being abducted and killed, together these two are desperate to end this madness and find the latest victim before the time runs out.
There are sparks of attraction between these two that must be ignored as they ferret out the clues and end the reign of terror paralyzing Charleston, SC, but what about after the case is closed?
It takes a gifted author to cross genres so brilliantly, to have TWO authors working together doing so goes beyond brilliance and goes straight to raw talent and imagination. Downplaying the paranormal side, this mystery will resonate with the most dedicated fans of the race against time, good vs evil. Add the taste of mythology and the heat of romance and the audience this will appeal to is endless!
From page one, these authors ramped up the intrigue, the flirting, and the tension and kept it up throughout. I love their style; it’s magnetic, fresh, a little edgy and powerful! The next book in this series cannot come out fast enough for me!
I received this review copy as part of S. J. Harper's Captured Tour stopping at Tome Tender.
Series: Fallen Siren Series - Book 0.5
Publisher: All Romance eBooks
Publication Date: June 10, 2014
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy | Paranormal
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Emma is a Fallen Siren, seeking redemption for a grievous error she made eons ago. Zack is a werewolf holding his past deep within. Children are being abducted and killed, together these two are desperate to end this madness and find the latest victim before the time runs out.
There are sparks of attraction between these two that must be ignored as they ferret out the clues and end the reign of terror paralyzing Charleston, SC, but what about after the case is closed?
It takes a gifted author to cross genres so brilliantly, to have TWO authors working together doing so goes beyond brilliance and goes straight to raw talent and imagination. Downplaying the paranormal side, this mystery will resonate with the most dedicated fans of the race against time, good vs evil. Add the taste of mythology and the heat of romance and the audience this will appeal to is endless!
From page one, these authors ramped up the intrigue, the flirting, and the tension and kept it up throughout. I love their style; it’s magnetic, fresh, a little edgy and powerful! The next book in this series cannot come out fast enough for me!
I received this review copy as part of S. J. Harper's Captured Tour stopping at Tome Tender.
Series: Fallen Siren Series - Book 0.5
Publisher: All Romance eBooks
Publication Date: June 10, 2014
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy | Paranormal
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
January 2, 2015
This was an absolutely amazing read!!! My first read of 2015 and already it sits on my favourite shelf!!!
First, from reviews I've seen, this book must of come out after book 1, whereas I've been lucky enough to read the prequel first and set the scene for the first book...
Agent Emma Monroe joins Agent Zack Armstrong on a case for the FBI. They are looking for a 3rd missing child, the first two blond 4 years olds were murdered and they are running out of time to find 4 year old number 3.
Zack is a werewolf, Emma is a fallen Siren and she knows about Zack, he doesn't know that she knows and he doesn't know about her!
The pull between these two is amazing through this book and I loved every spell binding page.
I have to say I wasn't sure about the way the book was written at first but the intriguing story sharp overtook any misgivings I thought I'd had.
I can't wait to start reading book 1!
First, from reviews I've seen, this book must of come out after book 1, whereas I've been lucky enough to read the prequel first and set the scene for the first book...
Agent Emma Monroe joins Agent Zack Armstrong on a case for the FBI. They are looking for a 3rd missing child, the first two blond 4 years olds were murdered and they are running out of time to find 4 year old number 3.
Zack is a werewolf, Emma is a fallen Siren and she knows about Zack, he doesn't know that she knows and he doesn't know about her!
The pull between these two is amazing through this book and I loved every spell binding page.
I have to say I wasn't sure about the way the book was written at first but the intriguing story sharp overtook any misgivings I thought I'd had.
I can't wait to start reading book 1!
May 23, 2015
I sure wish I had book 3 right now! The chemistry between Zack and Emma is awesome. And Zack....well he's extra awesome lol. While this novella shows our H and h meeting it's not necessary to the overall story arc. It does fill in the holes though about their previous connection in book 1. I've really enjoyed this series. It's the perfect blend of romance, mystery and paranormal. Can't wait to read the third one later this year!
December 31, 2014
I don't read many short stories, mainly because they don't keep my attention as well as novels do. But if authors are writing short stories as good as this one, I think I might need to change my tune. This novella was excellent.
It's the prequel to the series. In CURSED, we don't get to see Emma and Zack's first meeting, but there are several references to it. This novella is that meeting and, damn, I loved every word of it. Zack and Emma are great partners, and they're a great couple. I'm dying for these two to get a real happily ever after.
I think one reason why this novella works is because it has a plot and characters that are as strong as the full length books. The case they're working on is high stakes and the investigation into it is intriguing and feels real. I do have to put a BIG HUGE WARNING out there, though. This story is about an investigation into child abduction and murder. I have two three-year-olds, and the children in this book who were abducted were three-years-old. That disturbed me so much, and the way the authors wrote about the abductions freaked me out. They happened when parents do the things that parents always do. The parents were neglecting the kids or making unsafe decisions, and that made me want to grab my kids, lock them inside my house, and never take my eyes off them.
I HATE books and movies and any type of story that deals with injury to a child. I will walk out of movies if a child is hurt, and I'm very good at avoiding books where children are victims. I didn't read the synopsis for this book; I just bought it b/c I loved the two full length books so much. I love them so much, that even if I had read the synopsis and realized it was about child abduction/murder, I still would have bought this, hoping that it wasn't that bad.
It's probably not as bad as I'm making it sound.
Anyway, this is a damn good novella and a damn good series, one of my favorite urban fantasy series ever, and I can't wait for book three. If you're not reading this, you should be.
It's the prequel to the series. In CURSED, we don't get to see Emma and Zack's first meeting, but there are several references to it. This novella is that meeting and, damn, I loved every word of it. Zack and Emma are great partners, and they're a great couple. I'm dying for these two to get a real happily ever after.
I think one reason why this novella works is because it has a plot and characters that are as strong as the full length books. The case they're working on is high stakes and the investigation into it is intriguing and feels real. I do have to put a BIG HUGE WARNING out there, though. This story is about an investigation into child abduction and murder. I have two three-year-olds, and the children in this book who were abducted were three-years-old. That disturbed me so much, and the way the authors wrote about the abductions freaked me out. They happened when parents do the things that parents always do. The parents were neglecting the kids or making unsafe decisions, and that made me want to grab my kids, lock them inside my house, and never take my eyes off them.
I HATE books and movies and any type of story that deals with injury to a child. I will walk out of movies if a child is hurt, and I'm very good at avoiding books where children are victims. I didn't read the synopsis for this book; I just bought it b/c I loved the two full length books so much. I love them so much, that even if I had read the synopsis and realized it was about child abduction/murder, I still would have bought this, hoping that it wasn't that bad.
It's probably not as bad as I'm making it sound.
Anyway, this is a damn good novella and a damn good series, one of my favorite urban fantasy series ever, and I can't wait for book three. If you're not reading this, you should be.
June 26, 2014
When I got my hands on the first novel in the Fallen Siren, I knew I had found a wonderful new series I must follow. Captured is a prequel novella to this series, giving us some background and insight into Emma's beginnings with Zack's.
I love the combination of mythology, paranormal and fantasy. The writing team that makes up S. J. Harper creates a fabulously written mystery, wonderfully steamy romantic tension and marvelous world building.
I devoured this story. For fans of Patricia Briggs, this series would be a perfect fit. I know I will be anxiously waiting for Reckoning, coming out October 7, 2014. Don't miss this exciting new storyline!
I received this copy of Captured from S.J. Harper in exchange for a honest review.
Written by: S. J. Harper
Series: Fallen Siren Series
Sequence in Series: .5
Publisher: All Romance eBooks
Publication date: 6/11/2014
Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy | Paranormal
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
I love the combination of mythology, paranormal and fantasy. The writing team that makes up S. J. Harper creates a fabulously written mystery, wonderfully steamy romantic tension and marvelous world building.
I devoured this story. For fans of Patricia Briggs, this series would be a perfect fit. I know I will be anxiously waiting for Reckoning, coming out October 7, 2014. Don't miss this exciting new storyline!
I received this copy of Captured from S.J. Harper in exchange for a honest review.
Written by: S. J. Harper
Series: Fallen Siren Series
Sequence in Series: .5
Publisher: All Romance eBooks
Publication date: 6/11/2014
Rating: 5 Stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy | Paranormal
Find this book on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
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June 17, 2014
I really enjoyed the Cursed when I read it last year so when I was offered a review copy of the prequel novel Captured I jumped at the chance of reading it. Captured may be a prequel but at around 170 pages you certainly get plenty of story and I really enjoyed getting to see Emma and Zack's first meeting. If you are new to the Fallen Siren series then you can definitely start here, you'll even find an extract of Cursed included at the end so you can make a start on it immediately after finishing this. Captured is a fab introduction to the series and it's one I'm really looking forward to continuing.
For those that haven't come across these books before the main character is Emma, a siren who was cursed by the god Demeter and who has spent centuries trying to atone for her sins so that the curse will be lifted. Emma works as an FBI Agent and her current case involves her travelling to Charleston to help find a kidnapped child. Cooper is the third child to be taken and the previous two were found murdered so the FBI need to work fast if they are going to find him alive. Emma has been brought in to work alongside another agent, Zack, and the chemistry between them is sizzling from their very first meeting. Zack is not just an FBI agent, he's also a werewolf, but he doesn't know that Emma is a siren and she will do whatever it takes to keep it a secret from him. Emma may be attracted to Zack she has very good reasons to avoid getting into any kind of relationship and she is determined to keep him at arm's length no matter how charming he is or how much she wishes she could take things further.
Although we get a little information about the curse placed on Emma and what that means for her life this prequel focuses much more on introducing the main characters and showing how well they work together. Don't worry though because you'll get a lot more detail about the supernatural side to the world in the next book and there is enough here to give you a good idea of what to expect from the series. Anyone who has already read Cursed will know that Emma and Zack had worked together previously and I really enjoyed seeing that in a lot more detail. I also liked the mystery of who was behind the kidnappings and didn't put everything together until about the same time that Emma and Zack started to figure things out.
Captured is a nice introduction to the series for newbies but it was also a great way of giving fans of Cursed more background information about the main characters. It helped to tide me over until the next novel, Reckoning, is released in October but it has left me eager to spend more time with these characters.
For those that haven't come across these books before the main character is Emma, a siren who was cursed by the god Demeter and who has spent centuries trying to atone for her sins so that the curse will be lifted. Emma works as an FBI Agent and her current case involves her travelling to Charleston to help find a kidnapped child. Cooper is the third child to be taken and the previous two were found murdered so the FBI need to work fast if they are going to find him alive. Emma has been brought in to work alongside another agent, Zack, and the chemistry between them is sizzling from their very first meeting. Zack is not just an FBI agent, he's also a werewolf, but he doesn't know that Emma is a siren and she will do whatever it takes to keep it a secret from him. Emma may be attracted to Zack she has very good reasons to avoid getting into any kind of relationship and she is determined to keep him at arm's length no matter how charming he is or how much she wishes she could take things further.
Although we get a little information about the curse placed on Emma and what that means for her life this prequel focuses much more on introducing the main characters and showing how well they work together. Don't worry though because you'll get a lot more detail about the supernatural side to the world in the next book and there is enough here to give you a good idea of what to expect from the series. Anyone who has already read Cursed will know that Emma and Zack had worked together previously and I really enjoyed seeing that in a lot more detail. I also liked the mystery of who was behind the kidnappings and didn't put everything together until about the same time that Emma and Zack started to figure things out.
Captured is a nice introduction to the series for newbies but it was also a great way of giving fans of Cursed more background information about the main characters. It helped to tide me over until the next novel, Reckoning, is released in October but it has left me eager to spend more time with these characters.
August 1, 2014
Emma Monroe is first a Siren banished forced to live as a human keeping her abilities dormant for fear of facing the wrath of the one who tortured her. Emma has been consulting with another agent who's in Charleston working on a kidnapping turned murder when another boy is taken. Wanting to find the boy alive Emma fly's in so the two can go over the prior murders and catch the killer.
While putting in long hours Emma develops a slight interest in Zack her partner but in a non-business fashion but she refuses to let it get in the way. She also had a inkling that Zack was a werewolf and after meeting him in person it has been confirmed to her that he is. As the two work the cold cases again they find a link but the reason the boys have gone missing has nothing to do with a ransom but something my chilling.
I liked Emma right from the start she's one of those characters you can't help liking. I find her back story interesting being a fallen siren that has a mage touchstone who helps her downplay her looks. Very interesting and since this is a prequel we received a little insight into who Emma really is which I enjoyed. I also really liked Zack he's just a good guy who might just be what the Siren needs so we will have to wait and see.
I instantly was drawn the concept for Captured the idea of a fallen Siren plus the added bonus I haven't read my siren books it sounded like a must read. It doesn't hurt that the cover is beautiful and looks beautiful on my kindle hdx either. I found the concept for Captured to be captivating the authors have taken the siren idea and added their own unique spin. The authors have done a great job creating characters that are easy to connect with that you can't help falling in love with. Captured had everything I needed for it to be a perfect story. The story is loaded with mystery, action packed, hints into the paranormal world and a little romance. I've become a quick fan and can't wait to read the next installment because I really loved this one.
While putting in long hours Emma develops a slight interest in Zack her partner but in a non-business fashion but she refuses to let it get in the way. She also had a inkling that Zack was a werewolf and after meeting him in person it has been confirmed to her that he is. As the two work the cold cases again they find a link but the reason the boys have gone missing has nothing to do with a ransom but something my chilling.
I liked Emma right from the start she's one of those characters you can't help liking. I find her back story interesting being a fallen siren that has a mage touchstone who helps her downplay her looks. Very interesting and since this is a prequel we received a little insight into who Emma really is which I enjoyed. I also really liked Zack he's just a good guy who might just be what the Siren needs so we will have to wait and see.
I instantly was drawn the concept for Captured the idea of a fallen Siren plus the added bonus I haven't read my siren books it sounded like a must read. It doesn't hurt that the cover is beautiful and looks beautiful on my kindle hdx either. I found the concept for Captured to be captivating the authors have taken the siren idea and added their own unique spin. The authors have done a great job creating characters that are easy to connect with that you can't help falling in love with. Captured had everything I needed for it to be a perfect story. The story is loaded with mystery, action packed, hints into the paranormal world and a little romance. I've become a quick fan and can't wait to read the next installment because I really loved this one.
July 1, 2014
Review courtesy All Things Urban Fantasy
Ever find yourself wondering about a loved-book’s backstory reference and thinking “hey, I wish I could read that”? I did when I first read Cursed. I loved Emma and Zach from the start with the references to their first case, I kept going back to Goodreads, wondering if I’d missed one.
I hadn’t. It wasn’t out yet. But it is now. And CAPTURED is everything I’d hoped to find when I was looking in vain for their first case together.
A quick read, at just under 150 pages, CAPTURED does a great job showing what Zach and Emma were like at first meeting – and I’m thrilled to announce that Zach’s wit and charm are just as adorable as they were in Cursed. The story itself focuses more on the pair solving a case and setting up their dynamic as co-investigators, but the sparks are there. Emma’s a little more distant than she was in Cursed, and for good reason. In CAPTURED, she hasn’t had months and months to think about Zach. She’s determined to do her job and go home – like she always did.
Even for a novella, the case is surprisingly complex and doesn’t feel like something just thrown together. The twists and false leads made for a compelling read and made me all the more thirsty for Reckoning.
Ever find yourself wondering about a loved-book’s backstory reference and thinking “hey, I wish I could read that”? I did when I first read Cursed. I loved Emma and Zach from the start with the references to their first case, I kept going back to Goodreads, wondering if I’d missed one.
I hadn’t. It wasn’t out yet. But it is now. And CAPTURED is everything I’d hoped to find when I was looking in vain for their first case together.
A quick read, at just under 150 pages, CAPTURED does a great job showing what Zach and Emma were like at first meeting – and I’m thrilled to announce that Zach’s wit and charm are just as adorable as they were in Cursed. The story itself focuses more on the pair solving a case and setting up their dynamic as co-investigators, but the sparks are there. Emma’s a little more distant than she was in Cursed, and for good reason. In CAPTURED, she hasn’t had months and months to think about Zach. She’s determined to do her job and go home – like she always did.
Even for a novella, the case is surprisingly complex and doesn’t feel like something just thrown together. The twists and false leads made for a compelling read and made me all the more thirsty for Reckoning.
February 27, 2015
review to come.
September 12, 2018
2.5 Stars
July 19, 2014
<4
The problem with fans is that we are unable to stop blabbering how much we like that fantastic author/series/book and that everyone has to read it too!
I'm way more cool with books I found lacking. So, I hope you'll forgive me if this review doesn't sound so interesting at the end. Because, you know, I love this series. Action fantasy, mystery and detective stories are to me the real core of UF, even if PNR fans may disagree.
Captured is a classic run-against-time detective story at its heart. Or, yes, for fans, it is also the motherlore, the point where all begins. But I guess this is not what may interest the casual observer/reader.
What you need to know. This novella has a solid story with a good mystery. It may have hinted at the culprit a bit too easily, but in half a book, you have also half the time. And the characters were right there behind the readers. Expected, maybe, but still good.
World-building is a bit lighter here. But I don't think it was really expected for you to read book 0.5 before 1, prequel-status notwithstanding :D
The problem with fans is that we are unable to stop blabbering how much we like that fantastic author/series/book and that everyone has to read it too!
I'm way more cool with books I found lacking. So, I hope you'll forgive me if this review doesn't sound so interesting at the end. Because, you know, I love this series. Action fantasy, mystery and detective stories are to me the real core of UF, even if PNR fans may disagree.
Captured is a classic run-against-time detective story at its heart. Or, yes, for fans, it is also the motherlore, the point where all begins. But I guess this is not what may interest the casual observer/reader.
What you need to know. This novella has a solid story with a good mystery. It may have hinted at the culprit a bit too easily, but in half a book, you have also half the time. And the characters were right there behind the readers. Expected, maybe, but still good.
World-building is a bit lighter here. But I don't think it was really expected for you to read book 0.5 before 1, prequel-status notwithstanding :D
March 17, 2015
I guess I disagree with most of the reviews. While this is the first case Emma worked with Zach, I didn't feel like it added much in terms of foundation/background to this story. This could have been 30-40 pages added to book 1.
Very little explanation on Emna's background or even Zach's that I wasn't already aware of because of book 1. Just mentioned the best friend Witch once. It was clear to me that this Prequel was written after book 1.
With that said, I did like this novella. It was an investigation into a series of child abductions. Zach's partner had to withdraw as his wife needed surgery, so Zach was paired with Emma. Both had supernatural powers to aid the investigation, but they both had to hid it for different reasons. No romance except a little hookup in the last 15 mins of the book, so the focus was on the mystery. I enjoyed the story and I am ready for book 2.
Very little explanation on Emna's background or even Zach's that I wasn't already aware of because of book 1. Just mentioned the best friend Witch once. It was clear to me that this Prequel was written after book 1.
With that said, I did like this novella. It was an investigation into a series of child abductions. Zach's partner had to withdraw as his wife needed surgery, so Zach was paired with Emma. Both had supernatural powers to aid the investigation, but they both had to hid it for different reasons. No romance except a little hookup in the last 15 mins of the book, so the focus was on the mystery. I enjoyed the story and I am ready for book 2.
March 13, 2015
This is a nice, short introduction to the series but it was also a great way of giving readers more background information about the main characters. I really liked the combination of mythology, suspense, paranormal and fantasy it offered and I will keep reading the series!
October 27, 2019
This novella was good but not what I was expecting. The paranormal aspect of it was extremely minor. The only hint of paranormal was knowing that one of the main characters was fae and the other was a werewolf. Mainly this was a kidnapping case with two FBI agents working on it. There was a minor romantic element with Emma and Zack, but I wasn't feeling the chemistry between them. Since this was a novella, it probably wasn't as well fleshed out as the first novel in the series would be, but I'm not feeling inclined to read the next one to find out if that's true.
June 20, 2014
Captured is S.J. Harper's prequel story to Cursed, the launch of the Fallen Siren series! And it was awesome! While reading Cursed last year, you could tell that Emma and Zack had a strong history with one another. It might have only been a week, but it was an intense week, and now we get the whole story!
Emma is called to Charleston, SC to help Zack in a child abduction case. This is the third one that's occurred in a certain amount of time. Emma had been assisting via phone calls and now she's in the city to help as a third child had recently gone missing. The previous taken boys turned up dead after more time passed, and Zack is hoping that with Emma's help a third death can be prevented.
I actually visited Charleston last year and it was quite a sight to see, and getting to return there through this story was awesome! I recognized street names and other locations that popped up and that's always fun for me when reading!
Anyway, this prequel novella was everything I was hoping for! There was a great mystery to solve and I kind of thought I pinpointed out the suspect at one particular point and it turns out I was partly right too!
The supernatural elements in this story are kind of hidden. All those paranormal beings are in the closet in this world, so Emma must keep her secret, secret. And Zack never reveals his secret to Emma, she just knows. The pacing to this one was a little slow, but in a sense, it works. I'll explain; Emma and Zack get right to following up leads and talking to witnesses and they hit dead-ends at nearly every turn, hence why it seemed slow. But when they get a major break in the case, things start to pick up and pick up fast!
The ending was definitely bittersweet, for if you've read Cursed, you know what happens here. But if you haven't read that yet, which I will say you should because it was freaking awesome!, then I won't say what happens, but it's pretty obvious as you're reading along! Well, that happens! And then the aftermath happens. Hence the bittersweetness of the ending. But then I just have to remember that we have Cursed and the story really isn't over at all. It's just beginning!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
Emma is called to Charleston, SC to help Zack in a child abduction case. This is the third one that's occurred in a certain amount of time. Emma had been assisting via phone calls and now she's in the city to help as a third child had recently gone missing. The previous taken boys turned up dead after more time passed, and Zack is hoping that with Emma's help a third death can be prevented.
I actually visited Charleston last year and it was quite a sight to see, and getting to return there through this story was awesome! I recognized street names and other locations that popped up and that's always fun for me when reading!
Anyway, this prequel novella was everything I was hoping for! There was a great mystery to solve and I kind of thought I pinpointed out the suspect at one particular point and it turns out I was partly right too!
The supernatural elements in this story are kind of hidden. All those paranormal beings are in the closet in this world, so Emma must keep her secret, secret. And Zack never reveals his secret to Emma, she just knows. The pacing to this one was a little slow, but in a sense, it works. I'll explain; Emma and Zack get right to following up leads and talking to witnesses and they hit dead-ends at nearly every turn, hence why it seemed slow. But when they get a major break in the case, things start to pick up and pick up fast!
The ending was definitely bittersweet, for if you've read Cursed, you know what happens here. But if you haven't read that yet, which I will say you should because it was freaking awesome!, then I won't say what happens, but it's pretty obvious as you're reading along! Well, that happens! And then the aftermath happens. Hence the bittersweetness of the ending. But then I just have to remember that we have Cursed and the story really isn't over at all. It's just beginning!
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
August 20, 2015
Emma is an expert in child abduction cases and is called to help an FBI agent with a new series of abductions. Emma is also a cursed fallen Siren, trying to hide her power from the FBI agent who is secretly a werewolf. I liked the idea of two supernaturals with secrets tryi ng to solve the crime together but it just didn't fully deliver on its promise.
First problem for me was the details given on things you don't give a damn about. Every single meal that they ate during the investigation was described in massive detail, as well as countless discussions about the full menu and what each option was. This got to be very annoying and it added nothing to the story.
We are constantly reminded about their attraction to each other every few paragraphs as well as all the reasons why they couldn't be a couple. This repetition also became boring.
The actual plot was interesting enough but we didn't really see the use of their powers until the very end so it felt more like a basic crime novel than a paranormal mystery. The reason it gets three stars is because it was well written and showed promise but the full length novel needs to really deliver to keep me reading on in the series.
First problem for me was the details given on things you don't give a damn about. Every single meal that they ate during the investigation was described in massive detail, as well as countless discussions about the full menu and what each option was. This got to be very annoying and it added nothing to the story.
We are constantly reminded about their attraction to each other every few paragraphs as well as all the reasons why they couldn't be a couple. This repetition also became boring.
The actual plot was interesting enough but we didn't really see the use of their powers until the very end so it felt more like a basic crime novel than a paranormal mystery. The reason it gets three stars is because it was well written and showed promise but the full length novel needs to really deliver to keep me reading on in the series.
December 24, 2016
I'm always on the prowl for a new to me Urban Fantasy series to love and I think I spotted one with the Fallen Siren series after reading Captured.
See, that's just it, the heroine is a siren. I was intrigued. And then she's a cracker jack FBI agent specializing in 'missing persons'. So a suspense plot. And her partner is a handsome, capable werewolf pretending to be human. They can't act on the sizzle of attraction between them because she's a cursed siren who can get people killed if its known she cares for them. Gah.
This prequel was a solid and engaging story from start to finish. Emma and Zack come together for the first time to solve the murders of two children and find the latest missing child before the killer strikes again. Mostly they relied on good detective work, but their super-human gifts came out to play, too. They keep their supernaturalness a secret and Zack doesn't know Emma's a siren even if she knows he's a werewolf.
Great start and look forward to more from the series.
See, that's just it, the heroine is a siren. I was intrigued. And then she's a cracker jack FBI agent specializing in 'missing persons'. So a suspense plot. And her partner is a handsome, capable werewolf pretending to be human. They can't act on the sizzle of attraction between them because she's a cursed siren who can get people killed if its known she cares for them. Gah.
This prequel was a solid and engaging story from start to finish. Emma and Zack come together for the first time to solve the murders of two children and find the latest missing child before the killer strikes again. Mostly they relied on good detective work, but their super-human gifts came out to play, too. They keep their supernaturalness a secret and Zack doesn't know Emma's a siren even if she knows he's a werewolf.
Great start and look forward to more from the series.
January 21, 2015
I enjoyed this little prequel story, though I am embarrassed to admit that I've actually read the first book but initially couldn't remember anything about it - though the fact that FBI agent Emma, who a Siren seeking redemption by finding and returning missing persons, seemed familiar (I can't believe I completely forgot about her southern gentleman werewolf partner, Zack.)
The missing person to find is a four year old boy abducted from his home, the clock is ticking since it is believed that this case is connected to the abduction of two other boys who were eventually found dead, so time is of the essence and clues are scarce. I don't read a ton of this type of investigation story but I thought that it was done fairly well for a short story. And brushing back up on the series, it inspired me to wishlist book 2.
The missing person to find is a four year old boy abducted from his home, the clock is ticking since it is believed that this case is connected to the abduction of two other boys who were eventually found dead, so time is of the essence and clues are scarce. I don't read a ton of this type of investigation story but I thought that it was done fairly well for a short story. And brushing back up on the series, it inspired me to wishlist book 2.
November 17, 2014
Review: FBI Agent Emma Monroe is called in to consult on a child abduction case in Charleston SC. Three blond hair blue eyed boys have been taken and the first two killed and the race is on to find the third before it's too late. She is assisting Agent Zack Armstrong, who is also a were. There is some attraction and light flirting, but it's all about solving this crime first. Really enjoyed this book which is a prequel to the Fallen Siren series. Emma is a Siren but that is really a small detail in this mystery as is Zack's were abilities. Great writing and storyline, which I discovered is a writing team including Jeanne C. Stein. Definitely continuing with this series which has all the potential of a good UF series.
Read
July 1, 2014Ever find yourself wondering about a loved-book’s backstory reference and thinking “hey, I wish I could read that”? I did when I first read Cursed. I loved Emma and Zach from the start with the references to their first case, I kept going back to Goodreads, wondering if I’d missed one.
I hadn’t. It wasn’t out yet. But it is now. And CAPTURED is everything I’d hoped to find when I was looking in vain for their first case together.
Read the rest @ All Things Urban Fantasy
I hadn’t. It wasn’t out yet. But it is now. And CAPTURED is everything I’d hoped to find when I was looking in vain for their first case together.
Read the rest @ All Things Urban Fantasy
July 26, 2016
This was a wonderful little prequel, telling the story of Emma and Zack's first meeting and their first case together. It took a couple of chapters to get into the rhythm of this POV again but once I did, it made sense. I enjoyed this little peek into their past and was glad to see that their chemistry was just as delicious as I remembered. It has certainly whetted my appetite for the next book in this series ~ coming soon to a nightstand near me!
FTC Advisory - I received a copy of this book from the authors and no compensation was given for my review.
FTC Advisory - I received a copy of this book from the authors and no compensation was given for my review.
January 25, 2015
While it's clear research went into this, some of the investigations stuff felt a little uneven/unconvincing, and there really wasn't much of the paranormal stuff, which was a bit disappointing. Still, this is a prequel, so I'm open to reading the first book, especially since Sandy Williams raved about it so much.
September 1, 2014
3.5 to 4 stars
I enjoyed learning about Emma and Zack's first case together, though the mystery wasn't too difficult to figure out. Captured will hold me over until the next book in series is released in October.
I enjoyed learning about Emma and Zack's first case together, though the mystery wasn't too difficult to figure out. Captured will hold me over until the next book in series is released in October.
January 16, 2016
I very much enjoyed this story of a fallen siren and her quest for redemption. Every case leads her closer to finding her salvation and a little bit of sexy doesn't hurt either! Great read and so pleased to know this is Jeanne Stein in a new series.
July 22, 2014
absolutely loved it ... even though this was a novella it was amazing, characters as well as storyline
detailed review to come
detailed review to come
October 24, 2014
I enjoyed this free novella I picked up on Amazon. Great characters and a well-paced story progression.
January 21, 2015
Average read.
March 26, 2015
3.5 stars
Helpful prequel. It fills in some of the gaps I found in book one, but still I'm still waiting to learn more about Zack.
Helpful prequel. It fills in some of the gaps I found in book one, but still I'm still waiting to learn more about Zack.
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