Curse of the Gargoyles

Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles #2

by Rebecca Chastain

Mika was trying to save a gargoyle, not doom the world...

Mika Stillwater isn’t known for her skills with combat magic. As a gargoyle healer, she spends her days mending broken appendages and curing illnesses in the living-quartz bodies of Terra Haven’s gargoyles. But when a squad of the city’s elite Federal Pentagon Defense warriors requests her assistance in freeing a gargoyle ensnared in a vicious invention, Mika jumps into the fray.

No one could have predicted that her involvement would ignite a chain reaction set to destroy the city, the world, and magic itself.

Brimming with epic magic and loveable gargoyles, Curse of the Gargoyles is the second story in Rebecca Chastain's mesmerizing Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles trilogy. Fantasy fans young and old will delight in this highly original world and exciting, action-packed adventure.

Grab your copy to continue the thrilling trilogy today!


NOVELS OF TERRA HAVEN


GARGOYLES GUARDIAN CHRONICLES
Magic of the Gargoyles
Curse of the Gargoyles
Secret of the Gargoyles
Lured (bonus novelette available free exclusively to newsletter subscribers)


TERRA HAVEN CHRONICLES
Deadlines Dryads (a prequel)
Leads Lynxes (forthcoming)

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Romance, Fiction, Young Adult

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2016

About the author

REBECCA CHASTAIN is a feminist, animal advocate, and nature devotee. She believes empathy is a hero’s trait and love is a motive, an inside job, and a transformative energy that shapes each person’s world. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles series, the Terra Haven Chronicles series that begins with Deadlines & Dryads, and the Madison Fox urban fantasy series.

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Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Mika has discovered her special skills as a gargoyle healer she has been putting them to good use helping to ensure the city's gargoyles are fit and healthy. She still isn't the strongest magical user in general and only has a low level of ability for anything but her earth element but when it comes to her quartz speciality she is second to none. She has managed to keep out of the limelight since rescuing a clutch of baby gargoyles and doesn't really want to get involved in defensive magic again but when a squad of Federal Pentagon Defence warriors request her help to protect a severely abused gargoyle she knows she has to do whatever she can. Unfortunately the gargoyle in question has been linked into a spell that has become highly destructive and unstable so if Mika and the FPD squad aren't able to find a way to break it the whole city could be destroyed in the fallout.

If you enjoyed Magic of the Gargoyles then Curse of the Gargoyles will blow you away! I was excited to get my hands on this story and read about Mika's next adventure but I don't think I even have the words to describe how much I loved this book. Everything I enjoyed in the first story is back here but bigger and better than ever. Mika has so much courage that even though she's relatively inexperienced compared to the squad she is working with she manages to hold her own, she also has an instinctive way about her when it comes to using the quartz element and that is what really makes her so outstanding when it comes to helping gargoyles in need. I just have to say how much I love Rebecca Chastain's descriptions of the elemental magic that Mika and the others use, she creates such vibrant images in my head while I'm reading that it's almost like watching a movie.

We still have the wonderful friendship between Mika and Kylie, they have such a brilliant connection and I enjoy seeing the way they always watch out for each other, it was also great catching up with the FPD squad we were introduced to in the first story and I liked that there are hints of a bit of romance in the air for both Mika and Kylie. As per the first book it was Oliver and his gargoyle siblings who stole the show though, they were adorable babies before but now they're growing bigger and have become much more independant. They all love Mika but she has a very special bond with Oliver and he is always by her side when she needs a magical boost. It wasn't just Mika showing her bravery in this story, Oliver and the others also put themselves in harm's way to protect the city and every other gargoyle in it, they do it because they trust in Mika to keep them safe and I loved that they had so much faith in her even when she's doubting her own abilities.

I can't think of a single negative thing to say about this story apart from that I wanted it to be longer, not because it wasn't completely satisfying in it's own right but because I would have been very happy to spend a lot more time in this world! The brilliant news is that the third story, Secret of the Gargoyles, is due to be published in June so we don't have too much longer to wait and I'll be at the front of the queue to start reading it on release day. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the series will end up being a lot longer than a trilogy though, one more story definitely won't be enough!

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curse of the Gargoyles (Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles #2) by Rebecca Chastain is the second book in the series but could be read without reading book one and the reader would do fine. Our gal, Mika, is now working as a healer of gargoyles. She is called to a special project that could take away her powers if she takes her job and makes a mistake and it could kill the gargoyle. She could also just pass on the job. She just can't do that. What happens is something no one expected and now the whole city is in jeopardy. Exciting and suspense-filled read. Love her side-kick gargoyle Oliver.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Celebrate the release of CURSE OF THE GARGOYLES, Rebecca Chastain is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Click on Banner to Enter!

Heroes are made in time of great need, not born with the hero gene. Mika wasn’t even born with combat magic, but once again, she is called on to aid of the gargoyles of Terra Haven. Take a deep breath and get ready to “rock” and roll with our heroine when the elite Federal Pentagon Defense Warriors draft her to do the impossible, of course, they weren’t planning on her unique methods to almost destroy magic for the world.

Rebecca Chastain is back with her plucky heroine, her delightful little gargoyles and non-stop action all the way with Curse of the Gargoyles. Some magic user has been messing with the attaining the power of the gargoyles and her little invention is slowly draining both the magi and life out of her innocent victims. The problem? The device has taken on a life of its own, able to thwart the best of the best in their efforts to destroy its power. What they thought would be an easy unraveling of the threads of the magic becomes more knotted than a skein of yarn after the cat gets done with it. It takes Mika’s desperate, “out-of-the-box” thinking and five brave little gargoyle siblings to even have a chance at rescuing all of the gargoyles, but it may come with a price that Mika doesn’t have the heart to pay.

Kick aside all you think you know about gargoyles, magic and the Federal Pentagon (is that a play on words???) Defense Warriors, because Rebecca Chastain’s world and the characters that inhabit it are going to have you wanting a little gargoyle of your very own. Talk about brave, caring and giving, Mika is to gargoyles what Mighty Mouse was to his world! She rushes in with no thought for herself and I can almost hear her singing, “Here I come to save the day!” (For those who don’t know Mighty Mouse, Google him)

Fast, fun, furious, (oh wait that was the FPD guy, always angry), anyway, I love this series, great for any age, any time!

I received an ARC edition from Rebecca Chastain in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Gargoyles Guardian Chronicles - Book 2
Publication Date: May 18, 2016
Genre: Fantasy
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com



Merged review:

To Celebrate the release of CURSE OF THE GARGOYLES, Rebecca Chastain is giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Click on Banner to Enter!

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a cluster happening in the neighborhood park! Mika is called in to help heal a gargoyle, but the magic isn’t responding as it should and is slowly killing the gargoyles it comes in to contact with, including Mika’s friend Oliver (warrior in his own right!)
Baby gargoyles are my new favorite characters!! These five are adorable, lovable, and super helpful and protective cuties! Kylie, Mika’s bestie, is a hoot, and then there’s Mika and Marcus whole attraction thing happening...and let’s not forget Marcus’ coworkers roles...ack! Loving this trilogy so much!!

[Lynne Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew so much could happen in one afternoon? Fast paced, this book really introduces you more to the magic of the world, while giving you a mystery to wonder about until next time. Relationships grow, and you learn more about the gargoyles. I love the continuous descriptions of stone, especially how each gargoyle is not only a different animal, but a different stone as well.

I recommend for anyone looking for an urban fantasy series that focuses on magic and an interesting and unique world. Now I have to wait until Deadlines and Dryads comes in the mail so I can read everything in chronological order.

[Susan Brinkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed

So much action in this one! Mika gets recruited to help save a gargoyle in the park, but it turns into so much more. She grows as a character, and learns more about her abilities. Good plot and character development throughout.

[Suzann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the trilogy was fun to read. It was a fast paced story though I admit that when there was a lot of description of the magic and how it works I got to skimming. (That happens a lot when I read the Dresden Files series, by the way. I love that series but...lots of magic description so...skimming!) But that's just me, and I'm sure many other people would find those parts fascinating.
Anyway, this story, at 150 pages, was a bit longer than the first one which I believe was only 96 pages. I love the young gargoyles! Their personalities are adorable. They're not just made of stone, but incorporate gem stones as well, and each is so distinctive in looks and coloring! And did I mention that they're adorable? ;)

[Devann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun book in this series. These books aren't necessarily very complex but they are nice quick reads and the gargoyles are pretty adorable. Also the magic system is very interesting - if maybe a bit too complex sometimes - and reminds me of the Alice Worth series by Lisa Edmonds with the way that they use the different elements. Can't wait to read the final installment!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, imagination takes center stage in this second installment of this series. Almost non-stop, break-neck action consumes the story as Mika, her adopted teenage gargoyles, and an elite team of the best magic wielders around try to fight against a wild, out of control, corrupt magic.
Mika is still quite likable, but I did get tired of her whining that she is just a midlevel elementist. She kept jumping in to protect the abused and innocent gargoyles from being painfully drained of power and life and her quick thinking kept the evil from spreading further. It’s obvious she is much more talented than she realizes herself. It’s time for her to get a more realistic view of herself.

Both books end logically and without cliffhangers but with enough questions and breadcrumbs scattered about that I can’t wait to read the next book.

I also picked this book up through the Kindle Unlimited program and I am pleased to have read this choice story.

Reviewed by Laurie-J

[M.A.SPRIGGS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series

Another enjoyable and imaginative story I. This series. I love this series. A well written and fast paced storyline that I couldn't put down. The world building is seamless and the characters engaging. Highly recommend.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series and it built nicely on the first. It would not work as a standalone book as there is too much unsaid. This book follows Mika as she works in her new career as a gargoyle healer. The gargoyles she rescued in the previous book have all started to find there own place in life as they grow older, except for Oliver the little dragon gargoyle who seems to want to keep working with Mika, refusing to find a new place to live with more balanced magical energies.

Mika is called for emergency help from the FPD team she worked with in the last book (you see why I said you need to read the previous book first to understand this one?). In the middle of park is a dormant gargoyle wrapped in a magical construct designed to extract his magic and make an artificial magical boost for an elemental without needing to work with the living creature. The construct is woven inside the gargoyle and Mika is needed to help extract him and heal him from the damage that has been done.

This book is a masterclass in the magical system built by this author. Honestly, a couple of times my brain hurt a little bit as I tried to work out what she was talking about. However, as far as I could tell it all *seemed* consistent but I wasn’t studying too deeply. Almost the entire book was taken up with magical damage being done by the construct and how to get it all contained and the damage repaired. It was definitely an interesting read and though it sounds dry it was quite a quick and interesting read.

There was also further exploration of the relationships between Mika and the members of the FPD she was working with and it will interesting to see if any deeper friendships form in future books. As the books in the series are so short, approximately 150 pages in this book, there is no time to get bored, but there is also little time for character development and interactions outside the plot. Still, I enjoyed it as much as the first one!

[Amy Braun · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I'm being honest, I'm giving this book 3.5, but boosting it to 4 because I love gargoyles! The premise of the book and the main plot were great––a destructive magical force is unleashed that threatens innocent gargoyles and the city that main character Mika resides in. She's summoned by an elite magical unit to deal with the threat, and the methods of working with their magic to unweave the damage is really interesting and you get into the thought process of the main character. But that's it. Other than the obvious, there aren't many stakes. It's a lot of magic use that I struggled to understand. I would put the book down, come back, and try and remember what they were doing or if I'd skipped ahead somehow. I just couldn't stay invested in a series of events that didn't seem to change. I kind of wish the hurdle the group faced was surmounted quickly and the plot moved onto something more interesting. It was like an action scene dragged out for over half the book. That said, I did enjoy reading it and liked knowing more about the character Marcus, though I'm not entirely sure what his role is aside from Mika's "partner." Mika is still a pretty good, determined character who puts herself before others, but she has some major self-esteem issues to work through. Not to mention she would do things without thinking them through, things that put her and others at risk. Not sure how I felt about her this time around. Still, it was a steady, fun read that I would recommend to anyone who likes gargoyles and lots of magic in their books. Worth checking out!

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9 for me.

I never wanna leave this place, but it would have been nice to leave the park if this whole installment revolves around helping out the sleeping gargoyle. Just a little. lol. Terra Haven is a great place that makes me feel good and Mika's perspective is part of the reason. Her insecurities make her humble and her confidence in her talents make her a great gargoyle healer, which is why she's called after when problems appear in the park.

If this were longer, I would have no issue with every single detail that occurred in the park. Because it really is ALL about the park's problem, I'll say this wasn't my favorite. This installment dealt with a lot of elemental magic and the technicality of it, and that gets old for me sometimes when I'm wanting to know more about the people instead of all the equations Mika's brain goes through. I did like seeing more of the elite squad that appeared in the first book and it was nice getting to know them more. I like the hint of romance between Mika and a certain captain, or the romance between her best friend Kylie and another certain captain. Mika's unyielding love for the gargoyles and "her" gargoyles though are what totally keep me invested in this thing. I love her dedication and loyalty and it makes the magic all the more fun to watch.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 5 out of 5]

not kindle unlimited, available in 3 separate books but actually got it on sale in 3 book collection then it got hidden and forgotten for a bit on the carousel of my reader so fixing that issue today

Mika was trying to save a gargoyle, not doom the world...Mika Stillwater isn’t known for her skills with combat magic. As a gargoyle healer, she spends her days mending broken appendages and curing illnesses in the living-quartz bodies of Terra Haven’s gargoyles. But when a squad of the city’s elite Federal Pentagon Defense warriors requests her assistance in freeing a gargoyle ensnared in a vicious invention, Mika jumps into the fray. No one could have predicted that her involvement would ignite a chain reaction set to destroy the city, the world, and magic itself.


Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles
Magic of the Gargoyles #1
Curse of the Gargoyles #2
Secret of the Gargoyles #3
Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles Omnibus
(Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles #1-3)

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles #2
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it

This was an interesting but also slightly confusing one. Mika is now known as a gargoyle healer and is frequently sought out to help any problem related to gargoyles. The FPD has requested her assistance with a magic that is sucking the magic out of a gargoyle and creating havoc. This was interesting and very action packed. My issue was that they are fighting this Purifier, which is magic, with more elemental magic and it got confusing at times as to what was going on. Also, it felt like the battle just kept being dragged out with more issues popping up every time they made some headway. I did enjoy this overall, but I think the first book was better written and had better pacing.

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Ken Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Curse of the Gargoyles" has a complicated magic system and spends a lot of time, and most of the book, attempting to explain how it works and, just as importantly, how it doesn't.
It's exotic stuff and had me completely baffled.
Mika Stillwater is helping in an attempt to rescue a Gargoyle from the work of a mad scientist, but everything they try just makes things worse, eventually threatening the entire city of Terra Haven.
The thingamajig involved starts off by draining magic from the Gargoyle but, when interfered with, starts to feed off other Gargoyles in the vicinity, increasing its range at a dramatic rate.
Essentially the book is examining the different ways of dealing with an escalating problem.
I almost gave up about two-thirds through but I am glad that I didn't as the ending is very well done.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.

[Ozsaur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Think you need a little more cuteness in your life? How about some non-stop action? The second book in the Gargoyle Guardian series takes off shortly after the first book ends, but the pacing in this book is much faster. After a few pages of set-up, the action takes off, and doesn't stop until the end.

Mika has grown a bit since the first book, but still a little too modest about her abilities. I hope she grows out of it by the next book.

And the seeds for the plot for the next book have been planted, and I have to admit, I'm intrigued. Looking forward to finding out what happens next.

Also, the ending for this book was very satisfying.

This is a great series for when you're feeling down.

[chantal forget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un très bon livre pour ceux qui aime le suspense qui tourne autour de problème magique.
Mika est toujours l'héroïne principal suivit de très près de sa gargouille Oliver. Elle est tout simplement adorable avec ses idées de sauver les gargouilles à tout prix. Elle a peur, mais elle va au-delà de ses peurs... Courageuse tout comme Olivier et ses frères et soeurs.
Et puis il y a Kylie qui semble intéressé au capitaine Grant, une attirance qui semble partagée.
On commence à voir un début d'intérêt entre Marcus Valasquez et Mika. Ça ne rend que l'histoire plus intéressante.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a 3.5 rating. The basic story is good, but would have made a better novella or short story. It went on, and on about helixes, and other things that made me want to nod off. The details were confusing, and words that are not part of normal sentences were used repeatedly to the point that I skimmed almost five chapters without having understood what was being said. I understood it was battle, but there was too much tell, and not showing going on, and it was, frankly, boring. I may give another in the series a try, but if it is like this one, I will abandon.

[Excalibur Snape · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was as good as the first one although it didn’t really explain the ending of the first. Which I feel the ending of the first wasn’t really an ending the second book just jumps into a whole different story the ending was actually an ending.
The villain in this book due to greed almost ended up destroying the world when she just wanted to equalize everyone.
I highly recommend reading this book.
It’s fast pace and entertaining.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Quick, easy read. Likeable characters, interesting plot, has some cool twists. Magic system is really cool. Fun spin on elemental magics, and of course, love the gargoyles. The descriptions of them are awesome, plus it's an interesting concept. Way cooler than your standard stodgy granite guardians.

Great details and descriptions, good character development. Love the bff relationship, not enough women have women friends in fiction!

[Cindy Kerwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was ok, not nearly as good as the first. This entire book was pretty much one instance-a bad thing happens and it was all of them trying to counter the curse-it all takes place in a very small amount of time (an hour?). Its all too complicated and confusing. A jumbled mess of explaining their magic as they're using it. I'm glad I liked the first book, it made reading this worth it to get to the next book.

[Melda A. Corn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curse is as good as Magic

Curse picks up where "Magic of the Gargoyles" left off. The world is just as fascinating, and the romantic interests are developing naturally without any of the usual out of control sex. The "Curse " takes place primarily in one day, primarily in the same location. The story is fast paced and suspenseful. I couldn't put it down... read it in one setting! Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Linda Sherwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense and magical til the end

Oh my, Mika led her group of baby gargoyles to their limits in order to save the whole town, and all the gargoyles and restore order after a malicious sorcerer almost destroyed everything in order to gain the ultimate which the gargoyles possessed. Almost dieing herself she used every last bit of magic and breath she had saving gargoyles and the town.

[Teressa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't as good as the first (or the 3rd, I'm writing my reviews out of order), but I really enjoyed it. I only say it wasn't as good because the big fight was kind of complicated to follow along with at certain times. Overall, I really enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to more books from this author (preferably set in this world, but I guess I can't be too picky).

[Peter Bruyns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top Star

I have just two petty problems with this series. The books are a bit short( I'm through in a average of 75 minutes) and they are very, very easy reading, so much so that the audience is probably early starter readers. The stories are good, excellent and as noted in another review, touch a part in me. It's good clean reading with no worries about age restrictions.

[Macwolf01 [Elise] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles, like the 1st book with was a quick fun read.

I enjoyed the character development and the relationship between Mika and the baby gargoyles is great.
I also like the "police" magic group of 5, the dynamic and function is very interesting.
4.5 stars ... only wish these books were longer.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique

Second of the Gargoyle books, and although I'll freely admit that I got lost in the 'cycle of elements' description and didn't really take it in, I still found the story as interesting and well written as the first book. Mika's quartz magic is fascinating, as is the way she uses it to heal. And so, on to the third book and I hope it is as good as the first two....

[Dawn Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good continuation of series

The situations and magic is more complex and at times a little hard to follow. Mika fights a tremendous amount of magic to save gargoyles and others. Oliver is a cutie and is loyal to Mika.

[ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but...

The storyline is entertaining but WAY to much magical science. I love good world building- but all of the explanations turned into a big blah! I would rather have more story. I will definitely be reading the next book. Here's hoping!