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Cathell #2
The Taming
A year ago, vampyre Thystle Moran was forced to kill a friend. She never knew why he turned against her, until now. As she enters a dark world of betrayal and murder born of hate, she’s about to learn that some stones are better left unturned. Events of Thystle’s past come back to haunt her and the distractions of a mysterious young woman threaten to hamper her search for a mage out to destroy her kind. This time, her sword alone may not be enough to save her.
Content warning: the explicit violence, gore, and adult content in this book may not be suitable for all readers.
Content warning: the explicit violence, gore, and adult content in this book may not be suitable for all readers.
122 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2016
1 person is currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Rycroft
12 books191 followersA.M. Rycroft is the award-winning author of multiple dark fantasy series and horror short stories. She was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, so she naturally bleeds black and gold whenever she gets a paper cut. Her hobbies include binge watching hockey and football, ignoring her inbox as much as possible, and adding to her superhero bobblehead collection.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 1, 2016
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of this wonderful, little novella and if you're looking for a quick and easy fantasy read look no further for the The Tamin by A.M. Rycroft has it all.
I was hooked from the very first chapter when Thystle, a vamprye who is mourning her friends death is met by an imp claiming to know who is responsible for the way her friend died. So of course, Thystle sets out for the truth and finds herself in a very dangerous predicament. It features a small range of characters including the love interest Lilla, her maker Wiat, and a villain that makes your blood boil.
I couldn't put this down and read it all in one sitting. The only problem I had with this novella was that it wasn't long enough to quench my thirst for the story. I needed more of the characters, more of the world, more everything. It was so good.
The Taming gets 4.5 stars out of 5 for me. I hope to read more of this author and hopefully this story in the future. Keep an eye out for it, fantasy lovers!
I was hooked from the very first chapter when Thystle, a vamprye who is mourning her friends death is met by an imp claiming to know who is responsible for the way her friend died. So of course, Thystle sets out for the truth and finds herself in a very dangerous predicament. It features a small range of characters including the love interest Lilla, her maker Wiat, and a villain that makes your blood boil.
I couldn't put this down and read it all in one sitting. The only problem I had with this novella was that it wasn't long enough to quench my thirst for the story. I needed more of the characters, more of the world, more everything. It was so good.
The Taming gets 4.5 stars out of 5 for me. I hope to read more of this author and hopefully this story in the future. Keep an eye out for it, fantasy lovers!
July 7, 2016
Let me start off this book review by saying I received a free copy of The Taming by A.M. Rycroft in exchange for an honest review.
The Taming is a quick read about a rather brash and imprudent vampyre named Thystle Moran. She has some emotional baggage that does not help her decision-making process. She runs up against a man who has it in for anyone and anything not human.
I had fun reading this one! It was paced well. I think Rycroft did a great job of mixing in enough flashbacks to fill in backstory. The flashbacks felt like they were balanced well with the current events in the story and were limited to just enough to tell the bits needed without becoming an information dump. I have to say, I liked Thystle. She was a wonderful combination of seasoned sell-sword with brash, impulsive, almost teenager-like young woman.
I have only two critiques. The first is that there were a few spots where the writing seemed like it could have been tightened a little more. Nothing outstanding, more just tweaking words and phrases here and there. Overall, this is pretty minor and likely a good portion just me and my preferences. The other is that the story seemed over almost too fast. I felt like it could have been drawn out a little more or something. Then again, I also have it on good authority that Rycroft has been looking at venturing back into this world for additional stories. If she does, it may well address this critique.
Overall, I enjoyed The Taming and would recommend it for anyone who likes creepy, crawly, vampyre type stories that go bump in the night.
The Taming is a quick read about a rather brash and imprudent vampyre named Thystle Moran. She has some emotional baggage that does not help her decision-making process. She runs up against a man who has it in for anyone and anything not human.
I had fun reading this one! It was paced well. I think Rycroft did a great job of mixing in enough flashbacks to fill in backstory. The flashbacks felt like they were balanced well with the current events in the story and were limited to just enough to tell the bits needed without becoming an information dump. I have to say, I liked Thystle. She was a wonderful combination of seasoned sell-sword with brash, impulsive, almost teenager-like young woman.
I have only two critiques. The first is that there were a few spots where the writing seemed like it could have been tightened a little more. Nothing outstanding, more just tweaking words and phrases here and there. Overall, this is pretty minor and likely a good portion just me and my preferences. The other is that the story seemed over almost too fast. I felt like it could have been drawn out a little more or something. Then again, I also have it on good authority that Rycroft has been looking at venturing back into this world for additional stories. If she does, it may well address this critique.
Overall, I enjoyed The Taming and would recommend it for anyone who likes creepy, crawly, vampyre type stories that go bump in the night.
June 6, 2016
Thystle learns that the death of a friend may not be an accident but a set-up. She searches for the man responsible. The man who is looking for her to carry out his sentence of death of her.
I like Thystle. She is a vampyre who lives among humans. She is strong. I like that she is able to be humble and care about others. I like the potential female/female romance that may be beginning here. I like that she is able to be assertive when dealing with others within her vampyre community as well as other immortals and humans.
The secondary characters all have a connection to Thystle. I would like to know more of the back story of Thystle and them, especially Wiat, her Maker. He in angry with her and angered by her but in his way he has her back. I want to see where her relationship with Lilla goes. I also want to know what the Immortals want with Thystle.
The world building is good. As we readers need the explanations we are given more details of this world. This world becomes more layered with more questions about the people in this realm. I hope more books will be coming that will answer my questions.
The Taming is well done and quickly read. I will be reading more of A. M. Rycroft.
I like Thystle. She is a vampyre who lives among humans. She is strong. I like that she is able to be humble and care about others. I like the potential female/female romance that may be beginning here. I like that she is able to be assertive when dealing with others within her vampyre community as well as other immortals and humans.
The secondary characters all have a connection to Thystle. I would like to know more of the back story of Thystle and them, especially Wiat, her Maker. He in angry with her and angered by her but in his way he has her back. I want to see where her relationship with Lilla goes. I also want to know what the Immortals want with Thystle.
The world building is good. As we readers need the explanations we are given more details of this world. This world becomes more layered with more questions about the people in this realm. I hope more books will be coming that will answer my questions.
The Taming is well done and quickly read. I will be reading more of A. M. Rycroft.
February 16, 2017
I received The Taming as a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read Into the Darkness (the first in the series) and fell in love with Thystle, so I was really excited to see a standalone novella just about her. It was great to learn more about Thystle's past, and get a better look at her character. Rycroft manages to balance Thystle as a character, giving her a good number of realistic flaws while keeping her kick-ass nature. Rycroft has unleashed a character on the fantasy genre who will keep readers coming back for many more stories.
I read Into the Darkness (the first in the series) and fell in love with Thystle, so I was really excited to see a standalone novella just about her. It was great to learn more about Thystle's past, and get a better look at her character. Rycroft manages to balance Thystle as a character, giving her a good number of realistic flaws while keeping her kick-ass nature. Rycroft has unleashed a character on the fantasy genre who will keep readers coming back for many more stories.
September 26, 2016
Perfection
Loved this just as much as Into The Darkness. Was sad it ended so soon. It has twists and bends and loops abound and will keep you reading to the end. I want more of Thystle and her adventures and loved that we get to learn more about her as a character in this book. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment! Again, if you enjoy Eragon, Narnia, or Lord of the Rings you MUST read these books.
Loved this just as much as Into The Darkness. Was sad it ended so soon. It has twists and bends and loops abound and will keep you reading to the end. I want more of Thystle and her adventures and loved that we get to learn more about her as a character in this book. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment! Again, if you enjoy Eragon, Narnia, or Lord of the Rings you MUST read these books.
February 22, 2017
I received this book for free in exchange of a honest review as part of the Read It and Reap program ongoin in the Shut up & Read Group
I'm a fantasy addict and I'm used to pick up random books to read, especially in this genre because I'm 99% sure that I'll enjoy it. That's what happened with The Taming. I didn't noticed when I accepted and started to read it that it was a second in a series.
Even though it's signed as a second book in The Catchell Series this is a stand alone story. As far as I understood, the main character here Thystle Moran is not the main one in the first book.
Premises done, this is my impression:
I really enjoyed the main character, Thystle. A female badass independent Vampire. Yes, she struggles with her being a Vampire, but fortunately not in a pity way.
I think this short novel reached it's purpose: it made me curious to know more about the world created by Rycroft and willing to read the first novel. If I were already a follower of the series I pretty sure this would've been a sweet focus on Thystle's character and a good setting for next adventures. Yes, I want to know who's Jonathan, where does Thystle come from and what's going to happen next to her!
It's because of all this curiosity and willingness to know more that I'm a bit upset for this being so short. I'm easy to fall for the kind of plot where the bad guy is bad, but he's not the worst and there are even worst guys than him. I would've liked this to be a little less fast paced and have more time to ask myself what's coming next and get to know more about the relationships.
In the end, I like this portrayal of Vampires, it's different than others that I've read. I'll read the other novel ASAP to find out more about them and the other creatures in this universe.
Plans for the future: reading Into the Darkness and stalking A. M. for more stories.
I'm a fantasy addict and I'm used to pick up random books to read, especially in this genre because I'm 99% sure that I'll enjoy it. That's what happened with The Taming. I didn't noticed when I accepted and started to read it that it was a second in a series.
Even though it's signed as a second book in The Catchell Series this is a stand alone story. As far as I understood, the main character here Thystle Moran is not the main one in the first book.
Premises done, this is my impression:
I really enjoyed the main character, Thystle. A female badass independent Vampire. Yes, she struggles with her being a Vampire, but fortunately not in a pity way.
I think this short novel reached it's purpose: it made me curious to know more about the world created by Rycroft and willing to read the first novel. If I were already a follower of the series I pretty sure this would've been a sweet focus on Thystle's character and a good setting for next adventures. Yes, I want to know who's Jonathan, where does Thystle come from and what's going to happen next to her!
It's because of all this curiosity and willingness to know more that I'm a bit upset for this being so short. I'm easy to fall for the kind of plot where the bad guy is bad, but he's not the worst and there are even worst guys than him. I would've liked this to be a little less fast paced and have more time to ask myself what's coming next and get to know more about the relationships.
In the end, I like this portrayal of Vampires, it's different than others that I've read. I'll read the other novel ASAP to find out more about them and the other creatures in this universe.
Plans for the future: reading Into the Darkness and stalking A. M. for more stories.
September 3, 2022
Working both as an exciting fantasy tale and a convincing horror story, The Taming is a fast-paced, well-written novella that all but demands to be read in a single setting. A.M. Rycroft imbues her tale with just enough worldbuilding and history to ground the reader, but allows the strength of Thystle to carry the story.
Without giving anything away, I loved the fact that Rycroft took the parasitic approach to vampirism here. Forget your crosses and your holy water, and don't count on daylight to save you. The vampires here are something both more natural and more monstrous. It's only when they're blood-starved and driven to madness that they become truly dangerous - a fact that the villain here uses to turn people against them.
Thystle is (to some extent) your typical fantasy anti-heroine, a brash loner trying to drown the sorrows of her past, but she's entirely sympathetic. Here we have a woman who was put into an impossible situation, and who must live with the consequences. She's being hunted herself, and is reluctant to put her trust in the young barmaid to offers her heart as well as her blood. The romance there is secondary to the action and the horror, but an integral part of the overall package.
The Taming is a short novella, barely topping 100 pages, that leaves you wanting more. Fortunately, there's an entire novel available (Into the Darkness), set in the same world, that expands upon and opens up the wider story.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Without giving anything away, I loved the fact that Rycroft took the parasitic approach to vampirism here. Forget your crosses and your holy water, and don't count on daylight to save you. The vampires here are something both more natural and more monstrous. It's only when they're blood-starved and driven to madness that they become truly dangerous - a fact that the villain here uses to turn people against them.
Thystle is (to some extent) your typical fantasy anti-heroine, a brash loner trying to drown the sorrows of her past, but she's entirely sympathetic. Here we have a woman who was put into an impossible situation, and who must live with the consequences. She's being hunted herself, and is reluctant to put her trust in the young barmaid to offers her heart as well as her blood. The romance there is secondary to the action and the horror, but an integral part of the overall package.
The Taming is a short novella, barely topping 100 pages, that leaves you wanting more. Fortunately, there's an entire novel available (Into the Darkness), set in the same world, that expands upon and opens up the wider story.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
July 27, 2017
I was given an advanced review copy of this book, but this does not in any way influence my review. As someone that is typically not an avid reader of the dark fantasy genre, I was thoroughly surprised at how quickly this book drew me in! I can honestly say you do not have to be a fan of the genre to enjoy the book. The story flowed effortlessly, and the characters were well developed. Simply put, a well-written book that draws you in.
March 23, 2018
Thystle Moran is an engaging and fun character.
June 5, 2016
The Taming is a great and fast read, a great introduction to the world of dark fantasy. Centered in a wild west type of setting in a world filled with imps, demons, vampyres, and humans, something has gone terribly wrong. Haven is much like Salem, but instead of witch hunters and Mathers, its got vampyre hunters and the Nameless. The action is sharp and concise throughout the story, as is the tale itself. I couldn't put the book down and kept flipping pages deep into the night.
Rycroft leaves little to the imagination with her definitive descriptions, placing you right in the scene, with no guesses. She definitely brought the characters and Haven to life for me. The author creates a likable character in Thystle and her vampyre companions, even throwing in a fantastic twist of betrayal that hooks you and surprised you in rooting for the "evil" vampyres.
The sexual aspects of the story are carefully written, and well done. Lilla's affection for Thystle is apparent from the first moment she mentioned, but her real story is craftily and endearingly created under the masterful wordcraft of AM Rycroft.
I await impatiently for more books in this series and look forward to reading them over and over again.
Rycroft leaves little to the imagination with her definitive descriptions, placing you right in the scene, with no guesses. She definitely brought the characters and Haven to life for me. The author creates a likable character in Thystle and her vampyre companions, even throwing in a fantastic twist of betrayal that hooks you and surprised you in rooting for the "evil" vampyres.
The sexual aspects of the story are carefully written, and well done. Lilla's affection for Thystle is apparent from the first moment she mentioned, but her real story is craftily and endearingly created under the masterful wordcraft of AM Rycroft.
I await impatiently for more books in this series and look forward to reading them over and over again.
June 8, 2016
I received an ARC of The Taming by A.M. Rycroft for a honest review.
The Novella The Taming is a quick and easy read, but doesn’t leave out any of the details. A well written Dark Fantasy full of action, and characters with depth that you can love, or hate. I loved Thystle, a vampyre, with a sarcastic nature, and her need to find out the truth. She can’t take vengeance without knowing who caused her friend's death. The Immortals, a meddling bunch, send an Imp to tempt Thystle into doing their dirty work. They point her in a direction that leads to torture and possibly her death...
Thank the fates for Lilla, who proves even heroines need a little help, once in awhile. The blooming relationship is done well, and doesn’t tip into erotica. Which I personally don’t enjoy reading, but who doesn’t like a bit of romance in a great story? Betrayal by one of her own and the continuous action…. Wait no spoilers!
This was my first dip into the Dark Fantasy genre and I must say I will be getting a copy of ‘Into the Darkness, by A.M. Rycroft,’ the first book, in this interesting and fantastical world of Cathell. I can’t wait to read it. That is the best compliment I can give, I want more of A.M. Rycroft’s world!
Reviewed by,
Emma T. Gitani
October 4, 2017
I wish to thank the author for sharing this in exchange for an honest review Through Read It And Reap.
This is book 2 of the Cathell series. I liked the character Thystle Moran, though I wish there was more background info on where she came from. In book 1 we find out she is turned by Wiat at her request. This is a much shorter book of about 70 pages, but even so, it does a good job of setting the scene. There were some slight typos such as in the end of chapter 9 when { how }is put in instead of {who. }
" About everything that is happening, and there's only one person I know how(who) might have those answers"
I thought the action was good though I thought the fight with Rohtan could have been a bit longer, the magic he learned form his mother could have been more formidable. The author does an excellent job of describing what the character, sees, feels, and thinks, you can visualize the wind blowing her hair as she walks through the streets. A fun quick read, I hope there will be a book 3, I feel Jalus would take a central role if there is since he seems to have left a mark on Thystle with his intervention at the end. Maybe the Immortals will be fleshed out more too.
This is book 2 of the Cathell series. I liked the character Thystle Moran, though I wish there was more background info on where she came from. In book 1 we find out she is turned by Wiat at her request. This is a much shorter book of about 70 pages, but even so, it does a good job of setting the scene. There were some slight typos such as in the end of chapter 9 when { how }is put in instead of {who. }
" About everything that is happening, and there's only one person I know how(who) might have those answers"
I thought the action was good though I thought the fight with Rohtan could have been a bit longer, the magic he learned form his mother could have been more formidable. The author does an excellent job of describing what the character, sees, feels, and thinks, you can visualize the wind blowing her hair as she walks through the streets. A fun quick read, I hope there will be a book 3, I feel Jalus would take a central role if there is since he seems to have left a mark on Thystle with his intervention at the end. Maybe the Immortals will be fleshed out more too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2016
Set in the fantasy world of Cathel, the story opens with Thystle Moran- a vampyre sell-sword setting out under the cover of dark, across the streets of Haven to meet an informant who may or may not have information regarding events leading up to the death of her friend, Jonathan.
Riddled with guilt about her own part in his death she will stop at nothing to find the truth even if this means she ends up hunted herself by the evil Rohtan, a man so twisted in his hatred for all non human creatures that he will stop at nothing to stamp out all their kind.
This is a dark fantasy with colourful well-drawn characters. We leap from one danger to the next always one step behind Thystle. AM Rycroft teases us with the relationship between Thystle and her maker, Wiat. We wonder what will happen to Eryc? We want to see more of the romance between Lilla and Thystle.
The question on everyone’s lips is – when’s the next one coming out?
Riddled with guilt about her own part in his death she will stop at nothing to find the truth even if this means she ends up hunted herself by the evil Rohtan, a man so twisted in his hatred for all non human creatures that he will stop at nothing to stamp out all their kind.
This is a dark fantasy with colourful well-drawn characters. We leap from one danger to the next always one step behind Thystle. AM Rycroft teases us with the relationship between Thystle and her maker, Wiat. We wonder what will happen to Eryc? We want to see more of the romance between Lilla and Thystle.
The question on everyone’s lips is – when’s the next one coming out?
December 13, 2017
I picked this book up from Read it & Reap program. Honestly, I really wish that I knew it was the second in the series. It does say that it is a standalone novella but honestly I might have liked it more if I read the first novel.
This book is a darker fantasy novel but I wouldn't really consider it that dark. It deals with vampires, imps, and few more interesting creatures. For how long this novella was I was shocked at how long it took me to read. I just couldn't really get into the book.
The writing was okay, but nothing out of the ordinary. The romance in it, was very lacking and this book falls into the *SPOILER * "female character almost gets raped" category which just annoys me. There are worse things that could happen, and it just annoys me that this has become a cliche form of torture.
All in all, it was okay but I will not continue in this series.
This book is a darker fantasy novel but I wouldn't really consider it that dark. It deals with vampires, imps, and few more interesting creatures. For how long this novella was I was shocked at how long it took me to read. I just couldn't really get into the book.
The writing was okay, but nothing out of the ordinary. The romance in it, was very lacking and this book falls into the *SPOILER * "female character almost gets raped" category which just annoys me. There are worse things that could happen, and it just annoys me that this has become a cliche form of torture.
All in all, it was okay but I will not continue in this series.
February 6, 2017
This book wasn't what I expected at all. Even though it's book 2 of a series (I haven't the first) it reads as a standalone and provides enough back story to hook you into the story.
The story itself was well put together with an intriguing plot line and a likeable main character. Whilst it is a short story it doesn't necessarily feel like one and the reader does a good job of putting enough description in to give you a clear visual of the world the character's are in. Personally, I think it could have been a bit longer to give the characters and relationships more time to develop but overall, it's a nice read to burn a couple of hours with the beginnings of an F/F romance.
The story itself was well put together with an intriguing plot line and a likeable main character. Whilst it is a short story it doesn't necessarily feel like one and the reader does a good job of putting enough description in to give you a clear visual of the world the character's are in. Personally, I think it could have been a bit longer to give the characters and relationships more time to develop but overall, it's a nice read to burn a couple of hours with the beginnings of an F/F romance.
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