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Gunwitch: Rebirth
Annette Louise Barrington never wanted to be a hero, but she did want to help. She wanted to keep her city safe form those who wanted to bring it down. She wanted to follow in her brother’s footsteps, fight the good fight, even if her father would have preferred that she stay home.
And in many ways, Annette got wanted she wanted. But she had to be reborn as Louise, the Gunwitch, before it could happen.
And in many ways, Annette got wanted she wanted. But she had to be reborn as Louise, the Gunwitch, before it could happen.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2016
46 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Niall Teasdale
73 books292 followersI was born in the vicinity of Hadrian's Wall so perhaps a bit of history rubbed off. Ancient history obviously, and border history, right on the edge of the Empire. I always preferred the Dark Ages anyway; there’s so much more room for imagination when people aren’t writing down every last detail. So my idea of a good fantasy novel involved dirt and leather, not shining plate armour and Hollywood-medieval manners. The same applies to my sci-fi, really; I prefer gritty over shiny.
Oddly, then, one of the first fantasy novels I remember reading was The Dark Is Rising, by Susan Cooper (later made into a terrible juvenile movie). These days we would call Cooper’s series Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy and looking back on it, it influenced me a lot. It has that mix of modern day life, hidden history, and magic which failed to hit popular culture until the early days of Buffy and Anne Rice. Of course, Cooper’s characters spend their time around places I could actually visit in Cornwall, and South East England, and mid-Wales. In fact, when I went to university in Aberystwyth, it was partially because some of Cooper’s books were set a few miles to the north around Tywyn.
I got into writing through roleplaying, however, so my early work was related to the kind of roleplaying game I was interested in. I wrote “high fantasy” when I was playing Dungeons & Dragons. I wrote a lot of superhero fiction when I was playing City of Heroes. I still loved the idea of a modern world with magic in it and I’ve been trying to write a novel based on this for a long time. As with any form of expression, practice is the key and I can look back on all the aborted attempts at books, and the more successful short stories, as steps along the path to the Thaumatology Series.
As of 2015, I have thrown in my lot with writing. After thirty years of being a computer programmer I am making enough money to quit the day job and write full time. Dreams, occasionally, come true. My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Susan Cooper, and (recently) Kim Harrison. Kim’s Hollows books were what finally spurred me to publish something, even if the trail to here came by way of Susan, back in school, several decades ago.
Oddly, then, one of the first fantasy novels I remember reading was The Dark Is Rising, by Susan Cooper (later made into a terrible juvenile movie). These days we would call Cooper’s series Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy and looking back on it, it influenced me a lot. It has that mix of modern day life, hidden history, and magic which failed to hit popular culture until the early days of Buffy and Anne Rice. Of course, Cooper’s characters spend their time around places I could actually visit in Cornwall, and South East England, and mid-Wales. In fact, when I went to university in Aberystwyth, it was partially because some of Cooper’s books were set a few miles to the north around Tywyn.
I got into writing through roleplaying, however, so my early work was related to the kind of roleplaying game I was interested in. I wrote “high fantasy” when I was playing Dungeons & Dragons. I wrote a lot of superhero fiction when I was playing City of Heroes. I still loved the idea of a modern world with magic in it and I’ve been trying to write a novel based on this for a long time. As with any form of expression, practice is the key and I can look back on all the aborted attempts at books, and the more successful short stories, as steps along the path to the Thaumatology Series.
As of 2015, I have thrown in my lot with writing. After thirty years of being a computer programmer I am making enough money to quit the day job and write full time. Dreams, occasionally, come true. My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Susan Cooper, and (recently) Kim Harrison. Kim’s Hollows books were what finally spurred me to publish something, even if the trail to here came by way of Susan, back in school, several decades ago.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 14, 2017
This book started slow -- even tedious at times. The main character is overly naive in the beginning, and the plots and deceptions around her a little too obvious.
After some major disillusionment, however, the plot picks up. The main character becomes a little too capable at that point, but I enjoyed it none the less. I look forward to reading a sequel if one comes along.
After some major disillusionment, however, the plot picks up. The main character becomes a little too capable at that point, but I enjoyed it none the less. I look forward to reading a sequel if one comes along.
February 26, 2020
Professional City of Heroes Fan Fiction
If you've ever wondered what professional City of Heroes fan fiction would look like, wonder no more. Read this book, enjoy the great story, and see for yourself! :)
If you've ever wondered what professional City of Heroes fan fiction would look like, wonder no more. Read this book, enjoy the great story, and see for yourself! :)
January 1, 2017
More!!!?
Cyberpunk, I robot, Doc Savage and some new magia . a very good conbation of science and adventure. Not as far fetch as many think.
Cyberpunk, I robot, Doc Savage and some new magia . a very good conbation of science and adventure. Not as far fetch as many think.
March 17, 2023
A good one!
New ideas. Great characters and story line. The only thing missing is the next book in a series. Can't wait.
New ideas. Great characters and story line. The only thing missing is the next book in a series. Can't wait.
March 12, 2017
I found the start of this book quite difficult to get into, I didn’t feel any empathy with Annette and the rest of the characters were generally ‘faceless’. I realise the author didn’t want the reader to work out too early what was actually going on, but the problem was by a quarter of the way through the book I didn’t really care.
Fortunately when Annette finally realised the situation she was in, the nature of the book changed and became much more interesting, although given Annette’s skill set I found some of the author’s decisions quite strange. A Hooker???
The second half of the book had elements of the authors ‘Ultrahumans’ and ‘Aneka Jansen’ books, but as I like both of these, it isn’t a problem.
Fortunately when Annette finally realised the situation she was in, the nature of the book changed and became much more interesting, although given Annette’s skill set I found some of the author’s decisions quite strange. A Hooker???
The second half of the book had elements of the authors ‘Ultrahumans’ and ‘Aneka Jansen’ books, but as I like both of these, it isn’t a problem.
February 26, 2017
At last, Niall Teasdale has gone back to his original form. This reminds me of his earlier, and for me better work, the Thaumatology and Aneka Jansen series, but without the graphic sex.
The world and character building are excellent. I hope that this does not go the same way as Reality Hack, for which I also had great expectations and am still waiting for the sequel. Please don't leave us hanging with this one Niall. The only complaint I have is that, as with all his other later books, Niall has shifted the action to the USA. As a Brit living in Germany reading a book written by someone who was born near Hadrians Wall, I would prefer it if the stories were centred more in Britain and Europe. Especially under todays political climate I, for one, would have no problems with Utopia City being situated near, lets say Istanbul, and our intrepid heroin then shifting to a future version of Berlin or London. But I suppose to attract more english speaking readers, it makes sense to shift the stories over the pond.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
The world and character building are excellent. I hope that this does not go the same way as Reality Hack, for which I also had great expectations and am still waiting for the sequel. Please don't leave us hanging with this one Niall. The only complaint I have is that, as with all his other later books, Niall has shifted the action to the USA. As a Brit living in Germany reading a book written by someone who was born near Hadrians Wall, I would prefer it if the stories were centred more in Britain and Europe. Especially under todays political climate I, for one, would have no problems with Utopia City being situated near, lets say Istanbul, and our intrepid heroin then shifting to a future version of Berlin or London. But I suppose to attract more english speaking readers, it makes sense to shift the stories over the pond.
Looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 15, 2017
A typical Niall Teasdale SF story
Annette Barrington, lives in the technologically advanced enclave of Whit City. The world has seen the apocalypse and not much is still standing except a few small, corrupt and brutal settlements. There is however one gleaming, safe and productive beacon of hope: White City. Annette lives in White City and serves as one of it's chief scientist in cybernetica. The idyllic facade of White City slowly crumbles when Annette joins the anti-insurgency agency and slowly starts to notice all the things that don't add up.
Like most of Teasdale's novel expect this one to have a strong female protagonist, lots of action, a bit of sexy teasing and the setup for a good conspiracy.
In all good fun and an enjoyable time.
Annette Barrington, lives in the technologically advanced enclave of Whit City. The world has seen the apocalypse and not much is still standing except a few small, corrupt and brutal settlements. There is however one gleaming, safe and productive beacon of hope: White City. Annette lives in White City and serves as one of it's chief scientist in cybernetica. The idyllic facade of White City slowly crumbles when Annette joins the anti-insurgency agency and slowly starts to notice all the things that don't add up.
Like most of Teasdale's novel expect this one to have a strong female protagonist, lots of action, a bit of sexy teasing and the setup for a good conspiracy.
In all good fun and an enjoyable time.
February 20, 2017
Keep them coming Niall, keep them coming.
I started reading Niall's work with Thamatology 101 and continue to enjoy every thing I gather from their collections. I intend to keep reading from this author for as long as they continue writing.
I started reading Niall's work with Thamatology 101 and continue to enjoy every thing I gather from their collections. I intend to keep reading from this author for as long as they continue writing.
December 28, 2016
This is a really well-written and compelling book and has a short-from-cliffhanger ending. There are a lot of loose threads to be knotted at the end, but there is no immediate action required.
But ... Fans of Niall Teasdale, be prepared. This book is totally different from all his other ones.
Annette is not a likable character. She is a cold-blooded killer and her body count throughout the book reaches the hundred. She wants to be policewoman/soldier in an elite unit, and when she gets her job (she always gets what she wants), first and foremost she kills people, which are enemies of the state - and others.
At one point she starts to recognize what the reader most likely has smelled fifty pages earlier: That the world is not like her drill sergeant told her. Still, she continues killing. At one point she starts using non-lethal ammunition for the guns that give her her iconic name, but still, she also uses lethal bullets as well. A little bloody for my taste.
Right from the beginning, the world itself feels artificial like a computer game setting: a post-apocalyptic version of Seattle with high walls all around and ruled by a "supreme leader" with the cartoon name "Doctor White." But in the course of the story, at least some of this weirdness gets explained.
Consequently, she doesn't have a significant other until far into the book, and then she is more of a mother and mentor to the other girl than anything else.
Opposite all other of Niall's books, there is no graphic sex, so the R rating is strictly for excessive (very excessive) violence.
But ... Fans of Niall Teasdale, be prepared. This book is totally different from all his other ones.
Annette is not a likable character. She is a cold-blooded killer and her body count throughout the book reaches the hundred. She wants to be policewoman/soldier in an elite unit, and when she gets her job (she always gets what she wants), first and foremost she kills people, which are enemies of the state - and others.
At one point she starts to recognize what the reader most likely has smelled fifty pages earlier: That the world is not like her drill sergeant told her. Still, she continues killing. At one point she starts using non-lethal ammunition for the guns that give her her iconic name, but still, she also uses lethal bullets as well. A little bloody for my taste.
Right from the beginning, the world itself feels artificial like a computer game setting: a post-apocalyptic version of Seattle with high walls all around and ruled by a "supreme leader" with the cartoon name "Doctor White." But in the course of the story, at least some of this weirdness gets explained.
Consequently, she doesn't have a significant other until far into the book, and then she is more of a mother and mentor to the other girl than anything else.
Opposite all other of Niall's books, there is no graphic sex, so the R rating is strictly for excessive (very excessive) violence.
December 21, 2016
Great!
Great start of a new serie with everything we love about Niall Teasdale's books! I can't wait for the next one!
Great start of a new serie with everything we love about Niall Teasdale's books! I can't wait for the next one!
February 13, 2017
Somewhat chaotic world building, but it's mellowing out enough to become entertaining.
January 6, 2017
An enjoyable read, but don't look too hard at it.
Niall Teasdale opens the book with an explanation that it is dedicated to a player character he used to run, and… it shows. I like strong female characters, and I like post-human cyborg concepts, so I ran with it, but this reads as a beat-for-beat origin story.
Think Ghost in the Shell if the Major had been a street-level comic book character instead of in the military. It will probably mean a lot more to readers who had also been part of the City of Heroes community, but for those who aren't sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Just because you've been on this one before, doesn't mean it isn't fun.
Rated Teen and up for sex work, depression, slavery, drug use, and suicide.
Niall Teasdale opens the book with an explanation that it is dedicated to a player character he used to run, and… it shows. I like strong female characters, and I like post-human cyborg concepts, so I ran with it, but this reads as a beat-for-beat origin story.
Think Ghost in the Shell if the Major had been a street-level comic book character instead of in the military. It will probably mean a lot more to readers who had also been part of the City of Heroes community, but for those who aren't sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Just because you've been on this one before, doesn't mean it isn't fun.
Rated Teen and up for sex work, depression, slavery, drug use, and suicide.
December 20, 2016
An origin story
Telling the story of a self made cyborgs rise as a cop. Then the shattering fall as family secrets come to light. On the run and hiding she will rise again as the Gunwitch. If you're familiar with other books by Teasdale then you'll recognize much of the ideas behind this book. One of a kind cyborg, check, super deadly in a fight, check, boob enhancement, check....
Telling the story of a self made cyborgs rise as a cop. Then the shattering fall as family secrets come to light. On the run and hiding she will rise again as the Gunwitch. If you're familiar with other books by Teasdale then you'll recognize much of the ideas behind this book. One of a kind cyborg, check, super deadly in a fight, check, boob enhancement, check....
December 28, 2016
Takes awhile
The beginning drags a bit trying to find a voice. Would be much better if it started in Queens. A little pedantic at times. Once the character is established, things move well and there are some interesting moments.
No proofing issues (although, it is unlikely a girl raised in the Pacific NorthWest is going to refer to a stove as a "hob").
If you like the author, this is normal first book establishing stuff. I look forward to the next one.
The beginning drags a bit trying to find a voice. Would be much better if it started in Queens. A little pedantic at times. Once the character is established, things move well and there are some interesting moments.
No proofing issues (although, it is unlikely a girl raised in the Pacific NorthWest is going to refer to a stove as a "hob").
If you like the author, this is normal first book establishing stuff. I look forward to the next one.
December 31, 2016
While not a fan of post apocalytic tales I found this first book in a new series very good.
Great characters and plot development and this Niall did not have to rely on descriptive sexual content to increase the size of the novell and with limited impact on the plots as he did in the Aneka/Thaumatology series.
I can't get enough of nano technology from Niall and other authors (Tobias Roote, Jennifer Foehner-Wells, Pippa DaCosta and many others). Bring it to the masses and soon.
Great characters and plot development and this Niall did not have to rely on descriptive sexual content to increase the size of the novell and with limited impact on the plots as he did in the Aneka/Thaumatology series.
I can't get enough of nano technology from Niall and other authors (Tobias Roote, Jennifer Foehner-Wells, Pippa DaCosta and many others). Bring it to the masses and soon.
December 24, 2016
This was another really good book, the main character is a bit different from the authors normal characters, at least for now. I find the worlds and supporting characters are also well written.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews