Cradled

Beholder #5

by Christina Bauer

"Has romance, adventure, and lots of magical encounters! It definitely satisfied my craving for something exciting!" - Cloud 9 Books

Finally, Elea and Rowan are settling in to their new lives. Trouble is, Rowan is spending a lot of time cleaning up messes from his childhood. And considering the nightmare that was his mother, those are some ugly messes indeed. In fact, the experience is enough to make Rowan vow that he never wants children of his own.

Oops.

"A riveting story with action, love and vengeance...A fantastic read." - The Not So Public Library

Perfect for readers who love sword and sorcery filled with magic, necromancy, witches and wizards. This series combines fierce females, paranormal romance and epic fantasy. Enjoy!

BEHOLDER series order
1. Cursed
2. Concealed
3. Cherished
4. Crowned
5. Cradled

Read all the series from author Christina Bauer:
- Angelbound Origins (YA Dark Fantasy)
- Pixieland Diaries (YA Urban Fantasy)
- Beholder (YA Dark Fantasy)
- Dimension Drift (YA Urban Fantasy )
- Fairy Tales of the Magicorum (YA Urban Fantasy)

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, New Adult, Young Adult, Novella

150 pages, ebook

First published July 31, 2018

About the author

Christina 'CEE BEE' Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes young adult romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too. Christina lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. She loves to connect with her fans at ChristinaBauerAuthor.com.

ANGELBOUND ORIGINS
About a quasi (part demon and part human) girl who loves kicking butt in Purgatory's Arena
1. Angel bound
2. Scala
3. Acca
4. Thrax
5. The Dark Lands
6. The Brutal Time
7. Armageddon
8. Quasi Redux
9. Clockwork Igni
10. Lady Reaper
11. Reaper Games
12. Angry Gods

ANGELBOUND OFFSPRING
The next generation takes on Heaven, Hell, and everything in between
1. Maxon
2. Portia
3. Zinnia
4. Rhodes
5. Kaps
6. Mack
7. Huntress
8. Gage
*This is a finished series

ANGELBOUND LINCOLN
Events of Angelbound from Lincoln's POV
1. Duty Bound
2. Lincoln
3. Trickster
4. Baculum
5. Angelfire

ANGELBOUND XAVIER TRILOGY
The story of the Archangel Xavier
1. Archenemy
2. Archnemesis
3. Archangel

FAIRY TALES OF THE MAGICORUM
Modern fairy tales with sass, action, and romance
1. Wolves And Roses

2. Moonlight And Midtown

3. Slippers And Thieves

4. Shifters And Glyphs

5. Bandits And Ball Gowns

6. Fire And Cinder

7. Fairies And Frosting

8. Towers And Tithes
9. Mirrors And Mysteries
10. Rapunzels And Powers

DIMENSION DRIFT
Dystopian adventures with science, snark, and hot aliens
1. Scythe
2. Umbra
3. Alien Minds
4. ECHO Academy
*This is a completed series

PIXIELAND DIARIES
The story of sassy pixie, Calla, and her elf crush, Dare
1. Pixieland Diaries
2. Calla
3. Dare
*This is a completed series

BEHOLDER
Where a medieval farm girl discovers necromancy and true love
1. Cursed
2. Concealed
3. Cherished
4. Crowned
5. Cradled
*This is a completed series

VAMPIRES OF THE DAEMONVERSE
Adult fantasy written under my pen name, CEE BEE
1. Violins and Vampires
2. Veils and Vampires
3. Vixens and Vampires
4. Valor and Vampires

Reviews

[Jen (jenslostinthepages) ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cradled was the perfect follow up to see what all of our favorite characters were up to! It was tons of fun, filled with adventure, we got to spend lots of time with all the characters we loved and we even got a visit from another couple from the author's Angelbound Origin Series. Although there were some huge spoilers where they were concerned, so be careful if you haven't read that series yet. But regardless, the epilogue junkie in me absolutely loved this book!

“No matter what happens,” said Rowan. “Know this. I love you with all that I am.” I met his gaze again. Nothing but true respect and love shone in Rowan’s green eyes. “Everything else, we’ll work it out. Together.”

My favorite thing about this book was catching up with all of those that I loved. Yes I adored where the story went, but seeing my favorites?! Priceless! I loved that Rowan was sexy and protective as ever. Little Jericho was still absolutely adorable. And I have no clue if this is a possibility, but I would love to see him in the future, grown up, with his own series. Jericho was that charismatic, I could easily read more about him. And Elea warmed my heart and I loved watching her work through her HEA. So when I reached the end of the book, I loved that there was an epilogue that jumped a year in advance! So if you're a fan of the Beholder Series, you should definitely pick up this book!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by Monster House Books, LLC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Cheryl Whitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the Beholder Series, and thought it was finished, and then Cradled was advertised in Christina’s newsletter.
As always Christina Bauer did not disappoint, reading this was like the cream on top of a chocolate cake, delicious. We all love a happy ending to a series, but this was as action packed, with visitors popping in from different dimensions all added to the entertainment.
A Great ending for a great Series.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A magical short

My Review: Cradled by Christina Bauer is book 5 in the Beholder series. It is a short fantasy fic novella.

Beholder Series
Where a medieval farm girl discovers necromancy and true love
1. Cursed
2. Concealed
3. Cherished
4. Crowned
5. Cradled

My Final Say: I would suggest readers start at book 1 versus book 5. Because I was so excited by the concept, I failed to properly prep, and as a result, I started at the back. While I can't give anything away, I can say that readers will like the imagery, the characters, and the tale.

Rating: 3/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: T/OYA

Thank you to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley for granting access to this book.

#Goodreadsrecommendation

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

This is a reasonable short novella.
I have to say though unless you have read the previous books in the series it can leave you struggling to keep up.
Hence only 2 stars.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://functioninginsanity.blogspot....

I am excited to have gotten a chance to read it early before my pre-order as I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 5 Stars

Elea and Rowan have been through a lot and still have lots more to do in complete unity between their peoples. But given the family drama on both sides children were something they were going to forgo…..But sometimes fate has other options.

So I went in not knowing much. I hadn't even read the summary just that it was more Elea and Rowan and that was good enough for me. The title kind of gave me some hint but yeah that was it. I thought it'd be a quick little tale dealing with pregnancy or something but what I got was so much more. There is an attack, kidnapping, crossovers, battle, redemption, and so much jam packed into this novella! Seriously there is so much happening I loved it. There was even a cross over with some other characters I just adore so having them all in one spot kind of made my day!

There is a little of everything and again all of her books fly by for me but this was a novella that easily felt like a full on book with such an interesting story. I highly recommend it to fans of the series it's a sweet treat!

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cradled is the last novella in the Beholder series. We already know the majority of the characters, but it's always good to reunite with them! Rowan and Elea are more than happy together, just with minor problems caused by their families. However, trouble comes there way in the shape of Kronos, who is the ruler of the planet Elea's parents were exiled to. They need the help of the Lightning Goddess and her Consort to save Jicho, and bring back the peaceful times to their rule.

Although this is only a novella, there is still plenty of action. The Lightning Goddess and her Consort are crossover characters from another series, but you don't need to know as that it doesn't really impact this story. I loved their attitudes however, and I loved how Elea and Rowan were with them.

With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, this felt like the perfect ending to Rowan and Elea's story. With all characters playing a part, it felt like the ending. I finished this book feeling completely satisfied, with a happy smile on my face.

If you like this series, then you definitely need to read this one! It's just not complete without it!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novella. If you haven't read the previous books in this series, you really need to so you understand what is going on in this story. Elea and Rowan are together and theoretically everything should be smooth. Except, this is a Christina Bauer book and that doesn't happen!

It wasn't what I was expecting and I was happy about that. This book has all my favorite characters in it and I loved how the author mixed in some surprises. I liked that it wasn't smooth and easy for everyone but that they had to work. For not being a long book, the author put a lot in there and did it quite wonderfully.

It was a 5/5 for me. Love this author and her books!



Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been awhile since I visited the world of Elea and Rowan, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d be in their world again. Surprise! I was so glad to see this latest. We got a more finished wrap up of their world with visitors from other books in this novella epilogue. We get to see Elea and Rowan fight side-by-side one last time to save a loved one and get a visit from people I didn’t think we see again. And, there was even an unexpected surprise which I can’t talk about as I don’t want to give it away. If you are a fan of the Beholder series, you will love this novella. Highly recommend! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Myreadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Monster House Books, LLC for this partnership.

Elea and Rowan live a good life. Except that Rowan spends most of his time repairing the broken pots of his childhood. His mother being a real nightmare, it's a hell of a mess his life is. That's why he doesn't want any children conceived by him.

A book read in one go, I immediately became hooked on the story and the characters. This author has a beautiful pen, I recommend her books.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Beholder series and is rather short. You can read this as a stand alone but you'll understand all the characters better by reading the series in order. I think this is the last book for Elea and Rowan. Both are full of magic and are ruling the kingdom with the insight of her young brother. The book ties up loose ends for both families and wraps up many questions from previous books. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I read this book as the first book in the series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the book in order to avoid spoilers. I found the characters Elea and Rowan to be a sweet couple who are finally getting to enjoying their hard fought life together. Yet it is disrupted by a clockwork type alien from another world.

To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.

[Arlene Arredondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing ending to a series with an unexpected crossover from two great characters from another of Christina Bauer's series.

Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley for review and an honest and unbiased opinion.

[Genevieve Eldredge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww, this is seriously the cutest! Loved all the characters, new and old! The ANGELBOUND teamup was a delight. This one's packed with all the action, feels, and adventure Bauer is so well known for. DON'T MISS IT!

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elea and Rowan are attending a family festival when some mechanical men from another planet show up wanting Elea to return with them to their planet. The mechanical men are claiming that Elea’s parents have stolen all of their magic and their planet is dying. They want Elea to go back with them to try and convince her parents to return their magic. Elea of course refuses as when she exiled her parents with the intention of never seeing them again. But the mechanical men don’t give her choice when they kidnap Rowan’s little brother Jicho and take him back to their planet.

In the meantime Elea has a little surprise that she is carrying around inside of her, a surprise that she is worried about telling Rowan as she is concerned about how he is going to take to the news considering their past conversations. Every time she tries to tell him she freezes up and the words won’t come out. Besides every time she gets up the courage to speak to him about someone always interrupts them with something that just happens to be a little more important at the time.

There is a big surprise with a couple of characters crossing over from one of Christina’s other series. This is very welcome surprise one in which I would really love to see more of in the future.

I love the worlds that Christina creates for her books. Of all the books that I have read by Christina so far I have fallen in love from the beginning and can’t seem to get enough. The more I read the more I want. If I had to choose a favorite I don’t think I could.

Cradled is filled with action and love from the first page. I loved the cross over and that ending, the last chapter was so warm and sweet and downright amazing.

I would recommend Cradled to all fans of the Beholder series or any fan of Christina’s books.

[Monster House Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 in the Beholder Series has romance, adventure, clockwork cats, evil big bads, and unexpected redemption. Plus, there are even a few crossover visits from characters in other series by Christina Bauer. LOVE! Do not miss this one!

[Anna Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author. This is the first book I've read in this series and it doesn't disappoint. Elea and Rowan are great characters and I look forward to reading more about them.

I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review. - this is a great author who has yet to disappoint.

[Erin Ballinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!! I loved the aspect of all the magic in this story, the machines powered by magic making them alive was genius!! Can't wait to read the next book in this series to find out what happens next in Elea and Rowen's storyline. I just know they're gonna be great parents to little Rigby, and I'm sure have lots of passed down powers from her powerful parents...Can't wait to find out what!!

[Kim Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion to Rowan and Elea’s story. It was a very quick read, and I found myself completely immersed in the story.
The characters are very well developed and easy to identify with. I especially love Jicho, whose antics cracked me up.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. She has built a fascinating world, and paints a beautiful picture with her words. It was very easy to imagine the scenery.
I also enjoyed the different types of magick used, as it put a very different spin on the typical stories of mages.
All in all, this was very well done and I recommend it!

[KarinaLovesBooks (Karina) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was quite good, having not read the previous book I had no attachement to other characters and was able to totally fall in love with these characters. I loved understanding Rowan's way of thinking and loved how much Rowan loves Elea.
I couldn't help but fangirl at every romantic and cute interactions while also seeing more of his protectiveness. Jericho became a character that I wanted to know more about. This novella though, as expected, had a lot of spoilers linked to the previous books in the series, but overall really only contributed to helping me when I was filling the blanks for things I didn't know since I hadn't read the other books in the series. I really liked how it was packed with adventure and wasn't made in a way that felt like it was rushed. Though some part where a little bit slow and could've easily been arranged, but that might have been because I didn't have the knowledge that most people had going into it it was a 3.5/5 stars to me !
Would totally recommend you pick it up !
-Bookarina