When your grandmother is Medusa, trust doesn't come easy. Jenna Faith teaches self-defence to vulnerable women. She knows only too well what it’s like to be on the run from someone and fleeing a past you’d rather forget. But her own past is about to catch up with her, in the form of know-it-all, hot druid Grey. He blackmails Jenna into taking on a case that her old magical task force can’t solve and she finds herself on the trail of a monster. An ancient evil that snatches children from their families and disappears with them into the night. When a young girl is stolen from under Jenna’s nose, the race to save her life begins. “If history has taught me anything, it’s that whatever happens, don’t lose your head.”
Unexpectedly good. It has all the core 'values' of UF, but it manages to be fresh. An example of the good things that never went overboard: the heroine is unique, but she's not a special snowflake. She's simply the only one of her species left (that she knows of), but she lives in world full of Others. She's powerful without being invincible and going against the odds. She's angsty, but never to the point of callousness. I'm not fond of kids in my stories, and that together with Grey (and the too light world building), lost it half a star. Still, eagerly awaiting the next.
PS The blurb is somewhat misleading both regarding Medusa and the blackmailing.
I was a bit skeptical on this book when I first started reading. It didn't feel like it was going anywhere fast, but then suddenly picked up and continued running all the way to the end. I really want to see more about these characters.
There's a confusing relationship between Jenna and Grey. Jenna makes numerous comments about their prior relationship, so it leads the reader to believe they used to be a hot and heavy couple. Later in the book she says she felt that way for him but he never reciprocated those feelings.
There isn't a lot of world building outside of there being humans who don't know about "preternatural" creatures like fae, vampire, druids, gorgons, witches, wights and wraiths.
Starts pretty good, but there's often too much telling from Jenna, reactions to situations are often bizarre, the story focuses on things in such a way that they feel major when they're actually minor to the overall plot, and it really loses tension after the halfway point.
This is the first book i have read by this author and it was brilliant. Once again i got drawn in by the cover, we all know if the cover sparks my interest, i'm going to read it. The characters are amazingly written and i was hooked immediately. The heroine, Jenna Faith teaches self-defense and badass-ery (its a word) to vulnerable women with bad pasts. She knows first hand what its like to run from someone and a past you'd rather not remember. She's just getting on with her daily life, killing and what not, when in swoops an ex love, hot and handsome Grey. She finds herself once again sucked into her old world of magic, with old and new colleagues, to solve a case that will lead her straight into the monsters lair. Action packed and funny as hell, i cannot recommend this book enough.
“If history has taught me anything, it’s that whatever happens, don’t lose your head.”
I love urban fantasy, but get tired of the same species in the stories. It is one reason I love to read stories by Bilinda Sheehan. No series is ever the same a and she brings life to characters you never would really think of or imagine. She has definitely done that with Jenna Faith series. Who would have thought a gorgon could make a really cool story and take you on an adventure? I absolutely loved this new series, not only was it fun, it had a lot of mystery and intrigue, but the best part is not knowing where she may take the story. I'm definitely recommending this series to all my friends!!
I love all of Ms. Sheehan's books and was eager to start this new series because she never disappoints. This author always creates such complicated and haunted heroines for us to enjoy. Jenna is no different in that she is a survivor , haunted by a horrible past but has such a big heart. I like her counter part, Gray, but you never really get a feel for him and so he's still kind of hanging there and needs to be fleshed out more for me to just be 100% all for him. His partner, Alex, was a surprise and I did enjoy his mischief with Jenna. A great book and I will definitely look forward to the next one.
I liked this. Jenna Faith is trying to lay low as a secret vigilante but when her former co-workers come to ask her rejoin the division that polices the paranormal, she is less than thrilled. Terrible event make her reconsider her refusal to help and she finds herself paired up with her former partner and others trying to defeat a supernatural entity insistent on murdering others and stealing their essence. I liked the book. I found Jenna’s character a little abrasive at time but the characters around her were all likeable and seemed to have her back. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Cast in Stone is not a bad first book in a series. It’s the first work I’ve read by this author, and after reading this fast paced urban fantasy, I’m tempted to pick up the next book in the series.
Jenna is feisty and independent, with more than a dash of rebellion, and Grey is mysterious, tough, and I think he’s supposed to be the future love interest? Anyway, between them, and the small group of friends (?) Jenna has surrounded herself with future adventures are assured... but what’s up with the not-dead Alex?
I don't know why this didn't grab me. I feel like it should have been something I really liked, but I just . . . didn't.
I couldn't connect to Jenna - even though she's a well-written, likable character - and I struggled to really get into her story and what was going on around her.
I think it must be me. There was excitement and action and interesting situations, so I don't think the book is the issue. Maybe it's just the wrong time for this particular book.
I love this book! It's a great read keeps you guessing. I highly recommend this book if you like a kick butt heroine and are great story with lots of different fae and other creatures! Congratulations Bilinda you have done it again! I'm hooked and can't wait for book 2!
It's not often we get a book based on something new and Sheehan does it very well in this book. The unique characters and world are refreshing. Jenna changes in this book. She usually protects herself but finds as the adventure and mystery build she finds herself protecting others.
I haven't read any of this author's books before this one was suggested to me. Now I can't wait for the sequel.
Well written, Jenna is a great character and has lots of mysteries I look forward to reading about. Her connection to Grey is real, complex and believable. I can't recommend this book highly enough.
I never dreamed of creatures Bilinda Sheehan creates. She is an extraordinary writer. I loved Jenn. She was kick ass and snarky which hid her true feelings. Jenn's weapons were awesome. I loved Merry. Her true innocence as a child of condition would be in real life. Thank you for this awesome escape. I can not wait until the next one.
Holy gorgons! What an incredible story. I read it cover to cover in one sitting, was completely enraptured by it. Am on pins and needles for book 2 to see what happens next!
Just like any other books by Bilinda, it was Amazing! Jenna and her friends pulled me in from the moment I opened her story! Well written, action packed, and as always, highly entertaining! I can't wait for the next installment!
This was the first book I've ever read by this author and I absolutely loved it. Such an original concept which can be hard to find in the urban fantasy genre. I can't wait for the next book and look forward to reading the other series by this author.
This is my first read from this author. I will defiantly read some of her others. Loved the strong characters and the setting. It's good to have something set in uk for a change. Really enjoyed the book can't wait for the next one.
I like that there is a strong female character that doesn't focus on what happened to her destroy her silliness to help others. I like the cast of characters and look forward to reading the next book.
An interesting mix of characters and story line. Everyone has their secrets, secrets that they rather not share. Jenna Faith's secrets are mind boggling to say the least. This story brings the pied piper to life and what it takes to stop him from killing more kids.
This book was a good read! I liked Jenna Faith, and her unique qualities. I thought it was pretty cool that her weapon of choice is a karambit! Thanks for an interesting spin on the paranormal world!
Loved this book. Looking forward to reading book number two. I need more info on Jenna’s life. It seemed like her story must have begun before this series so I will have to look for books that came first,
3.75 stars. Enjoyable urban fantasy which I cant fault but there was something about it that didn't fully capture me. Possibly a tad too unemotional for my tastes. Not sure. Many will enjoy it but I am not motivated to read more.
Overall liked the book but I do think there were some distracting elements. The characters and separate storylines came together for the most part. I'm hoping some things that seemed random are really just set up for the rest of the series.
Kick ass female hero. Jenna, the main character, spent the whole book, chasing it, fighting it, fighting herself, saving people and caring and getting in one nap. And she doesn't end up with the guy. A woman's job is never done.
Well written, great storyline...hooked from chapter 1
What a great book, i read a lot of urban fantasy books and this is high up in my ratings , easy to read , great storyline and totally unique to anything i have read before , looking forward to the sequel
Once I started reading I couldn't put the book down! You've done it again. Another wonderful book! Love it! Keep up the good work and I'll keep reading them!