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Winterborne has long been a city divided between those who have magic, and those who do not. Between those who are free, and those who are not…
Though classified as having no magic, Neve March can hear the whispers of the wind and sometimes even control her. But it’s a secret she must hold close if she wishes to continue as Nightwatch—the soldiers who guard Winterborne against those who roam the wastelands and feast on human flesh.
When Neve is sent to investigate a faint SOS signal, she not only unearths a woman close to death, but a plot involving an ancient enemy long thought dead.
In an effort to expose those behind the plot, Neve goes undercover amongst Winterborne’s elite—a dangerous step that could expose her secret and rip away all that she holds dear.
The trail of treachery leads her from Winterborne’s golden halls to the heart of the enemy’s hive, and it will shake her belief of not only who she is, but what she is
Winterborne has long been a city divided between those who have magic, and those who do not. Between those who are free, and those who are not…
Though classified as having no magic, Neve March can hear the whispers of the wind and sometimes even control her. But it’s a secret she must hold close if she wishes to continue as Nightwatch—the soldiers who guard Winterborne against those who roam the wastelands and feast on human flesh.
When Neve is sent to investigate a faint SOS signal, she not only unearths a woman close to death, but a plot involving an ancient enemy long thought dead.
In an effort to expose those behind the plot, Neve goes undercover amongst Winterborne’s elite—a dangerous step that could expose her secret and rip away all that she holds dear.
The trail of treachery leads her from Winterborne’s golden halls to the heart of the enemy’s hive, and it will shake her belief of not only who she is, but what she is
404 pages, ebook
First published May 15, 2018
307 people are currently reading
1216 people want to read
About the author
Keri Arthur
102 books6,001 followersKeri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson, Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for urban fantasy. She lives in Melbourne with her daughter and two crazy dogs
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
August 4, 2020
WOW!!!
I had no idea that this book would be like this. I absolutely loved it!
I am a huge fan of Keri Arthur, I've said it many times before, she is the reason I fell in love with this genre, she is the reason for my avid addiction to reading and for this I am forever grateful. But, how many authors keep on capturing our imagination after years of writing? Not many that's for sure! Keri Arthur keeps on churning out amazing books and this one is no exception!
This book has a slightly different feel to me, different to Keri's previous books and I don't know if this is her changing over time or if it is just me - whatever it is, I don't care, this book caught me at the beginning and held me to the very end. I was part way through chapter 2 when I downloaded book 2!!
Loved the storyline, loved the characters and loved the world, however harsh it seems. I am so excited to begin book 2 (and yes, book 3 is downloaded too!!)
Highly recommended!!!
I had no idea that this book would be like this. I absolutely loved it!
I am a huge fan of Keri Arthur, I've said it many times before, she is the reason I fell in love with this genre, she is the reason for my avid addiction to reading and for this I am forever grateful. But, how many authors keep on capturing our imagination after years of writing? Not many that's for sure! Keri Arthur keeps on churning out amazing books and this one is no exception!
This book has a slightly different feel to me, different to Keri's previous books and I don't know if this is her changing over time or if it is just me - whatever it is, I don't care, this book caught me at the beginning and held me to the very end. I was part way through chapter 2 when I downloaded book 2!!
Loved the storyline, loved the characters and loved the world, however harsh it seems. I am so excited to begin book 2 (and yes, book 3 is downloaded too!!)
Highly recommended!!!
August 14, 2018
3.5 stars
I loved Keri Arthur's Riley Jensen series despite the ridiculously over the top sex life of the main character in the early books (for the record, I didn't bother with it's spin-off series, it was just a watered down version of the original). So when I saw that Arthur wrote a new book in a whole new series, I jumped on it! And while this book also treats casual sex, well, casually, she scales it back several notches and instead focuses more on the actual plot this time.
There's still some negatives, mainly a deus ex machina that solves almost everything for the heroine, but overall I thought the premise of this was still pretty great and moved along at a nice pace. I will definitely pick up the next book which seems to be set in the same world but with all new characters.
I loved Keri Arthur's Riley Jensen series despite the ridiculously over the top sex life of the main character in the early books (for the record, I didn't bother with it's spin-off series, it was just a watered down version of the original). So when I saw that Arthur wrote a new book in a whole new series, I jumped on it! And while this book also treats casual sex, well, casually, she scales it back several notches and instead focuses more on the actual plot this time.
There's still some negatives, mainly a deus ex machina that solves almost everything for the heroine, but overall I thought the premise of this was still pretty great and moved along at a nice pace. I will definitely pick up the next book which seems to be set in the same world but with all new characters.
June 27, 2018
I loved this story, I read it in a 12 hour marathon session and could not put it down. To keep the review short here are the basics:
Neve is a soldier who mans the walls of the city of Winterborne (gives a bit of a Game of Thrones tingle doesn't it)
She is a bit of a mixed breed race which they call "stained" in this world.
She is pretty sexually active but this is far from any type of erotic story (most of it probably falls into the "closed door" category) and while there is a definite hero and heroine to this story she will be bisexual for the good of a mission if needed.
Several near death situations and a lot of mystery make this a gripping tale that takes us from actual "down in the dirt" fighting to palace type intrigue.
The big thing here is somebody is trying to ferment an invasion or revolution and they can't really stop it since they don't even know who/what it is for most of the book, the discovery was done exceptionally well.
Epic ending and everything pretty much wrapped up which makes me wonder where we go with book #2 since this is listed as book #1.
4 Stars instead of 5 only because I thought it was a bit verbose in places but I can't think of a series first book that was wrapped up as well as this one, can't wait to see where the author goes next.
Neve is a soldier who mans the walls of the city of Winterborne (gives a bit of a Game of Thrones tingle doesn't it)
She is a bit of a mixed breed race which they call "stained" in this world.
She is pretty sexually active but this is far from any type of erotic story (most of it probably falls into the "closed door" category) and while there is a definite hero and heroine to this story she will be bisexual for the good of a mission if needed.
Several near death situations and a lot of mystery make this a gripping tale that takes us from actual "down in the dirt" fighting to palace type intrigue.
The big thing here is somebody is trying to ferment an invasion or revolution and they can't really stop it since they don't even know who/what it is for most of the book, the discovery was done exceptionally well.
Epic ending and everything pretty much wrapped up which makes me wonder where we go with book #2 since this is listed as book #1.
4 Stars instead of 5 only because I thought it was a bit verbose in places but I can't think of a series first book that was wrapped up as well as this one, can't wait to see where the author goes next.
May 1, 2019
I'm usually biased when it comes to Keri Arthur, but in this case it's hardly necessary. Still, bear that in mind. I love Keri Arthur.
Second and a very important thing is that this is not urban fantasy (judging by the goodreads definition at least; it definitely isn't 'set in contemporary, real-world, urban settings'). Only because an author usually writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance doesn't mean she should stick to those genres. Unlit is set in a whole new fantasy world.
The world is harsh and unforgiving, especially for those who are born unlit - people born without any 'magic in a world that revered it'. Needless to say that the ruling houses of this society are all magically strong.
It is even worse for those like the heroine Neve March who are born not only as unlit, but stained too. A few hundred years ago there was a war with the Irkallans (insect-like creatures). They raped through the lands and even today their horrendous legacy often appears in the offspring in the form of lavender stains on a child's body. The children are left to the care of the state to be 'raised in government care like every other child deemed to be unlit'.
If it happens that a stained person shows any signs of magic, he or she probably ends up as a breeder. It's no surprise then that Neve hides that she can hear the wind.
Neve's got another advantage, though. 'The only thing that had saved me from a life of serfdom was the fact that I came from a Sifft bloodline—an ancient human race that could take on wildcat form at will.' Nobody today can shape-shift, though. Still, they do have certain advantages. It's the reason she ended up in the Nightwatch guarding the ones who would reject everything she is.
I loved Neve. Keri Arthur truly knows how to write a strong female character without beating a reader over the head with how strong she is. Neve doesn't need to hit people to show who she is. She simply does things, extraordinary things. Even her deep buried need for a deeper connection isn't presented as something pathetic, nor does she spend too much time thinking about the things she cannot change at the moment. With a sentence here and there, you find out that being stained means unwanted. And she lived with it her whole life.
Being an unlit, she was the perfect candidate to send to investigate the twelve houses.
As for the hero of this story, you're in for a treat. I don't know where to start with him, to be honest. Imagine all the alpha-type heroes you've read so far, increase the level of it by a couple of degrees and some more, but remove every single characteristics which would make him an asshole and you'd get Trey Stone. Oh my God, I can't find a flaw in the man! He hasn't got any. If he is awesome before you find out more about him, he is insanely perfect when some of his secrets are revealed. And still he keeps all those alpha-like qualities so desirable in paranormal romances.
Anyway, not that I'm surprised, but Keri Arthur knows how to write a good story with awesome characters.
A bonus: each book seems to feature new characters. I like that. I like how Unlit ends.
If I can't find any flaws in the characters, I have one for the storyline: some of the things that happen are too easily resolved, but to be honest, I don't care.
Second and a very important thing is that this is not urban fantasy (judging by the goodreads definition at least; it definitely isn't 'set in contemporary, real-world, urban settings'). Only because an author usually writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance doesn't mean she should stick to those genres. Unlit is set in a whole new fantasy world.
The world is harsh and unforgiving, especially for those who are born unlit - people born without any 'magic in a world that revered it'. Needless to say that the ruling houses of this society are all magically strong.
It is even worse for those like the heroine Neve March who are born not only as unlit, but stained too. A few hundred years ago there was a war with the Irkallans (insect-like creatures). They raped through the lands and even today their horrendous legacy often appears in the offspring in the form of lavender stains on a child's body. The children are left to the care of the state to be 'raised in government care like every other child deemed to be unlit'.
If it happens that a stained person shows any signs of magic, he or she probably ends up as a breeder. It's no surprise then that Neve hides that she can hear the wind.
Neve's got another advantage, though. 'The only thing that had saved me from a life of serfdom was the fact that I came from a Sifft bloodline—an ancient human race that could take on wildcat form at will.' Nobody today can shape-shift, though. Still, they do have certain advantages. It's the reason she ended up in the Nightwatch guarding the ones who would reject everything she is.
I loved Neve. Keri Arthur truly knows how to write a strong female character without beating a reader over the head with how strong she is. Neve doesn't need to hit people to show who she is. She simply does things, extraordinary things. Even her deep buried need for a deeper connection isn't presented as something pathetic, nor does she spend too much time thinking about the things she cannot change at the moment. With a sentence here and there, you find out that being stained means unwanted. And she lived with it her whole life.
Being an unlit, she was the perfect candidate to send to investigate the twelve houses.
As for the hero of this story, you're in for a treat. I don't know where to start with him, to be honest. Imagine all the alpha-type heroes you've read so far, increase the level of it by a couple of degrees and some more, but remove every single characteristics which would make him an asshole and you'd get Trey Stone. Oh my God, I can't find a flaw in the man! He hasn't got any. If he is awesome before you find out more about him, he is insanely perfect when some of his secrets are revealed. And still he keeps all those alpha-like qualities so desirable in paranormal romances.
Anyway, not that I'm surprised, but Keri Arthur knows how to write a good story with awesome characters.
A bonus: each book seems to feature new characters. I like that. I like how Unlit ends.
If I can't find any flaws in the characters, I have one for the storyline: some of the things that happen are too easily resolved, but to be honest, I don't care.
November 16, 2018
I love Keri Arthurs Riley Jensen series. It was dark, gritty, and mysterious. Unlit has a similar feel but instead of a wiley werewolf we're thrown into a very different dystopian military based story on an alien planet. Urban fantasy it is not.
I had a little bit of a hard time understanding the world building details. The creatures of this world are so odd I feel like I never really got a handle on what/where they were. It was the relationship dynamics between the MC and her friends and the mysterious new man in her life that really got me hooked on the story. And also that the story features a strong and smart heroine. Somewhere near the end when the heroine runs off to save the day the story really started to drag for me. Probably because I wasn't all too invested in knowing about the bad guys.
As a warning, there were quite a few instances throughout the book that were cringeworthy and heavily dark. This is NOT a light story. Riley's books had the tendency to go dark as well but I think this one didn't speak as much to me as much as Riley's did... hence the 3 stars.
I had a little bit of a hard time understanding the world building details. The creatures of this world are so odd I feel like I never really got a handle on what/where they were. It was the relationship dynamics between the MC and her friends and the mysterious new man in her life that really got me hooked on the story. And also that the story features a strong and smart heroine. Somewhere near the end when the heroine runs off to save the day the story really started to drag for me. Probably because I wasn't all too invested in knowing about the bad guys.
As a warning, there were quite a few instances throughout the book that were cringeworthy and heavily dark. This is NOT a light story. Riley's books had the tendency to go dark as well but I think this one didn't speak as much to me as much as Riley's did... hence the 3 stars.
May 26, 2018
I would have rated it higher if not for the ending. Up to 92% I had my heart lodged in my throat with the action and was almost expecting a cliff hanger :)
But the too romancey ending seemed weird at the end of this fantasy book where romance is just a thread. Yes, it's just a HFN, nothing unbelievable, but...
Well, I really don't know why it sounded wrong, to be honest. Chalk this as one of my usual unexplainable nits.
As I often state I like her best in her 'minor' self pub works.
Please see Linda's for an indepth review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
But the too romancey ending seemed weird at the end of this fantasy book where romance is just a thread. Yes, it's just a HFN, nothing unbelievable, but...
Well, I really don't know why it sounded wrong, to be honest. Chalk this as one of my usual unexplainable nits.
As I often state I like her best in her 'minor' self pub works.
Please see Linda's for an indepth review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
May 20, 2018
3.5 stars
Unlit is the first in a new series of fantasy romance standalones set in the same fictional world. This is a departure from Arthur’s usual UF series which feature the same main protagonist in a world based on our own. For the most part, it is well done.
Neve is an unlit (without magic) and stained (skin marked by evidence of old enemy ancestry) woman in a world that values magic and pure bloodlines. Raised in an orphanage, she has carved out a place for herself as a soldier in the Nightwatch. When she rescues a mysterious woman from the desert, she uncovers a conspiracy to destroy her state that appears to include members of her own community. She is drafted by Trey Stone, a military commander and member of the aristocracy, to join him as his companion in a celebration in the upper echelons as they try to ferret out who is betraying them and for what enemy.
Neve is a tough but quite likable character who has made the most of her circumstances. The chemistry between Neve and Trey is hot, though complicated by some personal and magical issues. As in Arthur’s previous series, sexuality is pretty open and freewheeling, so expect that Neve has more than one sexual partner as the story unfolds.
The world-building was a bit spotty or inconsistent at times, but interesting enough that I’d like to read more in the series. I found some actions/decisions towards the end a bit difficult to accept , slightly dampening my enthusiasm for the story.
All in all, though, this was a good first book in a new series and I will look for the second.
Unlit is the first in a new series of fantasy romance standalones set in the same fictional world. This is a departure from Arthur’s usual UF series which feature the same main protagonist in a world based on our own. For the most part, it is well done.
Neve is an unlit (without magic) and stained (skin marked by evidence of old enemy ancestry) woman in a world that values magic and pure bloodlines. Raised in an orphanage, she has carved out a place for herself as a soldier in the Nightwatch. When she rescues a mysterious woman from the desert, she uncovers a conspiracy to destroy her state that appears to include members of her own community. She is drafted by Trey Stone, a military commander and member of the aristocracy, to join him as his companion in a celebration in the upper echelons as they try to ferret out who is betraying them and for what enemy.
Neve is a tough but quite likable character who has made the most of her circumstances. The chemistry between Neve and Trey is hot, though complicated by some personal and magical issues. As in Arthur’s previous series, sexuality is pretty open and freewheeling, so expect that Neve has more than one sexual partner as the story unfolds.
The world-building was a bit spotty or inconsistent at times, but interesting enough that I’d like to read more in the series. I found some actions/decisions towards the end a bit difficult to accept , slightly dampening my enthusiasm for the story.
All in all, though, this was a good first book in a new series and I will look for the second.
November 18, 2023
Oh... I loved this.
Initially, it was a bit shaky ground to understand the universe. But it didn't take long for me to get immersed into the story. It's pretty much straight up fantasy adventure - with enemies to tackle and traitors to uncover. I loved Neve and Trey's relationship. I loved the slow uncover of Neve's magical ability.
There were monsters and warriors. And while the book is part of a series, all three features different couple and different part of the universe. So this one is pretty much complete by last chapter. So yay! No cliffhanger or anything
Initially, it was a bit shaky ground to understand the universe. But it didn't take long for me to get immersed into the story. It's pretty much straight up fantasy adventure - with enemies to tackle and traitors to uncover. I loved Neve and Trey's relationship. I loved the slow uncover of Neve's magical ability.
There were monsters and warriors. And while the book is part of a series, all three features different couple and different part of the universe. So this one is pretty much complete by last chapter. So yay! No cliffhanger or anything
July 22, 2019
I love it when i Discover New creatures and monsters
May 30, 2018
2.5 stars
While I found the world to be interesting, I didn't connect to Neve. I found her a little more than just unbelievable. Maybe it was because that so much of the writing felt way too convenient.
While I found the world to be interesting, I didn't connect to Neve. I found her a little more than just unbelievable. Maybe it was because that so much of the writing felt way too convenient.
August 10, 2018
I enjoyed this one a good deal.
December 11, 2018
I have seen some call this fantasy romance, but I do not really want to call it that. She has grenades and assault riffles. Yes to sci.fi romance. I could even imagine this being a future from earth where settlers lost a lot of their history and tech in wars. Who knows! But it sure is interesting.
Neve grew up a soldier. It's a class society. We have those with magic and those without, unlit. We have those that are stained (like Neve), bearing patches of skin belonging to an enemy of a long ago war. Though she can speak with the wind, but that is something she does not tell. She would only end up being a breeder (yes this world can be pretty horrid that way.) Like all societies it has its good parts and its bad parts. Like how they are very sexually. But yes then there is the whole breeder thing. And the whole stained was killed at birth in the old days.
In this world there are bad guys roaming the wastelands, another race that eats the flesh of humans and are stronger and faster.
I am loosing my train of thought. You know what, I really enjoyed this book. There is a mystery as a woman lost for 12 years is found in the desert. There is a conspiracy going on. There is a hunky guy she meets who needs her help. There is lots of fighting since well, baddies outside the walls! And there are such creepy bad guys with their plot. That is beyond cruel.
I am intrigued by this world, I do want more. Now it's like they do not really know more because of those long ago wars.
Book 2 is to be about someone else so yes there is an ending and I was happy with it. It worked out very well.
Great new start to a series!
Narrator
Oh it is Justine Eyre! I do like her so of course I liked everything about how she narrated this book!
Neve grew up a soldier. It's a class society. We have those with magic and those without, unlit. We have those that are stained (like Neve), bearing patches of skin belonging to an enemy of a long ago war. Though she can speak with the wind, but that is something she does not tell. She would only end up being a breeder (yes this world can be pretty horrid that way.) Like all societies it has its good parts and its bad parts. Like how they are very sexually. But yes then there is the whole breeder thing. And the whole stained was killed at birth in the old days.
In this world there are bad guys roaming the wastelands, another race that eats the flesh of humans and are stronger and faster.
I am loosing my train of thought. You know what, I really enjoyed this book. There is a mystery as a woman lost for 12 years is found in the desert. There is a conspiracy going on. There is a hunky guy she meets who needs her help. There is lots of fighting since well, baddies outside the walls! And there are such creepy bad guys with their plot. That is beyond cruel.
I am intrigued by this world, I do want more. Now it's like they do not really know more because of those long ago wars.
Book 2 is to be about someone else so yes there is an ending and I was happy with it. It worked out very well.
Great new start to a series!
Narrator
Oh it is Justine Eyre! I do like her so of course I liked everything about how she narrated this book!
December 20, 2018
31/2 stars
May 23, 2018
I'm on the fence with this book. A lot of that is due to being bored while reading it. I should have been able to finish this in a day, instead I read one chapter and put it down. The next time I picked it up I read 125 pages and put it down. As I finished it I read what was left in 50 page increments, that was about all I could handle at one time.
I found the world to be interesting, but there was a lot to learn. I'm hoping that my being bored is just first book syndrome, one where you have to get the "rules" in your head. I liked Neve and how strong she was, how she knew people didn't like her, that might too strong, they discounted her due to her station in life, being unlit and stained. She has surrounded herself with people she cares about while going about living her life.
When Neve noticed something outside of where they watched that turned her whole life around. I think it will be for the better, but boy did Neve go through a lot to get there. I'm intrigued to see where things go for Neve and what, if any, the consequences are from what they discovered along the way.
I found the world to be interesting, but there was a lot to learn. I'm hoping that my being bored is just first book syndrome, one where you have to get the "rules" in your head. I liked Neve and how strong she was, how she knew people didn't like her, that might too strong, they discounted her due to her station in life, being unlit and stained. She has surrounded herself with people she cares about while going about living her life.
When Neve noticed something outside of where they watched that turned her whole life around. I think it will be for the better, but boy did Neve go through a lot to get there. I'm intrigued to see where things go for Neve and what, if any, the consequences are from what they discovered along the way.
January 9, 2019
2.5
Skin of the teeth action, horrifying enemy, heart breaking tragedy, fascinating mix of magic and technology. Roller coaster ride of emotion, most not positive. The heroine is loyal and keeps on ticking.
The sexuality was whack, super casual, and generally uncomfortable. I didn't care for the bisexual society, the heroine having threesomes with her workmates, seducing a woman for information, a reference to a character seducing a minor for information(m/m), the kidnapping and breeding of women, and the religious belief that women should be with women first. Oh, and to be accepted as an earth user, you have to say ritualistic words and have sex.
While I finished this in one sitting, it isn't a story that I want to read again. If I do, I will skip over a lot. I am interested in book 2 that is in a different society.
mature content, f/f/m, m/m, f/f, rape
Skin of the teeth action, horrifying enemy, heart breaking tragedy, fascinating mix of magic and technology. Roller coaster ride of emotion, most not positive. The heroine is loyal and keeps on ticking.
The sexuality was whack, super casual, and generally uncomfortable. I didn't care for the bisexual society, the heroine having threesomes with her workmates, seducing a woman for information, a reference to a character seducing a minor for information(m/m), the kidnapping and breeding of women, and the religious belief that women should be with women first. Oh, and to be accepted as an earth user, you have to say ritualistic words and have sex.
While I finished this in one sitting, it isn't a story that I want to read again. If I do, I will skip over a lot. I am interested in book 2 that is in a different society.
mature content, f/f/m, m/m, f/f, rape
March 2, 2019
Unlit is the first book in Keri Arthur’s new Kingdoms of Earth & Air fantasy series. We are introduced to Neve, a stained, unlit solder on the Nightwatch. The Winterborne society is split between those who have magic, either earth or air, and the “unlit,” those without magic, lesser. Additionally, there is a greater burden on those who are “stained” meaning they have Ercholin blood in their lineage. We discover up front that centuries ago, the humans fought off the insect-like Ercholins, but at great cost to the land, making most of it barren desert. Additionally, the residents of Winterborne and its outposts fight off attacks by the Addlin, powerful creatures that hunt in packs.
Overall, I really enjoyed Unlit and the world of earth and air magic. One of my favorite aspects is how the magic works: when those with ability pass on, their soul/spirit joins a collective and assists those still living. For example, Neve, who hides her ability to hear the wind, learns how to use the knowledge of the wind to help inform her, as well as its power to both save and destroy.
As the storyline progresses, Neve befriends Trey Stone, an earth witch who gave up his position as the first born of an influential house to command one of the outposts. Through him, Neve discovers that there are powerful stained witches, and that she herself may be one. They bond over circumstance and connect through undercover work. While I wouldn’t necessarily classify the book as a romance, the romantic element of their relationship is a strong part of Neve’s story. Through Trey, Neve becomes a stronger woman and a formidable weapon to their enemies. The politics and subterfuge add interesting layers to the story.
Narration: This is my first time listening to Justine Eyre perform. She has a distinct voice that is soft yet gruff and grizzled around the edges. At times it sounded as if her voice was breaking up... both emotional and cracking. With the story shared from the first person POV of Neve, I found the narrator’s rough edge very suitable for Neve’s hard life. Ms. Eyre’s males are noticeably deeper and masculine. However, she does not provide much distinction between characters of the same gender. I really like her voice for the wind, which always felt urgent.
In the end, I enjoyed Unlit and look forward to finding out what becomes of Neve, Trey, and the Winterborne society.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B+
Overall, I really enjoyed Unlit and the world of earth and air magic. One of my favorite aspects is how the magic works: when those with ability pass on, their soul/spirit joins a collective and assists those still living. For example, Neve, who hides her ability to hear the wind, learns how to use the knowledge of the wind to help inform her, as well as its power to both save and destroy.
As the storyline progresses, Neve befriends Trey Stone, an earth witch who gave up his position as the first born of an influential house to command one of the outposts. Through him, Neve discovers that there are powerful stained witches, and that she herself may be one. They bond over circumstance and connect through undercover work. While I wouldn’t necessarily classify the book as a romance, the romantic element of their relationship is a strong part of Neve’s story. Through Trey, Neve becomes a stronger woman and a formidable weapon to their enemies. The politics and subterfuge add interesting layers to the story.
Narration: This is my first time listening to Justine Eyre perform. She has a distinct voice that is soft yet gruff and grizzled around the edges. At times it sounded as if her voice was breaking up... both emotional and cracking. With the story shared from the first person POV of Neve, I found the narrator’s rough edge very suitable for Neve’s hard life. Ms. Eyre’s males are noticeably deeper and masculine. However, she does not provide much distinction between characters of the same gender. I really like her voice for the wind, which always felt urgent.
In the end, I enjoyed Unlit and look forward to finding out what becomes of Neve, Trey, and the Winterborne society.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B+
March 21, 2019
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
Keri Arthur is an author that has been on my radar for years. I have no idea why I never tried her, but when I saw a book one of a series available for review, I grabbed it. I”m so glad that I did. This is a very interesting world that she’s built.
Neve is Unlit. She has stained skin and no magic. In this world, she is taken from her parents and raised to be a soldier in the Nightwatch. They protect the citizens of the area from the Adlin that love to eat humans. There are also witches, people who can control either air or earth.
When Neve goes out into the desert to rescue a woman, she gets herself noticed a lot more than she would like. Especially, since she used her magic that she shouldn’t have to help save herself and her charge from the Adlin.
This was an interesting start to the series. I can’t wait to learn more about this series. It is a romance, so there is a different couple featured for the second book. I hope to learn more about this world.
Narration
Justine Eyre is one of my favorite narrators (one of many). She does a great job with the narration of this series. I found myself really slipping into the world as she tells me the story. I love her choice of voices for both male and female voices. If you haven’t tried Justine’s narration, I highly recommend you give her a try.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Keri Arthur is an author that has been on my radar for years. I have no idea why I never tried her, but when I saw a book one of a series available for review, I grabbed it. I”m so glad that I did. This is a very interesting world that she’s built.
Neve is Unlit. She has stained skin and no magic. In this world, she is taken from her parents and raised to be a soldier in the Nightwatch. They protect the citizens of the area from the Adlin that love to eat humans. There are also witches, people who can control either air or earth.
When Neve goes out into the desert to rescue a woman, she gets herself noticed a lot more than she would like. Especially, since she used her magic that she shouldn’t have to help save herself and her charge from the Adlin.
This was an interesting start to the series. I can’t wait to learn more about this series. It is a romance, so there is a different couple featured for the second book. I hope to learn more about this world.
Narration
Justine Eyre is one of my favorite narrators (one of many). She does a great job with the narration of this series. I found myself really slipping into the world as she tells me the story. I love her choice of voices for both male and female voices. If you haven’t tried Justine’s narration, I highly recommend you give her a try.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2018
I enjoyed the story line but didn't care for the world where stained or unlit are second class citizens! Action packed! 3.5 stars!
July 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book. There is a lot of sex in the first half, but it is mostly the behind the doors kind. It is also all kinds of gender sex - triples, same gender, even youngsters and what not. Be aware if that is a problem for you. (Honestly, was a little much for me, made bearable by the fact that it was behind closed doors or historical.)
The story and the world are interesting. The love interest develops a little quickly and I feel as though there could be much more to the story, I felt like things were left out that should have been included. Still, it was entertaining, it just could have been more.
The story and the world are interesting. The love interest develops a little quickly and I feel as though there could be much more to the story, I felt like things were left out that should have been included. Still, it was entertaining, it just could have been more.
September 20, 2023
Kickass women are my favorite heroines. Is this sci-fi or just fantasy? With a tiny bit of romance.
May 29, 2018
I’m a huge fan of Keri Arthur and not only she creates phenomenal urban fantasy stories (my fave genre) but she is pretty productive with 2-3 books a year. So yeah, she is pretty high on my must read/ auto buy list which means I was so excited for her new release.
Keri Arthur has an awesome imagination because her books are not only complex and intriguing but also really wide ranged within the borders of the genre. She has a phenomenal writing style so her stories are dynamic and seamlessly flowing paired with colorful world building and multi-layered characters. However, while usually my favorite thing I love about her books is the world building in this particular case it wasn’t exactly true. The world still had potential and a lot of interesting parts but I would call it a bit more left open than her usual detailed worlds. It’s a bit spotty, the bare bones of it is there, it’s solid and reliable, newfound even but there are a lot of things that’s left for either your imagination or for a chance on the author part to take things in different directions in her future books in the series. But it’s entirely possible that it’s due to the fact that unlike most of Keri Arthurs other series, this one is complete fiction and not based on our world. Anyway I liked it; I saw the potential in it and especially love the whole magical system. I had some problems with the other species like the Irkallan for example. Apart from this I think the book would have benefitted from getting a map not just because they travel a lot n it, but it would have helped with the introduction of the world, different countries and such.
Some other things about the world building. While the author never shied away from the graphic and slightly grotesque representation of thin, I felt that this world was more cruel and harsh than her usual ones. Also I got major Outcast series and The night’s watch (Game of thrones) vibes form it. I loved it!!
(Sorry if the first paragraph is a bit confusing. I had so much I wanted to say about the world building that things got a bit jumbled up.)
As for the plot, it is pretty fas paced and busy since the book contains a whole lot of things. From discovering and uncovering a conspiracy and also preventing the fruition of it beside some personal development. For the most part I really enjoyed the storyline; there is a ton of action and intrigue in it. However I felt that the last 15% or so was a bit too detailed which not only slowed down things but also bored me a bit. I understand why the author felt the need to write it as she did. Trying to stretch out things which stressed the importance of the events and also prevented the reader to feel like the solution was too quick and easy but for me it didn’t worked so well.
Still what I loved most in this book was the phenomenal relationship between the main character Neve and Tray. The world is sexually pretty open and decadent but that’s not new from Keri Arthur, however I can’t say that this romance was as steamy or sexually overheated as the world would let it. But I loved it, the connection, the dynamic, the trust, the playfulness and the chemistry was phenomenal and for me it was the spine of the book.
Neve, the main character is a devoted soldier with some unique abilities and some pretty major staining, which is considered a flaw in her society. Due to this she had some painful experiences which solidified her determination for a lonely yet purposeful life. She is brave, smart, blunt and determined, also a bit insecure. I really liked her, how she embraced every change and new opportunity in her way.
Tray is a commander but also magical royalty. However he is also has a straight morale and willing to sacrifice some of his comforts and privileges for things he loves and believes in. He was a great and supportive character, also strong and hot.
Unlit is a spectacular first book in a series of standalones taking place in the same world, it is action packed and unusually emotion for an urban fantasy with endless possibilities. I loved the characters and could read about them for several books more. However their story is pretty well rounded and has a conclusion. Still I kinda hope that we get more books featuring them but the fact that the book is pretty much a standalone suggests otherwise. We will see.
Keri Arthur has an awesome imagination because her books are not only complex and intriguing but also really wide ranged within the borders of the genre. She has a phenomenal writing style so her stories are dynamic and seamlessly flowing paired with colorful world building and multi-layered characters. However, while usually my favorite thing I love about her books is the world building in this particular case it wasn’t exactly true. The world still had potential and a lot of interesting parts but I would call it a bit more left open than her usual detailed worlds. It’s a bit spotty, the bare bones of it is there, it’s solid and reliable, newfound even but there are a lot of things that’s left for either your imagination or for a chance on the author part to take things in different directions in her future books in the series. But it’s entirely possible that it’s due to the fact that unlike most of Keri Arthurs other series, this one is complete fiction and not based on our world. Anyway I liked it; I saw the potential in it and especially love the whole magical system. I had some problems with the other species like the Irkallan for example. Apart from this I think the book would have benefitted from getting a map not just because they travel a lot n it, but it would have helped with the introduction of the world, different countries and such.
Some other things about the world building. While the author never shied away from the graphic and slightly grotesque representation of thin, I felt that this world was more cruel and harsh than her usual ones. Also I got major Outcast series and The night’s watch (Game of thrones) vibes form it. I loved it!!
(Sorry if the first paragraph is a bit confusing. I had so much I wanted to say about the world building that things got a bit jumbled up.)
As for the plot, it is pretty fas paced and busy since the book contains a whole lot of things. From discovering and uncovering a conspiracy and also preventing the fruition of it beside some personal development. For the most part I really enjoyed the storyline; there is a ton of action and intrigue in it. However I felt that the last 15% or so was a bit too detailed which not only slowed down things but also bored me a bit. I understand why the author felt the need to write it as she did. Trying to stretch out things which stressed the importance of the events and also prevented the reader to feel like the solution was too quick and easy but for me it didn’t worked so well.
Still what I loved most in this book was the phenomenal relationship between the main character Neve and Tray. The world is sexually pretty open and decadent but that’s not new from Keri Arthur, however I can’t say that this romance was as steamy or sexually overheated as the world would let it. But I loved it, the connection, the dynamic, the trust, the playfulness and the chemistry was phenomenal and for me it was the spine of the book.
Neve, the main character is a devoted soldier with some unique abilities and some pretty major staining, which is considered a flaw in her society. Due to this she had some painful experiences which solidified her determination for a lonely yet purposeful life. She is brave, smart, blunt and determined, also a bit insecure. I really liked her, how she embraced every change and new opportunity in her way.
Tray is a commander but also magical royalty. However he is also has a straight morale and willing to sacrifice some of his comforts and privileges for things he loves and believes in. He was a great and supportive character, also strong and hot.
Unlit is a spectacular first book in a series of standalones taking place in the same world, it is action packed and unusually emotion for an urban fantasy with endless possibilities. I loved the characters and could read about them for several books more. However their story is pretty well rounded and has a conclusion. Still I kinda hope that we get more books featuring them but the fact that the book is pretty much a standalone suggests otherwise. We will see.
October 17, 2018
Mon avis en Français
My English review
If you know me, you must know that I love Keri Arthur and I always discover her novels with great pleasure! I do not know why, but I missed this release and I was sure it was a sequel of another series. Also, when I realized that I had misled myself, I quickly started reading it! How to resist it?
The author proposes a genre a little different from what she usually writes but whose genre could be compared to that of the Outcast series. We have something fantasy, but light enough which allowed me to easily go into history.
Neve is Unlit, a guard without power or that’s what everyone thinks. Yes because she hears the wind and can even talk to it. A gift out of the ordinary! Yet her secret is ready to be exposed when she discovers a young pregnant woman almost dead in the middle of nowhere. Attracting a great danger, Neve will have to use her powers to manage to save herself. Unfortunately this is also what will also attract the attention of more powerful people.
I really had a good time with this novel and I was curious to discover this universe, especially in relation to this plot that seems very difficult to thwart. It was a different and intriguing reading. I also appreciated that some destinies take quite surprising turns. I really enjoyed following Neve, discovering what she was, and especially what was being hidden from her, and I am now also curious to discover the sequel with new characters!
My English review
If you know me, you must know that I love Keri Arthur and I always discover her novels with great pleasure! I do not know why, but I missed this release and I was sure it was a sequel of another series. Also, when I realized that I had misled myself, I quickly started reading it! How to resist it?
The author proposes a genre a little different from what she usually writes but whose genre could be compared to that of the Outcast series. We have something fantasy, but light enough which allowed me to easily go into history.
Neve is Unlit, a guard without power or that’s what everyone thinks. Yes because she hears the wind and can even talk to it. A gift out of the ordinary! Yet her secret is ready to be exposed when she discovers a young pregnant woman almost dead in the middle of nowhere. Attracting a great danger, Neve will have to use her powers to manage to save herself. Unfortunately this is also what will also attract the attention of more powerful people.
I really had a good time with this novel and I was curious to discover this universe, especially in relation to this plot that seems very difficult to thwart. It was a different and intriguing reading. I also appreciated that some destinies take quite surprising turns. I really enjoyed following Neve, discovering what she was, and especially what was being hidden from her, and I am now also curious to discover the sequel with new characters!
July 7, 2018
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Another new series has published by a favorite author, Keri Arthur, Kingdoms of Earth & Air. The classification is Urban Fantasy but I got somewhat a science fiction vibe. Although the fantasy trappings of social classes and kingdoms and battles are present.
Unlit focuses on Neve who is a soldier. The upper classes are those with magic. Everyone else is "unlit" and has few choices about their lives. Neve likes her work and her friends. She knows nothing about her family background. She doesn't feel she has ever had magic, but the wind talks to her.
When there are new attacks, Neve ends up in the middle of the battle. Tracking down the reasons for the increased attacks leads to Neve learning much, much more about herself, and her family background. The story is not alway fast paced but it is suspenseful and there are a number of mysteries to solve. I liked it a lot.
Another new series has published by a favorite author, Keri Arthur, Kingdoms of Earth & Air. The classification is Urban Fantasy but I got somewhat a science fiction vibe. Although the fantasy trappings of social classes and kingdoms and battles are present.
Unlit focuses on Neve who is a soldier. The upper classes are those with magic. Everyone else is "unlit" and has few choices about their lives. Neve likes her work and her friends. She knows nothing about her family background. She doesn't feel she has ever had magic, but the wind talks to her.
When there are new attacks, Neve ends up in the middle of the battle. Tracking down the reasons for the increased attacks leads to Neve learning much, much more about herself, and her family background. The story is not alway fast paced but it is suspenseful and there are a number of mysteries to solve. I liked it a lot.
July 15, 2018
First in a new series, Neve is Unlit, believed to have no magic and stained. Trey is the aristo that turned his back on society expectations to keep his stained daughter. There's plots and intrigues, missing witches returned pregnant, strange connection Neve has with the newly returned witch and of course she is the key to saving humans from an unknown threat. Some editing problems, and some sequences made me lose my suspension of belief. Just an okay read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2018
3.5 Good Stars
What is great about this book.
World Building. Arthur is a phenomenal author when it comes to world building.
Characters, author is a great author when coming to complete characters will flaws and all.
The writing again is five stars, Arthur puts me into the action and her world from page one.
The build up as the danger gets closer. The mystery of the plot.
The secondary characters are fleshed out and complex.
The love story and the friendships of the characters.
What is good.
Sexuality in most of Arthur’s book series is expected. In Arthur’s worlds sexuality is not moralistic, it is a basic biological need. If you aren’t into three way sex or same gender sex then you might want to skip this book. The sex isn’t graphic but it is on page. Sexuality in this book is not hidden, nor that erotic, it is a primal need. Note than even you could skip all the sex scenes and still have a remarkable book.
What is not good and took one and a half stars.
CONTINUITY issues in this book. Not just one or twice but several. Such as Neve recounting Stone’s trusting the witches of Winterborne. Well this isn’t correct he trust the witches of his command Blacklake, he is investigating Winterborne witches. It is these continuity issues that demoted this book from 5 to 3.5 Stars. I truly hope Arthur hires a reader for continuity as she only deserves the best product published. I don’t know how her editors didn’t catch the errors. Maybe they aren’t reading the finished product. Maybe they don’t pay attention to continuity like my squirrel brain does.
In conclusion
I do recommend this book as I love Arthur’s writing even though the characters sexuality may not be always morally comfortable for me, I am more of a one-on-one/true love type of reader, it is always written to propel the story. The sexuality always does work for Arthur’s characters.
What is great about this book.
World Building. Arthur is a phenomenal author when it comes to world building.
Characters, author is a great author when coming to complete characters will flaws and all.
The writing again is five stars, Arthur puts me into the action and her world from page one.
The build up as the danger gets closer. The mystery of the plot.
The secondary characters are fleshed out and complex.
The love story and the friendships of the characters.
What is good.
Sexuality in most of Arthur’s book series is expected. In Arthur’s worlds sexuality is not moralistic, it is a basic biological need. If you aren’t into three way sex or same gender sex then you might want to skip this book. The sex isn’t graphic but it is on page. Sexuality in this book is not hidden, nor that erotic, it is a primal need. Note than even you could skip all the sex scenes and still have a remarkable book.
What is not good and took one and a half stars.
CONTINUITY issues in this book. Not just one or twice but several. Such as Neve recounting Stone’s trusting the witches of Winterborne. Well this isn’t correct he trust the witches of his command Blacklake, he is investigating Winterborne witches. It is these continuity issues that demoted this book from 5 to 3.5 Stars. I truly hope Arthur hires a reader for continuity as she only deserves the best product published. I don’t know how her editors didn’t catch the errors. Maybe they aren’t reading the finished product. Maybe they don’t pay attention to continuity like my squirrel brain does.
In conclusion
I do recommend this book as I love Arthur’s writing even though the characters sexuality may not be always morally comfortable for me, I am more of a one-on-one/true love type of reader, it is always written to propel the story. The sexuality always does work for Arthur’s characters.
June 3, 2018
Unlit is the first in a brand new series by one of my favorite authors and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Neve March was born Unlit, which is a person who doesn’t have magic and her skin is stained as well, but her one advantage is her Sifft blood, which gives her greater strength, faster healing, and extraordinary night vision. This allows her to earn a position in the Nightwatch, which affords her a better life than some. She hears the wind and has been able to control her a bit, but she must keep it a secret in order to keep her position with the Nightwatch.
When Neve is sent to investigate a faint signal out in the wastelands, she recovers a woman near death, at great risk to them both from an attack by the Adlin, humanoid creatures with deadly teeth and claws who love to eat humans. Thus begins an adventure where Neve is thrust into a world of political maneuvering, magic users, treachery and deceit, but with the help of the attractive Commander Trey Stone, she will learn more about herself, her abilities, and just how much she’s capable of enduring to save her people and all she holds dear.
This was an awesome new world that I look forward to learning more about. I loved this resilient, courageous young woman, as well as her friendship with her coworkers, April and Ava. Her relationship with Trey was a nice romantic bonus that added more depth to the story and I enjoyed the way everything wrapped up at the conclusion. I will be waiting eagerly to read more in this Kingdoms of Earth & Air series, just like everything Keri Arthur writes, it’s fantastic.
When Neve is sent to investigate a faint signal out in the wastelands, she recovers a woman near death, at great risk to them both from an attack by the Adlin, humanoid creatures with deadly teeth and claws who love to eat humans. Thus begins an adventure where Neve is thrust into a world of political maneuvering, magic users, treachery and deceit, but with the help of the attractive Commander Trey Stone, she will learn more about herself, her abilities, and just how much she’s capable of enduring to save her people and all she holds dear.
This was an awesome new world that I look forward to learning more about. I loved this resilient, courageous young woman, as well as her friendship with her coworkers, April and Ava. Her relationship with Trey was a nice romantic bonus that added more depth to the story and I enjoyed the way everything wrapped up at the conclusion. I will be waiting eagerly to read more in this Kingdoms of Earth & Air series, just like everything Keri Arthur writes, it’s fantastic.
July 23, 2018
Pretty good. I'll read the next even though it moves on to a new part of the world and new leads.
September 6, 2018
A little inconsistent at times, but I liked the set-up enough to get the next.
BTW -- the cover -- that isn't dirt, she's has a half body birthmark. FYI
BTW -- the cover -- that isn't dirt, she's has a half body birthmark. FYI
June 24, 2021
3 1/2 stars
So I wasn't sure if this was a romance or a scifi dytopia paranormal similar to UF with the main character first person going on in the series, but in the end there is a romance (with other people in the mix) that ends with a HEA (not HFN) and concludes this portion of the story. No triangle or questions. And really the romance might have been the best part of the book only it was vague, just like the rest of the storyline.
So the story is set in a fantasy/scifi/paranormal world where there was a war with creatures 500 years past. It is thought that those are dormant but there is another that are less organized that are a constant threat to the city's walls. These cities and laws are given in bursts of info that one is not sure of the importance and might even be forgotten (I had to go back to the beginning after finishing). Although, I actually really like the characters and mostly liked the story, the vague world, fighting, and battles, mixed with a slow start to the main characters relationship, stunted me from being well connected.
I liked it, some parts I liked a lot, but it is more a 3 that a 4. I read the first Lizzie Grace before this one and really liked, 4.5 that one. So it is not the writing, it is starting a whole new world and trying to develop it while keeping the readers attention. Here we are in complete fantasy so there is a lot more world building that is needed. I may try the next but I will select Lizzie first.
So I wasn't sure if this was a romance or a scifi dytopia paranormal similar to UF with the main character first person going on in the series, but in the end there is a romance (with other people in the mix) that ends with a HEA (not HFN) and concludes this portion of the story. No triangle or questions. And really the romance might have been the best part of the book only it was vague, just like the rest of the storyline.
So the story is set in a fantasy/scifi/paranormal world where there was a war with creatures 500 years past. It is thought that those are dormant but there is another that are less organized that are a constant threat to the city's walls. These cities and laws are given in bursts of info that one is not sure of the importance and might even be forgotten (I had to go back to the beginning after finishing). Although, I actually really like the characters and mostly liked the story, the vague world, fighting, and battles, mixed with a slow start to the main characters relationship, stunted me from being well connected.
I liked it, some parts I liked a lot, but it is more a 3 that a 4. I read the first Lizzie Grace before this one and really liked, 4.5 that one. So it is not the writing, it is starting a whole new world and trying to develop it while keeping the readers attention. Here we are in complete fantasy so there is a lot more world building that is needed. I may try the next but I will select Lizzie first.
July 19, 2019
Meh. This was much better than the one other Keri Arthur book I read.
There was nothing wrong with this story, I just didn't connect to the characters that much, and the plot started out like it would have a lot of political intrigue, but that fizzled out and became fairly predictable.
There was nothing wrong with this story, I just didn't connect to the characters that much, and the plot started out like it would have a lot of political intrigue, but that fizzled out and became fairly predictable.
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