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Empowered #1

The Gremlin Prince

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Alyssum Bracken will do anything to find the Gremlin Prince…

After a longtime feud over copper between the Gremalian and the Gobel races, her people’s only hope for survival lies with Jensen Burkhardt and the hope he inherited his father’s abilities. When she tracks him down, Alyssum discovers she isn’t the first to get there. Aric, a rival goblin, is already ensconced in Jensen’s life.

Risking exile to save both races from a bloody war, the unlikely trio come together to fight for everything they love. A forbidden friendship with Aric, a first love with Jensen, while juggling the leader of her people, who’s also her father, prejudice against the Gobel—and Aric’s people trying to kill them all—could be too much for Alyssum to handle.

Jensen’s strength is the one thing keeping Alyssum grounded, but will their relationship be jeopardized by her friendship with Aric? Will any of them survive?
Alyssum isn't sure… but she’s going to fight like hell.

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About the author

Heather Young-Nichols

79 books1,720 followers
Heather Young-Nichols is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romances. She writes swoony heroes and snarly heroines with a heap of romance.

When she's not writing, she's binging a show with her kids, watching baseball, or snuggling with her cuddly animals.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Calla.
Author 18 books390 followers
July 11, 2019
I loved this fun story! Especially how the author created a supernatural world, but expertly weaved it to our contemporary world. Great start to this YA series, with some love, some magic, and some family drama!
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews367 followers
June 24, 2019
Besides giving the Gremalian race a healing capability, copper also enhanced their powers, so it was very important to them. With a feud brewing over the copper between both the Gremalian and the Gobel races, and possibly escalating into a war, Alyssum Bracken risks exile, or at least an angry father, to track down Heath Sorrel, now known as Jensen Burkhardt. Heath Sorrel was the son of their dead ex-leader, a boy Alyssum had never seen and who might not have survived the car accident that took his parents’ lives. But she was determined to search for him to see if he had survived, starting at the hospital where he would have been taken. She had already researched and found more clues on the internet as to where he might now be, since a baby of his age had been adopted by a nurse from that hospital. Surprisingly, when she sat down in a diner for coffee, she felt the Gremalian walk in the door! She followed him for two more days to learn his routine before she went to his workplace. Feeling the amazing warmth again that identified him, she asked him to look at her steaming car – after she had drained the anti-freeze and driven around for a while.

She figured Jensen must have been around humans too long since he wasn’t reacting to her own Gremalian presence. She followed him to the garage bay and suddenly felt her body strongly sense a Gobel man under a car’s hood next to them. Jensen hadn’t reacted to the Gobel goblin either, and introduced her to Aric Bramble. She confronted him and he told her he was not her enemy and was also trying to prevent the war between their people. Jensen was coming back, so Aric asked her to come to his apartment after work, knowing her senses would be able to track and locate him.

Aric told her he had heard of her reputation – “strong, fierce” – and as she started to smile, he continued “…pigheaded, rule breaker”. But both Aric and Alyssum were sure Jensen could stop the war, if he truly did have the immense power they thought he did. Just having him back would cause the Gobel to back off, they hoped! It would take the three of them combining their efforts to save all of their people. There were many risks involved. Could they convince Jensen? Did he truly have these powers? Would he join with them and prevent the looming battle? Or would the forbidden friendship with Aric, a developing first love with Jensen, and Aric’s people trying to kill them cause them to fail completely or risk their own deaths?

This was a good book that kept the reader’s attention. Not much information is given in the beginning about the Gremalian and Gobel races’ powers, nor why the copper situation is becoming so severe as to lead to war. So the mystery and suspense is always there, running along the story line as the reader learns more. The book is well-written and the characters likable. I especially enjoyed Aric! The light humor interspersed also makes it a book the reader can definitely enjoy. Grab your copy and join in the adventure!
Profile Image for Reena.
956 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2019
This was a great paranormal read! Excellent storyline that hooked me right from the start, well-developed characters with great chemistry between them, subtle humor that lightens the story. I truly enjoyed it and can't wait to see what comes next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.8k reviews28 followers
June 28, 2019
The Gremlin Prince is about the Gremalian and Gobel races fighting over copper and heading towards war. Alyssum is determined to find the truth about Heath (Jensen) believing that he was the only one who could help the Gremalians. Jensen was the son of the Gremlins former leader who died in a car accident with his wife and possibly Jensen. This is a fantastic story that took me on quite a ride in the supernatural world. I can't wait to read the next book in The Empowered Series to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
June 21, 2019
Holy wow! This story takes two supernatural races that are often overlooked in favor of the flashier, more glamorous ones, and turns everything we thought we knew on it’ head. I love Alyssum. She’s feisty and independent, and even her naivete doesn’t detract from how much I love her. In fact, I found her even more endearing for it. I adored Jensen and Aric. I would love to see a stable triad formed out of this group because I just can’t choose between the Gremalian and the Gobel. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews367 followers
June 26, 2019
Besides giving the Gremalian race a healing capability, copper also enhanced their powers, so it was very important to them. With a feud brewing over the copper between both the Gremalian and the Gobel races, and possibly escalating into a war, Alyssum Bracken risks exile, or at least an angry father, to track down Heath Sorrel, now known as Jensen Burkhardt. Heath Sorrel was the son of their dead ex-leader, a boy Alyssum had never seen and who might not have survived the car accident that took his parents’ lives. But she was determined to search for him to see if he had survived, starting at the hospital where he would have been taken. She had already researched and found more clues on the internet as to where he might now be, since a baby of his age had been adopted by a nurse from that hospital. Surprisingly, when she sat down in a diner for coffee, she felt the Gremalian walk in the door! She followed him for two more days to learn his routine before she went to his workplace. Feeling the amazing warmth again that identified him, she asked him to look at her steaming car – after she had drained the anti-freeze and driven around for a while.

She figured Jensen must have been around humans too long since he wasn’t reacting to her own Gremalian presence. She followed him to the garage bay and suddenly felt her body strongly sense a Gobel man under a car’s hood next to them. Jensen hadn’t reacted to the Gobel goblin either, and introduced her to Aric Bramble. She confronted him and he told her he was not her enemy and was also trying to prevent the war between their people. Jensen was coming back, so Aric asked her to come to his apartment after work, knowing her senses would be able to track and locate him.

Aric told her he had heard of her reputation – “strong, fierce” – and as she started to smile, he continued “…pigheaded, rule breaker”. But both Aric and Alyssum were sure Jensen could stop the war, if he truly did have the immense power they thought he did. Just having him back would cause the Gobel to back off, they hoped! It would take the three of them combining their efforts to save all of their people. There were many risks involved. Could they convince Jensen? Did he truly have these powers? Would he join with them and prevent the looming battle? Or would the forbidden friendship with Aric, a developing first love with Jensen, and Aric’s people trying to kill them cause them to fail completely or risk their own deaths?

This was a good book that kept the reader’s attention. Not much information is given in the beginning about the Gremalian and Gobel races’ powers, nor why the copper situation is becoming so severe as to lead to war. So the mystery and suspense is always there, running along the story line as the reader learns more. The book is well-written and the characters likable. I especially enjoyed Aric! The light humor interspersed also makes it a book the reader can definitely enjoy. Grab your copy and join in the adventure!
2,416 reviews
June 28, 2019
Really good book! Great story with great characters. Definitely going to read the next book. I recommend reading!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Martimagic.
410 reviews1 follower
June 26, 2019
Well written story of the supernatural genre. Not something I have chosen to read lately but thoroughly enjoyed. If this is your favored genre don't miss it.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews218 followers
December 19, 2021
I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
Author 2 books18 followers
September 23, 2025
Cliff hanger

This book is written in a single point of view, which may appeal to readers who prefer following one character’s perspective throughout. Personally, I enjoy romance stories that let me see into both characters’ hearts and minds—it helps me connect more deeply with the couple—so I found myself wishing for that here.

The story reads quickly and is straightforward, making it an easy choice for someone looking for a simple, no-frills romance. That said, it leans more toward telling than showing, so if you’re someone who likes lots of descriptive detail, you may not find that here.

The ending comes with a cliffhanger. For readers who enjoy ongoing series and don’t mind waiting for the next installment, this might be a fun hook. For me, I prefer at least a “happily for now” between the main couple before moving into the next book, so the lack of resolution was a little disappointing.

If you enjoy fast reads, a single perspective, and don’t mind waiting for future books to see how the romance develops, this could be a great fit for you.
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
2,010 reviews27 followers
July 9, 2020
Audio Review:
The Gremlin Prince (The Empowered Series, Book 1) is YA Urban Fantasy audio with magical powers.

As Alyssum Braken sets out in search of Jensen Burkhardt... Need to listen to find out.

I absolutely love ya urban fantasy's & I love this one too. A highly captivating novel with a intriguing plot twists. The world building descriptions are very detailed & descriptive. With compelling & unrivaled characters that grab your attention. A distinctive writing style that offers jaw dropping moments. So excited to listen to the next audio in this series. I highly recommend listening to this audio as you will not be disappointed.

Narrator Sommer Hines sensational performance was smooth and saccharine. I loved her intonation and her performance. I hope she narrates the next audio in this Duet series.
2,741 reviews12 followers
December 18, 2021
Couldn’t put it down!

The story is a real page-turner! Full of action and danger. It made me totally rethink my image of goblins and gremlins in more relatable terms. Alyssum Bracken, daughter to the leader of the Gremalians, is on a self-appointed mission to find the son of their ex-leader and his wife who were victims in the war with the Gobels many years ago. If she finds him she still has to convince him of his heritage, his powers, and to leave the human life he was raised in and return with her to Delaware to help in the war. The finding wasn’t so hard but what was Alyssum going to do about the Gobel that was already there?

What a series starter! I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received a free copy but my review is voluntary.
1,605 reviews13 followers
September 22, 2024
The Gremlin Prince is the first story in The Empowered Series. The Gremlin Prince follows the beginning of Alyssum and Jensen. I absolutely enjoyed reading this amazing book which had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. I'm definitely going to need to read the next book in this series to see what happens next between Alyssum and Jensen. Author Heather Young-Nichols does an amazing job with the way she began Alyssum and Jensen's story. The Gremlin Prince is both suspenseful and a definite page-turner of a book, it is also entertaining, enjoyable to read, action-packed, and overall a fantastic book. I would certainly encourage anyone to give this book a chance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jackie Roberts.
927 reviews8 followers
August 4, 2019
Alyssum is a fesity and determined heroine - determined to uncover the truth about Heath (Jensen) and in her efforts uncovers way more than she ever expected. I also enjoyed the dynamics between her, Jensen (recently discovered he's Gremalian) and Aric (Gobel). There are twists and turns, danger, heartache, betrayal, determination, regret, hope...so many emotions.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
August 11, 2019
The Gremlin Prince by Heather Young-Nichols is an amazing story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number one in this amazing start to a brand new series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about paranormal romances in thier stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for AMBER CLARK.
961 reviews25 followers
September 19, 2024
Gremlins & Goblins is a new kind of paranormal for me. I really enjoyed this one. Mystery, romance, and danger fill every page. The characters are unique and charming. The writing detailed and dramatic. A cliffhanger ending that makes me want to start reading the next book right now. Twilight fans will love it! Both a good book and a good starter to a series.

Profile Image for Tracy Fritts.
1,479 reviews36 followers
July 26, 2019
I enjoyed reading this paranormal story. It was well written and a good story-line. I enjoyed the characters. I look forward to reading stories from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews170 followers
December 21, 2021
This was a lot more fun than I expected. While it has the paranormal and seems like a whole new world, it's also balanced out with the modern world. The chemistry and characters are complex and the friendship and growing they have to go through makes this even more exciting.
1,669 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2022
loved it !!! a great start for a new series !!! love Jensen, Aric and Alyssum... this is their story... a fast paced action packed drama... war is coming... the gremlins and gobels , over copper...only Jensen can prevent it... maybe... what an exciting story so far...
Profile Image for Cali Jewel.
5,250 reviews40 followers
February 1, 2022
Highly entertaining, lighthearted, sweetly sexy, fun and action-packed journey filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. An edge of your seat adventure that is so hard to put down.
Profile Image for Emma Ashley.
1,446 reviews49 followers
September 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this ya supernatural novel. It's a brilliant start to a series that was easy to follow with a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it.
💖 Thank you to vorious readers only and the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Cindy Scheffler.
163 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2020
I loved the characters. The story flowed with ease and kept me listening till the end and wanting more.
1,774 reviews9 followers
December 31, 2021
Love this start to a series that is promising to have me hooked. It is fun, witty, contemporary YA PNR. Some drama, some mystery, great characters and a nice witty vibe. I cannot wait for more.
Profile Image for Sarah.
36 reviews1 follower
April 6, 2022
Can’t go wrong with Gremlins. Definite page turner. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
164 reviews8 followers
August 1, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much my jaw literally dropped at the end. The narrator was fabulous.
2 reviews
March 28, 2025
Started reading after I saw this had 4.6 stars only to see it was so bad it seemed AI-generated? After looking into the reviews here, they also seem fake. What is the scheme with booksprout?
Profile Image for mia.
777 reviews
June 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it was a rollercoaster of emotions as a girl goes looking for a lost prince to stop a war, what she finds is first love, a new best friend and a new understanding of the enemy. Definitely worth reading, and expressive narration from Sommer Hines.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,470 reviews49 followers
June 25, 2019
Heather Young Nichols is a fairly new author to me and I must say wow I loved this story it’s a thrilling supernatural ride, the Gremalian and the Gobel races are fighting over copper which is getting so bad that it’s leading to war and our 3 heroes have to work together to stop it. I’m not going to give any spoilers to this one so read the blurb and that will explain this story better than I can but I will say that this is a fantastic story I enjoyed it immensely and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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