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The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series
Hidden in plain sight, is a mysterious hotel that doubles as a supernatural refugee: The Soppronaturale.
Each supernatural inhabitant has a specific purpose, job, and destiny.
All to keep the hotel running and its secrets safe.
Vampires exist. Werewolves exist. Witches exist. Shape Shifters exist. And now Faeries exist.
The last two Faeries, once unified, could be the most powerful forces on Earth.
Ommily, newcomer to the Soppronaturale, offensively controls and manipulates the four elements; Fire, Earth, Wind and Water. While Link defensively uses their energy to shield Ommily and himself from even the darkest magic.
They could protect all others. But first, they have to defeat the Gauntlet.
Each supernatural inhabitant has a specific purpose, job, and destiny.
All to keep the hotel running and its secrets safe.
Vampires exist. Werewolves exist. Witches exist. Shape Shifters exist. And now Faeries exist.
The last two Faeries, once unified, could be the most powerful forces on Earth.
Ommily, newcomer to the Soppronaturale, offensively controls and manipulates the four elements; Fire, Earth, Wind and Water. While Link defensively uses their energy to shield Ommily and himself from even the darkest magic.
They could protect all others. But first, they have to defeat the Gauntlet.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2019
3 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Pagano
6 books27 followersAshley Pagano has always dreamed of being an artist both figuratively and literally. Her love of art was instilled by her mother who always inspired her to be creative either with a paintbrush or with a pen and paper. As far back as she can remember her life was always centered around introspection, storytelling, and imagination. Because she is so artistic, she took to the idea of creative writing very passionately. Her ability to describe a scene, person, or place, she compares to painting a picture, where she can describe every detail vividly in order to make the reader feel like they’re truly living in the story. Her works of writing usually center around a powerhouse female protagonist (which reflect her own personality), who progresses through many wild and extreme obstacles. Ashley loves to write stories that end with a cliff-hanger, that have the reader begging for more and questioning what happens next. Her most recent novel sets the stage for the paranormal romance of the century and includes ghosts, poltergeists, and demons who just love to get in the way of true love. Ashley has won awards for both her design, art, and writing.
Ashley doesn’t believe in down time whatsoever and actually loves having a full “To-Do”list. Ashley is a wife to her wonderful husband, Eric and a mother to a beautifully little baby girl named Dakota. She is also a Graphic Designer and a health and fitness coach. Her husband and daughter inspire her to be the best person she can be and encourage her to pursue any of her dreams (no matter how extravagant they may be).
Ashley doesn’t believe in down time whatsoever and actually loves having a full “To-Do”list. Ashley is a wife to her wonderful husband, Eric and a mother to a beautifully little baby girl named Dakota. She is also a Graphic Designer and a health and fitness coach. Her husband and daughter inspire her to be the best person she can be and encourage her to pursue any of her dreams (no matter how extravagant they may be).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 5, 2019
What a wonderfully written fantasy novel filled with all sorts of paranormal creatures residing in an ordinary hotel. Plot-wise, a lot is going on, which at times makes it difficult to follow the storyline.
Read full review in the 2019 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 Nov issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 17, 2019
The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano was a very unique and interesting book.It was pretty cool and I found it very easy to lose time in. It had vampires, fae and other supernatural beings and was a unique take on the supernatural world. I really liked the characters pretty much instantly. I thought the writing was good and the story was well done. This is not my first book by this author and won't be my last. I enjoy her writing style and look forward to other books in this series. Overall I have no complaints because I enjoyed reading it. 4 star rating.
October 12, 2022
The Gauntlet is one action packed story that grabs you right from the start. The moment Link and Ommily see each other and that spark connects, I'm glued. What is it? Why is it there? They are the only two fae left and I'm intrigued to know where the story is going. New twist on the fantasy/paranormal. I loved it. Let's have some more. The story is full of drama, adventure and an annoying human fiance.There are lots of supernaturals around. I loved all the characters. Such a variety to fit everyone's needs. The chemistry is out of this world. I can't wait to read book 2.
October 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It had a little of everything, love, betrayal, attempted murder, and an ending that will have you saying “ oh come on” . I now can not wait to read the next book and see how things end up for Link and Ommily.
Link has been the only Fae for a very long time until Ommily walks into the Soppranaturale hotel. He believes she has no idea she is a Fae and he has a very dramatic reaction to her.
Ommily is at the hotel with her fiance and was drawn to it from the rumours about it. She ends up finding more than she ever could have imagined.
Link has been the only Fae for a very long time until Ommily walks into the Soppranaturale hotel. He believes she has no idea she is a Fae and he has a very dramatic reaction to her.
Ommily is at the hotel with her fiance and was drawn to it from the rumours about it. She ends up finding more than she ever could have imagined.
July 16, 2019
The Gauntlet by Ashley Pagano a five-star read that will stay with you. This is one of those paranormal thrillers that will astound you, it is filled with characters that will surprise you at every turn. There was a great flow to this story, Ommily and Link are great characters but I also loved how the Hotel Soppranaturale was a character all of its own the secrets, and I kept wondering if I had found all of those secrets out as I was reading. I cant wait to read more from Ashley Pagano as she shows us real talent with the wriiting.
February 3, 2020
I was expecting more of an interaction with other supernatural beings and not this almost high schoolish type of story.
There are a lots of descriptions about things that don’t really add much to the story and missing descriptions about things like what type of hotel it is? Upper crust or middle of the road? Good part of town or seedy part of town? How big was it? If the regular people are the ones that are supporting the hotel how come we don’t get more interactions with them? What does this hotel offer that others don’t to get people to come there? You get the general idea.
One of the descriptors that really kind of was like a bucket of cold water was when Ommily was being described you were getting a wow she’s hot vibe, she had drawn everyone’s attention when she walked into the lobby, then the author for some reason throws in “matching the sagging tissues…” wait what?…no woman wants the word “sagging” used in any description of her. I mean you couldn’t have found anything else to use as a reference than that?
This book is supposed to be YA and teen…most of them have been kissed and some have even done more than that. For some reason the author was trying to make these two mid-twenty year olds act like they were young 13-14 y/o.
Link was in his mid twenties in fact with the exception of the vampire most of the staff seemed to be around 24-28ish or at least that’s what I got. When Link and Ommily kiss he acted like he was about 13-14 and had just received his first kiss. I mean he obsessed over it, he thought about it, lamented about it, gushed about it, then thought about it some more. It takes up a good portion of the book. He had a cheating ex so I will assume they had kissed at least if not more.
Ommily holds hands with Link and then say’s she wants to take things slow. Hello she checked in with her fiancé and was sharing a room and a bed, again going to go with one would assume they had been intimate.
A lot of the dialogue and actions of both leads and the supporting cast came across increasingly immature.
We kept hearing about the gauntlet and got small hints of it throughout the book at least when we finally got there is when we got some much needed action in the story.
Basically the last quarter of the book is the best part. Maybe my expectations were too high and I thought this would be a good blend of different super naturals working together in this really cool hotel instead of this very slow build with loads of immature behavior along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are a lots of descriptions about things that don’t really add much to the story and missing descriptions about things like what type of hotel it is? Upper crust or middle of the road? Good part of town or seedy part of town? How big was it? If the regular people are the ones that are supporting the hotel how come we don’t get more interactions with them? What does this hotel offer that others don’t to get people to come there? You get the general idea.
One of the descriptors that really kind of was like a bucket of cold water was when Ommily was being described you were getting a wow she’s hot vibe, she had drawn everyone’s attention when she walked into the lobby, then the author for some reason throws in “matching the sagging tissues…” wait what?…no woman wants the word “sagging” used in any description of her. I mean you couldn’t have found anything else to use as a reference than that?
This book is supposed to be YA and teen…most of them have been kissed and some have even done more than that. For some reason the author was trying to make these two mid-twenty year olds act like they were young 13-14 y/o.
Link was in his mid twenties in fact with the exception of the vampire most of the staff seemed to be around 24-28ish or at least that’s what I got. When Link and Ommily kiss he acted like he was about 13-14 and had just received his first kiss. I mean he obsessed over it, he thought about it, lamented about it, gushed about it, then thought about it some more. It takes up a good portion of the book. He had a cheating ex so I will assume they had kissed at least if not more.
Ommily holds hands with Link and then say’s she wants to take things slow. Hello she checked in with her fiancé and was sharing a room and a bed, again going to go with one would assume they had been intimate.
A lot of the dialogue and actions of both leads and the supporting cast came across increasingly immature.
We kept hearing about the gauntlet and got small hints of it throughout the book at least when we finally got there is when we got some much needed action in the story.
Basically the last quarter of the book is the best part. Maybe my expectations were too high and I thought this would be a good blend of different super naturals working together in this really cool hotel instead of this very slow build with loads of immature behavior along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2022
The cover of this book was honestly the first thing that drew me in. I have always loved all things supernatural, other than vampires and werewolves; fairies have always been my number one. Once reading the synopsis the author had me hooked and I had to read The Gauntlet and discover the mysteries within its pages. From page one we are in Links perspective as he sees Ommily for the first time entering The Soppranaturale Hotel. Drawn to her he cannot help the spark that ignites within them when their eyes meet for the first time, but there is one major obstacle, she is there with her human fiancé.
Link believed that he was the last of the Fae, having searched the world repeatedly and finding nothing to give him hope of finding another like himself. Kyran the owner of the Hotel and vampire sensed the new Fae the moment she entered and was at Link’s side moments later to help. In disbelief Kyran informs Link that they are one in the same that she is a Fae making them the last two in the world. He is told that his soul mate has showed up on his doorstep and yet all he can think about is how she is someone else’s. Within hours of meeting, it is confirmed that she knows that she has powers and that she has perfected them and can use them as easily as breathing. When they are near each other they both feel stronger and more powerful, each reaching new depths to their powers that they hadn’t reached before. They are one another’s perfect opposite. Male Fae is the defensive side, they deflect attacks and are a shield. Female Fae is the offensive side, they can attack their enemies and manipulate the elements. Legends say that fairies or born in twos for this reason they each have their one spark that makes them an unstoppable force when together. They are both artist her preferring to draw while he prefers to paint. Link shows Ommily the grounds of the hotel, the gallery and tells her about the gauntlet, a place for the supernatural to practice their abilities without fear of humans seeing them.
Everything within them tells them they belong together. Her engagement is painful not only for Link to witness them be together but for Ommily that must hide everything about herself while also submitting to Preston’s overbearing and controlling ways. This book was a perfect mixture of adventure, mystery, and curiosity on what would happen next. The author’s world is truly magical while also being normal to the humans that surround it. I cannot wait to read book two The Guard and see where Link and Ommily’s story will take them next.
Link believed that he was the last of the Fae, having searched the world repeatedly and finding nothing to give him hope of finding another like himself. Kyran the owner of the Hotel and vampire sensed the new Fae the moment she entered and was at Link’s side moments later to help. In disbelief Kyran informs Link that they are one in the same that she is a Fae making them the last two in the world. He is told that his soul mate has showed up on his doorstep and yet all he can think about is how she is someone else’s. Within hours of meeting, it is confirmed that she knows that she has powers and that she has perfected them and can use them as easily as breathing. When they are near each other they both feel stronger and more powerful, each reaching new depths to their powers that they hadn’t reached before. They are one another’s perfect opposite. Male Fae is the defensive side, they deflect attacks and are a shield. Female Fae is the offensive side, they can attack their enemies and manipulate the elements. Legends say that fairies or born in twos for this reason they each have their one spark that makes them an unstoppable force when together. They are both artist her preferring to draw while he prefers to paint. Link shows Ommily the grounds of the hotel, the gallery and tells her about the gauntlet, a place for the supernatural to practice their abilities without fear of humans seeing them.
Everything within them tells them they belong together. Her engagement is painful not only for Link to witness them be together but for Ommily that must hide everything about herself while also submitting to Preston’s overbearing and controlling ways. This book was a perfect mixture of adventure, mystery, and curiosity on what would happen next. The author’s world is truly magical while also being normal to the humans that surround it. I cannot wait to read book two The Guard and see where Link and Ommily’s story will take them next.
October 17, 2022
Link works at The Soppranaturale to the unknowing eye, it is an up market hotel with all the glamour and pizazz the high rollers in society would want, plus a good old Irish bar in the basement and Link has been working there so long now that he is practically the owners right hand man. Ommily is a young woman who is on holiday with her fiancée and because she is obsessed with all things supernatural, she insists that they stay on one that is reportedly haunted.
The moment that Ommily walks in the door, all eyes are on her, men and women alike and she doesn’t seem to even have an idea, but Link is just as distracted as everyone else when he starts to check a man in at the front desk, but as soon as Ommily and Link set eyes on each other, there is a reaction that neither of them can deny. Thankfully, Links boss is there to give a hand and take over from him, at least until the two lovebirds move away to go to their room, this is where it is confirmed that that reaction was nothing normal, Link has just found the only other Faerie in the world and she is already taken.
This leads to Link drowning his sorrows and Ommily to wander into the bar just as he stops a fight breaking out, this leads to a question and answer session where Ommily finds out the truth she has always wanted to know, that werewolves, vampires and shapeshifters really exist and that she can be a part of their world, but unfortunately, her fiancée cannot. This leads to her finding out that together her and Link can be the strongest pair in the world with their opposite control of the uses of the four elements, but in order to be able to use these abilities to protect those around them, they first have to face The Gauntlet, but can they work together and make the hard decisions needed without killing each other first? This is a fantasy where life is not just black and white, humans and supernaturals, there is a balance which needs to be maintained and protecting that balance is the hardest thing to do and this is why this story will keep you engaged throughout as the fight for survival takes place.
The moment that Ommily walks in the door, all eyes are on her, men and women alike and she doesn’t seem to even have an idea, but Link is just as distracted as everyone else when he starts to check a man in at the front desk, but as soon as Ommily and Link set eyes on each other, there is a reaction that neither of them can deny. Thankfully, Links boss is there to give a hand and take over from him, at least until the two lovebirds move away to go to their room, this is where it is confirmed that that reaction was nothing normal, Link has just found the only other Faerie in the world and she is already taken.
This leads to Link drowning his sorrows and Ommily to wander into the bar just as he stops a fight breaking out, this leads to a question and answer session where Ommily finds out the truth she has always wanted to know, that werewolves, vampires and shapeshifters really exist and that she can be a part of their world, but unfortunately, her fiancée cannot. This leads to her finding out that together her and Link can be the strongest pair in the world with their opposite control of the uses of the four elements, but in order to be able to use these abilities to protect those around them, they first have to face The Gauntlet, but can they work together and make the hard decisions needed without killing each other first? This is a fantasy where life is not just black and white, humans and supernaturals, there is a balance which needs to be maintained and protecting that balance is the hardest thing to do and this is why this story will keep you engaged throughout as the fight for survival takes place.
July 11, 2023
The supernatural entities in a haunted hotel are usually spirits of the dead. They're not usually living, breathing wielders of superhuman powers. Of course, most haunted hotels aren't the Soppranaturale, a vintage vacation spot of unknown location, home to witches, werewolves, vampires, shapeshifters--and the last living fairy. Then again, if Link Argos’ tingling senses and pounding heart mean anything, he may not be the last living fairy. He's never experienced a feeling like the one he gets when beautiful Omily Nation checks in one otherwise ordinary day. From what he can tell, neither has Omily.
In THE GAUNTLET, the first novel in the Soppranaturale series, Ashley Pagano initially presents fairies as weak, rather frail, and unassuming creatures who look like geeky teenagers or college nerds. Throughout the book's 15 chapters, though, it is revealed that fairies, although they are nearly extinct, actually control Earth's most powerful elements, wind, water, and fire. Still, Omily finds herself in a position many women can relate to as she struggles to free herself from the attentions of Preston Ames, her chauvinistic, controlling, and entirely human fiance. Nor is Link immune to romantic entanglements. Aradia Mason, a manipulative and deadly witch who is his serially unfaithful ex, is determined to destroy the obvious romance between the two fay folk. At one point, Link and Omily are memorably described as embracing “like two suction cups stuck to a bathroom wall.”
Equally lacking in subtlety are the adolescent rivalries between Aradia and Omily and Link and Preston Aimes. These principally involve Aradia verbally threatening Omily and later poisoning her nearly to death with iron, and a narrowly avoided physical confrontation between Link and Aimes. Male posturing and female catfights continue as, in the Gauntlet, the hotel lounge that serves as the only place where the staff of mythical creatures is allowed to exercise their magical powers, Omily challenges Aradia and Markus, a shapeshifter and Aradia's current partner in magic and mayhem, to a display of their respective powers. They use these abilities to wound and maim one another, inflicting relatable injuries including broken bones, bruises, and sprains that will nonetheless presumably heal with supernatural speed in the course of 72 hours.
The plot is largely predictable, yet Pagano demonstrates promising use of, and appreciation for, the fluidity of time and place that characterizes fantasy. Occasional spelling errors and missing words may be overlooked by some who value a lively storyline over grammatical and mechanical perfection.
Heather M. Brooks for IndieReader
In THE GAUNTLET, the first novel in the Soppranaturale series, Ashley Pagano initially presents fairies as weak, rather frail, and unassuming creatures who look like geeky teenagers or college nerds. Throughout the book's 15 chapters, though, it is revealed that fairies, although they are nearly extinct, actually control Earth's most powerful elements, wind, water, and fire. Still, Omily finds herself in a position many women can relate to as she struggles to free herself from the attentions of Preston Ames, her chauvinistic, controlling, and entirely human fiance. Nor is Link immune to romantic entanglements. Aradia Mason, a manipulative and deadly witch who is his serially unfaithful ex, is determined to destroy the obvious romance between the two fay folk. At one point, Link and Omily are memorably described as embracing “like two suction cups stuck to a bathroom wall.”
Equally lacking in subtlety are the adolescent rivalries between Aradia and Omily and Link and Preston Aimes. These principally involve Aradia verbally threatening Omily and later poisoning her nearly to death with iron, and a narrowly avoided physical confrontation between Link and Aimes. Male posturing and female catfights continue as, in the Gauntlet, the hotel lounge that serves as the only place where the staff of mythical creatures is allowed to exercise their magical powers, Omily challenges Aradia and Markus, a shapeshifter and Aradia's current partner in magic and mayhem, to a display of their respective powers. They use these abilities to wound and maim one another, inflicting relatable injuries including broken bones, bruises, and sprains that will nonetheless presumably heal with supernatural speed in the course of 72 hours.
The plot is largely predictable, yet Pagano demonstrates promising use of, and appreciation for, the fluidity of time and place that characterizes fantasy. Occasional spelling errors and missing words may be overlooked by some who value a lively storyline over grammatical and mechanical perfection.
Heather M. Brooks for IndieReader
July 5, 2019
The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano is a short paranormal story that is fun and original. Even though it is a short story it packs a punch and it has everything needed to keep you entertained and intrigued. What mystery does this hotel hold? What is going on behind closed doors? There is action and battles, magic and danger, suspense and hurt, secrets and romance and this is only part of what to expect. When there are many magical beings such as Vampires and Witches, Elves and Fae all in one place things tend to get a little tense and the place to go to let off a little steam is the gauntlet. Ashley has done a great job of adding her spin on the supernatural beings and the place in which they dwell, giving them a new light.
Ommily has always been drawn to the unknown, the more mystical side of life and has come to the one place that may hold all the answers she seeks.
Link has been alone for a very long time. Always under the impression that he was the last of his kind but the stunning creature that just walked in the door is more than what she first seems.
This magical world draws you in and almost seems that it is real and you are as much a participant as the characters. If you love the paranormal then this is a book that you will love. Go on you know you want to.
Ommily has always been drawn to the unknown, the more mystical side of life and has come to the one place that may hold all the answers she seeks.
Link has been alone for a very long time. Always under the impression that he was the last of his kind but the stunning creature that just walked in the door is more than what she first seems.
This magical world draws you in and almost seems that it is real and you are as much a participant as the characters. If you love the paranormal then this is a book that you will love. Go on you know you want to.
July 14, 2019
4 Stars
The Gauntlet is the first book in The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano. It is a short, easy, original, and intriguing paranormal story that really was so much fun to read. I loved Ms. Pagano’s Never Fear the Reaper series and so when I saw this pop up in my recommended books feed, I knew I just had to read it. Gorgeous cover and intriguing blurb aside- this book is full of action, adventure, magic, secrets, supernatural and paranormal beings, fate/destiny, discovery, battles, and finally finding where you truly belong.
The story is set in The Soppranaturale Hotel which is actually an ’undercover’ sanctuary for paranormal & supernatural creatures. It is run by a vampire who is much, much, older than Christ himself- where all the inhabitants do their part to keep things running and contribute to The Soppranaturale. So, what happens when the very last two Fae cross paths at the hotel? What is The Gauntlet and how does it play into the story. Will Ommily get all the ‘answers’ she’s been searching for? Will Link finally find the ‘cure’ to his loneliness? Is there a future for the all at The Soppranaturale? If you love a well written, light, fun, and interesting paranormal story- then you really should read this book and discover all the fun details for yourself!
Looking forward to more from Ms. Pagano’s incredible imagination!
Thank you, Ms. Pagano!
The Gauntlet is the first book in The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano. It is a short, easy, original, and intriguing paranormal story that really was so much fun to read. I loved Ms. Pagano’s Never Fear the Reaper series and so when I saw this pop up in my recommended books feed, I knew I just had to read it. Gorgeous cover and intriguing blurb aside- this book is full of action, adventure, magic, secrets, supernatural and paranormal beings, fate/destiny, discovery, battles, and finally finding where you truly belong.
The story is set in The Soppranaturale Hotel which is actually an ’undercover’ sanctuary for paranormal & supernatural creatures. It is run by a vampire who is much, much, older than Christ himself- where all the inhabitants do their part to keep things running and contribute to The Soppranaturale. So, what happens when the very last two Fae cross paths at the hotel? What is The Gauntlet and how does it play into the story. Will Ommily get all the ‘answers’ she’s been searching for? Will Link finally find the ‘cure’ to his loneliness? Is there a future for the all at The Soppranaturale? If you love a well written, light, fun, and interesting paranormal story- then you really should read this book and discover all the fun details for yourself!
Looking forward to more from Ms. Pagano’s incredible imagination!
Thank you, Ms. Pagano!
July 14, 2019
The Gauntlet: The Soppernaturale Series by Ashley Pagano was such a fun short read! I went in blind, basing my interest solely on the fabulous and eye-catching cover that graces this jam packed little gem. I was pleasantly surprised by how much this book truly sucked me in and gripped me until the very last page. I look forward to seeing what else will come in this series, as well as what else is available by Ashely Pagano while I wait. She was a new author to me when I picked this up and so that is just an added bonus that I get to see discover her other works now as well.
There is so much going on in this little book based around an intriguing and bustling with activity hotel. There is a little of everything you could want in a fantasy and supernatural book, everything from witches and vampires to fae and magic. There is never a dull moment and I absolutely adored following along with Ommily. Might I just say I adore her name and was hooked on her character from the very get-go! I love her and she was just a fun character to read. I highly recommend this book and can’t say enough good things about it. For all the good details though, you will have to take my word for it and scoop it up to devour for yourself! You won’t be disappointed one bit that you did!
There is so much going on in this little book based around an intriguing and bustling with activity hotel. There is a little of everything you could want in a fantasy and supernatural book, everything from witches and vampires to fae and magic. There is never a dull moment and I absolutely adored following along with Ommily. Might I just say I adore her name and was hooked on her character from the very get-go! I love her and she was just a fun character to read. I highly recommend this book and can’t say enough good things about it. For all the good details though, you will have to take my word for it and scoop it up to devour for yourself! You won’t be disappointed one bit that you did!
July 17, 2023
Exhilarating!
What sets "The Gauntlet" apart from other supernatural tales is its exceptional world-building. The Soppronaturale hotel is a vividly depicted setting, bustling with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own purpose and destiny. The author masterfully weaves together various supernatural beings, seamlessly incorporating them into the fabric of this magical world.
The pace of the story is relentless, as the author keeps readers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns. From heart-pounding action sequences to moments of tender vulnerability, the narrative never loses its grip, ensuring that readers are fully invested in the outcome of Ommily and Link's journey. Their dynamic and evolving relationship adds depth to the story, as they rely on each other to face the Gauntlet and protect those around them.
Throughout the book, the author's prose is engaging, with a casual tone that effortlessly draws readers in. The dialogue feels natural, and the author's ability to balance humor, suspense, and emotion is commendable. It's evident that the author has a deep understanding of their characters, as they infuse them with distinct personalities and inner conflicts that add layers to the overall narrative.
What sets "The Gauntlet" apart from other supernatural tales is its exceptional world-building. The Soppronaturale hotel is a vividly depicted setting, bustling with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own purpose and destiny. The author masterfully weaves together various supernatural beings, seamlessly incorporating them into the fabric of this magical world.
The pace of the story is relentless, as the author keeps readers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns. From heart-pounding action sequences to moments of tender vulnerability, the narrative never loses its grip, ensuring that readers are fully invested in the outcome of Ommily and Link's journey. Their dynamic and evolving relationship adds depth to the story, as they rely on each other to face the Gauntlet and protect those around them.
Throughout the book, the author's prose is engaging, with a casual tone that effortlessly draws readers in. The dialogue feels natural, and the author's ability to balance humor, suspense, and emotion is commendable. It's evident that the author has a deep understanding of their characters, as they infuse them with distinct personalities and inner conflicts that add layers to the overall narrative.
July 4, 2019
The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano was a fast pace, fun, original paranormal read, that had me hooked.
This little wonder pulls you in right away with its alluring detail and its intriguing premises. This book creates is own spin of the supernatural, and I fell right into the world that was created. This hotel, not an overly new concept, had a fresh feeling, as it wasn't just all about supernaturals checking in and out, it was so much more, and man I loved every minute of it.
Action, romance, connections, vampires, witches, craziness, battles, man oh man, for a short read this book was packed with everything I love in paranormal fantasies. Not only that, but the character development was on fire. I don't know how the author done it, to managed all that while till keeping the plot going, the detail on point and the suspense gripping.
Overall this book will capture you and keep you not only reading, but have you wanting to be apart of this world. So please take my super high recommendation and my golden stamp of approval, that this book is truly something special, and is a hard must read form me.
Happy Reading
-E.A Walsh
This little wonder pulls you in right away with its alluring detail and its intriguing premises. This book creates is own spin of the supernatural, and I fell right into the world that was created. This hotel, not an overly new concept, had a fresh feeling, as it wasn't just all about supernaturals checking in and out, it was so much more, and man I loved every minute of it.
Action, romance, connections, vampires, witches, craziness, battles, man oh man, for a short read this book was packed with everything I love in paranormal fantasies. Not only that, but the character development was on fire. I don't know how the author done it, to managed all that while till keeping the plot going, the detail on point and the suspense gripping.
Overall this book will capture you and keep you not only reading, but have you wanting to be apart of this world. So please take my super high recommendation and my golden stamp of approval, that this book is truly something special, and is a hard must read form me.
Happy Reading
-E.A Walsh
October 11, 2022
Link thinks he is the last faerie in the world. He's been looking for years for his other half and has given up ever finding her. Then one day, in walks Ommily. She is the missing half of their faerie pair, the epitome of protection for others like them. There's just one hiccup... she has a fiancée. As Link helps her figure out exactly what she is and how she fits in at the Soppranaturale Hotel - where all otherworldly beings gather and thrive together- they are faced with some challenges. First and foremost, they have to survive together in The Gauntlet against the reigning champions, one of whom is Link's jealous ex-girlfriend. Can they work together in a short amount of time? Will they be able to figure out how their powers complement each other's in time to win The Gauntlet?
This is my first time reading this author. I found it to be a quick read that drew me in immediately. The characters were fleshed out pretty quickly and backstories were seamless with present time in the book. I didn't want to put it down until I figured out what was going to happen. I feel like it was a good first book to a series and I am looking forward to reading more about Link and Ommily.
This is my first time reading this author. I found it to be a quick read that drew me in immediately. The characters were fleshed out pretty quickly and backstories were seamless with present time in the book. I didn't want to put it down until I figured out what was going to happen. I feel like it was a good first book to a series and I am looking forward to reading more about Link and Ommily.
October 3, 2022
This story was incredible from beginning to its conclusion. It was full of intrigue, and characters that held strong character development and personality, but as well as greatly adding to the story.
The book had a good mix of things. Romance, dangerous suspense, twists and turns, battling for what you hold dear, and etc. I loved Ommity as a character. She was strong and someone that was impossible not to admire. She was new to the game, but she still gave everything she faced, her all. Loved Link as well as a character. When they both had "scenes" together, I was constantly rooting for them! I enjoyed the writing of this wonderful author very much. They knew how to draw you in, and this book was mesmerizing, and intense at times. It really was a great and valuable read. It was epic, if you want to use my dictionary! Loved it!
Fantastic read that really satisfied your mind. I could not get enough. I will be reading more by this author for sure! Definitely a must read book and author! Highly recommend both! Truly a rare gem of a read!
The book had a good mix of things. Romance, dangerous suspense, twists and turns, battling for what you hold dear, and etc. I loved Ommity as a character. She was strong and someone that was impossible not to admire. She was new to the game, but she still gave everything she faced, her all. Loved Link as well as a character. When they both had "scenes" together, I was constantly rooting for them! I enjoyed the writing of this wonderful author very much. They knew how to draw you in, and this book was mesmerizing, and intense at times. It really was a great and valuable read. It was epic, if you want to use my dictionary! Loved it!
Fantastic read that really satisfied your mind. I could not get enough. I will be reading more by this author for sure! Definitely a must read book and author! Highly recommend both! Truly a rare gem of a read!
October 17, 2022
The Gauntlet is the very first book from The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano. This story takes you right in to the setting of a hotel, known in the supernatural world to be a safe haven for those with magical abilities, and known in the human world to simply be haunted. Link is a fae who works at the front desk of the hotel. While he is working, the only other fae in the world walks into the hotel with her fiancé, and his life completely changes. He feels an intense energy in her presence that he cannot fathom ignoring. Eventually they interact, and he finds himself saying too much and doing things he said he'd never do again.
This book has a bit of everything supernatural, which I always love. It was a very fast-paced read but there was so much within the pages to pull you right into the story and make you feel like you're there with them. I really enjoyed this read from beginning to end and I definitely look forward to the next book. Also, I must say the cover to this book is absolutely beautiful!
This book has a bit of everything supernatural, which I always love. It was a very fast-paced read but there was so much within the pages to pull you right into the story and make you feel like you're there with them. I really enjoyed this read from beginning to end and I definitely look forward to the next book. Also, I must say the cover to this book is absolutely beautiful!
June 13, 2023
Link may live with hundreds of supernatural beings in a popular and spooky hotel, complete with a lively pub and arena for pushing powers to the limits.
But being the last fae on earth proves to be pretty lonely. Until Ommily strides in.
There is a lot of potential in this series. The final scenes of this quick read introduce intriguing elements to supernatural protection and collaboration. To get there, you'll have to overcome some painful "but I'm a nice guy, we belong together" nonsense (Link needs to honestly answer for that elevator berating), and a heavy dose of inferring the gravity of situations based on tense looks and "you know why this is important" dialogue.
I'm hoping the second in the series is from anyone's POV but Link's. I'm not sure if it's his character trait or a unique fae thing, but gummy is not the way I'd ever describe teary eyes, and I don't need to be told how bad he wants to kiss Ommily in the middle of an intense battle.
Overall, it's a fun enough read to kill a few hours in a different world.
But being the last fae on earth proves to be pretty lonely. Until Ommily strides in.
There is a lot of potential in this series. The final scenes of this quick read introduce intriguing elements to supernatural protection and collaboration. To get there, you'll have to overcome some painful "but I'm a nice guy, we belong together" nonsense (Link needs to honestly answer for that elevator berating), and a heavy dose of inferring the gravity of situations based on tense looks and "you know why this is important" dialogue.
I'm hoping the second in the series is from anyone's POV but Link's. I'm not sure if it's his character trait or a unique fae thing, but gummy is not the way I'd ever describe teary eyes, and I don't need to be told how bad he wants to kiss Ommily in the middle of an intense battle.
Overall, it's a fun enough read to kill a few hours in a different world.
June 11, 2019
Are you looking for a cool paranormal book unlike any you've read before? Here it is! I loved this book. The Soppranaturale seems like a normal hotel. But it has a secret. It's home to some supernatural beings that you only thought were in tales. And The Gauntlet is where they go to battle each other and also watch the battles. The thing is if you aren't supernatural you don't know any of this. This story is about Link and Ommily. They are last of their kind, fae. They didn't know each other existed until she checked into the hotel and their worlds are turned upside down by meeting. They have a connection they have never felt. The problem is she is engaged and Link has an ex that is crazy. I won't spill any more secrets but this is a must read for all paranormal fans. It has romance. It has action. It has scenes that grip your heart. And you will be hooked. I can't wait for more in this series!
July 12, 2019
The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series
By Ashley Pagano
5 stars
I thought that The Gauntlet was a fantastic read, it may have been a shorter read but it was packed full of wonderful characters, action and fantasy! I love how original the storyline was – it really captured my attention from the very beginning. The authors’ writing was really easy to read and although as mentioned before it is a shorter than average story it didn’t feel rushed and I definitely didn’t feel like I was missing anything. The pace and flow were perfect. The author’s attention to detail was amazing and this meant that the world building for the story was excellent and I adored her character building – they all developed well over the story.
I am really excited to see where the author is going to take this series, I have a feeling it is going to be an amazing one! I can’t wait for the next book to be released!
By Ashley Pagano
5 stars
I thought that The Gauntlet was a fantastic read, it may have been a shorter read but it was packed full of wonderful characters, action and fantasy! I love how original the storyline was – it really captured my attention from the very beginning. The authors’ writing was really easy to read and although as mentioned before it is a shorter than average story it didn’t feel rushed and I definitely didn’t feel like I was missing anything. The pace and flow were perfect. The author’s attention to detail was amazing and this meant that the world building for the story was excellent and I adored her character building – they all developed well over the story.
I am really excited to see where the author is going to take this series, I have a feeling it is going to be an amazing one! I can’t wait for the next book to be released!
July 13, 2019
The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano is the first book I have read by this author and it will not be my last. Ashley Pagano has a way of grabbing my attention and pulls me into her world in which she has created. Once I started the story there was no way that I was stopping. So make sure you have enough time to complete the entire story. The characters are amazing because she does not deal with only vampires or werewolves. There is the full cast of supernatural cast Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Shape Shifters, and Faeries. There is white magic and dark magic and who will manipulate the four elements. Then there is the Soppranaturale Hotel which is not your typical hotel, it holds different supernatural beings that try to keep the magical world hidden from the rest of the world. This world is the best of most book worlds in the supernatural worlds. I can only hope you enjoy this story as much as I did. Happy Reading.
July 19, 2019
I give The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano, 4 stars.
Ommily shows up at the Soppranaturale Hotel and Link immediately feels the pull towards her. But this isn't possible, is it? Has he finally found another Faerie? He feel so much more around her, and they feel drawn to each other. They are two halves of a whole, created to work together. Circumstances then throw them into the Gaunlet. Can a woman who has just learned what she is and a man who swore to never turn to violence again win against the top ranking team? What will this mean for the future?
This was quite an interesting book. I liked both the main characters and cannot wait to learn more about the secondary characters. They are all so unique and exciting to me. Basing it around a supernatural hotel is also a wonderful idea. I love this concept. It was a very gripping story too. There are many things going on and a few surprises along the way. This seems to be the beginning of a great series and I anxiously await the next book in the series.
If you like supernatural books with action and romance, this book is for you.
Ommily shows up at the Soppranaturale Hotel and Link immediately feels the pull towards her. But this isn't possible, is it? Has he finally found another Faerie? He feel so much more around her, and they feel drawn to each other. They are two halves of a whole, created to work together. Circumstances then throw them into the Gaunlet. Can a woman who has just learned what she is and a man who swore to never turn to violence again win against the top ranking team? What will this mean for the future?
This was quite an interesting book. I liked both the main characters and cannot wait to learn more about the secondary characters. They are all so unique and exciting to me. Basing it around a supernatural hotel is also a wonderful idea. I love this concept. It was a very gripping story too. There are many things going on and a few surprises along the way. This seems to be the beginning of a great series and I anxiously await the next book in the series.
If you like supernatural books with action and romance, this book is for you.
October 16, 2022
5/5 Stars
The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series #1 by Ashley Pagano
This is the first book I've read by the author. This book was a fast read and I didn't want to put it down. I also didn't want it to end. The Gauntlet is the first book in The Soppranaturale Series. This does leave on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Link thought he was the only Fae alive. Sure there's supposed to be another one, but he hasn't met her. When she walks into the hotel all things go out the window. He breaks her into their world and sees what they can do together. The quote I chose for Link is: "She may already have a room."
Ommily is the other Fae that exists. She comes to the hotel with her human fiance. She's not sure if this will be a dead end like the others. Then she meets Link and finds that she's falling for him. Then his ex comes into the picture. The quote I chose for Ommily is: "I may have a few ideas about that."
Highly recommended for Teen Fairy lovers.
The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series #1 by Ashley Pagano
This is the first book I've read by the author. This book was a fast read and I didn't want to put it down. I also didn't want it to end. The Gauntlet is the first book in The Soppranaturale Series. This does leave on a bit of a cliffhanger.
Link thought he was the only Fae alive. Sure there's supposed to be another one, but he hasn't met her. When she walks into the hotel all things go out the window. He breaks her into their world and sees what they can do together. The quote I chose for Link is: "She may already have a room."
Ommily is the other Fae that exists. She comes to the hotel with her human fiance. She's not sure if this will be a dead end like the others. Then she meets Link and finds that she's falling for him. Then his ex comes into the picture. The quote I chose for Ommily is: "I may have a few ideas about that."
Highly recommended for Teen Fairy lovers.
June 14, 2023
you like lots of description that doesn't always make sense, you'll probably like this book. Red hair is described as fire, the girl is thin, yet muscular. Link describes her back as a canyon and talks about hills on her face. Supernatural or not, what are you even talking about?
Normally, I really love first person narration. I love getting inside a character's head. Link is boring though. And I can't even tell what his personality is meant to be. Ommily isn't better. She a fiery red headed Fae. Yawn. And her fiance is a dick, double yawn. So, whatever potential tension that might have been brought on by a loving, but potentially dangerous relationship, is entirely lost.
I wanted to like this, but mostly I'm just bored. I also feel like I'm supposed to feel bad for Link. But I have no reason to. I have no reason to even root for him to get together with Ommily. What has he actually done? Sneak around with a woman already in a relationship. ...top tier guy.
Normally, I really love first person narration. I love getting inside a character's head. Link is boring though. And I can't even tell what his personality is meant to be. Ommily isn't better. She a fiery red headed Fae. Yawn. And her fiance is a dick, double yawn. So, whatever potential tension that might have been brought on by a loving, but potentially dangerous relationship, is entirely lost.
I wanted to like this, but mostly I'm just bored. I also feel like I'm supposed to feel bad for Link. But I have no reason to. I have no reason to even root for him to get together with Ommily. What has he actually done? Sneak around with a woman already in a relationship. ...top tier guy.
July 16, 2019
I really like the idea of supernatural beings living together in a hotel. It's kind of like a mix between Altered Carbon and the adults from Harry Potter. With that those types of shenanigans bouncing around in my brain, this particular story was more serious that I imagined it would be, but that's not a bad thing. It was really hard to not think of Link in a little green tunic and hat, and I really wanted him to call Ommily Zelda at least once. But she's more like Shiek, in that Ommily is some one I would be able to view as a fighter more quickly.
The first couple sentences grab you with the odd details that make everything more real. I could see the puckering in the wallpaper, I could SEE Ommily moving from painting to painting. Ashley Pagano's writing style is a bit odd but dang, if she doesn't pull me along with ease.
The first couple sentences grab you with the odd details that make everything more real. I could see the puckering in the wallpaper, I could SEE Ommily moving from painting to painting. Ashley Pagano's writing style is a bit odd but dang, if she doesn't pull me along with ease.
October 4, 2022
Imagine finding out that you are a special species of supernatural and that you are one of the only two left of your kind. You are led to a special place but you're not really sure why. Ommily has wanted to visit the Soppranaturale hotel for awhile now so she convinces her fiancé to take her there. Only problem is, her fiancé is normal...as in human. Ommily knows she's special but she isn't sure how special until she meets Link. He will teach her as much as he can before they are challenged in the gauntlet.
This was a super fast read for me. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, but that's a good thing. This book features multiple types of supernatural beings (fairies, witches, vampires, phoenix, etc.) and is very different from other supernatural books I've read like this. It was a welcome change and I look forward to reading more work by this author.
This was a super fast read for me. It wasn't at all what I was expecting, but that's a good thing. This book features multiple types of supernatural beings (fairies, witches, vampires, phoenix, etc.) and is very different from other supernatural books I've read like this. It was a welcome change and I look forward to reading more work by this author.
October 16, 2022
The Soppranaturales hotel is a great place to go if you're not human. Vampires, witches, werewolves and much more reside here under the human radar and its kind of like a safe house for monsters.
Link is the last known Fae and lives at the Soppranaturales hotel and works as a clerk. His life is completely changed when Ommily enters the hotel and he realizes that she is also Fae. As the last 2 fairies on the planet, they have the potential to be the most powerful beings alive but they have to prove that they are as powerful as they're supposed to be.
Both of these characters are impulsive and it had me shaking my head throughout the whole novel. The descriptions of the surroundings and the use of magic was very detailed and easy to envision. I'm not ready to check out of the Soppranaturales hotel but; alas there are no more pages.
Link is the last known Fae and lives at the Soppranaturales hotel and works as a clerk. His life is completely changed when Ommily enters the hotel and he realizes that she is also Fae. As the last 2 fairies on the planet, they have the potential to be the most powerful beings alive but they have to prove that they are as powerful as they're supposed to be.
Both of these characters are impulsive and it had me shaking my head throughout the whole novel. The descriptions of the surroundings and the use of magic was very detailed and easy to envision. I'm not ready to check out of the Soppranaturales hotel but; alas there are no more pages.
June 15, 2023
I was immediately drawn to the concept of the Soppranaturale series-a hotel where all different types of supernatural beings live together under the watchful eye of the fatherly vampire? Yes!
Unfortunately, even though I loved the idea of this book, I basically gave it 3 stars based on the interesting concept alone. The characters were tragically underdeveloped. I wanted to know more about all of them. The plot was actually hard to follow at some points because the characters were so one-dimensional and so many pieces of the story didn’t ever develop into anything. And it was so short!
This book is the first of a series-I wonder if the book would have been better fleshed out if the author had started by working on one really solid book instead of planning on making a series.
Overall, this was a fun, really quick peek into a very unique idea.
Unfortunately, even though I loved the idea of this book, I basically gave it 3 stars based on the interesting concept alone. The characters were tragically underdeveloped. I wanted to know more about all of them. The plot was actually hard to follow at some points because the characters were so one-dimensional and so many pieces of the story didn’t ever develop into anything. And it was so short!
This book is the first of a series-I wonder if the book would have been better fleshed out if the author had started by working on one really solid book instead of planning on making a series.
Overall, this was a fun, really quick peek into a very unique idea.
July 13, 2019
The Gauntlet: The Soppranaturale Series by Ashley Pagano. This is the story about a mysterious Hotel filled with supernatural characters: Witches, Vampires, Werewolves and Ffairies, the last 2 Fairies. The Soppronaturale Hotel is a safe space for the supernatural world and its up to the 2 Fairies to save them all. Ommily & Link are the 2 Fairies that are set to save the Soppronaturale. Ommily can control and manipulate all the Elements, Wind, Earth, Fire & Water and Link uses their energy to shield them from the darkest magic. Link is even dealing with a crazy ex girlfriend who turns out to be stalkerish. Will they be able to save The Soppronaturale or will all the supernaturals come to an end? Read The Gauntlet to find out! You won't be disappointed!
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