This is a decent slow-starting harem series start. The action starts slow with an interesting twist on the "boy meets girl" trope. I had guessed what the reason for the shifter remaining behind was but missed the mythical reason.
Once the book gets going and the story arc clarifies, Meta Marshal Service 1: An Urban Fantasy Harem Adventure is a good enough story that I purchased the second book already.
Back story is filled through the story arc without doing a major data dump. There is enough hints left by the author for further adventures with the MC. The MC is not overly powerful crushing his enemies, seeing them driven before him and hearing the lamentation of their women. The MC has enough limitations on him to be interesting in both life and combat, while not appearing to be a Gary Stu or Captain Kirk clone.
Profanity is prevalent, and the sex is not very graphic, so if you seek stroke material you will need to look elsewhere. Lesbian sex is implied, but not graphically described. Sex is a little more than the typical FTB, but is not Penthouse Letters either.
I am looking forward to the second book, which I have already started. I am wondering if a third book is possible in this series, as depending on the second book, I might purchase it as well.
If I had to sum up the plot, I'd say it presents the case surrounding the theft of a powerful artifact. I like this description because it summarizes that this is a detective story with a well defined scope, as opposed to some books that like to pretend to tell a story only to finish half-way through, on a cliff-hanger, to be continued. This is important because, even though this book is an introduction to the world, the characters and a bigger, over-arching plot, it still manages to tell a coherent self-contained story: the theft of the artifact. This seems to be a skill that is very undervalued nowadays.
The interaction of the characters is the main source of conflict for the book, particularly between the main couple. Specially, how far is Jared willing to go to protect his charge, even though he knows she is a criminal and will have to be put behind bars eventually? The interaction between the other main girl and the protagonist also presents a similar dilemma he must solve, but it takes the background, for now.
The world presented to us is not a very uplifting one, to be honest. Which is amusing, to say the least, since the main characters are very driven to try to protect it from a possible revolution that would... turn it on its head? I guess this is one point in which the author wasn't very clear about. Why should the main characters care that much about it aside from their own self interests (which is clear they go beyond, at times)? It's not like this particular world order has been that kind to them (or many others) anyway.
What can i say... The Main Character in this series is the type of idiot that just loves to do paperwork. He is for all intents and purposes a coward. Doesn't want anything to do with doing his JOB.. Except lazing around doing paperwork.
......... Calling him Anal Retentive wouldn't be doing him justice. It would be like saying the Ocean is Damp. The story itself isn't that bad.. Its just the main character and his obvious stupidity that grates on ones nerves.
Good Story.. Bad Main Character If the Guy showed just a little more Character.. And a little less laziness/Cowardliness this book would be really good.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The MC is very interesting as he works through the book to change how he is doing things and grow n a way that allows him to protect what he finds important to him. The secondary characters are very diverse and we'll done as the have a personality and develop as the story progresses. The pacing was good and the action scenes are good to read and picture in your mind. The magic system is unique and I look forward to seeing how the story progresses.
Interesting world BN has created for MC Jared. Wonderful blend of fantasy and crime in this harem yarn. I also enjoyed the sci-fi slant that came later, which adds more dimension and possibilities for the characters. Excellent first story for the series, the only hit I have is there were more than a few editing issues that need to be tweaked or this would have been five stars. I write myself, so I'm not trying to be picky, but too many authors in this genre need more focus on this critical task. I just want this storyline to get off to a solid start. Great job BN, and I am really looking forward to more!
Everyone loves a self sacrificing hero, similar to John McClain or Harry Dresdon. I enjoyed this book on multiple levels. The world building, magic system, and characters were all great. Read in three sitting,and genuinely anticipated sitting back down to get back into the story. The story ends well, with more to come. Since I enjoyed it so much, my only wish is that the relationships were a little slower in ramping up. With a story like this I felt it could have taken its time little more, even though the Need is a very big story point. Got it on kindle unlimited and will be buying it as I move on to the next in the series.
I really liked this story. It had it all, action, mystery, life and death situations, and crazy crazy characters. The magic belief system was cool and different. Jared and his girls were a riot together. Have to say I loved Cassie, the sunny girl with a big mystery. The action was great and the scenes made me laugh a lot. Just a real entertaining story. It kept me reading just to see what would happen and to solve those pesky mysteries. I just had to know what was really going on. The story was fun and steamy too.
Okay. Obviously a fan of Darren.....gonna leave that right there because I am too. This debut novel was a great read. Only a few typos that I'm sure will get edited out in later editions. The story is an interesting blend of urban fantasy, isekai, and good old fashioned haremlit. I enjoy both the MC and his supporting cast. The characters felt fleshed out and each was a unique piece of the story. Great world building that sets up for more expansion beyond just these individuals. I can't wait for the next. Great work!
Excellent story and adventure not just a pretty face
If you like a solid story and not just fluff get this book. The main character and the other characters personality-wise are well-developed. The things that were happening in the story flow well and not just happening just because. For me things happening made sense and drew me in to where I saw it happening in my mind's eye. The romance was a nice little bit of spice and not overwhelming to the storyline.I love good stories such as this is and hope to read the next one in the series soon.
One of the best books I’ve read. Some pros: Romance is natural and there’s enough to satisfy The teamwork is great and there’s chemistry between characters Story is logical and draws you in MC is competent and changes for the better. No OP
Cons Not enough reason for girls to like MC. Seems to easy
Mr. Miles creates a tale with familiar creatures of myth and presents them in new and unique way. The world building, the mix of mundane and mystical, come together to create a great story. And how can we forget about the love interests( both actual and potential!). Looking forward to the next book!
It feels like a bit of a tug-o-war within between the characters and world being 2D or 3D at times, but mostly it’s a great read that focuses much more on the story going on than the adult situations - which I enjoy. (given the setup, everything could have easily been dragged into the gutter and stayed there)
Excellent read!! Bought this book on a whim after seeing the link in a Facebook group. I was not disappointed. Really likable characters and the MC is good guy who isn’t above using whatever influence he needs to get his way with his bosses. I look forward to following this authors work going forward. I highly recommend this book if you like action with a harem element this book is for you..
Interesting read and my first dive into this new author's work. Overall a very good story with relationships that I enjoyed between the characters as well as a world that's built around magic and different races of beings. The only con is that I wish there were more details in things like world building or the action scenes. But maybe there's more to come in the future. 4/5 stars.
A very good story from a new and upcoming author. Some great characters and an awesome storyline. Very well written and the story really draws you in!! It was a struggle to not just stay up all night and read it straight through!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and the plot was enjoyable and engaging.There is so much left to be explored and to be explained.I am totally committed to following this story through all that could be explored.
I like the part about Cassie being a world hopper but I wish maybe there were a couple more precise subtle hints or clues throughout the story to tease people throughout the whole book.
I bought this book mainly because I am a lover of redheads. It didn't disappoint me! A bit slow starting, but maybe I am a bit spoiled, I didn't count off for it, obviously. If you like sexy fantasy, this is your book, you won't be disappointed.
I enjoyed this book it flowed well had good action I enjoyed the sex scenes I joy daddy of shifters and wears and dry ads and vampires and magi might be interesting to read the series through
This was a fantastic read with a really unique take on a magical world that co exists with the more mundane world! Great characters and thoroughly enjoyable!
I liked this book but after 50% mark, it started to get boring as it felt like the author wrote more to increase the page count rather than the necessity of the story. The MC and the LIs are all good. Will read the second book before making a decision with continuing the series or not.
This was a very good, fun story! I loved the characters, the plot and the way the story just flowed from start to finish. Looking forward to the next book.
Slow paced harem. Lots of dialog. Lots and lots of secrets. When most are revealed, it is anticlimactic. Not even remotely a big deal. Secrets just for story sake...