What do you think?
Rate this book
The Warrior #1
Initiation
Keep your friends close...and your enemies closer.Rachel Clancy has had to learn the hard way that you can't always trust who you know. Born with a specific set of genes that lets her fight monsters, Rachel has trained her entire life to kill vampires and werewolves. Unprepared for the level of deception and betrayal she faces as she journeys Upwards to battle her enemies, it's not long before Rachel finds herself on a quest that will alter the lives of everyone she knows. Including Rachel's...*This book was previously published and has been extensively re-edited for your enjoyment*
264 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2011
85 people are currently reading
1069 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Royce
193 books1,430 followersAuthor of science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
October 27, 2015
The female h MC is 16-years-old. So, I expect some degree of immaturity, but, in a dystopian setting, a 16-year-old isn't a 16-year-old!
Despite a lot of typical teen drivel about looks and boys in the opening chapter, I read this line:
and, I think that maybe they'll be some substance to this teen character after all. She's young; so, I'll give her a shot because this is one of my favorite quotes:
Ehh, the line turned out proof that even twits can say something of intelligence occasionally.
Tweeny Twit MC
width="250" height="300" alt="description"/>
She's a teenage girl with inner thoughts that match a normal 16-year-old.
Micah this *insert hot* and Micha that *insert hot.*
Then we have Jason and we go from him being a monster to her mate and them exchanging "I love you's" within days.
But wait, as she reflects back on Micah, it was really his brother, Chad, that she had noticed first that time getting off the elevator .... Hummmm, wonder why that is, she muses.
This should be the point where the author pumps the love train brakes, but ooooooh No! A triangle isn't suffice, you silly, silly readers. This is turning into a mfing octagon....
Enter Deacon, a guy she saves from being a vampire/wolf slave. She no more has his ass out of the cage before he is professing:
[image error]
You think I'm kidding, but there are exactly 22 huge font pages & a handful of lines between her first words to him and this declaration.
This isn't warrior dystopian strong H/h stuff here in case you haven't caught on yet...
Soft hair musing when you've just discovered friendly werewolves in a dystopian world who once were mindless killers but just aren't anymore cause they 'woke up'. No, just no.
Look, the teen shit is expected, fine enough, in some typical teenage melodrama like "Clueless," but that just doesn't fly in a DYSTOPIAN where she is supposed to be a warrior .
All the fumbling around for a weapon, freezing up at danger, trampling through the world like a herd of elephants as she literally kicks the ground like a petulant child , crying, vomiting , screaming like a girl , & musing about the looks of everyone she meets, etc just doesn't fing work to spell "special warrior."
Neither does the world and plot building...
Say What?
Underground Stone Age communication and using nothing but wooden stakes and machetes to kill "monsters," BUT
they have newspapers and "news channels" ... Plural at that, huh? Astounding!
Coffee? Sugar? Really? 40 years post end of the world and they have coffee and sugar.
Mf'ers crossing oceans to go from one underground community to another because they've heard of how awesome some other warrior is, but the community has to send runners with messages because of "Stone Age communication?!? Huh?!?
Warrior school to fight the "monsters" up top, but she didn't learn about sunlight? She's getting top secret tips like vamps make you feel cold and don't like water just moments before she's sent on a mission? But then, the story contradicts itself just a few chapters later when she's describing the whole "sense monsters" gift in detail like she's known it her entire life: "It's supposed to be pinpricks on your arms. Goosebumps. Painful ones."
What kind of warrior allows herself to willingly be locked in a cage for her own protection by 'friendly wolfies' and doesn't insist she have her fucking weapons.
Uhm, the wolfie explanation on aging and waking up from being a monster for 30 years? Ahhh, I'm speechless on that shit. 10 years? Why wait 10 years to contact the humans after you're back to being 'sane.'
The bad wolves ran away from one single *clears throat* warrior so that they could report back to the head mfer in charge and he could come up with a ploy to explain it all to the people. Oh, yes, that makes so much more fing sense than the pack of wolves killing her where she stood (ALONE) so she wouldn't BE ABLE to return. Good Gawd! Mindless dribble.
At Least She's Intelligent About Being A Twit
Conclusion
If you still ride ^that^ then this might work for you. If you wish you could be a teen again and go off on some adventure where every guy you meet falls for you, then this might work for you. But, if you're looking for a reasonably strong and intelligent H/h in a dystopian setting and they happen to find love as they survive, well, then you best skip this shit.
Note to author: the cover features a chick with a gun.... There's not a single gun in the entire book! The cover features an urban city in ruins .... Yet, characters are amazed at finding a single row of houses left among the ruins from 40 years ago. This is a visual example of how inconsistent the actual story is btw.
Despite a lot of typical teen drivel about looks and boys in the opening chapter, I read this line:
"They could decide what happened to me. I could decide how I reacted to it."
and, I think that maybe they'll be some substance to this teen character after all. She's young; so, I'll give her a shot because this is one of my favorite quotes:
Ehh, the line turned out proof that even twits can say something of intelligence occasionally.
Tweeny Twit MC
width="250" height="300" alt="description"/> She's a teenage girl with inner thoughts that match a normal 16-year-old.
Micah this *insert hot* and Micha that *insert hot.*
Then we have Jason and we go from him being a monster to her mate and them exchanging "I love you's" within days.
But wait, as she reflects back on Micah, it was really his brother, Chad, that she had noticed first that time getting off the elevator .... Hummmm, wonder why that is, she muses.
This should be the point where the author pumps the love train brakes, but ooooooh No! A triangle isn't suffice, you silly, silly readers. This is turning into a mfing octagon....
Enter Deacon, a guy she saves from being a vampire/wolf slave. She no more has his ass out of the cage before he is professing:
"I know. You've got someone else. I can't help that I've fallen for you hard. I'll try to get over it."
[image error]
You think I'm kidding, but there are exactly 22 huge font pages & a handful of lines between her first words to him and this declaration.
This isn't warrior dystopian strong H/h stuff here in case you haven't caught on yet...
"... A really great werewolf, but a werewolf nonetheless. I used my free hand to pat his head. How did he keep his hair so soft?"
Soft hair musing when you've just discovered friendly werewolves in a dystopian world who once were mindless killers but just aren't anymore cause they 'woke up'. No, just no.
Look, the teen shit is expected, fine enough, in some typical teenage melodrama like "Clueless," but that just doesn't fly in a DYSTOPIAN where she is supposed to be a warrior .
All the fumbling around for a weapon, freezing up at danger, trampling through the world like a herd of elephants as she literally kicks the ground like a petulant child , crying, vomiting , screaming like a girl , & musing about the looks of everyone she meets, etc just doesn't fing work to spell "special warrior."
Neither does the world and plot building...
Say What?
Underground Stone Age communication and using nothing but wooden stakes and machetes to kill "monsters," BUT
they have newspapers and "news channels" ... Plural at that, huh? Astounding!
Coffee? Sugar? Really? 40 years post end of the world and they have coffee and sugar.
Mf'ers crossing oceans to go from one underground community to another because they've heard of how awesome some other warrior is, but the community has to send runners with messages because of "Stone Age communication?!? Huh?!?
Warrior school to fight the "monsters" up top, but she didn't learn about sunlight? She's getting top secret tips like vamps make you feel cold and don't like water just moments before she's sent on a mission? But then, the story contradicts itself just a few chapters later when she's describing the whole "sense monsters" gift in detail like she's known it her entire life: "It's supposed to be pinpricks on your arms. Goosebumps. Painful ones."
What kind of warrior allows herself to willingly be locked in a cage for her own protection by 'friendly wolfies' and doesn't insist she have her fucking weapons.
Uhm, the wolfie explanation on aging and waking up from being a monster for 30 years? Ahhh, I'm speechless on that shit. 10 years? Why wait 10 years to contact the humans after you're back to being 'sane.'
The bad wolves ran away from one single *clears throat* warrior so that they could report back to the head mfer in charge and he could come up with a ploy to explain it all to the people. Oh, yes, that makes so much more fing sense than the pack of wolves killing her where she stood (ALONE) so she wouldn't BE ABLE to return. Good Gawd! Mindless dribble.
At Least She's Intelligent About Being A Twit
"I'm sixteen years old. I can't be anyone's mate. I can barely walk and think at the same time."
Conclusion
If you still ride ^that^ then this might work for you. If you wish you could be a teen again and go off on some adventure where every guy you meet falls for you, then this might work for you. But, if you're looking for a reasonably strong and intelligent H/h in a dystopian setting and they happen to find love as they survive, well, then you best skip this shit.
Note to author: the cover features a chick with a gun.... There's not a single gun in the entire book! The cover features an urban city in ruins .... Yet, characters are amazed at finding a single row of houses left among the ruins from 40 years ago. This is a visual example of how inconsistent the actual story is btw.
June 12, 2011
I had no expectations for this one, and I'm getting where I'm a bit burned out on YA. However, I ended up liking this a lot. I liked the simple narrative, but the author's ability to convey a lot on the emotional front. I loved Jason!!!! And never did Rachel annoy me or make stop supporting her as a heroine. Okay, I have to keep this a mini-review, so I'll stop here.
Full review to be posted on the Bitten by Books website: http://bittenbybooks.com (at a later date).
Full review to be posted on the Bitten by Books website: http://bittenbybooks.com (at a later date).
March 22, 2012
OMG, I freaking loved this story!!! After reading a ton of post-apocolypse books for dystopian challenge month, I was so over the same old same old of these stories that all seem to copy from the same mold. When I saw Initiation had werewolves and vampires, I was SO excited for something different. And boy, did this deliver!!!!
Rachel was a great character, she had been trained her whole life to fight the vampires and werewolves, and at 16 she was finally going to face them. With a drunk for a father and a lot of self-loathing, she just hopes to survive alongside her friends in the fight. Only she didn't expect that the vendetta of one of their leaders would find her being sent Upwards alone, instead of with her fellow warriors. She's left to fend for herself, and she discovers something she never expected when a pack of young werewolves saves her life from a vampire. She finds herself drawn to the gorgeous and sexy werewolf Jason, who is immediately protective of her as they take her back to their camp. She meets the young shapeshifters' father, the alpha. He had sent Jason and his sisters to bring back one of the warriors so he could expose something to the humans that he knew would change everything. Suddenly Rachel isn't sure who is friend and who is foe, and she finds herself falling hard for Jason.
Jason and Rachel have SERIOUS chemistry, I was just dying every time they were able to get close. It did seem rushed, but I chalked that up to his animal instincts and his alpha male need to claim Rachel as his. Jason is so possessive of her so quickly, I couldn't help but love the animalistic way he just wanted her. HOT!! I loved it, I was so enthralled with their whirlwind romance and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead. Then Royce had to go and TOTALLY throw a curveball, and the game changed for Rachel big time. Someone she never would have suspected has turned his back on her kind, and it could mean the end of the world as they know it. She gets to return home and see those that she left behind, and she finds that she meant more to all of them than she had ever realized. Suddenly she's conflicted and torn (not me, though, because all I could think about was that hunk Jason!!!), but she knows she has to get back to the one boy she's given her heart to. She feels the pull to be with him, but to what end??
The premise for the story was cool and creepy, and the vampires will surely be a major force to contend with in the rest of the series. The humans underestimated them and didn't realize one of their own had a hand in helping their cause, so it will be a serious fight when the time comes; and I can't wait to see where exactly the werewolves fit in, whether or not they are who they seem!
There were parts of this story that were a bit much, I have to admit. Rachel is so lacking in the self-confidence, and I do wish she didn't put herself down quite so much. On the flip side, when she suddenly starts having every guy her age falling head over heels for her, I kind of laughed. Yeah, I love her character, but it was a little hard to swallow when 3 guys were professing their love to her back-to-back. I wish we could have seen more of what made her a warrior, too. We didn't see much before she went Upwards, and the fight scenes weren't written with as much detail as I would have liked in order to feel like I was actually seeing her in action. She was bad-ass, but I pretty much had to just buy that she was instead of seeing it for myself. Again, still love her character, but I would have liked more!!
I must admit, there is a MAJOR twist at the end of this book that just shattered me. It's not even a cliffhanger, really, it's more of a completely new story being written into the last section of this book, and it just killed me. I can only hope that the sequel brings me more of what I fell in love with in this book, PLEASE!!
Rachel was a great character, she had been trained her whole life to fight the vampires and werewolves, and at 16 she was finally going to face them. With a drunk for a father and a lot of self-loathing, she just hopes to survive alongside her friends in the fight. Only she didn't expect that the vendetta of one of their leaders would find her being sent Upwards alone, instead of with her fellow warriors. She's left to fend for herself, and she discovers something she never expected when a pack of young werewolves saves her life from a vampire. She finds herself drawn to the gorgeous and sexy werewolf Jason, who is immediately protective of her as they take her back to their camp. She meets the young shapeshifters' father, the alpha. He had sent Jason and his sisters to bring back one of the warriors so he could expose something to the humans that he knew would change everything. Suddenly Rachel isn't sure who is friend and who is foe, and she finds herself falling hard for Jason.
Jason and Rachel have SERIOUS chemistry, I was just dying every time they were able to get close. It did seem rushed, but I chalked that up to his animal instincts and his alpha male need to claim Rachel as his. Jason is so possessive of her so quickly, I couldn't help but love the animalistic way he just wanted her. HOT!! I loved it, I was so enthralled with their whirlwind romance and I couldn't wait to see where it would lead. Then Royce had to go and TOTALLY throw a curveball, and the game changed for Rachel big time. Someone she never would have suspected has turned his back on her kind, and it could mean the end of the world as they know it. She gets to return home and see those that she left behind, and she finds that she meant more to all of them than she had ever realized. Suddenly she's conflicted and torn (not me, though, because all I could think about was that hunk Jason!!!), but she knows she has to get back to the one boy she's given her heart to. She feels the pull to be with him, but to what end??
The premise for the story was cool and creepy, and the vampires will surely be a major force to contend with in the rest of the series. The humans underestimated them and didn't realize one of their own had a hand in helping their cause, so it will be a serious fight when the time comes; and I can't wait to see where exactly the werewolves fit in, whether or not they are who they seem!
There were parts of this story that were a bit much, I have to admit. Rachel is so lacking in the self-confidence, and I do wish she didn't put herself down quite so much. On the flip side, when she suddenly starts having every guy her age falling head over heels for her, I kind of laughed. Yeah, I love her character, but it was a little hard to swallow when 3 guys were professing their love to her back-to-back. I wish we could have seen more of what made her a warrior, too. We didn't see much before she went Upwards, and the fight scenes weren't written with as much detail as I would have liked in order to feel like I was actually seeing her in action. She was bad-ass, but I pretty much had to just buy that she was instead of seeing it for myself. Again, still love her character, but I would have liked more!!
I must admit, there is a MAJOR twist at the end of this book that just shattered me. It's not even a cliffhanger, really, it's more of a completely new story being written into the last section of this book, and it just killed me. I can only hope that the sequel brings me more of what I fell in love with in this book, PLEASE!!
March 25, 2011
In the future, the world hasn't completely ended. Humans lived deep underground with artificial light as their sun. Vampires and werewolves roamed and ruled upwards. Underground, there lived a species of humans called Warriors. Born, bred and trained to be hunters of the creatures upwards. This book took off like an Energizer bunny on speed. It was fast-paced and will not bore you with stock pile of information or background. If you think you will not be able to understand it just for that reason alone, guess again.
I only had a couple of problems with this book. First, the boys vying for her attention. I'm chomping at the bits to read the next book to see how all these characters play out. On the last count, there was Jason, Deacon & Chad...Micah, who held her attention since she was 8 years old. I really wish the book was longer and maybe had delved more into the characters of each boy...but then again maybe not. Because you'll run the risk of giving way too much information. What do I know? ;) Second, there was a couple of editing miscues (tale that should've been tail, and lessoned that should've been lessened).
Anyway, I enjoyed this book immensely and I am looking forward to checking out Ms. Royce's other works as well!
May 5, 2011
Rachel Clancy is a Warrior, but due to her father's past transgressions, her initiation into the Warrior life happened alone. She had to fight off Vampires and Werewolves by herself, but stumbled upon many unexpected things during her time aboveground, including her first love.
Initiation combines dystopian, post-apocalyptic and paranormal elements in a well-written young adult novel. Rebecca Royce remains true to her character's voice throughout and the plot is far from predictable. The emotional depth (which is very important to me as a reader)of this novel made it easy to invest my time in the characters.
I look forward to reading more from Rebecca Royce, especially the sequel to Initiation, Driven.
Initiation combines dystopian, post-apocalyptic and paranormal elements in a well-written young adult novel. Rebecca Royce remains true to her character's voice throughout and the plot is far from predictable. The emotional depth (which is very important to me as a reader)of this novel made it easy to invest my time in the characters.
I look forward to reading more from Rebecca Royce, especially the sequel to Initiation, Driven.
September 23, 2015
Adventure and romance mixed into one. I really enjoyed the movement, plot, characters and love in this one. I loved that it was an adventure as well as love. I also loved the different supernaturals involved. I am really glad I got to review this one.
March 26, 2011
OMIGosh! I would give this book 5 more stars if I could! WOW!
This is by far on my list of top 5 favorite Werewolf books - Right up there with Alpha Omega by Patricia Briggs and The Shifter Series by Rachel Vincent - But this one is categorized with the young adult books with Raised by Wolves -
I LOVE this story!!!
46 years ago - the world ended. Everyone that survived the attacks of the Werewolves and Vampires moved to an underground world -
Rachel had to grow up at an early age - he mother died when she was an infant - and her father mourned his loss with a bottle of alcohol every day - and passed out drunk every night. He use to be the best warrior around, and he gave it all up.
Since Both of Rachel's parents were of the best warriors - Rachel tested positive for the warrior gene. When she turned 16 - she was sent above to the unknown to test her skills.
Only she had to do it alone - she was scared, and when she was confronted by a vampire - she forgot all of her training skills she had been prepared for and talked to it.
Then out of nowhere - 3 Werewolves jumped over her and attacked the Vampire - Rachel was terrified, and once she got her legs to move, she did. With the scars of those deep blue eyes embroidered into her mind.
Later - when she reached her destination, she found all the humans had died. That's where she met Jason, and those blue familiar eyes.
I really loved this story - I wish the ending was a little different - but in a way it worked out really well for Rachel. She experienced so much during the first few weeks of her 16th year. Her emotions were very real. She had given a lot of thought before her actions, and she really tried to see both sides to everything.
I cannot wait for Driven – the next Warrior book to come out
This is by far on my list of top 5 favorite Werewolf books - Right up there with Alpha Omega by Patricia Briggs and The Shifter Series by Rachel Vincent - But this one is categorized with the young adult books with Raised by Wolves -
I LOVE this story!!!
46 years ago - the world ended. Everyone that survived the attacks of the Werewolves and Vampires moved to an underground world -
Rachel had to grow up at an early age - he mother died when she was an infant - and her father mourned his loss with a bottle of alcohol every day - and passed out drunk every night. He use to be the best warrior around, and he gave it all up.
Since Both of Rachel's parents were of the best warriors - Rachel tested positive for the warrior gene. When she turned 16 - she was sent above to the unknown to test her skills.
Only she had to do it alone - she was scared, and when she was confronted by a vampire - she forgot all of her training skills she had been prepared for and talked to it.
Then out of nowhere - 3 Werewolves jumped over her and attacked the Vampire - Rachel was terrified, and once she got her legs to move, she did. With the scars of those deep blue eyes embroidered into her mind.
Later - when she reached her destination, she found all the humans had died. That's where she met Jason, and those blue familiar eyes.
I really loved this story - I wish the ending was a little different - but in a way it worked out really well for Rachel. She experienced so much during the first few weeks of her 16th year. Her emotions were very real. She had given a lot of thought before her actions, and she really tried to see both sides to everything.
I cannot wait for Driven – the next Warrior book to come out
July 16, 2011
Exciting and original world building, characters I quickly became invested in, and a cracker pace made Initiation a surprisingly addictive read.
I love the world Royce created, humans live in underground habitats while vampires and werewolves rule the roost upstairs and humans with the warrior gene are sent upwards at 16 to battle the monsters! Thrilling stuff and there's enough twists and turns to keep even the most jaded reader entertained.
Rachel is such a cool character, she's realistic about her lot in life and just a little "outside the norm" making her very likeable. I had to keep reminding myself that she was 16, mature, but 16; and the romance really was all about the sweet taste of first love but the abundant hot male characters, werewolf Jason, Deacon and Warrior Chad are central to the plot and of course good reading candy :)
The simple narrative had me intitially thinking this was well suited for the younger teen but there are a number of sexual references (without the deed) to warrant caution for the younger reader but for the older teen I have no hesitation in saying go for it.
Enough ends are tied up to produce a satisfying conclusion without the dreaded cliffhanger but there's the delicious anticipation of the journey being far from over. I can't wait to continue Rachel's story in Driven!
Win a copy of Initiation on my blog ~ see this post
http://teddyree-theeclecticreader.blo... (giveaway ends 26th July)
I love the world Royce created, humans live in underground habitats while vampires and werewolves rule the roost upstairs and humans with the warrior gene are sent upwards at 16 to battle the monsters! Thrilling stuff and there's enough twists and turns to keep even the most jaded reader entertained.
Rachel is such a cool character, she's realistic about her lot in life and just a little "outside the norm" making her very likeable. I had to keep reminding myself that she was 16, mature, but 16; and the romance really was all about the sweet taste of first love but the abundant hot male characters, werewolf Jason, Deacon and Warrior Chad are central to the plot and of course good reading candy :)
The simple narrative had me intitially thinking this was well suited for the younger teen but there are a number of sexual references (without the deed) to warrant caution for the younger reader but for the older teen I have no hesitation in saying go for it.
Enough ends are tied up to produce a satisfying conclusion without the dreaded cliffhanger but there's the delicious anticipation of the journey being far from over. I can't wait to continue Rachel's story in Driven!
Win a copy of Initiation on my blog ~ see this post
http://teddyree-theeclecticreader.blo... (giveaway ends 26th July)
February 17, 2016
Im typically not drawn to the YA story world, but I have to say I really enjoyed this book! Definitely a new spin on the vampire/werewolf story. Fast paced and great characters. I am looking forward to reading Book 2
June 12, 2017
Initiation is the first book in Rebecca Royce's Warrior Series. It's excellent. Well written, full of adventures, great characters, inciting plenty of emotions. This story is original, completely entertaining.
Rachel lives in a world where vampires and werewolves rule the earth and humans live underground. She lives with her disgraced father. He and her mother were once famed warriors, but when her mother was killed by a vampire, her father betrayed his position and turned to alcohol. Life has not been easy for Rachel since she carries the weight of her father's sins, but as she turns 16, it's about to become much more difficult. Deadly even. Rachel carries the warrior gene and has trained her entire life to go upside to carry on the human fight against the monsters. Few warriors live to an old age, most don't make it beyond the first 2 years, Rachel's odds are even lower. Sent on a solo mission to the next outpost, Rachel is attacked by a vampire and ends up with a werewolf pack . These aren't the monsters she has been taught about and she finds herself in conflict and in love. The werewolf Alpha also shares information with her that sends her back to her community that will change their world.
Rachel is amazing. No one writes better female characters than Rebecca Royce. Rachel is not perfect. She doesn't like the way she looks and is hard on herself about her abilities. But she's kind and loyal and brave. She loves hard. She tries to be her best. She doesn't realize that she's something special; all who know her love her. Her best friend's family considers her their own, her teachers see her as a daughter, the boys she meets above ground are all charmed. She is an inspiration to her people.
Events unfold that make Rachel doubt herself and love. Her ability to trust is severely shaken. Those who are supposed to love her the most have only managed to leave or hurt her. Authority figures have tried to destroy her. Now that she feels betrayed by her first love, she seems to be just existing, not living. Will her first love prove to be true? Will an old family friend prove to be more? Will a new friend become more? What will her new role be in this new world? I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
Rachel lives in a world where vampires and werewolves rule the earth and humans live underground. She lives with her disgraced father. He and her mother were once famed warriors, but when her mother was killed by a vampire, her father betrayed his position and turned to alcohol. Life has not been easy for Rachel since she carries the weight of her father's sins, but as she turns 16, it's about to become much more difficult. Deadly even. Rachel carries the warrior gene and has trained her entire life to go upside to carry on the human fight against the monsters. Few warriors live to an old age, most don't make it beyond the first 2 years, Rachel's odds are even lower. Sent on a solo mission to the next outpost, Rachel is attacked by a vampire and ends up with a werewolf pack . These aren't the monsters she has been taught about and she finds herself in conflict and in love. The werewolf Alpha also shares information with her that sends her back to her community that will change their world.
Rachel is amazing. No one writes better female characters than Rebecca Royce. Rachel is not perfect. She doesn't like the way she looks and is hard on herself about her abilities. But she's kind and loyal and brave. She loves hard. She tries to be her best. She doesn't realize that she's something special; all who know her love her. Her best friend's family considers her their own, her teachers see her as a daughter, the boys she meets above ground are all charmed. She is an inspiration to her people.
Events unfold that make Rachel doubt herself and love. Her ability to trust is severely shaken. Those who are supposed to love her the most have only managed to leave or hurt her. Authority figures have tried to destroy her. Now that she feels betrayed by her first love, she seems to be just existing, not living. Will her first love prove to be true? Will an old family friend prove to be more? Will a new friend become more? What will her new role be in this new world? I can't wait to start the next book in the series.
April 6, 2023
2 and 1/2 stars
I gave 3 stars because there is no option for a half star... this book is marketed as YA and for younger readers, however it was very juvenile. The writing itself was pretty good and the story had a LOT of potential. All in all it did start out very interesting and the world building was good in the beginning but as you get more to the middle of the story it becomes very juvenile. Our FMC falls in love with a guy (who she had trained her whole life to kill) literally with in 2 to 3 days. She is there for about 2 weeks but was either unconscious or sick for most of it and she starts out skeptical and then boom , I love you and will do anything to get back to you. Very little character building past the first few pages and the story gets more and more jumbled as you go on... very little detail or back story, which is fine sometimes but in this book it feels like that is important info to the story. It only took a few hours to read and had potential but ultimately I do not think I'll be reading the rest of the series.
I gave 3 stars because there is no option for a half star... this book is marketed as YA and for younger readers, however it was very juvenile. The writing itself was pretty good and the story had a LOT of potential. All in all it did start out very interesting and the world building was good in the beginning but as you get more to the middle of the story it becomes very juvenile. Our FMC falls in love with a guy (who she had trained her whole life to kill) literally with in 2 to 3 days. She is there for about 2 weeks but was either unconscious or sick for most of it and she starts out skeptical and then boom , I love you and will do anything to get back to you. Very little character building past the first few pages and the story gets more and more jumbled as you go on... very little detail or back story, which is fine sometimes but in this book it feels like that is important info to the story. It only took a few hours to read and had potential but ultimately I do not think I'll be reading the rest of the series.
June 8, 2017
Does Rebecca Royce know what she's doing, or what! I am already totally obsessed with this series, and I've only read this first book! The plot is beyond intriguing, the writing impressive, the imagery so vivid, and the characters complex and well thought out. Authentic, engaging, and passionate, these characters completely draw you into the story, making you believe in this extraordinary post-apocalyptic world overrun with vampires and werewolves that the author has created for us. You seriously just can't help but become invested in these characters’ lives. I, personally, was hooked from very early on and remained riveted to the very last page. This book is inventive and insightful, impassioned and exciting, and heartwarming yet heartbreaking. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an enchanting and compelling read.
*I was given a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review. All opinions are my own.
*I was given a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review. All opinions are my own.
July 30, 2023
Unfortunately, this book gave me a "fan fiction written by a 12 year old girl" vibe.
I find the main character highly inconsistent behavior-wise, and incredibly immature. Not very likeable...
All other characters lack depth in my opinion.
The plot is not well-paced and jumps around too fast for my taste, with many wtf moments and inconsistencies. Some absolutely impossible things happen all too conveniently to serve the story.
Perhaps the most annoying part for me: In the span of at most 12 chapters 3 boys fall in love at first sight with the main character and declare their love for her within minutes. The first time it happened I laughed at how cringe that was, the second time I felt incredibly frustrated and literally shook my head in disbelief, the third time really tested my patience and mental strength. I almost gave up the book then.
The one star is still deserved as opposed to zero because I did enjoy the story idea which is the only thing that kept me going.
I find the main character highly inconsistent behavior-wise, and incredibly immature. Not very likeable...
All other characters lack depth in my opinion.
The plot is not well-paced and jumps around too fast for my taste, with many wtf moments and inconsistencies. Some absolutely impossible things happen all too conveniently to serve the story.
Perhaps the most annoying part for me: In the span of at most 12 chapters 3 boys fall in love at first sight with the main character and declare their love for her within minutes. The first time it happened I laughed at how cringe that was, the second time I felt incredibly frustrated and literally shook my head in disbelief, the third time really tested my patience and mental strength. I almost gave up the book then.
The one star is still deserved as opposed to zero because I did enjoy the story idea which is the only thing that kept me going.
March 11, 2023
The concept of this book is really good. The world that the author developed I could picture clearly in my head. As I read, I definetily wanted to keep read to find out what happened and I will continue to read on in the series.
The romance aspect is hard to believe though. Two different characters fall madly in love with her at their first meeting and another reveals his life long love her her out of the blue. She only reciprocated with one (well maybe one and a half) but the whole, no one paid any attention to her and now there are three different guys competing for her love and two different families telling her they always thought she was part of their family is hard to believe. There is absolutely no build up to any of this. It's like a magic spell was placed on everyone and poof, they love Rachel. I would have preferred to see some of the familial love right off the bat (ie: her best friends family openly discussing how much they care for her rather than waiting for her to come back from above ground) and some build up of the romantic relationships rather than insta-love. It would have really helped the story.
Overall the story is good but the romantic parts are poorly written and in some ways straight up cheesy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The romance aspect is hard to believe though. Two different characters fall madly in love with her at their first meeting and another reveals his life long love her her out of the blue. She only reciprocated with one (well maybe one and a half) but the whole, no one paid any attention to her and now there are three different guys competing for her love and two different families telling her they always thought she was part of their family is hard to believe. There is absolutely no build up to any of this. It's like a magic spell was placed on everyone and poof, they love Rachel. I would have preferred to see some of the familial love right off the bat (ie: her best friends family openly discussing how much they care for her rather than waiting for her to come back from above ground) and some build up of the romantic relationships rather than insta-love. It would have really helped the story.
Overall the story is good but the romantic parts are poorly written and in some ways straight up cheesy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 28, 2023
The writing itself could use a bit of work; I’m not sure if it’s because of Kindle Unlimited though. There was obvious spelling and grammar errors, to the point I almost stopped reading a few times. Eventually you either get used to it like I did, or you don’t and quit while you’re ahead. A short read, 250-ish pages, and I was engaged. I’ll be starting the second book soon, and will leave a review for that one as well whether I finish it or not.
August 2, 2017
First book in a new series called the Warrior and I am looking forward to the next ones. This book keep you wanting to know what would happen next ! This is a post apocalyptic world with a touch of science fiction a well written story.I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 28, 2023
I wasn’t sure what to think of the series. I saw an ad on Facebook for it and I figured I liked Twilight and I loved the book about those who lived underground so I bit into it.
The character is 16 so I was not surprised that this is more of a YA book. But it’s not bad at all. The end of this and how Rachel was found made me so angry! I wanted to really smack the pack leader!
The character is 16 so I was not surprised that this is more of a YA book. But it’s not bad at all. The end of this and how Rachel was found made me so angry! I wanted to really smack the pack leader!
Read
February 4, 2023The intro to a new world where vampires, werewolves, and humans fight for survival. Rachel is a 16 year old girl on the cusp of her first mission as a Warrior. In the future where there are fighters, and non-fighters, 16 is the new adult. But emotions are not as easy to age as the understanding of the heaviness of the task, and the horrors of what was only abstract becomes real takes its toll.
September 8, 2023
Interesting read...not bad, just accept it for what it is. The thing that irked me was the four cases of insta-love. This girl thinks she's average or ugly depending on the moment, but four boys are just dropping around her?
February 22, 2023
I loved it. Very fun read. I’d been in a book slump for a few weeks. This book had me hooked from the get go. 10/10 recommend!
April 6, 2024
Grammatical errors, inconsistencies...
This feels a lot like a dystopian Twilight.
'Must be a wolf thing. Must be a Jason thing.'
Twilight is better.
This feels a lot like a dystopian Twilight.
'Must be a wolf thing. Must be a Jason thing.'
Twilight is better.
November 1, 2015
Rebecca Royce is a master storyteller, which is why I love reading anything she writes. Initiation is yet another superb example of her skills. Ms. Royce never fails to grab my attention from the get go, and I am continually in awe of her ability to create compelling characters and the worlds in which they live. I don’t read many YA books these days so I had no idea what to expect from Initiation. I was delighted to discover a mix of paranormal/dystopian in a story chock full of suspense, danger, romance, witty dialogue, emotion, and much more.
Today is Rachel Clancy’s sixteenth birthday, however, there will be no sweet sixteen party. Instead, as is custom, Rachel will be traveling Upwards to do her part as a Warrior. The world as we know it ended 30 years ago, the population forced to retreat to underground habitats in order to avoid the vampires and werewolves on the surface bent on destroying humans. These monsters murdered her mother when Rachel was just a baby. For all intents and purposes, they killed her father as well since he hasn’t been sober a day since. No, Rachel isn't celebrating. She possesses the distinctive genes necessary to fight the monsters that hunt on the surface. So today, on her sixteenth birthday, she will go Upwards for the first time to utilize the skills she has been taught for years. Today, Rachel becomes a Warrior.
As if her day isn't stressful enough, she learns that the leader of Genesis habitat plans to send her out alone on her first night as payback for her father’s transgression many years ago. A transgression she only just learned the truth about. Today is a sure suicide mission. Rather than freak out, Rachel comes to terms with her situation and, refusing to go down like a defeated rabbit, she stands up to her fate. Rachel is an interesting heroine. She's a typical sixteen year old in many respects; she has a crush on her best friend's brother Chad, she worries she's not pretty enough, and she's afraid that she isn't strong enough to withstand her first night as a Warrior. But she's also determined, strong, and brave.
Rachel's inner strength and character are a fine mix between teenage girl and the Warrior that she was born to be. Rachel is scared but not scared witless. Within minutes she encounters her first vampire. She finds herself surprisingly unimpressed with the creature who is quite astounded she hasn't succumbed to his glamour. She even has the confidence to throw some sarcasm his way. Maybe this won’t be as hard as she thought...
The last thing Rachel expects, though, is to be captured by werewolves. Not only is she treated kindly and given food, she feels compelled to spill her guts to Andon Kenwood, whom she learns is the Alpha of their pack. Contrary to what she’s learned, these werewolves aren’t out to kill her. As a matter of fact, they’re just like a human family. Right down to Andon’s very handsome son, Jason, who is convinced Rachel is his destined mate and pursues her as such. Rachel’s not used to such attention, but she finds herself falling for Jason.
When Andon reveals a terrifying secret, Rachel’s world is turned around. How is it that no one in Genesis habitat is aware of the treachery and deceit going on? Suddenly, everything Rachel was taught to believe comes into question. Initiation was fast-paced from the beginning, but at this point the action explodes. It’s one surprise after another, including Rachel’s new werewolf friends apparently abandoning her. Rachel’s strength and character shine as she comes up against danger from sources she never expected. She is also getting quite a bit of male admiration and attention, which is new and confusing. But all she can think about is Jason, his betrayal, and the fact that she was played for some reason. Why, she hasn’t figured out just yet. Maybe book two will give us a clue.
I thoroughly enjoyed Initiation and will most definitely continue reading this series.
Review copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Read more reviews by Deb at xtreme-delusions.com
August 10, 2017
Sixteen-year-old Warrior Rachel Clancy lives in a post-apocalyptic world where humankind was almost wiped out thirty years before she was born because of werewolves and vampires. This end of the world moment is known as Armageddon. In this apocalyptic world, some humans have a special gene, and these Warriors are relied on to kill these monsters and keep the non-Warrior human safe. Rachel was supposed to go out with others her age but was gets sent out on an unprecedented Upward. The Upward that is unprecedented happens because of Dr. Isaac Icahn who suggested it. He's known and viewed as the man who saved humankind from dying out by discovering the Warrior gene. Rachel was expected to die from this Upward which was a revenge plan for Dr. Isaac Icahn because Rachel’s father allowed Isaac’s daughter to die. While Rachel is out, she gets, attacked by some vampires. She was about to die when a werewolf kills the vampires. She ends up making it to her destination but ends up being knocked out. She wakes up to a handsome werewolf and one of his sisters. While Rachel is with her is with these werewolves she starts questioning if werewolves are really the enemy. She also learns that someone she knows might actually be the one behind Armageddon.
I am first going to state the ONLY thing that almost stopped me from continuing. First, I want to say is that I was almost not going to finish because I liked the main love interest and at one point I thought I wouldn’t be happy with the way it was going. Though I am so happy I continued to read it because I ended up wanting the main love interest to be someone else. I had a feeling the person who I am rooting for now would be a potential and I, am so happy they are. That was the only reason why I would want to stop, but I loved every other moment.
The main character Rachel I like as a character, but her only flaw is that she is naive when it comes to love. Being naive usually bothers me but she is only sixteen so, it didn’t bother me as much. Actually, I think it helped the story in a way with how it ended and also it showed that she still has much to learn and grow as a character. Not just a sixteen-year-old who doesn’t have much room to grow and learn as a character. Now onto Jason the main love interest. In the beginning, I rooted for him and at one point was worried that they wouldn’t be together. Though I got to a point, when I stopped rooting for him, and I was hoping she wouldn’t want to be with him. I am now rooting for someone else, and his name is Chad, who I can’t wait to see more of in the next book. For Dr. Isaac, I don’t like him, and I will never like him as a person. Though I do like him as the antagonist and I do wish to see more of him. There are other characters I can go on about but I won’t.
I love the idea of this post-apocalyptic world and the story that goes with it. I definitely want to continue this story, and I hope to see more action and romance too. I think Rebecca Royce did an awesome job on this and I think she did an awesome way to end this book of Rachel’s story. When I am about to stop I usually don’t get pulled back in but with this book, I ended up pulled back in, and I want more.
I am honest when I write my reviews, and I give this book five stars. You might be wondering why I might be giving five stars even though my opinions of Rachel and what caused me almost to stop. Well, the reason why is because to me being naive is a necessity and I actually liked it because Rachel’s character should be naive in some category of her life. She is 16 and love should be the category. Then the relationship with Jason I was able to be pulled back in which is an accomplishment. Since usually when I check out I am out. So those two accomplishments give the rating bonus points. So excited to continue.
I am first going to state the ONLY thing that almost stopped me from continuing. First, I want to say is that I was almost not going to finish because I liked the main love interest and at one point I thought I wouldn’t be happy with the way it was going. Though I am so happy I continued to read it because I ended up wanting the main love interest to be someone else. I had a feeling the person who I am rooting for now would be a potential and I, am so happy they are. That was the only reason why I would want to stop, but I loved every other moment.
The main character Rachel I like as a character, but her only flaw is that she is naive when it comes to love. Being naive usually bothers me but she is only sixteen so, it didn’t bother me as much. Actually, I think it helped the story in a way with how it ended and also it showed that she still has much to learn and grow as a character. Not just a sixteen-year-old who doesn’t have much room to grow and learn as a character. Now onto Jason the main love interest. In the beginning, I rooted for him and at one point was worried that they wouldn’t be together. Though I got to a point, when I stopped rooting for him, and I was hoping she wouldn’t want to be with him. I am now rooting for someone else, and his name is Chad, who I can’t wait to see more of in the next book. For Dr. Isaac, I don’t like him, and I will never like him as a person. Though I do like him as the antagonist and I do wish to see more of him. There are other characters I can go on about but I won’t.
I love the idea of this post-apocalyptic world and the story that goes with it. I definitely want to continue this story, and I hope to see more action and romance too. I think Rebecca Royce did an awesome job on this and I think she did an awesome way to end this book of Rachel’s story. When I am about to stop I usually don’t get pulled back in but with this book, I ended up pulled back in, and I want more.
I am honest when I write my reviews, and I give this book five stars. You might be wondering why I might be giving five stars even though my opinions of Rachel and what caused me almost to stop. Well, the reason why is because to me being naive is a necessity and I actually liked it because Rachel’s character should be naive in some category of her life. She is 16 and love should be the category. Then the relationship with Jason I was able to be pulled back in which is an accomplishment. Since usually when I check out I am out. So those two accomplishments give the rating bonus points. So excited to continue.
August 21, 2011
4.5/5
First of all, don't get put off by the drab cover. The story is fab.
It took me maximum three hours to read this book, it was flowing so fast on its own. Easy language, likable heroine, engrossing world. Some sort of dystopia with werewolves and vampires against humans huddled up underground.
Rachel Clancy has Warrior genes. It means that she belongs to a small part of the population who at sixteen go above ground and start fighting monsters in defence of their safe haven and in search of valuable resources.
On the day of her sixteenth birthday she finds out that the head of the Council plotted her first venture above ground in such way that she will inevitably die. She still goes and unexpectedly gets saved by werewolves.
Then all she knows about them as monsters crumbles when they tell her that since Apocalypse the world has changed, and there are too many things that people underground do not know.
She plays along with the pack's plan to show her some important truths and then let her be the messenger for her people, but what she doesn't count for is that she will fall in love with a wolf-boy Jason.
Rachel matures through the book immensely and shows incredible courage, strong survival instincts and ability for leadership. She is smart, has sharp sense of humour and tight grip on reality. She is one of these characters you can't help but admire.
The world described in the book is fascinating, but I could only catch glimpses of it, and it left me with more questions than answers. What happened during the Apocalypse? What was the agenda of the evil guys? Where did Warrior gene come from? Why some werewolves suddenly
came to their senses and some not? What about vampires?
I also liked that Rachel like any normal teenager didn't stick to her attraction to only Jason. She was open to other possible love interests. Chad and Deacon were *grinning* really promising characters, and I would like to see more of them in the second book (which is out, by the way).
All in all, great beginning of the series, which with a little more polish and deeper background story, also with a new cover will get a lot of fans. Do read it.
First of all, don't get put off by the drab cover. The story is fab.
It took me maximum three hours to read this book, it was flowing so fast on its own. Easy language, likable heroine, engrossing world. Some sort of dystopia with werewolves and vampires against humans huddled up underground.
Rachel Clancy has Warrior genes. It means that she belongs to a small part of the population who at sixteen go above ground and start fighting monsters in defence of their safe haven and in search of valuable resources.
On the day of her sixteenth birthday she finds out that the head of the Council plotted her first venture above ground in such way that she will inevitably die. She still goes and unexpectedly gets saved by werewolves.
Then all she knows about them as monsters crumbles when they tell her that since Apocalypse the world has changed, and there are too many things that people underground do not know.
She plays along with the pack's plan to show her some important truths and then let her be the messenger for her people, but what she doesn't count for is that she will fall in love with a wolf-boy Jason.
Rachel matures through the book immensely and shows incredible courage, strong survival instincts and ability for leadership. She is smart, has sharp sense of humour and tight grip on reality. She is one of these characters you can't help but admire.
The world described in the book is fascinating, but I could only catch glimpses of it, and it left me with more questions than answers. What happened during the Apocalypse? What was the agenda of the evil guys? Where did Warrior gene come from? Why some werewolves suddenly
came to their senses and some not? What about vampires?
I also liked that Rachel like any normal teenager didn't stick to her attraction to only Jason. She was open to other possible love interests. Chad and Deacon were *grinning* really promising characters, and I would like to see more of them in the second book (which is out, by the way).
All in all, great beginning of the series, which with a little more polish and deeper background story, also with a new cover will get a lot of fans. Do read it.
November 6, 2015
4.5 Stars..
I loved the story line...it was well written and now leaving me with wanting more!!! Paranormal mixed with Dystopian. What a combo!! This book series is one of the best Paranormal series I have read in the past couple of years. Rebecca has a way of pulling you into the story and falling in love with the characters around you. Rachel Clancy is your typical 16-year-old girl ready to start her next phase of life. All her life has been preparing her for her moment to become a Warrior. Now it is here, she is terrified and excited about the possibilities in front of her. Unknown to Rachel there is someone out to plot her death in retaliation for a something her father did. Soon Rachel realizes that all she has known as truth is not necessarily true. I love how Rachel takes the bull by horns and survives in this post armageddon society. Read this book today you will not be disappointed.
Initiation (The Warrior Book 1) by Rebecca Royce
Kindle http://amzn.to/1Kt1NGi
ARe http://bit.ly/1Vmm6bP
KOBO http://bit.ly/1Ul3SVM
ITUNES http://apple.co/1EucW8P
NOOK http://bit.ly/1JA9s3H
Blurb:
Initiation Rebecca
Keep your friends close...and your enemies closer.
Rachel Clancy has had to learn the hard way that you can't always trust who you know.
Born with a specific set of genes that lets her fight monsters, Rachel has trained her entire life to kill vampires and werewolves. Unprepared for the level of deception and betrayal she faces as she journeys Upwards to battle her enemies, it's not long before Rachel finds herself on a quest that will alter the lives of everyone she knows.
Including Rachel's...
*This book was previously published and has been extensively re-edited for your enjoyment
Rebecca Royce is giving away an ebook copy of her book Initiation AND a $50 amazon egift card. Hurry, the giveaway ends on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015 at 3pm EST!
Enter the #giveaway by following the instructions on https://goo.gl/OVWOVc
I loved the story line...it was well written and now leaving me with wanting more!!! Paranormal mixed with Dystopian. What a combo!! This book series is one of the best Paranormal series I have read in the past couple of years. Rebecca has a way of pulling you into the story and falling in love with the characters around you. Rachel Clancy is your typical 16-year-old girl ready to start her next phase of life. All her life has been preparing her for her moment to become a Warrior. Now it is here, she is terrified and excited about the possibilities in front of her. Unknown to Rachel there is someone out to plot her death in retaliation for a something her father did. Soon Rachel realizes that all she has known as truth is not necessarily true. I love how Rachel takes the bull by horns and survives in this post armageddon society. Read this book today you will not be disappointed.
Initiation (The Warrior Book 1) by Rebecca Royce
Kindle http://amzn.to/1Kt1NGi
ARe http://bit.ly/1Vmm6bP
KOBO http://bit.ly/1Ul3SVM
ITUNES http://apple.co/1EucW8P
NOOK http://bit.ly/1JA9s3H
Blurb:
Initiation Rebecca
Keep your friends close...and your enemies closer.
Rachel Clancy has had to learn the hard way that you can't always trust who you know.
Born with a specific set of genes that lets her fight monsters, Rachel has trained her entire life to kill vampires and werewolves. Unprepared for the level of deception and betrayal she faces as she journeys Upwards to battle her enemies, it's not long before Rachel finds herself on a quest that will alter the lives of everyone she knows.
Including Rachel's...
*This book was previously published and has been extensively re-edited for your enjoyment
Rebecca Royce is giving away an ebook copy of her book Initiation AND a $50 amazon egift card. Hurry, the giveaway ends on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015 at 3pm EST!
Enter the #giveaway by following the instructions on https://goo.gl/OVWOVc
October 15, 2015
THE COURAGEOUS WARRIOR!!
Initiation-The Warrior-Book 1- An enthralling story of adventure and romance. Series are fabulous, you get acquainted with all the amazing characters, and the characters in this series, are sultry, powerful, and full of surprises....
This story features Rachel Clancy a clever, audacious, 16 year old genetically born Warrior who is sent on her first high-risk mission alone; Jason a strapping wolf-shifter, Deacon a Warrior in training, and Chad a buffed Warrior; all crave Rachel's affection.
What you'll find in this story; a cast of awe-inspiring and engaging characters, spectacular story-line, potent and fascinating scene descriptions, impressive banter, heart-wrenching moments, life threatening incidents, betrayal, camaraderie, family issues, werewolves, vampires, emotions spiral, gripping suspense, romance, and a conclusion that leaves you eagerly awaiting the answers you desire.
The norm is to send warriors on missions with a partner or two, but an unforeseen tragedy that transpired years ago, sends Rachel on her alone mission for callous revenge....
Incredible well written read by a genuinely creative author. An exhilarating gratifying read from start to finish. The characters were convincing and admirable. Rachel's compassion and lion-hearted actions certainly make her a most valiant heroine-I loved her. I anxiously await the next book in this series. If you dote on paranormal fantasy this is an excellent choice for your library. {I was given an arc for a completely honest review}. In the world of paranormal fantasy the possibilities are endless and always fascinating. Without reservations I highly recommend this book and series.
Initiation-The Warrior-Book 1- An enthralling story of adventure and romance. Series are fabulous, you get acquainted with all the amazing characters, and the characters in this series, are sultry, powerful, and full of surprises....
This story features Rachel Clancy a clever, audacious, 16 year old genetically born Warrior who is sent on her first high-risk mission alone; Jason a strapping wolf-shifter, Deacon a Warrior in training, and Chad a buffed Warrior; all crave Rachel's affection.
What you'll find in this story; a cast of awe-inspiring and engaging characters, spectacular story-line, potent and fascinating scene descriptions, impressive banter, heart-wrenching moments, life threatening incidents, betrayal, camaraderie, family issues, werewolves, vampires, emotions spiral, gripping suspense, romance, and a conclusion that leaves you eagerly awaiting the answers you desire.
The norm is to send warriors on missions with a partner or two, but an unforeseen tragedy that transpired years ago, sends Rachel on her alone mission for callous revenge....
Incredible well written read by a genuinely creative author. An exhilarating gratifying read from start to finish. The characters were convincing and admirable. Rachel's compassion and lion-hearted actions certainly make her a most valiant heroine-I loved her. I anxiously await the next book in this series. If you dote on paranormal fantasy this is an excellent choice for your library. {I was given an arc for a completely honest review}. In the world of paranormal fantasy the possibilities are endless and always fascinating. Without reservations I highly recommend this book and series.
December 8, 2015
I have received this for an honest review and wasn't sure what to make of it as the synopsis didn't sell the book to me that well. I was happily surprised at how much I liked the book, it was well written and I was hooked from the beginning.
I liked the main character Rachel. She was a 16 year old in a post apocalyptic world who was raised her whole life to become a warrior at 16 and fight vampires and werewolves above ground. She also has to deal with a vendetta against her father by one of the habitats leaders. This vendetta leads them to send her on a solo mission for her first mission instead of with other 1 & 2 warriors in the hopes that she will die as punishment for her fathers acts when she was born.
When she comes across her first vampire she freaks out and finds a saviour in the form of a werewolves, a 'monster' she has been raised to fight and kill! They are unlike anything she has been taught about and bring her into their pack where she finds herself drawn to the alphas son Jason who see's her as his mate and becomes very protective. She also finds friendship with his sisters.
The alpha wants to show her something that will change the humans views of the world and after taking her from his son leaves her to fight her way out of a vampire/werewolves nest freeing some captives. When she arrives back to her home to get help to free the other captives she finds the vendetta is still going and she's arrested and branded a traitor.
What she tells her friends about what's happened sparks off a revolution and changes the world again
It's lovely watching her grow from a 16 year old sent to her death by being thrown in the deep end unprepared to a strong warrior with 3 men fighting over her love.
Excited to read book 2 and see what happens next
I liked the main character Rachel. She was a 16 year old in a post apocalyptic world who was raised her whole life to become a warrior at 16 and fight vampires and werewolves above ground. She also has to deal with a vendetta against her father by one of the habitats leaders. This vendetta leads them to send her on a solo mission for her first mission instead of with other 1 & 2 warriors in the hopes that she will die as punishment for her fathers acts when she was born.
When she comes across her first vampire she freaks out and finds a saviour in the form of a werewolves, a 'monster' she has been raised to fight and kill! They are unlike anything she has been taught about and bring her into their pack where she finds herself drawn to the alphas son Jason who see's her as his mate and becomes very protective. She also finds friendship with his sisters.
The alpha wants to show her something that will change the humans views of the world and after taking her from his son leaves her to fight her way out of a vampire/werewolves nest freeing some captives. When she arrives back to her home to get help to free the other captives she finds the vendetta is still going and she's arrested and branded a traitor.
What she tells her friends about what's happened sparks off a revolution and changes the world again
It's lovely watching her grow from a 16 year old sent to her death by being thrown in the deep end unprepared to a strong warrior with 3 men fighting over her love.
Excited to read book 2 and see what happens next
September 10, 2015
Initiation: The Warrior Series Book1
Rebecca Royce
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was given this ARC to read and review.♥️
This storyline is amazing and well written by a brilliant, creative, and awesome storyteller Rebecca Royce. I have enjoyed all of her books I have read. They are captivating, gratifying, fantastic, compelling read from begining to end. Ms Royce books are the kind of stories you can't put down until finish I am never disappointed no matter what genre she writes in. Her characters are engaging, powerful, fascinating, enthralling, beleivable and always fascinating. The storyline is great and full of awesome surprises that's a magnificent start to a new series.
The story is about Rachel Clancy a 16 year old who was a born Warrior she has red hair that makes it's hard to hide her feeling but she is strong, clever, brave and audacious. She is being sent on her first mission alone this very unusual and there are some who tried to stop it but could not. After encounting a vampire she meets Jason a strong blue eye wolf-shifter who saves her. Jason father Anton takes her to where humans are kept prisoners by werewolves and vampires here she meets Deacon who looks at her and she feels she has to save him and it turns out he has the warrior gene. Then there is Chad Lyon who has a secret crush on Rachel and is now ready to tell Rachel of his feeling for her. Chad belongs to a long line of Warriors.
I'm so excited to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this series to you if paranormal is a genre you love to read. The storyline has a lot of adventure and this Series is one of the Best.
This is an Must Read ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Rebecca Royce
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was given this ARC to read and review.♥️
This storyline is amazing and well written by a brilliant, creative, and awesome storyteller Rebecca Royce. I have enjoyed all of her books I have read. They are captivating, gratifying, fantastic, compelling read from begining to end. Ms Royce books are the kind of stories you can't put down until finish I am never disappointed no matter what genre she writes in. Her characters are engaging, powerful, fascinating, enthralling, beleivable and always fascinating. The storyline is great and full of awesome surprises that's a magnificent start to a new series.
The story is about Rachel Clancy a 16 year old who was a born Warrior she has red hair that makes it's hard to hide her feeling but she is strong, clever, brave and audacious. She is being sent on her first mission alone this very unusual and there are some who tried to stop it but could not. After encounting a vampire she meets Jason a strong blue eye wolf-shifter who saves her. Jason father Anton takes her to where humans are kept prisoners by werewolves and vampires here she meets Deacon who looks at her and she feels she has to save him and it turns out he has the warrior gene. Then there is Chad Lyon who has a secret crush on Rachel and is now ready to tell Rachel of his feeling for her. Chad belongs to a long line of Warriors.
I'm so excited to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this series to you if paranormal is a genre you love to read. The storyline has a lot of adventure and this Series is one of the Best.
This is an Must Read ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
November 2, 2016
Title: Initiation
Series: Warrior
Destination: Book 1., 196 Pages,
Author: Rebecca Royce
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Genre: #Futuristic #Vampires #WereWolves
My Score: #5Stars☆☆☆☆☆
♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡
I went into this book leary because it's futuristic. Which I'm really not a fan of until I read Ms. Royce's book . Talk about a quick 360 turn around, I couldn't get enough. I'm starting to think we should start calling
Ms. Rebecca, Ms. Midas.
Rachel Clancy 16th birthday was today. It's a big day for her, she hoped that all her schooling and training will save her life topside from the monsters. Forty Six years ago, life changed as we know it and humans went below ground to survive destruction by Monsters, there habitat was called Genesis. Rachel was one of the lucky ones, at birth she was tested to see if she had the gene, which like both her Mother and Father, she did. Rachel Clancy was a Warrior.
Warrior's went topside to fight Monsters, which was either Vampires or Werewolves and it was kill or be killed. But because the hatred of an official towards Rachel's father he chose to seek his revenge on Rachel, making her go alone topside by herself which was never done with a 1st timer.
And so the adventure begins for Rachel trying to stay alive and complete her mission. Also Rachel finds the love of her life.
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Series: Warrior
Destination: Book 1., 196 Pages,
Author: Rebecca Royce
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Genre: #Futuristic #Vampires #WereWolves
My Score: #5Stars☆☆☆☆☆
♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡•°•♡
I went into this book leary because it's futuristic. Which I'm really not a fan of until I read Ms. Royce's book . Talk about a quick 360 turn around, I couldn't get enough. I'm starting to think we should start calling
Ms. Rebecca, Ms. Midas.
Rachel Clancy 16th birthday was today. It's a big day for her, she hoped that all her schooling and training will save her life topside from the monsters. Forty Six years ago, life changed as we know it and humans went below ground to survive destruction by Monsters, there habitat was called Genesis. Rachel was one of the lucky ones, at birth she was tested to see if she had the gene, which like both her Mother and Father, she did. Rachel Clancy was a Warrior.
Warrior's went topside to fight Monsters, which was either Vampires or Werewolves and it was kill or be killed. But because the hatred of an official towards Rachel's father he chose to seek his revenge on Rachel, making her go alone topside by herself which was never done with a 1st timer.
And so the adventure begins for Rachel trying to stay alive and complete her mission. Also Rachel finds the love of her life.
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
July 19, 2017
I'm not usually a lover of YA books (I'm waaaaaay too long in the tooth) but every so often there is one that grabs my attention.
Rachel has lived underground all her 16 years but when her Warrior father disgraced himself, he put a target on her back at the habitats leader is about to get his revenge. Singled out for a dangerous solo mission her first time outside, she has to put all her training and knowledge to the test. She faces vampires and werewolves.
But she has to revise her perception of all werewolves as monsters when she is saved by some! As she gets to know the older, hunkier Jason, his twin sisters and his doctor father, she learns more of what happened to them after the end and how they have survived. But when Jason's father drops a bombshell on her, young Rachel has to decide how best to save her habitat and other humans.
Jason and Rachel may be young but just because you meet your partner early in life doesn't mean it's doomed to failure. They have chemistry but Rachel is strong in her convictions and I loved that she never backed down. I was left reeling because I never knew where I was with Jason's dad!!!
But things for the youngsters may not be so cut and dried. Rachel is gaining a slew of admirers including her friends older brother and Brody, who she saves from a prison camp.
I'm hoping that this sudden rush of potential love rivals will get explained in the next book! But I'm still rooting for Jason, well until I find out what his dad is up to anyway!!!
Rachel has lived underground all her 16 years but when her Warrior father disgraced himself, he put a target on her back at the habitats leader is about to get his revenge. Singled out for a dangerous solo mission her first time outside, she has to put all her training and knowledge to the test. She faces vampires and werewolves.
But she has to revise her perception of all werewolves as monsters when she is saved by some! As she gets to know the older, hunkier Jason, his twin sisters and his doctor father, she learns more of what happened to them after the end and how they have survived. But when Jason's father drops a bombshell on her, young Rachel has to decide how best to save her habitat and other humans.
Jason and Rachel may be young but just because you meet your partner early in life doesn't mean it's doomed to failure. They have chemistry but Rachel is strong in her convictions and I loved that she never backed down. I was left reeling because I never knew where I was with Jason's dad!!!
But things for the youngsters may not be so cut and dried. Rachel is gaining a slew of admirers including her friends older brother and Brody, who she saves from a prison camp.
I'm hoping that this sudden rush of potential love rivals will get explained in the next book! But I'm still rooting for Jason, well until I find out what his dad is up to anyway!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews