The focus of my life as an urban druid is to stand as a guardian of nature. The focus of my life as Fiona Cumhaill to stand as a guardian of my family.
Seriously. Don't screw with my family.
It's a no-brainer, drop everything, and take up the fight topic for me— If you need me, I will come.
So, when darkness conspires to overtake the light and people I love are sucked into the wake of evil, the Toronto crew grabs the go-bags and answers the call.
With rituals to learn, a goddess to honor, and a traitor to hold at bay, we tackle the incoming maelstrom in true Cumhaill style.
Sure, we may be out of our depths and behind the eight ball, but what else is new?
About Auburn Tempest Auburn Tempest is a pen name for JL Madore, a multi-genre novelist giving life to Fantasy, Paranormal, and Sci-Fi Romance. Under the pen name, Auburn Tempest, she writes Urban Fantasy without the sexy-steamy. But whether Romance or not, she loves to twist Alpha heroes and kick-ass heroines into chaotic, hilarious, fast-paced, magical situations and make them really work for their happy endings.
She lives outside of Toronto, Canada with her love of over 35 years and a menagerie of family, friends, and animals.
this time I have to admit that I wasn’t as satisfied with how it ended. After everything that happened, the tropical rescue and family time just seemed a bit out of place. However, that gripe aside, I loved that we got time with Dart and Patty. Gran and Lugh are sweeties, and even Wallace was pleasant. Nikon is rockin’ his new lease on life and after Sloane coming into his own over the past nine months - dear Lord, has it only been nine months 😳 - someone else is now starting to reassess their future, and Emmitt does something really stupid... well, more stupid than usual.
The big bad in this story looks like it might be continued an upcoming book or two, and I am so looking forward to seeing the fallout from the different threads set up in this story.
An excellent series! I like doing reviews of the entire series as I finish the storyline. I love the snark of the main character Fi and all the sci fi films references she makes. The storyline is so enticing that I had a hard time putting the books down- I wanted to see what happened next, and next.... There are a lot of Irish and Ireland myths and legends presented, including the occasional foods and meals specific to Ireland. And the best part of that was the fact that the meals and foods were real and you could find the recipes online! Lots of Family Love and support, lots of adventures, lots of magic and feel good moments. Throw in Greek and Irish gods and people from all Walks of life and the reading never stops. Looking forward to book 9 and maybe up to 12 or more. Bring It On!!!! Thanks!
This book is so good that I have it on my wish list and check every week to see if the next book has been released. I honestly binge read the book, then get sad when the next hasn’t been released. This series is the type where the adventures don’t get long and overdone. Each crazy action of the Clan flows well within the timeline and the interaction with the characters are excellent. As Fiona has a history of doing the insane I personally believe she should go to the underworld, and explore the different afterlives, and maybe get to finally say goodbye to her brother and play around with that aspect. Anyways, one hundy recommended to anyone that wants to become emotionally attached to the MC and the entire character cast.
Still liking the snark, the witticism, the engaging qualities of the fam, of recognizing family can grow beyond blood.
Adding Nikon and Dionysus to the mix, a betrayal by another immortal, and though little takes place in Toronto, these authors keep it interesting.
When Scarlet takes one of the God-hunters and turns him into a chew toy, when Emmet and Ciara hookup and are found in Vanuatu, these are moments I remember and look forward to. You believe "Red" when she tells Tad that he can join the family if his Dad remains a dick, or that the heart of Gran can accept a 2000+ Greek immortal as another grandson, it is what we want the world to be, welcoming those who are troubled into a family.
3.5 but rounded down because the battling and dealing of the bad guys kinda flew over my head after the final battle and when it ended, I was totally shocked lmao. It shows that I was more invested in their lives and going about things than the “bad guy” in this book.
I DID, however, enjoy the reveal of the bigger picture. Those always blow my mind me make me more appreciative of the chaotic wonders that is Fi’s life.
It seemed a little fast this time and I’m not sure why. Fi is imperfect but she really takes the cake in this installment. I noticed that the “unusual” things earlier presented don’t seem as big anymore and that’s weird. Like her fae eyes, her fae traveling. Her higher connection to the gods. I’m kinda patiently waiting for them to have their own story and reason for existing but I just don’t want them to be treated like a detail forgotten and “dealt with” in silence (aka never brought up again).
Good and not bad. Some amazing moments. Luuuuurve the fertility festival to reel in the good tidings. Nice excuse to sex people up lmao.
As much as I love these books individually and the series as a whole, I’m going to have to give top billing to the last few paragraphs. That’s all I’m saying there.
Now, to be honest, this is my THIRD pass through this series, and that’s in spite of having over a hundred already purchased titles on my to-read list. That, on and of itself, should be all the endorsement you need. Simply put, since 9 books were already available when I began the series, I was simply too anxious to get to the next one to bother writing a review.
Even though I already knew what was coming, the second pass fared no better. You e been warned. These are addictive in all the best ways. ENJOY!
I love this author and the humor infused in her books. FFF (Fiona, family and friends) are always good for a LOL read. Dramatic and horrible things may be going on but the family is on the case, kicking butt and taking names. The icky sweetness of her relationships might be just a tad too much, but it is Fiona so it must be so. Her family is the best kind...both blood and made. I love this series and although the cast of characters is getting rather large, the basis of this series leaves open doors for a continuing storyline as the family continues to forge a possible future for druids in an urban setting. Please keep these stories coming!
Fun, excitement and humorous all rolled up with magic!
If you enjoy reading about lots of magical excitement, plenty of an awesome family's exciting adventures with the love and understanding found in only the best families. A close group of family and friends the stretch from the traditions of Ireland to the New World of Canada. Sprinkle in a great storyline, that Kepler your attention. And all woven together with just the right amount of humor. Then this is a series for you! Each book has gotten better than the last. And all have been even better when reread while waiting for the next book. Highly re omens!
And, after the 4 star enjoyment of the last book, I'm back to a 3 star rating. This plot came out of nowhere and was half-baked at best. New characters were introduced (when the original characters still need exploration and depth) and the cast just accepts everyone and their dire claims at face value? I'm also not enjoying the "Don't you know who I am?" aspect of the character ramping up; that's often a trait of a person insecure in their skills so it's understandable in the earlier books but it's made clear in several areas that Fi is comfortable with her power now so the bravado aspect should've dropped.
I was hopfull, we got to know Sara the white witch. She was lovly but playing bordgames and puzzels is boring ( accoring to theas books) so she is out. But now we get imortal woman. And I was like finaley we get a woman to fight along with Fi but no. This trand I am seeing is not good, all the interesting women characters are evil, or damsel that need rescuing. Only capable woman is Fi, her gran that never goes anywere and is baking and cooking. So I give up. Once a saw this trend I cant ignor it.
YESSS, once again Tempeste and Anderle take us on a heart tripping ride in the the life of Fiona. And once again it is soooo good that it has to be read in one sitting. Fiona is fast becoming one of my favourite characters that I love reading about when having a hard day. She takes her hard day and ups the ante to nail it and the evil that comes with it. Bring on more of Fiona and her family and friends, there will never be too much.
Fiona attracts trouble and then works with her boyfriend an family to fix whatever trouble has shown up. I love all the action in these books and the humor is great and adds so much to them. In this book they have to work on keeping a seal closed that is weakening and starting to let in evil. Once again fighting and magic ensue. Love this series and am very excited that they have extended it.
The battles continue for Fi and her companions - who are too many to name. Being the heir to Fionn has made her even more pivotal in the fight of good against evil than she ever expected. I love the way gods and goddesses make their appearance during this tale, especially the Greek gods. But, however close they get to taking control of the situation, it’s never close enough. At least Emmett gets to have some fun!
The day after St’s Patrick’s Day, the adult 9 of the 12 shaman ‘elders’ are mysteriously kidnapped by Barghest. Fiona and the gang port to Ireland to find them and discover why. They discover that the Spring Equinox ritual to honor Astara and a fae fertility rite is in danger of being terminated.
Fave scenes: fishing the special salmon, Emmitt’s transformations, Scarlet & Samuel and granny gift to Dart, Manx and Bruin.
A Shaman's Power, book eight of the Chronicles of an Urban Druid series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). One of the best things about this writing team, is they don't feel they have to rehash prior tales to advance their story, sure, there's some minor repetitions, but it's just enough to segue into new storylines. This book brings us an expansion on Fi's abilities. Always a surprise in every book.
The book starts out with the nine heads of the druid families kidnapped and gets crazier from there. Some evil entities are trying to escape the Nietherlands and all is not as it seems. Fix one problem and another crops up.
This series keeps getting better. By now we know the characters well. They feel like family and good friends. The plot is driving the story and it is a good one. Plenty of action and suspense. Was very pleased to read this is going to be a 12 book series. Recommended.
Absolutely delightful. Wonderful complex storyline that is exciting fun and very original and completely hilarious. Even better the depth of Irish history and culture is fascinating. And the archeology and anthropology of Ireland combined with fantasy brings depth and intrigue. These book are very very well done and more than meets the eye.
The adventures never end as bad guys still keep coming. Good to know Fiona, Sloan, et.al., are going strong with skills, humor and compassion. I enjoy the action, reading about the continual learning of new skill sets by the Cumhaill clan and how the Cumhaill family attract more “family” members. A treat to read.
Book 8 is great! This one has more obvious threads to down the line happenings and pulls from the past that sort of leads me to believe you must binge read these to keep up! I love the Druid world of nature. The weave of history, myth, fact, fantasy and far reaching whatifness is inspired and inspirational!
Fi and clan are out to rescue their kin, & save the balance...
When Fi is settling into her life with her hotness, she finds that her chaotic life often will just spring things on her. As such, she's lucky in her friends, and family gathered around her to help deal with the darkness, and bring balance with the light.
Really enjoying the depth & energy of these characters. I love the balance between their adventures & daily life as family & friends. These are books that I savor & enjoy, not ones that I feel a need to rush through to get to the ending. I am a big fan of these long series that really give us a chance to get to know the characters and see them grow & develop!
Book 8 keeps on going as the past and we may have found the end game but the story is starting to tire. Too much meet the new piece to help, prevail over invincible odds and ready for the next. We are in pure fantasy at this point. Hope to make it through to the end.
More adventures with Fiona and the gang. This time grand dad and the head of the nine families have been kidnapped to complete a ritual that will bring evil back into the world, it’s up to Fiona, Sloan, the family, Nikon, and new friends to stop the threat. The dragons are back!!! But there was way to little of them in the book, we need more dragons!
There are lots of action ... loving, teasing, fighting, and defending in the Cumhaill family, which includes lots of friends, new and longtime.
Including the animals, plus a dragon, are addend entertainment. It was so engrossing, that I could hardly put it down to do chores. Well worth the time spend in reading this story.
And so is Michael Anderle! Fi and her family are adorable while kicking major bootie! I absolutely love and highly recommend this series!!! Howard S (the S stands for Super Fan)
Fiona and the gang are always so much fun to read I can't wait to dive into the story and I'm always sad when it ends because I just want more and more. This 1 was especially fun With the introduction of some new people .
I highly recommend this fantastic book, and any book in which Michael Anderle is involved, to readers who love reading exciting, kick a** Fantasy. All of the remarkable series are thoroughly entertaining. Enjoy!
Great series, great book. I love the story of Fiona and her adventures, I also really enjoy the way her family is so close knit and always has her back. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The Further adventures of the Fabulous Fiona and her merry band of badass. She is an agent of balance in a unbalanced world. Elders kidnapped darkness rising and betrayal of trust all play out with a nice cliff hanger ending.