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The Familiar's Legacy #1
Unfamiliar Territory
Cressida Curtain has a business to run. She spends her time catching bad guys and turning them in for bounties. After all, she's a natural born hunter.
She also isn't exactly human. That's her secret to keep, because her very existence is the only thing holding a great evil at bay . It's a legacy that's been passed down through the generations, and Cressida is the latest in line.
But she's not going to let a little thing like the fate of the world get in her way.
Life as a bounty hunter is never dull. And hers is about to get a lot more interesting .
She also isn't exactly human. That's her secret to keep, because her very existence is the only thing holding a great evil at bay . It's a legacy that's been passed down through the generations, and Cressida is the latest in line.
But she's not going to let a little thing like the fate of the world get in her way.
Life as a bounty hunter is never dull. And hers is about to get a lot more interesting .
- GenresFantasy
310 pages, Hardcover
Published April 23, 2022
About the author
R. Lindsay Carter
7 books16 followersR. Lindsay Carter wanted to be a zookeeper when she was a girl. Now, she is content to stick with her small menagerie at home, which includes her supportive husband and her two daughters. When she isn’t in the throes of writing, you can find R. Lindsay creating art, reading, gardening, ignoring household chores, and otherwise lounging about, usually with her lap taken up by her dog and/or one of her three cats. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, R. Lindsay happily lives in Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 8, 2023
I read this book for Team Bookborn as part of phase one of SPFBO9. As such, my rating will be withheld until my semi-finalist is announced.
* You can find my full video review here: https://youtu.be/_YAxGDBscRs *
Unfamiliar Territory is both the name of the book and the position I found myself in as I picked it up. The sort of fantasy I normally read doesn’t tend to have much in the way of supernatural elements, which play a big part in this book, and indeed, the world in which it is set.
We focus on a young woman of two and a half years who is a bounty hunter, and together with her lycanhund partner, she likes to take on jobs tracking down werewolves and other unsavories. And there was no mistake there, the main character is technically only two and a half years old. As the synopsis says, she is not exactly human—our heroine, Cressida Curtain, is a cat.
Descended from a long line of cats who can shimmer into human form, Cressida is currently the only thing standing between an ancient, terrible witch and the world the witch wants to return to and take over.
This gives us a plot that’s epic in scope – the fate of the world rests on one woman’s shoulders – but no one really knows about it, because Cressida’s identity (and ability) is kept secret from the world.
Cressida’s ability to shimmer between cat and human forms allows us to see a lot more than we would with any normal character. As a human, she seems like an ordinary woman of (she estimates) twenty-two years. But as a cat, she opens us up, by virtue of the first-person narrative, to a whole new world of senses.
Additionally, in her cat form, she can communicate with other animals, so her partner, the lycanhund Grimm, is her best friend in more than the typical “man’s best friend” way normally attributed to a dog.
This is a huge advantage in her line of work as she can literally ask the local wildlife for help in tracking down her marks, where her peers are restricted to more mundane methods. Her ability to shimmer into cat form also, of course, allows her access to (and from) places and situations she wouldn’t normally be able to get into.
I didn’t think the overall character group had that much depth to it, but for the main two, Cressida and Grimm, we do get some background, and obviously we spend enough time with them to get to know them well enough. It’s also one of those stories where you can appreciate the animal companion that little bit more for them being a full character, rather than just the traditional companion.
So there are some really interesting elements to the story and I think the writing itself really plays its part as well. It’s a very accessible style, a friendly, informal narrative that flows very nicely. Combined with a relatively short length at about 330 pages, it means it’s the sort of book that doesn’t take long at all to get through.
I did find that there were some areas where a bit more complexity would have benefitted a reader like me, but that’s not what the intention is here. I found there were a few conveniences that could have had a bit more to them, but apart from that, the story itself is a decent one. It definitely aims more towards the cosy than the complex, and I’d say more towards the younger reader in its content and style.
For the type of reader who likes an easy-reading fantasy tale with a healthy dose of the supernatural, I think this is a pretty good recommendation.
* You can find my full video review here: https://youtu.be/_YAxGDBscRs *
Unfamiliar Territory is both the name of the book and the position I found myself in as I picked it up. The sort of fantasy I normally read doesn’t tend to have much in the way of supernatural elements, which play a big part in this book, and indeed, the world in which it is set.
We focus on a young woman of two and a half years who is a bounty hunter, and together with her lycanhund partner, she likes to take on jobs tracking down werewolves and other unsavories. And there was no mistake there, the main character is technically only two and a half years old. As the synopsis says, she is not exactly human—our heroine, Cressida Curtain, is a cat.
Descended from a long line of cats who can shimmer into human form, Cressida is currently the only thing standing between an ancient, terrible witch and the world the witch wants to return to and take over.
This gives us a plot that’s epic in scope – the fate of the world rests on one woman’s shoulders – but no one really knows about it, because Cressida’s identity (and ability) is kept secret from the world.
Cressida’s ability to shimmer between cat and human forms allows us to see a lot more than we would with any normal character. As a human, she seems like an ordinary woman of (she estimates) twenty-two years. But as a cat, she opens us up, by virtue of the first-person narrative, to a whole new world of senses.
Additionally, in her cat form, she can communicate with other animals, so her partner, the lycanhund Grimm, is her best friend in more than the typical “man’s best friend” way normally attributed to a dog.
This is a huge advantage in her line of work as she can literally ask the local wildlife for help in tracking down her marks, where her peers are restricted to more mundane methods. Her ability to shimmer into cat form also, of course, allows her access to (and from) places and situations she wouldn’t normally be able to get into.
I didn’t think the overall character group had that much depth to it, but for the main two, Cressida and Grimm, we do get some background, and obviously we spend enough time with them to get to know them well enough. It’s also one of those stories where you can appreciate the animal companion that little bit more for them being a full character, rather than just the traditional companion.
So there are some really interesting elements to the story and I think the writing itself really plays its part as well. It’s a very accessible style, a friendly, informal narrative that flows very nicely. Combined with a relatively short length at about 330 pages, it means it’s the sort of book that doesn’t take long at all to get through.
I did find that there were some areas where a bit more complexity would have benefitted a reader like me, but that’s not what the intention is here. I found there were a few conveniences that could have had a bit more to them, but apart from that, the story itself is a decent one. It definitely aims more towards the cosy than the complex, and I’d say more towards the younger reader in its content and style.
For the type of reader who likes an easy-reading fantasy tale with a healthy dose of the supernatural, I think this is a pretty good recommendation.
May 24, 2022
A funny book about a girl that can turn in to a cat and have a job as boony hunter. Her work partner, Grimm, is a gigant dog e his the most intresting character in the book. I hope that in second book we can know more about his past.
I did not like very much the story around the secret society and the vilan Annie is a little annoying. But I enjoying very much the friendship beteween Cress and the sibilings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did not like very much the story around the secret society and the vilan Annie is a little annoying. But I enjoying very much the friendship beteween Cress and the sibilings.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2022
I received an early read of the novel and it was such a treat! Carter has crafted an absolutely fun and engaging fantasy novel that has a fantastic twist on the shapeshifter concept. Cress is a likeable heroine you root for from the get-go. The story is a fun mix of found family, adventure, a quest, dark moments, light humour, and an interesting worldbuild. You won't be disappointed with Unfamiliar Territory, and I highly recommend it.
October 25, 2025
A clever fantasy story!
I love a good fantasy story, and Unfamiliar Territory certainly kept me entertained. Cressida Curtain is a cat shapeshifter and bounty hunter. In this story, she teams up with her partner Grimm, not only to catch the criminals, but now, for the world to survive, they must fight to keep evil at bay.
Unfamiliar Territory is a great start to this series. It’s a well-written story with interesting characters and an incredible storyline that kept me hooked.
I love a good fantasy story, and Unfamiliar Territory certainly kept me entertained. Cressida Curtain is a cat shapeshifter and bounty hunter. In this story, she teams up with her partner Grimm, not only to catch the criminals, but now, for the world to survive, they must fight to keep evil at bay.
Unfamiliar Territory is a great start to this series. It’s a well-written story with interesting characters and an incredible storyline that kept me hooked.
April 29, 2022
I had so much fun reading this book! This was way more than I expected and I loved Cress’s sass and Grimm the huge Lycanhund. And I especially loved when she was in human form she would kick the ass out of grown ass men who thought they were so much better than her. Plus I love animals do this was just so fun to read.
I received this book from BookSirens and my opinions are my own.
I received this book from BookSirens and my opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2022
This book was freaking fabulous. I'm not really an avid fantasy reader. I do love Harry Potter, Narnia, and the Lord of the Rings. Maybe that makes me a surface level fantasy reader. I am not typically drawn to the fantasy genre though. Something really has to catch me and draw me in.
Y'all-- this book 100% drew me in, hook, line, and sinker. I fell in love with the characters. Grimm was fantastic! The style of writing and language used really enhanced the story. It was one of those books that I read so quickly because I couldn't put it down, and then instantly regretted reading quickly because I was sad for it to be over. I can't wait to read the sequel!
Y'all-- this book 100% drew me in, hook, line, and sinker. I fell in love with the characters. Grimm was fantastic! The style of writing and language used really enhanced the story. It was one of those books that I read so quickly because I couldn't put it down, and then instantly regretted reading quickly because I was sad for it to be over. I can't wait to read the sequel!
April 2, 2026
The overall book was not bad, it was an easy read- one that can be read in a few hours. It definitely fell flat in a lot of areas, with sudden out of nowhere lore and information drops making it feel rushed. But there were quite a few scenes that were well written and moments that surprised me. A good majority of the characters however fell flat too, little variety in personalities that made it hard to tell who exactly was talking.
April 29, 2022
One could argue that the concept of "fate of the world rests on just on girl's shoulders!" has been done before, but extensive world building, a creative magic system and characters you want to spend time with (I mean one of them is a dog, of course I'm down for that) keeps Unfamiliar Territory fresh and intriguing down to the last page.
March 15, 2024
Absolutely love this book! Cressida is a petite and feisty cat-shifting bounty hunter whose accompanied by a dog that is specially-bred to deal with paranormal creatures. She is very good in her line of work - she's not a stranger to trouble and rather enjoys her occupation of choice -but being the only female in her guild is not easy. One bounty in particular though has put Cressida in the middle of a moral conflict - to get the bounty or to save the mark?! Up against time and other bounty hunters, she has make decisions and act fast. Along with all this, Cressida is singlehandedly the only thing keeping an evil witch at bay from taking over their world - and she doesn't know just how close that danger really is to her!
This was not what I expected, but by all means that made it more enjoyable! Single pov, steady pace, good world-building, unique concept, interesting magic, found family, enjoyable and somewhat relatable character dynamics with every cat-lover in mind! I'm not very fond of cats, but it's evident the author is and I appreciate her very accurately detailed observations of a cats behavior/nuances - with that in mind, I think my most favorite thing about the way Carter wrote Cressida is that, unlike most shifter stories, her cat side/personality is the dominant, not the human side!
This was not what I expected, but by all means that made it more enjoyable! Single pov, steady pace, good world-building, unique concept, interesting magic, found family, enjoyable and somewhat relatable character dynamics with every cat-lover in mind! I'm not very fond of cats, but it's evident the author is and I appreciate her very accurately detailed observations of a cats behavior/nuances - with that in mind, I think my most favorite thing about the way Carter wrote Cressida is that, unlike most shifter stories, her cat side/personality is the dominant, not the human side!
October 28, 2023
Blurb: Cressida Curtain has a business to run. She spends her time catching bad guys and turning them in for bounties. After all, she’s a natural born hunter.
She also isn’t exactly human. That’s her secret to keep, because her very existence is the only thing holding a great evil at bay. It’s a legacy that’s been passed down through the generations, and Cressida is the latest in line.
But she’s not going to let a little thing like the fate of the world get in her way.
Life as a bounty hunter is never dull. And hers is about to get a lot more interesting.
Review: I'd rate "Unfamiliar Territory" with four stars. It's a beautifully charming fantasy series that I thoroughly enjoyed. While a few moments may have struck as slightly cheesy, it's understandable given the cozy atmosphere it cultivates. The satisfaction of a conclusive and joyful ending is a standout feature. There's hardly anything to criticize, making it an overall fantastic book. I particularly appreciated the strong female protagonist and the enchanting ability to communicate with animals. Furthermore, the author exhibits remarkable skill in world-building, allowing me to envision both both realm and the alternate world within the book.
January 26, 2024
Adding a new twist to bounty hunter tales, Unfamiliar Territory kicks off 'The Familiar's legacy' series with the rather expert capture of a fantasy creature. But the ensuing banter soon reveals this is far from a typical narrative as we get to delve into the main character's *ahem* alter-ego.
Capturing many cattish mannerisms, while incorporating conversations between animals to gain insights that humans aren't privy to, the novel is a fun romp through the countryside as we follow the bounty hunter's next assignment.
Without going into spoilers, the plot brings to fore the origins of the bounty hunter's superpowers and expertise - which then leads to a dramatic conflict with the series' main villain. In the process, lots of secrets get exposed and the skirmish sets the foundation for the next book and series overall.
Great start to the series, with the light writing tone keeping the plot moving effortlessly.
Capturing many cattish mannerisms, while incorporating conversations between animals to gain insights that humans aren't privy to, the novel is a fun romp through the countryside as we follow the bounty hunter's next assignment.
Without going into spoilers, the plot brings to fore the origins of the bounty hunter's superpowers and expertise - which then leads to a dramatic conflict with the series' main villain. In the process, lots of secrets get exposed and the skirmish sets the foundation for the next book and series overall.
Great start to the series, with the light writing tone keeping the plot moving effortlessly.
December 10, 2023
What a change in perspective!
I loved the uniqueness of this book and am so lucky to have had the opportunity to read it! I will definitely be diving into the rest of the series now.
A sassy main character who is not who you’d expect her to be, gives this fantasy a chance to be different from the rest. I loved learning about the prophecy, meeting the characters, opening my mind to a different story than I’m used to and just falling into this world of bounty hunters, curses, magic, and more.
The way the author is able to tie in human traits with animal traits is so well done, she’s descriptive enough to give you a clear mental picture (for my fellow mental movie makers) but not to much to where you start to lose interest. She is able to explain all the small things you’d question while reading a story where the main character has a pretty …. Cunning secret.
If you want a cozy fantasy read that will be sure to pull you in and break you out of the constant same fantasy plots you’re used to with the mainstream books PLEASE read this book!
I loved the uniqueness of this book and am so lucky to have had the opportunity to read it! I will definitely be diving into the rest of the series now.
A sassy main character who is not who you’d expect her to be, gives this fantasy a chance to be different from the rest. I loved learning about the prophecy, meeting the characters, opening my mind to a different story than I’m used to and just falling into this world of bounty hunters, curses, magic, and more.
The way the author is able to tie in human traits with animal traits is so well done, she’s descriptive enough to give you a clear mental picture (for my fellow mental movie makers) but not to much to where you start to lose interest. She is able to explain all the small things you’d question while reading a story where the main character has a pretty …. Cunning secret.
If you want a cozy fantasy read that will be sure to pull you in and break you out of the constant same fantasy plots you’re used to with the mainstream books PLEASE read this book!
June 25, 2024
Enchanting!
This well-written book is simply delightful, with appealing characters and a strong protagonist, who I loved at once. Cressida Curtain, a cat who can shapeshift into a human, is a wonderful creation and she and her canine companion, Grimm, are a dynamic duo. The author’s inspired choice to make them bounty hunters gives this book an interesting edge and promises great scope for other exciting adventures in the sequels. As the latest in a long lineage of cats with a very important purpose, the stakes are raised when Cressida discovers her latest case is connected to her legacy. Her manner of dealing with it makes for an engaging and inventive story, resulting in a curse that adds another level of intrigue for the sequels. I enjoyed the author’s portrayal of the arrogant Gavin St. Cloud, Cressida’s rival bounty hunter, and detected hints of a possible enemies-to-lovers storyline in later books. I highly recommend this charming cosy fantasy, and look forward to reading the next volume in the series.
This well-written book is simply delightful, with appealing characters and a strong protagonist, who I loved at once. Cressida Curtain, a cat who can shapeshift into a human, is a wonderful creation and she and her canine companion, Grimm, are a dynamic duo. The author’s inspired choice to make them bounty hunters gives this book an interesting edge and promises great scope for other exciting adventures in the sequels. As the latest in a long lineage of cats with a very important purpose, the stakes are raised when Cressida discovers her latest case is connected to her legacy. Her manner of dealing with it makes for an engaging and inventive story, resulting in a curse that adds another level of intrigue for the sequels. I enjoyed the author’s portrayal of the arrogant Gavin St. Cloud, Cressida’s rival bounty hunter, and detected hints of a possible enemies-to-lovers storyline in later books. I highly recommend this charming cosy fantasy, and look forward to reading the next volume in the series.
October 10, 2025
This is a wonderful adventure in a magical realm. Cress has a secret. She's a bounty hunter. No, that part's not secret. She's pretty good at bounty hunting. Not the secret either. But, her partner happens to be a dog. Well, a bit more than a dog as we learn. He's her partner. That's kind of an open secret since, well, dogs aren't generally partners. They're pets. Or employees. Or owned. But not Grimm. Grimm is Cress's partner in bounty hunting. Together they specialize in hunting werewolves. And they're darn good at that too. As a team. Neither could do this alone.
We still haven't got to Cress's secret.
She gets an unusual case. Searching out a young teenaged boy with a bounty on his head. Now, that's odd, and Cress's friend, and manager, Fleurette puts her on the case to figure out what's what. Fal, the mark, has a secret power. And a sister. Who also has a secret. A big one it turns out. Before it's all over there are secrets popping like soap bubbles in the wind and the unraveling turns out to be one of the best stories I've read in a good long while!
We still haven't got to Cress's secret.
She gets an unusual case. Searching out a young teenaged boy with a bounty on his head. Now, that's odd, and Cress's friend, and manager, Fleurette puts her on the case to figure out what's what. Fal, the mark, has a secret power. And a sister. Who also has a secret. A big one it turns out. Before it's all over there are secrets popping like soap bubbles in the wind and the unraveling turns out to be one of the best stories I've read in a good long while!
May 29, 2024
An enjoyable read for anyone who loves fantasy. Cressida Curtain really prefers to be a cat, but she needs to shape shift to earn a living and relate to the humans in her life. In her human form, however, she has difficulty communicating with her canine partner. Cressida and Grimm get into scrapes, battles and unexpected dilemmas when they go bounty hunting. One of their adventures brings much more than either of them could ever have bargained for, and it leads Cressida to make discoveries about her own family that she never expected. Light, mostly, but with some heavier parts and adult themes that can straddle teen through adult readers.
September 30, 2024
This is a charming fantasy tale suitable for young and old. I immediately fell in love with the main characters: Cressida Curtain, a young woman who is not quite human and can shapeshift into a cat, and her partner, Grimm, an enormous dog. This unlikely duo are bounty hunters who spend their time catching criminals and the occasional werewolf! However, there is more to Cressida Curtain than first meets the eye, and gradually, she discovers that her existence in the world is essential in keeping a terrible evil at bay. An evil that she must ultimately face and overcome. This is a well-written and entertaining book which I recommend to all fantasy lovers.
July 12, 2022
This was a good book and an interesting spin on the idea of shifters. I loved that the protagonist is a head-strong woman who knows what she wants in life and goes after it. However, when you're a supernatural being, hunting down the bounties on OTHER supernatural beings, Karma is always waiting just out of sight to seek her revenge!!
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 18, 2023
This book is so heartwarming! It's an easy read, but fully enjoyable.
Magic, found family, animals, shapeshifters, mysterious twins - what more could you want?????
As I said, easy read, but I had so much fun with the world that has been created within this book and am excited to start the next one!
Magic, found family, animals, shapeshifters, mysterious twins - what more could you want?????
As I said, easy read, but I had so much fun with the world that has been created within this book and am excited to start the next one!
January 24, 2023
A fantasy for young and old, this story draws the reader in with its magical setting and cast of quirky characters. The complex relationships add interest and elements of intrigue to the plot. Just when I thought I had figured out a sticky situation, a twist would undo my assumptions. I remained engaged throughout and look forward to the further adventures of Cressida and Grimm!
May 6, 2023
This is a fun, light read with magical adventures and a very well formed, loveable protagonist. Although there were a few moments when the target audience age seemed too young for me, I enjoyed it thoroughly and recommend to the light of heart who want a little magic in their lives. Now I'm just wandering around my house wishing I could shimmer down to a cat. Sigh.
March 2, 2024
Unfamiliar Territory is an enjoyable fantasy adventure with interesting world building, compelling lore, likable but complex characters, and fascinating creatures. It puts a new spin on shape shifters, interweaves magic with technology, and lays out a captivating backstory filled with prophecy, fate, and found family.
September 14, 2024
It wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t good either…. I want to like it. The concept of the bounty hunter being a were human and really a cat was cute. And it was good enough I finished it but… I’m just not going to be picking up book 2. The writing falls into a range of talented amateur and there’s better books out there even among the self published.
December 27, 2022
Fantastic story! I plan to buy a copy for all of my book-loving friends.
February 24, 2023
LOVED this first publication by R. Lindsay Carter! Can't wait to read the sequel!
March 20, 2023
This was a cute story. I enjoyed the ending.
January 11, 2025
I do enjoy a good fantasy and Book 1 didn't disappoint. Plenty of twists, great characters and nicely set up to pick up Cressida and Grimm's next adventures.
Highly recommended, good job author.
Highly recommended, good job author.
March 14, 2023
R Lindsay Carter's Unfamiliar Territory is one of the best supernatural fantasy books I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
The author builds her characters and the storyline in a clear and concise fashion. There are some tantalizing twists to the story, and the ending clearly gives the reader closure.
I would, without reservation , recommend this book to any and all readers of this genre, as well as to those who might want to give it a try.
I can easily compare Ms Carter's writing to others in this realm, such as Anne Rice, Brunonia Barry, and Alix Harrow, to name a few of my favorites.
The author builds her characters and the storyline in a clear and concise fashion. There are some tantalizing twists to the story, and the ending clearly gives the reader closure.
I would, without reservation , recommend this book to any and all readers of this genre, as well as to those who might want to give it a try.
I can easily compare Ms Carter's writing to others in this realm, such as Anne Rice, Brunonia Barry, and Alix Harrow, to name a few of my favorites.
December 29, 2023
Unfamiliar Territory is the first book in The Familiar's Legacy series and I enjoyed it very much. I went into it not knowing very much about it, not having even read the blurb, so I was pleasantly surprised by the plot and by the characters. I am a huge fan of epic, dark fantasy, but I am starting to really enjoy the lighter fantasy fares such as this one and am intrigued by the growth of cozy fantasy which is definitely where this book lies.
Cressida was a fun character to follow and I definitely loved learning more about her. There was a surprise little twist about her character that I wasn't expecting, one that I won't share as it should be discovered by the reader, but so much fun. She has this ability to connect with animals and I love how she shows absolute respect for all of them which makes her relationship with Grimm even more delightful. I don't know what to call Grimm, but he's a type of fantastical dog who can do these amazing things and is capable of understanding humans on a super-elevated level. The relationship between Grimm and Cressida was fun to uncover and theirs is definitely an equal partnership. The secondary characters did not have much depth to them, but while I feel like I haven't untangled all of their motivations and learned enough about them, there are still more books in this series which gives ample time for the author to develop these characters further.
While the plot itself wasn't unique and could be somewhat predictable, the world-building was great and I liked learning about the little bit of politics that was revealed. Because it focused more on Cressica's world and her bounty-hunting world, I am still somewhat sketchy on the actual political structure that exists and how she fits into it all. That being said, the story was quite interesting and there were a few unexpected surprises that I wasn't expecting which made it fun to read. All of the elements were there: curses, magic, mayhem, betrayal, supernatural beings, and so much more. I tend to like stories about prophecies and curses, so maybe I was a little biased going into this.
Unfamiliar Territory is an easy-reading fantasy story that would appear to readers who are looking for something lighter, but still has that fantastical element to it. Although the story was a lot of fun, it did make use of coincidences to move the story along, one of those things that did make me roll my eyes a couple of times. However, the story was fun and engaging, and I really liked the main character. It definitely aims more towards the cozy rather than the complex, so I recommend it for those who are looking for something fun to read without the 'epic' in their stories.
Cressida was a fun character to follow and I definitely loved learning more about her. There was a surprise little twist about her character that I wasn't expecting, one that I won't share as it should be discovered by the reader, but so much fun. She has this ability to connect with animals and I love how she shows absolute respect for all of them which makes her relationship with Grimm even more delightful. I don't know what to call Grimm, but he's a type of fantastical dog who can do these amazing things and is capable of understanding humans on a super-elevated level. The relationship between Grimm and Cressida was fun to uncover and theirs is definitely an equal partnership. The secondary characters did not have much depth to them, but while I feel like I haven't untangled all of their motivations and learned enough about them, there are still more books in this series which gives ample time for the author to develop these characters further.
While the plot itself wasn't unique and could be somewhat predictable, the world-building was great and I liked learning about the little bit of politics that was revealed. Because it focused more on Cressica's world and her bounty-hunting world, I am still somewhat sketchy on the actual political structure that exists and how she fits into it all. That being said, the story was quite interesting and there were a few unexpected surprises that I wasn't expecting which made it fun to read. All of the elements were there: curses, magic, mayhem, betrayal, supernatural beings, and so much more. I tend to like stories about prophecies and curses, so maybe I was a little biased going into this.
Unfamiliar Territory is an easy-reading fantasy story that would appear to readers who are looking for something lighter, but still has that fantastical element to it. Although the story was a lot of fun, it did make use of coincidences to move the story along, one of those things that did make me roll my eyes a couple of times. However, the story was fun and engaging, and I really liked the main character. It definitely aims more towards the cozy rather than the complex, so I recommend it for those who are looking for something fun to read without the 'epic' in their stories.
August 14, 2024
A Very fun read
This is a very fun read with a great heroine and side characters. I love the banter between Grimm and Cress and the descriptions were well done.
This is a very fun read with a great heroine and side characters. I love the banter between Grimm and Cress and the descriptions were well done.
August 3, 2024
Carter knows cats, which I believe is imperative if a writer chooses cats as a theme. But Carter not only close a cat theme; her hero is one. A fun, thrilling, imaginative journey into another world. I'm looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews