What do you think?
Rate this book
Outcast Season #4
Unbroken
For millennia, Cassiel was a powerful Djinn—until she was exiled to live among mortals. Now the threat of an apocalypse looms, and Cassiel is in danger of losing everything she has come to hold dear… As the world begins to fall apart around her, Cassiel finds herself fighting those she once called her the Djinn. With Weather Warden Luis Rocha and the rescued child Ibby by her side, Cassiel struggles to find a way to protect those who are in her charge and come to terms with the leadership role she never asked for. Cassiel is opposed by Pearl—a powerful Djinn bent on raising an army of kidnapped Warden children to bring about nothing less than the end of the world. It will take everything Cassiel has to stop the Djinn from starting a war that will wipe all of humanity from the face of the earth. She knows that this might not be a battle she can survive, but protecting those she loves is worth any cost…
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2012
48 people are currently reading
2640 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Caine
218 books19.3k followersRachel Caine was a pen name of Roxanne Longstreet Conrad.
She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell
Her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/rachelcainef...
Her Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/rachelcaine...
She has also published as:
Roxanne Longstreet
Roxanne Conrad
Julie Fortune
Ian Hammell
Her Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/rachelcainef...
Her Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/rachelcaine...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
February 8, 2024
After Total Eclipse — Joanne’s concluding story in this universe — ended with such a whimper, Unbroken follows its coattails too eagerly for there to be much opportunity to stick the landing with any more success.
The prime reason is that by the last book in their respective series, the plots start running parallel. Luis and Cass make a significant appearance in Total Eclipse. An appearance that’s repeated in the last quarter here with little to no variance despite the perspective shift.
We even get to experience Lewis’s final betrayal of Jo all over again, but this time Caine slips up and forgets the relationship she’s written for Cass and Lewis.
Cass acts shocked over what Lewis does, claiming this isn’t the Lewis she “knew”. Which is bizarre, given they’ve spoken all of a handful of times and never about personal philosophies as far as I can remember. It’s a frequent sentiment Jo expresses about Lewis that makes zero sense from Cass.
Somehow, Caine got her protagonists mixed up. She’s usually better with her character writing.
Where The Weather Warden series can rely on nostalgia for its weaker spots, Outcast Season doesn’t have that luxury. It doesn’t have the history or characters to fall back on.
Case in point: Cassiel is the strongest aspect of this series, but her arc of disdainful Djinn to emotionally compromised human is mishandled at points. Also, her eons of being a Djinn amounts to very little and never pays off in any tangible way.
She seems to settle into human life with no real sense of a past. You’d think someone with such a bottomless existence would have more ties to complicate their newfound humanity but its just one or two awkward encounters.
What we do get is a heartfelt story about Cassiel’s love for Luis and Isabel. Caine developed Luis and Cass’s relationship really well, while her relationship with Isabel has been unbelievably rushed. Isabel literally uses her powers to age herself up (a genuinely horrifying and interesting development) and its barely skirted over in the story after the initial shock. Isabel isn't given enough time to come into her own, and her calling Cass "mama" just came across weird to me.
I can’t overstate how disappointing Pearl has been as a villain. Cass and Pearl have this inextricable history and it offers nothing to their barely defined dynamic. They could be basically strangers and nothing would change except the odd line alluding to their profound connection. Right up to the end, their interactions are scant and lacklustre, and for all the strength of this series, it just can't recover from that. Not really.
Unbroken commits the worst sin of spin-offs: becoming too beholden to the original series. The ending was just a replay of Total Eclipse from a different perspective — and not remotely different enough to make it worthwhile.
The prime reason is that by the last book in their respective series, the plots start running parallel. Luis and Cass make a significant appearance in Total Eclipse. An appearance that’s repeated in the last quarter here with little to no variance despite the perspective shift.
We even get to experience Lewis’s final betrayal of Jo all over again, but this time Caine slips up and forgets the relationship she’s written for Cass and Lewis.
Cass acts shocked over what Lewis does, claiming this isn’t the Lewis she “knew”. Which is bizarre, given they’ve spoken all of a handful of times and never about personal philosophies as far as I can remember. It’s a frequent sentiment Jo expresses about Lewis that makes zero sense from Cass.
Somehow, Caine got her protagonists mixed up. She’s usually better with her character writing.
Where The Weather Warden series can rely on nostalgia for its weaker spots, Outcast Season doesn’t have that luxury. It doesn’t have the history or characters to fall back on.
Case in point: Cassiel is the strongest aspect of this series, but her arc of disdainful Djinn to emotionally compromised human is mishandled at points. Also, her eons of being a Djinn amounts to very little and never pays off in any tangible way.
She seems to settle into human life with no real sense of a past. You’d think someone with such a bottomless existence would have more ties to complicate their newfound humanity but its just one or two awkward encounters.
What we do get is a heartfelt story about Cassiel’s love for Luis and Isabel. Caine developed Luis and Cass’s relationship really well, while her relationship with Isabel has been unbelievably rushed. Isabel literally uses her powers to age herself up (a genuinely horrifying and interesting development) and its barely skirted over in the story after the initial shock. Isabel isn't given enough time to come into her own, and her calling Cass "mama" just came across weird to me.
I can’t overstate how disappointing Pearl has been as a villain. Cass and Pearl have this inextricable history and it offers nothing to their barely defined dynamic. They could be basically strangers and nothing would change except the odd line alluding to their profound connection. Right up to the end, their interactions are scant and lacklustre, and for all the strength of this series, it just can't recover from that. Not really.
Unbroken commits the worst sin of spin-offs: becoming too beholden to the original series. The ending was just a replay of Total Eclipse from a different perspective — and not remotely different enough to make it worthwhile.
March 1, 2012
Cassiel was once a powerful Djinn, until she took a stand and had humanity forced upon her. Since that time she has bared witness to imminent human destruction – experienced love, pain and loss, and gained an unbreakable connection with the human warden, Luis, and his niece Isabel.
When a deranged and ruthless Djinn called Pearl set out to kidnap warden children and harness their untapped powers for her own means, Cass was on the front lines with Luis – fighting to rescue young Isabel, but also to protect the human race.
Now Isabel is returned to them, much changed. And Pearl is not the only danger on the horizon – Mother is awake, and she is about to unleash her anger on planet earth, the likes of which humans, wardens and Djinn have never seen.
Lines have been drawn, the battle ground set. Cass has chosen her allies, and now she will take a final stand with them.
‘Unbroken’ is the fourth and final book in Rachel Caine’s ‘Weathr Warden’ spin-off series, ‘Outcast Season’.
It was with deep regret and duelling satisfaction that I read the final instalment in Rachel Caine’s phenomenal ‘Weather Warden’ series. Joanne Baldwin and Djinn David’s story ended in 2010, but the sting of their ending was somewhat lessened by Caine’s spin-off series, about a Djinn turned human called Cassiel. The ‘Outcast Season’ was a wonderful additional dimension to the brilliant ‘Weather Warden’ series, offering up more perspective about the Djinn world and an interesting new character in Cass, who was struggling as much with her unwanted humanity as her remnants of Djinn personality.
Alas, all good things must come to a (definite, conclusive and unmistakable) end; such is the case with ‘Outcast Season’. Rachel Caine has always maintained that Cass & Co. had a definite story arc in this spin-off series, and their tale would be told in four books. With ‘Unbroken’ released this February, we are now at the absolute end of the ‘Weather Warden’ world. And, like with ‘Total Eclipse’ that concluded Jo & David’s story, ‘Unbroken’ is such a befitting conclusion to a radical series that, as a fan, there is no bitterness to be found in this swan song. . .
When the story begins, Isabel is newly rescued from Pearl’s clutches, but Luis and Cass are only just beginning to fathom the extent of Isabel’s abuse. With her newly tapped power, Isabel has a maturity beyond her six years, and she will not stand being treated like a child any longer. She does something awful and destructive to herself, the ramifications of which will be felt for the rest of her life. And that’s how ‘Unbroken’ kicks off – absolutely hitting the ground running and throwing readers right into Isabel’s delicate psyche, as well as Luis & Cass’s predicament not only as her guardians, but as wardens trying to harness this young child’s power.
Also making an early appearance is everyone’s favourite bad-ass and buck-naked Djinn, Rashid. I was so happy that he made a reappearance in this final instalment, and his scenes are brilliant, particularly for how they impact on Isabel;
Isabel grabbed on to me and hugged me, wordless and shaking. I hugged her back and looked over at Rashid, who inclined his head just a tiny bit.
“You’re sane,” I said.
“Well,” he replied, with a sharp-toothed smile, “that is not a common opinion. But I am no longer a puppet of the Mother’s will. Only of hers.” He cast a dark look at Isabel, and my arms tightened around her in reaction.
“You are well aware how I feel about such things.”
“Don’t,” I warned him. “She’s a child.”
“Old enough to hold my bottle,” he said. “Though that was your doing, my sweet dear cousin, sticking me in one. For the second time. There will come a reckoning. Soon.”
Also along for the finale is Esmeralda – the snake/human warden whose power warped her and imprisoned her in a partial reptilian body. ‘Es’ cannot be trusted, but has become fast (and unlikely) friends with Isabel. I loved these two together! They are a fantastic, if chilling, team – and even though their scenes have a lot of unlikely camaraderie, reading them will also set you on edge because you just know that Es could snap at any moment. . .
One wonderful thing about ‘Unbroken’ is that the ‘Outcast’ timeline is made to match up with the ‘Weather Warden’ series – after being out-of-sync for three books now, ‘Unbroken’ is on the same timeline trajectory as ‘Total Eclipse’. And, best of all, Lewis Orwell, Jo Baldwin and David Prince all make lengthy cameos in ‘Unbroken’. Even better is that most of their scenes are alternatives to what happened in ‘Total Eclipse’ – so while we were following Jo’s narrative in that book, in ‘Unbroken’ we get to read what was happening with David and Lewis in certain scenes. Brilliant!
Of course one big drawcard of Cass’s story has been her romance with the Warden, Luis. Let me just say that these two are epically adorable in ‘Unbroken’ – and a big focus of this book is on the redemptive and restorative powers of their love. Another big ‘spiritual’ focus of the book is on how Cass is experiencing a very human emotion and conundrum – the absence of hope. As the world ravages itself and Mother turns on her children, Cass is left to question everything she has known and truly understand what it is to be human, and succumb to doubt and despair. It makes for some intense, poignant scenes;
The enemy of my enemy. . .
“Mother,” I whispered, close to tears. “How could you desert us? How could you bring us to this?”
But the Mother had never spoken to me, not directly, and she did not do so now. There was only darkness, and silence.
Rachel Caine’s ‘Weather Warden’ series was one of the best and most original fantasy series of recent years. Beginning in 2003, ‘Weather Warden’ draws to an absolute final close in 2012, with the end of its spin-off ‘Outcast Season’ series. As with Jo and David, Luis and Cass have been on one hell of a ride, and Rachel Caine gives them an explosive and wonderfully befitting send-off in ‘Unbroken’. I absolutely urge any and all ‘Weather Warden’ fans to dip into this spin-off series, if you haven’t already.
When a deranged and ruthless Djinn called Pearl set out to kidnap warden children and harness their untapped powers for her own means, Cass was on the front lines with Luis – fighting to rescue young Isabel, but also to protect the human race.
Now Isabel is returned to them, much changed. And Pearl is not the only danger on the horizon – Mother is awake, and she is about to unleash her anger on planet earth, the likes of which humans, wardens and Djinn have never seen.
Lines have been drawn, the battle ground set. Cass has chosen her allies, and now she will take a final stand with them.
‘Unbroken’ is the fourth and final book in Rachel Caine’s ‘Weathr Warden’ spin-off series, ‘Outcast Season’.
It was with deep regret and duelling satisfaction that I read the final instalment in Rachel Caine’s phenomenal ‘Weather Warden’ series. Joanne Baldwin and Djinn David’s story ended in 2010, but the sting of their ending was somewhat lessened by Caine’s spin-off series, about a Djinn turned human called Cassiel. The ‘Outcast Season’ was a wonderful additional dimension to the brilliant ‘Weather Warden’ series, offering up more perspective about the Djinn world and an interesting new character in Cass, who was struggling as much with her unwanted humanity as her remnants of Djinn personality.
Alas, all good things must come to a (definite, conclusive and unmistakable) end; such is the case with ‘Outcast Season’. Rachel Caine has always maintained that Cass & Co. had a definite story arc in this spin-off series, and their tale would be told in four books. With ‘Unbroken’ released this February, we are now at the absolute end of the ‘Weather Warden’ world. And, like with ‘Total Eclipse’ that concluded Jo & David’s story, ‘Unbroken’ is such a befitting conclusion to a radical series that, as a fan, there is no bitterness to be found in this swan song. . .
When the story begins, Isabel is newly rescued from Pearl’s clutches, but Luis and Cass are only just beginning to fathom the extent of Isabel’s abuse. With her newly tapped power, Isabel has a maturity beyond her six years, and she will not stand being treated like a child any longer. She does something awful and destructive to herself, the ramifications of which will be felt for the rest of her life. And that’s how ‘Unbroken’ kicks off – absolutely hitting the ground running and throwing readers right into Isabel’s delicate psyche, as well as Luis & Cass’s predicament not only as her guardians, but as wardens trying to harness this young child’s power.
Also making an early appearance is everyone’s favourite bad-ass and buck-naked Djinn, Rashid. I was so happy that he made a reappearance in this final instalment, and his scenes are brilliant, particularly for how they impact on Isabel;
Isabel grabbed on to me and hugged me, wordless and shaking. I hugged her back and looked over at Rashid, who inclined his head just a tiny bit.
“You’re sane,” I said.
“Well,” he replied, with a sharp-toothed smile, “that is not a common opinion. But I am no longer a puppet of the Mother’s will. Only of hers.” He cast a dark look at Isabel, and my arms tightened around her in reaction.
“You are well aware how I feel about such things.”
“Don’t,” I warned him. “She’s a child.”
“Old enough to hold my bottle,” he said. “Though that was your doing, my sweet dear cousin, sticking me in one. For the second time. There will come a reckoning. Soon.”
Also along for the finale is Esmeralda – the snake/human warden whose power warped her and imprisoned her in a partial reptilian body. ‘Es’ cannot be trusted, but has become fast (and unlikely) friends with Isabel. I loved these two together! They are a fantastic, if chilling, team – and even though their scenes have a lot of unlikely camaraderie, reading them will also set you on edge because you just know that Es could snap at any moment. . .
One wonderful thing about ‘Unbroken’ is that the ‘Outcast’ timeline is made to match up with the ‘Weather Warden’ series – after being out-of-sync for three books now, ‘Unbroken’ is on the same timeline trajectory as ‘Total Eclipse’. And, best of all, Lewis Orwell, Jo Baldwin and David Prince all make lengthy cameos in ‘Unbroken’. Even better is that most of their scenes are alternatives to what happened in ‘Total Eclipse’ – so while we were following Jo’s narrative in that book, in ‘Unbroken’ we get to read what was happening with David and Lewis in certain scenes. Brilliant!
Of course one big drawcard of Cass’s story has been her romance with the Warden, Luis. Let me just say that these two are epically adorable in ‘Unbroken’ – and a big focus of this book is on the redemptive and restorative powers of their love. Another big ‘spiritual’ focus of the book is on how Cass is experiencing a very human emotion and conundrum – the absence of hope. As the world ravages itself and Mother turns on her children, Cass is left to question everything she has known and truly understand what it is to be human, and succumb to doubt and despair. It makes for some intense, poignant scenes;
The enemy of my enemy. . .
“Mother,” I whispered, close to tears. “How could you desert us? How could you bring us to this?”
But the Mother had never spoken to me, not directly, and she did not do so now. There was only darkness, and silence.
Rachel Caine’s ‘Weather Warden’ series was one of the best and most original fantasy series of recent years. Beginning in 2003, ‘Weather Warden’ draws to an absolute final close in 2012, with the end of its spin-off ‘Outcast Season’ series. As with Jo and David, Luis and Cass have been on one hell of a ride, and Rachel Caine gives them an explosive and wonderfully befitting send-off in ‘Unbroken’. I absolutely urge any and all ‘Weather Warden’ fans to dip into this spin-off series, if you haven’t already.
March 27, 2012
“He’s right. If anything is to survive, we have to risk everything. Everyone. There are no safe places left.”
Finishing Unbroken by Rachel Caine has made me a little sad. The Weather Warden series can be traced back to my early Urban Fantasy days, along with The Dresden Files and the Anita Blake series. I have followed it for years. It’s hard to say goodbye to a world that has given me so much enjoyment, especially a world that was so unique. Even after all these years, seeing so many different PNR and UF worlds, this one still stands out.
If you have never read the Weather Warden or Outcast Season series before, do NOT start with this book. You will be completely lost and will miss out on everything (two series worth of everything) that has gotten the characters and the world to this point. It’s the end of the world, literally, and there is simply not time for the author to stop and info dump enough to get you up to speed. So do yourself a favor and start in the beginning. Don’t worry, it’s worth it. ;)
Watching the world end is a thrilling experience—nail-biting and humbling, sure, but quite thrilling. Danger wasn’t coming from a single front, which leaves the characters and read with an overwhelming sense of constant peril. The Mother (aka Earth) is waking up and disaster is everywhere. In the world Caine has created, the main characters don’t simply gain a new power and turn into a bigger badass than the bad guy to save the day. Simply put, there is no bigger badass than the Earth. Tornados, earthquakes, lightning, fire…you name it, the Earth can throw it at you. That kind of opposition is simply overwhelming. Just stop and imagine what that would be like. There is nowhere to hide and your power, however mighty, is a speck in the face of that kind of power. When you add in the Djinn…well, let’s just say that things are not looking good for the Wardens.
I have always loved Cassiel’s character. She’s cold and logical and I could gorge simply myself on heroines like her. Having said that, her character type means that she is always the one to do what has to be done. I love that, but I get tired of whiny characters being horrified or disappointed by her actions. Those hypocritical, ivory tower types are true to real life, but the mean part of me would rather Cassiel let them die simply to teach them a lesson about being hypocritical. *cough*Luis*cough* Maybe they’d rather die with their morals than have Cassiel step in to do what has to be done to save them, no matter what it takes? *ahem* Enough of that. I’m starting to get irritated again.
I loved Cassiel just as much as usual, but I was not impressed with the people surrounding her. I started to question why she had to fall in love with this man and this family. She’s gone to the wall for them, but I don’t ever see them returning the favor. I never really got over what Luis did in the last book. Cassiel easily forgave him, although she never forgot, but I am not nearly so nice. He knew what it would mean to her and he still did it. But despite my irritation, I was actually glad the author cast him like that. It stood as a good indication of what this kind of circumstance does to people. The lines between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ became easy to blur and your opinion on the behavior of the different groups became hazy, depending on which side of the battle you were standing on. It was an us-against-them free for all and certain characters crossed some definite lines.
This story runs concurrently with the last book in the Weather Warden series, Total Eclipse, so you’ll notice some overlap with Jo, David, and Lewis. I really liked getting to see another side of the action. It goes to show that everyone is star of their own show, even when they’re fighting the same battle. At times it felt like you were missing part of the action, but that was because you literally were. Cassiel was fighting her battle, but the larger fight, the one to save the world, was being waged by Jo. They occasionally intersected but a lot of the information about the larger battle came from casualty reports and information given by side characters. This made Cassiel’s final battle seem a little random and easy, but the overall story arc was good enough that it didn’t bother me too much.
Despite the problems I had, like the ones mentioned above and my dissatisfaction with the too easy solution for the dilemma of Ibby’s involvement in the battle, I really loved this book. If you’re looking for a new, unique world with complicated politics and uncertain allies, this is one you need to check out. I hope you love the world as much as I do.
Favorite Quote:
There was hope. Always hope. And it was those like Luis who would be the bearers of that hope, and the victims of it; heroes they were, and heroes died so that others might live.
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
February 29, 2012
3.5 stars. There was a lot that I liked about it, more than not, but there was some awkwardness too. I still really like Cass and her attitude, it's nice to have a strong urban fantasy character who's badass but not a sarcastic snarkfest for a change (not that I don't love that when done well!). Luis is a strong partner for her and I really enjoyed in this series, as in Caine's Weather Warden series, the way that she was able to maintain a strong relationship between the characters while still letting the woman be the dominant character, and yet also still letting the guy be a really strong man. Should be an easy task, but so many authors seem to feel the need to string the romance along or somehow make the man weaker than the woman, apparently it's tricky to write an ongoing series with continuing relationships when your main character is the woman. Or so it seems because I read so few of them, or at least maybe publishers don't think readers want to read that anyway, who know?
Anyway, back to the book. One of the other things that I liked is also the main thing that became awkward. I liked seeing how this series fit into the Weather Warden series. But it also became just too much. All along it kind of felt like just too many crises all at once, I mean really, how many things can be threatening to end the world all at once? It was kind of too much already just in the WW series and then you add in Pearl in this series and it feels pretty nutty. But I'm the first three books it was paced well enough that it didn't bother me as much. But in this book it's all kind of rushed to a kind of exciting and yet also kind of frantic and sometimes confusing conclusion that felt all mixed up. Of course I can't say how it would have read to me if I hadn't read the WW books, but it seemed like if I hadn't then it may not have made much sense, I wouldn't have understood a lot of the significance of things that happened at the end with the Djinn and the wardens. And Pearl's story just felt shoehorned into the existing story by the end, it was just awkward. And I didn't like the mention of the divine at all, that felt like a cop-out. I don't know, some people might find it cool, but where does that fit into these books at all?
Oh yeah, and does anyone want to play a drinking game for the number of times they kissed goodbye because they thought they were about to die?
So, it was good, but not great. Par for the course for the WW series and this series. But I still recommend it, especially for fans of the WW series, there's just something very readable about how she writes and likable about her characters.
Anyway, back to the book. One of the other things that I liked is also the main thing that became awkward. I liked seeing how this series fit into the Weather Warden series. But it also became just too much. All along it kind of felt like just too many crises all at once, I mean really, how many things can be threatening to end the world all at once? It was kind of too much already just in the WW series and then you add in Pearl in this series and it feels pretty nutty. But I'm the first three books it was paced well enough that it didn't bother me as much. But in this book it's all kind of rushed to a kind of exciting and yet also kind of frantic and sometimes confusing conclusion that felt all mixed up. Of course I can't say how it would have read to me if I hadn't read the WW books, but it seemed like if I hadn't then it may not have made much sense, I wouldn't have understood a lot of the significance of things that happened at the end with the Djinn and the wardens. And Pearl's story just felt shoehorned into the existing story by the end, it was just awkward. And I didn't like the mention of the divine at all, that felt like a cop-out. I don't know, some people might find it cool, but where does that fit into these books at all?
Oh yeah, and does anyone want to play a drinking game for the number of times they kissed goodbye because they thought they were about to die?
So, it was good, but not great. Par for the course for the WW series and this series. But I still recommend it, especially for fans of the WW series, there's just something very readable about how she writes and likable about her characters.
February 15, 2012
The last book in the Outcast Season series ties in with the events that took place in Total Eclipse, which is the last book in the Weather warden series. Cassiel and Luis are trying to find a way to stop Pearl but first they must contend with the natural disasters Mother Earth is causing. On top of that the Djinn are under Mother Earth's thrall and they've been instructed to destroy cities & towns and to also kill all the wardens.
This was my least favourite book in the series, there was no structure to the story. Cassiel, Luis and Ibby are mostly travelling different places and just moving from one disaster to the next. As soon as Cassiel and co would get themselves out of a bad situation it wasn't long before there were another life or death situation. Everytime they got into trouble they thought they were going to die but they always managed to survive right at the last minute, the amount of close calls they had just got tiresome.
There was very little character growth in Cassiel, her defining characteristic was her love for Luis, Ibby and her motorcylce, there was nothing else to her. For a being who's millenia old, I wanted her to have more depth, personality and wisdom. What was good about Cassiel was how she got on with things and took control, usually it's the hero who knows what to do but in this case Cassiel takes charge, formulates a brilliant plan and gets results. Luis and Cassiel's relationship is still going strong but the romance between them is a small part of the story.
The changes Ibby went through were unexpected, the whole thing with Ibby was just weird and I felt it was only done just because it was easier and so she could fit in better with the storyline. Throughout the book it's mentioned Ibby's changes will effect her mentally and physically but at the end I was left wondering what was going to happen to her because she basically dug herself an early grave with the changes she inflicted upon herself. There are some cheesy moments between Cassiel and Ibby that felt forced and unnecassary.
The solution to destroy Pearl at the end was disappointing and was also a bit of a deus ex machina.
It was nice to see Joanne and David again and see their relationship through the eyes of Cassiel.
This is the last book but the world Caine has built has so much potential..I would like to see a spin off with one of the warden children Pearl changed and it'd be good to see how the world was recovering from all the losses.
This was my least favourite book in the series, there was no structure to the story. Cassiel, Luis and Ibby are mostly travelling different places and just moving from one disaster to the next. As soon as Cassiel and co would get themselves out of a bad situation it wasn't long before there were another life or death situation. Everytime they got into trouble they thought they were going to die but they always managed to survive right at the last minute, the amount of close calls they had just got tiresome.
There was very little character growth in Cassiel, her defining characteristic was her love for Luis, Ibby and her motorcylce, there was nothing else to her. For a being who's millenia old, I wanted her to have more depth, personality and wisdom. What was good about Cassiel was how she got on with things and took control, usually it's the hero who knows what to do but in this case Cassiel takes charge, formulates a brilliant plan and gets results. Luis and Cassiel's relationship is still going strong but the romance between them is a small part of the story.
The changes Ibby went through were unexpected, the whole thing with Ibby was just weird and I felt it was only done just because it was easier and so she could fit in better with the storyline. Throughout the book it's mentioned Ibby's changes will effect her mentally and physically but at the end I was left wondering what was going to happen to her because she basically dug herself an early grave with the changes she inflicted upon herself. There are some cheesy moments between Cassiel and Ibby that felt forced and unnecassary.
The solution to destroy Pearl at the end was disappointing and was also a bit of a deus ex machina.
It was nice to see Joanne and David again and see their relationship through the eyes of Cassiel.
This is the last book but the world Caine has built has so much potential..I would like to see a spin off with one of the warden children Pearl changed and it'd be good to see how the world was recovering from all the losses.
June 24, 2014
God, this book was a meat grinder. I’ve already complained once on the mortality rate in this series, but this time Rachel Caine went big. As in millions of people dead! I don’t remember that it was that bad in Total Eclipse considering that it is the same battle we are talking about.
As another book in this series “Unbroken” was very good, but as a final installation it didn’t meet my expectations. Yes, the battles were epic, the decisions hard and cataclysm tragic. The problem was I’ve read Total Eclipse before and seeing as there was an epilogue set in the future I knew from the beginning how it was going to end. It’s like reading a detective story while knowing who the killer is.
“Unbroken” doesn’t have an epilogue, but it is not needed. We got our closure even if some ends stayed loose. I think it suits Cassiel perfectly. Let her have some peace before trouble come knocking on her door again. And we know it will. Unfortunately we will never read about it.
As another book in this series “Unbroken” was very good, but as a final installation it didn’t meet my expectations. Yes, the battles were epic, the decisions hard and cataclysm tragic. The problem was I’ve read Total Eclipse before and seeing as there was an epilogue set in the future I knew from the beginning how it was going to end. It’s like reading a detective story while knowing who the killer is.
“Unbroken” doesn’t have an epilogue, but it is not needed. We got our closure even if some ends stayed loose. I think it suits Cassiel perfectly. Let her have some peace before trouble come knocking on her door again. And we know it will. Unfortunately we will never read about it.
September 21, 2016
While I greatly enjoyed this last novel in the Outcast Season by Rachel Caine, I didn't like how she linked the last novel of this series and the Weather Warden series together to create a whole. I feel like because she placed the events in both novels, no matter which one you read first (I read Total Eclipse first), the other is going to be ruined for you. As much as I enjoyed the heart-pounding action and deepening relationships I just couldn't get over knowing what was already going to happen. I will still give the novel 4 stars since the writing was impeccable as it always is, but because of that huge plot hole I have to take away an entire star.
February 8, 2012
It's all come to a head, the story line, the epic battle and the end of an incredible series. "Unbroken" is the final chapter in an incredible adventure. The story begins shortly after the last book ends. Cassie, Luis, Ibby and oddly enough the half snake girl, Esmeralda have just managed to recover from the previous battle and are together.
They are plotting where to go and what to do next. One thing for sure, the world is in major trouble with earthquakes, fires and other means of destruction ravaging the earth and its' creatures. The mother is angry and taking out her revenge while the Djinn are attacking humans in an effort to destroy them. Let's not fail to mention, that Pearl has something up her sleeve as well.
As they find transportation, they also find attacks ( deadly diseases, fires etc.) from every angle. They must reunite with the few wardens remaining and attempt to gain control over any situation they can. When they do find the wardens, Cassie and Luis are not happy to discover that Pearl has taken human form in order to convince them she will help them in the war (for now!). Cassie is wise enough to know that eventually, the tide will turn and Pearl will betray them the first chance she gets.
I loved the characters, the rich visual world in which they lived, the growth of Cassiel as a character especially as she becomes more human, and the love that follows. The battles were epic and grandiose. However, in the end, I was totally floored at the result. I'm not sure I knew how the series would end,; but, I do not think I expected what occurred.
If you are interested in what I am yammering on about, read the last book in this great series and you will see why I love it so. When time permits, I want to go back and read this series from beginning to end so that I can savor it.
They are plotting where to go and what to do next. One thing for sure, the world is in major trouble with earthquakes, fires and other means of destruction ravaging the earth and its' creatures. The mother is angry and taking out her revenge while the Djinn are attacking humans in an effort to destroy them. Let's not fail to mention, that Pearl has something up her sleeve as well.
As they find transportation, they also find attacks ( deadly diseases, fires etc.) from every angle. They must reunite with the few wardens remaining and attempt to gain control over any situation they can. When they do find the wardens, Cassie and Luis are not happy to discover that Pearl has taken human form in order to convince them she will help them in the war (for now!). Cassie is wise enough to know that eventually, the tide will turn and Pearl will betray them the first chance she gets.
I loved the characters, the rich visual world in which they lived, the growth of Cassiel as a character especially as she becomes more human, and the love that follows. The battles were epic and grandiose. However, in the end, I was totally floored at the result. I'm not sure I knew how the series would end,; but, I do not think I expected what occurred.
If you are interested in what I am yammering on about, read the last book in this great series and you will see why I love it so. When time permits, I want to go back and read this series from beginning to end so that I can savor it.
December 16, 2014
Goosebumps..
This book gave me Goosebumps especially at the end. I wanted to cry and I hardly managed not to since I was actually reading the book at work!
I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE HOW MUCH I LOVE Cassiel. She's to me, the most unique character I have ever read. She is so cold and controlled it is astonishing how I can see her as a person I aspire to be.. Maybe because I'm out of control so often I feel that way about her, but whatever the reason is, she was written magnificently and flawlessly.
The last book of this series I had put off for so long, simply because I just couldn't part with Cassie. The concept of the stories were absolutely new, the additions were very refreshing and the emotions raw and real.
Even the bike that had become a theme in the books was unique to Cassie's character, this is - to me- a series that won me over 100% in regards to the heroine. Not to say Luis or Rashid or Izzy or even Esmeralda were not endearing or that the story wasn't interesting. This is a series that has no match for me.
So sad to say good bye.
This book gave me Goosebumps especially at the end. I wanted to cry and I hardly managed not to since I was actually reading the book at work!
I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE HOW MUCH I LOVE Cassiel. She's to me, the most unique character I have ever read. She is so cold and controlled it is astonishing how I can see her as a person I aspire to be.. Maybe because I'm out of control so often I feel that way about her, but whatever the reason is, she was written magnificently and flawlessly.
The last book of this series I had put off for so long, simply because I just couldn't part with Cassie. The concept of the stories were absolutely new, the additions were very refreshing and the emotions raw and real.
Even the bike that had become a theme in the books was unique to Cassie's character, this is - to me- a series that won me over 100% in regards to the heroine. Not to say Luis or Rashid or Izzy or even Esmeralda were not endearing or that the story wasn't interesting. This is a series that has no match for me.
So sad to say good bye.
August 30, 2024
A somewhat chaotic yet digestible end to a really interesting spin off series.
I found it interesting that Total Eclipse from the main series and this story seemingly run at the same time and end up roughly having the same content by the end.
I found it slightly repetitive with no new content to really drive them apart. I found Isabel’s pov towards Cass and calling her “mama” kinda cringy but alas there’s no time to dive back into it.
Overall , I enjoyed this finale. I won’t pick it apart.
RIP Rachel Caine
I found it interesting that Total Eclipse from the main series and this story seemingly run at the same time and end up roughly having the same content by the end.
I found it slightly repetitive with no new content to really drive them apart. I found Isabel’s pov towards Cass and calling her “mama” kinda cringy but alas there’s no time to dive back into it.
Overall , I enjoyed this finale. I won’t pick it apart.
RIP Rachel Caine
December 12, 2022
Chronique de Diana :
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
C’est enfin le grand moment que l’on attend avec impatience mais aussi appréhension. L’affrontement avec Pearl est inévitable et on a réellement besoin de connaitre le dénouement, c’est aussi le terrible moment où l’on va devoir faire nos adieux à des personnages que j’ai aimé découvrir et voir évoluer.
Alors que le monde commence à s’effondrer autour d’elle, Cassiel se retrouve à combattre ceux qu’elle considérait autrefois comme les siens : les Djinn. Avec le gardien Luis Rocha et d’Ibby à ses côtés, Cassiel s’efforce de trouver un moyen de protéger ceux qui sont à sa charge et d’accepter le rôle de leader qu’elle n’a jamais demandé.
Il se passe beaucoup de choses dans ce tome et j’ai eu tellement de mal à le poser que je l’ai terminé en une journée ! J’ai aimé voir le parcours de Cassiel, et comment le fait de devenir humaine l’a aidée à réaliser ce qu’elle devait faire pour sauver l’humanité. De plus, elle est pratiquement seule, avec seulement Luis, Esmeralda et Ibby pendant une bonne partie du livre. Elle doit s’appuyer sur les capacités de Luis en tant que gardien de la terre et du feu, et sur Ibby qui utilise ses propres capacités… pauvre Ibby ! L’évolution d’Isabel, de la petite fille de six ans innocente, heureuse et espiègle présentée pour la première fois dans Undone à la jeune fille courageuse et résolue dans Unbroken, a été déchirante à lire. Elle était assez mûre pour comprendre ce qu’il fallait faire et pourtant, par moments, elle était encore la petite fille de 6 ans qui avait besoin de ses parents, d’amour et de sécurité.
Rachel Caine a un style bien à elle. Elle arrive à m’embarquer dans ces univers et j’aime les thématiques qu’elle met en avant. Elle ne ménage pas forcément son lectorat mais ses récits sont originaux et ses personnages très bien travaillés. D’ailleurs Cassiel du début et de la fin c’est un grand écart, pour un Djinn, elle a su capter parfaitement ce qui fait un être humain, sa complexité et j’ai tout bonnement adoré ça.
Je reste assez vague mais sachez que c’est une fin à la hauteur de toute la série. Je pense qu’on apprécie un peu plus la lecture si l’on a déjà l’une l’autre saga de l’auteure. Mais n’hésitez absolument pas à plonger.
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
C’est enfin le grand moment que l’on attend avec impatience mais aussi appréhension. L’affrontement avec Pearl est inévitable et on a réellement besoin de connaitre le dénouement, c’est aussi le terrible moment où l’on va devoir faire nos adieux à des personnages que j’ai aimé découvrir et voir évoluer.
Alors que le monde commence à s’effondrer autour d’elle, Cassiel se retrouve à combattre ceux qu’elle considérait autrefois comme les siens : les Djinn. Avec le gardien Luis Rocha et d’Ibby à ses côtés, Cassiel s’efforce de trouver un moyen de protéger ceux qui sont à sa charge et d’accepter le rôle de leader qu’elle n’a jamais demandé.
Il se passe beaucoup de choses dans ce tome et j’ai eu tellement de mal à le poser que je l’ai terminé en une journée ! J’ai aimé voir le parcours de Cassiel, et comment le fait de devenir humaine l’a aidée à réaliser ce qu’elle devait faire pour sauver l’humanité. De plus, elle est pratiquement seule, avec seulement Luis, Esmeralda et Ibby pendant une bonne partie du livre. Elle doit s’appuyer sur les capacités de Luis en tant que gardien de la terre et du feu, et sur Ibby qui utilise ses propres capacités… pauvre Ibby ! L’évolution d’Isabel, de la petite fille de six ans innocente, heureuse et espiègle présentée pour la première fois dans Undone à la jeune fille courageuse et résolue dans Unbroken, a été déchirante à lire. Elle était assez mûre pour comprendre ce qu’il fallait faire et pourtant, par moments, elle était encore la petite fille de 6 ans qui avait besoin de ses parents, d’amour et de sécurité.
Rachel Caine a un style bien à elle. Elle arrive à m’embarquer dans ces univers et j’aime les thématiques qu’elle met en avant. Elle ne ménage pas forcément son lectorat mais ses récits sont originaux et ses personnages très bien travaillés. D’ailleurs Cassiel du début et de la fin c’est un grand écart, pour un Djinn, elle a su capter parfaitement ce qui fait un être humain, sa complexité et j’ai tout bonnement adoré ça.
Je reste assez vague mais sachez que c’est une fin à la hauteur de toute la série. Je pense qu’on apprécie un peu plus la lecture si l’on a déjà l’une l’autre saga de l’auteure. Mais n’hésitez absolument pas à plonger.
September 21, 2016
Fourth in the Outcast Season urban fantasy series revolving around Cassiel, a former Djinn made human.
My Take
It reads as though the series may be complete even though Caine does provide future threat material for some of Cassiel's actions. It may well simply mean the end of our focus on Cassiel and Luis within the Weather Wardens. It certainly sheds a wee bit more light on Ashan's true purpose. Totally unexpected.
We don't get any detail on what the shipload of wardens and Djinn were doing—other than averting a major disaster—or where they went. They simply return. Albeit, with the Mother having her little fit (understatement of the year), the Djinn aren't exactly...helpful.
It's tricky fighting the Djinn. Cassiel can feel the conflict within those trapped into this and she does her best to spare them even as she fights to save Luis and Iz and mankind. Caine does a great job of creating tense, dramatic situations which leave you wondering to the end. Most of Caine's concentration in developing her characters are the ones on whom she's focusing for the story so if your preference is to read about a few, this'll work for you. I get a bit frustrated that we don't get to delve into characters who were primary in her Weather Wardens series, but, hey, Caine's way is fair.
I'm not finding this series as compelling as the WW as I'm not as invested in Cassiel. Yes, I enjoy it as I like learning about life from a Djinn's perspective, but I find it harder to empathize with her. I suspect part of it is because Caine has only given vague hints as to what Cass and Luis' future may be. Nor does she do much to explore Isabel's emotions other than to briefly touch on them. Maybe she's saving Iz for the next series?? I do wish that Caine had elaborated on Cass learning about mother love, though.
Caine claims that Esmeralda is without her Warden power but she still seems to have magic on hand. I suspect I missed something… Nor is it very clear just how it is possible to bottle up Djinn again. I don't remember Whitney either.
The "adventures" the quartet had trying to get to Seattle certainly made me think about stocking up a fallout shelter! Eeek. I did rather enjoy Rashid's sense of humor. Quirky, scary, but definitely cheeky!
No, no, I ain't buyin' this. Why would Lewis lock up David if he so desperately needs Wardens? Leaving Joanne out on a limb? No. This makes no sense and is a cheesy way to create tension---it just pisses me off.
Caine has Cass realizing a nice point about mankind. That man expresses courage in the "face of panic, terror, pain, and death" no matter how helpless we may feel. We hope.
Overall, yes, I liked this as it answers some questions and takes us further into the story (or ends it!?), but I didn't like the vagueness or the avoidance of some issues. It was a lot of glossing over or ignoring. In spite of how desperate things were and how clever Caine was in providing exit strategies, it was just too easy.
The Story
It's humanity's last gasp and "natural" disasters are erupting all over the world killing millions as the Wardens try to rally. The loss of life as well as the loss of Wardens is so great that Lewis will ally with anyone. Anyone at all.
In the midst of this carnage, Luis, Cass, Isabel, and Esmeralda struggle through their own disasters as they make their way to Seattle. Only to encounter their hidden nemesis and are forced to accept the help.
Complications abound between the renewed capability to bottle the Djinn, Pearl's constant attacks, the Mother's anger, and Cass' own discoveries of her purpose.
The Characters
Cassiel has been turned human by Ashan as punishment. No longer able to access power on her own, she must use Luis as a conduit.
Luis Rocha is an Earth Warden and the six-year-old Isabel's uncle. They rescued her from her captivity with Pearl where she was tortured and genetically altered to enhance her powers and she understands the need to use her power to help. Iz is a combination of mature and child with all the weaknesses of a child desperately in need of love and security.
Esmeralda has been trapped as half-human, half-snake as punishment and has her own ideas of what is helpful and she cannot be trusted to aid in the greater good.
David is half-human, half-Djinn and married to Joanna Baldwin, another Weather Warden. David is the leader of the New Djinn while Ashan leads the True Djinn. Lewis Orwell is the most powerful of the Wardens with all their powers and leads the group. Brennan is a Weather Warden and in charge until Lewis arrives. Bit of an ass.
Pearl, a.k.a., the Lady, is Cass' sister and intent on recapturing Iz, suborning Cass to her cause, and taking over the world by overthrowing the Mother. The Mother is Mother Earth, Mother Nature. An entity who normally sleeps, but whom Pearl has woken and antagonized. A Mother who has herself suborned the Djinn to fight for her against the Wardens and humanity. The children who hold to Pearl include Edie (Air) and Alvin (Void) whom Pearl sends with Cass and Luis when they go to rescue the trapped Wardens. Very clever of Cass to use this technique to handle them, gruesome, but practical.
Of the Djinn, Rashid, Rahel, and Priya are forced to fight against their inclinations while others gladly fight for the Mother. Venna is one of the True Djinn and has her own part to play.
The Cover and Title
The cover is tones of yellow to brown in a desert landscape with Cassiel sitting very confidently on her motorcycle in her black leathers, jeans, and boots as an eagle soars overhead. The top fourth of the cover is a warm brown showcasing the author's name, the title in gold, the series name, and its position within the series. I love it when authors give us these last two!
The title refers to Cassiel and the Guardians. Despite the agonies and trials, they remain Unbroken. Pretty impressive, really.
My Take
It reads as though the series may be complete even though Caine does provide future threat material for some of Cassiel's actions. It may well simply mean the end of our focus on Cassiel and Luis within the Weather Wardens. It certainly sheds a wee bit more light on Ashan's true purpose. Totally unexpected.
We don't get any detail on what the shipload of wardens and Djinn were doing—other than averting a major disaster—or where they went. They simply return. Albeit, with the Mother having her little fit (understatement of the year), the Djinn aren't exactly...helpful.
It's tricky fighting the Djinn. Cassiel can feel the conflict within those trapped into this and she does her best to spare them even as she fights to save Luis and Iz and mankind. Caine does a great job of creating tense, dramatic situations which leave you wondering to the end. Most of Caine's concentration in developing her characters are the ones on whom she's focusing for the story so if your preference is to read about a few, this'll work for you. I get a bit frustrated that we don't get to delve into characters who were primary in her Weather Wardens series, but, hey, Caine's way is fair.
I'm not finding this series as compelling as the WW as I'm not as invested in Cassiel. Yes, I enjoy it as I like learning about life from a Djinn's perspective, but I find it harder to empathize with her. I suspect part of it is because Caine has only given vague hints as to what Cass and Luis' future may be. Nor does she do much to explore Isabel's emotions other than to briefly touch on them. Maybe she's saving Iz for the next series?? I do wish that Caine had elaborated on Cass learning about mother love, though.
Caine claims that Esmeralda is without her Warden power but she still seems to have magic on hand. I suspect I missed something… Nor is it very clear just how it is possible to bottle up Djinn again. I don't remember Whitney either.
The "adventures" the quartet had trying to get to Seattle certainly made me think about stocking up a fallout shelter! Eeek. I did rather enjoy Rashid's sense of humor. Quirky, scary, but definitely cheeky!
No, no, I ain't buyin' this. Why would Lewis lock up David if he so desperately needs Wardens? Leaving Joanne out on a limb? No. This makes no sense and is a cheesy way to create tension---it just pisses me off.
Caine has Cass realizing a nice point about mankind. That man expresses courage in the "face of panic, terror, pain, and death" no matter how helpless we may feel. We hope.
Overall, yes, I liked this as it answers some questions and takes us further into the story (or ends it!?), but I didn't like the vagueness or the avoidance of some issues. It was a lot of glossing over or ignoring. In spite of how desperate things were and how clever Caine was in providing exit strategies, it was just too easy.
The Story
It's humanity's last gasp and "natural" disasters are erupting all over the world killing millions as the Wardens try to rally. The loss of life as well as the loss of Wardens is so great that Lewis will ally with anyone. Anyone at all.
In the midst of this carnage, Luis, Cass, Isabel, and Esmeralda struggle through their own disasters as they make their way to Seattle. Only to encounter their hidden nemesis and are forced to accept the help.
Complications abound between the renewed capability to bottle the Djinn, Pearl's constant attacks, the Mother's anger, and Cass' own discoveries of her purpose.
The Characters
Cassiel has been turned human by Ashan as punishment. No longer able to access power on her own, she must use Luis as a conduit.
Luis Rocha is an Earth Warden and the six-year-old Isabel's uncle. They rescued her from her captivity with Pearl where she was tortured and genetically altered to enhance her powers and she understands the need to use her power to help. Iz is a combination of mature and child with all the weaknesses of a child desperately in need of love and security.
Esmeralda has been trapped as half-human, half-snake as punishment and has her own ideas of what is helpful and she cannot be trusted to aid in the greater good.
David is half-human, half-Djinn and married to Joanna Baldwin, another Weather Warden. David is the leader of the New Djinn while Ashan leads the True Djinn. Lewis Orwell is the most powerful of the Wardens with all their powers and leads the group. Brennan is a Weather Warden and in charge until Lewis arrives. Bit of an ass.
Pearl, a.k.a., the Lady, is Cass' sister and intent on recapturing Iz, suborning Cass to her cause, and taking over the world by overthrowing the Mother. The Mother is Mother Earth, Mother Nature. An entity who normally sleeps, but whom Pearl has woken and antagonized. A Mother who has herself suborned the Djinn to fight for her against the Wardens and humanity. The children who hold to Pearl include Edie (Air) and Alvin (Void) whom Pearl sends with Cass and Luis when they go to rescue the trapped Wardens. Very clever of Cass to use this technique to handle them, gruesome, but practical.
Of the Djinn, Rashid, Rahel, and Priya are forced to fight against their inclinations while others gladly fight for the Mother. Venna is one of the True Djinn and has her own part to play.
The Cover and Title
The cover is tones of yellow to brown in a desert landscape with Cassiel sitting very confidently on her motorcycle in her black leathers, jeans, and boots as an eagle soars overhead. The top fourth of the cover is a warm brown showcasing the author's name, the title in gold, the series name, and its position within the series. I love it when authors give us these last two!
The title refers to Cassiel and the Guardians. Despite the agonies and trials, they remain Unbroken. Pretty impressive, really.
June 23, 2018
22 points/100 (1.25 stars/5).
It is the end of the world, and Cassiel and Luis want to make it not do that.
This is going to be a short review, because there is little to talk about because this book had so little content. This book was a mess. This was just not a good book. The ending was rushed, the plot wasn't where it should have been focused, and the characters were ridiculous.
This is not the ending to the Outcast Season series. This is the ending to Weather Warden. Except for the five minutes of this book actually focused on Pearl, what little of this book that focused on this particular series at hand was mostly nonsense. Seriously, so much of this book was devoted to what happens at the end of Weather Warden I was annoyed. Pearl literally took up only about 5 minutes of story, total. It was all the djinn and the Mother and even Joanne's problems, instead.
Cassiel turned from an okay character, to not really much of a character at all. Just a camera by which to show the actual story. Cassiel doesn't really do anything in this book except go where she is "told" and does what she is "told". A prop, nothing more. None of the characters felt like anything at all.
Caine really phoned this book in, and it shows. I'm glad it is over. I'm never rereading it.
It is the end of the world, and Cassiel and Luis want to make it not do that.
This is going to be a short review, because there is little to talk about because this book had so little content. This book was a mess. This was just not a good book. The ending was rushed, the plot wasn't where it should have been focused, and the characters were ridiculous.
This is not the ending to the Outcast Season series. This is the ending to Weather Warden. Except for the five minutes of this book actually focused on Pearl, what little of this book that focused on this particular series at hand was mostly nonsense. Seriously, so much of this book was devoted to what happens at the end of Weather Warden I was annoyed. Pearl literally took up only about 5 minutes of story, total. It was all the djinn and the Mother and even Joanne's problems, instead.
Cassiel turned from an okay character, to not really much of a character at all. Just a camera by which to show the actual story. Cassiel doesn't really do anything in this book except go where she is "told" and does what she is "told". A prop, nothing more. None of the characters felt like anything at all.
Caine really phoned this book in, and it shows. I'm glad it is over. I'm never rereading it.
June 13, 2023
The finale of the Outcast Season series has Cassiel, Luis, and his niece Ibby fighting to preserve human life. Mother Earth has awakened, and she is angry. The Wardens are fighting losing battles on all sides. The Djinn have been coopted by the Mother and are fighting against humans.
And Pearl is getting ready to do her last betrayal and become the new Mother. Cassiel is determined to find a way to stop her that doesn't mean the end of the human race but her odds of success seem miniscule.
This episode was filled with battles and fighting, unexpected allies and unexpected enemies too. Cassiel has to find a way to preserve what she loves and values and the cost will be high.
This was an epic conclusion to the quartet of books. The worldbuilding was very well done. I liked the connection to the Weather Warden series too.
And Pearl is getting ready to do her last betrayal and become the new Mother. Cassiel is determined to find a way to stop her that doesn't mean the end of the human race but her odds of success seem miniscule.
This episode was filled with battles and fighting, unexpected allies and unexpected enemies too. Cassiel has to find a way to preserve what she loves and values and the cost will be high.
This was an epic conclusion to the quartet of books. The worldbuilding was very well done. I liked the connection to the Weather Warden series too.
August 14, 2024
This one, being so tied to the main series, got on my nerves a lot. Wardens are assholes. There, I said it. The main characters acknowledge that there is corruption in the warden ranks, but still hold them up as some noble superheroes. I get why Joanne, being a warden, might still cling to that belief, but it makes absolutely no sense for Cassiel to be so committed to a group of people who regularly screw each other and everyone else over.
So not only is there the usual warden drama to deal with, there's also Isabel, who has gone from being a major plot point to a major pain. And then there's Pearl, who is her own personal brand of annoying. She stopped being terrifying a long time ago. Maybe my dislike of the wardens is just bleeding over onto everything else, but either way, it was honestly a relief to be done with it all.
So not only is there the usual warden drama to deal with, there's also Isabel, who has gone from being a major plot point to a major pain. And then there's Pearl, who is her own personal brand of annoying. She stopped being terrifying a long time ago. Maybe my dislike of the wardens is just bleeding over onto everything else, but either way, it was honestly a relief to be done with it all.
April 16, 2018
The battle to end all battles...literally. It's finally time to fight Pearl head on. I wanted to love it, and in parts I did, but overall, it was kinda meh for me. Yeah, emotions run high, people panic or shut down from stress, but it seemed like everyone was shutting down or just being assholes. Nobody could get it together and do what needed to be done, at least not without petty bickering and threats first half the time. The ending was mostly nice, but the 20 pages of "I have to do this NOW or there will be no later" to finally do it was kinda anticlimactic and annoying. The action was good, the main character group was nice, but so many I just wanted to shut up or die slowly that I couldn't enjoy it as much as the rest of the series.
March 8, 2019
When certain series come to an end, they leave their readers unsatisfied or even disappointed. I feared it would be so with this one for several reasons. One, these books are actually a spin-off of the Weather Wardens series. I loved reading about Jo’s adventures and constantly going up against foes way bigger than she was and coming out bruised and beaten but a victor. Would I even like someone else playing the main part within the same universe? I hated her at first just as I was meant to. She was cold and inhuman. But good things or rather very bad things happened to her to change that.
Except for her love interest, David, we are taught to fear the Djinns in the prequel series. That brings me to the next reason for my misgivings: the protagonist in this one used to be a Djinn but was punished by the head honcho of Djinns when he turned her into a human before exiling her. But, the author takes three books to humanize the heroine’s character. It felt totally practical.
Thirdly, I would again have to say goodbye to the world of Weather Wardens when this series ended. And I did, but I also felt a sense of completion. So, that’s good!
About the last book itself, Ms. Caine doesn’t play shy when it comes to tragedies changing people forever. One of the main characters in this one was a little kid who was kidnapped and tortured by a power-hungry megalomaniac Djinn. When she is returned to her family, she isn’t shown to magically recover from all that has befallen her. She remains on the brink of becoming an unfeeling creature and her family keeps doing their best to bring her back. I liked the authenticity in that.
Finally, the ending was too and they lived happily ever after for me. While I wanted the characters to be happy, I didn’t want it to be so perfect. But mostly, the journey was a positive one. Can’t wait to see what Ms. Caine does next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2017
Cass and Luis try to warn the Wardens of Pearl's danger, but the warnings fall on deaf ears. The Mother has sent her djinn to attack humanity, and they can't afford to reject help, despite the risk. Cass is coming to worry she may not be able to escape the future she's been warned of, that she may have to destroy humanity to destroy Pearl after all.
June 27, 2020
This book would seem to conclude the Weather Warden and Outcast series. But one can hope. Best read in the order written to get best appreciation of the characters and story. I think that I would rate these with Asimov's Foundation series. No Hari Seldon to be in the books, but an incredible cast of characters that tie stories together.
June 26, 2017
Wow, it was really sad finishing this series. I was really into it. I'm going to start reading all the other series the author has written. I recommend this is you like strong female characters and badass-ery!
January 30, 2019
Great conclusion to this series (or at least I think so LOL). Been quite a few years since I'd read #3, so it took me a bit longer to get back into it but it definitely wrapped up with a bang and I blew through the end of it today which is always a good thing to me.
December 7, 2020
It’s been years since I read the rest of this series. It there was enough backstory included that I didn’t feel lost. Being almost non-stop action also helped it easier to remember what hat happened before. And it truly ended with no loose ends.
May 9, 2024
I loved how it ended but i still felt confused. But I honestly think it because of the timeline and where it fit. I read the weather warden series a long time ago. So I was a bit lost when I realized this was apart of that world.
July 21, 2017
Enjoyed the final novel in this series. Sad that I finished the whole series so quickly!
July 8, 2021
What an epic ending to an amazing series and still I want more!
September 25, 2021
Wow, this was such a great read, loved how it concluded, though I'm a little sad that it's the end of the series!
January 13, 2022
Pas ma série préférée de l'auteure
August 17, 2012
PUBLISHER PROMO: For millennia, Cassiel was a powerful Djinn-until she was exiled to live among mortals. Now the threat of an apocalypse looms, and Cassiel is in danger of losing everything she has come to hold dear.
As the world begins to fall apart around her, Cassiel finds herself fighting those she once called her own: the Djinn. With Warden Luis Rocha and the rescued child Ibby by her side, Cassiel struggles to find a way to protect those who are in her charge and come to terms with the leadership role she never asked for.
Cassiel is opposed by Pearl – a powerful Djinn bent on raising an army of kidnapped Warden children to bring about nothing less than the end of the world. It will take everything Cassiel has to stop the Djinn from starting a war that will wipe all of humanity from the face of the earth. She knows that this might not be a battle she can survive, but protecting those she loves is worth any cost . . .
I’ve been a sucker for these books starting with the Weather Warden Series, of which UNBROKEN: Out Cast is an offshoot and the very last one. So to see the series end is a little sad making. It is also a bit of a relief because baby, nothing can wreck you like going along for a ride with Joanna and her Djinn lover David, and their enemies and friends as they battle the elements, the apocalypse, and Mother Earth herself.
I was exhausted when the Weather Warden series ended. I read (nay devoured) all 7 books, read them in order…lived through the fast paced, constant danger, excitement, and apocalyptic damage. By the start of the last Joanne Baldwin, Weather Warden book, the world was basically broken, the Djinnn and Mother earth had thrown everything in their very capable hands at us, and honey pie…the humans were not winning.
We humans had been wracked up in hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, firestorms, typhoons, floods, and even plagues. It was enough to give anyone with the slightest fear of TEOTW as we know it, an up close and personal view of what could go wrong if it all goes wrong at the end. The only thing keeping us from complete anarchy and devastation was the superhuman work of the Warden’s (those who didn’t go bad) and the few Djinn who weren’t fighting against the humans. Amidst this Grande disaster movie, is a love story so touching you’d follow Joanne and David anywhere. And probably Joanne’s ex-lover Lewis, the leader of the Warden’s too. Cause he’s also hot hero. And so, with exhaustion but satisfaction, I laid down the last book feeling like I was one of the few hardy survivors. But it wasn’t enough for Ms. Caine.
No. She had to have the Djinn kick Cassiel out and make her human and then write a spin off series that follows along with the last few books concurrently but from a different point of view as Cassiel comes to terms with her humanity, and her need to work with the despised humans if she wants to survive the impending apocalypse as well as deal with falling in love with a Weather Warden of her own.
That Caine can even pull this off is amazing. That she’d be willing to relive that exhausting drive towards the final showdown a second time is almost masochistic. It’s a feat of creative writing. Best part of all was in this, the final-final ending book we get to see scenes from Joanne’s last book from Cassiel’s point of view as they are fighting off monsters together in a hotel in the desert.
We know how the story ends. But like all great tragedies, and adventures, we had only seen things from Joanne’s side of the story. Now we get to see things from other characters in those final hours. It’s amazing. And in a weird way, very realistic despite all the crazy magic involved. Because ultimately….we are all heroes of our own story. If it is a battle, everyone has their own evil genius they have to kill to end things, or their own sacrifice to make. And at the end when Joanne leaves the screen to go save the world her way…Cassiel is right there in her little pocket of hell…saving the world her way, and she had her own sacrifice, tragedy and battle won. Rachel Caine sets up the stakes and unlike most other books that have the supposed heroes supposedly saving the world, you really believe it is possible her characters could pull it off.
If you like Karen Chance’s Cassie Palmer series, you’ll like this series, it has the same hectic, frantic, snarky, fast-paced adventure vibe. If you haven’t read the previous books in this series however, please start with the first Joanne Baldwin Weather Warden book, Ill Wind. It would be very confusing to come in on the very end of the whole thing.
As the world begins to fall apart around her, Cassiel finds herself fighting those she once called her own: the Djinn. With Warden Luis Rocha and the rescued child Ibby by her side, Cassiel struggles to find a way to protect those who are in her charge and come to terms with the leadership role she never asked for.
Cassiel is opposed by Pearl – a powerful Djinn bent on raising an army of kidnapped Warden children to bring about nothing less than the end of the world. It will take everything Cassiel has to stop the Djinn from starting a war that will wipe all of humanity from the face of the earth. She knows that this might not be a battle she can survive, but protecting those she loves is worth any cost . . .
I’ve been a sucker for these books starting with the Weather Warden Series, of which UNBROKEN: Out Cast is an offshoot and the very last one. So to see the series end is a little sad making. It is also a bit of a relief because baby, nothing can wreck you like going along for a ride with Joanna and her Djinn lover David, and their enemies and friends as they battle the elements, the apocalypse, and Mother Earth herself.
I was exhausted when the Weather Warden series ended. I read (nay devoured) all 7 books, read them in order…lived through the fast paced, constant danger, excitement, and apocalyptic damage. By the start of the last Joanne Baldwin, Weather Warden book, the world was basically broken, the Djinnn and Mother earth had thrown everything in their very capable hands at us, and honey pie…the humans were not winning.
We humans had been wracked up in hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, firestorms, typhoons, floods, and even plagues. It was enough to give anyone with the slightest fear of TEOTW as we know it, an up close and personal view of what could go wrong if it all goes wrong at the end. The only thing keeping us from complete anarchy and devastation was the superhuman work of the Warden’s (those who didn’t go bad) and the few Djinn who weren’t fighting against the humans. Amidst this Grande disaster movie, is a love story so touching you’d follow Joanne and David anywhere. And probably Joanne’s ex-lover Lewis, the leader of the Warden’s too. Cause he’s also hot hero. And so, with exhaustion but satisfaction, I laid down the last book feeling like I was one of the few hardy survivors. But it wasn’t enough for Ms. Caine.
No. She had to have the Djinn kick Cassiel out and make her human and then write a spin off series that follows along with the last few books concurrently but from a different point of view as Cassiel comes to terms with her humanity, and her need to work with the despised humans if she wants to survive the impending apocalypse as well as deal with falling in love with a Weather Warden of her own.
That Caine can even pull this off is amazing. That she’d be willing to relive that exhausting drive towards the final showdown a second time is almost masochistic. It’s a feat of creative writing. Best part of all was in this, the final-final ending book we get to see scenes from Joanne’s last book from Cassiel’s point of view as they are fighting off monsters together in a hotel in the desert.
We know how the story ends. But like all great tragedies, and adventures, we had only seen things from Joanne’s side of the story. Now we get to see things from other characters in those final hours. It’s amazing. And in a weird way, very realistic despite all the crazy magic involved. Because ultimately….we are all heroes of our own story. If it is a battle, everyone has their own evil genius they have to kill to end things, or their own sacrifice to make. And at the end when Joanne leaves the screen to go save the world her way…Cassiel is right there in her little pocket of hell…saving the world her way, and she had her own sacrifice, tragedy and battle won. Rachel Caine sets up the stakes and unlike most other books that have the supposed heroes supposedly saving the world, you really believe it is possible her characters could pull it off.
If you like Karen Chance’s Cassie Palmer series, you’ll like this series, it has the same hectic, frantic, snarky, fast-paced adventure vibe. If you haven’t read the previous books in this series however, please start with the first Joanne Baldwin Weather Warden book, Ill Wind. It would be very confusing to come in on the very end of the whole thing.
March 18, 2017
An amazing ending to a series that I have come to love! It had familiar characters from another series, blending the story lines together so seamlessly.
May 8, 2013
Spoiler Alert! Unbroken is the fourth and final installment in the Outcast series by Rachel Caine. The book picks up shortly after the events of Unseen with Cassiel, Luis, Isabel and Esmeralda counting their losses from the previous battle. Isabel has changed as a result of the manipulation and exploitation she experienced at the hands of the malevolent Pearl. Cassiel and Luis can only guess at the extent of the abuse she suffered. With her new powers and a maturity beyond her six years, Isabel realises there’s no going back and she can no longer be a hindrance to her uncle and Cassiel. To their horror she ages herself and announces she will no longer be treated as a child and wants to help stop Pearl once and for all. Cassiel realises that the ramifications of what Isabel has done to herself will be felt throughout her now brief life.
Pearl is no longer the only danger on the horizon – Mother Earth is awake, and she is about to unleash her anger on planet earth, the likes of which humans, wardens and Djinn have never seen. Cassiel and Luis unite with Lewis and the Warden’s as they attempt to minimise the damage being inflicted by earthquakes, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes to the earth and human life. Adding to the chaos and destruction are the Djinn who are under Mother Earth's thrall with instructions to take out the Wardens. To their dismay Cassiel and Luis discover that Pearl has taken human form to convince the Wardens of her desire to help and continues to tap into her children’s powers. Cassiel knows that the children with their powers enhanced by Pearl’s manipulations are now capable of destruction beyond human comprehension. She also knows that Pearl is bidding her time and will strike at the first opportunity.
Lewis instructs Cassiel and Luis to rescue Joanne who is trapped at a nuclear plant. Cassiel later finds herself in dire straits when she is captured and held prisoner in a crystal cocoon by Pearl who plans to transform Cassiel into her own personal weapon. Fortunately she’s rescued by Lewis who heals her. Now the lines have been drawn and the battle ground set. Cassiel has chosen her allies and now she must take a final stand to protect everything she holds dear. Only towards the end does Cassiel realise what Ashan wanted of her and why. Will her sacrifice be enough?
Unbroken is the fourth and final book in the Outcast Season series and in the Weather Warden time line runs alongside the last book Total Eclipse. Those familiar with Total Eclipse will have an inkling of how some of the plot plays out but Outcast allows us to see how events played out from different perspectives. Cassiel’s journey is different from Joanne’s in that she alone must stand against Pearl who remains intent on destroying Mother Earth. Every character has their own role to play – their own sacrifice to make. All in all Caine does a great job of creating tense, dramatic situations which leave the reader wondering to the end.
Isabel’s evolution from the innocent, happy mischievous 6 year old first introduced in Undone to the emotionally scarred, brave resolute girl in Unbroken was heartbreaking to read. She was mature enough to realise what needed to be done and yet at times she was still the 6yr old girl who needed her parents and love and security.
It was great to see cameo’s from Joanne, David, Lewis, Rahel, Venna and even Rashid. Esmeralda’s death came as a surprise. She had been redeemed, finally gets her body back only to die? Apart from that the series ended on a satisfying note.
Pearl is no longer the only danger on the horizon – Mother Earth is awake, and she is about to unleash her anger on planet earth, the likes of which humans, wardens and Djinn have never seen. Cassiel and Luis unite with Lewis and the Warden’s as they attempt to minimise the damage being inflicted by earthquakes, fires, tornadoes and hurricanes to the earth and human life. Adding to the chaos and destruction are the Djinn who are under Mother Earth's thrall with instructions to take out the Wardens. To their dismay Cassiel and Luis discover that Pearl has taken human form to convince the Wardens of her desire to help and continues to tap into her children’s powers. Cassiel knows that the children with their powers enhanced by Pearl’s manipulations are now capable of destruction beyond human comprehension. She also knows that Pearl is bidding her time and will strike at the first opportunity.
Lewis instructs Cassiel and Luis to rescue Joanne who is trapped at a nuclear plant. Cassiel later finds herself in dire straits when she is captured and held prisoner in a crystal cocoon by Pearl who plans to transform Cassiel into her own personal weapon. Fortunately she’s rescued by Lewis who heals her. Now the lines have been drawn and the battle ground set. Cassiel has chosen her allies and now she must take a final stand to protect everything she holds dear. Only towards the end does Cassiel realise what Ashan wanted of her and why. Will her sacrifice be enough?
Unbroken is the fourth and final book in the Outcast Season series and in the Weather Warden time line runs alongside the last book Total Eclipse. Those familiar with Total Eclipse will have an inkling of how some of the plot plays out but Outcast allows us to see how events played out from different perspectives. Cassiel’s journey is different from Joanne’s in that she alone must stand against Pearl who remains intent on destroying Mother Earth. Every character has their own role to play – their own sacrifice to make. All in all Caine does a great job of creating tense, dramatic situations which leave the reader wondering to the end.
Isabel’s evolution from the innocent, happy mischievous 6 year old first introduced in Undone to the emotionally scarred, brave resolute girl in Unbroken was heartbreaking to read. She was mature enough to realise what needed to be done and yet at times she was still the 6yr old girl who needed her parents and love and security.
It was great to see cameo’s from Joanne, David, Lewis, Rahel, Venna and even Rashid. Esmeralda’s death came as a surprise. She had been redeemed, finally gets her body back only to die? Apart from that the series ended on a satisfying note.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews