Title: Followers of Torments series
Author: K. Caffee
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Wordpress Blog Peachy's Insights on Nov. 13, 2015
link: http://wp.me/p6kbvq-81
Reviewed by Grandma Peachy (Lavern Winters) originally for Peachy's Insights blog
Recently I read K.
Caffee's books in her Followers of Torments series. This series is an excellent
read especially if you like an unusual paranormal fantasy. The story is in a
setting reminiscent of gladiators in a Roman Arena. There are some typical
paranormal characters, vampires, werewolves and other fae in the series. There
are others that aren't typical such as the spider goddess worshiped by most of
the realms. I really enjoyed the series and look forward to reading more of
Nameless' story. Following are my reviews of each of the three books published
so far.
Out of the Darkness:
Followers of Torments Book #1
I found the first part
unbelievable because it seems impossible that any person could survive an
infancy of isolation. However, once I got past that part of the book the story
became much more believable and interesting. A fantasy story in which the main
character is born a slave and raised to fight in the arena in gladiator fashion.
There are paranormal overtones though the training and advancement within the
arena have the primary role in this first book of the series. I found the
development of the fighter and his training to be believable and the paranormal
aspects unique. The plot had a little slower start than I like but as it
progresses the action picked up and the story became a satisfying read. Her
character development of the unnamed fighter was very well done. After surviving
an unbelievable infancy the steps taken in isolation then limited contact to
train the child first for survival then obedience were quite realistic.
The training he receives gives the fighter no concept of anything but slavery
which created a gladiator with determination to survive, obey and serve
only his master. The author did an excellent job engaging me in the personal
experiences of the main character. The ingrained lessons learned as a slave and
fighter gave me an empathy for his emotions and attitudes as he fought his way
to the top and his freedom. If you like a gladiator style paranormal fantasy
story, then this book is well worth reading. I rate it 4 stars only because the
beginning was unbelievable and the plot started slower than I
like.
********
Remember the
Shadows: Followers of Torments Book#2
I am
quite enthralled by Nameless, the main character in this series. After reading
Out of the Darkness, the first of the series, I was anxious the learn how he
learns to cope with his new life after gaining his freedom. The author has done
a superb job of detailing how a character who had only ever known slavery
adjusts to freedom with no real instruction on what is expected. Nameless is
smart and learns quickly, though the ingrained habits of slavery are difficult
to overcome. He comes to hate the culture that shaped him and begins to wage a
war against what he believes is wrong with the society. I feel his frustrations,
his anger, his amusement, and confusion as he treads through a new life of
freedom. Ms. Caffee created an excellent plot and cast of characters that
is well worth the read if you enjoy a Romanesque gladiator theme in a unique
paranormal fantasy. Five stars for such an enjoyable story with wonderful
character development and plot line.
********
Into the
Sunlits: Followers of Torments Book#3
Into the Sunlits continues
this paranormal fantasy in a setting of Roman style gladiator slavery. In this
book Nameless seeks to increase his stable of Silks (slaves) to train for arena
fighting. The author has done an excellent job of advancing the plot and
continuing to develop the main characters after entering a new realm. The social
mores and cultural experiences as well as environment in the Sunlits are beyond
Nameless' experiences. He finds slavers are not as welcome and capturing rather
purchasing is the most abhorrent. The open sunlight in this realm proves to be
an obstacle to success as he attempts to increase the size of his stable. His
trainer cannot tolerate the sunshine and he himself has a difficult time
functioning in the open daylight as well. As each of the characters are
developed further we learn more about their backgrounds, particularly Nameless
whose parentage has not previously been known. The dilemmas faced and the action
are captivating and exciting. The story moves along at a good pace adding new
supporting characters. This is definitely not a stand alone book; it is a
continuation of the first two novels and the ultimate conclusion is not reached.
The book leaves us with a cliff hanger. Personally, I don't mind cliff hangers
in epic series and I would say this is epic. I love the characters and the plot
leads down some unexpected trails. There are some moral and political issues
addressed as part of the story. I am looking forward to the next part of the
story that I understand will be out later in 2015. I give this one 5
stars.
LINKS
Author web page: https://pukahworks.wordpress.com/
Purchasing on
Amazon:
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1 comment:
Hope you like the three-in-one review. The New York Times often does a similar format with more than one book featured in a review.
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