At first it was a little difficult to read and keep track of all of the different characters, but once I got further into it, it got easier to read. I enjoyed the overall story and the different perspectives and lifestyles. One thing that had made me sad is that it was no different then the perils we are facing in real life, I guess that’s why it hit a little closer to home for me. I loved that it brought in a different kind of “fairy” than we are all used to. It brought into modern day. Overall it was well written and kept me on the edge of my seat! I can’t wait to see what book 2 has in store for us!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimmohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimmo2022-05-23 07:41:142022-05-23 07:41:14Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Crystal Jimmo
Wow! That’s all I can say about this book: fantastic world-building, well-written plot, and great characters. While there are a lot of characters it is not difficult to keep track. The plot has a lot of relevance to our real world and it’s easy to see where the author drew references. I absolutely adored the Byrne family. They were a soothing balm for every character; especially little Fiona. I was amazed at how Ms. Dillon pulled off such an intricate yet easy-to-understand plot. I found myself to be very unwilling to put this book down. I can’t wait to read book 2 for a continuation of the cliffhanger that we were left on.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00La Toya Lewishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLa Toya Lewis2022-05-22 21:47:302022-05-22 21:47:30Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by La Toya Lewis
Something has changed and magical powers are being given to people who before didn’t have any. With these powers and changes come great fear and a desire to stay unnoticed, but the Unhidden can’t be kept from the public view.
Suddenly, a group of six Unhidden is the only thing standing between peace and death with total destruction and elimination. Can they save themselves and all of the Unhidden?
Taming of the Few was a fun and suspenseful read with great world building. With sass and attitude from the characters, this story really feels like something you can relate to (minus the magic). It is told from a variety of viewpoints, so if that’s not something you enjoy, this may not be a read for you. I’m excited to read more from the Guardians of PHAE series! And the title is definitely fun!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tia Martelhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTia Martel2022-05-21 07:52:402022-05-21 07:52:40Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Tia Martel
4.6/5 stars This is such a good I try to the series! I couldn’t put it down. The different POVs are done so well that it’s not confusing at all. This book is also very well written. I was honestly very surprised at how much I liked it. It reminded me of 1950’s USA, but with the “unhiddens” instead. I’m very excited to read not only book two, but more by this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2022-05-20 08:10:052022-05-20 08:10:05Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Daryian Lucas
The author has written an interesting world of fantasy that has aspects we recognize but at the same time gives us differences. The characters are well written regarding their individual powers and are fairly easy to connect with. From the start we can feel the danger and hostility the characters face for being different from the rest of the human race. Many of the people with powers are finding it hard to stay safe. Those with powers are finding safe haven in Ireland at a school where they can learn more about their abilities and learn to work together. The ones who found sanctuary in Ireland must now work together to keep the school and others who helped them. I enjoyed reading this first book in the series and I’m looking forward to see how the team continues to work together.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2022-05-20 08:09:442022-05-20 08:09:44Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Betsy Melano
This is the first book that I’ve read from the author, and I was not disappointed. The storyline is amazing and the characters each had a dynamic that went very well with the plot of the story. I recommend this book to anyone. I was able to read the entire book in one sitting. I’m excited to read the second book in the series and see what the author has in store for us readers.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Skylar Danielshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSkylar Daniels2022-05-19 08:07:002022-05-19 08:07:00Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Skylar Daniels
This book is a breath of fresh air. It is different then any other books I’ve read. I love how you get thoughts from every character but it gets kind of hard to keep up with what powers everyone has. Overall this book is definitely worth the read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Goodmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Goodman2022-05-19 08:06:432022-05-19 08:06:43Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Heather Goodman
Taming of the Few is an exciting urban fantasy, the first in the Guardians of the PHAE series. People around their world are finding dormant magical abilities and mutations manifesting, and facing discrimination and violence as people respond in fear. PHAE have established a haven in Ireland, attracting “Unhidden” who have no option but to leave their own lives behind. This is an engrossing and entertaining book. The characters really make it for me – they feel like people I know (albeit with paranormal abilities I’m not aware of my friends having!). We learn what makes them feel comfortable and safe, and then watch as they’re taken away from their comfort zone. There are plenty of moments of lightness and character-focused scenes as well as the action and drama. One thing I really like is that the Unhidden aren’t overpowered. Many have niche and specific abilities, or even inconvenient physical mutations. This means that those who object to the Unhidden can pose a real threat, with the numbers and aggression to have the upper hand. It also means characters can’t rely wholly on their abilities to keep themselves and each other safe. I’d recommend this book to fans of superhero stories like the X-Men, with characters learning to cope with new and growing powers. It gets five stars from me, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2022-05-18 07:36:382022-05-18 07:36:38Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
An extremely well done look into what happens if suddenly a subset of the population suddenly changes… You can suddenly change your eye color, move things with your mind… cool right? No! new things breed mass hysteria and fear and people with abilities are hunted, arrested and attacked…even though they’ve never lifted a finger against others. We meet a few characters who have been through world changing experiences and find themselves thrust into protecting others like them. Do they rally together, or is there traitors in their ranks?
this is an intriguing opener to a world of fantasy and emerging powers I’m interested as to where the author takes this group of characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2022-05-14 07:54:122022-05-14 07:54:12Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Melissa Saxton
I was intrigued by this book because of the beautiful cover, as well as the fact that it takes place partly in Ireland which made it seem unique. I love the paranormal/fantasy genre and this book was full of interesting and original world-building. It was a lot of information to grasp, and I did have to go back and reread some things so I didn’t get confused on the characters or background information. I know that there is going to be another book (or more) so I am hoping that it will be a little easier to follow now that the characters have been explained.
I loved the idea of the individuals with special abilities having a place where they could be with other unique individuals in a place where they were safe and could learn about themselves. I thought a lot of the issues the characters had that came from being different could be connected to our world today, especially recently. I also am a teacher with anxiety about not always fitting in, so I connected with the main female character Anna a lot. I will definitely be checking out the next book in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shai Floreshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShai Flores2022-05-12 07:53:552022-05-12 07:53:55Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Shai Flores
Taming of the Few: A Thrilling Irish Urban Fantasy Adventure (Guardians of the PHAE #1) by Rowan Dillon
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Taming of the Few is an amazing book. It’s also the first of the genre I’ve read that’s had me hooked from the beginning. It’s the first book in the Guardians of the PHAE series.
Anna is a teacher who isn’t exactly all human. She’s got scales on her skin and one of her students catches it. She has to hide it before something happens. The quote I chose for Anna is: “I’m not sure what you mean. One of my students came back after practice while I did laps. Surely that’s not an issue?”
Max is a soldier and now he’s teaming up with Anna. Can she help him overcome his PSTD? Can he help her overcome the fact that she’s not exactly all human. The quote I chose for Max is: “Oi, you don’t waste time, do you, Hiroki? I would never have thought it of ya. Look at you, the ladies’ man!”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2022-05-10 09:21:442022-05-10 09:21:44Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE #1) by Rowan Dillon-Review by Amanda Kimble
Taming of the Few had such a fresh take on magical hybrids! Strange transformations are taking place in certain bloodlines of people and nobody knows why! Ostracized from society, they are trained & honed to be useful for their own cause. Can Anna keep pace when all she is trained to do is swim? Can she master these powers inside her in time? Absolutely worth the read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alisa Boomerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlisa Boomer2022-05-10 09:17:452022-05-10 09:17:45Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Alisa Boomer
This beautifully written book is a treasure and I hope all fantasy fans get the chance to read it. The gorgeous cover had me hooked with the deep colors with a pop of brilliant gold in the center. This magical story starts with following Anna, a young woman who realizes she is in danger once her special abilities come to light and impacts her teaching position. Fate helped her escape the states and travel to Ireland for safety. She meets others like her with strange magical powers, all while trying to learn more about her own power, how to protect herself and others, as well as trying to make a decision about volunteering for a future position within the Phae organization.
Anna finds herself partially covered in scales with skin that screams for the water. She also has a spectacular affinity for somewhat controlling water. However, due to fear and discrimination of those who are not of Unhidden Blood.
The story also introduces other incredible characters such as Max, a military vet with a love of flying and the habit of drinking. He wasn’t thrilled about coming to Ireland, but fellow newbie Phae recruiter, Hiroki, successfully recruited him by making several promises, one of which was access to a new plane. Max is a grumpy old man, he has an impressive background and is a great pilot. He also has the magical ability to speak to the wind, which he is struggling with at the beginning of this book.
The Byrne family’s farm is one of the many training locations for the Phae and they welcome the new folks who have uncovered their Unhidden Blood talents. The family’s personalities are incredible, including the wonderful children. I truly enjoyed the way the author incorporated the different folks into the training location along with the Byrne family. With a large group of folks in one single location for any amount of time could prove to be interesting in any setting, let alone one where the Phae are often on alert for any type of attack from those who misunderstand and refuse to accept those with Unhidden Blood.
I cannot wait to see what the next book will have in store for the characters/story/plot.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2022-05-08 21:00:492022-05-08 21:00:49Taming of the Few (Guardians of Phae Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review By Darla Yocom
The characters were interesting. The plot was alright. I found there was good descriptions throughout the book. If you are interested in the subject of the Fae, you should give this a read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kassandra Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKassandra Anderson2022-05-05 22:04:582022-05-05 22:04:58Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Kassandra
A multiple POV read leads you through the lives of numerous characters, each with their own prejudice and opinions about what the world is. Each marked with an ability that some view as a gift and others a curse, the reader is led through multiple tiers of struggle, betrayal, romance, sense of duty, and longing for acceptance. The journey for each began in a part of the world where their “kind” is far from accepted. With abilities that must be hidden or face extreme prejudice and belittling circumstances, the reader is taken along the journey of found family and development of powers to quite literally, save the world they know.
The author draws deep both historical and religious contexts to portray a story that truly draws out the horrors of what human beings are capable of. The blanket of fantasy adds a foggy glass through which the reader is able to view the world, but the pinpricks of realism draw all the nearer with each new revelation. A captivating read deems you into a hold that the pages fly by, and the world comes alive around you.
All the characters, despite their numerous backgrounds and stories, all merge together in a singular plot for their survival against genocide. A reader can do little more than root for each new POV that is splayed across the pages, their emotions sometimes in stark contrast to one another. It is oftentimes that I found myself loving one character through a viewpoint, and then hating them upon a switch. It just proves the talent that the author portrays.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristen2022-05-05 22:01:062022-05-05 22:01:06Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Christen Ware
Personally I have never read something by this author before, but this was an interesting read for my first time. This book was full of so many wonderful things, and was overall a great story. While the story and the plot were both fantastic, I did find myself getting lost a couple of times because of all of the different characters and their abilities. But overall it is a well thought out book, with plenty of action, great characters, and more. So if your looking for a complex but interesting read pick this one up today.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2022-05-05 07:35:062022-05-05 07:35:06Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Stephanie Nicole
This is the first book in this exciting new fantasy series. It is full of danger, tension, action and adventure. The story premise is interesting. There are a lot of unique characters with different powers and a lot of information was given for their back stories. Unfortunately, it felt a bit too bogged down with that information and I had to back track and reread bits to try to keep it straight in my mind. It was set in the beautiful country of Ireland which made it easy to imagine.
The Unhidden are now faced with not only dealing with a world in war and chaos but they struggle having to learn what they have become and their new abilities and powers.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-05-04 07:46:072022-05-04 07:46:07Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Jenni Bishop
Taming of the Few is the first book in the Guardians of Phae series by Rowan Dillon (Christy Nicholas). The author has woven a fantastic world in which to set this creative story. It is an urban fantasy with tension, drama, ‘superheros’, adventure, danger, banter, a mysteriousness, and more. While I loved the premise of this new book/series, as well as some of the details and developments- I felt that the story did ‘lag’ in places, and at times got really bogged down by character introductions and ‘information dumps’. There are quite a lot of characters who get introduced- which was a lot to keep track of times. Being the first book in the series, I guess the author was trying to lay the ‘foundations’ to the rest of the series here in the first book- so I am hoping that the rest of the series will flow better and not be weighed down by so many characters and infodumps, as I really am intrigued to see where we go from here. Love the cover!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-05-03 07:35:212022-05-03 07:35:21Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Angela Hayes
When I first saw this book I was intrigued. It pulled me in with its pretty Cover and interesting Synopsis and the authors writing was really good so i couldnt put it down. It was a fantasy Thriller that kept me on my toes with this huge world that this author build for us. I am looking forward to more by this author in the future! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anastasia Dodsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnastasia Dodson2022-05-03 07:35:042022-05-03 07:35:04Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Anastasia Dodson
This was a great read! It was enthralling, well written, and also difficult to read in some spots, in regard to prejudices. I was very surprised going into this one, because I honestly just didn’t expect it to be this good. I haven’t read anything from this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect but this sure wasn’t it. I’m VERY appreciative of the pronunciation guide in this book, as some of the words are extremely difficult to pronounce. But overall this was an amazing read and I can’t wait for the sequel!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2022-05-03 07:34:412022-05-03 07:34:41Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Rachel Moss
This is the first book I have read by this author so I came into it not knowing what to expect! Overall, this is a pretty good book but definitely easy to lose the storyline at times because there are so many characters with differing abilities!
We start out meeting Anna who has just been relieved of her teaching position and attacked by an angry mob all because of her growing abilities which she had no control over. After being attacked by an angry mob she flees to Ireland which is touted as a safe haven for the unhidden. There we meet Max who is also an unhidden, war veteran. As the unhidden flock to Ireland they are catalogs based on the unhidden ability they possess. Some have strong abilities like controlling water or air while others are more mundane like changing eye color. While attempting to learn the extent of their abilities the Phae are threatened by an extremist group determined to eliminate the unhidden from the world. From just learning a little more about their abilities now Anna and Max and a team of 4 other unhidden must come together to protect the one place that has given them sanctuary. Can their team of untrained unhidden people defend a country where sanctuary is given? Or will it be too much for these newbies and fall to the extremists?
This book takes an immense amount of concentration to keep all the characters straight along with their abilities. This book does not lack in action though and it does pull you in from the start. It was a well thought out book and the author does a beautiful job describing the scene and players so your mind can draw the image in your head. If you like fantasy this is definitely a good read and I look forward to diving into the second book to continue my discovery of the unhidden and their abilities!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2022-05-03 07:34:242022-05-03 07:34:24Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Vanessa Watts
I was excited to pick up this story after hearing friends rave about it. And honestly, I’m so glad that I did. It was a thrilling fantasy with everything you can possibly imagine in between. The author did a fantastic job with her world descriptions. She had me believing I was there. I loved the history that she delved into. I thought it really brought the story to life. I loved all the characters she has in the book. I’m always a fan of a large diverse cast of characters that must work and support one another. This was perfect. I can’t wait to pick up the second book in this series. I highly recommend that you read this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Karen Pearmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaren Pearman2022-05-03 07:34:032022-05-03 07:34:03Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Karen Pearman
This series is about people who end up with gifts and are called the unhidden. During this time, humans worry and are retaliating over this. Most of the unhidden have Irish heritage and would up there to be safe and protected. That’s where the PHAE come in. They try and help train them with their gifts. The people they highlight in this series to help overcome the problems ahead. It was a really good read and can’t wait to continue on!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Hastinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Hasting2022-05-03 07:33:462022-05-03 07:33:46Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Ashley Hasting
What an exciting story. As soon as I started reading this book I found myself engaging with the storyline. It caught my attention straight away and just didn’t seem to let up. I loved both the story and the characters in this one. Each added to the other and the way the author worked them both was amazing. As the start of a new series I think the author has done well to create a strong impression. I am already looking forward to Book 2.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-05-03 07:33:312022-05-03 07:33:31Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Kerry Baker
Humanity is seeing its next evolution, the Unhidden, it all started when the magnetic poles of the Earth shifted and people discovered new abilities and power flowing through their veins, for some it physically showed but for others it didn’t, but wherever there are differences, there are those who are afraid of it and those who can accept it. As those who experience these changes try and manage them, they struggle to maintain a normal life, an extremist group are growing in popularity with their demands pertaining to the Unhidden and the supposed danger which they present to the rest of humanity, unfortunately, their views are growing in popularity.
Anna Taylor is a swim coach at a local college in the USA, but she is filled with anxiety that someone will see the scales which are starting to develop on her body, one day all her fears come to pass when a student sees her in the pool and reports her to the principal, who terminates her employment, shortly after this, she is ousted from her home by an angry mob, this sends her anxiety to a whole new level until someone steps in to help her. Maximillian Hurley is a Vietnam veteran who lives alone in the Australian Outback with his plane and a smattering of tourists who he flies around giving tours to during the day and his constant companion of a bottle of hard liquor to drink his demons away on a night, that is until a mysterious fire takes it all away from him and someone else steps in with a new direction for his life and his talents.
They have both been recruited by PHAE, the agents who approached them offer them a chance to relocate to Ireland and have the opportunity to help others like them by offering training in the use and development of their talents, so they go to a centre where they meet the rest of their group, however, they are called into action much earlier than planned and as they are separated, Anna and Max team up in Cork and although they tried to disrupt the machinations of the anti-Unhidden group, a bomb shatters the city and they end up trying to save as many as they can while battling their own PTSD and anxiety in the process.
Can Anna and Max overcome their fears and use their powers with the rest of the group to stop their xenophobic opposition, or will it all become too much and they buckle under the pressure? This is an urban fantasy which is full of action and adventure, as individuals come to terms with the changes in their lives while fighting for them at the same time and they will have you fighting right alongside them throughout as you are sucked into this world which is not far afield of life right now.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2022-05-03 07:33:142022-05-03 07:33:14Taming of the Few: A Thrilling Irish Urban Fantasy Adventure (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
The story started off great! It’s very interesting learning about the various people and their gifts. But as the story moved along I found myself losing interest in the characters and the story. History and political/religious themes seemed to take over as people seemed to take a backseat. While I loved all the details of the characters I really only felt connected to or cared about Max, Anna and Brendan plus Róisín. They got the most page time and I was always anxious to get back to them to see how they were doing. I appreciate the author not inundating us with names and characters right off the bat. Being too slow to introduce can be an issue too.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2022-05-03 07:31:162022-05-03 07:31:16Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Lisa Helmick
As people around the world start discovering they have extra abilities, one place has designated a space for them to seek refuge from growing tensions among those who don’t possess such abilities. Even though some are as minor as the ability to change their eye color, anyone discovered with such abilities is beginning to find themselves ostracized from their peers, coworkers, and even families. PHAE is a safe haven for those who have abilities, and the reader is introduced to characters from around the world with unhidden talents as they arrive at PHAE headquarters in Ireland.
Filled with lore from different cultures, this book takes the reader through a fantasy tale that doesn’t seem so far fetched, as PHAE starts to become the target of international organizations that want those with abilities to be registered and segregated, or worse. Even as those with abilities are still trying to figure out how and why they possess such talents, and the extent of their abilities, they must fight for survival against a myriad of attacks from those who would rather see them eradicated.
I loved the storytelling and the character development in this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series to see how everything unfolds and what other talents emerge.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Wendy Waryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWendy Wary2022-05-03 07:30:452022-05-03 07:30:45Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Wendy Wary
This is one of the most fascinating stories I have read this year. The premise of the magnetic pole shift causing hidden powers to come out in some people and not others is excellent. I’m a huge X-men fan and I have to say that this story felt a little like I was meeting a new branch. All the powers coming out and the characters made this story fascinating and uniquely entertaining for me. I found that I was sucked in at page 1 and couldn’t put it down until I was done. It had a terrific flow. The plot twists were great and unexpected. I have to say that I’m excited and eagerly awaiting book 2. You need to read this. One of my favorites for this year. New author and now a favorite for me. Loved this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-05-03 07:30:262022-05-03 07:30:26Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Shelly Kittell
This book was not at all what I expected it to be when I read the synopsis but it did not disappoint. There is a percentage of humans who have manifested powers which people are calling them the “Unhidden”. Since there is a higher percentage of the Unhidden manifesting in Ireland, that country is self dubbed as a safe haven for those who have powers.
The author writes from the point of view of each Unhidden who is staying in the same place on a farm. Though we do see the point of views of Anna and Max more often.
Anna is a quiet gym teacher who lives alone and keeps to herself. She has manifested water powers. A student discovered her powers by accident one day so the town ran Anna out. She saw a pamphlet of a place for her kind in Ireland and didn’t think twice about going. She is extremely anxious but with the help of others she starts getting more comfortable in her own skin.
Max, who is a war vet and functioning alcoholic can control the wind. He is a bitter old man who is used to being alone and it shows in how he talks to the others.
The group of Unhidden staying at the farm barely had time to even unpack when they are called to war. Normal humans want to eradicate the Unhidden.
What surprised me was the amount of racism and politics in this book, making this a unique point of view of magical beings. I was intrigued from the beginning of the book to the end and then some. I NEED to read the next installment when available!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2022-05-03 07:30:042022-05-03 07:30:04Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Santana Hicks
Fantasy at its best This was a brilliant first book in the Guardians of PHAE series. Based in the wonderful setting of Ireland I was taken on an epic journey filled with magical talents and gripping action. The author weaves a tale based in fantasy but still has everyday issues such as prejudice, racism and mental health. I connected quickly with the characters and I thoroughly enjoyed the multiple POV. I eagerly await book two. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2022-05-02 07:52:092022-05-02 07:52:09Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Rayne East
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