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Isabella’s Painting (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Shelly Kittell

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fascinating first book in the series. It’s fun and quite entertaining. Our protagonist has her own set of challenges to deal with while she, somehow, ends up solving mysteries. I love that she’s not a detective and this isn’t her primary job. She somehow has the resources to solve the case. What I didn’t know is that this is based on a true case. I loved the author’s writing. This is a story that grabs you right from the start and you can’t put the book down. A definite must read.

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Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler – Review by Michelle Austin

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting was a great 5 star read and the first book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series.

Karina is a lawyer who discovers something mysterious when she is attending a party with her boyfriend at his parents home. Of course her curiosity peaks and she does some investigating, could she have seen a piece of artwork that was part of a historical unsolved robbery?

I’d gotten it into my head that I would crack a case that neither the FBI, nor highly skilled art detectives, nor investigative reporters had done in the past twenty-eight years. How silly of me

Will Karina’s curiosity bring danger to her doorstep? Will she be able to solve the mystery?

We meet several great secondary characters that added a great element to the story, my favorite was Molly. I really liked Karina, she had me LOL so many times, she was very smart and independent. I really like a book that has me guessing throughout the story, I was thrown off when it twisted in a completely different direction on me. This is my first read from Ellen and I was pulled right in by her writing. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Caralee Loonat

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
5 star!!!!!

I must admit I like a good mystery book once in a while. This was a great find as this is my first book by this author. The book has just the right amount of drama and really grabs the reader from page one. I was at the edge of my seat awaiting to find out what would happen next.

I found that Karina’s character was very realistic. I found myself being transported into the book as she delves into the museum heist mystery. The drama between her and Patrick just adds to the drama in the book. The whole way that things unfold along with the darknet auction to the mob connections I just couldn’t put this book down. I found my adrenaline running as I am sure Karina’s would be as she followed each lead to the heist. I look forward to reading more not only from this series but also this author.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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Isabella’s Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jana Teppih

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting is the opening act of Ellen Butler’s Karina Cardinal Mystery series. It is my first encounter with the writer and I am sure it will not be last. She will be one of the writers I will go back to when I need my next fix of straight up mystery.
Isabella’s Painting is the story of Karina Cardinal, lawyer turned lobbyist who happens to stumble upon a mystery and being the person she is, she cannot let it go and start investigating putting her own life and also of the other’s in danger. Luckily for her, she has an FBI connection so off she goes into danger, intrigue, action, drama, mafia, humour and some romance sprinkled in! The story is fast paced and as you get pulled in from page one, at times it feels like it goes too fast (but that is only because I would have loved to linger more) but that is ok as there will be another mystery so we will get more of the gorgeousness of Karina and co! And for you, the detailed orientated mystery buffs? Isabella’s Painting should be just down your alley!

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) By Ellen Butler – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star
Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery ( Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) By Ellen Butler is a book filled with suspense, mystery and some Romance and one that will hook you in the beginning till the very end.There are a few twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what happens next. This story is about Karina and how she overheard a conversation that wasn’t meant for hers.Find out what happens next. I highly recommend this book.

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Lisa Boltiador

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting was a fun mystery story. Karina gets caught up in an old Painting Heist mystery when she stumbles upon a stolen piece at Christmas. It’s in her boyfriend’s parents’ house, so that adds a whole other element. Then she runs into an old friend and things just kind of get crazier from there. One thing I appreciate in this story is Karina’s strong personality. She’s solid, independent, has a good head on her shoulders. I found the characters interesting and the story entertaining.

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Moriah Venable

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting is the first novel in the Karina Cardinal mystery series by Ellen Butler. This is my first novel by this author.

Instead of relaxing at home watching Netflix, Karina Cardinal is getting dressed to attend her boyfriend Patrick Dunne parent’s holiday party.

While there, she notices Patrick’s dad may be up to something that includes the stolen artwork that was taken from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum years before.

The FBI was unable to solve and locate the paintings but with Karina’s new information it’s possible they may have been found.

I have not read a cozy mystery in over a year and have been wanting to. Reading this novel made me remember how much fun and entertaining they are.

While Karina is not a detective, she is really smart and is able to put clues together. And while working with a friend that is an FBI agent, sparks may fly.

The author did a great job combining an actual event within the story of this novel. I even did some research while reading and discovered more information about the heist which made it all the more to read.

I look forward to the next book in the series as well as the cover. The cover caught my eye before I read the summary.

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (A Karina Cardinal Mystery Series) by Ellen Butler – Review by Sunday Barnaby

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery by Ellen Butler
Five Stars

Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery by Ellen Butler is the first book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery Series by Ellen Butler. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Butler, but definitely won’t be the last. I was hooked from the very first page. This is mystery, suspense and romance rolled into one. It also has an unusual aspect, that the story is based on a real life theft. I couldn’t put it down down till I finished because I just had to know what would happen next. The twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat throughout. I really loved Karina’s character and look forward to reading more about her in future books in this series.

Reviewed by @sunbarn

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler ~ Review by Liz Vrchota

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ellen Butler was a new author to me when I picked up Isabellas Painting. It was a late night impulse snag and I am so glad that I grabbed it! I am hooked! This was such a fun read. I got zero sleep but it was so worth it.

So there is a lot going on in this novel but I am going to try to just tease you a tad with some details… the good stuff you have to read for yourself. Trust me it will be so well worth your time. I have to say this is one of those books I will want to add to my re-read pile!

Karina Cardinal seemingly has it all and has it all together. She is a wonderful lawyer. She has the perfect relationship with a handsome man named Patrick. So perfect that things may just be ready to progress to bigger steps. Basically everything is going peachy king. Until…

Sore feet at the family Christmas party forces Karina to take a rest in a room with beautiful art, art that stands out. Art that she wasn’t supposed to see. This makes her start asking questions and things get really interesting to say the least. I loved this one and I am anxiously awaiting the next in the series!

Review by @lizaileen
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Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler – Review by Kristan Anderson

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler is book one in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series. The plot was very interesting. A mystery without murders is so different. Karina finds herself in quite the mess after discovering a rare and missing painting in the home of her boyfriends parents. Will she be able to return it to its rightful place? Or will she simply just put herself in more danger. The book was fast paced although I found myself skimming at times. There was a lot of mundane detail, I found. Though historical fiction is not what I’d normally pick up, it was a different type of story and refreshingly pleasant. The story was based on true life and I found myself wanting to know more about the story it was based on. As the first piece I’ve read by this author, I can say I would like to read more into Karinas story and the stories of the other characters.

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Angelina Frazzini

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery by Ellen Butler is book one of the Karina Cardinal Mystery series. This book has it all; a little humor, a little romance, and some mystery. This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I enjoyed it.

This book is based on a real life unsolved mystery. It prompted me to want to look more into it and I really enjoyed the authors take on the whole thing. Karina while quite self conscious is definitely resourceful and intelligent and her investigative skills get her in deep. Karina may not be fully prepared for the risks she’s taken but she can’t give up. The book was definitely suspenseful at times and I was at the edge of my seat.

The author did such a good job portraying this real life situation. I enjoyed the characters and the suspense and couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen. I would be interested in reading the next book of this series.

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Isabella’s Painting: a Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery book one) by Ellen Butler – Review by Krystal Gaston

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabellas Painting: a Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery book one) written by Ellen Butler. This isn’t my normal genre but I’m glad I gave it a shot. Karina pulls you into this story right away with her witty ways and a promise of some mystery when it comes to seeing a missing painting. As the story progresses so does the mystery and depth of the characters. When it comes down to it you always have to trust your instincts.

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Review by Krystalgaston

Isabella’s Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler is the first in her Karina Cardinal Mystery series. We are introduced to Karina, the hero of the series, as she gets caught up in solving the mystery of a strange painting she suspects may link her potential father-in-law with a major art theft.
Karina is a great character! She reminds me of Catherine Morland from Northanger Abbey in the ways that she snoops around to uncover the secrets of her too-perfect boyfriend and his family. Unlike Catherine, though, Karina’s suspicions are more the product of her observant and analytical mind than novel-fuelled fantasies. Karina is a lobbyist for a medical organisation and so has a law degree and strong morals which make her a perfect lead for this series!
It’s a really enjoyable book! The mystery is enthralling and the romance enticing. The story is well fleshed out with supporting characters and various events giving the main characters time and space to develop. The story is told from Karina’s point of view, which works well as we find out her suspicions but can’t find out if she’s right or not until she does.
For me, this is a five star book and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I’d recommend it to art fans and people who like a bit of mystery with their romance!

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Isabella’s Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery Series Book #1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Angela Hayes.

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

“On March 18, 1990, in the wee hours of the morning, two men dressed as police officers obtained entry into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Holding the guards at gunpoint, the thieves marched them to the basement and proceeded to blindfold and handcuff them. Then the pair returned to the upper floors and, for the next eighty-one minutes, stole eleven paintings/drawings and two artifacts valued at $500 million….. The Gardner Museum robbery is considered one of the highest valued thefts of private property in history. In the years following the heist, FBI, investigative reporters, professional art recovery specialists, and amateur detectives have spent hundreds of man hours trying to locate the paintings. As of this book’s publication, all the artworks remain at large. The Gardner Museum has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to the recovery of the masterpieces.”

Isabella’s Painting is the first book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series by Ellen Butler. This is an excellent mystery- with danger, intrigue, action, suspense, humour, drama, the mafia, FBI, and a priceless stolen painting. Even though the story itself is fiction, it is based on a real- life robbery that happened back in 1990- which baffled investigators, and still remains unsolved all these years later. The author has done an amazing job of tying her story together with the actual events, blending the two together quite brilliantly.
Karina Cardinal is a lawyer turned lobbyist in Washington D.C. She’s smart, independent and hard-working. She’s doing well, with a good career and a great boyfriend. Even though she and Patrick haven’t been together all that long, things are getting serious between them and everything seems to be pointing to them taking the next step. But, when the two attend a Christmas party at Patrick’s parents place, Karina inadvertently sees something she wasn’t meant to- a painting which was stolen nearly three decades earlier and was part of a much bigger heist. Karina can’t believe her eyes and proceeds to do some investigating. What she uncovers places her in quite a predicament- not only jeopardising her job, her relationship, and her morals- but also her life. When an old college friend, now FBI Agent, joins the mix, things get really interesting….
This is a fantastic story, that had me totally engrossed from beginning to end. It has a fast pace, a smooth flow and was really easy to read. The characters are really well crafted into fully realised individuals. There must have been an incredible amount of research that went into the planning of this book, because there are so many elements woven into this story, small inter-connected details which gives the whole thing authenticity- and making it entirely believability, and also quite memorable. This book has a complex, and multi-layered storyline which is brought to life by the vividly descriptive story-telling, and by Ms. Butler’s meticulous attention to detail/s. She has woven a very polished mystery , full of surprises which kept me guessing the whole way through.
I can’t wait to dive into “Fatal Legislation” (Book #2), due for release in December 2018.

Thank you, Ms. Butler!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) By Ellen Butler – Review by Debi Kircher

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1)

By Ellen Butler

5+++++++ OMG stars

My first thought after being totally worthless for the 3 or so hours it took me to read this book was…This is one of the best books I have EVER read. I know nothing about art and truly went into this book thinking it sounds interesting and a break from what I have been reading would be awesome. Well… WOW…..Not really sure how to word this review so that this author gets the justice deserved for her talent in putting together words and having me so hung over right now I cant even hardly think.

She seriously grabbed me at page 1 and when I say I could not put this down I mean I was walking around with my kindle practically stuck to my nose and I couldn’t read it fast enough which angered me because I loved it so much I wanted to slow down and I couldn’t. Karina…what can I say about her…she was so different than most leading ladies and is seriously one of my new favorites. Besides the serious nature of what was going on she had me absolutely laughing out loud in some parts. I love how her story played out and what I loved also was how the relationships all seemed so real and as far as twists and turns, there were a few but I think the biggest twists were that everything played out totally opposite of what I thought they would and I wish I could explain that but I can’t because it would give too much away…Let me also say that my next favorite character in this book was Molly and you will see why when you read it, and you must read it!

I was so excited to see that Book 2 is coming soon and trust me I will be one of the first in line to have this book and I already have this authors page up so I can check out everything else she has written…

I already want to read this again!! Simply perfect!!

Review by @debikircher

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Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler – Review by Kerry Baker

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery by Ellen Butler is the first book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series. Steeped in history of an actual painting that was stolen this book will take you on an exciting journey.
This is the first book I have read by this author and the first time I had heaerd of the Boston Garden Museum robbery and I was surprised by how much the author piqued my interest. I loved the idea of the book being based on a real life mystery. Karina as a character was the perfect person to fall into this book with. Her character helped to build up the mystery and suspense while also providing a bit of light hearted comic relief.
The author did really well at balancing the two while also creating a fully believable, and fully enjoyable, story. Her writing style had a great ebb and flow to it also. She knew exactly when to build the story and get you as the author involved and when to ease off a little so that it wa never too much.
Overall I found this to be an interesting read that was well developed creatively with strong characters to back up the story. I can’t wait to see what else is to come from this series and I will certainly be looking into more of the authors work.

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Isabella’s Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Emily Walsh

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting
ByEllen Butler
My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler was a entertaining, fast pace, fun read, that had me hooked!

My first read by this author and I will tell you I will be adding Ellen Butler to my watch list. I loved her writing style, witty and engaging dialogue, and of course I loved how Ellen turned a real life mystery into a fun, light hearted thriller of an adventure, with a ordinary MC, who just happen to be in the wrong place at the right time.

I was captured right away with this tale, it was like magic. The pacing was on point, the detail was rich and it makes you feel like your right there with our MC, trying to figure out what the hell is going on, and how in the world this crazy adventure sucked you in. It had a touch of romance, family revelations, and of course a smart, well rounded, kick ass female MC, that really made this story shine.

As much as I loved the mystery and the danger, Karina, for me, stole the show and brought this story to life. Okay, yes the other characters were great as well, and were just as well constructed, but Karina, she was on a another level. I can’t fully explain it, you’re just going to have to read this wonder to find out for yourself.

What that said, I will leave you with my super high recommendation and my stamp of approval. Believe me you will not be able to put this book down.

Happy Reading.

Review by @eawalsh

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Maura Harper

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being from Boston, the art heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has always intrigued me. The who, why, where is a mystery that I don’t believe will ever be solved.

ISABELLA’S PAINTING is fiction based in truth. All of the aspects that surround the theft really happened. The rest is fiction and was fun to read.

This is a story filled with a bit of mystery, suspense, murder and very civilized mayhem. I really enjoyed the layers of the story. The complexity of the relationships and the roller coaster ride we were taken on.

I would recommend this story and I look forward to reading the next installment of this new series

Review by @mauraharper

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Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler – Review by Erin Wolf

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I give Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler, 5 stars.

Karina has a life she loves. She works in Washington DC, her job keeps her busy, but she loves it. Her boyfriend is wonderful. He understands her love of her job and how it keeps her working log hours at times. But he is there for her. So when he parents, who happen to be very well-known in Washington society, throw their annual holiday party and she is asked to attend, she accepts. She knows this is a big deal to both her boyfriend and his parents. While attending the party at their house, she happens across a hidden painting his dad has. Her curiosity get the better of her and she decided to do some research. This looks just like a painting from an infamous museum heist! Is it real? Why does he have it? Should she tell anyone? Can she live with herself of she doesn’t?

This is the first book I have read by this author and I now have a new author to follow! I absolutely loved it! There is so much going on that you will quickly be wrapped up in the suspense and will not be able to put it down until it is done. Karina is a great main character, she is very real and quite human. She struggles with her problems just like any of us would do. That is what helps make this book so great. But let us not forget the story itself. I believe it is based off a real heist, but either way the story is is fantastic. There are so many twists and turns, you will never guess what will happen next.

If you are a fan of suspense and thrillers, with a strong female lead, this book is for you!

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Reivew by @erinwolf79

Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) By Ellen Butler – Review by Laura Furuta

Isabella's Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1)
By: Ellen Butler
5 out of 5 stars

The story Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler is a book that I loved reading. It hooks you in from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until I had read the final page. It is a story that includes suspense and mystery. It had me turning pages in order to find out what was going to happen next in both the plot and to the characters. I loved reading about the character of Karina Cardinal. She is a lawyer who is independent and intelligent. Some would also call her a lobbyist on Capitol Hill, however, she would cringe at such a label. She runs into a mystery when at her boyfriend’s parent’s home for a holiday party. What happens next has Karina’s investigative skills and a bit of paranoia working overtime. Is the painting that she has seen one that was stolen so many years ago? Why does her boyfriend’s father have the stolen masterpiece? Now that she has started an investigation into the painting how much danger is she in? Read this book to find out. There are times when this story had me on the edge of my seat. Trying to put together the clues that Karina uncovers is like trying to put together a puzzle to find the truth. The other character that I enjoyed reading about in this story is Mike Finnegan. He is an old friend of Karina’s and works for the FBI. This is a wonderfully written story with some amazing characters. Highly recommended.

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