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
How do I sum this book up simply without raving on for days! I haven’t read a fantasy book for quite some time and this book was a fantastic way to get back into the genre. The author created such unique characters and coupled that with a really creative storyline that you simply wanted, no make that needed, to keep reading no matter what! I was hooked from start to finish and this author definitely has a new fan in me. What a fantastic start to the series! I sure can’t wait for more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2022-05-02 07:51:422022-05-02 07:51:42Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Jules Herbert
I really enjoyed this book. The story was engaging and kept me gripped from the beginning. The author does an amazing job with the characters making them all unique in their own way. This story is set at a time of protest and upheaval but instead of it being about race its about people having powers. These people are known as the Unhidden and as the days and weeks progress more and more people are realising they have these gifts but no idea how to use them.
We join the Byrne family who have set up their home as a school to help all these new people learn and master their gifts but as the protests and uprising of people wanting rid of the Unhidden community they are forced into hiding. Now they all have to work together to stand against the humans otherwise the Unhiddens could be destroyed forever.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2022-05-02 07:50:122022-05-02 07:50:12Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Kerry Carr
The story finds the characters in a world of chaos. Suddenly some people are discovering that they have hidden powers and the rest of humanity feels threatened. The group PEM- Pure Earther Movement-has formed and they oppose the PHAE- Protectorate for unHidden Advancement and Education- and want to see all the people with powers killed or imprisoned. The people with powers are the minority and are feeling the pressure to protect themselves against attacks. The story revolves around a core of 6 people with major powers, the leadership, and a host family. Can they all band together to overcome hatred and curb violent attacks against them? Or will they be crushed under the onslaught of the hatred that others have toward them?
This was an interesting first book. There is a lot of history provided over each of the core characters and multiple points of view given. I liked learning about the characters but could have had a little less, or maybe fewer characters of whom I got in depth knowledge of. However, I do feel like it was a great set up for book 2. I would think that I will be able to pick up the second book and continue with their journey.
I did enjoy the Ireland aspect to the book. Having been there, I was able to easily envision where the characters were and the countryside!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2022-05-02 07:48:352022-05-02 07:48:35Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Desiree Ottinger
Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Dessalynn Acosta 5 out of 5 stars In this action packed, energy filled novel, the Byrne family has opened up their homes to train and guide the Unhidden that are suddenly popping up all over the world. During these times of rioting and protesting, the Unhidden are forced into hiding. Follow the Byrne family and a group of rag tag Unhidden individuals as they navigate their new powers!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dessalynn Acostahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDessalynn Acosta2022-05-02 07:48:112022-05-02 07:48:11Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Dessalynn Acosta
This is for sure a book to put in small words, is a must read! This very early on in my reading became one of my favorite books hands down! The writing was amazing and the flow was perfect, and the story and the characters? Spot on! This was a book everyone should read and enjoy! Not one to be missed!
The story had a god flow, and characters I enjoy very much. Whether I liked the characters or new they were not ones I would not root for, I still liked them for who they were and for some, who they became to be. The story was very creative and visual effects on my mind as I read was more amazing that I could have imagine. The author really put it all in when writing this book and brought it to life with excitement and beyond amazing work! This is a new book in a series, and I for sure can not wait for the next one to see what is to happen next! It was sooooo good! Loved it truly! Honestly couldn’t put it down!
Amazing read and I highly do recommend this author with no doubt. The book is a first ins a series so great time to start reading it! I highly recommend the book/series! A must read for sure! Don’t pass it up!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2022-05-02 07:47:462022-05-02 07:47:46Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Lorrene Huisman
This is the first book in this series and what a great start it is. I have enjoyed this author from the first book I picked up. One of the things I enjoy about this author is her writing skills and attention to details that make her stories come to life. This book is no different. This is a fantasy story that is hard to put down. It is an engaging story that made me laugh in parts and certainly had me coming back for more. I had no problems connecting with the character as they are creative and unique. They are supportive of each other which made the story easy to read. This is a story that has a little bit of everything in it as well as had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the growth of the plot as well as the characters that made the story entertaining to read. This is a great well rounded story that I can’t wait to see what the next book of this series brings. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2022-05-02 07:47:212022-05-02 07:47:21Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Bobbi Wagner
This book is so beautifully written! The descriptions were so vibrantly authored that it made me think of Tolkien’s illustrative language. I really enjoyed the way the point of view alternated which let me as reader understand more characters. I also adored the realistic and genuine relationships and the way the characters interacted with each other. Learning the backstory of characters is so interesting to me, seeing why they react to different situations the way they do, because I have an understanding of who they are. This book is just fabulous and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys some modern fantasy!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jo Frizzellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJo Frizzell2022-05-02 07:14:022022-05-02 07:14:02Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Jo Frizzell
Taylor is barely holding her anxiety at bay. With scales growing on her body and shocking magic now at her command, the teacher flees after being outed by a student and attacked by an angry mob. And after arriving at a safehouse on a farm in Ireland for training and protection, she feels unprepared for her first mission to neutralize an explosive threat.
Vietnam vet Maximilian Hurley subdues his demons with drink. So when the troubled pilot loses his play to a mysterious fire, and an Unhidden agent comes to Australia to recruit him, he doesn’t have much to lose. Teaming up with Anna, the tough-talking Aussie battles through his PTSD as they save Cork from a devastating bombing.
As the group of talents grows to a core crew of six, Anna and Max discover there’s little peace as a coalition of xenophobic extremists rises against those with Unhidden Blood. And now their combined superpowers might be the only thing standing in the way of their total extermination…
Can Anna, Max, and the squad stem a tsunami of chaos and death?
Christy writes under several pen names, including Virginia Firestone for her women’s fiction, Emeline Rhys for her timeslip romance, CN Jackson for her time travel adventures, Carole Jackson for her non-fiction, and Rowan Dillon for her urban fantasy. She is the award-winning author of two travel guides and fourteen novels, including the popular Druid’s Brooch Series. Her novel, Time Tourist Outfitters, Ltd. was awarded first prize in the 2020 Writer’s Digest self-published novel awards, Science Fiction category. She is an author, artist and accountant. After she failed to become an airline pilot, she quit her ceaseless pursuit of careers that begin with ‘A,’ and decided to concentrate on her writing. Since she has Project Completion Compulsion, she is one of the few authors with NO unfinished novels.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Taming-of-the-Few-ebook-sm-1.jpg809540itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-05-01 00:00:322022-05-10 09:33:05Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon
Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Dessalynn Acosta 5 out of 5 stars In this action packed, energy filled novel, the Byrne family has opened up their homes to train and guide the Unhidden that are suddenly popping up all over the world. During these times of rioting and protesting, the Unhidden are forced into hiding. Follow the Byrne family and a group of rag tag Unhidden individuals as they navigate their new powers!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dessalynn Acostahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDessalynn Acosta2022-04-29 08:21:482022-04-29 08:21:48Taming of the Few (Guardians of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon – Review by Dessalynn Acosta
Taylor is barely holding her anxiety at bay. With scales growing on her body and shocking magic now at her command, the teacher flees after being outed by a student and attacked by an angry mob. And after arriving at a safehouse on a farm in Ireland for training and protection, she feels unprepared for her first mission to neutralize an explosive threat.
Vietnam vet Maximilian Hurley subdues his demons with drink. So when the troubled pilot loses his play to a mysterious fire, and an Unhidden agent comes to Australia to recruit him, he doesn’t have much to lose. Teaming up with Anna, the tough-talking Aussie battles through his PTSD as they save Cork from a devastating bombing.
As the group of talents grows to a core crew of six, Anna and Max discover there’s little peace as a coalition of xenophobic extremists rises against those with Unhidden Blood. And now their combined superpowers might be the only thing standing in the way of their total extermination…
Can Anna, Max, and the squad stem a tsunami of chaos and death?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Preorder-min-2.jpg750750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-04-23 00:00:072022-05-09 09:01:49🗡️ 💘 🐉 💕 ✨ PREORDER ✨ 💕 🐉 💘 🗡️ Taming of the Few (Guardian of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon
Taylor is barely holding her anxiety at bay. With scales growing on her body and shocking magic now at her command, the teacher flees after being outed by a student and attacked by an angry mob. And after arriving at a safehouse on a farm in Ireland for training and protection, she feels unprepared for her first mission to neutralize an explosive threat.
Vietnam vet Maximilian Hurley subdues his demons with drink. So when the troubled pilot loses his play to a mysterious fire, and an Unhidden agent comes to Australia to recruit him, he doesn’t have much to lose. Teaming up with Anna, the tough-talking Aussie battles through his PTSD as they save Cork from a devastating bombing.
As the group of talents grows to a core crew of six, Anna and Max discover there’s little peace as a coalition of xenophobic extremists rises against those with Unhidden Blood. And now their combined superpowers might be the only thing standing in the way of their total extermination…
Can Anna, Max, and the squad stem a tsunami of chaos and death?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Taming-of-the-Few-ebook-sm-1.jpg809540itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-04-09 00:01:322022-05-09 09:02:07🗡️ 💘 🐉 💕 ✨ COMING SOON ✨ 💕 🐉 💘 🗡️ Taming of the Few (Guardian of the PHAE Book 1) by Rowan Dillon
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