Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
Mary Morgan's review
Jan 08, 2019
it was amazing 5 stars
bookshelves: currently-reading
What can I say …. this is the first book published by a very talented writer and im sure wont be the last. This book is amazing, I was gripped from the first chapter. It keeps the excitement going throughout the book leaving you guessing who is who, and what they are, lots of unexpected surprises and leaving you unable to put the book down. The main character Xander Chase is seriously cool and likeable. I, for one cannot wait to see what he is up to in the next book.
So people, if you are looking for a good read pick up a copy of this book and enjoy meeting Xander Chase.
Review written by Andrea Bufton
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
Catherine McCarthy's review
Jan 23, 2020
really liked it 4 stars
I was fortunate to win a signed copy of this book from its lovely author!
As a debut, this was an adventurous and complex piece of writing to undertake. The story included a variety of strongly drawn characters and several twists and turns along the way. It was pacy and action packed. There is no doubt other than its author has a vivid imagination, and I can definitely see potential for a sequel. An enjoyable read!
The reason it lost a star for me was because at times there was too much unnecessary description.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
Christopher Cave's review
May 23, 2020
liked it 3 stars
Read 2 times
I want to say upfront that I enjoyed this book. It is worth reading, the mix of fae, angels, and our modern world is fascinating. The tale of a teenager discovering she is not what she seems...
full review available on goodreads
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
Claire Weston's review
Oct 23, 2019
it was amazing 5 stars
It took me a little while to work out who was who as there seemed to be a lot of characters in the first couple of chapters but once I understood who was who I really enjoyed the book. The characters were described well and I could imagine their faces. There were brilliant twists and turns that kept things really interesting and kept me wanting to keep reading . I'm looking forward to the second book as the ending of the first one left me wanting to know what happens next. Very good read.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
David Hearne's review
Oct 31, 2019
really liked it 4 stars
Read 2 times
This book has an amazing start – I was both intrigued by the story and hooked by the writing style of the author as Lilly is captivated by nearby music and must follow it, potentially to her doom.
The story pivots around young Lilly, the sole survivor of a mass murder who is suspected of being the culprit, and Xander, a death angel who must protect Lilly from both the police in the human world and more sinister powers in other realms, such as his own Father, Death himself.
As Lilly tries to figure out what’s happened, she’ll slowly learn to rely upon Xander, who will start as a reluctant, dubious saviour but grow fond of Lilly as the story unfolds.
Xander is a well-written character who has much conflict about his purpose – on one hand he wants to please his father and surrender to the status quo but on the other, knows their relationship is estranged at best. If anything, his father wants him ‘out of the way’ and deep down, he’s aware of this. His relationships with humans are equally complex.
I enjoyed the investigation by Stacy, another central character who wants to get to the truth about what happened. Another key character is Blaze, Lilly’s biological mother who was always doomed to become a monster it seems. You can’t help but wonder if Lilly will face the same risk of becoming corrupted later in life – though you hope that won’t happen. There’s a big reveal about Lilly that I won’t mention but I thought it was great ‘slight of hand’ by the writer, well-plotted and nicely pulled-off. Let’s just say there’s more to her than what meets the eye.
The ending has a lovely twist that’s well-played. I wish the author foreshadowed it earlier in the book so it wasn’t a surprise – however it came across as both clever and plausible. There’s nothing worse than the climax of a story not making sense or coming across as unbelievable. I really enjoyed how it was handled and cheered Xander on. It was pleasing to see rules being established in the story that even the most powerful of antagonists had to abide by.
In terms of lore, e.g. unicorns, leprechauns etc. I’m no expert but there were no howlers or things that stood out for the wrong reasons. The concept of the ‘Doublicorns’ was new to me, though I now know they exist in fantasy RPGs. I thought background for the concept in the story was deftly handled – plenty of context rather than throwing more character types into the mix unexpectedly.
The only criticisms are minor – I’d like to have seen both Blaze and Stacy get more time in the book – they were intriguing for different reasons. However Xandar and Lilly really are the duel protagonists so it’s hard to give every character arc the time you’d like in a story. I also struggled to understand the motivation for a minor character confronting Blaze – the ending of that encounter was true-to-type for Blaze but hard to understand what would motivate the confrontation in the first place. These are small things that didn’t detract from the pleasure provided by the story.
While the immediate loose ends are all wrapped up by the end of the story (very important - another thing done right) there’s much more you will ponder - I suspect this is the writer’s way of leaving things open for a sequel one day. I enjoyed this story and if you like interesting character-driven fantasy fiction set in well-imagined places, I think you will too.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
David Uquillas's review
Feb 29, 2020
really liked it 4 stars
Carrie Weston creates both a fantastical and a crime atmosphere in Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code. She literally fly’s you with her heart’s open widening wings to unimaginable places, adventures and creatures you would never expect. The story has an amazing and thrilling start that involves your mind in a fast paced mix of genres, and full of many interesting characters. Inevitably captures your attention since page one; and if you want to find out which part of the story is your favorite, you have to read it now! It’ll leave you wondering and hoping if there will be a second installment.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
Julian Fernandes's review
Dec 30, 2019
really liked it 4 stars
Read 2 times. Last read December 26, 2019 to December 30, 2019.
A good indie find for readers who like a slow burning story. Imaginative and poetically written, liken to what you might find more common in romance works. With a chapter by chapter perspective change the story keeps a consistent easy pace. A good recommendation to those who like fantasy romance books with descriptive imagery. A great unique cover too!
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
J.Y. Quinn's review
Jan 03, 2020
it was amazing 5 stars
Read 2 times
I was hooked from the beginning of the story. The ending was interesting that perhaps there would be a sequel? I found the characters intriguing and show quite a different side to the whimsical creatures that I'm used to. The different point of views from each character also made the reading experience more exciting.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
Jeff Fuller's review
Jun 09, 2019
it was amazing 5 stars
Read 2 times
Overall, Xander Chase and the Unicorn by Carrie Weston was a fun and entertaining story. The plot was well developed as were the characters. Starting from the beginning of the story when we are introduced to one of the main characters Lilly we see that all is not what it appears to be. The plot immediately gets underway with a mass massacre of people with both the police and another main character Xander investigation. During the investigation of what should have been a simple murder investigation, the investigation turns to be anything but. From the beginning of the story to the end where Xander does find some redemption the reader is constantly being surprised with new information and not for sure knowing how the plot is going until the end is a sure good way to keep a reader interested through and through. Great book by Carrie Weston and I would definitely recommend a read.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston
Jennifer Schell's review
Dec 16, 2019
it was amazing 5 stars
Fun read
I wasn’t expecting this book to be what it was, but I’m glad it was. I enjoyed the mystery behind it all, the mix between human and supernatural. I can’t even pick out a favorite character, because they were all so great. This was a fun, refreshing read.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
KayBee's Bookshelf's review
Apr 22, 2020
really liked it 4 stars
Lilly Honey, the lone survivor of mass murder, turned suspect is the focal point of this story, along with Detective Stacy and Xander Chase. Xander Chase is on a mission to make his father, Death, proud. Through the eyes of these 3 characters, the story seamlessly crosses from the "real" world to the supernatural to figure out who the perpetrator of the mass murdered was.
The story grabbed my attention early on and kept it with the twists and turns that occurred as the plot developed. Heaven. Hell. Fae. Angels There was so much to take in. Weston did a good job with character building and plot development. The story moved along at a fast pace and was flooded with descriptive imagery that helped Weston skillfully create this world of dark fantasy and mystery. If there was one drawback for me, it would be that in an effort to completely immerse you in this world, the descriptions got a bit wordy. All in all, this was a good read that I would recommend.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
Henry Hollywell's review
Dec 21, 2019
it was amazing 5 stars
Fantastic crime thriller with lots of twists and turns. Not all is what it seems as you open your eyes to the realms beyond what you can see. Very much enjoyed this book, a must read for all fantasy fiction fans!
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
Moira B Grafen-Campbell's review
Feb 24, 2019
it was amazing 5 stars
I found this wonderful novel to be fully engaging, with each page bringing darkly illuminating characters to life in a wonderfully exciting and unique world.
I know it’s a cliche but I couldn’t put this book down.
I am excited in anticipation for the next one and can’t wait to see what Xander will do next.
What a talented writer Carrie Weston is.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
Stephen Howard's review
Jun 19, 2019
liked it 3 stars
I enjoyed reading Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code, the story skipped along at a good pace and there were some good twists and turns. There were occasions where I felt the pace could slow and let the reader take things in as well as the characters take a breath. However, by the end I found myself wanting to see more of the world created, which can only be a good thing!
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
Laura's review
Feb 25, 2020
it was amazing
bookshelves: briaepicgiveaway
Copy received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Carrie Weston! I absolutely loved this!
5 dark stars
for one of the most imaginative and original reads I have ever read.
Dark, twisted and utterly delightful!
That's how I would best describe Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code - a riveting adventure that takes the reader through several realms.
The world of the Fae, the realm of Death himself, as well Heaven and Earth, masterfully intertwine in a dark fast paced adventure that will have you at the edge of the seat from the very first page.
And the best thing about it is, that everything's a little twisted!
Delightfully and brilliantly twisted in an absolutely remarkable and refreshing way.
From angels to fae and magical beings (unicorns and even Death himself included) - this author has put a little magical spin on every single thing. And she pulled it like a charm.
Lilly Honey Star is an innocent 15 year old girl like no other. She is the sole survivor of a mass murder and is suspected of being the half-mad murderess. Detective Stacy has her doubts about Lilly’s guilt, and when a stranger starts asking bizarre questions, she—along with Lilly—is pulled into the core of the case, which is bigger and more dangerous than they could have ever imagined.
Because it not only involves otherworldly creatures, but also draws them deep into a web of perilous lies and deceit that’s spread through the realms of certain sinister creatures they would be best served by not even knowing of. One that would bring them face to face with Xander Chase.
Xander Chase is an angel. And not just any angel, mind. :) He is the leader of the Angels of the Dark and potential heir to the leader of the kingdom. And he has quite the reputation of son of Death.
Yep. You heard me right. Death himself is his father.
And the Angels of Goodness and of Light are all below the rank of Xander, who finds himself daydreaming about the day his father would name him as successor. And of course he wants nothing to do with the barely dark-angel-ness of those he leads, because he is far superior!
In other words, to put it short, Xander Chase is a conceited self-centered prick set on becoming Death's successor and slowly loosing his own angel-ness along the way.
And yet, he's one prick to root for. Because he still has some feelings buried deep down in his heart. And even if I didn't really love him from the beginning, his interaction with his brother and sisters made it impossible for me to hold a grudge. Because that is downright awesome. The banter of angel brothers laughing at fledglings getting an ass slap from a bolt b> for not being fast enough or sisters reluctantly admitting screwing up soul lifts when dropping the damn thing would lead to pot duty on the training clouds - they are all guaranteed to set you chuckling and make it impossible for you to NOT like them.
Especially when Xander himself admits that,
'For an Angel of Dark to be intellectual was rare. They were usually just angry or bloodthirsty or seriously self-absorbed.'
Fan art by The Magic Book Corner
Of course Xander holds humans in contempt. And the girl he must keep safe because she's the only clue to finding the culprit for the massacre is no exception. Even if his brother Galalee seems to have gotten the sweets for her the moment he lay eyes on her.
Fan art by The Magic Book Corner
But when the unthinkable happens and Lilly proves to be something, other than human - something that makes her one of a kind - Xander is forced to reevaluate his opinion of her, especially since her fate is directly connected to that of his brother's.
In his quest to unearth the killer, Xander must not only save Lilly's life but also that of his brother's and much more.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code is a complex and very well written story, fast paced, intriguing and refreshingly imaginative. It is a thrilling Fantasy Mystery that's bound to keep the readers on their toes up to the very end. And I confess I'm already looking forward to the sequel.
The characters are all beautifully fleshed out and well written, each with their own quirks and individual characteristics that make the readers able to identify. And the relationships between them are just as skillfully written.
The pace is fast and the story gripping, both excellently complemented by delightfully creepy creatures and a very imaginative background. And we get a wonderful, skillfully executed, twist at the end.
All in all, Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code is Dark Fantasy Mystery at its best and I highly recommend it to all those in search of a dark and original read.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
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Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code
by
Carrie Weston (Goodreads Author)
William Fleming's review
Oct 20, 2019
it was amazing 5 stars
bookshelves: reviewed
A journey that begins in the human world will sweep you into the Heavens, carry you to the realm of the Fae, and plunge you into the depths of Death himself. Author, Carrie Weston, skillfully weaves the threads of parallel stories into a single tapestry revealing the inner workings of the dimensions that lay just beyond the veil through which only we mere mortals cannot see.
Lilly Honey Star is a simple, innocent girl whose life is turned upside down when she answers the siren call of a beautiful midnight melody. In the days and weeks that follow she learns that her life is not what she has thought it to be, and that the world around her is so much bigger, and scarier, then she ever could have imagined.
Xander Chase and the Unicorn Code is Fantasy Mystery reading at its best. It is a thrilling, fast paced who-done-it filled with interesting and believable characters, set in fascinating and imaginative scenery. I would recommend this book to any reader who enjoys either a good mystery, or a world of fantasy. If you are like me, and you enjoy both then this is a must have for your library. And Carrie Weston is definitely an author to follow. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
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