J. E. Reed (1990–)

Survival, magic and the unbreakable desire to save a spouse, make this into an action packed read full of heart.

Kiuno wakes up to find herself in the real life version of her favorite game. While the rumors and theories about how everyone was transported to this game are terrifying all on their own, this problem is shoved to the back of the line thanks to the basic need to first survive and win the game...if that's even possible. With a few new found friends, she starts the search for her show more husband, hoping he's survived not only the game's threats, but the unknown ones as well. When the run-in with a traveling group not only brings more information, but also reveals her ability to wield magic, things take a difficult turn. Kiuno not only has to head for the 'front line' of fighters, who are trying to win the game to save everyone caught inside, but she wears the stone, which identifies her as the mysterious magic wielder, who has the ability to save them all or destroy everything.

I'd read a novella, which belongs to this series, first but was left confused. After diving into the real first book, however, I'm now a fan. Kiuno is a thirty-something woman, who loves her husband and seems to be a pretty normal person, who simply enjoys gaming. She has a good head on her shoulders, knows basic survival skills thanks to a few camping trips, and is capable of learning. She's kind, listens, loyal and will give anything to protect those she cares for. And it's the later of these, which draws so many people to her side. She's a power-girl, who doesn't start out that way and is thrust into the position thanks to fate...and embraces it as well as she can. Which isn't always perfect, and that's what makes her a great heroine.

Kiuno has a knack for drawing others, especially men, to her side, and while she allows strong friendships to form, it never crosses the line into anything else. Her loyalty to her husband was inspiring and simply nice to see. And it doesn't hurt the story in any way.

Action is ever present because this is a dangerous world. It builds slowly as the levels in a game would, starting with a gentle realm and growing more deadly every step up. Creatures aren't the only threat as the author displays the ugly side of human nature and the desire to survive as well. Still, friendship is key and gives tons of hope. We get character depth, inspiration, a story that keeps the reader at the edge of their seat, and heroes/heroines who are easy to connect with and root for.

I'm giving this one two-thumbs up and looking forward to diving into the next book in the series. I received a complimentary copy and read this one in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. show less

This was dark, twisted, addicting, magical, and romantic, all in one book that you'll want to read cover to cover in as few sittings as possible. This takes the enemies to lovers/forbidden love trope to a whole new level. I love seeing new twists on popular tropes, and Reed kept me guessing at every turn. I was dying trying to figure out what was happening next, and whether Arianna would find her HEA. No spoilers, you'll have to find out where she lands on your own! (And it may not be where show more you expect). Arianna is an amazing heroine, and you can't help but fall in love with her, she's strong, smart, and determined. I didn't want to like Rion, but I'll let you form your own opinion on him. Final note...we are getting a sequel...right?! show less

I heard about this book a while back and could not wait to dig in. I was not disappointed, finding it difficult to put it down. One reviewer called Running With the Wolves (The Chronopoint Chronicles Book 1) by J.E. Reed, Ready Player One/Hunger Game’s love child. I’d add to that characterization that it could have been nannied by the Maze Runner.

Kiuno is what I call a likely hero thrown into a world she’s apparently destined to come out on top in. The thrill ride is in getting there. show more Kiuno is not your run-of-the-mill wishy-washy heroine, she’s a true girl on fire, and some, that knows what she wants. Straightway, Reed successfully throws Kiuno and the reader into the game, only spattering in backstory through dialogue when needed. This one starts out fast and finishes even faster. Reed gets it all right from world-building (loved the escalation of scary creatures and increasingly elaborate structures), to imagery/description (I often times felt like I was watching a movie) to fast-paced action and fight scenes (brutal comes to mind. Watch out kiddies. PG-13 for sure).

Reed’s pacing is also on point. Kiuno has a lofty goal early on in the novel. She’s on a quest of sorts. Her search leads to a satisfying resolution in a big way and at a costly price. I love the characters and their development through their actions. They were both complex and contrasting. Get the names; Kikyo, Scorpios, Elite, Blade, and my favorite, Palindrome, just to name a few. The biggest bomb drops halfway through the novel when Reed makes a daring move (can’t say ‘cause that would be a spoiler) that’s she executes brilliantly, and it plays out well in the end. Five easy stars for Running With the Wolves and impatiently, eagerly awaiting Book 2 of the Chronopoint series. Monster debut. Well done, J.E. Reed. show less

A fierce, gamer world comes to life in a mixture of science fiction and fantasy in this fast-paced tale.

Vixin wakes up to find herself in the middle of a forest. Alone. Although trained by her father for survival since birth, he's never left her side. But not only is her father missing, the world is one which she doesn't recognize. After rescuing two boys from an attack, she decides to raid a settlement for much needed supplies but finds herself caught up in a larger group, which planned the show more same thing. These claim she's caught up in a game, one which can only end when someone makes it to the last level and wins. But not only does the game hold extreme dangers, the other players are just as deadly. Add the sudden influx of magic, which she needs to learn how to control and emotions for the head of the group, which she doesn't understand, and the game becomes much more complicated that it first appears.

Vixin is a pure, kick-butt heroine, who is a force not to be ignored, and when magic is added...hers, of course, exceedingly strong and easy for her to control...she's downright deadly. Her attitude matches this, thanks to the fact that she was raised alone by her father and had little outside contact. So, she's a bit snarky, thinks very highly of her skills (and rightly so), and would be a bit intolerable if it weren't for her hidden heart of gold...which she hates to admit to. Her love interest is the exact opposite. He might be a deadly force all on his own, but his eyes are on helping those who need help. The contrast between the two causes high tension and sparks to fly, which promises to make an exciting mix and the romance front for this series.

Outside of the romance, this tale packs tons of fight scenes. It's a deadly world and the author keeps it that way most of the way through. The action is well described and makes it hard to put the book down, since something deadly is bound to pop up just around the next bend. So, action fans, this book will fulfill your desires on that end.

While the romance is strong and the action pulls from one scene to the next, the other aspects paled a little in comparison. The world building, description wise, is well down. It's a treat to head through the forests and raid the settlements or hide in the dark places right along with the heroes. But the background behind the world and the characters is missing. Vixin pops up in the first chapter, but we learn very little about her other than that she's kick-butt and raised alone with her father. The other characters don't hold much more depth. It's also not clear why they are in a game, how they got there, what the purpose is...nor are they concerned about it. Vixin isn't even really concerned about returning to her father. The plot is just as loose. They need to make it through, but it's not clear how or to what end.

Writing wise, the book is well done. The dialogue sits, the scenes sit and the tension is high. It is a fun book to read but simply missed the 'meat' of the tale for me. But those who love action and are thrilled to simply dive into a building romance and follow that the whole way through will enjoy the fun.

I received a complimentary copy, love the cover (btw), and did enjoy many aspects of this read. show less