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Battlecry #0.5
Ignite
Jillian Johnson, superhero "Battlecry", has a normal day ahead of her: stop the man dealing a mysterious and lethal substance on a college campus, save people from getting hit by cars, save children from burning buildings, go on stakeouts with her team, and most importantly, avoid a confrontation with her most dangerous enemy: her leader, Patrick.
Can Jillian survive?
Can Jillian survive?
- GenresFantasySuperheroes
59 pages, ebook
Published February 21, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 12, 2018
5/5
Another great story from Emerald Dodge! This novelette centers around Jill and takes places before Battlecry.
Jill is on a superhero team with several other gifted persons. If fighting crime wasn't enough, they have to deal with their egotistical leader Patrick, whose selfishness and short fuse have them constantly walking on eggshells or facing humiliating consequences.
However, after Jill finds a mysterious black powder after a stakeout, she must weigh her options. Does she lower her head and take orders from her subpar leader or does she fight for what's right and embrace who she really is?
This short book was great. There's a LOT of tension, and the character are very original. While the story was a little short, it's a perfect lead in to Battlecry and helps explain why Jillian is so conflicted in the first place.
Great read!
Another great story from Emerald Dodge! This novelette centers around Jill and takes places before Battlecry.
Jill is on a superhero team with several other gifted persons. If fighting crime wasn't enough, they have to deal with their egotistical leader Patrick, whose selfishness and short fuse have them constantly walking on eggshells or facing humiliating consequences.
However, after Jill finds a mysterious black powder after a stakeout, she must weigh her options. Does she lower her head and take orders from her subpar leader or does she fight for what's right and embrace who she really is?
This short book was great. There's a LOT of tension, and the character are very original. While the story was a little short, it's a perfect lead in to Battlecry and helps explain why Jillian is so conflicted in the first place.
Great read!
February 24, 2018
I loved it! It's so action-packed and dramatic while setting up a world that's really engaging. Dodge introduces us to superheroes as we've never seen them before, and the concept of superhero cults is simply fascinating and leaves the reader hungry for the rest of the series.
May 4, 2018
SO COOL! The world that these superheroes exist in within our own is really interesting, and each character is unique and already lovable. Very enjoyable and can't wait to read the later books!
February 28, 2018
Ignite is fantastic. I love the unique and fascinating world in which it is set. There is a lot of superhero media out there today and there is a lot of YA fiction. Ignite presents a fresh and intriguing look at both. All in all, I want MORE and I will definitely be reading Battlecry when it comes out!
February 24, 2018
Jillian is a member of a cult-like superhero team, where she and her teammates are constantly mistreated by their leader while they use their powers to save people. For Jillian, there's a dangerous new drug on the streets causing unstoppable rage--but she aims to stop it, even with bullets, fires, and the wrath of her team leader in the way.
Her struggle to protect others and her teammates, as well as her courage, made for an inspiring read. This was a story of doing the right thing and searching for your inner strength, both for yourself and your loved ones. I can't wait to read more of Jillian's adventures.
Her struggle to protect others and her teammates, as well as her courage, made for an inspiring read. This was a story of doing the right thing and searching for your inner strength, both for yourself and your loved ones. I can't wait to read more of Jillian's adventures.
February 28, 2018
Can't wait to read more of Em's works! :)
June 10, 2018
If you've ever thought superhero sounds like a good job description, think again. It's not just dual identities and fear of reprisals against those she loves that's got Jill in a difficult situation. In the world where she's publicly the high-powered Battlecry, superheroes aren't so much recruited as trained from birth. They're locking into a hierarchical cult, and unfortunately that means the cruel Patrick is the leader of her crew. Heroes don't just train either; they wash, cook, clean and are generally made to feel mindlessly grateful for the mistreatment.
The storyline is secondary to this introduction. It serves to reveal the nasty nature of the superheroes' world, but doesn't really leave us with a resolution. It does however give us this information without being an info-dump and introduces us to the bleak reality that Battlecry and her crew face. It would make a good supplemental story to those familiar with the series who want to know more, but I found it a bit bleak and meandering as a standalone.
It is a well-written pieces, which goes to give a flavour of the author's writing and how cleverly such a short piece can give so much information without becoming overwhelming. It's also an interesting take on the superhero genre; less Avengers Assemble and more quasi-religious cult. There's something darkly fascinating here for those who want their heroes to have more than just the usual difficulties that donning the mask and cape brings.
-I received this ebook free in a giveaway-
The storyline is secondary to this introduction. It serves to reveal the nasty nature of the superheroes' world, but doesn't really leave us with a resolution. It does however give us this information without being an info-dump and introduces us to the bleak reality that Battlecry and her crew face. It would make a good supplemental story to those familiar with the series who want to know more, but I found it a bit bleak and meandering as a standalone.
It is a well-written pieces, which goes to give a flavour of the author's writing and how cleverly such a short piece can give so much information without becoming overwhelming. It's also an interesting take on the superhero genre; less Avengers Assemble and more quasi-religious cult. There's something darkly fascinating here for those who want their heroes to have more than just the usual difficulties that donning the mask and cape brings.
-I received this ebook free in a giveaway-
May 15, 2018
Kindle Unlimited {for the Battlecry one, not listed at all on amazon for the prequel, so one of my freebies at some point. Again, I'm not really 'in to' superhero type books, but if you are, would think you would probably enjoy it {and more so than I did, I take spells on what genre in mood to read}. The room mate luvs these and swipes the tablet or pulls it up on the kindle fire as everything is under my amazon account.
Jillian Johnson, also known as Battlecry, is a superhero with a normal day ahead of her: stop the man dealing a mysterious and lethal substance on a college campus, save people from getting hit by cars, save children from burning buildings, go on stakeouts with her team, and most importantly, avoid a confrontation with her most dangerous enemy: her leader, Patrick.
Can Jillian survive?
Ignite (Battlecry 0.5)
Battlecry
Jillian Johnson, also known as Battlecry, is a superhero with a normal day ahead of her: stop the man dealing a mysterious and lethal substance on a college campus, save people from getting hit by cars, save children from burning buildings, go on stakeouts with her team, and most importantly, avoid a confrontation with her most dangerous enemy: her leader, Patrick.
Can Jillian survive?
Ignite (Battlecry 0.5)
Battlecry
March 9, 2018
Superheroes, a daring rescue, and an unforgettable heroine? YES, PLEASE!
Right from the start, the vivid characters in the story gripped me. A dangerous new drug circulating through the college campuses, burning buildings, and home invasions are all in a day's work for this team. And if that's not enough, their compelling relationships with each other hint at a deeper and darker secret--that the everyday citizens of Saint Catherine aren't the only ones in need of a rescue.
I found myself cheering for the main character, Jillian, right away. Her love for her teammates, immense talent and skill, and boatloads of leadership potential just under the surface have hooked me on this series. Can't wait for more!
Right from the start, the vivid characters in the story gripped me. A dangerous new drug circulating through the college campuses, burning buildings, and home invasions are all in a day's work for this team. And if that's not enough, their compelling relationships with each other hint at a deeper and darker secret--that the everyday citizens of Saint Catherine aren't the only ones in need of a rescue.
I found myself cheering for the main character, Jillian, right away. Her love for her teammates, immense talent and skill, and boatloads of leadership potential just under the surface have hooked me on this series. Can't wait for more!
September 5, 2018
Ignite by Emerald Dodge
My first introduction to Emerald Dodge was in "Excalibur" (one of the short stories in "Of Beasts and Beauties"). Since then, I've read "Battlecry" and "Sentinel". This is the prequel. In it, we meet the team: Battlecry (Jillian), Reid (Tank), Marco (Helios), Patrick ( Atropos), and Ember (Firelight), and learn something of their superpowers. We also are introduced to their code of conduct: the twenty-nine essential principles of superheroism. We start to become aware of the terrible unfairness of their life as superheros. We also see the spark ignite that will burst into flame in "Battlecry" and "Sentinel".
My first introduction to Emerald Dodge was in "Excalibur" (one of the short stories in "Of Beasts and Beauties"). Since then, I've read "Battlecry" and "Sentinel". This is the prequel. In it, we meet the team: Battlecry (Jillian), Reid (Tank), Marco (Helios), Patrick ( Atropos), and Ember (Firelight), and learn something of their superpowers. We also are introduced to their code of conduct: the twenty-nine essential principles of superheroism. We start to become aware of the terrible unfairness of their life as superheros. We also see the spark ignite that will burst into flame in "Battlecry" and "Sentinel".
June 23, 2019
I must admit, though I gave this book four stars, I'm intrigued. It's not something I'd usually pick to read because superhero stories have been so done and overdone. I received it free for signing up to the author's newsletter.
I'm rather tired of the typical superhero tale. But this one does seem to offer something a little different, to include how the world within the book is set up. I'd like to see where the story goes from this point on so I'll likely pick up book one at some point. And that's what a good prequel should do, right?
If you enjoy superhero stories, dark superhero stories, or fantasy stories, you might want to give this one a try.
I'm rather tired of the typical superhero tale. But this one does seem to offer something a little different, to include how the world within the book is set up. I'd like to see where the story goes from this point on so I'll likely pick up book one at some point. And that's what a good prequel should do, right?
If you enjoy superhero stories, dark superhero stories, or fantasy stories, you might want to give this one a try.
March 23, 2018
Jillian is part of a superhero team, who try to use their powers to save people, all while under the thumb of their abrasive, awful leader. One day, Jillian discovers a deadly new drug is spreading like wildfire through the community. To help a friend, to help the people she serves, she sets out to put an end to it. She won't let anything - bullets, arson or her team leader - stop her.
A fierce, kind heroine with strength and determination, Jillian earns her superhero stripes in every way. This story sets the stage for many daring, exciting adventures, and I can't wait to read more!
A fierce, kind heroine with strength and determination, Jillian earns her superhero stripes in every way. This story sets the stage for many daring, exciting adventures, and I can't wait to read more!
March 20, 2019
After finishing Excalibur I was looking forward to reading about a hero who was actually willing to help save the cult victims. I was dismayed and disgusted that this book is 20 years later and no one has done anything yet. Then in this book they are all doormats who allow themselves to be physically, mentally, verbally and emotionally abused and exploited by their leader who isn't even stronger than them. They are adults. They are superpowers. They are pathetic. I don't like where this series has gone. I don't expect I will be reading anymore.
March 23, 2018
This really felt more like an introduction to a book, than a stand alone novella, which was rather disappointing. Nothing really happened, and any conflict that did happen was solved instantly (the drug dealer) or not at all (the horrible team leader). It wasn't enough to get me invested in the story, unfortunately.
April 6, 2018
Instafreebie. A good introduction rather than a short story and I really like the cover artwork. Gave it three stars because I didn’t like how confined it felt with the story, a team of superheroes stuck under the thumb of one cruel SOB. I think I would like to read the first book but I’d have to be in a certain mood to do so.
May 10, 2018
DEFINITELY worth your time to pick up. I read this more than a month ago and still think about it. It's clear the author has done a good deal of research into cult practices, because it feels quite authentic (and by that I mean spine-shudderingly manipulative and creepy). Can't wait to read Battlecry proper when it finally comes out!!
April 17, 2018
Really engaging introduction to this series. I devoured it in about an hour. Can't wait for Battlecry to be released!
May 9, 2018
I'm having a complicated response to this one. As a prelude to get me interested in the world, it works. My interest is piqued. I want to know where the author is taking this. Emerald Dodge has created a team of cultish superheroes trapped under the thumb of an abusive leader, and I'm curious.
But.
As a stand-alone novelette? It could be better. The conflict of the A-plot (drug-dealer) is resolved off-screen without fanfare, while the B-Plot (conflict between Jill and her team leader) ramps up into... well, nothing. Since the protagonist is already questioning her role at the beginning of the story, the character development is minimal.
Still, as I said in the beginning, I'm curious. So I'm interested, but not invested. I probably will read Battlecry when it debuts later this year, but I'll have to be in the right mood. (Then again, that's my typical response to YA, so maybe I'm just a cynic.)
But.
As a stand-alone novelette? It could be better. The conflict of the A-plot (drug-dealer) is resolved off-screen without fanfare, while the B-Plot (conflict between Jill and her team leader) ramps up into... well, nothing. Since the protagonist is already questioning her role at the beginning of the story, the character development is minimal.
Still, as I said in the beginning, I'm curious. So I'm interested, but not invested. I probably will read Battlecry when it debuts later this year, but I'll have to be in the right mood. (Then again, that's my typical response to YA, so maybe I'm just a cynic.)
November 7, 2019
It's a short story, and sets the scene for conflict within the team.
August 31, 2021
This short read made me care about the characters and want to know more about this world of superheroes. Definitely will pick up the first book of the series!
February 24, 2018
If you love well-written characters, action, and a compelling story, you'll love Ignite. Emerald's writing captivates you from Page 1. Highly recommend; you won't regret reading it!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews