Enjoyable Story

Enjoyable story that is well written with likeable characters and good world building. The narration was very good as well.

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Much anticipated and didn't let me down

I have Volume 1 and was anticipating this keenly - the continuing story of the evolution of the Bureau of TranSpecies Affairs. It didn't disappoint.

Chained looks at how far some will go to achieve fame and fortune, and the dodgy setup of Mr Whittaker and his power grabbing Mr Fixer role in signing up and promoting new Hollywood talent, by whatever means,
Terry Brandt, a bureau agent is sent in undercover to try and expose his operation and meets Edge, who at first on the surface appears to be a security guard. It is revealed that Edge is a Dog shifter, bred and sold to be intensely loyal to his owner - Whittaker, along with his 2 brothers.
However, as Terry and Edge develop a connection, Edge is conflicted between his loyalty and then his attraction to Terry, who treats him with consideration and kindness. Their developing relationship is very poignant, with alot of sadness on both sides with past hurts. How they come to save the day is very satisfying and again looks at who is the monster - the animals or the humans. Loved it.

Convicted is a tale of redemption and understanding past acts and striving to be better.
Kurt Powell is a Bureau agent - directed to look into an old case and he needs the help of Desmond Hughes (Des). Des had left Ireland, ended up in USA and in a disastrous relationship with Larry, Larry and Des (who was Larry's sidekick and muscle) murdered people with the aid of magic boxes. They were caught 17 years ago, Larry shot dead, and Des has been in prison ever since.
Not all the boxes were found and one has recently been used for evil deeds, and others are looking for them.
Kurt and Des go on a road trip to try and find the remaining boxes and as per good road trip stories, it is an emotional journey too. Des had gone along for the ride with Larry and not really questioned his guilt or intent. Kurt had unresolved guilt from killing people when he was in the Vietnam war. All these feelings rise to the surface as their journey continues, and they question their pasts - particularly Des who seems to have been somewhat naive. They draw close to each other and then at one point, all seems lost
Events come to a head, baddies overcome and all resolves well.
I feel that Chief Townsend not only wanted Des redemming, but also Kurt and hence his sneaky pairing of the two.

Joel really captures these stories with his narration. Townsend's voice has been the same throughout the series, which is no mean feat, and he sounds like the manipulative big fat, whisky slugging smoker that he is. Terry and Edge are distinct and Joel injects so much wistfulness into Edge's voice as he yearns for things that he has never had, like love and kindness.
In Corruption we have Kurt who is portrayed as a slightly broken uptight man and Des with his fantastic irish accent that lilts along in a carefree manner until the realisation of what he has actually done in the past hits him. I can picture the scenes and the people from his narration and not forgetting the side characters - often female that Joel pitches just right too.

Loved the books, but Joel just adds that extra something to the whole experience and enhances them. Marvellous.

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1 person found this helpful

Brilliant

Joel Leslie you brought these stories to life and had me gripped from the beginning. Kim your writing is so heartfelt I am really looking forward to more of the Bureau

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