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Aftermath Cleaners #1
Keeper of the Way
One man is a harbinger. The other a bad boy. She’s set to save their race. Too bad she has to die.
NiaMora, a magical crime scene cleaner, is destined to die tonight. Severin, a harbinger of death, has already arrived to bear witness. But he’ll defy his duty. He won’t stand by and watch, not when NiaMora may be the Fae’s last hope of survival.
Zan Wynn cares nothing for Severin’s heroic delusions. The Fae-tech mogul has “spies� on NiaMora and her aftermath cleaner team. He wants her for reasons of his own and as the quintessential bad boy—some might say bad guy—he can’t be bothered to play fair.
Oblivious to her doom, NiaMora focuses on the missing Way, the very essence of the Fae and the reason they are trapped in the mortal world. There’s also the small matter of remaining single when she can’t deny Severin’s power over her or Zan Wynn’s hypnotic pull. One man is her fate, the other the prelude to her destruction.
NiaMora, a magical crime scene cleaner, is destined to die tonight. Severin, a harbinger of death, has already arrived to bear witness. But he’ll defy his duty. He won’t stand by and watch, not when NiaMora may be the Fae’s last hope of survival.
Zan Wynn cares nothing for Severin’s heroic delusions. The Fae-tech mogul has “spies� on NiaMora and her aftermath cleaner team. He wants her for reasons of his own and as the quintessential bad boy—some might say bad guy—he can’t be bothered to play fair.
Oblivious to her doom, NiaMora focuses on the missing Way, the very essence of the Fae and the reason they are trapped in the mortal world. There’s also the small matter of remaining single when she can’t deny Severin’s power over her or Zan Wynn’s hypnotic pull. One man is her fate, the other the prelude to her destruction.
87 pages, ebook
First published June 4, 2009
2 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Shirin Dubbin
7Ìýbooks53ÌýfollowersShirin Dubbin is often called a “chic geek,â€� and she likes the sound of it. Especially since she’s a closet wallflower (albeit one with a super-heroine styled . When not working in graphic design or hosting The Fantastic Forum—a celebration of comics & speculative fiction—she writes stories inspired by the art, literature, international cinema, and anime she grew up with.
In her own storytelling, Shirin spins tales of sci-fi and urban fantasy with romantic edge. The battle between good and evil, humor, and break neck action are ink to her imagination.
Culturally, she’s half American, half British and very southern; right down to the accent and love of grits. Government reports show a residence in DC, but Shirin lives largely on the astral plane and hopes to meet you there.
In her own storytelling, Shirin spins tales of sci-fi and urban fantasy with romantic edge. The battle between good and evil, humor, and break neck action are ink to her imagination.
Culturally, she’s half American, half British and very southern; right down to the accent and love of grits. Government reports show a residence in DC, but Shirin lives largely on the astral plane and hopes to meet you there.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 15, 2012
This book was Epicly Awesome.
So allow me to preface this with saying that I never write reviews. EVER. Not that I do not have opinions on what I read, but that I hardly ever feel the need to make my opinions known. This book warrants me taking the time to give my thoughts to words and structure, in the form of a review. Also I feel the need to explain that rarely do I enjoy a book of this length *Short
This book starts you right off into the lushly surreal universe that it is. The background, mythology, and overall tone is easily meshed with an understandable reality. The author manages this seamlessly building as the tale is woven. The Heroine - NiaMora is smart, crafty and has a wonderful sense of humor. She is actively avoiding a mate when said Mate crashes into her happily productive life. Let it also be said that the Hero of this tale happens to be sexy, capably strong and smart. Mayhem ensues in the way of stolen divinity. The pacing is quick, but rich despite it's speed. There was not an aspect of this novel that I did not enjoy.
My ONLY Complaint. Is that I wish there had been more it, in any form, whether it be another longer story in this universe OR this tale continued. I CANNOT WAIT for whatever Shirin Dubbin does next with this.
* i am unsure but i think i just went fan girl *
So allow me to preface this with saying that I never write reviews. EVER. Not that I do not have opinions on what I read, but that I hardly ever feel the need to make my opinions known. This book warrants me taking the time to give my thoughts to words and structure, in the form of a review. Also I feel the need to explain that rarely do I enjoy a book of this length *Short
This book starts you right off into the lushly surreal universe that it is. The background, mythology, and overall tone is easily meshed with an understandable reality. The author manages this seamlessly building as the tale is woven. The Heroine - NiaMora is smart, crafty and has a wonderful sense of humor. She is actively avoiding a mate when said Mate crashes into her happily productive life. Let it also be said that the Hero of this tale happens to be sexy, capably strong and smart. Mayhem ensues in the way of stolen divinity. The pacing is quick, but rich despite it's speed. There was not an aspect of this novel that I did not enjoy.
My ONLY Complaint. Is that I wish there had been more it, in any form, whether it be another longer story in this universe OR this tale continued. I CANNOT WAIT for whatever Shirin Dubbin does next with this.
* i am unsure but i think i just went fan girl *
October 17, 2011
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit .
Expected Release Date: September 13, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Self-Published (Fan Fatale)
Imprint: N/A
Author’s Website:
My Source for This Book: Gift from the Author
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Aftermath Cleaners
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
NiaMora is an Aftermath Cleaner. Joined by teammates Shoan and Kunai, they use their abilities to make certain that no evidence of the existence of magical creatures makes it into the hands of the humans whose world they now share. Nii’s ability to extract bodily fluids from crime scenes makes her very successful at what she does, and while she may wear sunglasses to prevent a Twinning (her people’s ability to recognize and bond with their fated mates), her friends and family are still very proud of her.
Strange things are happening in town however, from odd occurrences at crime scenes, to feelings of being watched, and the sudden appearance of not one but two incredibly fascinating men. Zan Wynn, a bad-boy with an awesome bike, has Nii securing her sunglasses against what she fears might be fate’s nudge towards her possible mate. Severin, a creature whose sole purpose is to bear witness to the births and deaths of those who are important to history, draws Nii in with more than just attraction � she and those around her desperately hope that he’s in town to witness the birth of her best friend’s child, and that this child might be the new Keeper of the Way, bringing the Fae essence back into the world.
What Nii doesn’t know, however, is that Severin is not in town for a birth � he’s here to bear witness to Nii’s own death. But something about Nii makes Severin want to forsake his duty for the first time in his very long life, and he is willing to do anything to protect the one woman who could actually make him feel.
I am excited to read more about the world of the Aftermath Cleaners, and have been told that there are two more novellas planned in the series. While I can’t help but wonder what a full-length novel would be like as far as world-building and character development would go, I am still pleased that other novellas will be in the same universe and will presumably expand quite a bit on the world I quickly grew to love in this one. I am also very excited to see Kunai’s story as well as Shona’s (though, I admit, I’m more excited about Kunai � how could I not be? He’s H-O-T.)
In the end, I really enjoyed this one. While I do think some readers will be a bit lost, simply because of Ms. Dubbin’s trademark pacing, for me, there were just enough snippits of a grander “universe� to keep me interested in the world as a whole, and enough character background and development to make me strongly root for Nii throughout the story.
Recommended for fans of fast paced Urban Fantasy with fascinating settings, of fated mates whose destinies are not so clearly defined, and of wicked humor intertwined with lots of pulse-pounding action.
A very solid 4/5 Stars
Expected Release Date: September 13, 2011 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Self-Published (Fan Fatale)
Imprint: N/A
Author’s Website:
My Source for This Book: Gift from the Author
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 1, Aftermath Cleaners
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
NiaMora is an Aftermath Cleaner. Joined by teammates Shoan and Kunai, they use their abilities to make certain that no evidence of the existence of magical creatures makes it into the hands of the humans whose world they now share. Nii’s ability to extract bodily fluids from crime scenes makes her very successful at what she does, and while she may wear sunglasses to prevent a Twinning (her people’s ability to recognize and bond with their fated mates), her friends and family are still very proud of her.
Strange things are happening in town however, from odd occurrences at crime scenes, to feelings of being watched, and the sudden appearance of not one but two incredibly fascinating men. Zan Wynn, a bad-boy with an awesome bike, has Nii securing her sunglasses against what she fears might be fate’s nudge towards her possible mate. Severin, a creature whose sole purpose is to bear witness to the births and deaths of those who are important to history, draws Nii in with more than just attraction � she and those around her desperately hope that he’s in town to witness the birth of her best friend’s child, and that this child might be the new Keeper of the Way, bringing the Fae essence back into the world.
What Nii doesn’t know, however, is that Severin is not in town for a birth � he’s here to bear witness to Nii’s own death. But something about Nii makes Severin want to forsake his duty for the first time in his very long life, and he is willing to do anything to protect the one woman who could actually make him feel.
I am excited to read more about the world of the Aftermath Cleaners, and have been told that there are two more novellas planned in the series. While I can’t help but wonder what a full-length novel would be like as far as world-building and character development would go, I am still pleased that other novellas will be in the same universe and will presumably expand quite a bit on the world I quickly grew to love in this one. I am also very excited to see Kunai’s story as well as Shona’s (though, I admit, I’m more excited about Kunai � how could I not be? He’s H-O-T.)
In the end, I really enjoyed this one. While I do think some readers will be a bit lost, simply because of Ms. Dubbin’s trademark pacing, for me, there were just enough snippits of a grander “universe� to keep me interested in the world as a whole, and enough character background and development to make me strongly root for Nii throughout the story.
Recommended for fans of fast paced Urban Fantasy with fascinating settings, of fated mates whose destinies are not so clearly defined, and of wicked humor intertwined with lots of pulse-pounding action.
A very solid 4/5 Stars
November 2, 2012
Amazon lists this as 73 pages and goodreads as 87 pages. Either way, it is a short and sweet. I enjoyed getting to know NiaMora. I couldn’t tell who I was supposed to root for between Zan and Severin, but I was happy with the outcome.
It starts with the reader knowing that NiaMora is going to die. Both men seemed to be attracted to her. Zan, it seems has been watching her and even though I just finished it, I still don’t quite understand why he is doing that. Severin knows he is called to her to help her death along.
There is a lot that ends up confusing in this book because it can’t be fully explained. I loved that there were Orcs, gryphons, gilins (which are apparently unicorn/lions), pixies, gargoyles, and elves (I love elves). The story would be better suited if it was longer and the reader was fully introduced into this world.
Overall, the story line was great and I will definitely read more from this author and hope that this world gets explained in more detail.
If you would like to read other reviews I have written, visit my blog:
It starts with the reader knowing that NiaMora is going to die. Both men seemed to be attracted to her. Zan, it seems has been watching her and even though I just finished it, I still don’t quite understand why he is doing that. Severin knows he is called to her to help her death along.
There is a lot that ends up confusing in this book because it can’t be fully explained. I loved that there were Orcs, gryphons, gilins (which are apparently unicorn/lions), pixies, gargoyles, and elves (I love elves). The story would be better suited if it was longer and the reader was fully introduced into this world.
Overall, the story line was great and I will definitely read more from this author and hope that this world gets explained in more detail.
If you would like to read other reviews I have written, visit my blog:
April 21, 2016
I really enjoyed "Keeper of the Way".
Going into it, I really had no idea what it was about, so I wasn't expecting an urban magic fairy tale, and that was a good thing! It was a very pleasant surprise.
From start to finish it's very entertaining, and I had to force myself to put it down a couple of times to answer the phone or deal with something other distraction. But it was always easy to pick back up, and it stayed with me from reading session to reading session, and always remained clear on what was happening. In short, it was always easy to just jump back into the next day, an hour later etc...
There are a few good twists and turns, and and I didn't expect there to be some erotic moments in it as well, so that was a fun little surprise too!
All in all, it was a fun read, and with the novella length, it wasn't a gigantic time investment which was a nice change of pace compared to most of the stuff I usually read.
Well done Ms Dubbin! Well done!
Going into it, I really had no idea what it was about, so I wasn't expecting an urban magic fairy tale, and that was a good thing! It was a very pleasant surprise.
From start to finish it's very entertaining, and I had to force myself to put it down a couple of times to answer the phone or deal with something other distraction. But it was always easy to pick back up, and it stayed with me from reading session to reading session, and always remained clear on what was happening. In short, it was always easy to just jump back into the next day, an hour later etc...
There are a few good twists and turns, and and I didn't expect there to be some erotic moments in it as well, so that was a fun little surprise too!
All in all, it was a fun read, and with the novella length, it wasn't a gigantic time investment which was a nice change of pace compared to most of the stuff I usually read.
Well done Ms Dubbin! Well done!
February 6, 2011
The book started out great. I was really excited. It had the makings for a really good book. Nia'Mora is an elf with magic from the Amaranthine. She an extractor and also has an ability that is very human. The story mentions all kinds of mystical creatures, dragons, pixies, gargoyles, gryphons, basilisks and I mean just that mentions.
Once you start getting into a part of the story it switches and then the book is over. There is action and steamy romance but it all seemed very rushed.
Once you start getting into a part of the story it switches and then the book is over. There is action and steamy romance but it all seemed very rushed.
October 11, 2011
Like others here, I enjoyed the book, got hooked right in and then whoosh it was over too quick. Shirin, now you can believe that we all will read your work, for hundreds and hundreds more pages--write a whole saga with these characters! in real print and make us pay the big bucks for them, like others in the urban fantasy genre...
December 30, 2010
I loved this book! I only wish it were longer. I read this book some time ago and just added it to my books. If you're looking for a quick (not too quick) read with a clever plot, great dialog, fun characters -- grab this book.
May 9, 2012
2.5 stars. A great idea, loved the non-western take on the fey races, but the plot felt thin compared to other urban fantasies I've devoured. Also, though some of the descriptions were intriguing, so much time was spent on them that they distracted from the pace of the storyline.
February 11, 2013
I really liked this a great quick read, I'm looking forward to the next one!
February 16, 2013
I enjoyed the story, but there was a lot of story crammed into a small space. The characters did intrigue me, and if Shirin expanded on this story, I'd definitely pick up any following stories.
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