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Rogue Ethereal #1

Woman of Blood & Bone

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I was burned at the stake at fourteen...
I was drowned in a lake when I was twenty-four...
At twenty-seven, I was stoned in a public square...

I have died a hundred times in a hundred different ways, usually at the hands of the humans I've tried to save. But when a pregnant young woman finds her way into my tattoo shop with a demon on her tail, things go from bad to worse. Being a centuries-old witch isn't going to help me - nothing will.

This time I might just die in a way that sticks... Permanently.

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2018

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About the author

Annie Anderson

43 books2,024 followers
Annie Anderson is the author of the international bestselling Rogue Ethereal series. A United States Air Force veteran, Annie pens fast-paced Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy novels filled with strong, snarky heroines and a boatload of magic. When she takes a break from writing, she can be found binge-watching The Magicians, flirting with her husband, wrangling children, or bribing her cantankerous dogs to go on a walk.

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5 stars
1,408 (37%)
4 stars
1,224 (32%)
3 stars
818 (21%)
2 stars
241 (6%)
1 star
73 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
12 reviews8 followers
January 28, 2020
Note: if you have not read the author's Ashes to Ashes series, do NOT start this one until you do.

I really wanted to like this book. The premise is right up my alley. However, there was so much missing that I felt like I was missing half the story. I discovered (after getting well into the story) that this is a spin-off series from the author's Ashes to Ashes series. That series (I'm assuming) is where we are first introduced to the main character, her possible love interest, and where all the world building is done. Reading this felt like I'd picked up the third in a series and not the first. There is no mention on the cover art or in the description that this is picking up where another left off. And there is nowhere near enough character- or world-building for this series to stand on its own (I am assuming this was all done in the original series).

In addition to billing book six of one series as book one of another, the storyline just jumped around an awful lot, it could've used another editing pass, and the characters just fell flat.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,593 reviews45 followers
November 11, 2018
Great World Building

Jump into a fantasy world with magic, angels, demons, and so much more. The female lead is awesome and kicks some butt as she gives tattooed trying to live her life. After living for hundreds of years she thinks she has seen it all until life throws her a curve ball. Now she has to figure things out before it all goes bad with little to no information. Great development and smooth writing that Will draw you in until you hit the last page wondering what will happen next. Perfect for fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Elise  Hoffman.
Author 3 books11 followers
October 9, 2022
Freaking Awesome

I have a single complaint, so I’ll get it out of the way now: so much cussing. In particular, it’s hard to find a paragraph that doesn’t include some version of “fuck” in it. I do enjoy a good F-Bomb, but there is such a thing as too much, and this does cross the line for me.

But that’s the only thing. This was soooo freaking good. It was fast paced, not a moment of boredom, has excellent character development, and a very solid storyline that has far reaching potential.

I loved these characters. I really, really loved Max. I’m pretty sure it’s because she is so incredibly flawed. Yes, she is a badass, but mostly by necessity and sheer will power. There are many, many times in the story where she wants to give up, run away, or hurl at the sight of blood, but she picks herself up and does what she knows is right anyway. Which actually makes her an even better badass. I kinda wanna be her when I grow up.

I’m picking up the next book NOW. I’m sure I’ll have it finished tomorrow.

Trigger warning: it’s violent, and a tad on the gruesome side, although her descriptions of the gore are not over the top. But if this were a movie, it would definitely be rated R. It also deals with themes of physical abuse, and human trafficking.
Profile Image for Nicki Heiman.
202 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2020
I got this book from an amazon add on facebook, what it doesn't tell you is that this book is a spin off series and all the previous information is left out. It says no where in the add or the start of the book that this is a spin off. There are previous relationships and events that effect this story but they are not explained, we are just expected to know them. This is super confusing and frustrating. There is one event in particular from the previous book that is brought up constantly and by the end of the book we kind of get the jist of what happened but not enough for the plot of the story.
This book was advertised as a romance but it's definitely not a romance. (Not that I only read romance, I personally prefer stories that are not romance but have a background romance element, however, that is not what it was advertised as).
The book is in serious need of an editor.
I wanted to like this so much, there were elements that I really liked and I loved the idea. It was not executed well, there were so many editing errors and continuity errors, including character continuity issues which really bother me. The story was a little all over the place. I know you need a lot of suspension of disbelief in a fantasy story line but even thinking in terms of the universe we are in there are just some problems. The problems really pull you out of the story. There were a lot of elements that just ended or ultimately had no pay off, which was frustrating. I think a rewrite with a good editor could really fix this book.
TLDR: If you get this book for free from KU or other offers, read it, it's fine. If you have to pay for it just find something else.
Profile Image for Mummy's Naughty Corner.
1,511 reviews79 followers
July 20, 2020
Well this one was weird there were fantastic parts and then other parts were just so. I felt the author needed to spend longer on the world building and character development to allow us a chance to connect. Some of the story was unique like the fact she's a witch that doesn't die but then other parts are a common happening in the paranormal world like demon branding.
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,155 reviews72 followers
November 29, 2019
Who knew Max would be such a complicated character? There were hints of it, but this story surpassed anything I’d have come up with! I am loving this spin off from the Phoenix Rising series immensely!
Profile Image for Rhiannon Chillingworth.
789 reviews186 followers
February 18, 2021
DNF at 64%.

Probably 2.5 but I've rounded up as I didn't finish it.

The biggest issue with this is that it's clearly a spin off from another series and so I feel like way too much is established already and I've just missed out on loads of back story and world building, which is just annoying really.

Secondly, the main character is a bit obnoxious in a shallow and arrogant sort of way. I didn't really warm up to her at the start and my feelings towards her didn't get any better.

Life's too short to read books that annoy you, so I just threw in the towel on this one.
Profile Image for Aarann.
821 reviews73 followers
September 13, 2023
I think the best word to describe this one is "uneven." It had a lot of promise, though, which is why I'll be checking the second book out. I'm a sucker for a kick-ass heroine, but the book just could not seem to settle on whether Max was the strongest witch of them all, or whether she was going to pass out every few pages. There were a few plot points that really should have been much bigger deals that seemed like they were just kind of "Oh hey there's this thing" dropped in without a bigger reaction. It made me think the book that was published was an early draft that could have been fleshed out a little better.

And the thing was, there was something here that could have been good. I liked the world, although it was clear I was being dropped into a pre-existing world that I'd need to read at least one other series to fully get. Same with the characters -- Max's links to Striker, Ian, and Aurelia as well as her Big Death Scene were clearly established in prior books and as a result, I didn't feel like I was properly introduced to any of them. I especially couldn't understand her big friendship with Striker when it felt like most of the book he was working against her in pursuit of his own goals. And it's clear she and Ian were supposed to be some sort of enemies-to-lovers thing but that didn't track when clearly their "enemies" portion was in a different book and you don't really see any of their sparks on the pages of this book.

So yeah, this wasn't great, but it had enough to like that I'll likely pick up book 2 at some point since they're on KU. I'm just hoping the second one will rely less on previous books and will do more showing than telling, or it will likely be a DNF.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews351 followers
February 27, 2018
description
Annie Anderson delivers something new with the Rogue Ethereal Series. A spin off from the incredible Ashes to Ashes Series, I couldn't wait to dive into Woman of Blood & Bone. This story was different than Anderson's previous series as this one focuses on Max. She had intrigued me and I was eager to find out more about her.

As with all of her previous books, Anderson hits us with a fast paced and action packed storyline. Woman of Blood & Bone has Max and her best friend, Striker, doing their best to protect a pregnant woman from her boyfriend. A boyfriend who is more than he lets on. On a race against time and a battle against evil, both Max and Striker are also faced with the truth of their histories and where they come from. It was an emotional and exciting story. I didn't want it to end.

Anderson has expertly laid the groundwork for the next book. She has set up the conflict, given us interesting new characters, and teased us with a romance that I'm dying for. At the end, we are left desperate for more.
Profile Image for Shirley.
903 reviews228 followers
November 12, 2018
Original review

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Annie Anderson!

Woman of Blood & Bone
is the first book in the Rogue Ethereal series and tells the story of Max and her friends. One day two people visit her tattoo shop and then everything changes…

Woman of Blood & Bone was such a good and interesting story. I really liked that this book, and series, is about different kinds of supernatural creatures. I think it’s always nice when you can read about different creatures and not just one.

Woman of Blood & Bone has multiple perspectives, which is something I also really like because you get to know the characters and you get to know why they do certain things. I really liked reading in Max’ perspective because she’s so badass and just amazing!

This book is definitely one of my favourite books because it’s just so fast paced and I couldn’t stop reading. I would’ve finished it in one day if I had the time. This is the second book I read by Annie Anderson, and the second book I loved written by her. She can write Contemporary and Fantasy, and she’s just amazing! I cannot wait to read the sequel, Daughter of Souls & Silence!
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,178 reviews68 followers
February 15, 2018
ANNIE HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!!
Wow! I'm just gonna go ahead and tell ya, this is one wild ride. An excellent, easy to follow, fast paced, nailbiting, thrilling read that captures your attention from the first page to the last word. You can't put it, frozen to the edge of your seat and held prisoner till the very end. Annie shows her impressive skilled talent to bring this from imagination to life. You'll follow the main characters and fall in love with their personalities. You root for the good guys and try to help with the bad. A must read for anyone that loves an exciting tale.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,444 reviews48 followers
March 7, 2018
OMG!!!!!! I could not put this down. I so badly am waiting to read more from Annie Anderson. I highly recommend this book and author to everyone who loves a terrific book. i can't wait to read more loved it.
Profile Image for Jennifer Soppe.
2,248 reviews12 followers
January 6, 2020
A grab bag of characters and thrills

Max, a witch of unusual power, has spent her life dying and coming back while protecting others. As the story progresses unknown secrets come to light, she can’t keep from fighting against her need to help, and this time may be the proverbial straw that breaks the camel’s back. Annie Anderson’s Woman of Blood and Bone is a thrilling read with a grab bag of characters and their assorted issues. I truly appreciated her sense of mystery and wanted to rail at her toward the end for some of the things that happened. If you appreciate Kim Harrison and Patricia Briggs, you cannot go wrong with this book.
Profile Image for United Indie Book Blog.
4,441 reviews82 followers
April 19, 2020
I really enjoyed listening to Woman of Blood & Bones. The narrator does a great job.
Max had me hooked within the first few minutes of the book. I enjoyed the different view on paranormal and all the action! I can’t wait to hear what happens next.

Review by Raychel
Profile Image for Toni Whitehouse.
340 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2020
Well shit

I wasn't expecting this book to be sooo good but I couldn't put it down at all. Absolutely loved it and can't wait to read the next book
Profile Image for Michelle.
187 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2020
Wonderful storyline

Superb characters and a plot that is absolutely amazing. You can feel the pain and relief with every word you read . On to the next chapter☺☺☺
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews153 followers
February 18, 2018
5 Cranky Stars


Y’all remember Maxima right? She’s the spunky enigmatic witch who captured the glances of Ian and saved our friends from Ashes to Ashes series. This is the story you knew you needed but wasn’t sure you’d ever see.


Max is a rouge witch. She runs a tattoo parlor with her best friend and fellow unique person Striker. She’s been on earth several millennia and has died often yet she comes back every time. She is done with putting herself out there for ones who won’t extend her the same courtesy. When Striker drags her into an underground witch bar her life gets flipped upside down. She learns things about herself she didn’t know were true. On top of helping a mortal woman from a demon she must break bonds that were enforced upon her against her will.


Max is a strong woman yet at times she was in way over her head. I love that we finally got to see what Max truly is besides a kickbutt chick we all want to be like. Striker was a little overboard at times but I guess that was his nature to feel so much in such a short time. I want her to jump Ians bones. Hopefully in future books she’ll get her head out the clouds.


Annie Anderson weaves yet another magical word seamlessly with the Ashes to Ashes world. I can’t wait for more
Profile Image for Christy deSade.
461 reviews11 followers
August 14, 2023
A hot mess

The world building and character development were crap, absolute crap! You know why? There's a whole series of books that come before this one and in order to understand this book/series, you need to have read it. Guess where that little tidbit is listed..... nowhere!! Not on the blurb for the book where courteous authors let their readers know that trying to read this book is futile without the previous series. On top of that, the multiple POV was handled horribly. I've made a note to never pick up another book by this author.
March 1, 2018

I'm still working through the Scattered Ashes series so this is my first introduction to Maxima, but what an introduction it was! Max is half demon, half witch, and was thrown out of her coven at the age of 14 after coming back to life after being burned at the stake. Her mother, the coven leader, bans her from the coven leaving her as a Rogue witch. She has since lived hundreds of years along with her best friend Stryker, and though she has died many times, the first time is the one that haunts her. When an innocent pregnant woman comes into her tattoo shop in need of help, Stryker and Max jump to her aid and end up with far more than they bargained for. Now Stryker and Max are on the run, trying to keep Melody and her unborn child safe.
This was an awesome introduction to Max's story with nonstop action and surprises at every turn. Max and Stryker despite their many years of life together still have much to learn about themselves and each other and each new revelation was an unexpected treat. Anderson pulled no punches, fully displaying each characters emotional turmoil and vividly describing the brutal action scenes as they unfolded. All of this led to an impactful, intense, and unequivocally worthy read that shouldn't be missed. The emotional ride alone was worth the read! The story ended with a cliffhanger so be warned, you'll be ready for the next one. I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
1,941 reviews33 followers
February 28, 2018
OMG, what did I just read? What a roller coaster ride of a book!

Annie Anderson has done it again, created a book that grabs you by the throat from the very first page and never lets go!

Maxima Alcado is a rogue witch who has died hundreds of times in her long life, each and every time because she is helping someone else to live. She and her best friend, Striker, are drawn into a young pregnant woman's life when her "boyfriend" comes into Max's tattoo parlor to get some new ink. Little do they know what will happen next.

The action never stops and after reading this book, I felt totally drained emotionally. Max has such a good heart and you just feel every bit of her pain as she tries to help the young woman, Melody, out of a horrible situation. My favorite quote: "What we are does not dictate what we can be."

I love Ms. Anderson's writing! Her characters are well-developed, there is always plenty of action and she always manages to introduce a new Etheral creature into her books. She never disappoints and I always know that I just have to set aside the time to read the book all in one setting. Once you start, you will have to finish! Another amazingly wonderful read!
Profile Image for K.A. Graham.
Author 19 books117 followers
February 11, 2018
Woman of Blood & Bone (Rogue Ethereal 1)
by Annie Anderson

☆☆☆5 stars☆☆☆

Maxima Alcado is my hero, girl crush and basically my everything. She's the ultimate no holds barred bad mamajama! Yes, I may have a slight obsession with her. No shame at all!

Max was basically shunned out of her coven, as a young girl, with nowhere to go and no one to teach her the ways of the "human" world. She taught herself and fought for herself. She's a survivor, ten folds over, literally. She's like a cat with unlimited lives!

Enter her best friend, Striker. They are a match made in Heaven and Hell. No pun intended. I love these two, and they make the best team and have the ability to be in tune with what the other is thinking and wanting.

When an innocent needs their help, they don't hesitate to put their lives on the line, even if it brings the worst of the worst to their doorstep. Struggles and regrets ensue, and their friendship is definately put to the test, pitting best friends against each other.

Will they make it through? Friendship and lives in tact? Brilliant start to what's sure to be an amazing series! I'm ready and waiting...
Profile Image for Nikki.
140 reviews
March 4, 2018
Dudes, this book is about Max! Yes, I am a bit excited. Max was introduced as a supporting character in the Ashes to Ashes series and I immediately loved her. She is strong, mysterious and downright bada$$. When I found out she was the lead character in this series I couldn't wait to read it. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed, this book ROCKS!

Annie Anderson has created a world that revolves around this fantastic, yet misunderstood witch. Her very long life is fraught with loneliness except for her one constant, her best friend, Striker. In this book the two of them work together to help a young girl, but along the way they encounter evil. An evil that takes everything Max has in her to fight. Each new page offers more adventure and hold on to your seat, excitement.

If, like me, you love the Ashes to Ashes series, this book is a MUST READ! A few of the characters from the original series pop in, but this book can definitely stand on its own. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can not wait for the next in the series to see what the author has in store for Max.

I happily rate this book 5 witchy stars!



Profile Image for Barb Shuler.
Author 109 books157 followers
February 12, 2018
Magnificent. Brilliant. Frigging awesome! I could go on and on here. I tell you, I’ve loved Max from the moment she shows up in Smoldering Ashes. She’s a total bad-arse with a complex. Bad to the bone, hot and a whole lot of witch in here.

This story gives you a hard look into the life of Max. There is more to her than anything we’ve seen before. She’s been haunted since she was a child. She was tossed out on her coven, made to be a rogue, who knows absolutely nothing about what the human world holds for her. She’s lived, she’s died and she has fought her way through each and every hardship that’s been tossed her way.

Her best friend, who also seems to add a lot of trouble to the work load, Striker, and she have but one choice to make when a damsel in distress falls in their lap. The very unhappy Melody sets them off on a whirlwind adventure that leads them to a boat load of trouble.

The kind of trouble that they may not be able to get free of. In the end, it’s a game of chance and they have to hope the fates are on their side when the bad, gets worse.
Profile Image for Izzybear.
755 reviews
February 28, 2018
I really liked Maxima when she was introduced in Mrs. Anderson’s Ashes to Ashes series. I’m so glad she got her own story. Although Maxima makes an appearance in that series you don’t have to read it to enjoy this.
Max is a strong, sweet, caring and broken woman. She has known a lot of heartache and pain in her life. Cast out at young age because she was different from everyone else Maxima is accustomed to being alone. Not having anyone there to love, guide or protect her hasn’t harden Maxima or kept her down though. She forged ahead learning as she went. Maxima is courageous in the face of danger even when there’s a possibility that she might not make it out of a situation alive.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out. I’m eager to find out what’s going to happen next in Maxima’s story.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,278 reviews23 followers
March 5, 2018
Solid 4.5 star,
This book is go go go right from the start and keeps up a great pace throughout, we meet characters who you can't help to connect with and have plenty of action, bloodshed, tragedy, mystery and surprises. Max is a rouge a witch without a Coven after getting ditched by her delightful (not) Mother at 14, Striker is Max's best friend well one of only a couple of friends really who is an Empath who helps Max get in and out of trouble. Life changes dramatically for them both when a guy comes into Max's shop for a tattoo and Striker talks to the guys pregnant girlfriend and find out she is in trouble and needs to get away from the guy and i is literally life and death. From there Max and Striker along with a few others need to try and save Melody as well as try and fix what the Demon has done to Max. Will they all live or will it be over for them all?
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,441 reviews37 followers
February 20, 2018
I loved Max from the moment she showed up in the Ashes to Ashes series. I couldn’t wait to read this book and learn more about Max. I was not disappointed. Max is a rogue witch. She has so much power but knows so little about herself or the basics. Max is a total badass and while she hasn’t always had it easy. She is a fantastic friend and woman. I can’t say enough about his book or Max. I can’t wait to read the next book. There will be no spoilers in this review. Instead you just have to read this book for yourself. And then because you will love it so much go read Annie’s Ashes to Ashes series while you wait for the next book in this series.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ani Conda.
104 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2018
Bold, brash and beautiful. That’s what I consider Max to be like and her book reflected it fantastically. From start to finish you heart is filled with anguish and hope. Finding max survived the wards being drained is a great feeling but the situation she gets herself into is heart breaking. Nothing comes easy for Maxima Alcado and it doesn’t appear that that will change anytime soon.

This could be read as a standalone but reading the previous books will definitely give you more meat to the already expansive story. Easy reading and epic flow, Annie Anderson drags you back into this paranormal world and doesn’t let you got until you are begging for more.

Another brilliant story and character setup to keep readers coming back again and again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews

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