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Book Reviews of Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1)

Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1)
Ill Wind - Weather Warden, Bk 1
Author: Rachel Caine
ISBN-13: 9780451459527
ISBN-10: 0451459520
Publication Date: 12/2003
Pages: 337
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 526

3.8 stars, based on 526 ratings
Publisher: Roc
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

52 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 12
Great beginning to a wonderful series (this is 1st in the series) in the urban fantasy genre. For those who like LKH, Kim Harrison, Kelley Armstrong and the like. This was a very enjoyable read and I am hooked on the series.
CheriePie avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 149 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 12
I was glad I finally found time to read the first book of this series. The concept of wardens who control the four elementsearth, air (wind), fire, water (rain)and thus impact everything from the weather to tree and plant growth was an interesting concept. And the addition of the Djinn, sort of like a genie, adds an additional element of magic to the story.

Though the story is primarily action-based and fantasy, there's a bit of romance in the side story going on too, though it's definitely secondary to the main story, which I appreciate since I can only take my romance with a "bite" or a "murder" or some other danger. :) I thought it started off slow, but the action quickly picked up and drew me in. I'm now looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
Wow! What a great book! This was an awful lot of fun! A smart, gutsy, likeable heroine with some very cool powers on the run from some really scary bad guys -- this book really kept me on the edge of my seat. Lots of action and adventure, thrown in with some romance and a fascinating take on the concept of the djinn. I couldn't read it fast enough! The perfect beach book for summertime reading.
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 287 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
I've heard a lot of great things about this series. Although I don't think it's one of the best books that I've read, I definitely enjoyed it and it kept me at the edge of my seat - I even stayed up way past midnight to finish it. Since it was a series, I expected Joanne to be just fine in the end - so I certainly didn't expect the actual ending. Wow! Love the unexpected.
stormcat avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Very different to a lot of the fantasy genre out there now. Set in our modern world rather than a fantasy realm. It is a fast read with strong characters. I enjoyed the book very much.
cosmichomicide avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 134 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Wow. Excellent book, strong start to series. Interesting characters, well developed plot.
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Very interesting idea for a series, I really enjoyed this and will definately be reading the rest of them!
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 106 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This was quite an enjoyable book, and a refreshing change of pace. The idea of storms being sentient and out to kill us was fascinating to me. I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
vwbernie avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Oh what a great book! I couldn't put it down. What a wonderful idea for a new series!!
Bossmare avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 306 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
got halfway through this book and never finished it due to lack of interest. It just kept segueing into a cheezy romance novel.
surlygirl avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
First book in the series about Joanne Baldwin, a weather warden on the run across country, trying to avoid corruption and murder while at the same trying, trying to avoid falling in love with the mysterious man she meets along the side of the road.

The first sentence:
Well, thank God this is about to be over, I thought as I drove - well, blew - past the sign that marked the Westchester, Connecticut, city limits.
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 127 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This book is great fun. A mixture of science and fiction with a female protagonist with a will of her own. A good read for a rainy day.
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 204 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Good read. Interesting mix of fantasy and romance. I liked it so much, I went and bought the rest of the series at the bookstore.
jemedwards avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
My review covers the entire series and I'm writing this because I want to give you a warning. Before you begin this series make sure you have all nine books ready or available to pick up at the library because it seems to be one great epic story.

In one review on Amazon it was mentioned that it was similiar to the Bruce Willis series, Die Hard. Each book ended as continuing on with the next castastrophe. The heroine, Joanne, was constantly getting into positions of peril where she was the only one who could save the day. The constant betrayals by some she called friends made portions of the story unbelieveable because Joanne just constantly went along with trusting them and she always felt it had to be her saving the world. IMO Joanne, at times, was too hard headed to live and it's amazing how many times she died or nearly died but somehow she was saved. Thru the whole series there is David and I enjoyed reading the scenes that included those episodes of their true, fierce love.

By the time I got to Book 7, I was just tried of the whole fatalistic journey. The drama just never stopped for a breather and it was exhausting but I figured I just had to get to Book 9 and it'd be all over. I am so glad I did not read this story before all nine books were completed so I could have the whole story readily available.

Finally, it comes down to did I enjoy the story - Yes. I would recommend it if you like plenty of action, strategy and intrigue with the theme of one true love interwoven throughout.
barbsis avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 1076 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
WOW you almost need a degree in meteorology just to keep up. In addition it was like walking in on the ass-end of a conversation and playing catchup to figure what the heck is going on.

The organization of wardens (fire, water, earth, air) help protect the world from Mother Nature's worst. After killing a fellow agent, Joanne Baldwin is running for her life. The cross country trek to find Lewis, the strongest warden in the organization, is a road trip with surprises, pitfalls and betrayals. The final conflict takes place in Oklahoma City and is brutal with dire consequences for all involved. A terrific start to the Weather Warden series. The surprise ending makes you wonder where the series is headed next.
KellitaJ avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 550 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I really have enjoyed this series of books that talk about the weather and how super humans called Weather Wardens help temper really bad storms. You just know the books must be good when tey're hard to find used because people like me keep a great read for later re-reading. I think there are now 8 books in this series, but if you didn't like this first one, the rest probably won't interest you.
I like reading an un-predictable story and this series sure delivers!
ladyd2206 avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 50 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is one of the most imaginative and unique series that I think I've ever read.

Meet Joanne Baldwin. She's a Weather Warden... that is to say she can control the weather. But when something goes horribly wrong in her life, she finds her self on the run from other Wardens, and on her own... until she meets David, a super-hot hitch hiker who seems to want to help her out.

Joanne is fighting something within that is threatening to kill her, and since time is not on her side, she is literally racing cross-country to hopefully find help. Can she make it in time? And who is David, really?

This book is amazing start to finish. It is a fast-paced read, since as I mentioned, Joanne is literally racing against the clock to get help. We're introduced to an old "legend" in this book as well, the Djinn, known more commonly as "genies." I love Rachel Caine's take on the classic paranormal breed, and this is honestly the first I think I've ever seen them mentioned in paranormal/urban fantasy.

The chemistry between David and Joanne is intense, and they all but burn up the pages. The fact that they didn't really fight their chemistry was a nice change from the other books I've read lately where the two main characters seem to fight what they're feeling for at least half the story.

The one thing about this book that might turn some people off is the "flashbacks." There's a lot of jumping back in time to explain current events, and while I'm used to that from some of the other books that I've read, some readers may find it a bit distracting. I personally think it adds to the overall ambiance of the book.

This is a fantastic start to the series, and I cannot WAIT to read book 2, and find out what's in store next for Joanne Baldwin.
annapi avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 334 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
It's so difficult to find new ideas as every writer jumps on the paranormal bandwagon. This one is DIFFERENT - refreshingly so. Jo Baldwin is a Weather Warden - she controls Water and Air. She's got a problem - she's accused of murder, and she's had a Demon Mark transferred into her. While it's giving her power like she's never known, it's also eating her soul, so she's got to get rid of it without killing anyone else if possible. So she sets out to find the one person she believes will be able to help her - her old friend Lewis, the most powerful Warden ever, and the only one to command all the elements. But he's in hiding, and the rest of the Wardens are after her, and someone else is trying to kill her.

The world Caine has created with people who can control Earth, Fire, Air and Water to keep a vicious Mother Nature from destroying humanity is a fascinating change from the usual vampire/werewolf fare out there, and makes for a kick-ass urban fantasy. It's a great start to a new series and I'm eager for more.
Daalmonette avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 61 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I thought this book (series) was going to be new and exciting. I sometimes like the story but the author's style of writing can make me lose interest. I'd like to read something else by RACHEL CAINE and see if I'd enjoy that book better.
jeniferj avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I hadn't read Rachel Caine before, so I wasn't sure what to expect out of a new author and a book based on weather magic. But I really liked this book! The writing was clear, the struggles were internal, and I learned a little something about storms. I look forward to reading more in this series.
MissyC323 avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
1st book in the Weather Warden series. I enjoyed this book. What I liked. Joanne Baldwin is smart, practical and has common sense. She has frizzy hair, I like a heroine who's not "completely perfect". To me it makes them more realistic. Good original story line. This series is on my auto-by list.
Zachaustlily avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 227 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
great book. I'm glad I picked this series up on a recommendation. Can't wait to start the second one.
bhall avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I've seen this series here and there for years but had never gotten around to reading any of the books. I'm glad I finally did. I really enjoyed this book.

There do seem to be a few areas of the book that maybe wasn't well thought out, where the author relied too heavily on coincidences to continue the story, but otherwise it was well done and an enjoyable read.

Beyond that, it sure gives you a new perspective on weather.
blanche avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I have read several of the books in the series and enjoy them all. I think it was a little tough getting through the first book but toward the end it all made sense and set you up for the rest of the series. The characters are very well developed and many of them are seen in subsequent books.

I gave the book a 5-star rating because of its uniqueness and the stories are far less cookie cutter than most. Sit back and enjoy the new world as it opens up before you - you will not see or read anything else like it.
tiffanyak avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 215 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I didn't like it quite as much as her 'Morganville Vampires' series, but it definitely came really close to being as enjoyable. It's a very different fantasy mythology that she uses in this one, but it's a very good read still, and I really got into the story. Rachel Caine definitely has a great talent for good, fast, fantasy reads: the kind that you can fly through in a few hours or so when you need a simple escape (no heavy thought required) and enjoy every minute of it.
sherryrobertson avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. I found the 3rd book on this website but couldn't find the 2nd. I ended up buying it for my kindle at Amazon. I hope the rest of the books are as good as the first.
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed it is read more like an adult book that a teen book. The descriptions of the few love scenes were pretty hot. It jumped back and forth between the present and the past a little to much for my taste but, since the story really kind of started in the middle the past scenes helped build up the plot by explaining her reelationship and attachment to certain characters. Love the idea of Weather Wardens and Dijinn kind of a new idea. Does make me want to read the 2nd book in the series.
sharalli avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting book.. unfortunately I found myself barely skimming over paragraphs that did nothing more than talk about weather systems, hot air, cold air, ect.
Other than that - good read.
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Just doesn't hold together. It's thrilling yes, as the pretty young woman is chased by terrible powers, but there are no likable characters, and the story doesn't hold together.
catyasdo avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Quoted from my review @ http://misscz.wordpress.com

Joanne is a lot more powerful than she believes herself to be. She's good at what she does and just does it. She accepts an offer from one of her bosses to help him with a special project of his. Unfortunately, it's not what she was expecting and now she's on the run, accused of murder and infected with a demon. Lewis - or any Djinn - is Joanne's only chance of survival: The demon cannot overpower a Djinn. Joanne believes that all Lewis would have to do is order one of his Djinn to remove the demon, and one of her problems would be solved.

If it were only that simple.

The underlining theme of the book is the choices people, and Djinn (free ones anyway), make and the consequences of those choices. When she realize that foisting a demon on a Djinn is just as wrong as infesting another human, Joanne refuses to take the easy way out. To Wardens, Djinn are tools. When bound together, Djinn and Warden powers are enhanced and they can control the most powerful storms, earthquakes, and fires. But bound Djinn have no choice when ordered to do something they find ethically wrong. It takes an encounter with an unbound Djinn for Joanne to realize that they are living creatures with feelings and concepts of right and wrong.

This book is almost non-stop action, as Joanne tries to out-run storms and the Wardens. Since I read the blurb for Heat Stroke before I finished the book, I knew how this book would end. But that didn't distract me from the story. I really loved the concepts of the Wardens and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
katkeen avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 71 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I liked this book in that it was completely weather related (I look at the sky a bit differently now). I liked the characters and I liked the story. Im interested in the next in the series because of how the book ended. Cute read.
robinmy avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 2038 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Joanne Baldwin is a Weather Warden, on the run and accused of murder. She has been inflicted with a demon mark and is racing against time to find a way to get rid of it. Her only hope is her friend Lewis, a very powerful Warden. But Lewis is also being hunted after stealing three bottles of Djinn before going underground. Now Joanne must find him in order to rid herself of the mark.

This is the first book in Caine's Weather Warden series and I thought it was entertaining. Joanne is an great lead character who is in over her head. The Djinn's in the book are a interesting addition. This book has lots of action, very much reminding me of the Dresden Files. And, I was very surprised with the twist at the end of the book. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
bribee avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
The story moved along at a steady pace. I really liked flash back type pattern that provided background on all the characters. This was a fast, enjoyable read.
4fabfelines avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 112 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was really a fantastic book. It takes many twists and turns and very surprising ending.
Joanne is a weather Warden, she is just wanting to do her job, when her supervisor Bad Bob invites her to his house.
Bad Bob tries to take her power and transfer a demon mark to her. Joannne fights back and all hell breaks loose.
Joanne is on the run from the other Wardens and meets up with some fun charactors on the way. She is looking for Lewis a powerful Warden on the run too.
The final outcome is surprising and amazing. Never expected it to be this good.
GOT to get the next installments...
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 66 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fantastic book and series. I can't say enough about the Weather Warden series!
teaspa05 avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
not what i was expecting hope others get a better read out of the book.
Bryre avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
A gripping race of a read. Very good start to a series of books set in this world. Looking forward to reading more - very soon!
momof2furkids avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 57 more book reviews
Loved it! I read the entire book the day I received it and am ready to start Book 2. I love paranormal/supernatural romance adventure books and this was finally something different from the usual vampire, werewolf, witch line of book.
miz-firefly avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 112 more book reviews
If paranormal is your genre, and need a break from the same ol same ol, you can't go wrong with The Weather Wardens. A truly original platform with a spunky heroine and lots of action.

Ill Wind caught me from the first paragraph and didn't let go until my eyes closed (unvoluntarily).

MS Caine took a very simple plot; and with excellent staging, damn good writing, and excellent timing, spun out a very enjoiable read. You should check it out.
Clair avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 225 more book reviews
I liked this just not as much as I wanted to. It's a good story and I like the characters it's just kind of bogs down here and there. I'll read the next and see if it's better.
solarawynn avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 724 more book reviews
THis series starts out with a bang. Really enjoyed this one
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
Great originality in the world Caine has created.
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
This is book one in a series.It was pretty good actually. I have read 2 of them so far and have the third one but have gotten to it yet.
curlykat avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 36 more book reviews
Really enjoyed this. Will be hard to wait to get the rest in the series.
CK avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
It was okay....I found it to be often repetitive and a bit slow moving.
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 58 more book reviews
Despites a few tropes (cliches) of urban fantasy, this was REALLY, REALLY enjoyable.
TracyB avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
Great start to a new series. I really enjoyed it.
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on
Book one... a quick and satisfying, fun read
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 82 more book reviews
Number 1 in a very interesting series
YodaMom avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
I love these books, the characters are strong and smart, and the story builds nicely. Fun read !
reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on
Nice read... Looking for the next in the series!
rmg321 avatar reviewed Ill Wind (Weather Warden, Bk 1) on + 159 more book reviews
love this series...