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More Than Human
The mysterious death of a friend brings Arizona native, Jule, back to an enchanting town in New Mexico. Reunited with her friends she is unexpectedly pulled into the mystical world of gods, demons, werewolves, nymphs and more. With the help of a clever god and a unique witch, Jule discovers that she, too, is More Than Human. The closing threat of ancient anti-magic group of assassins, The Order of Purity, threatens Jule and her friends in their quiet mountain town. In order to have the strength to protect her friends Jule must conquer her own fears and become her True Self - a lycanthrope. An exciting tale of love, betrayal and triumph... Discover your True Self.
- GenresFantasy
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2020
About the author
Heather Ashbury
2 books14 followersBest-selling author Heather Ashbury brings a new approach to your favorite paranormal and mythological creatures. Dive in to this magical world and discover your True Self.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 26, 2021
This story grabs you at the onset and deals out it’s excitement early, generously, and throughout. I’m a fan of reading and writing from mythology and More Than Human is rife with it. I’m not ashamed to admit I learned a thing or two from this story with regard to eastern myths.
There’s romance, intrigue, humanity, and thrills layered upon one another to make this book one that you won’t put down until you reach the back cover.
I really hope Ashbury plans to expand this story into a series because there's so much more to explore here. Great read and can't wait for more.
There’s romance, intrigue, humanity, and thrills layered upon one another to make this book one that you won’t put down until you reach the back cover.
I really hope Ashbury plans to expand this story into a series because there's so much more to explore here. Great read and can't wait for more.
January 6, 2021
An amazing first book!
I was really impressed with the complexity of the plot such an intriguing mix of different myths from ancient gods to supernatural creatures. The author wove a story which will make you at the end crave for more. The story has so many original ideas which are developed into well balanced action packed, romance story. If you are a fan of Norden Mythology and of the Twilight, True Blood blockbusters this book will dazzle you. Cannot wait for the second book.
I was really impressed with the complexity of the plot such an intriguing mix of different myths from ancient gods to supernatural creatures. The author wove a story which will make you at the end crave for more. The story has so many original ideas which are developed into well balanced action packed, romance story. If you are a fan of Norden Mythology and of the Twilight, True Blood blockbusters this book will dazzle you. Cannot wait for the second book.
March 13, 2021
This book! It has it all! Love, friendship, mystery, good ole drama, and a bunch of really quirky magic thrown in. From what I have gathered, this is the authors first book and I was blown away by how well it flowed and how easy to read and imagine the words as pictures in your mind. I look forward to more books from her.... hopefully this one will be a series?!!!
May 27, 2021
Simply fantastic! One of the very best that I’ve read in the genre or out. I was afraid there was going to be a Gut Punching plot twist but it didn’t turn out the way I was worrying it would. Can’t remember the start and finish dates, though. Sorry!
April 4, 2022
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I first started this book, but I know it far exceeded my expectations, and it was exactly what I needed at the time. It’s a quick read, fun even though it deals with some darker themes, and it somehow manages to feel both light and dark at the same time - in the best of ways! It’s a story about found family and finding your place in the world, and it’s a truly beautiful story.
Jule is very relatable as a character. Her constant self-doubt and hesitation really struck a cord with me and made me feel with her and for her. It was easy to become invested in her and all I wanted was for her to be happy. And the romance between her and William is so cute! As much as I love a slow-burn romance, it was refreshing to read a story where the characters were quick to admit their feelings towards each other (even though they were friends for a long time before the story started). They are just so sweet together, and the entire romance just felt light. It just made me happy. It was also very refreshing to read a clean romantic fantasy.
The plot was mostly well-paced. The start was a bit slow, but there was a lot of world-building and magic that made up for it and made the beginning feel interesting even without much action. The ending also felt a little bit hurried, or more like things came together a little too easily at the end. I'm interested to see what happens in the next book, though, because there are definitely a few loose ends left.
More Than Human is a beautiful story of found family, with a heart-melting romance and a fresh take on magical beings. It has something for everyone; vampires, werewolves, witches - even dragons! And even though the plot deals with some darker themes, the light romance simply makes you happy and gives the whole story a light and easy read. Perfect if you want an interesting fantasy story without having to delve into a ton of complicated world-building, or if you, too, want a clean and cute fantasy romance.
Jule is very relatable as a character. Her constant self-doubt and hesitation really struck a cord with me and made me feel with her and for her. It was easy to become invested in her and all I wanted was for her to be happy. And the romance between her and William is so cute! As much as I love a slow-burn romance, it was refreshing to read a story where the characters were quick to admit their feelings towards each other (even though they were friends for a long time before the story started). They are just so sweet together, and the entire romance just felt light. It just made me happy. It was also very refreshing to read a clean romantic fantasy.
The plot was mostly well-paced. The start was a bit slow, but there was a lot of world-building and magic that made up for it and made the beginning feel interesting even without much action. The ending also felt a little bit hurried, or more like things came together a little too easily at the end. I'm interested to see what happens in the next book, though, because there are definitely a few loose ends left.
More Than Human is a beautiful story of found family, with a heart-melting romance and a fresh take on magical beings. It has something for everyone; vampires, werewolves, witches - even dragons! And even though the plot deals with some darker themes, the light romance simply makes you happy and gives the whole story a light and easy read. Perfect if you want an interesting fantasy story without having to delve into a ton of complicated world-building, or if you, too, want a clean and cute fantasy romance.
March 3, 2022
Werewolves, Dragons, and Bears Oh My!
I never know what to say in reviews, but I'll do my best here.
Let's start with what I liked about the novel:
1. I liked the idea of creatures in the form of humans with their true nature waiting to be unlocked.
2. I liked the main cast of characters and felt like Jule, William, and Loki were very fleshed out.
3. I liked the blend of different mythologies and cultures. It feels very C. S. LEWIS.
4. I enjoyed the few action/fight scenes. I thought they were well done.
What I didnt like:
1. Although Jule, William, and Loki were fleshed out, many of the other characters werent. This made some of the character deaths less impactful to me since we didnt get much time with those characters.
2. This next one is a purely subjective thing: I would have changed some things in the plot. I felt like there were some missed opportunities in some spots (I dont want to post spoilers) for some interesting character dynamics.
How the author can improve:
1. There were some odd word choices. Places where she could have used some really wonderful words or places where the wording could have been more succinct.
2. There were a few grammar issues, but not enough for me to really care that much. Then again, I read alot of Robert E. Howard and his stuff is riddled with spelling errors and I still find it enjoyable. I think the important thing is, did the author communicate what they wanted? If the answer is yes, then they succeeded in my book (pun intended)
All in all, a very decent purchase. I hope Heather keeps writing!
I never know what to say in reviews, but I'll do my best here.
Let's start with what I liked about the novel:
1. I liked the idea of creatures in the form of humans with their true nature waiting to be unlocked.
2. I liked the main cast of characters and felt like Jule, William, and Loki were very fleshed out.
3. I liked the blend of different mythologies and cultures. It feels very C. S. LEWIS.
4. I enjoyed the few action/fight scenes. I thought they were well done.
What I didnt like:
1. Although Jule, William, and Loki were fleshed out, many of the other characters werent. This made some of the character deaths less impactful to me since we didnt get much time with those characters.
2. This next one is a purely subjective thing: I would have changed some things in the plot. I felt like there were some missed opportunities in some spots (I dont want to post spoilers) for some interesting character dynamics.
How the author can improve:
1. There were some odd word choices. Places where she could have used some really wonderful words or places where the wording could have been more succinct.
2. There were a few grammar issues, but not enough for me to really care that much. Then again, I read alot of Robert E. Howard and his stuff is riddled with spelling errors and I still find it enjoyable. I think the important thing is, did the author communicate what they wanted? If the answer is yes, then they succeeded in my book (pun intended)
All in all, a very decent purchase. I hope Heather keeps writing!
December 21, 2021
Somebody once said the line between rural and eldritch is very thin, something I regularly see living in a small town myself. "More Than Human" imagines that there is something to the feeling that monsters and magic can be found lurking around every corner. In her debut novel, Ashbury tracks the enchanting awakening of a young woman who realizes that not only are some people more than human, she is more than human herself - as are all of her old college friends. For people like me with a darker sense of humor, this book really ticks off the boxes that made "The Santa Clarita Diet" so great. The protagonist is stuck in an absurd situation and does what she can to contextualize it in her understanding of the world so that she does not go insane. The absurdity goes further as torturous attempts are made to help her manifest her own secret identity. Despite the dark humor, the narrative has serious and dark turns, taking the subject matter seriously when needed so that it never comes close to feeling like a parody. If you were turned off to the urban fantasy genre by Twilight but are interested in dipping your toes into a rural corner of a new world of gods and monsters, this is the place to start!
August 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book but had a lot of other reads to get through so took longer than it should.
The different myths all coming together that maybe shouldn't work but it does Ashbury has done a fantastic job and one of my favorite first books in a series. what she has done fantastically is build a world beautifully with no big info dump instead we learn gradually with the main character Jule.
this is filled with magic, myths darkness yet also friendship, love and laughter. i will 100% be continuing with the series
The different myths all coming together that maybe shouldn't work but it does Ashbury has done a fantastic job and one of my favorite first books in a series. what she has done fantastically is build a world beautifully with no big info dump instead we learn gradually with the main character Jule.
this is filled with magic, myths darkness yet also friendship, love and laughter. i will 100% be continuing with the series
April 18, 2022
If you are a fan of books that contain werewolves, vampires and mythological Gods I highly recommend this phenomenally written book. This unique story will grab you and keep you entertained as well as intrigued till the end. The characters are well developed and actually believable. This is one thrill ride of a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this book. This is my honest unbiased review that I am voluntarily leaving of my own volition.
July 23, 2022
An exciting find from a local author!
I stumbled across Heather on a book group, and found she was an author local to my state, I started More than Human the same day. And let me say I was not disappointed, the story kept me intrigued the whole way and I loved the subtle mentions of culture from my home state! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see where the characters find themselves next!
I stumbled across Heather on a book group, and found she was an author local to my state, I started More than Human the same day. And let me say I was not disappointed, the story kept me intrigued the whole way and I loved the subtle mentions of culture from my home state! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and see where the characters find themselves next!
November 27, 2021
Wonderful read
Full of wonder and magic! Exploring a new world and finding out about Jules with this thrilling adventure! Can't wait to find out more.
Full of wonder and magic! Exploring a new world and finding out about Jules with this thrilling adventure! Can't wait to find out more.
May 18, 2022
"Read" via audible. Although not my typical genre, written where I could feel like I was in the midst of the action while listening to it.
February 24, 2023
The story is exciting, the characters are compelling and the storytelling is captivating. Great read.
July 1, 2022
This book was good I actually liked it.
May 3, 2022
This book is fill with all sorts of various Mythological creatures from all the different
intriguing mixer of different myths and ancient gods. I was impressed with the characters and how they interacted, even the ones most people would label bad or evil with ones labeled good or righteous. The Narrator does a Great job with the characters voices and the entire storyline. Looking forward to the 2nd book.
intriguing mixer of different myths and ancient gods. I was impressed with the characters and how they interacted, even the ones most people would label bad or evil with ones labeled good or righteous. The Narrator does a Great job with the characters voices and the entire storyline. Looking forward to the 2nd book.
April 28, 2022
A very enjoyable, fast-paced and unique book! Can't wait for the next one!
December 16, 2021
Started off very nicely, I am a native and huge fan of Arizona, it was nicely descriptive and rich in detail about the vistas and nature.
But I feel like the book quickly loses focus, and starts wasting a lot, and a lot more time with the characters, which are just not as interesting as the wonderful plains of the State of Arizona, they just pail in comparison to it's rich fauna and flora. Our main character is a perfect example, as they start the book thinking about the wonderful State of Arizona, but quickly loses interest, and the story follows.
I've seen other reviews refer to this as ''Urban fantasy'', which it very well could be, but I feel the book misses the true urban fantasy, of living and enjoying the warm and sunny weather, the great people and the above average hotel price rates of the State of Arizona, choosing instead to lose itself in these fictional creatures that do NOT inhabit the wonderful State of Arizona.
The author is incredibly talented when she wants to be, the crispy detail about the dry desert is so wonderful and enthralling, but it's all so wasted on the childish, fantastical creatures!
What practical interest do I have in wasting daily reading hours on things that don't exist, when the author themselves admit to the beauty and rich landscapes of the State of Arizona? It feels like I'm being toyed with, and not in the fun bedroom way, more as a ''Ah-ah, I will now blue-ball you about the beautiful deserts and cacti.''
I'm just so sad. This could have been such a wonderful work of fiction. But it's disappointingly tainted by wasted fantasy elements that add nothing to the beauty of the State of Arizona.
In short: wonderful writing and talent, wasted on childish fantasy.
But I feel like the book quickly loses focus, and starts wasting a lot, and a lot more time with the characters, which are just not as interesting as the wonderful plains of the State of Arizona, they just pail in comparison to it's rich fauna and flora. Our main character is a perfect example, as they start the book thinking about the wonderful State of Arizona, but quickly loses interest, and the story follows.
I've seen other reviews refer to this as ''Urban fantasy'', which it very well could be, but I feel the book misses the true urban fantasy, of living and enjoying the warm and sunny weather, the great people and the above average hotel price rates of the State of Arizona, choosing instead to lose itself in these fictional creatures that do NOT inhabit the wonderful State of Arizona.
The author is incredibly talented when she wants to be, the crispy detail about the dry desert is so wonderful and enthralling, but it's all so wasted on the childish, fantastical creatures!
What practical interest do I have in wasting daily reading hours on things that don't exist, when the author themselves admit to the beauty and rich landscapes of the State of Arizona? It feels like I'm being toyed with, and not in the fun bedroom way, more as a ''Ah-ah, I will now blue-ball you about the beautiful deserts and cacti.''
I'm just so sad. This could have been such a wonderful work of fiction. But it's disappointingly tainted by wasted fantasy elements that add nothing to the beauty of the State of Arizona.
In short: wonderful writing and talent, wasted on childish fantasy.
February 18, 2023
If you are a fan of the mythical there is plenty of characters to go around in this series. Heather Ashbury may be new on the scene but already she has a well-developed and engaging series.
Jule is the main character. At first glance with this character you might think, oh another of those weak women. So as I read more of the book I was really surprised and pleased to see how she develops into a strong and capable woman. More Than Human tells the discovery of her Lycan or werewolf (if you prefer) roots. With the help of a new love interest she is learning how to embrace the lifestyle.
More Than Wolf takes Jule and William on a journey back to his home so she can meet his clan and learn their customs. This book also deals with another character, Esadora who struggles to cope with her new and unknown ability as an immerser. This character is a little hard to follow. There's a lot of emotional intensity going on with Esadora. I felt the author did a really good job of portraying the depression and struggles this young woman faces.
I liked the mate-match custom which brought another dynamic into the mix. If you want to know what I mean, you need to read the book. Another thing I liked right away, not all the characters are likeable.
Both books are fast paced. Although you could read them as a stand alone and follow along easily, I recommend you read both because the characters are becoming more interesting as the series evolves. Looking forward to see where this series is headed.
Jule is the main character. At first glance with this character you might think, oh another of those weak women. So as I read more of the book I was really surprised and pleased to see how she develops into a strong and capable woman. More Than Human tells the discovery of her Lycan or werewolf (if you prefer) roots. With the help of a new love interest she is learning how to embrace the lifestyle.
More Than Wolf takes Jule and William on a journey back to his home so she can meet his clan and learn their customs. This book also deals with another character, Esadora who struggles to cope with her new and unknown ability as an immerser. This character is a little hard to follow. There's a lot of emotional intensity going on with Esadora. I felt the author did a really good job of portraying the depression and struggles this young woman faces.
I liked the mate-match custom which brought another dynamic into the mix. If you want to know what I mean, you need to read the book. Another thing I liked right away, not all the characters are likeable.
Both books are fast paced. Although you could read them as a stand alone and follow along easily, I recommend you read both because the characters are becoming more interesting as the series evolves. Looking forward to see where this series is headed.
January 24, 2023
This book was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
Book Synopsis - This novel follows a character named Jule who visits her college town in New Mexico and gets thrown into the supernatural world. With the help of a god and a witch, she discovers that she too is More Than Human. An ancient organization that has a mission to hunt and kill any supernatural beings comes into Jule's small college town. Will Jule be able to protect her friends by finding her True Self?
While the novel doesn't specifically have any trigger warnings, I think it has some aspects that could potentially elicit adverse emotions from some readers.
As an avid reader of fantasy and supernatural, I think this book was a really great debut novel from Heather! It has a really unique take on the supernatural world and some of the lore surrounding some creatures.
While some of the dialogue is kind of clunky, it still flows really well and is an easy and fast read, which I love after a long haul series! With it only being just about 180 pages, I was able to thoroughly take in the story without any major side stories. Someone looking for a super intricate plot may not like this story however, as its very straight forward and progresses very linearly with some small side stories.
The love interest is endearing and I loved him and their story by the end of the book! I would have loved to see more growth between the two of them but I still really loved their entire story and am a sucker for the slow burn and final admission of love between characters!
Overall, I really loved this book and would give it a 4 out of 5 stars! I'm very reserved with giving a book 5 stars but think this one is great and I will eventually re-read when I read another really long series. (I read Throne of Glass right before this and was in an insane reading slump).
I am currently reading the second book in the series and will be putting through another review whenever I am finished with that one!
Book Synopsis - This novel follows a character named Jule who visits her college town in New Mexico and gets thrown into the supernatural world. With the help of a god and a witch, she discovers that she too is More Than Human. An ancient organization that has a mission to hunt and kill any supernatural beings comes into Jule's small college town. Will Jule be able to protect her friends by finding her True Self?
While the novel doesn't specifically have any trigger warnings, I think it has some aspects that could potentially elicit adverse emotions from some readers.
As an avid reader of fantasy and supernatural, I think this book was a really great debut novel from Heather! It has a really unique take on the supernatural world and some of the lore surrounding some creatures.
While some of the dialogue is kind of clunky, it still flows really well and is an easy and fast read, which I love after a long haul series! With it only being just about 180 pages, I was able to thoroughly take in the story without any major side stories. Someone looking for a super intricate plot may not like this story however, as its very straight forward and progresses very linearly with some small side stories.
The love interest is endearing and I loved him and their story by the end of the book! I would have loved to see more growth between the two of them but I still really loved their entire story and am a sucker for the slow burn and final admission of love between characters!
Overall, I really loved this book and would give it a 4 out of 5 stars! I'm very reserved with giving a book 5 stars but think this one is great and I will eventually re-read when I read another really long series. (I read Throne of Glass right before this and was in an insane reading slump).
I am currently reading the second book in the series and will be putting through another review whenever I am finished with that one!
April 11, 2022
I cannot fully describe how much I enjoyed this debut novel from Heather Ashbury.
Full of mythical beings all woven together into a charged story from beginning to end, set against a beautiful desert backdrop, I am left chomping at the bit for the next book.
Through the main character, you experience each creature on a personal level. So many different creatures and beings in one book is a difficult feat for any other, but Ashbury outdoes herself in her ability to cohesively bring them all together seamlessly throughout her novel.
The only complaint I have is that I have to wait for the next book!
Full of mythical beings all woven together into a charged story from beginning to end, set against a beautiful desert backdrop, I am left chomping at the bit for the next book.
Through the main character, you experience each creature on a personal level. So many different creatures and beings in one book is a difficult feat for any other, but Ashbury outdoes herself in her ability to cohesively bring them all together seamlessly throughout her novel.
The only complaint I have is that I have to wait for the next book!
June 3, 2022
5 Snarling Sharp Teeth
The walk with Jule on her journey to become more than human was interesting to listen to. I enjoyed the narrator. I enjoyed the story.
This was a great shifter story. Usually you start out knowing they're shifters and it just happens. This takes you through the change from the beginning as Jule learns she's a lycanthrope (werewolf) and then finds her Teeth and fur. 😉 Some people are not who you think they are and friendships are broken. This is about Love, Loss, Life, and Awakening. I loved all the emotions this book emitted. I loved that there's a fight with a dragon, and that there were Ravens are in it. ❤ I'm looking forward to the next book.
The walk with Jule on her journey to become more than human was interesting to listen to. I enjoyed the narrator. I enjoyed the story.
This was a great shifter story. Usually you start out knowing they're shifters and it just happens. This takes you through the change from the beginning as Jule learns she's a lycanthrope (werewolf) and then finds her Teeth and fur. 😉 Some people are not who you think they are and friendships are broken. This is about Love, Loss, Life, and Awakening. I loved all the emotions this book emitted. I loved that there's a fight with a dragon, and that there were Ravens are in it. ❤ I'm looking forward to the next book.
August 24, 2022
Jule returns to New Mexico and finds herself surrounded by old friends again. Not only does she rediscover some wonderful friendships but she also goes on a journey to discover herself. A wondrous world of witches, demons, and gods is discovered as Jule finds that she, too, is different. Together with the help of her friends and love interest, William, she slowly embraces the inevitable changes from human to lycan. We entered this world and discussed it with the author of this book, Heather Ashbury, and had such a fabulous time. Join us as we chat with Heather about this magical world she’s created and follow her for more of this wonderful tale of a woman's road to self-discovery.
March 29, 2022
What a great book. It had all kinds of legendary and mythical creatures brought into a modern setting. The battle at the end was epic! Intriguing from start to finish, I finished this gem in under a day. I don’t want to give anything away, but the diversity of the characters and their wildly varied talents made it so that there was never a dull moment, and the end leaves things in such a way that there is fertile ground for storytelling to come in the forthcoming installments of the series.
March 5, 2023
Dnf @ 13%. I feel like this book needs some major editing. I couldn’t get into the story because in my mind it was info dumps followed by awkward interactions that had me thinking “people don’t interact this way”
I may come back to this later, maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood but as of now I am adding it to my dnf.
I may come back to this later, maybe I just wasn’t in the right mood but as of now I am adding it to my dnf.
October 9, 2022
This book had a lot of potential. There were just too many holes between some of the chapters that left me questioning what happened. Also, the progression of the relationship was a bit fast for me.
November 16, 2022
A delicious take on shifters and werewolves.
A cute romantic subplot and a great deal of found family. If you're looking for a clean, thought out book about people coming together, this is for you. Plus, cool shifters!
A cute romantic subplot and a great deal of found family. If you're looking for a clean, thought out book about people coming together, this is for you. Plus, cool shifters!
December 15, 2022
Love this book!
July 17, 2023
Werewolves, Dragons, Vampires, Succubus, and more!
Very easy read. The action is pretty fast paced, the plot sucks you in, the writing is good. 4 stars!
Very easy read. The action is pretty fast paced, the plot sucks you in, the writing is good. 4 stars!
March 30, 2023
I really enjoyed the overall story. Tons of action and great way of describing the characters. Only thing I did not like was the use of 'snigger' that was really off for me. Otherwise great read!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews