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Bulwark Anthology #5
The Missing Branch
Trapped in a tedious job without fulfilment, ambitions, or a boyfriend, Izzie Murray’s only passion is researching her ancestry. But the beautiful mural of her family tree switches from a distraction to an obsession once she hits a mysterious gap in the timeline. Why would an entire family just disappear?
With an intense craving to find the last pieces of the puzzle, Izzie ditches her life in England to investigate the last known whereabouts of the family - the little town of Bulwark, Georgia. Between the unnatural behaviour of the local wildlife, tales of witches, and the overpowering draw of a puddle of weird goo, she’s only finding more questions to answer. The instant attraction to the one resident in town that seems to be on her side isn’t helping either.
Bulwark does not give up its secrets easily. And sometimes things were hidden for a reason.
With an intense craving to find the last pieces of the puzzle, Izzie ditches her life in England to investigate the last known whereabouts of the family - the little town of Bulwark, Georgia. Between the unnatural behaviour of the local wildlife, tales of witches, and the overpowering draw of a puddle of weird goo, she’s only finding more questions to answer. The instant attraction to the one resident in town that seems to be on her side isn’t helping either.
Bulwark does not give up its secrets easily. And sometimes things were hidden for a reason.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2019
3 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Kay MacLeod
9 books208 followersAuthentic characters, innovative abilities, serious snark!
Kay MacLeod is a fantasy addict from Nottinghamshire in England. She loves magical worlds and spends much more time in them than that boring real one.
If Kay isn’t writing, or thinking about writing, she’ll be immersed in reading, gaming, playing bass at church, or painting miniatures. She grew up addicted to Terry Pratchett books, Magic: The Gathering, and lording it over her fellow nerds as the DM in Dungeons & Dragons games. Fortunately, this gave her plenty of storytelling practice and made her grateful that all the characters do as they’re told now other people aren’t controlling them.
Kay’s gaming experience shines through in her works, from the Pokemon-inspired Maiyamon books to her epic fantasy, which readers say has a hint of a Dragon Age tale.
With character development at the heart of each story, they’re backed up by distinctive magic systems and a dash of sarcastic humour that gives Kay MacLeod her unique voice.
Kay MacLeod is a fantasy addict from Nottinghamshire in England. She loves magical worlds and spends much more time in them than that boring real one.
If Kay isn’t writing, or thinking about writing, she’ll be immersed in reading, gaming, playing bass at church, or painting miniatures. She grew up addicted to Terry Pratchett books, Magic: The Gathering, and lording it over her fellow nerds as the DM in Dungeons & Dragons games. Fortunately, this gave her plenty of storytelling practice and made her grateful that all the characters do as they’re told now other people aren’t controlling them.
Kay’s gaming experience shines through in her works, from the Pokemon-inspired Maiyamon books to her epic fantasy, which readers say has a hint of a Dragon Age tale.
With character development at the heart of each story, they’re backed up by distinctive magic systems and a dash of sarcastic humour that gives Kay MacLeod her unique voice.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 19, 2019
Another brilliant story from this fantastic author! The character development, even in this short story, is compelling, and now I want to read the rest of this anthology. Many of us are interested in family history, but most of us (or at least I think most of us) don't end up having a mystical, mysterious experience while investigating it, like Izzie. This is beautifully written and easily could be a longer story (or have a sequel, hint hint!) but is handled perfectly for this length. I love anything by this author, and with high expectations of her latest work, was definitely not disappointed.
October 27, 2019
This was another great addition to the insanely creepy, intriguing, and oddly romantic Bulwark Anthology series. This one had a fun twist at the end that left me going “WHAT?” I love when books can keep me guessing, and this one nailed it. The characters were realistic, likable, and intricately flawed in exactly the right way. I loved the view of the town from an outsider, also, since I now feel very familiar with the odd little town of Bulwark, Georgia.
March 14, 2019
The missing Branch is the 5th book in the Bulwark Anthology series. It was a very quick stand-alone read that is a great addition to the rest of the series. MacLeod does an incredible job developing her characters and storyline within the context of this short novel. It was well paced. I could not put it down! I highly recommend this book!
March 17, 2019
This is a short story, but one very well done. The protagonist, Izzie, is great, and I love the role that her search for her ancestries plays in the story.
It's interesting that she knows, as soon as she arrives at Bulwark, that something is not wrong, but weird. How there are things, places and people who are compelling and other ones that feel antagonists.
I was really engaged with the characters, and most certainly want to know more of this Universe.
It's interesting that she knows, as soon as she arrives at Bulwark, that something is not wrong, but weird. How there are things, places and people who are compelling and other ones that feel antagonists.
I was really engaged with the characters, and most certainly want to know more of this Universe.
May 5, 2019
*Ebook received in exchange for an honest review*
Reading a book from the middle of an anthology series is never an easy thing, except maybe here. As a standalone, the book has a great cliffhanger making me rush to see if I can get all the other books of the series.
The writing is easy to read with really strong imagery (which I totally enjoy) and some awesome descriptions of the setting and people.
It took me less than 2 hours to finish the book. And I was literally transformed to the place with mysterious folk and of course, a very cute and sweet young man.
Reading a book from the middle of an anthology series is never an easy thing, except maybe here. As a standalone, the book has a great cliffhanger making me rush to see if I can get all the other books of the series.
The writing is easy to read with really strong imagery (which I totally enjoy) and some awesome descriptions of the setting and people.
It took me less than 2 hours to finish the book. And I was literally transformed to the place with mysterious folk and of course, a very cute and sweet young man.
March 29, 2019
Trapped in a tedious job without fulfillment, ambitions, or a boyfriend, Izzie Murray’s only passion is researching her ancestry. But the beautiful mural of her family tree switches from a distraction to an obsession once she hits a mysterious gap in the timeline. Why would an entire family just disappear?
With an intense craving to find the last pieces of the puzzle, Izzie ditches her life in England to investigate the last known whereabouts of the family - the little town of Bulwark, Georgia. Between the unnatural behavior of the local wildlife, tales of witches, and the overpowering draw of a puddle of weird goo, she’s only finding more questions to answer. The instant attraction to the one resident in town that seems to be on her side isn’t helping either.
Bulwark does not give up its secrets easily. And sometimes things were hidden for a reason.
The missing Branch is the 5th book in the Bulwark Anthology series.
This is a short story, but one very well done; I truly wished it had been longer as it was so good.
It was a fast paced read filled with mystery, paranormal and enough clues on the way to raise my hackles - in a good way!
The writing was excellent, wonderful characters and developed so well and an ending that had me completely welled up!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series and will certainly be reading more from the author.
Highly Highly recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book from the Author and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
With an intense craving to find the last pieces of the puzzle, Izzie ditches her life in England to investigate the last known whereabouts of the family - the little town of Bulwark, Georgia. Between the unnatural behavior of the local wildlife, tales of witches, and the overpowering draw of a puddle of weird goo, she’s only finding more questions to answer. The instant attraction to the one resident in town that seems to be on her side isn’t helping either.
Bulwark does not give up its secrets easily. And sometimes things were hidden for a reason.
The missing Branch is the 5th book in the Bulwark Anthology series.
This is a short story, but one very well done; I truly wished it had been longer as it was so good.
It was a fast paced read filled with mystery, paranormal and enough clues on the way to raise my hackles - in a good way!
The writing was excellent, wonderful characters and developed so well and an ending that had me completely welled up!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series and will certainly be reading more from the author.
Highly Highly recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book from the Author and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2019
I have just finished reading a Brilliant book called ''The Missing Branch'' by the lovely Kay MacLeod .The story is about a young lady called Izzie who is in search of her family history. Izzie travels far to Bulwark to seek this information - yet everything is not as it seems.
''The Missing Branch'' is part of a the Bulwark Antholgy series, yet this book can be read as a stand alone piece.
I especially like how you get to know Izzie and how she is devoted to finding her families history yet the author shows how Izzie is missing other areas of her life and how she may be linked to a mystical force. The author developed the main characters well, as I felt like I cared for their future and happiness. Towards the end of the book I was really gripped to know more of what happens to the main characters. I hope the author will make a second book.
I would highly recommend this book, especially to anyone who enjoys fantasy/romance genre.
''The Missing Branch'' is part of a the Bulwark Antholgy series, yet this book can be read as a stand alone piece.
I especially like how you get to know Izzie and how she is devoted to finding her families history yet the author shows how Izzie is missing other areas of her life and how she may be linked to a mystical force. The author developed the main characters well, as I felt like I cared for their future and happiness. Towards the end of the book I was really gripped to know more of what happens to the main characters. I hope the author will make a second book.
I would highly recommend this book, especially to anyone who enjoys fantasy/romance genre.
March 29, 2019
First off it was just as great as the Bulwark and books 1-4 that I've read so far in the Anthology, except this book kinda left me lost at the end. Did Iz go with Bavmorda with the deal of leaving Matt unharmed and knowing the truth. Then Epilogue just goes into someone I didnt read about durning The Missing Branch read? Over all it was well written and great getting to know more characters from and related to Bavmorda. Can't wait to start The Body by Kate Kelly the 6th book in the Anthology. Received as an ARC and voluntarily leaving my review.
March 19, 2019
I really, REALLY enjoyed this novella! It was a fast paced read filled with mystery, paranormal and enough clues on the way to raise my hackles - in a good way! Great writing, wonderful characters - the ending had me misty-eyed 😭
Definitely recommend it!!!
Definitely recommend it!!!
February 1, 2021
I was lucky enough to win this book in a giveaway. As this is the only book at the time I hadn't read yet by the author I was excited to have a copy of it now as well. When I hit a particularly nasty reading slump I decided to pick this one up, because what better than a book by one of your favorite authors to get you out of a slump?
While The Missing Branch isn't my favorite book by this author, I did really enjoy it. And it caught my attention in a time when few books manage to do so, it definitely gets bonus points for that. Kay MacLeod's writing style is pleasant and I liked this story which is so different from her other series.
The Missing Branch is a relatively short read, but the pacing was done well. After a short introduction scene Izzie is off to the United States to find more about the missing branch of her family tree. I thought the focus on her ancestry and wanting to find out what happened to them was an interesting focus. Once she's in the United States the pace slows down a bit while we follow her research to find out what happened to her ancestors when they got here. The town of Bulwark has it's own personality almost with the slightly creepy and mysterious vibe and strange things that are happening there. It made me wonder what's going on here.
There also is a bit of a romance as Izzie grows close to a local boy in Bulwark. While their romance definitely developed quickly, I did like what the romance added to the story. And the twist at the end had more impact because of the romance.
My main issue with this story is the abrupt ending. It just felt a bit rushed and some questions feel unanswered, but that might be intentional. It did wrap up most of the plot line, but it also made me wonder if this is really the end with the way it's open ended enough. This story is also part of a series of short stories all set in Bulwark, so I feel that reading those might expand on the world and the town and characters more. Even so this one could easily be read as a standalone.
To summarize: I enjoyed reading this book. It kept my attention from start to finish. Kay Macleod's writing style is pleasant to read and I liked following Izzie in this book as she tries to find out what happened to her ancestors who went to America. It has a bit of a mysterious and creepy vibe with unexplained things that are happening when Izzie is in Bulwark. There is a bit of romance as well, which develops quickly, but I did like them together. The ending feels a bit sudden and abrupt and leaves me wondering what happens next, but that might be intentional. While part of the Bulwark series this one can definitely be read as a standalone.
While The Missing Branch isn't my favorite book by this author, I did really enjoy it. And it caught my attention in a time when few books manage to do so, it definitely gets bonus points for that. Kay MacLeod's writing style is pleasant and I liked this story which is so different from her other series.
The Missing Branch is a relatively short read, but the pacing was done well. After a short introduction scene Izzie is off to the United States to find more about the missing branch of her family tree. I thought the focus on her ancestry and wanting to find out what happened to them was an interesting focus. Once she's in the United States the pace slows down a bit while we follow her research to find out what happened to her ancestors when they got here. The town of Bulwark has it's own personality almost with the slightly creepy and mysterious vibe and strange things that are happening there. It made me wonder what's going on here.
There also is a bit of a romance as Izzie grows close to a local boy in Bulwark. While their romance definitely developed quickly, I did like what the romance added to the story. And the twist at the end had more impact because of the romance.
My main issue with this story is the abrupt ending. It just felt a bit rushed and some questions feel unanswered, but that might be intentional. It did wrap up most of the plot line, but it also made me wonder if this is really the end with the way it's open ended enough. This story is also part of a series of short stories all set in Bulwark, so I feel that reading those might expand on the world and the town and characters more. Even so this one could easily be read as a standalone.
To summarize: I enjoyed reading this book. It kept my attention from start to finish. Kay Macleod's writing style is pleasant to read and I liked following Izzie in this book as she tries to find out what happened to her ancestors who went to America. It has a bit of a mysterious and creepy vibe with unexplained things that are happening when Izzie is in Bulwark. There is a bit of romance as well, which develops quickly, but I did like them together. The ending feels a bit sudden and abrupt and leaves me wondering what happens next, but that might be intentional. While part of the Bulwark series this one can definitely be read as a standalone.
March 29, 2019
This is the 1st book I've read written Kay MacLeod; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2019
Family history is something that each one of us is interested to know. And no one wants it to end up like some mythical or mystical thing. Izzie's character is well defined and perfect for the witch form. Very good story from the author and it created interest to read further. Whole anthology must be full of fantasizing witchcraft and romance as well.
But the suspense left in the end regarding anyone to prove of Izzie's presence in the town is quite alarming and weird.
The story is short but very gripping in terms of finding about ancestors.
But the suspense left in the end regarding anyone to prove of Izzie's presence in the town is quite alarming and weird.
The story is short but very gripping in terms of finding about ancestors.
April 3, 2019
I really enjoyed this installment of the Bulwark Anthology. It felt like YA but also adult. I need more, the ending was just too abrupt and open to questions. I really liked the authors style.
BTW no witches were burned at the stake in England, they were hung.
BTW no witches were burned at the stake in England, they were hung.
April 25, 2019
Izzie is searching for herself by researching her genealogical roots, and is dismayed to find a blank spot in her family tree. Determined to find answers, she travels from England to a small town called Bulwark in the United States. Rumors of witchcraft come to light, and what she finds is more than what she bargained for. This is not a complete book, but a volume. It has an intriguing plot course and leaves the reader wanting to know more…what happens next?! It beckons the reader on to the next volume.
Please note, there is a scene that would be inappropriate for younger readers.
Please note, there is a scene that would be inappropriate for younger readers.
April 3, 2020
This is book five in the Bulwark Anthology series but can easily be read as a stand-alone novella.
Izzie is bored and stuck in a root. Her only immediate interest is a desire to discover her roots. She decides to leave her home in England and take a month off to travel to Bulwark, Georgia to track down her ancestors. She has become passionate about finding clues.
What does Izzie find? She discovers a puddle of goo, wildlife is gone amok, and tales of witches abound. Will Izzie be successful in understanding the dark secrets hidden in Bulwark, Georgia?
This novella combines sci-fi, fantasy and the paranormal. It's a quick and compelling read.
Izzie is bored and stuck in a root. Her only immediate interest is a desire to discover her roots. She decides to leave her home in England and take a month off to travel to Bulwark, Georgia to track down her ancestors. She has become passionate about finding clues.
What does Izzie find? She discovers a puddle of goo, wildlife is gone amok, and tales of witches abound. Will Izzie be successful in understanding the dark secrets hidden in Bulwark, Georgia?
This novella combines sci-fi, fantasy and the paranormal. It's a quick and compelling read.
March 9, 2020
The Missing Branch
Kay MacLeod
Great book! Short, but sweet. Great world and character building.
Not quite a romance book, more of a paranormal one.
I thought the author did well with this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kay MacLeod
Great book! Short, but sweet. Great world and character building.
Not quite a romance book, more of a paranormal one.
I thought the author did well with this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2020
This story got me with the first sentence.
I love a good mystery with a hint of paranormal. And it's well written as well. Makes you want to go buy all the east of the series.
I love a good mystery with a hint of paranormal. And it's well written as well. Makes you want to go buy all the east of the series.
March 26, 2019
In a twist a from the typical way family is researched, English girl Izzie, who has become fanatical about her family's genealogical research, decides to go to America to trace a missing branch that is creating a bewildering hole in her family's timeline. When she gets to Bulwark, Georgia, something isn't quite right about the place. First, she has an encounter with a wolf near a pool of mysterious green goo. When she rolls into town itself, people aren't open to strangers, and she can't even find a place to stay.
She researches intently at the small library there. She meets an interesting young man who is willing to help her on her quest. Meetings with other townspeople don't go so well, and she’s having a hard time getting anybody to talk about her family.
Will Izzie find out anything about her family? What's going on in this small town? Will she figure out anything about the strange pool of glue? What about her relationship with Matt? Will their feelings for each other? And how would that work since she lives in England?
The author did a good job of creating a very creepy atmosphere for the book. Izzie is a fascinating young woman with a lot of questions that she has a hard time getting answered. This book is tagged as a paranormal romance, but I wouldn't quite call it that as there is no HEA. The book certainly leaves you wondering what exactly happened at the end. It had a slightly *Twilight Zone* feeling to it.
If you enjoy creepy paranormal books, this one might be for you.
I received a free advance copy of this book, but this did not affect my review.
She researches intently at the small library there. She meets an interesting young man who is willing to help her on her quest. Meetings with other townspeople don't go so well, and she’s having a hard time getting anybody to talk about her family.
Will Izzie find out anything about her family? What's going on in this small town? Will she figure out anything about the strange pool of glue? What about her relationship with Matt? Will their feelings for each other? And how would that work since she lives in England?
The author did a good job of creating a very creepy atmosphere for the book. Izzie is a fascinating young woman with a lot of questions that she has a hard time getting answered. This book is tagged as a paranormal romance, but I wouldn't quite call it that as there is no HEA. The book certainly leaves you wondering what exactly happened at the end. It had a slightly *Twilight Zone* feeling to it.
If you enjoy creepy paranormal books, this one might be for you.
I received a free advance copy of this book, but this did not affect my review.
March 23, 2019
The concept of the story was amazing. It was interesting how the story continues after Sheriff Clay encountered the which. Though, I was unsure, because I thought maybe there would be two endings, just like in the first book of the anthology. But I believe this is the continuation on Izzie and Matt's story.
You know, this idea reminds me of the Hallmark movies that I would see, except there is a hint of sexual content in there (not a lot, to tell you the truth which is ok). But I was disappointed that the ending went abrupt. There was no smooth transition. It felt like it was rushed. But I understand. It's not easy writing a novella with short chapters.
But I do hope to see something more than this ^^
You know, this idea reminds me of the Hallmark movies that I would see, except there is a hint of sexual content in there (not a lot, to tell you the truth which is ok). But I was disappointed that the ending went abrupt. There was no smooth transition. It felt like it was rushed. But I understand. It's not easy writing a novella with short chapters.
But I do hope to see something more than this ^^
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2019
This is a very well-written story. The instant attraction between the lead characters is believable, not trite. The passion they shared kept me turning pages. However, I feel as though the story was just beginning when it came to an abrupt end... an ending I don't like. I hope there's more to this story coming in the future.
April 21, 2019
Usually I find short stories extremely difficult to fully enjoy, because of the lack of time to develop characters and plot. But I can say this is definitely one of the best I've ever read.
We follow Izzie, a 20-something year old with a passion for uncovering her family tree. This project brings her across the pond to Bulwark, a strange and fascinatingly weird place, with residents who don't seem too happy with the new visitor.
The pacing of this novella is perfect, nothing seems too rushed, and we get enough information and development to know enough of what is going on. I say 'enough' of what's going on because maaan is this a wild ride! You'll be all 'what the hell just happened?!', 'oh my god, give me more details!!! How??? Why!!!?' 'What is life? What is real?' - and all that good stuff.
There are only two main characters, so there's enough space for both of them to become fully fleshed out, our love interest Matt is a bit of a nerd, which is a nice change. A few other side characters pop up here and there, and make their own lasting impression, even with such little screen time.
This is part of an anthology, which is based on a book series - I have been told that some of the side characters are present in the original book too, and their actions and personalities are at least in some part because of what happens to them in that book. This novella can definitely be read as a standalone without it feeling like you have to read the book to get the context, but I'm sure it's also nice to see all the easter eggs if you do read the main story line (I personally have not read the book this is based around, but it didn't hinder my experience)
The twists and turns in this novella are so good! It's magical, weird, wonderful, paranormal, creepy and just a whole heap of fun!
We follow Izzie, a 20-something year old with a passion for uncovering her family tree. This project brings her across the pond to Bulwark, a strange and fascinatingly weird place, with residents who don't seem too happy with the new visitor.
The pacing of this novella is perfect, nothing seems too rushed, and we get enough information and development to know enough of what is going on. I say 'enough' of what's going on because maaan is this a wild ride! You'll be all 'what the hell just happened?!', 'oh my god, give me more details!!! How??? Why!!!?' 'What is life? What is real?' - and all that good stuff.
There are only two main characters, so there's enough space for both of them to become fully fleshed out, our love interest Matt is a bit of a nerd, which is a nice change. A few other side characters pop up here and there, and make their own lasting impression, even with such little screen time.
This is part of an anthology, which is based on a book series - I have been told that some of the side characters are present in the original book too, and their actions and personalities are at least in some part because of what happens to them in that book. This novella can definitely be read as a standalone without it feeling like you have to read the book to get the context, but I'm sure it's also nice to see all the easter eggs if you do read the main story line (I personally have not read the book this is based around, but it didn't hinder my experience)
The twists and turns in this novella are so good! It's magical, weird, wonderful, paranormal, creepy and just a whole heap of fun!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews