Undone (Outcast Season #1) by Rachel Caine

Once she was a powerful Djinn. Then Cassiel defied her ruler, Ashan, who tore her very essence away and reshaped her in human flesh as punishment. Forced to live among mortals, Cassiel has found refuge among the Weather Wardens--whose power she must tap into regularly, or she will die.

Cassiel earns her keep by assisting the Earth Warden Manny Rocha on his missions--which she finds much easier than coping with the emotions and frailties of her human condition, especially her growing affection for Manny's brother, Luis. But when Cassiel encounters a malevolent force that threatens the Rocha family, she discovers that her perceived human weakness may be her greatest strengths...

Type: Urban Fantasy, Djinn
Heat: 1 out of 5
Rating: 5 out of 5

Holy. Crap. That was just freaking amazing! It's been a while since I've read a good Urban Fantasy and Rachel Caine writes some of the absolute best. She'll have you completely enthralled and leave you scared as hell of the weather and mother nature. Sweet Moses! If you've read her Weather Warden series you definitely need to check out Undone. It's a spin off on the Weather Wardens and so freaking good! Same world (loved that a bunch of old characters make appearances in this new one), same writing style but a different focus. For those that haven't read the series. Mother nature is more or less out to get us and the Wardens (Earth, Fire and Weather) along with Djinn can manipulate storms to help protect humans. Then, of course, there are wayward Wardens and Djinn and internal battles between the two sides that add to the threat to humans. The writing is action packed and fast paced, the plots fascinating and like I said they'll leave you good and scared of the next storm that pops up around you. There's an edgy sort of anticipation while you're reading too. Can you tell I loved this one?! If you're looking for a romance book this isn't it, at least so far. There are some hints of a potential relationship but so far just a good urban fantasy that's dark, gritty and full of action. 

The spin off is focused on Cassiel, a Djinn that has been "undone" (basically death for a Djinn) and the Rocha family who are Wardens. There's a lot of tension and a lack of trust between them all. Especially her partner Manny's brother Luis. He's rough of Cassiel though they do eventually come to an understanding of sorts. Cassiel's a little awkward and it was interesting to watch her Djinn instincts, that she's superior to humans, war against her new emotions and the attachments she's forming. Loved her! She's very matter of fact, literal and fierce when the people she's accepted are harmed. And you seriously do not want a pissed off Djinn on your hands. 

"Why did you destroy Manny's office, then?" 

"I--can't breathe--" 

"That is the point of choking you," I pointed out. "Haste, please, if you want to live."

There's a lot of turmoil in the world of Djinn and Wardens and attacks are not coming at the Rocha family. That's where all the action come into play. Death threats, murder, kidnappings, weather attacks, gangs. But it goes deeper than just the Rocha family and Cassiel and Luis are left to figure out who is behind all the chaos and destruction. Even though there were a lot of issues between the two I loved the pairing and look forward to seeing how their relationship changes over time. They're both determined and fierce fighters who may struggle with morals from time to time but are people you'd want on your side. 

Caine does some things to her main characters that I just couldn't believe. She's just an insane author and takes some pretty big risks. Half way through Undone my mouth literally dropped open. I was so completely dumb struck by what happened to the main group of characters. Damn the woman can put you through the wringer but really in the most excellent way. That's really all I can say without throwing in some major spoilers but damn I so didn't see it coming!

Really this was just an excellent book and I enjoyed every aspect of it. I'm dying to see what happens next. If you haven't read Caine she's a master at cliffhangers so be sure to have book 2 on hand. Can't believe I didn't plan ahead this time Learn from my mistake people. 

Alright, so what are some other fantastic Urban Fantasy series out there? Have yall read this one? What'd you think?!