ONSET: To Serve and Protect

If you've read any of Glynn Stewart's other books, you will be pleasantly surprised to try out this new series. The main character is different from any of his other characters, and so is the setting and plot.

I love this first installment in a new series because it takes multiple plot strands and ties them together without being overly obvious, yet still making sure the story is complete. No loose ends that don't make sense. All of the characters grow, both together and separately. I can't wait for the next book.

It Is not my custom to read supernatural fiction but since I had enjoyed two of Glynn Stewart's science fiction series (Duchy of Terra and Castle Federation), I gave it a try. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the book. The same things I like in SciFi are well developed in this story. Fantastic weapons, enemies with unknown capabilities and undiscovered powers within the hero. Looking forward to seeing what David White can do in ONSET Book 2.

I found the start to be quite dark. There's some grisly vampire murders and the cops are hot on the trial. I'm not a fan of vampire books, but because I am a BIG fan of the Starship Mage, I struggled through and persevered through the first chapter or 2. I don't know if I would have continued if it was as dark the whole way through.

However, I am SO glad I persisted. The characters are likeable and the storyline interesting and plausible. Some of the battle narratives were fantastic and I was left hanging on the edge of my seat. It is also testament to Glynn's writing ability to make me read something that actually took me from feeling uncomfortable to a nail biting conclusion.

I was given an electronic ARC in return for an impartial review.

The writing was excellent. Tight and smart, more details than I needed for the weaponry. This was military though so I skimned when necessary. I came to love this hero. The twists and turns were delightful and many unpredictable. A satisfying endi g left me eager for more. You can't go wrong with this book full of heart, soul, and military precision. Eager to read more!

I've come to like this author's work, so I was willing to try out this urban fantasy book. I found it quite enjoyable and well written. I was a little puzzled by the storyline, which moved the main character from one team to another, but the reasoning seemed solid, although for story telling, it was a little unusual, as readers like to see how people gel together and interact.

Overall, a good first in the series, and I'll be picking up the second when it comes out.

I‘m reading all of the author’s books in this series and have never been happy setting them down in the middle of a story to take a break. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also proves top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.

I really enjoyed this slant on urban fantasy. There was intense action, enough character development to make me feel as if I was coming to know the hero, but the author doesn't bog down the story with too much introspection or relational angst. Mostly clean story, just occasional moments of language with a particular character. I appreciate that. Would recommend this to anyone looking for a good intense action adventure of the paranormal type.

I liked the premise but it went on and on about driving here and walking down a hall and such. This is ok when used to show a feature of the world or set a mood but I found much of it worthless.

I almost gave it 2 stars but it just barely passed the threshold of three

This is a great new entry into the world of urban fantasy. I have enjoyed all of Glynn Stewart's writings in space sci-fi, and this book certainly proves that Stewart is equaally capable in this genre. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

A great new storyline for this prolific author. Mixing the prosaic with the fanciful is harder than it seems, and author Glynn Stewart does a masterful job mixing the police procedural with a kick-butt urban fantasy story. Vampires, werewolves and demons are real, and ONSET is the government body with the mission of keeping America safe, and in the dark about those things that go bump in the night.

Another good story by a really good author. I have enjoyed quite a few of this authors books. I now add this author's name to my list of authors I read.
The story was exciting and the characters were fun to get to know. The story started quickly, but that is the fun with this author. You are in the ride early and now we are trying to figure out why. I love it. Will definitely be reading the next one.

I went into this book with little expectations as the cover to me looked kind of cheesy but once I got into the story I was pleasantly surprised. The author doesn't just do open and closed journey for the main character but actually develops him throughout which helps keep you engaged. I recommend this book if you're a fan of paranormal action novels as it a fun completely fun read.

I normally hate books about magic, but I love Science Fiction and had previously enjoyed this Author so I thought "why not", didn't realize until I started reading that this story was so good I would not stop until I had read the entire book.

This was a great read for more reasons than the story line, characters and escape into a good story.
Read. This. Book.

Nuff said!

Good read. I managed to finish all 4 books within a week. Nowhere near as good as the Monster Hunter series. Character development was on the weak side. Definitely one of the better series on Kindle Unlimited but not something I would want to read twice.

Didn't know what to expect with this book, just read it because i enjoyed Glynns other works a lot. What a surprise, this is the next step up in so many ways. The main protagonist is interesting but not perfect, every one doesnt miraculously survive to the end. I loved this book and just cant wait for the next one, well done Glynn, you have excelled yourself.

the book was long enough to get me involved with the world and to care about it. the MC was a cop who really did want to serve and protect. He believed that so much that he joined ONSET. the book allowed us to grow with the MC. we learned as he learned. if u like secret paranormal govt agencies, SWAT teams, cops, and the supernaturals, then u will like this.

Greatly enjoyed the book. Aside from some minor editing issues (addressing a female officer as ma'am and sir in the same paragraph), the story was well written and the main character compelling. Nice to see that the author refrained from giving the main character a default love interest. Looking forward to book 2. Keep up the great work!

I loved this book! I enjoy Stewart's "Starship's Mage" series so figured I'd give this new series a try, and I'm sure glad I did :) His take on why there is the supernatural in our world is new (at least, I haven't seen it in other Urban Fantasy before), the worldview is consistent, and the characters are well developed.

I am a HUGE fan of the Dresden Files & Monster Hunter International. This book combines many aspects I enjoy from both. But the pace is a little unusual. I thought the beginning was great, the middle slow and the end worth the time. I will likely read more in hopes that the story improves. Hope this review helps your decision to read this book.

Having spent most of my life in law enforcement and the military this book surprised me with the insights this author brought to how the good protectors think. In addition to being a good story. Give it a try.

Wow and wow. Enjoyed, could hardly put it down. A real page turner. Characters are well developed and life like. When I started to read, thought it was a cop/robber story, until the vampires showed up. Magic, regeneration , and detailed battles. This author does detail so well. Cannot wait to read more.

David Whie small town cop runs into gang banger vamps and is rescued by and recruited into the secret branch of the government.

Not all the unseen world is evil and many fight to protect and serve the mundane world.

Can David control the guilt and horror of the monstrously powerful abilities he has hidden inside himself?

A interesting world with engaging characters. Written more like a collection of short stories which leads to repetition and associated action fatigue. The character follows a standard chosen one plot line. The main character goes from being unaware of his powers to over powered Superman by the end.

Nice story of the unknown evil and those that protect us. Usually I can immerse myself in the story and accept fiction. This one with 20 thousand dying once and ongoing body counts stretched my belief that secrets could be contained. Once I started questioning the world view the story became less fun.

I just had to stop and put in a review now even though I am just over halfway finished with the book. If you like paranormal and action this is a winner. I already know I want to read the next one ?

Okay, I have finished and I am still very much looking forward to the next book. Excellent!

Not really a new concept. We have a team of magically endowed mages who tackle supernatural criminals. The work is dangerous and the death toll is high, but our hero has special powers that can save the day.
Well written and easy to read. A good book for a cold winter day.

Got my copy, binge read it, really enjoyed it! I think it's a great addition to the urban fantasy genre with a twist -- while most books have the characters as essentially vigilantes working outside the system, this time it's "in house" so to speak and the character has to deal with the vagaries of government. To serve and protect!

This book cam up on my Kindle Unlimited recommendations, and I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad that I did... It's a very nice mix of fantasy and superhero fiction that is delightful in its refusal to settle into a single genre.

Highly recommended.

Glynn Stewart has rapidly become one of those authors that I will just simply get their books because he's consistently produced stuff I like to read. Engaging concepts, good writing, believable characters, engaging dialogue. great action, awesome adventure. I thoroughly enjoy all of his books.

I have to admit I really like the Castle Federation books and I love Starship Mage but I think ONSET might be my favorite universe by Glynn. I definitely hope to see more Charles and hopefully Vanessa in the next book, which should be out this Month!!! Super excited, keep it up!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Uniquely differrent from most paranormal adventures. And. Best of all there is a sequel which just made my day because I was not finished with this thrill ride. Well recommended. Aurora Wolf a Literary Journal of Science Fiction and Fantasy

As a fan of Jim Butcher's Dresden Series, this was very enjoyable without every female being drop dead gorgeous. The world created was acceptable and the characters well developed. The short hero is likeable. Can't wait for the next installment.

This book has an engaging, if somewhat introspective, protagonist. The action is there, the story flows, a nd there is even a hint of a relationship ( not to mention an instance of glossed over casual sex).
All in all, a great read. I'm looking forward to a sequel.

Set up as a series, but not clearly marked as one. Daniel is a small town policeman who is almost killed by vampires and is recruited by a secret government agency to protect America from evil supernatural beings. Srong points are good action with a reasonable strong plot. Nothing really new, but well done. The thing that pulls it down is the weakness of the main character. Daniel lacks presence. He jumps from his slogan, "Serve and Protect," to teenage fears that he will misuse his growing powers. Almost bipolar. The problems is that between those extremes he has no personality at all. Add to that we have a thirty one year old veteran who seems unable to connect with any of woman the author presents for his consideration. Odd that. It just adds to the sense of two dimensional character we are presented with. Without a strong central character the book is almost a report of events rather then a fully realized story. Too bad.

The basic idea of this book, a cop recruited into a secret government agency whose role is to fight supernatural enemies of America, is not original but Mr. Stewart has come up with some very entertaining twists. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

A bit too fanciful in places but with such a well told tale -- who cares? It is after all fiction. But it is really good fiction. Well developed characters and a good struggle reveal how they grow to their roles. Now I must buy the next in the series.

I liked the book. I prefer Glynn's space stories.
One note. Glynn, when writing about New Orleans, please don't talk about things underground. In chapter 13 you have an underground garage. We don't even bury our dead underground.
It is a minor thing.

I am thoroughly enjoying this series beginning! The author has created characters I'd love to meet. A premise that allows for surprises and a well crafted world That's consistent! Excuse me, I'm off to find the next in this series!

This would have been much better without all the decorating descriptions. They are so long I was tempted to stop reading. But the rest feels compelling. Nothing a good editor could not fix in a single pass.

A very enjoyable and entertaining read - easily as good as starship mage--well worth the time if you enjoy paranormal stories. A fast paced plot with an interesting MC that develops his powers throughout the story. I will definitely read the next book!

This is a well written tale that was fun to read. The author did a nice job of describing the hero's transformation from ordinary cop to superhuman soldier. I liked that killing - even though frequent - never became morally acceptable.

I'm gonna be honest, when I first saw that Glynn Sterwart's new novel was not in the Starship's Mage series or the Stellar Fox series, I was rather disappointed at first. That disappointment did not last though because ONSET was a rather rousing and enjoyable read.

The synopsis is a little misleading though because it seems to imply that David White has some kind of "luck" power, which is not the case at all, I just felt like that needed to be clearer in the description.

As for the story, it follows David White, a veteran police officer who, after encountering the supernatural, is recruited by a secret government agency of paranormal crime fighters (As in they are paranormal, and they fight paranormal crime). He must be quickly retrained in supernatural combat techniques so that he can join the ever escalating war against demons and other interdimentional invaders.

The story pacing starts out with a bang but then slows down considerably, preferring to slowly built tension until the explosive finale.

The only complaint that I have is that the world of ONSET seems a tad hopeless, the fight futile, the ending inevitable.
I hope there is a light at the end of the tunnel, because if things keep going the way they are, then the world's very much doomed.

All in all a great read, I can't wait to get my hands on the next one in the series.

David White is a former cop who discovers, under extreme duress that he has become super human. Glynn Stewart writes knowledgeably about government agencies and the desire "To serve and protect." Highly enjoyable.

An enjoyable change of pace for Mr. Stewart (known for the space opera Castle Federation, Duchess of Terra, and Starship Mage series).

Story flowed well and pacing was good.

Character development worked nicely.

Overall, I enjoyed the change of pace, and look forward to the next installment

Another good story from Glynn Stewart about a government organization that is fighting super natural beings with a combination of science, magic, and guts. While the rest of the mundane population continues their lives in blissful ignorance.

A new genre for Mr. Stewart. Not in space this time, but a lot of fun. I received this book prior to publication and am glad I had the opportunity to read it. I recommend this book to any fan of Mr. Stewart and anyone interested in a fun read.

Fun story. Accidentally started on it instead of the first in the series, but it still worked pretty well in media res. I think it would flow better if it was written in first person like most urban fantasy.

I chose this book because i have the utmost respect for police officers and what they face every day. Amazingly, i found a fast paced adventure that far exceeded my expectations.

I have read many books and a lot of them, although great stories, were marred by very poor grammar, as not knowing the use of there, their, and they're.. A pet peeve of mine. This book rocked and had careful attention to the grammar.

thank you for a great story.

Remarkably intense coherent "light" of words. A story with plenty of mythological matrix with which to connect. With also an admirable perspective on power. Potentially useful, at least an available asset.

Another great book by this Author, my favorite series so far has been the Mage of Mars books, however, this may supplant that series if the next book is as awesome, you have werewolves, mages, empowered, demons all in the modern world..... looking forward to future books in the series.

I Never read the "Reviews" first just the synopsis. It is a talent that has worked for years (It is all we had for the most part before the E books) has become very developed. (Self Defense! Some of the "Printed Media" of today to buy you almost need a second mortgage) I am very happy to have chosen this one.

Character driven, fast paced, if you like this type of story, expect to miss sleep. Well written with very few editorial errors which can jar you out of a story, I definitely recommend this story and look forward to reading more by this author.

This is the best book I have ever read from Glynn Stewart . I like the her other series. But this is a must read. Anyone who likes Patricia Briggs and Faith Hunter should find this book well worth their time. I hope their is a follow up to show what David does next.

Not to give away any spoilers this is a dynamic and good book with lots of action. However, it still takes time to develop characters you can identify with. I am really looking forward to the next books in this series.

I couldn't get passed the author's lack of knowledge surrounding guns. No cop in America carries a Desert Eagle mainly because it's a four and a half pounds of metal which would suck to carry on ones belt for eight hours and two because no police agency would allow it. Cops carry boring and normal guns like Glock and S&W or Sig Sauers with the occasional agency approving a 1911. Then there is the shooting said Desert Eagle out the window while driving. You can do it but even a cop is going to be on the hook for his misses if they hit something or someone else. I'm just not capable of suspending my belief that hard.

I started this book expecting a normal supernatural thriller. I ended the book amazed at how very good it was. Action packed, with a well constructed world, and a few twists on supernatural beings that were fun to contemplate.

A well written tell, very difficult to put down. David is pushed by circumstances to go beyond the normal of even the organization he works for. I'm looking forward to any additional adventures. Glynn Stewart's detailed story telling is very enjoyable and thought provoking.

This is a second book of the Onset series and while a departure from Glynn Stewart's Mars and Star Navy works it is like many other contemporary, werewolf, vampire books. Given an advanced copy by the author I can honestly state that it is completely different from his other works. While not my cup of tea it was well thought out and kept my interest.
If you like books such as "No good deed goes unpunished" or movies like Underworld then you will like this.

Stewart has a very nimble way of integrating some old themes.. Duty, Honor, a Life with meaning along with New Tech and Classic Weapons. You as the reader feeling every nuance of the Characters emotions and realizations along with our Hero..with a twist here and there along the way to keep it fresh.

Robert Murphree

Great new urban fantasy. Loved the character development and the pace of the story. I have read several of Mr. Stewart's books and series. Can't wait for future books. This is hopefully going to be a series?
Please be a series.

I was quite impressed by the writing. The characterization is believable and the story draws you in.
The development of the main character is clear and makes sense.
If you like Larry Correia you'll like this book.

I was not able to finish. A guys book, perhaps a first novel effort. Simplistic narration, with details of bar pick-ups, yet as the central character narrates, other details are routinely omitted. Perhaps intended for teenage audience.