Mildred’s Resistance by Katie Cross

August 18th, 2015 Kimberly Review 58 Comments

18th Aug
Mildred’s Resistance by Katie Cross
Mildred's Resistance
by Katie Cross
Series: The Network Series #0.5
Genres: Paranormal
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Absolute Power Corrupts Even the Best of Friends. Mildred Graeme is a witch that knows what it’s like to fail. She loathes small talk, struggles with magic, and grew up wretchedly poor. What’s easy for her best friend Evelyn, a wealthy, powerful socialite, is difficult for Mildred. The two lifelong friends reunite at Chatham Castle where they fight together for the dream of a better world. Mildred wants to save the Network from political elitism, while Evelyn encourages it. When Evelyn gains power and threatens to obliterate the Network, Mildred realizes that she must overcome her fear of failure to save the lives of those she loves, even if it means betraying her best friend. Mildred’s Resistance is the prequel to The Network Series and a gripping tale of intrigue, betrayal, and unexpected romance that defies all odds to rise above the ghosts of failure.

Mildred’s Resistance is the third book published in the Networking Series but events in the story actually take place before Miss Mabel’s School for Girls. Katie Cross gave us a full-length novel sharing the rise of Mildred to High Priestess. If you read Antebellum Awakening, you will be curious to note this book was given to Bianca to read by Councilor Stella. I loved getting the history and a more in-depth understanding of some of the powerful players in this world. Brilliant and engaging, Mildred’s Resistance is a must read for fans of the series.

The tale focuses on three friends whose names you will quickly recognize. Stella, Evelyn and Mildred. The story begins when they are six and moves quickly forward  as it highlights childhood events before settling in as the girls, now young women, reunite at Chatham Castle where they begin working for the Network.

Evelyn and Mildred become the key players in this novel and Cross quickly submerges us into this fascinating world from her vivid descriptions to her fully developed characters.  We go inside the inner chambers of the council and those of the High Priest and Priestess. I loved all the different aspects as we begin to see cracks in the friendship formed so long ago.

Evelyn is a bit of a fruitcake with a strong conviction on how to improve the Network. Her character is easily influenced and her emotions are often childlike as she works to move up the ranks within the council.  Her plans  set in motion an elitist society. Evelyn is the perfect politician as she greases elbows, manipulates those around her and seeks approval. Cross does, a wonderful job of allowing us to understand where the cracks began that she so desperately tries to fill.

Stella is the stable friend who sees both sides and is always practical and patient. While her role is not as significant, she added depth and perspective. I loved Stella. She is strong, confident and knows what she wants.

Mildred was my favorite character. The weakest of the bunch she slowly transforms throughout the novel. Strong convictions, strength and compassion make her a character to admire. We watch first had as Mildred advances her career through hard work. She eventually accepts a job as the Network Librarian.This is a job she swore she would never take, but ever-practical Mildred does exactly that. It is here that we slowly witness growth in Mildred. She finds her purpose and I found the journey exciting.

Katie Cross is an exceptional storyteller. Her world is fully developed and she brings it vividly to life from the vineyards to the musty basement that are Mildred’s offices. Her characters have depth and love them or hate them you will come to understand them. Some parts of the story are slower, but I loved all the details as Mildred and Evelyn’s careers advanced. Some of the story is told in letters between key characters, family and May the teacher who influences Evelyn. We even see a little romance with the characters. They were small threads that further fleshed out the character’s lives. Cross delivers some suspense, humor and some intense action scenes particularly in the last one-third of the book.

Fans of the series will love the addition of Mildred’s Resistance. The last book of the series, The High Priest’s Daughter releases in September.

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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58 Responses to “Mildred’s Resistance by Katie Cross”

  1. Tika

    Where in the hell have I been Kim? I’ve seriously NEVER heard of this series before, and mid-way though your review I paused to pull it up on goodreads. I will be getting the first book Miss Mabel’s School For Girls VERY soon. I like witches, but I haven’t read about them too much, so I’ve added this to my TBR and wishlist. I want to purchase this soon to read when it gets nice and chilly! Thank you for sharing, I’m so intrigued and ready to dive in 🙂

  2. Michelle

    I simply love that elegant cover! I think this is the first time I come across this author. Will definitely be picking up this series.

  3. Sharon

    I love Katie’s storytelling too. This series is becoming one of my favourites. The covers fit them so well too.

  5. Michele at A Belle's Tales

    That is such a pretty cover, and I LOVE a good prequel. This series sounds so intriguing — I’m adding it straight to the TBR. Wonderful review, my caffeinated friend! *tackle hugs back* 😉

  7. Lorna

    I am not sure if I have ever heard of these books but if you reviewed them I probably have. So this is a spin off of another? Sounds interesting 🙂

  8. Angela Adams

    “The two lifelong friends reunite at Chatham Castle where they fight together for the dream of a better world.” Sounds good to me.

  9. Braine Talk Supe

    I love fruitcake and a character that is reminiscent of one is even better. They’re the good kind of crazy… I’ve been seeing this around, I’m afraid though that it’ll be too YA for me. I should try this, get my feet wet and take it from there.

  10. Katherine

    I’ve been wanting to read this series since the first book – partly because I love the covers – and this sounds like a great follow up. The characters sound really interesting as does the plot itself. Now I just need to dig out time to read it!

  12. Candace

    I LOVE this series! Unfortunately I just can’t seem to get caught up on my reading so I haven’t managed to fit this in yet. But I’m glad to hear you really loved it!

  14. Red Iza

    I like what you said about how good a storyteller the author is – adding it to my list !

  15. Melliane

    It’s great to see you had a good time with the book again. I don’t think I knew the series but I’m sure you’re impatient avout the last one now.

  16. Ramona

    I haven’t read this series, but I do love your review, not to mention that cover! Mildred sounds like a really interesting character 🙂

  17. Kristin

    I have never, ever heard of this series! It sounds pretty fantastic with a huge world and well “built” characters. I’ll have to look into this one more 😉 Fantastic review, woman!!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I accidently discovered them over at Candace’s book blog when I confused the author with another author by a similar name..happy to have done it

  18. sherry fundin

    This is a series I don’t remember hearing of before. I love tough female characters and the paranormal. Thanks for sharing.

  22. kindlemom1

    I think I have the first book somewhere on my kindle (or in the cloud). I need to read it, it does sound like a really interesting series for sure.

  23. Debbie Haupt

    Thanks Kim I’ve heard both of the artist and the series but have not as yet partaken. I think maybe its time 🙂
    deb

  24. Nick

    I obviously need to look into this series more. I especially liked that it focuses on 3 friends. Great review, Kim!

  25. Jenny

    I adore Katie!!!! I haven’t read this series yet but it’s on my list for sure. I love that she wrote a book that was given to a character to read, and now we get to experience it as well. Can’t wait to pick Miss Mabel’s up:)

  26. Bookworm Brandee

    I don’t know if I ever told you, but I picked up Miss Mabel and Antebellum after reading your review(s). I’m excited over the prospect of getting more history and it sounds like Cross does an incredible job of developing these characters. I’m glad you found this series, Kimberly, so you could introduce me. 😉

  28. Christy

    I love this cover. I’m going to make my walls look like that. 😀 I’m almost positive I bought the first book awhile back.