by Hailey Edwards
Series: Foundling #1
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Her beginning may be our end...
Deep in the humid Mississippi bayou, a half-wild child is dragged from the murky waters. She has no memories, no family and is covered in mysterious markings. Adopted by the policeman who rescued her, Luce Boudreau follows him onto the force, determined to prove herself in the eyes of those who are still suspicious.
However, there's more of a battle ahead than Luce could possibly imagine. She may be an orphan without a past, but no one - including Luce herself - could ever be prepared for the truth of her dark, powerful destiny...
I am enjoying Hailey Edwards Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy, and tried her Foundling series Bayou Born is the first book in the series and devoured this darker story filled with mythology, an intense mystery and interesting protagonist.
The story opens when we meet Luce Boudreau, a police officer for Canton, Mississippi PD. It’s her birthday and marks the day, her now adopted father discovered in the murky waters of the bayou. Luce’s origins are surrounded in mystery especially when doctors and the press discovered strange bands or markings on her wrists and arms. Luce takes great care to keep her life normal and hides the markings under long sleeve shirts. We learn some strange things about the day they discovered her and about a bizarre ritual she repeats each year. Edwards pulled me in, and I knew we were in for a ride when Luce helps rescue another girl found in the swamps.
I liked Luce, her partner and father. She has built strong ties even if she feels very much a loner. The more Edward’s revealed that about her, the more I wanted to learn.
I love urban fantasy and Edwards did a wonderful job introducing the world and characters. We have a mystery when Luce’s best friend goes missing and they find her blood. She is the second missing woman. The mysterious girl found in the swamp, now called Jane is in the hospital and Luce is hoping she holds the answers to who she is. Cole, a security expert and leader of an elite team is assigned by a mysterious benefactor to watch over Jane, and Cole follows Luce. I loved the interaction between them and was intent on finding out more.
Edwards mixed in a little humor and some sexual chemistry to offset the gritty, darker sides of the story and I appreciated the balance. We get to know more about Cole’s security team and it left me excited to hear their stories.
Mythology, swamp creatures and heart-pounding danger gave this gritty tale an addictive pace. The reveal and set up for the next book has me eager to dive in. Bayou Born was a great start to the Foundling series. Bone Driven, the second novel is available and they expect the third novel, Death Knell to release in December 2018.
Fans of mythology, suspense and mystery will want to grab Bayou Born by Hailey Edwards, the first in the Foundling #urbanfantasy series. Share on X
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia Roach
Oh wow, this one sounds right up my alley! I love a good mythology based book, and it sounds like this has a lot of that. Some humor and sexual chemistry is always a plus in my book too, hehe ^.^
Kimberly
I hope you pick this series up Olivia
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I really like the sound of this one, especially that it incorporates mythology into the mystery. I also like that it has some humor to offset what sounds like a pretty dark plot overall. I will definitely be keeping this series in mind. Wonderful review!
Kimberly
I read book two over the weekend and cannot wait for the third.
Stefanie
I like mythology. Adding this one to my list.
Kimberly
Sweet. I just finished book two and really enjoyed it 🙂
Stephanie Jane
I like the sound of the mythology aspect in this one, and the more unusual settings. Bayou living fascinates me because we don’t have any land really like that over here.
Kimberly
Yes, it is both scary and beautiful.
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
I love settings like this. Glad you enjoyed it.
Kimberly
Thanks Aleen. Hope you’ve been well.
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
Thanks Kimba, I’m well. Hope you are too! 🙂 <3
kimberly
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sjhigbee
I really like the sound of this one AND you mention the series are available on KU, which has just made my day! Many thanks, Kimberly.
Kimberly
Happy to share 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
I actually feel like it wouldn’t be that crazy for a half-feral human to emerge out of the bayou or other remote area. Or maybe I read too much fiction. And need to read this one too. Lol. 😀
Kimberly
Not really feral, just no memory
Angela Adams
That blurb really caught my attention! Thanks for the post.
Kimberly
Happy to share Angela.
Anne
I had been interested in this author for awhile. I just listed to How to Save an Undead Life with the new audio release (in the Necromancy series you mentioned). My review is next week and I’ve already requested the next 2 audios releasing in August and September. I love UF, as we discussed. I am planning to try to get the KU for $.99 deal next week so maybe I’ll move on to this series as well. Anne _ Books of My Heart
Kimberly
Of course I had already devoured all of the books in the Necromancy series before it released on Audio. I bet it rocks with the right narrator. The KU deal is sweet. It expires Tuesday!
Angela
I do so love this author and her works. I haven’t tried this series yet, it’s on my TBR. Thank’s for the review.
Kimberly
Her other series is in KU and I got that 3 month deal for .99 cents (see sidebar) so I am going to try and read them all over the next couple months.
sherry fundin
I love visiting the bayou. Ya never know what critters you’ll run into. lol
Kimberly
Wait until you see what is lurking here!
sherry fundin
Alright. You made me add it to my reading list. lol
Lorna
Just one clicked this one. It sounds right up my alley. Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly
Yay! Happy to hear it. I will be curious to see what you think 🙂
Debbie Haupt - The Reading Frenzy
Bayou here I come this sounds fantastic Kim. I love the swamp creature mystery sound of it and I’m always looking for good UFs to read in a genre that’s kind of gone stale. Thanks! You’ve hooked me and I’ve not read this author either
Kimberly
LOL, happy to hook you Debbie 🙂
Melliane
Oh yes that’s one I’m curious about since I heard about it!
Kimberly
Glad it’s on your radar 🙂
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books
This sounds like a solid start to the series. I’m always on the look-out for a good UF series so I’ll have to check this one out.
Kimberly
I am happy to have discovered her. And it all started with an ad on Facebook that mentioned a zombie parakeet and necromancer..bwahaha!
Jenea's Book Obsession
This sounds like a great start to the series. I think it would be something I would enjoy too.
Kimberly
Yes. I’ve been really enjoying this author.
Angie Elle
I read a book by this author a while ago – it was a prequel to one of her series. I can’t remember which one. I really enjoyed it, but for some reason, I never picked the next one up. You’ve jogged my memory! I’m glad to see you are enjoying this series so far.
Great review.
Kimberly
She has three series, 2 are on KU. I got the deal for 3 months for .99 cents, so I am working my way through them.
Nick
This sounds like a fresh and interesting new series. I’m here for the mythology and the danger. I’ll mark this one to check out!
Kimberly
I am having fun with her different series Nick.
Ailyn Koay
imagine my excitement seeing this in the library’s list. I just requested it! Can’t wait
Kimberly
Awesome!!