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The Creatives #2
The Devil And The Muse
An ancient curse.
A forgotten love.
A painting with secrets only one woman can reveal.
In this fast-paced second installment of The Creatives Series , Creative (mystic artist) Coco Rhodes is surprised by a horrific vision beneath her most recent painting: the violent attack upon a fragile young girl. When a link is discovered between an education-finance fraud and several girls disappearing from Washington, D.C. schools, Coco's lover and leader of the Allegiance, the vampire-warlock Gabriel, vows to rescue the girls, and topple a corrupt congressman. Concurrently, the dark and twisted past of Kenan, the Allegiance's sworn enemy, is revealed. With Kenan's whereabouts unknown, members of the Allegiance begin to unravel his sadistic plan.
From New York and D.C., to Tuscany and the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy, the supernatural guardians of the Allegiance are guided by both the lessons of history and the shocks of present-day life. Through magical twists and otherworldly subplots, this supernatural thriller weaves a web of intrigue, love, and conflict. In The Devil and the Muse , Coco's sense of duty to the Allegiance is tested. But will protecting her loved ones cause her to sacrifice her humanity?
A forgotten love.
A painting with secrets only one woman can reveal.
In this fast-paced second installment of The Creatives Series , Creative (mystic artist) Coco Rhodes is surprised by a horrific vision beneath her most recent painting: the violent attack upon a fragile young girl. When a link is discovered between an education-finance fraud and several girls disappearing from Washington, D.C. schools, Coco's lover and leader of the Allegiance, the vampire-warlock Gabriel, vows to rescue the girls, and topple a corrupt congressman. Concurrently, the dark and twisted past of Kenan, the Allegiance's sworn enemy, is revealed. With Kenan's whereabouts unknown, members of the Allegiance begin to unravel his sadistic plan.
From New York and D.C., to Tuscany and the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy, the supernatural guardians of the Allegiance are guided by both the lessons of history and the shocks of present-day life. Through magical twists and otherworldly subplots, this supernatural thriller weaves a web of intrigue, love, and conflict. In The Devil and the Muse , Coco's sense of duty to the Allegiance is tested. But will protecting her loved ones cause her to sacrifice her humanity?
284 pages, Hardcover
First published June 12, 2017
19 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Mandy Jackson-Beverly
5 books62 followersMandy Jackson-Beverly was born in the bustling town of Pyramid Hill, Victoria, Australia ... Population: 419. This remote childhood kick-started Mandy's imagination, as did the rugged coastline and rolling hills of Tasmania, where her family relocated when she was four years old.
In 1982, Mandy moved to London, where she discovered the importance of the creative collective: The 1980s fashion scene. In Los Angeles, she found her own creative freedom among the thriving, no-holds-barred visionaries of the music video world. As a costume designer and stylist Mandy worked for photographer Herb Ritts, and directors Joel and Ethan Coen, David Fincher, and Julien Temple, and music icons David Bowie, Madonna, and Tina Turner, to name a few.
Mandy is a Huffington Post, and Tasmanian Times blogger. She resides in Ojai, California, with her husband, Brian Beverly, a crossed-eyed cat, Luna, a dog named Cash and, sometimes, her sons, Angus and Jack.
In 1982, Mandy moved to London, where she discovered the importance of the creative collective: The 1980s fashion scene. In Los Angeles, she found her own creative freedom among the thriving, no-holds-barred visionaries of the music video world. As a costume designer and stylist Mandy worked for photographer Herb Ritts, and directors Joel and Ethan Coen, David Fincher, and Julien Temple, and music icons David Bowie, Madonna, and Tina Turner, to name a few.
Mandy is a Huffington Post, and Tasmanian Times blogger. She resides in Ojai, California, with her husband, Brian Beverly, a crossed-eyed cat, Luna, a dog named Cash and, sometimes, her sons, Angus and Jack.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 9, 2017
I unintentionally started with the second book in this series. However the author seems to have thought of everything and gently introduced new readers to the story. So no worries if you are considering beginning with this installment. You should have no problem picking it up from there.
Overall, I have to say this story is genuinely unique. Typically when I read young adult books or fantasy series it can come across as a quilt, with different aspects of other already successful stories woven together. As if this new hybrid is going to somehow top them all! Not the case here. I cannot think of another series I encountered that has similar characteristics as this one. Truly refreshing.
The most fascinating part of the story for me was the portrayal of The Creatives. It is just as it sounds, a select group of people with this natural ability to find beauty. Often these stories seem to center around greek gods or superheroes. I like that there is a bit of praise for the artist.
Overall, I have to say this story is genuinely unique. Typically when I read young adult books or fantasy series it can come across as a quilt, with different aspects of other already successful stories woven together. As if this new hybrid is going to somehow top them all! Not the case here. I cannot think of another series I encountered that has similar characteristics as this one. Truly refreshing.
The most fascinating part of the story for me was the portrayal of The Creatives. It is just as it sounds, a select group of people with this natural ability to find beauty. Often these stories seem to center around greek gods or superheroes. I like that there is a bit of praise for the artist.
July 3, 2017
‘Without courage, all is lost.’Motto of the Allegiance
Australian born California author Mandy Jackson-Beverly grew up in Tasmania eventually moved to London and discovered the importance of the creative collective: The 1980s fashion scene. Then moving to Los Angeles, she found her own creative freedom among visionaries of the music video world. She worked as a costume designer and stylist for photographer Herb Ritts, and directors Joel and Ethan Coen, David Fincher, and Julien Temple, and music icons David Bowie, Madonna, and Tina Turner, among others. She has also taught Advanced Placement Art, written and directed high school theater productions, is a contributor to The Huffington Post and a book reviewer for The New York Journal of Books. Now her creativity blossoms in this CREATIVE SERIES of which THE DEVIL AND THE MUSE is the second installment. Her fascinating style incorporates the supernatural worlds of vampire, witches and wizards – all told with a magnetic charm that keeps the reader focused on the core mystery of her story.
Mandy carefully informs the reader at book’s beginning of the cast of characters and the definitions involved in her story - The Allegiance: An ancient organization that protects art and Creatives, and gives sanctuary to those threatened by religious zealots. Creatives: Artists who paint truths within paintings, secrets only visible to a few; their images share the gift of prophecy. All Creatives have amethyst-colored eyes. And opening the door to her tale she offers the key – ‘Hidden in the midst of the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy, stands Casa della Pietra, the stronghold of the Allegiance. The rise of her tall towers burst through clouds of darkened gray, she is a titan of a fortress, a protector of all who enter her walls. If you listen, you might hear the ancient seer, Prudence, speaking words of reassurance to those new to this place. For Arianna, Jeremy, and Isabel have entered a world where immortals live with unparalleled purpose, and great love. There has been no whisper of Kenan’s whereabouts, but evil creeps with silent steps, and lurks behind its prey, waiting for a shimmer of weakness to appear in one’s humanity. As the Creative, Coco awakens, and she is drawn to a painting. Pigments of paint pull at her fingertips, and a hidden image appears. She glimpses the nuance of darkness lingering in the decrepit minds of the wicked. Enter into this world, but cast aside old ideas. Step carefully, but step with deliberation, For there is no room for indecision when the devil lies waiting…’
The provided synopsis readies the reader fortunate enough to enter this strange world – ‘An ancient curse. A forgotten love. A painting with secrets only one woman can reveal. Creative (mystic artist) Coco Rhodes is surprised by a horrific vision beneath her most recent painting: the violent attack upon a fragile young girl. When a link is discovered between an education-finance fraud and several girls disappearing from Washington, D.C. schools, Coco’s lover and leader of the Allegiance, the vampire-warlock Gabriel, vows to rescue the girls, and topple a corrupt congressman. Concurrently, the dark and twisted past of Kenan, the Allegiance's sworn enemy, is revealed. With Kenan’s whereabouts unknown, members of the Allegiance begin to unravel his sadistic plan. From New York and D.C., to Tuscany and the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy, the supernatural guardians of the Allegiance are guided by both the lessons of history and the shocks of present-day life. Through magical twists and otherworldly subplots, this supernatural thriller weaves a web of intrigue, love, and conflict. Coco’s sense of duty to the Allegiance is tested. But will protecting her loved ones cause her to sacrifice her humanity?’
All of Mandy’s past exposure and experience pays off handsomely in this little jewel of a novel. He is most definitely a writer to watch – especially for the lovers of paranormal literature.
Australian born California author Mandy Jackson-Beverly grew up in Tasmania eventually moved to London and discovered the importance of the creative collective: The 1980s fashion scene. Then moving to Los Angeles, she found her own creative freedom among visionaries of the music video world. She worked as a costume designer and stylist for photographer Herb Ritts, and directors Joel and Ethan Coen, David Fincher, and Julien Temple, and music icons David Bowie, Madonna, and Tina Turner, among others. She has also taught Advanced Placement Art, written and directed high school theater productions, is a contributor to The Huffington Post and a book reviewer for The New York Journal of Books. Now her creativity blossoms in this CREATIVE SERIES of which THE DEVIL AND THE MUSE is the second installment. Her fascinating style incorporates the supernatural worlds of vampire, witches and wizards – all told with a magnetic charm that keeps the reader focused on the core mystery of her story.
Mandy carefully informs the reader at book’s beginning of the cast of characters and the definitions involved in her story - The Allegiance: An ancient organization that protects art and Creatives, and gives sanctuary to those threatened by religious zealots. Creatives: Artists who paint truths within paintings, secrets only visible to a few; their images share the gift of prophecy. All Creatives have amethyst-colored eyes. And opening the door to her tale she offers the key – ‘Hidden in the midst of the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy, stands Casa della Pietra, the stronghold of the Allegiance. The rise of her tall towers burst through clouds of darkened gray, she is a titan of a fortress, a protector of all who enter her walls. If you listen, you might hear the ancient seer, Prudence, speaking words of reassurance to those new to this place. For Arianna, Jeremy, and Isabel have entered a world where immortals live with unparalleled purpose, and great love. There has been no whisper of Kenan’s whereabouts, but evil creeps with silent steps, and lurks behind its prey, waiting for a shimmer of weakness to appear in one’s humanity. As the Creative, Coco awakens, and she is drawn to a painting. Pigments of paint pull at her fingertips, and a hidden image appears. She glimpses the nuance of darkness lingering in the decrepit minds of the wicked. Enter into this world, but cast aside old ideas. Step carefully, but step with deliberation, For there is no room for indecision when the devil lies waiting…’
The provided synopsis readies the reader fortunate enough to enter this strange world – ‘An ancient curse. A forgotten love. A painting with secrets only one woman can reveal. Creative (mystic artist) Coco Rhodes is surprised by a horrific vision beneath her most recent painting: the violent attack upon a fragile young girl. When a link is discovered between an education-finance fraud and several girls disappearing from Washington, D.C. schools, Coco’s lover and leader of the Allegiance, the vampire-warlock Gabriel, vows to rescue the girls, and topple a corrupt congressman. Concurrently, the dark and twisted past of Kenan, the Allegiance's sworn enemy, is revealed. With Kenan’s whereabouts unknown, members of the Allegiance begin to unravel his sadistic plan. From New York and D.C., to Tuscany and the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy, the supernatural guardians of the Allegiance are guided by both the lessons of history and the shocks of present-day life. Through magical twists and otherworldly subplots, this supernatural thriller weaves a web of intrigue, love, and conflict. Coco’s sense of duty to the Allegiance is tested. But will protecting her loved ones cause her to sacrifice her humanity?’
All of Mandy’s past exposure and experience pays off handsomely in this little jewel of a novel. He is most definitely a writer to watch – especially for the lovers of paranormal literature.
July 27, 2017
I really like this author's writing. The places, people, and paranormal are vivid and so easy to visualise. The dialogue sounds real, and the situations are graphically depicted, and capture the action and emotions in all their shades.
There are a couple of harrowing scenes of rape and torture, thankfully not the most gory depictions but realistic nonetheless.
There are a lot of characters but as this was the second in the series I was familiar with most and the character list at the beginning was very helpful, even if there were still a couple of times I lost track of who was who. Coco and Gabriel, Christopher and Layla, Ariana and Jeremy all return from the first book and the story continues. I think that you could read this without having read the first but I'd recommend reading them in order.
A clever and thoughtful tale that spans the US and Italy, features immortals and magic alongside humans of course. A tale of good and evil, that touches on religious bigotry, racism, corruption and fraud as well as art, love and so much more.
This episode sets up the next but rounds up this part.
A solid 4 stars from me.
There are a couple of harrowing scenes of rape and torture, thankfully not the most gory depictions but realistic nonetheless.
There are a lot of characters but as this was the second in the series I was familiar with most and the character list at the beginning was very helpful, even if there were still a couple of times I lost track of who was who. Coco and Gabriel, Christopher and Layla, Ariana and Jeremy all return from the first book and the story continues. I think that you could read this without having read the first but I'd recommend reading them in order.
A clever and thoughtful tale that spans the US and Italy, features immortals and magic alongside humans of course. A tale of good and evil, that touches on religious bigotry, racism, corruption and fraud as well as art, love and so much more.
This episode sets up the next but rounds up this part.
A solid 4 stars from me.
January 2, 2019
Those of you who have read the first volume will probably recall sexy vampires, a lot of fighting and secrets. It's here again but amplified. I didn't know it was possible to pump it up even more but the author takes us to an emotional rollercoaster ride with this book where the lines between good and evil can get blurred given the right circumstances.
The plot jumps to a lot of interesting places (even in time) which are beautifully described, the allusions to works of art are superb, the characters develop even more (though I must admit there are so many of them that sometimes I had a little bit of a hard time remembering who was who), and yes, there are freshly showered half-naked vampires in it.
What I know might cause some distress to certain readers is the violence mostly toward women. The plot mirrors what's been happening in the society for centuries and what's only now being finally addressed as an issue in some countries and I know it may trigger some people. So be sure you're OK reading about it before opening the book.
The plot jumps to a lot of interesting places (even in time) which are beautifully described, the allusions to works of art are superb, the characters develop even more (though I must admit there are so many of them that sometimes I had a little bit of a hard time remembering who was who), and yes, there are freshly showered half-naked vampires in it.
What I know might cause some distress to certain readers is the violence mostly toward women. The plot mirrors what's been happening in the society for centuries and what's only now being finally addressed as an issue in some countries and I know it may trigger some people. So be sure you're OK reading about it before opening the book.
July 6, 2017
The Devil and the Muse (The Creatives Series Book 2) by Mandy Jackson-Beverly is a fast paced second installment in the series. With a careful introduction telling in detail the characters involved and the many definitions used in the story, the author is thorough and complete in informing her reader. We have the Allegiance and the Creatives- two groups that work together to create art and a sense of safety. A wholly unique story-line, which is especially appealing to the creative spirited type, this book pulls the reader in, and is fully unique. It really is the story of a strange world plagued by an ancient curse, paintings that hold secrets, and forbidden love. A wonderful mix of issues and problems await the reader in this fine example of interesting genres that combines the supernatural, fantasy, and thriller story lines. Highly recommend for an interesting and compelling novel.
July 3, 2017
“The Devil And The Muse” is the 2nd book in The Creatives Series, written by Mandy Jackson-Beverly, and it immediately dives into the action! The first chapter immediately pulls you in, although it is also rather disturbing (definitely some adult material there). Being a visual artist myself, I love the artistic aspect that is incorporated into the story and find it fascinating how the magic and art are sort of merged into one energetic flow in this fantasy world. The characters are well drawn and fairly easy to relate to, although at first I did feel like the point of view kind of bounced around a little too much and made it harder to stick with any character long enough to really feel like you were getting to know them. Other than that, I really enjoyed the story overall and would definitely recommend it to supernatural, fantasy, thriller, and art lovers.
July 28, 2017
The devil and the muse by Mandy Jackson-Beverly.
An ancient curse. A forgotten love. A painting with secrets only one woman can reveal.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Very dark. I loved Coco. She was my favourite character. Can't wait for book 3. 5*. Tbc on fb.
An ancient curse. A forgotten love. A painting with secrets only one woman can reveal.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Very dark. I loved Coco. She was my favourite character. Can't wait for book 3. 5*. Tbc on fb.
July 13, 2017
This is the first book I have read by Mandy Jackson-Beverly. Unfortunately I did not read the first book in this series, which I feel may have been a disservice to myself. Although there is an introductory section to explain who all of the characters were and their connections at times I would mix up the relationships.
I can say that the book had a tremendous amount of action, adventure, and an interesting plot. Vampires are traditionally seen as dangerous immortal beings that are only out to harm for their own best interests. In this book that wasn’t the case. It was a good versus evil based story. It was about bonds of friendship, love, and protecting the innocent. One group of vampires and creatives out to protect the lives of young women kidnapped because of a tattoo they all share.
There were unusual aspects to the different abilities or powers the vampires had, which I honestly found refreshing for a book about vampires. I found myself cheering for one group of vampires. I even found myself feeling for the likes of Freya. In many respects she could be considered evil but she had a heart to her.
Overall this was a very unique read. I may have to read the first book in the series then re-read this one and perhaps then, I will fully grasp everything the writer intended for us readers to grasp when she wrote the book.
I can say that the book had a tremendous amount of action, adventure, and an interesting plot. Vampires are traditionally seen as dangerous immortal beings that are only out to harm for their own best interests. In this book that wasn’t the case. It was a good versus evil based story. It was about bonds of friendship, love, and protecting the innocent. One group of vampires and creatives out to protect the lives of young women kidnapped because of a tattoo they all share.
There were unusual aspects to the different abilities or powers the vampires had, which I honestly found refreshing for a book about vampires. I found myself cheering for one group of vampires. I even found myself feeling for the likes of Freya. In many respects she could be considered evil but she had a heart to her.
Overall this was a very unique read. I may have to read the first book in the series then re-read this one and perhaps then, I will fully grasp everything the writer intended for us readers to grasp when she wrote the book.
July 24, 2019
It is always hard with a second book to make sure it lives up the first in the series; I entered the pages lightly, giving it a little caution. Having loved the first one so much . . . But what a delight, I was thrilled this didn't disappoint!
Again, the author gives all the characters her great attention, they are all well-rounded, with a depth of emotion and thought. It is always a delight to feel you are really with the characters as they travel through the story, with this series in particular, I found all my senses heightened; a great deal of attention has been paid painting the scenery, the ambience of each scene; done so subtly you hardly notice until the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Sublime writing, great characters, good and evil, all wrapped into a deliciously dark fantasy thriller. I'm now looking forward to the next one...
Again, the author gives all the characters her great attention, they are all well-rounded, with a depth of emotion and thought. It is always a delight to feel you are really with the characters as they travel through the story, with this series in particular, I found all my senses heightened; a great deal of attention has been paid painting the scenery, the ambience of each scene; done so subtly you hardly notice until the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
Sublime writing, great characters, good and evil, all wrapped into a deliciously dark fantasy thriller. I'm now looking forward to the next one...
September 9, 2017
I love this series. So creative and a wonderful writer. Her imagination has no bounds. My only complaint is that there are so many characters you lose track of who is who, but other than that it was wonderful and well written. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 13, 2017
Thrilling story of good vs evil, excellent read.
When young girls start disappearing from a school in DC and money goes missing, members of the Allegiance step in to find them and make the sure the ring leader is punished. A eccentric grouping of mortals, creatives, vampires and spiritual beings makes up the unique Allegiance that is hidden in the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy. Each with special powers, they work together to save the girls from their tormentors and return them safely to their families, memories wiped clean. They also set to bring down the devil, but find that they need some extra help along the way.
In this thrilling story, the reader is taken on an adventure of good vs evil and gets to experience all the struggles and sacrifices that come with it. Not only does the reader get the view point of the "good guys" but he/she also will get to know more about Kenan's background and why he is the way he is and what has lead him to this point in his immortal life. With so many different main characters I found it quite helpful that the author gave a directory at the beginning of the book so the reader could learn about the characters or check back to see the connections between each grouping of people. Although I have not read book one, I truly enjoyed The Devil and the Muse - book 2. It was very easy to get into, despite not having any background information. I plan to keep reading, with book 3, and continue the journey of bringing Kenan down, and also to see what happens with Gabriel and Coco as well as the other love stories that are entangled and written into this thriller.
I highly recommend The Devil and The Muse - Book 2 to a more mature reader. There is some heavy sexual content that is not suitable for a younger reader, some of it even caught me off guard. This isn't your every day vampire book. It is excellently written and incredibly entertaining.
Happy Reading!
When young girls start disappearing from a school in DC and money goes missing, members of the Allegiance step in to find them and make the sure the ring leader is punished. A eccentric grouping of mortals, creatives, vampires and spiritual beings makes up the unique Allegiance that is hidden in the Dolomite Mountains of Northern Italy. Each with special powers, they work together to save the girls from their tormentors and return them safely to their families, memories wiped clean. They also set to bring down the devil, but find that they need some extra help along the way.
In this thrilling story, the reader is taken on an adventure of good vs evil and gets to experience all the struggles and sacrifices that come with it. Not only does the reader get the view point of the "good guys" but he/she also will get to know more about Kenan's background and why he is the way he is and what has lead him to this point in his immortal life. With so many different main characters I found it quite helpful that the author gave a directory at the beginning of the book so the reader could learn about the characters or check back to see the connections between each grouping of people. Although I have not read book one, I truly enjoyed The Devil and the Muse - book 2. It was very easy to get into, despite not having any background information. I plan to keep reading, with book 3, and continue the journey of bringing Kenan down, and also to see what happens with Gabriel and Coco as well as the other love stories that are entangled and written into this thriller.
I highly recommend The Devil and The Muse - Book 2 to a more mature reader. There is some heavy sexual content that is not suitable for a younger reader, some of it even caught me off guard. This isn't your every day vampire book. It is excellently written and incredibly entertaining.
Happy Reading!
September 6, 2017
Coco Rhodes is a Creative, an artist that paints truths. She is staying at Casa della Pietra, the strong hold of The Allegiance. In her latest painting she sees the surprising death of a young woman. Her boyfriend and leader of The Allegiance, Gabriel promises to look into the death. But he finds himself looking into several deaths in the Washington DC area. But don’t’ forget about Kenan. He might not be in the picture but his dark plans are starting to be set into play. The Allegiance is going to have its hands full and Coco is going to be facing some tough struggles herself.
Oh my goodness, where to begin. The Creatives can create artwork yet only one person can interpret them and when Coco has the vision of a young girl being killed of course The Allegiance is going to try and stop it. And then you have Kenan. Although a bad vampire, when you learn about his history you can’t help but feel for the poor guy. And when he finally breaks free that puts a curse upon his head.
I love this series. What a fresh take on the paranormal! I loved A Secret Muse and was worried that I would get mixed up with all the characters in this story. No worries, there is an index in the front to keep it all straight and once you get into the story you don’t even notice. This is a great series and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3.
I received The Devil and the Muse from Author Marketing Experts for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
Oh my goodness, where to begin. The Creatives can create artwork yet only one person can interpret them and when Coco has the vision of a young girl being killed of course The Allegiance is going to try and stop it. And then you have Kenan. Although a bad vampire, when you learn about his history you can’t help but feel for the poor guy. And when he finally breaks free that puts a curse upon his head.
I love this series. What a fresh take on the paranormal! I loved A Secret Muse and was worried that I would get mixed up with all the characters in this story. No worries, there is an index in the front to keep it all straight and once you get into the story you don’t even notice. This is a great series and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3.
I received The Devil and the Muse from Author Marketing Experts for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
June 8, 2017
I received this book as an ARC for my honest opinion. Thank you, Mandy Jackson-Beverly, for the book and writing such an amazing story!
There are many characters who make up this story. In the beginning it is hard to keep track of whose who but as you get into the story you understand their roles and their stories start to come to life. The magic users, vampires, and all the magical things are wonderful. I like how the backstories were introduced as memories whether they are good or bad. The descriptions of the art and areas that are mentioned make you feel as if you are experiencing it all in person.
Coco learns more about her life and it is full of surprises both good and bad. She paints paintings and then can 'see' thing behind or in the paintings that are hard for her to handle but it is necessary to save people. This is about good overcoming evil. There is a group of 'bad' vampires preying on young Latino women. The Alliance is working on figuring out who is doing it and stopping it.
There are many characters who make up this story. In the beginning it is hard to keep track of whose who but as you get into the story you understand their roles and their stories start to come to life. The magic users, vampires, and all the magical things are wonderful. I like how the backstories were introduced as memories whether they are good or bad. The descriptions of the art and areas that are mentioned make you feel as if you are experiencing it all in person.
Coco learns more about her life and it is full of surprises both good and bad. She paints paintings and then can 'see' thing behind or in the paintings that are hard for her to handle but it is necessary to save people. This is about good overcoming evil. There is a group of 'bad' vampires preying on young Latino women. The Alliance is working on figuring out who is doing it and stopping it.
July 31, 2017
I loved that for all the vampirey things going on, blood sucking, vampire assassinations, the supernatural drama still integrated itself with real world happenings—global warming, corporate malfeasance, girls going missing. Unlike many supernatural tales which seem to go on at the periphery of the world we all live in, this one seemed determined to integrate itself better.
July 31, 2017
The allegiance are back for book 2 when girls from catholic schools are going missing. Really enjoyed this book. It carried on from the first one quite seamlessly but introduced new characters. A book about good vs evil.
Would recommend
Would recommend
April 10, 2019
The devil and the muse is book two in the series by mandy Jackson- Beverley continuing the work and protection of the allegiance against Kenan and his followers. At the beginning of the book was lovely to see an introduction and reminder to all the characters and to how they fit within the book as their are a lot within it. Does the allegiance finally manage to stop kenan or does he escape them again? What is next for Coco and the Gabriel?
December 11, 2017
The Devil and the Muse by Mandy Jackson-Beverly is the second book in the Creatives Series. I did not read the first book in the series, while I would have liked to, I found it not necessary. The author did a good job of catching the reader up to date. It helped that a description of the characters was included in the very beginning of the book. I referred to it several times until I got caught up on the cast and their roles in the story.
The Allegiance is a group of individuals headed by immortals under the protection of the goddess The Lady and the Rose. Their purpose is to protect and nurture Creatives and other magical beings from those who would do them harm. Creatives are those individual that have a unique gift of being able to see events that lie hidden underneath a painting. In the past, Creatives have been hunted down and killed as witches. Now the Creatives are using their power to help a group of girls who have been kidnapped, raped, tortured and killed by the soldiers of an evil vampire named Kenan who is the devil incarnate. The Allegiance must work quickly if they are to save these young girls.
The book is the classic tale of good versus evil. Yet, the plot and characters are unique. I have read a lot of fantasy and paranormal books and cannot recall anything like it. The author gets lots of kudos for originality. The plot moves rapidly and the sittings change quickly form Washington D. C. to Italy and other places, and time periods, several times which will keep the reader on their toes. This is a book you can’t skim over or you will miss an important action sequence that is critical to the plot.
Overall, it a good story and will appeal to readers of paranormal, vampires and fantasy. As I stated already, it is not necessary to read the first book in the series but I recommend you do. If I had read the first book, I suspect I would have gotten more from the story. Also, when I start a series in the middle and like it, I always find myself going back and reading the book(s) that I skipped over. Therefore, I am going to add book one to my TBR list and I hope you do too. It is worth a read.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
For more of my book reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com.
The Allegiance is a group of individuals headed by immortals under the protection of the goddess The Lady and the Rose. Their purpose is to protect and nurture Creatives and other magical beings from those who would do them harm. Creatives are those individual that have a unique gift of being able to see events that lie hidden underneath a painting. In the past, Creatives have been hunted down and killed as witches. Now the Creatives are using their power to help a group of girls who have been kidnapped, raped, tortured and killed by the soldiers of an evil vampire named Kenan who is the devil incarnate. The Allegiance must work quickly if they are to save these young girls.
The book is the classic tale of good versus evil. Yet, the plot and characters are unique. I have read a lot of fantasy and paranormal books and cannot recall anything like it. The author gets lots of kudos for originality. The plot moves rapidly and the sittings change quickly form Washington D. C. to Italy and other places, and time periods, several times which will keep the reader on their toes. This is a book you can’t skim over or you will miss an important action sequence that is critical to the plot.
Overall, it a good story and will appeal to readers of paranormal, vampires and fantasy. As I stated already, it is not necessary to read the first book in the series but I recommend you do. If I had read the first book, I suspect I would have gotten more from the story. Also, when I start a series in the middle and like it, I always find myself going back and reading the book(s) that I skipped over. Therefore, I am going to add book one to my TBR list and I hope you do too. It is worth a read.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
For more of my book reviews, and author interviews, see my blog at www.thespineview.com.
October 16, 2018
Without Courage, All Is Lost...
I found this fast paced, edge of your seat, Supernatural Fantasy to be utterly unputdownable. I was such a huge fan of A Secret Muse: Book One of The Creatives Series, that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. I’m happy to say, that I was not disappointed. I especially liked how the author describes the relationship the characters have with one another at the beginning of the story. Fair warning though: This story deals with some heavy content (including sexual abuse). One of my favorite quotes sums this up perfectly...
“Enter into this world,
but cast aside old ideas.
Step carefully,
but step with deliberation,
For there is no room for indecision,
When the devil lies waiting”
I found this fast paced, edge of your seat, Supernatural Fantasy to be utterly unputdownable. I was such a huge fan of A Secret Muse: Book One of The Creatives Series, that I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one. I’m happy to say, that I was not disappointed. I especially liked how the author describes the relationship the characters have with one another at the beginning of the story. Fair warning though: This story deals with some heavy content (including sexual abuse). One of my favorite quotes sums this up perfectly...
“Enter into this world,
but cast aside old ideas.
Step carefully,
but step with deliberation,
For there is no room for indecision,
When the devil lies waiting”
May 20, 2018
This second book in the Creative series by Mandy Jackson-Beverly is fast paced and full of action. We follow along as Coco learns to navigate herself into this new world she has discovered. She will do anything to keep Gabriel and her family safe. With book two we see a darker side to this new life Coco has embarked upon and the important part that the Allegiance plays. Mandy's vivid story telling transports you into Coco's world.
April 13, 2018
We are proud to announce that THE DEVIL AND THE MUSE by Mandy Jackson-Beverly is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
March 16, 2018
In the fight against evil
As I watch the goings on in DC, I see them playing out in this novel. The book is good but reads more like an outline with too many characters. It is a mix of Norse mythology, Greek mythology, Catholic history, vampires, and the modern world. The characters are an ancient group of immortals that are trying to keep the devil at bay. Worth reading but for adults only due to sexual and violent content.
As I watch the goings on in DC, I see them playing out in this novel. The book is good but reads more like an outline with too many characters. It is a mix of Norse mythology, Greek mythology, Catholic history, vampires, and the modern world. The characters are an ancient group of immortals that are trying to keep the devil at bay. Worth reading but for adults only due to sexual and violent content.
August 13, 2020
Really Good
We move into book 2 which brings a deepening on this complex story and it's characters. We also get a few new players as they are brilliantly woven in. The story is much much different then pretty much anything out there. It cannot be skimmed, it must be read to gain understanding. This is a great tale of ancient immortals spread throughout time fighting evil.
We move into book 2 which brings a deepening on this complex story and it's characters. We also get a few new players as they are brilliantly woven in. The story is much much different then pretty much anything out there. It cannot be skimmed, it must be read to gain understanding. This is a great tale of ancient immortals spread throughout time fighting evil.
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