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Raina Kirkland #2
Mortal Sentry
A Paranormal Romantic Fantasy:
Parallel to our own, this world is one of magic and religion, of horrors and fantastic deeds. Enter Raina Kirkland, living vampire and all around supernatural mutt, she hides in her aunt's enchanted house from a demon that wants her dead. That is until she makes a deal with him. She has seven days to comply with his demands...but a lot can happen in a week.
Saturday: two master vampires ask for her undead loyalty, and two family crises' fall on her door step. Sunday: she dodges shady characters, discovers secrets from her past and rescues her brother from the torturous clutches of a demented man with connections to the monster mafia. Monday: makes the previous two days look like walks on the beach in comparison.
Parallel to our own, this world is one of magic and religion, of horrors and fantastic deeds. Enter Raina Kirkland, living vampire and all around supernatural mutt, she hides in her aunt's enchanted house from a demon that wants her dead. That is until she makes a deal with him. She has seven days to comply with his demands...but a lot can happen in a week.
Saturday: two master vampires ask for her undead loyalty, and two family crises' fall on her door step. Sunday: she dodges shady characters, discovers secrets from her past and rescues her brother from the torturous clutches of a demented man with connections to the monster mafia. Monday: makes the previous two days look like walks on the beach in comparison.
352 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2012
9 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Diana Graves
14 books27 followersDiana was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Always the artist, painting, acting and drawing were her mediums of choice until she discovered the written word's ability to create strange new worlds, to craft new life and new civilizations, to boldly take readers where they've never been before. (Geek Bomb!) Besides writing, Diana has a full time job, a beautiful baby girl, an equally beautiful teenaged live-in sister, a black border collie- lab mix (or a borador), two sleek black cats and an adoring husband all packed into a humble cottage on a hill.
Blog= http://dianagraves.blogspot.com/
Twitter= Diana_Graves
Facebook= www.facebook.com/gravesnovels
Blog= http://dianagraves.blogspot.com/
Twitter= Diana_Graves
Facebook= www.facebook.com/gravesnovels
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 17, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review through Lovers of Paranormal.
I see that I am in the minority when rating this book and maybe I am just a grumpy fickle reader but I honestly couldn't wait to be finished with this. There were typos galore along with basic spelling issues (corps instead of corpse, suite instead of suit). The author said this could be read as a standalone book but there was so much missing in the beginning it was hard to continue. It was clear that this was the second half to a single book and it had just been chopped off. No extra editing, no beginning world building.
Also, the plot wasn't all that compelling. Nothing really happens until about halfway through. The author seemed to try to cram too many plot elements into one book. An adoption, her sister, her brother, her other brother, a lover, another guy who loves her, her mother, her mother's lover...it was all too much. The relationships were difficult to get a hold of. Too many relatives and not enough description. I'm a person that believes in "Don't tell me, show me" and there was a lot of "I had a dream and it was really scary" types of description. The writing was simplistic and there was no real emphasis on world building. I just didn't believe it.
I see that I am in the minority when rating this book and maybe I am just a grumpy fickle reader but I honestly couldn't wait to be finished with this. There were typos galore along with basic spelling issues (corps instead of corpse, suite instead of suit). The author said this could be read as a standalone book but there was so much missing in the beginning it was hard to continue. It was clear that this was the second half to a single book and it had just been chopped off. No extra editing, no beginning world building.
Also, the plot wasn't all that compelling. Nothing really happens until about halfway through. The author seemed to try to cram too many plot elements into one book. An adoption, her sister, her brother, her other brother, a lover, another guy who loves her, her mother, her mother's lover...it was all too much. The relationships were difficult to get a hold of. Too many relatives and not enough description. I'm a person that believes in "Don't tell me, show me" and there was a lot of "I had a dream and it was really scary" types of description. The writing was simplistic and there was no real emphasis on world building. I just didn't believe it.
January 10, 2015
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)**
This book was a great addition to what I hope will be a series with more books to come, the story in this book however I felt was a little confusing and I got lost in places however it didn't detract from the reading experience as it all came together in the end. I was especially happy to read the epilogue and see that Raina's life settles down and she finds someone to love her wholeheartedly.
The main character in this book was again Raina, in this book however I feel her character has lost her innocent naive edge and is much more willing to accept the brutal, gritty ans sometimes gruesome truth. She finds out the reason for her difference as well as coming to with the aftermath of the first book and some additions to the people she has to look after. Raina in this book I feel was an excellent badass sassy female character with of course a love interest or two and some new found allies.
The secondary characters in this book I feel noteworthy include Katie, Mato, Damon, Nil and Alistair. Katie is Raina's sister; we find out in the first book that she is being abused by her father, this book explores that a lot more with Raina having to be a influencing factor of Katie getting away from her abusive home. Mato is a love interest of Raina however I never really saw what the big deal between them so I was more than happy in the end. Damon is the other interest, the one I supported from the start probably because I feel he cares how Raina is doing in times of need. Nil in this book is really really not dealing very well with the whole being a vampire, he has completely changed his nature and in doing that put himself and Raina in danger. Alistair is somebody who shares a connection with Raina through a bond with a spirit; they come to rely on each other quite a lot throughout this book for various reasons and in doing so become friends.
The pacing in this book was great giving plenty of time to develop the main character as well as giving her a range of new threats to deal with.
The storyline was original and offered more complex threats than in the first book proving just how far the main character has developed however I feel that there may have been a few too many issues for Raina to deal with making it a little confusing. Also I feel that this book really was just one thing after another and maybe in doing that it lost its meaning a little.
Still a very enjoyable read despite being confusing in places 3.5 stars.
This book was a great addition to what I hope will be a series with more books to come, the story in this book however I felt was a little confusing and I got lost in places however it didn't detract from the reading experience as it all came together in the end. I was especially happy to read the epilogue and see that Raina's life settles down and she finds someone to love her wholeheartedly.
The main character in this book was again Raina, in this book however I feel her character has lost her innocent naive edge and is much more willing to accept the brutal, gritty ans sometimes gruesome truth. She finds out the reason for her difference as well as coming to with the aftermath of the first book and some additions to the people she has to look after. Raina in this book I feel was an excellent badass sassy female character with of course a love interest or two and some new found allies.
The secondary characters in this book I feel noteworthy include Katie, Mato, Damon, Nil and Alistair. Katie is Raina's sister; we find out in the first book that she is being abused by her father, this book explores that a lot more with Raina having to be a influencing factor of Katie getting away from her abusive home. Mato is a love interest of Raina however I never really saw what the big deal between them so I was more than happy in the end. Damon is the other interest, the one I supported from the start probably because I feel he cares how Raina is doing in times of need. Nil in this book is really really not dealing very well with the whole being a vampire, he has completely changed his nature and in doing that put himself and Raina in danger. Alistair is somebody who shares a connection with Raina through a bond with a spirit; they come to rely on each other quite a lot throughout this book for various reasons and in doing so become friends.
The pacing in this book was great giving plenty of time to develop the main character as well as giving her a range of new threats to deal with.
The storyline was original and offered more complex threats than in the first book proving just how far the main character has developed however I feel that there may have been a few too many issues for Raina to deal with making it a little confusing. Also I feel that this book really was just one thing after another and maybe in doing that it lost its meaning a little.
Still a very enjoyable read despite being confusing in places 3.5 stars.
November 22, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from LOP.I
t was so hard to put this book down!!!! Where to start? Raina has to deal with a lot, a demon who wants her dead, a vampire that is crazy, her relationship with her mum and her very questionable relationship with Mato. Then there are her brothers, Nil (Nick), who I fell in love with in this book. Michael, who didn't play a big part in this book but is mentioned and Tristan who I wanted to slap even though he also had only a small part to play in the book. Katie is Raina's sister, well half sister, who has had a rough time too. In Fatal Retribution, they didn't get on, but things begin to shift between the sisters during this book.
This book is full of mystery, action and a touch of romance. It's a book about what lengths you go to for your family despite what everyone else thinks about you or them. Of course there's also dead bodies being discovered, I loved that the EI didn't seek Raina out to help them, but she helped them just because she was there. It is a small and subtle difference that sets the book apart from others in this genre.
Most of these types of books consist of a heroine, a hero and a mission, but Graves' main character has a family and she describes Raina's family and their issues so realistically. The book flows so well that I didn't want to put it down. (Have I said that already?)
As the book develops, relationships change and opinions change. Graves took me on a journey and I'm absolutely devastated that the book has ended.
Alister, Mato and Damon... I think we should just throw them in a room together and see what happens. :)
t was so hard to put this book down!!!! Where to start? Raina has to deal with a lot, a demon who wants her dead, a vampire that is crazy, her relationship with her mum and her very questionable relationship with Mato. Then there are her brothers, Nil (Nick), who I fell in love with in this book. Michael, who didn't play a big part in this book but is mentioned and Tristan who I wanted to slap even though he also had only a small part to play in the book. Katie is Raina's sister, well half sister, who has had a rough time too. In Fatal Retribution, they didn't get on, but things begin to shift between the sisters during this book.
This book is full of mystery, action and a touch of romance. It's a book about what lengths you go to for your family despite what everyone else thinks about you or them. Of course there's also dead bodies being discovered, I loved that the EI didn't seek Raina out to help them, but she helped them just because she was there. It is a small and subtle difference that sets the book apart from others in this genre.
Most of these types of books consist of a heroine, a hero and a mission, but Graves' main character has a family and she describes Raina's family and their issues so realistically. The book flows so well that I didn't want to put it down. (Have I said that already?)
As the book develops, relationships change and opinions change. Graves took me on a journey and I'm absolutely devastated that the book has ended.
Alister, Mato and Damon... I think we should just throw them in a room together and see what happens. :)
November 14, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from LoP or Lovers of Paranormal.
I really enjoyed this story. After reading the first book I couldn't wait to pick up book 2! The main character was kick-ass, and pretty much the bravest chick in the world! My favorite part of this series is that its not your run-of-the-mill paranormal read, it is so much more! There were so many different characters and not to mention all of the different creatures or beings! The plot was well thought out and kept me so interested I didn't even stop for a break between book 1 and 2. This story has the makings of every great book action, drama, action, romance, and did I say action! Mortal Sentry pretty much picks up right where book 1 ended Raina has a lot going on and is trying to deal with being a new Vampire and she is separated from her mom and brother, she's being haunted, and pretty much everything seems to fall on Raina! I won't give too much away! Throughtout the story i noticed a lot of differences about Raina she seemed more mature and def more confident. Mrs. Graves is great at that, keeping her characters growing and exciting, all the while keeping you guessing from the second you pick up the book until you put it down at 5 a.m. because you have to work at 7. I would recommend this series as a whole to anyone who loves paranormal books, or just a strong and mature female protagonist. 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. After reading the first book I couldn't wait to pick up book 2! The main character was kick-ass, and pretty much the bravest chick in the world! My favorite part of this series is that its not your run-of-the-mill paranormal read, it is so much more! There were so many different characters and not to mention all of the different creatures or beings! The plot was well thought out and kept me so interested I didn't even stop for a break between book 1 and 2. This story has the makings of every great book action, drama, action, romance, and did I say action! Mortal Sentry pretty much picks up right where book 1 ended Raina has a lot going on and is trying to deal with being a new Vampire and she is separated from her mom and brother, she's being haunted, and pretty much everything seems to fall on Raina! I won't give too much away! Throughtout the story i noticed a lot of differences about Raina she seemed more mature and def more confident. Mrs. Graves is great at that, keeping her characters growing and exciting, all the while keeping you guessing from the second you pick up the book until you put it down at 5 a.m. because you have to work at 7. I would recommend this series as a whole to anyone who loves paranormal books, or just a strong and mature female protagonist. 5 stars
November 20, 2012
www.the-book-diaries.blogspot.com
If I could I would rate this 4 1/2 ...
I cannot say enough how much I am enjoying this series. Diana did not disappoint with her second book Mortal Sentry. You pretty much pick right back up where we left off in Fatal Retribution. Raina is still trying to deal with becoming a living vampire, being extricated from her mother and brother, and now being hunted by a Demon. Life is never dull for Raina. In Mortal Sentry, Raphael has made a deal with Raina in exchange for her life. She must take care of his relative Thomas, the child who was saved in the battle against Admetus. Raina doesn’t even have a home but now she must become the parent to a six year old. In addition, she is being sought after to hunt down a family member for the Gianes. Only this family member is someone she knows, Nenet. While trying to dodge the Gianes, Rania’s half-sister Katie, comes to her for help from her abusive step-father Jed. When the time comes, Raina will need help, but this help comes from the most unexpected person, Alistair. When the Gianes finally reveal what they really want from Raina, it will take all of Alistair’s people including Damon to destroy them.
Rania has grown as character since book 1. She seems to become more independent and self-reliant. She also finally steps up to a relationship which shocked the hell out of me. It’s not who you think people! I see such growth and creativity from Diana in book 2, and as a writer she impresses me with her ability to keep you guessing throughout the story. When I’m reading her books, I often compare them to the series Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs. Trouble always seems to find these two women. I hope you enjoy reading more of Rania’s adventures in Mortal Sentry because I definitely did. I can’t wait for book 3. Enjoy.
If I could I would rate this 4 1/2 ...
I cannot say enough how much I am enjoying this series. Diana did not disappoint with her second book Mortal Sentry. You pretty much pick right back up where we left off in Fatal Retribution. Raina is still trying to deal with becoming a living vampire, being extricated from her mother and brother, and now being hunted by a Demon. Life is never dull for Raina. In Mortal Sentry, Raphael has made a deal with Raina in exchange for her life. She must take care of his relative Thomas, the child who was saved in the battle against Admetus. Raina doesn’t even have a home but now she must become the parent to a six year old. In addition, she is being sought after to hunt down a family member for the Gianes. Only this family member is someone she knows, Nenet. While trying to dodge the Gianes, Rania’s half-sister Katie, comes to her for help from her abusive step-father Jed. When the time comes, Raina will need help, but this help comes from the most unexpected person, Alistair. When the Gianes finally reveal what they really want from Raina, it will take all of Alistair’s people including Damon to destroy them.
Rania has grown as character since book 1. She seems to become more independent and self-reliant. She also finally steps up to a relationship which shocked the hell out of me. It’s not who you think people! I see such growth and creativity from Diana in book 2, and as a writer she impresses me with her ability to keep you guessing throughout the story. When I’m reading her books, I often compare them to the series Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs. Trouble always seems to find these two women. I hope you enjoy reading more of Rania’s adventures in Mortal Sentry because I definitely did. I can’t wait for book 3. Enjoy.
November 10, 2014
This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed the first one if not more. Raina who is half Elf, half witch and turned into the only living vampire after being bitten discovers more about herself and her gifts. The revelations are unexpected and finding out who her real father is comes as quite a surprise.
Raina is pursued by other mythical beings and is constantly fighting to stay alive or being taken into captivity. Being an Empath is a great attribute, which she only uses for the greater good. I like how so many different mythical beings are portrayed in this book and the way everything flows and falls into place. We also find out quite a lot about Katie, Raina's half sister too, which explains her attitude in the previous book. This part of the book is quite heart breaking.
This story is full of surprises, some nice ones and some shocking ones too. I would recommend that you read Fatal Retribution before reading Mortal Sentry as some of the things, which are revealed about various characters such as Mato, Alistair and a few others are quite unexpected.
This book is full of magic, suspense, betrayal, hurt, love and passion. It held my interest from beginning to end and I would fully recommend to those who like Vampires, shifters, faes and other mythical characters. I will definitely read the next book in this series and thank you Diana Graves for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Link to review on Amazonhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R20FJ2...
I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed the first one if not more. Raina who is half Elf, half witch and turned into the only living vampire after being bitten discovers more about herself and her gifts. The revelations are unexpected and finding out who her real father is comes as quite a surprise.
Raina is pursued by other mythical beings and is constantly fighting to stay alive or being taken into captivity. Being an Empath is a great attribute, which she only uses for the greater good. I like how so many different mythical beings are portrayed in this book and the way everything flows and falls into place. We also find out quite a lot about Katie, Raina's half sister too, which explains her attitude in the previous book. This part of the book is quite heart breaking.
This story is full of surprises, some nice ones and some shocking ones too. I would recommend that you read Fatal Retribution before reading Mortal Sentry as some of the things, which are revealed about various characters such as Mato, Alistair and a few others are quite unexpected.
This book is full of magic, suspense, betrayal, hurt, love and passion. It held my interest from beginning to end and I would fully recommend to those who like Vampires, shifters, faes and other mythical characters. I will definitely read the next book in this series and thank you Diana Graves for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Link to review on Amazonhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R20FJ2...
November 16, 2013
I absolutely loved this, despite the errors from the spell checker (or whatever). It certainly seems that some of the errors are almost correct phonetically, maybe the novel has been dictated? Who knows. The end result was that, for me, this didn't really detract from the story, even though I would have loved to go through and correct everything...
I liked the main character, and I should think that everyone wants to deliver a solid bullseye by kicking her mother in the teeth (or maybe a good hard slap). The most of the main characters visibly mature in this second novel, and I found the sometimes subtle way it was done gave the tale more credibility.
I liked how the characters evolved as a result of their experiences, and the fact that new characters continued appearing through most of the book, keeping everything fresh and maintaining a good pace. I'm definitely going to have to continue straight on to the next book in the series, right now.
I liked the main character, and I should think that everyone wants to deliver a solid bullseye by kicking her mother in the teeth (or maybe a good hard slap). The most of the main characters visibly mature in this second novel, and I found the sometimes subtle way it was done gave the tale more credibility.
I liked how the characters evolved as a result of their experiences, and the fact that new characters continued appearing through most of the book, keeping everything fresh and maintaining a good pace. I'm definitely going to have to continue straight on to the next book in the series, right now.
January 21, 2015
Duh, the author thinks it's worthy of five stars. LOL This is the second book in a series of five, but originally this entire book was part of Fatal Retribution...Together they made a very LONG, very BUSY story...So I split them up.
Mortal Sentry has been described as the book in which Raina matures, and it is if you define maturity as taking on more responsibility and putting others before yourself. Mortal Sentry is very much about protecting innocents.
Book 2 picks up just two months after Fatal Retribution. Raina is hiding from the world, but when a demon offers her a deal that could save her life, the world suddenly becomes so much more complicated as she struggles to be there for her family during their darkest hours, and fend of an ancient evil from the heart of Africa that has infested the Pacific Northwest.
Mortal Sentry has been described as the book in which Raina matures, and it is if you define maturity as taking on more responsibility and putting others before yourself. Mortal Sentry is very much about protecting innocents.
Book 2 picks up just two months after Fatal Retribution. Raina is hiding from the world, but when a demon offers her a deal that could save her life, the world suddenly becomes so much more complicated as she struggles to be there for her family during their darkest hours, and fend of an ancient evil from the heart of Africa that has infested the Pacific Northwest.
December 3, 2014
Mortal Sentry is a tough one for me. For one, I really really like Raina Kirkland. Who doesn’t like a half witch/living vampire who mind control and with a minor in fire manipulation. Okay, not a minor, more of a, ‘I can burn the crap out of you,’ kind of power. With that being said, the only minor grip I had about this story is I feel as if there was a bit too much plot going into it. The first 5 chapters seem to open a new thread and finally when I think we’re done, another one opened up.
I feel like this book need a more filler. My favorite sequence in the book is when Raina and one of the characters in the book were having dinner together. This book needed more scenes like that.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
I feel like this book need a more filler. My favorite sequence in the book is when Raina and one of the characters in the book were having dinner together. This book needed more scenes like that.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
November 11, 2014
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Lovers of Paranormal, LoP**
'Mortal Sentry' is the second book in the 'Paranormal Washington' series and it keeps getting better. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. The action was awesome and descriptive. I loved the paranormal aspect. This series holds so many different beings and it works well with the story. The characters are great. Raina is a bad-ass warrior with a great sense of humor. The way the story played out was captivating and I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait to read book three. Diana Graves did an awesome job of writing a thrilling book to a great series. A great add to your tbr list. Recommended.
'Mortal Sentry' is the second book in the 'Paranormal Washington' series and it keeps getting better. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. The action was awesome and descriptive. I loved the paranormal aspect. This series holds so many different beings and it works well with the story. The characters are great. Raina is a bad-ass warrior with a great sense of humor. The way the story played out was captivating and I couldn't put this book down. I can't wait to read book three. Diana Graves did an awesome job of writing a thrilling book to a great series. A great add to your tbr list. Recommended.
November 15, 2014
Another 5 star read. I loved this book. It was one of the better/different vampire books I have read in awhile. I only wish I had started at book one and not book 2, but that didn't take away from the read. This is easily a stand alone book. I will, however, read book 1 when I have a chance.
There is a lot that goes on in this book. It is not one-dimensional. You have to keep up of what's all going on, but it is well worth the read.
I did get a bit dragged through the story, however, it was not for long and I saw the tiny time my attention wondered not enough to rate it with 4 stars instead of five.
Pick this one up, you won't be sorry!
There is a lot that goes on in this book. It is not one-dimensional. You have to keep up of what's all going on, but it is well worth the read.
I did get a bit dragged through the story, however, it was not for long and I saw the tiny time my attention wondered not enough to rate it with 4 stars instead of five.
Pick this one up, you won't be sorry!
January 21, 2015
Although it did take me some time to complete this book (holidays & all) I did enjoy reading it. At times I did get a little lost and have to go back a page but I was able to figure it out. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. (LoP known as Lovers of Paranormal)
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. (LoP known as Lovers of Paranormal)
Read
July 30, 2015Great series!!!
June 11, 2017
very good book. AM hooked on the series.
June 6, 2019
Very entertaining
Good book. Great characters. The story was fascinating and I was sorry to reach the end. It was quite gory, so if you have a weak stomach, watch out. :)
Good book. Great characters. The story was fascinating and I was sorry to reach the end. It was quite gory, so if you have a weak stomach, watch out. :)
August 2, 2016
This book was exciting and kept me up late reading, unable to put it down. This is excellent urban paranormal fantasy. Raina Kirkland is a great main character, and I can't wait to read book 3 in the series.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews