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The Fergus She #1
Girl Desecrated: Vampires, Asylums and Highlanders 1984
Rachel strives to be normal, but her mind has split, giving birth to Scarlett, a seductive alternate personality who has a preoccupation with human flesh. Rachel fights hard to resist the temptations of sin that Scarlett orchestrates. But as Rachel’s eighteenth birthday approaches, her alternate personality gets stronger, and Rachel begins to lose the battle for control over their shared body.
Drinking herself into a stupor in a sleepy pub, Rachel is courted by an intriguing and sexy Scotsman, Angus McNab. His steamy seduction entices Scarlett’s perverted attention. But to Rachel, Angus’ devoted and chivalrous manner, along with his words of love and destiny, fill her with the belief life may finally be kind.
Then, the bizarre and horrifying events begin.
While fighting for her life and love, Rachel unravels the sinister truth of Scarlett to reveal an ancient curse, hidden motives, unforgivable betrayals, and a forgotten heritage. In this menacing reality, Rachel’s control is ripped away, and she learns there are worse things than madness.
Alone and trapped in her own flesh, Rachel must overcome Scarlett or be bound to cruelty forever.
“Cowtan has constructed a brilliant and thrilling bad girl versus evil story that proves tragic love can be sweet, and victimization can turn the softest soul into a sword.
Buy this book, now, and then hang on! You’re about to take a wild and unforgettable ride.”
Drinking herself into a stupor in a sleepy pub, Rachel is courted by an intriguing and sexy Scotsman, Angus McNab. His steamy seduction entices Scarlett’s perverted attention. But to Rachel, Angus’ devoted and chivalrous manner, along with his words of love and destiny, fill her with the belief life may finally be kind.
Then, the bizarre and horrifying events begin.
While fighting for her life and love, Rachel unravels the sinister truth of Scarlett to reveal an ancient curse, hidden motives, unforgivable betrayals, and a forgotten heritage. In this menacing reality, Rachel’s control is ripped away, and she learns there are worse things than madness.
Alone and trapped in her own flesh, Rachel must overcome Scarlett or be bound to cruelty forever.
“Cowtan has constructed a brilliant and thrilling bad girl versus evil story that proves tragic love can be sweet, and victimization can turn the softest soul into a sword.
Buy this book, now, and then hang on! You’re about to take a wild and unforgettable ride.”
400 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2016
About the author
Cheryl R. Cowtan
13 books69 followersCheryl R Cowtan is an award-winning educator and fantasy author who loves to write on the wild side, digging deep into those unspoken secrets of society's seedier sins.
If you love suspenseful, edgy fantasy that digs up the unspeakable, then Cowtan is the author for you. Her novels won't leave you morose, but they will make you think about a lot of things... things we often ignore.
With a background in Social Work and Teaching, it is no surprise Cheryl's stories inspire strong emotions in her readers. Her writing often contains themes of struggle, social awkwardness, betrayal, and determination as well as teaching workbooks and lessons on character improvement. Her books can enrich discussion in the classroom, the book club, and the homeschool.
Cheryl's experience in working with disadvantaged youth often infuses her stories with gritty reality, and by contrast, more brilliant opportunities for her characters' to grow and improve through believable character arcs.
Reading her children's books, on the other hand, is like living in an imagination station. Humour and hope abound for parents and children.
Follow this author to be notified when new books are released.
If you love suspenseful, edgy fantasy that digs up the unspeakable, then Cowtan is the author for you. Her novels won't leave you morose, but they will make you think about a lot of things... things we often ignore.
With a background in Social Work and Teaching, it is no surprise Cheryl's stories inspire strong emotions in her readers. Her writing often contains themes of struggle, social awkwardness, betrayal, and determination as well as teaching workbooks and lessons on character improvement. Her books can enrich discussion in the classroom, the book club, and the homeschool.
Cheryl's experience in working with disadvantaged youth often infuses her stories with gritty reality, and by contrast, more brilliant opportunities for her characters' to grow and improve through believable character arcs.
Reading her children's books, on the other hand, is like living in an imagination station. Humour and hope abound for parents and children.
Follow this author to be notified when new books are released.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 8, 2020
If you like vampire fiction but are looking for a more original story, this could be the book for you.
Although this book starts out with a funeral, which I wouldn't usually like. I found Scarlett's funeral was written in the best possible way giving the reader vital information from the very first page. This helped me to piece the story together quickly and without slowing things down. I really appreciate this as I can get bored with authors using to much description an forgetting to move the story along.
I also really liked how the story was told from Scarlett's point of view in the past,
to Rachal point of view in the present.
And if that's not enough to convince you I should mention the totally hot Scotsmen Angus who keeps showing up.
I was having trouble putting the book down 20% into the story can't wait to see what's going to happen in book two loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although this book starts out with a funeral, which I wouldn't usually like. I found Scarlett's funeral was written in the best possible way giving the reader vital information from the very first page. This helped me to piece the story together quickly and without slowing things down. I really appreciate this as I can get bored with authors using to much description an forgetting to move the story along.
I also really liked how the story was told from Scarlett's point of view in the past,
to Rachal point of view in the present.
And if that's not enough to convince you I should mention the totally hot Scotsmen Angus who keeps showing up.
I was having trouble putting the book down 20% into the story can't wait to see what's going to happen in book two loved it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2021
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
This. Book. Is. Amazing.
It’s 1984, and Rachel is celebrating her birthday at the local pub. Her mother is confined to a sanitarium, and Rachel has suffered a lifetime of abuse at her hands. Finding her release through sex, Rachel promises her mother’s health aide that she will refrain from hookups for seven days in the hopes of discovering herself.
But when Rachel sees temptation literally walk through the door in the form of the smoldering Scotsman Angus, her mind and will are torn. From here, we are treated to a delectable story that weaves in horror, mental illness, emotional abuse, and sex.
Set firmly in the ‘80s, author Cheryl Cowtan adds just the right details to make one forget about the internet, cell phones, and social media. At that time, relationships had to be formed through actual human contact, an activity quite often forgot about in today’s world.
Cowtan’s story dips into the past and back to Rachel’s present but connects the two in the end. My favorite thing about this book and Cowtan’s writing is the absolutely gorgeous details she creates. I felt as if I were there with Rachel and the rest of the gang, sitting at the scarred wooden tables, listening to the jukebox, and getting buzzed from the beer.
I also love that the story delves very deeply into mental health and split personalities. I was entranced from the beginning of the book by the story, but then the added layers make it that much more amazing.
Lastly, Rachel is real. She’s authentic. Rachel is broken and knows it.
I don’t know how this book remained off of my radar so long, but I am thrilled to have discovered it at last.
This. Book. Is. Amazing.
It’s 1984, and Rachel is celebrating her birthday at the local pub. Her mother is confined to a sanitarium, and Rachel has suffered a lifetime of abuse at her hands. Finding her release through sex, Rachel promises her mother’s health aide that she will refrain from hookups for seven days in the hopes of discovering herself.
But when Rachel sees temptation literally walk through the door in the form of the smoldering Scotsman Angus, her mind and will are torn. From here, we are treated to a delectable story that weaves in horror, mental illness, emotional abuse, and sex.
Set firmly in the ‘80s, author Cheryl Cowtan adds just the right details to make one forget about the internet, cell phones, and social media. At that time, relationships had to be formed through actual human contact, an activity quite often forgot about in today’s world.
Cowtan’s story dips into the past and back to Rachel’s present but connects the two in the end. My favorite thing about this book and Cowtan’s writing is the absolutely gorgeous details she creates. I felt as if I were there with Rachel and the rest of the gang, sitting at the scarred wooden tables, listening to the jukebox, and getting buzzed from the beer.
I also love that the story delves very deeply into mental health and split personalities. I was entranced from the beginning of the book by the story, but then the added layers make it that much more amazing.
Lastly, Rachel is real. She’s authentic. Rachel is broken and knows it.
I don’t know how this book remained off of my radar so long, but I am thrilled to have discovered it at last.
October 6, 2019
4.5 stars
This was a supernatural, creepy story covering two time periods separated by a couple centuries. This story was disturbing on a psychological and supernatural level. In the past, the story centers around Scarlet, also known as TheFergusShe, and she is really creepy, in a very cold way. She kills and manipulates at will, but she does it with a sense of detachment that makes your blood run cold. In 1984, the main character, Rachel, has been told most of her life that she is crazy, and she struggles with her alter ego, who seems to rear her head at inconvenient times. Her mother is also crazy and lives in a sanitarium. The story mostly takes place in 1984, but there are interludes in the past that gives you insight into Scarlet, but also hints at a connection to the present. The story in 1984 takes place the day after Rachel's birthday when we're told that she's trying to stay away from sex and violence for 7 days after her birthday as part of a bet she's having with her mom's health aide, Patrick. But as the story races through the 7 days, you feel a sense of urgency about her needing to win this bet. Thrown into all of this are the sexy Scotsman, and in particular, Angus. There is plenty of violence, drugs, terror, and sexual tension as the story races to its final conclusion. This is not my usual genre, but this story definitely had me on the edge of my seat. My only frustration is that I am not a fan of books that leave you completely hanging, which this one does. Still, if you don't mind jumping straight into the next book, I can definitely recommend this book. But it's the main reason I'm not bumping up my enjoyment of this book to 5 stars.
Special thanks to #Booksirens and #CherylRCowtan and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was a supernatural, creepy story covering two time periods separated by a couple centuries. This story was disturbing on a psychological and supernatural level. In the past, the story centers around Scarlet, also known as TheFergusShe, and she is really creepy, in a very cold way. She kills and manipulates at will, but she does it with a sense of detachment that makes your blood run cold. In 1984, the main character, Rachel, has been told most of her life that she is crazy, and she struggles with her alter ego, who seems to rear her head at inconvenient times. Her mother is also crazy and lives in a sanitarium. The story mostly takes place in 1984, but there are interludes in the past that gives you insight into Scarlet, but also hints at a connection to the present. The story in 1984 takes place the day after Rachel's birthday when we're told that she's trying to stay away from sex and violence for 7 days after her birthday as part of a bet she's having with her mom's health aide, Patrick. But as the story races through the 7 days, you feel a sense of urgency about her needing to win this bet. Thrown into all of this are the sexy Scotsman, and in particular, Angus. There is plenty of violence, drugs, terror, and sexual tension as the story races to its final conclusion. This is not my usual genre, but this story definitely had me on the edge of my seat. My only frustration is that I am not a fan of books that leave you completely hanging, which this one does. Still, if you don't mind jumping straight into the next book, I can definitely recommend this book. But it's the main reason I'm not bumping up my enjoyment of this book to 5 stars.
Special thanks to #Booksirens and #CherylRCowtan and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2017
This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. It is just my type of story, a deliciously dark, character driven, psychological, gothic fantasy. This is a book full of contrasts, the She/Scarlett in the past is written in the third person, whilst Rachel struggling with inner demons and her alternate personality are written in the first person. At times, the writing is stunningly beautifully and at other times raw and thrilling. The sizzling sexual tension between Angus his Scottish companions and Rachel was well drawn and believable. Rachel’s journey is both chilling and thrilling and full of deep psychological insights. A great talent in this genre.
August 13, 2018
The first in a supernatural, time-lapse series, Cheryl R. Cowtan’s Girl Desecrated sweeps the reader from the Canadian New World to a 1980s birthday binge for main character Rachel Cara Anam. Though she is recovering from family dysfunction and suffers ongoing mental illness, Rachel’s partying suffers no derailment. Her eighteenth birthday brings forth a cast of unusual participants at the Albion bar, including some similarly rowdy female friends, an obnoxious American, Donald, who has his own supernatural leanings and whom we will clearly see more in books II and III, and a sturdily more interesting family of Scotsmen, including an especially appetizing Norseman, Angus McNab.
Despite initial interest between Angus and Rachel, the relationship must await the resolution of intruding events from the past. The author sweeps us back to the 17th century to learn where Rachel’s netherworld leanings first appeared, aboard a “wives” ship which supplied women to the all-male residents of Canadian colonies. The Fergus She, Rachel’s vampiric forebear, was one of these women, and it was she who brought her race of sirens into the New World. These historic chapters provide a fascinating background to the ‘80s kitsch of the main storyline, and I look forward to more of this writing in subsequent episodes of the series.
Meanwhile, present-day Rachel is unaware of her Fergus history having learned nothing of her heritage from her mother, an asylum inmate, nor from her shrink. Diagnosed a double-personality by Dr. Casbus, Rachel believes she harbors a sexy second self, Scarlet, who leaps to the fore whenever an interesting man is present. This proves correct, in one sense, but is only the tip of the iceberg. Scarlet’s potential as a villain has risen only so far these first seventeen years. There is obviously much more vigorous homicide in store as well as infinite lovers to be hurled against the bedpost in upcoming volumes.
Angus, the smoldering fella from the Albion, is well-schooled in vampire. But is he man enough for the Fergus She? There are many similarities between the two characters, but the reader wonders, does he care for Rachel? Are the mortal interests of the couple relevant in the epic struggle? To discover these answers, we will have to tune in to the next installment. Bring your silver bullet and pointed stake.
Despite initial interest between Angus and Rachel, the relationship must await the resolution of intruding events from the past. The author sweeps us back to the 17th century to learn where Rachel’s netherworld leanings first appeared, aboard a “wives” ship which supplied women to the all-male residents of Canadian colonies. The Fergus She, Rachel’s vampiric forebear, was one of these women, and it was she who brought her race of sirens into the New World. These historic chapters provide a fascinating background to the ‘80s kitsch of the main storyline, and I look forward to more of this writing in subsequent episodes of the series.
Meanwhile, present-day Rachel is unaware of her Fergus history having learned nothing of her heritage from her mother, an asylum inmate, nor from her shrink. Diagnosed a double-personality by Dr. Casbus, Rachel believes she harbors a sexy second self, Scarlet, who leaps to the fore whenever an interesting man is present. This proves correct, in one sense, but is only the tip of the iceberg. Scarlet’s potential as a villain has risen only so far these first seventeen years. There is obviously much more vigorous homicide in store as well as infinite lovers to be hurled against the bedpost in upcoming volumes.
Angus, the smoldering fella from the Albion, is well-schooled in vampire. But is he man enough for the Fergus She? There are many similarities between the two characters, but the reader wonders, does he care for Rachel? Are the mortal interests of the couple relevant in the epic struggle? To discover these answers, we will have to tune in to the next installment. Bring your silver bullet and pointed stake.
October 15, 2019
Girl Desecrated: Vampires, Asylums and Highlanders 1984 (The Fergus She Vampire Book Series 1) Kindle Edition
by Cheryl R Cowtan
I received a complimentary review copy via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Girl Desecrated is an extremely visual, tactile, and smell-oriented book. Taking place in Colonial Jamestown Virginia and 1984 Eastern Canada, and told by different narrators, it is easy to get lost in the sensual overload that Rachel, our 1980s Canadian, is faced with.
The book begins like an Urban Fantasy. The middle is like a psychological thriller. The end is a bloody, creepy horror novel. It made me want to read the next one to see what happens to the Fergus She!
Ms. Cowtan fills her story with mostly accurate 1980s trivia and information. I say mostly accurate because the book is set in 1984 and our character slips into acid wash more than once. Acid wash hit the fashion scene in 1986! But other than that, the 80s setting is believable and for a child of that time, it was a fun read.
The heroine Rachel is psychologically complex. She believes that her mother, who is spending her golden years in an psych ward, abused her so badly that Rachel has developed a second personality. This interesting idea isn't exploited as much as I would like, but it is a great way to start a series about a never dying creature.
A reading race to the end, with twists and turns that beautifully hide most of what will happen, this book kept me turning pages until 4 AM!.
3 ½ stars rounded up to 4 because men in kilts.
https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Desecrate...
by Cheryl R Cowtan
I received a complimentary review copy via Booksirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Girl Desecrated is an extremely visual, tactile, and smell-oriented book. Taking place in Colonial Jamestown Virginia and 1984 Eastern Canada, and told by different narrators, it is easy to get lost in the sensual overload that Rachel, our 1980s Canadian, is faced with.
The book begins like an Urban Fantasy. The middle is like a psychological thriller. The end is a bloody, creepy horror novel. It made me want to read the next one to see what happens to the Fergus She!
Ms. Cowtan fills her story with mostly accurate 1980s trivia and information. I say mostly accurate because the book is set in 1984 and our character slips into acid wash more than once. Acid wash hit the fashion scene in 1986! But other than that, the 80s setting is believable and for a child of that time, it was a fun read.
The heroine Rachel is psychologically complex. She believes that her mother, who is spending her golden years in an psych ward, abused her so badly that Rachel has developed a second personality. This interesting idea isn't exploited as much as I would like, but it is a great way to start a series about a never dying creature.
A reading race to the end, with twists and turns that beautifully hide most of what will happen, this book kept me turning pages until 4 AM!.
3 ½ stars rounded up to 4 because men in kilts.
https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Desecrate...
March 7, 2019
This book was on my TBR list for way too long. I'm glad I finally took the time to read it because it is incredible. I was sucked into the narrative from the first paragraph and found it difficult to put it down once I got going. No matter how horrifying it got, I had to see it through.
If you've ever been curious about the thoughts of a person experiencing a mental breakdown, this book is for you. The fact that Rachel's delusions are not, in fact, delusions is irrelevant. Her descent into madness is chilling, and her eventual “defeat” is heartbreaking.
At times I was reminded of “Go Ask Alice” and Doris Lessing's “Briefing for a Descent into Hell,” both of which may not be apt comparisons, but for me, were reminiscent of those books. I may have been influenced by the time period during which most of this book took place, since fictional Rachel was only one year younger than real-life me and I was familiar with most of the references.
This book is so well-written I was in awe. The words were strung together to create vivid images and evoke heart-wrenching emotions. No part of it was superfluous or trite and when I reached the end, I found myself reeling. I couldn't fall asleep, haunted by Rachel's story.
This is like no other vampire story I have ever read and it is chilling in its ability to convince the reader of its truth. This is the stuff of nightmares — no glorification of vampires, just the horrifying possibility of “what if.” This is a must-read book. I'm telling everyone!
If you've ever been curious about the thoughts of a person experiencing a mental breakdown, this book is for you. The fact that Rachel's delusions are not, in fact, delusions is irrelevant. Her descent into madness is chilling, and her eventual “defeat” is heartbreaking.
At times I was reminded of “Go Ask Alice” and Doris Lessing's “Briefing for a Descent into Hell,” both of which may not be apt comparisons, but for me, were reminiscent of those books. I may have been influenced by the time period during which most of this book took place, since fictional Rachel was only one year younger than real-life me and I was familiar with most of the references.
This book is so well-written I was in awe. The words were strung together to create vivid images and evoke heart-wrenching emotions. No part of it was superfluous or trite and when I reached the end, I found myself reeling. I couldn't fall asleep, haunted by Rachel's story.
This is like no other vampire story I have ever read and it is chilling in its ability to convince the reader of its truth. This is the stuff of nightmares — no glorification of vampires, just the horrifying possibility of “what if.” This is a must-read book. I'm telling everyone!
Read
September 25, 2016Haunted by an abusive past, 80s rocker Rachel is emotionally damaged. Worse, her mind has split, giving birth to Scarlett, a seductive alternate personality who does sinful things. When Scarlett slips out to play, people disappear. Rachel’s psychiatrist prescribes meds. Her mother wants an exorcism. Rachel just wants to be normal.
Soon, Rachel is fighting for her life as she unravels the sinister truth of Scarlett to reveal an ancient curse, unforgivable betrayals, and a forgotten, supernatural heritage. In this menacing reality, Rachel learns there are worse things than madness.
Can Rachel put Scarlett down and finally live a normal life, or will The Fergus She steam the town red with blood? And when the battle reaches its peak, which femme fatale will the sexy Angus choose?
Soon, Rachel is fighting for her life as she unravels the sinister truth of Scarlett to reveal an ancient curse, unforgivable betrayals, and a forgotten, supernatural heritage. In this menacing reality, Rachel learns there are worse things than madness.
Can Rachel put Scarlett down and finally live a normal life, or will The Fergus She steam the town red with blood? And when the battle reaches its peak, which femme fatale will the sexy Angus choose?
March 22, 2018
Rachel has fought madness and suffered horrible nightmares her whole life, made worse by her mother’s apparent insanity and hyperreligious rantings. She finally meets an awesome Scot who insists their meeting is destiny. His cousin tries to discourage her interest in Angus, confusing her, especially since her good friend is pushing them together. The truth of the situation appears when Rachel loses control…
I loved the characters and the writing, but I truly hated parts of the story! This is a most unusual vampire story. And now I have to read the sequel—I think I have lost control. This is an author to follow.
I loved the characters and the writing, but I truly hated parts of the story! This is a most unusual vampire story. And now I have to read the sequel—I think I have lost control. This is an author to follow.
November 16, 2016
I was looking for something “different”, and found it in this story. The main character, Rachel, grew on me slowly. She’s a complex character and, it’s only when I learned of her struggles to contain the demon within, did I appreciate her survival skills. She’s tough but seemingly fighting out of her league. The contrast between Rachel and Scarlett is chilling and, if they ever make a movie from this book, I think I’d be too scared to watch it! I am sufficiently hooked to look forward to the next book in the series as Rachel’s struggles ramp up.
April 6, 2020
Romance, intrigue, mystery, suspense, and danger -- how can you go wrong with all of these elements combined? This story was interesting and engaging with likable characters and a fast-paced, unpredictable plot. Truly a joy to read! I loved the artful and riveting combination of romance and intrigue.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
November 6, 2016
This book somehow manages to take the reader on a multitude of journeys --- we take a fun walk through the 80s while experiencing the creepy battle between the flawed protagonist and her inner demons. Added to that is the complex relationship between Rachel and her Scottish suitor, which is steamy, sexy and fraught with friction. Girl Desecrated is definitely one-of-a-kind.
November 16, 2016
A unique plot with two very different time periods that takes readers on a roller coaster ride of suspense. If you’re a fan of dark fantasies and psychological thrillers with horror undertones, this novel should be added to your reading list.
March 8, 2017
This is an enjoyable, well written story. Even though I'm probably not the target audience for this book, I think this would be perfect for my teenage daughter, the plot is imaginative and keeps the reader interested all the way through and leaves you wanting more.
March 29, 2018
She had been through so much that her mind split and she has two sides to her now. One is why while the other side of her is strong and dangerous. Follow as she tries to deal with these side of her. See where this will take you
January 5, 2017
From time to time you discover a book that you just can't put down.
Girl Desecrated is that book.
A modern woman with an ancient burden.
Let the world fall down around me...I'll be reading!
Girl Desecrated is that book.
A modern woman with an ancient burden.
Let the world fall down around me...I'll be reading!
April 5, 2017
A satisfying read, put me in mind of Anne Rice at times. If you like paranormal, with some sexual tension you won't be disappointed!
August 2, 2017
An intriguing and thrilling read. Thought it was well written as the story unravels the history of the curse that has been haunting Rachel. Really enjoyed reading it!
January 25, 2018
Good book. But set bit classical at times. Which I really loved.
March 5, 2018
We are proud to announce that GIRL DESECRATED (The Fergus She #1) by Cheryl R. Cowtan is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
March 29, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
December 5, 2018
Wow, quite a book. A girl with lots of problems, Rachel has a split personality. When she’s Scarlett, she does sinful things. Totally intriguing.
February 11, 2020
Don't you forget about me.
It is 1984; Rachel a complicated, troubled young woman with an abusive past is trying to get along in life. She suffers from mental illness due to childhood abuse by her uber-religious mother. The results in a split personality named Scarlett. Rachel medicates herself to keep evil, depraved, Scarlett at bey. Rachel knows if she does she will be unleashing violence and criminality into the world. She soon meets Angus Mcnab a kilted Scot who Rachel is instantly attracted to. Their slow-burn is electric and gratifying. I confess I was going to DNF this book in the beginning. I just couldn't get into it and had no idea what was going on. lol. However, I took a deep breath and plowed on. And I am so glad I did. I ended up really enjoying it. It is so different than what I usually read. It was quite a wild ride. It reminded me of Alice In Wonderland. Except Alice was the mad hatter. lol. It ends with a cliffhanger that leads you flawlessly to the next book. It is good and satisfying not abrupt like most book cliffhangers. I immediately grabbed for the next book to see what happens. lol. This is the first book I've read by this author. She is really very talented and I will definitely read more of her books. I wish to thank BOOKSIRENS as well as the author for a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is 1984; Rachel a complicated, troubled young woman with an abusive past is trying to get along in life. She suffers from mental illness due to childhood abuse by her uber-religious mother. The results in a split personality named Scarlett. Rachel medicates herself to keep evil, depraved, Scarlett at bey. Rachel knows if she does she will be unleashing violence and criminality into the world. She soon meets Angus Mcnab a kilted Scot who Rachel is instantly attracted to. Their slow-burn is electric and gratifying. I confess I was going to DNF this book in the beginning. I just couldn't get into it and had no idea what was going on. lol. However, I took a deep breath and plowed on. And I am so glad I did. I ended up really enjoying it. It is so different than what I usually read. It was quite a wild ride. It reminded me of Alice In Wonderland. Except Alice was the mad hatter. lol. It ends with a cliffhanger that leads you flawlessly to the next book. It is good and satisfying not abrupt like most book cliffhangers. I immediately grabbed for the next book to see what happens. lol. This is the first book I've read by this author. She is really very talented and I will definitely read more of her books. I wish to thank BOOKSIRENS as well as the author for a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2019
2.5 stars, rounded up
The author used some beautifully evocative descriptions in the book:
“Her voice was slick and sweet like warm maple syrup, and the men were caught by the promises in it.”
“The brown of my irises shimmered like the sweat-shined flank of a chestnut horse under the sun.”
There was also a strange scene early on where Rachel is in a bar by herself, and started experiencing some strange physical issues:
“My legs felt stiff, and with each step, it seemed I was slowing down, each stride shorter, until I was moving with a wooden-legged gait. Thankfully, no one was on this side of the bar to witness my bizarre movements.”
However, the author doesn’t explain any of this any further in the book, so we were kind of left in the dark about what exactly happened during this scene. I figured maybe she was fighting Scarlett for control of her body, but wasn’t completely sure.
I found Rachel and her tough girl act confusing in some ways. Who had raised Rachel, since her father hadn’t been in her life and her mother had been in an institution since Rachel was 13? Rachel mentioned that there had been multiple home visits from family services over the years, but then never discussed what had happened during the last 5 years. If she were raised in foster care, I would have expected her to at least touch on this. I didn’t get the hint that she was, since there’s one part where she got a message from her mother, and had an internal dialogue about what she would have liked her mother to say to her:
“Sorry I … left you to raise yourself.”
Throughout the book, Rachel had a lot of animosity towards men with very little rationale as to why she felt this way. I was pretty sure that somewhere in her story there was a reason for her to distrust men so deeply, but it wasn’t explained at all. Also, for someone who was so self-reliant, I was surprised at how naïve she actually was towards the women around her.
On the other hand, I liked the portrayal of Scarlett’s character much more. She was the character that was much more independent, self-reliant, and adapted easily to all situations. She was confident and self-assured, even if she was extremely manipulative. While Rachel had difficulty sticking to her resolutions, Scarlett was her polar opposite. She made a decision and committed to it.
I found the plot to be interesting, and I read the entire book in one day. While Rachel’s character was somewhat likable initially, she had the tendency to get in her own way a lot. Her character started to grate on me after a while.
Something that really bothered me was the fact the psychiatrist in the story shouldn’t have worked with both Rachel and her mother, since that would have been a conflict of interest. Especially since he began working with Rachel at the same time as he started working with her mother. Some people may not have picked up on that, but since I have worked in the mental health field for years, I noticed that right away. It’s definitely a huge ethical violation.
I noticed many spelling errors throughout the book. A few misspelled words normally do not bother me, but the amount of errors frustrated me, and many of the misspelled words were simple ones, such as “matt” instead of “mat,” “focussed” instead of “focused,” or “stiff-need” rather than “stiff-kneed.” The book ended on a cliffhanger. This is another thing I usually don’t mind, but the included chapter from the next book didn’t really pique my interest. I’ll probably never find out what happens next.
While I finished the book, and it wasn’t a bad plot, I also didn’t find the book itself to be my cup of tea. I struggled with the plot holes and lack of awareness towards mental health ethics. I felt that the book furthered the stigmatization of mental health disorders, rather than raising awareness and breaking down the stigma, which is what the mental health community really could benefit from. This book actively referred to people who have been diagnosed by using derogatory terms, and while I could have overlooked the violence inherent in a vampire story, I couldn’t overlook rape and mental health stigmatization that weren’t essential to further a plot. I genuinely wanted to like the book, but ultimately it fell flat for me.
The author used some beautifully evocative descriptions in the book:
“Her voice was slick and sweet like warm maple syrup, and the men were caught by the promises in it.”
“The brown of my irises shimmered like the sweat-shined flank of a chestnut horse under the sun.”
There was also a strange scene early on where Rachel is in a bar by herself, and started experiencing some strange physical issues:
“My legs felt stiff, and with each step, it seemed I was slowing down, each stride shorter, until I was moving with a wooden-legged gait. Thankfully, no one was on this side of the bar to witness my bizarre movements.”
However, the author doesn’t explain any of this any further in the book, so we were kind of left in the dark about what exactly happened during this scene. I figured maybe she was fighting Scarlett for control of her body, but wasn’t completely sure.
I found Rachel and her tough girl act confusing in some ways. Who had raised Rachel, since her father hadn’t been in her life and her mother had been in an institution since Rachel was 13? Rachel mentioned that there had been multiple home visits from family services over the years, but then never discussed what had happened during the last 5 years. If she were raised in foster care, I would have expected her to at least touch on this. I didn’t get the hint that she was, since there’s one part where she got a message from her mother, and had an internal dialogue about what she would have liked her mother to say to her:
“Sorry I … left you to raise yourself.”
Throughout the book, Rachel had a lot of animosity towards men with very little rationale as to why she felt this way. I was pretty sure that somewhere in her story there was a reason for her to distrust men so deeply, but it wasn’t explained at all. Also, for someone who was so self-reliant, I was surprised at how naïve she actually was towards the women around her.
On the other hand, I liked the portrayal of Scarlett’s character much more. She was the character that was much more independent, self-reliant, and adapted easily to all situations. She was confident and self-assured, even if she was extremely manipulative. While Rachel had difficulty sticking to her resolutions, Scarlett was her polar opposite. She made a decision and committed to it.
I found the plot to be interesting, and I read the entire book in one day. While Rachel’s character was somewhat likable initially, she had the tendency to get in her own way a lot. Her character started to grate on me after a while.
Something that really bothered me was the fact the psychiatrist in the story shouldn’t have worked with both Rachel and her mother, since that would have been a conflict of interest. Especially since he began working with Rachel at the same time as he started working with her mother. Some people may not have picked up on that, but since I have worked in the mental health field for years, I noticed that right away. It’s definitely a huge ethical violation.
I noticed many spelling errors throughout the book. A few misspelled words normally do not bother me, but the amount of errors frustrated me, and many of the misspelled words were simple ones, such as “matt” instead of “mat,” “focussed” instead of “focused,” or “stiff-need” rather than “stiff-kneed.” The book ended on a cliffhanger. This is another thing I usually don’t mind, but the included chapter from the next book didn’t really pique my interest. I’ll probably never find out what happens next.
While I finished the book, and it wasn’t a bad plot, I also didn’t find the book itself to be my cup of tea. I struggled with the plot holes and lack of awareness towards mental health ethics. I felt that the book furthered the stigmatization of mental health disorders, rather than raising awareness and breaking down the stigma, which is what the mental health community really could benefit from. This book actively referred to people who have been diagnosed by using derogatory terms, and while I could have overlooked the violence inherent in a vampire story, I couldn’t overlook rape and mental health stigmatization that weren’t essential to further a plot. I genuinely wanted to like the book, but ultimately it fell flat for me.
April 27, 2020
I received a copy of this book from BookSiren and all opinions expressed are my own.
I will rarely spend a whole day non-stop reading a book, but i did this one. I am a big fan of vampire books, yet they never call the Fergun She a vampire; however, it has fangs and drinks blood. What is the Fergun She? The first girl born from the Fergun She breeds with the first born male of the McNab. Rachel, the main character, sits in a bar getting drink because it is her eighteenth birthday. Suddenly strange things start to happen to Rachel, she starts talking i n a southern accent. This other entity wants to get out and take over Rachel's body; Rachel fights an internal battle with the She. She starts understanding foreign languages. She starts hearing things that others are whispering about her from far away. She starts craving blood. At this bar she meets a group of Scottsmen. One in particular catches her eye, Angus McNab. I won't give away the ending, but i enjoyed reading it
I will rarely spend a whole day non-stop reading a book, but i did this one. I am a big fan of vampire books, yet they never call the Fergun She a vampire; however, it has fangs and drinks blood. What is the Fergun She? The first girl born from the Fergun She breeds with the first born male of the McNab. Rachel, the main character, sits in a bar getting drink because it is her eighteenth birthday. Suddenly strange things start to happen to Rachel, she starts talking i n a southern accent. This other entity wants to get out and take over Rachel's body; Rachel fights an internal battle with the She. She starts understanding foreign languages. She starts hearing things that others are whispering about her from far away. She starts craving blood. At this bar she meets a group of Scottsmen. One in particular catches her eye, Angus McNab. I won't give away the ending, but i enjoyed reading it
November 28, 2020
Damaged or deranged, maybe both, Rachel is trying to figure it out. This book should be read before Master of Madhouse but definitely read both. There's something in here most of us can relate to. The only problem is .... none of it's apple pie and puppies. Last in a long line of women who share an ancestral knowledge that lends skills, strength, power and fangs. Because of her mental state Rachel just wants it to all go away, to be numb. She counts on her only two friends, Lene and Magda, not knowing one is a traitor. Then there's her mother locked up in the mental institute because she took the blame for a childhood murder Rachel was involved in. But there are other aspects of her mother that aren't what you would call loving, we won't go there. Read this and get ready for the next
January 23, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book left me with a bittersweet taste. I was so excited to read it because I found the concept interesting. But I was quite disappointed with how slow the plot goes on. Honestly I'm still confused about a lot of the things that happened throughout the story. I didn't like the back and forths, which I usually do in other books,most of the characters were unlikable and thought I did feel some kind of sympathy for Rachel, the general execution was not great. The writing I did like, but I feel like the story needed something more to make me fall in love with it.
This book left me with a bittersweet taste. I was so excited to read it because I found the concept interesting. But I was quite disappointed with how slow the plot goes on. Honestly I'm still confused about a lot of the things that happened throughout the story. I didn't like the back and forths, which I usually do in other books,most of the characters were unlikable and thought I did feel some kind of sympathy for Rachel, the general execution was not great. The writing I did like, but I feel like the story needed something more to make me fall in love with it.
February 5, 2021
At first, I wasn't too impressed with this book. Then, as the story moved along, it started to get VERY interesting. A 350-year-old curse is affecting Rachel, though she does not know it. YET. She just thinks she is going crazy like her mother. Rachel is a wild child and on her 18th birthday, she goes to a bar where the bartender does not check ID. She meets a group of men from Scotland, one of whom catches her eye. In the end, Rachel finds she is the other half of the curse for this generation. Recommended.
April 21, 2020
Very interesting story. The whole storyline is complex and different than what I am used to - the characters, especially, I found rather unlikeable. But, they were very complex and the story world was rather brutal making the whole blend seamlessly. Ms. Cowtan is a very skilled writer and while there were definitely parts I'd didn't like, the story overall is very well told and I would recommend for anyone that likes complex fantasy.
January 1, 2021
I enjoyed the writing in the beginning but as it got to the middle it just got confusing. And it dragged on longer than it should have. The ending saved it from being a 2 star. The point of view jump could have been done better. In many cases, it was just confusing. I am undecided on if I am going to read the second book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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