An Oath of the Blood

Island Shifters #1

by Valerie Zambito

When you lose everything in your world, how do you carry on? When your family, your home and the very land you stand on are destroyed, what do you do? If you are a shifter of Massa, you turn around and fight. You fight, because the blood oath will have it no other way.

In An Oath of the Blood, readers are introduced to four young, but powerful elemental shifters, living in the exiled land of Pyraan. When an enemy host breaches the island's shores, a deadly confrontation ensues and, despite the heroic and poignant efforts of the shifters, the land falls to the invaders. As the only survivors, the four friends are forced to flee south into the lands from which they were banished to warn of the invasion. Heartbroken and weary, the shifters soon learn that the safe haven they hoped to find is cloaked in danger. Throughout a journey fraught with magic, prophesy, betrayal, and peril, an enduring friendship prevails, love blossoms, and a riveting saga unravels.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Shapeshifters, Ebooks, Science Fiction Fantasy, Romance, Amazon

402 pages, Paperback

First published October 11, 2011

About the author

Thank you for visiting my Goodread's profile. I am Valerie Zambito, and I live in New York. After having been involved in a busy sales career for fifteen years, a great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of my first adult epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October of 2011 and a young adult paranormal series, ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS, shortly thereafter.

My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like a front row seat to a great epic tale filled with adventure, mystery and danger.

I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)

Happy reading, Goodreaders!

Reviews

[Jedidiah Behe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great freaking book! I have to say it has been a very long time since I read a book and got goose bumps!

I really enjoyed this. What a great story with such interesting and fresh characters. I knew after the first few pages that I was going to love it. The dynamics between the characters was just perfect. I have not enjoyed a book this much since I read my first books by R.A. Salvatore.

This story has everything! It made me laugh, pissed me off, frustrated me, gave me hope then shattered it, tickled my romantic nerves and made me remember the feeling of first love, and damn near made me cry! Almost...I’m not metro.

I felt as though this book was everything that a good fantasy novel should be. I honestly can’t find one negative thing to say about it. Again, what a great story, and I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy, or heck, just likes a well written book!

The part that gave me goose bumps was the end when Starr screamed out Ravener’s name. Oh! There they are again…goose bumps. And the water shifters…brilliant! I must say that I was hoping for a more drawn out battle between Adrian and Beck, even if it had ended as it did just before Adrian got the better of Beck. But I was still elated when I was finished and can’t wait to read the next book of the series.

[brandy oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only remember reading books similar to this genre, when I was much younger, and though they were not as detailed and deep as this book, they were still, "pretty cool" and I especially loved the books that gave the reader the option at the end of the page, "If you want to do this, turn to page....." or "If you want to do this, turn to page...". Remember those? They were so cool, and fun because you could turn the book into whatever you wanted! Well, this book is nothing like that, lol, I was just remembering how much I enjoyed those, and how the fantasy books were never a genre I really read as often as I apparently should have.
This specific book has definitely enlightened me, and now I am anxious to catch up on other books, just so I can read Book #2!
The whole story, the characters, the writing, the action, the mystery, the location, so imaginative and so well described and detailed that I could see the Island Shifters and everything, battles and all, along their journey! (This is my favorite part of books, any that allow you to escape for a while, and this is one of the best!)
Not to many adjectives, so many that is bores you and confuses you, but just the proper and perfect amount! What a fascinating imagination, Valerie Zambito, has and I appreciate her taking the time to share it and write this book! (Very few books in my 38 years of life, have ever led me to want to shake the hand of the author and say, "Thank you for sharing a piece of your imagination!")
Magical places,magic,forests, and the Island Shifters, transforming into animals, dwarfs, elves, all that fun stuff that you may have enjoyed reading about as a kid, comes at you in a whole new way! yes, adults can get lost in Fantasy worlds too;)
This was a fun book, I especially thought the way the words were written in the book itself, was the perfect addition! The cover is very interesting in itself, and will be enough to want to start reading, and it was filled with so much action, and had a real genuine story behind it. the characters were simply divine, and you certainly feel as if you know them well.
I recommend this book for any age, (my almost 9 year old son is actually enjoying this story right as we speak, with a little help from mom;)

** We received a copy of this book in return for our honest review **

[Valeen N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantasy book which is not my usual genre. That being said, I really enjoyed this book. My interest was captured right from the beginning and it was hard to put down. I think the author, Valerie Zambito, did a wonderful job of creating characters that were very real, very well-developed, and very likable. I found myself cheering them on the whole way!

I also enjoyed that it was fast-paced. There were no slow parts in the book. I felt the author did an amazing job of creating a new world, yet made me feel very familiar with it. I could picture the places, the forests, the towns, and the characters in the book.

This is Valerie Zambito's first novel, but it didn't read that way. I felt like I was reading the work of a seasoned writer. I enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to when Book Two comes out!

[Janetq]

Loved this book, I downloaded it as it was free on kindle and was so impressed I bought the second book straight away.
It kind of has the feeling of a lord of the rings type of fantasy about it.
Looking forward to reading book three in this series.

[Linda Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories kept me on the edge of my chair as I devoured all of the books in this series. Valerie makes the characters real and to follow them on their life path was amazing. You cared enough about the characters to hurt for them. Awesome read!!

[Dylan Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story! It was a real page turner, action packed with great characters and plot. Looking forward to Book 2 from this author.

[Richard A. Wolfenden · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all nighter!

I truly recommend that you allow yourself time to read the book in an all night frenzy of fantasy-ict enjoyment!

[Cookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beginning to an interesting series

This book is part of a series; I thought this book would be a great standalone book. It ended really nicely. This book has the typical fantasy series plot. Four teenagers part of a prophecy. Of course there is the bad guys who destroys their home. But overall it is a very fast read and entertaining book.

[Kyra Dune · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine

This is your standard epic fantasy. A group of heroes set off across the land to locate a magical macguffin to help destroy an overpowered and seemingly unstoppable force of evil. The book is fine. It's moderately entertaining. Unlike most first books in a fantasy series of this type, the story wraps itself up by the end and works just fine as a standalone.

[Teodora Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the story went, it was kind of different from some of the other books I've read. It real

Kept me wanting to know what happens. Looking forward to read the next book. If it's the same as the first then I'm in luck.

[Dotty Ward · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you love animals don’t read this book!

How can anyone who loves animals kill off the most amazing creature in fiction? It was not necessary for this to happen. It did not enhance the book at all ! In fact I will never read another word this woman rights!!

[Mettesknit · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was not a very good book.

The dialogue clumsy, the story telling immature, the names unimaginative, and then the author killed the cat.

Killing animals get you a 1 star from me.
Men, women, children, whatever... If need be, kill them off.
Animals? NO!!!

I guess the story fits the cover.

[sharon sobzak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging

An original world with Dwarves, Elves, Human, Halfsies, Draco Cats, Moshie, Aquataine and maybe more hidden groups. 300 years after the Mage wars and magic being exiled, an evil Mage comes to takeover. Somehow biases still affect some decisions.

[Dtsuneo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compelling story, stained by basic faults in the craft of writing

The story-telling is superb, compelling a reader to keep reading and reading. Unfortunately, basic errors of writing limited full enjoyment.

Weak control of tenses, inappropriate placement (or omission) of commas, comma v. semicolon v. colon confusions, sentence fragments, and consistent word choice errors (e.g., lie-lay, discreet-discrete, vise-vice, than-then) that denote misspellings rather than typos, and dangling participial phrases kept interrupting the reading experience. Editing had apparently been limited to use of a spelling checker, which would have missed flagging correctly spelled but misused words.

Unfortunately, the same kinds of errors appear in so many indie works, even when the acknowledgments might include the name of an "editor." Punctuation, grammar, syntax and vocabulary skills tend to have been ignored in school curricula.

Though stumbling along with my irritation at the basic writing errors, I did enjoy the author's world-building and the underlying substrate of morality based on culture norms rather than formal religion. And the fantasy....engaging.

[Amanda Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So impressed!!! It's been a while since I've read a book with just the right amount of detail and extremely well done character development! All characters even those we love to hate we exquisite! The development of characters through the book was amazing! I must admit after reading the short synopsis of the book and even though the first chapter or so I was thinking this book is not for me, maybe years ago.... BUT THEN I hit the area of the enemy and first battle and my interest were peeked and I literally couldn't put it down! I can not wait to read more! Thanks to the author for sharing part of her amazing imagination!!!
The detail of this book is simply incredible! It paints a vivid picture of the land and people. How Valerie was able to describe the land as a whole, each individual area and each of the characters in a manner that puts the reader there and allows them to become part of the story blows my mind! I do not think there is a single part of this book that I didn't enjoy!!
The book brings fantasy, real life and even the age old heaven n hell battles together!! I actually waited two days to review this book as I am in awe of this book and the life that the author was able to bring to the book!! I will certainly be reading the rest of this series!
If the rest of the book brings you into the story as this did and explores some of the worlds that this book touched on during the heroic adventure (yet hold ample mystery because they were only a minor part of this novels overall journey) I absolutely can not wait!!


The only down note that I can even think of is the one scene with MA content. I do believe that the book could have been just as if not better without the one scene and then it would be appropriate for a larger age range, I for one would have LOVED to have passed this one on to my daughter. But not yet....

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially had this marked as YA, probably based on the cover and the description of the heroes and heroine as ‘young.’ As a result I drug my feet about reading it. I just didn’t know if I could take another angsty teenage drama. I’m beginning to think I might have to admit that I’ve finally outgrown them.

To my delight it isn’t YA at all. In fact, it includes some fairly explicit sexual innuendo. Luckily the story doesn’t fall victim to the painfully common sexy, simpering slave-girl trope. What Mrs. Zambito does is far more varied and insidious, and therefore realistic. I’m not complaining. I like it. I don’t mean that I got any sort of sadist joy out of it, but it is unrealistic to think that truly evil people would just happen to be evil in every realm except for the interpersonal. It also allows for an interesting foray into different types of power. I’m probably making more of it than I need to. It is a very small part of the book after all. But it was so unexpected that I can’t help but mention it.

The book’s strengths are definitely in the world building and love the main characters both carry for each other and garner from those around them. Despite the heavy task before them the book has a definite ‘feel-good’ quality to it. It feels down right sappy at times, in a good way. I did have a little trouble with the lack of contractions. Now, I’ll grant you there isn’t really any reason that people from another world would talk just like us, but it gave everything a formal feel that didn’t seem natural to me. Despite that, Island Shifters is an enjoyable example of the indomitable power of the human (or elven or dwarfian) spirit to persevere and of good triumphing over evil. I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to read it.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Island Shifters by Valerie Zambito is a strong start to a fantasy series. Magic is an inborn talent, but it is one that is shunned and leads to banishment. These shifters are charged with being the first line of defense of their home countries, even if almost no one remembers the reason for it.

The introduction to the magical system is pretty interesting. There seem to be four major kind of shifters each with a specialized form of magic. There are fire, earth, mind, and body. There are more things revealed later in the book and it is set up to reveal a lot more in the follow ups.

There is some romance involved though it remains more of a background thing than a major plot point. The interactions between the characters are a fairly strong point of this book. I really enjoy the way that Rogan and Airron lighten the mood in some places with their banter and pranks. Bajan is also an amazing character, though I think it is the idea of him more than a personality thing.

The pacing of the book is pretty decent for the most part. There were a few parts where I thought things slowed down and it seemed like the characters did some things I had trouble reconciling with their overall personas.

This is a strong start to a fantasy series and I'm curious to see where the rest of the books go. Strong recommendation to fans of traditional quest based fantasy stories, easily enjoyed by most people who like fantasy in general.

Review copy provided by the author.

[Kyle West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Island Shifters should appeal to fantasy fans who enjoy the tried and true good vs. evil story. The book is well-written and has a fascinating world.

The world Zambito created is rich and imaginative. Just when I thought I had things figured out, a new layer to the Island of Massa would be revealed. It was cool when she even worked some of these elements in at the end of the book (I won’t say what they are so this review can remain spoiler free). I really enjoyed the map at the beginning, which added a lot of depth and made me feel like I was taking the journey with these characters. I wish more fantasy authors would do this.

The plot is fast-paced, and there is almost always something interesting going on. The beginning is a bit slow, as it takes until chapter eight for the main action to start. But once you get there, the story is entertaining and hard to put down. There are lots of fight scenes and epic battles, and enough twists and turns to keep you occupied.

I think some of the characters, like Rogan and Airron, could have done with a bit more developing. However, there is plenty of punch that will keep fantasy readers entertained.

The book is currently free, and you wouldn’t go wrong with picking it up.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Island Shifters: An Oath of the Blood was the first shifter book I had read. From the synopsis and the main character's ages, it seemed like it was going to be a young adult book, but it wasn't. Since I'm not used to reading adult books, it started off a little slow, and it took me a while to read. I'm glad I stuck it out and finished it because it was definitely worth it. Once I got into the story, it sucked me into the pages and I didn't want to leave. The plot, although a little confusing at first because I knew nothing about shifters, was well written. The characters were also well developed. My favorite character was Bajan. I liked how loyal he was, not only to Kiernan, but to the rest of the group of Savitars as well. I also thought it was cool how Kiernan and Bajan communicated telepathically. The final battle was heartbreaking. I cried when one of the characters died. I must admit, I wish the final battle would have been a little longer. An Oath of the Blood was a great book that I definitely suggest checking out. I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I recommend this book for fans of shifter, paranormal, or fantasy novels.

[Edward Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I have read a book that reached out and grabbed me refusing to let go. "An Oath of Blood" book 1 of the "Island Shifters" by Valerie Zambito is such a book. I found myself sitting in bed going to read "just one more page" hours later my eye lids have I would finally force myself to put it down and get to sleep. Valerie writes an intriguing tale that brings the characters to life. Filled with unexpected twist and turns be prepared for the unexpected. Although part of a series, this is a standalone book it does not leave you hanging but finishes the tale. Book 2 includes the same characters yet is a whole new story.
Yes there could have been a few things that could have been done differently but that is to be expected.
I strongly recommend this book to all readers of Fantasy. A great deal for the money and time put into it.
A word of warning don't pick this up if you have important things to do. Things like sleep, eating, family, and work will take a backseat to finishing the story. Thanks for a well written and entertaining story. I have already bought book 2.

[Jesse Kimmel-Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a HUGE fantasy reader, but there was something about the cover that drew me to ask the author to review her book. I am so glad that I did.

This book is wonderful! The characters are developed and you want all the crappy things that seem to be happening at once to just go away so they can have their happily ever after. But then I suppose if that happened, we wouldn't get to see them develop further!

The story is crafted in a wonderful fashion. You get to see different perspectives- something that Valerie has done well (I've read some stories where it should not have been done, ever.) You can feel the darkness of the Mages. I wanted to riot for the Shifters and rid them of their Blood Oath, who needs exile, right?

I cannot wait to read the second book, which Valerie is also allowing me to review! I highly recommend this book to all fantasy readers, and anyone that loves the actiony aspect of a good quest. Dude, just read the book everyone!

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love this book and gave up on it a few chapters in. It felt like a fantasy book that a young teen boy would love-something about the assumptions that were made in the character building screamed "boy book" to me. I guess the character-building wasn't rich enough - I didn't care enough about the outcomes for the lead characters. The story was fine, and the magic interesting, but I particularly dislike books where the point of view changes from chapter to chapter, and this one does that. And I felt that the prophesy parts were lazy shortcuts for the author. Still, I could see how it might get more interesting, and the writing wasn't bad. I could imagine this author growing with time and getting much better.

The premise is four extraordinary magic using teens go to war against an ancient evil and fulfill their destiny.

[A.N. Busch · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a very long time since I have read a fantasy book such as this. And it was AWESOME!! The relationship between the charters was wonderful. Sometimes I know where a book is going and I have to say that this did not happen to me once, every time I thought I knew what was going to happen it didn’t and I was shocked. Island Shifters had a little bit of everything from action to romance and everything in between all rolled into a wonderful plot line. When I got to the end all I could think about is that I have to have the next book!!! I really really enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading more from this amazing author in the future!!

[Christy Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book, I thought I was really going to like it. But by the time I finished it, I was a little disappointed. There were parts to the plot which didn't really make sense, and I wish the author had spent a little more time making sure everything flowed and stayed true to the storyline and characterization (parts of the story rang false to me, as if that's not what would've happened/how the characters would've acted). It was okay as far as fantasy stories go, I've definitely read much worse. It was an interesting concept. I just wish the author had spent a little more time on perfecting it.

[Tamara aka SoMysteriousLee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the adventure of it, the bad guys were bad, the good guys were good, the in-between ones were intriguing. My only problem with the story is the dialog between some of them, not that it wasn't interesting etc, just at times seemed more middle school intellect and some things kinda dragged on. BUT, the scenery described was stunning, and the types of creatures all intertwining, both sentient as well as just critters, all very well done. The battles were intense, and there was plenty of action, happy moments, sad moments and OH NO ones to keep me going as where it wasn't lagging for me, it was one fast paced thrill ride.

[Tiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is probably in my top ten all-time favorite reads. I love a good book about magic, but this book is way more than that! Magic, prophesy, friendship, love, betrayal, peril, war, paranormal, evil, angels, demons, elves, dwarves, history and even a little humor thrown in. I was screaming through some parts, laughing at others, and crying towards the end. This book WILL make you run the gamut of emotions. I am immediately continuing in the series because I can't wait to see what's next!! I highly recommend this book to EVERYONE!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was good, but the ending seemed rushed and a bit abrupt. After the adventure across Massa, and wondering how the 4 friends would survive, the conclusion seemed to lack the excitement and challenge that the rest of the story had. Was disappointing. I did enjoy the characters, and the idea of the different kinds of shifters. Aquataine, the Gems, and the spirit shifters were all unexpected, and welcome additions to the story. Made things interesting. Not sure where this story goes next, but plan to give it another try.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't too bad, except the dwarf/elf characters are getting a bit overdone. This book is for young adults, so I think they would enjoy it a bit more than I did. The shifters were a new spin on things which made it a bit more interesting. Could guess the ending in the good vs. evil (good always wins) but, how they did it was a pleasant surprise. Overall, it wasn't a bad book by any means. If you like this genre, you will enjoy Island Shifters.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book very much. To me the story had a kind of Lord Of The Ring feel to it. There's magic, humans, elves and dwarves, mages and sorceresses. Also Beck has to go on a quest in order to defeit the evil mages.
Even so, I think that the story was distinctive enough to be interesting and fun to read. I would say all LOTR fans should try this book. I'm definitely interested in the next book in this series.

[Cynthia L Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about this book at first. I am glad I decided to read it. The story pulled me in. It was a classic tale of good against evil. The obstacles they overcome are real and provide chances to recommit to their cause. A few things were obvious, and only in a world of magic could they happen the way they did.

There are 3 other books in the series, and I'm not sure if the series is good enough to purchase the remaining books.