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Unholy Alliance #1
Unholy Alliance
Forever seventeen, vampire Maggie Wells has spent the last 150 years seeking redemption by helping troubled teens. Born to destroy vampires, Shane Campton is clueless in dealing with his two younger sisters, whom he is responsible for. When Maggie and Shane—who should be mortal enemies—are forced to work together to save Shane’s family, sparks fly. But will they ignite a forbidden love or incinerate both of them?
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2011
61 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 10, 2015
2.5 stars. Sometimes I get sucked into downloading these Kindle freebies (because FREEEE!!!) and then I read them even though I should know better at this point in my life, because they're quick and light and I can down them whole in one evening, and then I kick myself for wasting my time and abusing my poor innocent brain cells, and honestly I'm embarrassed to admit that I even read these types of brain candy books. But then I think, well, somebody has to be the voice of reason among all the GR reviews praising these self-pub books to high heavens.
What you need to know about this book:
--MC: Girl vampire who is everything that is lovely and kind and helpful and good. She gets blood from donations so she won't have to kill humans.
--Love interest: hot guy who (no spoiler here; this is in the first few pages) is a "Chaser," born and raised to kill vampires.
--The plot: Standard PNR. They fall in lurrrve, despite many obstacles. We're firmly in YA land here, so kisses only.
--MC's BFF: A witch. I liked her.
--Other secondary characters: Better than average.
--The ending: cliffhangerish.
--The writing style: Choppy, simplistic and rather amateurish, but not terrible. The Grammar Nazi side of my personality was not deeply offended, which is saying something.
Self-published so, as always, you're taking your chances. But FREEEE!!!
What you need to know about this book:
--MC: Girl vampire who is everything that is lovely and kind and helpful and good. She gets blood from donations so she won't have to kill humans.
--Love interest: hot guy who (no spoiler here; this is in the first few pages) is a "Chaser," born and raised to kill vampires.
--The plot: Standard PNR. They fall in lurrrve, despite many obstacles. We're firmly in YA land here, so kisses only.
--MC's BFF: A witch. I liked her.
--Other secondary characters: Better than average.
--The ending: cliffhangerish.
--The writing style: Choppy, simplistic and rather amateurish, but not terrible. The Grammar Nazi side of my personality was not deeply offended, which is saying something.
Self-published so, as always, you're taking your chances. But FREEEE!!!
October 24, 2014
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
I have this book in ebook both as a stand alone and boxed set, and I won an audiobook copy through a multi-author giveaway to get through Audible.
The cover seems to have gone through several versions, but several seem to have the same green eyed cover model which I really like. I have a thing with book covers have stunning eyes and the green eyes definitely fit and grab my attention.
My son and I listened to the audiobook on the way to and from school every day. With this book, I wished I had a longer drive to work, so I could listen more, but I survived having to wait each day.
I really like the main character Maggie because she was kick butt and had awesome personal morals and values that she stuck by. She didn’t put up with garbage and fights for what she believes in. Her best friend Hannah is pretty cool. I like the kid character Chloe too :) Shane starts out being someone I’d like to slap, but he turns it around in the end. This book is action packed, and we definitely enjoyed it. I think the end was a little abrupt, and my son has very strong feelings about the ending. There are a lot of new issues for the characters that pop up at the end that are unresolved and really bugged my son that he didn’t have immediate answers. We are starting Rival tomorrow :)
The narrator did a fantastic job, and I easily connected with the story.
I think this would be an awesome series to get in paperback for my classroom to share with my students, but it will be awhile before I can afford to do so. I definitely recommend this series to paranormal fans especially if you like TV shows like Buffy, Angel, and Charmed.
I have this book in ebook both as a stand alone and boxed set, and I won an audiobook copy through a multi-author giveaway to get through Audible.
The cover seems to have gone through several versions, but several seem to have the same green eyed cover model which I really like. I have a thing with book covers have stunning eyes and the green eyes definitely fit and grab my attention.
My son and I listened to the audiobook on the way to and from school every day. With this book, I wished I had a longer drive to work, so I could listen more, but I survived having to wait each day.
I really like the main character Maggie because she was kick butt and had awesome personal morals and values that she stuck by. She didn’t put up with garbage and fights for what she believes in. Her best friend Hannah is pretty cool. I like the kid character Chloe too :) Shane starts out being someone I’d like to slap, but he turns it around in the end. This book is action packed, and we definitely enjoyed it. I think the end was a little abrupt, and my son has very strong feelings about the ending. There are a lot of new issues for the characters that pop up at the end that are unresolved and really bugged my son that he didn’t have immediate answers. We are starting Rival tomorrow :)
The narrator did a fantastic job, and I easily connected with the story.
I think this would be an awesome series to get in paperback for my classroom to share with my students, but it will be awhile before I can afford to do so. I definitely recommend this series to paranormal fans especially if you like TV shows like Buffy, Angel, and Charmed.
January 6, 2014
Even though I don’t like vampire novels, I decided to give this a try and I’m glad I did. The story of a vampire with a soul meeting (and possibly falling in love with) someone devoted to killing vampires isn’t a new idea. Even so, this book kept my attention from beginning to end. Maggie is an interesting character who is strong and competent yet flawed. I hope future books offer a little more insight into her past and what motivates her. Shane is very endearing though I find it hard to believe that a guy who took care of three sisters has no idea what to do with a crying girl. The supporting characters are very likable, even Rachel who was the right amount of frustrating.
The story was very entertaining with the right amount of action, drama and romance. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was how Shane and Maggie’s relationship played out. . Regardless, I definitely recommend this book even if you’re not really a vampire fan.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story was very entertaining with the right amount of action, drama and romance. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was how Shane and Maggie’s relationship played out. . Regardless, I definitely recommend this book even if you’re not really a vampire fan.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2019
This book had lots of potential to be great. I enjoyed it but it was way too short. It really needed to be longer and the characters fleshed out a bit more. I didn't care much for Rachel. She was too happy to kill for a teenager. I think if I had gotten to know the characters a bit more, they would be more likable. More world-building would have been nice also. Obviously, the chasers knew vampires existed but there wasn't much background given. Do the normal humans know they exist? Overall, it is an ok book that could have been so much better with more added to the story.
January 17, 2014
Do-gooder vampire Maggie and her best friend Hannah, a witch, have spent the last hundred years or so helping people who need it. Working at a half way house for troubled teens, they encounter Rachel, who so obviously needs help, but from what they do not know. Maggie is instantly drawn to Rachel's brother Shane, but from him she receives mixed signals. Little does Maggie know that Shane and his sister are Chasers, born vampire hunters. Can Maggie and Shane overcome their inborn struggles and face the oncoming storm?
I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up to read a chapter or two and found myself half way through in no time. The storyline is very engaging and full of action, with alternating points of view per chapter from Maggie and Shane. I love stories told from both the main characters views, helping the reader see from both sides. We get to see the struggles both characters face in their path to understanding.
I like Maggie, she was pretty resistant and very honest with everyone around her. Yes she lived a lie, but she never pretended to be someone she was not. My biggest complaint about her was at times she really acted like a teen, instead of the adult she really is. At the end she seemed to grow up completely, but her immature moments I wanted to shake her. I really loved Shane and his complete lack of understanding about women. He was the first to realize what he wanted out of life, shocking considering he is actually 18 and Maggie is 200ish. He was more of an adult than Maggie, and he helped to keep everyone grounded.
What I really want from the book is to know logistically how the relationship is going to work. Yes I understand they love each other,but really how can they stay together? Does he become immortal? Does she become human? I need answers!
I received from the publisher the second book in the Unholy Alliance series to read, yet I could not find the first book anywhere. I was given the chance to read the first book from the author through Goodreads in exchange for my honest review and I jumped at the chance. I am so glad that I read the first book. This book helps to explain the world, as well as all the characters and relationships that make up the rest of the series. It seemed like the first book was mainly a tool to build the world, and more character development of secondary characters will come later. Just as long as I can get more info about Shane and Maggie and how they work out.
I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up to read a chapter or two and found myself half way through in no time. The storyline is very engaging and full of action, with alternating points of view per chapter from Maggie and Shane. I love stories told from both the main characters views, helping the reader see from both sides. We get to see the struggles both characters face in their path to understanding.
I like Maggie, she was pretty resistant and very honest with everyone around her. Yes she lived a lie, but she never pretended to be someone she was not. My biggest complaint about her was at times she really acted like a teen, instead of the adult she really is. At the end she seemed to grow up completely, but her immature moments I wanted to shake her. I really loved Shane and his complete lack of understanding about women. He was the first to realize what he wanted out of life, shocking considering he is actually 18 and Maggie is 200ish. He was more of an adult than Maggie, and he helped to keep everyone grounded.
What I really want from the book is to know logistically how the relationship is going to work. Yes I understand they love each other,but really how can they stay together? Does he become immortal? Does she become human? I need answers!
I received from the publisher the second book in the Unholy Alliance series to read, yet I could not find the first book anywhere. I was given the chance to read the first book from the author through Goodreads in exchange for my honest review and I jumped at the chance. I am so glad that I read the first book. This book helps to explain the world, as well as all the characters and relationships that make up the rest of the series. It seemed like the first book was mainly a tool to build the world, and more character development of secondary characters will come later. Just as long as I can get more info about Shane and Maggie and how they work out.
May 28, 2015
Unholy Alliance is about a "good" vampire and a chaser (hunts and kills vampires) finding and falling for each other. I have to admit I like stories about good vampires and Maggie fits the bill. She lives at a reform school and helps troubled teens. Shane, the chaser, is in charge of his two sisters, having lost their parents a few years back. His whole life since then has been protecting his siblings. The story is told from these two main characters' POV.
Overall, the story was good, but I felt it had many unanswered questions. I would like more of a history. Hannah, Maggie's best friend has a brother who suddenly pops up. Not much is said about him, but a hint of an underlying story is given. It's an easy read, so I forged on hoping to get answers. There is little backstory for Shane, too. At the end of the book, Maggie's former life and transformation to vampire are finally explained. More drama and characters also came at the end of the story to create a cliffhanger type ending. Some story lines were left open-ended because this is a series.
Overall, the story was good, but I felt it had many unanswered questions. I would like more of a history. Hannah, Maggie's best friend has a brother who suddenly pops up. Not much is said about him, but a hint of an underlying story is given. It's an easy read, so I forged on hoping to get answers. There is little backstory for Shane, too. At the end of the book, Maggie's former life and transformation to vampire are finally explained. More drama and characters also came at the end of the story to create a cliffhanger type ending. Some story lines were left open-ended because this is a series.
January 26, 2012
Unholy Alliance proved to be a real page-turner. The characters are interesting and likable, the story line was well thought out and flowed well.
What I really thought was cool about this book is the fact that it's not a typical, run-of-the-mill vampire romance. The vampires are even a little different in this book. I love when an author thinks outside the box. The author also incorporated a vampiric, soulless creature called a Cataratare, which I've never even heard of.
Now, the only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because I felt the ending was rushed. I felt the whole last chapter was written in about five minutes just to tie up some loose ends to set up the next book. I REALLY wanted to give Unholy Alliance five stars, and was prepared to until I read the last chapter. I will be continuing with this series, and definitely recommend Unholy Alliance!
What I really thought was cool about this book is the fact that it's not a typical, run-of-the-mill vampire romance. The vampires are even a little different in this book. I love when an author thinks outside the box. The author also incorporated a vampiric, soulless creature called a Cataratare, which I've never even heard of.
Now, the only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because I felt the ending was rushed. I felt the whole last chapter was written in about five minutes just to tie up some loose ends to set up the next book. I REALLY wanted to give Unholy Alliance five stars, and was prepared to until I read the last chapter. I will be continuing with this series, and definitely recommend Unholy Alliance!
December 26, 2014
Ok, this Vampire novel took me by surprise. It is not the typical vampire romance.
I would have never picked up this book, if I wasn't that I had won the audible version a few months ago. I don't even remember entering the contest. I'm so bad.
I probably would not have even read it yet, if it wasn't that I was looking for a "Y" book that I already owned to satisfy an A-Z challenge, since I did not want to spend additional money on a book nor commit to reading the book within 2 weeks.
Well, oh well, so much for saving me money. This book was so good that I went out and bought the rest of the series and will be reading them very soon.
Summary: Good girl turned vamp turned do gooder find love after almost 2 centuries, but he is a chaser/vampire killer and his youngest sister is the sweet thing .
I would have never picked up this book, if I wasn't that I had won the audible version a few months ago. I don't even remember entering the contest. I'm so bad.
I probably would not have even read it yet, if it wasn't that I was looking for a "Y" book that I already owned to satisfy an A-Z challenge, since I did not want to spend additional money on a book nor commit to reading the book within 2 weeks.
Well, oh well, so much for saving me money. This book was so good that I went out and bought the rest of the series and will be reading them very soon.
Summary: Good girl turned vamp turned do gooder find love after almost 2 centuries, but he is a chaser/vampire killer and his youngest sister is the sweet thing .
January 3, 2014
WOW WOW WOW!!! This was an amazing book. so original and kept me wanting to read it. I love all characters. I love the plot and it's keeping me wanting more!!! I wish it was longer!!!
I love Maggie.... a vampire with a soul... who would have guessed the twist. she is loving and compassionate and so genuine.
Shane... love him. His oh so manly ego that dissolves away when he realizes how much he loves the one thing he is always trying to kill.
Hannah, Rachel and Chole... Also amazing characters. I cannot wait to see what happens to our little miss Chole and her powers. CANNOT wait for the next book. This is a must read!!
I love Maggie.... a vampire with a soul... who would have guessed the twist. she is loving and compassionate and so genuine.
Shane... love him. His oh so manly ego that dissolves away when he realizes how much he loves the one thing he is always trying to kill.
Hannah, Rachel and Chole... Also amazing characters. I cannot wait to see what happens to our little miss Chole and her powers. CANNOT wait for the next book. This is a must read!!
October 21, 2014
Vampires
I read this out of order. Lol, really I wasn't expecting much. However, I can say it was really good. Actually think it was better than the second book. It had a good story line with a lot of action and drama. I still can say I wasn't overly fond of the ending. However, by reading the other book I already knew what was going to happen later. I will confess also that up until the middle of the book I didn't even realize I had read the second one. I was too consumed in the story.
I read this out of order. Lol, really I wasn't expecting much. However, I can say it was really good. Actually think it was better than the second book. It had a good story line with a lot of action and drama. I still can say I wasn't overly fond of the ending. However, by reading the other book I already knew what was going to happen later. I will confess also that up until the middle of the book I didn't even realize I had read the second one. I was too consumed in the story.
July 14, 2014
I was given a free copy for my honest review thru the author. I loved this book. The plot is excellent and will have you hooked early in the book. The characters are believable and loved them. I wish I could of read this book in one sitting considering it's not a long book but life got in my way. If you enjoy vampire novels or series check this book out it won't disappoint! Can't wait too read more from Lacy Yager :) Thank you again for letting me read & review
August 25, 2016
Unholy Alliance told in first person is the story of Maggie a former vampire Hunter, called Chasers in this book now a vampire for quite a while. Despite it being short in length, this book was an enjoyment to read, it's chapters alternating between Maggie and a chaser named Shane Campton who gradually grow close despite who they are. Overall an interesting beginning to a series.
June 10, 2014
Loved this book. I can't wait to read more. This book is written in Maggie's POV and in Shane's POV which shows the conflict these two main characters share. Great page turner. Nice twists. Satisfying ending.
December 16, 2016
I enjoyed everything except the love interest, which I guess is a big part of the book.
I hated how
In short, love Maggie and everything she stands for, fucking despise Shane.
Would have enjoyed a bit of discussion about the conflict within herself as a vampire and also an explanation about how she possibly still has access to so much money despite being old af (just curious, I honestly would read a short novel about her having to go through all the legality of transferring the money to herself, faking her deaths multiple times, coming back in as a niece with an "uncanny resemblence" to ol' granny maggie)
I hated how
In short, love Maggie and everything she stands for, fucking despise Shane.
Would have enjoyed a bit of discussion about the conflict within herself as a vampire and also an explanation about how she possibly still has access to so much money despite being old af (just curious, I honestly would read a short novel about her having to go through all the legality of transferring the money to herself, faking her deaths multiple times, coming back in as a niece with an "uncanny resemblence" to ol' granny maggie)
March 29, 2019
This is a quick and fast paced read.
I love good romance with some paranormal thrown in and this book didn’t disappoint. I loved Maggie and Shane, even though he was a pain in the butt, but he was just protecting his family. I would love to know more about Maggie and Shane especially with what Maggie found in her old home. I hope this isn’t the end of their story.
I need to know more about the rest of group and what lies ahead for them. I liked the ending but we still have so many questions left and I don’t want it to end just yet.
Is Alex, Maggie’s cousin, evil? What is Chloe? What did Stephen want with her?
I love good romance with some paranormal thrown in and this book didn’t disappoint. I loved Maggie and Shane, even though he was a pain in the butt, but he was just protecting his family. I would love to know more about Maggie and Shane especially with what Maggie found in her old home. I hope this isn’t the end of their story.
I need to know more about the rest of group and what lies ahead for them. I liked the ending but we still have so many questions left and I don’t want it to end just yet.
Is Alex, Maggie’s cousin, evil? What is Chloe? What did Stephen want with her?
June 4, 2024
sweet and light
This is a sweet surface-level story. The writing and details are light - more like the skeleton of a more intense novel. It’s suitable for a young adult novel as a quick read with a soft touch on the heart.
This is a sweet surface-level story. The writing and details are light - more like the skeleton of a more intense novel. It’s suitable for a young adult novel as a quick read with a soft touch on the heart.
August 14, 2017
Enjoyed this book! Looking forward to reading the next one.
August 7, 2019
Wow very interesting
Interestingly written . Devotion is not common . not huge on paranormal books and this was hard to read .
Interestingly written . Devotion is not common . not huge on paranormal books and this was hard to read .
April 28, 2014
I recently got the upcoming third book in the series, Beloved Enemy, from NetGalley, not realizing that it was a part of a series. So I picked up the beginning books and I am glad I did! The story is engaging and the characters are varied and interesting.
Maggie is our main character, the vampire with a soul and a desire to resist being the monster that most vampires are. She is honest and kind and she has chosen to live differently and separately from others of her kind. Instead, she spends her life doing good for others. Shane, our romantic hero, is mature beyond his years. His complete lack of understanding about women and crying girls was rather endearing. Hannah is Maggie's BFF and a witch and the person who has always been there for Maggie, no matter what. I am hoping she gets her own story in a future installment. Rachel is Shan's sister and she is the character that we love to hate. She's bratty, she's prickly, and she is a fabulous addition to the cast. Chloe is Shane's little sister and, at times, the most level-headed of all of them. She is adorable and sweet and I can't wait to meet more of her.
There are some twists and turns that I found to be completely unexpected! There are things in Maggie's past that are game changers and that added a whole new level to the series. It's going to be interesting to see these things pay out over the other books.
The romance between Shane and Maggie was great. It was unexpected, to be sure, but it was one of those book romances that you just have to have happen. It wasn't "instalove" and I appreciated that very much. There are some pretty great conflicts between them. Things like the fact that are times when they want to literally kill each other. It will be fun to see what happens with them, seeing as he is mortal and she is immortal.
Things to love...
--Vampire lore. I just took a vampire literature class as a part of my degree and it has caused me to really look for vampire tropes and archetypes. I loved that the authors kept true to much of the traditional lore, adding to it but not taking away so much that it became almost a new creature altogether.
--Alternating POVs. The chapters switched between the POVs of Shane and Maggie, letting us get to know both of them.
Things I wanted more/less of...
--More mature Maggie. Despite the fact that Maggie was almost 200 years old, much of the time she acted like the 17yo she was when she was turned.
Some Quotastic Goodness
--More than one hundred and fifty years on this planet and this is the strangest night I’ve spent yet (Loc. 59).
--My eyes track to the guy-who’s-not-my-date-but-I-really-wish-he-was, and I glimpse his stylishly-mussed chestnut hair across the dance floor. Our eyes connect, his sparkling blue to my green (Loc. 78).
--At first it’s obvious that he didn’t mean to kiss me— it was just a matter of momentum— but then he rests his hand against my face, stroking my cheek with his fingers. I don’t know how to react. People don’t kiss vampires, and I haven’t had this kind of contact in over a century. I have no idea what to do (Loc. 1059).
My Recommendation: I really enjoyed this story. I didn't expect to be as surprised as I was by some of the twists and turns and I loved that I was!
This review originally appeared on my blog, http://thecaffeinateddivareads.multif....
Maggie is our main character, the vampire with a soul and a desire to resist being the monster that most vampires are. She is honest and kind and she has chosen to live differently and separately from others of her kind. Instead, she spends her life doing good for others. Shane, our romantic hero, is mature beyond his years. His complete lack of understanding about women and crying girls was rather endearing. Hannah is Maggie's BFF and a witch and the person who has always been there for Maggie, no matter what. I am hoping she gets her own story in a future installment. Rachel is Shan's sister and she is the character that we love to hate. She's bratty, she's prickly, and she is a fabulous addition to the cast. Chloe is Shane's little sister and, at times, the most level-headed of all of them. She is adorable and sweet and I can't wait to meet more of her.
There are some twists and turns that I found to be completely unexpected! There are things in Maggie's past that are game changers and that added a whole new level to the series. It's going to be interesting to see these things pay out over the other books.
The romance between Shane and Maggie was great. It was unexpected, to be sure, but it was one of those book romances that you just have to have happen. It wasn't "instalove" and I appreciated that very much. There are some pretty great conflicts between them. Things like the fact that are times when they want to literally kill each other. It will be fun to see what happens with them, seeing as he is mortal and she is immortal.
Things to love...
--Vampire lore. I just took a vampire literature class as a part of my degree and it has caused me to really look for vampire tropes and archetypes. I loved that the authors kept true to much of the traditional lore, adding to it but not taking away so much that it became almost a new creature altogether.
--Alternating POVs. The chapters switched between the POVs of Shane and Maggie, letting us get to know both of them.
Things I wanted more/less of...
--More mature Maggie. Despite the fact that Maggie was almost 200 years old, much of the time she acted like the 17yo she was when she was turned.
Some Quotastic Goodness
--More than one hundred and fifty years on this planet and this is the strangest night I’ve spent yet (Loc. 59).
--My eyes track to the guy-who’s-not-my-date-but-I-really-wish-he-was, and I glimpse his stylishly-mussed chestnut hair across the dance floor. Our eyes connect, his sparkling blue to my green (Loc. 78).
--At first it’s obvious that he didn’t mean to kiss me— it was just a matter of momentum— but then he rests his hand against my face, stroking my cheek with his fingers. I don’t know how to react. People don’t kiss vampires, and I haven’t had this kind of contact in over a century. I have no idea what to do (Loc. 1059).
My Recommendation: I really enjoyed this story. I didn't expect to be as surprised as I was by some of the twists and turns and I loved that I was!
This review originally appeared on my blog, http://thecaffeinateddivareads.multif....
January 15, 2016
4.5 stars! I LOVED the characters and I liked the alternating POV between Maggie and Shane.
I just realized this book was written by a 16 year old and her sister, and I'm so impressed and look forward to reading more from her. If she is just going to get better, I can't wait!
Likes:
* I'm just a sucker for good vampires that don't kill humans
* Great characters that I feel like I know, and now that I finished the book (in 26 hours), I now miss them
* Snarky and funny dialogue
* Yes, romance happens in just a few days, but it worked for me
* Switching POV to get the guys side of things was great
Dislikes:
* Kissing scenes are very awkward and not in a good, sweet way
* Rachel's attitude wears on you after a while
* Needed a few more unexpected twists, most were predictable
With-reservations: (very tame for a YA vampire book)
violence, murder, dead bodies, a few kisses
For-review:
Received a free review copy from author for [David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite!] R&R #51
I just realized this book was written by a 16 year old and her sister, and I'm so impressed and look forward to reading more from her. If she is just going to get better, I can't wait!
Likes:
* I'm just a sucker for good vampires that don't kill humans
* Great characters that I feel like I know, and now that I finished the book (in 26 hours), I now miss them
* Snarky and funny dialogue
* Yes, romance happens in just a few days, but it worked for me
* Switching POV to get the guys side of things was great
Dislikes:
* Kissing scenes are very awkward and not in a good, sweet way
* Rachel's attitude wears on you after a while
* Needed a few more unexpected twists, most were predictable
With-reservations: (very tame for a YA vampire book)
violence, murder, dead bodies, a few kisses
For-review:
Received a free review copy from author for [David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite!] R&R #51
January 15, 2014
This rating is more like a 3.5.
Vampire/do-gooder Maggie and her best friend Hannah (a witch) spend their time helping troubled teens. Maggie is different from most vampires as she does not kill people to survive (sound familiar?). Maggie's always too busy helping others to focus on her own life until the brother of a troubled teen catches her eye. He (Shane) is "Chaser"/do-gooder who is raising his two sisters (Rachel and Chloe) as well as protecting the world from vampires. Now how is this going to work out???
I liked this book a lot but there were a couple of things that bugged me. First the good stuff. This book has all the things you are looking for if you like a good vampire romance (and who doesn't!?). It's full of action, romance, humor, supernatural beings and adventure. It's like Twilight married Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But unlike Twilight the heroine is bad-ass. The rest of the characters are interesting as well -- my favorite being Rachel as her character came across as being the most complex. I am excited to read more about the characters in the books to come. Hopefully there are some more complexities to Maggie and Shane that we just don't know about yet.
Ok so now for the stuff I didn't like so much. First, the romance between Shane and Maggie. The entire book Shane is looking for a way to kill Maggie and then out of nowhere he loves her? I thought the proclamation of love was a little too soon and a little forced. Second, Maggie and Shane seem a little too perfect for me. I hope to see some more grey areas in their characters in the books to come.
All-in-all, great book. I look forward to the books to come.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Vampire/do-gooder Maggie and her best friend Hannah (a witch) spend their time helping troubled teens. Maggie is different from most vampires as she does not kill people to survive (sound familiar?). Maggie's always too busy helping others to focus on her own life until the brother of a troubled teen catches her eye. He (Shane) is "Chaser"/do-gooder who is raising his two sisters (Rachel and Chloe) as well as protecting the world from vampires. Now how is this going to work out???
I liked this book a lot but there were a couple of things that bugged me. First the good stuff. This book has all the things you are looking for if you like a good vampire romance (and who doesn't!?). It's full of action, romance, humor, supernatural beings and adventure. It's like Twilight married Buffy the Vampire Slayer. But unlike Twilight the heroine is bad-ass. The rest of the characters are interesting as well -- my favorite being Rachel as her character came across as being the most complex. I am excited to read more about the characters in the books to come. Hopefully there are some more complexities to Maggie and Shane that we just don't know about yet.
Ok so now for the stuff I didn't like so much. First, the romance between Shane and Maggie. The entire book Shane is looking for a way to kill Maggie and then out of nowhere he loves her? I thought the proclamation of love was a little too soon and a little forced. Second, Maggie and Shane seem a little too perfect for me. I hope to see some more grey areas in their characters in the books to come.
All-in-all, great book. I look forward to the books to come.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2013
*Note: I received a free copy of Unholy Alliance in exchange for an honest review.*
Unholy Alliance isn't your typical vampire/ vampire hunter story with a helping of romance thrown into the mix. It's got a lot of other things going for it even if the romance angle isn't your thing - like it's not normally mine. This YA urban-fantasy has plenty of action which kicks off right from the first page. I also particularly liked the dual point of view between Maggie, the vampire, and Shane, the hunter. The chapters flowed well between the characters and both characters had distinct voices. The dual perspective also helped developed the supernatural world so it's not quite as one-sided as it probably would have been otherwise - and I did like the reveal about Maggie's family connections. That was good, I didn't expect that. As for the romance angle, I'm particularly glad there wasn't instalove. There were plenty of comments on Shane's attractiveness, which I didn't need to have repeated quite so many times...I remembered after the first or second time. Each had to control their murderous impulses - particularly Shane - toward the other which was refreshing in the way it's handled. One thing I do wish was more developed is the vampire and vampire hunter mythology. The reader does get bits and pieces here and there, especially as the novel progresses, but I expect more will be revealed in the sequel. As for types of vampires in Maggie's universe, they seem like a cross between tv's The Vampire Diaries and Being Human (UK) vampires which suits me just fine.
Light, action-packed vampire story! Definitely recommended if you are a fan of vampire urban fantasy.
Unholy Alliance isn't your typical vampire/ vampire hunter story with a helping of romance thrown into the mix. It's got a lot of other things going for it even if the romance angle isn't your thing - like it's not normally mine. This YA urban-fantasy has plenty of action which kicks off right from the first page. I also particularly liked the dual point of view between Maggie, the vampire, and Shane, the hunter. The chapters flowed well between the characters and both characters had distinct voices. The dual perspective also helped developed the supernatural world so it's not quite as one-sided as it probably would have been otherwise - and I did like the reveal about Maggie's family connections. That was good, I didn't expect that. As for the romance angle, I'm particularly glad there wasn't instalove. There were plenty of comments on Shane's attractiveness, which I didn't need to have repeated quite so many times...I remembered after the first or second time. Each had to control their murderous impulses - particularly Shane - toward the other which was refreshing in the way it's handled. One thing I do wish was more developed is the vampire and vampire hunter mythology. The reader does get bits and pieces here and there, especially as the novel progresses, but I expect more will be revealed in the sequel. As for types of vampires in Maggie's universe, they seem like a cross between tv's The Vampire Diaries and Being Human (UK) vampires which suits me just fine.
Light, action-packed vampire story! Definitely recommended if you are a fan of vampire urban fantasy.
November 8, 2014
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
I have this book in ebook both as a stand alone and boxed set, and I won an audiobook copy through a multi-author giveaway to get through Audible.
The cover seems to have gone through several versions, but several seem to have the same green eyed cover model which I really like. I have a thing with book covers have stunning eyes and the green eyes definitely fit and grab my attention.
My son and I listened to the audiobook on the way to and from school every day. With this book, I wished I had a longer drive to work, so I could listen more, but I survived having to wait each day.
I really like the main character Maggie because she was kick butt and had awesome personal morals and values that she stuck by. She didn’t put up with garbage and fights for what she believes in. Her best friend Hannah is pretty cool. I like the kid character Chloe too :) Shane starts out being someone I’d like to slap, but he turns it around in the end. This book is action packed, and we definitely enjoyed it. I think the end was a little abrupt, and my son has very strong feelings about the ending. There are a lot of new issues for the characters that pop up at the end that are unresolved and really bugged my son that he didn’t have immediate answers. We are starting Rival tomorrow :)
The narrator did a fantastic job, and I easily connected with the story.
I think this would be an awesome series to get in paperback for my classroom to share with my students, but it will be awhile before I can afford to do so. I definitely recommend this series to paranormal fans especially if you like TV shows like Buffy, Angel, and Charmed.
I have this book in ebook both as a stand alone and boxed set, and I won an audiobook copy through a multi-author giveaway to get through Audible.
The cover seems to have gone through several versions, but several seem to have the same green eyed cover model which I really like. I have a thing with book covers have stunning eyes and the green eyes definitely fit and grab my attention.
My son and I listened to the audiobook on the way to and from school every day. With this book, I wished I had a longer drive to work, so I could listen more, but I survived having to wait each day.
I really like the main character Maggie because she was kick butt and had awesome personal morals and values that she stuck by. She didn’t put up with garbage and fights for what she believes in. Her best friend Hannah is pretty cool. I like the kid character Chloe too :) Shane starts out being someone I’d like to slap, but he turns it around in the end. This book is action packed, and we definitely enjoyed it. I think the end was a little abrupt, and my son has very strong feelings about the ending. There are a lot of new issues for the characters that pop up at the end that are unresolved and really bugged my son that he didn’t have immediate answers. We are starting Rival tomorrow :)
The narrator did a fantastic job, and I easily connected with the story.
I think this would be an awesome series to get in paperback for my classroom to share with my students, but it will be awhile before I can afford to do so. I definitely recommend this series to paranormal fans especially if you like TV shows like Buffy, Angel, and Charmed.
September 10, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a completely entertaining and enjoyable read! I don’t think that the synopsis does this book justice as the adorable YA read that it is. It was filled with YA romantic cuteness, oodles of action, and an addictive enough storyline that I’m really sad there is not a second book available right now.
The story POV switches back and forth between Maggie, a reluctant vampire, and Shane, the teen heart-throb of a Chaser (aka vampire slayer). From page 1, the story takes off with a bunch of action, using one of my favorite storytelling methods – throw them into the deep end and explain things along the way! I like to really dive into the characters, and this is usually the best way for authors to do it for me. The book takes us into the lives of Shane and Maggie, who are both helping the troubled youth of the city in their own ways. Maggie has clearly taken it on as a mission, while Shane is just trying to keep his sisters happy and healthy. It was kind of nice to see the typical role of guy vampire meets innocent girl reversed in the story. Their romance was really sweet, but a little rushed. I can’t wait to see where they take their relationship in future (hopefully!) books.
There are clearly some big vampire happenings on the horizon, but we had a good deal of time spent in this book with Shane, his adorable sisters, Maggie’s BFF Hannah, and Maggie herself. This book was a really firm start to what could be a great series. We are left at the end of the book (no, not on a cliffhanger) hopeful and optimistic about where all the characters will end up.
This book was a completely entertaining and enjoyable read! I don’t think that the synopsis does this book justice as the adorable YA read that it is. It was filled with YA romantic cuteness, oodles of action, and an addictive enough storyline that I’m really sad there is not a second book available right now.
The story POV switches back and forth between Maggie, a reluctant vampire, and Shane, the teen heart-throb of a Chaser (aka vampire slayer). From page 1, the story takes off with a bunch of action, using one of my favorite storytelling methods – throw them into the deep end and explain things along the way! I like to really dive into the characters, and this is usually the best way for authors to do it for me. The book takes us into the lives of Shane and Maggie, who are both helping the troubled youth of the city in their own ways. Maggie has clearly taken it on as a mission, while Shane is just trying to keep his sisters happy and healthy. It was kind of nice to see the typical role of guy vampire meets innocent girl reversed in the story. Their romance was really sweet, but a little rushed. I can’t wait to see where they take their relationship in future (hopefully!) books.
There are clearly some big vampire happenings on the horizon, but we had a good deal of time spent in this book with Shane, his adorable sisters, Maggie’s BFF Hannah, and Maggie herself. This book was a really firm start to what could be a great series. We are left at the end of the book (no, not on a cliffhanger) hopeful and optimistic about where all the characters will end up.
July 14, 2015
This book is about vampires, oh yes, paranormal series. It was time to pick up another paranormal series and I had the fourth book in my NetGalley to read list for months and months so it was it I got to this one. And I gotta say, it didn't disappointed me at all. So, this book starts is about Maggie a "young" girl who has been a vampire for a very, very long time. She lives with her best friend, Hannah, who isn't a vampire, but she isn't a normal girl either, she is a witch. Weird combination? You can say that, what is more weird is that they have promised to help humans, no matter how hard sometimes that is for Maggie as a vampire. But she does it and there is nothing she would change, well maybe one thing...
Then we meet Shane, a young normal guy who is responsible for 2 younger sisters. He has come from a family that have sworn they whole lives to do one thing: hunt and kill vampires and keep the human world a better place. Then one of his sisters' gets in trouble and ends up in the care of Maggie, a vampire, but he is not suppose to know that she is one and she tries to hide it from him too and so the game begins.
We also get to meet little Chloe, Shane's little, little sister who isn't what everybody thinks she is. A secret within secrets.
This book was nothing what I was expecting but at the same time everything that I needed. I really, really enjoyed it and once I was done I couldn't wait and downloaded the next book in the series right away.
4 out of 5 stars and totally recommend this book, not your typical vampire book, but once you start reading it you will be hooked, trust me.
Then we meet Shane, a young normal guy who is responsible for 2 younger sisters. He has come from a family that have sworn they whole lives to do one thing: hunt and kill vampires and keep the human world a better place. Then one of his sisters' gets in trouble and ends up in the care of Maggie, a vampire, but he is not suppose to know that she is one and she tries to hide it from him too and so the game begins.
We also get to meet little Chloe, Shane's little, little sister who isn't what everybody thinks she is. A secret within secrets.
This book was nothing what I was expecting but at the same time everything that I needed. I really, really enjoyed it and once I was done I couldn't wait and downloaded the next book in the series right away.
4 out of 5 stars and totally recommend this book, not your typical vampire book, but once you start reading it you will be hooked, trust me.
September 10, 2016
My review can also be found on my blog: Bettgeschichten
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
I've read Unholy Alliance in a matter of hours because I just couldn't put it down. When I signed up to review it I thought that it might very well be the typical cheese vampire/human(hunter) story which wouldn't really get me interested but it turned out the opposite way. I'm not a big fan of Vampire-stories anymore but I really enjoyed this read.
The story is very entertaining and filled with action scenes, which already mark the beginning of the book. The characters are believable and funny. Their actions are mostly relatable and interesting.
But the ending is really mean. It leaves you hanging and wanting more, even though I'm not sure if I like the idea that book nr. 2 is centered around Rachel, as she wasn't one of my favorite characters. But I might still read it.
I really enjoyed the 2 POV's which had distinct voices which was very nice. Many books fail at creating two good voices but the author did quite a good job in this one.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars and can honestly recommend it to vampire fans or people who want to get out of the reading slump because it’s a light and enjoyable read.
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
I've read Unholy Alliance in a matter of hours because I just couldn't put it down. When I signed up to review it I thought that it might very well be the typical cheese vampire/human(hunter) story which wouldn't really get me interested but it turned out the opposite way. I'm not a big fan of Vampire-stories anymore but I really enjoyed this read.
The story is very entertaining and filled with action scenes, which already mark the beginning of the book. The characters are believable and funny. Their actions are mostly relatable and interesting.
But the ending is really mean. It leaves you hanging and wanting more, even though I'm not sure if I like the idea that book nr. 2 is centered around Rachel, as she wasn't one of my favorite characters. But I might still read it.
I really enjoyed the 2 POV's which had distinct voices which was very nice. Many books fail at creating two good voices but the author did quite a good job in this one.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars and can honestly recommend it to vampire fans or people who want to get out of the reading slump because it’s a light and enjoyable read.
January 5, 2015
I enjoyed this book a lot. I had my doubts seeing as how it was free on Kindle and usually those books are often misleading, but every once in a while you find a book that's good and underrated and you wonder why it isn't more popular well known and this one fell near the last category.
The summary caught my interest, especially the whole vampire and vampire hunter thing and the possibility of them falling in love. Reading about them was way more interesting than I thought it was going to be. I liked that the book was written in 2 POVs, Maggie and Shane's because we got to see their views on what was happening and their back story, especially when we got the chance to see how much of a decentperson vampire Maggie is and why she isn't like your typical vampire who kills humans. We get to see more of the vampire hunter "Chaser" side of Shane and it was a little off putting to see them falling in love with each so quickly but other than it was a quick and easy read.
Basically this book was action packed with comedy and romance in between. It was very well written and I wouldn't mind checking out the other books in the series to see how everything goes. Especially with Chloe's powers and stuff surrounding Maggie and the Chasers.
The summary caught my interest, especially the whole vampire and vampire hunter thing and the possibility of them falling in love. Reading about them was way more interesting than I thought it was going to be. I liked that the book was written in 2 POVs, Maggie and Shane's because we got to see their views on what was happening and their back story, especially when we got the chance to see how much of a decent
Basically this book was action packed with comedy and romance in between. It was very well written and I wouldn't mind checking out the other books in the series to see how everything goes. Especially with Chloe's powers and stuff surrounding Maggie and the Chasers.
October 22, 2013
I received a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie, a vampire with a conscience and her best friend Hannah, a witch that can heal, live at a house for troubled youth. One night while at the hospital, Hannah meets a girl that is being abused by her father and has Maggie try to convince her to leave her home and get some help. While there, Maggie meets Rachel, Shane's sister. She is pretty beat up and ends up getting sent to the E.W. House which was court ordered by the judge. Shane knows Maggie is a vampire, he is a chaser or vampire hunter. He wants to get his sister as far from Maggie as possible but there is something about her that keeps him from killing her.
This was a really great paranormal book. It definitely had a different feel than most vampire books. It started off with action and continued right on to the end keeping me on my toes. The characters were all really well developed and meshed well together.
I can't wait for a follow up book. This didn't end with a cliff hanger but there is still so much more to this story, I can't wait for more!
Maggie, a vampire with a conscience and her best friend Hannah, a witch that can heal, live at a house for troubled youth. One night while at the hospital, Hannah meets a girl that is being abused by her father and has Maggie try to convince her to leave her home and get some help. While there, Maggie meets Rachel, Shane's sister. She is pretty beat up and ends up getting sent to the E.W. House which was court ordered by the judge. Shane knows Maggie is a vampire, he is a chaser or vampire hunter. He wants to get his sister as far from Maggie as possible but there is something about her that keeps him from killing her.
This was a really great paranormal book. It definitely had a different feel than most vampire books. It started off with action and continued right on to the end keeping me on my toes. The characters were all really well developed and meshed well together.
I can't wait for a follow up book. This didn't end with a cliff hanger but there is still so much more to this story, I can't wait for more!
September 8, 2016
Vampire YA is a hard genre to distinguish yourself in. Lacy and Haley Yager to do a good job. Their vampires have two sides, human and demonic. The more time the vampire spends being human (and feeding off donated blood) the better control they have over the demon.
The story switches POV between Maggie, a good vampire in control of her demonic side, and Shane, a Chaser raised to kill vampires. Not surprisingly romance flares between them but the bad vampires are never far away.
The characterization was strong. The characters were both believable and engaging. We learn enough about their backstories to feel engage in their story but there is more left to be developed in later books. The action was well paced and the supporting characters were multidimensional.
The only thing that stops me giving it five stars is I felt that the romance was rushed. With characters that were engaging and well developed, I could have waited for the next book for the relationship to progress.
As this book kept me up an hour after my bed time, I will look out to read the next in the series.
(I received this book free in return for a fair and honest review.)
The story switches POV between Maggie, a good vampire in control of her demonic side, and Shane, a Chaser raised to kill vampires. Not surprisingly romance flares between them but the bad vampires are never far away.
The characterization was strong. The characters were both believable and engaging. We learn enough about their backstories to feel engage in their story but there is more left to be developed in later books. The action was well paced and the supporting characters were multidimensional.
The only thing that stops me giving it five stars is I felt that the romance was rushed. With characters that were engaging and well developed, I could have waited for the next book for the relationship to progress.
As this book kept me up an hour after my bed time, I will look out to read the next in the series.
(I received this book free in return for a fair and honest review.)
January 28, 2015
I received the book free in exchange for a honest review.
At first I thought it will be a classic young adult vampire fiction; a vampire falls in love with his/her mortal enemy and they try to figure out how they continue this relationship... Some concepts were similar, but the storyline was very good.
There were a lot of unpredictable scenes, there were times I though "No way". Explanations were at the right places and at the end I had a lot of questions about what will happen in the next book. When I read the beginning of the second book, that was it. I will definitely read the next book.
I love vampire books and this one was quite different. Thank you Lacy and Haley Yager for letting me read your work, especially a sisters' work (I have a sister too and I hope one day we can make together such a good work)
At first I thought it will be a classic young adult vampire fiction; a vampire falls in love with his/her mortal enemy and they try to figure out how they continue this relationship... Some concepts were similar, but the storyline was very good.
There were a lot of unpredictable scenes, there were times I though "No way". Explanations were at the right places and at the end I had a lot of questions about what will happen in the next book. When I read the beginning of the second book, that was it. I will definitely read the next book.
I love vampire books and this one was quite different. Thank you Lacy and Haley Yager for letting me read your work, especially a sisters' work (I have a sister too and I hope one day we can make together such a good work)
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