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Scarlet Rain #1
Vigilante of Shadows
Aodhan clutched uselessly at his head, groaning. He knew it was useless, because the voice was not inside his head. It followed him, skimming across buildings and land. It had followed him since he was sixteen, and it still followed him today, like a memory too horrific to be forgotten…
Aodhan is a shadow-demon, hardened and cold after years of being alone, after his love, his Entwined, was cruelly taken away from him. He has closed his heart to the world, and now spends his life ridding the world of men like those who took his beloved away, an immortal hit-man…
Arianwen Harris is a young DCI, working for York City Police. When a known criminal is found viciously killed, she finds herself trailing a hit-man who has seemed to escape clutches again and again…but she begins to find herself drawn to his dark charms and roguish good looks…
As their two worlds collide, Aodhan and Arianwen find themselves coming together to escape a far greater enemy, one that threatens to create a world far worse than the one they live in. As they battle to hold back the oncoming forces, fate has another plan; one to draw them together and heal their broken pasts together…
Aodhan is a shadow-demon, hardened and cold after years of being alone, after his love, his Entwined, was cruelly taken away from him. He has closed his heart to the world, and now spends his life ridding the world of men like those who took his beloved away, an immortal hit-man…
Arianwen Harris is a young DCI, working for York City Police. When a known criminal is found viciously killed, she finds herself trailing a hit-man who has seemed to escape clutches again and again…but she begins to find herself drawn to his dark charms and roguish good looks…
As their two worlds collide, Aodhan and Arianwen find themselves coming together to escape a far greater enemy, one that threatens to create a world far worse than the one they live in. As they battle to hold back the oncoming forces, fate has another plan; one to draw them together and heal their broken pasts together…
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2012
274 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Stork
34 books127 followersI'm Miranda Stork, and I'm addicted. Addicted to writing and reading books, anyway. And chocolate, but that's another issue - no interventions, please.
I live in the middle of a forest in North Yorkshire, spending my spare time as the wild woman of the woods, scaring small children and upsetting the sheep. On the days that I feel like being civilized, or I haven't got any unicorns to ride, I sit down and pour the tumbling thoughts in my head out onto digital paper. Mainly the thoughts and characters come out in paranormal form, with a good smattering of romance, because everyone likes a good cuddle. But you can also find strong elements of thrillers, myths, and even dystopia amongst the pages of all my novels. I've wanted to write books ever since I first realised that fairytales were not the newspapers of the fairy kingdom, but the imaginings of actual people who wanted to tell fancy made-up stories to other people. From that moment, I was hooked.
Why do I write? Good question. It might be easier to just keep the stories in my head, or even just to write them for myself. But I want to share them. There is no greater delight for a writer than when a reader devours your book, and declares, "Something in that novel resonated with me. And I want MORE." So grab your lucky clover and a baseball bat (there's some nasty paranormal creatures where we're going), eat the cookie with 'eat me' tagged on it, and enter through the tiny door into the world of Miranda Stork...
I live in the middle of a forest in North Yorkshire, spending my spare time as the wild woman of the woods, scaring small children and upsetting the sheep. On the days that I feel like being civilized, or I haven't got any unicorns to ride, I sit down and pour the tumbling thoughts in my head out onto digital paper. Mainly the thoughts and characters come out in paranormal form, with a good smattering of romance, because everyone likes a good cuddle. But you can also find strong elements of thrillers, myths, and even dystopia amongst the pages of all my novels. I've wanted to write books ever since I first realised that fairytales were not the newspapers of the fairy kingdom, but the imaginings of actual people who wanted to tell fancy made-up stories to other people. From that moment, I was hooked.
Why do I write? Good question. It might be easier to just keep the stories in my head, or even just to write them for myself. But I want to share them. There is no greater delight for a writer than when a reader devours your book, and declares, "Something in that novel resonated with me. And I want MORE." So grab your lucky clover and a baseball bat (there's some nasty paranormal creatures where we're going), eat the cookie with 'eat me' tagged on it, and enter through the tiny door into the world of Miranda Stork...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 8, 2016
Review written January 5, 2016
3.8 Stars - Wow, what a surprising thrilling (and well worth your coins - $2 WSfV) m/f PNR audiobook
I'm truly impressed. It was just on a chance I stumbled over this well told (written) paranormal novel — with a bit of both thriller and fantasy feeling but also with romantic scenes and all those romances characteristics I love.
•
•
•
Vigilante of Shadows is set in a present time northern Britain. It started quite horrifying, bloody and pretty dark but then turned out to be a adventurous and intense romance tale. I truly enjoyed (and dare to recommend). ~ Three and a half stars and some extra star-sparkles for all in all a very well and amusing narrated audiobook.
**********************************************
Arianwen Harris is a nowadays British DCI, working for York City Police in Yorkshire. When solving a horrible murder case (done with an axe) she meet Aodhan Drummond, a suspect mysterious tall handsome Scottish "Highlander" man. ~ Also a 800 year old (lonely), strong and dangerous daemon. A man with his own mission to help people to get rid off evil murderer and nasty villains without hearts, care or love.
When Aodhan, suspected of murder, soon is locked up in a small interrogation room he feels kind of cornered and threatened. On a quick impulse he takes the young beautiful female police officer captured as a hostages. ~ An escape journey to Scotland in the north starts. Of course with a tracker line of hunting colleagues and policemen.
**********************************************
With every hours Vigilante of Shadows more and more turnes out to be a sizzling grand love story. I honestly expected something much darker, a more frightening fantasy, or a bloody cruel police thriller than an ultimately so beautiful romantic fairy tale.
I felt this mixture of genres just did it so much better most of the time. —(I liked! Two birds with one stone.)— BUT in my opinion would Vigilante of Shadows have been a tiny little bit better if the author has kept the feel of a modern detective novel slightly longer. At the end of the book, I lost that feeling almost completely. I sat there and wondered how my female nowadays detective heroine (living an ordinary life before this) so easily stepped into that old mystical paranormal world. I'm not saying it isn't an interesting change in life ... but anyway. (For me it wouldn't have been that simple and easy but maybe I'm just an older boring and to ordinary girl. LoL!)
Not entirely believable in other words. - But gosh I'm not supposed to whine or grizzle, this is imaginative fiction, as I like, and enough interesting and well done to amuse me at least in ten listening hours.
Add another fine male unconventional hero to like
Aodhan, Aodhan, Aodhan — A hero that was unresistible to not swoon for. His charming 'yummÿ sęxy' Scottish accent just did that extra (Thanks for that, Mr Lloyd-Davies!).
**********************************************
Audiobook edition and narrator
Big applause for an excellent choice of this excellent male narrator. 10:26 hrs narrated very good and sincerely by a audiobook voice I like a lot by now, Matthew Lloyd Davies. Will look for more audiobooks done by him in the future.
**********************************************
In sum; this novel can not be said to be completely predictable in any case. I was surprised again and again. Really fun! ~ Grab this one ($2) if you like to listening to audiobooks now and then. Well invested coins for you who like adventurous crime and paranormal, love gorgeous alpha Highlanders and enjoy when a male with a husky voice is narrating a m/f romance to you.
I LIKE - ...a bit overwhelmed and pleased
3.8 Stars - Wow, what a surprising thrilling (and well worth your coins - $2 WSfV) m/f PNR audiobook
I'm truly impressed. It was just on a chance I stumbled over this well told (written) paranormal novel — with a bit of both thriller and fantasy feeling but also with romantic scenes and all those romances characteristics I love.
•
•
•
Vigilante of Shadows is set in a present time northern Britain. It started quite horrifying, bloody and pretty dark but then turned out to be a adventurous and intense romance tale. I truly enjoyed (and dare to recommend). ~ Three and a half stars and some extra star-sparkles for all in all a very well and amusing narrated audiobook.
**********************************************
Arianwen Harris is a nowadays British DCI, working for York City Police in Yorkshire. When solving a horrible murder case (done with an axe) she meet Aodhan Drummond, a suspect mysterious tall handsome Scottish "Highlander" man. ~ Also a 800 year old (lonely), strong and dangerous daemon. A man with his own mission to help people to get rid off evil murderer and nasty villains without hearts, care or love.
When Aodhan, suspected of murder, soon is locked up in a small interrogation room he feels kind of cornered and threatened. On a quick impulse he takes the young beautiful female police officer captured as a hostages. ~ An escape journey to Scotland in the north starts. Of course with a tracker line of hunting colleagues and policemen.
‘Arianwen Harris nearly did a double take as she saw the man in front of her open the door. He was staggeringly tall and broad, only dressed in dark jeans and black leather boots that came to his knees. His bare chest rippled with muscle, moving as he leaned against the doorframe.’
**********************************************
With every hours Vigilante of Shadows more and more turnes out to be a sizzling grand love story. I honestly expected something much darker, a more frightening fantasy, or a bloody cruel police thriller than an ultimately so beautiful romantic fairy tale.
I felt this mixture of genres just did it so much better most of the time. —(I liked! Two birds with one stone.)— BUT in my opinion would Vigilante of Shadows have been a tiny little bit better if the author has kept the feel of a modern detective novel slightly longer. At the end of the book, I lost that feeling almost completely. I sat there and wondered how my female nowadays detective heroine (living an ordinary life before this) so easily stepped into that old mystical paranormal world. I'm not saying it isn't an interesting change in life ... but anyway. (For me it wouldn't have been that simple and easy but maybe I'm just an older boring and to ordinary girl. LoL!)
Not entirely believable in other words. - But gosh I'm not supposed to whine or grizzle, this is imaginative fiction, as I like, and enough interesting and well done to amuse me at least in ten listening hours.
Add another fine male unconventional hero to like
Aodhan, Aodhan, Aodhan — A hero that was unresistible to not swoon for. His charming 'yummÿ sęxy' Scottish accent just did that extra (Thanks for that, Mr Lloyd-Davies!).
“Arianwen… why did you lick my neck just now?” Arianwen stopped rubbing her arms, leaning forwards to untie her legs, but she paused at his question, taking a deep breath. “I… I don’t know. I just felt like I had to.” Even as she said this, something clicked in her, something that felt right.
**********************************************
Audiobook edition and narrator
Big applause for an excellent choice of this excellent male narrator. 10:26 hrs narrated very good and sincerely by a audiobook voice I like a lot by now, Matthew Lloyd Davies. Will look for more audiobooks done by him in the future.
**********************************************
In sum; this novel can not be said to be completely predictable in any case. I was surprised again and again. Really fun! ~ Grab this one ($2) if you like to listening to audiobooks now and then. Well invested coins for you who like adventurous crime and paranormal, love gorgeous alpha Highlanders and enjoy when a male with a husky voice is narrating a m/f romance to you.
I LIKE - ...a bit overwhelmed and pleased
February 1, 2013
Get in, sit down, shut up, and hang on! That's pretty much what I have to say to anyone contemplating reading Vigilante of Shadows by Miranda Stork. She's already one of my favorite authors (as well as a dear friend), so I was super excited to finally have some time to sit and devour her newest offering.
I was not disappointed. I was forcefully grabbed from the get-go, and shoved into a story so fast, I could have gotten whiplash. Aodhan is my new fictional crush. Dark, dangerous, unapologetic, and beautifully flawed. Yep, he had me, horns and all. The more of his story that was revealed, the more I wanted to keep reading. The heroine, Arianwen, was perfect in her role as a straight-laced, pragmatic DCI looking to solve a case. The last thing she expected was exactly what she got. Her attempts to reconcile the happenings around her and her growing attraction to Aodhan felt real and believable in a story where myths and legends run rampant.
And that was the other eye-opening element to this book. Stork takes snippets of Celtic mythology and weaves them into a contemporary tale like nobody's business. Having already been familiar with this side of her writing (i.e. CONNER and ERIN), it was so exciting to see her take a new direction and make the old seem new again. Not to mention that she has the setup here for a smashing new series.
Two disclaimers: If you are faint of heart, be prepared. There is violence. There is gore. I loved it! But, it may be a bit squicky for some, so tread carefully if that turns you off. I found the level of violence necessary to enhance those darker elements of the story and of Aodhan's nature. Second, the dialects may be tricky if you're not familiar with UK jargon or accents. My advice is, slow down, sound it out, and for the love of God, give it a chance, and KEEP READING! Once you get it, I promise, it makes the story even better. It truly immerses you in the tale.
Overall, this book and the story sucked me in. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. Great things are coming from Miranda Stork. Be on the lookout.
Five shiny stars out of five shiny stars.
I was not disappointed. I was forcefully grabbed from the get-go, and shoved into a story so fast, I could have gotten whiplash. Aodhan is my new fictional crush. Dark, dangerous, unapologetic, and beautifully flawed. Yep, he had me, horns and all. The more of his story that was revealed, the more I wanted to keep reading. The heroine, Arianwen, was perfect in her role as a straight-laced, pragmatic DCI looking to solve a case. The last thing she expected was exactly what she got. Her attempts to reconcile the happenings around her and her growing attraction to Aodhan felt real and believable in a story where myths and legends run rampant.
And that was the other eye-opening element to this book. Stork takes snippets of Celtic mythology and weaves them into a contemporary tale like nobody's business. Having already been familiar with this side of her writing (i.e. CONNER and ERIN), it was so exciting to see her take a new direction and make the old seem new again. Not to mention that she has the setup here for a smashing new series.
Two disclaimers: If you are faint of heart, be prepared. There is violence. There is gore. I loved it! But, it may be a bit squicky for some, so tread carefully if that turns you off. I found the level of violence necessary to enhance those darker elements of the story and of Aodhan's nature. Second, the dialects may be tricky if you're not familiar with UK jargon or accents. My advice is, slow down, sound it out, and for the love of God, give it a chance, and KEEP READING! Once you get it, I promise, it makes the story even better. It truly immerses you in the tale.
Overall, this book and the story sucked me in. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. Great things are coming from Miranda Stork. Be on the lookout.
Five shiny stars out of five shiny stars.
January 16, 2016
Very exciting and suspenseful read. Worth every minute spent reading it.
Vigilante of Shadows is a very unique paranormal romance/thriller. Great storyline. The story flowed beautifully from beginning to end. It had me from the very first page and it was able to maintain my interest to the very end. There was some finger biting moments.
The characters were awesome especially the lead male character Aodhan. Wooh! He is one sexy demon. Aodhan is a shadow demon who has gone through a lot in the past 800 and add years. He left is hometown in Scotland as a result and took on the role of a vigilante.
Arianwen the lead female character was a police officer who was hell bent on catching the culprit behind a recent spate of murders. She could not understand her attraction Aodhan in light of the fact that he was the main suspect.
I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of paranormal stories.
Vigilante of Shadows is a very unique paranormal romance/thriller. Great storyline. The story flowed beautifully from beginning to end. It had me from the very first page and it was able to maintain my interest to the very end. There was some finger biting moments.
The characters were awesome especially the lead male character Aodhan. Wooh! He is one sexy demon. Aodhan is a shadow demon who has gone through a lot in the past 800 and add years. He left is hometown in Scotland as a result and took on the role of a vigilante.
Arianwen the lead female character was a police officer who was hell bent on catching the culprit behind a recent spate of murders. She could not understand her attraction Aodhan in light of the fact that he was the main suspect.
I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of paranormal stories.
December 4, 2012
Vigilante of Shadows is a fabulous read!
it has a really good plot, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Plenty of suspense and of course I would expect nothing less than a very sexy lead male. The characters are all very real and you can feel yourself in the story as the descriptions of people and places are wonderfully detailed.
I loved this and so It gets five stars :)
it has a really good plot, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Plenty of suspense and of course I would expect nothing less than a very sexy lead male. The characters are all very real and you can feel yourself in the story as the descriptions of people and places are wonderfully detailed.
I loved this and so It gets five stars :)
December 10, 2012
Aodhan is a shadow demon, living under the radar and killing scum, vigilante style. When the police start to investigate him, he soon feels the snare tighten.
Arianwen is a DCI, working on the case of the serial killer, when she finds herself drawn to Aodhan, more than she should.
When Aodhan kidnaps her and takes her to Scotland, the problems start piling up. Someone is after Aodhan, and soon Arianwen is also targeted, the police is chasing them both, and Aodhan´s old past is back to haunt him
Demons, PNR. A very cinematic book, you can almost see the movie before your eyes. The beginning was a bit questionable for me, how a trained police officer just forgets all her duties and goes along with him. She did voice her opinion just when i was about to snort at it all, and the ending was filled with action and progress. I feel a second book coming since there was some lose ends. A bit on the gruesome side with the killings and the blood.
Arianwen is a DCI, working on the case of the serial killer, when she finds herself drawn to Aodhan, more than she should.
When Aodhan kidnaps her and takes her to Scotland, the problems start piling up. Someone is after Aodhan, and soon Arianwen is also targeted, the police is chasing them both, and Aodhan´s old past is back to haunt him
Demons, PNR. A very cinematic book, you can almost see the movie before your eyes. The beginning was a bit questionable for me, how a trained police officer just forgets all her duties and goes along with him. She did voice her opinion just when i was about to snort at it all, and the ending was filled with action and progress. I feel a second book coming since there was some lose ends. A bit on the gruesome side with the killings and the blood.
March 21, 2014
This is quite simply the best surprise I've had for a long time. Quality shines from every word and, my god, the talent nearly blinds you. From world building to characterisation to dialogue to simple narrative drive and setting the author doesn't put a foot wrong. The one thing I would change is the author's choice to write the main character in scottish dialect, BUT that is a personal bugbear of mine as I live in Scotland and it invariably drives me insane to read it in text and have rhythm and emphasis in the wrong place - something that this author is not guilty of, btw, but I still had to work to get past it for the past couple of chapters. Time is taken to build characters and backstory and this pays off in spades - the connection between the main characters is beautifully built and the fact that we are shown not told this only adds to the enjoyment of the story and the tension as the plot unfolds. Another delightful surprise is the unique choices the author has made in creating this preternatural world. The origins of the male character in particular were carefully thought out and constructed and the original concept is refreshing and enough on its own to encourage you to buy the next in series. I cannot say enough good things about this book and can't put anymore here as I would be dipping into spoiler territory and I wouldn't want to deprive another reader of a second of enjoyment that I had from this book. This is a shining example of the genre and I cannot stress enough how much it needs to be read. Thank you so much for a gorgeous read and I look forward to getting the next book.
July 18, 2014
“Vigilante of Shadows” is a high speed romantic thrill ride that will grab readers from the beginning and have one engaged until the very end!
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
February 10, 2013
This story grabs you by the throat and doesnt let you go. Dark and a tad more graphic than im used to, but none of that mattered. the pace of the story keeps you engrossed from start to finish. You will love this story and fall for the characters quickly. READ IT. you will not be sorry !
May 5, 2014
What do a Yorkshire Homicide Detective and A Demon have in common more that you might think when their worlds collided.
Born a demon to human parents Aodhan life has been mainly lived in the shadows since his beloved was murdered by other demons.
He has taken to killing humans that hurts and murder others, This is how he is path crosses DCI Arianwen Harris when his name crops up
during a murder investigation. One thing leads to another and Aodhan kidnaps Arianwen heads off to his homeland in Scotland.
The police though are not the only ones on the couples trail and will the spark between them ignite or be snuffed out by ghost from
Aodhans Past.
Aodhan does speak Scottish in book at while it make take a bit of getting use to, I left it added authenticity to the story.
This the first book I have read by Miranda Stork but for sure won't be the last.
Born a demon to human parents Aodhan life has been mainly lived in the shadows since his beloved was murdered by other demons.
He has taken to killing humans that hurts and murder others, This is how he is path crosses DCI Arianwen Harris when his name crops up
during a murder investigation. One thing leads to another and Aodhan kidnaps Arianwen heads off to his homeland in Scotland.
The police though are not the only ones on the couples trail and will the spark between them ignite or be snuffed out by ghost from
Aodhans Past.
Aodhan does speak Scottish in book at while it make take a bit of getting use to, I left it added authenticity to the story.
This the first book I have read by Miranda Stork but for sure won't be the last.
July 25, 2014
*I was given a complementary copy in exchange for an honest review.
WOWZA!!!! I completely love this!!! Having been a fan since reading Conner I was super excited to get my hands on this! Miranda Stork has such a way of drawing you into the universe that she has created!
Aodhan is such a dark character and you instantly feel his anguish over loosing his first love, so now he combs the earth and punishes the bad guys, like the ones that took her away. Then his hard, bad self meets Arianwen, a police officer who is charged with catching the killer- him!
Well..... hot sauce on a biscuit you know that she is drawn to him and he is opening up to her and OMGee.....
If you are concerned with violent parts this is not the book for you though. I suggest this one for 16+ due to some of the violent parts, but they are really tastefully done.
GET THIS BOOK!!!
~Dowie
WOWZA!!!! I completely love this!!! Having been a fan since reading Conner I was super excited to get my hands on this! Miranda Stork has such a way of drawing you into the universe that she has created!
Aodhan is such a dark character and you instantly feel his anguish over loosing his first love, so now he combs the earth and punishes the bad guys, like the ones that took her away. Then his hard, bad self meets Arianwen, a police officer who is charged with catching the killer- him!
Well..... hot sauce on a biscuit you know that she is drawn to him and he is opening up to her and OMGee.....
If you are concerned with violent parts this is not the book for you though. I suggest this one for 16+ due to some of the violent parts, but they are really tastefully done.
GET THIS BOOK!!!
~Dowie
September 26, 2013
Vigilante of Shadows draws a person in within the first few pages. Set in England and moves into Scotland with the action. It's well written and Aodhan Drummond is a delicious Demon who also happens to be an ancient Scottish Celtic warrior. What's not to love about this man? His struggles to live by his own standard of honor makes for an interesting situation when he meets Detective Arianwen. A threat from his past becomes an immediate problem for the both of them. A host of supernatural beings make an appearance through out the book. I'm excited to read the next chapter in their story with the next book. Would recommend this book to anyone that likes mystery, betrayal, a little gore (maybe that should be a lot of gore) and a love story that has a different twist.
June 19, 2014
This book is awesome! Love aodhan and ariawen! So glad that airwen isn't like the usual female characters she isn't a pushover and stands her ground.I started reading this book and couldn't put it down I had to know if aodhan and aria when would end up together and I'm so glad they did.was a little worried when Brigid came back in the picture but glad aodhans friends saw past her lies and showed him what she really was.so glad I read this book can't wait to read the rest of the series.also the sex scene was hot!!!
July 16, 2014
I received this book as a gift from the author. What an awesome read!!! From the first page to the last page it was like being on a rollercoaster. I loved the Scottish dialect (I read the Outlander series, so I was able to read it with no problem). The chemistry between Aodhan and Arianwen was electric from the minute they met. I loved the way we got the backstory on both characters. It was a wee bit graphic for my taste, but the story compensated for that. I highly recommend this book, what a thrill!!! Keep up the good work Mirnada!!! :)
September 2, 2016
Want to meet a shadow demon ? Vigilante of Shadows is a dark ,
complex paranormal thriller with the main character as the demon.
This is an exciting suspenseful thriller containing some violent,
gorey scenes but otherwise the story flows smoothly without a
dull moment. There are tadbits from Celtic mythology and a
touch of romance.
complex paranormal thriller with the main character as the demon.
This is an exciting suspenseful thriller containing some violent,
gorey scenes but otherwise the story flows smoothly without a
dull moment. There are tadbits from Celtic mythology and a
touch of romance.
April 22, 2014
This book definitely sucks you in! A mix of humanity and dark passion. The characters were beautifully thought out to every detail. If you haven't read it, please pick up a copy!!
October 21, 2013
Very good book. I read it straight through.
May 25, 2014
Heh!!! I love it when the big bad demon wins the pretty lady. :) What an amazing start to a new series! So, this guy, our leading man, he takes justice to a whole new level. After having his soul mate murdered in front of him, he takes it upon himself to kill all the bad guys in the world, or the ones he can anyway. He’s got power, except a cute little human cop totally caught him off guard and locked him in a human prison cell. LOL It’s kinda funny if you think about it. First, I wanna know WHERE Ms M gets her names from. They are crazy but oh so awesome!
Now, Aodhan, yeah pronounce that, I couldn’t but they tell you how in the story :), is the totally HAWT bad boy that no one can fix. Not even himself. Not even the shadows that surround him. He’s a beautiful disaster waiting to bulldoze right though your heart. Yes, he’s definitely a killer, and he likes it, but I still wanted to hug him :) He’s loyal, to a serious fault, which he remedies later, he’s seriously a little crazy, and yet he’s got a kind heart by sheltering all the unwanteds at his home. He is one character that kept surprising me with who and what he is. I loved him!
Arianwen, umm still not completely sure how to pronouce her either, which is why everyone gets nicknames!, is hilarious. Ok, she’s actually a little bit of a bad ass, but I kept thinking that she would find a way around Aodhan, and she does, except it’s not how you think it happens. She is her own force to reckon with and she’s sharp and smart, and amazing in her own right. I am so excited to see where she is going to go with her new found knowledge of things. Plus her little surprise at the end of the book.
The plot is quite unique. Mainly because the writing makes it so. It was supposed to be a murder mystery case for a cop, and instead, it turns into a save the world before the bad guys destroy it supernatural world of awesome. It’s dark, and gritty, and full of excitement, wonder, mystery, and of course HAWT supernatural creatures that have your head spinning :) I loved everything about this story and I can’t wait for the next book!! 5 SERIOUSLY HAWT DEMON PAWS!
Now, Aodhan, yeah pronounce that, I couldn’t but they tell you how in the story :), is the totally HAWT bad boy that no one can fix. Not even himself. Not even the shadows that surround him. He’s a beautiful disaster waiting to bulldoze right though your heart. Yes, he’s definitely a killer, and he likes it, but I still wanted to hug him :) He’s loyal, to a serious fault, which he remedies later, he’s seriously a little crazy, and yet he’s got a kind heart by sheltering all the unwanteds at his home. He is one character that kept surprising me with who and what he is. I loved him!
Arianwen, umm still not completely sure how to pronouce her either, which is why everyone gets nicknames!, is hilarious. Ok, she’s actually a little bit of a bad ass, but I kept thinking that she would find a way around Aodhan, and she does, except it’s not how you think it happens. She is her own force to reckon with and she’s sharp and smart, and amazing in her own right. I am so excited to see where she is going to go with her new found knowledge of things. Plus her little surprise at the end of the book.
The plot is quite unique. Mainly because the writing makes it so. It was supposed to be a murder mystery case for a cop, and instead, it turns into a save the world before the bad guys destroy it supernatural world of awesome. It’s dark, and gritty, and full of excitement, wonder, mystery, and of course HAWT supernatural creatures that have your head spinning :) I loved everything about this story and I can’t wait for the next book!! 5 SERIOUSLY HAWT DEMON PAWS!
July 24, 2016
All in all: LOVED it!
In reading this book I found that the scottish dialect was somewhat problematic for me to comprehend. Partly because Aodhan lines are literaly written as how it sounds in real life, and partly because the phraseology's sometimes forreign since english isn't my first language.
When I read a book I get into what I'd call 'narrator-mode' wich, for me, sets the mood for the entire book. So if Aodhan speaks with his wonderful accent and I can not understand his way of talking by reading, then I've got somewhat of a problem. When I'm reading I need the characters in the books voices to sound right in my head. Does that make sence? Lol, I don't think I'm the only one making voices in my head while reading books... Anyways, so if I were to listen to this as a audiobook, then I don't think it would be an issue for me.
When the author describes the scenery and atmosphere with her elequent vocabulary, I become engulfed in the story of Aodhan and Arianwen.
The book has a clear liniar story line and it's abundantly clear that Miranda Stork knows how to let the tention rise as well as letting it taper off, all the while still keeping my attention and eagerness to be able to reach the proverbial finish line.
And I must say, if a book can hold my interest from start to finish considering my attentionspan is extremly small, then it's a book worth reading!
In reading this book I found that the scottish dialect was somewhat problematic for me to comprehend. Partly because Aodhan lines are literaly written as how it sounds in real life, and partly because the phraseology's sometimes forreign since english isn't my first language.
When I read a book I get into what I'd call 'narrator-mode' wich, for me, sets the mood for the entire book. So if Aodhan speaks with his wonderful accent and I can not understand his way of talking by reading, then I've got somewhat of a problem. When I'm reading I need the characters in the books voices to sound right in my head. Does that make sence? Lol, I don't think I'm the only one making voices in my head while reading books... Anyways, so if I were to listen to this as a audiobook, then I don't think it would be an issue for me.
When the author describes the scenery and atmosphere with her elequent vocabulary, I become engulfed in the story of Aodhan and Arianwen.
The book has a clear liniar story line and it's abundantly clear that Miranda Stork knows how to let the tention rise as well as letting it taper off, all the while still keeping my attention and eagerness to be able to reach the proverbial finish line.
And I must say, if a book can hold my interest from start to finish considering my attentionspan is extremly small, then it's a book worth reading!
June 3, 2014
Aodhan is a Shadow Demon. He is Scottish and watched his whole clan die off as he kept living. He was part of a gang of Assassins. But he became suspicious of their orders and who was giving them, that and he found he was a demon with a conscience. He left the gang and moved around. He is currently living in England. He can call shadow demons to him and they help him. He is currently helping humans. If they have a good reason to have someone killed, he does it for them. The cops are getting suspicious and an attractive female cop convinces him to come in for questioning. Arianwen is the female homicide detective. Aodhan decides to tell her the truth. That lands him in a psych ward. While there he pretends to be having some kind of fit. Arianwen insists his door be unlocked. She rushes in. Aodhan grabs her, crashes through the wall with her and heads for Scotland, kidnapping her. Along the way she sees him in demon form, sees the shadows - no one else is supposed to be able to see the shadows. Some one is calling the police and telling them where Aodhan and Arianwen are. But the cops can't seem to catch up. Safe in Aodhan's magically protected Scottish castle, they explore their feelings for each other. But as a Demon he would kill her if he actually had intercourse with her. They have a fight, she manages to leave. 2 policemen pick her up and she is relieved until she awakes in a dungeon, tied and gagged. Aodhan knows who took her. But he can only save one woman - Arianwen or the woman who was his wife and that he has mourned for centuries. Even with the help of his shadow demons, there is only so much he can do.
June 17, 2014
I'm going to go on record as saying I liked this book even though I'm not the biggest fan of when a character's speech patterns get written directly into dialogue (didnae for didn't, etc). This is mostly because I have a hard time deciphering the speech at first and falling into the character's head. I'm cool by the end of the book, but those first few chapters can be brutal as I struggle to figure out what's being said.
That said, I like the overall feel of the world created. Aodhan and his ilk are struggling to survive in a world that's changed greatly since they were first born. Aodhan's vigilante justice against the bad people of the world puts him in the crosshairs of the police and things go downhill from there.
Or uphill, if you look at it from the point of view that things work out in the end.
I like the setup for future books and the idea of one perfect mate for the demons. It just took me a while to get into those speech patterns.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
That said, I like the overall feel of the world created. Aodhan and his ilk are struggling to survive in a world that's changed greatly since they were first born. Aodhan's vigilante justice against the bad people of the world puts him in the crosshairs of the police and things go downhill from there.
Or uphill, if you look at it from the point of view that things work out in the end.
I like the setup for future books and the idea of one perfect mate for the demons. It just took me a while to get into those speech patterns.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Want to read
January 12, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/12/2022)! 🎁
August 15, 2014
Super awesome, crazy amazing, paranormal romance with a few twists you would never expect. Aodhan is a sexy scottish demon who meets and kidnaps Arienwen a DCI for the Cops in England. They end up on a whirlwind adventure to Aodhans castle, while being chased by a group of assassin demons AND Arienwen's co-cops. Arienwen gets introduced to all kinds of creatures at Aodhans castle, and while there finds that she has fallen hopelessly in love with him. I'm not going to tell you the rest, you'll just have to buy the book.
August 20, 2014
I loved this book. The writing is spectacular. I could hear Aodhan's accent. I could picture him talking to Arianwen, his wee lass. I saw how Arianwen struggled to decide if he was a bad, bad man or one who was Truly looking out for the underdog, protecting those who couldn't protect themselves. I also love Aodhan's extended family. I can't wait to see what comes next and how they deal with the challenges.
October 2, 2014
I loved the mix of the old and the new with this book. The idea that a centuries old Demon could blend in so well to modern society really worked. I thought that the story ran well and kept me interested. I look forward to the next instalment.
February 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book.
I found the writing style easy to read and the plot easy to follow; however that's not to say that I found the story predictable, although I was hoping that our 2 main characters would become romantically involved as it is a paranormal romance novel after all.
I liked all the secondary characters, feeling that they were all "believable" and could buy into the world & storyline.
This book only missed out on a 5 star rating from me because I felt that certain story plots were unnecessarily revealed in this book at the end - the hints about the a "big bad" were enough for me plus the characters that we had been introduced are good enough to make me want to read the next book in this series "Keeper of Shadows".
I found the writing style easy to read and the plot easy to follow; however that's not to say that I found the story predictable, although I was hoping that our 2 main characters would become romantically involved as it is a paranormal romance novel after all.
I liked all the secondary characters, feeling that they were all "believable" and could buy into the world & storyline.
This book only missed out on a 5 star rating from me because I felt that certain story plots were unnecessarily revealed in this book at the end - the hints about the a "big bad" were enough for me plus the characters that we had been introduced are good enough to make me want to read the next book in this series "Keeper of Shadows".
August 4, 2018
Awesome
I really liked this story it was very enjoyable. I gave it 5 stars as it is an easy read that keeps you interested all the way through. I would recommend it for 17+ year Olds due to the sexual nature in a couple of parts.
I really liked this story it was very enjoyable. I gave it 5 stars as it is an easy read that keeps you interested all the way through. I would recommend it for 17+ year Olds due to the sexual nature in a couple of parts.
November 23, 2021
Very exciting
A world of supernaturals: elemental demons, werewolves, vampires, fae, gods,etc. The author did a good job of slowly feeding histories in so I could slowly visualize the world as opposed to bombarding me with too many details too quickly.
A world of supernaturals: elemental demons, werewolves, vampires, fae, gods,etc. The author did a good job of slowly feeding histories in so I could slowly visualize the world as opposed to bombarding me with too many details too quickly.
February 22, 2018
It is a great book to read
November 14, 2016
A wonderfully rendered paranormal romance.
I recently received a free copy of Vigilante of Shadows. For a bit more I purchased the Audible version to read along. OMG, the narrator made this book such a joy to listen to. If you haven’t listened to Matthew Lloyd Davies narrate a story you are definitely missing out. Besides a great accent, he’s excellent at voices and sound effects in his renderings. I have to say though that no matter how good the narrator, you have to have a good story for the narrator to work with first.
In Vigilante of Shadows, you very quickly come to realize that demons aren’t necessarily good or evil. They are born of regular everyday humans. Then they are awakened to their powers and become immortal. Aodhan is neither purely good or evil. He’s a warrior and assassin with the ability to command the shadows or shades. While he’s had his questionable moments, the assassinations he takes on these days are to rid the world of the purely evil. But with today’s forensic evidence is it no wonder he eventually comes under the scrutiny of the York City Police?
DCI Arianwen Harris is on the tail of a serial killer. Every slim and improbable piece of evidence indicates that the very wealthy Aodhan is their perp. After arresting Aodhan, Arianwen’s world is set on its heels when she finds herself abducted by Aodhan. An abduction is nothing though when it comes to learning about the very real secrets that hide in the shadows. Black and white is now a very muddled shade of gray and Arianwen finds herself falling steadily for Aodhan. Aodhan though is not just on the run from the modern justice system. Pure evil has its sights on the both of them.
My one disappointment… the rest of the series aren’t available in Audible format. I sure wouldn’t have minded listening to them done by this narrator as well. Even so, I’ll be picking up the rest in the series as I totally enjoyed Vigilante of Shadows.
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions*****
I recently received a free copy of Vigilante of Shadows. For a bit more I purchased the Audible version to read along. OMG, the narrator made this book such a joy to listen to. If you haven’t listened to Matthew Lloyd Davies narrate a story you are definitely missing out. Besides a great accent, he’s excellent at voices and sound effects in his renderings. I have to say though that no matter how good the narrator, you have to have a good story for the narrator to work with first.
In Vigilante of Shadows, you very quickly come to realize that demons aren’t necessarily good or evil. They are born of regular everyday humans. Then they are awakened to their powers and become immortal. Aodhan is neither purely good or evil. He’s a warrior and assassin with the ability to command the shadows or shades. While he’s had his questionable moments, the assassinations he takes on these days are to rid the world of the purely evil. But with today’s forensic evidence is it no wonder he eventually comes under the scrutiny of the York City Police?
DCI Arianwen Harris is on the tail of a serial killer. Every slim and improbable piece of evidence indicates that the very wealthy Aodhan is their perp. After arresting Aodhan, Arianwen’s world is set on its heels when she finds herself abducted by Aodhan. An abduction is nothing though when it comes to learning about the very real secrets that hide in the shadows. Black and white is now a very muddled shade of gray and Arianwen finds herself falling steadily for Aodhan. Aodhan though is not just on the run from the modern justice system. Pure evil has its sights on the both of them.
My one disappointment… the rest of the series aren’t available in Audible format. I sure wouldn’t have minded listening to them done by this narrator as well. Even so, I’ll be picking up the rest in the series as I totally enjoyed Vigilante of Shadows.
*****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions*****
April 16, 2014
An okay book. Didn't hold my interest.
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