Blood Burdens

The Shadow World #2

by Brandy Nacole

As someone with four Shadow bloodlines, Racquel is uniquely unwelcome even among her fellow werewolves, shape-shifters, vampires, and witches. Growing up, she was bullied and tormented for being a “hybrid,” a condition frowned upon by Shadow society. After saving her sister and a number of other kidnapped Shadows from a diabolical plot to create a Shadow army, many have found a new respect for Racquel, but she is far from accepted in Shadow society, and the evil is far from over.

To complicate matters, Racquel now finds herself torn between two brothers. Coy is caring and has helped Racquel through her struggles, and Micah, who Racquel has only met once but who is somehow, having dream conversations with him. Racquel becomes torn between following her heart while breaking it at the same time.

In the second installment of the Shadow World series, Racquel and her sister Addie face off with the Shadow leaders against a threat that could bring the world to its knees. Power will be pushed to its limit, hearts will be broken, and some will pay the ultimate price as Racquel and her group of Shadows fight against an ancient evil that is determined to make the earth bleed and Racquel with it.

Genres: Young Adult

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 18, 2012

About the author

Brandy Nacole is a writer of paranormal suspense and mystery. She's penned the bestselling novel DEEP IN THE HOLLOW, THE SHADOW WORLD TRILOGY and MURDER IS A DEBATE.

She loves keeping readers on the edge of their seats as that's where she likes to stay. Her favorite pastimes are reading, writing, exploring the world, and spending as much time with her husband, kids, and fur babies as possible. If Brandy can’t be found, it’s okay, she’s not lost. She’s frolicking in the woods somewhere and will return for tacos eventually.


You can find Brandy Nacole on:
Her website: www.brandynacole.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/brandy_nacole_
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorbrandynacole

Reviews

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this installment in her series, Nacole goes further in depth with the histories of each of the races that make their way into her phenomenal story. The mythologies behind each of their belief systems are also thoroughly developed. One thing that I really appreciate about this novel (and the series so far) is that although Nacole walks the standard path with her supernatural creatures and their behaviors, etc. she gives everything just a little bit of a twist to make them her own.

Nacole continues writing in the 1st person, present tense with this novel. The congruency in the writing style makes for a smooth and easy transition between the two novels. It also continues the feeling of urgency that is prevalent throughout this novel. Not only that, but you find yourself immersed in the main character’s feelings with much more understanding of them than you would typically have. It does leave some gaps in the storyline as we can only be with the main character who is telling us the story, but Nacole does a brilliant job of remedying this. We get filled in on the missed action right along with the main character. It allows Nacole to remain fully in the 1st person without having to switch perspectives.

The characters in this novel are quite loveable. You want to see them succeed in all of their endeavours, be it the actual quest that makes up the bulk of the storyline or the smaller (but still) large problems that they encounter personally throughout their journeys. They become even more fully developed throughout this novel, allowing us a deeper look into their histories and a peek into their possible futures. Nacole also introduces us to some new characters in this novel. Because the cast was so well developed in the first installment she has much more leeway for development of these new characters without sacrificing those we’ve already come to love.

On the whole this was a brilliant sequel to Uniquely Unwelcome. Nacole draws you further and further into this world until you don’t want to let go. Luckily we don’t have to. Although this novel has a very solid ending, that does just that, end the story, it is also a new beginning.

Please note that I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Deborah Sastroredjo · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG!
So here I was getting answers, being all happy and stuff, when author Brandy Nacole decides to surprise me yet again!

This book is a great sequel, a lot of answers are given, but then, just when you think you can sit back and relax, she just blows your mind, just like that. Not fair Brandy, not fair!!

But I loved it. If you love stories with mythical creatures and heroes, battles and romance, this book is for you

[Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I thought that the first book, Uniquely Unwelcome was amazing, well this one just blew its doors off, its so darn good.

It starts pretty much where book one ends. So its like an ongoing story. I connected with the main character Racquel even more so in this book, I was sad at the strained relationship with her and the human Coy. But I was glad that she had formed a connection/bond, with Micah, he is able to communicate to her in her head, seems only one way, he hears and sees everything she does, but she can’t read him. This unique connsection has saved her from many mistakes along the way. He was a great “inner” voice for her. Too bad he was still being held by the evil witch Cerelia, who starts to kidnap more shadows again, trying to create her army, and make more like Racquel and Micah (he is like Racquel now)

Here is a part where Micah talks Racquel down from doing something stupid out of anger, I really, really like Micah. He is speaking inside her head.

“Racquel stop!” I stumble, gasping as the command screams through my head. “I can feel your anger. You have to stop what you’re doing before you do something you’ll regret.” Micah’s desperate voice pleads with me. “Please stop, Racquel.”My body shudders and I collapse to the ground. The rage withdraws from my body as a silent sob shakes my body. I can still hear Micah’s voice echoing through my mind. How? How does he keep reaching out to me? I could hear his voice as if he was standing right in front of me.

I was happy for the most part at the ending , but not so much that last sentence, which I will not tell you about, lol. Lets just say, I really want to get book 3 now, lol

This shadow world of supernaturals that Brandy created is unique and exciting to me. I really was able to delve into the story and really feel like I was there with everyone.

It looks like Racquel is going to try to change the way the rules are for the Shadows, not being able to mix the different shadows, its wrong she believes, heck she would not even be there if her parents and grandparents didn’t rebel and choose love. She is unique with 4 different shadows blood and abilities in her, which had made life hard on her, people treated her so bad. Now she is determined to change that. She believes if a witch and a Lycan want to be together, (Danika and Ethan) then they should be allowed that.

I enjoyed the sisterly relationship between Addie and Racquel, since we did not get much of that in the first book, as most of that Addie was kidnapped.

I highly recommend this book, and give it 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a must read for any paranormal lovers out there, like me.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author, for my honest review.

Be sure to read book one first, Uniquely Unwelcome


See my blog for more on all books.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh God, this series is going to kill me!
I can't tell how much I'm loving it. And how frustrating it's making me! I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out! And God only knows when that will be! The way this book ended left me open-mouthed and in total shock! The wait until I can read the sequel is going to drive me crazy!
Let's analize the characters.
I liked Racquel a little better in this book and she's not the only one. I also liked Ethan a lot. God, I think he's the male character I love the most in this series! I would say it's Micah, but although I like him a lot (and I love the idea of him and Racquel together), but we didn't get to see much of him until the end of the book. So, I'm waiting to see more in the next book, and it better be good! I want more Racquel and Micah's moments!
Danika and Addie were nice characters and we got to know Addie a little better this time, while we didn't get much more about Danika than we did in the first book.
Coy was a bit of a jerk and kind of lame and stupid and I just couldn't stand him most of the time. Jeez, would you grow up a little?
On the contrary, I liked how mature and strong-minded was Micah. Very brave too. I wish I would have known him better and seen more of him and Racquel. I guess I need to wait until the 3rd book is released. Sigh.
Meira and Dagna were nice characters too. I didn't like much Witten. And much less Lucas.
I liked a lot Natahala and Casper.
The story was good and interesting, even though sometimes I wanted less details and more action. Like, I wanted more time of Racquel dream-talking with Micah, for example.
But it got me hooked and glued to the pages and it was hard to put the book down.
It'll be even harder to wait for the 3rd book to be out. Sigh.
Well done Brandy Nacole! And thank you (and the David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! group) for this free copy! I am glad I had the pleasure to read and review these first two books of the series for free!

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book in the Shadow World series.. I did enjoy the book, But the first just had more to it?..

Well the book started just where the first drops off. Which I loved. hmmmm... I can't put my finger on what was different. I feel the first one kinda drew me in where with the second I just needed to know what was going to happen.

Our Shadow gang is trying to bring down the menacing evil. aka Cerelia the Crazy Witch with way too much power. Who loves the idea of Racquel so much she is trying to make an army just like her.. using whom ever she can get her hands on.
This book was also about Racquel trying to find her Harmony with in herself. Excepting each part of her being. Growing as the unique Shadow she is. She is a little more angry in this book which is understandable. Her and her main vein Coy are having some issues like ..lets say her dreaming of his brother. Not to mention Coy is having a serious adverse effects from the feeding sessions.

What I truly enjoyed is after our band of Shadows from the first book spend so much time together. They find that the conformity of the Shadow Society rules are becoming hard to live with in. I have a good feeling about the third book

All and all quite enjoyable. I received this for an honest review.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for an Honest Review.

I have to say that I enjoyed this book more than the first one. The reason for that was because 1) I feel that Racquel comes into her own in this book. She finally starts to get who she is and who she wants to be in the world and it really does make a difference in her character. 2) I loved that we get to see more of Addie and Racquel's sister relationship in this book. It's always nice to see that kind of family bond in books. And 3) The action was pretty darn good. I loved that big action scene in this book though I can't say anymore so I don't spoil for people =D.

Now the stuff I didn't like which really is only one thing. The stupid love triangle thingy between Racquel/Coy/ and his brother Micah. I hate love triangles I really do and to do it between brothers seems really dumb. I get why the other did it I guess and Micah was a good character because he helped Racquel figure out some things about herself and they did have some stupid bond between them. All I know is that if my man started dreaming of my sister and wanted her and all that jazz we would have some problems and I probably would dump his behind! I'm just saying.

Overall this was a good book and I give it 4/5 stars.

[Katherine Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two in the Shadow World series picks up right where the first book left off. I really like when authors do that, without so much backstory with the characters, someone who has read one book feels instantly back into the world they left. Word of cation to new readers, probably better to red the books in order otherwise the world may not make sense. Main character Racquel and her side-kicks are out to catch/take-down her grandfather and the evil power hungry witch he works with. I like that with this book we got to see Addie, Racquel's witch sister. She is a great character, spunky yet protective like a mother bear. My favorite aspect of this book is Raquel's new love interest. He is much more her speed/type, instead of Coy who I was not a big fan of in the first book. And anyway, there is more going on with Coy than meets the eye,making his motives murky. The romance between werewolf Ethan and witch Danika is bitter-sweet, leaving the impression of doom on the horizon. I look forward to the next book in the series to see what will happen to our hero next. I want to thank the author for gifting me with copies of the first two books in her series to review.

[Jacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a blog giveaway.

I enjoyed this one. It was a quick read and was a good continuation of the first book. This story takes place about a month and a half after the last one. It has all the same characters and a few new ones, most notably Meira and Natahala. In this installment, Racquel is confused about her feelings for Coy, to make matters worse she's dreaming of his missing brother. Life is getting back to normal, well normal for Racquel, when she gets a late night call telling her the kidnappings are starting again and this time it's on a massive scale. Racquel and her gang of shadows return to the Covenant for a much needed search and planning session to find Cerelia and rid the world of her once and for all. I enjoyed the parts where Racquel was forced to look inward and try to find some peace with herself, it added to her character. I really enjoyed the battle and the surprise it holds. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I am most interested in finding out more about Queen Kaya's cryptic warning.

[Ty Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to write in the present tense and even harder to present an engrossing book that holds the attention. Brandy Nacole pulls it off in Blood Burdens (The Shadow World).

Racquel is a 'hybrid' in the Shadows, who is finding herself and has just come off saving the Shadows from a treacherous plot.But just when she thinks she can hang her feet up, a new, more dangerous threat rears its head.Racquel's friends are back supporting her from the previous book, but to overcome the Shadow's enemies, new alliances have to be made, who may not be the most trustworthy.

Brandy Nacole's writing is taut, peopled with characters who are well etched; Racquel is an interesting blend of vulnerability and strength.

I am not into Witches, Vampires and Werewvolves, but Brandy Nacole's writing was so powerful that I ended up reading the book in one sitting.

Read this book and then watch out for the next for more of Racquel's journey.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book free by the author in exchange for an honest review. After reading the first book of this series and getting hooked, I quickly jumped into this second installment hoping and pleading that it would be just as great, if not better then the last book and I was not disappointed. This book picks right up were the first book, "Uniquely Unwelcome" left off and held true to the style of the first book with narrative and character development. Racquel has gotten stronger and is still as kick ass as ever. Everything comes to a head as they battle Cerelia and her followers to decide the fate of not only the shadow race but for all mankind.
I was absolutely enthralled with the battle scenes and could not put the book down from start to finish. We also get a cool new form from Racquel in the end, which as her sister Addie puts it, "Is pretty bad ass!" I can not wait for the next installment come spring.

[Whitney Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great follow up to Uniquely Unwelcome. I loved how I got to see Racquel transform even more throughout the book. In the second book, we get too see more of her relationship with Addie. I really enjoyed their sisterly bond. Not wanting to spoil anything, I was saddened by Coy and Racquel's relationship, although Micah really does help guide Racquel even while he's still captured by Cerelia, an evil witch bent on creating an army like Racquel. Brandy really emphasizes the importance of accepting yourself in Blood Burdens. Racquel, who is not accepted by many in the shadow world, has trouble accepting herself. In the end, when she finally finds peace and balance WOW does she transform.
I can't wait for the next installment in this series. I'm curious to know how Racquel will take on the Shadow World and help Micah along the way.

[Isis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blood Burdens picks up where 'Uniquely Unwelcome' left off, with Racquel, Addie, Danika, Ethan, and the rest of the gang doggedly pursuing the powerful & evil Cerelia. The characters develop more depth, with Racquel growing the most as she finally begins to feel accepted by some people within the Shadow World.

In preparation for the battle to come Racquel continues trying to learn what her powers and abilities are and control them at the same time. It is a constant and frustrating struggle each day, but she is determined not to let Cerelia win and unleash her heinous plan on the unwitting world.

Full of action and adventure, this book is an excellent sequel to 'Uniquely Unwelcome.' Definitely recommended, both for the physical action and the verbal sparring as Racquel is determined to buck the system and remake some rules.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadow World just keeps getting better in this second book. Racquel is a new type of Shadow, she is a strong character and I love how she is trying to find out exactly how she "fits" in. I love the idea of looking for yourself only to find that your fine just the way you are!

The characters in this book, much like in the first are so powerful and so descriptive. You the reader will have NO problem picturing each character.

I have to say I truly did enjoy reading this book. I love how each of the characters grew in this series and I LOVED the big battle. Amazing is an understatement to how good this book is!

Give this series a shot because you will NOT be disappointed. Brandy Nacole has created a world which sucked me in and I can't wait to read more! I've already purchased book 3 and will be reading that NOW!

[Maggielou · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like Uniquely Unwelcome I was given this book for an honest read and review. And just like the first book I really enjoyed reading it. I loved how the story flowed and picked up right were it left off in book 1. The fight to save the world continues and Raquel is the key but she is still trying to find peace with herself and who she is. All the shadows unite and together fight against Cerelia. There are new characters presented and they were brought in perfectly. I don't want to say more without making this a spoiler. And the ending I will say was perfect because there are so many questions left unanswered and now I sit here wondering how long I'll have to wait for book 3! LOL

[Angelique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Racquel was completely unique in every way. No one ever really understood what she was going through, not even her best friend and sister Addie. Until now. Cerelia, evil witch has created a being just like Racquel. Micah, once a human feeder to vampires. He is haunting her dreams and plaguing her mind during her waking hours as well. And to make matters worse Racquel is trying to figure out her feelings for his human brother as well. Queue world travel, exotic private jets, big battle and spin off to what is supposed to be a happily ever after.

For full review please check my blog:

http://whyicantstopreading.wordpress....

[Robynn Bodinsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel... annoyed after reading this. The first book was great and I was actualy very happy with this book. I find myself confused on racquel's bond with micah. I also didn't like the inconclusive end with her grandfather. He was such an important part of the last book to have him discarded soo easily doesn't make sense. I also realy hate the to be continued endings. I feel an open ending would be better then no ending. the rest of the book was great though. I love the new image of racquel. need to read the last one

[Jacquelyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In order to love others, you must first love yourself.
That is what Racquel had to learn in order to beat Cerelia.

Racquel is back with the whole gang and a few new players, this time they have to save both worlds, but Cerelia is hell blend on control and power.

The question is can she be stop?
Can the shadows work side by side?
Can the vampires be trusted ?

I can't wait until her next book, to see what happen after, the unexpected twist at the end.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Blood Burdens and thought it was a excellent follow up to the first book! It picked up right where the last one left off! with the whole gang back and few more added! A lot of my questions from the first book was answered! I also LOVE the new love interest and that the gang is starting to question the rules of the shadows world! I also feel Racquel comes into her own! All in all I liked this book and I am looking forward to see what happens next!

[Dvora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brandy has a wonderful imagination! I picked up this book and could NOT put it down. I love this world she has created and I love how she brought the supernatural world and human world together so perfectly. I am really looking forward to reading the next book!

[Jessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great follow-up! I can't wait to read more by this author.

[Paul Condy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missus made me read this. Well that's what I'm saying anyway. But really I enjoyed book 1 so I read book 2. I'd like to see more from this series.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the series waa significantly better than the first as there were considerably less errors to distract the reader from the characters and storyline. Racquel is a unique mixture of the shadow races who had been shunned by almost every one her whole life. That does change and it seemed things had wrapped up except for the introduction of a new character and love interest which perhaps will be the focus of book #3.

[Ashleigh Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me happy, & it made me mad & all the emotions in between!

[Patricia Hamill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good!

[Jilleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free for an honest review.

The premise of the first book is what caught my attention. A girl who is a mix of several supernatural races (werewolf, shifter, vampire and witch)(hope I got that right)goes on a quest to find herself, and on her return finds that her sister, the only person in the world alive who accepts her, has been kidnapped by dangerous beings. I was excited to read it. It did have some promise and with some work could be a fairly decent story.

Now,in the second installment, Racquel ha her sister back, and a parcel of friends that accept her. On a quest to save the shadow world from the villains of the first story and save the only other person like herself, Racquel, must learn about her self and accept her parts into a whole.

Pros: A unique take on the supernatural heroine. The mix of races and powers is interesting. The story was in the from of a quest which usually makes things interesting. Racquel, the main character, has opportunities to grow and learn to trust people throughout her quest. She is a strong heroine.

Cons: Unfortunately, there are many. Like the first book this one has a lot of issues that should have been addressed before publication. First, although the writing in this book has improved from the first, the awkward writing is still throughout.

Next, there are many errors in the language, grammar, spelling, mechanics, etc. this is a proofreading/editing issue that could be addressed by hiring a professional to go through it.

Finally, there are many plot and story telling errors. I'm not going to list them all, for one that would cause this review to be rife with spoilers.

Overall, I couldn't give this book many stars. I gave it two, because I think there is potential if the author gives it a thorough rewrite.

Again, I think this series is aimed at YA. The character is young and the writing is aimed at the younger crowd.

[What Makes Patri]

The Fantastic Flying Book Club hosted by A Reading Nurse & The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club

We are organizing an amazing blog tour for Blood Burdens (The Shadow World #2) by Brandy Nacole.

If you want to participate, here you'll find all the info about the blog tour: Blood Burdens Blog Tour SIGN-UPS