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Amaranthine #5
Heart of the Raven
A myth with the power to destroy the world…
Katelina has barely recovered from the chaos of Malick’s revolt, yet she and Jorick must go to Munich to testify before the True Council. All hopes of a vacation are dashed when they ‘re assigned an entourage that includes Verchiel, a vampire Katelina never wants to see again.
Her hatred is forgotten when Malick and his henchmen penetrate the stronghold in Munich. Jorick hijacks the trip and diverts them on a quest to reclaim the Heart of the Raven. Said to be the disembodied heart of Lilith, the relic may be more reality than myth, and if it falls into the wrong hands it could have disastrous consequences for the world. Can they reach its hiding place before Malick?
The fifth installment of the Amaranthine series sees Jorick and Katelina draw closer as they surround themselves with their own miniature army and try to outwit the machinations of the ancient master. Katelina grows stronger and learns to stand on her own because there’s no room for the fainthearted in a world where darkness is eternal and the night tastes like blood.
Katelina has barely recovered from the chaos of Malick’s revolt, yet she and Jorick must go to Munich to testify before the True Council. All hopes of a vacation are dashed when they ‘re assigned an entourage that includes Verchiel, a vampire Katelina never wants to see again.
Her hatred is forgotten when Malick and his henchmen penetrate the stronghold in Munich. Jorick hijacks the trip and diverts them on a quest to reclaim the Heart of the Raven. Said to be the disembodied heart of Lilith, the relic may be more reality than myth, and if it falls into the wrong hands it could have disastrous consequences for the world. Can they reach its hiding place before Malick?
The fifth installment of the Amaranthine series sees Jorick and Katelina draw closer as they surround themselves with their own miniature army and try to outwit the machinations of the ancient master. Katelina grows stronger and learns to stand on her own because there’s no room for the fainthearted in a world where darkness is eternal and the night tastes like blood.
845 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Joleene Naylor
96 books133 followersJoleene Naylor is the author of the glitter-less Amaranthine vampire series, a world where vampires aren't for children. As a compliment to the novel series, she has also written several short stories, including the Vampire Morsels collection.
In her spare time, Joleene is a freelance book cover designer and for-fun photographer . She maintains several blogs full of odd ramblings, and occasionally updates her website at JoleeneNaylor.com. In what little time is left she watches anime and pins recipes and DIY, all from a crooked Victorian house in Villisca, Iowa. Between her husband and her pets, she is never lonely, and should she ever disappear one might look for her on a beach in Tahiti, sipping a tropical drink and wearing a disguise.
She currently has several books available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple and Smashwords.
In her spare time, Joleene is a freelance book cover designer and for-fun photographer . She maintains several blogs full of odd ramblings, and occasionally updates her website at JoleeneNaylor.com. In what little time is left she watches anime and pins recipes and DIY, all from a crooked Victorian house in Villisca, Iowa. Between her husband and her pets, she is never lonely, and should she ever disappear one might look for her on a beach in Tahiti, sipping a tropical drink and wearing a disguise.
She currently has several books available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Apple and Smashwords.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 4, 2013
Actual Rating 3.5
I ended up reading this book without reading the other books in the series. Despite this I was actually able to follow the story and enjoy it. There is something to be said about a book that doesn’t require you to read the other books in the series and can stand on its own. Of course if I had had time to read the other books it would have helped me understand the world this book takes place in a whole lot better.
The opening of this book was really great. The author starts us off with the myth this book will revolve around. However even with the great opening, there were some parts in the book that weren’t so great and some parts that definitely made me jump up in excitement.
The characters are rather interesting, I liked some, I didn’t like some and some of them were fishy. My favorite character was definitely Verchiel, he’s funny and always helps lighten the mood. I am not exactly sure about what he did in the previous book to hurt Katelina but I think he really did feel bad about it. Neil is another one of my favorite characters because it’s so rare to see a vampire that is not sure of himself. They are always shown as strong and cocky. The fact that the author included a character like Neil makes the vampires seem like a whole other race instead of a bunch of evil creeps that sleep in coffins.
I am not sure how I felt about our main character. She seems so dependent on Jorick but then there are those times she won’t take shit from anyone. She doesn’t just randomly go around making a bigger mess of things and actually does listen to what Jorick tells her to do in extreme situations. I don’t think it’s a bad thing for a character to listen to instructions if it’s going to end up saving them, I think it shows that they are smart. But again there are times when she sits around doing nothing waiting for Jorick to come and save the day. She also tends to make silly remarks which makes me question the fact that she is actually in her late 20’s (or so).
Jorick kind of annoys me. He is always bossing Katelina around and despite the fact that his girlfriend is a human he is always looking down on humans. He also cannot take a joke really well and is ready to beat the hell out of anyone who looks at Katelina the wrong way (this is an exaggeration of course). Even with my issues with Jorick, there are moments when he does shine, because he is kind of clever.
I am not sure I can comment on the world building because this being the 5th book, the author has already established that so there isn’t much for me to say.
The plot is interesting. As I’ve mentioned the opening of the book introduces us to the myth that this book will revolve around. We start off with Jorick and Katelina going to Munich to stand before the True Council and from there things get interesting. These guys are always on the run trying to figure out an ancient mystery and running away from the bad guys.
The ending is satisfying and the last few pages of the book… *fans self* *whew* so much action. After reading this book I definitely plan on picking up the previous books and maybe I’ll even try out the 6th book.
I think everyone should give this book a try.
Stop by my blog to check out the blog tour.
I ended up reading this book without reading the other books in the series. Despite this I was actually able to follow the story and enjoy it. There is something to be said about a book that doesn’t require you to read the other books in the series and can stand on its own. Of course if I had had time to read the other books it would have helped me understand the world this book takes place in a whole lot better.
The opening of this book was really great. The author starts us off with the myth this book will revolve around. However even with the great opening, there were some parts in the book that weren’t so great and some parts that definitely made me jump up in excitement.
The characters are rather interesting, I liked some, I didn’t like some and some of them were fishy. My favorite character was definitely Verchiel, he’s funny and always helps lighten the mood. I am not exactly sure about what he did in the previous book to hurt Katelina but I think he really did feel bad about it. Neil is another one of my favorite characters because it’s so rare to see a vampire that is not sure of himself. They are always shown as strong and cocky. The fact that the author included a character like Neil makes the vampires seem like a whole other race instead of a bunch of evil creeps that sleep in coffins.
I am not sure how I felt about our main character. She seems so dependent on Jorick but then there are those times she won’t take shit from anyone. She doesn’t just randomly go around making a bigger mess of things and actually does listen to what Jorick tells her to do in extreme situations. I don’t think it’s a bad thing for a character to listen to instructions if it’s going to end up saving them, I think it shows that they are smart. But again there are times when she sits around doing nothing waiting for Jorick to come and save the day. She also tends to make silly remarks which makes me question the fact that she is actually in her late 20’s (or so).
Jorick kind of annoys me. He is always bossing Katelina around and despite the fact that his girlfriend is a human he is always looking down on humans. He also cannot take a joke really well and is ready to beat the hell out of anyone who looks at Katelina the wrong way (this is an exaggeration of course). Even with my issues with Jorick, there are moments when he does shine, because he is kind of clever.
I am not sure I can comment on the world building because this being the 5th book, the author has already established that so there isn’t much for me to say.
The plot is interesting. As I’ve mentioned the opening of the book introduces us to the myth that this book will revolve around. We start off with Jorick and Katelina going to Munich to stand before the True Council and from there things get interesting. These guys are always on the run trying to figure out an ancient mystery and running away from the bad guys.
The ending is satisfying and the last few pages of the book… *fans self* *whew* so much action. After reading this book I definitely plan on picking up the previous books and maybe I’ll even try out the 6th book.
I think everyone should give this book a try.
Stop by my blog to check out the blog tour.
April 29, 2013
Superb story! A great read. Couldn’t get enough!
I love vampire books and this is definitely one of my favorites of all times. There was enough violence and humor to satisfy my need for the supernatural. Though I love a good overall vampire romance, every now and again I crave a dark romance, with plenty of action to keep me interested and Heart of the Raven definitely did it for me.
The characters are so convincing there were times when I did not feel as if I was reading a story at all. The plot was definitely interesting and kept me intrigued to the point where I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
This is one series I will definitely read again. Over and over.
I love vampire books and this is definitely one of my favorites of all times. There was enough violence and humor to satisfy my need for the supernatural. Though I love a good overall vampire romance, every now and again I crave a dark romance, with plenty of action to keep me interested and Heart of the Raven definitely did it for me.
The characters are so convincing there were times when I did not feel as if I was reading a story at all. The plot was definitely interesting and kept me intrigued to the point where I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
This is one series I will definitely read again. Over and over.
April 7, 2014
This is the first time reading this author so since that is the case naturally I have not read the previous books in this series. No matter this still captivated me right away and also the style it is written I also found it easy to catch on right away what had happened in order to follow what was happening. This is very important to someone such as I who sometimes does not have the opportunity to read previous ones but does not mean I would not. Sometimes it happens I chose a book to read after reading blurb or such like thing but does not matter if in series if it looks really good to read such as this one did. Katelina and Jorick are a couple in this one and they have a enormous task ahead of them. She is human and he is a vampire (one of my favorite characters to read-love paranormal) a executioner in the Guild"s "police squad". Interesting combo to say the least for a couple. Always find it interesting when a author puts a human and a paranormal character together to see how they cope and survive a relationship plus the adventure it usually leads them on. Humans are always also a target in vampire world they are after all their next meal and the bad guys have no qualms on making or taking what isn't theirs for the taking. So it would seem things have already been heating up in this series with battles and their relationship is going strong by now. Since the bad guy in here is Malick who is also his master he is needed to take a trip to testify on past events. Not to be left behind Katelina wishes to go with him. by the way this author very descriptive on these vampires and their abilities which is excellent for me the reader. While they do go to the True Council they also get to participate on another adventure which is the true nature of this novel that holds the core of excitement for me the reader. If you are a fan of martial arts and MMA fighting this is also a book for you. There are certainly alot of different fighting styles in the confrontations that go on henceforth in this story. Many of them can and will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat if in a chair till the battle has ended or fight whatever the case maybe. Many new characters are also introduced in this novel that are so colorful they could almost be standing before you. There is also a interesting legend in here that the heart is a piece of that comes to light but when things unfold it is not quite they way some would think or even turn out especially for the wrong side. Overall so not to give too much of this story away Katelina and Jorick are two characters you will enjoy immensely and not to say the least they do have a hot relationship when they do get time alone. There are also bits of humor that will leave you chuckling. This is certainly a read I am glad I did not miss in reading.
April 3, 2013
This was an exciting and adventurous book with amazing things happening around every corner! I loved all the interesting characters and the many personalities, not everyone got along but they all worked together for the cause. My favorite Character was Verchiel he made me laugh on many occasions and he was always pushing someones buttons.
Katelina and Jorick are being sent to Munich to testify before the True Council but shortly after they get there Malick and his henchmen invade and they are forced to flee. Malick wants the Heart of the Raven which Jorick has stolen from him and hidden somewhere. The heart is said to be the heart of Lilith the very first vampire and who ever drinks from it will become the most powerful vampire on earth. Jorick assures Katelina that it is just a myth and that it is also said that it is to be the heart of Lilith herself and that to restore it to her would be to restore Lilith the oldest vampire in existence, but that none of it is true.but is it? Malick seems to think so and they must get to the heart and to Lilith before he does or the world they know might no longer be. for whoever controls the heart is said to control Lilith.
The book was amazing! Joleene is a superb writer and I was on the edge of my seat most of the time never knowing what would come around the corner next! I will defiantly have to read the previous books now as I loved this one so much!
Katelina and Jorick are being sent to Munich to testify before the True Council but shortly after they get there Malick and his henchmen invade and they are forced to flee. Malick wants the Heart of the Raven which Jorick has stolen from him and hidden somewhere. The heart is said to be the heart of Lilith the very first vampire and who ever drinks from it will become the most powerful vampire on earth. Jorick assures Katelina that it is just a myth and that it is also said that it is to be the heart of Lilith herself and that to restore it to her would be to restore Lilith the oldest vampire in existence, but that none of it is true.but is it? Malick seems to think so and they must get to the heart and to Lilith before he does or the world they know might no longer be. for whoever controls the heart is said to control Lilith.
The book was amazing! Joleene is a superb writer and I was on the edge of my seat most of the time never knowing what would come around the corner next! I will defiantly have to read the previous books now as I loved this one so much!
April 24, 2013
This is one of my favorite vampire series and one of the most underrated. I like my vampire romances to be on the dark side. Vampires are scary creatures and I like it when they are treated as such. The whole series is action packed with lots of violence but also some snarky humor. What sets this series apart is the main heroine, Katelina is still human after 5 books. We get a darker view of what it would be like for a human to live in the vampire world. And for the romance lovers the main hero, Jorick, is my kind of vampire. Arrogant, powerful and sometimes socially clueless and despite the harshness of the world, Jorick and Katelina are making it work.
This book has Jorick and Katelina traveling all over the world in a race to find of an object of power that some very bad vampires want to possess. But no one really knows what it is capable of other than what the legends say. While they are tracking down the Heart of the Raven we get introduced to vampire cultures in other parts of the world. The book took a surprising twist once the object was found and has me wanting the next installment.
You can start with this book if you want and get a feel for the tone of the series, but it would be more enjoyable to start with the first book SHADES OF GRAY. I also want to point out the writing style of the author. Her writing is clean and tight but she is still able to paint a vivid picture with only a few words.
This book has Jorick and Katelina traveling all over the world in a race to find of an object of power that some very bad vampires want to possess. But no one really knows what it is capable of other than what the legends say. While they are tracking down the Heart of the Raven we get introduced to vampire cultures in other parts of the world. The book took a surprising twist once the object was found and has me wanting the next installment.
You can start with this book if you want and get a feel for the tone of the series, but it would be more enjoyable to start with the first book SHADES OF GRAY. I also want to point out the writing style of the author. Her writing is clean and tight but she is still able to paint a vivid picture with only a few words.
April 7, 2014
The Citadel is still recovering from the attack by Malick and his followers. Everyone is working to establish normalcy and get back to work, and Jorick is no exception. Katelina just wants to take some time to relax and deal with what happened. Unfortunately, there is no time. She, Jorick and their band of merry vampires head to Munick to testify against Malick for his betrayal. The trip gets diverted when Jorick figures out what Malick is after; the Heart of the Raven.
This series keeps getting better and better. I do appreciate the fact that we get to see real jealousy out of Jorick when it comes to Verchiel and I felt that it really has added another demision to Jorick as a character. I truly enjoyed the change of scenery and the fact that they are traveling the world. The new characters we got to meet and some of the surprising relations to our cast of well known heroes was very awesome! I would say that thus far, this book had the most action, mystery and intrigue. I was hanging on to every page in a bigger and better way.
This series keeps getting better and better. I do appreciate the fact that we get to see real jealousy out of Jorick when it comes to Verchiel and I felt that it really has added another demision to Jorick as a character. I truly enjoyed the change of scenery and the fact that they are traveling the world. The new characters we got to meet and some of the surprising relations to our cast of well known heroes was very awesome! I would say that thus far, this book had the most action, mystery and intrigue. I was hanging on to every page in a bigger and better way.
March 27, 2014
Joleene Naylor takes her vampires on the road in this exciting fifth book in the Amaranthine series. From the Citadel in Iowa to Munich and beyond, Katelina and Jorick are constantly on the move as they try to evade Malick's minions while seeking the Heart of the Raven. In the book, we meet a new cast of characters as they travel the world, and revisit favorites (Verchiel--score!). I loved this book, particularly the ending because it's completely unexpected and sets up the rest of the series for something spectacular. This book has some of the best fight scenes in the series and offers some of Verchiel's best humorous moments. And, did I mention that Katelina's bad ass side comes out to play and she kicks some serious butt? I don't know where Naylor finds these amazing characters and plotlines, but her imagination is limitless. I'm astounded by this series as it keeps getting better and better.
December 17, 2013
Admittedly, I’m not a fan of vampire stories. Being an author of fantasy novels, that type of work never held a great deal of interest for me. Then, I was given a copy of Amaranthine #5, Heart of the Raven and I was hooked. Without doubt, Joleene Naylor is a skilled writer. To put it simply, I loved this book. It’s interesting, moves well, and holds your attention through each and every page. Regardless of which genre you enjoy, a good read is always the goal, and ‘Raven’ certainly hits the mark. After reading this one, it leaves me wanting more and I will certainly explore her other works. Do yourself a favor and delve into her dark realm, you may not want to leave.
March 8, 2016
Joleene Naylor is getting better with every sequel of this series. I really liked the first book, struggled a little bit through the second one, but ever since book 3 this story is just picking up speed. My favorite character is definitely Verchiel. He's always there to help Jorick and Katelina and has so far proven to be helpful most of the time. He is light hearted, good natured, and funny and can even be serious when he needs to be. He is deeply hated by Jorick and seems to only annoy Katelina, but I think they should cut him some slack. Looking forward to Book 6!
February 2, 2014
When I read Heart of the Raven, I could not set this book down. I was up until all hours of the night reading it.
Joleene Naylor has outdone herself with this 5th in the Amaranthine series.
Adventure, horror, romance, comedy follow my favorite characters, Jorick and Katelina as they travel the world searching for the Heart of the Raven.
I loved this book and plan to give it a 2nd reading.
Joleene Naylor has outdone herself with this 5th in the Amaranthine series.
Adventure, horror, romance, comedy follow my favorite characters, Jorick and Katelina as they travel the world searching for the Heart of the Raven.
I loved this book and plan to give it a 2nd reading.
August 17, 2016
Another great chapter in the Katelina and Jorrick saga! This time they are traveling all over the world battling the vampire guild and various enemies from Russia to Japan to Egypt and more. I seriously can't wait to get to the next book to see what comes next!
May 21, 2016
Even being the 5th book in the series it leaves you wanting more! Always exciting and never disappointing! Cannot wait for the next.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews