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Demonkin #1
Origins
Being different is never easy, especially when you're a vampire.
Ashlyn is far from normal. She was born a vampire, a trait that makes her utterly unique. Knowing this, her family strived to keep her existence a secret. Tragedy forces her from hiding and hunger drives her into the open. Unfortunately, living in a world that has accepted, embraced, and yet still fears the supernatural is never a good place to stand out. Especially when the one who notices you wants you dead. The only people who can save her want to use her as well, but she's left with little choice. Ashlyn joins the FBI and becomes torn between two worlds. She can either be a monster, or she can help destroy them.
Ashlyn is far from normal. She was born a vampire, a trait that makes her utterly unique. Knowing this, her family strived to keep her existence a secret. Tragedy forces her from hiding and hunger drives her into the open. Unfortunately, living in a world that has accepted, embraced, and yet still fears the supernatural is never a good place to stand out. Especially when the one who notices you wants you dead. The only people who can save her want to use her as well, but she's left with little choice. Ashlyn joins the FBI and becomes torn between two worlds. She can either be a monster, or she can help destroy them.
302 pages, Unknown Binding
First published February 8, 2011
66 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Sean Hayden
21 books212 followersBorn the son of a fire chief, Sean naturally developed a love of playing with fire. His family and friends quickly found other outlets for his destructive creativity. Writing is his latest endeavor.
Always a fan of the macabre, mythical, and magical, Sean found a love of urban fantasy and horror. After writing several novels in this genre, he found, fell in love with, and immersed himself in steampunk. He has always wanted to rewrite history and steampunk gave him that opportunity.
Sean currently lives in Florida as a fiber-optic engineer as well as an author. He was blessed with the two most amazing children he could ever hope for, has met the absolute love of his life, who coincidentally is his partner in everything. His hobbies include grand designs on world domination as well as a starring role in his own television sitcom.
Always a fan of the macabre, mythical, and magical, Sean found a love of urban fantasy and horror. After writing several novels in this genre, he found, fell in love with, and immersed himself in steampunk. He has always wanted to rewrite history and steampunk gave him that opportunity.
Sean currently lives in Florida as a fiber-optic engineer as well as an author. He was blessed with the two most amazing children he could ever hope for, has met the absolute love of his life, who coincidentally is his partner in everything. His hobbies include grand designs on world domination as well as a starring role in his own television sitcom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 28, 2014
'Origins’ by Sean Hayden is a fast paced paranormal story that focuses on the vampire race as a species and its integration into the human world. Hayden sets the stage for a new fresh twist on vampire books; focussing on vampires and their hierarchies with in the race versus the stereotypical vampire book that focuses on lust, sex, and blood.
The book centres around a 17 year old Ashlyn Thorn who has lead a very isolated life until she is thrust into the world upon a tragic death of her last family relative. Ashlyn knows she is different in appearance, heritage, and diet; yet everything she has read about the paranormal world hasn’t fit to her unique characteristics. The closest thing to what she may be is vampire; yet her eye shape, talons, and birth not to mention her diet set her out as an outcast. Without revealing what she is, or how she fits into the paranormal world; her classification makes for a very powerful person in both her worlds. Working for the FBI and along side some of the best doctors/scientists, Ashlyn is thrust into a world full of politics, fighting and blood. While she strives to fit in, fulfill her position with the FBI and find out her heritage she is forced to grow up in a hurry.
Hayden writes his characters with such emotion and detail that for most of the novel I felt I was right beside Ashlyn in her quest for self discovery. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat and turning the pages in rapid succession. On one page I was fearful for her and on the next Hayden’s humor and wit had me laughing aloud.
This book could be classified as young adult but appeals to the masses just as we have seen with the ‘Twilight Saga’. I haven’t yet read a novel comparable, there have been some that touch on vampire hierarchy such as Frost’s Night Huntress Series dealing with master vampires; but I would say Hayden is in a class of his own. A great read with a wonderfully enticing plot and strong dynamic character development. I would have never guessed this to be a first novel by Sean Hayden, his mature writing style and comprehensive attention to detail left me wanting more. I look forward to a continuation of this series and hopefully as Ashlyn matures into an adult so will the authors portrayal of her character. Truly a refreshing read, full of interesting plot twists and little cliff hangers that left me turning the page for more.
Originally posted on NRR's website. http://www.nocturnereads.com/index.html
The book centres around a 17 year old Ashlyn Thorn who has lead a very isolated life until she is thrust into the world upon a tragic death of her last family relative. Ashlyn knows she is different in appearance, heritage, and diet; yet everything she has read about the paranormal world hasn’t fit to her unique characteristics. The closest thing to what she may be is vampire; yet her eye shape, talons, and birth not to mention her diet set her out as an outcast. Without revealing what she is, or how she fits into the paranormal world; her classification makes for a very powerful person in both her worlds. Working for the FBI and along side some of the best doctors/scientists, Ashlyn is thrust into a world full of politics, fighting and blood. While she strives to fit in, fulfill her position with the FBI and find out her heritage she is forced to grow up in a hurry.
Hayden writes his characters with such emotion and detail that for most of the novel I felt I was right beside Ashlyn in her quest for self discovery. This book had me sitting on the edge of my seat and turning the pages in rapid succession. On one page I was fearful for her and on the next Hayden’s humor and wit had me laughing aloud.
This book could be classified as young adult but appeals to the masses just as we have seen with the ‘Twilight Saga’. I haven’t yet read a novel comparable, there have been some that touch on vampire hierarchy such as Frost’s Night Huntress Series dealing with master vampires; but I would say Hayden is in a class of his own. A great read with a wonderfully enticing plot and strong dynamic character development. I would have never guessed this to be a first novel by Sean Hayden, his mature writing style and comprehensive attention to detail left me wanting more. I look forward to a continuation of this series and hopefully as Ashlyn matures into an adult so will the authors portrayal of her character. Truly a refreshing read, full of interesting plot twists and little cliff hangers that left me turning the page for more.
Originally posted on NRR's website. http://www.nocturnereads.com/index.html
February 16, 2011
I thought that Origins was a WONDERFUL read. I devoured it in two sittings and this was even while reading it as a PDF (I highly dislike reading on the computer screen, so this bespeaks its quality even further). I was very impressed that this is Sean's first book and also thrilled that there would be more coming.
His character development was delightful and I loved following Ashlyn with both her triumphs and her subsequent humbling moments. She's an engaging character and I found myself wanting to know more about her and her past as the story went on. Sean has also crafted a wonderful world where vampires, werewolves, and mages coexist with 'normal people.' One of the best features of his vampires... is that they don't sparkle. ;)
However, anyone who has read Twilight and hungers for something with a little more substance... I highly recommend this book. Also, readers of Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, and C.E. Murphy will be happily rewarded by delving into this book. Keep an eye on Sean Hayden. He thought he could write better than much of the slush making it to print... and he was right.
His character development was delightful and I loved following Ashlyn with both her triumphs and her subsequent humbling moments. She's an engaging character and I found myself wanting to know more about her and her past as the story went on. Sean has also crafted a wonderful world where vampires, werewolves, and mages coexist with 'normal people.' One of the best features of his vampires... is that they don't sparkle. ;)
However, anyone who has read Twilight and hungers for something with a little more substance... I highly recommend this book. Also, readers of Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, and C.E. Murphy will be happily rewarded by delving into this book. Keep an eye on Sean Hayden. He thought he could write better than much of the slush making it to print... and he was right.
August 21, 2011
Expletiving expletive! This dude is hot! Sean Hayden's book, `Origins' is what's called a must read. The pages even turn themselves. What's more, you only think you know Vampires. I know I did. Or thought I did, that is. Everything changed when I read 'Origins.' Sean didn't try to reinvent the wheel with this offering. Instead, he tried something far more challenging. Sean may have changed the perspective of Vampire lore. 'Origins'certainly worked for me, and I'm betting it'll work for you too. Being a writer myself, I've given 'Origins' five stars because of how hard it is to write something original, and then do it exceedingly well. Sean Hayden did that. His follow-up Demonkin novel is on my 'gotta get it' list too. When he takes that effort into publishing, I'm all over the Author Signed Copy. I highly recommend 'Origins' as the next title for any book club.
February 9, 2011
Origins is one of those books you don’t want to put down. I’ve read it more than once, and love it more each time. Sean Hayden has a knack for drawing you in and keeping the action going.
With wonderfully developed characters and a unique twist on vampires this story is a must read for young and old, boy or girl. The main character Ashlyn Thorn pulls you into her life as she learns about herself; who she is, what she is. Her character grows, makes mistakes and learns. The other characters, vampires, elves, weres fill the story with everything you need. I can’t decide which is my favorite and look forward to seeing more of them all. Origins is a riveting story you don’t want to miss.
With wonderfully developed characters and a unique twist on vampires this story is a must read for young and old, boy or girl. The main character Ashlyn Thorn pulls you into her life as she learns about herself; who she is, what she is. Her character grows, makes mistakes and learns. The other characters, vampires, elves, weres fill the story with everything you need. I can’t decide which is my favorite and look forward to seeing more of them all. Origins is a riveting story you don’t want to miss.
February 9, 2011
Author: Sean Hayden
Publisher: Echelon Press Publishing
ISBN: 9781590806821
Being a normal teenage is hard enough, but being Ashlyn is even more complicated. She lost her mother giving birth to her, and she does not even know her father. Given that she knows no other relatives she lives with her aunt, which seems normal right? But not only has her aunt cared for Ashlyn but she also lets Ashlyn feed off her blood every other day. Instead of nails Ashlyn has claws and her pupils of her eyed are slit like a cat. With all these differences, her aunt felt it better for her to be isolated from the real world. Television and the Internet were her only sources of what the outside was like, although she would sneak out at night to walk. She is unable to go into the daylight since the sun hurts her eyes and she would get a nasty sunburn too.
Like most good things, this situation had to come to an unfortunate end. Ashlyn’s aunt has a car accident which leaves her little choice but to leave since there are not records of her even being alive. “Origins” is a tale of what happens to Ashlyn when she is face with a world that she knows less about than she had thought. She is given an opportunity she really can not refuse and one that will change her life forever, either in a good or bad way, she is not sure. Now grant you this story takes place where the world is full of vampires, and several types of them, and also wereanimals. These creatures are a “normal” sight throughout the city of Chicago where Ashlyn has lived. The author, Sean Hayden’s lets you into a place of fantasy set in the modern time era. His main character, Ashlyn pulls at your heart strings as she figures out her place in this strange place.
Don’t let the fact that this is Sean Hayden’s first book steer you away from “Origins”; his writing comes across as a seasoned writer. It may seem to be more geared to be a young adult book being that Ashlyn is only seventeen years old, I find that even an older adult like me enjoyed it. I highly recommend this read to lovers of vampires and other supernatural figures. It has action, blood, gore and so much more, that you will be asking for even more. Thank goodness he already has a second book in the works.
Publisher: Echelon Press Publishing
ISBN: 9781590806821
Being a normal teenage is hard enough, but being Ashlyn is even more complicated. She lost her mother giving birth to her, and she does not even know her father. Given that she knows no other relatives she lives with her aunt, which seems normal right? But not only has her aunt cared for Ashlyn but she also lets Ashlyn feed off her blood every other day. Instead of nails Ashlyn has claws and her pupils of her eyed are slit like a cat. With all these differences, her aunt felt it better for her to be isolated from the real world. Television and the Internet were her only sources of what the outside was like, although she would sneak out at night to walk. She is unable to go into the daylight since the sun hurts her eyes and she would get a nasty sunburn too.
Like most good things, this situation had to come to an unfortunate end. Ashlyn’s aunt has a car accident which leaves her little choice but to leave since there are not records of her even being alive. “Origins” is a tale of what happens to Ashlyn when she is face with a world that she knows less about than she had thought. She is given an opportunity she really can not refuse and one that will change her life forever, either in a good or bad way, she is not sure. Now grant you this story takes place where the world is full of vampires, and several types of them, and also wereanimals. These creatures are a “normal” sight throughout the city of Chicago where Ashlyn has lived. The author, Sean Hayden’s lets you into a place of fantasy set in the modern time era. His main character, Ashlyn pulls at your heart strings as she figures out her place in this strange place.
Don’t let the fact that this is Sean Hayden’s first book steer you away from “Origins”; his writing comes across as a seasoned writer. It may seem to be more geared to be a young adult book being that Ashlyn is only seventeen years old, I find that even an older adult like me enjoyed it. I highly recommend this read to lovers of vampires and other supernatural figures. It has action, blood, gore and so much more, that you will be asking for even more. Thank goodness he already has a second book in the works.
February 16, 2011
I didn't think there were any new twists left for vampire books. Much to my delight, Sean Hayden proved me wrong. He brings a fresh approach to the often tired vampire tale. The characters are unique and wonderfully entertaining. The plot is suspenseful with a touch of humor to lighten to mood. I found myself fully immersed in Ashlyn's world and I enjoyed every minute.
October 25, 2011
I'm a huge fan of vampire books - from Varney to Dracula, and Carmilla to Eric, I'd like to think I've read a fair few of them.
And not since the True Blood series has something come along to make me sit up and take notice. Forget the billowing angst and wallowing mithering of the Twilight books, if you really want to get your teeth (geddit?) into something, then Sean Hayden's Origins is for you.
Meet Ashlyn Thorn, born a vampire and more. Her sheltered life is torn apart by the death of her beloved aunt and she is cast adrift in a world that she has never ventured out into before.
A series of events leads up to her training to be an FBI agent - an incredibly neat and new premise, beautifully delivered - and once she gets her badge she heads out into the big bad world, where supes and vamps rub shoulders with humans, as the press-styled Verminator. And a special mention here goes to Darenthalis, the elven instructor at Quantico, he is superb.
Hayden is good, really good, at writing a very likeable female lead, and he doesn't disappoint with Agent Ashlyn. He has taken apart vampire characteristics and put them back together again with a touch of added supernatural predatory powers. She struggles with her past and her present, and the cinematic style of writing brings her vividly to life.
A wonderful book, can't wait to read more.
And not since the True Blood series has something come along to make me sit up and take notice. Forget the billowing angst and wallowing mithering of the Twilight books, if you really want to get your teeth (geddit?) into something, then Sean Hayden's Origins is for you.
Meet Ashlyn Thorn, born a vampire and more. Her sheltered life is torn apart by the death of her beloved aunt and she is cast adrift in a world that she has never ventured out into before.
A series of events leads up to her training to be an FBI agent - an incredibly neat and new premise, beautifully delivered - and once she gets her badge she heads out into the big bad world, where supes and vamps rub shoulders with humans, as the press-styled Verminator. And a special mention here goes to Darenthalis, the elven instructor at Quantico, he is superb.
Hayden is good, really good, at writing a very likeable female lead, and he doesn't disappoint with Agent Ashlyn. He has taken apart vampire characteristics and put them back together again with a touch of added supernatural predatory powers. She struggles with her past and her present, and the cinematic style of writing brings her vividly to life.
A wonderful book, can't wait to read more.
March 6, 2011
This was a really good book!
There's not a lot of stories that I can say that I actually sat and read straight through in one night...but this one I did, it was that easy of a read.
Vampires, demons, weres (of all shapes and sizes), fae....you get the picture...are all known and accepted citizens who live and work among humans. Ashlyn is a vampire...sort of...at least that is mostly what she appears, but there are things about her that just don't jive with what the 'norm' for vampires are.
I'm got to admit that at first I was a little put off by how Super Bad Ass she was at well....everything...but as it all came together it began to make sense and left an opening for what I hope will be a fabulous book #2!
The ending was a complete shock and again just made me ready to find out what's next for the youngest...and only vampire that the FBI has ever had.
Nice work Mr. Hayden! Very nice work!
There's not a lot of stories that I can say that I actually sat and read straight through in one night...but this one I did, it was that easy of a read.
Vampires, demons, weres (of all shapes and sizes), fae....you get the picture...are all known and accepted citizens who live and work among humans. Ashlyn is a vampire...sort of...at least that is mostly what she appears, but there are things about her that just don't jive with what the 'norm' for vampires are.
I'm got to admit that at first I was a little put off by how Super Bad Ass she was at well....everything...but as it all came together it began to make sense and left an opening for what I hope will be a fabulous book #2!
The ending was a complete shock and again just made me ready to find out what's next for the youngest...and only vampire that the FBI has ever had.
Nice work Mr. Hayden! Very nice work!
February 11, 2011
Origins is a fast paced, interesting and different take on a world where vampires and werewolves are out in the open.
The main character is young, and inexperienced, but she manages to step up and kick some ass. She screws up a few times, but ultimately the good guys win and she discovers a lot about herself in the process.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys fast paced, well told stories. I also highly recommend it to anyone who likes Urban Fantasy and Young Adult :)
The main character is young, and inexperienced, but she manages to step up and kick some ass. She screws up a few times, but ultimately the good guys win and she discovers a lot about herself in the process.
I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys fast paced, well told stories. I also highly recommend it to anyone who likes Urban Fantasy and Young Adult :)
October 9, 2012
All the makings of a fabulous series!
I wasn't really sure what to expect with Sean Hayden's novel, but Origins (Demonkin #1) ended up being the perfect read for me over the weekend. The main character is Ashlyn Thorn. Right off the bat we learn that this is a world filled with vampires, elves, and werewolves, but she's a special case. She's a predator of the predators, finding sustenance on in supernatural blood. This gave me a Trinity Blood vibes a bit quite honestly.
After being sheltered all of her life, her aunt passes away which forces her out into the real world where her uniqueness doesn't stay a secret for long. She becomes a target for an underworld vampire boss and is forced to grow up really fast, discovering her deeper powers in the process. It's up to Ashlyn to use her gifts for good or evil.
Origins drew me in immediately. I like that her character has visible differences from normal humans, particularly her cat-like talons that are non-retractable. It was pretty cool imagining how she adapts to having them (on her fingers AND toes). The character herself is really relatable. Even though she's a vampire/demon, she has very human emotions which makes her sympathetic in many instances. It's fun to watch her grow up. She's 17-18 years old and her hormones get crazier and crazier as the book progresses. She's also going down a path of unchartered territory as a new vampire breed. This prompted a number of Mary Sue-ish moments, but she will be humbled so I'm not worried about this.
The vampires get the most focus in this book, followed by the werewolves. She teams up with them and fights against them in a number of scenes. There is not a lot of back story there, but I hope to see it in the sequel. I also really want to see more development for the elves which we only get a taste of in this book.
I do commend Sean Hayden for doing a fairly good job of writing from the perspective of a female. A growing number of series will have a husband and wife team as co-authors, working to strengthen the presence of their respective genders, offering a more natural point of view.
I'm a stickler for covers and this one leaves much to be desired, but there is a quality story in there. Origins is a short read, but very engaging, bringing a fresh perspective to the Urban Fantasy genre and I definitely look forward to its sequel.
*Review also posted to Amazon.
I wasn't really sure what to expect with Sean Hayden's novel, but Origins (Demonkin #1) ended up being the perfect read for me over the weekend. The main character is Ashlyn Thorn. Right off the bat we learn that this is a world filled with vampires, elves, and werewolves, but she's a special case. She's a predator of the predators, finding sustenance on in supernatural blood. This gave me a Trinity Blood vibes a bit quite honestly.
After being sheltered all of her life, her aunt passes away which forces her out into the real world where her uniqueness doesn't stay a secret for long. She becomes a target for an underworld vampire boss and is forced to grow up really fast, discovering her deeper powers in the process. It's up to Ashlyn to use her gifts for good or evil.
Origins drew me in immediately. I like that her character has visible differences from normal humans, particularly her cat-like talons that are non-retractable. It was pretty cool imagining how she adapts to having them (on her fingers AND toes). The character herself is really relatable. Even though she's a vampire/demon, she has very human emotions which makes her sympathetic in many instances. It's fun to watch her grow up. She's 17-18 years old and her hormones get crazier and crazier as the book progresses. She's also going down a path of unchartered territory as a new vampire breed. This prompted a number of Mary Sue-ish moments, but she will be humbled so I'm not worried about this.
The vampires get the most focus in this book, followed by the werewolves. She teams up with them and fights against them in a number of scenes. There is not a lot of back story there, but I hope to see it in the sequel. I also really want to see more development for the elves which we only get a taste of in this book.
I do commend Sean Hayden for doing a fairly good job of writing from the perspective of a female. A growing number of series will have a husband and wife team as co-authors, working to strengthen the presence of their respective genders, offering a more natural point of view.
I'm a stickler for covers and this one leaves much to be desired, but there is a quality story in there. Origins is a short read, but very engaging, bringing a fresh perspective to the Urban Fantasy genre and I definitely look forward to its sequel.
*Review also posted to Amazon.
January 11, 2013
This book drew me in from page one and I read it straight through, only stopping to feed my family and I think if I hadn't done that they would have rebelled. The story begins in the past with a woman who summons a demon, expecting him to do her bidding. As can be expected, things go wrong. Fastforward 17 years or so into the future, (not sure if the pregnancy was the standard 9 months or perhaps shorter,) and the reader meets Ashlyn. She doesn't know what she is. She's not human. She could be considered a vampire, but there are things about her that are un-vampire like. For starters, she was born. Vampires are made. Second, she can only drink her Aunts blood.
Ash has spent the last 17 years hiding in her Aunts house. No one but a few of her Aunt's choice friends know of her existance. Vampires are legal, but the fact that she was born could present some problems. Only things have changed. Her Aunt was killed in a car accident. Ashly has no choice but to venture out into the world with the small savings her Aunt set aside for her and try to make it on her own. What could go wrong?
The author took me through so many emotions while reading this. I laughed, I fumed... he really pissed me off at one point... but ultimately Sean Hayden gave me something that has been rare in some of the work coming out. A good read. When I was finished I immediately went out and bought the second book in this series and read that. If you love supernatural tales that are told with humor, have a lot of action and suspense and keep you guessing at every turn, I highly recommend that you read Origins.
Ash has spent the last 17 years hiding in her Aunts house. No one but a few of her Aunt's choice friends know of her existance. Vampires are legal, but the fact that she was born could present some problems. Only things have changed. Her Aunt was killed in a car accident. Ashly has no choice but to venture out into the world with the small savings her Aunt set aside for her and try to make it on her own. What could go wrong?
The author took me through so many emotions while reading this. I laughed, I fumed... he really pissed me off at one point... but ultimately Sean Hayden gave me something that has been rare in some of the work coming out. A good read. When I was finished I immediately went out and bought the second book in this series and read that. If you love supernatural tales that are told with humor, have a lot of action and suspense and keep you guessing at every turn, I highly recommend that you read Origins.
May 28, 2014
I'm honestly surprised. Two things surprise me most: that I haven't dropped this novel seeing how bad it is and that this book actually has an average rating above 3 stars. The first 10% of the book were the worst amalgamation of cliches I've ever seen. To the point where characters seem to talk in an absolutely nonsensical way just to spit out another cliche phrase. Thanfully the rest of the book is a little less cliched later on and I didn't feel like banging my head with a hammer just to make my brain ignore the idiotic nonsense all the time. I have absolutely no idea how this book had gotten such positive reviews, but my theory is that it's because I'm not retarded that I felt such frustration reading it. Also, the book is in dire need of editing, but that aspect of it pales in front of just how much cliched nonsense it's filled with.
September 2, 2014
Ashlyn doesn't quite know what she is. She has all the traits of a vampire and more. Her aunt has helped her hide away the first 17 years of her life. When she has to face the world things happen that she doesn't know how to handle. She is offered a job with the FBI and she takes it in hope that she can better understand her future. They help her better understand her vampire genetics and abilities. She also learns of abilities she didn't know she had.
Ashlyn character development was great. You felt her fear, anger, and happiness right along with her as the story progressed. Sean also did an awesome job of describing the vampire lores. This book draws you in and keeps you interested. I look forward to seeing where Ashlyn goes next. I will be looking into other books wrote by Sean Hayden.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ashlyn character development was great. You felt her fear, anger, and happiness right along with her as the story progressed. Sean also did an awesome job of describing the vampire lores. This book draws you in and keeps you interested. I look forward to seeing where Ashlyn goes next. I will be looking into other books wrote by Sean Hayden.
I received a gift copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2017
Ashlyn Thorn is a breath of fresh air! After 17 years of a sheltered life, due to her vampiric tendencies, she is tragically left on her own.So, alone and unsure of herself what does our young fanged friend do? Does she find herself a beguiling young man to save her from her woes? Hell no. This girl comes from the depths of Sean Hayden's twisted imagination, fully equipped with a foul mouth and a bad ass attitude...eventually. She is not your average "damsel in distress". After a few hiccups, and who wouldn't find themselves in a bit of trouble when they're loose and unsupervised in the big bad world, Ashlyn finds herself in a rigorous supernatural boot camp, preparing for an Elite position with the FBI. This promises to be an intriguing series and I cannot wait until the next book!
*** I was provided with a free copy of this book for my honest review. ***
*** I was provided with a free copy of this book for my honest review. ***
March 7, 2011
I really really enjoyed this book. The protagonist had a unique voice, and lots of wit. She was also deeply construed, multi-dimensional--and not fully into her power yet, which I liked. It's a bit of a coming-of-age tale, which I think gave the story depth. I do hope there is another book, starring her, that continues her development.
I also loved the 'spin' on the usual vampire tale. The plot held my interest and definitely surprised me here and there. It was very original and engaging.
I went through a phase where I got tired of vamp books but I think this one has cured me of that feeling with its fresh take on the genre.
I also loved the 'spin' on the usual vampire tale. The plot held my interest and definitely surprised me here and there. It was very original and engaging.
I went through a phase where I got tired of vamp books but I think this one has cured me of that feeling with its fresh take on the genre.
May 23, 2011
I had a blast reading "Origins," which tells the story of a teenage vampire who becomes an FBI agent. Sean Hayden had so much outside-the-box thinking in this book I'm surprised it fit on the pages. When the young heroine loses her aunt, who was also her source of nutrition, she realizes quickly she has led a sheltered, quiet life, but from that moment on there isn't a quiet moment. This one is just plain fun!
May 24, 2011
What a GREAT book. Sean Hayden has crafted a tough but tender, brutal but thoughtful tale that turns the tables on everything you thought you knew about vampires. Or werewolves. Or demons. Or police procedurals. Or the FBI. Or mysteries... you get my point. This is SO much more than a vampire book and I can't say enough good things about. So what are you waiting for? Find out for yourself...
August 25, 2014
When I received this book through goodreads first reads I didn't have very high expectations but I found this book very enjoyable. The story was very interesting and kept me reading til the end. My only problem is that what the girl really is is given away at the very beginning even though she doesn't know what she is herself. I will be looking forward to the sequel.
April 18, 2011
4.5 Gold Crowns. Wow, wonderful, and a brilliant take on Vampires and other supernatural beings. Origins by Sean Hayden is a magnificent. To read the rest of this review, please visit http://thereadersroundtable.com/paran...
May 4, 2011
Fantastic book. I couldn't stop reading it
September 8, 2011
This was a great book from a new author. I highly recommend it if you are into fantasy/vampire/demons kind of books.
Want to read
November 6, 2011A vampire that is born, not made? o_0
Whoohoo, with Underworld:Awakening (movie) coming out next year for which I'm extremely excited, this sounds wicked!
Whoohoo, with Underworld:Awakening (movie) coming out next year for which I'm extremely excited, this sounds wicked!
September 26, 2011
Won this on the First Reads Giveways.
June 14, 2018
This is the 1st in the series Demonkin and my 1st experience with Sean Hayden’s writing. To summarize it in one word – WOW! I love well written Urban Fantasy and this one did not disappoint. Ashlyn lived a sheltered life, protected from the outside world. Extenuating circumstances thrust her into unfamiliar territory, where she is forced to quickly adapt to her untried ‘powers’. Although she has similar traits to the vampire race, she is truly unique in her abilities born within her. The FBI recognize her abilities as an asset when she falls into their lap. They take advantage of the opportunity to enlist her in the FBI, and eventually assign her back to the city she came from to hunt down a killer who has escalated to the city’s cops.
It’s rare to come across a book/series that not only grabs my attention but keeps me burning the midnight oil. I am looking forward to following Ash into her next adventure in the series – already grabbed the book - and my interest has been peeked to discover what other worlds Sean has woven in his other series. Definitely would recommend to those who enjoy Urban Fantasy genre with fast paced action and 3-D characters you can sink you can teeth into.
It’s rare to come across a book/series that not only grabs my attention but keeps me burning the midnight oil. I am looking forward to following Ash into her next adventure in the series – already grabbed the book - and my interest has been peeked to discover what other worlds Sean has woven in his other series. Definitely would recommend to those who enjoy Urban Fantasy genre with fast paced action and 3-D characters you can sink you can teeth into.
March 11, 2021
Origins (Demonkin, #1) by Sean Hayden is a good story. It glides away from the usual paranormal/vampire story and brings this one into the new century. Here most supers are accepted in society, as long as they follow the rules. Ashlyn apparently is a new bread of supe with no way to fit in. Instead, she stands out as a member of the FBI.
This is indeed a story worth telling. It did not draw me in enough to buy the others in the series, but if I had them, I would read them.
*I dropped a star for editing. I read this one in a paperback version and am always surprised when errors make it to print.
This is indeed a story worth telling. It did not draw me in enough to buy the others in the series, but if I had them, I would read them.
*I dropped a star for editing. I read this one in a paperback version and am always surprised when errors make it to print.
February 17, 2018
Creative take on vampirism
Supernaturals have been accepted as regular citizens. This requires assimilating them into all fields of law enforcement, including the FBI. One vampire,who is very different from all other breeds, is the first to successfully enter the FBI. Great book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Supernaturals have been accepted as regular citizens. This requires assimilating them into all fields of law enforcement, including the FBI. One vampire,who is very different from all other breeds, is the first to successfully enter the FBI. Great book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 24, 2018
What is Ashlynn exactly???
This is a good story with a lot of surprises that make you want to keep reading. I kept trying to guess exactly what she is the entire time but never imagined what she really is.
This is a good story with a lot of surprises that make you want to keep reading. I kept trying to guess exactly what she is the entire time but never imagined what she really is.
July 25, 2018
Good read
While I normally dislike first person stories i gave this one a chance and am happy i did. Although it starts slowly, I couldn't help but feel for the main character. As the story went on it picked up speed and I couldn't put it down.
While I normally dislike first person stories i gave this one a chance and am happy i did. Although it starts slowly, I couldn't help but feel for the main character. As the story went on it picked up speed and I couldn't put it down.
August 21, 2018
Great Read
This book took me by surprise. In the beginning I thought it was a book about a vampire and then it turned into something so much more!
I am excited to see where this story leads. I like the characters and how they are coming into their own.
This book took me by surprise. In the beginning I thought it was a book about a vampire and then it turned into something so much more!
I am excited to see where this story leads. I like the characters and how they are coming into their own.
January 6, 2019
I loved this book...I am fond of the whole as a woman I am femme as a fighter I kick ads.....Since she works for the government she must or her and her team will die.
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