Revelations

The Lalassu #1

by Jennifer Carole Lewis

For millennia, the lalassu have existed at the fringes of society, hiding in the shadows. But someone is determined to drag them into the light.

Dani has spent years fighting against her family’s urges to take on the mantle of High Priestess for the lalassu. Stronger and faster than any ordinary human, she has no interest in being a guide for her people. She likes being independent and enjoys her night-job as a burlesque dancer. But a darker secret lurks inside of her, one which threatens everyone around her.

Isolated and idealistic, Michael works as a developmental therapist for children, using his psychometric gifts to discover the secrets they can’t share with anyone else. When one of his clients is kidnapped, he will do almost anything to rescue her. The investigation leads him to a seedy little performance club where he is shocked and thrilled to discover a genuine live superhero.

Michael and Dani must join forces to save those they care about from becoming the latest victims of a decades-long hunt. But the fiery chemistry between them threatens to unlock a millennia-old secret which could devour them both.

The clock is ticking and they will be faced with the ultimate hero’s choice: save the world or save each other?

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Adult

Unknown Binding

First published January 30, 2015

About the author

Thanks for looking me up! I've taken the advice to leave Goodreads to readers, so I'm not active on here but you can find me on Twitter (@jclewisupdate), Facebook (Jennifer Carole Lewis) and Instagram (Jennifer_carole_lewis). Happy reading!

I am a full time writer, full time admin person and a full time mother (which is at least two more times than I actually have but somehow I'm making it work while still finding time to watch TV and read).

I've always loved stories: watching them, reading them, or telling them. I've recently self-published my first novel and I'm very excited to see about making my dreams come true.

I like alternate realities, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, superpowers, alternative history and secret societies. That's what inspires my work.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully imaginative adventure Jennifer Carole Lewis created in Revelations!

Dani is a member of a group of humans called lalassu; they are humans with spectacular powers. When her brothers are taken for their abilities, Dani must face her destiny she's been running from or loose the people she loves.

All his life Michael has been different, he has a psychometric gift which he uses in his career as a developmental therapist for children. When one of his children is taken he promises to get her back.

Dani's and Michael's paths collide when they both realize they are searching for a way to rescue the ones they care for from the same corporation. The attraction is magnetic, add in Dani's heritage and it becomes down right seductive.

I reveled in the everyday issues and dynamics put on this family packed full with supernatural powers.

There was just something magical and memorizing about this completely original and vivid world of Lewis's imagination. The story is at times dark and gritty but still holds the feeling of real people. This is a wonderful start for a new series. 4.5 stars.

I received this copy of Revelations from Jennifer Carole Lewis in exchange for a honest review.

[Lauren :) (Romance Novel Giveaways) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cool, sexy read!

First of all, this book really appealed to me because it has sort of an "X-Men/Avengers" sort of feel to it, and that is unlike any romance novel I have read before! And I'm kind of a big super hero fan :)

Jennifer created a world in which people with extraordinary powers and abilities walk among us, and no one is the wiser. Well, maybe a few people are...and they try to capture aforementioned extraordinary people.

The imagery and descriptions in this book are phenomenal, and I was on the edge of my seat with, "Oh my gosh, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!" almost constantly coming out of my mouth.

The super-hero-ness had a unique spin with Dani, who was actually battling to control a separate being that dwelled within.

And Michael, well, he's just almost too perfect; sensitive, great with kids, is able to sense what you want just by touching you...

All in all, this was an excellent adventure that I will be reading over again. And if a movie ever gets made based on this book, because one should, I would be first in line at the ticket booth!

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Revelations by Jennifer Carole Lewis
***2.5***

First of all, take note that this is my very first romance-type novel. I usually read Fantasy/YA etc so my review is not the norm for this book, and I'm not sure Romance is my thing.

Some aspects were very cool, there was a supernatural overview which made it feel more like Urban Fantasy (also not me favorite genre *double whammy there*), but that was the most interesting part. Michael can read people's minds through touch and Dani is a super strong, super fast Succubus. The characters were actually interesting and the character growth was interesting but these two characters fell madly in love (like I'm talking go-to-the-ends-of-the-earth-die-for-each-other-love) in three days. That's almost as bad as insta-love (but this might be the norm for Romance novels?).

The writing itself felt a bit weak, and all the side stories with Dani's brother's and Dalahard were mind numbing for me. I found it really hard to finish.

I can't really get my thoughts in order for this book so that's all I'm gong to say for the moment.
Take note again that most reviews of this novel are four or five stars so if Paranormal Romance with an Urban Fantasy feel are your thing then definitely give this book a try.

[Maghon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a seriously cool book. It's so different from the norm. I mean the beginning of the book with dani's into to the things she must do blew my mind a little. It's dark and gritty and maybe not for the weak of heart. And the plot kept me turning the pages into the night! Here we get to see humans who have some crazy cool gifts or curses, some bad guys who are ok with being so wicked, and a world where something's we're never meant to be normal.

We start with Dani, who calls herself cursed. Her and her brothers have powers. They call themselves lalassu. We open up the her and her hunt and how she feeds her huntress. Seriously, mind blowing but I loved it. And the actions starts right in When her brothers are taken for their different ness. Dani is hard core. I'm not sure how else to say that. She hates what she is but though she does unspeakable things she knows she must. It's who she is. I love that she's a take charge kind of girl.

Michael has some type of clairvoyance. He touches people and just knows things, even in their future. He works with kids and cops and does great things. He crosses paths with dani when someone on his end goes missing. The bad guys don't spare things like age. He's sweet and a little more gentle than dani but no less loyal or fierce. And now they are fighting the same big company full of bad guys but also with others like themselves. Oh and maybe they have the hots for each other lol

I loved the plot and twists and mysteries surrounding the gifted. I loved the action. The writing is great and I am so glad I took a chance to read this one. Not everyone had the same gift and powers or the same life style and back ground. I also loved that the characters aside from their gifts were real. I want more!! 5 PAWS!!

[Stephanie Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blindly given this book and by my nature, that made me expecting to be disappointed. I was pleasantly not disappointed. A book that resembles a telling of X-Men in both plot and characters, JCL does a great job keeping you reading even though there aren't any real surprises and I was still okay with that.

There are some small issues I had with the writing. I found the first couple of chapters to be without enough introduction to what was going on to get comfortable in the story quickly. Every time a POV changed it was a guaranteed 3-4 sentences before it became clear whose POV it was, and JCL has a number of various POVs. Personally, I felt the sex scene was TMI, but I did like how that scene was actually an integral part of the story development rather than just a sideshow. There was definitely some clever story work with the details of the book that deserves full credit.

I started this book because it was a gift. By the first quarter of the book, I told myself I could put my other reading lists of hold. By the halfway mark, I legitimately wanted to keep reading.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/28/2021)! 🎁

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review by LoP (Lovers of Paranormal)*

I really did find myself enjoying this book more and more towards the end. First of all, I found it quite confusing in the beginning. It switched perspectives way too much to my liking, which led to me reading much slower in order to comprehend all that was going on. On to the book, the main character is Dani. She is ensnared in an ancient curse of-sorts that depicts the way she lives her life. She is a slave to the Huntress. She has done A LOT of bad things because of the Huntress' demands. Michael is the other main character, who has spent much of his life trying to help others. Michael wants to help Dani when he sees strange things impacting the people around him when she's near. He seems to connect the dots pretty easily at first. Michael and Dani end up having to team up against a common enemy to save the ones they love. I believe the situation was a part of a bigger picture to get Dani to see the light. This story was really all about looking into oneself for forgiveness even if you think you are not worthy. I thought the ending was really nice, despite leaving you wanting more, which I do!! There were a few graphic scenes, so it may not be best suited for the YA crowd. It was a really good book, and I cannot wait to read more!!!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I was given this book in exchange for an honest review, Lovers of Paranormal.***

A paranormal book that's into finding the bad guys and saving the good guys with an added love interest, definitely grabs my attention and Revelations definitely was all about that.

Dani was an AWESOME character because she had many facets to her. I loved the Huntress aspect because it gave her an edge...but the predator really had a heart of gold? Good stuff.

Michael was not my favorite character but he was a good match for Dani. I would have liked more of a chase, their romance felt slightly rushed but I still enjoyed it and the added touch of the Goddess really helped it's authenticity.

It reminded me slightly of the witch hunting series by Kim Harrison, which is one of my favorite paranormal series, so Revelations definitely kept me interested.

Besides the rushing of the romance, I really enjoyed it and look forward to seeing what this series has to offer.

[Garcelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received this book for an honest review from Lovers of Paranormal (LoP)*
I have to admit that this book started out slow for me. While I was intrigued by the subtle hints of an X-Men theme,I feel that the overall story was lacking. There are a lot of questions that are left unanswered, but that is the purpose of series. I will definitely be reading the next installment. Jennifer Carole Lewis has done an excellent job of getting me hooked and wanting more. Dani is the epitome of badassery, so I guess it makes sense for her to fall for Micheal, her "Professor", with his unassuming, naive ways. I feel that their differences and the slow, burning love that they shared made it more believable, made it more realistic (if we lived in a world of superhumans and descendants of Gods). This book was a great start to this new world. I am eagerly waiting for more. (Also LoP challenge, book by an author I've never read before).

[Yellagirlgc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review from the author & LoP.
This book was about a family of supernaturals Dani, Gwen, Eric, Vincent, Walter & Virginia from the lalassu community who were trying to keep there abilities under the radar while being apart of society. It also included Michael who could read thoughts, emotions and memories through touch. A ghost named Chuck & several other interesting characters. There was a company trying to capture, use & experiment on supernaturals in different ways for monetary gain & power.
Dani & Michael both had loved ones kidnapped by this company & during their quest to get them back developed feelings.
My one critique was the author didnt explain the details of the lalassu's. I didnt feel I learned enough about them but overall I liked the book.

[Nicole Lavigne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Revelations! I was seriously impressed by Jennifer's debut novel. Within the first few pages the novel had a firm grip on my attention and did not let go once. The pacing was intense, balancing action and emotional twists and turns without letting the tension go on either for a moment. Not a single vampire or werewolf in sight in this urban fantasy. The world is original and entrancing. I loved the blend of super powers, real-life gritty instead of the high-gloss of movies, with the ancient Babylonian myth. Michael and Dani are great characters with interesting powers and realistic flaws and baggage that they both have to work through, and their journey through the novel and how they are changed is truly believable. I am going to hate the wait for Book Two. Congratulations to Jennifer and I look forward to seeing all that is to come from this new author.

[April Pawless · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revelations

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the group Lovers of Paranormal. I really enjoyed reading this book. The concept of why and how people had Powers is different from what you normally read. It put a new twist on an old topic. As for the story itself I really enjoyed the characters and I can't wait to read the next book. My only complaint it has a semi cliffhanger which are not my favorite. But not so bad that I can't live with it.

[Nada Sobhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received a free copy from author Jennifer Carole Lewis in exchange for an honest review.

"Wherever there is prey, there are hunters. Jungle, ocean, city – the location doesn't matter. Predators will always find the vulnerable." – The opening line for Revelations and one that rings true on several characters and lines in the story.

Revelations (Book I of The Lalassu) is a quick-paced action-packed adventure mainly about a dancer with super human abilities. For years, Dani has been fighting her family's nagging that she take up the role of High Priestess for the lalassu people in order to serve as their guide and connection with the goddess. However, she wants no part in that and prefers her life as a burlesque dancer.

Dani also has a darker core, which she calls the Huntress. Often described as a slithering being, the Huntress is meant to be Dani's connection to the goddess. But something is wrong with the Huntress and it appears to be evil or as we later discover, is "corrupted".
"Concentrating, gathering her personal self… Dani reached deep into her psyche.
And touched a monster. The Huntress: terrifying, insatiable hunger; ancient rage howling for blood. Linked to the Goddess of her ancestors, it was part of her family's bloodlines, a genetic curse worse than any cancer or disease."

Dani needs to feed the Huntress every few weeks. But because she knows what the dark being will do to her victims, Dani decides to hunt down men who need to be taught a lesson, or simply "predators". An example is given in the first few chapters with Josh.

As Dani exits the club with Josh, we meet Michael Brooks and his cop friend Joe. Michael is a developmental therapist for children. He is kind of like an empath, who is able to read emotions and minds when he gets in contact with others, which he constantly tries to avoid. He uses his gift to discover the secrets children can’t share with anyone else.

"For everyone else, touch was something casual. It could at times become sensual or intimate, but no one else had to fear it. Every time Michael's skin touched someone or something else, he became privy to their inner thoughts, their darkest secrets, fears and hopes."

Michael senses something strangely dark when he enters the club Dani has just left. People who were out to have fun were in a frenzy of sex and rage.
The novel shifts between Dani, Michael and Dalhard. The worlds of the first two soon collide especially after one of Michael's clients is kidnapped, and Dani's family is threatened, when her two brothers, both with inhuman speed and strength, are also kidnapped.

Michael discovers that his charge, Bernie is a medium. What he thought were imaginary friends were actually the ghosts of the dead, bringing her messages and warnings.

Revelations has an abundance of beautiful but different characters. There are layers upon layers of and character-depth. Although the story is mostly about Dani, and Michael might be a second protagonist or an equal to Dani, others like: Bernie, Joe, Eric, Dalhard and Gwen, all play major roles in the novel. The secondary characters are few, but everyone is important including Nada and Karan. Everyone plays a role and I loved that about the novel.

One of the things I enjoyed is how Dani, the independent woman, fears what she can do to others. Her gifts are curses. There is a strong character duality, she's both good and bad. She sees the Huntress as evil and fears becoming a Priestess would change her. She also develops feelings for Michael and sees him as naïve and too good-natured, making her over-protective of him.

One of the main themes in the novel is that of the "hero". Michael likes comic books, which have shaped his definition of a hero. "Inside the pages, people who were different became heroes, not freaks. He liked to imagine himself as one of the heroes, using his secret abilities to help others while maintaining a mild-mannered persona."

As the novel progresses, Michael's view of the hero changes and develops. He sees Dani beat up a man who had been stalking one of the dancers. In an instant, the comic book hero who beats the bad guys changes before him after he sees it in a real-life incident. Michael also wants to see Dani as the hero, his, Bernie's and her family's hero.

Meanwhile, Dalhard, the evil and rich businessman/mastermind, is working hard to "acquire assets" or people with superhuman abilities. He tricks Dani's brothers, Eric and Vincent, and we soon discover he has abilities of his own, ones transferred through touch.

Dalhard later has his eyes on Dani, although he doesn't know anything about her Huntress or her legacy to become the next High Priestess for the Lalassu people, but he sees her as a golden ticket and a vessel for his experiments.
Dani and Michael have to team up to save the ones they care about as well as the whole of the Lalassu people because Dalhard will stop at nothing to "acquire" them for his personal use and for bringing new game-changers to the world of politics.

On another note, Jennifer Carole also has a way with words and I enjoyed her imagery and word choice throughout the book. (making it hard to pick certain quotes)
"But she triggered an uncomfortable wariness, a subliminal warning shivering and shredding the edges of his interest."

One of the things I particularly enjoyed about Revelations and Jennifer Carole's style is her "show don't tell" technique. Something many writers struggle with. An example is "Up close, his looks were even better: easily over six feet with broad shoulders and well-used gym membership." And "She looked like every demonic little girl in a horror film."

Revelations is a quick-paced novel that changes the common perceptions of the "hero", with journeys of self-discovery, acceptance and finding romance in unlikely places and people.

Note II: This book is for adult/mature audiences.

[Alpha Witch Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

A conflicted, intense, strong female lead, finds her perfect match in Revelations, the first book in The Lalassu series. This is a phenomenal beginning to what feels like a dangerously sleek paranormal ride, that is both original, and well built. Dani is sassy, determined, and masking things you have to read to believe. Michael is intelligent, empathetic, and oh so seriously good. The two together are better than a cool ice cream shake in the heat of summer. This will definitely quench your paranormal romance thirst.

Recommended for Paranormal Romance fans who like unique, well paced stories with perfectly paired protagonists.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Jennifer Carole Lewis’ “Revelations”. This fast-paced paranormal romance has a ‘superhero’ feel about it. Dani is a strong and wonderfully flawed female lead, whose supernatural abilities allows for memorable kick-ass scenes. Michael will melt some readers’ hearts. He’s almost too perfect, but he works well as Dani’s ‘yang-to-her-yin’. As for baddies, “Revelations” does not disappoint. The villain is a complete douche scumbag, but his henchman is one of the cooler bad guys I’ve read. I’m looking forward to the second book to see where “The Lalassu” series takes me!

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Libro neanche aperto per il semplice motivo che il fantasy mi ha stancato e mi nausea.

[Rozzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little apprehensive to read this book by Ms. Jennifer Carole Lewis that I was holding off on reading it for a while. Which is really kind of funny, I will pretty much read anything no matter the genre science fiction/fantasy/romance and this had the added benefit of also being a superhero read. I liked this even more because every once in a while to escape reading novels, novellas, short stories or just any book I can get my hands on I keep some paper comic books that I secretly hide in a bookshelf that I read occasionally when the mood strikes me. Plus, I also like watching superhero movies on television along with superhero movies that why I avoided this book for reasons unknown was pretty silly. So as I was reading this book I couldn’t help but get pulled into the comic book feel, the almost xmen/marvel like characters and the wonderful story that I could barely put the book down.
Dani Harris will choose and trap men with her strange powers. Sometimes Dani enjoys the hunt other times she just goes along with it trying to appease the hunter trapped inside her that is until she meets Michael Brooks a behavioral therapist who also holds a strange super mystical power of his own. Dani and Michael are thrown together unsuspectingly when one of Michael’s kids he counsels is taken along with Dani’s brothers that are kidnapped by the same group. Can Dani and Michael stop the evil forces that want to use Dani’s brothers and the young girl’s powers? What about the strong attraction that Dani and Michael have could it be love or could it destroy them both?
I didn’t really understand Dani’s power at first and it took me a while to figure out exactly why she is considered so powerful. I think she frustrated me and I really hated at times how she treated Michael. I know that it wasn’t intentional but sometimes I felt that Michael’s power seemed much stronger than hers. I also wanted Dani’s brother’s powers explained a little bit better. I did get a sense of maybe they were telepathic but then again I wasn’t entirely sure. I understood Gwen Dani’s sister, her mom and dad plus some of the other minor characters powers but maybe since I’m used to reading comic books and can see pictures along with the storyline maybe that is what are needed in this book to make the powers of each character a little bit easier to imagine. I did like Michael though. Michael’s naïve, innocent wholesome view of things was quite refreshing and that he wanted to be a superhero despite some of the bad things he sees or deals with just made me smile. I do hope things turn out all right for everyone and am eager to read what happens in the next book two of the lalassu plus all my questions will be answered which I won’t put any of them here since it would ruin the book which I don’t want to do. So I rated the book four stars and I can recommend it for any science fiction/fantasy/romance love who wants some superhero added in their story. I will definitely get more books from Ms. Lewis no matter what they are.

[Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

http://badbirdreads.com/review-revela...

At A Glance

Started out good but fell flat in the end.

The Good

The beginning was very good. Revelations captured my attention right away. I loved learning about some of the characters, especially the bad guy. He was a real piece of work. The succubus theme always gets me interested. Dani has a hell of a time keeping her darker half reeled in, but we learn there is more to it later on. I did like how our sweet Michael empowered Dani like no one else could. Very cute. The supernatural powers certain people kept things intriguing as well.

The Bad

This would have been a 3 star book if not for the ending. All that work up, all that time spent for one goal, all that time thinking there was going to be an epic battle, and it fell limp. View Spoiler »

It wasn’t a bad book, I just felt nothing towards most of the characters. I didn’t care what happened to them. I felt blah about the whole thing.

The Snuggly

I honestly didn’t feel much for Dani and Michael as a couple. There wasn’t enough spark for me. We get some sex, nothing special.

Final Thoughts

I really did enjoy myself in the beginning, but then it was a slow trickle of averageness with a bad ending that didn’t fit my tastes. Not really recommended, but I can see some people loving this book.


Quotes

“You don’t have to be afraid of the dark,” Dani whispered, the refrain familiar from their childhood.

“Because you’re nastier than anything else out there.” Gwen smiled, twisting around.

“Damn fucking right.” Dani smoothed her sister’s wet hair against her skull, smiling back.

[☺~Tina~☺ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dani is what is commonly known as a succubus has been fighting that part of herself for years. She has fought for so long that she has altered what should have just made her powerful into something more twisted. Michael is a psychometric (he can feel and see people's thoughts/feelings) and has never known there were other people like him. Both of their powers will be needed to help and save the people they love.

I liked the characters and the world Jennifer Lewis created. I felt the story was a little slow going and we spend a lot of time hearing the same thoughts because the perspective keeps changing. I don't mind cursing but at times I felt the words were just thrown in there and instead of making Dani hard it made the line corny.

I don't know if I want to read more of the same for a next book. I thought this would be a stand alone but it looks like this is the beginning of a series.

(I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. LoP)

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lalassu have been hiding the shadows for over three thousand years since The Fall of Babylon. They always stayed on the fringes of society to keep them safe. Danielle "Dani" Harris has been told that's she's ungrateful and selfish for not accepting her role of High Priestess. Dani refuses to end up like her mother by giving into completely the ritual required. Dani thinks of The Huntress as a monster to be hidden away until needed again. She hates what she has to do yet does it anyway. Meanwhile Michael Brooks spies Dani in a night club. He wants to know what his instincts are screaming at him but he can only think of Dani. Michael has been taught all his life to hide from dangerous men and women. Yet he can't explain his action regarding her. Who is rounding up The Lalassu? Can either Dani or Michael over come their mutual attraction? Your answers await you in Revelations.

[Thorneyb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not typically the type of story I go for (fantasy/magical/supernatural) but a neighbour friend of mine wrote this book so I had to give it a try. It was pretty good! The story kept me entertained, which is basically all I ever want from a book. I was a little confused in the goddess section and felt the word "coiled" was a little overused but enjoyed how all the characters ended up coming together. I think there are more books to come so will look forward to that. Great work, Jennifer!

[Elaine Plourde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. My daughter and I read a lot of different supernatural series and this one is the first one in a long time that we enjoyed enough to want to continue into the series.

[Laurie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story grabbed you by the throat from the first sentence and left you gasping for breath. Well written, exciting, and sexy.

I am so glad that she's planning a series, because I need more!

[Deborah Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous and even dangerous heroine, an intriguing paranormal world, a diabolical plan to harness supernaturals AND a sweet romance combine to make REVELATIONS an engaging debut!