Raphael

The Immortals #6

by Monica La Porta

Raphael has nowhere to go, nobody who loves him, and his past has scarred him deeply. A young werewolf on the run, living rough in the catacombs beneath Rome and with nothing else to call his own but his freedom, he desperately tries to elude the Controller whose goal is to send him back to Renegade Youth Shelter and a life of torments.
As he lives day by day with the constant threat of being captured, his future looks dark and lonely.
That is until a chance meeting with Luisa; a werewolf like him whose scent marks her as his one true soul-mate. Much to his despair, their encounter is cut short as he flees from the enforcer chasing after him.

His heart broken and his wolf bereft, Raphael will sacrifice everything to be reunited with Luisa. Even his freedom when he discovers she’s been abducted by a street gang. But, will it be enough?

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

Unknown Binding

First published May 1, 2015

About the author

Monica La Porta landed in Seattle several years ago. Despite popular feelings about the Northwest weather, she finds the mist and the rain the perfect conditions to write.

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing love story!

Another fantastic addition to the Immortals World. This book focuses on Raphael and is a paranormal unlike the previous Immortals books. I highly recommend it.

I enjoyed this new and exciting adventure that takes us on a journey through the darkest and deepest depths of despair to the soaring highs of hope in the case of a youth trying to find his long lost soulmate.

Raphael is a kind soul searching for some good in his dark world. When he finally finds it for a very short time he will do and endure anything to find her again and do anything to keep it.

Of all the Immortals I have read, this is the most love intense, Bravo Ms. La Porta

I was gifted this book for an honest review.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic addition to the Immortals World. This book focuses on Raphael and is a YA paranormal unlike the previous books. I highly recommend reading An Immortal Valentine's Day before you start this.

I enjoyed this new and exciting adventure that takes us on a journey through the darkest and deepest depths of despair to the soaring highs of hope in the case of two soulmates trying to unite.
Raphael is a kind soul searching for some good in his dark world. When he finds it he'll do any and everything to keep it.

The story was paced greatly and as always I had a hard time putting one of Monica's books down. I loved Raphael's character. He was easy to sympathize with and root for.

I was hoping for more of a satisfying conclusion nevertheless it was still an enjoyable read.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author Monica La Porta in exchange for an honest opinion. This is mismousey’s very honest opinion of her book Raphael....
OMG!!! Monica La Porta HAS DONE IT AGAIN!! If you have read her Immortals series then you have to read the YA Immortals Series starting with this one!!!

Ms La Porta truly has a way when taking pen to paper like no other. She has a way in describing her characters in fine detail where they are vamps or werewolf's - angels or demons. Where her book is for the adult paranormal reader or the ya paranormal reader you will get the excitement and see all the events right before your eyes unfold before you.
Ms La Porta is a genius when it comes to writing- her novels take you to land that you don’t ever want to leave - you always want more of the story. Once you have picked the novel you are left being addicted with the story . You have to have more of it!!
The characters are so detailed and defined you can picture each of them. Even what they are doing. Can you imagine seeing Raphael actually under going a tattoo being burned into his chest?? And what about the wings into his back??
The description of these are so right on the mark it is unbelievable!!
From the moment you open the book she has you captured and drawn into her story. Before you know it you have finished it. This story is a fast read. You will not want to put it down till you have gotten to the very last page. Then you want more of the story of Raphael and his mate Luisa.

The story begins as we find Raphael running from the enforcer - he has in his pocket a vile of vampire blood . Better known of “v” He runs from he and hides in a building where he finds his mate. Who he doesn't realize is running also. Luisa shows him where to hide and then she answers the door.

Now as the story goes on - Raphael realizes that Luisa is his mate and he has to have her. He tells her that one day he will come back for her. Until then remember that he loves her and he will always be apart of her.

Raphael ends back up in the place where he didn't want to go. Where he was beaten and runaway from before. Except this time- the camp has new management. The old warden is gone or so they say. Should he believe them?? He is not sure. Then he meets an alpha - Mr Quintilius. Who offers him a job in his office. He takes the job packing up his little bag of belongings.
He starts working for him- however the mans mean ole head sec has it out for him. She starts telling lies about Raphael.
Raphael learns that Luisa is being held by the Red’s. It is a gang- she is in Rico little harem. Although Rico finds her ugly - beats her because of this. So Raphael knows the only way to her is to become a member of the Red’s.
This is where this amazing story gets really HOT!! And INTERESTING!!! Raphael has so many twists and turns in it- you never know what to expect to happen next.
This is not only a paranormal ya read but in another way you will find it a love story also.
I recommend this book to everyone to read both young an old!! MisMousey gives this book an amazing rating of 65 out 5 stars!!!
NOW WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ??? RUN AN GET YOUR COPY OF RAPHAEL NOW!!!

[Cherri-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

His one true soul-mate

She’s my mate and I love her. *dreamy sigh* Now doesn’t that just make your heart sing? Isn’t that why we all read romance books? To find that True Love that can only exist in a paranormal romance – or at least the kind with a wolf or vampire that is! The only question now is whether Raphael can find Luisa…again!!! Raphael spoke to me right from the start of the book! I couldn’t believe the life that he was living, if that is what you could even call it! I absolutely loved Monica’s writing style and the way that we get to know Raphael. To me, that is EXACTLY why I loved this story so much!! You move forward in time with Raphael, but at the same time you get glimpses, flashes and full on memories of his life leading up to where we first meet him. I loved the realism in this story too! I have never been to Rome, let alone to Monica’s Rome, but I felt like I could see the areas that Raphael was living in, visiting or just passing through. I do have to admit that everything he has been through was not only horrible but despicable that others know what went on, but did nothing to stop it or change it. Even if they did, it was too late for Raphael. That all being said, for him to be such a strong, respectable, honest person that I could actually respect and look up to…that is the amazing part! Of course, never knowing just what he was going to do next, or what was going to happen to or around him next, was just WOW!!! Every time I turned the page (okay, tapped the screen) I kept waiting for Luisa to appear. Then she does, and she is gone again. What a roller coaster ride this story is! So many awesome good moments and so many times I was glued to the screen, worrying about what was going to happen! Of course, I always like to think that because I am reading a romance type book, that it will all work out in the end, but we all know that is not always how things go! Especially since this is actually my first book by Monica!!! Until you read a book or three, you never know the route that the author is going to take you on. Now? Now I can say that I cannot wait to have Monica send me on new adventures for years to come! The best part – I have a few books to read to catch up, so I have something to pass the time with while waiting for the next Immortal Youth book to come out!!! I didn’t realize that this was set in an existing world already because I did NOT feel like I was missing that “something” that comes from jumping into the middle of a series. Although this is book 1 of The Immortal Youth series, so I will not panic that I read it out of order or anything! LOL All in All, I have to say that his is a fantastic story, I cannot wait to read all of the other Immortal books, as well as any other paranormal type stories that Monica has out! I am now a HUGE FAN of Monica La Porta and you will be too as soon as you read this book!!!!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, young love, since Romeo and Juliet we have been fascinated by the way fate determines whose will survive. The idealistic feeling that love will conquer all. Well, move over, Romeo, Raphael's in town! Raphael goes to astounding lengths to find his mate and free her so they can be together. I adored the character of Raphael, even while I cringed from my adult chair, and yelled, "No, don't do it! You can't possibly win or even live, for that matter." From the catacombs of Rome and the Den of Rejects, to the domicile housing the vicious werewolf gang called the Reds, to the Renegade Youth Shelter, to the vampire nest at Fiumicino, to the medical facility on Tiberina Island, Monica La Porta takes us on the ride of our life, whether it be by bicycle, motorcycle, boat or helicopter, as Raphael searches for his Louisa with a determination few could match. Adults have screwed Raphael over all his life, and it seems he can't escape his past no matter how hard he tries. Finally, he gets a break and stumbles onto some information leading to where his mate might be. To free Louisa, Raphael puts his street smarts to good use getting accepted into the Reds hoping to have access to her. Raphael is a gritty, uncompromising story that I found exceptionally hard to put down. Filled with danger and adventure, richly created totally amazing characters (even the bad guys were fascinating), our "sweet" Raphael is going to win in the end or die trying. I must tell you, if you haven't read An Immortal Valentine's Day, I would read it first; the ending will read all that much better.
(Gifted an ARC for independent review)

[Flora Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome as always!

I received this awesome read in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first installment in the young adult spin off from adult Immortals series. If you have read the adult series you will recognize the same world and we see a few of the same characters but it is centered on a young werewolf named Raphael. We meet him as he is on the run from the Controller and he stumbles across his destined mate. The story takes off from there and keeps you glued to it til the very end.

I love the world building. With each of the Immortals series we see a little more of the world that Monica La Porta has created. In Raphael we find the Den of Regects and the Promenade that runs underneath Rome. Its a whole world unbeknownst to us humans. The characters add a lot to this world building as we are introduced to a street gang of werewolves known as the Reds and find that there is more to each one of them than meets the eye.

There are also many issues that are touched upon that many youths can relate to such as abuse at the hands of authority figures, families not accepting your sexual orientation, as well as gang life and drug abuse. The way the characters deal with their situations really brings them to life.


Each story that comes out in this series and the adult series its connected to keep getting better and better and I've enjoyed them all. They are all stand alone as well as can be read in succession. If you haven't read any of them, wait no longer. If you enjoy paranormal romance you won't regret it.

[Lorraine Caruana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next instalment in The Immortals series and Raphael and Luisa's story is here at last. The author calls them the new kids on the block and rightly so, but youth does not detract from their loyalty and love for each other. What admirable courage in the face of dire peril. Raphael is a young wolf with all the traits that some adults pride themselves for, even after a hellish childhood. Luisa is just as strong a survivor as he is. Perfectly matched. Fighting for their lives and their love is not just a necessity, it is the spark that holds them together. It is a glimpse at what these two beautiful souls are prepared to endure for each other in order to keep that gleam in their love struck eyes. Whilst I was reading there were times when I had the biggest grin on my face only to have my eyes fill with tears the next instant. I felt gutted at the injustice of it all, only realising that true friends are always just round the corner when you need them. My beloved boys showed us their true mettle again,that they are there to vindicate the underdogs which makes them even more endearing. I did predict that this might be Monica La Porta's best work in the series and I was proven right. We can now safely add two more unforgettable characters to the gang. We can also unreservedly state that Monica La Porta has become one of the most proficient authors in the firmament. I was graciously gifted this book as an ARC in return for a completely honest review..... Again.. Thank You......

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of 'Raphael' from Monica in exchange for an honest review.

This is an AMAZING start for Monica's new series "The Immortal Youths", a look at the youth of the Immortals... so you may run into characters from "The Immortals" series. I was quickly lost in Raphael's live, on the run & in Renegade Youth Shelters, you soon learn why he isn't with his family, it made me feel absolutely distraught.

Whilst on the run at the young age of 14, Raphael bumps into his mate, but he is being chased by a Controller so they go their sepereate ways. Until they bump into one another again, but Raphael is still on the run, but gets caught by the Controller & put inside the RYS... Rapheal's life is far from being perfect & it makes my heart ache, as a mum it hurts to think of the lack of love Raphael had growing up....

Even though the information you learn about Raphael's life hurt (I'm a mum)... I found myself hoping that he would find his mate again & finally be able to receive the love he'd deserved growing up. I just couldn't put it down, having started I ended up reading into the early morning, until it was finished... I even dreamt about the book afterwards.... I can't wait to read what comes next in the "Immortal Youth" series.

[Julia Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica La Porta's "Immortals" are taking the paranormal romantic adventure genre to a next level. The ancient city of Rome in all its beauty gives the story authenticity and an extra dimension.

The well grounded background breathes life into Raphael; a young werewolf, portrayed as devil-may-care with a wild sweetness and an artistic talent. After his own traumatised childhood he has an especial empathy with other mistreated youngsters, and instinctively strives to help. His luck changes when he finds employment with an alpha wolf, yet his deep mistrust of adults remains.
With a job and a place to call his own, he continues to be concerned for the welfare of others, in particular a gang of urchins known as the Rejects. He also continues to scour Rome in search of the girl who has captured his heart. When he discovers she's being held captive by a gang feared throughout Rome, armed with only the filmiest of plans and the brashness of youth, Raphael places himself in the gravest danger, intent on rescuing his soulmate.

As always, Monica's prose is beautiful, and though her characters are always engaging, it's particularly easy to fall in love with Raphael. Highly recommended.

[Suzanne Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book for an honest review.

The story is set in Rome and centers around Raphael, a young werewolf shifter who has been dealt a hard life but has survived. While trying to evade the Enforcer he finds and loses his mate Luisa. Two years later he finds her but once again loses her. He finally tracks her down and he discovers she is part of a drug gang's harem. Raphael is determined to get Luisa back and will do anything including infiltrating this dangerous gang to save her.

Monica La Porta has added to her Immortal series with this YA "spin-off". As with her other Immortal series book, this one is also a great read. Her characters have depth and the story is full of suspense and adventure. The descriptions of Rome and the immortal parallel world in Rome are amazing. You almost feel like you are in the city through her writing.

I am excited to read the next installment in this series.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★
This is a coming of age paranormal romance, with a massive difference.
Raphael is a teenage werewolf living alone on the streets of Rome. From an abusive childhood, he tries to stay away from the authorities that can be just as bad. He knows the city like the back of his hand, including the underground areas that is home to many others rejected people, wolves and pumas that live without any pack support.
While running from an enforcer one night he discovers Luisa, he knows she is his even though they are so young. Life on the run separates them, many times. Raphael will put himself in mortal danger, and put up with any abuse to save Luisa from a ruthless gang of werewolf criminals.
We follow our hero through years of trials and tribulations, while he works to find and save his mate.
A beautiful story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, worrying over the incredible brave young wolf.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book centers around Raphael Letta who is a youth werewolf strugglinh to survive on his own and avoid the controller who is trying to send him back to the Renegade Youth Shelter.

One night he meets Luisa and knows immediately that she is to be his mate. After they are separated he still can not stop thinking about her and constantly searches for her.

When Raphael is given a chance for a better life he takes it but when he hears that Luisa us taken by a gang, The Reds, he vows to go in a get her. As he begins his life a member of the gang he will do whatever it takes to protect Luisa but at what cost?

Is Raphael in over his head and will they have a chance at happiness or will being in the gang cost him everything?

This is a great book and brings in the supernatural as well as characters from Monica's other series! Such a great author!!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the Immortal's series by Monica La Porta. I have read a couple of other books in this series and although I enjoyed them, this one just blew me away! I was totally caught up in Raphael's story and was hoping he would end up with his sweetheart all the way through. I am truly hoping that his story does not end here and that I will hear more from Raphael in future stories in this series. This has been my favorite of the series by far and I am not sure if I am hoping Monica La Porta can make me change my mind or not in the future. I will certainly be looking forward to more books by this fantastic author in the future.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminescent of Samantha Jacobey's New Life motorcycle club series, RAPHAEL takes the reader to an underbelly of society. Beneath the surface and running perpendicular to the Italian metro, the homeless paranormal youth have their own society along the River Styx.

Starting out with fast paced danger, we are immediately introduced to Raphael and his means of survival. As he tries yet again to evade the enforcers, Raphael enters a home and meets the love of his life. This love he must carry with him and defend at great cost to himself.
I fell hard for the main characters in this wonderful first book of what promises to be a popular series. And for some secondary characters who I do hope we will meet again.

While I did not want to have the book end, I appreciated how the ending took us full circle to the beginning. I am excited for the potential of this very interesting suspenseful series.
I did receive a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I landed in a YA story and it was not what I had in mind coming from the Immortal series.
It was an OK read following Raphael but it was not enjoyable at times.
This was for me a serious take on the children who live on the street but happen to be supernaturals but I always shy away from teenagers.
Even though mate I didn't feel for the pair or their journey to getting together.
I lived to world build around them but not enough to have me wanting for more.
I guess I should have started with the first book...

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shifter Raphael has a dreadful past life which has left him scarred and now is on his own it no one to care for him. He lives rough in the catacombs beneath Rome and does everything he can to evade the Controler who just wants to send him back to a life of torment in the Renegade Youth Shelter. His life takes a rapid turn the day he meets werewolf Luisa who is his one true soulmate. However, they only meet for a very short time as he has to continue to flee the Controller. With a broken heart and an absolutely bereft wolf, he will sacrifice everything he has (even if it is his freedom) when he discovers he has been captured by a ruthless street gang. Will he be able to rescue her so they can be happy together forever?

This book was a rollercoaster ride through a broken care system, a street-gang and the underbelly of Rome. He'll have to do all sorts of things that are not in his nature in order to be near to her and try to get her away from such a dire situation. The end was explosive and full of drama and danger as Raphael battled to save them both from the brutality of the street gang. If I had one regret, it is that the conclusion was a little abrupt although I did like the final solution. An enjoyable story and at times an addictive read.

[Terri West · Rating 4 out of 5]

We got a little of Raphael's story in the previous book, however this one shows us that he is not the person he has been perceived to be. A good romance with some heartbreaking moments and one or two characters that I would really like to mess up (figuratively speaking of course).
Very enjoyable and I am loving all things Roman (but best not tell the Greek).

[Jenni Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving this review on behalf of Kats Book Promotions/ Katsindiebookblog. Yet again I am blown away with Monica’s work. I loved her from book 1, and it keeps getting better and better. This book you are introduced to 2 youngsters, Raphael and Luisa, both werewolves. She seems to be his light at the end of the tunnel. Raphael has had a pretty crappy past which has made him escape to beneath Rome. Doing everything he can to avoid going back to the youth shelter, is when he runs into his new found soul mate. Unfortunately their encounter is short lived when Luisa gets kidnapped by a local street gang. Will Raphael risk his freedom to help out? Or will he stay hidden and just hope she can escape on her own?
This story will keep you on your toes from page 1. You will not be disappointed if you are looking for an action packed read with a side of true love. Once again, another book that will be hard to put down once you start reading!

[Barb McKinley · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN EXCELLENT STORY ABOUT LOVES EVERLASTING STRENGTH...

This is a great book and shows the depth of the human spirit and its capacity to renew itself when things go horribly wrong.

This is a story of young love. It is well written and has plot twists that will keep you reading into wee hours of the morning. I love the characters and wanted to shelter them and keep them from harm. It is all too sad that many kids experience life the way Rafael and Luisa do and all too often fall prey to predators and die early.

I am happy to recommend this book to all ages of paranormal readers. It is important to read these books in the order written as you will enjoy the series more by doing so.

KUDOS Ms. LaPorta on a tale well told.

[Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely enjoyed this book. Very different than so many shifter stories I have read lately. Raphael is a young man who often does the wrong thing to survive. He finds his soulmate and will do anything to save her from the gang that's holds her as property. This book portrays gangs in a very realistic manner While still keeping the story line in the shifter world. I hope the author intends to write a book two. I will read it.

[Jennyfer Moorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honoured to receive an arc in this beautiful tale of the youngsters in the immortal series (new kids on the block)
Well what can I say I love the immortal series and having these new kids on the block constantly mentioned through out the series I'm thrilled to have read their story,
Raphael and Luisa destined to be soul mates, these 2 are strong willed and constantly fighting for a chance in life, finding true friendship, as always loveeee these series , keep them coming :0)

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raphael is a wonderful book full of action, adventure, love, sacrifice, and much more. Raphael is a loner and has been most of his life. He meets his soulmate Luisa who gets kidnapped by in infamous gang The Reds. He will do anything to save her, but will he survive? Will they become soul mates? You'll just have to read it to see what happens. Trust me, you'll love this book.

[Kory Shrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the series!