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Blood Canticles #1
Blood Witch
Lola Guntram is used to being an outcast. She's the only blood witch in Fort Rosser, mistrusted by other witches and happier working solo. But when her dark practices make her the prime suspect in a brutal murder investigation, she's forced to turn to others for help. Not that she has many allies—her ex-girlfriend thinks Lola is the killer, and the local coven leader thinks Lola will corrupt them all if she gets too close.
Help comes in an expected—and alluring—form. Tristesse is a demon on the run, beautiful, enigmatic, and suspiciously keen to assist Lola while she chases down the real killer. How can Lola refuse? With the police breathing down her neck, accusations flying, and inhuman monsters on the streets, Lola needs all the help she can get. The killer is angry, desperate, and determined. But so is Lola Guntram. And she doesn't care how dark or bloody the magic has to get—she's going to stop them.
Help comes in an expected—and alluring—form. Tristesse is a demon on the run, beautiful, enigmatic, and suspiciously keen to assist Lola while she chases down the real killer. How can Lola refuse? With the police breathing down her neck, accusations flying, and inhuman monsters on the streets, Lola needs all the help she can get. The killer is angry, desperate, and determined. But so is Lola Guntram. And she doesn't care how dark or bloody the magic has to get—she's going to stop them.
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
26 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Clark
54 books71 followersNaomi Clark lives in Cambridge and is a mild-mannered office worker by day, but a slightly crazed writer by night. She has a perfectly healthy obsession with giant sea creatures and a preference for vodka-based cocktails. When she's not writing, Naomi is probably either reading or watching 80s cartoon shows, and sometimes she manages to do all three at once.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 25, 2017
Blood Witch was a surprisingly enjoyable combination of mystery / suspense with a bit of romance thrown in. I'm not normally a fan of books that forego character development and communication in favor of action or books that end without a happily ever after - but this story actually worked for me.
I was particularly impressed by the world the author created. Naomi managed to present magic in a way that makes you wonder if it *could* exist in the real world. You don't have super powerful wizards teleporting everywhere and blowing things up with wands. Rather, there are extensive rituals and preparations that are needed to get some mediocre results. You could totally imagine that some of the "new age" style people in real life are actually getting results like this. Because of that, the characters and their situations felt much more genuine to me - which helped draw me into the story more.
Another aspect of this book I found surprisingly enjoyable were the sexy scenes. If you would have asked me prior to reading this book if I would've enjoyed reading (or even thinking) about blood play, I would have laughed and said, "hell no." Nonetheless, the author somehow managed to make that sound erotic and fun. I really appreciate when writers turn things that I'd normally find weird or creepy into something I can understand / enjoy - and Naomi totally pulled that off.
Combine those two things with a mystery that wasn't obvious, but also not confusing, and you end up with a really solid book.
With all that being said, though, I did have a few issues with this book. The biggest of these had to do with how unrealistic I felt some character interactions were and how they evolved over the course of the story. I know this book is more focused on the core mystery, but I found myself wishing that there were more / better interactions between some characters. For instance, I really don't understand why the demon is so fascinated with Lola. It's like from the moment they see each other there is this connection that isn't really explained and I felt like that hurt the adult scenes with the two of them. Just adding another scene or two of them interacting in a non suspenseful way could have helped a lot. Likewise, I felt like Rowan and Yvette had a few unbelievable scenes where I just didn't see why they'd act the way they did based on how they had acted previously (this is probably more of a personal opinion, though).
Aside from that, there are also numerous grammatical mistakes throughout the book. I, unfortunately, found myself broken out of the story twice while I tried to piece together what was being said.
Yet, despite those frustrations, I'd still recommend this book. The world is realistic and unique. The plot is clear, but not obvious. The characters are enjoyable and there's just the right amount of "spice."
I was particularly impressed by the world the author created. Naomi managed to present magic in a way that makes you wonder if it *could* exist in the real world. You don't have super powerful wizards teleporting everywhere and blowing things up with wands. Rather, there are extensive rituals and preparations that are needed to get some mediocre results. You could totally imagine that some of the "new age" style people in real life are actually getting results like this. Because of that, the characters and their situations felt much more genuine to me - which helped draw me into the story more.
Another aspect of this book I found surprisingly enjoyable were the sexy scenes. If you would have asked me prior to reading this book if I would've enjoyed reading (or even thinking) about blood play, I would have laughed and said, "hell no." Nonetheless, the author somehow managed to make that sound erotic and fun. I really appreciate when writers turn things that I'd normally find weird or creepy into something I can understand / enjoy - and Naomi totally pulled that off.
Combine those two things with a mystery that wasn't obvious, but also not confusing, and you end up with a really solid book.
With all that being said, though, I did have a few issues with this book. The biggest of these had to do with how unrealistic I felt some character interactions were and how they evolved over the course of the story. I know this book is more focused on the core mystery, but I found myself wishing that there were more / better interactions between some characters. For instance, I really don't understand why the demon is so fascinated with Lola. It's like from the moment they see each other there is this connection that isn't really explained and I felt like that hurt the adult scenes with the two of them. Just adding another scene or two of them interacting in a non suspenseful way could have helped a lot. Likewise, I felt like Rowan and Yvette had a few unbelievable scenes where I just didn't see why they'd act the way they did based on how they had acted previously (this is probably more of a personal opinion, though).
Aside from that, there are also numerous grammatical mistakes throughout the book. I, unfortunately, found myself broken out of the story twice while I tried to piece together what was being said.
Yet, despite those frustrations, I'd still recommend this book. The world is realistic and unique. The plot is clear, but not obvious. The characters are enjoyable and there's just the right amount of "spice."
September 8, 2021
I quite enjoyed this, and a lot more than I thought I was going to. Very pleasant surprise. Been such a long time since I've read a decent fantasy f/f.
I definitely think this could have been improved by being longer, but not by much, and only because there is info that we do not get as the reader, like why does Tristesse care/lust for Lola? Especially since apparently it's quite the honor and Tristesse doesn't give it up often and is super choosy about it. There are other things but spoilers.
Some of the characters/character interactions were just... off, especially with Caleb, and Caleb and Rowan. Editing is a huge issue. Normally I wouldn't count it against a book, but there was just way too many errors: words missing, formatting, grammar, spelling, you name it.
I really enjoyed the magic and world Clark created. It takes a lot of effort to learn and gather the ingredients and then cast the spell correctly. There are different elements/types each is drawn to but it seems like anyone can do any (probably most) types, and I think that's fantastic. It's also explained that there is most definitely a difference between blood magic and necromancy.
But of course, this had to include one of my biggest pet peeves:
However, huge bonus: no Twilight reference! A book written after Twilight with vampires in it and no mention of it! I've waited so long... Thank you, Clark!
There is also a bit of humor here and Tristesse's blunt nature helps that.
I will most likely check out the next of the series.
I definitely think this could have been improved by being longer, but not by much, and only because there is info that we do not get as the reader, like why does Tristesse care/lust for Lola? Especially since apparently it's quite the honor and Tristesse doesn't give it up often and is super choosy about it. There are other things but spoilers.
Some of the characters/character interactions were just... off, especially with Caleb, and Caleb and Rowan. Editing is a huge issue. Normally I wouldn't count it against a book, but there was just way too many errors: words missing, formatting, grammar, spelling, you name it.
I really enjoyed the magic and world Clark created. It takes a lot of effort to learn and gather the ingredients and then cast the spell correctly. There are different elements/types each is drawn to but it seems like anyone can do any (probably most) types, and I think that's fantastic. It's also explained that there is most definitely a difference between blood magic and necromancy.
Lola didn't believe magic was evil. Intent was what differentiated between good and bad.
Lola had built a small collection of custom-made jewelry, all embedded with stones chosen for their particular properties. Once a month, under the new moon, she washed the stones in her blood. It enhanced the natural properties of the stones, kept the magic in them fresh and strong, and gave her a way to perform without freaking anyone out.
But of course, this had to include one of my biggest pet peeves:
This was much easier in books and movies, Lola thought. You stumbled upon a crucial piece of evidence and the conspiracy simply unwound for you, no effort required.
However, huge bonus: no Twilight reference! A book written after Twilight with vampires in it and no mention of it! I've waited so long... Thank you, Clark!
There is also a bit of humor here and Tristesse's blunt nature helps that.
"Is there a functional difference between a dead creature that drinks blood and a dead creature that eats brains?"
I will most likely check out the next of the series.
February 5, 2016
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
If anyone had asked me a couple of months ago if I’m a fan of urban fantasy, they would have received a resounding, no! I tended to avoid the genre as often the world building and plots confused me. Thankfully that was not the case while reading Blood Witch. This story is rich in depth. Complex, yet easy to follow. Naomi has crafted a world that I found myself completely submerged in.
I connected with Lola right from the beginning. At times I wished I didn’t feel so connected to her, as her constant need to itch the scars on her wrist, had me doing the same. The spiritual side to her personality, her ability to read auras, fascinated me as a reader and appealed to me on a personal level.
The story starts with a bang, when the first body turns up, dead! From there the body count grows, the plot thickens, cops are brought into investigate. The demon Tristesse insinuates herself in Lola’s life. Rogue vampires turn humans, and chaos ensues.
Not once did I find myself lost while reading this story, and nor for the life of me could I imagine how it would all play out! The story was full of mystery and suspense. It would be fair to say the story was everything but predictable.
While sex is certainly far from the forefront of this complex story, there are a couple of sexy scenes sure to satisfy readers who enjoy some ‘adult’ content. My inner lesbian purred!
I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy interwoven plots, with magic, witches, demons, rogue vampires, and a touch of spice.
I can't wait to jump into the sequel Dark Days
Copy requested and received in exchange for an honest review.
If anyone had asked me a couple of months ago if I’m a fan of urban fantasy, they would have received a resounding, no! I tended to avoid the genre as often the world building and plots confused me. Thankfully that was not the case while reading Blood Witch. This story is rich in depth. Complex, yet easy to follow. Naomi has crafted a world that I found myself completely submerged in.
I connected with Lola right from the beginning. At times I wished I didn’t feel so connected to her, as her constant need to itch the scars on her wrist, had me doing the same. The spiritual side to her personality, her ability to read auras, fascinated me as a reader and appealed to me on a personal level.
The story starts with a bang, when the first body turns up, dead! From there the body count grows, the plot thickens, cops are brought into investigate. The demon Tristesse insinuates herself in Lola’s life. Rogue vampires turn humans, and chaos ensues.
Not once did I find myself lost while reading this story, and nor for the life of me could I imagine how it would all play out! The story was full of mystery and suspense. It would be fair to say the story was everything but predictable.
While sex is certainly far from the forefront of this complex story, there are a couple of sexy scenes sure to satisfy readers who enjoy some ‘adult’ content. My inner lesbian purred!
I highly recommend this story to readers who enjoy interwoven plots, with magic, witches, demons, rogue vampires, and a touch of spice.
I can't wait to jump into the sequel Dark Days
Copy requested and received in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2018
Unpretentious, quite short urban fantasy with a good hearted witch and a sexy demon duchess with some mistery and monster fighting.
Enjoyable characters and writing.
A nice reading overall, and sometimes that's all I ask for.
Enjoyable characters and writing.
A nice reading overall, and sometimes that's all I ask for.
January 6, 2016
This book is quite delightful. With a cornucopia of information and insights into the multi-leveled world of witches, magic, demons, and demonology, as I was reading, my brain was consistently tilted off-center and my eyes flooded with delectable details and illuminative intricacies infusing the manipulators and the manipulated. The variety of witches and demons, their powers, and their passionate intensities provide an additional backdrop for a tense, challenging, and magnificently enticing mystery story. Furthermore there are some very human idiosyncrasies at play, too. Then there are the prejudices, flimsy judgmental accusations, some actually quite hurtful at times yet humorous on occasion, but possibly slanderous obstacles undermining the power and focus of a certain witch who perhaps holds the key to positively everyone's survival. Extremely mind-bogglingly inventive!
The only blood witch within this extraordinary community is Lola Guntram and she is quite talented, curious, and pretty much the center of attention for all citizens and new denizens within her town. Later in the story her name is surprisingly besmirched by an exceedingly astounding character the likes of which I have yet to encounter in my readings. However, right from the start Lola is on the defensive and then fairly rapidly she is coerced into saving all the folks who have so often treated her with disdain. I sometimes felt off balance around Lola, but I certainly ended up finding her eminently admirable. Her rapidly developing supernatural talents provide some of the most eye-popping and enjoyable episodes within this story. Lola is not only a pip, but a phenomenally skilled witch opening up my eyes to countless concepts and deliciously awesome adventures. If the concept of a blood witch exists beyond the confines of this fabulous book, I must really track that down. Impressively wondrous!
The startling entity that manages to materialize within this society on the coattails of a truly incredible pre-meditated and horrific elicitation is just another unexpected pleasure among countless scenarios. Since she is heads and shoulders more astonishing than any other character I have encountered or read about, I am reluctant to give the reader her name. I am confident anyone experiencing this story will know who I am referencing and will bask in the amazing incredulousness of this one-of-a-kind existence as much as I did. She is bewilderingly exceptional in her skill and her sensuousness. It would be conspicuously sublime if an entire book would some day be focused around such an inconceivably regal yet unquestionable delightfully loving multi-faceted marvel. Gloriously compelling!
This is a must-read not once or twice, but as many times as needed to feel that every element is as clear as possible and as unforgettable as death and life purports to be. Splendidly transforming!
NOTE: This book was provided by Evernight Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
The only blood witch within this extraordinary community is Lola Guntram and she is quite talented, curious, and pretty much the center of attention for all citizens and new denizens within her town. Later in the story her name is surprisingly besmirched by an exceedingly astounding character the likes of which I have yet to encounter in my readings. However, right from the start Lola is on the defensive and then fairly rapidly she is coerced into saving all the folks who have so often treated her with disdain. I sometimes felt off balance around Lola, but I certainly ended up finding her eminently admirable. Her rapidly developing supernatural talents provide some of the most eye-popping and enjoyable episodes within this story. Lola is not only a pip, but a phenomenally skilled witch opening up my eyes to countless concepts and deliciously awesome adventures. If the concept of a blood witch exists beyond the confines of this fabulous book, I must really track that down. Impressively wondrous!
The startling entity that manages to materialize within this society on the coattails of a truly incredible pre-meditated and horrific elicitation is just another unexpected pleasure among countless scenarios. Since she is heads and shoulders more astonishing than any other character I have encountered or read about, I am reluctant to give the reader her name. I am confident anyone experiencing this story will know who I am referencing and will bask in the amazing incredulousness of this one-of-a-kind existence as much as I did. She is bewilderingly exceptional in her skill and her sensuousness. It would be conspicuously sublime if an entire book would some day be focused around such an inconceivably regal yet unquestionable delightfully loving multi-faceted marvel. Gloriously compelling!
This is a must-read not once or twice, but as many times as needed to feel that every element is as clear as possible and as unforgettable as death and life purports to be. Splendidly transforming!
NOTE: This book was provided by Evernight Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 22, 2018
When you arrive at the garage and learn you DO have to wait two more hours before getting it back, especially if you want to use it for a 2000km drive during your christmas holiday, what do you do ? >> you pick the first thing that comes up... and get a surprise.
This story doesn't rock any boat. Maybe it's because I had really low expectations (just look at the corny cover, OMG, so embarassing), but I was swept in pretty quickly.
Fluid and engaging writing > check
Funny characters interactions > check
Easy to get into this magical world without info dump > check
Enticing characters > check
The romance part is not believable but pretty hot.
The mystery part is really fun, with lot of twists and it felt like a mix between a buffy episode and other old favorites. They even had a Willow wannabe ^^
I think it's my first Naomi Clark, but I will keep her in mind when I just need to kill time ^^.
This story doesn't rock any boat. Maybe it's because I had really low expectations (just look at the corny cover, OMG, so embarassing), but I was swept in pretty quickly.
Fluid and engaging writing > check
Funny characters interactions > check
Easy to get into this magical world without info dump > check
Enticing characters > check
The romance part is not believable but pretty hot.
The mystery part is really fun, with lot of twists and it felt like a mix between a buffy episode and other old favorites. They even had a Willow wannabe ^^
I think it's my first Naomi Clark, but I will keep her in mind when I just need to kill time ^^.
July 10, 2023
Being accused of murder because she's the only blood witch in town is just the tip of the iceberg as Lola finds herself having to track down the murder, and becoming a lot more involved than she'd expected. Add in a demoness, ex, the detective on the case, and a young witch with far too much energy, you have a rather interesting group of friends. Especially with the demoness being rather alluring.
It's an engaging tale. Fast paced and well written, it was easy to get absorbed in the story as things got more complex, with not all being as it seemed. The romance between Lola and Tristesse is cute, even if it is not overly deep, and plenty of things (most, in fact, wrt the demoness) are left deliberately unanswered for resolution later in the series. But the story wraps up well, and I am keen to read the rest of the books in the series. A good first book and worth the read.
It's an engaging tale. Fast paced and well written, it was easy to get absorbed in the story as things got more complex, with not all being as it seemed. The romance between Lola and Tristesse is cute, even if it is not overly deep, and plenty of things (most, in fact, wrt the demoness) are left deliberately unanswered for resolution later in the series. But the story wraps up well, and I am keen to read the rest of the books in the series. A good first book and worth the read.
October 23, 2020
I LOVED this book! There's a ton of representation and I lived for the main romance. I also loved how realistic the use of witchcraft was in this book. With that being said, I think this book could've been a lot longer, and I think it would've really helped. Although I love my girls, this was totally an insta romance. The LI is a very 1D character - she's hot. Alright. She has powers. That's all we know. We don't really have a strong personality with her imo, and that sucks because she had a ton of potential. I will definately be continuing this series though and I hope that I can get to know the LI even more. Overall, if you're interested in this book, I would recommend it! I'm looking forward to reading more books from this author.
October 10, 2019
I am a huge urban fantasy fan and this book is exactly what I wanted; a fun magical mystery with a bit of fun romance in the mix. It was quite a quick read but that just means I can start reading the next one sooner!
July 22, 2020
Witches, Demons & Vampires!
What’s not to love? Witches & a Demon working together to solve 2 murders with magic, plus throw in some sexy romance. Gotta love it! Definitely recommend this book!
What’s not to love? Witches & a Demon working together to solve 2 murders with magic, plus throw in some sexy romance. Gotta love it! Definitely recommend this book!
September 1, 2021
This world has potential. I did struggle to pay attention quite a bit throughout this book but I liked the story overall and enjoyed the characters. The smut was fabulous which is why I really wanted to read this book, so hey!! Success. It could do with a little more world building.
July 14, 2020
Great start to a series.
May 17, 2022
Love the book wish the book was longer
August 6, 2022
I tried many times and I could just not get into this book.
September 2, 2015
Blood Witch was a good one, took me a while to figure out who the bad guy was, have to say I liked that, it was a pleasant surprise (no spoilers I promise). Lola was an outcast but she was not all angsty about it, (thank you) because I am so over that life. She got knocked down by her Ex, got back up, suffered some losses got back up, met a hottie, suffered some self doubt because of tha hottie, got back up.
Blood Witch is not all dark we have comic relief in the form of some tag along friends and the demon hottie girlfriend, the EX and her man all mixing and bringing the drama. Blood Witch made for a good read with nonstop action and a little dying.
If you are thinking about giving F/F a try I would definitely give Blood Witch a try, the XXX scenes flowed naturally, this is so not erotica so no need to be scared.
Blood Witch is not all dark we have comic relief in the form of some tag along friends and the demon hottie girlfriend, the EX and her man all mixing and bringing the drama. Blood Witch made for a good read with nonstop action and a little dying.
If you are thinking about giving F/F a try I would definitely give Blood Witch a try, the XXX scenes flowed naturally, this is so not erotica so no need to be scared.
July 27, 2015
It's been a while since I last read an urban fantasy book. I was thoroughly burned out on the genre, and to be honest, I hadn't pegged it as UF. It had all the staple creatures, one seems a bit mysterious, but reveals itself near the end, without giving it a name.
It is a short story, I finished it in under three hours. But it was surprisingly good. But there are some issues with it. You can see the enthusiasm the author had while writing it. Like she couldn't wait to get the story on paper/hard drive. And it shows, because at times, it felt rushed, and oppurtunities were missed. For example, when Tristesse is introduced. That could have been so much more, so much room for some added humor.
It also could have used some extra editing. There were a lot of missing words and punctuation.
It is a short story, I finished it in under three hours. But it was surprisingly good. But there are some issues with it. You can see the enthusiasm the author had while writing it. Like she couldn't wait to get the story on paper/hard drive. And it shows, because at times, it felt rushed, and oppurtunities were missed. For example, when Tristesse is introduced. That could have been so much more, so much room for some added humor.
It also could have used some extra editing. There were a lot of missing words and punctuation.
August 23, 2015
I am probably one of the few males that acknowledge a soft spot for female leads in Urban Fantasy. I have devoured dozens.
This book follows the average main plot as expected and opens several story lines to be addressed in later books. A good opener for a series. A group of characters is introduced, just enough to easily know who is who.
What made me give the extra star to 4 is the fact that the main character is no female terminator, no arch wizard in a young body, no avatar of a god or any semi supernatural creature. Flesh and blood human.
Neither is she an nymphomaniac surrounded by a platoon of eager males. No family problems that needs solving at the same time the world needs saving, and thankfully she does not run P.I. firm.
This book follows the average main plot as expected and opens several story lines to be addressed in later books. A good opener for a series. A group of characters is introduced, just enough to easily know who is who.
What made me give the extra star to 4 is the fact that the main character is no female terminator, no arch wizard in a young body, no avatar of a god or any semi supernatural creature. Flesh and blood human.
Neither is she an nymphomaniac surrounded by a platoon of eager males. No family problems that needs solving at the same time the world needs saving, and thankfully she does not run P.I. firm.
April 6, 2017
Well done
Fast, intense, and at times funny, but serious also. Lola is great, Rowan is very good, and the demon is fantastic. I found this book late son I get to slide right into the next. Interesting stuff in here. I wonder if any of this magic is actually practiced? In New Orleans? Maybe. So much better than I thought it would be.
Fast, intense, and at times funny, but serious also. Lola is great, Rowan is very good, and the demon is fantastic. I found this book late son I get to slide right into the next. Interesting stuff in here. I wonder if any of this magic is actually practiced? In New Orleans? Maybe. So much better than I thought it would be.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews