Feast of the Epiphany

Immortal Reign #2

by Kathryn M. Hearst

Giovanna has served the Holy Mother Church since the day they burned her at the stake. As a member of the Sinistra Dei, a secret order within the Catholic Church, Gia excelled at the art of assassinations.

Lately, the biggest crisis Gia has had to face is a long night at work. That is until her quiet world begins to unravel when her commander, and former lover, sinks into insanity. Before she can come to terms with his illness, and centuries of secrets and lies, dark immortals terrorize the French Quarter.

In the face of new enemies, old fears, a rising death toll, and the unexpected evolution of her supernatural powers—Gia is forced to choose between duty and loyalty to save those she loves.

Feast of the Epiphany is the second book in the Sinistra Dei series. If you like mysterious supernatural creatures, conflict-ridden romance, and a lot of heat, then you’ll love this Urban Fantasy series.

Genres: Paranormal, Amazon, Vampires

323 pages, ebook

First published June 17, 2016

About the author

Kathryn M. Hearst is a southern girl with a love of the dark and strange. She has been a story teller her entire life, as a child she took people watching to new heights by creating back stories of complete strangers. Kate lives in North Carolina with her chocolate lab, Jolene; and two rescue pups, Jagger and Roxanne. She is a self-proclaimed nerd, raising a nerdling.

Reviews

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will keep this simple to avoid any unintentional spoilers. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you are a fan of paranormal romance, I suspect that you will enjoy this book also. Initially, I assumed a leisurely pace while reading this, but hastened my pace about halfway through as I was hanging on page by page to see what happened next. While it incorporates many "beings" that are often seen in this genre, the author does a wonderful job of making her characters (and storyline) unique and intriguing. It contains all of the fundamental elements needed in a great plot: tension, romance, conflict, passion, loss, love, evolution of character, etc. And speaking of passion, if you are shy about that type of thing, well, this book might not be for you. Overall, a great read - not too deeply complex - so a perfect read for those times when you just need to wind down and enjoy a good story with a glass of wine after a long day. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

[Coco.V]

💝FREE on Amazon today (9/19/18)!💝
Blurb:
Giovanna has served the Holy Mother Church since the day they burned her at the stake. As a member of the Sinistra Dei, a secret order within the Catholic Church, Gia excelled at the art of assassinations.

Lately, the biggest crisis Gia has had to face is a long night at work. That is until her quiet world begins to unravel when her commander, and former lover, sinks into insanity. Before she can come to terms with his illness, and centuries of secrets and lies, dark immortals terrorize the French Quarter.

In the face of new enemies, old fears, a rising death toll, and the unexpected evolution of her supernatural powers—Gia is forced to choose between duty and loyalty to save those she loves.

Feast of the Epiphany is the second book in the Sinistra Dei series. If you like mysterious supernatural creatures, conflict-ridden romance, and a lot of heat, then you’ll love this Urban Fantasy series.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars)

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

WE have mystery, romance and turbulence. Follow Gia on her discoveries. Find out who or what the evil is. Can Gia save New Orleans, or will she fail? Follow the twist and turns and see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lulu [at] Reckless Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

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The thought of supernatural creatures working on behalf of the Catholic Church, instead of the Church looking to condemn and execute them, is such an interesting twist and breath of fresh air, that I had to pick up Feast of the Epiphany by Kathryn M Hearst. I needed to see how this would work, and boy was I pleased. This was such a great read that really hit a spot I hadn’t known needed to be filled. The writing and style really reminded me of both old school Vampire Chronicles, which is a given considering both take place in New Orleans, and of the first few Anita Blake novels.

Now, I wouldn’t say this is a slow-burn type book. But, it’s pacing isn’t the fastest. It isn’t slow, but steady and builds up with the action. Hearst starts by letting us ease into the situation, the location, the world. She finds a good rhythm between giving us action, sexual tension, and background information all at once while still keeping steady, never overwhelming. The location descriptions are fantastic, really making me feel like I’m back in New Orleans, which is a great thing to feel as it definitely plays a role in the story, almost feeling like an extra character.

Like New Orleans, all of the characters come with a heavy background already in place. Complex and full of history, they feel set in their ways and very real. Don’t expect sudden spurts of character growth as they all feel very matured, perhaps save the younger two characters of the group, for obvious reasons. Gia is a likable protagonist, though there was a point that had me rage quitting my kindle because I thought please, don’t be this stupid. Lochlan played his role well, and I kinda wish we could get more of him, but past him to see how he became who he is. While Torben, woo, I loved Torben. Loved him too too much. And boy, the sex in the book was delicious. Yes, there’s sex. If you didn’t pick that up from my comparison to Anita Blake, then you are sheltered when it comes to the vampire fiction world of adults.

By the end, new elements are introduced that really start adding in the actual mystery part of the novel. Unfortunately, all of these new questions are left unanswered, likely to entice readers into picking up the sequel (which I will probably do). But it does leave you feeling a bit confused as to what is happening and why it’s happening all of a sudden. You want to know what’s happening and aren’t completely sure the author knows just yet where to lead you. That’s the slightest complaint, but as I said, it’s likely just to entice readers to the sequel.

Feast of the Epiphany by Kathryn M Hearst is an enjoyable and sexy vampire novel with a new twist, great defined characters, and gorgeous descriptions. If you’re a fan of the original few Vampire Chronicles or first sixish Anita Blake books, this is definitely something you’d enjoy!

// I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. //

[Maggie H-G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book with an interesting and fast-paced storyline. The author did a great job of creating a bad ass crew of fighters that killed off the worst of the worst, while throwing in plot twists that they had also unjustly killed off people of their own kind, thus giving a greater depth to the story. Well written with an edgy tone, I found it to be a good book, but some of the content didn't jive with my personal taste in books. I think what pulled at me most were the relationships in the book and how they weren't monogamous, or felt inconsistent. I couldn't buy into the love triangle of Lochlan-Giovanna-Torben because I never fell for Team Lochlan. The book hinted at a best friend relationship between Torben and Lochlan, and also that Giovanna loved Lochlan, yet the Lochlan that is presented to the reader is always the bad guy. Similarly, the romantic relationship of Giovanna and Torben is heated and there is a desperation for them to have alone time together, and yet their second, shall we say "encounter", involves Nick. Then in bringing up Nick, I am puzzled by his affections for Marin, when he is content hooking-up with Giovanna, and impregnates Cindy quite casually. Call me old-fashioned, but the focus of monogamous relationships can strengthen the bond between characters. Having everyone swap partners haphazardly can be confusing, and in my personal opinion, kind of disappointing as well. In the end, the culture of the book and the world the author created was entertaining, but I was disappointed by the relationships emphasized in the storyline.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Gia is one outstanding character. She is a strong, knows what she needs to do type of gal. Loved the book.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Review to come soon...

[Lyn Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished this and am so emotional after reading it, especially with how it ends. It is a powerful story that for me shows how strong someone can be even though they want to close their eyes and wish it all away. Although this story is centred on a strong, courageous woman holding more pain than seems physically possible it also highly focuses on many different people and their own separate struggles.

This story is extremely inventive and imaginative and I love the world that this is based in. The thing I loved most about this tale was the element of surprise that runs throughout, just when you think you know what's going on, something else happens to shock you. Readers will definitely find themselves as hooked as i was. I am so glad that i have the next book in this series and i cant wait to find out what will happen next in this world.

My favourite character hands down is Torben!! My heart really goes out to him and it is obvious how much he has been through in his life but he always stays respectful, honourable and ready to protect those that he cares about in an Instant without any thought to himself. He will always do he believes is right and stands by his beliefs and people seem to flock to him because of this. I also adored Gia, she has also been through so much pain in her life that I am sure could have been avoided. The relieves the pain every day, at first she seems like a quiet soul but you soon see her strength and you glimpse who she could become and I loved watching this growth as I read the book!!!

People seriously need to read this book as well as her other books which are amazing!!! This author has such a talent for weaving a tale together and making it so compelling and addictive. She is most definitely one of my favourite author's and I can't wait to read more of her work!!!!

[Tiredteacher.reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series had so much potential and then it all went to hell.

Book 2 is told from two entirely different POVs- which is awful because the storyline from book 1 wasn’t resolved at all. book 2 does nothing to help set it to rights in a way that is satisfying for the reader- like literally nothing.

EX: husband and wife that have been forcibly separated for decades with little to no contact for YEARS are reunited off the page and they were the main couple in the last book.

There’s also a casual sexual relationship between an immortal character and a mortal she babysat. So that was gross.

DNF.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have left Nicholia and Serena's story with Nicholia on the run and Serena raising Nick.
We've now caught up with the relationship triangle between Lochlain, Torben and Giovanna. Torben was once Gia's lover but Loch wiped her memory and now Torben just waits for Gia to realise who she really loves. We learned all this in the last book. I really like the way Ms. Hearst is adding to everyone's story. Can't wait for the next book to see how she tie's up the loose ends.
I received a free copy of this book and choose to review it.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is an interesting twist on the vampire genre. The immortals work for the Roman Catholic Church and don't drink blood. Of course they are finding out that what they have been told is not necessarily the truth (religions twists things to suit their purposes) and the immortals face a battle that leaves them with a new reality. This is a powerful story filled with love and loss, tension and conflict, there are tender moments and battle scenes. I look forward to see what happens next.

[Terri West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great instalment in this series, romance, intrigue, heartache and terror. This book follows Feast of Reverence and the story continues to include our heroes from the previous book and introduces more characters and the plot as they say thickens.
I loved these two books but the down side is there are some issues with proof reading (in both books) hence only 4 stars.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good story that drew me in, I just had to know, what happens next. I will say that there is a love triangle, but I feel that it really worked in this book. I did enjoy this good paranormal story. I am Loving this series!!! No Spoilers!.

I received an ARC and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review because I Choose to and Loved this Book!!!

[Diane Werning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Awakening

This book will knock your socks off.If you are in any way squeamish, have someone else read that part and then tell you about it.This author has a very good imagination. Can't wait to read the next book.

[Tessa Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Well written with just the right poaranormal and Romance to keep you interested and looking for more. It is easy to get lost in her writing.

[Rita Whinfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mardi Gras!

I love stories where the same characters interact in the books. This one has a lot more heartbreak and I needed tissues a few times. Definitely worth a read.

[Julie Bird · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was some weird stuff.

[Jeanéva Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing take on Vampires

Blood Awakening is the second title in the Immortal Reign series. It is more urban fantasy with a romance subplot than straight-up romance. Even with my predilection for romance, I couldn't put it down. This second in the series picks up about twenty years from the first book. The main character is Giovanna or Gia as we know her. The story weaves history with present seamlessly as Gia discovers more of her hidden past and begins to uncover the origins of her people. Something isn't right in the Roman church's Sinistra Dei. In fact, all evidence points to a very sinister beginning. And what would a story be without an ever-present evil lurking in the shadows?

[T.M. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Feast of the Epiphany (Sinistra Dei Series Book 2)
Author: Kathryn M. Hearst
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts

REVIEW
If you love paranormal, especially those with gods, goddesses, magic, and so much more than you will love this story.
This story revolves around Giovanna aka Gia, and her entire world that is unraveling.
Set in New Orleans, and everything revolves around the Catholic Church... Church you say? A story with monsters and church? Yep fantastic story too. Oh, let me not forget. We have a love triangle between Gia, Torben, and Lochlain. Why? I have no clue when it's as for the eyes to read she should be with Torben. Well grab your copy and read because it's jammed packed with action, intrigue, and betrayal...


Kathryn M. Hearst

[Vera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, didn't love it. While some of the ideas were unique, the story itself just didn't keep me wanting more.

The main character, Gia, is a voluptuous ex-courtesan who has been made undead (centuries ago). She is tough, spunky, and easy to read. I would also hesitantly add that I believe the main issue with this book is the two love interests. I felt like both were completely half-baked! Cue your typical love-triangle....except it really does appear like no one really likes each other all that much.

We basically have vampires in two different factions ( a good one and a bad one). The bad faction drinks the blood of humans (biting, killing, etc.) and the good faction seems to live more off 'energy' and end the sinful humans who feel no remorse for their wrong-doings. Loch is the leader of Gia's faction and he has been acting strangely....in a bad way. They find out that he has been feeding off blood and sex from a human woman, driving her mad instead of killing her. In fact, it appears that his powers for 'good and light' are fading away.

Since this book revolves around some of the major relationships:
Torben & Gia: Cute, but never felt any tension here. These two have been on and off lovers for many years, although Gia has always been Loch's 'girl'. Torben has been pining after Gia, hoping that one day she will fall back into his bed. She has put him in the dreaded 'friend-zone' for a couple decades, fearing that their love will 'destroy' everything. Please. That is simply too cheesy and it never stopped anyone from being together.

Loch & Gia: This one bothered me the most. We see in the summary of the book that she is supposed to be in love with Loch, but it seems so flat and empty. She suspects he is with other people or looking to replace her with a younger version, yet she never actually seems upset about that. Why? Not sure. They end up being in a slightly abusive relationship due to Loch sinking into madness, but we never see him being kind to her anyway so it wasn't much of a loss or a shock.

Overall...I kept reading because I wanted to see what happened between Loch, Gia, and Torben. I was pretty disappointed that it never got 'deep' and just seemed to have a predictable end. In regards to the writing itself, good, but I did notice a typo in the ARC (Loch's eye color changed from honey brown to green).

I probably will not be looking forward to the next book. I just can't seem to get deep into vampire novels anymore unless they are post-apocalyptic.



I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Awesome Indies Book Awards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY (Sinistra Dei Series #2) by KATHRYN M HEARST in the library of Awesome Indies' Badge of Approval recipients.

Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):

It is very difficult for an independent author to step into a well-established literary archetype and handle it as marvelously as Kathryn M. Hearst does in Feast Of The Epiphany. The first book in the Sinistra Dei series showcases the author’s thorough understanding of the common tropes of the vampire genre while confidently setting her foot in the sand as a new voice with new ideas in an otherwise crowded section of the bookshelf.

Like most tales in the vampire genre, Epiphany is at its heart a paranormal romance, but it also incorporates aspects of more traditional metaphysical fiction. This is not a story for children, and the action and intimacy are likely more suited to the tastes of Anne Rice fans than Stephanie Meyer’s. The main character, Gia, while possessing inhuman power, will seem the most human to the reader, and I imagine she is a character that many young women will easily empathize with on a psychological level. Fans of the genre should know that most of the vampires featured in this story subscribe to the psychic parasitism form of vampirism rather than the sanguinarian. Those that do drink the blood of their victims are depicted as those falling victim to the weaknesses of hubris and hedonism.

The real meat of this story comes in the relationships formed between Gia and the two rivals for her affection. The real power of a story that takes place in a fantasy setting is that it can portray real, human relationships amongst the magic and mystery and action. Human relationships are complicated, so it would only make sense for superhuman relationships to become super complicated. Epiphany captures the grit and confusion of relatable love and blasts it with smart and sexy. Like any tragic romance, you will find things to love and hate about each attendant, but the author sets a relatable table and invites you to sit down for an at-times uncomfortable meal.

The events that unfold in Feast of the Epiphany lead the reader to a satisfactory conclusion while leaving the door open for sequels. I read this book with the luxury of knowing that more is in store for Gia and can guarantee fans of vampire fiction that they will find a rewarding and carefully crafted story here that doesn’t end when you close the back cover. 5 Stars.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the first book and I love this series. I will eagerly be awaiting book three! The female main character is great and her male love interest is very stimulating

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne Monteith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve only read one vampire novl in the last few years where there wasn’t a romance between vamps and humans and I have to admit that this is one of the better ones. I like the New Orleans setting and the role that the Catholic Church plays in this novel is a first and I hop to see it developed more as the series progresses.

There are two different vampire factions those that are “good” a only kill humans who have no remorse about the evil sctions they have comitted; the bad vampires like killing and torturing any human. Loch is the leader of the good vampires and Gia is his lady love, or at least this is how it’s suppose to be.

Since this is PNR there is a love triangle with Torben being the third party. Unfortunately, I had a problem with both all parties in this triangle, maybe if I knew more about how Loch acted before recently I would be able to understand the relationship more. Torben has been pining after Gia for ages and he lets her use him for sex whenever she wants in the vain hope that one day she will love him as he loves her. Loch is supposedly the love of her undead life but yet when she suspects him of being with others and looking for a younger vampire to replace her she shows little or no emotion. There relationship seems as flat as the other and there are no reasons for the reader to root for one or the other. There is no mention of any of the vampires finding or looking their “mate” as is so typical in this genre; perhaps if this is something that could happen it would make these other relationships less nauseating.

While I am planning on reading the second book in this series, it will depend on how this triangle is handled or new relationships develop as to whether or not I will continue reading this series.

3/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giovanna (“Gia”) has been with the vampire Lochlain for a very long time, but she doesn’t love him. Now he is losing himself to darkness and Torben may have to make him step down. Torben has loved Gia for a long time but has not made a move toward her. She will have to decide how she will respond.

There is an evil element to concentrate on as dark immortals arrive in New Orleans, and now is not the time for their clutch to show weakness. When members start to disappear, the situation gets worse. Gia needs to step in and bring everything under control.

The characters are wonderful in this story. The twists and turns will keep the reader spinning. Grab your copy and following the exciting story line to see how all of the turmoil will finally shake out!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are introduced to Gia in the first book in this series and it was fun to meet her again. A bit broken and with a few messy relationships as setup in the first story, it was fun watching what happened next in this one. Plus there was that pesky mystery of who and why murders were occurring. It was a fun story that made me laugh and groan at a few scenes and people. Really wanted to slap a few so the author did a great job with the characters. Just a fun emotional and action story that sucked me in until the end. Gia was a great character and lead in this book. Plus the look at the others in the clutch was fun and entertaining.

[Rose Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Rivoting!!!!! I read this & like the first 1 I couldn't put it down till it was done. It had me wanting to know more about the characters & to know what happened next. Several parts had me crying also. I love books that pull the reader in as this 1 did.I recommend this book 100%. Reading the first book helps because you'll already know the characters but this book is also great on it's own if you missed the first 1.(Though I suggest reading both:) )

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacey Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this second book in the series, I could not put it down as with the first book and read it in one sitting as a result. The story was another thrilling page turner and the characters were further developed and had great chemistry, getting to know other characters in greater depth was also great. I am looking forward to what the next book in the series has to offer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second episode of the series is every bit as exciting, with a complex structure and amazing characters, as the first book. Very very hard to put down, there are battles and love and loss enough to raise tears in the reader. But there is beauty between these pages. I had to read it all in one go. Sleep is overrated!

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!! So well written and I love Gia! I'm excited to see what the next book brings!