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Haven

(Lowtown #1)

Lindsay J. Pryor (Goodreads Author)

4.35 · Rating details · 300 ratings · 66 reviews

"I truly do feel that if you love the Paranormal genre and have not yet discovered Lindsay J. Pryor or these novels then you need to read them, experience them first hand." Keeper Bookshelf

A spin-off from the bestselling Blackthorn series by Lindsay J. Pryor, set in Lowtown, the neighbouring district to Blackthorn. The product of a brutal class system,

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Kindle Edition, 384 pages

Published November 2nd 2017 by Piatkus

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Oct 26, 2017 Louise rated it it was amazing

I always say this but I LOVE PNR. It’s my favourite, out of all the genres. I love how PNR can take you away and anything can be real, the expected is not expected and the surprises are believable. Authors have more leeway when it comes to PNR BUT they do have to have some realism. That’s what Lindsay creates.

Haven has all the grittiness and the rawness of her Blackthorn series. It comes with the depravity and the nitty gritty. She has this way of creating a world that in all reality should disg I always say this but I LOVE PNR. It’s my favourite, out of all the genres. I love how PNR can take you away and anything can be real, the expected is not expected and the surprises are believable. Authors have more leeway when it comes to PNR BUT they do have to have some realism. That’s what Lindsay creates.

Haven has all the grittiness and the rawness of her Blackthorn series. It comes with the depravity and the nitty gritty. She has this way of creating a world that in all reality should disgust you, it should make you want to run for the hills BUT you know with absolute certainty you’d run straight into those pages and into that world. It’s fantastic creativity.

It’s not just the world building that amazes me, it’s also the story itself, there are so many plot twists and second guessing. You go through one chapter thinking you know what’s coming and then bam, you hit another plot twist. If this book was a theme park ride it’d definitely be a rollercoaster.

Let’s move to the characters for a second. Nate, he’s most definitely all male, he’s alpha and from the description very much a hot tamale. However, that isn’t what sells him to me. (although that helps)

He’s enigmatic but without throwing it out there. He has this aloofness that isn’t an act. He lives his life alone and his attitude screams it. He’s aware of his magnetism and isn’t afraid to use it to get what he wants. He screams confidence; however, you break through that tough shell and he’s just as vulnerable as the next guy.

I found myself liking the female lead character and anyone who knows me knows that that very rarely happens. Ember, she has kept her head down, saved money and is moving on and trying to better herself. She’s strong and determined. However, she has this vulnerability and this sense of rightness. I really enjoyed reading her.

The chemistry between the two was electric. The tension palpable. I always love the push and pull of characters who, in hindsight aren’t meant to be together. In this case, vampire – human. Any reader who favours vampires will tell you that the ultimate vampire book boyfriend would be typically a Nate. The elusive alpha, strong but aloof, wary but intrigued. The actual way the character tries to put you off is the very reason you are attracted and Nate very much attracted me.

Lowtown has the feel of Blackthorn, if a little more regimented. In fact, if you’ve read Lindsay’s Blackthorn series, you will know that there is an area in Blackthorn that is called The Row, it’s where the dirtiest and the meanest bullies operate, they are sickeningly depraved and will do ANYTHING to keep what they believe is theirs, even if by force. Haven felt like that to me. When all’s said and done it’s a dog eat dog world and the weakest die and are left to rot. The actual aura of the book read like that to me. It was fantastic writing.

I’m always in awe of an author’s ability to take you away from the real world and Lindsay seems to do this every time. Blackthorn will be my first love but it most definitely won’t be my last. Lowtown has just become a very real contender. ...more

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Oct 22, 2017 bookworm25 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: i-need-it, amazing, original, great-mc, good-plot, hot-and-well-written-hero, paranormal, adult, amazing-character-chemistry, dark

Simply put, Haven, Lindsay J. Pryor’s first standalone Lowtown novel is amazing. No surprise considering it’s Lindsay J. Pryor. :)

With Haven, Lindsay has created yet another enthralling dystopian universe that neighbors the brutal world of Blackthorn. Like its neighbor, Lowtown is plagued by corrupt authorities that have allowed groups to selfishly and mercilessly take control of the entire area, leaving the rest of the inhabitants struggling to survive. With the strict restrictions keeping peo Simply put, Haven, Lindsay J. Pryor’s first standalone Lowtown novel is amazing. No surprise considering it’s Lindsay J. Pryor. :)

With Haven, Lindsay has created yet another enthralling dystopian universe that neighbors the brutal world of Blackthorn. Like its neighbor, Lowtown is plagued by corrupt authorities that have allowed groups to selfishly and mercilessly take control of the entire area, leaving the rest of the inhabitants struggling to survive. With the strict restrictions keeping people from migrating into wealthier communities, Lowtown residents are forever facing a bleak future with no way out; and, this future seems to be getting worse at a very fast pace as two rival gangs are forcefully expanding their territories into some of the only locations remaining that seem to provide as close a feeling to safety as can be felt in Lowtown.

Enter our two main characters: Nate and Ember. Where do I even begin with these two?

If Caleb Dehain in Blackthorn had not already stolen my heart, I think Nate would succeed in doing so. This stranger, who comes every day to the cafe Ember works at, has a delicious, irresistible ruggedness to him; and like, Ember, readers are dying to find out more about this quiet vampire with the tough outer exterior. Speaking of Ember, I think she is my favorite heroine yet that Lindsay has written. Ember is the kind of female character that female readers aspire to be. Rather than a damsel in distress, Ember is a woman who knows her own mind. With her bold, tenacious spirit, she is an extremely strong character mentally, emotionally, and physically. In her determination to make things better, she would do any warrior of social justice proud. Like Nate, she’s also ruthless in her loyalty to those she cares about. Together, these two create a gritty story full of determination, passion, sacrifice, redemption, and love.

Overall, Haven presents a darkly enchanting tale that will leave all readers unable to put the book down until it’s reached its end. If this is the first Lindsay J. Pryor book they have read, readers are sure to be desperate to pick up other books set in this same universe. For those who are already her fans, Haven will provide a lovely feeling of familiarity with hints of characters and events from books in the Blackthorn series while also providing a fresh new perspective on this extremely captivating world. Needless to say, I can’t wait to see what the next Lowtown novel brings and very much hope there will be many more books to come. ...more

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Oct 27, 2017 Tracie Delaney rated it it was amazing

I cannot tell you how long I’ve been waiting to sit down with the long-anticipated ‘Haven’ in my hands. Put it this way…. it’s been a while.

I’ve been a fan of Lindsay J Pryor for some time, but I’ll admit I did have a little nervous anxiety going on in the pit of my stomach as I opened this book. I love her Blackthorn series, and I’m highly anticipating the finale, Blood Broken. But to sit down with something completely new… well, would it meet my expectations?

So for those reading this review, I I cannot tell you how long I’ve been waiting to sit down with the long-anticipated ‘Haven’ in my hands. Put it this way…. it’s been a while.

I’ve been a fan of Lindsay J Pryor for some time, but I’ll admit I did have a little nervous anxiety going on in the pit of my stomach as I opened this book. I love her Blackthorn series, and I’m highly anticipating the finale, Blood Broken. But to sit down with something completely new… well, would it meet my expectations?

So for those reading this review, I’m going to put you out of your misery really quickly… it did. It most definitely did.

As with all of Lindsay’s novels, you are transported to the world she has created. She takes you into the heart of the action. You can smell the desperation of what it’s like to live in Lowtown, you can feel the terror, the hopelessness of being one of the unlucky folks who happened to be born into the wrong family, the wrong area.

But you can also be uplifted by the spirit of the people who live there, and none more so than our heroine, Ember, who, on the cusp of getting out of Lowtown to the more affluent Midtown is pulled into what I can only describe as a nightmare not of her making. But instead of crumbling, our girl leads from the front, inspires, thrills, digs her heels in, and stands up to those who seek to oppress.

At the beginning, I read slowly, keen to make sure I followed the story, for Lindsay J Pryor’s writing is not only absorbing, but it’s also intelligent. You have to pay attention. And gradually, I was pulled into Ember and Nate’s world, not like a voyeur, but as an active participant. I could have been Ember. I felt everything she did, I fought right alongside her, I urged her to triumph. From about the fifty percent mark, I couldn’t flick the pages fast enough.

I tried to work out how Ember was going to make it all okay when all seemed lost, but once again, as the author has done many times before, Lindsay J Pryor surprised, shocked, and astounded me with her storytelling, her guts, her ability to make the tough calls. Her ability to pull out something amazing... and when the covers are peeled back to reveal the outcome, she definitely provides that 'What the heck' moment!

Make no mistake: Lowtown is dark and gritty, and gives us more than a glimpse into the depths of human depravity. But it’s also uplifting, inspiring, and shows the strength of humanity, of how there are still those with determination to do the right thing, no matter what it costs them.

Lindsay J Pryor – I salute you. Please hurry up with the next in the series. I can’t wait. ...more

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Oct 18, 2017 Dmcl rated it it was amazing

I have followed Ms. Pryor''s Blackthorn series since the beginning. When I heard she was planning this spinoff set in Lowtown without appreciable crossover from the first series, I was dubious about how interested I would be to read it. I wanted the familiarity of the characters I knew to be in this new series. However, given the opportunity to read Haven, I took the chance offered. It was the best thing I could have done.
This book had me at Chapter 1, I literally could not put it down. It's the ...more

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Nov 02, 2017 Tracey rated it it was amazing

When I received my longed for copy of Haven, I had feelings of elation and also a little trepidation. I make no secret of being a huge fan of Lindsay J. Pryor and her stunning Blackthorn series. The Blackthorn series is my favourite PNR series ever, so I actually felt nervous about my reaction, like I was cheating on the series by reading Haven. And it's so amazing, so how can it be topped? But hey, apparently I am a cheater! Haven is different in many ways in that it’s a spin-off from Blackthor When I received my longed for copy of Haven, I had feelings of elation and also a little trepidation. I make no secret of being a huge fan of Lindsay J. Pryor and her stunning Blackthorn series. The Blackthorn series is my favourite PNR series ever, so I actually felt nervous about my reaction, like I was cheating on the series by reading Haven. And it's so amazing, so how can it be topped? But hey, apparently I am a cheater! Haven is different in many ways in that it’s a spin-off from Blackthorn, it’s a standalone and it’s a Lowtown novel. Different district, new characters and a plot that has an end. Blackthorn, in comparison, has an overarching plot that continues throughout the series of eight books. You can absolutely read Haven without having read the Blackthorn series, however, as I found, if you have read the Blackthorn series you do get some extra pleasure hits at the mention of a few familiar names and there are some snippets of information that to Blackthorn fans will stand out as a revelation.

Lowtown is seemingly a ‘safer’ place than Blackthorn. The Blackthorn streets are seeped with danger and depravity. There, with the looming prophecy and the control of the third species reaching the point of all out war, there is an urgency to survive. In Lowtown, there is still that fight to survive, but it’s more subtle. More about conformity as a way of life. And the implications of what happens when you refuse to do so.
So this is where my comparison ends. And rightly so. Because, now I’ve read Haven, it justifiably deserves to be considered in its own right. It HAS to be considered in its own right.

Haven is definitely urban fantasy, with paranormal and romantic elements. Haven is more about the darkness and cruelty of humans rather than the callous nature of the paranormal species. In Lowtown, to survive you comply. Life is hard in a district rife with corruption and control. Ember has worked hard to avoid becoming another statistic, another victim of kidnap that ends in a life as a feeder for the vampires, or possibly worse. She keeps her head down and her nose clean as a way of earning her way out of Lowtown. A few more days and she’ll finally succeed. Though doing so will still be bittersweet as she’ll be leaving behind her job and the friends she cares so much about. And no more handsome stranger. The stranger who comes into the café where she works and makes her pulse leap. Though it won’t be long until he’s a stranger no more.

Nate, a vampire and a collector, forms no relationships and works alone. For months he’s been conducting his business from a café, close to his home in Lowtown. Everyone in Lowtown tries to stay off the radar for risk of becoming embroiled in the control war between rival clans the Voys and the Hordas clans. Except, that becomes impossible for Nate when the café suddenly becomes a point of interest for the Hordas clan – as does Ember.
Now living in the same building and having needed to save each other’s lives, Nate is a no longer a stranger. But was he ever that? When Ember seeks out Nate for vengeance and to secure the safety of those she’ll be leaving behind, it seems their meeting could be less than a coincidence. It also seems that their link to each other puts their very lives on a knife edge. Being together could be their ultimate downfall. Which makes their relationship so beautiful and compelling.

I adored both characters. Ember is strong, brave and righteous, despite her desire to meet her own needs, and Nate, ah Nate. Though, admittedly, he’s true to his dangerous vamp nature (and incredibly hot!) there is also a beautiful vulnerability to him. One that tugs at your heart. And one that makes you question if he and Ember should get together, even though, at the same time, you desperately want them to be together!

This book grips you right from the beginning. The goal, the motivation of the main protagonists seem clear from the start and you invest in them instantly. But then, as you get deeper, so do the goals, so does the motivation, getting more desperate, more urgent. And that’s without the conflict! My goodness does the author put them through an emotional wringer! The plot is amazingly good, simply wonderful, something that is the only thing that doesn’t surprise me about the authors writing. I've never been able to figure out one of her plots and Haven is no exception. Lindsay J. Pryor's world building is perfection. The plot is skilled and engrossing. Each chapter has some snatches-your-breath revelation. The conflict builds and builds, as does the tension. The final word is perfect and deeply satisfying. Everything about this book is satisfying. Dark, gritty, urban fantasy at its absolute best. Ah, Haven. You came, I read, I cried and fell in love. I found my haven in Haven!

Pure fantasy. Pure Genius. ...more

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Oct 16, 2017 야일 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: vamps, oct, supernatural, arc-tbr, adult, fantasy, 17release, netgalley, readin2017

Completely blown away with this book. I knew not to expect anything less as it was Lindsay J. Pryor writing but this was absolutely fantastic.

I can easily predict this new urban fantasy series from her will be my next favorite thing. Loving the fact these books will be standalone.

Haven was utterly engrossing. It had the usual flare of Lindsay's awesome writing, alluring world-building and her fantastic characters that I have come to associate with her after loving and following her Blackthorn se ...more

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Oct 10, 2017 Helen Wawrejko rated it it was amazing

Excellent mystery paranormal. Spinoff series of the Blackthorn novels. Great protagonist, worldbuilding, side characters. Escape from Lowtown is within Embers grasp. 15 years she saved and was the model citizen to meet the near impossible criteria to qualify to leave. Everything is about to come crashing down when she is attacked, and saves a life. Ember reaches for that safe haven all her life, to rise out of lowtown. You yearn for her to succeed. The very last sentence in the book was my favor ...more

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Nov 03, 2017 Incy Black rated it it was amazing

Rich in intrigue, and twists and turns, Haven is a dark, dark PNR/urban fantasy novel of the first class. The world building is superb, so too, the action scenes—the frustration, despair and violence, scarily bold and graphic on the page.

Ember (heroine) steals the show. Here’s one woman who stands tall and brave in her own quiet way. Sure, she’ll appear to concede (when it suits her), but her intelligence always keeps her steps ahead of those who would do her, or those she cares about, harm. Wi ...more

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Oct 22, 2017 Dawn Higgins rated it it was amazing

WOW what a Brilliant,Additive,Spellbounding book this was from Lindsay J Pryor.

I am totally speechless after finishing this story.I loved her Blackthorn series and didn't think anything could surpass that and keep me gripped like that series did but WOW this book blew me away with how this plot unfolded,Lindsay's attention to detail throughtout this story is just astonishing.

This standalone urban fantasy was fantasic and the characters that Lindsay portrays into this story is original that have ...more

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Nov 05, 2017 Kelly rated it it was amazing

Shelves: vampires, witches-warlocks, heroine-i-loved, hero-i-loved, dystopian

I can not get over how much I enjoy Lindsay Pryor's writing. Every time I read one of her books You seem to get lost in the world she creates. You get emotionally involved.

This is her spin off series from her Blackthorn series. Loved the book. Loved Nate. Loved Ember. The sex scenes were super hot. I can not wait till she releases the next one. Or any thing she is writing actually.

The only problem or complaint i have is the Human / Vampire relationship not lasting FOREVER. Why oh why could Emb ...more

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Oct 25, 2017 Holly Parker Fletcher rated it really liked it

I would of loved this book to be a series!

A futuristic world with Vampires and witches. Ember is a 30 year old girl that is living in city that is blind to law. Checking over her shoulder and watching people like a hawk. She has a past that haunts her and a future this is not promised. She fights for her freedom and her life.

Nate is a vampire that is drawn to Ember. He watches her from a distance but closes that distance more than he wants. Nate does not make friends or enemies and keeps his dis ...more

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Oct 29, 2017 Jennings rated it it was amazing

I have loved the Blackthorn series and was genuinely unsure about how this much- anticipated book would live up to the hype. After seven books, I felt safe and secure with my blackthorn boys and was curious to find out how Lowtown would compare to the world that I knew so well. But I should never have doubted Ms Pryor writing a stand-alone and packing into one book all the thrills, tension, and passion I've been treated to over the Blackthorn series.
From the first chapter, this book had me hook ...more

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Nov 09, 2017 Michelle rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: nr-2017

5 Stars!!
I didn’t expect to love this as much as her Blackthorn series but I shouldn’t have been worried. This was an awesome start to a spin-off of the series I love. Can’t wait for more!

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Dec 10, 2017 Caroline Mitchell rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, paranormal

Wow oh wow. It's no secret I'm a huge fan of Lindsay J. Pryor but she blew me away with this book! I'm still thinking about the characters, the cafe, the feuding clans that threaten everything, but most of all, I'm thinking about Ember and Nate.
Lately, I've been on a bit of a reading downer, my TBR list is huge and has consisted of crime and psychological thriller novels up until now. Haven has brought the enjoyment back into reading again. I used to look forward to reading 'just another chapter ...more

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Nov 13, 2017 Delphine rated it it was amazing

I save the ***** rating for books of this calibre. They are a rare find.

It has been a little over a year since Lindsay J Pryor released her last book, and I am sorry to say that I had forgotten just how addictive, dark and intelligent her writing is. Haven is a fantastic read, not least because her characterisation is so incredibly clever. Her main characters have depths that literally lift them away from the page. Once you start turning those pages, it’s almost impossible to stop. Once the book I save the ***** rating for books of this calibre. They are a rare find.

It has been a little over a year since Lindsay J Pryor released her last book, and I am sorry to say that I had forgotten just how addictive, dark and intelligent her writing is. Haven is a fantastic read, not least because her characterisation is so incredibly clever. Her main characters have depths that literally lift them away from the page. Once you start turning those pages, it’s almost impossible to stop. Once the book is finished, you WILL suffer from a book hangover, have no doubt.

From the very first page, the reader is transported into a world where something bad can happen at any time, for no rational reason whatsoever, thus providing you with a feeling of simmering intensity and impending doom throughout. It’s like knowing that there is live grenade in the room with the pin out, and you really hope it’s faulty.

Lindsay’s writing is dark, intense, incredibly intelligent, and the shades of grey principle is used to full effect. A skill that I adore, not least because I love the idea that good people make bad decisions, and then have to live with consequences. In Lowtown, rest assured, no one is perfect and they all have a skeleton or two in the closet.

I found the character of Ember to be particularly likeable, and genuinely working hard to try and make the best of a truly awful situation. Nate comes with his own demons, and by the end of the book, you are able to understand why he has made the choices that he has elected to make over the years.

As with Blackthorn, Lowtown is a character in itself, and sounds almost as unpleasant a place to live as Blackthorn. I can fully understand why anyone would want to leave it. And, as with any society, Lindsay is able to highlight and articulate the prejudices and injustices that take place on an ongoing basis and are blatantly overlooked. This is clever writing, not least because this could be construed as a very real social commentary with concerns about where we are heading as a society. Perhaps we should take note.

In terms of the readers’ emotions - You certainly do feel the frustration of living in such a cruel and unjust system, the seemingly inescapable plight of the main protagonists, and the intensity of their feelings, both towards one other and where this relationship will (or will not) lead.

Lindsay’s ability to psychoanalyse or rationalise her characters’ thought processes is wholly unique. I’ve never seen another author use this technique to such excellent effect, and I doubt I will, to be honest. A lesser writer would give you a page of “filling angst” that is frequently immature and dull, but not here. Here, you have complex thought processes, rational and reasonable internal debates, where there are rarely any positive outcomes. Lindsay’s characters are clever. This is something that all her (anti) heroes and (anti) heroines have in common.

I am wholeheartedly looking forward to the next in what clearly is going to be another phenomenal series.

...more

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Nov 05, 2017 Lindsey rated it it was amazing

Writing a spin-off to a popular series can often seem like a no-brainer for authors.

You've created something that your readers just can't get enough of, and of course, your fanbase doesn't ever want the series to end, but for some authors, you just can't squeeze any more juice from the lemon and in some cases, probably shouldn't even try. It takes a certain kind of world-building to be able to pull it off successfully. And you need to be brave enough to sometimes move away from characters that h ...more

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Nov 10, 2017 Fiona Chapman rated it it was amazing

She’s done it again.

It never fails to amaze me the incredible skill that Lindsay J. Pryor has for creating a world - a world that’s been in the making for a very long time. Settings and plot lines and districts and locales, full-bodied characters with enough history to fill a library.

The dedication she’s made to her stories; her characters, and the world in which they are embroiled, is incredible.

Haven is the first standalone book in Ms. Pryor’s new series: Lowtown; a spin-off to the incredib She’s done it again.

It never fails to amaze me the incredible skill that Lindsay J. Pryor has for creating a world - a world that’s been in the making for a very long time. Settings and plot lines and districts and locales, full-bodied characters with enough history to fill a library.

The dedication she’s made to her stories; her characters, and the world in which they are embroiled, is incredible.

Haven is the first standalone book in Ms. Pryor’s new series: Lowtown; a spin-off to the incredibly addictive Blackthorn series.

Except herein lies the difference. The Blackthorn novels span an 8-book series (the desperately-awaited finale currently in the making), with overarching storylines weaved within an incredibly intricate plot. And while each book leaves you with that odd thrill mixed with a sense of desperation, of NEEDING to know what happens in the next book in the series, sometimes you need a well-rounded novel to give you that fully-satisfied feeling of starter, main course and dessert. A novel like Haven.

However, the gratification we crave is always just that one step ahead where Haven is concerned; there are plenty of sharp twists and turns and shock revelations to leave you guessing right up until the last minute, to keep you turning the page and in danger of a serious lack of sleep.

True to form, Ms Pryor has beautifully gift-wrapped (and the wrapping is certainly appreciated when it comes to one particular male lead) and delivered us some wonderful characters with issues akin to real life - and they’re not your average human-nature problems. These character flaws go deep - she’s not afraid to pack the layers.

Because this novel is not just about romance. Or the paranormal. It’s about power, about real-life struggles. About danger. Death. Destruction. And all the crap the universe could possibly throw at you in one lifetime.

It’s clever. It’s dark. It’s intense.

Honestly? You need to read this book now.

(Thank you to Piatkus Fiction for supplying me with a no-obligation paperback copy of this delicious novel, in return for which I gratefully leave my review.) ...more

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Nov 02, 2017 Marsha Keeper Bookshelf rated it it was amazing

Shelves: paranormal-romance, series, keeper-bookshelf

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

With the finale of the Blackthorn series coming soon it’s time to move on to another sector of the Blackthorn universe… Lowtown.

I’ve loved the Blackthorn series for several reasons, mainly because the stories are dark, gritty, sexy and give me a completely different perspective on the Paranormal world than other series have. If you’ve read that series then you’ll completely understand when I say Haven ratchets that feeling up tenfold into a darker, more dangerous, tr Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

With the finale of the Blackthorn series coming soon it’s time to move on to another sector of the Blackthorn universe… Lowtown.

I’ve loved the Blackthorn series for several reasons, mainly because the stories are dark, gritty, sexy and give me a completely different perspective on the Paranormal world than other series have. If you’ve read that series then you’ll completely understand when I say Haven ratchets that feeling up tenfold into a darker, more dangerous, truly evil world. While an environment can be evil it doesn’t mean that every citizen of Lowtown is as well. There are good people living here trying desperately to go through the hoops and tests and insanely complicated dance to be allowed to move out to another district… somewhere a bit safer, with a better chance at life. Ember is one such citizen. She keeps her head down, saves her money, goes through the complicated dance to be so close to getting out that she can touch it, feel it, breathe it… until he happens and life changes, forever.

Ember’s life isn’t what it seems on the surface. Unknown to her there are connections, history and events that link her to people best avoided and events better left unspoken. When everything she thought she knew for certain goes up in smoke there is one person who has answers, one man who matters in ways she never expected. Nate. Vampire.

Nate is the embodiment of lethal danger, he is the reason you look over your shoulder at night searching the shadows the feeling of being frozen in place while every muscle screams to run, the shiver of darkness that doesn’t allow you to look away from eyes that see too much. Nate is the reason I’m addicted to Paranormal. A man who is dangerous beyond words, yet there is something still human there that flutters at the edges of your vision. Aloof, compelling, a silent deadly killer when needed, a strong capable presence to turn to when necessary. Nate will become the role model for every vampire you read from this day forward to live up to. Yes, he’s that mesmerizing, and that badass.

Ember and Nate have connections to their past, their present and their future should they survive. Each brings power, knowledge, abilities and emotions into their mix. Ember is no simpering woman in need of a hero, she can stand on her own. Nate is no hero, in his own eyes, yet for this human woman he can do and feel things he never expected. He’s lived alone. Truly alone. Now he’s not… and that is both a miracle and a curse.

Haven will draw you in with a compelling couple, a truly dark and gritty world, and a story that will twist, turn, anger, sadden and completely consume you. You’ll find light in this dark world, and watch as two people defend the good that needs to survive while falling deeper into each other. There are moments that will make you want to look away from the page – but you can’t. Moments that will give you a smile in the midst of darkness. And by the ending you’ll want more, so much more… but you’ll have to wait until next time.

I am always amazed at the magic that authors create. Lindsay J. Pryor has given us another paranormal world to rival Blackthorn. Not take its place, but companion with. Her world building, the descriptions that place me right in the middle of the action, the emotions that are drawn out of me while in her worlds always leaves me in awe. And I don’t say that lightly. If you haven’t read Ms. Pryor’s works yet then I would strongly, gently encourage you to take that dive off of a cliff and emerge yourself in this world. You’ll never view Paranormal the same way again.

Also – if you love to hold a book in your hands, then this is also Ms. Pryor’s first print available story. Sometimes you just need the feel of a physical book, so now you can do that as well.

*I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.* ...more

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Nov 09, 2017 Corrine Pickering rated it it was amazing

Haven: A Lowtown novel by Lindsay J. Pryor

#### 5 Addictive Hashtags ###

Thank you to all the RARE18 readers that pointed me in the direction of this author/book, I absolutely loved it, just what I needed. A good strong PNR story that will keep you wanting more all the way through.

This is my first read from this author, I wasn't at all disappointed, this was very well written one of the easiest reads to give 5 stars.

This book is not only filled with vampires, witches and humans living alongside ...more

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Jan 05, 2018 Niamh rated it it was amazing

Absolutely loved this book. I am a huge pnr fan and love a good series. Blackthorn is THE ULTIMATE pnr series for me. Haven is a spin-off from this series and it’s got everything you’d expect from the fantastic Lindsay J Pryor. She has a way of sucking you into the story from the get go.

It’s dark and gritty and Lowtown is everything you imagine it to be. I wouldn’t last 5 minutes in it but as with all of Lindsay’s female characters Ember is no shrinking violet she’s strong, tough, not afraid to ...more

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Nov 06, 2017 Susan rated it really liked it

I've found my Haven.

This Author is one of the reasons why I love PnR so much. Lindsay makes it so easy to get swept away in another world you can almost feel like you're part of it.
I've found my own Haven my happy place when I read her words I'm transported on an adventure from the very first page.

This book is a fantastic start to a gripping new series ( I'm hoping there's more than one book ) it's a spin-off of to the amazing Blackthorn series which is one of my all time favourites.

I loved ...more

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Feb 18, 2018 Stephanie Farrant rated it it was amazing

A stunning piece of paranormal literature.
As a long-time fan of Lindsay J. Pryor, I couldn’t wait to read this book. I had high hopes, and Lindsay certainly did not disappoint. Indeed, she surpassed them. Throughout the story, as I greedily absorbed the pages, unable to put the book down, I couldn’t help but think how graceful it was. Haven is set in Lowtown, which is an awful place for its residents. It is a district where nowhere and no one are safe, which transcends to the reader, creating an ...more

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Nov 04, 2017 Faryal rated it it was amazing

I haven't read a vampire book in quite some time now, but this was pretty good! ...more

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Jan 20, 2018 Demei rated it it was amazing

Absolutely fabulous! The pleasure I received in reading Haven was immense. Such a beautiful love story with a paranormal edge. Nate and Ember are 2 souls who are fiercely independent, heroic, determined and courageous. Yet they are both lonely but because of their complicated past, they should hate each other. However, a common enemy and threat to their way of life gives them a reason to work together and deal with their past so they can protect their future. I so enjoyed this book with all the ...more

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Nov 03, 2017 Julia Stevens rated it it was amazing

Wow.....ever since I heard Lindsay J Pryor was writing a standalone spinoff book to her brilliant Blackthorn series, I've been excitedly waiting for Haven's release. I was not disappointed, I absolutely loved it.

Ember has worked hard her whole life in Lowtown to stay clean, prove herself and conquer the horrendous application process in order to move to Midtown. A handsome but mysterious stranger regularly visits the cafe she works at, but Nate is a vampire and any connection to him would kill h Wow.....ever since I heard Lindsay J Pryor was writing a standalone spinoff book to her brilliant Blackthorn series, I've been excitedly waiting for Haven's release. I was not disappointed, I absolutely loved it.

Ember has worked hard her whole life in Lowtown to stay clean, prove herself and conquer the horrendous application process in order to move to Midtown. A handsome but mysterious stranger regularly visits the cafe she works at, but Nate is a vampire and any connection to him would kill her chance for a better future.

If you've read Lindsay's books previously you'll understand how good she is at building a world you want to visit and characters you'd love to get to know. Plus a storyline that grips you and doesn't let go, long after the end you never saw coming. She's also not afraid to go to the dark places of her characters minds and world, regardless of whether they're the good guys or the bad. Yes, the good guys and girls are flawed, they don't always makes the right choices, they embrace their dark side and in order to do the things they have to do to survive and protect the ones they love. They make hard choices and have to deal with the consequences, but this for me makes them so much more real. Haven is all that and brilliantly written.

The odds are stacked against the people who reside in Lowtown, the system is unfair and seriously flawed. The humans in charge don't care about their lack of justice, medical care and basic living requirements. Haven expands beautifully on the details given in the Blackthorn series about the society in this world and I loved the subtle links, particularly to master vampire Kane Malloy. If you haven't read Blackthorn, it matters not one jot, but will hopefully pique your interest! There is a darkness and depravity to this world, but this story also shows how trust, loyalty and love can bring hope to the possibility of a better future, if the people are just brave enough to reach for it.

If you are new to Lindsay J Pryor, Haven is the perfect place to start, if you've read Blackthorn previously, what are you waiting for? Get stuck in, I'm sure you'll absolutely love it too. Five huge stars ...more

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Nov 07, 2017 Karinloos rated it it was amazing

10 blinking stars ,Ms Pryor has done it again.
I was eagerly awaiting this story as I totally loved the Blackthorn series and although the final book in that series is not out yet, I very much love the whole world setting the author has created, and this book/series is set in the same world.

If you have not read her Blackthorn series (seriously why not?, go forth and one-click :) ) , no worries, this book starts a new series with new characters. For those that have read the Blackthorn series , we 10 blinking stars ,Ms Pryor has done it again.
I was eagerly awaiting this story as I totally loved the Blackthorn series and although the final book in that series is not out yet, I very much love the whole world setting the author has created, and this book/series is set in the same world.

If you have not read her Blackthorn series (seriously why not?, go forth and one-click :) ) , no worries, this book starts a new series with new characters. For those that have read the Blackthorn series , well there are slight overlaps which you will recognize, but the events in this book are completely separate to those in Blackthorn. The time-line of this book coincides with the timeline of the first few books of the Blackthorn series.

I have to mention that this is not your ordinary run of the mill PNR. In my opinion, Ms Pryor has cornered a separate niche in the market which I call PNR Suspense. All her books to date keep you on the edge of your seat, reading as fast as you can while still absorbing the story, because OMG no, OMG yes , oooh didn't see that coming, why?, noooo, yesssss, swoon. This pretty much sums of most of the emotions during one of her books (including this one).

So to clarify the world setting for those who haven't read Blackthorn. We have humans, we have the 2nd Species ( which are witches), we have the 3rd Species (which are vampires and werewolves). (there are also the 4th species, but I wont go into that as they don't feature in this book). In the world Ms Pryor has created, in each city the different species have been segregated into districts, starting with with all the paranormal's (ie 3rd species) and human criminals ( convicts -> cons) in the center district (otherwise known as Blackthorn). Around the center (Blackthorn) is the Lowtown district in which the low income/poor humans , the gangs of thugs and some paranormal's live. Medical facilities in this district are poor to non-existent and ordinary people struggle to survive and make a living. Around this district is Midtown, a more affluent district where NO paranormal's or witches may live or even cross its border. Around Midtown and outlying areas lies Summertown where the privileged humans reside.

The setting of this book is Lowtown where we meet Ember who is a late 20's 30 something waitress/assistant manager of a restaurant who has spent her whole life preparing to move to Midtown. The application process requires a complete clean record, no indications of being a feeder ( as in either donating blood via syringe or having a vampire sire who feeds from her) as well as of course a human bloodline. The book starts with Ember going into the final stages of the application process to be allowed to move to Midtown. In the mean time enter Nate, who has been coming to the restaurant where Ember works for a few weeks and who Ember has become interested in (from afar).

For those who are wondering , does this book have a HEA ( cause I know a lot of readers who wont pick up a book unless there's a HEA ) (view spoiler).

...more

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Nov 04, 2017 Magwan rated it it was amazing

Paranormal romance

Welcome to lowtown a place where good hardworking people are forgotten,crime and extortion is rife and where ember has spent the last ten years trying to escape from. Her one chance is here and she's going to take it and have a better life.
Nothing is going to plan though there a protection racket intimidating her boss,there's the mysterious stranger who happens to be a vampire who she fancies the pants off and her friend who is getting involved with the wrong type.
The story gri ...more

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Feb 05, 2018 Sue "DavinciKittie" Brown-Moore rated it really liked it

Shelves: vampires, paranormal-romance-urban-fantasy, witches, dark-romance

Set in the same story universe as Lindsay Pryor's wildly popular Blackthorne series, Haven spins off a new series that parallels the first series arc, but in Lowtown. You don’t need to have read Blackthorne to enjoy Haven—in fact, Haven would be a good light introduction to Blackthorne—but if you have, the reading experience will be even richer. Ms. Pryor’s vampire stories are dark, gritty urban fantasy style. She doesn’t shy away from violence and things-that-must-be-done, so her stories always ...more

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Nov 21, 2017 Barbara Strickland rated it it was amazing

Great reading from start to finish

This was a great start to the new series. I love the world-building, subtle differences but still strong enough to give the sense of continuity with Blackthorn. Consequently the plot is able to pull us straight into the action.

We enter familiar territory connecting with characters who tug at the heartstrings with the wonderful tension of their relationship and their struggle to survive in the brutal world they inhabit. Nate is enthrallingly human despite tenden ...more

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Nov 05, 2017 Chelle rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romantic-series, erotic-romance, blackthorn, urban-fantasy, romantic-thriller, dystopian, dystopian-romance-series

Being a massive Strictly Come Dancing fan, this reminded me of a brilliant Viennese Waltz - beautifully romantic with constant twists and turns that left me dizzy and breathless.

I loved it. Ms Pryor delivers an urban fantasy masterclass. Wow!

I totally adored Nate's sensitivity and all male softness. He reminded me of peanut butter ice cream - cool, unexpected and with real depths of flavour. As for Ember I loved that she was resolute and strong without being tough, spiky or hard.

I've waited age ...more

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About Lindsay J. Pryor

Lindsay J. Pryor

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Lindsay J. Pryor is a speculative fiction author published by Hachette U.K. Her dark, gritty and complex dystopian BLACKTHORN series has achieved numerous Gothic and PNR Amazon number ones both in the UK and the ...more