What do you think?
Rate this book
Abnormals Underground #1
Blood Magic
This is an alternate cover edition for B0716HJTNH
Turned into a vampire at the age of two, Alyssa has spent the last 14 years pretending to be human in a society who hates "Abnormals" like her. She's done just fine gossiping with the other girls, wearing pink, and becoming an expert sword fighter in order to vent her killer instincts.
But then the Mage Xavier shows up at her school and introduces her to a whole other reality under her feet—Abnormals Underground, an entire society of supernatural beings hiding under the city of Cumberland. Alyssa can ignore his pleas for her to join them as a warrior—for about two hours. When her father goes missing, Alyssa will have no choice but to become a part of the world she's fought to avoid her entire life if she's to get him back from the mayor of Cumberland. That wouldn't be so hard, except that it turns out he's a demon bent on world domination.
But joining Abnormals Underground means more than just facing her true nature. Alyssa will have no choice but to draw close to Xavier and share his magic if she's to have any hope of rescuing her father. Both she and Xavier hold secrets, and Alyssa has only begun to discover that she's far more Abnormal than she thought...
Blood Magic is the first book of the Abnormals Underground series. It is a teen urban fantasy with plenty of action, a strong heroine, and of course, teen angst.
Turned into a vampire at the age of two, Alyssa has spent the last 14 years pretending to be human in a society who hates "Abnormals" like her. She's done just fine gossiping with the other girls, wearing pink, and becoming an expert sword fighter in order to vent her killer instincts.
But then the Mage Xavier shows up at her school and introduces her to a whole other reality under her feet—Abnormals Underground, an entire society of supernatural beings hiding under the city of Cumberland. Alyssa can ignore his pleas for her to join them as a warrior—for about two hours. When her father goes missing, Alyssa will have no choice but to become a part of the world she's fought to avoid her entire life if she's to get him back from the mayor of Cumberland. That wouldn't be so hard, except that it turns out he's a demon bent on world domination.
But joining Abnormals Underground means more than just facing her true nature. Alyssa will have no choice but to draw close to Xavier and share his magic if she's to have any hope of rescuing her father. Both she and Xavier hold secrets, and Alyssa has only begun to discover that she's far more Abnormal than she thought...
Blood Magic is the first book of the Abnormals Underground series. It is a teen urban fantasy with plenty of action, a strong heroine, and of course, teen angst.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2017
112 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Holly Hook
156 books256 followersHolly Hook is the author of the Destroyers Series, which consists of five young adult books about teens who are walking disasters...literally. She is also the author of the Rita Morse series, a young adult fantasy series still in progress, and After These Messages, a short ya comedy. Currently she is writing Twisted, a spin-off of the Destroyers Series due out in December. When not writing, she enjoys reading books for teens, especially ya fantasy and paranormal series with a unique twist.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 8, 2020
I am giving this book 3 stars because it was kind of slow but I think I may try book 2 to see where the author takes it. I found the story line to be very original. I love the twist on mages & vampires and haven't seen this one before. I really enjoy when authors take something we all know about (like vampires) and put their personal spin on it. I am very curious as to how this will progress.
June 5, 2017
This is seriously one of those books you think will not be bad at all, maybe even wonderful to read. Something relaxing yet thrilling at times.
I was way too tired to appreciate the beginning of the book and thought right then and there that this book might be a little bit less compared with her previous works. But my oh my, this is just so much better than I anticipated!!
The story was so different from what I thought it would be and I think it's one of her greatest series ever.
The unique details of being (or even needing to be) Bound and all, everything is great. Normals, Abnormals, Demons, this book has it all. And also: the Dark Pentagram sounds intriguing, doesn't it?
I was way too tired to appreciate the beginning of the book and thought right then and there that this book might be a little bit less compared with her previous works. But my oh my, this is just so much better than I anticipated!!
The story was so different from what I thought it would be and I think it's one of her greatest series ever.
The unique details of being (or even needing to be) Bound and all, everything is great. Normals, Abnormals, Demons, this book has it all. And also: the Dark Pentagram sounds intriguing, doesn't it?
May 24, 2022
Interesting
Interesting book - a mage a vampire who is also maybe a ?witch - lots of action- one very bad guy(demon)- what not to like.
Interesting book - a mage a vampire who is also maybe a ?witch - lots of action- one very bad guy(demon)- what not to like.
July 27, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy.
I am a big fan of this author's work and out of all the books this is definitely my favourite!!! I was so addicted to this book and I couldn't put this book down, it was amazing!!! The way that this author writes has always amazed me at the way that she is able to make a story so alive and they are stories that will always stay with you and you will always remember them. I really can't wait to read the next book to find out where this journey will go!
I adored this storyline, it seriously hooks your attention from the first page and doesn't let go, not even at the end because once you finish the last page you are Craving for more! The thing that I loved about this book was the fact that you just don't know what is going to happen next! Its a journey full of twists and turns with surprises around every corner! I love that you are learning about this unknown world along with the characters as it is happening. The thing that I think was my favourite aspect of this book was the link that War Mages have with their partners. I just found that this was such a unique idea and I have never read anything like this before, you are always guaranteed a book with new ideas when you pick up a book by this author!!!
Now the characters… I loved the characters in this book! Alyssa is such an inspiring character to read about! Having to hide who and what she is is really hard on her but she always tries to make the best of every situation that she is in. She is such a strong woman and is very independent, I love how fiery she is and if she believes in something she won't back down! Then we come to the mysterious Xavier who I also loved reading about! He has a charisma and a magnetic personality that makes you want to read more and find out more about him. His life has been hard and full of hurt but his good soul still shines through and he wants to help all the people that he can and I think that's one reason that he is so brilliant to read about, his big heart and compassion. I can't wait to see their relationship with each other progress.
I can't rate this book highly enough and people need to get this book and read it, trust me its well worth it!!! This is a must read and addictive book that more than deserves my 5* rating!!!
I am a big fan of this author's work and out of all the books this is definitely my favourite!!! I was so addicted to this book and I couldn't put this book down, it was amazing!!! The way that this author writes has always amazed me at the way that she is able to make a story so alive and they are stories that will always stay with you and you will always remember them. I really can't wait to read the next book to find out where this journey will go!
I adored this storyline, it seriously hooks your attention from the first page and doesn't let go, not even at the end because once you finish the last page you are Craving for more! The thing that I loved about this book was the fact that you just don't know what is going to happen next! Its a journey full of twists and turns with surprises around every corner! I love that you are learning about this unknown world along with the characters as it is happening. The thing that I think was my favourite aspect of this book was the link that War Mages have with their partners. I just found that this was such a unique idea and I have never read anything like this before, you are always guaranteed a book with new ideas when you pick up a book by this author!!!
Now the characters… I loved the characters in this book! Alyssa is such an inspiring character to read about! Having to hide who and what she is is really hard on her but she always tries to make the best of every situation that she is in. She is such a strong woman and is very independent, I love how fiery she is and if she believes in something she won't back down! Then we come to the mysterious Xavier who I also loved reading about! He has a charisma and a magnetic personality that makes you want to read more and find out more about him. His life has been hard and full of hurt but his good soul still shines through and he wants to help all the people that he can and I think that's one reason that he is so brilliant to read about, his big heart and compassion. I can't wait to see their relationship with each other progress.
I can't rate this book highly enough and people need to get this book and read it, trust me its well worth it!!! This is a must read and addictive book that more than deserves my 5* rating!!!
July 5, 2022
Not a fan, but if you like YA vamp action-adventure low on romance, you might like it
Well, I liked a few things about this book - the writing style, the main female sassy character Alyssa, but the overall impression is still - nope, not my cuppa, not motivated to read the next book.
At age 2, Alyssa is bitten by a vampire and discovers she & her dad are amongst the 1% with a gene proliferating the ability to mutate & infect others…and the they’re on the run for years. There is a lot of running (think Maze Runner) in this book, a bit too much tbh. From the mysterious guy who shows up at Alyssa’s high school; from the demons that attack Alyssa; from the underground movement; etc etc, basically from everyone. Fighting & running is usually a key element in action&adventure & on that this book delivered, but all the running and anti-government conspiracy theory sentiments got tiring sometime mid-book. For me, the plot was a bit thin on the YA romance aspect - understandably when you’ve been on the run for 16yrs & are afraid of being locked up in a facility, trusting a boy (or anyone) comes difficult. Maybe it’s a good thing the head-over-heels enemies-to-lovers trope wasn’t there, but I kinda missed that, as for me it’s a must-have in YA paranormal fantasy.
I liked the strong character of the heroine, Alyssa ( a bit of “The One” trope there); but I detested Xavier, the male lead for his arrogance and for taking a huge decision for Alyssa without her consent - that was just plain awful. And then the girl was too rational in her reaction to essentially someone stripping her freedom & all her future choices from her, which was a big nono for me as well.
While not for me, this might be a good fit for those who like YA vampire action/adventure or sword/sorcery & the MC having a bit of a Stockholm syndrome.
Well, I liked a few things about this book - the writing style, the main female sassy character Alyssa, but the overall impression is still - nope, not my cuppa, not motivated to read the next book.
At age 2, Alyssa is bitten by a vampire and discovers she & her dad are amongst the 1% with a gene proliferating the ability to mutate & infect others…and the they’re on the run for years. There is a lot of running (think Maze Runner) in this book, a bit too much tbh. From the mysterious guy who shows up at Alyssa’s high school; from the demons that attack Alyssa; from the underground movement; etc etc, basically from everyone. Fighting & running is usually a key element in action&adventure & on that this book delivered, but all the running and anti-government conspiracy theory sentiments got tiring sometime mid-book. For me, the plot was a bit thin on the YA romance aspect - understandably when you’ve been on the run for 16yrs & are afraid of being locked up in a facility, trusting a boy (or anyone) comes difficult. Maybe it’s a good thing the head-over-heels enemies-to-lovers trope wasn’t there, but I kinda missed that, as for me it’s a must-have in YA paranormal fantasy.
I liked the strong character of the heroine, Alyssa ( a bit of “The One” trope there); but I detested Xavier, the male lead for his arrogance and for taking a huge decision for Alyssa without her consent - that was just plain awful. And then the girl was too rational in her reaction to essentially someone stripping her freedom & all her future choices from her, which was a big nono for me as well.
While not for me, this might be a good fit for those who like YA vampire action/adventure or sword/sorcery & the MC having a bit of a Stockholm syndrome.
December 1, 2021
At two years old Alyssa and her family are attacked one night by supernaturals specifically vampires. Her father and herself are unlucky to have a gene that means once bitten you turn. Fast forward to high school and Alyssa and her father are living hiding in plain sight. They pass for normal as much as they can until they are targeted by a sinister organization called the ATC. Run by the city’s mayor who just happens to be it’s owner they vilify supernaturals and capture them to “cure” them. No one really knows what happens in those centers as no supernatural has ever come out of one. Opposing the mayor and his nefarious plots are the Supernatural Underground which is quite literally a bunch of supernaturals living underground. They are composed of any and all species some hiding some chose to come. When Alyssa is attacked in her home she is saved by a war mage Xavier and agrees to join to help find her father. Not all is well underground as Xavier’s grandfather Leon who is a real piece of work seems less inclined to help do anything positive for the group. Now Alyssa and Xavier are bound and they are willing and able to take up the fight.
Surprises aplenty in this series starter. Alyssa is strong, determined and also vulnerable as she is adjusting to being out in the open with her supernaturalness. Xavier is quirky, funny and an honest to goodness old fashioned type hero. Together they make a great pair and are fun to read and root for. This story will keep you guessing from start to finish. An absolutely fabulous read!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
Surprises aplenty in this series starter. Alyssa is strong, determined and also vulnerable as she is adjusting to being out in the open with her supernaturalness. Xavier is quirky, funny and an honest to goodness old fashioned type hero. Together they make a great pair and are fun to read and root for. This story will keep you guessing from start to finish. An absolutely fabulous read!
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
May 18, 2017
Blood Magic by Holly Hook is book 1 in the Abnormals Underground series. It's a new series for the author exploring the YA paranormal genre.
It was quite a good series starter and I quite enjoyed entering this new world that Holly has created.
We deal with paranormal s like vampires, demons, succubi, banshees, that are known amongst society but are not particularly well liked so there's a background of animosity and fear during the whole book as well as some great mythology and twists and turns in the story keeping it interesting.
Some good relationships are forming and I'm interested to see where they continue and what develops as Alyssa and Xavier get closer to figuring out the game plan.
Well worth the look for YA paranormal fans and I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
It was quite a good series starter and I quite enjoyed entering this new world that Holly has created.
We deal with paranormal s like vampires, demons, succubi, banshees, that are known amongst society but are not particularly well liked so there's a background of animosity and fear during the whole book as well as some great mythology and twists and turns in the story keeping it interesting.
Some good relationships are forming and I'm interested to see where they continue and what develops as Alyssa and Xavier get closer to figuring out the game plan.
Well worth the look for YA paranormal fans and I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way.
July 9, 2017
I'm going to give this one 3,5 stars
This was a really interesting book. I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did to be honest. I was given this book to read in exchange of my honest review so I'll do my best. This isn't you typical vampire tipe of story and I do have a problem with "vampires in the daylight" kinda of thing but overall this has a good development of the particularities of the characters, like she can go in the sun but at the same time she becames violently ill. I got really interested with the bond and I could really see something more growing there. I'm totally in love with Xavier to be honest. The only thing tho is that I think some of the dialogues seem kinda forced and unnatural. But overall it was really a good and fun read.
May 11, 2017
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it
Wow, what a start to a new series! Alyssa has spent the last 14 years pretending to be normal, after being turned into a vampire at 2 years old. She is drawn into an underworld or paranormal trying to save her dad.
Well written and exciting, there is plenty of drama. Holly Hook draws you into the underground of a normals and as the story unfolds, secrets come to light, and we learn more about Alyssa and her allies, this awesome story keeps you turning pages, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I am excited for book 2
Wow, what a start to a new series! Alyssa has spent the last 14 years pretending to be normal, after being turned into a vampire at 2 years old. She is drawn into an underworld or paranormal trying to save her dad.
Well written and exciting, there is plenty of drama. Holly Hook draws you into the underground of a normals and as the story unfolds, secrets come to light, and we learn more about Alyssa and her allies, this awesome story keeps you turning pages, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I am excited for book 2
June 8, 2017
Exciting read.
Very interesting characters in this book. You have a powerful demon, vampires, war mages, a succubus, normal humans and many more. When main character and her parents were bitten by a vampire their lives changed. Only humans with a special gene would turn into vampires. Alyssa and her father changed. Her mother chose to leave them and live a normal life.
Alyssa would never again be a normal.
Join Alyssa through terrifying situations as she and her friends try to stop an evil that is taking over the city.
Would recommend this for young adults and not so young adults. Thanks Holly.
Very interesting characters in this book. You have a powerful demon, vampires, war mages, a succubus, normal humans and many more. When main character and her parents were bitten by a vampire their lives changed. Only humans with a special gene would turn into vampires. Alyssa and her father changed. Her mother chose to leave them and live a normal life.
Alyssa would never again be a normal.
Join Alyssa through terrifying situations as she and her friends try to stop an evil that is taking over the city.
Would recommend this for young adults and not so young adults. Thanks Holly.
May 20, 2017
I have been provided with a copy of Blood Magic by the author for an impartial review. I really enjoyed this book it was a new take on supernatural creatures that I haven’t read before. This is the first book in the Abnormals Underground series and it was just a great way to start a series. It just dragged me into its world and it didn’t want to let me go until I turned the last page. I absolutely fell in love with Xavier and Alyssa and I can’t wait to see what happens next in their journey. I absolutely can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
May 23, 2017
What a wild ride! I thoroughly enjoyed Blood Magic! As always, Holly Hook did an incredible job starting off this new series strong. I liked that fact that it wasn't your typical vampire story, in fact, the vampires themselves aren't typical! I can already tell Alyssa is going to be one of my favorite new heroines. And the twists throughout had me questioning everything as to who Alyssa could trust. I am very excited to see what this series holds, to continue to delve deeper into this world and the relationships, and to continue Alyssa's story in book 2.
July 22, 2017
I enjoyed Blood Magic. It introduces war mages, bonds, and rare genes to the usual trope of vampires, demons, and mages. I loved the idea that the existence of Abnormals (anyone magical or not human) is known by all. While refreshing, it brings new conflict in the form of discrimination, exposure, and punishment (i.e. rehabilitation). There is no instalove or love triangles, and this is absolutely refreshing. I'm excited to see where Ms Hook takes this story and what she has planned for Alyssa and Xavier.
April 24, 2018
I bought the boxed set because it was cheap. I've finished the first one. It's alright. Nothing special. The main chick Alyssa is kind of annoying. I didn't really like any of the characters. Or the plot. But I'm not into paranormal as much as I used to be either. It has to be something really special to catch my attention and this just fell flat. Goodreads lists this as urban fantasy - but it's really not. Anyway, it was short enough and I'll probably read the rest since I've already bought the boxed set.
May 15, 2017
This is a really exciting and fascinating story about a girl who was bitten by a vampire and turned at the age of 2. She still grows up, which to most would really mess with your mind. But don't worry this series has all of it's plot covered! I thought it was fast paced and really got you going into the series. I can't wait to read more of what's going to happen to the main character and her journey!
October 16, 2017
This is a fun book with an actual original take on vampires that makes much more sense than the traditional explanations. The lead is a strong kick-a** heroine in the making. The supporting characters are excellent. The world-building is superb and the plot full of just the right amount of action, adventure and romance in the making. This is just a well written and fun novel, and definitely recommended.
July 9, 2018
Had me hooked from the first page to the last
I've had this book on my TBR list for quite a while and finally got round to reading it, only sleep and work stopped me finishing it in one session but I started last night and finished tonight. I absolutely loved it, action packed from start to finish and ran at such a pace I could hardly catch my breath. I would recommend this book to everyone, I have the next book lined up ready to go already.
I've had this book on my TBR list for quite a while and finally got round to reading it, only sleep and work stopped me finishing it in one session but I started last night and finished tonight. I absolutely loved it, action packed from start to finish and ran at such a pace I could hardly catch my breath. I would recommend this book to everyone, I have the next book lined up ready to go already.
December 2, 2021
ARC received. I love vampire stories, so I was excited for this new series. This is a different spin on the typical vampire genre. Alyssa’s world gets turned upside down when Xavier comes into her life. The 2 struggle to comprehend just how evil Cazio is & how to deal with the ATC. There’s action, drama, betrayal, all the makings of a great series. Holly has done it again with this edge of your seat tale!
May 7, 2017
This is the first book in the Abnormals Underground Series. I loved it and couldn't put It down.It has all kinds of paranormas and moves at a fast pace. Alyssa is bitten at the age of two and is returned into a vampire. There is something special about her blood we find as the story unfolds. I am really looking forward to the next book!!!
May 19, 2017
This was an interesting book. I wasn't sure how I felt about it to start, but overall I ended up enjoying it well enough. There were a few minor things that I didn't care for, but I was able to like the book despite those things. The plot flowed nicely, and it was well written. It's a good start to the series, and I'm looking forward to seeing the next book. I was gifted a copy.
June 1, 2017
Great Read !
This was a book I could really sink my teeth into...pun intended.This book has a great variety of supernatural beings ..not just the usual and there is lots of edge of your seat moments and who doesn't love those? Get in on the ground floor of this series with this book because you won't want to miss the others in this series.
This was a book I could really sink my teeth into...pun intended.This book has a great variety of supernatural beings ..not just the usual and there is lots of edge of your seat moments and who doesn't love those? Get in on the ground floor of this series with this book because you won't want to miss the others in this series.
August 1, 2023
Crazy, wild, adventure
Alyssa was a toddler when something horrible happened to her & her parents. It was enough to drive her mother away when she was eight years old. As Alyssa grew up, she & her father had to keep moving quite often. They had to stay ahead of the people looking for supernaturals. Find out what happens to them & other supernaturals by reading the book...
Alyssa was a toddler when something horrible happened to her & her parents. It was enough to drive her mother away when she was eight years old. As Alyssa grew up, she & her father had to keep moving quite often. They had to stay ahead of the people looking for supernaturals. Find out what happens to them & other supernaturals by reading the book...
December 18, 2020
Interesting book
I am not a fan of paranormal books. I liked the characters. The story line was okay. I found it strange that the main character would be killed by sunlight and that she hasn't figured out yet how to stay safe when out doors in the light yet.
I am not a fan of paranormal books. I liked the characters. The story line was okay. I found it strange that the main character would be killed by sunlight and that she hasn't figured out yet how to stay safe when out doors in the light yet.
December 3, 2021
Fast paced and action packed!
Alyssa is a vampire, turned at the age of 2. Her father turned also but not her mother.
Xavier is a war Mage out to prove himself to his grandfather the Head of the Supernatural Underground.
Twists and turns will keep you guessing what will happen next.
Alyssa is a vampire, turned at the age of 2. Her father turned also but not her mother.
Xavier is a war Mage out to prove himself to his grandfather the Head of the Supernatural Underground.
Twists and turns will keep you guessing what will happen next.
December 21, 2024
DNF
I couldn’t handle how badly written it was. Poor sentence structure was so jarring I couldn’t even bother trying to figure out what the author meant to say. Because what she did say made little sense.
I couldn’t handle how badly written it was. Poor sentence structure was so jarring I couldn’t even bother trying to figure out what the author meant to say. Because what she did say made little sense.
May 15, 2017
Really love this first book in the new serie by Holly Hook. Looking foward to read the next one.
June 26, 2017
I was already a fan of Holly Hook and this book definitely reinforced why. I loved the characters, good and bad. Although I've read many urban fantasy and paranormal books before, this did not come across as "same old, same old". Alyssa is a vampire unlike any I recall. And there are a variety of "abnormals". Alyssa is bonded to Xavier, who is a War Mage and comes with his own drama. Together, they have to fight evil. Xavier has to deal with his family and Alyssa has to come to terms with what she is. I've already read the second in the series and am now waiting for the 3rd.
June 24, 2017
Great book of magic. What a life to be a vampire from age two. Then she meets a Mage and life definitely gets better from here on. Entertaining read.
July 19, 2017
This was a fun read. A bit of a different take on vampires and an enjoyable character to read about. Looking forward to reading more.
February 22, 2025
Surprising Read
It was a very odd experience explaining Alyssa and Xavier’s mentalities and approaches to their issues with the Demon Baron as well as his approach to things.
It was a very odd experience explaining Alyssa and Xavier’s mentalities and approaches to their issues with the Demon Baron as well as his approach to things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews