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Blood Eternal #1
Risen
Fans of Vampire Diaries and Twilight will be thirsting for this latest vampire addiction…
My aunt has been kidnapped by vampires, and it’s up to me to save her. Only…I had no idea vampires existed. None. Nada. I’m more of a reader than a fighter, and even though I’d been wishing to escape my boring existence in the middle of nowhere, I’d give anything to have it back now if it meant my aunt was safe.
Then there’s the vampire Sebastian, who seems slightly nicer than most of the bloodsuckers I’ve run into so far. Yes, he’s the hottest being I’ve ever come across, but there’s no way I can trust him. He swears he’s helping me get answers, but there’s more to his story. Now I’m a key pawn in a raging vampire war, and I need to pick the right ally.
But my chances of surviving this war are slim at best, when the side I choose might be the one that wants me dead the most.
My aunt has been kidnapped by vampires, and it’s up to me to save her. Only…I had no idea vampires existed. None. Nada. I’m more of a reader than a fighter, and even though I’d been wishing to escape my boring existence in the middle of nowhere, I’d give anything to have it back now if it meant my aunt was safe.
Then there’s the vampire Sebastian, who seems slightly nicer than most of the bloodsuckers I’ve run into so far. Yes, he’s the hottest being I’ve ever come across, but there’s no way I can trust him. He swears he’s helping me get answers, but there’s more to his story. Now I’m a key pawn in a raging vampire war, and I need to pick the right ally.
But my chances of surviving this war are slim at best, when the side I choose might be the one that wants me dead the most.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2018
34 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Cole Gibsen
16 books418 followersGrowing up, Cole Gibsen couldn't decide what she loved more--dogs or books. So she decided to devote her life to both! Dog trainer (wrangler) by day and author by night, she's the author of over ten books with more on the way.
She would love to connect with you on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ColeGibsen
and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColeGibsen
She would love to connect with you on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/ColeGibsen
and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColeGibsen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 14, 2018
Charlie lives in a secluded woods with her Aunt Rachel and Jax, the dog. They live in a cabin and have minimal contact with the outside world. Charlie is hoping to go to college and will be old enough to make her own decisions soon. She is mildly aware there is something strange about her life. Her Aunt doesn't want her to be seen by anyone or have a phone. She is cut off from the world.
This book starts with a spooky walk in the woods. No sounds from the animals and Jax is on guard. Little does Charlie know, her wish is about to come true. Leaving her cabin is not going to be what she expects though. Her Aunt is kidnapped and Charlie has to trust the only person left.
Sebastian is a vampire and Charlie's only lifeline. He is left with the task of killing her but first, he wants her help. Aunt Rachel has many secrets and Sebastian wants more than one answer. Charlie is special but this mystery is only just starting to unravel.
A world with Vampires, hunters and fairies. A war is brewing and everyone needs to take their places. A broken king and some amazing fantasy skills. This book is a fabulous start to a new series. It will leave you wanting more. It will also give you more questions than answers but it's a whirlwind adventure.
Charlie and Sebastian are both great characters. Their romance is intense. I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I want to know more! 5 stars out of 5.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A fast-paced story with lots to offer.
This book starts with a spooky walk in the woods. No sounds from the animals and Jax is on guard. Little does Charlie know, her wish is about to come true. Leaving her cabin is not going to be what she expects though. Her Aunt is kidnapped and Charlie has to trust the only person left.
Sebastian is a vampire and Charlie's only lifeline. He is left with the task of killing her but first, he wants her help. Aunt Rachel has many secrets and Sebastian wants more than one answer. Charlie is special but this mystery is only just starting to unravel.
A world with Vampires, hunters and fairies. A war is brewing and everyone needs to take their places. A broken king and some amazing fantasy skills. This book is a fabulous start to a new series. It will leave you wanting more. It will also give you more questions than answers but it's a whirlwind adventure.
Charlie and Sebastian are both great characters. Their romance is intense. I really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. I want to know more! 5 stars out of 5.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A fast-paced story with lots to offer.
March 26, 2018
Risen by Cole Gibsen is the first book in the new young adult paranormal fantasy Blood Eternal series. The moment I saw the stunning cover on this one I knew any restraint I had would be out the window and I would need to read this one. Of course I was asking myself at the time did I really need to read yet another YA vampire book? Well, when done I’m glad that I didn’t talk myself out of it as this one had what I’m always searching for, something different.
The story starts off with Charlie out walking her dog, Jazz, in the wood when things go eerily silent and Jazz gets a bit antsy. Thinking it’s just the scent of some other animal that has Jazz all worked up Charlie thinks nothing of it as she returns to the remote cabin she shares with her aunt who has raised her.
After returning home however when Charlie’s aunt hears about what happened she completely freaks out and starts spouting something about the monsters are coming. Charlie has no clue what is going on but when three strange men show up at the cabin Charlie begins to see into a world that she never knew existed and apparently her aunt had been a part of.
Unfortunately before Charlie can even wrap her head around the fact that it seems that vampires do exist in the world two of the strangers take her aunt. The remaining vampire is left to find evidence in the cabin to take to his leader and to dispose of Charlie but before that can happen he finds there is something a bit different to Charlie herself making him curious.
Risen was one that was easy to escape into and become interested in the story from the very beginning but I had to question whether this would be just another vampire romance type of book or would there be something about it to make it stand out. It didn’t take long for the author to begin to weave a whole new vampire world to completely grab my attention and draw me in. For starters there aren’t even just “vampires” but different subspecies, the Corpus, Mentis and Amina. Now I’ve always had my suspicions that the reason Twilight did so well was simply taking something familiar and changing the rules to create something new and that is what we have with Risen too.
After sighing with relief that I would find something entertaining hiding under the cover that I’d fallen in love with I settled in to see what else the book would hold. Along with some excellent and creative world building there was plenty of action and intrigue unfolding in this start to the series. With a constant fast pace to the story it easily kept my sometimes known to wander attention and by the end of the book I would rate this start to the series at 4.5 stars and quite look forward to seeing what happens with Charlie and company in the next installment.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The story starts off with Charlie out walking her dog, Jazz, in the wood when things go eerily silent and Jazz gets a bit antsy. Thinking it’s just the scent of some other animal that has Jazz all worked up Charlie thinks nothing of it as she returns to the remote cabin she shares with her aunt who has raised her.
After returning home however when Charlie’s aunt hears about what happened she completely freaks out and starts spouting something about the monsters are coming. Charlie has no clue what is going on but when three strange men show up at the cabin Charlie begins to see into a world that she never knew existed and apparently her aunt had been a part of.
Unfortunately before Charlie can even wrap her head around the fact that it seems that vampires do exist in the world two of the strangers take her aunt. The remaining vampire is left to find evidence in the cabin to take to his leader and to dispose of Charlie but before that can happen he finds there is something a bit different to Charlie herself making him curious.
Risen was one that was easy to escape into and become interested in the story from the very beginning but I had to question whether this would be just another vampire romance type of book or would there be something about it to make it stand out. It didn’t take long for the author to begin to weave a whole new vampire world to completely grab my attention and draw me in. For starters there aren’t even just “vampires” but different subspecies, the Corpus, Mentis and Amina. Now I’ve always had my suspicions that the reason Twilight did so well was simply taking something familiar and changing the rules to create something new and that is what we have with Risen too.
After sighing with relief that I would find something entertaining hiding under the cover that I’d fallen in love with I settled in to see what else the book would hold. Along with some excellent and creative world building there was plenty of action and intrigue unfolding in this start to the series. With a constant fast pace to the story it easily kept my sometimes known to wander attention and by the end of the book I would rate this start to the series at 4.5 stars and quite look forward to seeing what happens with Charlie and company in the next installment.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 27, 2018
This is an interesting YA vampire romance with a difference. And with so many vampire reads out there now it’s difficult sometimes to find one that stands out.
The main difference here is we have three different types/clans of vampires. The Mentis clan are what most of us would relate to as vampires. They are gorgeous, rich and feed from humans, they also possess the power of persuasion. They have a farm where humans are harvested for their blood and then disposed of.
The second is the Corpus vampire these are foul-smelling, living corpses. They eat anything and everything; animals, humans, other vampires, even their own kin. Their gift is the ability to pass almost undetected in shadows.
The third clan, the Anima clan look the most human. Their fangs are small and they feed from animals and willing humans. They can also transform into birds.
War between the vampire clans is looming as Seraphina the queen of the Mentis clan wants to rule supreme.
Sebastian is a Mentis vampire but unlike other vampires he has no memories of before.
Charlie is nearly 18 years old and she lives in a one bedroomed cottage with her aunt Rachel. While she’s not supposed to have any connection to the outside world Charlie is a teenager and so she bought a prepaid smartphone from a gas station (not sure where she got the money since they live a simple life making and selling soaps).
Charlie lives a boring isolated life and so when vampires turn up and kidnap her aunt she’s thrown for a loop. Who knew vampires were real?
Sebastian is left to search the cottage and dispose of Charlie but there’s something about her. Through her he gets a glimpse of his life before and he wants more.
I enjoyed this book, it’s interesting and moves along well in fact I only had two issues.
I know this is a YA book and I’m certainly not in that age group so maybe younger readers don’t have the same issues.
1. When Sebastian and Patrick are in a standoff some of the lines seemed a bit cheesy. But like I say it could be me.
2. The book ends at 86% and I wasn’t expecting it to end there then there’s bonus content. This is the first scenes from the book with Sebastian’s POV. Now I love dual POV books I think it gives us a much better picture but apart from the first couple of pages it’s all the same. There’s not enough differences to make this worth while, so after feeling good about the book the bonus content took the shine off a little bit.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC.
The main difference here is we have three different types/clans of vampires. The Mentis clan are what most of us would relate to as vampires. They are gorgeous, rich and feed from humans, they also possess the power of persuasion. They have a farm where humans are harvested for their blood and then disposed of.
The second is the Corpus vampire these are foul-smelling, living corpses. They eat anything and everything; animals, humans, other vampires, even their own kin. Their gift is the ability to pass almost undetected in shadows.
The third clan, the Anima clan look the most human. Their fangs are small and they feed from animals and willing humans. They can also transform into birds.
War between the vampire clans is looming as Seraphina the queen of the Mentis clan wants to rule supreme.
Sebastian is a Mentis vampire but unlike other vampires he has no memories of before.
Charlie is nearly 18 years old and she lives in a one bedroomed cottage with her aunt Rachel. While she’s not supposed to have any connection to the outside world Charlie is a teenager and so she bought a prepaid smartphone from a gas station (not sure where she got the money since they live a simple life making and selling soaps).
Charlie lives a boring isolated life and so when vampires turn up and kidnap her aunt she’s thrown for a loop. Who knew vampires were real?
Sebastian is left to search the cottage and dispose of Charlie but there’s something about her. Through her he gets a glimpse of his life before and he wants more.
I enjoyed this book, it’s interesting and moves along well in fact I only had two issues.
I know this is a YA book and I’m certainly not in that age group so maybe younger readers don’t have the same issues.
1. When Sebastian and Patrick are in a standoff some of the lines seemed a bit cheesy. But like I say it could be me.
2. The book ends at 86% and I wasn’t expecting it to end there then there’s bonus content. This is the first scenes from the book with Sebastian’s POV. Now I love dual POV books I think it gives us a much better picture but apart from the first couple of pages it’s all the same. There’s not enough differences to make this worth while, so after feeling good about the book the bonus content took the shine off a little bit.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC.
November 16, 2025
Charlie is living in a remote cabin with her aunt Rachel and their German Sheppard when a group of beautiful but deadly vampires come in and kidnap Rachel and leave Charlie at the mercy of Sebastian.
Sebastian was left with strict instructions to kill Charlie after he gleaned all that he could from her. Sebastian, unhappy with clan of vampires, decides to help Charlie rescue her aunt from his fellow vampires by taking her to King Matteo another form of vampire.
The bond between Charlie and Sebastian is instantaneous and the story is very reminiscent to many young adult vampire reads and ended in a huge cliffhanger
I wanted to love it, it did have the feel of a bunch of YA reads that I do love, but in the end it fell flat and was just a like for me. Lots of potential and I plan on following on.
I am in love with this book's cover!
I received this ARC copy of Risen from Entangled Publishing, LLC - Entangled: Teen. This is my honest and voluntary review. Risen is set publication March 27, 2018.
Sebastian was left with strict instructions to kill Charlie after he gleaned all that he could from her. Sebastian, unhappy with clan of vampires, decides to help Charlie rescue her aunt from his fellow vampires by taking her to King Matteo another form of vampire.
The bond between Charlie and Sebastian is instantaneous and the story is very reminiscent to many young adult vampire reads and ended in a huge cliffhanger
I wanted to love it, it did have the feel of a bunch of YA reads that I do love, but in the end it fell flat and was just a like for me. Lots of potential and I plan on following on.
I am in love with this book's cover!
I received this ARC copy of Risen from Entangled Publishing, LLC - Entangled: Teen. This is my honest and voluntary review. Risen is set publication March 27, 2018.
April 16, 2018
This book was unexpected. There are no slow moments. The author wrote this like a rollercoaster ride. I did feel like the book could have been a bit longer to help give more backstory and character development. I gave this four stars because the story had me hooked and I will definitely be reading the next book when it comes out.
Charlie is a seventeen year old living in seclusion with her aunt Rachel and her dog Jax. She feels stuck without social interaction and barely being able to leave their farmhouse. Her aunt makes oil scented soaps and sells them with the toxics they grow to keep them self sufficient. Everything changes one night when a subspecies of vampires called Mentis kidnap her aunt and a young Mentis named Sebastian is told to get rid of Charlie.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and Entangled Teen for a fair and honest review.
Charlie is a seventeen year old living in seclusion with her aunt Rachel and her dog Jax. She feels stuck without social interaction and barely being able to leave their farmhouse. Her aunt makes oil scented soaps and sells them with the toxics they grow to keep them self sufficient. Everything changes one night when a subspecies of vampires called Mentis kidnap her aunt and a young Mentis named Sebastian is told to get rid of Charlie.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley and Entangled Teen for a fair and honest review.
April 10, 2018
2.5 “Teen Vampires” stars
ARC via NetGalley.
Thank you, Entangled Teen.
I'm still waiting for that new vampire book series that will leave me as obsessed about these mythical creatures as the first three seasons of The Vampire Diaries or the first time I read Twilight did.
Then I saw Risen on NetGalley and it used those two titles as comps: "Fans of Vampire Diaries and Twilight will be thirsting for this latest vampire addiction…"
Of course that led me to searching Youtube for Stelena videos.
That led to major hangover after.
Anyway, Risen delivered on some of its promises, but it unfortunately didn't create a vampire addiction. The main character didn't have an interesting enough personality to hold my attention, the romance was too insta-lovey, and Sebastian wasn't the badass vamp guy who made me fall madly in love with him. I also had problems with the dialogue and how stilted it felt at times.
Even though Risen didn't turn out to be as exciting as I was hoping, I'm someone who has been waiting for YA paranormal to come back for a long time and I'm not ready to give up. So bring on the next vamp book!
April 9, 2018
My review can also be found here:https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....
I received a copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
As far as vampire books go, Risen was good. They compared it to Twilight and this is nothing like that. It had a good plot and the pacing was fast with action that never stopped. The world building was okay and I enjoyed the characters. It was a fun, fast read.
But most of the questions you have in the beginning never get answered by the end. It moves so fast that you don't get emotionally invested in the characters. There isn't really anything that makes it stand out above the hundreds of other vampire books out there, besides the cover.
There were a few twists that I didn't see coming and it did have a cool plot. Although the characters didn't annoy me, they kind of fell flat personality wise. I didn't really feel invested in the romance on this one. It just feels as if it fell short. Especially with that ending. Questions are left unanswered and the story feels unresolved. It's good, but not a book that stands out.
I received a copy from Netgalley for an honest review.
As far as vampire books go, Risen was good. They compared it to Twilight and this is nothing like that. It had a good plot and the pacing was fast with action that never stopped. The world building was okay and I enjoyed the characters. It was a fun, fast read.
But most of the questions you have in the beginning never get answered by the end. It moves so fast that you don't get emotionally invested in the characters. There isn't really anything that makes it stand out above the hundreds of other vampire books out there, besides the cover.
There were a few twists that I didn't see coming and it did have a cool plot. Although the characters didn't annoy me, they kind of fell flat personality wise. I didn't really feel invested in the romance on this one. It just feels as if it fell short. Especially with that ending. Questions are left unanswered and the story feels unresolved. It's good, but not a book that stands out.
April 12, 2018
I. DON'T. EVEN. KNOW. where to begin with this book. I feel like I maybe read a different book than all of the many 4 and 5 star reviews I'm seeing? THE FLAWS. THEY ARE MANY.
...and yet I read the whole damn thing? idek. Review soon!
...and yet I read the whole damn thing? idek. Review soon!
Read
February 7, 2018OMG...is this book ever good!?! Once I picked it up, I didn't want to put it down, and only did so because I was forced to, you know, actually do some work.
It has atmosphere, a mythology for vampires that is fresh and unique with a hate to love romance that I was rooting for, and a mafia style feud between the various vampire clans represented. The further into the story I got, the more I was hooked in large part due to the well-timed reveals and especially because none of them were ones that I expected. In fact, I had made some predictions that turned out to be completely false once all the chips were laid bare, and I'm so excited to see where else Cole Gibsen takes these characters and this story in the next installment.
Charlie's growth over the course of the novel is really interesting, and while it solves some questions, it creates more questions that I'll be really interested to see how it plays out.
Her slow-burn romance with Sebastian is all kinds of awesome. While he's mostly interested in helping her for selfish reasons, both him and Charlie get closer in ways that made me happy...even if Opal calls it gross and refers to Sebastian and his kind as a leech.
One of the most interesting things, to me, is the idea of who actually qualifies as a monster. While vampires are referred to in that way by Charlie's aunt, Charlie at times, and Opal, it's interesting how the human gang of vampire hunters does some things that are, in some ways, even more monstrous.
I also appreciated slowly getting a better understanding of the various vampire clans, their abilities, appearances, things they consume, and the history, which is, in my opinion, completely unlike anything I've read or seen before in the vampire book or film genre.
Highly recommended!
It has atmosphere, a mythology for vampires that is fresh and unique with a hate to love romance that I was rooting for, and a mafia style feud between the various vampire clans represented. The further into the story I got, the more I was hooked in large part due to the well-timed reveals and especially because none of them were ones that I expected. In fact, I had made some predictions that turned out to be completely false once all the chips were laid bare, and I'm so excited to see where else Cole Gibsen takes these characters and this story in the next installment.
Charlie's growth over the course of the novel is really interesting, and while it solves some questions, it creates more questions that I'll be really interested to see how it plays out.
Her slow-burn romance with Sebastian is all kinds of awesome. While he's mostly interested in helping her for selfish reasons, both him and Charlie get closer in ways that made me happy...even if Opal calls it gross and refers to Sebastian and his kind as a leech.
One of the most interesting things, to me, is the idea of who actually qualifies as a monster. While vampires are referred to in that way by Charlie's aunt, Charlie at times, and Opal, it's interesting how the human gang of vampire hunters does some things that are, in some ways, even more monstrous.
I also appreciated slowly getting a better understanding of the various vampire clans, their abilities, appearances, things they consume, and the history, which is, in my opinion, completely unlike anything I've read or seen before in the vampire book or film genre.
Highly recommended!
March 30, 2018
REVIEW
The cover initially attracted me to this book and then when I read the blurb, I realised that I couldn't remember the last time I had read a vampire themed book, so this book was the perfect choice. That and the fact the publishers were Entangled Teen made me give the book a closer look.
As I said the cover was what initially attracted me to the book. The sky in the background of the cover is a murky, turbulent, stormy one. The ground is covered in what I would call autumnal coloured leaves. The main object on the cover is a tree, with its branches and remaining leaves in a heart shape.
The genres I have seen listed are Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Teens & YA which all fit the book well. I definitely think this book is aimed at the younger to mid teen audience, though I did enjoy reading it myself.
The one thing that made me doubt reading this book was this phrase from within the blurb "Fans of Vampire Diaries and Twilight will be thirsting for this latest vampire addiction…" So many books compare themselves to both the Vampire Diaries and Twilight which in my opinion isn't always a good thing. It's kind of a "pet hate" for me. I would have probably just overlooked this book is the rest of the blurb hadn't piqued my interest and the fact the publishers were Entangled Teen who have published many fantastic books. After reading this book I honestly wouldn't compare it to either book mentioned. Maybe whoever decides on using the phrase thinks it will attract more readers, personally it tends to put me off.
The book starts with the main character, Charlize walking her dog Jax wishing something exciting would happen. Charlize or Charlie as most people call her, is bored living in the middle of no-where with her Aunt Rachel. There's no telephones, landline or mobile, or internet etc so Charlie helps her rather hippie Aunt make soap and other craft items to sell. In her spare time Charlie either reads or spends time taking long walks with her German shepherd dog, Jax. Her Aunt always warns her not to stray too far away from the cabin they live in. Charlie does have an ulterior motive for all those long walks with the dog as she has bought herself a mobile phone, which under normal circumstances would have come in handy when two men appear insisting they are taking her Aunt away with them. Her Aunt tells her phoning the police will not help and she stresses to Charlie that under no circumstances at all should she try to run! Charlie is totally shocked by what her Aunt Rachel tells her but does her best to listen to her. Aunt Rachel is taken away by the first two men that had entered the cabin, leaving Charlie behind to be "taken care of" or rather "disposed of" by Sebastian.
So Charlie had managed not to make a run for it whilst the men were holding her Aunt Rachel in the cabin with her but now there was only herself to think about what did she have to lose? So when Charlie finds herself left with a third young man called Sebastian she thinks she should attempt to get away and perhaps find Jax who has been scared away. Sebastian catches up with Charlie easily and warns her not to run or scream as it triggers his blood lust. Charlie has difficulty accepting the existence of vampires but she needs to learn how to survive around them fast!
Sebastian offers to take Charlie to Matteo, King of the Anima who will help her get her Aunt Rachel back. Charlie immediately agrees, as she will do anything to rescue her Aunt.
There are three types of vampires, Corpus, Mentis and Anima. The Corpus are the most cruel and even feed on their own kin, their gift is to blend into the shadows. The Mentis are kind of middle of the road vampires in that they feed but keep humans in what they call a farm to feed off. The gift the Mentis have is to be able to charm and mind control anyone who looks into their eyes. The final type of vampires are the Anima, these feed on animals and humans. They protect humans and want everyone to know about them and to find a way to live in peace.
Of course there's lots more going on in the book such as why a Mentis like Sebastian cannot remember his life before becoming a vampire. Then there's the rescue plan to be made to retrieve Aunt Rachel from the Mentis clan. Another mystery is where Matteo and Aunt Rachel's off-spring are. I could go on and on about the book. I did enjoy reading it though it ended on quite a cliffhanger situation as we hadn't found the answers for the questions raised by the book. Having said that this is book one in the Blood Eternal series so I would say it was a good thing to leave the first book with some unanswered questions as it keeps you eager for the next book.
I liked Charlie, how her immediate thoughts when her Aunt Rachel is stolen away from her is how can I get her back. I think her Aunt Rachel has underestimated her "niece" and she maybe should have explained the reason they are living so remotely. Aunt Rachel could have prepared Charlie how to react if she was taken from her. Though even by the end of the book Aunt Rachel nor anyone else has really explained to Charlie who/what she is and revealed her true parentage and the power/gift she has deep within herself.
I really loved the character of Sebastian, his unknown past from before he was made a vampire by the Mentis Clan. The fact Sebastian wants to help Charlie even before he realises she has a power/gift that allows him to see glimpses of his "before" life. Sebastian knows that when he is returned to the Mentis he will suffer for helping Charlie. The Mentis Queen will see to it that he suffers pain for what she will see as a betrayal. There is an instant attraction between Sebastian and Charlie but can it ever work? A vampire, human relationship. . . though we don't actually know what/who Charlie really is!
King Matteo of the Anima is portrayed as a good guy though how long that view will last when the war between the vampires really begins is left unrevealed. It's clear to see that Matteo cares for the lives of humans. He instantly begins planning Aunt Rachel's rescue. It is also revealed that rather than use humans just for blood and disregard or even kill any that are no longer of any use like the other vampire clans of Corpus and Mentis. King Matteo and the Anima Clan willing give blood to any human it can help. In fact we witness one such human when Charlie is helping to make soap who tells her that he had a terminal illness but was cured by vampire blood.
My immediate thoughts were that I enjoyed reading this book, hope this is the beginning of a potentially great series as I would like to read more about Charlie & Sebastian. Especially wanting to know what Charlie is, as well as learning more about Matteo & Aunt Rachel's relationship.
So I did enjoy reading the book but kind of finished feeling like I had wanted a few more definite answers within this book to the questions I had. I will have to be a little more patient and hope to find the answers in the next book. There seemed to be so much going on that could have perhaps been explored more deeply such as why were the Mentis draining blood from the humans and experienting on them? What were the experiments for? Why drain a human until you kill them when you could take blood little and often, more like the Anima Clan and have a plentiful supply of blood given willingly? I think I would have liked to know a little more about each clan, specifically the Anima and Mentis ones.
Also at around 80% of the way through the book it ends and the remainder of the book is labelled "bonus content" and is from Sebastian's point of view, which was mostly, basically what we had read at the beginning of the book from Charlie's view. The section from Sebastian's outlook was interesting when we got little hints and perhaps more detail of things that had happened to Sebastian in the Mentis Clan that lead up to him being trusted and tested at the same time on the retrieval of Aunt Rachel and the clear up and search for information. I would have rather had that inserted within the main part of the book somehow. I just felt a little disappointed with the section from Sebastian's point of view as it didn't reveal anything different enough to what we had already read. Saying all that I would like to read the next book in the series, and I would say that this book is perfect for the Teen/YA target audience that it is aimed at.
The cover initially attracted me to this book and then when I read the blurb, I realised that I couldn't remember the last time I had read a vampire themed book, so this book was the perfect choice. That and the fact the publishers were Entangled Teen made me give the book a closer look.
As I said the cover was what initially attracted me to the book. The sky in the background of the cover is a murky, turbulent, stormy one. The ground is covered in what I would call autumnal coloured leaves. The main object on the cover is a tree, with its branches and remaining leaves in a heart shape.
The genres I have seen listed are Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Teens & YA which all fit the book well. I definitely think this book is aimed at the younger to mid teen audience, though I did enjoy reading it myself.
The one thing that made me doubt reading this book was this phrase from within the blurb "Fans of Vampire Diaries and Twilight will be thirsting for this latest vampire addiction…" So many books compare themselves to both the Vampire Diaries and Twilight which in my opinion isn't always a good thing. It's kind of a "pet hate" for me. I would have probably just overlooked this book is the rest of the blurb hadn't piqued my interest and the fact the publishers were Entangled Teen who have published many fantastic books. After reading this book I honestly wouldn't compare it to either book mentioned. Maybe whoever decides on using the phrase thinks it will attract more readers, personally it tends to put me off.
The book starts with the main character, Charlize walking her dog Jax wishing something exciting would happen. Charlize or Charlie as most people call her, is bored living in the middle of no-where with her Aunt Rachel. There's no telephones, landline or mobile, or internet etc so Charlie helps her rather hippie Aunt make soap and other craft items to sell. In her spare time Charlie either reads or spends time taking long walks with her German shepherd dog, Jax. Her Aunt always warns her not to stray too far away from the cabin they live in. Charlie does have an ulterior motive for all those long walks with the dog as she has bought herself a mobile phone, which under normal circumstances would have come in handy when two men appear insisting they are taking her Aunt away with them. Her Aunt tells her phoning the police will not help and she stresses to Charlie that under no circumstances at all should she try to run! Charlie is totally shocked by what her Aunt Rachel tells her but does her best to listen to her. Aunt Rachel is taken away by the first two men that had entered the cabin, leaving Charlie behind to be "taken care of" or rather "disposed of" by Sebastian.
So Charlie had managed not to make a run for it whilst the men were holding her Aunt Rachel in the cabin with her but now there was only herself to think about what did she have to lose? So when Charlie finds herself left with a third young man called Sebastian she thinks she should attempt to get away and perhaps find Jax who has been scared away. Sebastian catches up with Charlie easily and warns her not to run or scream as it triggers his blood lust. Charlie has difficulty accepting the existence of vampires but she needs to learn how to survive around them fast!
Sebastian offers to take Charlie to Matteo, King of the Anima who will help her get her Aunt Rachel back. Charlie immediately agrees, as she will do anything to rescue her Aunt.
There are three types of vampires, Corpus, Mentis and Anima. The Corpus are the most cruel and even feed on their own kin, their gift is to blend into the shadows. The Mentis are kind of middle of the road vampires in that they feed but keep humans in what they call a farm to feed off. The gift the Mentis have is to be able to charm and mind control anyone who looks into their eyes. The final type of vampires are the Anima, these feed on animals and humans. They protect humans and want everyone to know about them and to find a way to live in peace.
Of course there's lots more going on in the book such as why a Mentis like Sebastian cannot remember his life before becoming a vampire. Then there's the rescue plan to be made to retrieve Aunt Rachel from the Mentis clan. Another mystery is where Matteo and Aunt Rachel's off-spring are. I could go on and on about the book. I did enjoy reading it though it ended on quite a cliffhanger situation as we hadn't found the answers for the questions raised by the book. Having said that this is book one in the Blood Eternal series so I would say it was a good thing to leave the first book with some unanswered questions as it keeps you eager for the next book.
I liked Charlie, how her immediate thoughts when her Aunt Rachel is stolen away from her is how can I get her back. I think her Aunt Rachel has underestimated her "niece" and she maybe should have explained the reason they are living so remotely. Aunt Rachel could have prepared Charlie how to react if she was taken from her. Though even by the end of the book Aunt Rachel nor anyone else has really explained to Charlie who/what she is and revealed her true parentage and the power/gift she has deep within herself.
I really loved the character of Sebastian, his unknown past from before he was made a vampire by the Mentis Clan. The fact Sebastian wants to help Charlie even before he realises she has a power/gift that allows him to see glimpses of his "before" life. Sebastian knows that when he is returned to the Mentis he will suffer for helping Charlie. The Mentis Queen will see to it that he suffers pain for what she will see as a betrayal. There is an instant attraction between Sebastian and Charlie but can it ever work? A vampire, human relationship. . . though we don't actually know what/who Charlie really is!
King Matteo of the Anima is portrayed as a good guy though how long that view will last when the war between the vampires really begins is left unrevealed. It's clear to see that Matteo cares for the lives of humans. He instantly begins planning Aunt Rachel's rescue. It is also revealed that rather than use humans just for blood and disregard or even kill any that are no longer of any use like the other vampire clans of Corpus and Mentis. King Matteo and the Anima Clan willing give blood to any human it can help. In fact we witness one such human when Charlie is helping to make soap who tells her that he had a terminal illness but was cured by vampire blood.
My immediate thoughts were that I enjoyed reading this book, hope this is the beginning of a potentially great series as I would like to read more about Charlie & Sebastian. Especially wanting to know what Charlie is, as well as learning more about Matteo & Aunt Rachel's relationship.
So I did enjoy reading the book but kind of finished feeling like I had wanted a few more definite answers within this book to the questions I had. I will have to be a little more patient and hope to find the answers in the next book. There seemed to be so much going on that could have perhaps been explored more deeply such as why were the Mentis draining blood from the humans and experienting on them? What were the experiments for? Why drain a human until you kill them when you could take blood little and often, more like the Anima Clan and have a plentiful supply of blood given willingly? I think I would have liked to know a little more about each clan, specifically the Anima and Mentis ones.
Also at around 80% of the way through the book it ends and the remainder of the book is labelled "bonus content" and is from Sebastian's point of view, which was mostly, basically what we had read at the beginning of the book from Charlie's view. The section from Sebastian's outlook was interesting when we got little hints and perhaps more detail of things that had happened to Sebastian in the Mentis Clan that lead up to him being trusted and tested at the same time on the retrieval of Aunt Rachel and the clear up and search for information. I would have rather had that inserted within the main part of the book somehow. I just felt a little disappointed with the section from Sebastian's point of view as it didn't reveal anything different enough to what we had already read. Saying all that I would like to read the next book in the series, and I would say that this book is perfect for the Teen/YA target audience that it is aimed at.
February 27, 2018
I was pleasantly surprised by Risen. It's a vampire book, but there were some elements that were different from other ones I've read before.
Charlie is living in a cabin in Marion, IL with her aunt Rachel and their dog. Charlie is unhappy and wants to go away to school, but Rachel warns her of dangers without ever going into detail. One day, 3 vampires show up and everything changes. Two of them take Rachel away and the last one, Sebastian, stays with Charlie to find evidence that Rachel's son is really dead. Sebastian is supposed to kill Charlie when he's done. However, Charlie is not quite normal. A song she hums brings back an old memory for Sebastian and he's desparate to know more from his human life. In the woods, Charlie touches him and there are flashes of memories. Sebastian also finds a photo which makes him believe that the Amina King Matteo will keep Charlie safe.
On the trip there, Charlie and Sebastian are taken by vampire hunters. They end up being even more horrific than some of the vampires. There is an attack and Opal, a young hunter, leaves with Charlie and Sebastian. They make it to the Amina compound and things start to go well there. Matteo wants to protect Charlie and rescue Rachel. But his sister, Queen of the Mentis, has other plans. She wants to start a war, retrieve three artifacts (each sibling has one), and eliminate the other clans.
There are three types of vampires in Risen.
-Corpus are the scariest. They look like rotting flesh and hide in the shadows. They eat everything, including each other.
-Mentis are the most attractive. They consume blood from humans kept on their farm. They have longer, sharper fangs and bluish-silver eyes. They can also compel people.
-Amina have small fangs and dark emerald green eyes. They eat from animals and only willing humans. They can also transform and are often in crow form.
Charlie is spunky, defient, and sarcastic. I liked her immediately. She's also pretty fiece at times. Sebastian grew on me quickly and I liked his growing relationship with Charlie. Opal ended up being a favorite though. She was funny, loyal, and a great friend.
The book took off right from the beginning and the pacing was great. It made it an easy read and tough to put down. I'm really looking forward to book two.
I gave this one 4 1/2 stars (rounded up to 5 on goodreads).
Charlie is living in a cabin in Marion, IL with her aunt Rachel and their dog. Charlie is unhappy and wants to go away to school, but Rachel warns her of dangers without ever going into detail. One day, 3 vampires show up and everything changes. Two of them take Rachel away and the last one, Sebastian, stays with Charlie to find evidence that Rachel's son is really dead. Sebastian is supposed to kill Charlie when he's done. However, Charlie is not quite normal. A song she hums brings back an old memory for Sebastian and he's desparate to know more from his human life. In the woods, Charlie touches him and there are flashes of memories. Sebastian also finds a photo which makes him believe that the Amina King Matteo will keep Charlie safe.
On the trip there, Charlie and Sebastian are taken by vampire hunters. They end up being even more horrific than some of the vampires. There is an attack and Opal, a young hunter, leaves with Charlie and Sebastian. They make it to the Amina compound and things start to go well there. Matteo wants to protect Charlie and rescue Rachel. But his sister, Queen of the Mentis, has other plans. She wants to start a war, retrieve three artifacts (each sibling has one), and eliminate the other clans.
There are three types of vampires in Risen.
-Corpus are the scariest. They look like rotting flesh and hide in the shadows. They eat everything, including each other.
-Mentis are the most attractive. They consume blood from humans kept on their farm. They have longer, sharper fangs and bluish-silver eyes. They can also compel people.
-Amina have small fangs and dark emerald green eyes. They eat from animals and only willing humans. They can also transform and are often in crow form.
Charlie is spunky, defient, and sarcastic. I liked her immediately. She's also pretty fiece at times. Sebastian grew on me quickly and I liked his growing relationship with Charlie. Opal ended up being a favorite though. She was funny, loyal, and a great friend.
The book took off right from the beginning and the pacing was great. It made it an easy read and tough to put down. I'm really looking forward to book two.
I gave this one 4 1/2 stars (rounded up to 5 on goodreads).
March 26, 2018
I grabbed Risen up on a whim and grabbed a spot on the tour and I am so glad I did. Sometimes I just want a good YA vampire read. Throw in a little cheesiness and a whole lot of teen angst and stupid decision-making and I truly just enjoy these reads. Cole took a novel that could have been just another read, and delivered a twist on a tale we swear we have read before.
Risen took me a chapter or two to get really into, but once I got invested I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters and the instant attraction that happens. With the high adrenaline read it was a fun ride. I wasn't sure if I was going to really be into it, but by the end of the novel I was ready for the second and sad to see this one end.
This novel throws in some fun vampire twists that I haven't read before. I love when you don't see a twist coming and it takes you by surprise. This novel does that a few times.
Then there was the ending. Oh My, Batman. I am SO excited to see where the author takes that plot twist, It is going to make for a bit of chaos that I can't wait to see unfold.
The characters were great and I loved that even though some fo the vampires were hundreds of years old, they still acted like the age that they seem to have been turned. I kind of hate the all-knowing vampire books. I get it, they are old, but a 7 yearly kid is still going to act like he is 17 at some point. This book kept it true to the reactions and speech I that I was expecting. If that makes sense. If not, ignore this.
All in all, Risen was a fantastic way to end my morning.
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Buy On Amazon: https://amzn.to/2I1NLxu
Synopsis:
Fans of Vampire Diaries and Twilight will be thirsting for this latest vampire addiction…
My aunt has been kidnapped by vampires, and it’s up to me to save her. Only…I had no idea vampires existed. None. Nada. I’m more of a reader than a fighter, and even though I’d been wishing to escape my boring existence in the middle of nowhere, I’d give anything to have it back now if it meant my aunt was safe.
Then there’s the vampire Sebastian, who seems slightly nicer than most of the bloodsuckers I’ve run into so far. Yes, he’s the hottest being I’ve ever come across, but there’s no way I can trust him. He swears he’s helping me get answers, but there’s more to his story. Now I’m a key pawn in a raging vampire war, and I need to pick the right ally.
But my chances of surviving this war are slim at best, when the side I choose might be the one that wants me dead the most.
February 22, 2018
I just finished “Risen” the first book in the Blood Eternal series and it was very good! I previously read another book from the same author called “Life unaware”, it was not my favorite, but I wanted to give her another chance and I was right!
If you’re a fan of vampires, this series is for you. Although compared to Twilight and The Vampire Diaries in the description, I personally can’t see any similarities, except the fact that they included vampires.
From the first pages, I was totally hooked by the story. The writing is really smooth, pleasant and the action starts already in the first chapter. And if you know me, you’d know that I really don’t like books with long lasting introduction!
At the beginning, we follow a young girl named Charlie, who lives with her aunt Rachel since the death of her parents that she does not remember. They live isolated from the world, Rachel does not want Charlie to get out from their house, she even stops her from using a cell phone (it’s a total drama for a teenager!).
As I said above, the action begins very quickly. Strangers (“Monsters”, as Rachel used to call them) come to their home and kidnap Rachel. Charlie will soon learn that they were vampires… One of the vampires stays with her, for reasons that I let you discover. His name is Sebastian, and we will rapidly notice that he is quite different from the previous vampires we’ve met.
“Risen” is not a basic vampire story, without originality, no. Here, vampires are separated into 3 clans:
– The Mentis: those who kidnapped Rachel. They are really handsome.
– Corpus: these are ugly and eat EVERYTHING.
– The Anima: the most ‘humans’, they want to live in peace with humans.
This book will take us to the heart of a war between these 3 different clans, while Charlie will be looking for her aunt at the same time. We will also learn more about her and her past.
This YA novel was so good and super addictive! The characters were perfect and not cliché as it is often the case. Here, you will find: a romance (as I love them), friendship, blood and action.
“Risen” is excellent and I cannot wait to read more! 4,5/5
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own)
If you’re a fan of vampires, this series is for you. Although compared to Twilight and The Vampire Diaries in the description, I personally can’t see any similarities, except the fact that they included vampires.
From the first pages, I was totally hooked by the story. The writing is really smooth, pleasant and the action starts already in the first chapter. And if you know me, you’d know that I really don’t like books with long lasting introduction!
At the beginning, we follow a young girl named Charlie, who lives with her aunt Rachel since the death of her parents that she does not remember. They live isolated from the world, Rachel does not want Charlie to get out from their house, she even stops her from using a cell phone (it’s a total drama for a teenager!).
As I said above, the action begins very quickly. Strangers (“Monsters”, as Rachel used to call them) come to their home and kidnap Rachel. Charlie will soon learn that they were vampires… One of the vampires stays with her, for reasons that I let you discover. His name is Sebastian, and we will rapidly notice that he is quite different from the previous vampires we’ve met.
“Risen” is not a basic vampire story, without originality, no. Here, vampires are separated into 3 clans:
– The Mentis: those who kidnapped Rachel. They are really handsome.
– Corpus: these are ugly and eat EVERYTHING.
– The Anima: the most ‘humans’, they want to live in peace with humans.
This book will take us to the heart of a war between these 3 different clans, while Charlie will be looking for her aunt at the same time. We will also learn more about her and her past.
This YA novel was so good and super addictive! The characters were perfect and not cliché as it is often the case. Here, you will find: a romance (as I love them), friendship, blood and action.
“Risen” is excellent and I cannot wait to read more! 4,5/5
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own)
March 26, 2018
*Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC that I read voluntary*
So I've said this a million times and I will keep saying it, anything with vampire in it, I will read. So when I saw this on NetGalley I had to read it. So a little about the book, Charlie lives with her aunt in the middle of nowhere with no one around. I would lose my mind, being trapped like that... I don't know how Charlie's mental health state wasn't horrible as can be. Her aunt has never said why they live this way but one day, everything changes when vampires appear and take her aunt away. Lots of crap happens and then we find out that Charlie might be one of the three top vampire leaders daughter, only we never find that out. We never find out if her aunt is really her mother.... nothing really is resolved in this novel...
I mean one or two things are wrapped up but the big stuff is left unknown, I didn't like that. I know this is going to be a series and that's fine, I love series but this just gave no answers at all. I felt like the book ended just so suddenly.... I feel like half the book was missing. That's not something I normally get with series. We usually get some closure.
I do like what the author did with the vampire clans and how they are different. That was a nice touch. I do like a few of the characters and the book is nicely well written, it's fast paced and full of action, some romance and blood, lots of blood.
Overall, I did enjoy it and I do want to find out what happens in the next one!
So I've said this a million times and I will keep saying it, anything with vampire in it, I will read. So when I saw this on NetGalley I had to read it. So a little about the book, Charlie lives with her aunt in the middle of nowhere with no one around. I would lose my mind, being trapped like that... I don't know how Charlie's mental health state wasn't horrible as can be. Her aunt has never said why they live this way but one day, everything changes when vampires appear and take her aunt away. Lots of crap happens and then we find out that Charlie might be one of the three top vampire leaders daughter, only we never find that out. We never find out if her aunt is really her mother.... nothing really is resolved in this novel...
I mean one or two things are wrapped up but the big stuff is left unknown, I didn't like that. I know this is going to be a series and that's fine, I love series but this just gave no answers at all. I felt like the book ended just so suddenly.... I feel like half the book was missing. That's not something I normally get with series. We usually get some closure.
I do like what the author did with the vampire clans and how they are different. That was a nice touch. I do like a few of the characters and the book is nicely well written, it's fast paced and full of action, some romance and blood, lots of blood.
Overall, I did enjoy it and I do want to find out what happens in the next one!
March 27, 2018
Risen is the first Vampire book I have read (and finished) this year. It was a fast paced quick read that was very entertaining. I do have to say that it did leave things to be desired.
Charlie lives in the woods with her aunt, cut off from the world and aching to get away and experience the world. Her little bubble is shattered when her aunt is kidnapped by vampires and taken to their queen. Charlie finds herself with no options but to trust Sebastian, one of the vampires that took her aunt. She is quickly thrown into the outside world encountering all sorts of monsters she had never imagined.
Overall I think that the characters have great potential. I found Charlie to be a little too trusting at times, which of course got her into some crazy situations. I do love that she has Opal as a friend. I would really love to see that friendship develop to give her something outside of her love story. I think this was an interesting take on the vampire mythos, splitting them into 3 factions that are at war with one another. I really appreciated that the three different groups had their own characteristics and even though they are all vampires, they are each their own type of monster.
I think my biggest pet peeve about this story is that I felt like it ended halfway through. I understand that this is the first installment in a series, but I feel like we didn't get any type of answers to the million questions that we had as readers.
Overall I didn't dislike this book, but it could have definitely been better.
I received this book from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review.
Charlie lives in the woods with her aunt, cut off from the world and aching to get away and experience the world. Her little bubble is shattered when her aunt is kidnapped by vampires and taken to their queen. Charlie finds herself with no options but to trust Sebastian, one of the vampires that took her aunt. She is quickly thrown into the outside world encountering all sorts of monsters she had never imagined.
Overall I think that the characters have great potential. I found Charlie to be a little too trusting at times, which of course got her into some crazy situations. I do love that she has Opal as a friend. I would really love to see that friendship develop to give her something outside of her love story. I think this was an interesting take on the vampire mythos, splitting them into 3 factions that are at war with one another. I really appreciated that the three different groups had their own characteristics and even though they are all vampires, they are each their own type of monster.
I think my biggest pet peeve about this story is that I felt like it ended halfway through. I understand that this is the first installment in a series, but I feel like we didn't get any type of answers to the million questions that we had as readers.
Overall I didn't dislike this book, but it could have definitely been better.
I received this book from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2018
I didn't know I needed a new Vampire obsession in my life, but Risen has fuelled that fire and jeeze did I love it!
Ignore the tagline saying it's like Vampire Diaries and Twilight; it's so much better than those books!
To me, it's more comparable to the epic series by Will Hill, Department 19.
It's fast paced and exciting; the action kicks in straight away and doesn't let up until the very last page and I'm so glad there will be a sequel.
Told from Charlie's point of view, her narrative drew me in and her sarcasm, sense of humour and love for her aunt shone through and made me want to be her friend. Anyone who read and loved The Awesome by Eva Darrows or is a fan of Buffy would be equally as captivated by this, even more so given that the history and mythology around the three warring vampire clans is detailed, fascinating and utterly believable.
I don't want to give any spoilers as to the actual storyline but I want anyone who likes Vampires to read this now!
Ignore the tagline saying it's like Vampire Diaries and Twilight; it's so much better than those books!
To me, it's more comparable to the epic series by Will Hill, Department 19.
It's fast paced and exciting; the action kicks in straight away and doesn't let up until the very last page and I'm so glad there will be a sequel.
Told from Charlie's point of view, her narrative drew me in and her sarcasm, sense of humour and love for her aunt shone through and made me want to be her friend. Anyone who read and loved The Awesome by Eva Darrows or is a fan of Buffy would be equally as captivated by this, even more so given that the history and mythology around the three warring vampire clans is detailed, fascinating and utterly believable.
I don't want to give any spoilers as to the actual storyline but I want anyone who likes Vampires to read this now!
January 22, 2019
One of my reading goals this year is to try a new genre and I picked vampire novels! This is the first one I’ve read. The cover is so pretty I found myself picking it up several times just to look at the cover. The story kept my interest right from the first chapter and was a page turner throughout. I can’t wait for the next book to come out so I can figure out more of the mystery behind these characters stories!
March 21, 2018
Rating: 4.5/5
My Review:
Forget this being a teen book, I can guarantee adults who enjoy this genre will love it too - I do! It is a fresh look at paranormal romance, definitely with the author's own twist to Vampire species but I'll not say any more about that or I'll be giving away spoilers . . . .
The story starts with seventeen year old Charlie out for a walk with her dog, Jazz, when everything goes quiet - too quiet. Jazz is uneasy, too. They curtail their walk and return to their home where she lives with her Aunty Rachel. That's when the world as she knows it changes forever and she discovers vampires really do exist - two take her Aunt. . . . Now Charlie needs to work with the one left to dispose of her to try to get her Aunt back again. Can she trust him? Can she trust anyone?
This is a fast paced paranormal story, with different factions at war, danger lurking in the shadows and round every corner and a lot of learning about this new reality to be done. You'd think there'd be enough with three different vampire types but no, this author has her paranormal world with so much more - some of which still remains to be identified. Family, secrets, wars, hunters, dhampires and so much more all have their role to play in this enthralling, action packed paranormal adventure. I found it a real page turner and totally engaging read. It is the first story in a new series and I really want to read more already - I'll certainly look out for more by this author and other stories in this series in future.
I requested and received a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
My Review:
Forget this being a teen book, I can guarantee adults who enjoy this genre will love it too - I do! It is a fresh look at paranormal romance, definitely with the author's own twist to Vampire species but I'll not say any more about that or I'll be giving away spoilers . . . .
The story starts with seventeen year old Charlie out for a walk with her dog, Jazz, when everything goes quiet - too quiet. Jazz is uneasy, too. They curtail their walk and return to their home where she lives with her Aunty Rachel. That's when the world as she knows it changes forever and she discovers vampires really do exist - two take her Aunt. . . . Now Charlie needs to work with the one left to dispose of her to try to get her Aunt back again. Can she trust him? Can she trust anyone?
This is a fast paced paranormal story, with different factions at war, danger lurking in the shadows and round every corner and a lot of learning about this new reality to be done. You'd think there'd be enough with three different vampire types but no, this author has her paranormal world with so much more - some of which still remains to be identified. Family, secrets, wars, hunters, dhampires and so much more all have their role to play in this enthralling, action packed paranormal adventure. I found it a real page turner and totally engaging read. It is the first story in a new series and I really want to read more already - I'll certainly look out for more by this author and other stories in this series in future.
I requested and received a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
November 24, 2021
I almost smile. This strange, violent girl—I kind of like her. “It’s too bad we can’t be friends because of our impending gruesome murders.”
I received an ARC from NetGalley (was contacted about the blog tour afterwards) in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quote I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.
Questions, questions, and more questions. I actually struggled with what rating to give this book, because I did enjoy the story, but there were a few things that bothered me. Despite those pesky problems, I really want to know where the story will go from here, so I'll definitely be reading the next one!
I'm all about a slow reveal. I actually savor the moments leading up to the big thing, but when those questions are never answered, I feel deflated and disappointed. I need some issues to be resolved before the end of the book, and I get a little frustrated when every answer seems to be reserved for later. Risen ends with way too many questions and very few potential answers.
I also struggled with the ease in which Charlie "trusts her feelings." I just don't know how accommodating I would be to a vampire that just assisted in the abduction of a family member. I know for the sake of the story, there has to be a little give so things can progress, but she seemed to forget all the bad a little too easily. Yes, she mentions her brain malfunctioning in that area, but thinking and doing are not the same. Once we get past the initial "don't trust the vampire," it was a little easier to go with the flow, but I did grind my teeth a few times when things fell into place without resistance or conflict.
Sebastian is eager to protect Charlie for reasons, but more of his backstory would have been helpful (what he's able to share anyways). The added content at the end of the book with his perspective was only a little enlightening. I liked him as a character, but never felt like I knew anything about him.
There were a lot of surprises that I wasn't expecting, and I'm not sure how I feel about them because questions. I don't even know if I'm supposed to believe or understand what I think I know. I'm also not sure why everyone else isn't freaking out if it's true. Then there is the mysterious Rachel, a person with actual answers, but she isn't sharing them right now.
All in all, I'm curious what is going to happen next. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series, and I'm assuming that is when I'll start getting some answers (at least I hope so). This book has so much going for it, and I don't say that lightly. It's been ages since I've read a vampire book, and this synopsis intrigued me enough to give it a shot. I wasn't disappointed by the story, or the characters really, but by a lack of information.
Opal, Charlie, Sebastian, Matteo, Delaney... all very interesting characters that I would love to know more about. If you're looking for a vampire book to shake things up a bit, I recommended looking into Risen. Despite my issues, I was hooked on the story!
I received an ARC from NetGalley (was contacted about the blog tour afterwards) in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Also, the quote I used may have changed or been altered in some way, but I am quoting from what I received.
Questions, questions, and more questions. I actually struggled with what rating to give this book, because I did enjoy the story, but there were a few things that bothered me. Despite those pesky problems, I really want to know where the story will go from here, so I'll definitely be reading the next one!
I'm all about a slow reveal. I actually savor the moments leading up to the big thing, but when those questions are never answered, I feel deflated and disappointed. I need some issues to be resolved before the end of the book, and I get a little frustrated when every answer seems to be reserved for later. Risen ends with way too many questions and very few potential answers.
I also struggled with the ease in which Charlie "trusts her feelings." I just don't know how accommodating I would be to a vampire that just assisted in the abduction of a family member. I know for the sake of the story, there has to be a little give so things can progress, but she seemed to forget all the bad a little too easily. Yes, she mentions her brain malfunctioning in that area, but thinking and doing are not the same. Once we get past the initial "don't trust the vampire," it was a little easier to go with the flow, but I did grind my teeth a few times when things fell into place without resistance or conflict.
Sebastian is eager to protect Charlie for reasons, but more of his backstory would have been helpful (what he's able to share anyways). The added content at the end of the book with his perspective was only a little enlightening. I liked him as a character, but never felt like I knew anything about him.
There were a lot of surprises that I wasn't expecting, and I'm not sure how I feel about them because questions. I don't even know if I'm supposed to believe or understand what I think I know. I'm also not sure why everyone else isn't freaking out if it's true. Then there is the mysterious Rachel, a person with actual answers, but she isn't sharing them right now.
All in all, I'm curious what is going to happen next. I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series, and I'm assuming that is when I'll start getting some answers (at least I hope so). This book has so much going for it, and I don't say that lightly. It's been ages since I've read a vampire book, and this synopsis intrigued me enough to give it a shot. I wasn't disappointed by the story, or the characters really, but by a lack of information.
Opal, Charlie, Sebastian, Matteo, Delaney... all very interesting characters that I would love to know more about. If you're looking for a vampire book to shake things up a bit, I recommended looking into Risen. Despite my issues, I was hooked on the story!
February 23, 2018
Risen is a fresh addition to the world of vampire fiction. With its unique plot and captivating characters I was hooked from the first paragraph. This was a truly memorable read and one I would recoment to any fans of fantasy and paranormal fiction.
April 4, 2018
**Review at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **
Charlie wants nothing more but to leave her simple life with her aunt behind, experience the world and have her own choices, be a regular teenager. Bun instead she lives in a one room cabin with her aunt, is home schooled and spends her time helping her aunt make soaps and be bored. But when strangers show up at the house and kidnap her aunt and demand Charlie's death- Charlie is completely confused. Aunt Rachel has not been honest with Charlie about her past or what she is capable of- and that monsters are real.
I have read Cole's adult romance books and really enjoyed the feels that she was able to bring out so when I stumbled on Risen I was interested to experience her version of a YA vampire story. And it doesn't hurt that the cover is so gorgeous I just want to hug it and I am always on the search for new vampire books of any kind.
Holy action Batman! The story took off with a bang right from the get go and never stopped, from one terrifying moment to shocking discovery after another- the pacing was amazing and I did not want to put the book down in case I missed something in the fast paced ride. I was on this stressful, enlightening adventure right along with Charlie, picking up bread crumbs about the truth as we went.
Charlie was awesome, such a ball of energy, determination with her willfulness and inability to back down to the monsters threatening her life. Also her sarcasm was very relatable (as was her aversion to patchouli - she pretty much could have been my soul-sister!)
Sebastian vampire was a great multilayered character that I was instantly into. He was menace, confusion, full of information and then threatening, completely out of place and then a random burst of humor and compassion. Yep, I heart that boy (Man? Creature?) The banter between Charlie and Sebastian made me giggle at times:
Overall I really enjoyed this story and I can't wait for whatever else Cole wants to write, be it an exciting supernatural adventure or a swoony romance!
"You see, more than anything I wanted to get away from the cabin. I thought my only escape was college— who knew it only took a vampire kidnapping to do the trick. Could have saved me some agonizing over application essays.”
Charlie wants nothing more but to leave her simple life with her aunt behind, experience the world and have her own choices, be a regular teenager. Bun instead she lives in a one room cabin with her aunt, is home schooled and spends her time helping her aunt make soaps and be bored. But when strangers show up at the house and kidnap her aunt and demand Charlie's death- Charlie is completely confused. Aunt Rachel has not been honest with Charlie about her past or what she is capable of- and that monsters are real.
I have read Cole's adult romance books and really enjoyed the feels that she was able to bring out so when I stumbled on Risen I was interested to experience her version of a YA vampire story. And it doesn't hurt that the cover is so gorgeous I just want to hug it and I am always on the search for new vampire books of any kind.
Holy action Batman! The story took off with a bang right from the get go and never stopped, from one terrifying moment to shocking discovery after another- the pacing was amazing and I did not want to put the book down in case I missed something in the fast paced ride. I was on this stressful, enlightening adventure right along with Charlie, picking up bread crumbs about the truth as we went.
Charlie was awesome, such a ball of energy, determination with her willfulness and inability to back down to the monsters threatening her life. Also her sarcasm was very relatable (as was her aversion to patchouli - she pretty much could have been my soul-sister!)
Sebastian vampire was a great multilayered character that I was instantly into. He was menace, confusion, full of information and then threatening, completely out of place and then a random burst of humor and compassion. Yep, I heart that boy (Man? Creature?) The banter between Charlie and Sebastian made me giggle at times:
..."Love is an illusion, a chemical released in the brain that gives a sense of euphoria. And when the euphoria fades, all that is left of love is obligation, which eventually leads to resentment.”
I finish chewing before answering. “You might not remember your past, but I’m willing to bet you were a philosophy major.”
His brow furrows. “What does that mean?”
“It means , I’m sure you were super fun to have at parties.”
Overall I really enjoyed this story and I can't wait for whatever else Cole wants to write, be it an exciting supernatural adventure or a swoony romance!
March 25, 2018
Charlie was hiking in the woods with her dog Jax, when suddenly Jax starts acting suspiciously; he seems on high alert, but Charlie hears nothing, literally. She’s been seriously bored recently, living with her Aunt Rachel Keegan in their small cabin near the woods. But all that was about to change. Shortly after Charlie returns to the cabin, Rachel starts talking of monsters, then two strange men arrive and take Rachel away. A third stranger, Sebastian, is introduced and told to dispose of Charlie and to look for proofs that Rachel’s son is dead. And the monsters? They’re vampires! When a couple of seemingly innocent, though inexplicable events occur, Sebastian realises that Charlie might be useful to him with a quest of his own. He will ensure her safety, he will let her live, if she agrees to help him. She doesn’t quite have a choice, does she?
Cole Gibsen had me enthralled from the very beginning of RISEN with the exceptional atmosphere she created: so eerie and dark, with this talk of monsters, vampire wars. I was all in! I totally identified with Charlie and her sarcasm, even under pressure; she sounded, acted, and talked like any normal almost-eighteen year-old. The dialogues are brilliant, tailor-made to suit every character. RISEN is super fast-paced, the action starts almost right away, and hints at mountains of secrets to look forward to were dropped like breadcrumbs along the way: what is the farm? Who are the Anima and Mentis clans? What does it have to do with Charlie? I just couldn’t wait to see what would happen next!
Plot twists abound in this action-packed novel, and I really liked the author’s worldbuilding; familiar, yet not entirely. RISEN has some fabulous secondary characters: Opal, a vampire hunter, the redoubtable Delaney, and the irresistible villainess Queen Seraphina, who nearly stole the show; I couldn’t help picture Charlize Theron playing her. The only little glitch, in my opinion, was the romance. Thankfully, it doesn’t get in the way of the plot, it is not the prominent feature of the novel, but it didn’t work for me. I loved both Charlie and Sebastian, I thought they made a solid team, great friends but I never felt the chemistry between them. I think the seeds might have been sowed too early, because at the very beginning, Charlie found herself attracted to him because he is model-gorgeous while at the same time she’s terrified; I know bad boys are a popular sort, and a vampire is an ultimate bad boy, but still. It felt a tad too convenient, and the attraction could have developed later one, when some trust had been really established. Or it could have been the fact that Charlie is not quite eighteen and Sebastian described as possibly “early twenties”. He did sound noticeably older than her; there was a bit of an ick factor there, at least as far as I’m concerned. I feel that a YA novel really succeeds if it can appeal to readers of all ages, which RISEN accomplishes, and I also think fans of Twilight, among others, will enjoy RISEN. The war has just begun!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I give 4 ½ stars
Cole Gibsen had me enthralled from the very beginning of RISEN with the exceptional atmosphere she created: so eerie and dark, with this talk of monsters, vampire wars. I was all in! I totally identified with Charlie and her sarcasm, even under pressure; she sounded, acted, and talked like any normal almost-eighteen year-old. The dialogues are brilliant, tailor-made to suit every character. RISEN is super fast-paced, the action starts almost right away, and hints at mountains of secrets to look forward to were dropped like breadcrumbs along the way: what is the farm? Who are the Anima and Mentis clans? What does it have to do with Charlie? I just couldn’t wait to see what would happen next!
Plot twists abound in this action-packed novel, and I really liked the author’s worldbuilding; familiar, yet not entirely. RISEN has some fabulous secondary characters: Opal, a vampire hunter, the redoubtable Delaney, and the irresistible villainess Queen Seraphina, who nearly stole the show; I couldn’t help picture Charlize Theron playing her. The only little glitch, in my opinion, was the romance. Thankfully, it doesn’t get in the way of the plot, it is not the prominent feature of the novel, but it didn’t work for me. I loved both Charlie and Sebastian, I thought they made a solid team, great friends but I never felt the chemistry between them. I think the seeds might have been sowed too early, because at the very beginning, Charlie found herself attracted to him because he is model-gorgeous while at the same time she’s terrified; I know bad boys are a popular sort, and a vampire is an ultimate bad boy, but still. It felt a tad too convenient, and the attraction could have developed later one, when some trust had been really established. Or it could have been the fact that Charlie is not quite eighteen and Sebastian described as possibly “early twenties”. He did sound noticeably older than her; there was a bit of an ick factor there, at least as far as I’m concerned. I feel that a YA novel really succeeds if it can appeal to readers of all ages, which RISEN accomplishes, and I also think fans of Twilight, among others, will enjoy RISEN. The war has just begun!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I give 4 ½ stars
October 28, 2018
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by Entangled Teen
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was a refreshing look at vampires. Ms. Gibsen gave us a new twist on vampires and how they came to be. To me it made more sense than some books I have read. And even though I am more of a shapeshifter type of person, I did enjoy this book.
A little background, born from the fairies we have three siblings…all vampires. One sister…is Queen of what you would expect vampires to be. The other sister…let me say she was Queen of what seemed more zombie related vampires in looks and actions. Last but not least was the brother who was King of a shapeshifting type of vampire…and this is where we are headed.
Charlie was living with her Aunt Rachel in a small cabin in the woods. Charlie was clueless which I had a bit of trouble with. In all of her seventeen years she just believed her aunt when she asked questions…never giving it another thought. Most teens wouldn’t settle for an easy answer. Aunt Rachel was a little bit of a hippie, she made and sold her own soaps and such…Charlie had dreams…she wanted more.
She soon would have her chance at something more and so very different.
Things happened when her Aunt was kidnapped by some unsavory vampires… (She didn’t know who they were at first). She meets a hot guy…sparks fly literally… what the heck… And the journey starts…
Sebastian a teen hottie along with being a vampire is attracted to Charlie. He finds it very interesting that when the sparks flew he was able to glimpse into his past which was lost to him. He wanted ponder this more.
I enjoyed the sparring between these two teens…Ms. Gibsen wrote it so that it flowed and seemed natural…realistic. Charlie and Sebastian when together were what you might think a power couple to be like in High School. They just had the… it factor. They connected. Sebastian finds he wants to protect Charlie or at least he thinks she needs protecting…for a young girl she was strong. Sebastian was over the top…not used to modern women I guess.
The characters weren’t as realistic as I would have liked, but they worked. It was easy to get the feel for them and their beliefs and why they believed the way they did. Opal was very street smart while Sebastian had been through a lot yet didn’t know anything of his past, while Charlie was naïve but had an inner strength that was waiting for her to grab onto.
I also found that I wanted a little more description to me it was a little flat. It was okay…yet there seemed things missing at times. Overall this book was good for the entertainment value. I was left hanging at the end wanting answers. I found the beginning a little vague, thinking perhaps as the story progressed I would have my questions answered but when I got to the end I still had questions. Maybe in the next installment I will find answers.
If you like vampires with a bit of a difference this is a good read.
Book provided by Entangled Teen
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
This was a refreshing look at vampires. Ms. Gibsen gave us a new twist on vampires and how they came to be. To me it made more sense than some books I have read. And even though I am more of a shapeshifter type of person, I did enjoy this book.
A little background, born from the fairies we have three siblings…all vampires. One sister…is Queen of what you would expect vampires to be. The other sister…let me say she was Queen of what seemed more zombie related vampires in looks and actions. Last but not least was the brother who was King of a shapeshifting type of vampire…and this is where we are headed.
Charlie was living with her Aunt Rachel in a small cabin in the woods. Charlie was clueless which I had a bit of trouble with. In all of her seventeen years she just believed her aunt when she asked questions…never giving it another thought. Most teens wouldn’t settle for an easy answer. Aunt Rachel was a little bit of a hippie, she made and sold her own soaps and such…Charlie had dreams…she wanted more.
She soon would have her chance at something more and so very different.
Things happened when her Aunt was kidnapped by some unsavory vampires… (She didn’t know who they were at first). She meets a hot guy…sparks fly literally… what the heck… And the journey starts…
Sebastian a teen hottie along with being a vampire is attracted to Charlie. He finds it very interesting that when the sparks flew he was able to glimpse into his past which was lost to him. He wanted ponder this more.
I enjoyed the sparring between these two teens…Ms. Gibsen wrote it so that it flowed and seemed natural…realistic. Charlie and Sebastian when together were what you might think a power couple to be like in High School. They just had the… it factor. They connected. Sebastian finds he wants to protect Charlie or at least he thinks she needs protecting…for a young girl she was strong. Sebastian was over the top…not used to modern women I guess.
The characters weren’t as realistic as I would have liked, but they worked. It was easy to get the feel for them and their beliefs and why they believed the way they did. Opal was very street smart while Sebastian had been through a lot yet didn’t know anything of his past, while Charlie was naïve but had an inner strength that was waiting for her to grab onto.
I also found that I wanted a little more description to me it was a little flat. It was okay…yet there seemed things missing at times. Overall this book was good for the entertainment value. I was left hanging at the end wanting answers. I found the beginning a little vague, thinking perhaps as the story progressed I would have my questions answered but when I got to the end I still had questions. Maybe in the next installment I will find answers.
If you like vampires with a bit of a difference this is a good read.
March 26, 2018
So this book took me by surprise. The blurb had me intrigued enough to take a chance on this author (she is new to me) and since I have love of paranormal reads, figured it would at least be something I enjoyed. I did not expect to really get so wrapped up in the story.
There are so many vampire books out there, that it is truly hard to find out that stands out from the rest. Cole has definitely done in her job in making this story unique and different from other stories I have read.
Charlie has had this inkling of wanting to escape her aunt's little cabin for quite some time. They never venture much outside the woods and as a teenager dangling on the edge of adulthood, Charlie's anxiety of seeing what else is an itch that needs scratched desperately. And Charlie does get her wish, just not in the way she expected.
"The veil that's hidden a strange, darker world from what I know has only been pulled back a fraction. I'm not sure I'm ready for more."
Charlie is taken on a journey she never intended to embark on. Sebastian, a vampire who is her captor, is also her only hope of finding her aunt and rescuing her. Sebastian has many questions and knows that Charlie is a key part of finding those answers.
We are thrown into a world where vampires have different species and have been battling for ages. A war is impending amongst them and as Charlie learns of these different species, she is grasping with her new knowledge and what this means for her. The readers are given a lot of interesting and entertaining facts, but we are left with more questions than we started with and an intense need to know what happens next.
Cole has definitely set up an intriguing world with great characters. The plot development is engaging and just when you think you know everything, she throws in another twist that has you second guessing everything you just thought. I love it!
I cannot wait for the next book to arrive to see what it is in store next for Charlie, Sebastian and Opal. Great start to what I feel will be a very enthralling series.
There are so many vampire books out there, that it is truly hard to find out that stands out from the rest. Cole has definitely done in her job in making this story unique and different from other stories I have read.
Charlie has had this inkling of wanting to escape her aunt's little cabin for quite some time. They never venture much outside the woods and as a teenager dangling on the edge of adulthood, Charlie's anxiety of seeing what else is an itch that needs scratched desperately. And Charlie does get her wish, just not in the way she expected.
"The veil that's hidden a strange, darker world from what I know has only been pulled back a fraction. I'm not sure I'm ready for more."
Charlie is taken on a journey she never intended to embark on. Sebastian, a vampire who is her captor, is also her only hope of finding her aunt and rescuing her. Sebastian has many questions and knows that Charlie is a key part of finding those answers.
We are thrown into a world where vampires have different species and have been battling for ages. A war is impending amongst them and as Charlie learns of these different species, she is grasping with her new knowledge and what this means for her. The readers are given a lot of interesting and entertaining facts, but we are left with more questions than we started with and an intense need to know what happens next.
Cole has definitely set up an intriguing world with great characters. The plot development is engaging and just when you think you know everything, she throws in another twist that has you second guessing everything you just thought. I love it!
I cannot wait for the next book to arrive to see what it is in store next for Charlie, Sebastian and Opal. Great start to what I feel will be a very enthralling series.
March 1, 2018
*I received Risen in exchange for an honest review* ~Thank you to Entangled and the author for this ARC.
Risen by Cole Gibsen was such a refreshing change! First, the cover .... oh that beautiful, shiny, cover! It just screams dark goodness, and the cover did not mislead or disappoint. What's in between was just as dark and delicious.
I loved this YA take on vampires. I loved all the characters ... Charlie, Sebastian, Opal, all three different clans were fleshed out so well. It's a nice spin on an old world. I'm so glad Risen raised vampires from the dead. I love vampires and it never gets old so long as it's written well, and Cole Gibsen delivers.
I loved, loved, loved the take on the three clans, their rise to power, the Fae .... oh this is a world I want and need more of. I want to know more of the origins.
Charlie and Sebastian were written so well and I appreciated the bonus material at the end from Sebastian's POV. I can't wait to see who these characters are ... there is so much more to find out. I want the next book ... BADLY!!!!!
If you love vampires, Risen does not disappoint. I'm looking forward to more of this world!
Risen by Cole Gibsen was such a refreshing change! First, the cover .... oh that beautiful, shiny, cover! It just screams dark goodness, and the cover did not mislead or disappoint. What's in between was just as dark and delicious.
I loved this YA take on vampires. I loved all the characters ... Charlie, Sebastian, Opal, all three different clans were fleshed out so well. It's a nice spin on an old world. I'm so glad Risen raised vampires from the dead. I love vampires and it never gets old so long as it's written well, and Cole Gibsen delivers.
I loved, loved, loved the take on the three clans, their rise to power, the Fae .... oh this is a world I want and need more of. I want to know more of the origins.
Charlie and Sebastian were written so well and I appreciated the bonus material at the end from Sebastian's POV. I can't wait to see who these characters are ... there is so much more to find out. I want the next book ... BADLY!!!!!
If you love vampires, Risen does not disappoint. I'm looking forward to more of this world!
March 23, 2018
Risen (Blood Eternal #1) by Cole Gibsen
3 stars
M/F Paranormal
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
So, this was an interesting read. There are a lot of gaps and strange conclusions drawn that made this much more difficult to relate to. I think that this author has read a lot of vampire books or seen a lot of vampire movies because the dialogue is very cheesy.
Charlize (Charlie) is very naive in this book. Her aunt, Rachel has kept her so sheltered that Charlie is screaming to get out. She wants to attend college away from her aunt. However, when people come to the house and kidnap her aunt, Charlie will have to figure out how to save Rachel.
This is where the story gets very strange. Sebastian is a vampire who is tasked with figuring out if someone is dead or alive for his queen. However, there is a weird connection between him and Charlie.
I think the author was trying to create a mystical relationship with romance, but it just wasn't very successful. While I liked figuring out who is going to belong to whom, the ultimate goal of this book should have been who will win the war.
While this wasn't the best of starts, I am wondering how this will end, so I think I would read a follow up.
3 stars
M/F Paranormal
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
So, this was an interesting read. There are a lot of gaps and strange conclusions drawn that made this much more difficult to relate to. I think that this author has read a lot of vampire books or seen a lot of vampire movies because the dialogue is very cheesy.
Charlize (Charlie) is very naive in this book. Her aunt, Rachel has kept her so sheltered that Charlie is screaming to get out. She wants to attend college away from her aunt. However, when people come to the house and kidnap her aunt, Charlie will have to figure out how to save Rachel.
This is where the story gets very strange. Sebastian is a vampire who is tasked with figuring out if someone is dead or alive for his queen. However, there is a weird connection between him and Charlie.
I think the author was trying to create a mystical relationship with romance, but it just wasn't very successful. While I liked figuring out who is going to belong to whom, the ultimate goal of this book should have been who will win the war.
While this wasn't the best of starts, I am wondering how this will end, so I think I would read a follow up.
April 6, 2018
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.When her Aunt is kidnapped, Charlie is forced to trust the very being that want to cause her harm in hopes of getting her aunt back. But Charlie and Sebastian soon discover there is more to what they know of the world and together they fight to get to the bottom of it while rescuing her aunt.
Normally, this is the kind of story I would devour. A naive heroine and a broody hero who must rely on one another in order to get to the bottom of their issue. But the relationship between Charlie and Sebastian felt like there was something missing. Add on the underlying arc of what Charlie is and the story fell a little flat to me.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.When her Aunt is kidnapped, Charlie is forced to trust the very being that want to cause her harm in hopes of getting her aunt back. But Charlie and Sebastian soon discover there is more to what they know of the world and together they fight to get to the bottom of it while rescuing her aunt.
Normally, this is the kind of story I would devour. A naive heroine and a broody hero who must rely on one another in order to get to the bottom of their issue. But the relationship between Charlie and Sebastian felt like there was something missing. Add on the underlying arc of what Charlie is and the story fell a little flat to me.
March 10, 2018
Wow. What a read!
I was enamored with this unique vampire story! Right from the start you're sucked in and can't stop until the very end!!!
You'll find new vampires/clans and everything in between.
Risen is well written, filled with fabulous characters, some you'll love/love to hate and root for!
I can't wait for more!!!!
4.5 stars from me.
*Recv'd a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I was enamored with this unique vampire story! Right from the start you're sucked in and can't stop until the very end!!!
You'll find new vampires/clans and everything in between.
Risen is well written, filled with fabulous characters, some you'll love/love to hate and root for!
I can't wait for more!!!!
4.5 stars from me.
*Recv'd a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 12, 2018
While I liked it, Risen was just ok for me I have read a lot better books about vampires that really grab me, while parts of this story grabbed at me a bit and held my attention I found the storyline missing something that truly grabs me as a reader from beginning to end so it's only a liked for me as I was left hoping for more.
April 2, 2018
YA vampire romance with a twist. And what a twist it is! This is a story spun of vampires, faeries, and magic. I loved the different vampire spin and I would love to pull on this book thread to see how far it will unravel.
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