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Alec Winters #1

Prelude - An Alec Winters Series, Book 1

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Meet sixteen year old Alec Winters in New Orleans before his supernatural transformation to angel-demon in this dark-fiction, occult thriller. It just goes to show that someone's angel is someone else's devil.

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Published August 15, 2017

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131 people want to read

About the author

Chariss K. Walker

84 books744 followers
Chariss K. Walker Bio
Keep up-to-date about all my new releases by subscribing to my newsletter: https://bit.ly/3hYNv6a
2018 Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion
Award-winning author, Chariss K. Walker, M.Msc., Reiki Master/Teacher, writes both fiction and nonfiction books with a metaphysical and spiritual component. Her fiction expresses a visionary/metaphysical message that illustrates growth in a character's consciousness while utilizing a paranormal aspect. Her nonfiction books share insight, hope, and inspiration.
Those who search for meaning and the supernatural in themselves will enjoy her books.
Even though Chariss also writes dark-fiction about insanely dark topics, such as sexual abuse, incest, pedophilia, sexual assault, and other inappropriate dinner conversation, there is always an essential question of the abstract nature that gives a reader increasing awareness and perception.
If you are looking for an author who speaks your language or vernacular then you might like to know that I was born in Arkansas, grew up in the Mississippi Delta as a farmer's daughter. After that, I lived in Tennessee, Colorado, Arkansas again, Mississippi again, Virginia, Florida, Puerto Rico, New Mexico, California, Oregon, North Carolina, Texas, North Carolina again, Colorado, Michigan, Florida again, and now I'm back in Louisiana where I hope to stay put for a while. In other words, I've been a lot of places and seen a lot of stuff which is the basis for my writing.
You can learn more about Chariss and her books on her website: www.chariss.com. All of her books are sold worldwide in eBook, paperback, and many are in large print.
Chariss has one eBook that is currently free to everyone:
Letting Go of Pain https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
which can be found at the above link or my website or in my list of authored books on Goodreads and on Amazon.




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5 stars
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21 (30%)
3 stars
9 (12%)
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4 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Jodi  *ALEBB BLOG *.
217 reviews36 followers
December 27, 2017
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review. This was a little different than the usual paranormal type books I read first of all. There was a lot of information included, but I think for the readers benefit it needed to be placed . Although I often found the storyline moving upward quickly, captivating me, other times it felt as if everything was at a snails pace, pushing me to read.
I loved the overall story, evil vs good, Angel vs Demon , in a most creative way I've read thus far. A families history , a love for a sister, a small group of teens into adulthood, as life transforms everything around them.

“Your life from now on, is not your own. You were born to fight evil and protect innocence"
Profile Image for Sheri.
2,104 reviews
May 3, 2018
Prelude (An Alec Winters Series Book 1) by Chariss K Walker

Great as a stand alone or companion to the Alec Winter Series. We follow the life of Alec as a young man (Teen) and how he became what he is. We get to know Alec inside and out, more about his family and what caused him to change his life. I really enjoyed Prelude (An Alec Winters Series Book 1).
Profile Image for Robin Goodfellow.
Author 3 books30 followers
October 4, 2017
-I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Prelude: An Alec Winters Series, by Chariss K. Walker, is a romantic tale about caring for your loved ones, even when you may no longer be human.

The book is separated into two parts. The first part introduces a sixteen-year old boy named Alec Winters, a star football player and honors student who is greatly loved by his hometown. He has his best friend and girlfriend beside him, as well as a younger sister who adores him. That perfect world comes crashing down when Alec finds himself arrested for the murder of his abusive father. Part two deals with the aftermath of Alec’s trial, and the struggles both he and his family have to go through in order to move on with their lives. Alec also develops his newfound abilities to help those in need, while punishing others who seek to do harm. In this fantastical story, Walker illustrates that even the tiniest light that justice offers can remind us that the world is beautiful.

It was strange, reading about these characters. Each one had been touched by Alec in some way. His little sister, his mother, his girlfriend and best friend, and even complete strangers, whether they be good or evil; they all come to him, like lost souls to a hearth. They know there is something different about him, that his powers can both heal and destroy. It’s an aspect of the book that Walker had emphasized over and over again, and its encouraging, to say the least. Nevertheless, I did find Alec a bit annoying. While his relationships with his family and friends were wonderful, they were also pretty dull. There was also the power that Alec possessed; it was frightening, how absolute he seemed in his knowledge of good and evil. There were times when I found his beliefs too burdensome, and to be honest, I was surprised when he hadn’t completely gone off the deep end.

Still, these characteristics gave way to a simple comfort in the book, and that is no matter where you are, there is always someone looking out for you. Although there are many forms of justice, with corruption lurking at every corner, someone will protect you, whether they be close by, or far away. Guardian angels, heroes of legend, even the simplistic knights from long, forgotten fairytales; there is someone that will be there for you.

The book was enjoyable. I liked the thought of a guardian angel watching over distant strangers, as well as the support system these characters have. There were problems with the characters individually, and my confusion on Alec’s morality proved a further detractor. Nevertheless, it was good. I would, thus, give the story a rating of a 3.3 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy The Chosen of Trees and Talons by Jeff Pryor and Hall of Heroes: A Fellowship of Fantasy.

Profile Image for Bena Roberts.
Author 7 books221 followers
June 1, 2018
My Review - Prelude 

This is the second book I have read by this author and this one was very different for a younger audience.  The first book gripped me on the very first page and I loved it.  This one started off quite lovely dovey with the relationship between brother and sister. I made the mistake of thinking that I wouldn't like it - then started to read it at bed-time and stayed awake till 2 am, finishing it! 

The Good
I loved the premise of Alec. The angel and demonic side, the family history and everything that he embodied.

The Bad
Sabrina's choice of work did not gel with me at all. The fact that Alec accepted it, made me very angry.
Why could Cassidy make it and not Sabrina - in something different? I was with the best friend (Chaz) on this one and seriously frustrated by that in the book!

Danae's story and parents were slipped in the end and the death of the mother downplayed. I realize in book one you need to set the scene for the series but jumping from meeting to her death was too much for me!

The Ugly
Demon or Angel?
I loved the paranormal aspect of this book. I am still getting to grips with it as I don't usually read this genre - despite being a huge Buffy fan!
I love the idea of the gift and the granddad and wanted more and more of that. Alec - definitely not ugly. Apart from his acceptance of Sabrina - he was a hero!

4 Stars
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews62 followers
April 20, 2018
Although I did not find this book as "dark" as some I have read--it definitely brings out some disturbing attitudes which hopefully are not still present in the city portrayed!

Alex's family tree has a very strange genetic happening when they become teens. Prior to a happening which switched on this gene--Alex was like any other teen boy--sports oriented and great at anything he did. The girls all wanted to be his girlfriend! He was also a marvelous big brother who really tried to take care of his little sister. His Mom was mostly in a drunk stupor--and his father--well--Then came that fateful day when Alex came home to eat dinner with his sister---

All hell breaks loose---

And the gene is fully activated!!

Read this book to find out what happened!! I already have the rest of this series and will be reading and reviewing them!!
Prelude
Profile Image for Iona Caldwell.
Author 3 books100 followers
June 19, 2019
**Find the full review on my blog: The Antlered Crown

I am going to be honest. My opinion of this book is going to be unpopular. I really don't understand why it's rated as high as it is. That cover alone didn't draw me into wanting to read it.

While I found this story a unique and refreshingly dark tale of very real subjects many authors seem afraid to address nowadays, I was unimpressed overall. With claims of "fans of Supernatural and Constantine" liking this book, I expected much more action and less dragging. It bored me halfway through the book

However, I did indeed finish it and found it entertaining. I liked the way one person saw Alec as one thing while another saw him differently. The series does intrigue me so I am thinking of picking it up.
Profile Image for Wendy Wright.
8 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2017
I read the blurb and thought it was interesting. Paranormal and New Orleans?!?! Win win. Alec Winters is a 16 year old that seems to have the world by the tail in the opening of the book. Things happen to change his life, but these characters are well written and I loved them all. Coming from a military family there were a few things I questioned, but overall the book was really good and I am excited to read more of Alec, Catalina, Cassidy, Chaz, Sabrina and Danaé and their very interesting lives.
Profile Image for Sheri.
2,104 reviews
May 3, 2018
Prelude (An Alec Winters Series Book 1) by Chariss K Walker

Great as a stand alone or companion to the Alec Winter Series. We follow the life of Alec as a young man (Teen) and how he became what he is. We get to know Alec inside and out, more about his family and what caused him to change his life. I really enjoyed Prelude (An Alec Winters Series Book 1).
667 reviews26 followers
January 29, 2019
I enjoyed this story. The author has a wonderful imagination. The plot is unique and so interesting. I love the characters and their bond together. Their dreams and aspirations are changed by circumstances beyond their control. I am glad that I read this book and will be looking into more works from this author.
Profile Image for Sarah Banks.
12 reviews13 followers
June 28, 2017
Seriously an awesome start to a whole new series!!
I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for C.A. King.
Author 118 books2,698 followers
June 18, 2018
I am on the shelf a bit on this one. I like the book. I love the good-bad in all of us and how it takes form in Alec. I like the writing.

I did not like Sabrina's story - particularly the choice she makes. Still, I'll take a gander at the next book.
Profile Image for Pamela Cummins.
Author 8 books9 followers
September 29, 2017
I highly recommend “Prelude” as it’s a mixture of young love, dysfunctional relationships, abuse, spirituality, and occult thriller. I enjoyed the story so much that I just had to purchase the next 3 eBooks to follow the adventures of Alec Winters.
Profile Image for Sandy.
314 reviews27 followers
March 30, 2018
What an explosive introduction to the Alec Winters series!

We meet the enigmatic Alec as a young high school student. His intelligence, charisma, and athletic talent has made him popular with teachers as well as other students. We come to understand his fears. We become part of his newly discovered secret. We follow him through his private training. Then we hear about his professional training. Alec’s life is not what he planned, but he is satisfied with who he’s become.

We also meet best friend Chaz and girlfriend Sabrina. These two are the most important people in Alec’s world, next to his family. Focused on their future, the friends spend most of their time studying and hanging out.

At home, Alec’s family is far from typical. The mysteries of the Big Easy have been weaving its variety of magic throughout the Saguache-Winters family home for over 200 years. Tradition dictates the path to the future. Things do happen for a reason, but ignorance tends to be preferable over learning the truth.

I look forward to learning what the future holds for Alec and his family.
Profile Image for Mary.
340 reviews14 followers
January 2, 2018
Wow ... Wow ... Wow

What an absolute delight! I am so sorry that I took so long to eventually read this book. Vivid, engaging and believable. The characters are rich with colour and the story moves at such a fast pace, a real 'page' turner.

Loved the way that Alec embraces his gift without question.
Profile Image for Lois.
166 reviews
October 31, 2017
Great adult fairy tale

The book tells about the life of three friends and their families. What happens in their lives and how they live their lives. The story is written at a quick pace that keeps your interest. I found it hard to put down. Aside from the spiritual part, I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Pam Owen.
7 reviews
October 13, 2017
This book is amazing. I fell for it right away when the description included New Orleans and Paranormal. Living 60 minutes from New Orleans makes me a sucker for anything about that town. The book is wonderful.. I instantly fell in love with Alec and his sister. They were normal teens in a very bad situation but the story soon changes and you are hooked. I had a really hard time putting it down. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed. I am so glad I read this I'm an Alec fan forever.
Profile Image for Chariss Walker.
Author 84 books744 followers
August 30, 2018
We all have family secrets and skeletons in our proverbial closets, but when seventeen year old Alec Winters discovers that his father is a pedophile, his vengeance and desire for retribution, takes over. In the process, Alec is transformed into a horrifying demon as well as a beautiful compassionate angel. His demon persona punishes, his angel persona saves innocent victims.
This book begins a series that touches on the darkest and seediest side of life - pedophiles, incest, sexual assault, murder - this is my warning to all readers. It is very dark. Please keep that warning in mind if you choose to dive into this series.
Profile Image for Johanna Craven.
Author 26 books92 followers
August 30, 2018
This introduction to the Alec Winters series is a dark and thought-provoking work of fiction. The author cleverly introduces us to Alec's life as a regular teenager- albeit with plenty of family drama- before plunging he and the readers into an intense supernatural tale. As a result, we are able to easily identify with Alec throughout his otherworldly challenges, drawing us into the story. It's a great introduction to what looks an intriguing series. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of 90's New Orleans too!
Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,891 reviews59 followers
August 3, 2017
Alex Winter...that is all!!

This first book in The Alex Winters series definitely leaves you wanting more of Alex, Sabrina, Chaz and Danaé.....Not to mention Cassidy and Catalina. I thoroughly enjoyed this great first book and look forward to continuing the series
Profile Image for Chariss Walker.
Author 84 books744 followers
Read
March 5, 2021
Walt Allen narrates this series with a distinctly southern accent or the dialect one would expect to hear in New Orleans. He rolls with the story also as there are many dark passages in this series that could shock readers and narrators alike. Prelude published as an audiobook on November 19. 2020. As one reviewer said, "excellent story, wonderful narrator! The narrator does a great job with the accents. this is the second book by this author that I have read. If you’re like me, you will be thrilled to find a new author. You will not be disappointed. The author makes you look at some real-life situations. what starts out as an older brother simply going through daily life, ends up and a life-changing manner! Alec, Who is 16, when the book starts, is simply trying to do his daily routine. He still walks his 12-year-old sister to school and picks her up. It is this close relationship, that will lead to a life-altering change for both siblings! Alec is filled with two different auras. depending on what type of person you are, will determine which one you get to see. although this first book in the series is short, you will definitely experience a roller coaster of emotions. By the time it is all said and done, you will be anxious to pick up the next book in the series! I guarantee you will not be disappointed!"
You can find the audiobook at the following links:
Audible: https://adbl.co/3pPPM5F
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/...
Amazon: http://viewbook.at/Prelude
Profile Image for RJ.
2,044 reviews11 followers
December 29, 2020
Alec Winters has a gift. It began at age seventeen when Alec could see people’s auras, i.e., The aura is an electromagnetic energy field that surrounds the body. It is a manifestation of mental, physical, and spiritual health. – “YogiApproved” With practice, and the assistance of his grandfather, Alec was able to read everything about a person via their aura. Due to a traumatic personal event involving his younger sister, Alec now uses his gift to help and protect others in similar situations. The story is focusing on sexual abuse and pedophilia. In the old days, before so much visibility has been put on the subjects, I think those people had a much easier time practicing their vice. I wonder if all the attention has improved things for the victims and potential victims, or has it just driven the creeps deeper into the shadows? Moving on, we follow Alec through a few of his encounters, his relationships, and the people he meets. I’m not sure where this will go as a series. It could be interesting considering the subject matter. Three.point.five for potential. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
792 reviews9 followers
December 11, 2020
this is the second book by this author that I have read. If you’re like me, you will be thrilled to find a new author. You will not be disappointed. The author makes you look at some real life situations. what starts out as an older brother simply going through daily life, ends up and a life changing manner! Alec, Who is 16, when the book starts, is simply trying to do his daily routine. He still walks his 12-year-old sister to school, and picks her up. It is this close relationship, that will lead to a life altering change for both siblings! Alec is filled with two different auras. depending on what type of person you are, will determine which one you get to see. although this first book in the series is short, you will definitely experience a roller coaster of emotions. By the time it is all said and done, you will be anxious to pick up the next book in the series! I guarantee, you will not be disappointed!
Profile Image for Kitty_ranma.
500 reviews11 followers
February 25, 2021
Demon or angel, that's the question?
This is the first book I've read by Chariss Walker but it won't be the last. I look forward to the next part. This leaves you hanging and wondering but at least it's not a cliffhanger. I don't do spoilers I can't stand them. It's well written and worth listening to. It sort of a mix of the old series of the equalizer and supernatural with a twist.
The narrator pulls off a excellent southern drawl, but it's a bit slow. I had to speed it up one notch.
This audio book was given to me for free at my request from the publisher or author or narrator and I provided this unbiased voluntary review.
9 reviews
June 25, 2020
A gripping read looking at a taboo subject in a careful, intuative way.
Not being a avid reader it intreged me so that I have already started the next book in the series.
579 reviews
April 6, 2021
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review. Alec's life seems perfect, that is until he goes home. One fateful evening, a decision to save his sister's life, changes his life forever along with the members of his family. Once you look evil in the eye, you can never forget. Alec has a new purpose in life though and he does it very well. A somewhat dark plot that is intriguing and thought provoking as you follow the well written character in the suspenseful tale. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Barb.
271 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2020
Dark, gritty and real, touching on subjects that people don't walk to discuss openly but that need brought out into the open. Angel or demon or both? This is a very addictive series nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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