What do you think?
Rate this book
Soul Cavern #1
Jivaja
Mecca is a murderer.
At least, that’s what she thinks when she accidentally kills a man who attacks her in the parking lot of her favorite coffee shop. Self defense, right? Except how is she to explain that she killed him with only a hand on his wrist?
Vampires don’t exist. At least, not in the “traditional” sense. The Visci, a species that subsists on human blood, are not undead. They’re not human. And they never were.
Close kin to humans, the Visci pass within our society easily, and over millennia, have wedged their way into positions of power. Long-lived, they are also very difficult to kill. However, they have an evolutionary flaw. While they do not die easily, they also do not reproduce easily. But they can mate with humans — and have, giving rise to a population of human-Visci hybrids, called half-bloods by those of pure Visci lineage.
For centuries, they lived and worked together, these half-bloods and pure bloods. But tensions have risen and civil war is now raging on the doorstep.
But Mecca Trenow knows none of this when she flees to her father, panicked over her unintended use of the family Gift: the one that allows her to manipulate human energy. She’s always hated her gift and refused to learn anything about it beyond how to control it so she would do no harm. That is, until a rogue pure blood attacks her and she reacts instinctively, draining his life — the life he’s stolen from another — out of him in moments.
And now she’s a murderer.
When word gets back to the Visci of someone who can kill one of their kind with just a touch, the race is on to acquire Mecca as a weapon in the coming battle. As she learns about this shadowy underground group, she also discovers her father’s dark past and the secret he has kept from her all of her life.
Reeling from this discovery and unable to trust the one person she has always counted on, Mecca is isolated from everything she once knew, all the while being hunted by dangerous creatures bent on using her Gift for their own bloody purposes.
Read the first book in the Soul Cavern series!
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2018
41 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Venessa M. Giunta
12 books23 followersVenessa Giunta is a writer of weird things, an editrix extraordinaire, and a little bit of a nerd. She is a published author, with non-fiction essays, short stories, and a couple novels (under different names) under her belt. She is a devoted viewer of the show Supernatural and was devastated when Sense8 was cancelled (Damn you, Netflix!).
She lives in Atlanta, GA, with her husband — also known as her muse — and three cats who basically rule the house, but won’t pay the mortgage.
She’s been called the kind of evil that inspires hugs.
She lives in Atlanta, GA, with her husband — also known as her muse — and three cats who basically rule the house, but won’t pay the mortgage.
She’s been called the kind of evil that inspires hugs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 4, 2018
For as long as she can remember, Mecca has had the power to drain life through the touch of her hand. It’s a family secret—both her “gift” and her mother’s unusual death—because Mecca is not the first. Her power came from her father, who has loved and trained her all her life, trying to help her control what she can do.
But he hasn’t told her everything.
Now, her world has collided with an underground society of life drainers who would do anything to control her, and nothing is safe anymore: not her home, not her father, and definitely not her secrets.
Or his.
—————————
I loved everything about this book: the characters, the story, and the world. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but definitely sets things up for future episodes. (Yay!) It’s an extremely visual read, and, as a former resident of Atlanta, I can say for a fact that the way Venessa M. Giunta presents the city is spot on. Every location comes alive, so sit back and enjoy it. Watch it unfold before your eyes.
(I miss that old coffee shop around the corner so much now! Darn you, Ms. Giunta! You just had to include the coffee shop! 😂)
The narration is third person, swapping between Mecca and her father, David, and occasionally even providing a supporting character’s viewpoint. It’s unusual for a young adult novel to include the father’s perspective so directly, but it worked for me. I always appreciate it when characters aren’t one sided—when the good guys have their issues and the bad guys have their reasons.
It makes them real. It makes Mecca real, and I can’t wait to see everything she becomes!
But he hasn’t told her everything.
Now, her world has collided with an underground society of life drainers who would do anything to control her, and nothing is safe anymore: not her home, not her father, and definitely not her secrets.
Or his.
—————————
I loved everything about this book: the characters, the story, and the world. It doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but definitely sets things up for future episodes. (Yay!) It’s an extremely visual read, and, as a former resident of Atlanta, I can say for a fact that the way Venessa M. Giunta presents the city is spot on. Every location comes alive, so sit back and enjoy it. Watch it unfold before your eyes.
(I miss that old coffee shop around the corner so much now! Darn you, Ms. Giunta! You just had to include the coffee shop! 😂)
The narration is third person, swapping between Mecca and her father, David, and occasionally even providing a supporting character’s viewpoint. It’s unusual for a young adult novel to include the father’s perspective so directly, but it worked for me. I always appreciate it when characters aren’t one sided—when the good guys have their issues and the bad guys have their reasons.
It makes them real. It makes Mecca real, and I can’t wait to see everything she becomes!
June 21, 2019
Jivaja is an imaginative tale that takes the old elements of storytelling along with the author's own out of the box innovative ideas to create a very much welcomed story spin on vampires. And, speaking of vampires let us take a stroll down on memory lane of the blood-sucking creatures of the night...the upgraded version. The Visci are a group of civilized creatures that have seized control of government around the states and whom Mecca should not have gotten involved with but unfortunately, her lineage in companion with the Visci she accidentally kills has made her the most wanted person on all the Visci's list. The Visci feed off human blood for sustenance but unlike their old ancestors, vampires, they are not dead and neither are they human.
Jivaja is the type of book that deserves more exciting. More hype. More people talking about it because it is just that amazing. From begging, middle and end, I was entranced in the Atlanta fantasy setting of an oncoming civil war and bloodsucking monsters that are not vampires. And, of course, I am all for a person of color being the main character in a young adult fantasy novel I mean...*points at self* yes, please. Brimming with mystery, I was kept at the edge of my seat.
Even with its flaws of the slow pacing, the deviating focus from Mecca to the father, and some questionable decision made by the characters; Jivaja is still a good book and I recommend all to give it a read.
Mecca is a character that can be debated to be very typical like with her damsel in distress act she pulled and being very obnoxious with her thoughts mistaking it for confidence. However, she has her qualities like
David turned out to be much more intriguing than I gave him credit for in the begging. He really showed to be a man of courage and sensitivity who also has a dark side when you press him enough. I liked David but I wished the author would focus less on him and more on Mecca.
Claude was a character who I instantly fell for from the begging. Maybe because I'm a basic bitch who likes basic shit like good looking villains that may be the potential love interest. He is evil, like evil-evil, not the evil with a soft heart. Nope, he is a total bastard and I stan.
Blog| Twitter| Instagram
Jivaja is the type of book that deserves more exciting. More hype. More people talking about it because it is just that amazing. From begging, middle and end, I was entranced in the Atlanta fantasy setting of an oncoming civil war and bloodsucking monsters that are not vampires. And, of course, I am all for a person of color being the main character in a young adult fantasy novel I mean...*points at self* yes, please. Brimming with mystery, I was kept at the edge of my seat.
Even with its flaws of the slow pacing, the deviating focus from Mecca to the father, and some questionable decision made by the characters; Jivaja is still a good book and I recommend all to give it a read.
Mecca is a character that can be debated to be very typical like with her damsel in distress act she pulled and being very obnoxious with her thoughts mistaking it for confidence. However, she has her qualities like
David turned out to be much more intriguing than I gave him credit for in the begging. He really showed to be a man of courage and sensitivity who also has a dark side when you press him enough. I liked David but I wished the author would focus less on him and more on Mecca.
Claude was a character who I instantly fell for from the begging. Maybe because I'm a basic bitch who likes basic shit like good looking villains that may be the potential love interest. He is evil, like evil-evil, not the evil with a soft heart. Nope, he is a total bastard and I stan.
Blog| Twitter| Instagram
December 27, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Fictionvale Publishing, LLC for a free copy. This is an honest review.
Jivaja is a story about Mecca. Mecca has a special gift that she hates. It allows her to manipulate energy, as in souls. This gift saves her life but puts her in the cross hairs of the Visci. The Visci are in the beginnings of a civil war and Mecca just became the greatest weapon.
This was an interesting world. I liked the gift, even if it made Mecca a special snowflake. This could be a little slow paced at times. If spoilers are not your thing, stop reading now. Mecca makes a lot of questionable decisions so she was not my favorite. Her father is a jerk in so many ways. The visci are vampires as much as they try to seem like they are not. Sarah is awesome. I like her and would prefer to keep her around. This book had a very prequel feel to me. We learned more about her father than Mecca. There is some romance set up with two potentials. I don't like either one currently. One is evil and the other is selfish. The more I think about this book the more I struggle with it. The saving grace was the last 20%.
Netgalley: 3 stars because the writing was fine but it was not fast paced and the characters made some questionable choices.
Goodreads: 2.5 stars because I did not like it but I am hoping the author will grow. I wanted to like it. It will be rounded to 3 stars for convenience of NetGalley to Goodreads posting.
Jivaja is a story about Mecca. Mecca has a special gift that she hates. It allows her to manipulate energy, as in souls. This gift saves her life but puts her in the cross hairs of the Visci. The Visci are in the beginnings of a civil war and Mecca just became the greatest weapon.
This was an interesting world. I liked the gift, even if it made Mecca a special snowflake. This could be a little slow paced at times. If spoilers are not your thing, stop reading now. Mecca makes a lot of questionable decisions so she was not my favorite. Her father is a jerk in so many ways. The visci are vampires as much as they try to seem like they are not. Sarah is awesome. I like her and would prefer to keep her around. This book had a very prequel feel to me. We learned more about her father than Mecca. There is some romance set up with two potentials. I don't like either one currently. One is evil and the other is selfish. The more I think about this book the more I struggle with it. The saving grace was the last 20%.
Netgalley: 3 stars because the writing was fine but it was not fast paced and the characters made some questionable choices.
Goodreads: 2.5 stars because I did not like it but I am hoping the author will grow. I wanted to like it. It will be rounded to 3 stars for convenience of NetGalley to Goodreads posting.
October 31, 2018
One of the best Supernatural thrillers I have read in a long time.
The story uses a new slant on the old concept of vampires, mixes it up with a civil war caused by racial discrimination and then throws an unsuspecting young woman into the mix.
While the writing is smooth, the story engaging, perhaps most compelling are the characters:
- a young woman who wants nothing to do with the mess she finds herself in after being assaulted in a parking lot.
- a father who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep his daughter safe. Even if it means dealing with the devil.
- ancient vampires who discover a young woman's gifts and want to use her as a weapon in their age-old war.
Fascinating story. Must read.
The story uses a new slant on the old concept of vampires, mixes it up with a civil war caused by racial discrimination and then throws an unsuspecting young woman into the mix.
While the writing is smooth, the story engaging, perhaps most compelling are the characters:
- a young woman who wants nothing to do with the mess she finds herself in after being assaulted in a parking lot.
- a father who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep his daughter safe. Even if it means dealing with the devil.
- ancient vampires who discover a young woman's gifts and want to use her as a weapon in their age-old war.
Fascinating story. Must read.
November 16, 2018
Mecca for a long time thought of herself a monster, wouldn't you if your mother died because you sucked the energy out of her? That's her not so super power. One day a guy with a strange energy walks her to her car after work and Mecca kills again but this time to protect herself after she gets bitten in a neck. Vampire or just an accident? And she thought she was the only beast in this world...
Jivaja- a first installment of Souls Cavern series by the extraordinary writer Vanessa M. Giunta. Let's hear a little applause for this genius and original artist of the written word. From the very first page I was engaged in the read swallowing page after page, my thirst growing instead of decreasing, making me her first fan junkie. Bravo! I ate this book up.
When reading the book description you could think- 'Oh no, another vampire book!'. But what if I told you, nothing is as it seems? This novel was full of surprises, plot twists and different angles of things that I though there couldn't be any more versions of. Weird, full of secrets and understatements that made you actually think about what is going on, without being confused. I was a crime detective looking for motives and ways of manipulations starting from Mecca's father and ending with a new person she met on the way. This book was like life really is- sneaky, slowly going under your skin, showing true faces of people living in the dark world. Sounds depressing but unfortunately true. Maybe that is why I really liked it... Because nothing was sugar coated.
This book is not only about vampires- who don't like being called that- but also it brings up topics that any reader could personalize to or would love to talk about out loud. Difficult relationship between parent and a kid, character change across the lifetime, how does the influence of others makes me as a person or even that everyone have their secrets and motives. Life is cruel but what if there is a justification behind it?
I'm not a person that should judge anyone's writing (especially knowing that I am not perfect myself) but I do hope that Ms. Vanessa has a good editor as I believe it needs a little bit of polishing here and there. There is so much potential in this story to become not only an e-book but also a bestseller in New York Times. Different angle on the topic that is talked about constantly is always welcome- it's nice to know that the well is not dry out of ideas yet.
I must add at the end of this review: To all the readers out there! Give your chance to writers that are trying to conquer the world on their own without the fancy publishing house behind their back. I know, there are a lot of them that word ammunition is really poor and disappointing but who knows- you might actually find your golden needle in a haystack.
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Jivaja- a first installment of Souls Cavern series by the extraordinary writer Vanessa M. Giunta. Let's hear a little applause for this genius and original artist of the written word. From the very first page I was engaged in the read swallowing page after page, my thirst growing instead of decreasing, making me her first fan junkie. Bravo! I ate this book up.
When reading the book description you could think- 'Oh no, another vampire book!'. But what if I told you, nothing is as it seems? This novel was full of surprises, plot twists and different angles of things that I though there couldn't be any more versions of. Weird, full of secrets and understatements that made you actually think about what is going on, without being confused. I was a crime detective looking for motives and ways of manipulations starting from Mecca's father and ending with a new person she met on the way. This book was like life really is- sneaky, slowly going under your skin, showing true faces of people living in the dark world. Sounds depressing but unfortunately true. Maybe that is why I really liked it... Because nothing was sugar coated.
This book is not only about vampires- who don't like being called that- but also it brings up topics that any reader could personalize to or would love to talk about out loud. Difficult relationship between parent and a kid, character change across the lifetime, how does the influence of others makes me as a person or even that everyone have their secrets and motives. Life is cruel but what if there is a justification behind it?
I'm not a person that should judge anyone's writing (especially knowing that I am not perfect myself) but I do hope that Ms. Vanessa has a good editor as I believe it needs a little bit of polishing here and there. There is so much potential in this story to become not only an e-book but also a bestseller in New York Times. Different angle on the topic that is talked about constantly is always welcome- it's nice to know that the well is not dry out of ideas yet.
I must add at the end of this review: To all the readers out there! Give your chance to writers that are trying to conquer the world on their own without the fancy publishing house behind their back. I know, there are a lot of them that word ammunition is really poor and disappointing but who knows- you might actually find your golden needle in a haystack.
ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2018
A dark supernatural thriller that kept me hooked right from the first page and I did not get to sleep till I had read the end of it and then still could not sleep! Mecca a young university student had a 'gift', she could steal soul energy and she could not control this gift yet. She does this only through skin to skin contact and she accidentally kills someone who attacks her, who happens to be what she thought was a vampire, even though she did not believe these existed out of scary tales but he turned out to be Visci. He was part of a very powerful group who dominated world politics and they were everywhere including in Atlanta where mecca lived with her father. She was caught by the Visci and once they found out about her gift they wanted to control and use her but Mecca would have none of this. Emilia was the evil mind wanting to control Mecca and she was ruthless. During the night of the Maze Gathering where a human offering went up against the Visci contestants the vampire thriller meets up with the hunger games and the tension escalates to a level where the reader just cannot put the book down till the last line, as unlike the hunger games, the odds against the victims are really skewed! A very thrilling read which though not my usual favourite genre of reading I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
December 12, 2018
“Jivaja” was such an intriguing read I had a hard time putting it down! The plot was a breath of fresh air after so many supernatural stories that I’ve read this year that I couldn’t help but applaud the author for creating such an imaginative and original story.
Mecca has a gift. She can drain people of their life energy simply by touching them. Once attacked by an acquaintance and having killed him in self-defense, she finds herself entangled in an upcoming conflict (if not full-blown war) between creatures oddly reminding her of vampires; however, those creatures and their boss, Emilia, have certain plans for Mecca after discovering her deadly potential.
The story is very well-crafted. It’s a perfect blend of action and descriptive prose, which will place you right in the middle of that action. Fast-paced, dark, haunting, and impossible to put down, “Jivaja” deserves more than five stars! Thoroughly enjoyed - thank you.
Mecca has a gift. She can drain people of their life energy simply by touching them. Once attacked by an acquaintance and having killed him in self-defense, she finds herself entangled in an upcoming conflict (if not full-blown war) between creatures oddly reminding her of vampires; however, those creatures and their boss, Emilia, have certain plans for Mecca after discovering her deadly potential.
The story is very well-crafted. It’s a perfect blend of action and descriptive prose, which will place you right in the middle of that action. Fast-paced, dark, haunting, and impossible to put down, “Jivaja” deserves more than five stars! Thoroughly enjoyed - thank you.
October 31, 2018
What can I say? Jivaja was a delight to read. My absolute favorite thing about the book was the focus on the familial relationship between Mecca and her father. When Mecca gets pulled into an unusual and dangerous world full of pseudo-vampires, she ends up stumbling over some unsettling truths about her father. She has to come to terms with him as a man with a sketchy past, not just as the loving dad she’s always known. All the while, he tries to rescue her while dealing with his own guilt over his past. I adored Mecca’s exploration of the idea that her father was a flawed human.
The characters are interesting and well fleshed out, the plot pulls you along, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy in return for a fair, unbiased review.
The characters are interesting and well fleshed out, the plot pulls you along, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy in return for a fair, unbiased review.
October 1, 2019
An awesome book that begins the look at the Visci and Jivaja. Mecca is a. great kid and so are all of the characters. This is an awesome book/series and I cannot wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2018
This is a dark urban fantasy that grabs you by the throat from Chapter 1 and doesn't let go. I stayed up way too late reading this, and then cowering under the covers when the shadows in my bedroom reminded me of the vampire-like Visci who control the governments of major cities throughout the country - including Atlanta, where this novel is set (and where I live). Jivaja combines thrilling action scenes with relatable character development. I'm looking forward to the sequel and hope this is the beginning of a very long series.
October 31, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed Jivaja. With a strong female main character who didn't wait around to be saved but took her own destiny in hand this is a great and empowering read! The characters are relatable and make you feel like they are someone you could know instead of some recycled archetype. I am definitely looking forward to the next book to see what is in store for Mecca, her dad, Sara and the rest!
April 20, 2019
I was pleasantly surprised by this story. Didn’t really know what to expect. The Author kept me on my toes, kept the story fresh enough for me to be highly interested in what was happening. The history behind the characters and the whole Visci thing was really interesting. I wanted to know more.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy from the Author. Does not affect my review)
November 4, 2018
Delightful read!
Quite a delightful read! It is interesting seeing my hometown through the lens of such a complex set of characters. The author twists reality and fiction together with a delightful smattering of mythos and suspense, ceating a rich world. Definitly reccommended!
Quite a delightful read! It is interesting seeing my hometown through the lens of such a complex set of characters. The author twists reality and fiction together with a delightful smattering of mythos and suspense, ceating a rich world. Definitly reccommended!
November 25, 2018
I receive an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley.
Actual rating: 2.5
This isn't necessarily a bad book, it just did a lot of things I really didn't care for. It's well written and I'm sure other people could easily find it more enjoyable than I did, but I was skimming a lot by the end. I liked the world building with the Visci and the Soul Cavern [although I would have liked some additional explanation on what exactly is going on there], but I didn't really connect with any of the characters and I thought the plot was pretty slow and rested on characters making some pretty stupid choices.
[NEXT TWO PARAGRAPHS CONTAIN SPOILERS]
Mecca spends about the first HALF of the book chained to a bed somewhere and mostly drugged into unconsciousness. The plot still moves forward slowly since the book is split with her POV and her dad's, but I just absolutely hate it when people are tied down for long periods of time and it was literally half the book so I was not into that. Also I hate the whole 'vampires feed you their blood and then you're in love with them or whatever' trope and while it definitely wasn't as bad as it could have been here, I'm sure her and whatshisface are going to have ~sexual tension~ or something in the sequel.
Plus that is what caused her to GO BACK TO THE PLACE THEY WERE KEEPING HER for no good reason. I mean she got points for escaping the first time but then she waits til her dad goes back to sleep so she can go back to the vampire stronghold ALONE?? If this was a horror movie this is the part where I'd say she's too stupid to live. I guess it all worked out in the end but seriously that was dumb. Also I hate the whole 'vampires throwing fancy parties and hunting humans for sport' trope as well so ...really this book was just filled with tropes that I hate.
If none of those things bother you then I'm sure you'll enjoy this a lot more than I did. I was ready to give it four stars after reading the first few chapters, then it started dragging and I thought okay maybe three stars. Then she did that really stupid thing towards the end and I just started skimming and had to give it two stars. It was a technically well written book though, I just didn't necessarily care about anyone in it.
Actual rating: 2.5
This isn't necessarily a bad book, it just did a lot of things I really didn't care for. It's well written and I'm sure other people could easily find it more enjoyable than I did, but I was skimming a lot by the end. I liked the world building with the Visci and the Soul Cavern [although I would have liked some additional explanation on what exactly is going on there], but I didn't really connect with any of the characters and I thought the plot was pretty slow and rested on characters making some pretty stupid choices.
[NEXT TWO PARAGRAPHS CONTAIN SPOILERS]
Mecca spends about the first HALF of the book chained to a bed somewhere and mostly drugged into unconsciousness. The plot still moves forward slowly since the book is split with her POV and her dad's, but I just absolutely hate it when people are tied down for long periods of time and it was literally half the book so I was not into that. Also I hate the whole 'vampires feed you their blood and then you're in love with them or whatever' trope and while it definitely wasn't as bad as it could have been here, I'm sure her and whatshisface are going to have ~sexual tension~ or something in the sequel.
Plus that is what caused her to GO BACK TO THE PLACE THEY WERE KEEPING HER for no good reason. I mean she got points for escaping the first time but then she waits til her dad goes back to sleep so she can go back to the vampire stronghold ALONE?? If this was a horror movie this is the part where I'd say she's too stupid to live. I guess it all worked out in the end but seriously that was dumb. Also I hate the whole 'vampires throwing fancy parties and hunting humans for sport' trope as well so ...really this book was just filled with tropes that I hate.
If none of those things bother you then I'm sure you'll enjoy this a lot more than I did. I was ready to give it four stars after reading the first few chapters, then it started dragging and I thought okay maybe three stars. Then she did that really stupid thing towards the end and I just started skimming and had to give it two stars. It was a technically well written book though, I just didn't necessarily care about anyone in it.
September 26, 2024
Jivaja was an adventure. It's an urban fantaty where supernatural creatures that can drain your blood or your very lifeforce exist in Atlanta, GA.
It's always nice to read a story that takes place on streets I'm familiar with. Giunta captures the area nicely.
I liked Mecca and her father. The characters felt like real people even if they did have extraordinary gifts.
I appreciated the ending even though there were a few loose ends.
It's always nice to read a story that takes place on streets I'm familiar with. Giunta captures the area nicely.
I liked Mecca and her father. The characters felt like real people even if they did have extraordinary gifts.
I appreciated the ending even though there were a few loose ends.
December 31, 2024
A clever reimagining of vampire lore with the Visci—they’re not undead but do drink blood. The story of Mecca, a young woman who accidentally kills a Visci with an inherited ability she’s tried to avoid using all her life. Clever reveals, incredible character and scene development, and an engrossing story of courage over fear.
December 8, 2018
***ARC received through NetGalley for review, much appreciated***
This book has the potential to be so much more than what it ended up being, which really is a disappointment.
The Visci are similar to vampires, they feed on human blood to sustain their lives but they are born as they are. I've read other authors that have done a similar form of born vampires but I really liked how the author executed it with her version. That there is something more than just the blood that keeps them going. There is also the Soul Cavern, where a persons essence, their life force is kept. Its a really interesting concept and the parts of the story that dealt with the Visci and the concept of the soul cavern kept the book moving. I hope that the author does expand on it in the next book (although the teaser doesn't fill me with a lot of promise but its just a teaser).
There is a real problem is with how the book is executed, it sells itself as Mecca's story but its really more about her father, David. Thankfully the book also is told through two other perspectives, David and Claude one of the Visci so it keeps the plot moving. But for as much as the book focuses on David's backstory, we get very little of that when in his chapters. It just there, never fully explored. And Mecca, I do like her as a characters but the end
As a whole, this book has some really great ideas and an interesting world. The relationship between father and daughter is really nice it just fails in some of its execution.
This book has the potential to be so much more than what it ended up being, which really is a disappointment.
The Visci are similar to vampires, they feed on human blood to sustain their lives but they are born as they are. I've read other authors that have done a similar form of born vampires but I really liked how the author executed it with her version. That there is something more than just the blood that keeps them going. There is also the Soul Cavern, where a persons essence, their life force is kept. Its a really interesting concept and the parts of the story that dealt with the Visci and the concept of the soul cavern kept the book moving. I hope that the author does expand on it in the next book (although the teaser doesn't fill me with a lot of promise but its just a teaser).
There is a real problem is with how the book is executed, it sells itself as Mecca's story but its really more about her father, David. Thankfully the book also is told through two other perspectives, David and Claude one of the Visci so it keeps the plot moving. But for as much as the book focuses on David's backstory, we get very little of that when in his chapters. It just there, never fully explored. And Mecca, I do like her as a characters but the end
As a whole, this book has some really great ideas and an interesting world. The relationship between father and daughter is really nice it just fails in some of its execution.
Read
October 17, 2019She always knew she was different. Her mother dead when she was young. Her father has been showing her how to control her power's.
January 5, 2019
Jivaja is a story about vampires. Okay, so it’s not actually about vampires. It’s about the Visci, a vampire-like beings who vie to control every major American city. Mecca Trenow is a college aged girl who has the power to ‘steal’ souls. The Visci want her powers for their own reasons, doing anything in their power to sway her to their side so they can use her in the upcoming civil war.
I was really interested in this book and really wanted to know what was going on and why it was going on. I didn’t find myself too interested in the main character (especially with her poor decision making later on). Which, despite this being called her story, focuses actually on her, her father David and Claude, a Visci. I found myself more interested in Claude, one of the ‘bad guys’ merely because I wanted to know his (and by extension the Visci’s) motives.
My criticism of this book is more aimed at the main character (like I already said – poor decision making), descriptions and the introduction of characters. Almost every time a new character is introduced, it feels jarring. Like there is no real introduction to the character, it is more like ‘hey this person exists now’. You’re left wondering who they are and why they matter in the grand scheme of the story. That problem was later remedied, of course, as I read on. But it still kind of knocked me you could say. As for descriptions, in some places the author goes into deep detail about places and settings (sometimes places and settings that don’t really matter) and other times she skimps on details (especially when describing characters). It’s not a book breaking complaint.
Other than that, it was an enjoyable read! It really put me on my toes, waiting for what was going to happen next.
I was really interested in this book and really wanted to know what was going on and why it was going on. I didn’t find myself too interested in the main character (especially with her poor decision making later on). Which, despite this being called her story, focuses actually on her, her father David and Claude, a Visci. I found myself more interested in Claude, one of the ‘bad guys’ merely because I wanted to know his (and by extension the Visci’s) motives.
My criticism of this book is more aimed at the main character (like I already said – poor decision making), descriptions and the introduction of characters. Almost every time a new character is introduced, it feels jarring. Like there is no real introduction to the character, it is more like ‘hey this person exists now’. You’re left wondering who they are and why they matter in the grand scheme of the story. That problem was later remedied, of course, as I read on. But it still kind of knocked me you could say. As for descriptions, in some places the author goes into deep detail about places and settings (sometimes places and settings that don’t really matter) and other times she skimps on details (especially when describing characters). It’s not a book breaking complaint.
Other than that, it was an enjoyable read! It really put me on my toes, waiting for what was going to happen next.
January 13, 2019
Jivaja (Soul Cavern Series Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Venessa Giunta
I received a complimentary review copy via NetGally and am leaving a fair and honest review.
Vampires are my single most favorite trope in fiction. I particularly love when a writer creates a new way to see them or a new opponent for them. Ms. Giunta does both in Jivaja.
Mecca has a secret - she is able to see and use the spiritual energy of others. When she is attacked by the man who offered to walk her to her care, she uses that power to save herself, accidentally draining him to death. She runs, terrified she murdered him. But there was something odd about him. Maybe it was the way he attacked her, looking for her blood. Or maybe it was the fact he seemed to have no soul of his own. All she knows is that he wasn't right. Neither were the people who kidnapped her.
Mecca isn't the only one with a secret. Her father, David, has always told Mecca he doesn't have the Gift. Even though he trained her to use her Gift, he swore it was because he watched his brother's training. When Mecca discovered a long line of older, wealthy wives who died of mysterious illnesses in her father's past, she isn't sure she knew him at all. Even when he comes to save her.
A tight, action packed urban fantasy that keeps the pages turning well into the dark of the night, I loved every moment. The secondary characters were interesting enough to warrant stories of their own – for instance, I would love to know more about Will and how ended up in the employ of Emilia!
4 ½ stars out of 5 rounded up to 5.
https://www.amazon.com/Jivaja-Soul-Ca...
by Venessa Giunta
I received a complimentary review copy via NetGally and am leaving a fair and honest review.
Vampires are my single most favorite trope in fiction. I particularly love when a writer creates a new way to see them or a new opponent for them. Ms. Giunta does both in Jivaja.
Mecca has a secret - she is able to see and use the spiritual energy of others. When she is attacked by the man who offered to walk her to her care, she uses that power to save herself, accidentally draining him to death. She runs, terrified she murdered him. But there was something odd about him. Maybe it was the way he attacked her, looking for her blood. Or maybe it was the fact he seemed to have no soul of his own. All she knows is that he wasn't right. Neither were the people who kidnapped her.
Mecca isn't the only one with a secret. Her father, David, has always told Mecca he doesn't have the Gift. Even though he trained her to use her Gift, he swore it was because he watched his brother's training. When Mecca discovered a long line of older, wealthy wives who died of mysterious illnesses in her father's past, she isn't sure she knew him at all. Even when he comes to save her.
A tight, action packed urban fantasy that keeps the pages turning well into the dark of the night, I loved every moment. The secondary characters were interesting enough to warrant stories of their own – for instance, I would love to know more about Will and how ended up in the employ of Emilia!
4 ½ stars out of 5 rounded up to 5.
https://www.amazon.com/Jivaja-Soul-Ca...
January 5, 2019
This is a re-invention of the vampire mythos that is completely new. It turns out that what humans think of vampires is imperfect shadows based on the truth of two different species. One of them is called the Visci and does indeed live upon blood. The other lives directly upon life force, and is known as Jivaja.
Mecca's father has trained his only child in how to manage what he calls her Gift, but as she grows older she wonders whether her childish affection for her own mother caused her death from cancer. Until one day at college she gets attacked by a pervert who bites her on the neck. Instinctively she retaliates and the man crumbles into a papery lifeless husk. And unfortunately there was a witness. When she and her dad return to the scene, all trace of the death is gone.
What follows is a twisted suspense-filled maze of human and Visci politics, power plays, secrets revealed, duels to the death and blood sports where the prey are innocent humans swept out of Atlanta's back alleys. It turns out her father has had many different identities over the years, but he's willing to risk it all to protect Mecca. The one thing she can count on as certain is her father's love. We learn to tell what the true definition of monstrous is--not nature, but nurture, in the end.
Mecca's father has trained his only child in how to manage what he calls her Gift, but as she grows older she wonders whether her childish affection for her own mother caused her death from cancer. Until one day at college she gets attacked by a pervert who bites her on the neck. Instinctively she retaliates and the man crumbles into a papery lifeless husk. And unfortunately there was a witness. When she and her dad return to the scene, all trace of the death is gone.
What follows is a twisted suspense-filled maze of human and Visci politics, power plays, secrets revealed, duels to the death and blood sports where the prey are innocent humans swept out of Atlanta's back alleys. It turns out her father has had many different identities over the years, but he's willing to risk it all to protect Mecca. The one thing she can count on as certain is her father's love. We learn to tell what the true definition of monstrous is--not nature, but nurture, in the end.
Read
December 4, 2018Jivaja is a supernatural thriller revolving around a girl named Mecca. She accidentally kills a man who tries to attack her with only one hand. As she runs to her father for answers and realizes that her power is to manipulate human energy. By sucking out the life out of the person who attacked her, she needs to now learn how to control her powers.
On the other hand, the Vampires called the Visci’s, live on human blood. They do not die easily and cannot reproduce any other way but to mate with humans. Since it is hard to reproduce, they have created a pureblood, half-blood situation. A war begins to start between the two races, and Mecca is chased by creatures so they can use her powers.
While I found it hard to connect to the characters and did not particularly feel that the protagonist was drawn strong enough to lead the story, the plot was enjoyable and had a vigorous taste to it. The pace was slow and as a fantasy story, needed a little more descriptive writing. The paranormal activity was believable, and the literature kept its thrilling nature to the end.
The relationship between the father and daughter was described in a natural way. I recommend this story to people who like to read fantasy stories revolving supernatural activities.
On the other hand, the Vampires called the Visci’s, live on human blood. They do not die easily and cannot reproduce any other way but to mate with humans. Since it is hard to reproduce, they have created a pureblood, half-blood situation. A war begins to start between the two races, and Mecca is chased by creatures so they can use her powers.
While I found it hard to connect to the characters and did not particularly feel that the protagonist was drawn strong enough to lead the story, the plot was enjoyable and had a vigorous taste to it. The pace was slow and as a fantasy story, needed a little more descriptive writing. The paranormal activity was believable, and the literature kept its thrilling nature to the end.
The relationship between the father and daughter was described in a natural way. I recommend this story to people who like to read fantasy stories revolving supernatural activities.
October 3, 2019
This is a different take on paranormal it did take me a few chapters to get into it but once I did couldnt put it down o look forward to the rest of the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2019
Jivaja is a good read, entertaining but not memorable. Still it has potential. Mostly, it’s a typical girl meets vamp, discovers her power to destroy evil vamps, but is also drawn to one of them with his own agenda. Vamps have a war coming and need Mecca’s power. The biggest difference is that Mecca’s father plays a big role, and has the same powers she does. So we have a traditional setup plus the potential build in of a father daughter conflict. Jivaja is definitely setting the groundwork for a series. The big question is will it surpass the cliched masses.
I’d prefer to read the next book before giving my final opinion, but as of now I’d give Jivaja a 3.5 / 5. (rounded up to 4 / 5 )
I received a copy of Jivaja from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
I’d prefer to read the next book before giving my final opinion, but as of now I’d give Jivaja a 3.5 / 5. (rounded up to 4 / 5 )
I received a copy of Jivaja from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
— Crittermom
February 16, 2019
I have to say this book has one of the best nightmare segments I have ever read! It deserves 5 stars just for those pages.
Mecca is an interesting character with an unusual gift. I applaud the author on that! There are some spaced out swear words - which I didn't feel were necessary in the book - that's my personal preference, though.
Over all well worth a few nights by the fireplace reading!
Mecca is an interesting character with an unusual gift. I applaud the author on that! There are some spaced out swear words - which I didn't feel were necessary in the book - that's my personal preference, though.
Over all well worth a few nights by the fireplace reading!
February 16, 2019
This fun thriller with a heavy dose of fantasy and romance satisfies on many levels. A fully realized and competent female lead with a wondrous power leads the charge through a world rife with intrigue, danger and adventure. The action leaves you wanting to know more and keeps you turning pages. A satisfying romp.
January 13, 2019
So well written and entertaining. I like books like this that pulls you into the story. The charterers were great and I loved the folk-lore tale. This a unique and very enjoyable book. I'm very interested in the second book to see what happens next with Mecca.
January 4, 2019
Very enjoyable and well written. I'm looking forward to the next book and I'm hoping we learn more about Claude and Mecca. They were the most interesting characters for me especially Claude.
March 19, 2019
Excellent read which I had a hard time putting down. Fascinating plot with a couple of wicked twists. Great characters.
September 16, 2020
I have a sweet tooth for vampires in film and fiction, so naturally Jivaja by Venessa M Giunta caught my fancy. While I do enjoy the standard tropes, it's often refreshing to see an author push the mythos a little further, as Giunta does.
Mecca has a special power – she can see into "cavern" of a living being and steal their power. It's a family gift, or curse, depending on how it's viewed, and until the day she's accosted by a man at a diner, she's never intentionally used it to kill. Until now.
Except the man she's killed is no ordinary man, he's Visci, a breed of vampire, and by killing him, she's essentially painted a massive target on her back. Dragged into this murky world of immortal blood drinkers and their minions, Mecca must learn to use her powers and figure out whether she'll deal with the devil or do her best to remain free. Only things are not at all simple, for as it turns out, her father too is gifted, and he's not going to let the Visci take his daughter without putting up a fight.
Giunta's writing carries a whiff of classic Anne Rice, but it moves quicker, and the characters feel a little more in touch with their world. While the story does take a few chapters to hit its stride, I was nonetheless engaged, and enjoyed a well-realised, well-executed setting with hints at deeper lore. The writing is solid, the author has put a lot of heart into this story, and in Jivaja lays down more than enough threads to continue the saga. The only thread I felt that wasn't developed, was an incipient romantic interest which I didn't feel had sufficient motivation, but it isn't a dealbreaker.
I particularly liked the complicated father-daughter dynamic in this fresh take on the genre, and would most certainly recommend this story to those who cut their teeth on Interview with the Vampire back in the day.
Mecca has a special power – she can see into "cavern" of a living being and steal their power. It's a family gift, or curse, depending on how it's viewed, and until the day she's accosted by a man at a diner, she's never intentionally used it to kill. Until now.
Except the man she's killed is no ordinary man, he's Visci, a breed of vampire, and by killing him, she's essentially painted a massive target on her back. Dragged into this murky world of immortal blood drinkers and their minions, Mecca must learn to use her powers and figure out whether she'll deal with the devil or do her best to remain free. Only things are not at all simple, for as it turns out, her father too is gifted, and he's not going to let the Visci take his daughter without putting up a fight.
Giunta's writing carries a whiff of classic Anne Rice, but it moves quicker, and the characters feel a little more in touch with their world. While the story does take a few chapters to hit its stride, I was nonetheless engaged, and enjoyed a well-realised, well-executed setting with hints at deeper lore. The writing is solid, the author has put a lot of heart into this story, and in Jivaja lays down more than enough threads to continue the saga. The only thread I felt that wasn't developed, was an incipient romantic interest which I didn't feel had sufficient motivation, but it isn't a dealbreaker.
I particularly liked the complicated father-daughter dynamic in this fresh take on the genre, and would most certainly recommend this story to those who cut their teeth on Interview with the Vampire back in the day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews