What do you think?
Dawn of the Seraphim #1
The Blood Lottery
In Veruth, there are three different classes--sun elves, gnomes, and the pitiful lot Ava belongs to...
...humans.
...humans.
Or so she thought.
After centuries at war with the mystical sun elves, the humans lost, and now serve as slaves, toiling each day by working menial jobs. Ava works on the massive structure the elves use to keep them imprisoned. They say it is protection from the monsters on the other side--from an ancient force.
As Ava reaches the age to enter the Blood Lottery, she knows there is a better fate awaiting.
But, when she almost loses her life in a devastating accident, something awakens inside.
A force--an ancient magic--she never knew existed, yet learns history and folklore have prophecized.
With the help of a rogue rebel leader, an elvish royal, and a mysterious wisp from my darkest nightmares, she may save the humans from their oppressors.
Or, be used as a weapon against them in an epic game.
After centuries at war with the mystical sun elves, the humans lost, and now serve as slaves, toiling each day by working menial jobs. Ava works on the massive structure the elves use to keep them imprisoned. They say it is protection from the monsters on the other side--from an ancient force.
As Ava reaches the age to enter the Blood Lottery, she knows there is a better fate awaiting.
But, when she almost loses her life in a devastating accident, something awakens inside.
A force--an ancient magic--she never knew existed, yet learns history and folklore have prophecized.
With the help of a rogue rebel leader, an elvish royal, and a mysterious wisp from my darkest nightmares, she may save the humans from their oppressors.
Or, be used as a weapon against them in an epic game.
Contains what was formerly known as Waking the Dark and Tempting the Fire.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2019
About the author
K.N. Lee
137 books904 followersK.N. Lee is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she is not writing twisted tales, fantasy novels, and dark poetry, she does a great deal of traveling and promotes other authors. Wannabe rockstar, foreign language enthusiast, and anime geek, K.N. Lee also enjoys helping others reach their writing and publishing goals. She is a winner of the Elevate Lifestyle Top 30 Under 30 "Future Leaders of Charlotte" award for her success as a writer, business owner, and for community service.
She is signed with Captive Quill Press and Patchwork Press.
K.N. Lee loves hearing from fans and readers. Connect with her!
www.knlee.com
www.WriteLikeAWizard.com
www.Facebook.com/knycolelee
www.twitter.com/knycole_lee
www.wattpad.com/user/KNycoleLee
She is signed with Captive Quill Press and Patchwork Press.
K.N. Lee loves hearing from fans and readers. Connect with her!
www.knlee.com
www.WriteLikeAWizard.com
www.Facebook.com/knycolelee
www.twitter.com/knycole_lee
www.wattpad.com/user/KNycoleLee
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 31, 2019
This book sounded really good from the description and I’m sorry to say that it disappointed me. The start was slow, but there was enough to keep me intrigued. Every chapter left me with more questions that I wanted answered, so I pushed through the book. Then the ending was anticlimactic. Nothing seemed to happen, and what did happen was confusing, and more importantly, my questions didn’t get answered. I realize this is only the first book of a series, but I’m rather confused, but still intrigued enough to probably read the next book.
September 18, 2020
Quick, compelling fantasy that grabs you from the start. The Blood Lottery is an interesting concept where wyvern-riding elves created a system to breed out humans, but they didn't account for one of them being a mage.
April 6, 2021
„The Blood Lottery“ is the first installment in the “Dawn of the Seraphim” by K.N. an epic high fantasy series, set in Veruth, a world populated by three very different races, divided into strict social classed. The Sun Elves are at the top of society, followed by the gnomes, with the humans situated at the very bottom.
Sun Elves and humans fought a centuries long war, that the human ultimately lost, making them the slaves to the winners. Ava is a human, who works in the massive building where the Elves hold the humans for – allegedly – their own safety from some ancient evil lurking in the outside. Ava has reached the age to enter the ‘Blood Lottery’ an opportunity to improve her life. But just before, she almost dies in a freak accident that changes her, awakening powers, she didn’t know she possesses. A wind of change is blowing across Veruth, but to find the truth about the synergetic relationship between Elves and humans, Ava has to rely in herself and her new awakened powers.
K.N. Lee does what she does best, to construct a rich world populated with unusual magical beings invested in a fight against oppression that bring all characters through a quest through the realms that mirrors their own path of self-discovery. The world-building is exquisite, the characters unusual and relatable at the same time, the story satisfying and convincing. A very good start into the series, however, there is still lots of open questions that will have to be answered in the following books.
Sun Elves and humans fought a centuries long war, that the human ultimately lost, making them the slaves to the winners. Ava is a human, who works in the massive building where the Elves hold the humans for – allegedly – their own safety from some ancient evil lurking in the outside. Ava has reached the age to enter the ‘Blood Lottery’ an opportunity to improve her life. But just before, she almost dies in a freak accident that changes her, awakening powers, she didn’t know she possesses. A wind of change is blowing across Veruth, but to find the truth about the synergetic relationship between Elves and humans, Ava has to rely in herself and her new awakened powers.
K.N. Lee does what she does best, to construct a rich world populated with unusual magical beings invested in a fight against oppression that bring all characters through a quest through the realms that mirrors their own path of self-discovery. The world-building is exquisite, the characters unusual and relatable at the same time, the story satisfying and convincing. A very good start into the series, however, there is still lots of open questions that will have to be answered in the following books.
June 9, 2019
What grabbed my attention in the first place was the beautiful cover. It made me really want to stop and read more about what the book is about.
I have read other stories from this author and have been really impressed with her story telling skills.
This book was very intriguing because the way the author unfolds the story you are totally involved in it by the end.
From her descriptions of the characters and the world that they live in you could really imagine it being real.
My favourite genre has always been about faeries, elves etc and this story fit the bill.
What was truly amazing about this story is that the characters you thought were good and the ones you thought were evil - you aren't really sure about either of them by the end of the story. I am anxiously awaiting the next in the series as I really want to know what happens next.
I highly recommend this author, you won't be disappointed.
I have read other stories from this author and have been really impressed with her story telling skills.
This book was very intriguing because the way the author unfolds the story you are totally involved in it by the end.
From her descriptions of the characters and the world that they live in you could really imagine it being real.
My favourite genre has always been about faeries, elves etc and this story fit the bill.
What was truly amazing about this story is that the characters you thought were good and the ones you thought were evil - you aren't really sure about either of them by the end of the story. I am anxiously awaiting the next in the series as I really want to know what happens next.
I highly recommend this author, you won't be disappointed.
May 19, 2021
Summary
Elves enslaved the human race after a war. Every year female humans that were of age would usually enter the Blood Lottery to be matched up for the humans to be mistresses or even wives. That was the way the elves used to reduce the count of full humans. Humans were living in extreme poverty, so most would agree to this.
Ava, refused to enter the Blood Lottery. Instead, she preferred to work hard for the elves in the palace, even at the Wall. Then, one day, she fell and survived the fall from the Wall and Prince Alexander saw it. She shouldn’t have survived… but how….? Who was Ava?
Conclusion
I knew that this was the very first book to a series. Hence, I didn’t expect it to answer a lot of questions that would appear as I read through the book. The writing was descriptive and even a bit romantic. The ending was definitely made you wonder what happened and made you want to find the book.
Elves enslaved the human race after a war. Every year female humans that were of age would usually enter the Blood Lottery to be matched up for the humans to be mistresses or even wives. That was the way the elves used to reduce the count of full humans. Humans were living in extreme poverty, so most would agree to this.
Ava, refused to enter the Blood Lottery. Instead, she preferred to work hard for the elves in the palace, even at the Wall. Then, one day, she fell and survived the fall from the Wall and Prince Alexander saw it. She shouldn’t have survived… but how….? Who was Ava?
Conclusion
I knew that this was the very first book to a series. Hence, I didn’t expect it to answer a lot of questions that would appear as I read through the book. The writing was descriptive and even a bit romantic. The ending was definitely made you wonder what happened and made you want to find the book.
March 28, 2021
3* bc of editing
So I enjoyed this story overall. My first K.N. Lee book. However, the many different days/week time discrepancy really, I mean really, got to me. Once, the next day was her 18th birthday, then it was a week later. She had been at a place for a week, then it was a day and so forth. Also, the last chapter, went from 1st person to 3rd and back again all for the same character. Small editing issues don't bother me but when it comes to timelines, I really falter at those.
Now, set that aside. I do like Ava. I enjoy her innocence and reason for her choices. I want to know more about who she is to become and how she gets there. Also, the 2 main male characters have a lot of depth to explore and figure out who is really good or bad.
I am curious enough about how this will end to read more.
So I enjoyed this story overall. My first K.N. Lee book. However, the many different days/week time discrepancy really, I mean really, got to me. Once, the next day was her 18th birthday, then it was a week later. She had been at a place for a week, then it was a day and so forth. Also, the last chapter, went from 1st person to 3rd and back again all for the same character. Small editing issues don't bother me but when it comes to timelines, I really falter at those.
Now, set that aside. I do like Ava. I enjoy her innocence and reason for her choices. I want to know more about who she is to become and how she gets there. Also, the 2 main male characters have a lot of depth to explore and figure out who is really good or bad.
I am curious enough about how this will end to read more.
July 7, 2019
True page turner fully packed with action, adventure and mystery
That's great start to the series. I really enjoyed this full of mystery and action journey with the main characters. I'm very intrigued as what is going to happen next and really was happy to see the twists and turns in the story line. What I liked most was the fact that nothing is obvious and together with the heroine we do not know really whom to trust and what she should do next and how to act and react to the world that surrounds her. Nothing is obvious and the plot pulled me in that I was very reluctant to put the book down. Fantastic adventure in the very well built world full of magic. Be ready for the fight between forces of the good and bad.
That's great start to the series. I really enjoyed this full of mystery and action journey with the main characters. I'm very intrigued as what is going to happen next and really was happy to see the twists and turns in the story line. What I liked most was the fact that nothing is obvious and together with the heroine we do not know really whom to trust and what she should do next and how to act and react to the world that surrounds her. Nothing is obvious and the plot pulled me in that I was very reluctant to put the book down. Fantastic adventure in the very well built world full of magic. Be ready for the fight between forces of the good and bad.
July 13, 2019
A fast paced YA dystopian fantasy set in a magical world of elves and humans. A world in which humans lost the war and are now slaves to the elves. A place where humans at the age of eighteen, are forced to enter the Blood Lottery that pairs them with an elf master and hence, a better way of life. Our heroine Ava is human, one who develops unexpected abilities at eighteen and appears to be more than whatever she thought she was. Now an elven prince is using her in his diabolical plot while her childhood friend turned rebel leader wants to rescue her away from the dark magic users. An interesting and intriguing storyline that leaves the story hanging, waiting until the next book.
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.
March 25, 2022
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars.
It hurts me to leave a 3 star review for this book. The plot is an original and fast paced fantasy that hooked me from the beginning. However, the editor has really let this wonderful author down. There are multiple inconsistencies in character descriptions and the time-line. The main character has silvery, white hair. Then it's golden and blonde and then back to silvery and white again. That's just one of several. I know it's just a little thing, but when it happens repeatedly it's a little disconcerting. With that being said, I do love the personalities and growth of the characters and the storyline, so far, is really quite good. I'll keep reading and going for better editing.
It hurts me to leave a 3 star review for this book. The plot is an original and fast paced fantasy that hooked me from the beginning. However, the editor has really let this wonderful author down. There are multiple inconsistencies in character descriptions and the time-line. The main character has silvery, white hair. Then it's golden and blonde and then back to silvery and white again. That's just one of several. I know it's just a little thing, but when it happens repeatedly it's a little disconcerting. With that being said, I do love the personalities and growth of the characters and the storyline, so far, is really quite good. I'll keep reading and going for better editing.
June 10, 2019
What a book! This is an adventure book and if you love fantasy then this book is for you. As with KN Lee’s books, things are never as simple as they seem. Twists and plots have you wondering who is the good guy and who is the bad.
Ava is a girl living in the slummiest of the slums and has to find a way to survive and keep her family alive. The humans have lost the war with the Elves and have to accept their fate. Or do they? Ava has discovered that she is “different” and that could mean death but she has the hope that there could be more to life but dare she hope….. Fighting against the Elves could mean death. But she is not alone….
Ava is a girl living in the slummiest of the slums and has to find a way to survive and keep her family alive. The humans have lost the war with the Elves and have to accept their fate. Or do they? Ava has discovered that she is “different” and that could mean death but she has the hope that there could be more to life but dare she hope….. Fighting against the Elves could mean death. But she is not alone….
January 1, 2021
The Blood Lottery
"Hope was a figment of our imagination, but I wouldn’t let go of mine— I’d hold on with my last breath." - Ava
Ava was slowly, inexorably starving to death; her mother and sister the only reason she fought to live. There was another, but he had abandoned her years ago...
Ava's dreams of another life, a better life will become reality in a most unlikely way; she fears the Blood Lottery, yet what choice does she have?
Changes are coming, ones that will see the world set aflame and burned to ash, to be reborn... Or will it?
"Discovery was all I ever wanted. Truth and freedom." - Ava
"Hope was a figment of our imagination, but I wouldn’t let go of mine— I’d hold on with my last breath." - Ava
Ava was slowly, inexorably starving to death; her mother and sister the only reason she fought to live. There was another, but he had abandoned her years ago...
Ava's dreams of another life, a better life will become reality in a most unlikely way; she fears the Blood Lottery, yet what choice does she have?
Changes are coming, ones that will see the world set aflame and burned to ash, to be reborn... Or will it?
"Discovery was all I ever wanted. Truth and freedom." - Ava
May 25, 2019
After humans lost in the war with the elves, they were considered slaves. Ava lived in the worst part of town and she just knew if she could get over the wall the secluded them from the outside, there had to be a better life. Weighing her options, she knew she could also die in the process. K.N. Lee created a world of fantasy and adventure with characters you will either love or love to hate. Fast moving with room for characters and plot to continue to grow, this ends in a cliffhanger, leaving you wanting more. I'm interested in seeing where this one goes.
June 1, 2019
This is another amazing fantasy by a fantastic author it’s about Elves and Humans who had a war the Elves won and the humans that were left became slaves and this is Ava’s story. If your a fan of K.N. Lee’s stories then you will love this one too, there’s action, adventure, danger, suspense, mystery and so much more to keep you entertained and turning the pages. There is a cliffhanger at the end of this book so bring on book 2, amazing story and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
July 8, 2019
Ava isn’t who she thought she was. She now has a brother who is dead, a spirit that becomes flesh who will help save her. She has several men wanting her , but who will she choose? Will she do what the elf prince wants of her now that she has dark and light vying for her? What will become of her mother and sister? I don’t like cliffhangers.... This definitely is a. cliffhanger in many areas in the book. So I can’t wait to read the next book.
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.
May 27, 2019
Entertaining - Held My Attention from Beginning to End
Intriguing plot, well developed characters and world building make this book 5 stars. The intrigue and mystery are well done. Ava is a well written main character who turns 18 and starts discovering her true self. There are a lot of characters, making it fun to try to figure the good from the evil ones. I look forward to the next book.
Intriguing plot, well developed characters and world building make this book 5 stars. The intrigue and mystery are well done. Ava is a well written main character who turns 18 and starts discovering her true self. There are a lot of characters, making it fun to try to figure the good from the evil ones. I look forward to the next book.
June 1, 2019
A fantastic start to another great series from this author. I loved the characters and how the story flowed. It was fast-paced and interesting read of a new magical world of elves and humans. This book has complex characters, a well-developed fantasy world, intrigue, action, and mystery. I'm really looking forward to book two.
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.
July 15, 2019
The Blood Lottery by K.N. Lee is an awesome story that I have loved reading very much. This is book number one in this awesome start to abrand new series that I just can not get enough of. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and magic in their stories as much as I do.
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 4, 2020
One of my favorite books I have read so far from K.N. Lee!
A war between the races is brewing with tensions from every corner.A young girl is about to find out she isn't who or what she thought she was. The Blood lottery is gripping and magical. Fast Paced and full of mystery and magic.
If you are a fan of K.N. Lee or even a new comer to her magical worlds, The Blood Lottery is for you.
A war between the races is brewing with tensions from every corner.A young girl is about to find out she isn't who or what she thought she was. The Blood lottery is gripping and magical. Fast Paced and full of mystery and magic.
If you are a fan of K.N. Lee or even a new comer to her magical worlds, The Blood Lottery is for you.
August 26, 2021
Worth trying
A bit of a rocky start but improves as you progress. A strong girl is plucked from the slums but is she a pawn for the upper class. Her friends want to help but are up against a strong enemy...dark magic, betrayal, unexpected help but will she be strong enough. A promising start...Will be interesting to see where it goes....
A bit of a rocky start but improves as you progress. A strong girl is plucked from the slums but is she a pawn for the upper class. Her friends want to help but are up against a strong enemy...dark magic, betrayal, unexpected help but will she be strong enough. A promising start...Will be interesting to see where it goes....
September 1, 2023
More, I Want More
Intriguing from the first page! A divided world with human slaves and the human desire to better their situation makes a story that feels real. Follow a young woman in that struggle as she and others try to improve their families lives. Strange or are they magical events and people happen along the way. More, I want more!
Intriguing from the first page! A divided world with human slaves and the human desire to better their situation makes a story that feels real. Follow a young woman in that struggle as she and others try to improve their families lives. Strange or are they magical events and people happen along the way. More, I want more!
May 20, 2019
The Blood Lottery
An intriguing fast-paced fantasy that introduces a new world of elves and humans. I enjoyed the story it drew me in from the start and held my interest the whole way through. I look forward to discovering more about the characters and this new magical world.
An intriguing fast-paced fantasy that introduces a new world of elves and humans. I enjoyed the story it drew me in from the start and held my interest the whole way through. I look forward to discovering more about the characters and this new magical world.
October 22, 2019
Action, adventure, mystery, suspense, excellent plot twists and intriguing characters kept me glued to my e-reader from start to finish. I loved the storyline and I can't wait to find out what comes next!
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.
June 1, 2019
Interesting
Interesting storyline with twists and treachery filled with dark and light magic intertwined as they fight against each other for supremacy.
Interesting storyline with twists and treachery filled with dark and light magic intertwined as they fight against each other for supremacy.
Read
August 10, 2020I really liked this book. It was a good story line.
June 3, 2021
Beginning
A magical world of good and evil. Lots of characters are introduced but who is good and who is evil.
A magical world of good and evil. Lots of characters are introduced but who is good and who is evil.
January 17, 2021
In the first of Indie author K N Lee's fantasy series, Dawn of the Seraphim, main character Ava is a human living a life of enslavement to the Sun Elves in the land of Veruth. Her home is surrounded by a wall: one that is continuously being built to hold back the Dark from encroaching. However, Ava and the other humans have never seen evidence of any darkness beyond the walls. They are instead more aware of the daily injustices, brutalizations, and restrictions they experience at the hands of the elves, all of whom hold a higher status than humans.
One day things change for Ava, and she's left navigating a world that is still dangerous to her but is also changing, and she's not sure how. Few people are willing to tell her what they know.
If I could give half stars for this story, I'd give this 3 and half. The basic plot is engrossing. I wanted to know more and felt as eager to find answers to Ava's questions as she is. The downside to the story come in the form of pacing and details. The title doesn't fit as prominently as I would have expected. The story skips days and weeks on the one hand, and sometimes events seem to happen within minutes or hours on the other--though it seems that the time should have been longer. Also, being most often in first person pov, characters don't always react in the manner which has been established for them in the story. Their emotions towards people and situations are not consistent, not given the information provided. Given these issues, readers may find themselves sometimes confused. Finally, this story ends somewhat abruptly, and while it leaves readers with some answers, it also poses many more questions. A perfect way to keep readers invested, which isn't necessarily bad.
Based on the author's treatment of the basic plot, I look forward to reading the second book in the series, The Fallen Wall. I hope that character development evens out and that the pacing is more precise.
One day things change for Ava, and she's left navigating a world that is still dangerous to her but is also changing, and she's not sure how. Few people are willing to tell her what they know.
If I could give half stars for this story, I'd give this 3 and half. The basic plot is engrossing. I wanted to know more and felt as eager to find answers to Ava's questions as she is. The downside to the story come in the form of pacing and details. The title doesn't fit as prominently as I would have expected. The story skips days and weeks on the one hand, and sometimes events seem to happen within minutes or hours on the other--though it seems that the time should have been longer. Also, being most often in first person pov, characters don't always react in the manner which has been established for them in the story. Their emotions towards people and situations are not consistent, not given the information provided. Given these issues, readers may find themselves sometimes confused. Finally, this story ends somewhat abruptly, and while it leaves readers with some answers, it also poses many more questions. A perfect way to keep readers invested, which isn't necessarily bad.
Based on the author's treatment of the basic plot, I look forward to reading the second book in the series, The Fallen Wall. I hope that character development evens out and that the pacing is more precise.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews