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Read by Candlelight #5
The Vampire's Relic
Does a vampire ever really die?
Actresses Hester Wilson and Kitty O’Hara have taken some strange gigs in their careers, but their latest is something else. The aptly named Lord Cross has hired them to investigate the disappearance of Leighton, his secretary. Kitty’s convinced this opportunity will secure their fortunes. Hester’s not sure. The more she hears about Leighton, the more skeptical she becomes. It’s the 1870s, after all. Who in their right mind believes in vampires, let alone voluntarily hunts them?
Countess Kohary, Vanda de Szigethy, is beautiful, charming, secretive—and cursed. Wherever she goes, sickness and dead bodies follow. Cross believes she has a hand in Leighton’s disappearance, but when Hester takes a position in Vanda’s household, she discovers a woman fighting the cruel legacy of her late husband. Vanda’s desperate struggle wins Hester’s admiration, even as her strange beauty casts an almost hypnotic spell. Is Vanda victim or vampire? Can Hester discover the truth in time to save Leighton? And what will it take to end the vampire’s legacy for good?
Actresses Hester Wilson and Kitty O’Hara have taken some strange gigs in their careers, but their latest is something else. The aptly named Lord Cross has hired them to investigate the disappearance of Leighton, his secretary. Kitty’s convinced this opportunity will secure their fortunes. Hester’s not sure. The more she hears about Leighton, the more skeptical she becomes. It’s the 1870s, after all. Who in their right mind believes in vampires, let alone voluntarily hunts them?
Countess Kohary, Vanda de Szigethy, is beautiful, charming, secretive—and cursed. Wherever she goes, sickness and dead bodies follow. Cross believes she has a hand in Leighton’s disappearance, but when Hester takes a position in Vanda’s household, she discovers a woman fighting the cruel legacy of her late husband. Vanda’s desperate struggle wins Hester’s admiration, even as her strange beauty casts an almost hypnotic spell. Is Vanda victim or vampire? Can Hester discover the truth in time to save Leighton? And what will it take to end the vampire’s legacy for good?
187 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2019
13 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 6, 2019
Strong women, a dusty villa, chilling influences, the incorrigible Pip missing in action, chalk crosses at the windows and a brave new romance. Packed with plot and characters who come alive (pun intended) .
I've read very few f/f but when offered an ARC for this made grabby hands and thoroughly enjoyed the tale.
It was great meeting Hester; she's tough, headstrong, perhaps not always acting in her own best interests but with a true heart. Vanda is her counterpart; a chill Countess very different from a would-be actress but with the same core of strength. The same hidden vulnerabilities. They both read as nuanced people, neither needing punchlines to prove their power.
While sex is fade out the passion and desire is on page, admiration is evident and there's a lot of sweetness and need in every kiss.
Kitty is amusing, the pretty lady with an undercurrent of realism/immorality.
Lord Cross; well now he didn't win me over in his own book but I have to say I rather like his lack of sociability. Pip is clearly his better half and humanises him. While wild-Pip wrangling requires a stern man of mettle LOL!
For the length of the story (and this is one of the longer ones) there's plenty plot, machinations, eerie threat and possible surprises. It sets a good pace that keeps you turning pages. For me there's a good balance of the supernatural through the series - you get the full flavour without the heavy lore. They read as standalones though Lord Cross and Pip are the connecting thread and there's occasionally a subtle mention of previous characters/places.
I've read very few f/f but when offered an ARC for this made grabby hands and thoroughly enjoyed the tale.
It was great meeting Hester; she's tough, headstrong, perhaps not always acting in her own best interests but with a true heart. Vanda is her counterpart; a chill Countess very different from a would-be actress but with the same core of strength. The same hidden vulnerabilities. They both read as nuanced people, neither needing punchlines to prove their power.
While sex is fade out the passion and desire is on page, admiration is evident and there's a lot of sweetness and need in every kiss.
Kitty is amusing, the pretty lady with an undercurrent of realism/immorality.
Lord Cross; well now he didn't win me over in his own book but I have to say I rather like his lack of sociability. Pip is clearly his better half and humanises him. While wild-Pip wrangling requires a stern man of mettle LOL!
For the length of the story (and this is one of the longer ones) there's plenty plot, machinations, eerie threat and possible surprises. It sets a good pace that keeps you turning pages. For me there's a good balance of the supernatural through the series - you get the full flavour without the heavy lore. They read as standalones though Lord Cross and Pip are the connecting thread and there's occasionally a subtle mention of previous characters/places.
July 17, 2019
Unlike the previous stories, this one was mostly a ff romance and mostly featured women. As a gay man, I prefer stories featuring men and mm romance. There also didn't seem to be as much of a mystery here. It was a classical vampire tale with a few clever twists. I only really enjoyed the ending with the male characters I know.
Typos: protected used for unprotected, morning for mourning, poured for pored, verb loathe for adjective loath, laying for lying, remain for remind, any for an. I was also confused at the name Pip until I remembered that's Leighton's nickname.
Typos: protected used for unprotected, morning for mourning, poured for pored, verb loathe for adjective loath, laying for lying, remain for remind, any for an. I was also confused at the name Pip until I remembered that's Leighton's nickname.
September 17, 2020
This series just keeps getting better! I was given this book for an honest review and I was delighted as I've fallen in love with this series. F/F isn't my thing but this is so nicely written that I was rooting for Hester very quickly. In fact it is really nice to read a fiesty and intelligent heroine. And I was so pleased that she got her happy ending.
Vanda, who might have been a vampire, I found harder to like (which was intentional) but then more of her story came out and suddenly, she became another favourite.
The plot is creepy and very cool, vampires and spooky castles and the powers of the moon. Lord Cross and Pip are back, although Pip is missing and I was getting seriously worried about him.
I raced through this book in a day, completely engrossed. It's only short, but it's got a heck of a lot of story packed in.
Read it.
Vanda, who might have been a vampire, I found harder to like (which was intentional) but then more of her story came out and suddenly, she became another favourite.
The plot is creepy and very cool, vampires and spooky castles and the powers of the moon. Lord Cross and Pip are back, although Pip is missing and I was getting seriously worried about him.
I raced through this book in a day, completely engrossed. It's only short, but it's got a heck of a lot of story packed in.
Read it.
November 26, 2019
I've been enjoying this series until this book, I found it rather boring and only enjoyed the parts where Cross and Pip turned up. There is something really off about the time line in the books in this series, they don't run in the numbered order shown in Goodreads. The author herself says to read in the correct time line they should be read in this order:=
The Secretary and the Ghost
The Mystery of Brackenwell Hall
The Haunted Bedchamber
The Vampire's Relic
The Art of Drowning
The Well-dressed Werewolf
The Secretary and the Ghost
The Mystery of Brackenwell Hall
The Haunted Bedchamber
The Vampire's Relic
The Art of Drowning
The Well-dressed Werewolf
July 31, 2019
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Vampire's Relic (Read by Candlelight #5) by Gillian St. Kevern
★★★★★
220 Pages
POV: 3rd person, one character POV
If you want a sinister plot, characters you can't turn your back on, and an atmosphere so creepy that you jump at the slightest creak, then this is the book for you. While every book in the Read by Candlelight series is a page-turner, an addictive read, with engaging characters and a brilliantly creepy plot, The Vampire's Relic takes us back to Stoker's classic fear-inducing, heart-pounding creeping horror. The kind that creeps up on you and takes you by surprise when you least expect it. Then, when you think the coast is clear....WHAM! Another plot twist.
Though I was apprehensive that I wouldn't be as sucked into the story as usual, because FF isn't really a genre I'm familiar with, there was no cause for worry. The characters were just as engaging as every other novel in this series. The plot just as terrifyingly realistic, and plausible (for the world created by the author) and my skin is still crawling. While I wanted to read this story for Pip and Cross, I actually fell hard for Hester and Vanda. They were just as charismatic as every other lead in this series, with the same chemistry and affection. They tugged at my heart. There was no sexy stuff, just like with some of the other books. Nothing beyond some on page kissing.
It was really nice to see a strong female lead, who had strength, a force of will, who fought against the confinements of her era, and still wanted to fit in and be loved. Who still doubted, hesitated, and wanted to make people happy. To be that person she was supposed to be, as society dictated, but under her own terms. Then to see Hester grow and blossom with self confidence was beautiful. Her friendship with Kitty was sweet and a true opposites-attract kind of friendship. It was nice to see those softer moments when they took care of each other, but also how they argued and snapped at each other like sisters do.
Similarly, I loved how Vanda was at times cold and sharp, then at others soft and warm. For me, they were a total mirror to Pip and Cross, so it was perfect that they were all together in the same story.
I know it's wrong, but I was actually really intrigued by Ignaz, and I wouldn't say to no a story about him. Especially if it included a certain someone I can't mention. Even a little short ditty to satisfy my craving would be awesome.
Original, with a refreshing take on the vampire genre, I loved that The Vampire's Relic fitted into the timeline, giving some context to the future story of The Well-Dressed Werewolf, and still retaining the subtle connection to all the previous stories, such as mentioning William and Patrick. I'll admit, I had my suspicions about Pip from about 70 pages in, but the big reveal was still brilliantly written, surprising, and a lot of fun to see how it transpired.
Add on the plot twist of all plot twists, at the end, AND the bonus of knowing there's going to be another book soon, AND that Epilogue...and it's another incredible hit.
~
Favourite Quotes
““Egypt,” Pip repeated speculatively. “You know, I’ve always wanted a mummy.”
Cross pinched his brow. “No.”
“But Carstairs has a mummy. Rogers has a mummy. Woodford has three! Do you want me to have less mummies than a man like Woodford?”
“Frankly, yes.”
“Spoilsport,” Pip said, but there was affection in his tone.”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Vampire's Relic (Read by Candlelight #5) by Gillian St. Kevern
★★★★★
220 Pages
POV: 3rd person, one character POV
If you want a sinister plot, characters you can't turn your back on, and an atmosphere so creepy that you jump at the slightest creak, then this is the book for you. While every book in the Read by Candlelight series is a page-turner, an addictive read, with engaging characters and a brilliantly creepy plot, The Vampire's Relic takes us back to Stoker's classic fear-inducing, heart-pounding creeping horror. The kind that creeps up on you and takes you by surprise when you least expect it. Then, when you think the coast is clear....WHAM! Another plot twist.
Though I was apprehensive that I wouldn't be as sucked into the story as usual, because FF isn't really a genre I'm familiar with, there was no cause for worry. The characters were just as engaging as every other novel in this series. The plot just as terrifyingly realistic, and plausible (for the world created by the author) and my skin is still crawling. While I wanted to read this story for Pip and Cross, I actually fell hard for Hester and Vanda. They were just as charismatic as every other lead in this series, with the same chemistry and affection. They tugged at my heart. There was no sexy stuff, just like with some of the other books. Nothing beyond some on page kissing.
It was really nice to see a strong female lead, who had strength, a force of will, who fought against the confinements of her era, and still wanted to fit in and be loved. Who still doubted, hesitated, and wanted to make people happy. To be that person she was supposed to be, as society dictated, but under her own terms. Then to see Hester grow and blossom with self confidence was beautiful. Her friendship with Kitty was sweet and a true opposites-attract kind of friendship. It was nice to see those softer moments when they took care of each other, but also how they argued and snapped at each other like sisters do.
Similarly, I loved how Vanda was at times cold and sharp, then at others soft and warm. For me, they were a total mirror to Pip and Cross, so it was perfect that they were all together in the same story.
I know it's wrong, but I was actually really intrigued by Ignaz, and I wouldn't say to no a story about him. Especially if it included a certain someone I can't mention. Even a little short ditty to satisfy my craving would be awesome.
Original, with a refreshing take on the vampire genre, I loved that The Vampire's Relic fitted into the timeline, giving some context to the future story of The Well-Dressed Werewolf, and still retaining the subtle connection to all the previous stories, such as mentioning William and Patrick. I'll admit, I had my suspicions about Pip from about 70 pages in, but the big reveal was still brilliantly written, surprising, and a lot of fun to see how it transpired.
Add on the plot twist of all plot twists, at the end, AND the bonus of knowing there's going to be another book soon, AND that Epilogue...and it's another incredible hit.
~
Favourite Quotes
““Egypt,” Pip repeated speculatively. “You know, I’ve always wanted a mummy.”
Cross pinched his brow. “No.”
“But Carstairs has a mummy. Rogers has a mummy. Woodford has three! Do you want me to have less mummies than a man like Woodford?”
“Frankly, yes.”
“Spoilsport,” Pip said, but there was affection in his tone.”
July 12, 2019
*** 3.5/5 Stars ***
First, I must say that FF romance is not my cup of tea. So, when the author offered me this book I’m a bit hesitate at first and fall into the dilemma. At one side I want to pass this book but at the same time I really need this book because its said that Pip went missing and I didn’t want to miss anything if the story has any correlation with Leighton and Lord Cross.
So, I decided to out from my comfort zone, challenge myself and give this book a try…
I must admit that I have a bit struggle in the beginning but then I found that the story was intriguing enough to poke my curiosity. And the next thing I know – again – I’m falling with the author writing and her magic touch and forgot all the hesitate feels that I felt in the beginning.
The story is consuming enough, Leighton went missing on his way to ‘investigate’ about a vampire. Lord Cross then hired two actress, Kitty and Hester to help him approach Countess Kohary and investigate the mysterious Countesss about Leighton whereabouts. But things didn’t went well as what Lord Cross planned. Because accidentally its Hester is the one who had the chance to be at Countess side.
Vanda, the Countess Kohary is a mysterious woman, but the more Hester know about her the more she found out that there’s another side in Vanda that drew her in and made Hester want to help her with the huge problems that endangered her life. Hester already know since the first time she and Kitty accept Lord Cross offer that maybe they will face with mythology creature called Vampire, but she didn’t expected that she’ll face the very powerful vampire with such a strange and unique ability.
Can Hester solved the mystery and safe Vanda life? Will Lord Cross find Leighton? It’s the secret you must find by reading this story…
*ARC is kindly provided by the Author in exchange of a fair, unbiased and honest review*
February 3, 2023
What a fantastic homage to LeFanu's Carmilla, with more than a few nods to Bram Stoker along the way! I loved this take on the classic vampire novel, with loads of atmosphere, traditional themes and really original twists.
Hester was a feisty and loyal heroine who I was rooting for throughout. The mysterious Vanda was so ambiguously drawn to keep that dramatic tension rising, but I really wanted to share Hester's belief in her motives.
I loved how their story was framed by Lord Cross hiring Hester and her friend Kitty to investigate Pip's alarming disappearance which was such a clever and effective plot device. Gothic heaven!
Hester was a feisty and loyal heroine who I was rooting for throughout. The mysterious Vanda was so ambiguously drawn to keep that dramatic tension rising, but I really wanted to share Hester's belief in her motives.
I loved how their story was framed by Lord Cross hiring Hester and her friend Kitty to investigate Pip's alarming disappearance which was such a clever and effective plot device. Gothic heaven!
July 8, 2019
Pip disappeared and vampires are involved. Lord Cross is devastated and goes on a quest to find his beloved secretary. A quest that leads to a powerful ancient vampire, asking a woman to help with his investigation, a man who is enthralled by the vampire and loses himself to the thought of being the undead, a society lady who tries to save her brother, ancient ruins and so much more. An excellent Gothic novel as all of this series is. Can't go wrong with these dark mysteries, Pip and Lord Cross.
May 23, 2020
Another riveting read
Yet again the author has managed to create a great book. Hester is a great character and I really liked the way Vanda was portrayed. I figured out who the photographer was at one point and was pleased by that. It was nice to see Pip and Cross back again with a bigger role this book, and to see William and Patrick from the previous book mentioned. I love how they all tie together. I wonder how they will connect with the next book!
Yet again the author has managed to create a great book. Hester is a great character and I really liked the way Vanda was portrayed. I figured out who the photographer was at one point and was pleased by that. It was nice to see Pip and Cross back again with a bigger role this book, and to see William and Patrick from the previous book mentioned. I love how they all tie together. I wonder how they will connect with the next book!
July 8, 2019
Delightful Twist
This was a delightfully different take on a vampire story. Once again Pip and Cross make an appearance. It seems Pip disappears while on the Hunt for a vampire. Cross encounters two actresses to help him investigate Pip's disappearance.
This was a delightfully different take on a vampire story. Once again Pip and Cross make an appearance. It seems Pip disappears while on the Hunt for a vampire. Cross encounters two actresses to help him investigate Pip's disappearance.
March 26, 2020
Another fabulous story in the series, I particularly enjoyed the twists in this one. Although I'm not generally a fan of horror, these stories are just the right amount of creepy and romantic as far as I'm concerned!
August 17, 2022
Gillian showed some straight up genre commitment in this novel. It really felt like a period novel. I found Hester's character realistic and engaging. The mystery kept me guessing, and the hint of spice was the icing on the cake - Well done
August 3, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The author has a way of building the characters in a way to make you feel that you really know them and can invision them so easy. A sapphic romance with darkness and vampires. What more could a girl want.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews