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Kouzlo Saga #1
Crimson Eyes
Seila has been slaying demons for as long as she can remember.
A Phantom, she travels the length and breadth of England in a quest to reclaim her humanity—and her soul. With her Sieken Blade, she cuts down the demons in her path while inching closer to freedom from the endless hunt.
When an Elite Demon makes sport of London’s Kouzlo—a secret organisation of supernaturals dedicated to ridding the Earth of demons and sealing the portals they slink through—its leader, an Enchantress called Fallow, implores Seila to join their cause before they’re wiped out.
Desperate to save her Kouzlo and the people they protect, Fallow pledges to help Seila reclaim her soul in return for the Phantom's formidable skills.
The demon hunter is torn between her lone hunt and joining Fallow’s decimated forces—and perhaps the chance to stop the demons once and for all.
Thrown in with Damon, a fledgling half-Fire Elemental with limited control of his powers, and Tej, a reckless human with a penchant for crossbows, can Seila and her new allies keep it together long enough to save London?
With demons, dragons, and kick-ass characters, this is a new demon hunter series that you can really sink your teeth into!
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2019
11 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
L.L. McNeil
16 books325 followersHello fellow book dragon! Thank you for visiting my author page. :)
My name is Lauren, I'm a fantasy author of character-driven stories and epic adventure. My books usually contain dragons, rarely feature romance, and are typically fun and hopeful.
I have a degree in Psychology and a fascination with MBTI (I'm an INFJ!). I'm a petrol head and thalassophile, and adore castles, sunshine, and dragons. I've always lost myself in fantasy worlds, and it's been an incredible achievement to publish my own.
If you send a friend request and we don't have any similar interests or books in common, I'll probably decline. Feel free to follow me, though.
Check out my website for signed paperbacks, bookswag, and to find out more about my writing world!
www.llmacrae.com
I've previously published under the name L.L. McNeil
My name is Lauren, I'm a fantasy author of character-driven stories and epic adventure. My books usually contain dragons, rarely feature romance, and are typically fun and hopeful.
I have a degree in Psychology and a fascination with MBTI (I'm an INFJ!). I'm a petrol head and thalassophile, and adore castles, sunshine, and dragons. I've always lost myself in fantasy worlds, and it's been an incredible achievement to publish my own.
If you send a friend request and we don't have any similar interests or books in common, I'll probably decline. Feel free to follow me, though.
Check out my website for signed paperbacks, bookswag, and to find out more about my writing world!
www.llmacrae.com
I've previously published under the name L.L. McNeil
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
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April 29, 2021A fast-paced urban fantasy set in an alternative London where demons are part of the everyday world and those demons must be hunted. Filled with action, this thrilling UF has no romance and a likeable cast!
December 22, 2019
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with the audiobook for review!!
I feel that going into this, the description for the book gives WAY too much away. It's 50% in before all that's mentioned happens and it makes it a little underwhelming. Going into this you SHOULD know that it follows our MC, Seila has had her soul taken by an Elite Demon. In order to survive, she hunts down lesser demons to sustain herself while searching for her soul. That's pretty much all you need to know.
The story itself began totally bad ass, but slowly turned into a snooze fest. Seila has no idea how long she has been hunting, does not like people, and is supposed to be unstoppable. Suddenly, she explains herself to randoms and is friends with them?? I dunno... I get that they were elementals but that just doesn't fit with how our MC was described. She goes from lone wolf to one of the pack? Eh.
I loved the relationships between Damon, Tej, and Amber. So much trust and they all truly cared/supported each other, even when something wasn't to their liking. Speaking of Amber, why wasn't she in the books description? She sure does more then Tej.
I also liked the combat scenes. I felt they were perfect amounts of action and gore for a YA book, but what annoyed me was how repetitive the Elite Demon's voice was...I got tired of hearing it so much and he was saying the EXACT SAME THING. It's still never really explained why she can hear his voice, but I feel like by being a Phantom, maybe you are part demon? I also wasn't a huge fan of the names. Seila-Sekkie. Delgo-Fallow. They started to sound too similar and I still don't think that Dalgo and Fallow have any major impact on our story, other than
Overall, this is a quick listen/read and is quick paced!
I feel that going into this, the description for the book gives WAY too much away. It's 50% in before all that's mentioned happens and it makes it a little underwhelming. Going into this you SHOULD know that it follows our MC, Seila has had her soul taken by an Elite Demon. In order to survive, she hunts down lesser demons to sustain herself while searching for her soul. That's pretty much all you need to know.
The story itself began totally bad ass, but slowly turned into a snooze fest. Seila has no idea how long she has been hunting, does not like people, and is supposed to be unstoppable. Suddenly, she explains herself to randoms and is friends with them?? I dunno... I get that they were elementals but that just doesn't fit with how our MC was described. She goes from lone wolf to one of the pack? Eh.
I loved the relationships between Damon, Tej, and Amber. So much trust and they all truly cared/supported each other, even when something wasn't to their liking. Speaking of Amber, why wasn't she in the books description? She sure does more then Tej.
I also liked the combat scenes. I felt they were perfect amounts of action and gore for a YA book, but what annoyed me was how repetitive the Elite Demon's voice was...I got tired of hearing it so much and he was saying the EXACT SAME THING. It's still never really explained why she can hear his voice, but I feel like by being a Phantom, maybe you are part demon? I also wasn't a huge fan of the names. Seila-Sekkie. Delgo-Fallow. They started to sound too similar and I still don't think that Dalgo and Fallow have any major impact on our story, other than
Overall, this is a quick listen/read and is quick paced!
August 30, 2019
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this - it warmed up throughout the book, ending on a real bang. Seila is a experienced demon slayer and hunter but we soon find out that working alone means she can still learn more. And I love her new crowd of friends. The concept of the Kouzlo is great, and I like the elementals too.
Seila as a phantom was a great idea, it played out well, and i like the idea of her gaining strength from slaying demons.
Plus the demons are excellent - the ones we meet are really well thought out and have a good range of abilities. I particularly like the soul eaters! And the elite demon concept as the “ultimate” bad guy really worked for me.
I do love a good urban fantasy, and this played on that well - it was recognisably current but also fantastical.
A very good fun read, and I’m really looking forward to the next one :D
I really enjoyed this - it warmed up throughout the book, ending on a real bang. Seila is a experienced demon slayer and hunter but we soon find out that working alone means she can still learn more. And I love her new crowd of friends. The concept of the Kouzlo is great, and I like the elementals too.
Seila as a phantom was a great idea, it played out well, and i like the idea of her gaining strength from slaying demons.
Plus the demons are excellent - the ones we meet are really well thought out and have a good range of abilities. I particularly like the soul eaters! And the elite demon concept as the “ultimate” bad guy really worked for me.
I do love a good urban fantasy, and this played on that well - it was recognisably current but also fantastical.
A very good fun read, and I’m really looking forward to the next one :D
December 21, 2019
Demons don't stand a chance against her!
Seila is a phantom, after demons stole her soul, she lives on against all odds and gains power from killing demons. She's a solo act against evil until she meets Amber and her brother Damon and his friend Tej. As she tries to help them fight an elite demon, she gains something she never expected, friends. They introduce her to the Kouzlo a group lead by a powerful enchantress and a Djinni. Closing the mirage keeps the demons from taking over our world.
I really enjoyed the characters and the adventures they experienced. Delightful descriptions helped me be there in this enchanting and strange world the author created.
I was able to listen and read this book and it was made even better with the narrator. He did a wonderful job creating unique voices for each character and bringing the story to life. A fascinating fantasy world without romance, this book can be enjoyed by everyone.
Seila is a phantom, after demons stole her soul, she lives on against all odds and gains power from killing demons. She's a solo act against evil until she meets Amber and her brother Damon and his friend Tej. As she tries to help them fight an elite demon, she gains something she never expected, friends. They introduce her to the Kouzlo a group lead by a powerful enchantress and a Djinni. Closing the mirage keeps the demons from taking over our world.
I really enjoyed the characters and the adventures they experienced. Delightful descriptions helped me be there in this enchanting and strange world the author created.
I was able to listen and read this book and it was made even better with the narrator. He did a wonderful job creating unique voices for each character and bringing the story to life. A fascinating fantasy world without romance, this book can be enjoyed by everyone.
August 23, 2019
With lots of magic, demons and battle action, this is a fast-paced tale which keeps new twists coming until the very end.
Seila was once human, but when a demon stole her soul, pure determination allowed her to survive. Now, she's a Phantom, a demon hunter, and she her only desire is to kill the demon, who stole her soul and get it back. But it's a long journey and never-ending fight. When a hunt leads her into London and a stray demon, who usually avoids cities at all costs, she realizes something strange is happening. Seila not only has quite the battle ahead of her but is forced to make a difficult choice—fight a battle which isn't her own or continue to find her soul at all costs.
This is an quick paced read with a tough heroine, tons of magic and lots of grit. And it's not a romance. Seila is very determined and it's easy to understand why she leads the life she does. Her loner attitude does get harsh at moments, but is still understandable, for the most part. She has a hard shell, and yet, wins enough sympathy to make her interesting. It's easy to root for her until the last page. There are several new twists, which give it an original feel (something which isn't always the case in this genre), while holding all the action fans of Urban Fantasy and demons will enjoy.
The book plays well as the first in the series. It sets up several potential friendships and relationships without going to clearly in one direction or the other. Each character brings strengths and hope, but the author manages to keep much open for the future books without leaving a cliffhanger at the end. It's the first step, and it's a good one.
I received an ARC and enjoyed reading it the entire way through. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Seila was once human, but when a demon stole her soul, pure determination allowed her to survive. Now, she's a Phantom, a demon hunter, and she her only desire is to kill the demon, who stole her soul and get it back. But it's a long journey and never-ending fight. When a hunt leads her into London and a stray demon, who usually avoids cities at all costs, she realizes something strange is happening. Seila not only has quite the battle ahead of her but is forced to make a difficult choice—fight a battle which isn't her own or continue to find her soul at all costs.
This is an quick paced read with a tough heroine, tons of magic and lots of grit. And it's not a romance. Seila is very determined and it's easy to understand why she leads the life she does. Her loner attitude does get harsh at moments, but is still understandable, for the most part. She has a hard shell, and yet, wins enough sympathy to make her interesting. It's easy to root for her until the last page. There are several new twists, which give it an original feel (something which isn't always the case in this genre), while holding all the action fans of Urban Fantasy and demons will enjoy.
The book plays well as the first in the series. It sets up several potential friendships and relationships without going to clearly in one direction or the other. Each character brings strengths and hope, but the author manages to keep much open for the future books without leaving a cliffhanger at the end. It's the first step, and it's a good one.
I received an ARC and enjoyed reading it the entire way through. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
November 25, 2019
Crimson Eyes (Kouzlo Saga Book 1) by L.L. McNeil is an amazing story that I have loved reading. This is amazing start to a brand new series writen by a brand new author for me to read. I loved reading this story cause I love reading about demons and magic in my stories. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about twist and turns threw the story and magic with demons involved.
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.
April 25, 2020
See full review: Uptown Oracle
Positives of Crimson Eyes
Character development
World building of this London
Negatives of Crimson Eyes
Slow start to a short book
I received Crimson Eyes by L.L. McNeil from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review
Positives of Crimson Eyes
Character development
World building of this London
Negatives of Crimson Eyes
Slow start to a short book
I received Crimson Eyes by L.L. McNeil from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review
October 4, 2019
I liked this book, it's storyline was different, not the usual demon killing story. I thought it took a little while to get going, but it made up for it. I want to see what is next for the Kouzlo.
February 9, 2020
Crimson Eyes is the first book in the Kouzlo saga is a very good start. It sets up a world that is close to our own but is constantly under threat from demons and introduces individuals with the powers needed to fight them.
The main strength of the story is it’s characters, who you really get to know in the course of this book. This is helped along by the enjoyable voice acting in the audio version, which is how I experienced it. The story also give gives you a glimpse of the imaginative array of supernatural creatures that prey on humanity and sets up greater threats for future books as Seila continues the quest for those who took her soul.
All in all an enjoyable urban fantasy I look forward to continuing.
The main strength of the story is it’s characters, who you really get to know in the course of this book. This is helped along by the enjoyable voice acting in the audio version, which is how I experienced it. The story also give gives you a glimpse of the imaginative array of supernatural creatures that prey on humanity and sets up greater threats for future books as Seila continues the quest for those who took her soul.
All in all an enjoyable urban fantasy I look forward to continuing.
December 27, 2019
I received a copy of this audible book for review. I have read many demon books in my time and this one doesn’t really seem to take the cake. Although the characters do jive well together, it’s still missing something. The book started out well but lost some of its impact. I was happy the pace picked up through the second half of the book. This author has a good imagination and writes great battle scenes. I really enjoyed the action parts of the book. Although it’s not my favorite book I would continue reading the series.
December 23, 2019
This book hooked me from the beginning. I just couldn’t put it down. I fell for these characters and goodness, what a story just a perfect.
December 16, 2019
I really enjoyed all the main characters very much. The Narrator did a wonderful job with the voices (loved The Geni).
Story line well thought out and interesting as well as enjoyable. I will follow up by listening to book 2 in the near future.
Story line well thought out and interesting as well as enjoyable. I will follow up by listening to book 2 in the near future.
September 25, 2019
I received a digital arc in exchange for an honest review. This is simply my opinion on the book and is not influenced by any external factor.
Demons, actions, battle, intense fights, Elementals, and no romance; what more could you ask for?
The story takes place in modern day London. Seila is a phantom – her soul has been stolen by demons. She is a demon hunter and usually works as a lone wolf; but one fateful night, she learns that the job might just be easier with the right company.
There was a very strong theme of friendship as Amber and Damon stand beside Seila even though she insists she can work on her own. At first, Seila starts off as a cold and independent character, but as the story progresses, she opens up more, and accepts more help.
The worldbuilding is amazing, the characters are great, and is filled with action packed scenes. The demons are a creative species. This urban fantasy keeps you hooked with unsuspecting twists with each and every turn. And although the ending closes off this installment well, it provides enough excitement to make you want the second book right away.
And the fact that there is no romance, asides from the fact that two of the characters are known to be dating. That’s a definite plus!
Overall, it was an amazing read, one I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes urban fantasy!!
Demons, actions, battle, intense fights, Elementals, and no romance; what more could you ask for?
The story takes place in modern day London. Seila is a phantom – her soul has been stolen by demons. She is a demon hunter and usually works as a lone wolf; but one fateful night, she learns that the job might just be easier with the right company.
There was a very strong theme of friendship as Amber and Damon stand beside Seila even though she insists she can work on her own. At first, Seila starts off as a cold and independent character, but as the story progresses, she opens up more, and accepts more help.
The worldbuilding is amazing, the characters are great, and is filled with action packed scenes. The demons are a creative species. This urban fantasy keeps you hooked with unsuspecting twists with each and every turn. And although the ending closes off this installment well, it provides enough excitement to make you want the second book right away.
And the fact that there is no romance, asides from the fact that two of the characters are known to be dating. That’s a definite plus!
Overall, it was an amazing read, one I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes urban fantasy!!
November 7, 2019
I received this book from the author via StoryOrigin as a review copy for a fair and honest review and I am voluntarily leaving a review. It's the first book I had read by L.L. McNeiland and I thinks shie is a very talented writer. she has the ability to being the whimsy into a magical world that is believable as our own, which is a unique gift to write a world that feels like it could be the one we live in...just with some magic in it.
This series appears so far to be a mix of science fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural. The main characters are an interesting mix of characters from different genres. what a great combination in a story. Really enjoyed this book.
This was a breath of fresh air and would highly recommend to others.
This series appears so far to be a mix of science fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural. The main characters are an interesting mix of characters from different genres. what a great combination in a story. Really enjoyed this book.
This was a breath of fresh air and would highly recommend to others.
September 22, 2019
If you are a Supernatural fan I highly recommend this series for you. It was a fast paced, no break story that has just enough mysterious back story to keep you intrigued, but it is not so obscure you feel lost. I am curious to see how this story plays out, as our main character is a loner and really had no purpose except her own. A good start with some unique story, that I completely read getting some Doctor Who episode vibes with secondary characters. Over all a good addition to any nerdom "To Read" list.
October 5, 2019
I found this to be a nice, but not exceptional read. The writing style is flowing and easy to follow, and the premise of the soulless demon hunter is very good.
However, for me the fast pace of the action push the characters into the background and to me leaves them a bit flat, unfinished. I don’t feel like I know Seila better at the end of the book, than I did after the first chapter.
Despite this, it is an easy read and something to pick up those days you just want to read but is too tired to focus on intricate plots or learn how a different world works.
However, for me the fast pace of the action push the characters into the background and to me leaves them a bit flat, unfinished. I don’t feel like I know Seila better at the end of the book, than I did after the first chapter.
Despite this, it is an easy read and something to pick up those days you just want to read but is too tired to focus on intricate plots or learn how a different world works.
August 28, 2019
Wow this is a Epic read. Its fast paced and action paced. Seila travels to England on a quest to reclaim her soul and humanity. Will she be able to do this. This read has twists and turns everywhere. Its an heart pounding edge of your seat read. That I definitely recommend.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
September 2, 2019
After a demon stole her soul, Seila is now a phantom in a quest to reclaim her humanity. This book was very entertaining. The fast pace and twists had me reading it in a day. I really enjoyed this start to a new series.
September 4, 2019
Wow what a fab start to this new demon hunter series! Well written With demons, dragons, and kick-ass characters I was hooked from the start. It’s fast paced and has mystery , action and twists and turns to have you on the edge of your seat making this a great supernatural read!
March 14, 2020
I have this in two forms, ebook and paperback, and in my opinion, nothing beats a physical book when reading!
Seila is a Phantom, no past, no family; no soul. She travels across England hunting and killing demons in the hopes of regaining the life that was taken from her. But her hunting takes her close to London, a large city and environment demons try to avoid. In a nearby town she intercepts a demon, a Leech, as it tries to feed off Amber. From this first interaction Seila's next few days a thrown into a bigger war than she thought she was fighting.
Seila is straight to the point. She doesn't know how to act around humans and actively avoids them but still wants her humanity and soul back.
Amber and Damon's relationship is beautifully constructed, illustrating how siblings act towards one-another. They care, argue, and love each other. Throw Damon's life long friend, Tej, into the mix and the trio becomes the disfunctional family Seila doesn't know if she ever had.
An urban fantasy series that kicks off with a bang!
Seila is a Phantom, no past, no family; no soul. She travels across England hunting and killing demons in the hopes of regaining the life that was taken from her. But her hunting takes her close to London, a large city and environment demons try to avoid. In a nearby town she intercepts a demon, a Leech, as it tries to feed off Amber. From this first interaction Seila's next few days a thrown into a bigger war than she thought she was fighting.
Seila is straight to the point. She doesn't know how to act around humans and actively avoids them but still wants her humanity and soul back.
Amber and Damon's relationship is beautifully constructed, illustrating how siblings act towards one-another. They care, argue, and love each other. Throw Damon's life long friend, Tej, into the mix and the trio becomes the disfunctional family Seila doesn't know if she ever had.
An urban fantasy series that kicks off with a bang!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews