Blood Rising

Immortal Reign #3

by Kathryn M. Hearst

Marin McLeod woke up a week after graduating law school as a vampire.

Cool right?

Wrong.
Not when her human friends are off-limits, and the immortals she knows are centuries older, wiser, and terrifying. Not when said immortals are so beautiful, she can’t help but feel like an ugly duckling.

Definitely not when “One of these things is not like the other…one of these things doesn’t belong…” becomes her theme song.

Certainly not when her cheating ex-boyfriend is horrifically killed, turned into a vampire, and is sexier than ever…and is determined to get a second chance.

And absolutely not, when her boss’s, boss’s, boss shows up in New Orleans to investigate her new family’s alleged crimes, and insists she work as his assistant. Not when failure means the people, she’s come to love, will be sentenced to death.

You’ll adore this urban fantasy series, because everyone loves a tale of an underdog saving the world…with a little help from her cheating ex.

**Previously published as Feast of Mercy**

378 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2020

About the author

Kathryn M. Hearst is a southern girl with a love of the dark and strange. She has been a story teller her entire life, as a child she took people watching to new heights by creating back stories of complete strangers. Kate lives in North Carolina with her chocolate lab, Jolene; and two rescue pups, Jagger and Roxanne. She is a self-proclaimed nerd, raising a nerdling.

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marin McLeod had always wanted to be a lawyer, but woke up a week after graduating law school from Tulane as a vampire. So now she judges the deeds of villains and administers a prompt and final sentence without appeal. Now, for the first time in two hundred years, the High Judge of the Order of the Sinistra Dei has come to New Orleans and that is worrisome. Even worse, Marin she was taken to meet someone and discovered she would be assisting the High Judge, Lysander, while he was in New Orleans to investigate what happened in the French Quarter on Fat Tuesday. The earthquake and sinkhole were not what he focused on, however. It was a picture of a winged female fighting a huge, demon-like male that caught his attention, and the pictures appeared on the internet. Marin immediately hid her thought that the clutch was in serious trouble. The picture looked very much like Giovanna di Rossi, who claimed leadership of the New Orleans clutch when she had sprouted wings – and in fact, it was Gia, although Marin didn’t admit to it. Lysander wanted Marin to assist him, whether she wanted to or not, while he looked for proof against Gia. Marin also was not permitted to discuss it with her clutch family. If he found proof, Gia would be killed.

In the garden, Torben’s spirit joined his wife Gia and Nick King. He told Nick he needed to talk to Marin whom he had “cheated” on to force her away. Nick had subsequently been attacked and killed and changed to immortal by Gia. Nick told Torben that Marin didn’t want to see him anymore, regardless of the fact that she was all Nick could think about. Walking away from her had been his biggest mistake.

Now all of the clutch is in danger with Lysander there to investigate them. If the Council really does discover what happened on Fat Tuesday, all of them will be executed. Will Nick and Marin use their new abilities to protect the clutch? Is there any way out of this dire situation?

This was a good book that I enjoyed. The characters are well defined and most are likable. The story line is fast-paced and exciting. The twists and turns keep up the suspense and the reader will love the surprises along the way!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sinistra Dei are investigating the events of Fat Tuesday. They don't believe that a woman can be the Judge of a clutch, but Gia can do all the things a Judge can do, she even has wings and can fly. But getting down to the nitty gritty this is just a love story. The discovery that Nick and Marin are a mated pair, lovers for eternity.
I just love this series. Its one that when you start a new book you can't put it down until "The End".
I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. Just when you think you know what is going to happen there is a plot twist and you are again waiting to see what happens next. This story has it all love and betrayal, there is loss and hope for the future, there is selfless sacrifice and redemption. What happens when the people making the rules are breaking them? Can't wait to see if more of the immortals discover their hidden talents.

[Carlynne Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next one out! Ms. Hearst has a great way with words and is a wonderful story teller. The characters she writes are very well developed and seem real. This is Nick and Marin's story and is as action packed and full of romance as you could ask for. Definitely recommend for PNR fans!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better as it progresses and I have to say the editing has got better too! This series really does get a grip on you and I have binge read it so far and am now heading into book 4. There are so many twists and turns, there will be tears trust me.
Love, betrayal, who can you trust? These books are truly masterful and I love them.

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a totally unique vampire series that each addition just keeps getting better! So many twists and turns that kept me right there with these wonderful characters in this amazing written world. I think that this is an amazing story and I give no spoilers! I am really going to need book four!!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita Whinfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young love

Very interesting book, it left me me with very mixed feelings about the church. I thought both Nick and Marin came across as selfish and spoiled, probably due to their upbringing, but I still enjoy the book.

[Diane Werning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Moon Rising

Another killer book.The stories get more intense as you read on.Nick and Marin were fated mates,I think there are a lot of surprises in store for them.

[sherri jones-teachout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can these immortals keep their special abilities hidden from the Order? Marin is immortal and part of the Order in Louisiana, a part of the catholic church. She was raised by a vampire who determined when she was young who her mate would be. But when they meet, Nick is leery of their feelings for each other. He believes it is because their parents pre-ordained they be together. So he sleeps with someone else, gets her pregnant, she is tortured, and now in a coma. And when this happened Nick was attached also and killed, and Gia, part of the Order, made him immortal, even though he never wanted that. Marin wants nothing to do with him now after he betrayed her and broke her heart. Many members of their Order have special abilities they have kept secret. But when the Council in Rome sends someone to start interrogating them, Marin has to be careful. She has to be part of the investigation but she also has to protect her friends. Because if the Council finds out what really happened on Fat Tuesday, they will all be executed. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Rising by Kathryn M. Hearst is really an awesome story to read. This is book number three out of five book in this awesome series that I have loved reading and can not wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this authors series.the covers along for my attention the heroine is kick ass. Continue this book and finish it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series and it just keeps better and better with each book. This is mostly the story of Marin and Nick and how their love came to be and was severely strained. Nick became a vampire amid a veritable bloodbath, but had accidentally managed to sire a child in his last mortal hours. Unfortunately the child's mother was not his love and this created a great problem. Meantime the higher-ups from Rome have arrived, having realised that Lochlan had lost control of his clutch. They now seemed determined to eradicate the entire clutch. This was a fight for their lives.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing to love this story, and Marin is absolutely a great character! Some sad bits, but I definitely look forward to seeing how everything continues to unfold!

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Rising is not just Nick and Marin’s story. It is the entire clutch and then some. And there’s the ongoing battle against the Execrati. This story will have you reading way after bedtime and ever faster. It brought me to tears more than once and I am in awe of this author’s ability to create such beauty balanced with great evil. And not just from Execrati! It is wonderful to read about characters that are somewhat flawed and make some awful mistakes. Just like real people, if you ignore the wings. I wait with burning impatience for the next book in this truly great series.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in a very enjoyable series. I loved the first book but somehow I've missed the second one so I will have to backtrack and read it now This one was Nick and Marin's story and I have to say It's intense, full of suspense and is action-packed. The characters are well-drawn with palpable chemistry, incredible heat and some steamy scenes.

It's definitely not a sweet love story there is nothing sweet about these two who find they have some new abilities which they will need if they are to help their clutch with they danger faced from the church!

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing and book 3 is just as good. A mix of vampires, thriller, a mystery, and crazy characters that have to negotiate the world. I loved Marin and how she interacted with her new clutch of old old vampires and how she had to figure out everything. Add in an ex and the usual fun secondary characters and you get a good story. It was entertaining and had a lot of action and scenes that made me groan but it keep me reading to the end. Had to see what would happen next and how Marin would save her family.

[Kay Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Rising is not just Nick and Marin’s story. It is the entire clutch and then some. And there’s the ongoing battle against the Execrati. This story will have you reading way after bedtime and ever faster. It brought me to tears more than once and I am in awe of this author’s ability to create such beauty balanced with great evil. And not just from Execrati! It is wonderful to read about characters that are somewhat flawed and make some awful mistakes. Just like real people, if you ignore the wings. I wait with burning impatience for the next book in this truly great series.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick and Marin struggle with their relationship as their clutch tries to fight for their lives against the high council from Rome. When Lysander comes to investigate, it throws their whole clutch in more disorder. Marcus is determined to terminate them due to old grudges but the love and sacrifice of an unlikely member comes through to save them in the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[T.M. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Feast of Mercy (Sinistra Dei #3)
Author: Kathryn M. Hearst
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts

REVIEW
The story continues...
Nick is put in a sticky situation when the High Judge visits New Orleans.
To make matters worse the High Judge requests Marin's help.
Each story gets better than the last in this amazingly good series.
No one is immune to the issues facing the clutch, no one is immune to forever death either.

"I read this book via Kindle Unlimited"

Kathryn M. Hearst

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time getting to know the well developed and engaging characters. The author did a great job with this book the storyline flowed easily. I am looking forward to reading more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacey Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this third book in the series and had a hard time putting it down to sleep. The story was another thrilling page turner, I've read all the books so far and they keep getting better and better as the characters are further developed and we get to know other characters in greater depth. The chemistry between the characters is fantastic and it hooks me on this series, I love the way these books are written and grip you in the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fabulous! I live Marin! This story is well written and I enjoyed the characters and their dynamic! I devoured this in one sitting and dying to read more on the next couple😍🤩🥰

[Reader03 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good urban fantasy full of action, plot and romance. I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series! This book features Nick and Marin. It is action packed and filled with suspense and some really hot steamy scenes. This couple is hot! They fight hard and love just as hard. All of the clutch is in danger as a judge from the church comes to investigate them. Things get really intense and Nick and Marin find they have new abilities. This is a great book and a really good escape from reality.

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings you right back in from the previous one and does not let you go. I cannot wait to see where the next book is going to take us. I laughed, cried and was on the edge of my seat with the action and love. This take on vampires is interesting and intriguing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addicting !!!!
I seriously love this book series. This book is as awesome as the first 2. Even better it's be great as a stand alone too. I enjoyed this book & the characters feel so real. With each book you find out more about the characters & get more drawn in. They feel so real with the details that are given in the books. Kathryn does a fantastic job with her books:) I highly recommend her as an author & I also suggest her books as great reading:)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Awesome Indies Book Awards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include FEAST OF MERCY (Sinistra Dei Series #3) by KATHRYN M HEARST in the library of Awesome Indies' Badge of Approval recipients.


Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):

If you’re a fan of serial vampire fiction and are looking for a fresh voice that not only captures, but also amplifies the allure and mystique of the classics of the genre - look no further than the Sinistra Dei series by Kathryn M. Hearst!

The second novel in the series, Feast of Mercy continues the story of Gia and her would-be suitors on their holy quest, and delivers the same level of charismatic dialogue and meticulously detailed world-building as the first entry, Feast of The Epiphany. For fans of the first novel, you will find yourself again wracked with both empathy and schadenfreude as our characters (Nick and Marin) fall into and out of love with each other during their adventure. While unfamiliar readers will likely want to start with the first book in the series, this entry has more than enough action, romance and witty dialogue to engage newcomers.

If Feast of The Epiphany was the introduction to this world, Feast of Mercy establishes in detail the hierarcy of power within that world. While this is primarily the story of Gia and her beaus, the Christian metaphysical aspects of the story are paid close attention to. This is a story of trust and betrayal and sacrifice and redemption. It is a tale that draws you in and makes you choose. It is the journey from first chance to final judgment.

The author takes great care when blending several genres into something that is current, sexy, smart and spiritual. I give this book 5 stars and recommend it highly to fans of vampire fiction.

[Betty Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The two books in this series are absolutely awesome.

This series leaves you in the dark and then comes rushing back into the light. I have never read a series like this. Ms. Hearst has just become my new best author. Write om Ms. Hurst, write on.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful sequel

The old adage that sequels never live up to their predecessors is no longer correct, and this sequel to "Feast of the Epiphany" is amazing and powerful. First, I love the way that Hearst writes. It's her writing style and storytelling that is unique to her, a very big kudos for any writer, and she has what it takes. There is something about Nick in this story that draws me right to him. He may be immortal, he may have wings and could fly, but he was full of regrets and mistakes, and even dreams. There is a great chemistry between the characters, and a depth that makes them realistic and even troubled. The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible.

[Cristina Borrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation of the series

I love this book. So far, it's my favorite. If you enjoy stories about the Catholic church and vampires, then you will enjoy this series.