Olivia Parr doesn’t believe her ability to see auras is a gift. It hasn’t exactly done her any favours. Quite the opposite, in fact. Having become something of a loner, she tries to avoid people and the glow surrounding them, preferring to view life through the lens of a camera, where she can’t see those telltale colours.
But when a rare visit to a theatre ends in death and bloodshed, Olivia’s life is about to become considerably more complicated.
During the mayhem, one man stands out, and not just because he seems oblivious to the terrible carnage. The reason? He has no aura.
But everyone has an aura, right?
Everyone.
Except for the dead.
Not only is she fascinated and intrigued by this strange, compelling man, in the aftermath of the tragedy she gains a protector; a man whose aura is deep, dark red – the colour of blood.
A lovely mix of paranormal, mystery, suspense and passion, with a historical connection that gives the story authenticity and depth. The use of a well known infamous historical character as the antagonist is clever, his documented personality traits fit well with this story, and give it a believable menace.
The action scenes are well-written. and vividly described, they convey the sense of danger and mayhem perfectly and make the paranormal world the author has created within normality believable.
Olivia is a fighter, she’s had to be. suffering appalling bullying since childhood, and lack of family support since they discovered her gift or curse, as she believes it to be. She is likeable, and you want her to succeed, and find happiness.
Olivia apparent unawareness of the paranormal, is ironic, considering her paranormal skill. This may in part, be due to being told by her family, and the numerous medics she has seen that she has a neurological condition.
The interaction with Crow is intriguing, he is on a mission, but finds the time to offer his protection to Olivia, even though she doesn’t want it. Their relationship is a slow burn, barely friends, but there is something there, that may grow.
This is a dark story and the menace increases with the story’s progression. There is an element of noir humour, which people often use to make sense of something that is not quantifiable in human terms, this works well.
Paranormal stories have dipped in popularity, but this is not a lighthearted story of vampires, but one grounded in history and legend, and it paves the way for an exciting series.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I mean, right, I read the blurb and my PNR spidey-senses were all-a-tingle, but nope, nada, nu-uh *shakes head*.
I’m at a loss – really, I am.
Can we just take a sec?
*blows out breath*
I just – I can’t even *shrugs*.
*taps chin*
The words just aren’t flowing today, are they?
Let’s try this again!
It’s a very rare occurrence for me to be at a loss for words. Trust me though, this is in a completely awesome way. The Colour of Death has literally just blown me away. It was EPIC!
Which leaves me in a quandary. One does not want to put one’s size sevens in one’s mouth by giving away even a tiny morsel of the story.
Let me just put it this way – so you all know how I’m a PNR girl at heart with a soft spot for all things historical? *nods* Weeeuuullll, Imma gonna call this a fusion story and leave it at that *snorts*.
Intrigued yet? You should be *winks*.
I have never read ED before, but you better believe I’m going to be adding her to my auto-buy list. Also, I wonder how long we’ll need to wait for Book 2.
Stalker Mode: Engaged!
Full of suspense, intrigue and thrills galore (the hair-raising kind – how you interpret that is entirely up to you *whistles*) – this is a vampire tale you can really sink your teeth into. Pun fully intended!
The Colour of Death is the first book in the Colours series by Elizabeth Davies.
I don't even know where to begin with this review, perhaps with the word WOW.
Olivia Parr is a freelance photographer who not only uses her camera for her work, but she also views a lot of life through the lens. It's the only way she can look at people, especially crowds, without being overwhelmed by all of their various coloured auras. An evening out at the opera starts off beautifully but ends in carnage and amongst that carnage, one man stands out. He stands out because he has no aura. She can't help but stare at him and is shocked to find him staring back at her with equal intensity.
There is one other person looking at the man with no aura, he also notices the interaction between him and Olivia. He realises there is a connection there for some reason and it's a connection he is going to make use of. He needs Olivia's help and at the same time takes on the role of her protector whether she wants it or not.
Some of their interactions take place while Olivia is working taking photos of Welsh castles that are haunted. Living in Wales it was a bonus reading about places that I have been but actually learning more about them all while enjoying Olivia's working there.
And that is all that I am going to say about the story, I don't want to give any spoilers. I want you to experience first hand each thing that happens during this story.
What I will say is that from the Prologue of this book I was intrigued. It was an eye-opening start. Following that, the first chapter was EPIC, it was so emotional, there was so much happening where characters were introduced and as I read it I wondered how the rest of the book could possibly live up to that first chapter. I am very happy to say that I wasn't let down. The following chapters kept me captivated and I couldn't read the book quickly enough to see how it would end. The suspense of this book was immense, the author really knows how to paint a picture with her words. I cannot get over just how much I enjoyed it, and the ending...well let's put it this way, I hope the author is writing the next in the series already because I NEED to know what happens next.
What a surprising read this turned out to be! It is a mix of paranormal, mystery, suspense and detective work together with death and passion. Olivia Parr can see the auras of people. Actually, she can’t switch off this ability and it has caused her problems throughout her life so she now tends to avoid people. She is a photographer and journalist – she can’t see auras when looking through her camera. During a rare visit to the theatre she is present during a mass shooting. Fortunately she wasn’t injured though people near her were killed, landing on her. When a man with a very red aura helps he she’s get up again she sees a strange stranger – he has no aura. These two men are about to play significant roles in her life but why and should she trust either of them?
This is a very different and dark story, with a historical character as the main protagonist. The tension mounts as the story progresses though there are some dark humorous moments, too. It is a suspense-filled start to an exciting new series and I look forward to discovering just how it progresses.
I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal suspense with the possibility of romance developing.
A story where vampires are not romanticized or idealized. On the contrary, depicted as originally intended - as bloodthirsty monsters. Charming predators finding their prey. Olivia is a misfit all her life due to her ability to see the auras. Living through a nightmare, a bloodshed in the theater, she meets a man that catches her attention - he has no aura. Drawn to him, Olivia is clueless about the danger she is in, and only a mysterious man going by the name of Crow is her last hope, the last wall between her and possible horrible death. Intertwined with historical facts and places, this story is unique combination of the real past, the mythical past, and the supernatural in the form of vampires and special gifts. Olivia is a loner, and her situation raises the reader's compassion, understanding, and sympathies. The relationship with Crow starts in a very dramatic and unusual way, and one can only hope he will give her the comfort she does not get from her family. Suspenseful and with lots of twists, this book was an interesting read.
My oh my I haven’t written a review in quite some time. I’ve had so much going on I’ve honestly just started back up with my obsessive reading. Ok here goes....I once received a free book from this author in exchange for an honest review and since then I’ve become a pretty big fan of her writing. She’s very descriptive and doesn’t just jump into a story. She describes the scenery so well no one can tell me I haven’t been to England. She gives her characters life with pen and paper and I’ve never questioned the romance that builds with her leads. It’s always believable. Now onto the book! Elizabeth Davies knows her history wheewww. I think this is what makes her such an amazing writer. Without giving away any spoilers....let’s begin with Crow. He has the patience of a preschool teacher because there were many times I yelled at the book and said just let Olivia die. She’s ungrateful and unworthy of all your stress. He was an extremely good character. And his life is also turned upside down by this Rochdale. Olivia....I started off disliking her so much (this in no way means I didn’t like the book. Book was awesome sauce). I just fell in love with Crow and I think I couldn’t understand why I was the only one in love lol. She wasn’t as grateful as I felt she should be towards him and yet he kept trying. In her defense though she was not his man concern and his reason behind latching on to her didn’t have much to do with her safety at first. Doesn’t make him any less admirable to me. Come the late middle of the book though...Olivia showed up and showed out and I decided she’s alright with me. Now Rochdale....the man (if I can even call him that) was as evil as evil gets. And I’d hate to be the center of his attention. Luckily for Olivia the man likes to play cat and mouse otherwise this story would have ended on page 3 with Olivia dead behind a tree. The history....I always always learn something from an Elizabeth Davies book. She does her homework people. I’ve never ever in life had the desire to visit England but after the last two books I’ve read from this author....ticket for one please! Ok Elizabeth I know it’s a lot going on but I think I speak for hundreds of people when I say you can’t afford to rest or take bathroom breaks until the next novel is out! Lol I hate when I read a book in one sitting now look at me...boorrreeeddddd. This was a great read people. Don’t expect to just jump into the drama though. Elizabeth is known for making sure you understand the location, family ties, background and other aspects before she just hits you over the head with the romance and climax. Enjoy!
The Colour of Death by Elizabeth Davies is an extremely unique tale of the supernatural.
When freelance photographer Olivia Parr takes her camera to the opera, she has no idea that life as she knows it will never be the same. As someone with the ability to see auras, Olivia tends to view life through the lens of her camera or by making the least amount of eye contact possible. After an unspeakable act of terrorism occrs, Olivia is left alive, but quite shaken. As she tries to discover just what has happened, she sees someone without an aura for the first time in her life, and can’t seem to look away. Unfortunately for Olivia, this man with no aura seems just as enthralled with her as she is intrigued by him.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Olivia also finds she has a new protector . . . one she isn’t sure she needs or wants. Crow’s aura is a brilliant mix of reds and blacks. And, he always seems to be where she is. As they begin to interact more, both Olivia and Crow find themselves relying on one another more and more. Olivia for the protection Crow offers, and Crow for the chance to catch his sister’s abductor . . who just happens to be the man with no aura.
The more Olivia and Crow learn, the more fantastical things seem to be . . . except the truth in this case is most definitely stranger than fiction. Who is this man with no aura and what does he want with Olivia? Is he connected to the disappearance of Crow’s sister? And, how can someone have no aura when every other living person does?
I jumped at the chance to read this book, and I’m so glad that I did. I have to admit, the prologue left me feeling a bit lost and confused, as it didn’t seem to go with the book’s synopsis, however, once the modern portion of the story began, I was hooked!
Olivia is such a unique character with her ability to see auras. She’s also extremely independent, and, for someone who can see auras, surprisingly lacking in the belief in the supernatural. Crow is a natural protector. When he first begins following Olivia for information on his sister, he quickly sees she needs the protection he can offer and never hesitates to give it to her, whether she wants it or not. I really enjoyed how these two circled around one another trying to build trust when dealing with something so out of the ordinary. I honestly can’t wait to see where their relationship ends up going.
The man with no aura is most definitely a menace and one that readers will love to hate. He’s intelligent and cunning and about as evil as one can get. Father Andrew Nuffield is also a character that plays a bigger role than I expected, and I adored him . . .I want to know more about him as well as our mysterious man with no aura.
The Colour of Death was gripping and unique suspense. It was a really interesting take on the supernatural and I loved how the author played on history while adding her twist. The ending is a bit of a shocker and definitely a cliffhanger, but satisfying. You know there is more of this tale to come, but it felt complete for the moment. I’m hoping the author is writing more as we speak, because I definitely want to continue on with this series, as I really enjoyed just how different it was. It’s a binus that Halloween is right around the corner as well, because this is the perfect book to pick up to get you in the holiday spirit. 4.5 stars.
Olivia has a gift that I don’t really believe in, as she sees auras. But the further the story progresses, the lesser this gift bothered me. Initially I was rolling my eyes in the description of the colours of the auras, but the more paranormal things happen, the more the ‘seeing auras’ thing was the least of the problems.
I needed some time to adjust myself and accept the paranormal aspects of the story, but once I was into it, I saw the strange things as ‘normal’ as they were part of the story. Also I had a wrong idea of the story, as I thought it would be a paranormal romance, but I was so wrong and so happy about being wrong! For me, it was more a horror, thriller story instead of a romance.
When Olivia meets Rochdale, she is immediately intrigued as she cannot see his aura. And the intrest is mutual as Rochdale has put his eyes on Olivia! But how much of her feelings for Rochdale are real? And who is this other stranger, suddenly following her and helping her? Who is truly to be trusted? Rochdale or Crow?
When the truth is discovered, how can Olivia protect herself? And can the people around her be safe too? The whole story is about discovering the truth, and face the evil. The more you read, the sooner you want to reach the end as you have this urgence for a happy end. But when I reached the end, I was disappointed, as it wasn’t the end how I wanted it to be. Thanks to the writer, I NEED to read the next part of the series, hoping in the end, the grand finale will be what I expected!
As it may seem I didn’t enjoy the book, I truly did! It had drama, mystery, action, some horror effects etc. I just pity myself, as now my list of ‘follow up’ books is even longer!
This book took me back to the original legendary vampire stories where vampires don't like garlic, crosses, holy water, etc., and are killed by stakes to the heart. The genre has grown so much that is was refreshing to read and apparently is the first in a series with a cliffhanger at the end.
Olivia can see auras around people which made her an outcast in her family and an outcast to the world. She believes it is a curse, and when she's a man without an aura standing in the middle of a horrific massacre, her life is in danger.
Crow is desperate to find his sister who has disappeared after being seen with a strange and sinister man named Rochdale. When he sees Rochdale and Olivia exchange a glance at a horrible massacre in a theatre, he decides to follow her and find out what she knows. What he discovers cannot be true? Or is it?
Olivia and Crow don't seem like a couple who would meet under normal circumstances, but the author does a good job with their growing attraction to one another, but not acting on it. Father Andrew is a nice touch as well with his devotion to God and his belief in other evils.
Let me add that Ms. Davies' research into Lord Byron reveals startling and fascinating facts about his life and death which inspired her story.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book from the start where the reader is thrown into carnage and death right away and the suspense gradually builds to where Olivia and Crow are running for their lives. If you like a horror story with a touch of nostalgia, give this one a try.
Thank you to Ms. Davies' for giving me the opportunity to review her book without expectation of a positive review.
I was immersed in this story from the beginning. The author takes us on a journey of intrigue, suspense, drama, the paranormal. She has a was of writing that makes the reader feel like we are listening to the character's thought, are inside the character's head - hearing their random thoughts, ideas, feelings.
The story begins with a flashback to 1816. A group of "friends" gathered to food, wine and conversation. With well veiled hints, we are introduced to the paranormal - the vampire!
Fast forward to present day and we meet Olivia - freelance photographer who prefers life's views through a camera lens - no auras! I loved her character! She has her "short-comings", no family support, keeps to herself, but has learned ways the overcome adversity, make it work for her...up to a point. That shows strength and determination. And boy, does she need them! The day she meets a man with no aura (even without her trusty camera lens) is the day her life takes a MAJOR turn!
I truly enjoyed this story. I pulled me into the characters lives and compelled me to finish. I liked that the author used italics for the vampire's chapters - made it feel old worldly - calligraphy and fountain pen. And...I didn't catch to nod to historical characters until late in the story - then went...wait! that's... - nice touch! And the cliffhanger! Woah! Cannot wait! Amazing! Bravo Ms. Davies!
I received an advanced copy and am voluntarily leaving a review
The Colour of Death is a unique paranormal suspense about a freelance photographer, Oliva Parr who has the ability to see auras. I thought this concept was really fascinating. I don’t think I’ve ever read a concept quite like it, so I jumped at the chance to read this one.
I love Olivia and her ability. Not only is her aura ability intriguing, so is she as a character. Her independence is very obvious and I really love that, despite her abilities, she still finds the paranormal a bit hard to believe. I enjoyed her relationship with Crow. It doesn’t start off as friendly, but as they grow to trust each other, it is compelling.
Elizabeth Davies has penned a well-paced and well-crafted novel. I found the premise entertaining and the follow-through satisfying. I am definitely looking forward to more in this series.
The Colour of Death is a book worth checking out. I didn’t want to set it down and I’m excited to see more from Elizabeth Davies. Recommended!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
I loved this book and thought it was a fantastic start to a new series – The Colour of Death is the first book in the Colours series by Elizabeth Davies and I am already hooked!!
The book was really well written and I flew through it. The plot was addictive and gripping and this is certainly one I will be recommending to others – and I think my mum will love it too!!
I thought that the plot was excellent and she has created some brilliant characters, they were well developed and I warmed to them straight away. Their interaction was great and the author did such a lovely job with the story and had a super writing style that really suited this genre.
It is 5 stars from me for this one – very highly recommended and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series!!
DAVIEEES! *enraged howl* Where's the the rest? Had I known it wasn't a stand alone I would've waited until the next book was out to read it. I was waiting for the chemistry to build between Crow and Olivia then I found out the book wasn't a stand alone and if there is romance I'll have to wait.
Not a fan of that Rochdale, that guy is just...no.
There is a difference in the portrayal of vampires in the Resurrection series and this new series, I think. I'm interested to see what the differences are.
I found the prospective shifts interesting and engaging (Olivia and Byron in the first person and Crow in the third person); I've always wondered if it is okay to do that in my work.
Given the creepiness, blood, powers akin to date rape, a heroine I can respect but was kind of prickly, and very real presence of Christianity, I can't say I enjoyed reading the book but I don't regret it either.
Finally a good paranormal story where the villain is actually scary. I love this author for the way she builds up the world with rich description and historical tidbits and Colour of Death has it all. Olivia has the ability to see people auras which has lead her to be reclusive, avoiding people as much as possible. After she sees a man who has no aura her life becomes endangered and she doesnt even know it. Luckily she has crossed paths with another man called Crow who has his own reasons for getting involved... The book plays out like an old school vampire story, lots of suspense and really great character building. I usually read paranormal romance but was not disappointed with this suspense thriller. I am so excited for more of this series!