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“The only monster you need to be afraid of is the one inside of me.”  

Aris Crow returns to Coast City not as a hero, but as a powerful vampire determined to kill the dark creatures who destroyed all that mattered to him. But, as a monster himself, he'll have to conquer his own demons and also unite with old enemies if he has any chance of saving his city.  

282 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2019

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About the author

Rachel McClellan

40 books547 followers
Rachel lives in New Hampshire, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four children. Her love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was…

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5 stars
159 (59%)
4 stars
74 (27%)
3 stars
29 (10%)
2 stars
5 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for S.
387 reviews
May 27, 2019
Aris Crow has no idea who to trust. He’s fighting his inner demons as well as everyone else. This book had lots of twists and turns. I’m enjoying Aris’s journey through the monsters while trying to stay on the side of good.
Profile Image for Shelley.
5,680 reviews491 followers
June 11, 2019
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

A Monster's Birth is the 6th installment in the Rouen Chronicles, as well as the 2nd installment in Aris Crow's story arc. It has been 6 months since Aris Crow rose as a vampire. He has spent the past 6 months training with Samira who readers of this series should know about. Aris blood is pure and strong thanks to his connection to Elizabeth Bathory. But, can he control the monster, or will the monster control him? While Aris is learning his way as a vampire, his home in Coast City has become a haven for all kinds of vampires.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,074 reviews327 followers
September 27, 2018
This picks up a few months after the end of book #1 and whilst things are looking up for Aris, the same can't be said of Coast City. There are so many lies and so much deception that we can never be sure who's side Aris should be on.

Aris struggles with his darker side, sometimes succumbing to the evil nature locked within his DNA. There's a constant battle between good and evil not only in the city but within our hero too. I'm hoping Emma will be the strength to see him through, though their relationship also faced its own issues.

We meet some new characters and say goodbye to others under very shocking circumstances. And wow, that twist at the end, I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Melissa.
160 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.

A Monster's Birth by Rachel McClellan is the second book in the Aris Crow Vampire

Legend series. It is written in first-person from main character Aris Crow's point-of-view. The book is well-written and the plot interesting. This is an Urban Fantasy novel with vampires, shifters, and magic; and includes a bit of romance as well.

A Monster's Birth picks up several months after the last book ended. This book is just as exciting as the last and just as page turning.

Recommended to fans of comic book heroes, modern vampires, and paranormal adventure stories filled with plenty of action
Profile Image for Tera Comer.
2,136 reviews50 followers
October 4, 2017
This is the second book in the series and it is just as action packed as the first. So many new details that pull you into the world. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,662 reviews394 followers
April 16, 2019
A Monster's Birth #6 - A well written, intriguing suspense with strong descriptions painting vivid pictures as the story unfolds. The characters and dialog are realistic, and the plot keeps the reader immersed until the end. This book is like AHD containing substance and intelligence. 5*

Rouen Urban Series:
A Shifter's Curse #1 - Another good series from one of my favorite authors, Rachel McClellan and even and with her name change to Raven Steele, she still remains in that category. This book is fast paced, action packed and well thought out. The storylines are interesting and add twists and kinks, but keep the reader glued to the pages. There's violence but it isn't graphically gory but clear what happened; the reader still can use their imagination. Yes, vulgar language but not continuous, here and there for emphasis.

The characters are developed enough for the reader to understand them and their motives. They run the gamut on personalities and types. The action has a real feeling to it, not the Hollywood garbage common today. With the author's clear, vivid descriptions the reader is racing along in a rollercoaster car that sometimes isn't on the tracks, which adds a lot of excitement to the story. I contacted the author to review her books and she hasn't disappointed me once. 5*

Shifter's Rage #2 - Ms. McClellan is one of my favorite authors and even with her name change to Raven Steele, she still remains in that category.

Like all of her previous books, this is fast paced, well written with well thought out storylines, some of which are completed in this book and some that set up the next book; not a cliffhanger. Her characters run the gamut from nice to typical to horrendous, complete with their own personalities. The action scenes run true, no Hollywood silliness, and there's violence but not graphic gory, just clear cut. The reader gets the picture and feels the pain, but their imagination is allowed to exist. The author does a wonderful job with her clear, vivid descriptions. There is sexual tension and some vulgar language but not in every sentence, paragraph or page.

Here and there will be a surprise twist out of the blue; there are still surprise kinks and actions, but the twists add a depth to the usual shifter/vampire/witch theme. Ms. McClellan makes her stories her own and not copies of what everyone else is doing. It is easy to get lost in the intrigue and suspense and the revenge, while still seeing good. I contacted the author to review her books a long time ago and haven't read a bad book in the last two years. 5*

A Shifter's Revenge #3 - I hope you've been reading these books in order; you'll enjoy this one a lot better if you have. I love the Ann Landers' quote, how true. This book is just as well written, well thought out and action packed as the first two. The characters are likable, realistic and grow more with each book. The fast paced storylines continue to evolve and the reader is taken on another rollercoast ride through a gamut of emotions and twisting kinks. The intrigue and the vivid descriptions keeps the reader glued to the pages and all too soon another book is finished, which is really difficult on this Shifter addict. I am never disappointed by Raven/Rachel's work and she remains one of my favorite authors; she weaves her craft so well. It is so hard to write a review since the desire is so strong to turn this into a book report, but I dislike those people that take away the joy of reading a new book. 5*

A Vampire's Bane #4 - Ohmygosh! While not quite a cliffhanger, it sets up the next book. Well written as always, Ms. Steele packs a novel full of intrigue, suspense, action and well thought out storylines. The cast of characters do not disappoint with their dialog and actions, including the new additions. The twists keep the reader immersed in the pages, along with the vivid descriptions of the author's imagination, rather a good one and my type. There's plenty of sexual tension, but no sex open to voyeurs and the vulgar language consists of one f-bomb and mild cursing - mainly thanks to one character, it's just her way. Yes, there is violence but nothing graphic; you get the idea and your imagination takes it as graphic you want it. The formula of a weakness is used heavily but that's the nature of the game. I just wish I had the next book or this one with another 300 pages. I contacted the author, one of my favorites, to review her book. 5*

A Monster's Death #5 - Great Book! A well written, intriguing suspense with a well thought out plot and developed characters. This book reminds me a lot of the Dresden Files; no, the author wrote something completely different, but the way DF evolves into a continuous story. No, Ardis is not a witch/warlock, I grew up in time when females were the witches, but he's stronger than any human because of his father's genes. Hard to describe without doing spoilers. This book has substance, intelligence and immerses the reader into a twisting tale, full of vivid descriptions, that can't be put down until it's finished. 5*
Rouen Urban Series end.
1,984 reviews14 followers
April 18, 2019
Read this story some time ago and loved Aris' intense character and the unpredictable plot development.
Having inherited his father’s traits, Aris was decided to follow in his footsteps against evil. But what if there were some things he had not knew? Would it make a difference? This story remembered me the heroes from the adventure comics. An intense, intriguing, mysterious and exciting story with lot of action and some twists that kept me guessing all time. A hero struggling with his feelings and beliefs, the evil consuming all and a group of good supporting characters. Liked Oz character very much. He was like a sidekick with his own mind and resources and added the funny touch to the story. After reading Vampire's Bane I'm eagerly waiting for Aris with the powerful three Supernatural friends. Surely it will be a blast!
1,860 reviews10 followers
April 16, 2019
Aris Crow comes back as a vampire to kill Victor and Bastian. Neither Victor nor Bastian know how Aris became a vampire but they want to find out and use it. New vampires and mutants are being born. Aris has to figure out what is going on in order to save The city. There are secrets and plots going on. Who is the real bad guy and what are their plans? So many twist and turns in this story, it keeps you reading to find out what will happen next. The ending will surprise you! I would recommend this book to everyone.
Profile Image for Jennifer Lil'n  Dunski.
1,627 reviews15 followers
April 16, 2019
Wow! I'm blown away by "A Monster's Birth!" The plot thickens as Aris returns to Coast City and more truth's are revealed!

The character depth is astounding and deeper than I expected but worth every hour I stayed up later to continue reading on! The storyline is riveting, strong and wild! I honestly couldn't put it down, I had to know what was going to happen next!

Definitely can not wait for the next installment!!!
Profile Image for Izzybear.
755 reviews
April 17, 2019
A Monster’s Birth has a lot of action and suspense with a few surprising twists. I definitely felt for Aris and his companions. There’s so much sadness and sorrow in his life yet glimpses of beauty are shown. As Aris struggles to maintain his humanity and not become a monster his will is constantly being challenged. I’m rooting for him and hope he’s successful.
Can’t wait for the next book. (4.5⭐️)
Profile Image for Terri West.
2,300 reviews
May 6, 2019
Woo lots of twists and turns along the way in this book, things are never as they appear. At the beginning of this book we meet up with Samira again during her time at Ames de la Terre, where she is training and helping Aris with his change. We still are not at the point we left book 4, however I really can't wait for all our heroes to come together.
Yet another great novel with fantastic world building and believable characters, I really cannot wait for the next book to be released.
810 reviews5 followers
April 17, 2019
Another fantastic story in "Rouen Chronicles".
Twists, surprises in a fantastic plot full of vampires, shifters and magic.
I'm looking forward to the next story to learn more about these charismatic characters.
If you love fantasy this book is for you!
I received an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Emily Dickson.
1,106 reviews7 followers
April 29, 2019
Aris is still fighting for his city. Lots of plot twist to keep the story moving at a fast pace. Love the characters and the world building. Lots of action and vampires and weres all make this another winner! This is a great read from beginning till end. Loved it! Can't wait till the next book. I am giving my voluntary review of an arc I received.
Profile Image for Tera Comer.
2,136 reviews50 followers
April 16, 2019
This book is so action packed with many new details that help pull you into the world. As always the characters and storyline is a perfect blend of vampires, shifters, and magic; and includes a bit of romance as well.
2,711 reviews
April 17, 2019
Wow! Brilliant!

This series is breath taking in its savagery and sadness, love and hope!
A continuation of the complex tale that is Aris life. A fast paced non stop adventure that will leave you stunned!
Profile Image for Dave.
748 reviews7 followers
April 18, 2019
An even better series with the recent addition of the earlier books.
Great characters, love and hate relationships and character development. Unique story idea that created an action filled read that I did not want to put down. I anxiously await the next Axis Crow story.
Profile Image for LaGina.
2,084 reviews43 followers
May 19, 2019
There was a lot of action and suspense with a few surprising twists. I was totally immersed into the story and felt like I was witnessing it first-hand. This is a great read from beginning till end.
Profile Image for Amber Richard.
100 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2019
Great read full od twist

I choose a 5 star rating because this book held my attention the entire way through with all its twist and turns. Hope, happiness, sadness, and even death. Easy to dive right in and want to binge read. Great series highly recommended read.
Profile Image for Shawn Tripp.
32 reviews
December 31, 2019
Breathtaking

Death, loyalty, love, heartbreak all in one heart-stopping book. I just can not get enough of vampires, shifters and the nonstop plot twists of these series. Next book please
22 reviews
May 9, 2019
Great series!!!

I started with Book 1 of this series & haven't been able to stop reading them. Keep them coming please!
Profile Image for Antionette.
392 reviews
August 12, 2019
Excellent

I was a little unsure with this new story line but the ending is everything. Can’t wait to read the next book... giggles with glee
977 reviews
November 11, 2019
Great read

This was a great read. Just when you think you know what’s going on something happens to surprise the heck out of you. Can’t wait to read on.
15 reviews
January 29, 2020
Good read

I liked this book in the series. It was a nice break in the story of Rouen. I look forward to continuing reading this series.
943 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2025
Loved it

This book was just as amazing as the first book and i cant wait fot book three. Thanks for sh as ring your story telling gift with us, ms steele.
Profile Image for Miranda.
191 reviews4 followers
April 20, 2019
Enjoyed it! Aris makes a very relatable vampire, and a fun read. Glad Emma is stubborn. :)
Profile Image for Texas.
1,662 reviews394 followers
September 26, 2018
A Hero's Death #1 - Great Book! A well written, intriguing suspense with a well thought out plot and developed characters. This book reminds me a lot of the Dresden Files; no, the author wrote something completely different, but the way DF evolves into a continuous story. No, Ardis is not a witch/warlock, I grew up in time when females were the witches, but he's stronger than any human because of his father's genes. Hard to describe without doing spoilers. This book has substance, intelligence and immerses the reader into a twisting tale, full of vivid descriptions, that can't be put down until it's finished. 5*

A Monster's Birth #2 - A well written, intriguing suspense with strong descriptions painting vivid pictures as the story unfolds. The characters and dialog are realistic, and the plot keeps the reader immersed until the end. This book is like AHD containing substance and intelligence. 5*

A Champion's Fight #3 - What a rollercoaster ride! Awesome! The action never slows down nor does the pace. This is probably the best of the three books so far, but the other two were awesome, too. I couldn't put the book down, but took my time reading it, savoring it. This is a well written and thought out story. The characters, man, you just hate them, but the good ones are tough. There old and new characters, most are believable, realistic for that world, and the emotions they extract from the reader just run the gamut.

While romantic love took the rear seat on the bus, the hate, anger, evilness, fear and all the negative emotions run rampant. There is love but it's for the humans, along with determination. The reader has to get involved with the story. Ms. McClellan does a fab job with her lucid, vivid descriptions; every once in awhile I felt the pain. This is a must read series, and in order to get the best thrill and excitement, and I can't wait to see what's next from this richly articulate, creative author. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*

The Devil's Fool #1 - Intriguingly dark. A well written suspense with several interesting characters and an intriguing plot. This is my first book by this author and since I didn't know what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised by the story. I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book; the more into the story, the more mesmerizing. Cliffhanger, there's three more books. 5*

The Devil's Angel #2 - Intriguingly darker. A well written, fast paced suspense with more interesting characters with a twisting, intriguing plot. I am confused why such a powerful witch would weaken so much after using her magic. This is still a substantial series, unlike Twilight, more like The Dresden Files. I couldn't put this book down, either, and hated that it's a cliffhanger, two more books. 5*
Profile Image for Texas.
1,662 reviews394 followers
September 26, 2018
A Hero's Death #1 - Great Book! A well written, intriguing suspense with a well thought out plot and developed characters. This book reminds me a lot of the Dresden Files; no, the author wrote something completely different, but the way DF evolves into a continuous story. No, Ardis is not a witch/warlock, I grew up in time when females were the witches, but he's stronger than any human because of his father's genes. Hard to describe without doing spoilers. This book has substance, intelligence and immerses the reader into a twisting tale, full of vivid descriptions, that can't be put down until it's finished. 5*

A Monster's Birth #2 - A well written, intriguing suspense with strong descriptions painting vivid pictures as the story unfolds. The characters and dialog are realistic, and the plot keeps the reader immersed until the end. This book is like AHD containing substance and intelligence. 5*

A Champion's Fight #3 - What a rollercoaster ride! Awesome! The action never slows down nor does the pace. This is probably the best of the three books so far, but the other two were awesome, too. I couldn't put the book down, but took my time reading it, savoring it. This is a well written and thought out story. The characters, man, you just hate them, but the good ones are tough. There old and new characters, most are believable, realistic for that world, and the emotions they extract from the reader just run the gamut.

While romantic love took the rear seat on the bus, the hate, anger, evilness, fear and all the negative emotions run rampant. There is love but it's for the humans, along with determination. The reader has to get involved with the story. Ms. McClellan does a fab job with her lucid, vivid descriptions; every once in awhile I felt the pain. This is a must read series, and in order to get the best thrill and excitement, and I can't wait to see what's next from this richly articulate, creative author. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*

The Devil's Fool #1 - Intriguingly dark. A well written suspense with several interesting characters and an intriguing plot. This is my first book by this author and since I didn't know what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised by the story. I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book; the more into the story, the more mesmerizing. Cliffhanger, there's three more books. 5*

The Devil's Angel #2 - Intriguingly darker. A well written, fast paced suspense with more interesting characters with a twisting, intriguing plot. I am confused why such a powerful witch would weaken so much after using her magic. This is still a substantial series, unlike Twilight, more like The Dresden Files. I couldn't put this book down, either, and hated that it's a cliffhanger, two more books. 5*
Profile Image for Marsha.
3,097 reviews58 followers
October 2, 2017
"A Monster's Birth" is the second installment in the Aris Crow Vampire series. This book is just as powerful as the first in the series and is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. The story begins with Aris in training to control his thirst. As a new vampire for six months he is struggling to maintain his humanity. However, the city he loves needs his and he is determined to meet all of the challenges so that he can go back and eliminate the threats especially his enemy Victor.

When he arrives back in the city he notices all of the changes Oz has implemented in his absence. Amy has also had her operation and is doing much better. While Aris continues to struggle with his thirst he refuses to hurt his friends. He also concerned about Emma, the one person he truly loves. He quickly realizes that there is a new big bad in town, Bastian and he will definitely have to be dealt with.

Manuevering throughout the city proves to have its challenges as Aris finds deception everywhere. He must hold off on seeking vengeance again Victor since now he may prove to have the answers to many of the questions that plague him. As much as he wants to protect Emma, she is having none of it and it will cause him to make a decision that just may put their budding relationship in jeopardy.

All in all, this was an exciting read. Nothing is as it seems including Aris. While Victor and Bastian are formidable foes, they haven't met the monster and Aris is just about to introduce him. I for one really enjoyed this read and cannot wait for the next book in the series. This is a series you definitely want to put on your to read list.
Profile Image for Natalie Noblett.
153 reviews8 followers
October 2, 2017
I was given an ARC of A Monster's Birth by Rachel McClellan. This is the second book in the Aris Crow Vampire Legend series and it just gets better and better!
Aris has been at the Ames De La Terra for the months since the last book learning to cope with his bloodlust and changes. He returns to a city taken over by the Principes Noctis, vowing revenge on Victor. However all is not as Aris thought. Aris returns to find that Victor has been protecting Emma while they both thought Aris was dead. Roman, Oz and Rebecca encourage Aris to trust Victor has changed as he will need him to help take back the city but Aris is wary of Victor from everything he has done in the past. When Aris meets Bastion, the leader of the Principes Noctis, it soon becomes clear that one of them is not to be trusted. But with Bastion saying he only wants the Principes Noctis to be able to live together with humans and Victor claiming that he only did the things he did to save the city, Aris has to determine who he can trust.
A lot of this book is about Aris and Rebecca trying to rid the city of vampires while Aris is struggling to control his bloodlust. Emma is becoming more of a target so she moves into Ironwood for protection so it's nice to hear more about her and their relationship In this book.
I really enjoyed this installment and really did not see the twist coming at the end!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews