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The Progeny
When vampires were 'outed' in the year 2020, the humans attempted to alter their diet to ensure their safety. This resulted in a worldwide bloodbath known as the Rage. Now fourteen years on and the world has been torn apart and rebuilt from the ground up to accommodate the vampires unholy desire for blood.
But despite the constant push of the Equal Rights Movement, vampires are still being depicted as the ruthless, rabid monsters they had been in the months of the Rage. Many humans still oppose their presence and do not agree with the forced peaceful co-existence.
One person who shares this belief is a young scientist named Nico Bergan. Doctor Bergan wants to return the world to its former glory. His way of achieving this goal... creating a cure for vampirism.
But despite the constant push of the Equal Rights Movement, vampires are still being depicted as the ruthless, rabid monsters they had been in the months of the Rage. Many humans still oppose their presence and do not agree with the forced peaceful co-existence.
One person who shares this belief is a young scientist named Nico Bergan. Doctor Bergan wants to return the world to its former glory. His way of achieving this goal... creating a cure for vampirism.
545 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2017
13 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 26, 2023
This book took me by surprise. The story ended up being completely different from my expectations.
What intrigued me the most was the insight we got into the vampires' psyche - everytime I read(/watch) a book(/TV series) about vampires I want the authors to dive into all the questions about immortality and what living for so long and witnessing so many horrors through the centuries does to someone mentally but I always end up disappointed. This book, however, delivered.
The second part of the story that focuses on these questions through Alexander's experiences was really good.
I actually found the first half of the book that focuses on Evie and Caius boring, they were a bit annoying. I didn't feel much chemistry between them. The Vampire Court also never gave a proper explaination why Caius would be considered worthy of immortality if he became a Maker and all that and it irritated me as it felt like it was just a forced situation to push the plot forward. But I'm glad I continued reading because it got way better in the second half.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story about vampires that actually delves into the vampires' psyche and is a bit different than the usual Twilight-like stories. It's the perfect blend of interesting, depressing and hearwarming. 🤌🏻
What intrigued me the most was the insight we got into the vampires' psyche - everytime I read(/watch) a book(/TV series) about vampires I want the authors to dive into all the questions about immortality and what living for so long and witnessing so many horrors through the centuries does to someone mentally but I always end up disappointed. This book, however, delivered.
The second part of the story that focuses on these questions through Alexander's experiences was really good.
I actually found the first half of the book that focuses on Evie and Caius boring, they were a bit annoying. I didn't feel much chemistry between them. The Vampire Court also never gave a proper explaination why Caius would be considered worthy of immortality if he became a Maker and all that and it irritated me as it felt like it was just a forced situation to push the plot forward. But I'm glad I continued reading because it got way better in the second half.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story about vampires that actually delves into the vampires' psyche and is a bit different than the usual Twilight-like stories. It's the perfect blend of interesting, depressing and hearwarming. 🤌🏻
December 8, 2021
The setting for this story is years ago vampires came out of the hidden parts of society to live alongside humans. Humans tried to alter their diet but that caused the Rage, which resulted in large amounts of both humans & vampires dying.
We jump forward to the not so distant future to follow Evie & her maker Caius who, despite vampires being "out", have decided to live hidden, especially seeing how vampires are treated despite having specific equal rights acts in place.
They face off against a nest of rogue vampires and a mad scientist type character who is determined to invent a cure for vampirism, no matter the cost.
There's a mix of character progression and plot but I feel the character depth is the winner here.
Honestly I wasn't a fan of Evie however really enjoyed seeing the relationship between her and Caius develop throughout the book, the hurdles they encounter made them feel relatable. Alexander was a great character and the range of emotions I felt over his character arc was surprising. The section with Seb had me internally howling. His finale had me surprised not for the way it ended but to who was included.
The jumping around POVs gives you that extra information pertinent to the story and for the most part it worked well.
I loved how the author hashed out the world building questions I know I have with vampire stories such as feeding, who's there to monitor the vampires etc. The way it was done though added extra flavour to the story rather than take a lecturing tone as it sometimes happens. I enjoyed the take on how humans would cope if vampires did indeed come out of the shadows and let's be honest we could all see this happening, we are not calm, rational and easy going when taken as a collective.
The way the author was able to capture the psychological trauma experienced by the characters to certain plot points was beautifully written without it feeling like a checklist moment.
The sex scenes aren't abundant or detailed and a lot is insinuated, which was refreshing in my opinion.
I overall felt it was a mature and realistic story with emphasis on the characters.
We jump forward to the not so distant future to follow Evie & her maker Caius who, despite vampires being "out", have decided to live hidden, especially seeing how vampires are treated despite having specific equal rights acts in place.
They face off against a nest of rogue vampires and a mad scientist type character who is determined to invent a cure for vampirism, no matter the cost.
There's a mix of character progression and plot but I feel the character depth is the winner here.
Honestly I wasn't a fan of Evie however really enjoyed seeing the relationship between her and Caius develop throughout the book, the hurdles they encounter made them feel relatable. Alexander was a great character and the range of emotions I felt over his character arc was surprising. The section with Seb had me internally howling. His finale had me surprised not for the way it ended but to who was included.
The jumping around POVs gives you that extra information pertinent to the story and for the most part it worked well.
I loved how the author hashed out the world building questions I know I have with vampire stories such as feeding, who's there to monitor the vampires etc. The way it was done though added extra flavour to the story rather than take a lecturing tone as it sometimes happens. I enjoyed the take on how humans would cope if vampires did indeed come out of the shadows and let's be honest we could all see this happening, we are not calm, rational and easy going when taken as a collective.
The way the author was able to capture the psychological trauma experienced by the characters to certain plot points was beautifully written without it feeling like a checklist moment.
The sex scenes aren't abundant or detailed and a lot is insinuated, which was refreshing in my opinion.
I overall felt it was a mature and realistic story with emphasis on the characters.
March 7, 2021
"You're mine forever, Caius. Eternity is not long enough".
Vampires were 'outed' in 2020, and after a worldwide bloodbath known as the Rage took place it changed history. Now in 2034 the world has been rebuilt and vampires are fighting for equality amongst humans. Whilst laws have been put into place to protect humans and and vampires, vampires are still looked upon as unnatural monsters, and it is a constant battle to live a peaceful existence.
Caius and Evie are trying to do just that, hide the fact that they are vampires and live a 'normal' life, working night shifts, Evie as a bouncer and Caius in an all-night music shop. But when Caius goes missing Evie knows something is wrong and when she is later taken from the streets the truth is terrifying. A young scientist, Nico Bergan believes he has the cure for vampirism, a disease he believes needs to be eradicated from the world. Caius and Evie have become his test subjects.
I loved the concept of this book and it was well written and felt like a more realistic vampire story. The character detail was exceptional and I found myself getting pulled into the story, feeling the emotions of various vampires, everything a good book should do. I enjoyed how it had different perspectives and they felt well written to each person. I found myself invested in the story and when the book ended I had mixed emotions, it was all tied up well but I still felt the injustice of it, poor Varsee.
This was gifted to me but I will certainly be adding Shelley Crowley to my list of authors to look out for on future books.
Vampires were 'outed' in 2020, and after a worldwide bloodbath known as the Rage took place it changed history. Now in 2034 the world has been rebuilt and vampires are fighting for equality amongst humans. Whilst laws have been put into place to protect humans and and vampires, vampires are still looked upon as unnatural monsters, and it is a constant battle to live a peaceful existence.
Caius and Evie are trying to do just that, hide the fact that they are vampires and live a 'normal' life, working night shifts, Evie as a bouncer and Caius in an all-night music shop. But when Caius goes missing Evie knows something is wrong and when she is later taken from the streets the truth is terrifying. A young scientist, Nico Bergan believes he has the cure for vampirism, a disease he believes needs to be eradicated from the world. Caius and Evie have become his test subjects.
I loved the concept of this book and it was well written and felt like a more realistic vampire story. The character detail was exceptional and I found myself getting pulled into the story, feeling the emotions of various vampires, everything a good book should do. I enjoyed how it had different perspectives and they felt well written to each person. I found myself invested in the story and when the book ended I had mixed emotions, it was all tied up well but I still felt the injustice of it, poor Varsee.
This was gifted to me but I will certainly be adding Shelley Crowley to my list of authors to look out for on future books.
November 15, 2020
Prior to reading The Progeny, I had not heard of Shelley Crowley’s work. However, I can confidently say that she is on my radar now.
The story opens in the year 2031, approximately 11 years after vampires were “outed” to the world. Scared for their lives, humans had been trying to find alternate feeding sources for the vampires. Unfortunately, the result is what can only be described as a “bloodbath”. In efforts to restore this violent world to its former glory,One doctor has taken it upon himself to find a cure for the vampiric “disease”. Consequences be damned… They’re not really people anyway, right?
While I enjoyed the premise of this book, I must be honest. I did not find myself making excuses to stay up late in hopes that some climactic bombshell awaited me on the next page. The journey resulted in what felt like a rush to get things wrapped up. However, I can say, this has left me with a hunger for more, which I feel is the purpose of a good novel anyways.
Reminiscent of Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse novels, the reader travels along in in-depth character development for each person encountered. This made the characters relatable, and easy to connect with. You will laugh with them, cry with them, and feel each aching loss they experience.
With a score of 4 out of 5, I will be keeping an eye open for any further work from Shelley. Until next time, happy reading everybody.
The story opens in the year 2031, approximately 11 years after vampires were “outed” to the world. Scared for their lives, humans had been trying to find alternate feeding sources for the vampires. Unfortunately, the result is what can only be described as a “bloodbath”. In efforts to restore this violent world to its former glory,One doctor has taken it upon himself to find a cure for the vampiric “disease”. Consequences be damned… They’re not really people anyway, right?
While I enjoyed the premise of this book, I must be honest. I did not find myself making excuses to stay up late in hopes that some climactic bombshell awaited me on the next page. The journey resulted in what felt like a rush to get things wrapped up. However, I can say, this has left me with a hunger for more, which I feel is the purpose of a good novel anyways.
Reminiscent of Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse novels, the reader travels along in in-depth character development for each person encountered. This made the characters relatable, and easy to connect with. You will laugh with them, cry with them, and feel each aching loss they experience.
With a score of 4 out of 5, I will be keeping an eye open for any further work from Shelley. Until next time, happy reading everybody.
November 16, 2020
Excellent read!
The year is 2034. Humans and Vampires are coexisting together, albeit not necessarily peacefully. Evie and her Maker Caius are living in the city. Caius is an Ancient and he is completely in love with Evie, his progeny, whom is a mere 100 years old. Caius has come up missing and Evie is worried. He's never gone for this long without contacting her. Evie has a dream of Caius being tortured and realizes he is trying to contact her. What is happening to him?! Evie doesn't know what to do but then ends up caught in the same place he is being held. Cue the crazy mad scientist who feels it is his duty to find a cure for vampirism...imagine being turned back into a human to live a normal life. Nico doesn't care how many he kills as long as he can succeed in the end. Will he find the cure? And if he does, what are the repercussions?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It hooked me right from the beginning. The character development through the book is great. You start out wondering how these characters are who they are. The author did a wonderful job linking everything together. I would have never thought of the possibility of a vampire returning to a living human body and what that could do to the one it happens to. Fairly fast paced book with a few minor grammar errors but worth overlooking for an excellent storyline. I look forward to more by Shelley Crowley in the future! 5 ☆☆☆☆☆
The year is 2034. Humans and Vampires are coexisting together, albeit not necessarily peacefully. Evie and her Maker Caius are living in the city. Caius is an Ancient and he is completely in love with Evie, his progeny, whom is a mere 100 years old. Caius has come up missing and Evie is worried. He's never gone for this long without contacting her. Evie has a dream of Caius being tortured and realizes he is trying to contact her. What is happening to him?! Evie doesn't know what to do but then ends up caught in the same place he is being held. Cue the crazy mad scientist who feels it is his duty to find a cure for vampirism...imagine being turned back into a human to live a normal life. Nico doesn't care how many he kills as long as he can succeed in the end. Will he find the cure? And if he does, what are the repercussions?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It hooked me right from the beginning. The character development through the book is great. You start out wondering how these characters are who they are. The author did a wonderful job linking everything together. I would have never thought of the possibility of a vampire returning to a living human body and what that could do to the one it happens to. Fairly fast paced book with a few minor grammar errors but worth overlooking for an excellent storyline. I look forward to more by Shelley Crowley in the future! 5 ☆☆☆☆☆
December 23, 2020
This story takes place in the near future, where Vampires are a part of society. Barred from harming humans, they get their blood from blood banks or "blood whores," who sell themselves as live blood donors to the Vampires. The first half of the book centers around a Vampire lady named Evie, and the second half around a Vampire man named Alexander. Both Vampires become victims of an evil genius named Nico, who kidnaps Vampires and imprisons them while experimenting on them for a "cure." Of course, this "cure" results in some very bad outcomes. This story has as part of the plot, several tales of love and loss. The Vampire protagonists are actually quite likeable people, and I was rooting for them. This book will appeal to people who like supernatural stories with a romantic element to them. I received an advance copy of this book from "Voracious Readers Only."
February 4, 2021
“The Progeny” is a mix between The Vampire Diaries and the movie Daybreakers with a little bit of something all it’s own. I’ve never seen or read anything that takes this perspective of vampirism. It touches on every potential point of view, those who love being vampires, those who hate it, those who are acutely aware of what they missed out on and those who know their life just got a whole lot better. The author also did a fantastic job on the mental health aspects of all the things these characters endured. In a society where mental health has such a stigma this part of the book was greatly appreciated by this reader. Part 3 started out slow and was about to lose me but it all came together nicely and I hugely recommend to power through the slow bits because this wasn’t a bad book to spend time on if you want something different
November 15, 2023
The Progeny is a totally unique book set in the UK and a world where vampires are known to humans and a scientist is trying to make a cure for vampirism.
This book explores ptsd, dissociation and processing trauma as well as prejudice. There is swearing, some gore as well as some graphic self harm and suicide/suicidal ideation - this was a dealt with well without feeling gratuitous.
I've never read another book like The Progeny, it kept me on my toes, it wasn't predictable and all the characters felt real and three-dimentional - even the antagonists. Every character's voice felt unique, it was a wonderful read that kept me intrigued the whole way through.
There was a fantastic prologue, though very similar to a scene in Tru Blood. We then follow Evie, a vampire, whose maker has gone missing and she's figuring out what to do about it. There was so much plot in this book but none of it felt random - it all wove together so well.
The formatting left something to be desired but I did get used to it quite easily.
There were a couple of editing issues - 'I'm going getting dressed' & 'Caius was lay beside her' but they were easy to skim over.
If you can't tell, I loved this book - such a fantastic and unique read with brilliant plot and characters. I'd recommend it to anyone.
This book explores ptsd, dissociation and processing trauma as well as prejudice. There is swearing, some gore as well as some graphic self harm and suicide/suicidal ideation - this was a dealt with well without feeling gratuitous.
I've never read another book like The Progeny, it kept me on my toes, it wasn't predictable and all the characters felt real and three-dimentional - even the antagonists. Every character's voice felt unique, it was a wonderful read that kept me intrigued the whole way through.
There was a fantastic prologue, though very similar to a scene in Tru Blood. We then follow Evie, a vampire, whose maker has gone missing and she's figuring out what to do about it. There was so much plot in this book but none of it felt random - it all wove together so well.
The formatting left something to be desired but I did get used to it quite easily.
There were a couple of editing issues - 'I'm going getting dressed' & 'Caius was lay beside her' but they were easy to skim over.
If you can't tell, I loved this book - such a fantastic and unique read with brilliant plot and characters. I'd recommend it to anyone.
February 20, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review. I enjoyed the book which is of the vampire genre, with elements of action and suspense as well as some romance. Whilst there were some phrases that were overused within this book, I did overall enjoy the writing style. I especially liked how the narrative switched between the 3 main characters throughout the book, which enabled the writer to better explore the characters on a deeper level. It took me a little while to get into the book, as the character the beginning is written in the perspective of wasn’t my favourite. However, as the story progressed I got drawn in more and more, and the sections written from the perspective of the other 2 characters were more engaging. The story itself is written in the near future, where vampires are known to the world and are fed using blood banks but are still distrusted despite having equal rights. The story explores what it is like to be a vampire in this world, with some characters hating it, some loving it and some somewhere in between. While this book is not my usual genre, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it.
May 11, 2021
This book is beyond amazing. I love a good supernatural novel, but this really puts a spin on what could happen between humans and vampires should the two races ever collide. The fight for equality speaks strongly as it is such a widely represented topic in real life. It puts an interesting perspective on the battle between good and evil, and how some humans believe the 'lesser species' (vampires) should be eradicated completely.
It provides an insightful and intriguing view of vampires that I haven't read in many books. It's well-written and the storyline, character progression, and general plot of the novel is well worth the read. The in-depth relations between vampires was so inviting that I couldn't look away. Everyone within it had their own issues and complexities that was nice to read as it was different yet emotional.
Would recommend!
It provides an insightful and intriguing view of vampires that I haven't read in many books. It's well-written and the storyline, character progression, and general plot of the novel is well worth the read. The in-depth relations between vampires was so inviting that I couldn't look away. Everyone within it had their own issues and complexities that was nice to read as it was different yet emotional.
Would recommend!
July 16, 2021
It is not often that a boom has the ability to cause suprise, joy, and tears all within 500 pages. But The Progeny by Shelley Crowley did just that! It was a fantastic telling of a vampire tale that was both realistic, heart wrenching and page turning. It will definitely be one that I recommend for anyone looking for a good read on a cold night. I hope that in the future we get more of the characters stories, until then I have the prequel to keep me company.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 23, 2020
Very well written story easy to read.
Moves at pace integrating a variety of characters throughout the story.
Moves at pace integrating a variety of characters throughout the story.
October 14, 2020
I got a paperback copy of this and have just finished it. I’m not a big fan of vampire books but I thoroughly enjoyed this! The vampire stuff isn’t too in your face. I especially loved the relationships and bonds between all of these characters. Had me rooting for them all til the end. Very captivating and emotional read. Would definitely recommend!
July 25, 2017
I read one of the first drafts of this on a writing website. I've read a lot of vampire books but not one like this. Supernatural stories are one of my favourites to read and boy, this is good. The world development and the history behind it alone would have been enough to draw me in, but then there's the characters. Ah! They are all so complex and beautiful. I felt like I knew them, I even shed a tear or two for them. I would highly recommend this novel for people who like a good vampire tale, but even for those who are less keen on books with fangs. I do think its a book that can also appeal to non-vampire lovers as it focuses more on issues of humanity rather than the vampires themselves.
July 29, 2017
A great read, both for those who like vampire stories and those new to the genre. The characters are well layered and the plot is gripping with lots of twists and surprises. The writing style is clear and engaging - I would definitely recommend this book!
March 29, 2021
I ended up very wrapped up with the story and even got a bit emotional near the end. This story had some really good elements to it and I was invested in the characters and their fates.
I thought all characters were written well; I liked the main vampires and thought that Nico (the scientist) was done very well. There’s no usual love triangle as most vampire books seem to like, however there are some complicated relationships which were both entertaining and frustrating (in a good way). I liked the fact the story was told from different perspectives as it opened it up a lot more and let me connect to other characters too.
I did knock a star off for two reasons; firstly considering the book has been out a while I was surprised to find spelling and editorial errors**, secondly given what I’d learnt about Evie I was surprised by her attitude and actions about 20% in – it just didn’t sit well with me. There were parts that reminded me of True Blood, but luckily the main story overcame this and took on its own identity.
Overall a good read and one which will make me check out other works by Shelley. I liked that it was over 500 pages, it was well paced and I had enough time to fully invest in the story and understand the characters.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
** EDIT the book has been through another full edit, so these mistakes should now be removed.
I thought all characters were written well; I liked the main vampires and thought that Nico (the scientist) was done very well. There’s no usual love triangle as most vampire books seem to like, however there are some complicated relationships which were both entertaining and frustrating (in a good way). I liked the fact the story was told from different perspectives as it opened it up a lot more and let me connect to other characters too.
I did knock a star off for two reasons; firstly considering the book has been out a while I was surprised to find spelling and editorial errors**, secondly given what I’d learnt about Evie I was surprised by her attitude and actions about 20% in – it just didn’t sit well with me. There were parts that reminded me of True Blood, but luckily the main story overcame this and took on its own identity.
Overall a good read and one which will make me check out other works by Shelley. I liked that it was over 500 pages, it was well paced and I had enough time to fully invest in the story and understand the characters.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
** EDIT the book has been through another full edit, so these mistakes should now be removed.
October 23, 2020
This book is set in 2031 in a world where vampires are fighting for their equality. The Rage happened in 2020, this is where humans wanted to change the diet of vampires to stop them from drinking human blood. This event exposed vampires for being ruthless monsters who could not control their urges. In the present day, a scientist called Dr Nico Bergan wants to create a cure for vampirism. He believes that vampires are cursed and need to be returned to their original human state. His plan is harmful to the vampire species.
The book begins by learning about vampires, in particular, the relationship the maker has with their progeny. A vampire called Caius is the maker of his new progeny, Evie. He is there to teach her the ways of the vampire world and how to adapt to this massive change in her life. In the present day, they have been with each other for over 100 years. Their relationship is amazing until Dr Bergan gets involved. Along they was they meet people who will change their lives forever.
One word for this book. WOW. I loved every second reading it. It was a truly insightful view of the world of vampires. The topic of vampires can seem to be cheesy due to the way they have been written about in the past, but this book was sophisticated and seemed realistic. It was written in a way which made vampires seem real, where as other books made them seem mystical and fanciful. The futuristic outlook of vampires was heartbreaking. Making vampires seem so existent made the events that happened to them so touching.
I enjoyed all the characters, they all had their own personalities but came together perfectly as a family. As soon as I started reading the book, I felt as if I knew them. The relationships in this book are incredible to read about. They are all very complex and have been well thought about. I think my favourite character has to be Alexandra, he seems so comical yet so emotional. I won't say too much about the characters because I do not want to spoil it, but it would be difficult to not love him.
I can't talk about this book without mentioning the plot twists. I did not know what to expect as I was reading but each time I was so surprised and shocked. Nothing in this book felt forced or was unimaginable. It all felt so real and emotional.
The tragic events I read in this book made me feel so bad for the characters. For me, the underlying message in this book in inequality. The vampires are fighting for equality for everyone, although it is being promised to them, it is not really happening. Despite the vampires having an equality group working with the humans, their goal is not being achieved. The humans believe vampires are the bad people, although only a small minority are actually bad. The same goes for the human race, they are not all bad although a few are. The vampires are being discriminated against due to events that happened in their past. A lesson can be learnt in this book, especially for what is happening in today's society.
The book begins by learning about vampires, in particular, the relationship the maker has with their progeny. A vampire called Caius is the maker of his new progeny, Evie. He is there to teach her the ways of the vampire world and how to adapt to this massive change in her life. In the present day, they have been with each other for over 100 years. Their relationship is amazing until Dr Bergan gets involved. Along they was they meet people who will change their lives forever.
One word for this book. WOW. I loved every second reading it. It was a truly insightful view of the world of vampires. The topic of vampires can seem to be cheesy due to the way they have been written about in the past, but this book was sophisticated and seemed realistic. It was written in a way which made vampires seem real, where as other books made them seem mystical and fanciful. The futuristic outlook of vampires was heartbreaking. Making vampires seem so existent made the events that happened to them so touching.
I enjoyed all the characters, they all had their own personalities but came together perfectly as a family. As soon as I started reading the book, I felt as if I knew them. The relationships in this book are incredible to read about. They are all very complex and have been well thought about. I think my favourite character has to be Alexandra, he seems so comical yet so emotional. I won't say too much about the characters because I do not want to spoil it, but it would be difficult to not love him.
I can't talk about this book without mentioning the plot twists. I did not know what to expect as I was reading but each time I was so surprised and shocked. Nothing in this book felt forced or was unimaginable. It all felt so real and emotional.
The tragic events I read in this book made me feel so bad for the characters. For me, the underlying message in this book in inequality. The vampires are fighting for equality for everyone, although it is being promised to them, it is not really happening. Despite the vampires having an equality group working with the humans, their goal is not being achieved. The humans believe vampires are the bad people, although only a small minority are actually bad. The same goes for the human race, they are not all bad although a few are. The vampires are being discriminated against due to events that happened in their past. A lesson can be learnt in this book, especially for what is happening in today's society.
March 21, 2021
T H E P R O G E N Y
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When @shelleycrowleyauthor reached out and asked if I would like to read her book, and THEN went on to mention that it involved vampires.... I couldn’t say no. And I was most definitely not disappointed.
The story follows Evie, her true love/Maker Caius and a few of her newfound friends as they fight against vampire nests, the authorities (both vampire and human) and a scientist who masters a cure for vampirism.
The storyline captivates you from the very first chapter and has you wanting to read more and more right up until the very end. The one downside of this book is that it leaves you wanting more - that’s about the only negative I can come up with!
If you’re a fan of The Vampire Diaries, this is definitely the book for you.
I would like to personally thank the author for gifting me this book!
The Progeny is available now on Amazon (with a brand new swanky cover!).
If you’re looking for a futuristic fantasy with a vampire twist - this is definitely the book for you🧛
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When @shelleycrowleyauthor reached out and asked if I would like to read her book, and THEN went on to mention that it involved vampires.... I couldn’t say no. And I was most definitely not disappointed.
The story follows Evie, her true love/Maker Caius and a few of her newfound friends as they fight against vampire nests, the authorities (both vampire and human) and a scientist who masters a cure for vampirism.
The storyline captivates you from the very first chapter and has you wanting to read more and more right up until the very end. The one downside of this book is that it leaves you wanting more - that’s about the only negative I can come up with!
If you’re a fan of The Vampire Diaries, this is definitely the book for you.
I would like to personally thank the author for gifting me this book!
The Progeny is available now on Amazon (with a brand new swanky cover!).
If you’re looking for a futuristic fantasy with a vampire twist - this is definitely the book for you🧛
March 18, 2022
For fans of True Blood, minus the branded bottled blood and only vampires. It is like a trilogy merged into one book. How relationships can change as circumstances do. Sex, fighting and normal life made this a great read.
March 9, 2023
I have to stop taking book recommendations from tiktok
I actually enjoy the premise and really liked the first sort of 150 pages until I got up to part 2 of the book which included an incestuous relationship between a brother and sister that is almost entirely looked over since the author essentially tries to explain it away with "oh they're vampires so it's just different" so the main character just doesn't question it.
As well as the fact that Evie is in a relationship with her "maker" and makers and their progenies are described to be akin to parents and their children, which both are just willing to ignore since apparently the rules for vampire and human relationships are somehow different.
Caius is seems to be alergic to communication, Alexander is a literal pedophile and Robin is the only thing that made this book bareable to finish.
Alexander's ending also feels like a cop out,
he was severely depressed and in major need of help and instead of actually getting him that help they just decide that wiping his memory of literally all his bad memories is the only way he can move on and live the human life he never got to with Elizabeth, they could have at least tried a therapist, I feel like his happy ending would have been more meaningful if he actually overcame his trauma rather than opting to just forget it all.
Not to mention the literal grammatical errors.
I actually enjoy the premise and really liked the first sort of 150 pages until I got up to part 2 of the book which included an incestuous relationship between a brother and sister that is almost entirely looked over since the author essentially tries to explain it away with "oh they're vampires so it's just different" so the main character just doesn't question it.
As well as the fact that Evie is in a relationship with her "maker" and makers and their progenies are described to be akin to parents and their children, which both are just willing to ignore since apparently the rules for vampire and human relationships are somehow different.
Caius is seems to be alergic to communication, Alexander is a literal pedophile and Robin is the only thing that made this book bareable to finish.
Alexander's ending also feels like a cop out,
he was severely depressed and in major need of help and instead of actually getting him that help they just decide that wiping his memory of literally all his bad memories is the only way he can move on and live the human life he never got to with Elizabeth, they could have at least tried a therapist, I feel like his happy ending would have been more meaningful if he actually overcame his trauma rather than opting to just forget it all.
Not to mention the literal grammatical errors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
This book had a really good setup, unfortunately, it fails to deliver on the things it sets up on the beginning.
Spoilers ahead, this is your only warning.
The good? Setup is really good, villain is also good (at first, then it gets tiresome). I liked the vampire identity and power system. The supporting cast is actually quite good and Alex is gold.
The bad? Protagonist is really annoying. I mean, *really* annoying. The love interest has only one personality trait which is loving the protagonist, so that doesn’t help her case.
I feel like the book revolves around one plot element and it drags it forever.
This is not a bad book per se, and I’m 100% going to pick other stuff by Shelley Crowley because I liked her writing, but this specific book just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Spoilers ahead, this is your only warning.
The good? Setup is really good, villain is also good (at first, then it gets tiresome). I liked the vampire identity and power system. The supporting cast is actually quite good and Alex is gold.
The bad? Protagonist is really annoying. I mean, *really* annoying. The love interest has only one personality trait which is loving the protagonist, so that doesn’t help her case.
I feel like the book revolves around one plot element and it drags it forever.
This is not a bad book per se, and I’m 100% going to pick other stuff by Shelley Crowley because I liked her writing, but this specific book just wasn’t my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2024
This is a great book for anybody that loves a vampire story. It has great world building around Vampire Lore and how things work for Vampires in the particular universe.
It is a long book, possibly a tad too long, it did feel like it dragged a little in the middle but maybe that's just because I was desperate to find out what was going to happen! Part 3 of this book is the real stand out part, the character of Alexander is just so damn likeable, I'd have a whole book just about him.
I loved that none of the characters were really all good or bad, all of them have their own flaws which they either work through or these flaws are accepted by the people who love them.
It's a real heart warming story about love and acceptance of yourself and others at its heart, once you get past the 'icky sticky' exploding.vampires and humans having their hearts ripped out. Literally.
It is a long book, possibly a tad too long, it did feel like it dragged a little in the middle but maybe that's just because I was desperate to find out what was going to happen! Part 3 of this book is the real stand out part, the character of Alexander is just so damn likeable, I'd have a whole book just about him.
I loved that none of the characters were really all good or bad, all of them have their own flaws which they either work through or these flaws are accepted by the people who love them.
It's a real heart warming story about love and acceptance of yourself and others at its heart, once you get past the 'icky sticky' exploding.vampires and humans having their hearts ripped out. Literally.
December 20, 2022
I had read 'The Rage' by Crowley and was impressed by her ability to develop characters and build an incredible story about humans and vampires. 'The Progeny' picks up after its prequel and we are in for a fun ride on this one. The character development was great (though I went a little back and forth on Evie - still well executed), the plot itself was fascinating and kept my interest. It was a bit of a longer read, but I'm perfectly fine with it as it didn't slough through. Crowley knows how to tell a fascinating story and craft something that is a little for everyone who likes horror, fantasy and vampires! I recommend it.
May 29, 2023
This was quite a ride
I wasn't sure where are Holly Story was going to end. It took so many turns that just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next it was something completely different. But it was a lot of fun ride. (not sure if that's the right word. It was very traumatic)
I wasn't sure where are Holly Story was going to end. It took so many turns that just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next it was something completely different. But it was a lot of fun ride. (not sure if that's the right word. It was very traumatic)
February 26, 2025
HAS ROMANCE.
I read this book under the promise from Crowley’s tiktoks that it was a vampire book without romance which is EXACTLY what I’d been looking for. However there are two key plots in the books that revolve around characters being in love and doing anything for the person they love etc. Story was unique and interesting but very largely differs from what it was advertised to be. Sorry!! <3
*****Bumped to 3 stars after thinking on it as it was a strong story line and interesting concept********
I read this book under the promise from Crowley’s tiktoks that it was a vampire book without romance which is EXACTLY what I’d been looking for. However there are two key plots in the books that revolve around characters being in love and doing anything for the person they love etc. Story was unique and interesting but very largely differs from what it was advertised to be. Sorry!! <3
*****Bumped to 3 stars after thinking on it as it was a strong story line and interesting concept********
September 23, 2022
This was a seriously depressing book (in a great way). I really liked how dark this went and it was an interesting take on outed vampires living in society and how they would be treated by humans.
May 7, 2022
A "fantasy" that feels so real you could just step inside of it. The character development throughout makes you feel so attached to them. I would protect Alexander with my life
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