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A past erased from my memory . . .

A protector I never wanted . . .

An enemy (or two) determined to strike me down . . .

One day I’m raiding tombs and trying to buy my freedom from the man who has controlled me for years.

The next, I’m dropped into the underbelly of Yale and propositioned by a secret society of dark artifact hunters.

And apparently, I have magic.

But that’s not the craziest thing.

My last heist unleashed evil on the world, and I’m responsible. Thankfully, the secret society seems happy to help me right my wrongs and discover my power. Maybe even help me to remember my past too.

Well, most everyone, anyway. Tobias, a domineering, sexy vampire, is the notable exception. Too bad for him, he’s also assigned as my partner. My protector—a designation that he clearly despises.

But I’ve handled worse than Tobias and now that I have a place to start, no one will stop me from discovering my hidden past.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2022

172 people are currently reading
1573 people want to read

About the author

Ashley McLeo

62 books714 followers
Ashley lives in the lush and green Pacific Northwest with her husband, their dog, and the house ghost that sometimes makes appearances in her charming, old home.
When she’s not writing urban fantasy and portal fantasy novels she enjoys traveling the world, reading, kicking butt at board games (she recommends Splendor and Dominion), and frequenting taquerias.
For all the latest releases and updates, subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, The Coven, today!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
Profile Image for Eve Reads.
268 reviews200 followers
August 15, 2023
2.5 ⭐

Not for me unfortunately. It started good - a tomb raid in Egypt definitely had me excited - but it went downhill fast. The characters really grated on my nerves, and the instant-love just did not work for me. This is a trope that doesn't usually bother me, but the feelings here weren't convincing at all. Everything seemed a bit too convenient for the main character.

I'm mildly curious as to what will happen next, but I don't think I'm curious enough to continue the series.
Profile Image for Alex.
464 reviews4 followers
dnf
June 1, 2023
DNFed on p. 131 out of 340

Ugh. This is SUCH a cool concept (lara croft meets uncharted meets a discovery of witches) but man it fell so flat for me. I think I just don't like the writing style. It reads veryyyy juvenile but with like millenial humor?? And the characters feel super unnatural, like they do not really think or act like real people. The man IMMEDIATELY hates her but is also possessive and lowkey obsessed with her, which gives this super awkward insta-love vibe that makes no sense at all. Also he is so old. And she's 25 (which is a good age!! But she doesn't act 25. She acts 15. And that is not old enough for a centuries-old vampire to immediately fall in love with her). The girl is... weird. Not in a "power to the nerds, yay for individuality" way. Like. Actually just odd. She's self-proclaimed weird, and she talks to herself out loud but in a performative way??? I think it's meant to be funny but it was trying way too hard. Wayyy too hard. And she's so desperate for connection like I love found-family, really, I do, but when it's so on the nose right from the start it just feels forced. "Join our yale magic cult, join our FAMILY" with family literally italicized like come on... Also surprise you have super OP magic that we haven't seen in decades so that isn't affecting our decision to welcome you or anything we're the good guys you can CHOOSE to join us :) Like ok...

Yeah idk I was just really disappointed bc I was so excited based on the summary, but I just couldn't get through it. Normally I'd say it's meant for a younger audience, but I don't actually think that's the case. It's just the writing style. Not for me :(
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,345 reviews131 followers
March 16, 2022
One Helluva Adventure...

Ashley McLeo is back with a brand new urban fantasy series, Seeker of Secrets is the first book in the Coven of Shadows and Secrets. This book was bomb. Ms. Mcleo did a great job, this dual perspective paranormal romance was fascinating and teeming with adventure. The story may have started a little slow but picked up very quickly and had characters that I connected to.

The story is told from Meredith Stone's and Tobias Aston's perspectives. Meredith is a thief, no way to sugarcoat that, she hunts for artifacts in the strangest of places. Think Indiana Jones still, tomb raiding traps and ancient artifacts, parts of lost civilizations. Meredith is obviously daring and confident, she's good at her job but also trapped. She's indebted to her boss who may or may not be a bigger problem than anyone knows, because he saved her so she works for him. This is one of the few vulnerable points she has, Meredith isn't around people and has no one to rely on. However when the Shadows and Secrets coven take an interest in her, believe that she is more than what she even knows, Meredith is strong enough to take the opportunity to improve her life. Meredith is clever, wise, determined, and willing to fight on the right side of things, she isn't a runner and I like that.

As for Tobias, the vampire is already an established member of the coven and is very stiff and proper but all that changes when Meredith shows up. Tobias is taken out of his comfort zone, at first he's a little snotty about Meredith's past as a thief but then it's just Meredith herself. Something about her gets under his skin and he tends to lose control of himself more often than not when she's around. The two aggravate each other so much but there is an attraction there that both of them are fighting. The back and forth between the two of them are highly entertaining especially when Meredith gets the better of him. Meredith wasn't the only one with some past reveals, Tobias' creation history was given briefly but the most interesting tidbit was something that was hinted at but not outright told about and I'm dying to know what.

The story was great. I loved the unique mythology about how supernaturals came about and learning that almost every supernatural you can think of probably exists in this book. Not only do they exist but apparently they cohabitate with each other well. There are no warring factions (at least not yet), no territory issues, heck the coven is made up of all kinds of supernaturals, it's a nice change of pace. The magic was interesting but I wish that there was more of it, I can't wait to see what else Meredith can do. Meredith and her past and how she is connecting to everything are good, along with her relationship with Tobias but it's the overall arcing story that really captured my attention. Ancient artifacts of destructions, a wild hunt, and varying factions all vying for them most definitely amped the story up.

Seeker of Secrets is actually the first urban fantasy that I've read by Ms. Mcleo and she's done a fantastic job. She's included so much, tomb raiding in Egypt, secret societies at Yale, mystical artifacts, varying supernaturals, dark creatures, a supernatural library, and a mysterious benefactor just to name some of the themes in this book. How could anyone not be entertained by that, I mean, magical library, I'm such a nerd at heart. The story ended with another clue coming to light, someone in considerable danger, and a dark secret is revealed. My only question is how long am I gonna have to wait for that next book.

Profile Image for Katrina Carbonara.
45 reviews
July 21, 2025
I blacked out so many times listening to this book. Also I thought I was only halfway through the story when it ended. I will be listening to the next book though cause I paid $0.79 for it 🥲
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,893 reviews116 followers
March 26, 2022
This is a new urban fantasy series and it’s very good! It’s so good that I couldn’t put it down as I entered this incredible world of magic and fantasy designed by this author. From the very beginning we hit the ground running with twists and turns, mystery and suspense, secrets and secret organisations and artefacts that could destroy the world! Throw in a kick ass female mc and her vampire partner and you have yourself one hell of a read! I am so ready for the next book please!
Profile Image for Diana Page.
903 reviews16 followers
March 18, 2022
Meredith is a mundane thief looking for treasure with a little bit of unknown “umf “ in it. She and her partner Denz finds these items for a very secretive boss whom she owes a great amount of money for her freedom . She finds the Pearl of Hell, only to lose it to an unknown assailant . She comes to when a very handsome vampire named Tobias brings her to his friend/boss with negotiations for her freedom put in play. Great paranormal crime caper with romance thrown in !! 4⭐️‘s for sexy fun and good world building. Can’t wait for book 2 in the series.
Profile Image for Leah Dynes.
1,033 reviews11 followers
March 31, 2022
This is a really fun, unique series starter! I enjoyed the characters, and the great storyline. I’m excited to read more books in this series.
Profile Image for Leena .
9 reviews
April 6, 2022
Adventure in world with magic!

Books world with magic is rich and interesting. It seems a bit traditional with an unique twist. Some aspects of secret society (and world that comes along with it) were hard for me to remember. But this probably will be much clearer when story continues in next books.
Magic and secret society unravels along story and action. So though there are lots of new things, there is no info dump. And there is excitement (and suspense) for it is not easy to name and know bad guy.

I loved humor in this book and sometimes laughed out loud!

Book has interesting characters, thought dialog and characters thoughts were sometimes easy to predict. The story is told from perspective of two main characters: badass heroine, who gets to know magic and her new work partner, arrogant and good looking vampire.
But we need to know more of other characters, so something to look forward to in next book.

This story felt like build up for climax and end, which never came. It left many (big) things unsolved in the end. This book gives introduction to the magic (world), but some of these new magic things could have been used more in this book.
There is of course bigger story line that will expand the whole book series and probably many magic things will get explanation. And I am sure that when all things come together, it will be interesting! But it felt like this story (plot) was not enough to stand alone as one book with beginning, middle and end.

If you want to know immediately what happens next, I think second book, Hunted by Darkness, is coming out May 2022.


All Souls (A Discovery of Witches) readers will notice there are some similarities in academic and magic world. But these worlds and characters are totally different! Seeker of Secrets is not like All Souls books. But these similarities are like small treats for reader to notice :)



If something sounds funny/strange in this review, English is not my mother tong. That might explain it ;)
Profile Image for debturk1970_bookvibes.
1,851 reviews18 followers
March 29, 2022
An Exciting and Thrilling Read!😳🐍💥🙏😎😍
Indiana Jones Meets Buffy & Charmed!😍
Seeker of Secrets (Coven of Shadows and Secrets, #1)


I absolutely loved this exciting read. From the outset, you can tell it's going to be something a bit different. Meredith is a thief of anything she's ordered to get. She enjoys that part of her job and learning about antiquities. Her boss took her off of the streets, housed and fed her, and whipped her when she failed. Now, she has to work for him until she's paid that debt off!😔

After being arrested after a job in Egypt, she's rescued by a gorgeous man. He gives her the time's of a flight back to the States and tells her where to go on arrival. She is later informed that he is a part of a secret magical society based on the Yale campus. They think she is a witch with a special type of magic, and they hope she'll join them! What she stole and then had stolen from her in Egypt could lead to the apocalypse!😳💥

The character progression and world building were both really fulfilling. Mer's tenuos new bonds, feelings of family, of the growing friendships, and the possibility of more with Tobias are touching and intriguing.😍 I found the layering of some character additions and their world, fascinating and written in really well. I'm so excited for more of this story! And all of the smoking hot guys help too, especially the brooding Vampife.😉💘

I look forward to book #2 with baited breath.🌟

Debbie, 1970, UK
Profile Image for V P Allasander.
9 reviews3 followers
March 30, 2022
Ashley writes a really great story with relatable characters. Meredith has now become my favorite (but then most of the book has been covered through her POV, which was done really well). The author does write close POV and uses first person to charge the narrative. I know some people are antagonistic towards a first person POV narrative, but I hope you'll give this book a chance. I am one of these people, and when I saw First Person in this book, I was a bit skeptical of continuing it, but I am glad I didn't let go. The impeccable writing style and character development through the book made me ignore my bias - something few books manage to do. The read is very smooth, and the story hooks you right to the end. The narrative is a balance of description, dialogue and the inner thought/turmoil a character faces. The dialogues are good, but there were times I found a few characters speak the same way. However, that doesn't take away the beauty of this book. The story ends on a note that makes me want to read the second one, and I'm hoping the second book comes fast. Can't wait to read more of this universe... All in all, an engaging story that keeps your attention hooked to it...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna.
807 reviews14 followers
April 3, 2022
I enjoyed Seeker of Secrets (Coven of Shadows and Secrets) by Ashley McLeo that I received through BookFunnel and highly recommend. A past erased from memory, An enemy, or two, determined to strike her down, Meredith goes from raiding ancient tombs to buy her freedom and next she finds herself at Yale propositioned by a secret society of dark artifact hunters. She also discovers that her last heist unleashed evil and the secret society seems to be happy to help her right her wrongs and discover the power she recently discovered she has. Along with this she has a protector she never wanted, Tobias, who is assigned as her partner, whether either one likes it or not. This great book is available on Amazon
Profile Image for Courtney Mae.
Author 1 book4 followers
April 3, 2022
Seeker of Secrets is book one in the Coven of Shadows and Secrets. I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Meredith is one of many amazing characters you will meet. I loved that this book was a page turner and an easy read to get into. I would defiantly recommend this book if you love paranormal based books. This is a slow burn romance so if that is not something you enjoy this book is not for you in that aspect. I am excited for book 2 to come out! I cant wait to read and see what happens. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,798 reviews18 followers
April 5, 2022
Seeker of Secrets

I really enjoyed reading this book. There's so much going on, and so many secrets to unravel. Things are not what they seem at this secret society. I want to know more. Each character is interesting and the mystery of the jewels and who is after them is exciting. I can't wait to read more.
68 reviews
March 29, 2022
Great start to a new series! Artifact hunting, mystery, magical discovery, and a plethora of different magical beings! A kick-butt heroine who does what she has to do.

Meredith is just trying to get by – stealing artifacts for a mysterious person who “owns” her. At least until she steals enough for him to buy her freedom. After discovering an object that he is searching for, she’s knocked out by unknown persons and ends up in an Egyptian jail. Enter Tobias. A tall, dark, handsome, stick-up-his-butt vampire, who helps her escape from her cell. He then introduces her to a whole new world of the supernatural, hidden inside Yale University.

Full of action and drama, this book keeps moving along as Meredith starts to discover who she is, and she starts to remember her past. I’m anxious to see where this goes. Ashley McLeo is definitely a one-click for me, and this new series is no different. You can’t go wrong!
Profile Image for Chey.
1,494 reviews50 followers
March 30, 2022
Meredith is a thief with a less than spectacular past. When the coven Shadows and Secrets takes an interest in her, she takes the opportunity to have a better life. Tobias is a vampire that isn't fond of Meredith or her past. But he can't deny the attraction he has to her or his lack of ability to control himself around her.

This is the first book I've read by this author, and it was a great one to start with. The story was absolutely fascinating and it reminded me of Indiana Jones meets Tomb Raider. There's a lot of mythology the author created for the supernatural world that really intrigued me and made me want to know more.

I am ready for book two and to see where this author goes next with the story.
Profile Image for Carrie Lamison.
131 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2022
This is a fantastic start of series. I love the supernatural characters they kept me reading way past my normal bed time. This was one of those books that I couldnt wait to see what happened next but at the same time wanted to savor every moment I couldn’t sleep because how amazing this book is. The characters are well written I have loads of questions still left unanswered that has me eagerly wanting me to read book 2! I definitely recommend reading!
544 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2022
Urban, gritty, fast paced and darn exciting is the only way to describe this new series. Meredith’s story is a paranormal thrill ride told in dual perspectives with a vibrancy and depth of detail and dimension that will surely keep you up at night just to finish the story. I surely can’t wait for book 2. .
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lauren Loubert.
87 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2022
What an adventure!

The epic debut of this new urban fantasy kept me reading. I was so engrossed that I couldn't put it down!

Think Sabrina meets Indian Jones/Tomb Raider with all sorts of supernatural beings thrown in. Complete with a tough as nails and full of sass MC, paired with a drool worthy vampire, and a whole host of other likeable characters and Witty banter. A dual pov always makes me happy. I also enjoy the unique mythology and attention to detail when describing scenes. I cannot wait to read more of this story!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Thea Kubicki.
571 reviews3 followers
March 28, 2022
Meredith and Tobias

This first book of the series really held my rapt attention. The way it was written just flowed with magic. The unique setting of New Haven and the Yale campus was ingenious and so very different. The main characters, Meredith and Tobias, keep fighting the chemistry between them yet still are able to work together. Can't wait for the next book where Meredith seeks out more special sacred items and descends into Hell.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,475 reviews21 followers
March 28, 2022
I loved this book and its characters. It opens up with a tomb heist and gets even better from there. This story is all about Meredith and her introduction into the Shadows and Secrets society as she learns she has rare magic. She is now on a quest to help the society on their quest to find relics before the bad guys get them and learn about her past and learn magic. It was a blast with great characters, a good plot, and a story that just sucked me in and I found it hard to put down. Cannot wait for more of the action, characters, the hilarious scenes and the surprises.
Profile Image for nat _lovestoread.
946 reviews11 followers
March 30, 2022
Fantastic!!! 🤩

Secret Society ✅️
Supernaturals ✅️
Magical Artifacts ✅️
Mystery ✅️
Fierce, bada€€ FMC ✅️
Hot, grumpy, alpha vampire ✅️
Girl Gang ✅️

I loved this book so, so much!!!, it has all the elements I love in a story and the plot is so mysterious, I couldn’t stop reading, I need to know more; so eager for the rest of the books in this fantastic new series!!! 😍❤
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,064 reviews128 followers
March 15, 2022
Seeker of Secrets opens with plenty of action as Meredith and her partner, Denz is in a cave searching for a hidden artifact when things turn ugly for them. Meredith and her partner are hit over the head and their precious artifact was taken from them. Meredith hunts hidden treasure trying to pay off a debt she owes so she can gain her freedom.

Seeker of Secrets reminded me of The Mummy as they were in the cave looking for their treasure. The descriptions were so vivid I could see the cave in my mind. I could also see Meredith surround by all the mist as she danced her way to the artifact trying to bypass all the hidden booby traps that lay in wait for her. Meredith reminded me a little bit of Lara Croft as she danced her way past all the hidden booby traps.

Seeker of Secrets opens up a whole new world of magic and fantasy. Oh, and did I mention vampires? Oh, yeah, Meredith is awarded a vampire as her partner, Tobias, a job that he sorely does not want any part of. Seeker of Secrets is told from both Meredith and Tobias's points of view.

Once again Ashley McLeo has outdone herself with Seeker of Secrets! I have loved each and every book by Ashley McLeo that I have read. Each one just seems to outshine the one before it. When you open a book by Ashley McLeo you are pulled into its deep, dark depths with no way to see the light until the story is finished and that last page is read. And even then it will stay with you for a long time to come. Leaving anxiously awaiting her next book. Speaking of the next book. I can’t wait for the next book in the Coven of Shadows and Secrets to see what awaits us there.

As always I do highly recommend Seeker of Secrets to all magical fantasy fans! One-click your copy of Seeker of Secrets today and enter a world filled with mystery and magic! Oh, and I highly recommend that you check out all of Ashley McLeo’s books!
Profile Image for Elpis G..
204 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2022
Seeker of Secrets is the start of a new series by Ashley McLeo and much like previous books I've read, this does not disappoint. The story follows Meredith, a tomb raider with unusual skills who discovers she has magic after releasing the Pearls of Hell, a magical item upon the world. After being broken out of prison by a magical society that resides within Yale, Meredith uses her ability to find artifacts for that society instead all while trying to locate the Pearls of Hell and deal with Tobias a vampire who seems to be strangely attracted to her.

I was drawn into this series right away. The beginning has a very Indiana Jones/Lara Croft feel to it but it quickly evolves into something else entirely. Meredith has an interesting background and abilities and it has been fun to read and become a part of this world. There is a lot of action at most times and not much downtime between which was nice for me. Tobias and his attraction toward Meredith feels a bit unnecessary to me at times but I'm also not a fan of romance sub-genres in books. That being said, the book seems to be strong enough even with it which seems to be a plus to me.
Profile Image for Michelle VanDaley.
1,701 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2022
This is a fantastic start of series. Plenty of action and supernatural characters kept me reading way past my normal bed time. This was one of those books that I couldnt wait to see what happened next but at the same time wanted to savor every moment. The characters are well written and likeable and I really enjoyed the world building especially the collegiate setting. Lots of questions still left unanswered that has me eagerly awaiting the next book.
Profile Image for Ashlee Olson.
352 reviews9 followers
March 15, 2022
This author has easily become on of my favorites. I try to read everything I can read by her although I know there’s a few I’ve missed. Her writing style is amazing. She writes in a way that is so easy to read and yet so difficult to stop. Her characters come to life right in front of your eyes and capture your heart completely. This book was no different.

Literally right from the start this book was crazy and fast paced! And it didn’t slow down one bit. It was literally one thing after another but not in an unorganized way or it being way too much. It was perfect! So many mysteries and twists, secret organizations and unknown bad guys. Loved it! Didn’t know who was good or bad half the time.

Meredith Stone is an absolute bada**!! She’s tough, sarcastic, had a hard life and easy to connect with! She did what she had to to survive and won’t apologize for it! Tobias has a stick up his butt. He’s always so serious and annoying, and can’t forget super cocky! Meredith comes into his life and changes his world in more ways than he’d like to admit. Shay and Harper are great! Different in personalities but just what Meredith needs in friends and roommates, something that’s a completely new concept for her. Luca, the coven leader, reminds me of a grandpa. Super sweet and caring to everyone but has an iron fist if needed. He believes in Mer without a doubt which in turn makes her believe in herself and gives her something she hasn’t had in years. Hans and Gunner are great too. Super funny, charming, and so much more.

I definitely recommend this book 100%!! You won’t regret reading it!! Can’t wait for what’s to come!!
Profile Image for Jill Gauger.
1,226 reviews11 followers
March 17, 2022
Ashley builds a world with strong characters and a powerful storyline. It’s a classic good versus evil plot that keeps you on your toes.
Meredith is a tomb raider working for a sadistic boss. When a job goes wrong she ends up in a Egyptian prison wondering how she will get out. A mysterious stranger appears and gets her out. From that moment on the twists and turns will keep you intrigued and by the end wanting so much more.
Profile Image for Marieke.
9 reviews
March 13, 2022
Exciting and very surprising. Fast paced but still in dept. A new story but still in the same world of fantasy. To me it was as if i was walking with the caracters throughout the story. Exploring and living with them. It was as if i was on a lease so i could not stop reading until i read the last word.

Another super exciting book from Ashley McLeo which i would whole heartedly recommend you read and read and read. ❤❤❤❤❤
Profile Image for Chasity Coquat.
236 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2022
Mystery, intrigue, strong and sassy female lead, and definitely left me wanting more of the story. Ashley Mcleo does an awesome job weaving together a fantasy world into daily life. Can't wait to see what more lies in store for this wonderful cast of characters, this book has definitely joined me reread often list!
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,846 reviews112 followers
March 12, 2022
This book was a fantastic read that hooked me and I could not put it down until the last page was read. It moves along at a speed which is perfect for the story. The characters are awesome and you cannot help but love them. You want to be there for them no matter what. This book needs to be read, you will not be sorry that you did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

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