Ghouls and Grimoires

The Blood Witch Saga #4

by Theophilus Monroe

Dead men tell no tales. I can make them talk. An echo remains in the blood.I can tap into it. I can speak to the dead. It might be dangerous, but what choice do I have? The vampire king might be in hell, but he still desires me.He'll stop at nothing to make me his.I refused to be his queen on earth. Does he really think he can compel me to become his queen in hell?ABOUT THE BLOOD WITCH SAGA (SERIES)I'm Hailey Hedge Witch and Vampire. My sire was staked moments after I was turned. As a youngling, the Voodoo Queen took me in. She taught me her art.I've been working with the new Mistress of the Vampire Council.She trained me in the ways of vampirism, the path of the night. Witchcraft + Voodoo + Vampirism = what I call bloodwitchery.Most witches won't mess with the power latent in blood.It's dark. It's dangerous. But if you can master it...You can harness the power of life itself.

Go up and click ‘Read for Free’ or ‘Buy Now’ to find out if Hailey can tap into the power of the dead to resist the vampire king's allure.

Ghouls and Grimoires is the fourth volume in Theophilus Monroe’s expansive Blood Witch Saga. Hailey Bradbury was only sixteen when she was turned seven years ago. She might be a young vampire—but she’s an accomplished badass witch. After all, only the most daring of witches dabble in blood magic. Readers of Monroe’s Legacy of a Vampire Witch, Voodoo Academy series, or The Legend of Nyx, have encountered Hailey before. Now, she has come into her own. She may be a member of the Vampire council, her mentor might be the Voodoo Queen, but no one tells this blood witch what to do. Ghouls and Grimoires is an action packed Urban Fantasy with a heavy dose of closed door Paranormal Romance.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult, Demons, Vampires, Fantasy, Supernatural

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2022

About the author

Theophilus Monroe is a fantasy author with a knack for real-life characters whose supernatural experiences speak to the pangs of ordinary life. After earning his Ph.D. in Theology, he decided that academic treatises that no one will read (beyond other academics) was a dull way to spend his life. So, he began using his background in religious studies to create new worlds and forms of magic-informed by religious myths, ancient and modern-that would intrigue readers, inspire imaginations, and speak to real-world problems in fantastical ways.

Reviews

[Kelley Hazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The shenanigans continue. Theophilus Monroe does not disappoint as he continues to give us a disarming Hailey Bradbury, hedge witch and vampire, at her best.

Monroe has combined series here with this Book 4 in the BLOOD WITCH SAGA which begins with Voodoo and Vampires. Hailey's story is aligned with that of Caine, the original Biblical murderer, who has become a psycho-therapist at 'The Vilokan Asylum of the Magically and Mentally Deranged' - a companion series of Monroe's creation. To fully understand what is happening, a familiarity with Caine and his world is helpful, but not essential.

Hailey Bradbury is at it again. Potential love interests reappear from Devils and Dragons. The coven is back from past stories. The BLOOD WITCH SAGA coalesces to offer us another fun frolic, but also life threatening event as Hailey continues to thwart the Vampire King. This time she combats him in a new world of fabrication and faeries. Both of which hint of our next adventure to come.

Mercy returns. Collin returns. New friends join the hunt in the form of a sensitive ghost tour guide who enters the fray. Zombies and witch hunters continue to threaten. There is chaos on all sides. And still Hailey remains calm, cool and book nerd as she guides us through this threatening landscape. I wish I had been that cool at 19. All is complete with Monroe's keen sense of the ironic. Somehow he manages to walk the tightrope between the 'now' and the what if. All the while keeping us wondering if...are they really out there?

Ghouls and Grimoires is charming and deadly. It a fast-paced frolic that leaves us begging for more AND a desire to see what else Monroe has to offer!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving these crossover books! Just as one ends in an earth shattering way, the next part plays out in the crossover novel, which are so interlinked, yet their own story at the same time. Which books these might be is an excellent question, so I'll tell you...The Blood Witch Saga series and The Vilokan Asylum for the Magically and Mentally Deranged, which feature Cain, yes, you heard me right THE Cain! But back to the book at hand... and one of my favourite witches, Hailey, although I need to mention, she's not only a witch, she's a vampire witch! And no, she's not an evil, bloodsucking, couldn't care less witch, she's a sweetheart and kind of funny too. She's still trying to evade Corbin, who's hellbent (pun intended!) on making her his queen. Another great adventure that carries us to even more plains, this time the in-between as well and we get to meet a very interesting sweetheart, a fairy, who's name is, wait for it, Wee Willie Winker. And to quote Willie, things that were bad! bad! bad! just got a whole lot good! good! good!

I know I've mentioned Paulie in every one of my reviews where he's featured, but you honestly have no idea how wonderful a character he is! Flamboyant, foul mouthed and hysterical. Loved that Nicco reappeared in this book, I really love how the characters all rally around each other. They are quite the motley crew, vampires, witches, wolves, some a combination, some ghosts but all dedicated to helping Earth stay safe, or as safe as can be. The characters are easy to fall in love with, the storytelling is always fast paced and ultra interesting, there's humour, action, magic and snark, a combination that always leaves me in a great mood after reading a Theo book, irrespective of dire the situation might be. I love the lighthearted, easy going style of the writing while at the same time dramatic and tense events unfold. With things taking yet another turn for Cain, I'll be bouncing up and down until the next Cain book comes out!

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not read any of this series or the Vilokan Asylum for the Magically and Mentally Deranged series, then you need to before reading this one! This book was fantastic and was the crossover between the two series that I have been waiting for!

Hailey, a witch vampire (or is that a vampire witch?) is still trying to find a way to get rid of Corbin, her crazy vampire brother, who is determined to make her his Queen of Hell, regardless of how often she tells him there is no way she will be! He is now in Hell combined with the form of Lucifer so has managed to gain a heap more power, but he can be defeated, right?!

When Hailey goes on a ghost tour, hoping to find the ghost of Cain, she finds someone else who can help her in this quest! With her new found powers, she is able to talk to both Cain and Nico, her sire, who has a plan for her to defeat Corbin! This plan is not an easy one by any means though and involves trips all over the world and to the in-between as well as to other realms. Luckily for her, Hailey has a great group of friends who are all willing to do whatever it takes to stop Corbin's devious plans!

I love this series - it is fast paced, full of action, lots of hilarious moments and Pauli! Pauli is just hysterical and so inappropriate at times that I cannot stop laughing at him. I swear people think I'm weird when I'm reading his scenes and giggling away to myself! The characters is this series are such fun - it's not all doom and gloom despite the threats hanging over their heads a lot of the time.

I loved Cain's crossover role in this one and what that meant for him as I was devastated about what had happened to him in the final Vilokan Asylum book. You'll have to read both books to find out what I mean!

I can't wait to read more in this series now!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own, honest one!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is 10 pounds of craziness stuffed in a 5 pound sack, IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE!!!

If you're a tried and true Blood Witch Saga and Vilokan Asylum reader, this crossover goes above and beyond. However, if you're new to Mr. Theophilus Monroe's books and purchase this, there is plenty of backstory so you won't feel lost.

Hailey's a true badass in this one. More so than usual. She even kicked Dracula's butt, not once but twice! She also gets a new ability that's both cool and would freak me out personally. She even has a slight accident that leaves her with something I'm sure she thought she'd have. At least I don't think it ever crossed her mind. It's quite funny though.

I understand it's the main crossover installment and I haven't mentioned Cain yet. His part in this is something I'm not going to spoil. No matter what. You just have to read the book to find out the twists, turns and surprises.

Our beloved characters go to new realms, face new dangers, make new allies and of course new enemies. Some fights are beginning while others are ending. There's even a possible spark of love in the air.

Mr. Monroe's sense of humor never ceases to amaze me, even in the dire situations his characters find themselves in. I mean his puns and clichés know no bounds. And my goodness, torture by tickles, had me laughing out loud. Not to mention, if you're as old as I am, you get his references to the movies and bands he uses as well. Talk about flashbacks!

I can't say enough about how much I truly enjoyed reading this book.This is 100% recommended as are all his books!

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know every book that I have read by Theophilus Monroe has been great. Each book just seems to get better and better with every turn of the page. But I will have to say that Ghouls and Grimoires have been the best one yet. I love all the characters, villain or not, good or bad. They were all amazing in their own way.

I love that there was more than one paranormal creature. I love that in Ghouls and Grimoires there are vampires, witches, demons, ghosts, faeries, and dragons. Ghouls and Grimoires had me on my toes on more than one occasion and for more than one reason as well.

There was this one character that left me squealing every time he made an appearance. I can’t wait to see what is waiting for us in the next book in The Blood Witch Saga.

Speaking of The Blood Witch Saga this is one of the best series that I have read in a very long time. The characters and the world that has been created for The Blood Witch Saga is out of this world amazing. It just doesn’t get much better than this. I wish that I could give Ghouls and Grimoires a higher rating than five stars because I surely would if that was an option.

If you are into vampires, witches, demons, ghosts, or faeries then I highly suggest grabbing a copy of Ghouls and Grimoires today for the adventure of a lifetime!

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine is not one to be trifled with combining the powers of a witch and a vampire. But there are always those who are going to try, so our heroine is going to have to keep learning new tricks. Life is never easy for a blood witch.

This is book four of the series. It works rather well as a standalone with all the essential bits covered early on. You will be missing some of the backstory, but nothing essential to enjoying this book. That being said, after reading this one, you will want to go back for the earlier ones anyway.

This is an urban fantasy story with witches, vampires and more. The story is well written and easy to read, but at the same time it is also rather deep and complex. The setting is well developed with lots of details that provide new twists all the time. Similarly, the characters are well done with distinct personalities and often conflicting goals. All of it combines with a fast paced plot that is full of action, intrigue and mystery. Overall, this was a great story and I definitely need to go back for the earlier books.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossovers with "The Vilokan Asylum of the Magically & Mentally Deranged" series

Firstly I would recommend you read the "The Vilokan Asylum of the Magically and Mentally Deranged" series with Cain (the first werewolf) as this one crosses over with the final book "the Wrath of Cain".

Hailey is still worried about Corbin being hellbent on getting her to be his vampire queen, if not on earth then in hell as he's merged himself with Lucifer and replaced him there. When she goes on a ghost tour with Connor she finds a tour guide who can help her to contact Cain's ghost and Nico, Mercy and Corbin's vampire sire. Together with the ghosts they need to do whatever they can to stop Corbin's plans to make Hailey his queen in Hell.

A great read with vampires, witches, shifters, ghosts and more. There's fast paced action, drama, magic humor and some great twists. I look forward to reading the next in the series, "Faeries & Fangs".

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

[Carinkla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It was the first time I read something from this author so I fell right into an already existing world and developed characters. Still because the story was told in the form of a very descriptive I-narrator, who gave kind of short backstories on herself and the others, I could fully immerse myself in this book. A lot of things happened but the pace was never too fast to follow. The main character was very relatable and I look forward to reading more about her adventures, I might even start at the beginning. But there are also several sub characters I got interested in. There is a person/ creature / character to like for everyone and the adventure was both magical and mythical. So even if this would be your first acquaintance with this writer's world and characters, you can still enjoy this as a stand- alone also. But be prepared to be drawn into this world and yearn for more.

[Charles L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailey is definitely my kind of witch/ vampire even though in my opinion, she is more witch than vampire. She is smart, fearless, and loyal to a fault which makes her the ultimate badass in my book. Anyone who would journey to hell to defeat a would-be tyrant and put her life at risk to rescue someone who once did her a good deed is the ultimate protagonist in any book. A protagonist that can inspire readers everywhere to find that ember of good within themselves to rise up and do good when the weight of the world is on your shoulder, and you’re slowly sinking like a bull caught in a bog with nowhere to go but down. Hailey inspires me to be the best I can be, and I am positive that she’ll do the same for you. Afterall, we all need our own personal badass to get us through the day.
Great book!

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!!! Hailey is at it again, doing her witch thing, while being a kick butt vampire at the same time. She's in love with Connor and all is great in that aspect. Yes, Corbin wants her to be his queen in he-double hockey sticks, but what's new? Mercy is still the mama vampire with all the quirky comebacks. Cain is a ghost, Rutherford misses him so, but baby Byron sees his daddy, so they know he's there, just how to bring him back.

This story was awesome. We have my favorite cast of characters and some new ones are joining the mix and I know we'll be seeing them more in the future. HEA is happening, but does everything ever stay that way? Only till the next book where something else happens, right? Come along on Hailey's ultimate adventures.

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

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hailey Bradbury and her allies have one final shot at defeating Corbin, the self-proclaimed Vampire King, and they'll have to go through the faeries and worse to get Hailey where she needs to be to bring Lucifer back and banish Corbin. And she'll have an assist from Cain (yeah, that one!).

Book 4 brings the first half of Monroe's Blood Witch saga to a close in fairly satisfying fashion, also finishing off another series at the same time in the one book. The snark, the humour and the top-notch female characters are all present and accounted for, along with a few friends there for the ride.

At the end of the day, this is good fun urban (for the most part) fantasy and if you're looking for a new writer to try out in the genre, you could do a whole hell (pun intended) of a lot worse than Theophilus Monroe.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghouls and Grimoires (The Blood Witch Saga Book 4), my thirty-third read from author Theophilus Monroe. Theophilus Monroe has become one of my favorite authors this year. Well written & enjoyable read, the fourth in his Blood Witch Saga series. I was given an Audible copy of this book (and own a Kindle copy as well so I could read along while being read to) & am voluntarily reviewing it. Kelley Hazen’s narration again adds to the book’s enjoyment. I look forward to Faeries and Fangs (The Blood Witch Saga Book 5), the next book in this series when it comes out in January of next year. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…Theo’s books just keep getting better and better! The characters are amazing and the world building is incredible, I feel like I’m actually there with them saving the world yet again!
I love watching the characters grow and the introduction of new characters.
There is always plenty of suspense and action in Theo’s books and a few twists that no one sees coming which keeps you on your toes!
As always, I’m gagging for the next book already so I hope it’s not too long before it’s out!

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connor received tickets to a ghost tour in the mail. Hailey and Connor met Tommy, the tour guide, who told them that two ghosts were following them. It turns out that Tommy has seen ghosts for most of his young life, and he lets the couple know that the spirits are Cain and Nico. This ghost sighting starts a wild ride through multiple realms and another country so Hailey can get rid of Corbin. This story is full of action and romance, ending on a cliffhanger. I very highly recommend this book.

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

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the death of Cain, his werewolf mate and infant son were left bereft, and the ongoing threats against them were unclear

Hailey, Connor and a varied cast of cohorts have attended to reach him on the other side of the veil without success

can a new member of their circle help make the connection? Corbin is still out to make Hailey a queen of He$$.

Can the companions find a way to keep that from happening that doesn't leave an army of killers from slaughtering innocents?

new enemies pop up - sometimes accidentally ongoing drama and adventures ahead

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS SERIES! It has everything- enough action, drama, heartbreak, love, friendship, and loss. This is a good quality story, told by a author with a great literary voice. The work has been lovingly crafted and it shows. Of all the new authors I have tried this year, this is the one I would be most inclined to recommend to all of my friends. Interesting, heartwarming, and in a nutshell- fantastic! I think readers of Seanan McGuire and Karen Chance would like this.

This is a full length novel.

I received a free copy of this book. I opted to leave a review.

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is book 4 of 6 in the series; while it helps to read the previous books, there is a quick reference to previous events so readers can catch up with this story. The series is ideal for young adults, the writing is young, easy to read, and swift: there are no questions asked and anything said is accepted at face-value. The book reads like The Black Cauldron, narrated from Hailey's point of view.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to StoryOrigin and author.

[Lisa Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review. Keeping you on your toes and your attention glued to the pages, this story will have you full of hope for Cain, but also fearful for Hailey. It all starts at a ghost tour that becomes the catalyst for Cain’s rebirth. Things go awry when the tour guide’s gift is revealed and a séance is held. But the excitement builds as Hailey learns of a way to return Cain and defeat Corbin’s plans. Searching for the Grimora that Corbin hid takes you on a magical adventure, but the ominous warning is told, if Hailey doesn’t succeed.

[Tom Intiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way too short, but only ‘cause I loved it!

I thought with the of Cain’s story that this book would see the end of Hailey’s as well. However, fortunately, this is not the case.

There’s so much character and story development that is happening in this episode that I can’t begin to describe what awaits you. If you’re new to the series, go back and begin with the first Gates of Eden books and work your way forward. A storyline that has been some 20-30 books in development is all coming to a final head here. You will LOVE it, guaranteed

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and found it very enjoyable. Hailey is still hunting the vampire king. Not only is he a dragon, but he also rules hell. With the help of her friends she's off the looking for a grimoire that will give her the advantage. So off she goes with two ghosts, 3 vampires and a wolf shifter, what could go wrong? Interesting characters and suspenseful, fast moving plot will keep you listen until the end. This is a very enjoyable series that just keeps getting better.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return of the king…

Hailey survived the vampire king’s plot but the sacrifice it required was painful. Cain will be deeply missed at the Asylum of the Magically and Mentally Deranged, especially by Rutherford and their new son. The vampire king has not given up and he will see the world, both paranormal and human, in Hell before he will surrender his plan to make Hailey his queen.

This book adds another layer to the Blood Witch story. There is plenty of action, magic, and paranormals to keep it interesting. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank goodness for Bluetooth! I switched to listening on my headset when real life got in the way of reading this book! This whole series is addictive! Dracula makes an appearance. There are a couple new characters in this book. Hailey becomes a vamp mommy, goes to Hell and returns. It's extremely humorous, but also a nail biter. It can be read as a stand alone, but is better as part of the series. I'm already a chapter into the next one.

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

[Kristin Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hailey is back again for our delight! If you are here at the 4th instalment of this series, I hope you will have read the previous books otherwise you will get a lot of the story's subtilty lost on you...
But this book is just as entertaining as the last ones, and I'm happy to see the main characters again and get to follow up on that cliffhanger!
I wish i knew more about Cain, which is from an other series, but it did not stop me from loving the book and happily following its storyline.

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

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theophilus Monroe has quickly become one of my favorites authors! Everything he writes just springs to life and you can't help but fall in love with his characters. This is Book 4 in the The Blood Witch Saga, where once again, Theophilus keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is the next leg in the journey of Hailey, hedgewitch and vampire, as she continues to outsmart the Vampire King and his mission for her to become the Queen of Hell. Experience romance, action, drama, paranormal, and more all in one book! Once again, I have been left breathless and wanting more!!.

[Jacqualine Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is booked for the series. I would definitely recommend reading from book one. It is amazing series. I love it. It’s written by a very talented author, I have read many of his series and individual books. He never let you down. The characters are amazing, fantastic world building, and terrific storylines. They are definite must read page Turner and I would highly recommend this book and the series and any other books written by this author, thank you for the great reads Theo.

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

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventure Going Strong with Book 4!
Hailey’s adventure continues in saving Cain and battling the King of Hell, Corbin. Only Hailey gets some help from some unlikely sources: an old Druid Vampire, Tour Guide and a Faery. Resolution does happen only for other problems to arise. Cain, Nico, Mel, Connor, and Mercy just have another chapter to encounter.

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

[Christina Luberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I can not get enough of Theophilus Monroe's books. I love all the characters new and old. Exspecially my Paulie. Every book I have read with him in it sends me into a fit of laughter. So follow the action, laughs and all the realms. So grab the fourth book and follow Hailey and Connor as they travel the realms and see where it leads, oh wait we do have a cliffhanger.

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

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was entertained by book 4 of "The Blood Witch Saga" series. Hailey and her friends were looking for a grimoire and the path was filled with obstacles. The story was bizarre and wacky and filled with the usual humor found in a Theophilus Monroe's series. Kelley Hazen's narration was great and fit the story's ambiance well. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghouls and Grimoires (The Blood Witch Saga Book 4) was a great read by Theophilus Monroe. Hailey was sixteen years old when she was turned seven years ago. She can make dead men talk by speaking to them. The vampire king still desires Hailey even if he might be in hell. Unfortunately for him Hailey refuses to be his queen. I loved the life that Kelley Hazen brought to the characters. I can't wait to read more by the authors.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. There is so much going on and new characters and dilemmas coming about like faerie’s and ogres . Even having Lucifer return to down below. Hailey got her self a baby vamp so not what she wanted or needed . There was a lot of action and the narration was again perfect. The narrator does an amazing job juggling each character and their personas along with the sound effects. Just great!