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The Ripper Trilogy #1
Ripper's Row
In the fall of 1888, Jack the Ripper cut a swath of blood and terror through the streets of London, in an area known as Whitechaple. The papers called him a monster for attacking innocent women in the night. But if the world only knew the truth behind Jack's monstrous acts, they would think differently. Jack was a madman, yes, but a madman on a mission to save the world from the foul creatures of the night. Creatures that haunted his soul, tortured his existence, and made every minute of his life a living hell. Only Jack the Ripper could save the unsuspecting masses from the vampires that ruled the streets of Whitechaple after dark. Only he could strike down the dangerous Master Vampire William Carpenter-or die in the attempt. Follow the infamous "Jack the Ripper" through a harrowing adventure to take back the streets of Victorian London, and reclaim the honor of a love lost to darkness.
172 pages, paperback, e-book
First published October 25, 2010
24 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Donnie Light
23 books23 followersDonnie Light is an American author of several novels and shorter works. He writes genre-bending dark fiction - paranormal stories that include elements of mystery and thriller.
His stories have been featured in two anthologies focused on dark fiction - Softly Creeping and Lyrical Darkness.
Donnie Light lives in rural Northern Illinois and is currently working on his next novel.
His stories have been featured in two anthologies focused on dark fiction - Softly Creeping and Lyrical Darkness.
Donnie Light lives in rural Northern Illinois and is currently working on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 24, 2010
Donnie and Shawn have written a fun and different vampire tale. Basic plot: Historical figure Jack the Ripper is hunting vampires and the head vampire strenuously resists his efforts. No one can say it's been done before! The writing style flows and the voice carries you from page to page, with just the right amount of graphic description. I think vampire and horror fans will enjoy this tale.
Ellen C Maze
Author of Curiously Spiritual Vampire Tales
Ellen C Maze
Author of Curiously Spiritual Vampire Tales
November 15, 2010
Ripper's Row is the collaborative effort of D0nnie Light and Shawn Weaver. The two authors take the infamous Jack the Ripper and of all things, turn him into a hero. The public at large might know Jack as a horribly brutal serial killer, but in reality he is a tortured soul who hunts down vampires and their entourage. You see, all of Jack's victims are blood sucking demons and Jack's mission is to purge the earth of these vile creatures who have robbed him of his one true love.
I loved the take on redefining society’s belief in a decades old legend. How many stories have been written about the serial killer from the poor streets of London? My guess is a few hundred. I can also fathom that none have portrayed Jack as the hero. That originality was ingenious. Unfortunately the ingenuity stopped there and we are then given the dry old vampire tale we have been fed since Bram Stoker first enlightened the world to the walking dead. Garlic, crosses, wooden stakes, etc., I really was hoping for a more unique take since the premise of this book was so original.
The book opens with a little background on London and a brief synopsis of Jack the Ripper and then dives into his first kill. You definitely get a feel for the atmosphere throughout the writing and I could hear the clopping of cobblestones underneath people's feet as I read through the pages. I am not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I admittedly enjoyed the backdrop of this story very much. Both writers did a nice job on making you feel a part of the era that implanted Mr. Ripper on all of our lives. I also think the book did a nice job of mixing the action in with some nice character development on what made Jack click.
I did get the feeling a professional editor wasn't used in proofing the book. My guess is the two authors proofed each other’s writing. There were many areas of repetition, from words to passages. The book would be better served if it were combed through a little more thoroughly. I remember "darkness" used about 8 times in the span of two paragraphs and being told that paper sales was the primary goal of the Ripper stories on three different occasions. I continue to laugh when I write editing issues in reviews as I seem to get some of the same comments on my writing. Maybe that is why I am sensitive to the issues, not sure.
Anyway, overall I enjoyed the story. If you like a nicely packaged tried and true vampire story with an interestingly twisted backdrop, you will enjoy the read. It doesn't break any new ground but it has established an ingenious take on warping historical villains into heroes that I very much enjoyed. Overall a nice job and I would be interested to see what the pair comes up with on their next adventure. I do hope they use their imagination to propel me as a reader into something completely different, they obviously have the imagination for it.
I loved the take on redefining society’s belief in a decades old legend. How many stories have been written about the serial killer from the poor streets of London? My guess is a few hundred. I can also fathom that none have portrayed Jack as the hero. That originality was ingenious. Unfortunately the ingenuity stopped there and we are then given the dry old vampire tale we have been fed since Bram Stoker first enlightened the world to the walking dead. Garlic, crosses, wooden stakes, etc., I really was hoping for a more unique take since the premise of this book was so original.
The book opens with a little background on London and a brief synopsis of Jack the Ripper and then dives into his first kill. You definitely get a feel for the atmosphere throughout the writing and I could hear the clopping of cobblestones underneath people's feet as I read through the pages. I am not a huge fan of historical fiction, but I admittedly enjoyed the backdrop of this story very much. Both writers did a nice job on making you feel a part of the era that implanted Mr. Ripper on all of our lives. I also think the book did a nice job of mixing the action in with some nice character development on what made Jack click.
I did get the feeling a professional editor wasn't used in proofing the book. My guess is the two authors proofed each other’s writing. There were many areas of repetition, from words to passages. The book would be better served if it were combed through a little more thoroughly. I remember "darkness" used about 8 times in the span of two paragraphs and being told that paper sales was the primary goal of the Ripper stories on three different occasions. I continue to laugh when I write editing issues in reviews as I seem to get some of the same comments on my writing. Maybe that is why I am sensitive to the issues, not sure.
Anyway, overall I enjoyed the story. If you like a nicely packaged tried and true vampire story with an interestingly twisted backdrop, you will enjoy the read. It doesn't break any new ground but it has established an ingenious take on warping historical villains into heroes that I very much enjoyed. Overall a nice job and I would be interested to see what the pair comes up with on their next adventure. I do hope they use their imagination to propel me as a reader into something completely different, they obviously have the imagination for it.
December 31, 2010
Jack the Ripper has been the focus of many books over the years, but Donnie Light and Shawn Weaver has managed to put a fresh spin on the tale of the serial killer. Written with excellent imagery and a voice that flowed easily throughout the chapters. Ripper's Row starts off as you would imagine a book about Jack the Ripper beginning, but quickly become something unique as the supernatural elements are introduced. Vampires in a historical thriller about Jack the Ripper. What more do you want? What makes this book riveting is how the plot twists around until you're not sure who is good and who is evil. Basically, this book is a great choice for anyone who enjoys a vampiric thriller.
December 24, 2011
Jack the Ripper had a method to his madness. he was killing the servants of a vampire in Whitechapel.
I enjoyed the story. But the Ripper was more brutal and scary than the vampires. His motive did not jive with me when compared to the brutality of Jack's victims. But it is a clever precept.
My biggest peeve however was that sometimes it was Whitechaple and sometimes Whitechapel. It made me cringe. one or the other please.
I enjoyed the story. But the Ripper was more brutal and scary than the vampires. His motive did not jive with me when compared to the brutality of Jack's victims. But it is a clever precept.
My biggest peeve however was that sometimes it was Whitechaple and sometimes Whitechapel. It made me cringe. one or the other please.
April 25, 2012
The premise of this book is that maybe Jack the Ripper wasn't the madman we've come to believe over the years, but that he was a vampire hunter and the women he killed were being controlled by a master vampire ..... and that pretty much sucked me in - Jack the Ripper AND vampires - what more could I want. The story is good and I enjoyed it enough that I already purchased the second book.
October 17, 2012
Not bad. Def a different view of the Jack the Ripper. He was actually a good guy who would have thought.. lol And the vampires described def came from an old movie. It was fun to go through what Jack went through and why he was hunting vampires. pretty cool
Read
August 12, 2023It is a good twist on Jack the Ripper story. It not a full book. You have to get the other 2.
January 5, 2013
I have to admit that the title alone drew me to the book. I'm a fan of alternate history, so a chance to read about Jack the Ripper made me giggly as a teenage girl.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. Donnie Light and Shawn Weaver did a fantastic job of giving a back story to the characters. I guess because there were only two main characters, it was quite easy. But even the lesser characters got their "story" told as well.
I also loved the idea that maybe Jack the Ripper wasn't evil, he was something else. There was careful interweaving of Ripper facts throughout the novel.
However, did find myself rooting quite heavily for the vampire throughout the novel, and wished someone would just get rid of Jack already, as his cockiness was getting to be a bore. I guess this is more of a testament to Mr. Light's writing style that he could achieve the level of hatred in a reader that he did, and the level of sympathy that I did for his nemesis, William.
The book was a fast read, and very well written. I got through it in hardly no time.
The one thing that I did not like, and caused me to only give it three stars is the ending. I understand that authors now like to write series books. They can be quite enjoyable. Stephanie Laurens and Julia Quinn have done an amazing job doing this. However, with Stephanie Laurens and Julia Quinn, each book, while part of a series, is stand alone. I can read it and feel satisfied with the ending.
I was not satisfied with the ending. The book just stopped. And then was an advertisement to continue the story with his next novel, Ripper's Revenge. I didn't want to have to invest in 2+ books to have the story told. The second book could be about a character from the first, but don't just stop writing your book half-way through in order to force people to buy your next book just to finally read the ending.
I may just be nit-picky, but the ending of the novel made me mad, and made me felt like I wasted time reading it, because I don't know the ending.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. Donnie Light and Shawn Weaver did a fantastic job of giving a back story to the characters. I guess because there were only two main characters, it was quite easy. But even the lesser characters got their "story" told as well.
I also loved the idea that maybe Jack the Ripper wasn't evil, he was something else. There was careful interweaving of Ripper facts throughout the novel.
However, did find myself rooting quite heavily for the vampire throughout the novel, and wished someone would just get rid of Jack already, as his cockiness was getting to be a bore. I guess this is more of a testament to Mr. Light's writing style that he could achieve the level of hatred in a reader that he did, and the level of sympathy that I did for his nemesis, William.
The book was a fast read, and very well written. I got through it in hardly no time.
The one thing that I did not like, and caused me to only give it three stars is the ending. I understand that authors now like to write series books. They can be quite enjoyable. Stephanie Laurens and Julia Quinn have done an amazing job doing this. However, with Stephanie Laurens and Julia Quinn, each book, while part of a series, is stand alone. I can read it and feel satisfied with the ending.
I was not satisfied with the ending. The book just stopped. And then was an advertisement to continue the story with his next novel, Ripper's Revenge. I didn't want to have to invest in 2+ books to have the story told. The second book could be about a character from the first, but don't just stop writing your book half-way through in order to force people to buy your next book just to finally read the ending.
I may just be nit-picky, but the ending of the novel made me mad, and made me felt like I wasted time reading it, because I don't know the ending.
July 25, 2013
I felt the book had a slight shaky start but once I got into the first couple of chapters the story started to flow better and it made a better read.
Towards the end of the book I was gripped. I started to get slightly lost when a spell was made to trap a soul but I could look past that. What totally threw me was the hastly thought out and rushed ending ! I was anticipating a huge violent confrontation between the two main characters and, to be honest, it was tepid at best.
The alternative history story line made the book interesting. Maybe the real Jack the Ripper felt he was exterminating monsters in his crazy head( probably not vampires to be fair ). I have read other's reviews on Amazon and they complain about how unrealistic the book is and Jack the Ripper was a mad man and not a vampire . . ya think ?!?
If you decide to read a book that claims Jack the Ripper was a vampire hunter then thats pretty much what its going to be about.
What let it down for me was the shaky start and the let-down ending. I understand that some books have to have an ending which allows a sequal to follow but an author also has the tricky task of making the end of the book a good cliff hanger to ensure the reader come back to the series. This wasn't the case for me. I didn't bother to read the sample of the follow on book.
it was a Amazon freebie and was easy to read so those things alone have to be a bonus !
Towards the end of the book I was gripped. I started to get slightly lost when a spell was made to trap a soul but I could look past that. What totally threw me was the hastly thought out and rushed ending ! I was anticipating a huge violent confrontation between the two main characters and, to be honest, it was tepid at best.
The alternative history story line made the book interesting. Maybe the real Jack the Ripper felt he was exterminating monsters in his crazy head( probably not vampires to be fair ). I have read other's reviews on Amazon and they complain about how unrealistic the book is and Jack the Ripper was a mad man and not a vampire . . ya think ?!?
If you decide to read a book that claims Jack the Ripper was a vampire hunter then thats pretty much what its going to be about.
What let it down for me was the shaky start and the let-down ending. I understand that some books have to have an ending which allows a sequal to follow but an author also has the tricky task of making the end of the book a good cliff hanger to ensure the reader come back to the series. This wasn't the case for me. I didn't bother to read the sample of the follow on book.
it was a Amazon freebie and was easy to read so those things alone have to be a bonus !
October 30, 2010
Ripper's Row by Donnie Light and Shawn Weaver
From the very first page I can hear the horses, see the setting, and smell the vile intentions. What begins as a a jack-the-ripper story turns into something different entirely when the paranormal is revealed and the intentions of the 'murderer' are disclosed.
With details and descriptions a reader can taste, smell, and hear, I found myself easily lost in the prose and anticipatory of the next page of language delights. The dialogue is reminiscent of older times and I believed what was being said rang true. With characters like Annie, Mary, Kelley, Elizabeth, Helena, Sarah, Simon, Jack and William, I enjoyed the people in the story and getting to know them.
When one believes the villain is clear, the axis are turned, and true evil is seen. Because everything is not always as it appears. This story was good, because it made me question a murderer's intentions, and ask what if the motivation was pure?
Written in a completely different fashion from Sense of Honor and Dragon's Chest, this novel feels more intimate to me for some reason. I enjoyed all three of Shawn Weaver's works. This one is quite different from the last two and I have to say my favorite thus far…until he writes another:)
There is a bit of discrepancy with past and present tense, something to be solved with editing, but overall a very good story.
From the very first page I can hear the horses, see the setting, and smell the vile intentions. What begins as a a jack-the-ripper story turns into something different entirely when the paranormal is revealed and the intentions of the 'murderer' are disclosed.
With details and descriptions a reader can taste, smell, and hear, I found myself easily lost in the prose and anticipatory of the next page of language delights. The dialogue is reminiscent of older times and I believed what was being said rang true. With characters like Annie, Mary, Kelley, Elizabeth, Helena, Sarah, Simon, Jack and William, I enjoyed the people in the story and getting to know them.
When one believes the villain is clear, the axis are turned, and true evil is seen. Because everything is not always as it appears. This story was good, because it made me question a murderer's intentions, and ask what if the motivation was pure?
Written in a completely different fashion from Sense of Honor and Dragon's Chest, this novel feels more intimate to me for some reason. I enjoyed all three of Shawn Weaver's works. This one is quite different from the last two and I have to say my favorite thus far…until he writes another:)
There is a bit of discrepancy with past and present tense, something to be solved with editing, but overall a very good story.
December 11, 2010
This book takes the idea that Jack the Ripper wasn't such a bad guy - he was just trying to rid London of vampire-possessed-prostitutes. I have to admit, it's a very unique plot and the hunt between the vampires and the vampire-killer is gripping. I had no idea who would win in the end (if anyone!) and the final fight kept me reading late into the night. It's a great novella IF you can get past the introduction and first chapter!
In my opinion, the introduction is unnecessary and can really be skipped. It gives the historical background of London and Jack the Ripper but really, the book speaks for itself. The authors paint a haunting picture of London during the time period and I think most readers will have heard of Jack the Ripper. The first chapter is riddled with editing errors, but the rest of the book is almost spotless. If you are a fan of vampire thrillers, I definitely recommend this book. It was easy to read, exciting, and an overall good book.
In my opinion, the introduction is unnecessary and can really be skipped. It gives the historical background of London and Jack the Ripper but really, the book speaks for itself. The authors paint a haunting picture of London during the time period and I think most readers will have heard of Jack the Ripper. The first chapter is riddled with editing errors, but the rest of the book is almost spotless. If you are a fan of vampire thrillers, I definitely recommend this book. It was easy to read, exciting, and an overall good book.
November 22, 2012
This book was an interesting and exciting spin on the Whitechapel murders (1888-91). While I usually despise vampire and/or werewolf hunter novels, I found myself able to get into this one via the constant action and lack of generic characters. The bits written around the main antagonist were surprising; I found myself able to sympathize with and understand the perspective of something that wasn't human. Overall it was one of the best novels I've read in a long while, but it lost a star because 1) Some scenes felt rushed, particularly ones featuring the antagonist and his consorts, as if they were a mere afterthought, and 2) Not enough harm came to Jack in his mission to eliminate William, the master vampire of Whitechapel, and the book did not live up to its full potential for these flaws. But it came closer than other freebies I've read, so I will definitely be looking into the sequels.
January 19, 2012
Despite a few typos, I enjoyed this book. Not perfect by any means, but a creative retelling of Jack the Ripper as a vampire hunter.
A very easy read, and not too graphic during the killing scenes.
I understand it's a series but I wish the motive of the killer was explored more, it seemed a little hurried closer to the end - almost like they rushed to explain why he was hunting the vampire and his clan of ladies.
My kindle version includes 2 chapters of the second novel in the series, but I'm saving them until I can find the rest of the series at a good price.
It's rare that a book written by two people is so seamlessly done in one coherent narrative, but this team did a good job. I hope they continue to write, and that they invest in a good editor. It's amazing how proper editing can make or break a book.
A very easy read, and not too graphic during the killing scenes.
I understand it's a series but I wish the motive of the killer was explored more, it seemed a little hurried closer to the end - almost like they rushed to explain why he was hunting the vampire and his clan of ladies.
My kindle version includes 2 chapters of the second novel in the series, but I'm saving them until I can find the rest of the series at a good price.
It's rare that a book written by two people is so seamlessly done in one coherent narrative, but this team did a good job. I hope they continue to write, and that they invest in a good editor. It's amazing how proper editing can make or break a book.
January 26, 2011
A murderer in London's Whitechapel district? Jack the Ripper has the city paryalzed in fear. But if the truth were known, he would not be the feared one. Jack is only out to rid the night of evil creatures and those that have been mesmorized by them. Toss out all that you know or have heard about Jack and join him as he begins his cursade to save London's residents from the dark of night...
Look out Twilight! Donnie Light and Shawn Weaver have put together a thought provoking, well conceived and well wriiten spin on Jack the Ripper! I am looking forward to their next work together! A five star read for sure!
Ted Iverson
Author - Mission to the Stars: Book One: The Search for FTL
www.tediverson.com
Look out Twilight! Donnie Light and Shawn Weaver have put together a thought provoking, well conceived and well wriiten spin on Jack the Ripper! I am looking forward to their next work together! A five star read for sure!
Ted Iverson
Author - Mission to the Stars: Book One: The Search for FTL
www.tediverson.com
April 11, 2011
I won this on from Goodreads and the subject piqued my interest. What if Jack the Ripper wasn't a homicidal madman, but a vampire hunter and the women who he killed were part of a master vampire's harem?
It was a good premise, but there was little in the way of character development for me - especially in regards to Jack. I got just the barest of glimpses into his past, but no more than a paragraph and that paragraph just spoke a bit to why he's hunting the vampires - nothing about his past or how he learned about the existence of vampires or how he learned to hunt them.
For my tastes, I would have liked the book to be fleshed out more - it was too bare bones for me.
It was a good premise, but there was little in the way of character development for me - especially in regards to Jack. I got just the barest of glimpses into his past, but no more than a paragraph and that paragraph just spoke a bit to why he's hunting the vampires - nothing about his past or how he learned about the existence of vampires or how he learned to hunt them.
For my tastes, I would have liked the book to be fleshed out more - it was too bare bones for me.
May 19, 2012
Very interesting twist on the ripper tale. It mixes supernatural with history, harking back to the Bram Stoker style of vampire. My only complaint was I didn't have the second book ready to start as soon as I finished the first. The first ends frustratingly very abruptly much like the story of the ripper himself I guess but as a reader it had me swearing and the free chapters of the next book didn't help as at the time I was not in a place where I could download the next one
August 20, 2013
I have a strong interest in Jack the Ripper but have little to no interest in Vampires (apart from the original Bram Stoker novel and the Hammer Horror films) so I didn't think this book would interest me but hey, it was free on Amazon (at the time), so I thought I'd give it a try. It turned out to be a very good decision as any doubts I had had were soon dispelled as I began reading, I found it to be a very entertaining read. I will definitely be seeking out the sequel 'Ripper's Revenge'.
February 23, 2012
this is a pretty cool way of changing up the vampire genre along with the mystery of Jack the Ripper. Fast paced and well written. This book keeps you going to the very end. What a great thrill to read this book. I loved it so much that I signed on to get Ripper's Revenge right away and am now working on that one. Great story.
June 1, 2013
This was Jack the Ripper vs. Master Vampire William Carpenter. Jack would kill women because they were the vampire's mistresses. This was a wonderfully thought out mystery/paranormal storyline and well developed characters that shows the wonderful imaginations of the authors. I would recommend this story highly especially for ripper
fans. I can't wait to read Ripper's revenge.
fans. I can't wait to read Ripper's revenge.
November 8, 2012
I am VERY interested in Jack the Ripper, and I think the premise of this book is unique and intriguing. However, I couldn't even finish; it was so boring. There wasn't a ton of action to me. (I got about halfway through.) Five stars for idea and originality, but had to give it a one for failing to keep the attention of someone who rarely gives up on books.
November 1, 2012
i started this book last night. i loved it!!!! jack the ripper versus vampire, hell yes. i can not help but hope the vamps kill him, even though jack isn't actually who you've always thought he was. this book is outstanding. i started and finished it last night. i can't wait to start on the 2nd book.
November 22, 2012
This book was not as good as it could have been. Though it was a nice take on the Whitechaple murders, it felt rushed, and Jack had it too easy. Still, I felt myself sympathizing with every character and enjoying the vividly detail and lively action scenes. It's the best novel I've read in a long while, andirons look forward to the sequels.
December 8, 2012
Not a bad book, but not brilliant either, a little predictable, a tried and tested formula... Done more successfully by Kim Newman, it was a freebie so you can't really complain... I liked some of the narrative, and the research was evident... Set up at the end for a sequel, I think the author would've been better to write more into this one rather than do two or three books...
April 24, 2016
I thought I was getting the whole trilogy
When I downloaded the book I thought I was getting the whole thing. I was disappointed that I did not. Parts of the book I enjoyed, parts I did not. Jack the ripper was a real killer, but his victims were not vampires. I may get the next book in the series or not. I was happy that Jack was as evil as the vampires were.
When I downloaded the book I thought I was getting the whole thing. I was disappointed that I did not. Parts of the book I enjoyed, parts I did not. Jack the ripper was a real killer, but his victims were not vampires. I may get the next book in the series or not. I was happy that Jack was as evil as the vampires were.
March 24, 2013
This book is a different twist to the Whitechapel murders and vampires. Would say I didn't quite expect where it went. Found the story moves along quickly as it pulled me in and I couldn't wait to find out what happens next.
August 2, 2011
fun read. I love the concept behind the novel and look forward to the next installment.
January 6, 2012
Kept my interest. A "to be continued" series.
January 31, 2012
Interesting paranormal take on Jack the Ripper. I really enjoyed how the author kept to the traditional description of vampires instead of leaning towards that sparkly stuff you read about nowadays.
July 2, 2013
Ugh. Abandoned this one at about 25%. Just couldn't get into it, Ifond it totally boring. Luckily,it was an Amazon freebie.
November 18, 2013
Loved the unique take on the Jack the Ripper legend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews