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Darklife Saga #1
Crimson Dawn
When vampire Valeria Trumaine comes home one morning to find her father waiting for her, she knows she's about to get trouble in spades. But she never imagined it would come in the form of her ex-fiance. Now she must confront old demons and face new possibilities as she struggles to bring the rouge vampire to justice. After she left him, Valeria avoided Tristan like the plague, but now that he's gone rogue, she's going to have to utilize every thing she's learned as a sentinel to find him. Finding Tristan proves to be more dangerous than anyone realized. He's changed in ways that go against nature, and has become more powerful than anyone ever imagined. Refusing to let her face the abomination that Tristan has become alone, Val's best friend and powerful Sidhe princess, Irulan joins the hunt. Valeria will find that Irulan's motives for keeping her safe aren't what she thinks. And soon she's faced with an undeniable attraction that makes her question everything she knew about herself. Can she accomplish her task and prevent more innocent lives from being destroyed? Can she do it and not loose herself to his madness? In the middle of all the madness, can she embrace the unexpected love that fate has thrown her way?
248 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2011
35 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
Ronnie Massey
15 books36 followersRonnie is a mother of two, grandmother of one, auntie to too many to count (her number of siblings is in the double digits).
She’s a card-carrying member of the rainbow mafia and has lived in South Carolina her entire life. She is a Blerd (Black Nerd) that can talk to you for hours about her favorite things, so tread carefully. Once you get her started, you’re in for the long haul.
She cries during movies and tv shows and is a collector of many things.
Her first book, Crimson Dawn, was released in 2011, and her DarkWorld series continues to grow.
She’s a card-carrying member of the rainbow mafia and has lived in South Carolina her entire life. She is a Blerd (Black Nerd) that can talk to you for hours about her favorite things, so tread carefully. Once you get her started, you’re in for the long haul.
She cries during movies and tv shows and is a collector of many things.
Her first book, Crimson Dawn, was released in 2011, and her DarkWorld series continues to grow.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 24, 2023
Interesting plot, not my preferred grammar style.
Very repetitive (like extremely) and choppy at times
Very repetitive (like extremely) and choppy at times
September 22, 2014
Val is a vampire and her job is basically to police the supernatural world; for her next assignment, she is given the assignment of hunting down her crazy ex-fiancee. The plot weaves around and about against a backdrop of supernatural politics and personal relationships.
Alas, I wanted to like this book. It is written with a warmth and humour which suggests the author doesn't take themselves awfully seriously. The world and situations showed promise, being as it was a kind of magical pot-puree of new twists on old tropes.
In the end, however, I found myself mostly bemused by the inconsistent relationships, uneven plotting, and (most hilariously) the accidental inclusion of some pithy comments from the editorial staff. Perhaps the final draft needed to be read again a little more closely before going to press. (The best of these comments runs "I check my directions and gave Irulan a quick hug. Weird, who hugs their partner when they're on a manhunt? This is just not realistic.")
The inconsistent relationships provided, on balance, most of the "wut?" moments I had in this book. Certainly the unfolding romance at the heart of the story seems all jumbled; suddenly one of the ladies is righteously jealous of the other despite not being together; another moment the main character announces to an asshole she's taken with the only build-up to that being... nothing. It is all a bit worrisome.
I would not recommend this book, albeit I am sure that many people will enjoy it on its own merits.
Alas, I wanted to like this book. It is written with a warmth and humour which suggests the author doesn't take themselves awfully seriously. The world and situations showed promise, being as it was a kind of magical pot-puree of new twists on old tropes.
In the end, however, I found myself mostly bemused by the inconsistent relationships, uneven plotting, and (most hilariously) the accidental inclusion of some pithy comments from the editorial staff. Perhaps the final draft needed to be read again a little more closely before going to press. (The best of these comments runs "I check my directions and gave Irulan a quick hug. Weird, who hugs their partner when they're on a manhunt? This is just not realistic.")
The inconsistent relationships provided, on balance, most of the "wut?" moments I had in this book. Certainly the unfolding romance at the heart of the story seems all jumbled; suddenly one of the ladies is righteously jealous of the other despite not being together; another moment the main character announces to an asshole she's taken with the only build-up to that being... nothing. It is all a bit worrisome.
I would not recommend this book, albeit I am sure that many people will enjoy it on its own merits.
June 14, 2014
I actually read this book twice. I never read books twice, but there was something about the relationship between Val and Irulan that made me revisit the book. I love seeing black female leads in this genre, so I'm happy that I found it.
August 28, 2016
I wouldn't bother. I wouldn't call it terrible, it is readable. But there are far better books to read. The main characters with her complete lack of self control is unlikeable, the rest of the cast doesn't contain any characters that compensate for that. And there is no great plot or world building to make up for that.
February 4, 2022
With Crimson Dawn, Ronnie has managed to do something I wasn't entirely sure could be done - she has injected some fresh blood into what has become (for me, at least) a rather stagnant and repetitive urban fantasy genre. First, she's taken the vampire mythos and given it a significant tweak, creating a world populate by both the traditional deadborn (vampires risen from the dead) and the refreshingly original lifeborn (vampires born of vampire parents). I realise she's not the first author to suggest the 'natural' birth of vampire progeny, but she's the first I've read to fully explore the concept and give it some real teeth (if you'll pardon the pun!).
What Ronnie has also done, and this is what really excited me about the novel, is work in a wondrously diverse system of magic and mythology. Her reality encompasses the fairy realm, old-fashioned genies and golems, traditional witches, and contemporary voodoo - all alongside the vampire, were-beasts, and other races that you'd expect from the urban fantasy genre. Under the guidance of a less talented author this could be a mess, but she makes it work so well we never question it.
The trio of Val (pureblood lifeborn vampire), Irulan (fairy princess), and Priest (deadborn vampire) is definitely one of the strongest in urban fantasy. The three play off one another very well, and while it takes a while to warm up to Priest, that's deliberate on Ronnie's part. A professional rival of Val (who also feels a need to prove himself as a deadborn), Priest is the kind of antagonistic jerk you want to hate . . . but can't so easily set aside. These heroes are not friends, not by a long-shot, but there's a measure of mutual respect beneath the almost sibling-like tension that develops as they each, in turn, come to the other's rescue. Any one of the three would be strong enough to carry a story on their own, but Ronnie pays just enough attention to each to ensure none of the are wasted, without allowing any one of them to unfairly dominate the story.
As for the villain of the piece . . . wow! It's in him that everything comes together, and through him that Ronnie is able to make the mix of vampires and magic work so beautifully. Sullen and spoiled, he's also cruel, brutal, and entirely too full of himself. I won't say too much about him, since it's his quest that drives the plot, but the possibility of his success is truly terrifying to contemplate.
Of course, any entry into the urban fantasy genre needs a healthy dose of romance to balance out the horror, and that is where Ronnie really shines. Bloody and brutal at times, this is also a story that's very passionate and erotic at others. The budding romance of Val and Irulan is one that's played out slowly and subtly, engaging the reader in a delightful game of seduction. It's a relationship that has the potential to be slightly creepy, given their age difference and Irulan's role in nurturing Val's early years, but it's handled masterfully. Instead of putting us off, it just adds another element of tension to their frustrated dance of desire. By the time the two women finally come together, it's as much a relief as it is a delight . . . with the unexpected consequences of their passion serving to add a note of perfection to their entire relationship.
There's so much more I could say about this book, but you really need to discover it for yourself. Ronnie keeps things fresh and exciting throughout, with the change in setting for the final third of the book coming at just the right time to eagerly propel us towards the conclusion.
What Ronnie has also done, and this is what really excited me about the novel, is work in a wondrously diverse system of magic and mythology. Her reality encompasses the fairy realm, old-fashioned genies and golems, traditional witches, and contemporary voodoo - all alongside the vampire, were-beasts, and other races that you'd expect from the urban fantasy genre. Under the guidance of a less talented author this could be a mess, but she makes it work so well we never question it.
The trio of Val (pureblood lifeborn vampire), Irulan (fairy princess), and Priest (deadborn vampire) is definitely one of the strongest in urban fantasy. The three play off one another very well, and while it takes a while to warm up to Priest, that's deliberate on Ronnie's part. A professional rival of Val (who also feels a need to prove himself as a deadborn), Priest is the kind of antagonistic jerk you want to hate . . . but can't so easily set aside. These heroes are not friends, not by a long-shot, but there's a measure of mutual respect beneath the almost sibling-like tension that develops as they each, in turn, come to the other's rescue. Any one of the three would be strong enough to carry a story on their own, but Ronnie pays just enough attention to each to ensure none of the are wasted, without allowing any one of them to unfairly dominate the story.
As for the villain of the piece . . . wow! It's in him that everything comes together, and through him that Ronnie is able to make the mix of vampires and magic work so beautifully. Sullen and spoiled, he's also cruel, brutal, and entirely too full of himself. I won't say too much about him, since it's his quest that drives the plot, but the possibility of his success is truly terrifying to contemplate.
Of course, any entry into the urban fantasy genre needs a healthy dose of romance to balance out the horror, and that is where Ronnie really shines. Bloody and brutal at times, this is also a story that's very passionate and erotic at others. The budding romance of Val and Irulan is one that's played out slowly and subtly, engaging the reader in a delightful game of seduction. It's a relationship that has the potential to be slightly creepy, given their age difference and Irulan's role in nurturing Val's early years, but it's handled masterfully. Instead of putting us off, it just adds another element of tension to their frustrated dance of desire. By the time the two women finally come together, it's as much a relief as it is a delight . . . with the unexpected consequences of their passion serving to add a note of perfection to their entire relationship.
There's so much more I could say about this book, but you really need to discover it for yourself. Ronnie keeps things fresh and exciting throughout, with the change in setting for the final third of the book coming at just the right time to eagerly propel us towards the conclusion.
May 27, 2022
Good, but missing the ingredient to make it great.
Okay, I loved the diversity, the plot was fantastic, the action riveting. Word building? Great!
My only complaint was character development.
The main character doesn't have a lot of redeeming qualities I cared about. There's brash and prickly....and then there's just rude and stupid. She had a chip on her shoulder and was constantly picking fights for literally no reason, which made her come off a little entitled. Like anytime someone didn't act exactly how she wanted, she flipped out and got violent, even with people who cared about her, she'd lash out emotionally at them at the slightest provocation or perceived wrong doing.
She was well enough developed as a character, but I actually really disliked her. Perhaps if I had some context into why she was like that? She had a loving family, social status, her ideal job, super powers that were stronger than most others, immortality. I had a hard time understanding why she was such an angsty little butthead.
Maybe more emotional processing of having a been in a toxic relationship? But it's just kinda thrown out there then we have to guess how that affected her. She stayed with him hoping her goodness would rub off and change/save him...but what goodness? The low bar of not being a psychotic serial murderer? If she went through some sort of change after him, we should get to see the difference, and see the old her underneath all the rage fueled outbursts.
Now, Irulen had the opposite problem. She was very likable, but had no development. I didn't get a real feel for who she was as a person,just that she was for some weird reason, in love with the jerk protagonist, and totally ride or die. So when she got emotional or was involved in emotional scenes I felt a sum total of nothing. It felt like reading a stranger's tweet complaining about a break up with no context. Like... Sure, that's probably sad, but I don't know you so idc. She had so much potential to make the story great, and to bring out the redeemable qualities in Val, but she fell flat because we never get to really know her on a emotional level. With no emotional investment, the story doesn't actually *say* anything.
Ultimately, I'll keep reading for the world building and plot...only if the character development improves.
This author writes action phenomenally, something that is often lacking in these books. But this is absolutely a paranormal action *romance* as the romance is intertwined deeply with the main plot. But the romance itself, thanks to poor character development outside of the protagonist, is not well developed. It was lacking entirely in emotion or any emotional depth or storytelling.
A star for plot, a star for the action scenes, a star for making fairies dark and gritty, and a star for world building. No star for character stuff.
Okay, I loved the diversity, the plot was fantastic, the action riveting. Word building? Great!
My only complaint was character development.
The main character doesn't have a lot of redeeming qualities I cared about. There's brash and prickly....and then there's just rude and stupid. She had a chip on her shoulder and was constantly picking fights for literally no reason, which made her come off a little entitled. Like anytime someone didn't act exactly how she wanted, she flipped out and got violent, even with people who cared about her, she'd lash out emotionally at them at the slightest provocation or perceived wrong doing.
She was well enough developed as a character, but I actually really disliked her. Perhaps if I had some context into why she was like that? She had a loving family, social status, her ideal job, super powers that were stronger than most others, immortality. I had a hard time understanding why she was such an angsty little butthead.
Maybe more emotional processing of having a been in a toxic relationship? But it's just kinda thrown out there then we have to guess how that affected her. She stayed with him hoping her goodness would rub off and change/save him...but what goodness? The low bar of not being a psychotic serial murderer? If she went through some sort of change after him, we should get to see the difference, and see the old her underneath all the rage fueled outbursts.
Now, Irulen had the opposite problem. She was very likable, but had no development. I didn't get a real feel for who she was as a person,just that she was for some weird reason, in love with the jerk protagonist, and totally ride or die. So when she got emotional or was involved in emotional scenes I felt a sum total of nothing. It felt like reading a stranger's tweet complaining about a break up with no context. Like... Sure, that's probably sad, but I don't know you so idc. She had so much potential to make the story great, and to bring out the redeemable qualities in Val, but she fell flat because we never get to really know her on a emotional level. With no emotional investment, the story doesn't actually *say* anything.
Ultimately, I'll keep reading for the world building and plot...only if the character development improves.
This author writes action phenomenally, something that is often lacking in these books. But this is absolutely a paranormal action *romance* as the romance is intertwined deeply with the main plot. But the romance itself, thanks to poor character development outside of the protagonist, is not well developed. It was lacking entirely in emotion or any emotional depth or storytelling.
A star for plot, a star for the action scenes, a star for making fairies dark and gritty, and a star for world building. No star for character stuff.
February 7, 2023
I couldn’t believe it…
When I first picked up the book, I didn’t get past the first few pages. I didn’t think it was for me. I want sure if I could relate to the MC and her way of speaking. I stepped away from it for a few months. I circled back around and I am so glad that I did. This book is a gem. I was truly invested into Valeria’s combative personality and Irulan’s devotion to her best-friend.
The writing style and telling of this story was amazing. The author grabbed my attention with the telling of all these different preternatural beings, history of them, how they access and acquire power. Her style reminds me of another author named Aria Storm. I just couldn’t get enough of Valeria and her badass attitude. My favorite part is when she was almost depleted and at deaths door with her great grandfather. When he was told by her mate, to threaten her…oy vey. I laughed so hard. Actually, I laughed over and over as Valeria was humbled in so many ways.
I can’t read to read more about these two. I’m in love with Irulan. I would love a love like that.
When I first picked up the book, I didn’t get past the first few pages. I didn’t think it was for me. I want sure if I could relate to the MC and her way of speaking. I stepped away from it for a few months. I circled back around and I am so glad that I did. This book is a gem. I was truly invested into Valeria’s combative personality and Irulan’s devotion to her best-friend.
The writing style and telling of this story was amazing. The author grabbed my attention with the telling of all these different preternatural beings, history of them, how they access and acquire power. Her style reminds me of another author named Aria Storm. I just couldn’t get enough of Valeria and her badass attitude. My favorite part is when she was almost depleted and at deaths door with her great grandfather. When he was told by her mate, to threaten her…oy vey. I laughed so hard. Actually, I laughed over and over as Valeria was humbled in so many ways.
I can’t read to read more about these two. I’m in love with Irulan. I would love a love like that.
August 8, 2023
Fantasy brought to life.
This book has everything you need, werewolves, shifters, vampires (of course) and fae folk galore. An action packed adventure full of battles of both the love and physical sort.
This book has everything you need, werewolves, shifters, vampires (of course) and fae folk galore. An action packed adventure full of battles of both the love and physical sort.
May 14, 2017
Here we have Valeria Trumaine, a vampire whose job is to go after other supernatural creatures and bring them to justice. After being assigned with the task to catch and kill rogue vampire and former ex-fiancé Tristan, she has to deal with unpleasant memories and find a way to get to him. Tagging along will be Priest, another vampire from the institution she works for, and Irulan, a Sidhe (a 'Faerie'), her roommate and best friend who refuses to let her face Tristan without her help.
As we get into the story, we realize Irulan has feelings for Valeria, who considers herself straight but can't deny there might be something else. So besides looking for the dangerous vampire, during their journey Valeria will also have to face her feelings for her best friend.
And I loved the friendship and dynamic between Valeria and Irulan . However, I didn't like Valeria —a little too hot-headed and arrogant for my taste. She was always going on about how strong and great she was, and how everyone else, except for Irulan, was hardly a match for her.
Irulan was also a bit full of herself, but at least she seemed more mature (which I'd expect from someone three centuries old) and I found her more likable. Priest? What was his point, really? When I started liking him, And Tristan? The typical bad guy with no real reason to act the way he does, although you could say there are real people who are like that.
At first, I was interested in the plot, and discovering what Tristan was up to, and there was a bit of world-building (emphasis on "a bit"). But after the second half of the book, I started losing interest; I just felt it dragged on too much.
Now, would I recommend it? Sure. I did enjoy some parts, and I'm sure other people might like it more than I did (judging by the overall rating, I'm guessing that's the case). It was written with some humor and there were some well-written steamy scenes, so there's that.
Quotes:
"I need to get on the phone with Master Tomas and try to explain to him why his son is still alive."
We both laughed and shook our heads. "You know", I said. "It sounds even more fucked up when you say it aloud."
As we get into the story, we realize Irulan has feelings for Valeria, who considers herself straight but can't deny there might be something else. So besides looking for the dangerous vampire, during their journey Valeria will also have to face her feelings for her best friend.
And I loved the friendship and dynamic between Valeria and Irulan . However, I didn't like Valeria —a little too hot-headed and arrogant for my taste. She was always going on about how strong and great she was, and how everyone else, except for Irulan, was hardly a match for her.
Irulan was also a bit full of herself, but at least she seemed more mature (which I'd expect from someone three centuries old) and I found her more likable. Priest? What was his point, really? When I started liking him, And Tristan? The typical bad guy with no real reason to act the way he does, although you could say there are real people who are like that.
At first, I was interested in the plot, and discovering what Tristan was up to, and there was a bit of world-building (emphasis on "a bit"). But after the second half of the book, I started losing interest; I just felt it dragged on too much.
"Oh my god, I know you just didn't go there," I said in a fit of laughter. "Dude, that was so cliché. I mean, come on."Ha! Funny. That's how I felt at many points during the story, especially when it had to do with the characters' sexuality. I mean, something many fantasy/vampire books seem to have in common is how irrelevant it is the gender the person feels attracted to. And usually in the vampires's case, they have no prejudice (with some exceptions, of course). Many normally feed from and enjoy the company of either gender. But here, the 100+ years old vampires seem so close minded that and some characters even make jokes calling Irulan (whose attraction to women is well known) a "dyke". Also, bisexuality apparently doesn't exist. And it just felt unrealistic to me. There were many comments that made me roll my eyes, but this one might be my favorite:
"Does it pain you to know you lost her to a woman? What kind of man are you?"Really? That just felt so stereotypical and out of place, not to mention childish.
Now, would I recommend it? Sure. I did enjoy some parts, and I'm sure other people might like it more than I did (judging by the overall rating, I'm guessing that's the case). It was written with some humor and there were some well-written steamy scenes, so there's that.
Quotes:
"I need to get on the phone with Master Tomas and try to explain to him why his son is still alive."
We both laughed and shook our heads. "You know", I said. "It sounds even more fucked up when you say it aloud."
November 21, 2011
When vampire Valeria Trumaine comes home one morning to find her father waiting for her, she knows she's about to get trouble in spades. But she never imagined it would come in the form of her ex-fiancé. Now she must confront old demons and face new possibilities as she struggles to bring the rouge vampire to justice.
Author Ronnie Massey gives the reader a bloody good time through a unique combination of captivating story line and the female narrator’s disrespectful tone. Violence, sensuality, tense conflict, and intense drama roll at full speed against the backdrop of North and South Carolina. “Crimson Dawn” manages to be almost everything to every fantasy fan, however, with a number of surprising twists and turns, a feat not easily pulled off.
Author Ronnie Massey gives the reader a bloody good time through a unique combination of captivating story line and the female narrator’s disrespectful tone. Violence, sensuality, tense conflict, and intense drama roll at full speed against the backdrop of North and South Carolina. “Crimson Dawn” manages to be almost everything to every fantasy fan, however, with a number of surprising twists and turns, a feat not easily pulled off.
August 2, 2011
I'm glad I gave this book a chance. This genre is usually not on my "must read" list. However; I really enjoyed reading a book set in cities that I have visited. This allowed me to connect with the characters in a way I hadn't expected. If you're into vampires you'll love this book. If you're not, you'll still be pleasantly surprised and able to enjoy Crimson Dawn.
December 16, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were funny. I loved the friendship and chemistry between Val and Irulan. The world was interesting with the different types of vampires and powers. There was lots of action which I enjoy. I'm definitely reading the next book and hope there will be more in the future.
October 21, 2011
can not wait for the second book...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews