Blood Awakening

Blood Burden #0.5

by Wenona Hulsey

***PLEASE BE AWARE THIS IS A NOVELETTE. *** Nicole, a small town Alabama girl, and her best friend Kat take a weekend trip to Panama City, Florida. Kat looking to have a good time and Nicole hoping to escape the pain of losing her mother for a little while. Little did Nicole know, the escape would awaken a ancient power that is hidden in her blood. A power that evil wants for its own and will do whatever it takes to have it. This short story is a look into best friends', Nicole and Kat, life before a centuries old grudge and Nicole's emerging powers rips them apart. A power that Nicole wants no part of as it brings her to her knees and forces her to walk away from her small town life and everyone she loves.

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Ebooks, Short Stories, Young Adult

33 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 7, 2011

Reviews

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Awakening is a prequel to Burden of Blood and it gives us an insight to Nicole and her best friend Kat... The short break that these girls take is the first steps to Nicoles hidden secret (even hidden from her!) that she does not want to know.

Usually, short stories and prequels are rarely a good find, this book, however, was really well worth the read and it has given me the incentive to look further into Wenona Hulsey's books.

[Giovanni Gelati · Rating 5 out of 5]

YA paranormal fans out there? This is an author you need to have on your radar regardless of what genre you read. I have been fortunate working for Trestle Press to come across some really good reads from Werner Lind, Laurie Bowler, and B.R. Stateham to name a few. Wenona Hulsey has an amazing narrative and a knockout punch of a character here in” Blood Awakening “ the digital short story prequel to her upcoming full length release “The Burden of Blood” . The full length work should be released next Friday for your enjoyment. Here is the synopsis of the digital short:
“Nicole, a small town Alabama girl, and her best friend Kat take a weekend trip to Panama City, Florida. Kat is looking to have a good time and Nicole hoping to escape the pain of losing her mother for a little while. Little did Nicole know, the escape would awaken an ancient power that is hidden in her blood. A power that evil wants for its own and will do whatever it takes to have it.
This short story is a look into best friends', Nicole and Kat, lives before a centuries old grudge and Nicole's emerging powers rips them apart. A power that Nicole wants no part of as it brings her to her knees and forces her to walk away from her small town life and everyone she loves.”
Here is a sneak peak at what is in “The Burden of Blood”:
“No one wants to know everyone’s darkest secrets, especially not police officer, Nicole Keenan. All she wants is a blissfully normal life in the small, Alabama town where she was born. But as generations of power running through her veins start to wake up, an ancient grudge is ignited that threatens to push her over the edge. She can hardly believe in what she is, let alone that a dark force will not stop until she's joins them. Or is dead.
Nicole Keenan's life enters into a dangerous dance with warriors and gothic fairies. Southern tradition collides with Irish folklore as she learns about love, heartbreak, and The Burden of Blood.”
It is rare that I am so wowed by a first read by an author. Her narrative is just so strong and engaging that the read is just mesmerizing; the virtual pages just seem to turn themselves and I am totally pulled and sucked into this new universe she creates. Don’t get me wrong I love being inside my Kindle, but I feared I may break the forward button as I just seemed to click it like a mindless zombie wanting to get to the next page. I love to read; I think you may know that by now, and this was like candy for my eyes, a treat I couldn’t help but just swallow whole. “The Burden of Blood” is no different; I have been fortunate to get an advanced read on that, except for the fact that it instead of a piece of candy, it is an entire buffet of delights that seem to not end. When it does though, wow, I just wanted the full course. Put Wenona Hulsey on your MUST read list, I am not steering you wrong on this. Get that first piece of candy today in “Blood Awakening” and then get read next Friday for the main course with “The Burden of Blood”.

[Joey Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Awakening is a short story that works as a prelude for Wenona Hulsey’s upcoming novel Burden of Blood. The silly banter between Nichole and Kat is hilarious, their friendship is one that you can admire and relate to. There is so much foreshadowing! Between the stranger in the dark, Nicole’s dream and the intriguing ending, the story does a fantastic job of building as you go. Did we mention the love interest? For a small vacation crush, the relationship was done tactfully and not pushed too quickly. And who doesn't want to know who this mysterious man lingering in the shadows is? I know I do!

To read more of my reviews please visit: ink-puddle.blogspot.com

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short story that left me longing for more. I love Nicole and Kat. They are a few ladies that you'd love to hang out and hit the beach with. This short story has alot packed into the pages. With a road trip, a set up for a love story, and a stranger lurking in the shadows, all makes for a good tale. After reading this one, I downloaded and read the next two two in the series as well. This is a great series!

[Stephanie Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this was a short story, it didn't feel like it. There's so much going on that i was pulled into the story. Wenona Hulsey did a wonderful job and i'm very much looking forward to reading Burden of Blood, her novel that goes along with this short.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicole Keenan is best friends with Kat. The girls are getting away from Alabama for a weekend of fun in Panama City, Florida. On their first night, they meet Nick Read and his friend, Matt, at a beach bar. Nicole becomes filled with a sense of fear, and her eyes scan the room to find what is causing her to feel this way. She sees a man sitting at a table in a dimly-lit corner. That night, Nicole has a dream about a castle. She sees a woman on a balcony who warns her telepathically that, "They are coming for you!" As Nicole turns from the castle to run, she slams right into the stranger from the bar. She wakes from her nightmare just as he reaches for her.

Kat and Nicole score VIP passes to the hottest club in Panama City, La Vela. They run into Nick and Matt in an upscale section of the club, and Nick gives Nicole a tour of the club and then invites her to go for a walk on the beach. Just as Nick and Nicole pull apart from a romantic kiss, Nicole spots the stranger over Nick's shoulder. All of a sudden, Nick puts his hands over his ears and contorts his face in pain. After he passes out, Nicole hears a loud ringing in her head and a voice telling her that he has awakened her and will come back one day to take her and all the power that she holds.

Nicole awakens in a hospital, and Kat tells her that she and Nick were found passed out on the beach and someone called 911. Police were concerned that Nick might have done something to Nicole, but she assures Kat that Nick did nothing to hurt her. As she is talking to Kat, she is distracted by whispering outside of her room yet Kat cannot hear a thing. It seems that she can hear other people's thoughts.

Nicole saves the day when a nurse tries to kidnap an infant from the hospital. She has no idea why she could hear the nurse's thoughts, but she senses that she should keep her "gift" a secret.

Wenona Hulsey is a new-to-me author, and I really enjoyed this novella which is a prequel to the Blood Burden series. Nicole and Kat make a fun pair, and I liked getting to know them. I am intrigued by the dark stranger who keeps turning up and wonder about his connection to Nicole.

Hulsey has piqued my interest, and I want to read the next book in the series, Burden of Blood.

[Rae Sontheyon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Warning This is A Prequel or Novelette Not A Whole Book

So big heads up this is not a book it's a short novella prequel for the Blood Awakening Series. When I first downloaded this short story a couple years ago it was just listed as a book, so reading it now and getting through the story only to find it end so abruptly was a downer.

The story is about Nicole Keenan and her crazy weekend in Panama City, Florida with her BFF, Kat. Nicole just wants to get away and let loose. Drinks, rest and party is on her menu while Katy wants men on the menu too, but Nicole is more into relationships than one night stands. It's after possibly connecting with a new guy on her vacation that things go weird for Nicole. There is a strange dark mysterious man who makes her ill at ease and things don't go right the next time she see him again.

Overall I was really into the story and got involved in the "book", so I was disappointed to find I basically read a book teaser. Not gonna lie will probably checkout the next or first book in the series titled Burden of Blood, but from the synopsis idk if it sounds like it flows from this book. In the end, I'm still half and half on whether this short is worth a read, but it's not long and hey it is free, so you decide.

------Read more of my reviews at: http://heyitwasfree.blogspot.com/------

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads-
Nicole, a small town Alabama girl, and her best friend Kat take a weekend trip to Panama City, Florida. Kat looking to have a good time and Nicole hoping to escape the pain of losing her mother for a little while. Little did Nicole know, the escape would awaken a ancient power that is hidden in her blood. A power that evil wants for its own and will do whatever it takes to have it.

Great short story! Flowed beautifully with no rushed feeling, which is unusual for short stories. Its a great piece of candy to get you started with before reaching into the whole candy bowl known as Burden of Blood. Great job Wenona!!!!

[Emme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm looking forward to the further adventures of Nicole! This short was light-hearted but had some ominous elements, as well-- that's the combination I like in my paranormal romance stories. I'm wondering, though, how this short story fits into the larger one that is coming out in the novel Burden of Blood. Guess I'll have to wait and see!

[Anino · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just enough to whet my appetite, but it wasn't enough to make me want to pre-order book 1. Other than that it was decent, but it felt like the author took one of her deleted chapters, and passed it onto her readers for 99 cents... Fortunately, I was able to get it for free via Kindle...(LOL!)...

Anyhoo, I'm giving this one 2.5 stars...

[Squeak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very quick read, but I am ready for more. What a great beginning!

[Kathryn Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little prelude that left me wanting to read more.

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

** this review was also posted on my blog, here **

This is a lovely short novella that is a great backstory for Burden of Blood. It follows the story of a weekend trip spent in Panama city between two lifelong friends. It is full of fun and silliness and really builds up the relationship between the two girls and I feel that having this there really helped to make their characters real within the first novel of the Burden Blood series. It is a nice way to get to grips with Wenona Hulsey’s writing while not being full of too much seriousness or confusing moments.

I enjoyed witnessing how Kat and Nicole acted around the guys and how you could almost see Nicole rolling her eyes at her best friends behaviour without having to read it. It was easy to see that these two girls have known each other for years and just knew how to be around each other, even when things took a turn for the worst. It was a nice scenario where Kat wanted to get Nicole away from their small town and away from the misery that was surrounding her best friend there. Little did she know, of course, that this trip would be the start of so many things.

I liked how it was all set together, how it wasn’t until about halfway through the novella before more “serious” topics were introduced to the story and the real reason for the novella come to light. I liked Nick and thought it was cute that, despite all that happened he still wanted to get to know Nicole more. I especially enjoyed the little twist towards the end of the novella and felt that it was the perfect opening to the first book. Which, luckily for me I was able to start straight after.

This is a little novella that I would say works well to read before the series, it’s a nice addition to the book and I feel like I know exactly what Nicole is referring to in the first book because I read this. Therefore, I would recommend reading this novella before starting the trilogy, but I’m sure it would be just as interesting to read it after as well! But for getting set for the upcoming books, it certainly helps to get the interest piqued!

[Sandy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

BLOOD AWAKENING (The Blood Burden series novella) by Wenona Hulsey

BLOOD AWAKENING is the 0.5 novellette in Wenona Hulsey’s Blood Burden series. Introducing Nicole Keenan and her new found abilities to hear ‘evil’ thoughts and dreams of warnings and what’s to come.

Nicole and her BFF Kat were heading to Florida for a few days of fun and relaxation. Kicking back, drinking, dancing and shopping were the only things on the agenda, but finding a sexy, good looking man by the name of Nick Read was an added bonus. But a short walk on the beach found Nick and Nicole in the hospital after blacking out for some unknown reason.

Nicole remembers exactly what happened. Her terrifying nightmares were coming true. The man in her dreams had somehow dropped into her reality and warned her of things to come. His startling proclamation that he had ‘awakened Nicole and one he would come back to take her and her power, when the time was right’ was enough to think she as crazy. But the reality of the situation was coming to light when Nicole began to hear the ‘evil’ thoughts. And just to prove her theory, someone in the hospital was planning to act out a grievous plan, and Nicole was the only one who could stop it before it started.

BLOOD AWAKENING is a quick read, approximately 3 short chapters in length. As the introduction to Wenona’s Blood Burden series, Blood Awakening is a must read, if only to keep you from wondering-how it all began.

see all of my my reviews at : thereadingcafe.com

[Chasity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story. From the very first page this story had me. It was very intriguing. I like how it is spread out in a series, so that you really have to read the next one to find out more. Some series out there today are pointless and the books don’t flow together. This series flows and I think the way it is written makes it more enticing. ‘Blood Awakening’ is a very unique read and I really loved it. I was captivated by what was happening and yet I am still waiting to see what the reason for it is. So I will definitely have to continue reading this series.

‘Blood Awakening’ kept me guessing to the very end and even though it was a short story it was action packed. It told enough of a story to hold its own of course it needs a follow up novel but that was clearly the intention. I really enjoyed the plot and the way the characters spoke to each other. I cannot wait to read more from Wenona Hulsey. I think paranormal fans will love this book. A great job by Wenona!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nicole and Kat, two girls from a small town in Alabama, decide to go to Florida for a well-deserved vacation. However, after a couple of drinks with some guys they met on the beach, Nicole wakes up in a hospital and starts hearing strange voices in her head.

What I look for in a short story (whether it is a prequel, an in-between story, or a stand-alone) is a complete arc. This read more like a prologue. I suppose it is intended to be a teaser for the rest of the series. The pace moved well, and the dynamics between Kat and Nicole were good (and had potential for strong conflict in the full novel). Their personalities were quite distinctive. The amount of backstory introduced was also well-balanced. We don’t have nothing, but there isn’t so much of Nicole’s history to bog down the story.

From a grammatical and stylistic standpoint, the writing could have been tighter, with more showing of emotion in certain spots. Ultimately, this teaser did not truly hook me, and so I am giving it 2.5 stars.

[Phaedra Seabolt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read that leaves a lot of unanswered questions, but there are several books in the series so just plan on having them all ready to be read in order. I would say that this story is just the beginning of one large story divided up onto really small increments. You meet two main female characters, Nicole and Kat. It appears the story is going to be mostly about Nicole. She is dealing with having lost her mom to cancer when they decide to go to Florida for the weekend. While there they meet some hot guys and Nicole runs into a very creepy guy that sets her nerves on edge. It turns out that she had a very good reason to be worried about this man. He awakens a hidden supernatural aspect of Nicole that she didn't even know existed. Now what is she to do with this new found power? Will she ever see her hot man again? It's really a very interesting tease of a story. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

[Kay Glass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading this short story today, and I loved the detail. I found the beginning a bit hard to get into- I didn't care much for how shallow the best friend was, but once the girls arrived at their destination I became hooked. The friend turned attentive (i.e. not minding leaving the hot guys when her friend didn't feel well) and the pace of the story picked up. The love interest was well-developed, not rushed. She doesn't tumble headfirst into bed like some flaky characters do, and she was merely looking for The One. Most women, young and old, can relate to that search. I would personally like to see a bit more depth given to the characters, but as this was a short story I can certainly understand the author not doing so immediately. I will definitely be picking up more from this author.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I love a good vampire tale as much as the next girl. And I absolutely was tickled that this story was set in Panama City Beach, an area I know and love, as much of my family lives there. I have fond memories of visiting my grandmother and spending time on the beaches there.

Nick struck me as the very full of himself playboy. Why do women always go for the guys that will seem like total jerks? Money is definitely not everything, ladies, believe me.

Something about this story just really bothered me. I know it is only 33 pages, but the plot felt awfully thin. I really wanted to like this story, but I just could not get there. I may try the rest of the series to see if it fills in any of the holes, but I was left longing, feeling like I was missing some vital piece with the way this was written.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving these characters and where the book is heading

I think I'm hooked on this series already.
Love the young ladies Nicole and Kat. These girls are young but NOT stupid the way some authors portray female heroines in their books.
Nicole and Kat are just your average everyday 20 somethings from a small town. They are wanting a fun filled girls weekend. But end up with much more than fun.
Nicole meets Nick and they have a spark from the beginning. Only the mysterious man lurking in the shadows has other plans for Nicole. Nicole has no idea who the man is or where he came from. But Nicole definitely knows that something is not right or good about this man in the shadows. But once the man makes himself known, Nicole will never be the same, physically or emotionally.
I have already bought the next book in the series Burden of Blood, can not wait to start it.

[Buffy Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, thrilling intro to her Blood Burden world; Wenona's packed love, loyalty, danger, and the paranormal into this novelette. Don't miss it!

Merged review:

"I want more!" This is what Wenona Hulsey leaves you screeching at the end of this one! She manages to include a tight friendship, a budding relationship, intrigue, wonder, and danger all into this tease of a book. I refuse to give away any spoilers, so unfortunately, there isn't much I can divulge given the short length of the book. I will however tell you that this is a great prequel to Burden of Blood and I look forward to seeing what the next book holds. Definitely a story not to be missed!

A short, thrilling intro to her Blood Burden world; Wenona's packed love, loyalty, danger, and the paranormal into this novelette. Don't miss it!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is the perfect introduction to the Nicole Kennan series. In twenty pages I got to know Nicole really well as her ability to read minds was awakened. I still have loads of questions about Nicole’s newfound talent and the dark, mysterious man with the burning eyes, but I’m sure it will be answered in Burden of Blood, which I’m looking forward to reading. I’m also curious to know what’s in store for her and Nick. They make a fantastic couple. I’m super impressed with the author’s writing which flows smoothly, and the banter between Nicole and her best friend, Kat, was a joy to read. Blood Awakening is a terrific quick read and one that whets the appetite to read this entire series.

[Doug Brookes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story serves as a prequel to the author's ongoing Blood Burden series. In that capacity, it was effective. The author got me hooked in a few short pages and I would definitely want to read more both about this character and by this author. Clearly and effectively written, there is great characterization in such a short time span including fun and well written dialogue between the main characters. There is enough information given about the world to make it intriguing and making me want to read more about it. This was a well done short and I look forward to reading the book.

[Μαρία Γεωργοπούλου · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice short read and a promising prequel to a series! Although, I can’t write a lengthy review for a such short story, I needed to write at least a few sentences because I wanted to tell you that it was a very well-written and interesting story that gives us a glimpse from the author’s writing style.

Two girls, Nicole and Kat, want to have a weekend of fun in the big city and at the end one of them finds herself in a very weird situation. I haven’t read the first book from this series yet, but this novella definitely makes me want to do it.

The story has two girls, hot boys and some very weird situations! Definitely a very nice short read that I totally recommend!

[Juana "Darkness" Duran · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nicole is on vacation with her friend. They are going to Panama City, Florida. But what turns out to be a relaxing get away turns into a nightmare. Nicole meets Nick as the friends call the guys that they meet "eye candy". Getting drinks is the least of Nicole's problems. A mysterious man comes to stock her all the way to the beach. After the encounter the mysterious man whispers in her mind "your awakened now I will come back for you" or something like that. And he disapears before anyone can see anything. Leaving Nicole and Nick nocked out after getting a dose of the strange man's powers. Will Nicole live through this ordeal? And if she does will she look for the strange man?

[Spoiledduchess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Awakening by Wenona Hulsey is the short story prequel to Burden of Blood. This is a fun and entertaining short story about 2 best friend and their vacation to Florida. Not only does Nicole meet the smart and handsome Nick, but she discovers she is being watched by a chilling dark stranger. Even in her dreams, she can not get away from this shadowy mystery man. After an unusual encounter Nicole is left with a unique ability. Something has awakened inside of her, but what? I can't wait to read Burden of Blood to find out more.

[Jess the Romanceaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely more of a "prologue" than a real "novella", but it does contain not only a nice setup for what sounds like an interesting series, but also has a somewhat complete (albeit very short) stroyline involving Nicole's new powers and a rather scary incident where she saves the day.

I would be very unhappy had I paid for this, but as a free book on Kindle, I wasn't really bothered by the fact that it felt more like a prologue or teaser for the series.

3.5 Stars, and I will definitely look into getting the rest of the series.

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a contest!

This is a short novella perfect for YA to read. And the prequel to Burden of Blood. There was no rush to the story and it flowed greatly together. Nicole and Kat are best friends who are going on a weekend stay in Panama City. While there they meet some guys and have a good time partying.

There is a love romance, friendship, paranormal activities that will get you into the story.

You will definitely want to read this book before you read Burden of Blood so you can get the back story of the characters.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty nice intro to the series. I think this prelude has done its job because I'm now interested to read the first book. I like Nicole so far. I'm curious to find out what exactly was awakened in her, other than the obvious. She must have more abilities than what we see in this prelude. I can see there will be some kind of relationship wih Nick and her friendship with Kat is fun. Lastly, I've got to find out who the mystery man is who "awakened" her.

[Jessica Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win this and the next book in the series. It's a great short story that's the lead up to the next book in the series. It gives you the back story on Nicole, and why she is the way she is. It definitely left me wanting more, good thing for me I have the next book already. Do yourself a favor and get this book, and the next book in the series Burden of Blood. Wenona Hulsey has a true talent, don't miss out on her amazing gift.