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Oceans of Red #1

Rise of the Demons

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By 2015 the streets of Los Angeles have been transformed from a thriving metropolis to a hostile world ravaged by demons bent on assimilating the human race. Standing between this total apocalypse of humanity and their chance for survival is 19 year old Remy Martin.

A warrior in her own right, trained to think on her feet and kill if the situation requires, she is flanked by her older brother and younger sister. Together, they devise a plan to take back the streets. Against the wishes of their father, who commands the resistance forces, they venture into unknown realms of the supernatural in a race against time with the fate of the entire world in their young hands.

Join them on their mission into darkness where death lies around every corner, it is virtually impossible to distinguish your enemies from your allies, and a single mistake could result in the annihilation of everyone you’ve ever known and loved.

75 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2011

16 people are currently reading
857 people want to read

About the author

Willow Cross

41 books299 followers
Willow Cross resides in Arkansas with her husband, two children still young enough to live at home, an enormous cat named Bitsy, and a scaredy-cat dog named Tank. Her home has been known to host the occasional ghost, and a few of her friends profess to be witches. Although she dearly loves Vampires and Werewolves, they are never invited for dinner.

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5 stars
161 (52%)
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76 (24%)
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46 (15%)
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13 (4%)
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10 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Jennifer Wright.
Author 46 books987 followers
February 19, 2012
Oceans of Red was a great read. I have been really getting into the post apocalyptic stories lately and I was very surprised when I picked up Oceans of Red because it was different from the rest. This book, is not about zombies taking over or anything, it’s about demons invading the human race. I like it when I get a nice change of pace from what I’ve been reading.
So anyway. I loved Remy and her character. I’ve been around military since I’ve been married, 11 years now, so I thought Willow Cross did a great job with Remy’s father being military and how his way of controlling everything just wasn’t working against the demons.

I absolutely loved the relationship between Remy, Greg, and Shane. These three are wonderful siblings, but I have to say that I think Shane might be my favorite because she is the underdog, the one everyone underestimates because she is small and hasn’t been allowed to fight. But, the girl is a genius! And besides being smart, she can do all sorts of other cool things like hypnosis!

Oceans of Red is kind of short, more of a novella. But, I’ve really been into reading novella’s lately anyway because I’ve been so busy.

I am a huge fan of fight scenes in books and Willow Cross did a great job with the fight scenes. I’m working on one of her other books, Birth Right, right now, and it has some great fight scenes in it too. I am very critical of fight scenes because I like to see them play out like I would in a movie and I wasn’t disappointed with them in this book.
Profile Image for Nickle Love.
200 reviews110 followers
October 26, 2012
Originally posted in Night Owl Reads

This was a short read, I finished it in a matter of hours, while I was in commute, and enjoyed it very much. It reminds me of Resident Evil but instead of zombies, they kill demons who are possessing humans, which reminded me of the TV show Supernatural during its early years.

It was full of action and suspense. There's also a hint of mystery and the lack of romance, (which I didn't mind because the storyline is awesome!) I am, however, disappointed that it was so short, (which is also a good thing because I finished it right away). It barely scratched the surface and I find myself at the end of the book. I must read the next volume! I want to find out what would happen to Remy; what she really is and how they would resolve this demon infestation.

It's a great concept and was presented well. Very intriguing story.
Profile Image for Claire Taylor.
417 reviews13 followers
October 20, 2012
Willow Cross
Rise of the Demons
Oceans of Red Volume One

Oceans of Red is a novella series loosely based around the Mayan 2012 prophecy with a kick from the author's wild imagination.

By 2015 the streets of Los Angeles have been transformed from a thriving metropolis to a hostile world ravaged by demons bent on assimilating the human race.

The Resistance is led by Admiral Martin, and his children, 19 year old Remy, along with her older brother Greg and younger sister Shane join in the daily fight for survival from the total apocalypse of humanity. Inner turmoil is also a daily fight for Remy, and her hate of the creatures that took her mum from them keeps her focused on each mission (though following orders is often a problem).

A short paranormal read, this book had me gripped from the start and I soon found myself lost in the storyline. Willow Cross has a great writing style, and the reader is easily drawn into the lives of each of the characters. The concept may sound similar to many other books around, but this fresh spin puts this book on a completely different level to the others.

I’m now really looking forward to reading Volume Two, Demon Evolution.

Profile Image for Two Nerds With Words.
941 reviews51 followers
August 24, 2012
This is an amazing novella, filled with action, kick-ass characters and a fantastic level of intrigue.

I was immediately drawn to the main characters. I loved their attitudes, their dedication to their mission and their relationships. Remy’s character especially was easy to follow; she’s a really likeable strong character, who is easily comparable to the many strong paranormal heroines in the genre.

The storyline concept is clever and is extremely well crafted and developed. I’ve read a lot of demon based stories lately, and this is so very different, so very clever. What’s more, I can’t believe it’s still FREE! After reading, I immediately reached out to Amazon to download volume two.

I highly recommend Oceans of Red to paranormal, fantasy and urban fantasy fans. A cracking read!
Profile Image for K.B. Miller.
Author 18 books310 followers
April 21, 2012
I am IN LOVE! I have never really been into the whole dystopian thing, but after reading about Remy, Shane, and Greg, I can't get enough!! This was an amazing short story and I am starting part 2 tonight!! PLEASE Willow Cross, release part 3 soon <3 <3
Kymberlee
Profile Image for J.H. Glaze.
Author 21 books353 followers
November 28, 2011
I like paper books, it is what I am used to and am not sure if I am ready to transition to ebooks or not. So for me, reading ‘Oceans of Red - Volume One’ by Willow Cross in ebook format was a new experience. When I first came into the story, I was a bit confused. There was a lot of action taking place, and I wasn’t sure why. As I continued reading, the point of it was explained. An army of demons was sweeping across the land, possessing humans, and Remy and her family are at the forefront of the battle to save humanity.

Remy is a tough chick as is her brother, while their younger sister is more cerebral and tends to stay at their command center while her older siblings go on their missions. That is until they devise a plot that requires the younger sister to act as a willing victim to the evil that has set up their base in the area.

Willow Cross has a knack for dialogue that I don’t see in some of the commercial mass market books I have read. Her characters are smart and snappy and their relationships with each other come across well in their interactions. Being a first story in an obvious series, I felt disappointed when it came to an end, but it did leave me wanting to know what happens next and when the sequel is released, I will buy it to find out what the hell it is.

The story is fast paced and moves well unless, like me, an upgrade to your iPad corrupts your ereader and trashes the file. While I was waiting for an upgrade to the reader to finish the book, I was worried I would forget where I was. There was no need to worry about that though, the story had made such an impression, when I was able to get back into it, I knew exactly what was happening.

If you are a fan of action fiction, I would recommend Oceans of Red. It’s a quick read and seems headed for a bigger confrontation. The twist at the end suggests it is going to be massive.
Available on Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and almost everywhere – ebook only.
Profile Image for Icy_Space_Cobwebs .
5,649 reviews329 followers
October 13, 2012



Review of Oceans of Red (Volume One) by Willow Cross
Reviewed for Young Adult Novel Reader Blog Tour Oct. 13 2012

The “Oceans of Red” series I consider to be an entirely new perspective on the usual hum-drum Dystopian or Apocalyptic routine. Make no mistake, I really enjoy these sub-genres, but the same old same old approach gets old. Author Willow Cross delivers a kick with a new concept: the majority of humans have become possessed by-demons! Yes, demons! Not zombies, not vampires, not shapeshifters-see, I told you something new!!
The Resistance leader Admiral Martin has two daughters and a son, all active in the Resistance movement battling the Demonic takeover of Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Remy and older brother Greg are brawny kick-butt and take no prisoners warriors; fifteen-year-old Shane is beyond genius level, a biophysicist who in a normal world, would likely be well on her way to the Nobel Prize. All three must parse out a new approach, thinking outside of the usual framework, because the tried-and-true just isn’t stopping these demon invaders.
Profile Image for Bella Doerres.
399 reviews10 followers
October 23, 2012
Oceans of Red
Volume One by Willow Cross

Reme’s world changed. Creatures that possess the living and call themselves Demons are taking over the people of Earth. She and her siblings are part of a small army trying to fight and hold to their humanity. Some say it is a virus, others a possession. The creatures call themselves Demons but no one really knows what they are. The three siblings need t o find out more and create a plan to move against the Demons. They risk each other on a chance to get information allowing themselves to become infected they try to gain information from the Demon creatures. Only when Reme goes she can’t be infected. Now she has to find out why. Who is the Druid Daelen and what does he know about her. You’re going to have to read and find out.
Again Willow Cross creates a story that draws you in and leads you into another world. Pick up your own copy and begin the journey on the Oceans of Red.
Bella Doerres Ma/ Ed
Profile Image for TJ.
318 reviews30 followers
May 23, 2012
Oceans of Red is one of the fresh new takes on what would happen after the dreaded 21st December 2012 apocalypse scene. I loved how she ties together different paranormal scenes and still it somehow seems like it was meant to go together in the same story. The story is captivating and makes you want to flip the pages faster and see what happens next. The author just describes everything with such simplicity and detail that I could actually imagine the scenes in front of me. The characters are amazing! And the different point of views lets us see things differently. This book makes you have a double take and wonder if that’s what would actually happen during the apocalypse...
Well let’s just say I’ve found a new favorite author! I loved the way she describes everything in the book. And I can’t wait to read more from her!! :D
Profile Image for M.J. Schutte.
Author 5 books34 followers
October 22, 2011
Review of Oceans of Red, Volume 1 by Willow Cross

First, I need to make it clear that I do not read E-books.
I do not have an E-Reader and hate reading on my laptop.
Good old fashioned, dust filled paper books is my thing.

So, when I got hold of Oceans of Red, Volume 1 by Willow Cross in E-book format, I was in two minds.
I have heard of Willow Cross, seen the gorgeous covers of her books and wanted to read some of her work, but the idea of reading a book on my laptop still gave me an instant headache.
Reluctantly, I started reading.
It took less than two pages to get completely hooked!
An explosive start, fast paced action, brilliant writing style, easy to read and twists just at the right places to leave you desperate for Volume 2!
Well done, Willow! I am now a devoted fan!
Profile Image for Adrienne.
483 reviews22 followers
December 10, 2012
Okay so honestly I wasn't sure if I would like this as I started reading it. I wasn't necessarily sucked into the story. In fact I almost didn't continue reading it. I felt like I was getting a lot of description but not enough explanation. But as I continued to push through that changed. Yes I still have tons of questions and there are definitely a lot of things I don't understand but, the story albeit slowly, did suck me in. Now I want to know more. I want more back story. I want to understand whats happened to get them all to this place and I'm hoping that in the 2nd book we get that explanation. All in all I would recommend this book.
Profile Image for Brittany.
171 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2011
Oh my Goodness! Where to start?! This was a very easy book/short story to read. The main characters, Shane, Remy and Greg, are very easy to relate to. As the last few people of the human population, they literally fight for their lives against the demons. After several failed attempts Remy is contacted by Daelen and their fight for freedom starts looking like a winning battle. And at that point we are left hanging, until Volume Two is released... I can't wait!!
Profile Image for Nanette Bradford.
237 reviews19 followers
July 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. demons taking over human bodies and the humans trying to fight back. I liked the interaction the 3 siblings had with each other and how close they all are. I'm curious to know more about deny and the druids. off to volume 2.
Profile Image for Jenny  Zimmerman.
1,665 reviews71 followers
December 4, 2012
This is a fabulous Read that will reel you in from beginning to end and have you begging for more
Profile Image for Sandra "Jeanz".
1,261 reviews178 followers
October 18, 2012
MY REVIEW
I downloaded this e-book Free from Amazon.co.uk. the story really revolves around three siblings, Greg the eldest and male and Remy the eldest sister with Shane being the youngest. Whereas Greg and Remy are more physical fighters within the apocalypse aftermath, Shane is a biochemist who discovers new drugs to help the fighters to fight against the superior strength of the demons. Greg and Remy have been on many missions against the demons but only seem to be keeping them at bay slightly rather than winning the battle against them. The man in charge a former army man, an Admiral is stubborn in his plans, and to make matters even more awkward for Remy and Greg he is their father. Obviously the Admiral doesn't want to allow his children on the missions but he has to as they insist and are two of his best fighters. He cannot bear the thought of losing any one of them. You see his wife, the mother to Greg, Remy and Shane was possessed by the demons and her own daughter Remy had to kill her. Remy still has nightmares about that day.
There is a dangerous way to infiltrate the demons, can Greg and Remy do it alone or do they need the knowledge and drugs their younger sister has access to? Will any of them escape alive?
Well the mission goes ahead and it is discovered that Remy is "special" but how? Well Remy cannot be possessed by the demons no matter how hard they try her body/mind repels them out. Remy meets a man named Daelen wilst she is undercover infiltrating the demons, but who or what is Daelen that he is not possessed? Does he work for the demons? Can he be trusted? And what does he mean when he tells Remy she is special?
Wow this novella is fast paced, with plenty of action and danger within it. I was immediately attached to the siblings and their bravery and need to do something about the Demon problem. I also loved their feeling for one another, the "petty" sibling rivalry and the "would do anything for each other" The ending is a really good cliff hanger moment of "Will Remy break the lockdown rule and venture outside to meet Daelen?"
Also the Demon master Lilith is now aware that Remy is "special", that Shane is Remy's sibling. So the demons will be on the lookout for Greg, Remy and Shane now. There is a very risky mission that could tip things to favour the humans, will the admiral allow his three children to undertake it?
So did I enjoy the book? Yes, a lot! Would I recommend the book? Yes, am going to recommend it to my daughter now! Would I read more of this series? Yes I have to know what happens next! Would I read more by Willow Cross? I plan too, yes.
Profile Image for Katie.
24 reviews
September 26, 2011
Oceans of Red is the first volume by Willow Cross. As I finished this amazing book, I found myself eagerly and impatiently anticipating the release of Volume Two!

Oceans of Red is based around the December 2012 prophecy; the prophecy declaring the end of the world as we know it. Demons are running the show, inhabiting humans and ultimately, it is the story’s main character’s jobs to stop this from happening. This book left me yearning for more, to know what happens! I was left at a cliff-hanger at the final page!

The characters, Remy, Greg and Shane, have been intricately created, with each having definable, individual characteristics. For example, there is Remy, the leading heroine. Her strength, sarcasm, and smartness makes her individual, while simultaneously caring and compassionate, makes her a character that everyone would just simply adore and admire. These three figures in the book make it an attention-grabbing read, from start to finish, while also playing a vital role in the telling of the story!

Willow has shaped and brought into existence, this magical and mystical world, crammed demons and power. Instilled in this book, is everything a paranormal addict like me could want! With demons embodied in humans to magic and ancient Druids, this volume is a definite read. The story flowed beautifully, from start to finish, and I never found it at all difficult to continue reading!
Willow has a natural remarkable way with the words she uses, thus creating a world of mystery and fantasy, brimming with pleasure and enjoyment. This undoubtedly leaves you longing for more, the desire to read the following volume. I would without ANY hesitation give this book a massive 5/5 stars! I would also without a doubt recommend it to every single person out there. It a definite must read!! Praise for Willow!

Thank you Willow, for crafting these incredible worlds that we, the reader, can enjoy and adore for hours on end! I ultimately found it very hard to write this review, as I continually found myself typing what happens, only to find myself hitting that delete button way too many times. I don’t want to give any of this remarkable tale away, but what I will say, is that you need to get it now, and read, read and read!

~Katie :)
(‘Beneath the Cover’ Facebook Page)
Profile Image for Julie.
920 reviews27 followers
August 7, 2012
Ebook: Oceans of Red volume One
Author: Willow Cross
Fiction, Paranormal,
This review may contain spoilers
I got this book free on Amazon
Summary: By 2015 the streets of Los Angeles have been transformed from a thriving metropolis to a hostile world ravaged by demons bent on assimilating the human race. Standing between this total apocalypse of humanity and their chance for survival is 19 year old Remy Martin.
A warrior in her own right, trained to think on her feet and kill if the situation requires, she is flanked by her older brother and younger sister. Together, they devise a plan to take back the streets. Against the wishes of their father, who commands the resistance forces, they venture into unknown realms of the supernatural in a race against time with the fate of the entire world in their young hands.
Join them on their mission into darkness where death lies around every corner, it is virtually impossible to distinguish your enemies from your allies, and a single mistake could result in the annihilation of everyone you've ever known and loved.
The Review
OK, I was a little dubious when I started this book, I really am not sure about futuristic books, But I am so glad I gave it a go, I loved it, The siblings together were so funny, worth reading just for that, I really enjoyed the storyline, I was hooked as soon as I started reading, I love that the main character is called Remy Martin, Such a cool name, the story was very well written and made me believe it to be true, I was a little worried about the father, he seemed to be in a world of his own, not realising what was happening, I am really looking forward to reading volume two, I would highly recommend this to anyone after a great story, 5/5
Profile Image for Heidi.
186 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2012
I received this book from the author for an honest review

Talk about power punch in a few pages, this short will have you taken over from the start! This Paranormal thriller is set in a post Apocalyptic world full of demons, warriors and a druid or two! All the makings of a great series that is sure to please YA readers of all ages. Great Characters come to life right off the page and soon you will be swept into the streets of LA along side them.

Remy, a 19 year old survivor, along with her family, are part of the resistance trying to defeat demons that have taken over the world as we know it. When old fashion military strategy fails, drastic measures must be taken that could ultimately lead to their deaths. Going against the odds and their father, Remy and her 2 siblings conquer their inner demons and end up having powers that may just help them retrieve an artifact that could turn the tables on their battle. Remy, in her attempt to breach the enemy comes face to face with a Druid who may just be her salvation and a key to who she really is. Adventure, mystery and some good old fashion demon butt kicking makes this story a sure winner in my book. I can't wait to read book 2~
Profile Image for Autumn.
2,366 reviews47 followers
April 27, 2012
WOW, this book was an amazing read! Willow Cross is an awesome author who can tell a story and keep you wanting more. I can not wait to buy the second book in this series, because it is that damn good. I was upset at the ending because I wanted more, I wanted to know if Remy was going to get outside or not.

This book is about demons taking over the humans, by entering their body and have mind links between each other. If you kill the human shell the demon disappears and has to "wait" in line for another shot. Three siblings may have found a way to infiltrate the demons, but Remy who is one of the siblings is very different or so she is told. I will leave it there as so not to spoil anything.

Willow Cross you are one amazing author that I am so glad I found out about! Keep up the awesome work!
Profile Image for Alexia Purdy.
Author 117 books1,094 followers
July 11, 2012
I enjoyed this short story a lot. I love stories with kick-butt heroines! Remy is our MC and she is a strong willed and sleek fighter against demons that have taken over the world, inhabiting humans and assimilating the remains of the population. Remy lives in a bunker, where some of the last military units try to figure out ways to bring the demons down. Remy, along with her sister and brother formulate a plan to infiltrate the enemy lines. But Remy may not be all she thinks she is. And the Druids that are allied with the demons may have their own agenda.
Lots of action for sure. Definitely an interesting take on the apocalypse. I enjoyed the descriptions, witty language and fight scenes. I can’t wait to continue this short story series.
Profile Image for Bonnie Bernard.
Author 15 books62 followers
February 16, 2012
Plenty of reviewers before me have detailed the essence of the story...and done it wonderful justice. This is a fast-paced, quick-reading, engrossing story about three siblings who are trying to make sense of their (dramatically changed) world. The dialogue flows well, the characters feel real, and the post-2012 plot is believable...which, considering we're almost there now, may not be a good thing. ;P I just started Volume two this morning and can hardly wait to see where our characters go on the next leg of their journey.

I whole-heartedly recommend this short but powerful dystopian read. You will not be disappointed.
349 reviews22 followers
March 2, 2012
This story takes place after Armageddon. Remy and Greg are soldiers out to save what is left of the world. Their sister Shane is a master mind that is working on serums to hopefully save what humans they can. They come up with a plan to see if they can get information and Remy seems to be immune to the serum to retrieve it. She meets a man that may hold answers for her and to help save everyone. Remy might be the answer to everyone’s salvation, but is she brave and strong enough to conquer her own self- doubts to do it? This was an interesting story and I look forward to reading the next book to it.
Profile Image for Wanda Hartzenberg.
Author 5 books73 followers
July 20, 2012
As per usual this book was a wonder to read, Willow has a way of interlacing her characters into the story plot that makes the reader feels as if they are in the thick of things, rooting for one or other thing to take place.
I adore her writing style, it is easy and totally engaging at the same time. This is a trio of siblings, I would love to meet in real life. I love how stron they are and how individual they are, all with their own strenghts. I highly recommend this book to all paranormal read lovers.
Profile Image for  Davis Jennifer.
325 reviews12 followers
April 27, 2012
Finally, a paranormal read that doesn't revolve around romance. The only romance in this will be the love you will have for the authors creativeness. This short is about demons and dystopian. Good vs. Evil, doing what they do, kicking butt and taking names. The characters are amazing and bring their own skills to the fight. My favorite would have to be Remy, she is smart mouthed and has an attitude that kills. The story leaves you wanting more. I will be starting Volume Two tonight, I can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Crystal Clifton.
Author 6 books69 followers
May 17, 2012
Holy smokes this story is amazing, when you can read a story of sibling supporting each other that's what you get here in this story with three of them. Demons attacking and taking over humans and these three fighting to save the world. I didn't know what I was going to think of this book but it is amazing and a must read. I now cant wait to read the second book of which I have as well WOW Thanks Willow for such an exciting story.
Profile Image for Virginia McKevitt.
Author 45 books218 followers
May 15, 2015
This unique story is set in the future. It’s full of action packed scenes and strong characters that you will learn to love. This first in the series starts out running and never looks back. Remy (one of three siblings) is a strong lead for the story to rely on and you won’t be disappointed with her sense of humor or her fighting skills. A short fun and easy read that you won’t be able to put down!
Profile Image for Sheri.
Author 7 books38 followers
July 6, 2013
Remy is among the humans that fight the demons that are trying to take over the world. Her fight is filled with revenge for something that happened in the past. Her battle becomes more confusing when her brother, sister and herself start a plan of attack and she learns something new about herself. Excitement builds throughout the book and leaves you wanting more.
Profile Image for Jessica.
58 reviews22 followers
May 21, 2012
Oceans Of Red vol. 1 is a great read. I belive it is a cross of Buffy and supernatural, but set in the future. A fan of these shows will love this book. Willow cross is a amazing author who knows how to leave u wanting more.
Profile Image for Grecekia.
121 reviews
January 29, 2012
So I just finished this book and WOW....I started to really get into it. Druids and Gods! Its turning into a great read. Time to start reading the next volume...later.
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