What do you think?
Rate this book
Rosso Lussuria Vampire #2
Summoning Shadows
The second Rosso Lussuria Vampire Novel
Epiphany has risen within the ranks of clan status. Declared Elder and Inamorata before the Rosso Lussuria vampires, to raise a hand against her is to raise a hand against Queen Renata herself.
She has taken Iliaria, the Great Siren Dracule, as her lover and ally, wearing Iliaria’s sigil as a sign of their unlikely alliance. While Epiphany bears her mark, Iliaria upholds her oath and hunts one of her own—the traitor Damokles who seeks to destroy the vampire-kind. Yet Damokles is not the only renegade Dracule who wants to see the fall of the Rosso Lussuria. The Draculian society is split in two—those who seek to protect Azrael’s Gift and those who seek to eliminate it.
The Rosso Lussuria face enemies both old and new. Dismantling a reign of impending terror and uniting a clan is not so easily done when those close to you are all too adept at keeping their own council and agendas.
Epiphany has risen within the ranks of clan status. Declared Elder and Inamorata before the Rosso Lussuria vampires, to raise a hand against her is to raise a hand against Queen Renata herself.
She has taken Iliaria, the Great Siren Dracule, as her lover and ally, wearing Iliaria’s sigil as a sign of their unlikely alliance. While Epiphany bears her mark, Iliaria upholds her oath and hunts one of her own—the traitor Damokles who seeks to destroy the vampire-kind. Yet Damokles is not the only renegade Dracule who wants to see the fall of the Rosso Lussuria. The Draculian society is split in two—those who seek to protect Azrael’s Gift and those who seek to eliminate it.
The Rosso Lussuria face enemies both old and new. Dismantling a reign of impending terror and uniting a clan is not so easily done when those close to you are all too adept at keeping their own council and agendas.
264 pages, Paperback
First published August 14, 2012
15 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
Winter Pennington
13 books306 followersWinter Pennington is the author of the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series. She is an avid practitioner of nature-based spirituality and enjoys spending her spare time studying mythology from around the world. The Celtic path is very close to her heart. She has an uncanny fascination with swords and daggers, and a fondness for feeding loud and obnoxious corvids. In the shadow of her writing, she has experience working with a plethora of animals as a pet care specialist and veterinary assistant. She currently resides in Oklahoma.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 4, 2012
This is a sincere 5-star rating. I like Winter Pennington's Raven series, but I love her Rosso Lussuria Vampire series. Too often a sequel doesn't seem quite as good as the first book in the series, but that isn't the case at all with "Summoning Shadows." It's fast-paced, nicely plotted and incredibly sexy. If you like paranormal stories, Pennington's Vampire world is unique from any others I've read. Better yet, the ending left me feeling very satisfied while still leaving the overall series arc unfinished -- a welcomed promise of more to come.
August 23, 2025
The story was very entertaining and enjoyable just as the first book. Winter Pennington's books are somewhat on the dark side with her vampires, werewolves and faerie folk but the stories are well written that you still feel drawn into her world of the gothesque and macabre.
For some unknown reasons it seems she has stopped writing because it has been more than ten years since her last book and the two series that she wrote was never really completed. It makes me sad.
For some unknown reasons it seems she has stopped writing because it has been more than ten years since her last book and the two series that she wrote was never really completed. It makes me sad.
August 2, 2012
This was a great second installment in the Rosso Lussuria series. We continue to see the growth in not only Epiphany’s character but in the relationships between Iliaria, Epiphany, and Queen Renata. Epiphany may not be the “dominant” personality in these relationships but in many ways she is the one in control and the one central figure that these other characters are drawn to.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this story was the role that Morina played and the development of her character. I also loved watching Epiphany realization that her ability as an empath can be so much more than she originally thought and her discovery of just what she is capable of when she wants to protect what is important to her.
It’s extremely rare for me to re-read a story but this is one I will revisit again in the next few days just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. My only disappointment is that I have to wait for another installment. Please let there be another installment.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this story was the role that Morina played and the development of her character. I also loved watching Epiphany realization that her ability as an empath can be so much more than she originally thought and her discovery of just what she is capable of when she wants to protect what is important to her.
It’s extremely rare for me to re-read a story but this is one I will revisit again in the next few days just to make sure I didn’t miss anything. My only disappointment is that I have to wait for another installment. Please let there be another installment.
April 29, 2020
A rather Steamy F/F fantasy romance. ----- 4 stars
This is the second vampire novel in the Rosso Lussuria series by Winter Pennington. in this novel the story continues where the first one ended. Epiphany has entered a relation with both her vampire siren and one of the great elders of the vampire race... Things are good, but the impending tread from the first novel only increases. Now Epiphany and her lovers must take action of their own to protect both themselves and those they love.
Shadows was an interesting novel. Though it is defensively Steamy this does not detract from or overshadow the overall plot. Pennington writes her characters well and embeds them into a rich background.
I very much enjoyed reading this novel and hope there will be a sequel at some point.
This is the second vampire novel in the Rosso Lussuria series by Winter Pennington. in this novel the story continues where the first one ended. Epiphany has entered a relation with both her vampire siren and one of the great elders of the vampire race... Things are good, but the impending tread from the first novel only increases. Now Epiphany and her lovers must take action of their own to protect both themselves and those they love.
Shadows was an interesting novel. Though it is defensively Steamy this does not detract from or overshadow the overall plot. Pennington writes her characters well and embeds them into a rich background.
I very much enjoyed reading this novel and hope there will be a sequel at some point.
October 27, 2023
The chapter one intimate scene between Epiphany and Iliaria felt very manipulative from Epiphany’s side. She wanted to perform an act on Iliaria that Iliaria wasn’t comfortable with and she wouldn’t accept Illiaria’s answer. I am of the opinion that an enthusiast yes is better than a non answer or concession. It felt like she wore down Iliaria instead of taking her discomfort as an acceptable answer.
This is said by Emilio to Vasco. “I would come to know you, if you would allow it.” I love Vasco and the relationship he has with Epiphany and the one he wants to build with his son. I wish there was more focus on the development of this relationship.
I love Renata. Her characterisation is chefs kiss. And I love the dynamics in her relationship with Epiphany. Everything she says and does is so hot.
I can’t say I like Iliaria because I don’t, her character felt very bland and one note. Her character development over the two books was also very stunted and she didn’t seem to have much depth beyond being moody, insecure, suspicious of affection from Epiphany and overall kinda boring. I think I would have preferred if she was just another character in the story and not a love interest for Epiphany because she doesn’t add much to the relationship between Renata and Epiphany in my opinion.
The narrative completely and out of nowhere shifted to something that wasn’t even hinted at the beginning chapters of the book near the 50% mark. It felt weird and the story just cut all the tension that it was building for the first 35% of the book to become a captive story. It was very jarring. And then that plot point was resolved off page for just another capture of a major character to happen.
I much preferred the first book. The story in the first book was a self-contained mystery with betrayal, second chance romance and an interesting finale. This book on the other hand had a meandering storyline that just jumped from one boring plot point to another. The so called villain barely had any time on page and did close to nothing for almost the entire book. It was just lacklustre and dull which was disappointing because I really liked the first book a lot. The book also ended with the main plot unresolved and since it was published 11 years ago, I am not sure we are going to get another book or if the series will ever be finished.
This book series reminds of Anita Blake with the constant addition of new love interests for Epiphany. Epiphany is also similar to Anita with the new power ups. Renata is Jean Claude but is Italian instead of French, Iliaria is Richard, and finally, Morina is Asher (complete with the facial disfigurement and attitude/anger problems).
This is said by Emilio to Vasco. “I would come to know you, if you would allow it.” I love Vasco and the relationship he has with Epiphany and the one he wants to build with his son. I wish there was more focus on the development of this relationship.
I love Renata. Her characterisation is chefs kiss. And I love the dynamics in her relationship with Epiphany. Everything she says and does is so hot.
I can’t say I like Iliaria because I don’t, her character felt very bland and one note. Her character development over the two books was also very stunted and she didn’t seem to have much depth beyond being moody, insecure, suspicious of affection from Epiphany and overall kinda boring. I think I would have preferred if she was just another character in the story and not a love interest for Epiphany because she doesn’t add much to the relationship between Renata and Epiphany in my opinion.
The narrative completely and out of nowhere shifted to something that wasn’t even hinted at the beginning chapters of the book near the 50% mark. It felt weird and the story just cut all the tension that it was building for the first 35% of the book to become a captive story. It was very jarring. And then that plot point was resolved off page for just another capture of a major character to happen.
I much preferred the first book. The story in the first book was a self-contained mystery with betrayal, second chance romance and an interesting finale. This book on the other hand had a meandering storyline that just jumped from one boring plot point to another. The so called villain barely had any time on page and did close to nothing for almost the entire book. It was just lacklustre and dull which was disappointing because I really liked the first book a lot. The book also ended with the main plot unresolved and since it was published 11 years ago, I am not sure we are going to get another book or if the series will ever be finished.
This book series reminds of Anita Blake with the constant addition of new love interests for Epiphany. Epiphany is also similar to Anita with the new power ups. Renata is Jean Claude but is Italian instead of French, Iliaria is Richard, and finally, Morina is Asher (complete with the facial disfigurement and attitude/anger problems).
November 28, 2019
I can’t get enough of the dynamics and power plays of the relationship between Renata, Epiphany, and Iliaria. I’m very interested to see how things will change and grow with the introduction of Morina.
I was excited to learn and see more of the Draculian society and culture. I totally did not guess that Epiphany herself would be granted the draculian form by Azrael to save Renata. I hope Pennington continues this series. I loved it the first time I read it and my love hasn’t diminished any since then.
I was excited to learn and see more of the Draculian society and culture. I totally did not guess that Epiphany herself would be granted the draculian form by Azrael to save Renata. I hope Pennington continues this series. I loved it the first time I read it and my love hasn’t diminished any since then.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2020
Maybe I got addicted? Maybe... Maybe I have read it in one day? Maaaaybe... It’s good, light, with spicy and thrill! Loved loved loved!
July 26, 2022
I loved the two even better. The story just got better and better until it ended.
September 26, 2012
"Summoning Shadows" is the second novel of the Rosso Lussuria Vampire Clan. Iliaria, Epiphany, and Queen Renata are learning the boundaries of their unique relationship, while there is trouble brewing for the clan in the form of revenge from multiple sources. Yet, the plans are even larger - for if some have their way...all vampires may be no more.
The character and world building in the Rosso Lussuria Vampire Novels is incredibly rich and the relationships between the characters are complex and ever-changing. I enjoyed Epiphany's further growth, not only in her relationships with Iliaria and Renata, but in her confidence and control of her empathic powers. There is definitely a lot more danger in "Summoning Shadows", not only for Epiphany, but for all vampires and perhaps some Dracule as well. I still find it very easy to slip into Epiphany's skin and feel as she does. Wickedly sensuous and erotic scenes add to the decadence of this story and are, in fact, integral to who Epiphany is and how she relates to people and sees the world. Ms. Pennington once again captivates your senses and I look forward to reading where this path takes Epiphany, the women she loves, and the clan she finally calls home.
Rosso Lussuria Vampire Novel Series: Darkness Embraced (1), Summoning Shadows (2)
The character and world building in the Rosso Lussuria Vampire Novels is incredibly rich and the relationships between the characters are complex and ever-changing. I enjoyed Epiphany's further growth, not only in her relationships with Iliaria and Renata, but in her confidence and control of her empathic powers. There is definitely a lot more danger in "Summoning Shadows", not only for Epiphany, but for all vampires and perhaps some Dracule as well. I still find it very easy to slip into Epiphany's skin and feel as she does. Wickedly sensuous and erotic scenes add to the decadence of this story and are, in fact, integral to who Epiphany is and how she relates to people and sees the world. Ms. Pennington once again captivates your senses and I look forward to reading where this path takes Epiphany, the women she loves, and the clan she finally calls home.
Rosso Lussuria Vampire Novel Series: Darkness Embraced (1), Summoning Shadows (2)
July 11, 2016
I absolutely loved this series! I finished this book in a day at work, that's dedication right there.
I adore the characters and how much they have grown (mainly Epiphany, Renata and Iliaria) and that Renata and Iliaria have finally found some common ground *wink**wink*. But the one thing I loved about this series is the right amount of angst and drama that was so well handled. Some books leave your insides wrenching and your guts twisting but this author has managed to do that but soothe them just as well.
The twist in the end with the addition to their party was, surprising but not in a bad way. I look forward to seeing this dynamic work and honestly to see how this plays out in the end with all the clans and the Dracules.
I enjoyed every word of this book and I do hope there are more to come.
I adore the characters and how much they have grown (mainly Epiphany, Renata and Iliaria) and that Renata and Iliaria have finally found some common ground *wink**wink*. But the one thing I loved about this series is the right amount of angst and drama that was so well handled. Some books leave your insides wrenching and your guts twisting but this author has managed to do that but soothe them just as well.
The twist in the end with the addition to their party was, surprising but not in a bad way. I look forward to seeing this dynamic work and honestly to see how this plays out in the end with all the clans and the Dracules.
I enjoyed every word of this book and I do hope there are more to come.
April 12, 2015
This was a good sequel, got to learn more of Iliara and what role she really played in the Dracule, Renata and Epiphany's relationship is stronger here and Epiphany finally acknowledges her love for Iliara. The story was great and the intro of Emilio into the lives of the Rosso Lussuria was a good addition to the clan. Looks like there's another book in this series can't wait to read that as well should be an interesting read now that Morina is in the mix.
August 8, 2012
Good writing, interesting angle on the vampire theme. The sex was well written and didn't feel forced. My only two negatives are that it features vampires which I'm a little tired of, and the writing was verbose when the protagonist becomes introspective, which is often. Also, I'm
concerned that the protagonist is on the way to becoming a Mary Sue character, whom everyone loves and desires. Beware the curse of Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake.
concerned that the protagonist is on the way to becoming a Mary Sue character, whom everyone loves and desires. Beware the curse of Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake.
July 27, 2012
if you haven't read Summoning Shadows by Winter Pennington you need to pick up this book. It is Winter's second in the Rosso Lussuria Vampire novels. The stories are funny, sexy, imaginative, and her characters are so vivid they jump off the page. Seriously, go to www.boldstrokesbooks.com and pick up these books today!
May 5, 2015
Oh god did I love this book. I love that it was longer but I feel like it was a little too long and maybe the conflict with Damokles in the compound was a little too quickly wrapped up. But now I can't wait for the next book.
September 24, 2012
Wow! This was a fantastic follow up to Darkness Embraced!
July 22, 2013
wonderful sequel to the first the only thing lacking was the tying together of the ending imo very good book that keeps you guessing until the end
September 12, 2014
It makes me wonder where the other one is. lol
August 3, 2012
It was pretty good
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews