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The second book in the Gothic Memoirs series.




Cover painted by her husband - "Mariposa" oil on birch, 20 x 32" 2011, by realist painter Eric Armusik

482 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2011

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About the author

Rebekah Armusik

6 books53 followers
Rebekah Armusik attended King's College, where she majored in literature. Shortly after graduation she began writing Memoirs of a Gothic Soul. At first, the novel was more of an autobiographical project that centered on her eccentric Slovak family and her experiences in Northeast Pennsylvania, but soon her grandmother's haunting tales became the focus of the book. Before long, Rebekah's love of the Gothic novel began to change the direction of the series. Working from the original layout, she began feverishly re-working the tale.

In August 2010, she chose to self-published Memoirs of a Gothic Soul and quickly established a loyal fan base eager to read more. Her second novel, Mariposa opened to rave reviews on Halloween 2011. In 2012, Rebekah released two novels in one year, Book 3: Lucifer Rising and Book 4: Vlkolak King. In 2013, Rebekah released her most acclaimed book in the series, to date, In the Shadows.
Her novels have been best sellers in the Gothic romance and supernatural fiction categories on amazon.com.

Since the release of her last novel in the Gothic Memoirs series, Rebekah has been hard at work on her latest project. She has recently finished the first novel in her new supernatural series and is currently working on the next book.

Rebekah lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Classical Painter, Eric Armusik, their three beautiful children and two very handsome, black cats.

Rebekah has been featured in numerous publications including Gothic Beauty Magazine, The Weekender, Victorian Homes Magazine, Berks County Living, Old House Journal and The Reading Eagle.

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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books.
524 reviews143 followers
June 14, 2012
(Summary from book)
"I am not a fool. This is why Olga was so distraught - because I teetered the line, and most times my left foot was a paperweight clinging to hell."

At the closing of Memoirs of a Gothic Soul, Nadija Fey underwent a transformation to save her life. That ending of her mortal life is just the beginning in Mariposa, Book 2 of the Gothic Memoirs series.

Though immortal, Nadija is no less of an enigma to those around her. She is the first Guardian to accept the gift of immortality, leaving the celestial council panicked and on edge. Some fear her new gifts may threaten the already-tilting balance, while others, like her Guardian sisters, find her transformation promising. One thing is for certain - her ascension to the position of queen has great significance, but she will have to stay true to being the Nadija that everyone loves her for.

Mariposa goes deeper into the epic story and unravels all you know about legends, theology, and history, blending them all into a cohesive map of the delicate balance Nadija is now responsible for maintaining. There are darker secrets, mysterious creatures, and evil surrounds her at every turn. Never has an author taken you through such a range of emotions with such passion and intrigue… Mariposa will challenge all you know about good and evil.


My Review:

Mesmerizing. Captivating. Addictive. Perfect. Four words to sum up this amazing book. Written beautifully, with lovable (and some not,) characters and an exciting, original plot that promises to absorb the reader in the story and give them a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From the opening chapter, I was gripped. I found it to be a difficult book to put down. It’s one of those books where, even though you couldn’t wait to read it, when you have, you half wished you’d not read it until the series is all published, as now you have to wait a while to find out what happens next. I do have the 3rd one ready to read, but after that, in for a wait until Halloween, when the 4th book is out.

It’s so refreshing to finally be reading a vampire series, that isn’t immature, or unbelievable, Rebekah Armusik's details makes is all come to life for you. So much of the history and tangible assets of magick and universal powers are played out here, that I found myself wondering just how long the author must have researched the history for her creative narrative. The world is so mesmerizing and real feeling.

From here down, this review will have spoilers for book 1, and mild spoilers for this book, only a little, so if you have not read book one yet,( Memoires of A Gothic Soul) you may want to come back after you do. You can read my review for book one without spoilers. ( I have hid the spoilers for THIS book under spoiler)

Mariposa starts right were Memoirs of a Gothic Soul left off. Except it will be from Olga’s point of view for a short time. As we know Diji is going through the tough transformation into Immortal to save her life. As we had left the last book with her in that process.



Olga is amazed that Nadija was able to conjure such magicks when she was almost dead, she was tore apart, and was able to bring enough magick to keep herself alive long enough so Alexei was able to get to her in time to give her his gift of Immortality. So now we see the aftermath of this, and its heart wrenching as Nadija begs to be put out of her misery, as the transformation continues on. At chapter 2 we are back at Nadija’s point of view, and get to be with her mind as she finishes the transformation. She can feel the strong angel blood surging through her, and is very relieved when she looks in the mirror and she is normal, meaning the huge gaping hole that was tore through her cheek is gone, and her throat is healed up too.

I was very pleased with how this story progressed, it has just gotten better. In book 1, we had to learn all about this new world Nadija was thrust into, now we know, so the story can continue. There are many surprises along the way, things Nadjia will do that will shock some, but she has you rooting for her too. Myself I love her hot temper with a sharp mouth; I think it’s refreshing and real.
Here is a quote I like:

Kindle location: 725

“I know this much, Lex – my life is not worth living without you by my side. So I have only one need, and that is you. I would seek you before blood. It’s you that keeps me alive.”

Very sweet. I love the strong connection Nadija and Alexei have, and love the hot tempered fights too, makes it very real.

It was nice to see not only did Nadjia not lose her magick she became stronger. So strong, she actually scares Olga. She of course is set on revenge to Sasha and Adak for the brutal attack on her, and I do not blame her. I would want the same.



She also has a unique connection with mouthwatering gorgeous James, who is not what he seems at first. She uses her ability to read energy, to pull her towards the best person for her to feed from, and its James (he has a short appearance in the first book) , and he agrees she can feed from him. He ends up being very protective of Nadjia, and the relationship they have is sweet, but it is platonic, she is very committed to Alexei, so this is not a love triangle or anything, just complicated. There is something special about James, and you will find out what it is. I will not spoil that surprise.

She has to deal with the council now, as she is no longer just a Guardian, she is Immortal now too, a deadly combination, with more power than anyone is comfortable. Some debate if she can even be killed, and if so, how.

She ends up taking on Father Marcello as her adviser, and this is a good thing, (he is Immortal too, one of the fallen)

As the book comes to a close, many things happen, that just breaks Nadjia’s heart. She feels she can’t take much more heartbreak. She has to deal with a horrid women, a transformed immoral, from long ago, she is a bit crazy and a bit schizophrenic. She calls herself a Countess. She must deal with this crazy woman, to try to find out which of the Guardian sisters are turned to the dark side. She must try to stop them from helping Lucifer rise. What happens at this Countess’s place is disturbing to Nadjia, and it makes you really feel for her and James.

Nadjia is finally able to meet some of her Guardian sisters in France, Morigaine, Xenia (Xenia is Milla’s mother), Anouk and what happens with all that is heartbreaking. I will leave it at that.

A very good 2nd installment. I highly suggest giving these books a try. It really will suck you in.

I am very glad I have Lucifer Rising already, as I am starting it right away. I will have a review of it up as soon as I finish it as well.

See my book blog for more reviews and extras at
Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books


Profile Image for Sheila.
Author 85 books191 followers
October 31, 2012


Nadija, heroine of Rebekah Armusik’s Mariposa, makes a more convincing teen than queen as she flits between depressive angst, hopeless insecurity, and royal arrogance. In Memoirs of a Gothic Soul, volume I of the author’s 13 Gothic Memoirs series, Nadijah exchanged a rather dismal inner-city life in the US for the mansions of Europe where she found herself destined to power and prominence. But the final chapter saw that future falter as Nadija faced the danger of becoming a vampire. Mariposa opens with her learning to balance feed, need and destiny while secret prophecies of angels and demons, long hidden from a Bible which “is not as it was intended,” awaken on earth. A surprising priest grounds mystery with serious faith, remembering God really did think the world worth saving. But Nadija, feeling herself betrayed, sees no difference between good and evil and makes her own path. Are vampires and fallen angels really worth God’s care or only hers? Has God betrayed us all? And will an American teen who can’t even trust her betrothed’s affections learn to change the world?

The writing shifts between epically poetic and bluntly modern with occasional f-words, frequent responses of “No—I’m not” to repeated questions “Are you okay?” and the overstatements of youth who “literally feel” the stares of their accusers. The plot’s intriguing enough, if gruesome—ah the blood-lust of the young—but the incompleteness of this new episode might seem frustrating to some readers, and indulgent dialog, while fueling the youthful atmosphere, might make the reading slow. While lacking the first volume's completeness, Mariposa is still an interesting continuation of the series; it raises many questions and delights in many myths.

Disclosure: I received a free ecopy from the author and promised to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
26 reviews4 followers
June 23, 2012
Tho book 1, as in most first books' of a series, was very slow moving at first, once you get towards the end you will find the book indeed glued to your fingers!!!!! Book 1 also ends with a cliffhanger that makes you want to shoot someone in the face. Lol. Rebekah has brought to vampire fans everywhere a new take on vampires that will surely have readers enthralled.

While in most books you see Fallen Angels portraid as demons, what if they were vampires instead? And what of Lilith? If she were to have had children, daughters, what may have become of them, would they have been let into heaven? To learn all of that and more you MUST pick up this series. The main character in this tale, Nadiah, is a direct descendant of none other than Lilith. Her whole life has been prophesized to include sorrow, death and pain, but to also be quite possibly the savior of the world.

This series is full of intrigue, blood, gore, substance and diabolical deeds, you know, everything that I find as great qualties in a book. Tho it may be slow moving at first, it so worth the journey that delivers you to book 2.

Sadly, I cannot read book 3 right away since I am backed up on reviews atm. But you better believe I'll be reading it soon!!!!!!!! And the review for Lucifer Rising will be posted on NocturneReads. ;-)
Profile Image for Sarah.
25 reviews
April 13, 2012
As if “Memoirs” weren’t enough, Mariposa was even more detailed and mystical, as Nadjia ventures even further into the dark ways of vampirism. This is another beautifully written novel giving us an inside view of the dark ambiences of vampires, guardians, and angels. How their lives are entwined and interspersed with one other is astonishing to read. Nadjia’s life in this dark world goes even deeper with this novel and leaves me waiting for more in the next book, Lucifer Rising.
Profile Image for Dk Langan.
2 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2012
If I thought Memoirs had me transfigured, then Mariposa has turned me inside out. So much of the history and tangible assets of magic and universal powers are played out here, that I found myself wondering just how long the author must have thought and researched the history behind her creative narrative.
What drew me in was Armusik’s first book ties the facts of lore and legend to a modern day setting so elegantly I couldn’t wait to see what would come next. What came next was a story so complex and intriguing with vampires, fallen angels and guardians of council balancing out the powers of the world. Armusik stayed true and continued to grow her characters and present detailed descriptions of events that left chills on my arms.
As the Protagonist’s character grew stronger willed and more passionate in her calling, Armusik made sure to allow the reader to catch a glimpse of the kinder, gentler, loving side. It was like seeing into someone’s sole and reading their hidden fears and weaknesses while respecting their integrity and poise on the outside.
With crisp prose and an ability to “speak” as someone actually would, was refreshing. I didn’t find myself not being able to relate. The story line was not so far-fetched that I had to sacrifice my beliefs to understand the story. Prophetic books and organized religion tell similar stories in which we don’t see, but in fact we don’t doubt. My curiosity and belief system were actually deepened because indeed good and evil do dwell amongst at all times.
There is something about worldly and unworldly connections that fascinate and compels us to link together. This is the kind of book that will leave you feeling connected to the characters and wanting to fall between the pages into their lives. The characters were so real to me that they actually haunted my soul for weeks after I finished reading.
Profile Image for VampireRomanceBooks ThatsErotica.
385 reviews37 followers
October 30, 2012

Mariposa is the second book of the Gothic Memoirs series. In this installment, Nadija is adjusting to her life as a vampire and Queen of the Guardians.

Through most of the story, the chemistry between Nadija and Alexei was lacking. I am not saying this is due to poor writing by Armusik, but because of what was happening in the book, the distance made sense. Nadija and Alexei are both broken in their own ways, and have issues that they need to overcome. They know they belong together, but their relationship is something that constantly needs work. Nadija seems as though she has the world on her shoulders, and I love the way she copes, using sarcasm and wit. The stand out character in this book, for me, was James. He is a Vlkolkak, or werewolf. His kind is considered a curse and were banished. He carries into the story a lot of issues of his own. Nadija uses James for feeding and they have developed a bond. I really enjoyed their chemistry and their loyalty to one another. I can’t wait to see how he factors into the next story, because I get a feeling he is meant for something big.

To me, this book had a darker feel to it than Memoirs of a Gothic Soul. There was so much conflict and emotion in this story, and the author really had a knack for conveying the feelings of her characters. As with the first book, I was glued to the pages and was blown away by this intriguing tale.

Mariposa picks up right where Memoirs of a Gothic soul left off. The author does not tend to back track, so unless you have read the first book, you may not fully grasp the story and I have to recommend picking up the first book before diving into this one. I really think Armusik’s writing is phenomenal, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

**Reviewed by Teresa D. for VampireRomanceBooks.com**
Profile Image for Angie.
2,367 reviews253 followers
December 15, 2014
If the first book was brimming with emotion, this one is overflowing! From the very first page we're hit with some rough scenes as Nadija completes her transition into her new life. There's also a ton of secrets being hidden. Everyone's got them, but some will be more damaging than others when they eventually come out. Nadija's definitely got a lot on her plate in Mariposa.

It's not secret that I'm a vampiraholic. I love pretty much all things vampire, so I was excited to watch Dija adjust to her new life as one of the undead. I absolutely love the vampires that the author has created. Their needs and urges are frightening, yet sexy. Dija has pretty good control since she already had magical abilities, but it was still interesting being in her head as she deals with these new feelings. I especially liked her new relationship with James. He's a very interesting character, and I'm definitely looking forward to more of him.

This book has A LOT of new information. Dija is getting settled into her new role as Guardian queen, and as the first hybrid, so naturally we have a lot to learn about these things. However, there's also a lot of history regarding vampires, Guardians, and God. While interesting, this unfortunately comes as rather lenghy info-dumps, typically in the form of Olga telling Dija a story.

I did enjoy this one more than the first book, and that ending definitely confirmed my gut feeling that something huge is coming. I wonder how Nadija is going to keep it together to handle this new situation.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Profile Image for Lexey.
6 reviews
June 17, 2012

Wow, This was an emotional roller coaster of a ride. And it left me with a cliffhanger, but lucky my, i already had Lucifer Rising ready to read.

SO many things happen in this installment. Nadjia has to go through her transformation, and its a huge adjustment. She has many hurdles to overcome. Its a great 2nd installment to this new series.

The writing style is amazing, so fluid, and poetic. I am really amazed at how beautiful these stories flow from one to the next.

Rebekah Armusik is truly gifted. Give these books a try, you wont be sorry.Lucifer Rising is the 3rd, and Memoirs of a Gothic Soul is the first.
3 reviews1 follower
Read
June 22, 2012
Mariposa is the second book in a (planned) 13 book series of a brilliantly written Gothic Romance story. I say planned because I hope Mrs. Armusik decides to write more than 13 when all is said and done.

Mariposa flawlessly picks up where book one left off, where the Heroine, Naudia has reached an end to her life as she knew it, and faces the most incredible new beginning to a life filled with Magick and love. The story mostly deals with her struggle to accept her new life, though she wants it, I believe she has a hard time letting go of who she was. Once she figures this out, she can finally start to mature, and figure out exactly where her incredible strength comes from.

Mrs. Armusik shows her brilliance as an Author, in connecting the wondrous, and multiple story lines flawlessly, and without confusion.
I eagerly await book three, and I can not wait to see how Naudia transforms and grows into her destiny.
Profile Image for Heather Evans Roche.
2 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2012
This book was even more compelling that the first! Once again her descriptive powers are unmatched. This story reveals a lot more about the characters and the past and develops into an even more believable fantasy tale. It shows Nadija's softer side In parts and also how strong and wise she truly is. Her characters are so multi faceted that they become real in your mind. You can truly relate to these fictional characters as if they were yourself or people you actually know. You need to read Memoirs of A Gothic Soul first however. This series is a must read. I can't wait for Book 3.
Profile Image for The Mundivagant Bookery.
46 reviews6 followers
March 1, 2012
Once again Rebekah Armusik has done it. I finished this book only to want to pick up the third book immediately.

This is not a stand alone book. Reading Memoirs of a Gothic Soul before hand is a must. That being said, character and story development continues and pulls the reader even more inside this world.
Profile Image for Shannon.
1 review
April 5, 2012
North End Native, very creative style. Mariposa is the second book to the 13 volume series, with the third book Lucifer Rising coming out May 18th. I highly recommend this series.. Go get book 1 Memoris of a Gothic Soul and be drawn in like me.
Profile Image for Heather.
116 reviews2 followers
January 23, 2014
Wow! I'm speechless!

Emotional roller-coaster, she had me on the edge of my seat,and wanting more!
I'm looking forward to getting the next books in the series. :)
I will be recommending this series to my friends and family.....
Profile Image for Meg.
12 reviews
February 21, 2013
Awesome I can't wait to start next one!!!!! Very creative vampire story with a twists... Not ur average vamp story...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews