Bloody Underground

by Theophilus Monroe

At least they had trials in Salem...They're hunting our kind, burning vampires at the stake.

The man leading the charge isn't the "reverend" he pretends to be.

He has a deadly secret. Can I uncover the truth?

We have no choice but to fight...

But if we aren't careful, we'll give the "reverend" what he wants.

We'll become the murderous monsters he claims us to be.

Go up and click 'Buy Now' or "Read for Free' to find out if Mercy and the Vampire Underground can expose the "reverend's" secret and quell the angry mob of vampire-haters.

Bloody Underground is the second book in The Fury of a Vampire Witch. You've met Mercy before in The Legacy of a Vampire Witch and The Blood Witch Saga. She's fought against devils and demons, insidious witches, and old-world vampires. When she returns to Exeter, where she grew up as a girl, she'll find enemies even bigger and badder than anything she's ever faced before.

A great series for fans of the True Blood / Sookie Stackhouse novels or the Underworld franchise to sink their fangs into. The Fury of a Vampire Witch features a dark and twisty romance, action that could even get a vampire's heart pumping, and a snarky badass heroine.

Genres: Paranormal, Witches, Vampires, Supernatural, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2023

About the author

Theophilus Monroe is a fantasy author with a knack for real-life characters whose supernatural experiences speak to the pangs of ordinary life. After earning his Ph.D. in Theology, he decided that academic treatises that no one will read (beyond other academics) was a dull way to spend his life. So, he began using his background in religious studies to create new worlds and forms of magic-informed by religious myths, ancient and modern-that would intrigue readers, inspire imaginations, and speak to real-world problems in fantastical ways.

Reviews

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody Underground is the second book in The Fury of a Vampire Witch by Theophilus Monroe. Bloody Underground opens with a blast and never lets up from beginning to end. As with the first book Bloody Queen, Bloody Underground had me racing to the end as I couldn’t take my eyes off the page.

Vampires are being hunted and burned at the stake. Mercy is doing her best to catch the culprits and put a stop to them. Meanwhile, a rip has been opened up in a portal between two worlds. Mercy must find a way to close up this rip and save her world.

Bloody Underground has some very surprising twists that I loved tremendously. I enjoyed watching all the battles as if I was there with them and fighting with them myself. I could see it all as it played out. The descriptions were so vividly written making it so easy for me to see it all.

The world-building in this world is fantastic. But so are all the characters. Theophilus Monroe can write a story and make you feel as if you are a part of its world. He can make you feel as if you know the characters.

Whenever I read one of Theophilus Monroe’s books I feel like Alice in Wonderland when she falls down the rabbit hole as each story pulls me deeper and deeper into its world making my own world disappear for a time.

I would recommend Bloody Underground to all vampire fans! Grab your copy of Bloody Underground today!

[Kelley Hazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy is killing it! Literally and figuratively. In this second story from Theophilus Monroe, Bloody Underground picks up immediately where the first story Bloody Queen leaves off. We are barely able to catch our breath as Mercy and Ladinas are flung into the rampage of horrors yet again.

As we know from Mercy's dealing, not only in this series so far but also from The Legacy of a Vampire Witch 1-5 and her appearance in Hailey Bradbury's series The Blood Witch Saga Omnibus Collection: Books 1-8, Mercy's dealings with her father over the centuries have not been pretty. Let's just say things are about to come to a head.

From the beginning of this new series I can sense that this is not the same Mercy as before. Theophilus Monroe is taking Mercy into new realms, not only as a 'queen' - an uncomfortable role for her to play given her own well-hidden self-doubt. She questions the role she may have played in the alienation of her father, as he becomes an even more major player in this series.

Mercy's relationship with Ladinas is maturing from a childish 'punch him in the arm to show she cares' kind of school girl crush to a full fledged love interest. With all of the questions and 'waiting impatiently by the blood maid' that goes with it.

I like this new Mercy. This unsure but more connected Mercy. Just as brazen, just as flippant. But she's a woman who realizes there are those that depend on her and that if she shirks her duties people die. And not in a pretty way.

AND she's a mom.

AND she's in a love triangle!..or is it rectangle?...Square? You know Monroe takes a potshot at 'Love Geometry'!

Yes, everything you crave about a Theophilus Monroe urban fantasy is here. The humor, the snark, the social commentary, the bad jokes. Mercy AND Monroe are bigger, badder, better than ever!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

How cool that Alice featured so strongly in this book, I love her complex character, although, she's not so complex now. Now that she's "seen the light" she's an awesome ally for Mercy and her crew. Once a God fearing staunch hunter of witches and vampires, she no longer hunts them but aids them. She's still devout though, a Christian vampire? Well, yes... she quotes passages from the Bible as one would a favourite poem, and did I mention she's really cool? The Order she once passionately believed in, passionately followed every dictate, is turning Vamps human, only to burn them immediately. Yeah, their excuse? Fire cleanses.... The Seraphim are a serious threat and to reas how Mercy and her crew tackle this problem, leads to a very exciting read, one full of action and as always, the incredible humour strewn throughout.

I love Goliath! He's a really cool "dog" I love the bond he and Mercy share and how much he's there for her. Not only as her faithful oversized hound but he gives her something extra. What? Well, you'll have to read it to find out but you'll be chuffed! She might be s Vampire Witch but her emotions are so, well, human. With what happened to Demeter and Ramon, she reacts by verbally lashing out, human, right? Through a touch of Necromancy, a very powerfully versed voice reappears to incite violence and hate but oh so much worse than a few hundred years ago!

I do enjoy how fast paced the author's books, I enjoy his well thought out plot, I enjoy the very interesting and diverse he takes me to, I enjoy that I'm rooting for Vampires, heck you would be too once you got to know Mercy and all the intricacies of her character. Therein lies the beauty of Theo's books, his characters! Never boring, never humdrum, never dull, always thrilling, always stirring, always exhilarating, always evolving. Unexpected turns abound that I couldn't have foreseen, especially to Mercy! Action packed and just awesome!

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in this series was fantastic - I loved this one more than the first one.

Mercy is back with her gang preparing to fight against the Order of the Morning Dawn once more, but this Order is definitely different, more vicious, more aggressive than the Order she experienced years ago. Every time it seems like Mercy is making some progress into finding out their end agenda and who is behind it all, something happens that throws a huge spanner in it all.

There were several twists and turns in this book that I wasn't expecting at all, in particular the person in the golden robe! Mercy didn't irritate me in this one as much, in fact, I really felt for her a lot more this time. She was definitely less arrogant and I could empathise with her a lot more. Yes, she needs to be strong and determined, but this time she showed a more caring, caring side to her at times too, which I didn't feel she did as much in the first book. Maybe some of the events and revelations affected her more than she realised!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, but this review is my own, honest one.

[Tom Intiso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know that feeling you get when you reach the end of a book and you find yourself simply sitting there with your jaw hanging open? No? Well read to the end, my pretties, lol, read to the end!

I think Monroe nailed it, himself, and I quote: “[Take] The Order, plus mad scientist, plus vampire blood. Throw in a dash of necromancy and a pinch of homicide. It doesn’t matter how you add it up. That’s a recipe for a shit sandwich.” And THAT my friends is this book in a nutshell, no spoilers necessary!

Once again, as with the last book, Monroe is taking the world of Eden Gate and making it new once more. In many ways, this series feels like the beginning of an all new saga. Appropriately enough, it’s even set where it all began centuries earlier.

If you’re new to the Eden Gate saga, you won’t need to start at the beginning, although I have no doubt that you eventually will want to go back and catch up. But do start with the first book in THIS series, because it is an excellent introduction.

REGARDLESS, OLD OR NEW, HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS, BECAUSE THIS ONE IS A RIDE! ENJOY!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine and her people are in a bad situation, hunted on the word of a madman. But if they fight back, they might just become exactly what he claims them to be. If only she can figure out his secrets and turn the tables.

This is book two of the series. It works rather well as a standalone with all the essential bits covered early on. You will be missing some of the backstory, but nothing essential to enjoying this book. That being said, after reading this one, you will want to go back for the earlier ones anyway.

This is an urban fantasy story with witches, vampires and more. The story is well written and easy to read, but at the same time it is also rather deep and complex. The setting is well developed with lots of details that provide new twists all the time. Similarly, the characters are well done with distinct personalities and often conflicting goals. All of it combines with a fast paced plot that is full of action, intrigue and mystery. Overall, this was a great story and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book for review purposes.

[Alias11 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this continuation of the Vampire Witch series. Mercy Brown has her hands full with the resurgence of the Order of the Morning Dawn, their pseudo-seraphim assassins, and enemies and allies old and new. Then, there are the challenges in her personal and love life, as her hoped-for emerging love for Ladinas is complicated by the arrival of one he formerly (and still) loves. Add to that an invasion of seelie and un-seelie Fae, and Mercy doesn't even have time to catch her breath. So many twists and turns, and a big mega-surprise, leave Mercy reeling. This was an exciting listen, and I am eager for the next (audio) book in the series.

The narration is well-done. I love the way Ms. Hazen so effectively captures Mercy's snark and sass, and she gives all the characters distinct and distinguishable voices. Very enjoyable to listen to.

I received a free copy of the audiobook and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Kris Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received this copy for the ARC group, so I got to read it early. Eat your hearts out.)

The Order of the Morning Dawn, with its Seraphs, is back and has attacked a vampire orphanage. As Mercy, Ladinas, Alice, Muggs, Ramon, and Goliath rescue those they can, Ramon is injured; when he recovers, he is different. He needs help from Wee Willie Winker and the Faerie King.

Add to that: The Order has brought back someone who led the Salem Witch Trials in a very difficult to kill form and are holding a series of tent revivals. They plan to burn a vampire at one; Mercy knows she has to stop that from happening.

Also, The Order has a mad scientist working for them. Unlike "traditional" villains, he won't tell Mercy what the plans are or who he is.

This is rapidly becoming headache number 343 for Mercy.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

War of the Worlds?

How do you stop a war between the faerie realms? Take away the reason for the fight. That's really all there is to it. It works for any type of conflict, whether children with a single toy or nations arguing over a piece of land. The biggest challenge to the solution is in a religious conflict. Islam vs. Christianity? The reason(s) for the disagreement are in the instructions of the respective religious figures. Christianity "Be good..." Islam "Kill, behead, terrorize, enslave ..." The devil is in the details. In the beginning of "Bloody Underground", vampires are fighting a group of fanatical religious figures and the details get more complicated with every page of the story. Mel's character development and Goliath's timely interventions give some welcome respite.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloody Underground (The Fury of a Vampire Witch Book 2), my fifith read from author Theophilus Monroe. Theophilus Monroe has become one of my favorite authors in the last year. Although he's slowed down in his writing the quality of his writing has not! Another well written & enjoyable read, the second in his new Fury of a Vampire Witch series featuring Mercy Brown. I was given an Audible copy of this book (and own a Kindle copy as well so I could read along while being read to) & am voluntarily reviewing it. Kelley Hazen’s excellent narration again adds to the book’s enjoyment. I look forward to reading Bloody Bastards: A Paranormal and Urban Fantasy (The Fury of a Vampire Witch Book 4) when it comes out next month. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Andra Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloody Underground lives up to its name. It is Book 2 in The Fury of a Vampire Witch series. There are quite a few eyebrow-raising surprises. The complexities of the relationship between Ladidas, Mercy, and Alice increase, which raises its flags. With so much drama happening, a lot of paranormal action, humor, scary undead dead people, surprises, twists, and suspense, more confusion and mystery about who is really behind all of the chaos, and a bit of a cliffhanger ending, Bloody Underground is a page-turner that I could not put down until I finished it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody Underground is no exception to this one statement: Mr. Monroe's books just get better and better.

The Order of the Morning Dawn is back with a vengeance. I swear, they are like the Hydra. You cut one head off and it just grows back madder than before.

The triangle between Mercy, Ladidas and Alice really ramps up. And I personally have another new favorite character, Goliath! He's such a good hellhound.

And let's not forget one other thing, a new portal opened up. Thank goodness Mercy and friends are true badasses with everything they have to deal with this go around.

Two thumbs up, five stars and highly recommended!

[Lili · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Mercy so much and I feel close to her - she has to struggle on through so much! Every victory is hard won, and every defeat is temporary, but after each one she encounters an even bigger challenge, and risks an irretrievable loss.

Yes, she sacrifices a lot in the cause of light, and she is always ready to risk herself to save others, but she never loses sight of what's important, what's good and noble. She doesn't see herself as the leader and person the others do, but she appreciates them all.

Can't wait to read what's next!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charles L · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newly crowned Queen of Vampires, Mercy Brown, is under attack by The Order of the Morning Dawn who have now resorted to necromancy to recruit former members who have been long dead. The order is also using a bastardized form of celestial magic to transform Mercy’s vampires back into humans so that they can kill them more easily. She also has the Fae exerting their influence in the mix leaving our lovely vampire feeling besieged and a little overwhelmed. Fortunately, she rises to the occasion like the heroine she is fighting to the very end.
This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Order is causing problems again and Mercy and friends have to battle them. Twists and turns had me glued to the very end. The Order is burning vampires at the stake and Mercy is trying to stop the bad guys. We have another portal opened between the two worlds and Mercy has to find a way to close it and save our world. The story is so descriptive that you feel like you're watching the battles. Another fantastic world building story. Mr. Monroe can definitely write a story that immerses you in the story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was entertained by this second book of "The Fury of a Vampire Witch" series. A group led by the "reverend" was hunting and killing vampires. Mercy, the Queen of the Vampires, needed to find a way to stop the 'reverend". I liked the further development of Mercy's character. I was amused by the acerbic comments. I was amazed at some of the plot twists. Kelley Hazen's narration was impressive with the various voices that she performed. Her performance added to my enjoyment of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Mercy, so this new series focusing on her is exciting. In this second book of the series, we see Mercy and her allies fighting against the Order again. If you've read the first book of the series (or any of the other books/ series in the Gates of Eden universe), you know you're in for high levels of action woven with strong character development. I highly recomend this book and series for fans of supernatural adventures.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and found it very enjoyable. Mercy just keeps having trouble with unwanted family members showing up. But her friends and allies are being targeted and some killed. Mercy is on a mission to stop the Order of the Morning Dawn, but she's not sure who she can trust. Interesting characters and suspenseful, fast moving plot will keep you listen until the end. This is a very enjoyable series that just keeps getting better.

[Jerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues Mercys new journey and man was it a journey. Lots of action and drama. A guest from the past that will shock you or maybe not. Mercy is kick*** as usual and takes control of the situation as she believes she should. She is the main one who tries to win the situation. She strives to do everything she possibly can even if it may not be the right thing. She will have you laughing at some of her action and cheering her on at others. This is a great Mercy book and I can't wait for the next one. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion. GO MERCY!!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, because Mercy is an interesting character and it is action packed. Mercy is fighting against the Order of the Morning Dawn once more, but every time it seems like she is closer to solving the mystery, something new happens. This story was engaging and kept me reading.

I personally did not care for the narration. I didn’t like the sound effects that tried to add of the story, but felt off and took me away from it.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joseph Lau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh off defeating rival ancient vampires (and now in possession of her own hellhound), Mercy and her vampires are faced with a new threat: the undead are being brought back to life to wipe them all out permanently. Toss in vampire-killing light magic, vampire hunters (many of whom are vampires) and you have a busy plot. Then add fairies, and a little war in the human world – just to spice things up.
The author never fails to entertain, and this series is really picking up.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a war coming to the land of faerie and mercy and her crew are underground hiding making plans for the battle. This is the second book in this pulse pounding series. The characters are kick a**. The action never stops coming . This series is suspenseful and makes you want to turn the pages faster and faster to see what will happen next. I think this series is becoming highly addictive.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal Lobetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now Mercy and her crew now have to fight the order, they are turning vampire's human than burning then to cleanse them. Mercy has her own Hellhound Goliath now and also Alice the Bible quoting Christian vampire. The characters and the world that Theophilus Monroe writes is so awesome. You don't want it to end. Definitely start with book 1 but read anything by him and you will not regret it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Order of the Morning Dawn is being led by Reynard, a shapeshifting faerie trickster. They use Necromancy to resurrect witch hunters from the past and deceased Order members, including Mercy's abusive father. This story has a ton of fighting and unrequited feelings, ending with a cliffhanger. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this may be my most favorite Mercy Brown book so far. I love seeing more of Willie and Muggs and the cool tech that Demeter creates.
This book has so many " can't turn pages fast enough" spots! Between the battles, rescues, the blast from the past threats as well as current ones, it is a big adrenaline rush!
So looking forward to the next one!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristin Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second instalment is opening up for more troubles and Mercy is here to meet them head on with her snarky and badass attitude. She is such an interesting character, it is a joy to see her growing throughout the different series and now within this series too.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this is all going to end, specifically in the love department as I'm a sucker for romance! *Sighhhh*.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy Brown Doesn’t Quit!
Continuing the latest in Mercy Brown with no highlights or lead in from what happened in book 1, Mercy is faced with another dilemma only the Order is not what they seem and as Mercy and her posse attempt solving this chaos, Mercy is left with new skills. Best to read these in order as one book builds off the previous. Definitely full of action, adventure, and sense of humor.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody Underground (The Fury of a Vampire Witch, Book 2) was a great read by Theophilus Monroe. Vampires are being hunted down and burned at the stake. The man leading the hunt pretends to be a "reverend". He has a deadly secret that Mercy wants to uncover. They have to fight but are also afraid to give him exactly what he wants. I loved listening to the life that Kelley Hazen brought to the character. I cant wait to read more by the author.

[Killeena Savola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mercy is in trouble as she realizes that the order is bringing the past to life. Mercy is overwhelmed and just plain done with everything. Tricksters and lies come hand in hand. She not sure what’s going on till it to late. Her only option is to fight for what she knows is right.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome paranormal story by Theophilus Monroe. He once again brings a cast of strong characters and weaves a terrific story that had me glued to the pages from start to finish. He paints his scenes perfectly and moves it fluidly. I loved and would recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.