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The Guild Series #1
Deep Into the Soul
At age sixteen, Vivienne Drake’s life completely changed in one devastating moment with the murder of her mother. Now at age thirty, she continues to struggle with the aftermath of that day and the nightmares that began to haunt her following it- nightmares where she is forced to watch the torture and murder of a new victim, all while she endures their pain and terror; prisoner to her own subconscious.
Her life becomes more complicated after meeting the mysterious Calum McCort and learning of a world she’d never imagined existed; a world of Daemonium, Guardians, Lucifer, and The Guild. Not to mention Aedan, Lord of the Daemonium who’s on a mission to abduct her.
Now she’s running from demons she never knew she had, hiding from demons she never knew existed, and searching for the answers to her mother’s past to find the key to her future.
Her life becomes more complicated after meeting the mysterious Calum McCort and learning of a world she’d never imagined existed; a world of Daemonium, Guardians, Lucifer, and The Guild. Not to mention Aedan, Lord of the Daemonium who’s on a mission to abduct her.
Now she’s running from demons she never knew she had, hiding from demons she never knew existed, and searching for the answers to her mother’s past to find the key to her future.
- GenresFantasyParanormalEbooks
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2012
About the author
J.L. Vallance
6 books70 followersJ. L. Vallance is a wife, mom, and nurse by day, while posing as a writer by night. Plagued with an overactive imagination, a lover of all things supernatural in nature, she has an extraordinary flair for the dramatic that adds flavor to life. There’s little in her world that Otis Redding and buttercream icing can’t fix. And of course, coffee always helps too. True story.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
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October 21, 2012Amazon Freebie 10/20/2012
December 3, 2012
This book is not at all what I expected. I think I thought it would be another dime a dozen coming of age YA novels. And it is that, sort of. But not really. Unlike those other coming of age sagas this one features a woman who is 30 and is coming to terms that life is just not what she thought it would be. She has endured a distant relationship with her father, her mother was murdered when Vivienne was 16, and she went through a horrible break up with her fiance. She lives with her friends in their spare bedroom, and works two part time jobs. Hmmm Vivi and I have a lot in common. (Well my mom is still alive and I see my dad everyday). I think most people my age (29) are going through this same sort of thing. I don't know that a lot of me peers are where they imagined themselves to be 10 years ago.
I'll admit, when I started reading this book I didn't re read the blurb so I was unsure of the plot line. Like I said I had no concept of Vivi's age. I had forgotten the supernatural twist to it as well. And honestly, the first few chapters read like a contemp romance ala On Dublin Street. However, by 20% the supernatural element had come into play and what was a good contemp turned into an even better PNR. Awesome stuff right there.
I really like Vivi, she's smart, she's strong willed, she's sarcastic, and with a butt load of confidence issues. (kinda like me). To say I related to her is a bit of an understatement. Her friends Andi, Dan, and Fallon are all great but as Vivi gets drawn into her new world they sometimes seem to take a backseat.
Calum....yum. He is everything you want in a hero. He's strong, smart, sexy and has that alpha swagger that women have come to love in our leading men. He comes off all bravado and asshole in the first few chapters but the author does an excellent job of showing his softer side. He tries to be controlling but often backs up or compromises with Vivi.
The writing was great and I think I found one typo in the whole entire work! I was drawn in and attached to the characters. Always a marker of good time spent.
The ending is a cliff hanger and it is a massive one. So you are warned.
My one complaint, although small, is that all of the characters used pseudo British slang. It's not full on and in your face. Let's face it, if it was none of us Yanks would have any clue what was going on. While the Calum is from across the pond, Vivi is from San Antonio. So I was a bit more uncomfortable with her referring to apartments as flats (which I think she did once). It was more of a manner of speech and cadence to the characters dialogue that seemed not American. Really, so not a big deal but it did make me scratch my head wondering if Vivi was from England.
All around this was an excellent read and I will definitely be checking out the sequel when it comes out.
Side note this book can be read by younger readers. I would say it's very close to New Adult. While there is one instance of sex it is not explicit and there is some cussing.
I'll admit, when I started reading this book I didn't re read the blurb so I was unsure of the plot line. Like I said I had no concept of Vivi's age. I had forgotten the supernatural twist to it as well. And honestly, the first few chapters read like a contemp romance ala On Dublin Street. However, by 20% the supernatural element had come into play and what was a good contemp turned into an even better PNR. Awesome stuff right there.
I really like Vivi, she's smart, she's strong willed, she's sarcastic, and with a butt load of confidence issues. (kinda like me). To say I related to her is a bit of an understatement. Her friends Andi, Dan, and Fallon are all great but as Vivi gets drawn into her new world they sometimes seem to take a backseat.
Calum....yum. He is everything you want in a hero. He's strong, smart, sexy and has that alpha swagger that women have come to love in our leading men. He comes off all bravado and asshole in the first few chapters but the author does an excellent job of showing his softer side. He tries to be controlling but often backs up or compromises with Vivi.
The writing was great and I think I found one typo in the whole entire work! I was drawn in and attached to the characters. Always a marker of good time spent.
The ending is a cliff hanger and it is a massive one. So you are warned.
My one complaint, although small, is that all of the characters used pseudo British slang. It's not full on and in your face. Let's face it, if it was none of us Yanks would have any clue what was going on. While the Calum is from across the pond, Vivi is from San Antonio. So I was a bit more uncomfortable with her referring to apartments as flats (which I think she did once). It was more of a manner of speech and cadence to the characters dialogue that seemed not American. Really, so not a big deal but it did make me scratch my head wondering if Vivi was from England.
All around this was an excellent read and I will definitely be checking out the sequel when it comes out.
Side note this book can be read by younger readers. I would say it's very close to New Adult. While there is one instance of sex it is not explicit and there is some cussing.
March 6, 2013
Deep into the Soul
By J.L Vallance
The mystery and emotion of this book is addictive, a world of good intermixing with a world of evil, trying to discern what really is the truth.
One night long past, when Vivienne Drake was just 16 years old, her world turned on end with the horrible death of her innocent mother. Her once calm nights of slumber are now placed with nightmares consisting of pain and lose. This pain she feels on a regular basis has caused her to live a lonesome life, having only a small group of friends to find comfort. This soon changes when the mysteriously hot yet sarcastic Calum enters the bar and her life. Calum brings with him knowledge of a whole new world she never knew existed and now she is being hunted, her life at danger as well as all those few she calls friends. She has to decide; can she trust the mysterious Calum and his world…
Deep into the soul sets the back story for J.L. Vallance’s Guild Series, we learn of the main characters; Vivienne and Calum. From page one Vivienne displays attitude and strength. Although her nights are often filled with dreams of death and misery she stays positive, she overcomes, she seeks truths with no fear. She is the best example of what I think the perfect heroine should be, what we all should be. She is sarcastic, has a temper and her mouth could cause sailors to blush, for me it made her seem so real. Vivienne just gets better to me when interacting with Calum. The two of them together bring such adventure!
In this story we also find out what the guild is and why it is in existence, although there is much mystery left to discover. We learn a few truths but it only sets the stage for more to come. And the ending… wow, we are left wanting more of the story and screaming when it ended. OK I didn’t scream but I did release the breath I was holding and went running in search of book two, Revelations of the Soul. I have to give this book 4.5 of 5 stars, I loved it and I am expecting book two to be even better. If you like mystery, action, romance and a story line that carries you from page one to the end then check out this book. You will not be disappointed.
**This review is copyrighted, owned by me and cannot be copied or shared without my permission except by the author or publisher for promotion purpose
By J.L Vallance
The mystery and emotion of this book is addictive, a world of good intermixing with a world of evil, trying to discern what really is the truth.
One night long past, when Vivienne Drake was just 16 years old, her world turned on end with the horrible death of her innocent mother. Her once calm nights of slumber are now placed with nightmares consisting of pain and lose. This pain she feels on a regular basis has caused her to live a lonesome life, having only a small group of friends to find comfort. This soon changes when the mysteriously hot yet sarcastic Calum enters the bar and her life. Calum brings with him knowledge of a whole new world she never knew existed and now she is being hunted, her life at danger as well as all those few she calls friends. She has to decide; can she trust the mysterious Calum and his world…
Deep into the soul sets the back story for J.L. Vallance’s Guild Series, we learn of the main characters; Vivienne and Calum. From page one Vivienne displays attitude and strength. Although her nights are often filled with dreams of death and misery she stays positive, she overcomes, she seeks truths with no fear. She is the best example of what I think the perfect heroine should be, what we all should be. She is sarcastic, has a temper and her mouth could cause sailors to blush, for me it made her seem so real. Vivienne just gets better to me when interacting with Calum. The two of them together bring such adventure!
In this story we also find out what the guild is and why it is in existence, although there is much mystery left to discover. We learn a few truths but it only sets the stage for more to come. And the ending… wow, we are left wanting more of the story and screaming when it ended. OK I didn’t scream but I did release the breath I was holding and went running in search of book two, Revelations of the Soul. I have to give this book 4.5 of 5 stars, I loved it and I am expecting book two to be even better. If you like mystery, action, romance and a story line that carries you from page one to the end then check out this book. You will not be disappointed.
**This review is copyrighted, owned by me and cannot be copied or shared without my permission except by the author or publisher for promotion purpose
April 5, 2013
Reviewer: Bex
Rating: 4 out of 5 fabulous fairies
Deep into the Soul by J.L Vallance is a refreshing paranormal romance/ urban fantasy. The author has successful created a story for a strong female lead filled with sarcasm, intelligence and an opinion. Vivienne is definitely a character who I easily responded and related to.
What was equally refreshing about the main protagonist, was that she wasn't a teenager. Yes readers, Vivienne is a thirty year old woman! Break through! The author develops the main character in interesting ways; as a result, we are left with a story that kept me engaged and actively rooting for her success.
Teamed with a dreamy hero, Calum, the story allows room for a romance without holding the action of the story or Vivienne's strength to ransom. There are elements of the story that are fairly original, while other aspects are clearly rooted into more traditional elements of this genre.
J.L Vallance includes lots of tension and suspense, and generally holds enough back from the reader to keep us on our toes. As for the ending, there's an almighty cliffhanger that left me eager for more.
Deep into the Soul is a thoroughly enjoyable read, that left me feeling satisfied. Ideal for 'new' adults/mature teenagers plus.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
Rating: 4 out of 5 fabulous fairies
Deep into the Soul by J.L Vallance is a refreshing paranormal romance/ urban fantasy. The author has successful created a story for a strong female lead filled with sarcasm, intelligence and an opinion. Vivienne is definitely a character who I easily responded and related to.
What was equally refreshing about the main protagonist, was that she wasn't a teenager. Yes readers, Vivienne is a thirty year old woman! Break through! The author develops the main character in interesting ways; as a result, we are left with a story that kept me engaged and actively rooting for her success.
Teamed with a dreamy hero, Calum, the story allows room for a romance without holding the action of the story or Vivienne's strength to ransom. There are elements of the story that are fairly original, while other aspects are clearly rooted into more traditional elements of this genre.
J.L Vallance includes lots of tension and suspense, and generally holds enough back from the reader to keep us on our toes. As for the ending, there's an almighty cliffhanger that left me eager for more.
Deep into the Soul is a thoroughly enjoyable read, that left me feeling satisfied. Ideal for 'new' adults/mature teenagers plus.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
December 20, 2012
Loved it! Can say i have a new favorite series added to my list. Cannot wait to read more in the second book of the Guild Series. March cannot come soon enough! I finished reading this book in couple of hours.. could not put it down.
February 10, 2013
I enjoyed this book so much and finished it in two sittings! Is the next book available yet? I don't want to wait to get started on it!!!
September 9, 2013
**The ebook was gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review**
(Actual) Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
First of all, I want to thank the author for providing me the ebook copy of her work. It's overwhelming. I truly appreciate the gifted ebook. Thank you very much once again, Ms J.L. Vallance!
Now moving on to the review. It is indeed the first time I've read Fiction Paranormal. It's absolutely a great chance and I am very fortunate to able to read a book from this genre. I truly enjoyed reading Deep Into the Soul. Though I have to include what I like and do not like.
Vivienne Drake has her deepest secrets and mysteries going on in her life. Particularly, the dreams that haunts her once in a while since she was sixteen years old. I was looking for one thing about Vivienne. I want to find confidence in her and, her to put more trust in what she does in her life. She is strong, but sometimes she is reluctant to show it. She limits her capabilities, you know.
I hope when I get the chance to read the next installment, I would want to definitely get a glimpse of Vivienne's character development and that she would be able to finally come out of her shell. I know about her past, one she could not easily let go. I understand that. However, she needs to move, look forward—in order for things to go accordingly to the way she wants things to go— face the upcoming challenges that she will eventually come across. I like her how sensitive she gets. She spare her thoughts to think of other people and not always focusing all on herself.
I'll not spoil about the crush-worthy guy. The guy that has got Vivienne's heart pounding and alive. Her life becomes meaningful. More or less, making sense and now vibrant when she welcomes him in her ordinary life. Surrounding warmth around her when he is around. *coughs Calum coughs* That's all about him. He is extremely sizzling h-o with t and another deserving extra t. Not enough information? Didn't I tell you he can kick Daemonium ass without having to sweat so much? Yeah. Tell ya. Badass. *fans self*
A couple of new characters are introduced. It's all well and neatly been put in the plot. I would also have to say I love the mysterious Daemonium Linux. I can sense something is truly intriguing about the character and I'm about to find out. YES. I HAVE to or I will literally die and you know what I mean. I honestly don't care about the fact that he is in the Team Bad. No one should get in my way. Just saying. No hard feelings. *winks*
The plot. The middle part where the chapters got me a little confused. I had a difficult time looking for the main point in some chapters. I believe it is because of the unorganized sequence order. Nevertheless, the first few chapters were smooth, intelligible. I have to say that I found Vivienne's life on those first few chapters rather dull and there repeated a couple of scenarios which was mind-numbing, in my opinion. Repeating scenarios here and there was not necessary.
Despite the errors that were made here and there, I would certainly love to continue reading the series! It definitely pass my rating scale as it shows potential characters. I hope the book will catch more readers to read and review Deep Into the Soul! I couldn't wait to come back and running to the world of the Guild!
(Actual) Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
First of all, I want to thank the author for providing me the ebook copy of her work. It's overwhelming. I truly appreciate the gifted ebook. Thank you very much once again, Ms J.L. Vallance!
Now moving on to the review. It is indeed the first time I've read Fiction Paranormal. It's absolutely a great chance and I am very fortunate to able to read a book from this genre. I truly enjoyed reading Deep Into the Soul. Though I have to include what I like and do not like.
Vivienne Drake has her deepest secrets and mysteries going on in her life. Particularly, the dreams that haunts her once in a while since she was sixteen years old. I was looking for one thing about Vivienne. I want to find confidence in her and, her to put more trust in what she does in her life. She is strong, but sometimes she is reluctant to show it. She limits her capabilities, you know.
I hope when I get the chance to read the next installment, I would want to definitely get a glimpse of Vivienne's character development and that she would be able to finally come out of her shell. I know about her past, one she could not easily let go. I understand that. However, she needs to move, look forward—in order for things to go accordingly to the way she wants things to go— face the upcoming challenges that she will eventually come across. I like her how sensitive she gets. She spare her thoughts to think of other people and not always focusing all on herself.
I'll not spoil about the crush-worthy guy. The guy that has got Vivienne's heart pounding and alive. Her life becomes meaningful. More or less, making sense and now vibrant when she welcomes him in her ordinary life. Surrounding warmth around her when he is around. *coughs Calum coughs* That's all about him. He is extremely sizzling h-o with t and another deserving extra t. Not enough information? Didn't I tell you he can kick Daemonium ass without having to sweat so much? Yeah. Tell ya. Badass. *fans self*
A couple of new characters are introduced. It's all well and neatly been put in the plot. I would also have to say I love the mysterious Daemonium Linux. I can sense something is truly intriguing about the character and I'm about to find out. YES. I HAVE to or I will literally die and you know what I mean. I honestly don't care about the fact that he is in the Team Bad. No one should get in my way. Just saying. No hard feelings. *winks*
The plot. The middle part where the chapters got me a little confused. I had a difficult time looking for the main point in some chapters. I believe it is because of the unorganized sequence order. Nevertheless, the first few chapters were smooth, intelligible. I have to say that I found Vivienne's life on those first few chapters rather dull and there repeated a couple of scenarios which was mind-numbing, in my opinion. Repeating scenarios here and there was not necessary.
Despite the errors that were made here and there, I would certainly love to continue reading the series! It definitely pass my rating scale as it shows potential characters. I hope the book will catch more readers to read and review Deep Into the Soul! I couldn't wait to come back and running to the world of the Guild!
April 29, 2013
Holy Crapazola!!! I really liked Deep Into the Soul by J.L. Vallance. The story is unique and was very enjoyable.
It starts out with a contemporary feel to it and then slowly slides us into the supernatural side of things. The world building and mythology of the series is rich and uniquely done. It is a whole new and interesting take on Demons and Angels. As the story progresses we learn about the Demonium, The Guild, Guardians, Aedan and even Lucifer himself.
Vivienne or Vivi for short, is a great MC. I really like who she is as a character. After her mother dies at 16 she begins to have these horrific dreams with the same man hunting down and killing different individuals. As she learns about who and what she is she handles the situation beautifully, if it where me learning the things that she learned I think I would have had a nervous breakdown. But Vivi is resilient and she handles everything really well. I really liked being in her head and I can’t wait see where J.L. Vallance takes her in the books to come.
Aeden is the Lord of the Daemonium and for some reason that is not completely clear, he wants Vivi and he wants her now.
Calum was a wonderful love interest for Vivi. He is a member of The Guild so he is definitely in the good guy camp. I genuinely liked him from the get go.
Now Linux is not a main character in this book but the few scenes he was in really made an impression. He is one of the daemonium who works for Aedan but he seems to have an interest in Vivi that goes beyond the Aedan factor. He is a bad boy and I can’t wait to see what happens there.
I see a love triangle happening in the books to come. I normally can’t stand love triangles but this is one that I hope happens. I am definitely crossing my fingers.
Calum and Linux, should be fun ;)
This book does end on a cliffhanger but thankfully Revelations of the Soul book 2 in The Guild Series, is downloaded and waiting for me on my Kindle :) I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next.
J.L. Vallance has made me a fan for life and has become an automatic buy for me.
If you are in the mood for a really good book with a supernatural twist then definitely pick this one up.
It starts out with a contemporary feel to it and then slowly slides us into the supernatural side of things. The world building and mythology of the series is rich and uniquely done. It is a whole new and interesting take on Demons and Angels. As the story progresses we learn about the Demonium, The Guild, Guardians, Aedan and even Lucifer himself.
Vivienne or Vivi for short, is a great MC. I really like who she is as a character. After her mother dies at 16 she begins to have these horrific dreams with the same man hunting down and killing different individuals. As she learns about who and what she is she handles the situation beautifully, if it where me learning the things that she learned I think I would have had a nervous breakdown. But Vivi is resilient and she handles everything really well. I really liked being in her head and I can’t wait see where J.L. Vallance takes her in the books to come.
Aeden is the Lord of the Daemonium and for some reason that is not completely clear, he wants Vivi and he wants her now.
Calum was a wonderful love interest for Vivi. He is a member of The Guild so he is definitely in the good guy camp. I genuinely liked him from the get go.
Now Linux is not a main character in this book but the few scenes he was in really made an impression. He is one of the daemonium who works for Aedan but he seems to have an interest in Vivi that goes beyond the Aedan factor. He is a bad boy and I can’t wait to see what happens there.
I see a love triangle happening in the books to come. I normally can’t stand love triangles but this is one that I hope happens. I am definitely crossing my fingers.
Calum and Linux, should be fun ;)
This book does end on a cliffhanger but thankfully Revelations of the Soul book 2 in The Guild Series, is downloaded and waiting for me on my Kindle :) I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next.
J.L. Vallance has made me a fan for life and has become an automatic buy for me.
If you are in the mood for a really good book with a supernatural twist then definitely pick this one up.
February 26, 2013
Awesome, awesome, awesome! I loved the world that J.L. Vallance created in Deep Into the Soul. There was a dark and edgy feel to the book that had me hooked from the beginning. With an intense prologue to start off, I was fascinated to see where the story would take me.
Vivienne Drake has had a tough life, but tries her best to keep her head above water. After the death of her mother as a teen and estrangement from her father, she tries to find solace living with friends and singing at the jazz club the Blue Keys.
It’s at the Blue Keys, where Vivienne meets Calum McCort. He’s arrogant and cocky and just rubs Vivienne the wrong way. She finds out that he is her roommate’s college bestie and gets stuck hanging out with him more than she would like.
Despite their first few tension filled encounters, Calum comes to Vivienne’s rescue and Vivienne learns that there is so much more to him than she ever thought possible. She gets catapulted into a world of Guardians & Demons and is in for one wild ride.
The snark between Vivienne and Calum is tenfold. They had this underlying chemistry/tension that fueled the story and was hard to resist. Calum McCort is a seriously sexy alpha male. I’m a sucker for a tall man with curly dark hair and green eyes. YUM!
Mini Spoiler- The ending was a major cliffhanger, so beware! However, the 2nd book in the series (Revelations of the Soul) was just released, so you will not have to wait long to keep reading. Whew!!
Highly recommend this to all of the PNR lovers out there! Vivienne is a fabulous protagonist. You won’t be disappointed reading the first book in The Guild Series.
You can find this review and so much more at http://www.vivianaenchantressofbooks.com
Vivienne Drake has had a tough life, but tries her best to keep her head above water. After the death of her mother as a teen and estrangement from her father, she tries to find solace living with friends and singing at the jazz club the Blue Keys.
It’s at the Blue Keys, where Vivienne meets Calum McCort. He’s arrogant and cocky and just rubs Vivienne the wrong way. She finds out that he is her roommate’s college bestie and gets stuck hanging out with him more than she would like.
Despite their first few tension filled encounters, Calum comes to Vivienne’s rescue and Vivienne learns that there is so much more to him than she ever thought possible. She gets catapulted into a world of Guardians & Demons and is in for one wild ride.
The snark between Vivienne and Calum is tenfold. They had this underlying chemistry/tension that fueled the story and was hard to resist. Calum McCort is a seriously sexy alpha male. I’m a sucker for a tall man with curly dark hair and green eyes. YUM!
Mini Spoiler- The ending was a major cliffhanger, so beware! However, the 2nd book in the series (Revelations of the Soul) was just released, so you will not have to wait long to keep reading. Whew!!
Highly recommend this to all of the PNR lovers out there! Vivienne is a fabulous protagonist. You won’t be disappointed reading the first book in The Guild Series.
You can find this review and so much more at http://www.vivianaenchantressofbooks.com
March 20, 2013
Deep Into The Soul ( the guild series) is a terrific paranormal/supernatural story with romance. the author writes amazing characters and such a intriguing mysterious plot it keeps you hooked. Vivienne Drake a 30 something women struggles through day to day life since she was sixteen and her life was turned up side down with the murder of her mother and loss of her fathers support. With the love and guidance from amazing friends she finds life tolerable. Although Vivienne (Vivi) has nightmares that literally brings her into a world she only experiences while asleep she cannot figure out why these nightmares feel so real and how she can stop them from controlling her life. In comes Calum McCort a man with a mysterious secretive life that shows and teaches her where she belongs and answers questions about her past. This story has twists and turns and is hard to put down. This author has amazing creativity introducing you to a world of Daemonium, Guardians, Lucifer and The Guild. I highly recommend this and cannot wait for number 2!
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