What do you think?
Rate this book
Vampire's Witch Saga #1
The Den
THE DEN was inspired by actual events and their resulting, recurring nightmares.
Is it possible to run away from yourself? No. Skyla Jane Judge should know.
Fresh on the heels of a breakup and college graduation, Skyla Jane Judge feels an inexplicable urge to accompany an attractive stranger on a road trip from New York to New Orleans. Maybe it has something to do with what a psychic has told her about a past life. Maybe some old friends stuck between lives are waiting for her there.
Whatever the case, she gives in to the lure of Louisiana’s voodoo country and doesn’t look back. Longing for change, she uncovers a “den” beneath the haunted cobblestone streets of the French Quarter and, in the company of vampires, begins to discover her true self.
Skyla embarks on a journey to self-awareness that ultimately uncovers a secret ceremonial path to love and eternal enlightenment. Though change is what she wanted, is she ready for the irrevocable change her “new” friends offer her?
Is it possible to run away from yourself? No. Skyla Jane Judge should know.
Fresh on the heels of a breakup and college graduation, Skyla Jane Judge feels an inexplicable urge to accompany an attractive stranger on a road trip from New York to New Orleans. Maybe it has something to do with what a psychic has told her about a past life. Maybe some old friends stuck between lives are waiting for her there.
Whatever the case, she gives in to the lure of Louisiana’s voodoo country and doesn’t look back. Longing for change, she uncovers a “den” beneath the haunted cobblestone streets of the French Quarter and, in the company of vampires, begins to discover her true self.
Skyla embarks on a journey to self-awareness that ultimately uncovers a secret ceremonial path to love and eternal enlightenment. Though change is what she wanted, is she ready for the irrevocable change her “new” friends offer her?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2012
122 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Abrahams
6 books34 followersJennifer Abrahams is the author of The VAMPIRE'S WITCH SAGA: THE DEN (Book #1), IN THE BLOOD (Book #2), THE SEVENTH DAY (Book #3), and SOMETHING WICKED (Book #4). Book #5 in the series is forthcoming soon. While studying Psychology and Sociology at Boston College an event took place that significantly altered her life and ultimately inspired the creation of The Vampire’s Witch Saga. She lives with her husband in New York City.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
April 19, 2017
This was a quick read. I saw that a lot of people didn't like this book. However, it didn't bother me. I get some of people didn't like how she just took off with some strange guy. Normally I would say that is bad but this a book and people need to do something stupid in order for the story to get going. As the books continue it will be interesting to see how things go. Especially, with the two guys both wanting her.
February 1, 2013
I would definitely recommend this book! I am normally not into this genre, but I imagined it being like Twilight- which I didn't want to read at first, but ended up addicted to! While it has a similar feel, it is certainly different.
I finished The Den and immediately bought book #2. The author keeps you engrossed and really wanting to know what Skyla is in for next. And what happens with Brooke? We left off with her not wanting to get on the plane, what sixth sense does she have? Looking forward to starting the next book!
I finished The Den and immediately bought book #2. The author keeps you engrossed and really wanting to know what Skyla is in for next. And what happens with Brooke? We left off with her not wanting to get on the plane, what sixth sense does she have? Looking forward to starting the next book!
February 10, 2013
An interesting story but unfortunately reads like a first draft badly in need of proper editing. I skimmed through the entire novel because it did manage to intrigue me enough to want to know where the story was headed. The end comes abruptly and there are no answers to any of the questions raised and no resolution of any kind, leaving the reader with no option but to go on to the next novel in the series, which I would certainly skim through if it was also available for free. In my opinion it needs to be edited and republished and then it would have a 5-star potential.
May 1, 2013
THE DEN was inspired by actual events and their resulting, recurring nightmares.
Is it possible to run away from yourself? No. Skyla Jane Judge should know.
Fresh on the heels of a breakup and college graduation, Skyla Jane Judge feels an inexplicable urge to accompany an attractive stranger on a road trip from New York to New Orleans. Maybe it has something to do with what a psychic has told her about a past life. Maybe some old friends stuck between lives are waiting for her there.
Whatever the case, she gives in to the lure of Louisiana’s voodoo country and doesn’t look back. Longing for change, she uncovers a “den” beneath the haunted cobblestone streets of the French Quarter and, in the company of vampires, begins to discover her true self.
Skyla embarks on a journey to self-awareness that ultimately uncovers a secret ceremonial path to love and eternal enlightenment. Though change is what she wanted, is she ready for the irrevocable change her “new” friends offer her?
THE DEN (47,000 words) is Book #1 of The Vampire’s Witch Saga. Books #2 (IN THE BLOOD) and #3 (THE SEVENTH DAY) in the series are also available for sale.
This was an awesome book ! I read the whole book in one night !!!! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. From the moment I started reading it I had goosebumps, I loved the characters and I can't wait to get the others from the series. I would recommended You rush out now and get this series.
Is it possible to run away from yourself? No. Skyla Jane Judge should know.
Fresh on the heels of a breakup and college graduation, Skyla Jane Judge feels an inexplicable urge to accompany an attractive stranger on a road trip from New York to New Orleans. Maybe it has something to do with what a psychic has told her about a past life. Maybe some old friends stuck between lives are waiting for her there.
Whatever the case, she gives in to the lure of Louisiana’s voodoo country and doesn’t look back. Longing for change, she uncovers a “den” beneath the haunted cobblestone streets of the French Quarter and, in the company of vampires, begins to discover her true self.
Skyla embarks on a journey to self-awareness that ultimately uncovers a secret ceremonial path to love and eternal enlightenment. Though change is what she wanted, is she ready for the irrevocable change her “new” friends offer her?
THE DEN (47,000 words) is Book #1 of The Vampire’s Witch Saga. Books #2 (IN THE BLOOD) and #3 (THE SEVENTH DAY) in the series are also available for sale.
This was an awesome book ! I read the whole book in one night !!!! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. From the moment I started reading it I had goosebumps, I loved the characters and I can't wait to get the others from the series. I would recommended You rush out now and get this series.
July 26, 2014
I quite like vampire books, but this one, not so much. The characters aren't particularly endearing, and I found lead character Skyla rather irritating. She meets some guy in a café and then sets off on a drive with him from New York to New Orleans...with a stranger she had just met... not very believable! So Alex, the stranger, doesn't really speak to her during the whole trip. What does our heroine do? Does she get the next buts/train/plane out of there? No, she just takes it. Again, not very believable. So they get to New Orleans and it turns out he's brought her to his vampire den to meet his vampire 'family' who have false fangs. Come again? false fangs... veneers no less...WTF?
This could have been a really good book, but it's really not very good. The writing doesn't flow very well and the speech in particular isn't very well phrased. This only added to my annoyance at such a weak heroine and a story with a distinct lack of oomph!
I'm giving two stars for this book's potential. It would read a while lot better with some editing and proofreading. I'm not even going to bother with book two in the series.
This could have been a really good book, but it's really not very good. The writing doesn't flow very well and the speech in particular isn't very well phrased. This only added to my annoyance at such a weak heroine and a story with a distinct lack of oomph!
I'm giving two stars for this book's potential. It would read a while lot better with some editing and proofreading. I'm not even going to bother with book two in the series.
July 25, 2013
I liked the story but there are times when a character's actions contradict all their previous actions. There is not a lot of insight into the thinking process of each character and why they do the things they are doing. The love scenes are not very exciting.
December 3, 2019
Honestly the amount of times I read the name Skyla in this book is ridiculous. The plot is interesting but reading Skyla Skyla Skyla over and over again just ruined it for me. Also I see no chemistry between the characters.
July 5, 2025
The Den by Jennifer Abrahams is a young adult romance with a vampire twist that, sadly, doesn’t quite sink its fangs into anything memorable. Aimed at younger readers, this novel feels like it’s targeting the pre-teen crowd with its high school drama and instant romance, but it struggles to hold attention for anyone looking for depth or a fresh take on the vampire genre. I went in hoping for some spooky, romantic vibes but ended up bored by the repetitive teen angst.
The story centers on a group of characters—some ancient vampires, others late teens or early 20s—who are supposed to be navigating a supernatural world. Instead, it feels like a high school soap opera with fangs slapped on for flair. The romance kicks off instantly, with zero build-up, making it hard to care about the relationships. The characters, despite their supposed age and immortal status, act like melodramatic teens, obsessing over crushes and petty conflicts. It’s hard to buy ancient vampires behaving like they’re auditioning for a CW drama.
The writing doesn’t help. It’s immature and flat, with clunky dialogue and descriptions that fail to bring the vampire world to life. The plot leans heavily on cliched high school dynamics—think love triangles and mean-girl antics—rather than exploring the vampire lore, which feels like an afterthought. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but the story just trudges along, leaving me checking how many pages were left.
For young adult readers, especially pre-teens new to the romance or vampire genres, The Den might be an okay starting point. It’s light on complexity and doesn’t demand much from its audience. But for anyone else, it’s a snooze. The lack of depth, immature writing, and overdone drama make it hard to stay engaged. If you’re after a vampire romance with more bite, you’re better off picking up something else. This one’s a pass unless you’re really into basic teen drama with a supernatural sprinkle.
The story centers on a group of characters—some ancient vampires, others late teens or early 20s—who are supposed to be navigating a supernatural world. Instead, it feels like a high school soap opera with fangs slapped on for flair. The romance kicks off instantly, with zero build-up, making it hard to care about the relationships. The characters, despite their supposed age and immortal status, act like melodramatic teens, obsessing over crushes and petty conflicts. It’s hard to buy ancient vampires behaving like they’re auditioning for a CW drama.
The writing doesn’t help. It’s immature and flat, with clunky dialogue and descriptions that fail to bring the vampire world to life. The plot leans heavily on cliched high school dynamics—think love triangles and mean-girl antics—rather than exploring the vampire lore, which feels like an afterthought. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but the story just trudges along, leaving me checking how many pages were left.
For young adult readers, especially pre-teens new to the romance or vampire genres, The Den might be an okay starting point. It’s light on complexity and doesn’t demand much from its audience. But for anyone else, it’s a snooze. The lack of depth, immature writing, and overdone drama make it hard to stay engaged. If you’re after a vampire romance with more bite, you’re better off picking up something else. This one’s a pass unless you’re really into basic teen drama with a supernatural sprinkle.
May 31, 2020
Third time of Reading!
I don’t normally leave reviews, however the author to these up and coming novels needs to start writing and get going on more from this series. I thoroughly enjoy these books and I seriously can’t wait for the next one to come. I first started this series around 2017 and have patiently waited for the next novel in this extraordinary story. Now with COVID-19 there shouldn’t be any excuses.
To the very talented writer: PLEASE I need more and I need it now. No excuses! I am still waiting and will continue to wait and write to you to finish.
By the way, if you haven’t already got it, I love these books!
I don’t normally leave reviews, however the author to these up and coming novels needs to start writing and get going on more from this series. I thoroughly enjoy these books and I seriously can’t wait for the next one to come. I first started this series around 2017 and have patiently waited for the next novel in this extraordinary story. Now with COVID-19 there shouldn’t be any excuses.
To the very talented writer: PLEASE I need more and I need it now. No excuses! I am still waiting and will continue to wait and write to you to finish.
By the way, if you haven’t already got it, I love these books!
June 12, 2018
Firm 3
To me this read is a solid 3. It kept my attention throughout, however at times it was hard to follow due to the frequent change in POV. Also, the main character seems a bit flighty so I hope that evens out.
At this point I plan to continue the series.
To me this read is a solid 3. It kept my attention throughout, however at times it was hard to follow due to the frequent change in POV. Also, the main character seems a bit flighty so I hope that evens out.
At this point I plan to continue the series.
June 28, 2017
Den
This book is well written and a good story line but it didn't keep me enthralled I'm not sure if it's me or the story but the book is good
This book is well written and a good story line but it didn't keep me enthralled I'm not sure if it's me or the story but the book is good
December 12, 2018
Wonderful
This was wonderfully captivating. I enjoyed it a lot. Skylab Jane is very true to how many feel about life in general. Feeling like she just hasn't found herself yet...
This was wonderfully captivating. I enjoyed it a lot. Skylab Jane is very true to how many feel about life in general. Feeling like she just hasn't found herself yet...
September 30, 2024
Not a clean romance book, I did not finish it.
March 1, 2014
This was almost like a stream of consciousness type of thing. The story seemed to proceed from point to point without any real feeling about anything. It was a ramble that had me trying to figure out what was going on for the first 5 (five) chapters with no idea what it was about. The characters were never really fleshed out and did not make me care about them but I felt they might do something interesting at some point, but they didn't. The dialogue seemed awkward and not thought out, and the descriptions of locations could have been crisper and more visual. Not awful but not what I had expected it to be.
Skyla Jane Judge is a girl who has drifted through life with no real goals, feeling different from all those around her. She has always had strange abilities that she used sparingly because she was told that they were a curse by her mother. They said she was a witch. Just before graduating from college a psychic tells her something that could change her life forever and she is not surprised. When she and her friend move to New York she is still drifting, then she meets Alex and starts on an adventure which will find her in a new city, with new people who claim to know her and seem to want more than she may be willing to give.
Skyla was a character who I wanted to like but she was so drab and seemed to allow life to happen to her instead of really living. She finally grows a backbone at the end, or so it seems, but it is a bit late to really redeem her. Alex is mysterious but still transparent to the reader, you know exactly what he is about form the moment they meet and remains so. The rest of the characters are just background noise with no substance at this point.
I am debating with myself whether to try the next book and see if things start to pick up since it was left on a cliff hanger. I wouldn't say don't read this but go in knowing that the action is weak, the heat is lukewarm, and the characters are a bit annoying.
Skyla Jane Judge is a girl who has drifted through life with no real goals, feeling different from all those around her. She has always had strange abilities that she used sparingly because she was told that they were a curse by her mother. They said she was a witch. Just before graduating from college a psychic tells her something that could change her life forever and she is not surprised. When she and her friend move to New York she is still drifting, then she meets Alex and starts on an adventure which will find her in a new city, with new people who claim to know her and seem to want more than she may be willing to give.
Skyla was a character who I wanted to like but she was so drab and seemed to allow life to happen to her instead of really living. She finally grows a backbone at the end, or so it seems, but it is a bit late to really redeem her. Alex is mysterious but still transparent to the reader, you know exactly what he is about form the moment they meet and remains so. The rest of the characters are just background noise with no substance at this point.
I am debating with myself whether to try the next book and see if things start to pick up since it was left on a cliff hanger. I wouldn't say don't read this but go in knowing that the action is weak, the heat is lukewarm, and the characters are a bit annoying.
February 6, 2013
I made it one third of the way through the book, and have decided I can read no more. I've had to force myself to read that far into it, and I just don't have it in me to go on. The main character, Skyla, has absolutely no chemistry with the "lead guy"- whose name I can't even remember because I just didn't care about him enough to remember it. The book actually started off promising, but quickly lost me as the characters soon began acting totally stupid. Sklya meets her love interest and decides to go on a road trip to New Orleans with him within the first five minutes. I'm not kidding- she pretty much trades names with him and then makes the decision to suggest a road trip with this guy she just met. He's not the friend of a friend, no one she knows apparently knows him... he could be a serial killer, but because he's "hot", she's going away with him. Not only that, but she quits her job in order to go on the trip with him! Okay, that's normal behavior... not. The thought that he could, indeed, be a psycho occurs to her early in the trip. She voices this to him and what happens? He pulls to the side of the road, pulls her onto his lap, and they make out. WHAT?!!? This somehow soothes her fears about him and they continue on with the trip. They really don't converse at all during the trip, except to decide they will sleep in separate beds in the hotel- because Skyla's not easy, by golly!- which made me wonder why she would wait until they're on the road to discuss this small little detail. They get to Washington D.C. (their first overnight stop) and what's the first thing they do? Go to the room and make out. THAT'S showing him you're not easy, Skyla! It was at this point I decided I was done. There are far too many books out there with interesting stories and believable characters to continue on with this.
February 4, 2013
SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!
This book had a really good premise & I do want to read the next 2 that r out. Let me tell u what I found odd tho. The main character Skyla, meets a guy & immediately decides to go on a trip w/ him. WHO DOES THAT?!! Not a date, a trip, a road trip at that. Then, the whole way there, he didn't have anything to say. Now different books, have different Vampire lore, but this 1 was the oddest yet. They're wearin false fangs? WTF? What kinda lame ass Vampires r these, that they gotta wear false fangs, till they go thru some kinda transformation & thats if they go thru it at all, I wasn't real clear on that. Then when they get to the end of the book, u don't know its the end, till u turn the page. HUH?! The book did pique my interest, I think the 1st book was settin up the 2nd book & it will b better.
This book had a really good premise & I do want to read the next 2 that r out. Let me tell u what I found odd tho. The main character Skyla, meets a guy & immediately decides to go on a trip w/ him. WHO DOES THAT?!! Not a date, a trip, a road trip at that. Then, the whole way there, he didn't have anything to say. Now different books, have different Vampire lore, but this 1 was the oddest yet. They're wearin false fangs? WTF? What kinda lame ass Vampires r these, that they gotta wear false fangs, till they go thru some kinda transformation & thats if they go thru it at all, I wasn't real clear on that. Then when they get to the end of the book, u don't know its the end, till u turn the page. HUH?! The book did pique my interest, I think the 1st book was settin up the 2nd book & it will b better.
December 26, 2014
This was a confusing and unrealistic book. I did not get the point of this book at all to be honest. I don't even understand why this book got high reviews. Like really, who would take a sudden road trip with a stranger? This whole book seemed pointless.
Skyla Jane Judge is told by a psychic that she's a witch who came from witches in her family. And that ghosts will come after her which is a bad thing. There was also a bad guy that she needed to watch out for.
Arriving in New York City with her best friend Brooke, she feels restless after a few weeks. Then she meets a strange boy in a diner who talks about New Orleans. Suddenly Skyla decides to take a road trip to New Orleans with him and things take a strange turn once they arrive in New Orleans. Something about vampires, reading minds, something leery. Skyla is scared and confused. She doesn't know what to do. Has she made a horrible mistake this time?
Skyla Jane Judge is told by a psychic that she's a witch who came from witches in her family. And that ghosts will come after her which is a bad thing. There was also a bad guy that she needed to watch out for.
Arriving in New York City with her best friend Brooke, she feels restless after a few weeks. Then she meets a strange boy in a diner who talks about New Orleans. Suddenly Skyla decides to take a road trip to New Orleans with him and things take a strange turn once they arrive in New Orleans. Something about vampires, reading minds, something leery. Skyla is scared and confused. She doesn't know what to do. Has she made a horrible mistake this time?
March 16, 2016
Riveting. Vampires of a different ilk. I enjoyed the book, or should I say books. I have read all the books in the series so far. I do have a few questions. Witch? Except for the one incident in the third book, along with an explanation regarding her family history, there has been no sign of her being a witch. The book claims to be based on actual events. Who? When? Where?
The vampires and vampire wannabes in this book make you like and dislike them at the same time. They are lost souls who basically form a small cult. There is no regard for the lives they take. It's rather chilling. You're drawn to the heroine but you know from the beginning, even if she does not, that her plight and later flight are hopeless. As I read the last part of the third book I kept saying oh no! I read the whole series in one afternoon. The books were captivating.
The vampires and vampire wannabes in this book make you like and dislike them at the same time. They are lost souls who basically form a small cult. There is no regard for the lives they take. It's rather chilling. You're drawn to the heroine but you know from the beginning, even if she does not, that her plight and later flight are hopeless. As I read the last part of the third book I kept saying oh no! I read the whole series in one afternoon. The books were captivating.
February 7, 2013
I really liked this book because when we finally meet the "vampires" we find that they are more of a cult, and there is a waiting period to "become a vampire" and rituals that have to be performed....it gives off a cult like appearence to me, and makes the story all that more beliveable, that this nieve girl trying to find a place she feels belongs is lurered into this situation, there is a sense of danger and OMG what am i getting into thats just not present in vampire books today. I cant wait to purchase the next in the series to see what is going to happen
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2013
I could not get past chapter 2 of this book, and I really don't like to give out low star reviews to anyone, but the writing in this book is terrible. Nearly every sentence starts with "Skyla" or another character name, so much so that it was just ridiculous. I noticed this right away, so I skipped ahead in the book to see if it continued through the whole book and it did, so that was enough to turn me off. The cover looked great, the blurb was right up my alley but I couldn't get past the style of writing.
September 19, 2015
Where do I start? It is highly unlikely any person in their right mind would up and leave on a cross country road trip with a complete stranger. That isn't relatable at all. Not to mention, the chemistry these characters share is awkward and uncomfortable. The premise of this story is very intriguing, but the author just doesn't know how to put it all together. Throughout the story, so many questions arise, but the abrupt ending leaves the reader with no answers and completely confused. If it didn't read like a first draft unedited piece, it might have some hope.
January 18, 2013
It was too short and had no ending. If you want to read the ending, you have to buy the next book, which probably just leads right into the book after that.
The story was a little different and interesting enough to keep me reading to the end. But I don't want to pay for the next two books since they are both short as well.
The story was a little different and interesting enough to keep me reading to the end. But I don't want to pay for the next two books since they are both short as well.
October 27, 2013
Odd.. Skyla meets this guy and out of the blue goes on a road trip. This is after a psychic has told her to be on the lookout for someone dangerous. Over and over she has warning bells and ignores them. Not a smart cookie this Skyla. They end up in New Orleans at a bar called Steve's Place. Under Steve's is what they call the den. The story just gets more bizzare and then abruptly ends.
October 14, 2014
I don't usually quit a book, but I felt like stupidity was catching as I read this one. I don't hate the premise, but the execution was awful. The writing left much to be desired - lifeless/unlikeable characters, constant/senseless tense changes, wooden dialogue (a gracious description), ineffective transitioning between scenes and nonexistent editing were a few of the problems.
April 14, 2015
I know this is fiction, but what is the message? Skyla meets a stranger, Alex, at a café and decides to go off to New Orleans with him?
This should've been a cautionary tale and not a vampire love saga.
I hate giving writers poor reviews, but I just couldn't get past the initial set-up and the narrative didn't help give any of the characters depth.
This should've been a cautionary tale and not a vampire love saga.
I hate giving writers poor reviews, but I just couldn't get past the initial set-up and the narrative didn't help give any of the characters depth.
December 29, 2015
I love vampire books
I am amazed that Skyla seems so slow at figuring things out. I would of thought she would get an inkling of what was going on the first time she visited Steve's place. But all in all it was an interesting book and I would suggest it to anyone who likes vampire books.
I am amazed that Skyla seems so slow at figuring things out. I would of thought she would get an inkling of what was going on the first time she visited Steve's place. But all in all it was an interesting book and I would suggest it to anyone who likes vampire books.
January 12, 2016
wow!!! anyone would love this book whether you're young or young at heart. go on a mesmerizing trip with skyla jane judge from new york all the way to new orleans with a guy she just met named alex. she really doesn't know just how dangerous strangers can be...... when she finds out will she stay or will she go????
April 1, 2013
the first 1/3 of the book was kinda slow,and confusing. it bounces fwd in time, good few months, but there is nothing to state it. so that makes it rather difficult to follow. Glad I stuck it out though. proving to be a good series starter.
July 7, 2013
Has potential...will read the next installment to see where it leads to. Wished the sex scenes were more descriptive but the author might have been catering to more of a YA audience much like Twilight (Stephanie Meyers).
July 11, 2013
Sometimes the past and the future come together.If you believe in past lives you will love this book. Can your past be your future. You never know who will spend forever looking for your soul to com back to them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews