What do you think?
Rate this book
Dark Tides #1
City of the Fallen
Five years ago, vampires came out of hiding and took over the world. It was meant to be a quick enslavement but it turned into a bloody battle that brought humanity to the brink of extinction.
Isabelle Bryant is one of the “lucky” survivors, now living in hiding, scavenging for food through deserted towns.
And she’s tired of it.
So she’s devised a plan: find the king of the vampires and drive a stake through his heart.
Except that wickedly sensual king Marcus is nothing like the monster she expected. And while landing on his bed was part of the plan all along, discovering that he might hold the key to humanity’s survival certainly wasn’t. The catch? Saving humanity also means ensuring vampire survival. It means giving up hope for a return to a human-ruled world.
As sparks fly and hate becomes heat, Isabelle must pick a side -- before the darkness devours them all.
** This is Book One of the Dark Tides trilogy **
Isabelle Bryant is one of the “lucky” survivors, now living in hiding, scavenging for food through deserted towns.
And she’s tired of it.
So she’s devised a plan: find the king of the vampires and drive a stake through his heart.
Except that wickedly sensual king Marcus is nothing like the monster she expected. And while landing on his bed was part of the plan all along, discovering that he might hold the key to humanity’s survival certainly wasn’t. The catch? Saving humanity also means ensuring vampire survival. It means giving up hope for a return to a human-ruled world.
As sparks fly and hate becomes heat, Isabelle must pick a side -- before the darkness devours them all.
** This is Book One of the Dark Tides trilogy **
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2013
34 people are currently reading
1825 people want to read
About the author
Diana Bocco
28 books176 followersFacebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diana-...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 2, 2013
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
City of the Fallen is book one in the Dark Tides series and is a Dystopian, Paranormal Romance written by Diana Bocco. I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review through Tasty Book Tours.
4 Solid Sexy Stars!
Completely Mesmerizing and Seductive! So Glad I Read This One!
The Review:
Told in alternating POV’s between the hero Marcus and the heroine Isabelle, this 112 page sexy, fast pace read that's chock-full of paranormal goodness, definitely pulls you in with its apocalyptic theme and devastating scenery! I was completely stunned and engrossed in this read and simply couldn’t put it down until I hit the very end and then sighed because I wanted more!
Isabelle's Story...
The world is a different place than it used to be. Isabelle was once a flourishing doctor, living in an imperfect but beautiful world where human thrived. When the invasion happened and vampires poured out of the darkness the human race was unprepared and had no means to fight back the monsters once thought to be dark myths. Vampires were strategic in their onslaught, cutting off communications and stampeding over any and all humans who came in their path. The shock and refusal to understand what was happening aided in the ignorance and instead of taking a stand and fighting back, human’s either cowered in hiding or they participated in riots and the killing of their own, furthering the destruction of the human race and the world as a whole. The few humans who did try to fight back, never stood a chance against an enemy with superhuman speed, strength, night vision and of course fangs.
Five years later, the world has been destroyed, either by the vampires or by humans who would rather pillage and kill their own than fight the monsters that prey on them. Human hide in the darkness, hoping the monster passes them by unnoticed, only to pilfer what they can during the day. But offerings are always slim and the humans that are left, are dying out one by one.
Isobelle and the small group of survivors she’s hiding with, including her brother, are at deaths door. So she’s formulated a plan, an idea in the hopes of giving what human life remains, a fighting chance.
Her plan?
Infiltrate the Vampire compound and kill the King.
But when she insinuates herself into the kings compound and acquires the position of his personal pet, Belle’s unexpected and intense attraction to Marcus has her questioning her motives and her plans. She also soon discovers things aren’t as they first seemed and there is actually a much greater threat than the one behind the compound walls. One thats roaming the streets and is a threat to both humans and vampires.
Marcus’s Story...
When Marcus, King of the Vampires, gathered his troops five years ago and attacked the humans, he never imagined the results would be a complete annihilation of the human race and a threatening existence to his own race. With dreams of freedom and no more hiding in the dark or killing of his kind, they came prepared for war. But much to their surprise, the war they anticipated never had a chance to really begin, and what he didn’t take into account was how the centuries of fear and hiding had rooted such hatred for humans in the vampires, which only fueled their desire to destroy and dominate, decimating the human population in a matter of months. Now, five years have passed, the human race is nearly extinct and those that survived are in hiding as they starve, dying slow deaths from disease or are killed off by the predators that hunt them, leaving them all with a dystopian world on the brink of nothing.
Marcus doesn’t have much use for humans other than a food source and he hasn’t taken a companion in centuries but the moment he sees Isobelle, he’s pulled to her, intrigued by her and once he’s had a taste of her, can’t get enough of her. He knows she’s keeping secrets but he’s patient, willing to wait her out and see where this takes them before deciding on a course of action. Only problem is, the more he has of her, the more he wants her.
Add on top of that, a brewing war between his kind and a sickness spreading through the vampire populace at an alarming rate, things seem dire for both human and vampire.
Character Thoughts...
I liked Belle. She was strong and full of life. She was truly tortured over her wavering loyalty but she found a purpose and maybe even a better plan once she learned of the greater threat.
I wasn’t too sure I was going to like Marcus or the other vampires at first. They were essentially the cause for the dystopian world they all now lived in where both human and vampire suffered. I felt there had to have been a better way and now they were at a point where so many had died, been killed or were sick, they essentially needed one another to survive at all. Yet with this growing panic to work together, Marcus still had apathy for all humans.
But his saving quality for me was the way he protected Belle and the feelings he developed for her. They brought out his human side and helped keep the scary monster at bay. No doubt the monster still lurked but it was his love for Belle that ultimately made me like him.
I hated the world they now lived in. It seemed pointless and horrific and just wrong. I felt a real sense of loss as Belle explained and described the scenes of destruction laid out before her which is a real testament to the amazing writing and story this author pulls together in only 112 pages.
Isabelle and Marcus were electric together. They scorched the pages and their passion and feelings toward one another and the ones they loved, really drew me into their budding relationship.
The Wrap Up:
I wish this read had of been longer. I wanted more more more! 112 pages just wasn’t enough, especially after the crazy, thrilling cliffy at the end. I can’t wait for book two, Night of the Fallen (Dark Tides, #2) which is slated to come out around December 2013! I have to find out what happens next in this story and for these characters!
City of the Fallen is book one in the Dark Tides series and is a Dystopian, Paranormal Romance written by Diana Bocco. I received this eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review through Tasty Book Tours.
4 Solid Sexy Stars!
Completely Mesmerizing and Seductive! So Glad I Read This One!
The Review:
Told in alternating POV’s between the hero Marcus and the heroine Isabelle, this 112 page sexy, fast pace read that's chock-full of paranormal goodness, definitely pulls you in with its apocalyptic theme and devastating scenery! I was completely stunned and engrossed in this read and simply couldn’t put it down until I hit the very end and then sighed because I wanted more!
Isabelle's Story...
The world is a different place than it used to be. Isabelle was once a flourishing doctor, living in an imperfect but beautiful world where human thrived. When the invasion happened and vampires poured out of the darkness the human race was unprepared and had no means to fight back the monsters once thought to be dark myths. Vampires were strategic in their onslaught, cutting off communications and stampeding over any and all humans who came in their path. The shock and refusal to understand what was happening aided in the ignorance and instead of taking a stand and fighting back, human’s either cowered in hiding or they participated in riots and the killing of their own, furthering the destruction of the human race and the world as a whole. The few humans who did try to fight back, never stood a chance against an enemy with superhuman speed, strength, night vision and of course fangs.
Five years later, the world has been destroyed, either by the vampires or by humans who would rather pillage and kill their own than fight the monsters that prey on them. Human hide in the darkness, hoping the monster passes them by unnoticed, only to pilfer what they can during the day. But offerings are always slim and the humans that are left, are dying out one by one.
Isobelle and the small group of survivors she’s hiding with, including her brother, are at deaths door. So she’s formulated a plan, an idea in the hopes of giving what human life remains, a fighting chance.
Her plan?
Infiltrate the Vampire compound and kill the King.
But when she insinuates herself into the kings compound and acquires the position of his personal pet, Belle’s unexpected and intense attraction to Marcus has her questioning her motives and her plans. She also soon discovers things aren’t as they first seemed and there is actually a much greater threat than the one behind the compound walls. One thats roaming the streets and is a threat to both humans and vampires.
Marcus’s Story...
When Marcus, King of the Vampires, gathered his troops five years ago and attacked the humans, he never imagined the results would be a complete annihilation of the human race and a threatening existence to his own race. With dreams of freedom and no more hiding in the dark or killing of his kind, they came prepared for war. But much to their surprise, the war they anticipated never had a chance to really begin, and what he didn’t take into account was how the centuries of fear and hiding had rooted such hatred for humans in the vampires, which only fueled their desire to destroy and dominate, decimating the human population in a matter of months. Now, five years have passed, the human race is nearly extinct and those that survived are in hiding as they starve, dying slow deaths from disease or are killed off by the predators that hunt them, leaving them all with a dystopian world on the brink of nothing.
Marcus doesn’t have much use for humans other than a food source and he hasn’t taken a companion in centuries but the moment he sees Isobelle, he’s pulled to her, intrigued by her and once he’s had a taste of her, can’t get enough of her. He knows she’s keeping secrets but he’s patient, willing to wait her out and see where this takes them before deciding on a course of action. Only problem is, the more he has of her, the more he wants her.
Add on top of that, a brewing war between his kind and a sickness spreading through the vampire populace at an alarming rate, things seem dire for both human and vampire.
Character Thoughts...
I liked Belle. She was strong and full of life. She was truly tortured over her wavering loyalty but she found a purpose and maybe even a better plan once she learned of the greater threat.
I wasn’t too sure I was going to like Marcus or the other vampires at first. They were essentially the cause for the dystopian world they all now lived in where both human and vampire suffered. I felt there had to have been a better way and now they were at a point where so many had died, been killed or were sick, they essentially needed one another to survive at all. Yet with this growing panic to work together, Marcus still had apathy for all humans.
But his saving quality for me was the way he protected Belle and the feelings he developed for her. They brought out his human side and helped keep the scary monster at bay. No doubt the monster still lurked but it was his love for Belle that ultimately made me like him.
I hated the world they now lived in. It seemed pointless and horrific and just wrong. I felt a real sense of loss as Belle explained and described the scenes of destruction laid out before her which is a real testament to the amazing writing and story this author pulls together in only 112 pages.
Isabelle and Marcus were electric together. They scorched the pages and their passion and feelings toward one another and the ones they loved, really drew me into their budding relationship.
The Wrap Up:
I wish this read had of been longer. I wanted more more more! 112 pages just wasn’t enough, especially after the crazy, thrilling cliffy at the end. I can’t wait for book two, Night of the Fallen (Dark Tides, #2) which is slated to come out around December 2013! I have to find out what happens next in this story and for these characters!
September 4, 2013
Rating: 4
Main Characters: 4
Secondary Characters: 4
Steam Level: 4
Storyline/Plot: 4 – Unique take on Vamps
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Cover: 4.5 - sexy
Ending: cliffy, part of a series
The City of the Fallen was a unique and very creative take on the old Vampire lore. I haven't read a Vampire book in a while so it was really good to get back to the sexy beasts that got me into reading again. This book was a mix of dysatopian and urban fantasy that grabbed your attention because of the great world building that Diana created. It was also sexy and sensual which is my favorite things when reading about Vampires.
Diana done an amazing job at making fictional characters feel real. They were very 3-dimensional and you could relate to them. Belle was fierce and vulnerable at the same time. Even though she was a little stubborn she wasn't one of those whiny characters that don't want to adapt to changes her life has set out for her.
Marcus was sexy, mysterious and oh so swoon-worthy!! He was a bad-ass when he had to be but he done it in the most smooth sexy way possible. We didn't get to know him nearly enough by the books end and I can't wait to dig deeper into what make him tick in the next book.
City of the Fallen is a great start to what seems to be a very action pack, sexy, on the edge of your seat series. The only complaint I have is that is wasn't long enough..lol I can't wait to see what Diana has in store for us next!!
Main Characters: 4
Secondary Characters: 4
Steam Level: 4
Storyline/Plot: 4 – Unique take on Vamps
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Cover: 4.5 - sexy
Ending: cliffy, part of a series
The City of the Fallen was a unique and very creative take on the old Vampire lore. I haven't read a Vampire book in a while so it was really good to get back to the sexy beasts that got me into reading again. This book was a mix of dysatopian and urban fantasy that grabbed your attention because of the great world building that Diana created. It was also sexy and sensual which is my favorite things when reading about Vampires.
Diana done an amazing job at making fictional characters feel real. They were very 3-dimensional and you could relate to them. Belle was fierce and vulnerable at the same time. Even though she was a little stubborn she wasn't one of those whiny characters that don't want to adapt to changes her life has set out for her.
Marcus was sexy, mysterious and oh so swoon-worthy!! He was a bad-ass when he had to be but he done it in the most smooth sexy way possible. We didn't get to know him nearly enough by the books end and I can't wait to dig deeper into what make him tick in the next book.
City of the Fallen is a great start to what seems to be a very action pack, sexy, on the edge of your seat series. The only complaint I have is that is wasn't long enough..lol I can't wait to see what Diana has in store for us next!!
August 1, 2013
Well, damn. Can I just say that I hate cliffhangers? I wasn't sure about this story at the beginning, mostly because I'm not a huge fan of the post-apocalyptic thing everyone seems so enamored with these days, but I'm glad I stuck with it because this was a great book. The world Ms Bocco built was sadly believable and the vampire details were handled very well. I really loved the main characters and would love to know more about Miles and find out what happened with Shawn and the rest of Isabelle's "family". This is my first book by this author, but now I want to read her other paranormal series.
September 6, 2013
It is ridiculous how I never get tired of these stories, but it's true! Definitely a favorite of mine in the paranormal genre.
Diana Bocco did an amazing job of offering a fresh spin on a much used story line.
Fast moving, suspenseful, creative, and a uniqueness in the characterizations I really enjoyed.
A little background - the story takes place in a post-apocalyptic time. Vampires have invaded the world, coming out of the shadows and have practically wiped out the human race. Five years later, humans are hiding at night, and scavenging during the day for food and supplies. Survival is day to day with seemingly no hope in site. The situation gives the word "alone" a new meaning.
The story opens with Isabelle making the decision to go to the vampire compound to kill the vampire king.
Driven to the decision by desperation and near starvation for herself and the small group she is with, she knows if she can make it there, she can offer herself as a "pet". Many humans have done this and in exchange, they receive food, shelter, and protection. They just have to share their blood and bodies.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Her plan to kill the king is good in theory, how she is going to manage it, well, that's something totally different. But first she needs to make it to the compound.
The first leg of her journey to the compound was a bit hair raising with some serious action!
After finally making it, barely, she does meet the king and he is very taken with her. What Isabelle didn't anticipate, being just as taken with Marcus, the king.
Their relationship was extremely passionate and very tentative, neither quite understanding the draw. I loved their relationship but it is only the back drop to the story on a whole.
There are bad vampires out there that Marcus and his followers know about. The "rapids". These vampires have gone rogue and are slowly starving to death due to the shortage of human blood causing the "void", a form of vampire insanity.
The story is very fast moving with a lot of action. Some may not enjoy that but I loved it. Hate waiting for things to happen! And things certainly do happen!!
I am going to stop here otherwise I will be giving away spoilers, and I never do that *evil grin*
I really did love the story and highly recommend it, especially if this genre is a favorite of yours. I am also super excited book 2 is scheduled to be released in December.
The ending literally had my heart in my throat, it was insanity at it's finest!!
Diana Bocco did an amazing job of offering a fresh spin on a much used story line.
Fast moving, suspenseful, creative, and a uniqueness in the characterizations I really enjoyed.
A little background - the story takes place in a post-apocalyptic time. Vampires have invaded the world, coming out of the shadows and have practically wiped out the human race. Five years later, humans are hiding at night, and scavenging during the day for food and supplies. Survival is day to day with seemingly no hope in site. The situation gives the word "alone" a new meaning.
The story opens with Isabelle making the decision to go to the vampire compound to kill the vampire king.
Driven to the decision by desperation and near starvation for herself and the small group she is with, she knows if she can make it there, she can offer herself as a "pet". Many humans have done this and in exchange, they receive food, shelter, and protection. They just have to share their blood and bodies.
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Her plan to kill the king is good in theory, how she is going to manage it, well, that's something totally different. But first she needs to make it to the compound.
The first leg of her journey to the compound was a bit hair raising with some serious action!
After finally making it, barely, she does meet the king and he is very taken with her. What Isabelle didn't anticipate, being just as taken with Marcus, the king.
Their relationship was extremely passionate and very tentative, neither quite understanding the draw. I loved their relationship but it is only the back drop to the story on a whole.
There are bad vampires out there that Marcus and his followers know about. The "rapids". These vampires have gone rogue and are slowly starving to death due to the shortage of human blood causing the "void", a form of vampire insanity.
The story is very fast moving with a lot of action. Some may not enjoy that but I loved it. Hate waiting for things to happen! And things certainly do happen!!
I am going to stop here otherwise I will be giving away spoilers, and I never do that *evil grin*
I really did love the story and highly recommend it, especially if this genre is a favorite of yours. I am also super excited book 2 is scheduled to be released in December.
The ending literally had my heart in my throat, it was insanity at it's finest!!
August 14, 2013
"City of the Fallen" has such great potential but fell way off from the mark because the world building, plot, and even the characterizations were rush to the point of absurdity.
This is a post apocalyptic world where vampires have almost hunted people into extinction. 29 year old Isabelle had been completing her residency at a hospital when everything fell apart. For six months Isabelle, her brother, and a fledgling group of other humans have been hiding out. However, their supplies, health and fortitude are dwindling; so, Isabelle devises a plan to surrender herself to the city where she will get close to the vampire king and kill him.
On the road to the city she is almost captured by a vampire bug she managed to escape and enter the gate where she meets the king. He is immediately enamoured by her and Dur with him. Of course they sleep together and are immediately in love. Sorry, but I just could not buy it! Personally, I beef a slow build up riddled with anticipation. The rapidity in which everything happened in this story made me frustrated
I've. seen all of the 4 and 5 star reviews so I guess I must be in the minority. That's okay though. Different strokes for different folks. Read this one for yourself and decide. I will not be going on with the series.
This is a post apocalyptic world where vampires have almost hunted people into extinction. 29 year old Isabelle had been completing her residency at a hospital when everything fell apart. For six months Isabelle, her brother, and a fledgling group of other humans have been hiding out. However, their supplies, health and fortitude are dwindling; so, Isabelle devises a plan to surrender herself to the city where she will get close to the vampire king and kill him.
On the road to the city she is almost captured by a vampire bug she managed to escape and enter the gate where she meets the king. He is immediately enamoured by her and Dur with him. Of course they sleep together and are immediately in love. Sorry, but I just could not buy it! Personally, I beef a slow build up riddled with anticipation. The rapidity in which everything happened in this story made me frustrated
I've. seen all of the 4 and 5 star reviews so I guess I must be in the minority. That's okay though. Different strokes for different folks. Read this one for yourself and decide. I will not be going on with the series.
February 27, 2014
Right from the very beginning I was pulled into the plot of this book. So many authors feel they have to give you a "background" of all the characters. Most of the time it has nothing to do with the actual story and can be very boring. Not so with City of the Fallen. It goes right into the story line and doesn't let up. It is fast paced and attention grabbing to the point of not being able to put the book down. I usually don't care for "love scenes" in what I read but in this instance it became a very big part of the atmosphere of the plot and where it would go. Move over "Twilight Series", there is a new "family" on the horizon.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2016
The main character, Isabelle Bryant, is intelligent and resourceful. She's got brains and guts, which is why I wanted to give this book four stars. The reason why I didn't is it is a cliff-hanger. I can't stand cliff hangers (where it is open ended and not a complete story). The author could have just as easily finished this first book, and left plenty of room for a sequel. Otherwise, it's really good and I liked Marcus, the Vampire King. Sadly, as much as I would like to know what happens next, I don't care enough about it to buy the next book. I fear that will be a cliff-hanger too, and that is a no-go deal breaker for me.
July 16, 2013
Just finished reading this book. What an amazing book. It has a really great storyline and is something a bit different from your normal vampire stories. Loved the characters and can't wait for the next book!
June 20, 2017
It should be mentioned that this probably should have been marketed as a serial since this book ends on a cliffhanger. Some of the other reviewers felt gyped, but it’s a marketing tactic and I get it that the author wants to reader to feel glued to the story enough that they have to buy the next book. (It might not have bugged me as much since I actually purchased a collection of 12 books, with this story included in it, and I almost expect cliffhanger endings with collection books). I loved the ruined post-apocalyptic world this story was set in. Yes, the idea of vampires taking over and wiping out humanity has been done before, and we all know the idea of a female human falling for a ridiculously hot, powerful, and very dangerous vampire, who has to fight his thirst for her blood to fall passionately in love with her has been done to death (can we say Twilight and seems like almost all the indie romance authors have tried copying it in some way or another). But I still had a lot of fun with Isabelle as she had to re-write her ideas of what vampires were and actually understand that they were people too. Not to mention I adored the struggle for life in this ruined world, how it’s changed, and how life has adapted to their new surroundings. And chiefly I loved that this story was at the heart of it a re-telling of the Beauty and the Beast tale (yes, Isabelle’s name gets shortened to the Disney Belle and Marcus refers to his vampire nature as The Beast -though I will say it didn’t seem like she had to struggle at all getting past the Beast’s scary exterior, but there are other bits that hearken back to the Disney story -her leaving behind her relatives to move in with the Beast, the introduction of the lab in place of the library, and the attendants everywhere). Yes, by the end I itched to know what will happen next for Isabelle, will the lovers prevail, will humanity make a comeback, will Patrick flesh out as a character or will he stick to being a moustache twirling villain jumping out just to say ‘boo’ every so often, and what about her family back at the farm? Unfortunately my curiosity isn’t heightened up enough to justify forking over nearly 4 dollars for the next installment which is only 86 pages long and according to reviews not much actually happens to the characters within those pages. I am putting the author on Follow just in case that promised third concluding book makes an appearance (though it looks like fans have given up hope since it’s been 3 years since publication. Yes, that made me rather sad reading that).
September 4, 2013
See this review and more at tattooedbookreview.com!
“Funny how things could change so quickly in a question of days. Funny how your heart could change sides before you even realized it had happened.”
I truly enjoyed reading this fast-paced, exciting, and sexy book. It’s a HOT vampire romance with a post-apocalyptic spin, an action-packed plot, and plenty of twists, turns, and surprises.
I am a definite fan of a sexy, dangerous vampire as a lead, and Marcus (the king of the vampires) does not disappoint! The author does an excellent job of creating a monster with a heart, a terrifying vampire with a thoughtful humanity and a soft spot for Isabelle. He is full of contradictions but with her he does not waver: she will be his. Their instant connection heats up the pages and together they are ON FIRE! Be prepared for some sizzling sex! And as the story moves forward it becomes increasingly clear that their feelings are more than sexual, and that their potential partnership will affect the future of the world’s populations, both human and vampire. Together, they may be able to save what is left of a crumbling world, but just when they truly realize how much they mean to each other, it seems time is running out.
This is a fantastic first book in a series. I am intensely invested in the main characters and their uncertain future. Many questions are answered and many more are raised. What will happen to Marcus, Isabelle, and to humanity in general? A dramatic conclusion left me breathless and the fates hanging in the balance, and I’m desperate to read the next book in this very promising series.
“She exhaled, her soul surrendering. It was a lost battle, trying to deny how she felt. It had been a lost battle for a long time- maybe from the time he touched her. She had been denying her feelings because they seemed like a betrayal to the entire human race, but denying them was a betrayal to her own soul.”
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
“Funny how things could change so quickly in a question of days. Funny how your heart could change sides before you even realized it had happened.”
I truly enjoyed reading this fast-paced, exciting, and sexy book. It’s a HOT vampire romance with a post-apocalyptic spin, an action-packed plot, and plenty of twists, turns, and surprises.
I am a definite fan of a sexy, dangerous vampire as a lead, and Marcus (the king of the vampires) does not disappoint! The author does an excellent job of creating a monster with a heart, a terrifying vampire with a thoughtful humanity and a soft spot for Isabelle. He is full of contradictions but with her he does not waver: she will be his. Their instant connection heats up the pages and together they are ON FIRE! Be prepared for some sizzling sex! And as the story moves forward it becomes increasingly clear that their feelings are more than sexual, and that their potential partnership will affect the future of the world’s populations, both human and vampire. Together, they may be able to save what is left of a crumbling world, but just when they truly realize how much they mean to each other, it seems time is running out.
This is a fantastic first book in a series. I am intensely invested in the main characters and their uncertain future. Many questions are answered and many more are raised. What will happen to Marcus, Isabelle, and to humanity in general? A dramatic conclusion left me breathless and the fates hanging in the balance, and I’m desperate to read the next book in this very promising series.
“She exhaled, her soul surrendering. It was a lost battle, trying to deny how she felt. It had been a lost battle for a long time- maybe from the time he touched her. She had been denying her feelings because they seemed like a betrayal to the entire human race, but denying them was a betrayal to her own soul.”
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 10, 2014
*Book source ~ Purchased at Amazon
Isabelle Bryant, her brother and a handful of others have survived five years after vampires rose from the shadows to claim Earth as their own. The human race has nearly been wiped out and Isabelle is tired of hiding and scavenging to survive. Her plan is to turn herself over to the vampire king’s compound, become a vampire pet and hopefully get close enough to kill the king. Cut the head off the cobra and maybe humans can survive. She hadn’t counted on becoming pet, and more, to the king himself or for Marcus to take her into his confidence. You see, there’s a bigger threat than vampires out there and if she kills Marcus as planned then she would be dooming all humans to extinction or worse. Caught between love and loyalty Isabelle has a tough decision to make.
I have a soft spot for post-apocalyptic/dystopian tales and this one is a bit different. Instead of zombies overrunning the world though it’s vampires. Tired of hiding in the shadows they have risen up and they have no intention of letting humans have control again. Going from seven billion to a million or two is a huge blow, but Isabelle wants to try to get humans back in the driving seat. I’ll give her an A+ for guts. The world building is decent and I can picture what it’s like to live in her new reality. Told from the POV of both Isabelle and Marcus, I got a pretty good idea of their personalities. There are a few decent secondary characters, but for the most part it’s an interaction between Isabelle and Marcus. I like that there is a bigger picture than just Marcus and his followers. There’s his brother who wants the throne for himself as well as a virus that is consuming vampires at an alarming rate. My only complaint is that the story ends in a cliffhanger. I am so not a fan of those especially when there is a climatic scene at the end that has no resolution. Harumph! All-in-all though, a decent start to a series and a great intro to a new-to-me author.
Isabelle Bryant, her brother and a handful of others have survived five years after vampires rose from the shadows to claim Earth as their own. The human race has nearly been wiped out and Isabelle is tired of hiding and scavenging to survive. Her plan is to turn herself over to the vampire king’s compound, become a vampire pet and hopefully get close enough to kill the king. Cut the head off the cobra and maybe humans can survive. She hadn’t counted on becoming pet, and more, to the king himself or for Marcus to take her into his confidence. You see, there’s a bigger threat than vampires out there and if she kills Marcus as planned then she would be dooming all humans to extinction or worse. Caught between love and loyalty Isabelle has a tough decision to make.
I have a soft spot for post-apocalyptic/dystopian tales and this one is a bit different. Instead of zombies overrunning the world though it’s vampires. Tired of hiding in the shadows they have risen up and they have no intention of letting humans have control again. Going from seven billion to a million or two is a huge blow, but Isabelle wants to try to get humans back in the driving seat. I’ll give her an A+ for guts. The world building is decent and I can picture what it’s like to live in her new reality. Told from the POV of both Isabelle and Marcus, I got a pretty good idea of their personalities. There are a few decent secondary characters, but for the most part it’s an interaction between Isabelle and Marcus. I like that there is a bigger picture than just Marcus and his followers. There’s his brother who wants the throne for himself as well as a virus that is consuming vampires at an alarming rate. My only complaint is that the story ends in a cliffhanger. I am so not a fan of those especially when there is a climatic scene at the end that has no resolution. Harumph! All-in-all though, a decent start to a series and a great intro to a new-to-me author.
September 2, 2013
The world changed when the creatures of the night came out of the shadows. Humans were killed and those left are in hiding. Supplies have nearly run out after five years. Five years of hiding have drove Isabelle ready to make a change. She heads out to one of the communities where vampires make humans pets. The vampires get blood and other pleasures and the humans get the chance to survive and live. Isabelle isn't going to just to better her chances of surviving. She is going to kill the vampire king Marcus. What she discovers after meeting Marcus is he may not be the monster she believed after all and he may hold the key to insuring humans and vampires don't become extinct. She also discovers she also just may be falling for him. A danger greater than the vampire king is rising and Isabelle discovers not even with the king she may be safe.
Isabelle is a character who has hidden strengths. You slowly get to know her as you read. She is headstrong, smart and really wants to help those that do need it. Marcus is a sexy vampire who really has been alone without growing attached to many people. He only lets a few grow close. He finds Isabelle very special and is falling for her quickly. She consume his thoughts. He really wants peace between the two species.
I really enjoyed this book as it has lots of action both fighting and sexual. You get to see just what makes these vampires tick and see they all aren't the same. Danger is something that is always around and you never know when you are safe. Everyone has secrets and you get to see a few. I think there is much more to learn about both the main characters. I love the chemistry between the two and how they both try to do what they can to help each other. They both have hard decisions to make and it does drive them apart not knowing everything about each other. If you love vampire books, dystopian books or just paranormal books give this one a try. I really like it.
Isabelle is a character who has hidden strengths. You slowly get to know her as you read. She is headstrong, smart and really wants to help those that do need it. Marcus is a sexy vampire who really has been alone without growing attached to many people. He only lets a few grow close. He finds Isabelle very special and is falling for her quickly. She consume his thoughts. He really wants peace between the two species.
I really enjoyed this book as it has lots of action both fighting and sexual. You get to see just what makes these vampires tick and see they all aren't the same. Danger is something that is always around and you never know when you are safe. Everyone has secrets and you get to see a few. I think there is much more to learn about both the main characters. I love the chemistry between the two and how they both try to do what they can to help each other. They both have hard decisions to make and it does drive them apart not knowing everything about each other. If you love vampire books, dystopian books or just paranormal books give this one a try. I really like it.
October 21, 2013
This was a surprising little gem that I forgot to put on my TBR when I picked it up on Amazon. I came across it scrolling thru my Kindle this afternoon, and started reading the first chapter. Hooked! I loved it! This book had a surprisingly well developed plot, and I enjoyed the main characters. The writing was really well done, and I am looking forward to the next book... ends in a cliffhanger, but not annoyingly so. Well done!
June 9, 2017
Nope just could not get into this book. Don't get me wrong I enjoy a good romance, even throw in some supernatural and I'm game but this book did nothing for me. Made it about 3/4 way thru before I came to the conclusion that it just wasn't going to improve. The love thing just threw me...these two were in bed before two sentences were even spoke. I like more depth in my love connection between characters. Not wasting any more time with this one. Onto the next book....
July 16, 2013
I'm torn between giving it a 3.5 or a 4. I really enjoyed the story. It was a bit different from some of the other vampire books one reads so I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I think the series has potential.
Want to read
September 24, 2014i really really really want to read this!!!>.<
it kinda reminds me of Dance in the vampire bund.
it kinda reminds me of Dance in the vampire bund.
January 10, 2014
i found it captivating. it was way to short. can't wait for book 2. having trouble finding where i can per-order the second book. been to amazon and they don't even have the title listed. have no ideal who the published this book
September 6, 2013
Absolutely riveting. Excellent story, I think it would make a good series for TV
July 21, 2013
great vamp book!!!!
October 8, 2013
Absolutely loved this book! The characters and story line was amazing!!!! Not sure when the next book in the series comes out, but I cannot wait to see what happens
December 18, 2013
Really enjoyed this book and am ready for the next installment!
May 11, 2014
Big fat NOPE to the annoying insta-love here.
March 7, 2016
3.5 stars rounding it up.
October 10, 2013
City of the Fallen is a really fantastic book and I eagerly await the next book in the series!
December 21, 2018
I just didn’t like this book. The writing style wasn’t to my taste. At 33% I was so tempted to put it on my DNF shelf but managed to finish it by skipping ALOT of pages.
The story was unbelievable to me, on her 3rd night at the compound she was having 2nd thoughts about killing the King even though it was only her 2nd night with him. Also the whole thing about her being a doctor and the King deciding to put her in the lab...just like that?? He didn’t even ask what kind of doctor she was and the King telling her vampire secrets so soon just seemed wrong to me. Her leaving her brother without saying goodbye and the first words the King spoke to her.........WRONG, it didn’t ring true and in my opinion a lot of this book was stupid.
There is another 2 books in the series but I won’t be reading or buying them.
This book didn’t capture my imagination at all. First and last book by this author.
The story was unbelievable to me, on her 3rd night at the compound she was having 2nd thoughts about killing the King even though it was only her 2nd night with him. Also the whole thing about her being a doctor and the King deciding to put her in the lab...just like that?? He didn’t even ask what kind of doctor she was and the King telling her vampire secrets so soon just seemed wrong to me. Her leaving her brother without saying goodbye and the first words the King spoke to her.........WRONG, it didn’t ring true and in my opinion a lot of this book was stupid.
There is another 2 books in the series but I won’t be reading or buying them.
This book didn’t capture my imagination at all. First and last book by this author.
September 17, 2017
last half was more interesting than first. I did think that the relationship moved way too fast in this book. one minute she hates all vampires and the next she's not sure and then a couple of chapters later she's pretty much ok with being with him. I liked the research and potential war aspect of the book. it was a good introductory to the world. I have higher expectations for the 2nd one.
May 5, 2018
2.5 stars
This is a slightly different take on vampires, but it definitely isn't the end all, be all of vampire stories. It was part of a boxed set I got from Amazon and the thing I didn't particularly care for was the sex scenes-it really wasn't needed. It's the beginning of a series, but I don't see that I need to read the rest of it.
This is a slightly different take on vampires, but it definitely isn't the end all, be all of vampire stories. It was part of a boxed set I got from Amazon and the thing I didn't particularly care for was the sex scenes-it really wasn't needed. It's the beginning of a series, but I don't see that I need to read the rest of it.
July 18, 2022
I read this book 5 years ago. I loved it!! Never read the second one because the reviews say it was unfinished. I don’t think she ever finished it, which is the reason I only read finished series now. It had so much potential, a shame.
April 10, 2018
Wow what a great book to read. She went to kill him not fall in love with the vampire king. They need each other to help the humans and vampires from death. Buy the book it’s worth it
September 11, 2013
Survival.
This is what governs Isabelle. Hiding for five years almost to the point starvation she set out to save the only family she had left. Her goal was to kill the one thing that she thought was causing misery and desperation. When she finally gets there she realizes that everything she believed in was a lie.
King Marcus isn’t causing the torment after all. Someone else seeks to steal his reign even if it could force both species into extinction. Now knowing what is at stake Belle volunteers her expertise and does the unthinkable – she teams up with the ones she was set out to kill. But will their efforts be enough to fight the evil that plans to claim it all?
________________________
The heroine in the book – Isabelle was the best thing in this book. Loved her. She is this selfless and courageous young woman who was willing to sacrifice her life just so that others would have a fighting chance. Once she finds the reason why the race is almost upon extinction she keeps an open mind, takes a risk and offers up her expertise in finding a cure. Without hesitation at all she became so dedicated to reach their goal even if at times her own health was at risk. She always had her priorities straight even when she started having feelings for the ”enemy” she never betrayed her secrets.
Marcus was doing the best he could under the circumstances. I thought he was a good leader and passionate about his kingdom. He always knew where his loyalties lie and also had been open-minded like Belle. I loved that even if he had so many willing partners and opportunities he never took advantage of his power. For him it was never about greed rather it was about coexistence.
From the moment they met I knew that these two would be incredible together. She isn’t like anyone he has met before – able to resist charm. That immediately elevated her above everyone else. But that isn’t the only thing that fascinates him. Both never thought their feelings would become this strong for each other. They are after all of different species but she complemented his persona as if she was born to be his in every way.
I enjoyed reading this apocalyptic/ paranormal romance. I thought the main characters and world building was satisfactory. The chemistry and passion between the main characters is amazing although it did lack in the tension factor that I prefer in my romances. The story in general flowed smoothly. For me there were some details that I would have liked to have been explored more but hopefully we can see those as the series progresses. Overall, I liked it and can’t wait for the next one in this series.
liezelsbookblog.net
This is what governs Isabelle. Hiding for five years almost to the point starvation she set out to save the only family she had left. Her goal was to kill the one thing that she thought was causing misery and desperation. When she finally gets there she realizes that everything she believed in was a lie.
King Marcus isn’t causing the torment after all. Someone else seeks to steal his reign even if it could force both species into extinction. Now knowing what is at stake Belle volunteers her expertise and does the unthinkable – she teams up with the ones she was set out to kill. But will their efforts be enough to fight the evil that plans to claim it all?
________________________
The heroine in the book – Isabelle was the best thing in this book. Loved her. She is this selfless and courageous young woman who was willing to sacrifice her life just so that others would have a fighting chance. Once she finds the reason why the race is almost upon extinction she keeps an open mind, takes a risk and offers up her expertise in finding a cure. Without hesitation at all she became so dedicated to reach their goal even if at times her own health was at risk. She always had her priorities straight even when she started having feelings for the ”enemy” she never betrayed her secrets.
Marcus was doing the best he could under the circumstances. I thought he was a good leader and passionate about his kingdom. He always knew where his loyalties lie and also had been open-minded like Belle. I loved that even if he had so many willing partners and opportunities he never took advantage of his power. For him it was never about greed rather it was about coexistence.
From the moment they met I knew that these two would be incredible together. She isn’t like anyone he has met before – able to resist charm. That immediately elevated her above everyone else. But that isn’t the only thing that fascinates him. Both never thought their feelings would become this strong for each other. They are after all of different species but she complemented his persona as if she was born to be his in every way.
I enjoyed reading this apocalyptic/ paranormal romance. I thought the main characters and world building was satisfactory. The chemistry and passion between the main characters is amazing although it did lack in the tension factor that I prefer in my romances. The story in general flowed smoothly. For me there were some details that I would have liked to have been explored more but hopefully we can see those as the series progresses. Overall, I liked it and can’t wait for the next one in this series.
liezelsbookblog.net
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews