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Creatus #1
Creatus
As the sun's rays peeked above the horizon, lighting the abyss below her, she inhaled a deep breath, closed her eyes, and jumped. She didn't scream; she didn't look down. As much as she hated her life, she hoped it wouldn't end this way. She'd really like to see him one more time.
Her life didn't flash before her eyes as she'd always heard. Just an image of her mother covered in blood and her Dark Angel telling her he was sorry.
CREATUS is a new romantic-suspense novel with a supernatural edge that answers the myths and fairy tales you've heard about preternatural sentient beings.
Prepare yourself to believe.
Her life didn't flash before her eyes as she'd always heard. Just an image of her mother covered in blood and her Dark Angel telling her he was sorry.
CREATUS is a new romantic-suspense novel with a supernatural edge that answers the myths and fairy tales you've heard about preternatural sentient beings.
Prepare yourself to believe.
217 pages, ebook
First published August 26, 2013
2125 people are currently reading
3805 people want to read
About the author
Carmen DeSousa
43 books648 followersReader Profile: First and foremost, I am a reader. From the moment I could hold a book, I've been fascinated with the written word. I enjoy almost everything, but lean toward romantic-suspense and magical realism. If you're looking for poor reviews, you won't find them here. The reason...life's too short to read bad books. If a book isn't at least three stars halfway through, I stop reading, and therefore, don't feel as though I have the right to review it. That's my policy! Please don't send me requests, though. If you are one of my cyber friends, I will eventually find you. :)
Author Profile: I write stories that overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, a hint of paranormal sometimes, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a great story be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual but not erotic, gripping but not graphic, and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
New Series: Midnight Sons
#1 Sam's Folly
#2 Alex's Atonement
#3 Vince's Chance
The Southern Collection:
#1 She Belongs to Me
#2 Land of the Noonday Sun
#3 Entangled Dreams
#4 When Noonday Ends
#5 Split Decisions
Creatus Series (Paranormal Romantic Suspense)
#0 Creatus (They Exist) The Prequel
#1 Creatus
#2 Creatus Rogue
#3 Creatus Eidolon
#4 Creatus Animus
#5 Creatus Talis
Author Profile: I write stories that overflow with romance, mystery, suspense, a hint of paranormal sometimes, and of course, tragedy. After all, what would a great story be without a tragic event setting the stage? All of my novels are sensual but not erotic, gripping but not graphic, and will hopefully make you cry, laugh, love, and hope.
New Series: Midnight Sons
#1 Sam's Folly
#2 Alex's Atonement
#3 Vince's Chance
The Southern Collection:
#1 She Belongs to Me
#2 Land of the Noonday Sun
#3 Entangled Dreams
#4 When Noonday Ends
#5 Split Decisions
Creatus Series (Paranormal Romantic Suspense)
#0 Creatus (They Exist) The Prequel
#1 Creatus
#2 Creatus Rogue
#3 Creatus Eidolon
#4 Creatus Animus
#5 Creatus Talis
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
dnf
January 28, 2017DNFing at chapter 17. I cannot cope with one more page of eternal love saccharine bullshit. There's so much cheese I want to hurl.
The main characters are seriously deluded about the heroine's alcoholism (She's not a real alcoholic - she only drinks because she had a difficult childhood. She only wants a drink to steady her nerves. Never mind that many addicts speak like this AND she experienced delirium tremens) and this is really poorly handled.
The heroine acts like a petulant child when she doesn't get her own way: "She crossed her arms and jutted her bottom lip a tad to convey she wouldn't allow anyone, a detective, a creature or even her fiancé to interfere with her freedom. He'd just have to get used to the fact that she could take care of herself." Except she has not shown any indication of being able to take care of herself and is incredibly reckless.
Oh, and while we're on the subject of fiancés, there is an engagement ridiculously early on in the story. She has only actually known him in person for, I don't know, a week or so when this happens. He has "known" her for a bit longer if stalking someone because you had a crush on their mother counts as knowing someone. It's a little bit creepy actually, considering this woman he's fallen for he watched over as a child. It's some Jacob and Renesme shit.
I can't for the life of me figure out why the hero is made leader of his people when there would seem to be a large-ish pool to choose from, many of whom are older and more experienced. I suppose it makes for a pretty plot with him as some kind of impossibly "perfect" trope. He can't even manage to tell his friend that he really isn't into her given 20+ years to get around to it. ("What a one-eighty her personality had taken. Again, he hated to keep thinking she was the typical scorned woman, but he now understood all the colloquialisms. There clearly was a thin line between love and hate." - uh, you string a girl along, throwing her the occasional bone, for decades and then bring in your "eternal love" girlfriend with no warning. Of course she's angry. You don't get to act so fucking sanctimoniously.) This is not prime leadership material.
There are a few minor syntactical errors but nothing much. I read the version with the prequel, which I would recommend if you decide to read this book against my advice. Without reading it, you would be hugely dropped in the deep end with no clue who anyone was or what was going on.
There are so many aggravations and life is too short to carry on with books that annoy you.
The main characters are seriously deluded about the heroine's alcoholism (She's not a real alcoholic - she only drinks because she had a difficult childhood. She only wants a drink to steady her nerves. Never mind that many addicts speak like this AND she experienced delirium tremens) and this is really poorly handled.
The heroine acts like a petulant child when she doesn't get her own way: "She crossed her arms and jutted her bottom lip a tad to convey she wouldn't allow anyone, a detective, a creature or even her fiancé to interfere with her freedom. He'd just have to get used to the fact that she could take care of herself." Except she has not shown any indication of being able to take care of herself and is incredibly reckless.
Oh, and while we're on the subject of fiancés, there is an engagement ridiculously early on in the story. She has only actually known him in person for, I don't know, a week or so when this happens. He has "known" her for a bit longer if stalking someone because you had a crush on their mother counts as knowing someone. It's a little bit creepy actually, considering this woman he's fallen for he watched over as a child. It's some Jacob and Renesme shit.
I can't for the life of me figure out why the hero is made leader of his people when there would seem to be a large-ish pool to choose from, many of whom are older and more experienced. I suppose it makes for a pretty plot with him as some kind of impossibly "perfect" trope. He can't even manage to tell his friend that he really isn't into her given 20+ years to get around to it. ("What a one-eighty her personality had taken. Again, he hated to keep thinking she was the typical scorned woman, but he now understood all the colloquialisms. There clearly was a thin line between love and hate." - uh, you string a girl along, throwing her the occasional bone, for decades and then bring in your "eternal love" girlfriend with no warning. Of course she's angry. You don't get to act so fucking sanctimoniously.) This is not prime leadership material.
There are a few minor syntactical errors but nothing much. I read the version with the prequel, which I would recommend if you decide to read this book against my advice. Without reading it, you would be hugely dropped in the deep end with no clue who anyone was or what was going on.
There are so many aggravations and life is too short to carry on with books that annoy you.
October 25, 2020
Wow, this was one heck of a good series. Great characters they were dynamic, interesting, grew with the story, they were like real people. I was enamored with this series, I couldn’t stop listening to it, everything I did, I was listening. This was a first for me with this Author, but I will be reading more from her.
I thought this book was excellent, not just the characters. The story was wonderful, it certainly had everything needed to keep me interested. I loved the creativity and flow of the writing.
I read this as an ARC, this is my opinion after reading this book. Thank you.
I thought this book was excellent, not just the characters. The story was wonderful, it certainly had everything needed to keep me interested. I loved the creativity and flow of the writing.
I read this as an ARC, this is my opinion after reading this book. Thank you.
September 6, 2013
I'm not normally a paranormal romance person. I'm not a fan of vampires, unless it's Dracula, and frankly I find the Paranormal genre to be over-saturated and over-sexualized.
So, when I picked up Creatus it was because Carmen's name was on it... and it sounded interesting. 'The reason we believe in fairy tales--and monsters" is the tagline on the book and it drew me in instantly because, let's face it, fairy tales are interesting.
What I liked about Creatus is that the creatures are new. Yes, there are elements to them that have done before, but they were a refreshing change from vampires, werewolves, etc...
The other thing I liked, which I mentioned as an element deterring me from paranormal, is that it isn't sexualized. If you've read Carmen's other books you'll know that there is sex in them, but it isn't gone into detail and it is almost always in the confines of marriage. I love this about her writing and Creatus is no different.
As for the characters, Kris is a great lead. She is complicated and multi-faceted--dealing with childhood scars, having personal weaknesses that she has to overcome, but at the same time she has an inner strength and bravery.
The male lead is strong and protective, but not overly controlling. He is the knight in shining armor--and who doesn't love that?
I can't wait for book 2 as I think Carmen Desousa has a great series on her hands with A LOT of potential.
I'm giving Creatus 5 out of 5 stars.
So, when I picked up Creatus it was because Carmen's name was on it... and it sounded interesting. 'The reason we believe in fairy tales--and monsters" is the tagline on the book and it drew me in instantly because, let's face it, fairy tales are interesting.
What I liked about Creatus is that the creatures are new. Yes, there are elements to them that have done before, but they were a refreshing change from vampires, werewolves, etc...
The other thing I liked, which I mentioned as an element deterring me from paranormal, is that it isn't sexualized. If you've read Carmen's other books you'll know that there is sex in them, but it isn't gone into detail and it is almost always in the confines of marriage. I love this about her writing and Creatus is no different.
As for the characters, Kris is a great lead. She is complicated and multi-faceted--dealing with childhood scars, having personal weaknesses that she has to overcome, but at the same time she has an inner strength and bravery.
The male lead is strong and protective, but not overly controlling. He is the knight in shining armor--and who doesn't love that?
I can't wait for book 2 as I think Carmen Desousa has a great series on her hands with A LOT of potential.
I'm giving Creatus 5 out of 5 stars.
August 29, 2013
He saved Kris when she was young, but couldn't save her mother. Kris lived a tough life, through it all she always remembered Him. Derrick never reveals himself to Kris, he's always in the background watching out for her. That's what his kind do, or is it. We all know different people live among us, watching us. In this superbly written book you will find such people. Download your copy today. I totally recommend this book. I couldn't put this book down till I was done, my eyes got tired that's the only reason I put it down, seriously, get it.
September 9, 2013
I loved this! Another Carmen DeSousa book I couldn't put down. The characters are flawed and wonderful, even the secondary characters. The plot was exciting and kept me guessing. The romance was sweet and you can still feel the heat between the characters, even with the love scenes behind closed doors. There are new supernatural creatures that I found very intriguing. I am so excited that this is the first of a series because I can't wait to read more! I highly recommend this, even if you're not normally a paranormal reader.
April 7, 2018
World Building: A+
Mythology: A-
Plot-Twists: A
Villains: A-
Girl Power: B-
Guy-Hero: A
Love-Interests: A
Suspense: A+
Feels: A
For you clean-readers: this book DOES have mature content. You'll need to do some self-editing or scene-skipping to read this one.
Mythology: A-
Plot-Twists: A
Villains: A-
Girl Power: B-
Guy-Hero: A
Love-Interests: A
Suspense: A+
Feels: A
For you clean-readers: this book DOES have mature content. You'll need to do some self-editing or scene-skipping to read this one.
Read
February 3, 2025This was a skim read to finally clear it off my damn kindle after sitting there for over a decade. Back in the mid 00’s I jumped on the paranormal trend and read NUMEROUS pnr romances. (Twilight, Hush, Hush, City of Bones, Vampire Academy, Significance to name a few)
Creatus reminded me a lot of Jennifer Armentrout’s Lux (Obsidian) series (from what I can remember), human looking beings that live longer and are much stronger with some extra powers. The H is also the strongest of his race, and it is frowned upon when he falls for a mere human. There’s also a female ex of sorts that was expecting to be selected as his lady choice. The only main difference is I believe the Creatus are just souped-up humans rather than aliens.
In a nutshell, Derrick had a crush on a human woman that died, so he decided to watch over her daughter. Over her life he fell in love with her and when they meet realize they are soulmates… or something like that.
Meanwhile there’s a rouge out killing people and out to get Derrick and/or Kris. I felt it was sort of obvious who it was, but it’s all confirmed at the end, but they get away.
Bottom Line- This is YA with insta and no real drama at all. Like the H has been with the OW occasionally over the years (usually when drunk because many expected them to mate, so he did try to catch feelings), but the h never acts jealous or initiates any conversation asking for details even after the OW is super mean and tries to attack her. It made for a low drama, low excitement read. I have no desire to finish the storyline. (next book is the wannabe ow’s)
Creatus reminded me a lot of Jennifer Armentrout’s Lux (Obsidian) series (from what I can remember), human looking beings that live longer and are much stronger with some extra powers. The H is also the strongest of his race, and it is frowned upon when he falls for a mere human. There’s also a female ex of sorts that was expecting to be selected as his lady choice. The only main difference is I believe the Creatus are just souped-up humans rather than aliens.
In a nutshell, Derrick had a crush on a human woman that died, so he decided to watch over her daughter. Over her life he fell in love with her and when they meet realize they are soulmates… or something like that.
Meanwhile there’s a rouge out killing people and out to get Derrick and/or Kris. I felt it was sort of obvious who it was, but it’s all confirmed at the end, but they get away.
Bottom Line- This is YA with insta and no real drama at all. Like the H has been with the OW occasionally over the years (usually when drunk because many expected them to mate, so he did try to catch feelings), but the h never acts jealous or initiates any conversation asking for details even after the OW is super mean and tries to attack her. It made for a low drama, low excitement read. I have no desire to finish the storyline. (next book is the wannabe ow’s)
October 14, 2013
There is so much to love about this book! First, and most important, Carmen DeSousa is a gifted storyteller. She gets out of the way and lets the characters lead. Nothing feels contrived or forced, which allows us as readers to get completely lost in the story.
No offense to those who love it, but I'd grown tired of and disillusioned with 'paranormal romances'. The genre is now saturated with what I call vampire erotica, which has become generic and is more about the sex than the story. But Carmen caught my attention the moment I read the tag line for this book:
In every myth there is a modicum of truth…
Creatus
The reason we believe in Fairy Tales—and Monsters.
I couldn't wait to read it and I'm so glad I did! This story is completely unique, and is definitely not generic sex and vampires. In fact, I think Creatus will redefine the paranormal genre. Creatus has intrigue, suspense, romance, and tremendous depth.
Carmen DeSousa has reminded me what I used to love about this genre. The only negative thing I can say is that the book ended. But, happily, she has the second book in the series on the way soon!
No offense to those who love it, but I'd grown tired of and disillusioned with 'paranormal romances'. The genre is now saturated with what I call vampire erotica, which has become generic and is more about the sex than the story. But Carmen caught my attention the moment I read the tag line for this book:
In every myth there is a modicum of truth…
Creatus
The reason we believe in Fairy Tales—and Monsters.
I couldn't wait to read it and I'm so glad I did! This story is completely unique, and is definitely not generic sex and vampires. In fact, I think Creatus will redefine the paranormal genre. Creatus has intrigue, suspense, romance, and tremendous depth.
Carmen DeSousa has reminded me what I used to love about this genre. The only negative thing I can say is that the book ended. But, happily, she has the second book in the series on the way soon!
September 14, 2013
Creatus is the 1st book in a paranormal romance series. I LOVE the cover! Once I started it, I read it in 2 days...
The heroine is Kris. Kris has led a hard life. She witnessed the violent death of her mother when she was very young. This is when she meets Derrick, her hero, as he jumps from a building roof to save her from meeting the same end as her Mom.
Kris grows up in multiple uncaring foster homes. She sees Derrick again... and again. He seems to appear only when she is in danger. She longs to talk and get to know him as she wants someone in her life and she also doesn't understand why he has become her protector, so as the book opens, she is planning to purposely put herself in mortal danger to bring him out.
Her hero, Derrick, is a Creatus. Creatus are not human but they live and mingle within the human world. They are endowed with abilities surpassing the normal human including increased strength, speed, and hearing.
This is the 1st book I've read by Carmen DeSousa and a good start to this new series. The characters are very well-developed but there were times I felt that the story was stalled. I like that the ending makes you want to read the next story, but it's NOT a cliff-hanger leaving the reader on the edge until the next release. (I hate cliff-hangers so that is good!)
I'm looking forward to the book in this series... 3 1/2 Stars!!!!!!
The heroine is Kris. Kris has led a hard life. She witnessed the violent death of her mother when she was very young. This is when she meets Derrick, her hero, as he jumps from a building roof to save her from meeting the same end as her Mom.
Kris grows up in multiple uncaring foster homes. She sees Derrick again... and again. He seems to appear only when she is in danger. She longs to talk and get to know him as she wants someone in her life and she also doesn't understand why he has become her protector, so as the book opens, she is planning to purposely put herself in mortal danger to bring him out.
Her hero, Derrick, is a Creatus. Creatus are not human but they live and mingle within the human world. They are endowed with abilities surpassing the normal human including increased strength, speed, and hearing.
This is the 1st book I've read by Carmen DeSousa and a good start to this new series. The characters are very well-developed but there were times I felt that the story was stalled. I like that the ending makes you want to read the next story, but it's NOT a cliff-hanger leaving the reader on the edge until the next release. (I hate cliff-hangers so that is good!)
I'm looking forward to the book in this series... 3 1/2 Stars!!!!!!
September 6, 2013
Frist, judge this book by it's cover, please. Absolutely stunning. Creatus' cover truly sets the mood for the book.
I was initially drawn to this book because Carmen DeSousa and I have a favorable author/reader relationship, and because the premise of this book was dark and romantic. Just what I like. I was initially expecting a "divinity" of sorts to come into play. But I was wrong. This book is about taking bold chances and Creatus (vampires, more or less), strength and relationships - but while the romance is certainly a part of it, it's not the complete book.
Book One was very satisfying, it is evidently a great setup for the rest of the series. There are unanswered questions which have you eagerly anticipating the next installment. But not so unanswered that we're left cursing Ms. DeSousa because of a cliff hanger. This could easily stand on it's own... all though I'm not sure who wouldn't come back to it.
Ms. DeSousa has great character development too. No character is too one thing or another, and her hero and heroine stand well alone. These superb characters only become better as they come together.
Overall my impression on where the Creatus Series is going is quite positive.
I was initially drawn to this book because Carmen DeSousa and I have a favorable author/reader relationship, and because the premise of this book was dark and romantic. Just what I like. I was initially expecting a "divinity" of sorts to come into play. But I was wrong. This book is about taking bold chances and Creatus (vampires, more or less), strength and relationships - but while the romance is certainly a part of it, it's not the complete book.
Book One was very satisfying, it is evidently a great setup for the rest of the series. There are unanswered questions which have you eagerly anticipating the next installment. But not so unanswered that we're left cursing Ms. DeSousa because of a cliff hanger. This could easily stand on it's own... all though I'm not sure who wouldn't come back to it.
Ms. DeSousa has great character development too. No character is too one thing or another, and her hero and heroine stand well alone. These superb characters only become better as they come together.
Overall my impression on where the Creatus Series is going is quite positive.
November 23, 2016
This is a substantial read that I believe could appeal to people of a wide range of ages.
A mixture of paranormal, romance and the test of family bonds, this story holds something for everyone. There is no adult content in it (sexual or violent) and I would have no issue with handing it to a teenager to read.
This version of the story comprises two books (I believe) - the prequel and the first book. In addition, there is a fair sized chunk of the following book added in at the end as well.
For me, I consider this a great, in-depth story, well worth the investment. I look forward to reading the follow-up books by this author.
A mixture of paranormal, romance and the test of family bonds, this story holds something for everyone. There is no adult content in it (sexual or violent) and I would have no issue with handing it to a teenager to read.
This version of the story comprises two books (I believe) - the prequel and the first book. In addition, there is a fair sized chunk of the following book added in at the end as well.
For me, I consider this a great, in-depth story, well worth the investment. I look forward to reading the follow-up books by this author.
October 11, 2013
This book had an uphill battle with me, I'm kinda over the instant romance with the mysterious non-human, but I have to admit, the book pulled it off. I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed the romance, it moved along quickly and I'll probably read the sequel when it's released.
October 20, 2013
This is a wonderful light fantasy that I enjoyed immensely. The characters were well developed and the plot moved along at a good clip. It's not the type novel I usually read, but it was a great change of pace. I'm looking forward to the next one.
never-to-read
February 10, 2018Ugh how creepy. The hero was in love with / lusted after the woman the heroine considered her mother! Yuck yuck yuck yuck. I don't want to know what the author was thinking. I should have read the reviews on goodreads before reading the book.
March 21, 2014
Loved this book! I read it in just a couple of days. It's a great story. I would definitely recommend it.
May 23, 2016
DIVINELY ENTERTAINING !!!
Title: Creatus
Series: Creatus
Author: Carmen DeSousa
Designation: Book One of Series, NOT a Standalone
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FIVE DIVINELY ENTERTAINING STARS*****
Loved, loved, loved it! The Creatus Series is my first time reading the work of Carmen DeSousa but it certainly won't be my last. I began my adventure with DeSousa after downloading Creatus, the first book of the series, when it was offered as a free download on Amazon. I enjoy discovering new authors and what better way to discover new talent without breaking the bank than with a free read, right? I started reading on a Saturday morning and within five minutes, I knew I'd struck gold! I raced back to Amazon and discovered Books Two and Three, Creatus: Rogue and Creatus: Eidolon, had already been released. And the icing on the cake, they were both available under the Kindle Unlimited program. SWEET! By Sunday evening, I had devoured all three books of the series as well as the prequel novella, They Exist, which was included as a bonus in the first book. Now, please allow me to state that this is actually more like a serial since the books should be read in sequence. Although the author does include a fair amount of backstory in each book, I recommend reading the books in order. These stories are not meant to be read as standalone reads. Although each book primarily features a specific couple, there is an interconnected story arc running through the entire series with a recurring cast of characters. I found all of the books to be exciting, thrilling, imaginative, original, suspenseful, romantic, seductive, exceptionally well crafted and edited. The narratives are all beautifully written in the third person with multiple points of view. My favorite! The dialogue is smart, well executed and flows effortlessly. But my favorite component of this remarkable saga is the magnificent cast of characters. They are unique, intriguing, well developed, engaging, relatable and sexy as sin. I not only fell head over heels for the protagonists of each book but I also loved the masterfully depicted antagonists. Nothing is as it seems! Be very careful which antihero you choose to hate; he may very well turn out to be a hero in disguise! And vice versa, of course! Oh my! DeSousa demonstrates her talent as a gifted storyteller by skillfully combining every single one of these elements to craft a masterful supernatural saga filled to the brim with fantasy, danger, drama, action, betrayal, heartache, undeniable love, and enough spine-tingling suspense, shocking plot twists and perplexing mystery to blow your mind! And just when you think you have it all figured out -WHAM - DeSousa hits you with another surprising and totally unexpected piece of the puzzle. Folks, this definitely ISN'T your ordinary romance. This is an extraordinary, suspense filled whodunnit with a delicious side of tantalizing romance - without the calories! OMG! Who knew you could have a sexy romance without the sex? Obviously, Carmen DeSousa did since she just pulled it off magnificently! Once I started reading, I could not stop! I was immediately drawn into the story, glued to my seat, completely lost in time with the hours passing seemingly as minutes while my heart pounded in my chest. It was bloody brilliant! So sit back, my lovelies, get comfy and prepare to meet the Creatus, an alien species who have been living in plain sight among the humans of Earth for the past four thousand years. And you know all those supernatural beings based on myth, well, they just might be real and they may be creatus. Oh my!
This is not a book report nor do I give spoilers in my comments. What I attempt to do is give my humble opinion on the merits of the book itself. When rating and reviewing a book, I always ask myself several questions. First, what did I love about this story? As I stated earlier, all the books were beautifully written, well crafted and well edited with gorgeous covers. The world created by DeSousa for this series was imaginative as well as intelligent. It may have been fantasy but it was totally believable in the realms of science fiction and the supernatural. Oh, did I forget to mention the science fiction part? Well shucks, it's like Donnie and Marie Osmond with their little bit country and little bit rock 'n roll. This series is a little bit paranormal, little bit supernatural, little bit fantasy and a little bit science fiction. It's a divinely delicious all you eat buffet! And the characters were unlike anything I've ever experienced in a previous book. They were unique but fascinating and completely relatable. I cried for them, empathized with them and even laughed at some of their antics. The narratives of each book were fast paced but comfortable. At no point in any of the books was I ever bored or distracted. The pages as well as the time literally flew. I was so engrossed in the story, I even refused to answer my phone. My second question is always, what didn't I like about this story? Truthfully, not a darn thing! Well, other than the fact I didn't want it to end but isn't that true with all great stories? I think so. Third, would I recommend this book? You bet and I am for a wide range of readers including young and mature adult readers. There are a few curse words which I could probably count on one hand for all three books. There is some violence but it's NOT graphically portrayed and has NO gory details. The book is romantic but not erotic. There are NO explicit sex scenes but there are dreamy love scenes. And this is one thing that really surprises me since I generally go for books with more erotic romance and often find myself bored out of my mind without at least a few steamy sex scenes but not so with this series. It never actually occurred to me until I began writing this review. Fourth, will I read this author again? Abso-freakin-lutely! At the end of Book Three, the author offered a sneak peek at the fourth book of the series, Creatus: Animus and believe me when I say, I rushed to her web page to sign up for her newsletter so I'll know when the next book is released. As far as I'm concerned, tomorrow wouldn't be soon enough so bring it on Carmen DeSousa! lol..... And finally, was I entertained? Oh lawd, yes! I was completely captivated and totally entertained! I'm a DeSousa fan for life! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Title: Creatus
Series: Creatus
Author: Carmen DeSousa
Designation: Book One of Series, NOT a Standalone
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FIVE DIVINELY ENTERTAINING STARS*****
Loved, loved, loved it! The Creatus Series is my first time reading the work of Carmen DeSousa but it certainly won't be my last. I began my adventure with DeSousa after downloading Creatus, the first book of the series, when it was offered as a free download on Amazon. I enjoy discovering new authors and what better way to discover new talent without breaking the bank than with a free read, right? I started reading on a Saturday morning and within five minutes, I knew I'd struck gold! I raced back to Amazon and discovered Books Two and Three, Creatus: Rogue and Creatus: Eidolon, had already been released. And the icing on the cake, they were both available under the Kindle Unlimited program. SWEET! By Sunday evening, I had devoured all three books of the series as well as the prequel novella, They Exist, which was included as a bonus in the first book. Now, please allow me to state that this is actually more like a serial since the books should be read in sequence. Although the author does include a fair amount of backstory in each book, I recommend reading the books in order. These stories are not meant to be read as standalone reads. Although each book primarily features a specific couple, there is an interconnected story arc running through the entire series with a recurring cast of characters. I found all of the books to be exciting, thrilling, imaginative, original, suspenseful, romantic, seductive, exceptionally well crafted and edited. The narratives are all beautifully written in the third person with multiple points of view. My favorite! The dialogue is smart, well executed and flows effortlessly. But my favorite component of this remarkable saga is the magnificent cast of characters. They are unique, intriguing, well developed, engaging, relatable and sexy as sin. I not only fell head over heels for the protagonists of each book but I also loved the masterfully depicted antagonists. Nothing is as it seems! Be very careful which antihero you choose to hate; he may very well turn out to be a hero in disguise! And vice versa, of course! Oh my! DeSousa demonstrates her talent as a gifted storyteller by skillfully combining every single one of these elements to craft a masterful supernatural saga filled to the brim with fantasy, danger, drama, action, betrayal, heartache, undeniable love, and enough spine-tingling suspense, shocking plot twists and perplexing mystery to blow your mind! And just when you think you have it all figured out -WHAM - DeSousa hits you with another surprising and totally unexpected piece of the puzzle. Folks, this definitely ISN'T your ordinary romance. This is an extraordinary, suspense filled whodunnit with a delicious side of tantalizing romance - without the calories! OMG! Who knew you could have a sexy romance without the sex? Obviously, Carmen DeSousa did since she just pulled it off magnificently! Once I started reading, I could not stop! I was immediately drawn into the story, glued to my seat, completely lost in time with the hours passing seemingly as minutes while my heart pounded in my chest. It was bloody brilliant! So sit back, my lovelies, get comfy and prepare to meet the Creatus, an alien species who have been living in plain sight among the humans of Earth for the past four thousand years. And you know all those supernatural beings based on myth, well, they just might be real and they may be creatus. Oh my!
This is not a book report nor do I give spoilers in my comments. What I attempt to do is give my humble opinion on the merits of the book itself. When rating and reviewing a book, I always ask myself several questions. First, what did I love about this story? As I stated earlier, all the books were beautifully written, well crafted and well edited with gorgeous covers. The world created by DeSousa for this series was imaginative as well as intelligent. It may have been fantasy but it was totally believable in the realms of science fiction and the supernatural. Oh, did I forget to mention the science fiction part? Well shucks, it's like Donnie and Marie Osmond with their little bit country and little bit rock 'n roll. This series is a little bit paranormal, little bit supernatural, little bit fantasy and a little bit science fiction. It's a divinely delicious all you eat buffet! And the characters were unlike anything I've ever experienced in a previous book. They were unique but fascinating and completely relatable. I cried for them, empathized with them and even laughed at some of their antics. The narratives of each book were fast paced but comfortable. At no point in any of the books was I ever bored or distracted. The pages as well as the time literally flew. I was so engrossed in the story, I even refused to answer my phone. My second question is always, what didn't I like about this story? Truthfully, not a darn thing! Well, other than the fact I didn't want it to end but isn't that true with all great stories? I think so. Third, would I recommend this book? You bet and I am for a wide range of readers including young and mature adult readers. There are a few curse words which I could probably count on one hand for all three books. There is some violence but it's NOT graphically portrayed and has NO gory details. The book is romantic but not erotic. There are NO explicit sex scenes but there are dreamy love scenes. And this is one thing that really surprises me since I generally go for books with more erotic romance and often find myself bored out of my mind without at least a few steamy sex scenes but not so with this series. It never actually occurred to me until I began writing this review. Fourth, will I read this author again? Abso-freakin-lutely! At the end of Book Three, the author offered a sneak peek at the fourth book of the series, Creatus: Animus and believe me when I say, I rushed to her web page to sign up for her newsletter so I'll know when the next book is released. As far as I'm concerned, tomorrow wouldn't be soon enough so bring it on Carmen DeSousa! lol..... And finally, was I entertained? Oh lawd, yes! I was completely captivated and totally entertained! I'm a DeSousa fan for life! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
December 18, 2016
I am glad I read the prequel to the Creatus series, becasue book2 is all over the place. The story between Kristina and Derrick was BLAH!! and Boring. I am not sure how the PR element really fits into the story. Creatus are normal human beings who have existed in for 4 thousand years. Nothing special about that. Most of the human races have been around for four thousands of years. They are 4 thousand years old they live too about 150 yrs they age slower, hear and see better and are stronger then humans becasue of there Vegan diet!! Really a Vegan diet!! you what me to believe this foolishness. Eating raw fish can kill you too. Or make you so sick you wish you were dead. At first I thought it was something special about them fallen. But again it only meant that a couple falls in love and that takes forever to be explained. I am sorry I really wanted to like Creatus, but it didn't Gel for me!!
May 4, 2014
I only pushed through about 26%. I couldn't connect with the characters AT ALL. I felt like his "falling" for Kris was too scripted and explained MUCH too quickly. She starts out as this degenerate, drug/alcohol abusing loser but he loves her "spirit"? I don't get it either! Sure, when people are feeling lost or alone they make mistakes, but this girl Kris starts out the book in some random guy's house because she wanted free drugs. Too gross for me. I couldn't like her after that. The whole premise of the supernatural aliens/vampires/supermen whatever they are is an original thought at least. That's why I gave it 2 stars. Originality is few and far between anymore. Sorry, not for me though.
March 18, 2016
Boring
This book just kind of dragged along with no real punch line. Characters were mostly unlovable in the "card board cut out" kind of way and a couple were down right annoying. There was an interesting premise but it certainly didn't deliver.
This book just kind of dragged along with no real punch line. Characters were mostly unlovable in the "card board cut out" kind of way and a couple were down right annoying. There was an interesting premise but it certainly didn't deliver.
September 24, 2019
This is first time read by this author and I thought the story was okay. I almost put it down quite a few times because I started to get disinterested in it. The narration was okay but a bit boring IMO. I was looking forward this different paranormal story but it was not too my liking.
3-Stars
3-Stars
October 21, 2016
Really enjoyed the story.
It's great that there are some that want to protect humans. Loved the whole story and can't wait to read the whole series.
It's great that there are some that want to protect humans. Loved the whole story and can't wait to read the whole series.
January 4, 2023
Apart from the freaky lusting of the hero after one woman, then his waiting for her little daughter to grow up so he could indulge in his lust for HER (umm..... WTAF?)....
it was so boring. I couldn't get past the first 30 pages.
it was so boring. I couldn't get past the first 30 pages.
June 27, 2016
What really attracted me to this book is the tag-line to the series - "The reason we believe in fairy tales - and monsters".
At first glance, the Creatus may appear to be vampires, but as it turns out, that's far from the case. My memory is hazy - comes of writing a review long after I've read the book - but if I recall, the Creatus crash-landed on Earth four thousand years ago (okay, so I got that from the blurb) and have worked to integrate into human society - as well as hide from it - over the millenia.
From They Exist we learned that Derrick has been watching over Kris since she was a little girl - since he saved her from certain death the night her mother was killed. Over the years since, she has lived in numerous foster homes, and is somewhat reckless given that she knows she has a "saviour" "out there", and wants to meet him - she has learned that he only turns up when her life is threatened. So, not surprisingly, this book starts with her throwing herself off a bridge in a bid to bring him out into the open. Unknown to her, her action attracts the attention of a rogue Creatus, who discovers Derrick's attachment to Kris.
This book is a fantastic read, and thankfully isn't your run-of-the-mill vampire tale. In fact, forget vampires. The Creatus are something completely different. DeSousa's writing is excellent, drawing one in to the tale with ease, and then one is trapped, following events as they unfold.
At times, especially in the first chapters of this book, Derrick can appear to be very controlling, trying to restrict Kris's movements. However, one discovers that this is more out of a desire to protect her from a danger he cannot tell her about (for reasons that eventually become clear) than a desire to clip her wings, so to speak.
An excellent romantic suspense that leaves one wanting to read more.
At first glance, the Creatus may appear to be vampires, but as it turns out, that's far from the case. My memory is hazy - comes of writing a review long after I've read the book - but if I recall, the Creatus crash-landed on Earth four thousand years ago (okay, so I got that from the blurb) and have worked to integrate into human society - as well as hide from it - over the millenia.
From They Exist we learned that Derrick has been watching over Kris since she was a little girl - since he saved her from certain death the night her mother was killed. Over the years since, she has lived in numerous foster homes, and is somewhat reckless given that she knows she has a "saviour" "out there", and wants to meet him - she has learned that he only turns up when her life is threatened. So, not surprisingly, this book starts with her throwing herself off a bridge in a bid to bring him out into the open. Unknown to her, her action attracts the attention of a rogue Creatus, who discovers Derrick's attachment to Kris.
This book is a fantastic read, and thankfully isn't your run-of-the-mill vampire tale. In fact, forget vampires. The Creatus are something completely different. DeSousa's writing is excellent, drawing one in to the tale with ease, and then one is trapped, following events as they unfold.
At times, especially in the first chapters of this book, Derrick can appear to be very controlling, trying to restrict Kris's movements. However, one discovers that this is more out of a desire to protect her from a danger he cannot tell her about (for reasons that eventually become clear) than a desire to clip her wings, so to speak.
An excellent romantic suspense that leaves one wanting to read more.
September 4, 2015
Please DO NOT confuse this book with Creatus 0.5 by this same author. There are major changes the author has made that renders that story obsolete.
This book was a Very creative take on where some of our myths and legends that had their basis in fact (like Superman, werewolves, Batman and Spiderman).
The very first thing you have to believe is that "Love at First Sight" is possible. I do because it happened to me 44 years ago - and counting.
Four thousand years ago, Creatus. were brought to earth as children. Creatus, a race different enough to be superior to man in strength and agility by a factor of 10, and with lives twice as long as Man, have gradually amassed money and property.
For almost all of the 4000 years, the Creatus have kept themselves seperate from Man in every way.
Occasionally, "Rogues" have arisen and have attacked and killed members of Mankind and were then hunted and eliminated by other Creatus. There have also been a few times where Rogues have had children with earth women, though that has been considered taboo - almost as if a regular man had a child with a mentally challenged woman with an IQ of 60.
Recently, it was discovered that a Creatus/Man union didn't result in a Creatus with half the abilities, but actually resulted in a hybrid that was nearly twice as strong, twice as fast and more intelligent with no noticeable loss in the normal life span of 150 years for the average Creatus.
The downside to a Creatus/Man relationship is that when Crestus form a couple, it's for life. The Creatus half of a couple is thus condemned to 30+ years of being emotionally alone when the human spouse died.
This unique inter-racial joining is the subject of this book. There is plenty of action as a Rogue has appeared and seems to be targeting one Creatus family, a human and friends and family of both.
It's a very interesting book and I recommend it highly.
This book was a Very creative take on where some of our myths and legends that had their basis in fact (like Superman, werewolves, Batman and Spiderman).
The very first thing you have to believe is that "Love at First Sight" is possible. I do because it happened to me 44 years ago - and counting.
Four thousand years ago, Creatus. were brought to earth as children. Creatus, a race different enough to be superior to man in strength and agility by a factor of 10, and with lives twice as long as Man, have gradually amassed money and property.
For almost all of the 4000 years, the Creatus have kept themselves seperate from Man in every way.
Occasionally, "Rogues" have arisen and have attacked and killed members of Mankind and were then hunted and eliminated by other Creatus. There have also been a few times where Rogues have had children with earth women, though that has been considered taboo - almost as if a regular man had a child with a mentally challenged woman with an IQ of 60.
Recently, it was discovered that a Creatus/Man union didn't result in a Creatus with half the abilities, but actually resulted in a hybrid that was nearly twice as strong, twice as fast and more intelligent with no noticeable loss in the normal life span of 150 years for the average Creatus.
The downside to a Creatus/Man relationship is that when Crestus form a couple, it's for life. The Creatus half of a couple is thus condemned to 30+ years of being emotionally alone when the human spouse died.
This unique inter-racial joining is the subject of this book. There is plenty of action as a Rogue has appeared and seems to be targeting one Creatus family, a human and friends and family of both.
It's a very interesting book and I recommend it highly.
September 16, 2013
This is the start to a new and creative series about a secret race of superhumans. It's a neat turn on where our legendary superheroes come from, with a sweet romance and a lurking threat to the two leads' newly found happiness.
Want to read
May 1, 2015Author's guest post at my blog:
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2015/04/...
http://bookfare.blogspot.com/2015/04/...
October 26, 2016
spoiler kinda...
Had crush on mother, she dies...might as well stalk and fall for the daughter. Yuck
Had crush on mother, she dies...might as well stalk and fall for the daughter. Yuck
April 2, 2019
Well written but I just couldn't buy what the author was selling. Kudos to not having spelling and grammar errors every other line.
November 1, 2018
On the whole I liked Creatus. It's a typical PNR in many ways, and you get what you'd expect from the genre, but the prose was readable and the story moved along at a good pace. My edition included the prequel, and I definitely found it helpful to know that background information. There were some downsides. I didn't think her alcohol problem was always handled as well as it could have been, and there's a slightly dubious aspect to their romance, seeing as he's been 'stalking' her since she was a child. However, if you are willing to let those things slide and simply accept the story as it is, then paranormal romance readers will no doubt find this an enjoyable tale. I give it 3.5 stars.
September 15, 2019
DNF.
I was really looking forward to reading this one. The concept and description seem promising, but alas the delivery is disappointing. The insta love between the characters is just unbelievable. Add to that a sugary-sweet lovey-dopey interaction and the book becomes unbearable. This is like a bad version of Twilight.
I was really looking forward to reading this one. The concept and description seem promising, but alas the delivery is disappointing. The insta love between the characters is just unbelievable. Add to that a sugary-sweet lovey-dopey interaction and the book becomes unbearable. This is like a bad version of Twilight.
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