Stormrise

Storm Chronicles #1

by Skye Knizley

Life isn't easy for Detective Raven Storm. Her best friend was recently killed and dismembered, her latest case ended with her partner in intensive care, and her mother, the vampiric Mistress of the City is playing matchmaker… again. The last thing she wants is another bizarre murder case with a partner she doesn't know. But that is exactly what she gets when she is handed the enigmatic case of Nathan King, who was found in his car with a gaping hole where his stomach should be.

Soon Raven is unraveling a mystery that leads her deep into the city's preternatural underworld, and into the arms of a sexy vampire she barely knows, but whose heart she seeks in the darkness…

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Supernatural, Mystery, Romance

220 pages, ebook

First published October 30, 2013

About the author

Skye Knizley is the USA Today bestselling author of the Storm Chronicles series, an urban fantasy tale that mixes mystery, magic and horror, Midnight Roads, her homage to road movies with a dash of mystery and horror and the Shadowlands series of modern adventure/mysteries. All of her books feature strong female leads who can hold their own the men and then some, witticisms and of course Skye’s trademark snark.

Skye lives in the middle of nowhere, the small town life appeals to her and is conducive to writing. When she isn’t writing Skye can be found camping, motorcycling and hiking with her psychotic Siberian husky.

Skye is also a proud gamer girl and an avid fan of roleplaying games. She currently participates in a weekly game held at a local gaming store (stop in and say ‘hi!’) and is the writer and game-master of a private Fantasy Flight Star Wars game held once a month.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. This was a good mystery book with a paranormal twist. This is not lesfic. The main character has a boyfriend in this book. However, she is bisexual and it looks like in future books she might date women.

This series is available on Kindle Unlimited. This book was well written and I enjoyed the read. It had a good mystery, and I loved the paranormal aspects thrown into it. While Raven is a homicide detective, she is also a dhampyre (half human, half vamp). Her mother is the Queen Vampire, and Raven is also duty bound as her bodyguard. It was interesting how she had to juggle the world of humans and supernaturals, especially since most humans don’t know what’s really going on.

I noticed some low ratings on Goodreads due to editing issues. The version I read was the redone 2016 version and I didn’t notice any of the issues others mentioned.

I enjoyed this enough I am about to start book 2. Since I may run through a few of these quickly I will not be reviewing all of them. Probably just rate and make any notes I don’t want to forget. For my fellow lesfic readers, if this series turns more lesfic like, I’ll make sure to mention it.

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I raid Lex Kent's paranormal shelf and find this beauty, there are 1O books in this series and atm the h is currently dating a guy but there's a probability that she'll be switching teams in one of the books. The series are available on KU hence O pressure on your wallet. No romance whatsoever, the h is infatuated by the guy.

Detective Raven Storm, half human, half vampire works with the Chicago PD handling the crimes committed by humans and preternaturals. She drives a 1967 Shelby GT 5OO, has a gun that's able to kill all sorts of creatures, a snarky attitude and sharp minded. Besides protecting the citizens of Chicago, Rave serves a high position in her mum's security detail.

There case for this book is quiet puzzling, not only the victims have a connection with one another, they are being killed by the same method too. Ms.Knizley makes it interesting enough for me to be curious on the perpetrator but I failed to point such person out.

Rave has some problems with her preternatural world too besides dating a gorgeous vampire by the name of Francois Du Guerre (she has no problem whatsoever with that, I do)
He is more suitable to be her stylist/bestie/blood supplier rather than her love interest. Rave needs someone like Ryan Reynolds' character from the movie RIPD.

Book 2 downloaded but I'm going to check out the rest of the buffet table before sitting down with it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

How can this book possibly have this many stars? I'm not necessarily proud of the fact that I'll read just about anything, but this is just too awful to finish. I can't let this book pass without saying something, because I so often use reviews to guide my book choices. The writing style is painfully sophomoric, the characters woefully undeveloped and the plot just plain thin. Don't spend the money or the time

[Jacquie Talento · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted a copy from the author for an honest review.
This is a new author with her very first release and this book was amazing. I was very impressed how Ms. Knizley had you falling in love with the sexy vampire, Francois, to finding my own admiration for the sloppy Detective Levac and a true witty and talented Detective Raven Storm aka dhampyr. Her writing skills in this story are truly fantastic as she pulls you and refuses to let you go. This is definitely an author you want to watch for. She has left this book open for another and from the looks of it, it won’t be soon enough.
On a case searching for clues to the murder of Nathan King and Victoria Laveau where they are found literally with their stomachs turned inside out and signs of voodoo activity, they have stepped into a lot more than either of them planned.
Being the daughter of the Mistress of the City, Raven not only is a detective but the true protector of her mother. Being born half vampire and half human, her priorities are split between the job she loves and her dedication to her mother. Attending one of the meetings with the town, Raven is introduced to Francois DuGuerre, a vampire sure to sweep anyone off their feet. Is she able to start a relationship with Francois or is her job going to take her in directions that will keep her from getting to know someone that could be of importance in her life? With every clue that Raven and Detective Levac discover, more questions will come to the surface.
I truly loved this story and can’t wait till the next book comes out in the series.

[Jeanny · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you over look the glaring editing issues including but not limited to the excessive use of exclamation mark & the random changes between 1st & 3rd person POVs. The blind trust & insta-lust a police detective & vampire Guardian had In a man with a fab ass she'd only been introduced to days prior. The easily deciphered "weapons of mass explosions" the bad guy used to commit multiple murders. The thin plot & easily solved mystery, you would still have to deal with a protagonist that is TSTL & cardboard characters. How this book was published is beyond reasonable human logic. Honestly the H/h had no chemistry! The betrayal was obvious the min she contacted him via phone the first time maybe even before. 1.5 stars is a generous rating for such a badly construed book. This was just a jumbled mess. The book was in need of an editor.
In short the book sucked & suffered from an identity crisis. Luckily it was free.
Am I going to read book 2? Yes, only bc my friend swears it gets better & I lost our game of thumb war. UGH someone save me!

[Jenette · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rarely do I struggle so much to read a book. This one was awful. I have no idea why it's gotten so many five star reviews. Three, maybe, if you overlook the cheese factor, the bad writing and a love interest that actually made me cringe. The complete lack of chemistry between Raven and the apparently mega sexy, super awesome vampire beau was astounding. He read like something out of a trashy romance novel and I never once felt like his affection for her was genuine. I certainly didn't believe her feelings for him were anything more than a pathetic crush because somebody pretty was finally paying attention to her.

I'm not even going to touch on the murder mystery, it did nothing for me. Just like Francios. Ugh. I will freely admit to skimming this one and skipping any and all scenes between Raven and Francios. Waste of my time. I will not be picking up the sequel.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your run of the mill Vampire story - Raven is half vampire and half human - she works as a Detective on the Chicago Police force - she always gets the weird cases. After going thru 2 partners her new partner is Levac who everyone has nicknamed "Codumbo". Follow the mystery of who is doing the killing - whether it be Lycan - ghoul - vampire or what have you. This book is well written and will keep you turning pages to find out what is gonna happen next and who is gonna get killed. Can't wait for the next book. Would definitely recommend to everyone

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Woah, i can't believe i actually finished this book.. It simply, for me, sucked.. I mean, it could have been good, if Skye Knizley didn't try so hard, i think.. But i couldn't feel the book, you know? And man, i got so annoyed when "!" was used ALL the time!! Even in a freaking normal conversation.. Naha, this book was just not for me.. I hope everyone else who reads it has better luck :)
Rate: 1.5 stars.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for something new to read and came across Stormrise through Amazon's recommendations. It was available free on loan to Prime members, so I couldn't pass it up!

Stormrise is the first of a new series featuring Ravenel ("Raven"), a dhampyr police detective who is on the case of several ritualistic-style murders. Raven is also the daughter of the vampiric leader of the city's supernaturals, so she's well-connected. She's likable, dedicated to her work, and only uses her mother's status to her advantage when absolutely necessary. :)

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this -- the writing, the characters, the plot, and the mystery. Raven's romance with a new vamp in town moved a bit faster than I would have liked or expected, but at least it wasn't overly graphic. Her interactions with her food-addicted partner were funny, especially when she was trying to hide the fact that there were supernaturals in the city ("Don't eat the 'meat' pies!"). Once she got past her new partner's physical appearance, she started to respect him for the good cop that he was.

The pacing was pretty swift and the plot held my attention. It was also enjoyably twisty. I liked it so much that I returned the loaner and bought my own copy. And I'll definitely read the next one!

[Runningrabbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was probably a 3.5. But guess what? No skimming! (All the books are free on Kindle Unlimited - we like that! That would be me and the favourite voice in my head.)

The character was likable and a very much up front, no nonsense kind of girl. She was reasonably credible. However, some of the police work was not. Plate taking? Photos? Video footage? Mmmmm This did annoy me on a regular basis.

There was instalove. Yeh, even for me it was quick. I get the chemistry and preference for action, but the closeness and sudden caring and sharing I found over the top.

The good news is, the actual story tightened up really well, and I'm glad I didn't ditch, which I did consider. The tale could have developed with a better tempo, but I'm not waiting but going straight on for the next novel. Yehh for instant reading gratification. Books 2 & 3 are available.

[Rachel Andrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the pleasure of getting an advance copy to review. This book was a thrilling crime drama.I could not put it down. Written with such a visual style and with such suspense, it should be made in one of the best vampire movie ever. Great characterization and great story, I could not put it down I highly recommend this novel you wont be sorry you got it. You wont put it down once your pick it up

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storm Rise
by Skye Knizley

Does anyone remember Darren McGavin as “Kolchak: The Night Stalker”? Carl Kolchak, a grizzled investigative reporter (as are so many portrayed in fiction), used to find himself wrapped up in cases that always managed to center around a paranormal antagonist. The series only lasted one season in the mid-70s – which is a shame, because I found it highly entertaining and, at least in its best episodes, was an almost perfect blend of mystery and horror.

I've not seen anything like it – certainly not anything that I'd consider “good” - since then.
Until now.

“Storm Rise”, the first book in Skye Knizley's Storm Chronicles series, is a fantastic blend of murder mystery and paranormal. Raven Storm is a Detective for the Chicago police (what IS it about Chicago that provides the setting for this kind of story?), usually coincidentally (we assume) thrown into the most bizarre cases by her superiors. She follows her late father into this career. Raven also remains a part of her mother's world; there, she is known as Furstin Ravenel Tempeste, daughter of the leader of Chicago's vampires and a powerful Dhampyr (half-human, half-vampire) having the powers of the vampire without the inherent weaknesses.

In this novel, Raven and new partner Levac, deal with a suspicious death – a victim with a wound that apparently emerged from his interior rather than the traditional exterior entry. A second victim, well-acquainted with the first, is also located with a similar wound. And a voudou gris-gris bag is also found with each body. (No spoilers, except to state that author Knizley has found one of the most unique and grisly murder weapons I've ever encountered in years of reading murder mysteries.)

While this investigation is going on, Raven also deals with an attractive suitor who is newly arrived to her mother's court – and has to deal with a challenger to her mother's position.

As one might be able to tell by reading between the lines, I absolutely loved this novel and am looking forward to the next installment. (Which is already available – this book was released 2 years ago.)

RATING: 4 1/2 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.

[Pyxi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for: Stormrise by Skye Knizley
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Shanna Roberson

Where to start? This being Skye Knizley’s debut novel, it floors me at how incredible and intricate world she has created! It’s addictive and unique; an urban fantasy that is up there with Charlaine Harris and Jeaniene Frost. I can’t wait for Stormrage!

Detective Raven Storm is a damn fine cop. She handles the cases no one else could crack and she does it will an air that would make her late father proud. But Raven isn’t just an exceptional detective, also is the half-breed daughter of the vampire Mistress of the City.

So there might be a reason why she gets some of the weirdest cases out there but that doesn’t change the fact that she is an amazing cop. With her previous partner down, she is paired up with Detective Levac to crack the newest bizarre homicide, a well-known accountant. Nathan King is found with his stomach blown out from the inside out. Raven knows there is something preternatural is afoot.

On top of one of the oddest cases she has ever worked, she is trying to pursue a romantic relationship with the very sexy Francois Du Guerre, an ally of her mother’s court. With more questions piling up as another clue is reveal, Raven is left wondering if this would ever be solved and if she can find the time to balance her job, love life and protecting her mother’s throne or will it all crumble at her feet?

The amount of research and twist and turns throughout the story, it is easily one of my top reads for the year. A heart-racing thriller with a paranormal twist! This is definitely not your run of the mill vampire story! Can’t wait for book two and more of Raven’s kickassery.

[Nocturnal Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series must be read in order. This is the first book in The Storm Chronicles series.

Detective Raven Storm lives a complicated life. By day she works Homicide for the Chicago PD and by night she must divide her time between her job as a Detective and her duty as Fürstin, the Second in command to The Mistress of the City, a Vampire and also her mother. When it comes to cases, Raven always gets the weird ones.... The things that go bump in the night.... not that her bosses at the CPD know anything about the supernatural world that exists right under their noses. When the police find a body with an exploded abdomen and no clue how it happened Raven is called in to investigate.

This is an awesome start to Skye Knizley's first series. This book is filled with tons of action, mystery and thrills, doused with blood and gore and has hints of romance and betrayal. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more from this series.

This book is suitable for adult readers only.
Not suitable for the close minded, biggoted or homophobic.

[Jeannette Joyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I just loved this story from start to finish! The historical information was intriguing all in itself, who would have known that Chicago had that kind of history. Now the fact that this book had so many supernatural being in itself was an attraction to me right from the get go!! However, I just loved the fact that Raven is a detective! Not to mention her partner and boss are a trip!! There was none stop action while she hunted down mortals and immortals alike while getting into some pretty sticky situations! To solve her case! Honestly this would make an excellent TV series not to mention a movie!!! Meanwhile I found Raven romance with the sophisticated François so dam hot!
Now I don’t want to give too much away but this is a book you can’t simply pass up!! I am dying to read the second book and this heart stopping series!!!

[Stalking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thoroughly engrossed and captivated with Raven Storm, both as a Detective and as a damphyr trying to co-exist in the human world of her father and the vampire world of her mother. The homicide case that is weaved throughout this book is well put together. I love a good detective story and this is so much more! There is humor and a little romance as well. I was trying to solve the case right along with the main character and her partner, which sometimes lead me to talking out loud as I read! There was just enough interference from the vampire world to show how difficult it could be for Raven to straddle both worlds and how hard it is to keep humans from realizing what she is and what is out there. This was definitely an outstanding story. It was well written with gritty, realistic characters and a solid foundation for a continuing series that will keep readers entertained and coming back for more.

[Jeannette Joyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this story from start to finish! The historical information was intriguing all in itself, who would have known that Chicago had that kind of history. Now the fact that this book had so many supernatural being in itself was an attraction to me right from the get go!! However, I just loved the fact that Raven is a detective! Not to mention her partner and boss are a trip!! There was none stop action while she hunted down mortals and immortals alike while getting into some pretty sticky situations! To solve her case! Honestly this would make an excellent TV series not to mention a movie!!! Meanwhile I found Raven romance with the sophisticated François so dam hot!
Now I don't want to give too much away but this is a book you can't simply pass up!! I am dying to read the second book and this heart stopping series!!!

[Nikki Drost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking fantastic!!! I am hooked on Detective Raven Storm! Stormrise is packed full of suspense, humor, fast-paced action, and plot twists that I hadn't seen coming. I couldn't get enough of this story. I loved everything about the MC. Raven is feisty, sarcastic and doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. The story flowed nicely and kept me on the edge of my seat. Half of the time I was either giggling at the witty banter between the characters or I was biting my nails hoping and praying that everyone would make it out alive. This is the first time I've read anything by author Skye Knizley, but it certainly won't be the last. I can't wait to read the next installment of this phenomenal series.

[lovestoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Storm is not your normal every day female cop - she's part human, part vampire. Her mother is the reigning authority over the Vampire community. Storm is working to figure out how and why people are dying - all while someone is trying to kill her. She doesn't share much about herself to others, especially men! She doesn't have much time for them, until her mother puts a delightful vampire specimen in her path. Ends in a cliff hanger of sorts and it will be interesting to see what happens next!!

[G.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skye has skillfully created a combined paranormal and law enforcement world in a unique manner. Her two main characters, Raven and Levac, are well developed in personality and colorful endearing traits. Follow the duo of Raven and Levac as they try to solve a mystery full of multiple plot twists and loads of action. A wonderfully constructed who done it. This book is the first in a series and I can hardly wait for the next one.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book. Storm Rise was a refreshing take on the tired vampire genre. Raven, the heroine who kicks ass with just the right amount of snark was the perfect main character. Not only is she half vampire, living in both the human and vampire world, but she's also a cop. She not only puts her heart, but her life on the line for those she loves.

The characters and world building were executed with excellence. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Garn Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book I had the pleasure to get a copy for review. The mystery and plot kept me going. The action and flow for the book was really great, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and setting. Raven is a great character but for me it was her supporting cast that really set the book apart and brought the world to life and left me waiting for the next in the hopefully long series.

[Milto (Through The Eyes Of A Book Goddess) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A full review will be posted later on in day on my blog (which I will share here)

Suffice to say, I loved it!!!!!!

Skye Knizley gave me an ARC to read for a honest review.

This book had me going. The paranormal element was refreshing and surprising mixed with law enforcement,,,,,,I loved every page!!!!

Looking forward to the second instalment

[M. Jet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything I love about fiction! It put me in mind of a 1940's detective movie but with a very cutting edge twist. SUCH vivid imagery I saw every scene transpire in my mind as so few books do anymore. I loved the authentic feel of the detective work yet it was interestingly conveyed. I anxiously await Raven's return!

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police drama mixed with the paranormal. Fab!

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dhamphire Detective Does Homicide :)


•••NOT for the homophobic or closedminded•••


This series must be read in order. This is the first book.


This book was so awesomely understated I loved it! Ravenel is a homicide detective and Fürsten (bodyguard, enforcer, heir to the throne, and second in command to her mother the vampire queen)... She is also a dhamphire (only half vampire and not harmed by any vampire weaknesses ie sunlight etc).


Even though none of the cops know that she is a preternatural (or even know that such a thing exists) Raven manages to get assigned ALL the preternatural crimes in Chicago which has her going through human partners really quick. Every time she turns around her partner is in the hospital (or dead) and they assign her a new one... Gotta feel sorry for the guy she's stuck with next!


Raven is awesomely snarky and I had a lot of fun reading her story! I loved the banter she kept up even when nothing was in her favor... Outnumbered? Who cares? There is mystery and action aplenty not to mention adventure and suspense :) There is even a little bit of romance to keep the book believable as a real world. I truly can not wait to read the next book Stormrage!


***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy dark urban paranormal fantasy with an incredible snarky heroine who never gives up or gives in when pursuing justice in all forms and filled with action, adventure, mystery, intrigue, suspense, thrills and a dash of romance and plenty of horror laced with humor :)

[☀Rachael☀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feeling about this book I loved the prelude so that got me reading. But it wasn't till 70% where anything Vampy happened. I liked the cop stuff but everything was over explained and drawn out. The mystery and action was all that kept me going! I may or may not read book 2 even though it is free on Amazon Prime!

[Kili · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed it. Amazingly well done, particularly for a debut. I look forward to many more enjoyable works by Mz. Kinzley. She has a sharp whit, broad knowledge, decent research and a bent for the twists and turns that make reading enjoyable. Definitely a recommend.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut novel by an upcoming author. Well rounded characters, well-paced, flowing , smart and exiting plot line - I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be looking forward to more from this talented writer. Well done!

[Margo · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest the story itself wasn't bad, but the style of writing is terrible. Every other sentence is finished with exclamation mark. It's like when the author had doubts what she should put at the end of the sentence she just decided that "!" is the answer for everything :/