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Rubyville Vampires #1
Caller of Crows
He was prepared to gamble his blood, not his heart...
Vampires have always made Sven's heart beat harder, but when his mother's life is on the line, he decides to face his fears. He decides to become immortal to save her.
Determined, he seeks out the Caller of Crows, a charismatic vampire by the name of Altair, and with his pulse pounding in his ears, he offers himself to the vampire, and asks to be turned.
The problem is, Sven lives in a city that is ruled by the paranormal, and pure mortal blood has become exceedingly rare. It's a treat that every vampire covets--and Altair is no exception. He doesn't want to turn Sven and let his sweet, sweet blood go to waste. Instead, he locks Sven in his bedroom as a valuable prisoner, as his property.
In his desperation, Sven realizes what he must do to get what he wants from the vampire: he needs to make Altair fall for him, to make the handsome devil see him as something more than a hot meal. He needs to melt the ice around Altair's heart and make him want eternity with Sven... and he needs to do it without falling for the ruthless vampire in return.
Vampires have always made Sven's heart beat harder, but when his mother's life is on the line, he decides to face his fears. He decides to become immortal to save her.
Determined, he seeks out the Caller of Crows, a charismatic vampire by the name of Altair, and with his pulse pounding in his ears, he offers himself to the vampire, and asks to be turned.
The problem is, Sven lives in a city that is ruled by the paranormal, and pure mortal blood has become exceedingly rare. It's a treat that every vampire covets--and Altair is no exception. He doesn't want to turn Sven and let his sweet, sweet blood go to waste. Instead, he locks Sven in his bedroom as a valuable prisoner, as his property.
In his desperation, Sven realizes what he must do to get what he wants from the vampire: he needs to make Altair fall for him, to make the handsome devil see him as something more than a hot meal. He needs to melt the ice around Altair's heart and make him want eternity with Sven... and he needs to do it without falling for the ruthless vampire in return.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2023
171 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
March 23, 2024
Rtc, I don't know what I think about it
February 14, 2024
hmm, well, this was not that good. read Only Fangs last year and that was okay tho. the worldbuilding here could be stronger, an overview of the different species, societal structures, and the government etc would be nice.
the romance - don't get me started. tell me how this captor/captive romance (which pretty much guarantees slow-burn & enemies-to-lovers) has instalust, 2 sex scenes before 40%, and Sven thinks he's falling in love with Altair before 50%?? bro, Altair is your kidnapper why- there just isn't enough reason for Sven to overlook himself being a prisoner and fall for his warden at this point.
could be more character depth as well, since all i know about Sven still is that he's stubborn and cares for his mother. the coven members are good people tho, i look forward to seeing Mordyn and Keegan more (plus Cale hopefully).
the plot is very classic and has no surprises whatsoever. hopefully the next book is better.
the romance - don't get me started. tell me how this captor/captive romance (which pretty much guarantees slow-burn & enemies-to-lovers) has instalust, 2 sex scenes before 40%, and Sven thinks he's falling in love with Altair before 50%?? bro, Altair is your kidnapper why- there just isn't enough reason for Sven to overlook himself being a prisoner and fall for his warden at this point.
could be more character depth as well, since all i know about Sven still is that he's stubborn and cares for his mother. the coven members are good people tho, i look forward to seeing Mordyn and Keegan more (plus Cale hopefully).
the plot is very classic and has no surprises whatsoever. hopefully the next book is better.
December 28, 2023
Maybe it's my own fault. I know I'm pretty much burnt out on vampires, but I went in with low expectations and somehow still ended up disappointed.
Cons:
× This is literally just smut/erotica. Nothing more. There's hardly any plot despite things clearly going on off screen. Unsure why this is labeled as a paranormal romance.
× Speaking of romance, there isn't any chemistry between the two love interests. There's no build up, no conversations of getting to know each other on any level before they hope into bed. They have the same conversation each time they spoke up until . Here's how the first half of the book goes between them:
Sven: you want me, I know you do
Altair: I do, but I won't give in so easily
Sven: *stands close to him, thinking how hot Altair is* bite me
Altair: 'kay
*The two proceed to have sex*
× Freaking Sven irritated me so much. His mother is dying and critically ill. She is the entire reason he went to Altair and the man can't even spend a few minutes worrying about her. Does he ever think of her? Maybe once, very briefly. Otherwise, we're stuck hearing his inner monologue about how hot Altair is, how much he wants to touch him, how he makes his cock feel, how he wants them in bed again, etc. His former life, where he had a number of friends and people who cared about him? Don't know. They're mentioned, moreso by Altair who has Sven's phone, but Sven barely thinks about these people either.
× Altair referring to Sven as his property up until the very end and Sven "being in love" with him despite hearing this...yuck.
× We don't really get good descriptions of what characters look like. I think Keegan was the only one I had a solid image of. Everyone else was described by their height, species, or hair color. Note to authors, saying someone is "handsome" or "beautiful" is not a proper description because everyone has a different view of what they consider handsome or beautiful.
× Stop. Using. Mates. As. An. Excuse. I'm so tired of authors using the mates trope to skip out on actually building a proper relationship between their love interest. I don't care what kind of "inner connection" or "invisible pull" they feel towards each other when they don't know the first thing about each other.
× It's as if the author realized the entirety of the book was smut, but didn't want to go back and change it, so they crammed a bunch of plot and character stuff in at the very end, like the last 30 something pages (Sven getting a tour, Sven properly meeting and hanging out with Altair's friends, Sven's closure with his mother, the crows having names, etc)
Pros:
- Altair being able to communicate with crows. How I wish this was explored and shown more. It was a fun element.
- Vampire being warm after drinking human blood was also very intriguing and something I haven't seen done with vampires before.
- An indie author who knows how important it is for lube to be used where there's sex between two men happening. Finally.
- Cale is the best and most sensible character in this entire book. Here's an example of why:
I will forever worship the ground Cale walks on. Shame he was hardly in the book.
- Cover is gorgeous.
Here's the thing, if you're looking for some vampire smut with little to no plot, this book is for you. If you're expecting plot with a character who cares about his dying mother and getting to know other characters, prepare for disappointment.
Cons:
× This is literally just smut/erotica. Nothing more. There's hardly any plot despite things clearly going on off screen. Unsure why this is labeled as a paranormal romance.
× Speaking of romance, there isn't any chemistry between the two love interests. There's no build up, no conversations of getting to know each other on any level before they hope into bed. They have the same conversation each time they spoke up until . Here's how the first half of the book goes between them:
Sven: you want me, I know you do
Altair: I do, but I won't give in so easily
Sven: *stands close to him, thinking how hot Altair is* bite me
Altair: 'kay
*The two proceed to have sex*
× Freaking Sven irritated me so much. His mother is dying and critically ill. She is the entire reason he went to Altair and the man can't even spend a few minutes worrying about her. Does he ever think of her? Maybe once, very briefly. Otherwise, we're stuck hearing his inner monologue about how hot Altair is, how much he wants to touch him, how he makes his cock feel, how he wants them in bed again, etc. His former life, where he had a number of friends and people who cared about him? Don't know. They're mentioned, moreso by Altair who has Sven's phone, but Sven barely thinks about these people either.
× Altair referring to Sven as his property up until the very end and Sven "being in love" with him despite hearing this...yuck.
× We don't really get good descriptions of what characters look like. I think Keegan was the only one I had a solid image of. Everyone else was described by their height, species, or hair color. Note to authors, saying someone is "handsome" or "beautiful" is not a proper description because everyone has a different view of what they consider handsome or beautiful.
× Stop. Using. Mates. As. An. Excuse. I'm so tired of authors using the mates trope to skip out on actually building a proper relationship between their love interest. I don't care what kind of "inner connection" or "invisible pull" they feel towards each other when they don't know the first thing about each other.
× It's as if the author realized the entirety of the book was smut, but didn't want to go back and change it, so they crammed a bunch of plot and character stuff in at the very end, like the last 30 something pages (Sven getting a tour, Sven properly meeting and hanging out with Altair's friends, Sven's closure with his mother, the crows having names, etc)
Pros:
- Altair being able to communicate with crows. How I wish this was explored and shown more. It was a fun element.
- Vampire being warm after drinking human blood was also very intriguing and something I haven't seen done with vampires before.
- An indie author who knows how important it is for lube to be used where there's sex between two men happening. Finally.
- Cale is the best and most sensible character in this entire book. Here's an example of why:
I will forever worship the ground Cale walks on. Shame he was hardly in the book.
- Cover is gorgeous.
Here's the thing, if you're looking for some vampire smut with little to no plot, this book is for you. If you're expecting plot with a character who cares about his dying mother and getting to know other characters, prepare for disappointment.
October 18, 2023
Caller of Crows is a spin off series of Silvana Falcon’s The Last Mortals series. Before I get into my review I just want to hype that series up because it is so very good and I def recommend for all the possessive dragons and fated mates!
This book follows Sven, who is a mortal. Sven is on a mission to cure his mother who is very sick. Sven decides to seek out the caller of crows who is a vampire coven leader, Altair. Sven asks Altair to turn him into a vampire with the thought that he will then be able to save his mother. Sven asks to be turned in exchange for Altair getting to taste mortal blood. Unfortunately for Sven, Altair is a strong and powerful vampire and could take what Sven is offering anyway and does exactly that. Altair holds Sven as a captive and plans to sell his blood to other vampires as real mortal blood is very rare. This begins a captor/captive kind of romance as at first Sven thinks he will be able to be free if he can seduce Altair into turning him into a vampire and succeed with his original plan.
What I liked:
- Every author includes different lore/rules with vampires and I thought this version was interesting. These vampires could not go in the sun, but Altair had special abilities to read minds and see through the eyes of crows. Another vampire, Keegan, had visions of the future. I wish we could have gotten more background as to why some vampires had these abilities and others seemed not to.
- I did like Sven, I thought his character was brave and strong willed though a bit impulsive. I also did like Altair for the most part, his past had all the angst potential and he was a true broody vampire
What didn’t work for me:
- I didn’t truly believe Sven and Altair’s feelings for one another. It didn’t feel like they had enough time to actually fall for one another especially when they were captor/captive.
- With that, the transition from Altair not letting Sven go because he is a captive to Altair not letting Sven go because he doesn’t want Sven to get hurt just felt odd? It felt like it was a complete 180 and like there was no real build up to the changing feelings
Overall, this book mostly worked for me. I’m interested in continuing the series because I have a feeling about who book 2 will be about and it’s giving protector/bodyguard kind of romance which I am definitely a fan of.
*I received an arc and this is my honest review.
This book follows Sven, who is a mortal. Sven is on a mission to cure his mother who is very sick. Sven decides to seek out the caller of crows who is a vampire coven leader, Altair. Sven asks Altair to turn him into a vampire with the thought that he will then be able to save his mother. Sven asks to be turned in exchange for Altair getting to taste mortal blood. Unfortunately for Sven, Altair is a strong and powerful vampire and could take what Sven is offering anyway and does exactly that. Altair holds Sven as a captive and plans to sell his blood to other vampires as real mortal blood is very rare. This begins a captor/captive kind of romance as at first Sven thinks he will be able to be free if he can seduce Altair into turning him into a vampire and succeed with his original plan.
What I liked:
- Every author includes different lore/rules with vampires and I thought this version was interesting. These vampires could not go in the sun, but Altair had special abilities to read minds and see through the eyes of crows. Another vampire, Keegan, had visions of the future. I wish we could have gotten more background as to why some vampires had these abilities and others seemed not to.
- I did like Sven, I thought his character was brave and strong willed though a bit impulsive. I also did like Altair for the most part, his past had all the angst potential and he was a true broody vampire
What didn’t work for me:
- I didn’t truly believe Sven and Altair’s feelings for one another. It didn’t feel like they had enough time to actually fall for one another especially when they were captor/captive.
- With that, the transition from Altair not letting Sven go because he is a captive to Altair not letting Sven go because he doesn’t want Sven to get hurt just felt odd? It felt like it was a complete 180 and like there was no real build up to the changing feelings
Overall, this book mostly worked for me. I’m interested in continuing the series because I have a feeling about who book 2 will be about and it’s giving protector/bodyguard kind of romance which I am definitely a fan of.
*I received an arc and this is my honest review.
May 23, 2024
Caller of Crows *Trigger/Content warnings* at the bottom of the review.
Look, this wasn’t that bad, and if it were a debut, I would have rated it slightly higher. It’s definitely not a debut, however, clocking in as at least the 5th book the author released, so the glaring realism issues, the smallness (nondescriptness) of the setting, and the lack of character building in Sven, the main character were not forgivable for me. My suspension of disbelief was sadly lost several times.
At first, I wanted to compare this book to Roman by Grae Bryan, but, frankly, all the above issues I mentioned were handled much better by Grae Bryan - and Roman WAS a debut.
I’m going to start with what was done well with this book, which were largely the flow of the writing, the spice, and the kink of possessiveness/touch-him-and-die elements. I’ll even go so far as to say I could almost buy into the insta-love since it was implied from time to time Sven and Altair were a type of True Mates. I also enjoyed the ending.
While the writing wasn’t descriptive at *all*, and I largely had to come up with my own images for the characters, let alone the atmosphere this story takes place in (there was a distinct lack of all five senses for the majority of the story, and it focused largely on sight and sound with some touch), the writing was easy to read and kept up a fast clip for most of the story, moving both the relationship and the meager plot revolving around that relationship, forward. Once I sat down to read, it was easy to go through several chapters in one sitting.
The spice in this, while I, personally, found a little too quick to begin and intense from the get-go, was quite well written, easy to read, and relatively realistic. There’s a decent amount of it, but it didn’t drag and there were several yummy moments throughout.
As someone who enjoys the trope, Altair’s almost immediate “touch him and die” possessiveness was one of my favorite aspects of the story, even though it’s a bit Dark Romance toxic at times, as he definitely doesn’t treat Sven as an equal and refers to him as his “property,” treating him as such, rather than as a lover/partner/boyfriend/etc. for 90% of the book. Still, this is a fiction, and in a fictional setting - especially one in which when the other character largely enjoys the treatment - I had fun with this slightly monstrous, over-protective, obsessive nature of Altair’s.
The ending was pretty thorough for the characters’ relationship. It wrapped some things up nicely and quite fluffily, leaving me with a warm glow when I turned the final page - which is exactly what I like in a standalone romance.
Now for the aspects that weren’t done as well, starting with what I already touched on - the smallness/nondescriptness of the atmosphere. The majority of the book takes place in one building and specifically one room. Incredibly little of the atmosphere was ever described throughout this, to the point where I don’t even know the size of the bed or whether the room possessed a closet. No colors, styles, shapes, or decor were described in the entirety of the vampire base. Sven briefly returns home, but nothing about it is mentioned - not what it looks like or smells like or where anything is, let alone any sentimental mentions of his mother’s decorating or physical presence.
Next, the lack of realism. Look, I read romance. Specifically fantasy, paranormal, or sci-fi romance. I can put aside a LOT. But - to be frank for a moment - when a character has semen dripping out of him and pulls on a shirt and pants to go eat dinner up in the club without the idea of cleaning up ever being remotely touched upon, you’ve lost me.
I ASSUME there’s a bathroom in the bedroom with a shower, but was cleaning up or showering, or even brushing their teeth ever done or thought about or mentioned? No. There’s never any toothpaste scent on the breath or damp hair, even when one chapter ends with Altair covered in someone else’s blood and the next chapter begins back at home base. I don’t need to SEE all the daily ablutions, but SOMETHING about them happening the background NEEDS to be mentioned at SOME POINT. While this irked me quite a lot, it wasn’t the only issue with realism.
The world/setting this story takes place in is BARELY described, and all we know is that the world is largely composed of supernaturals of one sort or another with humans being nearly extinct. How this world operates in any way, from cityscapes to habitats, to law enforcement, is never described.
Also, various vampires have random magical abilities in addition to regular vampirism, but this isn’t elaborated on. Altair can not only control and see through the eyes of crows, but he can also read thoughts. How reading thoughts or controlling crows works is, again, never even described. He just DOES it. Is it only crows? Can he control other birds? Why crows? Does he just like crows? Are crows smart enough to understand him? These are questions that are never put forth, let alone answered.
Lastly, I have some big issues with Sven, who has very little personality, is largely spineless and, frankly, not the smartest. He keeps losing sight of his goal, which is to save his MOTHER, yet he never once asks if Altair can at least turn HER if he won’t turn Sven, even though that question becomes a painfully obvious one early on when Altair quickly learns of Sven’s mother and continues to imprison Sven to retrieve and sell his blood. Sven offers everything if only HE can be turned. Why not offer everything so his MOTHER can be turned - which is the only thing he wants?
Sven comments on the fact that his relationship with Altair is messed up, but does he do anything about it? No. He BARELY even fights with Altair and just accepts the way Altair tells him what he will and will not do. And when Sven DOES leave for an event that’s very important to him and gets attacked, he misses the event he left for DOESN’T EVEN THINK ABOUT THE FACT THAT HE *MISSED IT*, and proceeds to apologize to Altair for leaving EVEN THOUGH ALTAIR KNEW AND NEVER TOLD SVEN THAT HE WAS IN SERIOUS DANGER OF BEING KIDNAPPED OR ATTACKED. Keep in mind, this whole story takes place in roughly 7-10 days (aside from the final chapter), and it’s not like he’s been brainwashed or manipulated or abused into obeying Altair.
Like, look, I’m here for some slightly dark romance with a controlling lead, but the way the other lead has literally no backbone, SEES that the situation is messed up, yet BARELY fights back on the messed up aspects that he doesn't like, is just hard for me to get around.
Honestly, Sven was just terribly lightweight in character building. He’s there for the better built Altair to desire and cling to and ravage. We don’t even know what Sven does for a living or what his last job was, let alone any passions or hobbies he has. His old neighborhood where he did “odd jobs” was mentioned in a single sentence, but what those jobs were or how they got by on that money is never explained. It’s never stated that he’s poor, but it’s also never stated that any sort of job will be looking for him or waiting for him to return, which gives me the impression he’s jobless.
There’s just a serious DEARTH of expansion when it comes to Sven, and it left the story wanting.
To sum it up, there were parts of this book I could blur my eyes for and enjoy, and if you’re not looking for a depth of character building or plot but just a quick, spicy, slightly dark, supernatural romance instead, I can see you enjoying this. However, if you can’t suspend your disbelief that much, I couldn’t recommend it.
I just wish there were a bit more here in terms of depth and progression. I enjoyed some of the ideas, but the follow through was painfully lacking.
Caller of Crows ***CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS***:
~Kidnapping
~Imprisonment in a bedroom
~Dubious consent (because consent isn’t possible when someone’s not allowed to leave and is under the control of a more powerful person)
~Objectification
~Dark Romance style controlling character/jealousy/possessiveness/etc.
~Violence (brief gruesome imagery, *not* described in detail)
~Slavery/ownership of humans as blood slaves and the selling and buying of slaves
~Implied physical abuse of blood slaves (muzzles/bruises/force feeding/etc.)
~Implied rape/non-consent of blood slaves in exchange for “better treatment”
Look, this wasn’t that bad, and if it were a debut, I would have rated it slightly higher. It’s definitely not a debut, however, clocking in as at least the 5th book the author released, so the glaring realism issues, the smallness (nondescriptness) of the setting, and the lack of character building in Sven, the main character were not forgivable for me. My suspension of disbelief was sadly lost several times.
At first, I wanted to compare this book to Roman by Grae Bryan, but, frankly, all the above issues I mentioned were handled much better by Grae Bryan - and Roman WAS a debut.
I’m going to start with what was done well with this book, which were largely the flow of the writing, the spice, and the kink of possessiveness/touch-him-and-die elements. I’ll even go so far as to say I could almost buy into the insta-love since it was implied from time to time Sven and Altair were a type of True Mates. I also enjoyed the ending.
While the writing wasn’t descriptive at *all*, and I largely had to come up with my own images for the characters, let alone the atmosphere this story takes place in (there was a distinct lack of all five senses for the majority of the story, and it focused largely on sight and sound with some touch), the writing was easy to read and kept up a fast clip for most of the story, moving both the relationship and the meager plot revolving around that relationship, forward. Once I sat down to read, it was easy to go through several chapters in one sitting.
The spice in this, while I, personally, found a little too quick to begin and intense from the get-go, was quite well written, easy to read, and relatively realistic. There’s a decent amount of it, but it didn’t drag and there were several yummy moments throughout.
As someone who enjoys the trope, Altair’s almost immediate “touch him and die” possessiveness was one of my favorite aspects of the story, even though it’s a bit Dark Romance toxic at times, as he definitely doesn’t treat Sven as an equal and refers to him as his “property,” treating him as such, rather than as a lover/partner/boyfriend/etc. for 90% of the book. Still, this is a fiction, and in a fictional setting - especially one in which when the other character largely enjoys the treatment - I had fun with this slightly monstrous, over-protective, obsessive nature of Altair’s.
The ending was pretty thorough for the characters’ relationship. It wrapped some things up nicely and quite fluffily, leaving me with a warm glow when I turned the final page - which is exactly what I like in a standalone romance.
Now for the aspects that weren’t done as well, starting with what I already touched on - the smallness/nondescriptness of the atmosphere. The majority of the book takes place in one building and specifically one room. Incredibly little of the atmosphere was ever described throughout this, to the point where I don’t even know the size of the bed or whether the room possessed a closet. No colors, styles, shapes, or decor were described in the entirety of the vampire base. Sven briefly returns home, but nothing about it is mentioned - not what it looks like or smells like or where anything is, let alone any sentimental mentions of his mother’s decorating or physical presence.
Next, the lack of realism. Look, I read romance. Specifically fantasy, paranormal, or sci-fi romance. I can put aside a LOT. But - to be frank for a moment - when a character has semen dripping out of him and pulls on a shirt and pants to go eat dinner up in the club without the idea of cleaning up ever being remotely touched upon, you’ve lost me.
I ASSUME there’s a bathroom in the bedroom with a shower, but was cleaning up or showering, or even brushing their teeth ever done or thought about or mentioned? No. There’s never any toothpaste scent on the breath or damp hair, even when one chapter ends with Altair covered in someone else’s blood and the next chapter begins back at home base. I don’t need to SEE all the daily ablutions, but SOMETHING about them happening the background NEEDS to be mentioned at SOME POINT. While this irked me quite a lot, it wasn’t the only issue with realism.
The world/setting this story takes place in is BARELY described, and all we know is that the world is largely composed of supernaturals of one sort or another with humans being nearly extinct. How this world operates in any way, from cityscapes to habitats, to law enforcement, is never described.
Also, various vampires have random magical abilities in addition to regular vampirism, but this isn’t elaborated on. Altair can not only control and see through the eyes of crows, but he can also read thoughts. How reading thoughts or controlling crows works is, again, never even described. He just DOES it. Is it only crows? Can he control other birds? Why crows? Does he just like crows? Are crows smart enough to understand him? These are questions that are never put forth, let alone answered.
Lastly, I have some big issues with Sven, who has very little personality, is largely spineless and, frankly, not the smartest. He keeps losing sight of his goal, which is to save his MOTHER, yet he never once asks if Altair can at least turn HER if he won’t turn Sven, even though that question becomes a painfully obvious one early on when Altair quickly learns of Sven’s mother and continues to imprison Sven to retrieve and sell his blood. Sven offers everything if only HE can be turned. Why not offer everything so his MOTHER can be turned - which is the only thing he wants?
Sven comments on the fact that his relationship with Altair is messed up, but does he do anything about it? No. He BARELY even fights with Altair and just accepts the way Altair tells him what he will and will not do. And when Sven DOES leave for an event that’s very important to him and gets attacked, he misses the event he left for DOESN’T EVEN THINK ABOUT THE FACT THAT HE *MISSED IT*, and proceeds to apologize to Altair for leaving EVEN THOUGH ALTAIR KNEW AND NEVER TOLD SVEN THAT HE WAS IN SERIOUS DANGER OF BEING KIDNAPPED OR ATTACKED. Keep in mind, this whole story takes place in roughly 7-10 days (aside from the final chapter), and it’s not like he’s been brainwashed or manipulated or abused into obeying Altair.
Like, look, I’m here for some slightly dark romance with a controlling lead, but the way the other lead has literally no backbone, SEES that the situation is messed up, yet BARELY fights back on the messed up aspects that he doesn't like, is just hard for me to get around.
Honestly, Sven was just terribly lightweight in character building. He’s there for the better built Altair to desire and cling to and ravage. We don’t even know what Sven does for a living or what his last job was, let alone any passions or hobbies he has. His old neighborhood where he did “odd jobs” was mentioned in a single sentence, but what those jobs were or how they got by on that money is never explained. It’s never stated that he’s poor, but it’s also never stated that any sort of job will be looking for him or waiting for him to return, which gives me the impression he’s jobless.
There’s just a serious DEARTH of expansion when it comes to Sven, and it left the story wanting.
To sum it up, there were parts of this book I could blur my eyes for and enjoy, and if you’re not looking for a depth of character building or plot but just a quick, spicy, slightly dark, supernatural romance instead, I can see you enjoying this. However, if you can’t suspend your disbelief that much, I couldn’t recommend it.
I just wish there were a bit more here in terms of depth and progression. I enjoyed some of the ideas, but the follow through was painfully lacking.
Caller of Crows ***CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS***:
~Kidnapping
~Imprisonment in a bedroom
~Dubious consent (because consent isn’t possible when someone’s not allowed to leave and is under the control of a more powerful person)
~Objectification
~Dark Romance style controlling character/jealousy/possessiveness/etc.
~Violence (brief gruesome imagery, *not* described in detail)
~Slavery/ownership of humans as blood slaves and the selling and buying of slaves
~Implied physical abuse of blood slaves (muzzles/bruises/force feeding/etc.)
~Implied rape/non-consent of blood slaves in exchange for “better treatment”
November 27, 2023
I am a huge fan of vampire stories going all the way back to reading the absolute classics Dracula, Carmela, and the more recent series of The Vampire Chronicles. Don’t get me started on the whole vampires that glitter and walk in the light nonsense. Anyway, this book was my idea of a vampire story. It was dark, dangerous, evil and I loved every page.
One of the few humans left, Sven is willing to offer himself up to the Caller of Crows, Altair, in exchange for immorality. Sven has his reasons for this request but Altair does not wish to make him a vampire. Sven’s blood is so valuable to his coven as saleable merchandise that Altair is determined to keep Sven a prisoner in the underground rooms of his nightclub. Sven is kept captive by Altair but soon their relationship becomes much more than just prisoner and vampire.
This was a dark, dark story of monstrous evil and sadist like treatment but it also was a story of fated lives and desire and, yes, sinister love. Can Altair be trusted to ever fulfill Sven’s need to be turned?
This was such an enjoyable book and was just the way a vampire story should be with darkness and evil but with a reminder that all vampires were once human. Sven and Altair were such well developed characters that what they chose to do was believable for them. The storyline was different and I enjoyed that very much, since it went well beyond bloodsucking.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author, Silvana Falcon.
One of the few humans left, Sven is willing to offer himself up to the Caller of Crows, Altair, in exchange for immorality. Sven has his reasons for this request but Altair does not wish to make him a vampire. Sven’s blood is so valuable to his coven as saleable merchandise that Altair is determined to keep Sven a prisoner in the underground rooms of his nightclub. Sven is kept captive by Altair but soon their relationship becomes much more than just prisoner and vampire.
This was a dark, dark story of monstrous evil and sadist like treatment but it also was a story of fated lives and desire and, yes, sinister love. Can Altair be trusted to ever fulfill Sven’s need to be turned?
This was such an enjoyable book and was just the way a vampire story should be with darkness and evil but with a reminder that all vampires were once human. Sven and Altair were such well developed characters that what they chose to do was believable for them. The storyline was different and I enjoyed that very much, since it went well beyond bloodsucking.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author, Silvana Falcon.
May 7, 2024
New author for me and I can say that I have found another author that I will be reading more books from.
If you like vampires, mm reads and some dark themes then this book is for you. I had a hard time putting this down as I just wanted to continue to read to find out what happens. I thought the author did an amazing job with the main MC's and the plot to the story.
Sven leaves his mother to see if he can save her life. He wants to go to the vampires to have them turn him so he can turn his mother. He doesn't want to lose her. When he finds the vampire he is looking for, Altair, he asks him to change him but he is denied. Altair then decides that he is going to keep Sven. Sven doesn't know what to expect from the vampire but this wasn't it. Sven is interested in the vampire and what he does with the crows. Sven is held and cannot leave the coven which makes him want to spend more time with Altair.
Altair is the leader for his coven after he killed his sire. He does not want to let the mortal go and decides that he will keep him and sell his blood. Altair finds that he has a hard time sharing the mortal's blood with anyone else. He will not let any harm come to him but he cannot let him leave or escape. Altair will do anything he can for the mortal and wants Sven to stay with him. When danger to starts to arise, he decides that it isn't safe for Sven to go to his mother's funeral.
Sven escapes with some help so he can attend the funeral but he wasn't prepared for what happens when he gets to his mom's house. He ends up getting captured by a different vampire and now he can only hope that Altair comes for him. When he is rescued, he understands now why Altair is called Caller of Crows.
This was such an amazing story to me. I really loved the connection that the main MC's had. Yes it is fast and even though how they ended up together seems like they shouldn't be together, there is a pull between the two of them that they can't seem to let go of. I love the way they are together and I love the ending. I am glad that the author ended the story the way she did.
#I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
If you like vampires, mm reads and some dark themes then this book is for you. I had a hard time putting this down as I just wanted to continue to read to find out what happens. I thought the author did an amazing job with the main MC's and the plot to the story.
Sven leaves his mother to see if he can save her life. He wants to go to the vampires to have them turn him so he can turn his mother. He doesn't want to lose her. When he finds the vampire he is looking for, Altair, he asks him to change him but he is denied. Altair then decides that he is going to keep Sven. Sven doesn't know what to expect from the vampire but this wasn't it. Sven is interested in the vampire and what he does with the crows. Sven is held and cannot leave the coven which makes him want to spend more time with Altair.
Altair is the leader for his coven after he killed his sire. He does not want to let the mortal go and decides that he will keep him and sell his blood. Altair finds that he has a hard time sharing the mortal's blood with anyone else. He will not let any harm come to him but he cannot let him leave or escape. Altair will do anything he can for the mortal and wants Sven to stay with him. When danger to starts to arise, he decides that it isn't safe for Sven to go to his mother's funeral.
Sven escapes with some help so he can attend the funeral but he wasn't prepared for what happens when he gets to his mom's house. He ends up getting captured by a different vampire and now he can only hope that Altair comes for him. When he is rescued, he understands now why Altair is called Caller of Crows.
This was such an amazing story to me. I really loved the connection that the main MC's had. Yes it is fast and even though how they ended up together seems like they shouldn't be together, there is a pull between the two of them that they can't seem to let go of. I love the way they are together and I love the ending. I am glad that the author ended the story the way she did.
#I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
October 29, 2023
Caller of Crows
RUBYVILLE VAMPIRES
Author: SILVANA FALCON
I love a decent vampire romance as long as the vampire isn't a sparkly stalker or something.
In this book, a human, Sven, tracks down ethereal, gothic vampire Altair, offering himself up to be changed into a vampire and be a part of Altair's coven.
He has ulterior motives, but keeps them hidden.
Sven gets more than he bargained for when he wakes up chained to a bed - naked - and is told he is the new blood slave, locked away under the vampire's supernatural nightclub.
And the plan is to sell his rare, mortal blood to a buyer.
Keegan, red-haired vampire and close friend to Altair, is against holding a human prisoner, and spends his time offering Sven help, trying to scare him away from Altair. Keegan has visions and is adamant that keeping Sven can only end badly.
Despite himself, Sven is developing feelings toward the coven lord; a mix of lust, affection and anger.
Mordyn, also Altair's friend, gently teases him, as he sees Altair also starting to feel for Sven; the man who should be nothing but food and a product to sell.
As well as being sexy and powerful, Altair can control crows and use them to spy on people, especially Sven.
The chemistry between the two is undeniable and things soon heat up, but both men have hidden trauma and pain which they need to deal with for the story to progress.
Cale - Sven's friend and neighbour, who helps him throughout the novel - feels fully realised immediately. It's no surprise that this book is the first in a spin-off series, from the dragon shifter series which features Cale.
There's forced proximity and captive tropes, danger, steam, romance and some very funny moments in which the vampire coven becomes almost human.
It's a really fun book that also deals with emotional issues and I look forward to seeing both Keegan and Mordyn meet their matches, as well as seeing more of the human Rhyme.
RUBYVILLE VAMPIRES
Author: SILVANA FALCON
I love a decent vampire romance as long as the vampire isn't a sparkly stalker or something.
In this book, a human, Sven, tracks down ethereal, gothic vampire Altair, offering himself up to be changed into a vampire and be a part of Altair's coven.
He has ulterior motives, but keeps them hidden.
Sven gets more than he bargained for when he wakes up chained to a bed - naked - and is told he is the new blood slave, locked away under the vampire's supernatural nightclub.
And the plan is to sell his rare, mortal blood to a buyer.
Keegan, red-haired vampire and close friend to Altair, is against holding a human prisoner, and spends his time offering Sven help, trying to scare him away from Altair. Keegan has visions and is adamant that keeping Sven can only end badly.
Despite himself, Sven is developing feelings toward the coven lord; a mix of lust, affection and anger.
Mordyn, also Altair's friend, gently teases him, as he sees Altair also starting to feel for Sven; the man who should be nothing but food and a product to sell.
As well as being sexy and powerful, Altair can control crows and use them to spy on people, especially Sven.
The chemistry between the two is undeniable and things soon heat up, but both men have hidden trauma and pain which they need to deal with for the story to progress.
Cale - Sven's friend and neighbour, who helps him throughout the novel - feels fully realised immediately. It's no surprise that this book is the first in a spin-off series, from the dragon shifter series which features Cale.
There's forced proximity and captive tropes, danger, steam, romance and some very funny moments in which the vampire coven becomes almost human.
It's a really fun book that also deals with emotional issues and I look forward to seeing both Keegan and Mordyn meet their matches, as well as seeing more of the human Rhyme.
February 7, 2024
Hard to Enjoy
Everyone’s different, but I read books like this to escape reality for a little bit. Not many people delude themselves thinking they’ll walk away from reading a book like “Caller of Crows”, a gay vampire romance having learned anything useful other than perhaps discovering that unrealistic homosexual romance fantasies are surprisingly titillating to bored, sexually frustrated, middle-aged women everywhere.
By their very nature, fantasy romances are satisfying because two or more appealing characters, placed in close proximity, find they are attracted to each other but must overcome various contrived conflicts before they fall into bed, have lots of hot kinky sex and live happily ever after. This is an age old formula because it works. It appeals to some deeply rooted, patently ridiculous, primal collective fantasy that with good looks, good sex and enough lubrication, all obstacles to true love can be overcome and everything will work out and everyone gets a happy ending - both literally and figuratively.
This only works if the reader can relate to, and actually likes, the characters enough to root for their budding romance. Most readers have difficulty becoming invested in a romance plotline where one of the characters is an a$$whole. That’s the problem with this book. Sven is an irritating, unlikeable jerk from the get go. His stupidity and arrogance leave little room in the reader’s mind for thoughts of romance. I kept shouting (in my head) at Sven to just shut the eff up. His every utterance was annoying and his persona was repugnant. There was nothing about Sven’s character that I could consider attractive or associate with romance. And that’s why I gave this book 2 stars. The author’s not a bad writer, she just needs to figure out how to create more appealing characters.
Everyone’s different, but I read books like this to escape reality for a little bit. Not many people delude themselves thinking they’ll walk away from reading a book like “Caller of Crows”, a gay vampire romance having learned anything useful other than perhaps discovering that unrealistic homosexual romance fantasies are surprisingly titillating to bored, sexually frustrated, middle-aged women everywhere.
By their very nature, fantasy romances are satisfying because two or more appealing characters, placed in close proximity, find they are attracted to each other but must overcome various contrived conflicts before they fall into bed, have lots of hot kinky sex and live happily ever after. This is an age old formula because it works. It appeals to some deeply rooted, patently ridiculous, primal collective fantasy that with good looks, good sex and enough lubrication, all obstacles to true love can be overcome and everything will work out and everyone gets a happy ending - both literally and figuratively.
This only works if the reader can relate to, and actually likes, the characters enough to root for their budding romance. Most readers have difficulty becoming invested in a romance plotline where one of the characters is an a$$whole. That’s the problem with this book. Sven is an irritating, unlikeable jerk from the get go. His stupidity and arrogance leave little room in the reader’s mind for thoughts of romance. I kept shouting (in my head) at Sven to just shut the eff up. His every utterance was annoying and his persona was repugnant. There was nothing about Sven’s character that I could consider attractive or associate with romance. And that’s why I gave this book 2 stars. The author’s not a bad writer, she just needs to figure out how to create more appealing characters.
October 30, 2023
I found Silvana Falcon through MM and MMM+ Romance Reviewed. She introduced Sven in book four of The Last Mortals series, The Cursed Dragon’s Untouched Mate. I very much wanted to read this book and learn more about Sven!
Sven has a plan. He is going to become the thing he fears most. He has researched until he has found the coven that is ideal for him. The Caller of Crows sticks to his deals even though he is a ruthless leader. When do things ever go according to plan? Altair has his own plans now that this foolish mortal has tempted him. Will fate bring them both more than they bargained for?
Do you know that feeling where you find a new author and you’re about to go on a new adventure? Yep. That’s me and Silvana Falcon. I’m looking forward to my next adventure. I may have binged The Last Mortals series before reading reading Caller of Crows. Sven is a great character. For me, I really wanted to see more of him after book four ended. I wanted to know what would happen with his mom, how would he handle her continued illness? I didn’t expect quite what happened. His bravery in looking for Altair, facing his fears. Sven allowed himself to care for someone who only saw him as a possession. Altair had me confused until the end. His character is so stoic and yet he felt so full of feelings. I enjoyed their pairing and wonder what comes next for coven. I am a fan of shifter stories, dragons, vampires, wolves, etc. Will we see more of Cale and Kieran in the series? Will there be love for other vampires in the coven? Who will lose at the next Monday Madness meeting? So many questions and all I can do is get ready for the next book, the next adventure by this still new to me author.
Sven has a plan. He is going to become the thing he fears most. He has researched until he has found the coven that is ideal for him. The Caller of Crows sticks to his deals even though he is a ruthless leader. When do things ever go according to plan? Altair has his own plans now that this foolish mortal has tempted him. Will fate bring them both more than they bargained for?
Do you know that feeling where you find a new author and you’re about to go on a new adventure? Yep. That’s me and Silvana Falcon. I’m looking forward to my next adventure. I may have binged The Last Mortals series before reading reading Caller of Crows. Sven is a great character. For me, I really wanted to see more of him after book four ended. I wanted to know what would happen with his mom, how would he handle her continued illness? I didn’t expect quite what happened. His bravery in looking for Altair, facing his fears. Sven allowed himself to care for someone who only saw him as a possession. Altair had me confused until the end. His character is so stoic and yet he felt so full of feelings. I enjoyed their pairing and wonder what comes next for coven. I am a fan of shifter stories, dragons, vampires, wolves, etc. Will we see more of Cale and Kieran in the series? Will there be love for other vampires in the coven? Who will lose at the next Monday Madness meeting? So many questions and all I can do is get ready for the next book, the next adventure by this still new to me author.
May 27, 2024
3,50
Vampirler benim zaafım. Vampirli olan her kitabı sepetime ekleyen bir tutkunum.
Caller of crows'ta vampirleri, müstehçenliği ve biraz aksiyonu anlattığını gördüm ve hemen okudum.
Fena bir okuma olmadı. Ama bayıldığımda söylenemez. Yine de okumaktan memnun kaldım.
Altair vampir karakterimiz. Bir meclisi var ve lider. Aynı zamanda bir gece kulübü işletiyor. Kargalarla iletşimi kurabiliyor. Sanırım hikayede en seksi bulduğum şey Altair'in siyahlar içinde, kargalarla birlikte uçması ve siyah tüylerle bir çeşit kendisi imzasının olmasıydı.
Sven, hasta annesini iyileştirmek için vampirle anlaşma yapmak ister. Böylelikle kendisi vampire dönüşebilir ve annesini iyileştirebilir. Ama işler umduğu gibi gitmiyor. Altair onu dönüştürmek yerine kanını kullanmak istiyor.
Zamanla birbirlerinden etkilenmeye başlıyor. Bu kısım bilinen şeyler. İkisi arasındaki sahneler iyiydi ama beni çok etkilemedi. Sven'i eskiden ısıran vampirin kim olduğu gerçeği beni şok etti. Bak işte bunu beklemiyordum.
Aksiyon son kısma sığdırılmıştı. Mesela Altairin başka meclisten bir grupla çatıştığı sahneyi geçiştirmek yerine biz bunu okuyabilseydik kitabın içine daha çok girebilirdim.
Ayrıca Sven karakteri neye benziyor yazar hiçbir şey anlatmamış. Buna inanamıyorum. Karakteri hayal etmekte zorlandım ve kendim zihnimde bir karakter oluşturmak zorunda kaldım. Mesela sarışın mı kumral mı ya da esmer? En basit görnüşünü betimleyecek bir şey yoktu. Gerçekten bu önemli detayı anlatmamak puanımı düşürdü.
Ama okurken ne beklediğimi biliyordum. Yüksek beklentilere girmeden okunabilir bir kitap. Şimdi diğer kitabı merak ediyorum. Ama en çok Mordy'nin hikayesini. Eğlenceli bir karakter gibi görünüyor 💋
Vampirler benim zaafım. Vampirli olan her kitabı sepetime ekleyen bir tutkunum.
Caller of crows'ta vampirleri, müstehçenliği ve biraz aksiyonu anlattığını gördüm ve hemen okudum.
Fena bir okuma olmadı. Ama bayıldığımda söylenemez. Yine de okumaktan memnun kaldım.
Altair vampir karakterimiz. Bir meclisi var ve lider. Aynı zamanda bir gece kulübü işletiyor. Kargalarla iletşimi kurabiliyor. Sanırım hikayede en seksi bulduğum şey Altair'in siyahlar içinde, kargalarla birlikte uçması ve siyah tüylerle bir çeşit kendisi imzasının olmasıydı.
Sven, hasta annesini iyileştirmek için vampirle anlaşma yapmak ister. Böylelikle kendisi vampire dönüşebilir ve annesini iyileştirebilir. Ama işler umduğu gibi gitmiyor. Altair onu dönüştürmek yerine kanını kullanmak istiyor.
Zamanla birbirlerinden etkilenmeye başlıyor. Bu kısım bilinen şeyler. İkisi arasındaki sahneler iyiydi ama beni çok etkilemedi. Sven'i eskiden ısıran vampirin kim olduğu gerçeği beni şok etti. Bak işte bunu beklemiyordum.
Aksiyon son kısma sığdırılmıştı. Mesela Altairin başka meclisten bir grupla çatıştığı sahneyi geçiştirmek yerine biz bunu okuyabilseydik kitabın içine daha çok girebilirdim.
Ayrıca Sven karakteri neye benziyor yazar hiçbir şey anlatmamış. Buna inanamıyorum. Karakteri hayal etmekte zorlandım ve kendim zihnimde bir karakter oluşturmak zorunda kaldım. Mesela sarışın mı kumral mı ya da esmer? En basit görnüşünü betimleyecek bir şey yoktu. Gerçekten bu önemli detayı anlatmamak puanımı düşürdü.
Ama okurken ne beklediğimi biliyordum. Yüksek beklentilere girmeden okunabilir bir kitap. Şimdi diğer kitabı merak ediyorum. Ama en çok Mordy'nin hikayesini. Eğlenceli bir karakter gibi görünüyor 💋
October 11, 2023
So we had met Sven in The Cursed Dragon's Untouched Mate, which was the last book in The Last Mortals series. He was just so very sad. He is carrying so much guilt for his mother's illness that it's just crushing. When Cale is unable to find a cure for his mother, he hatches a foolish plan, he is going to get Altair to turn him and then he will turn his mother & that will cure her. He of course, doesn't discuss this with anyone & just takes off. Vampires can/do drink other species blood, but it doesn't compare to a mortal's blood. So when Sven shows up, Altair decides he is going to keep him & sell his blood. Both of our MC's are broken, in different ways. Altair for the things he did in his past & Sven for not listening to his mother & her ending up with this death sentence. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as I needed to see how this was all going to play out. There is danger and brutality, but it is tempered by humor. I love Altair's friends, I can't wait for them to get their HEA, especially Keegan, he was my favorite. Shush don't tell Mordyn or Iskander. Even though this is a spin off & we do see the MC's from The Cursed Dragon's Untouched Mate, it can be read as a standalone. I think though, if you read that series first, you would get a fuller overall feel for the world.
I received a copy of this book from Gar Romance Reviews , and this is my honest review
I received a copy of this book from Gar Romance Reviews , and this is my honest review
October 27, 2023
Start of a new Silvana Falcon series
This book is the start of a new Silvana Falcon supernatural series about vampires in a town called Rubyville. Sven tries to get vampire coven leader Altair, who the caller of crows from the title to turn Sven into a vampire so that Sven can turn his dying mother to save her life. Both of these main characters feel guilty about various things in their lives and fight the immediate attraction that they feel.
This story isn’t a terribly original mm vampire tale, but Ms. Falcon has a marvelous way with words that keep me wanting to read the stories that she writes. Sven is a more interesting character for me but maybe that’s partly because of how reserved Altair is so that he doesn’t jump of the page into my mind as much. Also face it he is a bit of a bad guy but by the end of the book I did feel that I wanted to know more about him.
If I have any real criticism it would be that if the way humans are wanted is as described in the book how did Sven and his mother live without being attacked? There is a bit about how it’s illegal to drink from a human but I really would have liked more about the world around them before Sven goes to the coven.
Of course if you have read Silvana Falcon’s The Last Mortals series you would understand all of this (hint hint). Still it would be good to maybe have a bit more history for those new to this world of Ms. Falcon’s or the hint I just made in the blurb.
This book is the start of a new Silvana Falcon supernatural series about vampires in a town called Rubyville. Sven tries to get vampire coven leader Altair, who the caller of crows from the title to turn Sven into a vampire so that Sven can turn his dying mother to save her life. Both of these main characters feel guilty about various things in their lives and fight the immediate attraction that they feel.
This story isn’t a terribly original mm vampire tale, but Ms. Falcon has a marvelous way with words that keep me wanting to read the stories that she writes. Sven is a more interesting character for me but maybe that’s partly because of how reserved Altair is so that he doesn’t jump of the page into my mind as much. Also face it he is a bit of a bad guy but by the end of the book I did feel that I wanted to know more about him.
If I have any real criticism it would be that if the way humans are wanted is as described in the book how did Sven and his mother live without being attacked? There is a bit about how it’s illegal to drink from a human but I really would have liked more about the world around them before Sven goes to the coven.
Of course if you have read Silvana Falcon’s The Last Mortals series you would understand all of this (hint hint). Still it would be good to maybe have a bit more history for those new to this world of Ms. Falcon’s or the hint I just made in the blurb.
February 14, 2024
I went into this one kind of blind and was hoping for something different than what I was reading..it definitely delivered.
Altair & Sven..
These two are what complete opposites define. The relationship between them is one that is not hard to understand. Sven wants something that can only come from Altair and Altair wants to keep Sven without giving him what he wants. It's a rocky road for them but in the end it works out and in the best way for both of them.
The "you're mine" vibes we get from Altair are what got me every time. Then you add in Sven's responses back and...yeah. Both having gone through different heart aches to get to where they are is what makes this book as good as it is. They both evolve throughout and what they become by the end is something you hope will happen.
There was a point in the book that I had my doubts to finish but kept pushing through and I am glad that I did. This one is also kind of sort of third POV which throws me for a loop in any book but this one seemed to need the outside view in.
Altair & Svens story has a little of everything...
Tension
Possessiveness
Spice
Smidgen of cuteness
Emotions
Sprinkles of humor
But overall the sense of longing from both of them.
There are some things that could be triggers so be cautious while reading.
Vampires are making their way onto my reading radar and I am not mad about it.
Altair & Sven..
These two are what complete opposites define. The relationship between them is one that is not hard to understand. Sven wants something that can only come from Altair and Altair wants to keep Sven without giving him what he wants. It's a rocky road for them but in the end it works out and in the best way for both of them.
The "you're mine" vibes we get from Altair are what got me every time. Then you add in Sven's responses back and...yeah. Both having gone through different heart aches to get to where they are is what makes this book as good as it is. They both evolve throughout and what they become by the end is something you hope will happen.
There was a point in the book that I had my doubts to finish but kept pushing through and I am glad that I did. This one is also kind of sort of third POV which throws me for a loop in any book but this one seemed to need the outside view in.
Altair & Svens story has a little of everything...
Tension
Possessiveness
Spice
Smidgen of cuteness
Emotions
Sprinkles of humor
But overall the sense of longing from both of them.
There are some things that could be triggers so be cautious while reading.
Vampires are making their way onto my reading radar and I am not mad about it.
February 6, 2024
CALLER OF CROWS is the first book in the Rubyville Vampires series, a spin-off from a series I haven't read yet.
Sven is mortal and searching for a cure for his deathly ill mother. Altair is a coven leader with the dubious reputation of killing his sire. When Sven seeks Altair out, it is to help his mother. Instead, he finds himself inside the coven with no options... maybe.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Altair was the perfect grumpy anti-hero who wanted to do what was right but went about it the wrong way. Sven is an optimistic soul with just a touch of Stockholm Syndrome. I loved these two together and was with them as they tried to figure out just what each other was to the other.
I was immersed in Rubyville and the lores of the land that this series gives you. I thought the supporting characters were fantastic and I can't wait to hear more about them. Well-paced and fun, as well as being hot, steamy, and dangerous. A great read that I definitely recommend.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 6, 2024
Sven is mortal and searching for a cure for his deathly ill mother. Altair is a coven leader with the dubious reputation of killing his sire. When Sven seeks Altair out, it is to help his mother. Instead, he finds himself inside the coven with no options... maybe.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Altair was the perfect grumpy anti-hero who wanted to do what was right but went about it the wrong way. Sven is an optimistic soul with just a touch of Stockholm Syndrome. I loved these two together and was with them as they tried to figure out just what each other was to the other.
I was immersed in Rubyville and the lores of the land that this series gives you. I thought the supporting characters were fantastic and I can't wait to hear more about them. Well-paced and fun, as well as being hot, steamy, and dangerous. A great read that I definitely recommend.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 6, 2024
October 26, 2023
Sven lives in a world where paranormals are in charge and mortals are rare. Their blood is highly valued and is considered a treat. He has always been leery of vampires but his mother is sick and he wants to save her by asking the vampire in charge to turn him. Instead, he is made a captive and told he is now the property of Altair. Altair does not want to turn Sven because then his blood will not be so very sweet. Sven decides his own recourse is to make the vampire fall in love with him so he will turn him, but nothing seems to work as planned.
Sven really felt he could help his mother by being turned and then turning her. It did not work out for a variety of reasons. Altair was quite the study. He had no problem being ruthless and cold but something about Sven touched him. This world was very interesting as all the vampires had a variety of powers. Altair could call crows and use them as he needed. Another one could see visions of possible futures. It made for great reading. This is book one and the rest should be just as intriguing.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it to my pleasure. The opinions are my own
Sven really felt he could help his mother by being turned and then turning her. It did not work out for a variety of reasons. Altair was quite the study. He had no problem being ruthless and cold but something about Sven touched him. This world was very interesting as all the vampires had a variety of powers. Altair could call crows and use them as he needed. Another one could see visions of possible futures. It made for great reading. This is book one and the rest should be just as intriguing.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily reviewed it to my pleasure. The opinions are my own
dnf
March 6, 2024DNF @64% ... wow, well........ I have TRIED with this book. I kept picking away at it, because it seems like it should be something I love. But it's been on my Kindle for a week or two (which, for someone who reads as much as I do, is like dog years - a.k.a. ten thousand actual book years), and while I've picked away at it I haven't been able to get invested, and I keep wandering off to read other things so I'm finally calling it. 😕 #notforme
I wish I could articulate WHY this isn't working better, but I honestly don't even want to put that kind of extra brain power into it. It's just ... a lack of on-page emotion? Maybe? idk, but I'm bored AF with it and don't care at all about either Sven or Altair getting their HEA, or any of the other vamps clearly being set up for future books in the series. (Which is kinda a bummer, because I actually found this one because of the blurb for the second book, which sounded like my jam, but then decided I needed to read the first one first to get into the world and not miss any context for Book 2 but... yeah. I think this has killed my interest in Book 2 as well 🤷♀️. Oh well! Moving on...)
I wish I could articulate WHY this isn't working better, but I honestly don't even want to put that kind of extra brain power into it. It's just ... a lack of on-page emotion? Maybe? idk, but I'm bored AF with it and don't care at all about either Sven or Altair getting their HEA, or any of the other vamps clearly being set up for future books in the series. (Which is kinda a bummer, because I actually found this one because of the blurb for the second book, which sounded like my jam, but then decided I needed to read the first one first to get into the world and not miss any context for Book 2 but... yeah. I think this has killed my interest in Book 2 as well 🤷♀️. Oh well! Moving on...)
October 29, 2023
3 stars this time. I really like this author but this for me wasn't one of her better novels.
The story is a spinoff from "The Last Mortals" series where Sven is desperately trying to find ways to save his mother, to the point of deciding to be turned as a vampire so he can then turn her and save her. Really simplistic and actually doesn't make sense as there's no guarantee he's going to survive an encounter with a vampire and meantime his mother critically needs someone there to help her. Instead he's taken by Altair and farmed initially for blood, until it becomes clear that they are mated. Altair also calls him the mortal when referencing him rather than by name i.e. anonymous to him, and his possession, and doesn't tell him until a few days after his mother is taken to hospital. This is called out by Sven's neighbours who have been looking after his mother while away so it's not glossed over but still a disconnect on his role with Altair.
The battle occurs with Altair's brother, of which there is a complicated history, and Sven has to make the difficult decision of whether he does want to be an eternal or human partner of Altair.
So story was ok but i felt inconsistent and Altair's behaviour controlling - probably no surprise as being a vampire but given that they are mates, I expected a softening of that earlier.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
The story is a spinoff from "The Last Mortals" series where Sven is desperately trying to find ways to save his mother, to the point of deciding to be turned as a vampire so he can then turn her and save her. Really simplistic and actually doesn't make sense as there's no guarantee he's going to survive an encounter with a vampire and meantime his mother critically needs someone there to help her. Instead he's taken by Altair and farmed initially for blood, until it becomes clear that they are mated. Altair also calls him the mortal when referencing him rather than by name i.e. anonymous to him, and his possession, and doesn't tell him until a few days after his mother is taken to hospital. This is called out by Sven's neighbours who have been looking after his mother while away so it's not glossed over but still a disconnect on his role with Altair.
The battle occurs with Altair's brother, of which there is a complicated history, and Sven has to make the difficult decision of whether he does want to be an eternal or human partner of Altair.
So story was ok but i felt inconsistent and Altair's behaviour controlling - probably no surprise as being a vampire but given that they are mates, I expected a softening of that earlier.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
May 2, 2024
Sven wants to make a deal with the devil. Only this devil is the powerful vampire Altair. Sven needs to be turned to save his dying mother. It’s his bad luck to pick the one vampire that won’t turn him.
There wasn’t a lot of give and take in this story. Sven had selfish reasons for wanting to be turned and Altair had selfish reasons for not wanting to turn him. The author took two characters that weren’t particularly likable and eventually made them interesting. Holding a man hostage because his blood tasted good was a bit odd though.Because each man was very strong willed I thought they got to being in love pretty fast. Sex definitely wasn’t one of their problem areas.
I liked most of the story but found it a bit disappointing. I felt it didn’t delve enough into each of the characters. It seemed like they were fairly superficial and it took to long for me to become engaged by them but by then I had almost lost interest in their story. I really hope the next books are better.
I received an arc of this book.
There wasn’t a lot of give and take in this story. Sven had selfish reasons for wanting to be turned and Altair had selfish reasons for not wanting to turn him. The author took two characters that weren’t particularly likable and eventually made them interesting. Holding a man hostage because his blood tasted good was a bit odd though.Because each man was very strong willed I thought they got to being in love pretty fast. Sex definitely wasn’t one of their problem areas.
I liked most of the story but found it a bit disappointing. I felt it didn’t delve enough into each of the characters. It seemed like they were fairly superficial and it took to long for me to become engaged by them but by then I had almost lost interest in their story. I really hope the next books are better.
I received an arc of this book.
October 25, 2023
"A lot of vampires are very interested in taking what's mine and making it theirs." Altair's eyes flashed. "I can't have that." He paused, meeting Sven's gaze. "I won't."
ARC Review~
Sven is a human, rare these days, and his mother is very sick. He blames himself for her illness and decides that if he can become a vampire he can turn her and “fix” the problem. I love when humans act so stupid around supernatural creatures, there’s something very charming about it.
The vampire Sven approaches is Altair, the Caller of Crows, and he decides to ignore Sven’s offer and just abduct him to sell his blood on the black market. Forced proximity, tasty smelling blood, and mutual attraction all add up to create an inevitable draw towards each other but keeping a human alive/unharmed in the vampire world isn’t easy.
I really enjoyed a lot of this. The romance worked for me since it was based on mutual lust and I liked most of the characters. There’s lots of growly possessiveness and Altair has to defend his choice to keep Sven more than once. TW for death of a parent - I felt like this was handled well and the conflict that arose from it made sense from both sides. The brother drama started and finished quite abruptly in my opinion but this was entertaining and I’d definitely be interested in continuing the series.
ARC Review~
Sven is a human, rare these days, and his mother is very sick. He blames himself for her illness and decides that if he can become a vampire he can turn her and “fix” the problem. I love when humans act so stupid around supernatural creatures, there’s something very charming about it.
The vampire Sven approaches is Altair, the Caller of Crows, and he decides to ignore Sven’s offer and just abduct him to sell his blood on the black market. Forced proximity, tasty smelling blood, and mutual attraction all add up to create an inevitable draw towards each other but keeping a human alive/unharmed in the vampire world isn’t easy.
I really enjoyed a lot of this. The romance worked for me since it was based on mutual lust and I liked most of the characters. There’s lots of growly possessiveness and Altair has to defend his choice to keep Sven more than once. TW for death of a parent - I felt like this was handled well and the conflict that arose from it made sense from both sides. The brother drama started and finished quite abruptly in my opinion but this was entertaining and I’d definitely be interested in continuing the series.
October 24, 2023
I have some mixed feelings about this one. There was something about the writing that felt off. Wooden dialogue? Stilted narration? I'm not sure what exactly. That I can't put my finger on it bothers me to no end. The world building was interesting. I like the idea of paranormals being in charge and mortals/humans being a commodity. I know it's been done before, but it still feels fresh to me. I wish the whole crow thing has been explained. No other vampires seemed to have any cool extra ability like that, so clearly that made Altair special. As for the relationship chemistry, it felt a little lacking. I'm very forgiving with fated-mates and insta-love. But I don't get why Sven fancied himself in love. All Altair had done up to that point was be a jerk.
So. Sounds like I didn't like it, right? Wrong. It wasn't bad. I kept turning pages, I read till the end, I really did love the crows. It wasn't a bad way to spend the day, even if it doesn't make it onto my top favorites book list.
So. Sounds like I didn't like it, right? Wrong. It wasn't bad. I kept turning pages, I read till the end, I really did love the crows. It wasn't a bad way to spend the day, even if it doesn't make it onto my top favorites book list.
October 22, 2023
Sven and Altair’s relationship does not have an auspicious start (if the captive/captor trope is your thing, this book is a good fit for you, if not, be aware that this pairing starts off as a hostage situation). Building trust, connection, and care from that start is a process— a complex, fraught process, and both characters are carrying baggage of various kinds that complicate the process even more. The connection is real, but so are the obstacles, and there’s an intensity to this story that weights each interaction, even as the dark parts are tempered with some humor and plenty of chemistry (did I mention that part? There’s serious chemistry). I ultimately ended up liking both characters enough to want things to work for them and to be delighted with the progress that they make. Overall, an easy read to get pulled into.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
October 27, 2023
Sven really has no idea what he is doing, and is a mortal grasping at straws. He doesn't think that, his plan to be turned into a vampire to save his mother seems rock solid to him. Altair on the other hand, can see the request for what it is, but doesn't mind taking possession of a mortal anyway.
From their, cue the slippery slope of two people who are drawn to each other try and only get what they want. Sven realizes rather quickly, it's not going to go how he hoped. Altair on the other hand, seem incapable of keeping his past and emotions to himself.
This isn't very dark, but there is on page violence and gore, so it's not sunshine and rainbows either. There is the will they/wont they angst, but again, it's not as bad as it could have been. It was enough to keep me interested (because I love me some angst), but not so much I was wanting to throw the book across the room.
From their, cue the slippery slope of two people who are drawn to each other try and only get what they want. Sven realizes rather quickly, it's not going to go how he hoped. Altair on the other hand, seem incapable of keeping his past and emotions to himself.
This isn't very dark, but there is on page violence and gore, so it's not sunshine and rainbows either. There is the will they/wont they angst, but again, it's not as bad as it could have been. It was enough to keep me interested (because I love me some angst), but not so much I was wanting to throw the book across the room.
November 5, 2023
This book started off a little slow for me. I have not read any of the other series by this author and discovered MC Sven was in previous novel. That does not mean you need to read what came before. Sven was a bit of a mystery for me. His motivations seemed a little shallow, just because I couldn't figure out the end game. I am trying to keep this spoiler free. I easily fell in like our with other MC Altar, the Caller of Crows. Dark, brooding, head of a vampire den, and can call crows!!! His dark broody dynamic is finessed really well. Altair helps flesh out Sven, his motivations, and their relationship. This is a bit dark tale if you are not comfortable with death of a loved one. But other than that this is not much a slow burn. It get's plenty hot. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an arc from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my review.
I received an arc from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my review.
February 4, 2024
The perfect mix of passion, suspense, drama, family, friendship, and love. I found Sven to be adorable and in possession of one of my favorite characteristics - snark. I love a character that is full of snark and sass. Sven had just as much to offer Altair as Altair had to offer him. It was a beautiful journey of love, acceptance, and moving on from the past.
I always enjoy when pets are incorporated into a story, and while not necessarily pets, the crows were like another character, with little personalities of their own, and they added depth to the story. Some of the scenes, seen through the crows eyes, were breathtaking and emotional. The characters were well-defined and I am intrigued by some of the secondary ones and the backgrounds that developed them into who they are. If the next book is like this first book, it will definitely be entertaining.
I always enjoy when pets are incorporated into a story, and while not necessarily pets, the crows were like another character, with little personalities of their own, and they added depth to the story. Some of the scenes, seen through the crows eyes, were breathtaking and emotional. The characters were well-defined and I am intrigued by some of the secondary ones and the backgrounds that developed them into who they are. If the next book is like this first book, it will definitely be entertaining.
February 7, 2024
As a lover of vampire stories, I am always looking for new series to read. The Rubyville Vampire series has appeared on my radar a couple of times, so I finally decided to give it a read. Sadly, it did not work for me in the way I had expected.
Part of the issue was that I found the writing to be a bit flat. While I was able to overlook this, the story never held my attention in the way I had hoped. I was constantly waiting to feel something between the characters, to experience some intensity, yet it never happened. Everything of interest to me felt like it happened off-page rather than allowing me to delve deep into what was happening, which constantly kept me at a distance from the story. Add in the fact that I did not much care for the characters, and this did not tick my boxes.
All in all, I am putting this down as one of those cases where I was not the right reader.
Part of the issue was that I found the writing to be a bit flat. While I was able to overlook this, the story never held my attention in the way I had hoped. I was constantly waiting to feel something between the characters, to experience some intensity, yet it never happened. Everything of interest to me felt like it happened off-page rather than allowing me to delve deep into what was happening, which constantly kept me at a distance from the story. Add in the fact that I did not much care for the characters, and this did not tick my boxes.
All in all, I am putting this down as one of those cases where I was not the right reader.
February 15, 2024
I love vampire books when they are done well; which for me isn't this one. This one has a MC that isn't likeable throughout the book. The we're mates only works if there's also the getting to know you. Mate attraction can only carry a book so far. IMO there wasn't enough of the getting to know you. The chemistry didn't feel real to me. The reason for going to the vampires for help is callously thrown to the side because OMG my mate. The world and character building isn't well fleshed out. This is smut that isn't done well IMO. I did like that Altair could communicate with Crows. I also thought it was a new and well thought of thing for how the vampires are different when they feed. I did like how Cael called Sven out on his behavior, too bad he wasn't in the book more. TBH I wish I'd have passed on this book. I had to force myself to finish and in the last 25% I started skimming.
May 1, 2024
This series has vampires definitely on the darker side. I have to admit that I read a short story, Only Fangs, in this series first and really enjoyed it. The short story hints at how humans are treated but it doesn't give the whole story. Sven abd Altair start with quite a power imbalance. Sven is trying to save his mother and just doesn't have anything that he can offer that Altair can't just take.
The vampires in this world are convinced that they are monsters and should act accordingly. I know there is a dragon series in this world that I am going to have to read to see if all paranormals see humans the same.
Even with all that, Sven and Altair's love story has some extremely smexy moments and sweet moments as they find they just might need each other.
This is a fascinating world that I am going to have read more of.
The vampires in this world are convinced that they are monsters and should act accordingly. I know there is a dragon series in this world that I am going to have to read to see if all paranormals see humans the same.
Even with all that, Sven and Altair's love story has some extremely smexy moments and sweet moments as they find they just might need each other.
This is a fascinating world that I am going to have read more of.
October 10, 2023
Sven and Altair story was intense, a little heart-breaking and a little hurtful as their beginning isn't rainbows and roses and their trusting process is a long one.
They are bad at communication and they hide their true feelings, as well as the consequences for not following the rules.
Their falling in love is slow, thanks to past hurts, and betrayal that hardens the heart as long as fear for losing again a loved one.
Their chemistry is of the charts and they only have to believe and fight for what they wish for to gain the happiness they deserve.
I liked their shenanigans and Altair protective side, as well as the loving one when he let it shine.
I enjoyed the read and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
They are bad at communication and they hide their true feelings, as well as the consequences for not following the rules.
Their falling in love is slow, thanks to past hurts, and betrayal that hardens the heart as long as fear for losing again a loved one.
Their chemistry is of the charts and they only have to believe and fight for what they wish for to gain the happiness they deserve.
I liked their shenanigans and Altair protective side, as well as the loving one when he let it shine.
I enjoyed the read and I'm looking forward to see what happens next.
October 24, 2023
The protagonist of The Caller of Crows, Sven, is a mortal on a mission to heal his sick mother. He plans to accomplish this by locating Altair, the leader of the vampire coven and the so-called "Caller of Crows," and enlisting his aid. Sven offers Altair his blood in exchange for making him a vampire. But the strong vampire Altair takes advantage of Sven's offer and kidnaps him with the intention of selling his rare mortal blood to other vampires. A complicated captor-captive romance blossoms as Sven assumes he can earn Altair's favor while still enacting his original objective. The book was really good and i was very entertained throughout the story. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
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