First Death

by Kyona Jiles

Kinsley Preston's seemingly perfect life shatters when she inherits the mysterious 'Book of Protection' after a series of harrowing events. Suddenly, the reality of vampires and shape-shifters isn't just fantasy; it's her new normal. Thrust into a hidden world that challenges everything she knows, Kinsley grapples with a legacy steeped in blood, secrets, and tragedy. With her fabulous best friend Rachel, her crazy Aunt Marie, and the gorgeous college professor next door drawing her deeper into this shadowy world, Kinsley must navigate a path filled with danger and heartache.As she confronts a destiny that intertwines her past, present, and future, one thing becomes her life will never be the same.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

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Kyona Jiles is a fiction author in Washington State, where she lives with her loving (and patient) husband and their crazy (annoying) dogs. A longtime public school teacher, she's always writing stories and reading books, both for work and for fun. She believes reading is one of the best ways to relax and escape the pressures of everyday life.

With four published novels, two romantic suspense and two paranormal/urban fantasy, Kyona writes escapist fiction filled with fast-paced plots, high-stakes tension, and unforgettable characters. Her stories are crafted for readers who love heart-racing thrills, strong heroines, and just the right touch of danger and romance.

Her philosophy? Life is short - enjoy it any way you can.

If you want to learn more about Kyona, check out her website and social media.
Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Kinsley is suddenly thrust into a paranormal world after the death of her parents. When she learns she has been kept in the dark about their past and the creatures that go bump in the night, she struggles to make sense of her new life and trust the people closest to her.

This was a fun fast paced read. First Death felt very nostalgic for me. The writing and chaotic relationships with Kinsleys family and friends reminded me a lot of the Stephanie Plum books and The Hidden Legacy series. The love triangle felt so much like Joe, Ranger, and Stephanie from Janet Evanovich’s books. A nice slow burn pace for the romance side of things. I like that Kinsley had no time for the men in this book.

The writing was maybe a little young despite the content, but this made the book a quick read. There was a lot of tension and mystery throughout this book. I was constantly begging the Beck, Marie, and Scott to just tell Kinsley what was going on in this new world she’s been thrown into. But that made for a gripping story.

[GONZA · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yet another variation on the vampire and shape-shifting theme. With some interesting novelties but it would be the love triangle that will keep me reading this series.

Un'ennesima variazione sul tema vampiri e mutaforma. Con alcune interessanti novitá ma tendenzialmente, quello che mi fará continuare a leggere questa serie, é il triangolo amoroso.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

[Tessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinsley just turned twenty-one and her life has completely changed. It’s the end of her junior year at UW when weird deaths happen on campus, her parents are killed, and she learns that there are a few different creatures that go bump in the night. Thrust into a new world Kinsley, her best friend Rachel, and crazy aunt Marie are ground zero for danger. They are also right smack in the middle of some hot, overly protective guys. How will they navigate all this change and still come out unscathed?

This novel is a very basic “in over your head” paranormal romance with not too much world building. We have some basic structure of the vampire and shape shifter world provided by a side translation of a book Kinsley’s family had. This keeps the story threads together and answers questions. Kinsley’s character is very willing to uproot her former life but at the same time isn’t willing to totally trust all that is coming her way. Situations arrive where I struggle with the decision making. All that being said, this novel is some okay eye candy. There is something to be said for being able to devour a mentally low commitment novel with some slow burn sexual tension. The second novel is already on my to read list. 2 stars.

Review based on a digital Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by The Book Whisperer and NetGalley. Thank you!

[Logan B · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the prose is simple, there was a certain charm to this book. I thought the premise was pretty fun! I really admire the difference in voice between the characters, like Rachel's use of "chica" in the translated portions of the Book of Protection.
I did think the two love interests in the book were both problematic, though Scott much more than Beck. Honestly, how is it even a competition (team Beck 110%)!? The scenes of the men talking over or flat-out ignoring Kingsley got very old. How old is Scott even supposed to be? How is someone a close friend of her dad's and also a potential suitor?
I really liked the amount of action within the book and loved seeing Kingsley's evolution in defending herself. However, I did feel like some moments in the action scenes were disjointed, like there was a piece missing between Point A and Point B. The main example of this was when Isaac was fighting Kingsley and Beck at the gala. He was holding her one moment, and then she is against a tree? How did that happen?

I am looking forward to reading the next book! This definitely scratches the same itch as Vampire Diaries.

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“First Death,” by Kyona Jiles

Kinsley’s life was on track until her parents are murdered and she inherits the Book of Protection. Her new reality has vampires, shapeshifters, and killers, which is difficult for realistic Kinsley to believe. Kingsley, her best friend Rachel, crazy aunt Marie, and a mysterious college professor need to figure out how to keep Kinsley safe when people are after her.

I loved this book. Tons of action and slow burn romance. Lots of found family and protecting those close to you. Kingsley was relatable and a skeptic about everything. I loved how she constantly was willing to sacrifice herself for those around her. I loved that it was in PNW! The story line wasn’t super surprising, but it didn’t change how much I liked the book. It was really fast paced, and I didn’t get bored at all. I cannot wait for the second book. 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

[Manda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I absolutely love a good vampire story! This story seemed fun, so it intrigued me. I love the throwback almost to a Buffy esque world. I did find the writing a bit simplistic and choppy. It jumps from one topic to another without transition or explanation. The first example I can think of is at the very beginning when it jumps to the accident. Then when the professor all of a sudden suggests renting a condo in his building and moving. It was all just a bit disjointed. I also did not feel connected to any of the characters. There wasn't enough development. It is all dialog, jumping around. I really wanted to like it because I love vampires, fantasy, and romance. Sadly, this book wasn't for me.

[Kymber Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Death, by Kyona Jiles, is like reading parts - the best parts - of Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, True Blood, and Twilight all in one book. The story grabs you instantly, and can't put it down until the last page is finished. I'm just thankful book two, is now available and I can immediately go into that book to see how the story continues. The story is well written, and the storyline and characters are developed extremely well. It feels like the readers are living in the book right along with the characters, and they become people you are deeply invested in by the end of the book. By book two, you are practically salivating at the mouth, to to know what happens next, as you don't want to leet these people go. I really hope Ms. Jiles continues to write many more books for this series

[Lilliana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Even though it was a bit slow in the beginning it picked up pretty fast. And when it did I couldn't put it down. I love her writing and I highly recommend that if you haven't read this yet that you do so.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Death by Kyona Jiles was… fine. It was an easy read, but it definitely felt a little on the juvenile side for me. The premise has potential—Kinsley inherits a mysterious "Book of Protection" and suddenly finds herself thrust into a world of vampires and shape-shifters, with her life turned upside down. The idea of suddenly discovering a hidden world of supernatural creatures is always fun, and it kept me reading, even if I wasn’t totally hooked.

The characters were pretty standard for this genre. Kinsley, our main character, has a lot to deal with—family secrets, a destiny she didn’t ask for, and, of course, a love triangle. I’ll admit, the love triangle was the thing that really kept me going. I kept wondering whether Kinsley was going to give in to one of her love interests, and that suspense definitely made the book more engaging for me.

That being said, the book sometimes felt a bit too simplistic, and I didn’t feel as connected to the characters as I would have liked. Kinsley’s friends—Rachel and Aunt Marie—added some fun moments, but they felt a little stereotypical. The plot wasn’t all that unpredictable, and the stakes didn’t feel as high as I was hoping.

Overall, First Death is a decent read if you're looking for something light and easy to get through. It has its moments, but it didn’t blow me away. Still, if you enjoy paranormal romance with a bit of drama and a love triangle thrown in, this might be up your alley.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "FIRST DEATH" my first read by this author it was a unique interesting, intriguing, entertaining, suspense filled action packed journey your taken on with twists & surprise a must read for sure.
Kinsley Preston's parents were murdered & she inherits a mysterious "Book of Protection" throwing her life into chaos after some interesting crazy events showing her a hidden world she didn't know exits with paranormal creatures such Vampire's Shifters, it's not fantasy but now her normal.
Kinsley is finding it hard to believe this hidden world is full of blood, secrets, & tragedy her Aunt Marie, BF Rachel & gorgeous professor neighbor all try to keep her safe.
I definitely recommend to get this story following Kingsley on her path to confront her destiny such great read you couldn't our down with great characters that pull you right into all the intense drama.
I'm so looking forward to "SECOND CHANCE" next book can't come soon enough to see what happens next.
INTRIGUING, INTENSE, PARANORMAL ADVENTURE
A MUST READ FOR SURE 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

[Henry Lazarus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinsley Preston thinks she is a normal college student until her parents are murdered and she finds that she is a shadower, a type of vampire slayer, with special blood that increases vampire powers. There’s a war between basically good vampires and evil ones, and the evil ones have been murdered, like Kinsley’s parents until she is one of the few left. Kyona Jiles’s tale of Kinsley’s face off with one of the truly evil vampires, her training, and her First Death(self published ebook). Then her Aunt is kidnapped and Kinsley needs a Second Chance (book) to learn how to work with the vampire Beckford Alexander, a group of human monster killers, other shape-shifters and the succubus Lilith to finally face the evil Isaac. This is a nice opening to a fun urban fantasy that is growing on me.

[Espen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first chapter was so well written that it immediately captivates you. However, unfortunately, I had a few problems getting into that book afterwards, especially the character of aunt Marie was difficult for me to understand, but after about 20% of the book I was hooked. The world building is amazing and throughout the whole book I was torn back and forth between the two main male characters, but now at the end of the book I just want both. The end is also very good and makes you look forward to the second part.

[Denise Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new vampire series with a twist. Kinsley is a college student who suffers a tragic loss and finds out she is a “shadower”. Kinsley, her BFF Rachel are thrown into this new life. There are good and bd vamps, shapeshifters and hot men all over! Lots of action scenes between the good guys and bad guys. The romance is a slow burn with no resolution in this first book. I’m hoping that comes in book two. Although the story is good, the writing is choppy and slow going at times. I’m interested in reading Ms Jiles’s second book.

[Viccy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kinsley Preston's life is forever changed when she discovers she is a Protector, bound to a vampire Monarch. Kinsley's parents are killed in a not-so-subtle "accident" while she is in college. Her parents had planned to tell her of her secret identity during the summer, but now it is too late and she has to rely on her not-quite-sane Aunt Marie. Pursued by vampires and the humans who are involved with vampires is a difficult job, at best. At best, this book reads like a 12-year old wrote it. Not recommended.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m always a little reluctant to start a new author because I’m never sure if I’ll like them…of course. This was an author I’d never read before, but I will definitely after this one. It didn’t take long before I was drawn into the story. At times in the beginning, I wasn’t sure I was going to like Kinsely, but I really adored her by the end. I also thought that her professor was a tad overbearing, too, but he, too, grew on me. I really enjoyed this book, and by the end, I was a little sad I didn’t have the second book ready to read next. LOL! Quite enjoyed this book, and I hope to read the next soon! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Mellisa Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me on edge in the most delicious way, because just when I thought I understood where things were going, Kyona Jiles threw in another twist that made me question everything, and I loved how layered the plot was, especially with the creepy history behind the Book of Protection and Kinsley’s tangled legacy.

[Jean Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear, it’s been a while since I read a fantasy book that made me laugh out loud and clutch my chest at the same time, but the dynamic between Kinsley, her eccentric Aunt Marie, and her ride or die best friend Rachel gave this dark story a pulse of heart and humor that made it so much more than your typical vampire novel.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable read. The author has great character development and love how Kinsley grows in confidence. Fun book and tiny little line hit hard and made me laugh in the beginning. My Dad was Buffy! Yup. The part I hated was the end. Absolutely needs to be read immediately with book 2.

[Jennifer Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

captivating!

Sucks you in and ya can’t put it down!! It’s a must read! The author’s style of writing makes you feel like you are the character in the book and it is exciting!

[the_bibliophagist · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. It felt a little juvenile to me. The only thing that made me want to keep reading was the love triangle and if Kinsley was going to give in.

[Valynda Tegge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Such a great story line I absolutely adore these characters even if a bit bossy and overbearing sometimes. What a choice to have Scott and Beck hmmmm. Good stuff

[Denise Doughten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good vampire romance

This book makes you want to keep reading.. Some new takes on vampires and law. Good verses evil. Great characters and twists. Very exciting read.