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A Tale Of #2

A Tale of Something Red: (ATO Serie Band 2) (A Tale of Series (Deutsch))

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Liliana gerät in das Kreuzfeuer des intriganten, blutdurstigen Adels des Kontinents. Feinde lauern nicht nur jenseits der Territoriumsgrenze, sondern sogar in den Reihen von Els Familie auf Schloss Finsterwald.

Während sie Geheimnisse über die Vergangenheit und die Macht des vampirischen Fluchs aufdeckt, muss Liliana ihre eigenen Wege finden, um ihre Tochter und den Mann, in den sie sich wider besseres Wissen erneut zu verlieben beginnt, zu schützen.

470 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2024

1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

D. S. McColgan

7 books12 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
413 reviews3 followers
August 3, 2024
Loved it!! But not that ending!! I need book three. Like that cliffhanger is killing me!! This one goes way more in depth on El and Liliana’s relationship if you can call it that lol.

At one point in the book I was screaming El, man the buck up already and tell Liliana what you think of her! You can't keep  getting mad at her for certain things! Like bro, you're older then her Lol.its very interesting to figure out the twist in this book and how everything was played out. It's such a good book! I'm wondering when book 3 will be out because I want it!
Profile Image for Cesca Kapitelbummler.
90 reviews
September 1, 2024
Rezensionsexempar

𝙰 𝚃𝚊𝚕𝚎 𝙾𝚏 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚁𝚎𝚍 ist eine gelungene Fortsetzung und bietet wie schon Band eins eine Bandbreite an interessanten Figuren.

Liliana ist auf ihre eigene, sanfte Art ein Powergirl. In ungewohnter Umgebung zeigt sie dem Adel, dass sie kein unbeholfenes Bauernmädchen ist, sondern bereit ist ihr eigenes Leben aufs Spiel zu setzen um ihre Liebsten zu schützen.
Standhaft bietet sie mehrmals dem Adel die Stirn und findet so Freunde... sowie Feinde.

Die Beziehung zwischen El und Liliana entwickelt sich unter den gegebenen Umständen realistisch. Es treffen Welten aufeinander, es müssen Grenzen gesteckt und Bedürfnisse anerkannt werden. Auch das ein und andere Missverständnis muss geklärt werden während die Suche nach Verrätern den Beiden im Nacken sitzt.

Die Erweiterung des Worldbuildings ist klasse! Es werden weiter Adelsfamilien vorgestellt (Stichwort: Ball) und ein ganz besonderer See. Wir lernen auch technische Ideen/Entwicklungen kennen, die super in die gesetzte Zeit der Welt passen. Alles fühlt sich stimmig und nicht übertrieben an.

Daher von mir eine ganz klare Leseempfehlung! Hab mir das Taschenbuch noch zusätzlich selbst gekauft, da ich das Buch so gelungen finde.
Profile Image for Sonja Charters.
2,754 reviews139 followers
November 5, 2024
This is the second A Tale Of book and having really enjoying diving into this world in book 1 - A Tale Of Something New - I've been eagerly awaiting the release of the continuation of Liliana and El's story.

It was really great to jump straight back in where we left off in the first book. Having been left on a mini cliffhanger, I was really glad that we didn't skip any time.
It was much easier to become immersed right from page one this time - with no world building needed and revisiting the characters that we'd already grown to love.

I loved the development of the storyline - which obviously I'm not going to discuss, because I hate spoilers - but safe to say that this was packed with intrigue and mystery, action and danger and, of course we see the relationship between our main characters bloom and strengthen.

I love this mix of genres.
The romance adds something to this fantasy read which has me engrossed and rooting for Liliana, El and Annie and the supernatural elements add tension and excitement.
I hadn't quite realised the pun - but I'm a real sucker for a vampire read - and I literally couldn't put this down.

This was beautifully written with descriptive passages that gave such vivid images that I totally fell into this world for the duration.
There was even a point that I jumped when my son called me, as I'd been so completely engrossed.

There were new twists and shocking moments and I could not believe that we were left, again, on another cliffhanger!
I honestly had to just sit and reflect for a while at the end!
I absolutely need to get my hands on book 3 as soon as possible!

A brilliant read (better than book 1 if that's possible) - the perfect sequel which has left me wanting....no needing more!
Profile Image for Amorina Carlton.
Author 2 books38 followers
October 31, 2024
I don’t remember anyone telling us that this was supposed to be a Beauty and the Beast rewrite, but I was definitely getting those vibes in this second book. But it also has it’s very own unique take as well!

There were so many interesting elements and characters in this one that I think almost anyone would enjoy it – as long as you enjoy fantasy, vampires, political intrigue, and a little romance for good measure. It felt like an appropriate read for #spookymonth because it features a monster romance. This particular mythos is no sparkly gang of biters. Sure, they have beautiful human facades, but they have a very unpleasant side as well. I always appreciate unique mythos instead of just taking what is available and pressing copy and paste. Obviously, it’s okay to do research and take ideas, but at least have some originality!

This story also delves into aspects of humanity through the lens of the vampires and the humans living in their world. This is always one of the things I love about vampires and other “monster” books; they give us a chance to look at our world and mistakes through a filter and examine what we might be able to do better.

This book delves deep into politics, family life, and other socio-political issues that really brought the social commentary aspect of fantasy books to life – one of my favorite things!

I can’t wait to read the next one - because, again, that sure felt like a massive cliffhanger!
Profile Image for Daphne.
Author 2 books31 followers
January 10, 2026
This book was absolutely EPIC.

Book one was a five-star read for me, but this sequel somehow topped it. The worldbuilding, the characters, the storyline... honestly, Goodreads needs a six-star option at this point.

First off, El.
I've got beef with the guy. My opinion of him flipped more times than the pancakes you'd make for a brunch of fifty people. If I'd had the power to crawl through a page and smack some sense into him... well, let's be real, he would've killed me and I wouldn't have made it to the end of this book.

Liliana, on the other hand, can do no wrong. She’s brave, her growth since book one is so clear, and in my opinion she’s a full‑on badass. She also handled her anger issues way better than I would have. Coming back to El… if I were her, I would’ve jumped the guy. Which she technically did… but not for the same reason.

Although I might sound like an El hater (I swear I’m not), his character actually developed beautifully. Once he started explaining what was going on in his head, everything clicked and I genuinely felt for him. He’s emotionally complex in a way that makes him frustrating and lovable at the same time. I can even see an alternative timeline where I wouldn’t push him off the balcony.

Annie was an absolute cutie as always. And Zic and Zac? I’m weak for a good twin duo.

The plot was balanced, the pacing was great, and the worldbuilding was so much bigger and more interesting than in book one. The atmosphere was dark and immersive, the scenery vivid and easy to picture.

I can’t wait for the third book. I’m picking it up this week because after that ending I was left completely gagged.

My final note is the subtle humour in this book. I've highlighted some notes and you should absolutely check them out!
Profile Image for J. L..
Author 1 book7 followers
July 4, 2024
Book two proved to be a mesmerizing tale. Enthralled by the forbidden love, vampire lore, court intrigues, and familial sagas within its pages, sleep eluded me as I delved deeper into its enchantments. Truly chapter 19 is swoon worthy.

I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Erin Mangum.
318 reviews6 followers
April 2, 2025
Really enjoyed more of the vampire politics in this one - though I could not keep anyone straight! Sometimes I felt like I had missed key pieces of information but without going back to re-read, that would be hard to say. The pace picked up quickly over the last hundred pages and I became really committed! Cliffhanger ending and looking forward to the ARC of book 3. Can humans and vampires co-exist? It would appear not… I fear I may now be into vampires.
Profile Image for Cathryn Melani (cat.inspired).
496 reviews21 followers
October 29, 2024
When book one ended, A tale of something new I knew I needed to continue this series, so I jumped at the chance to read this. Thanks so much to the author and lovebookstours for my gifted book. All thoughts are my own.

This is SUCH a great series! Vampires, waring families, and paranormal romance make this a totally captivating read.

I page turned well into the night to finish this while at the same time not wanting it to end. And goodness what a cliffhanger ending!

Book 2 continues right where book 1 left off, with Liliana captive in Els castle of vampires with Annie (trying not to give away too many spoilers as you need to start at book one)

I loved the way the story unfolded in this book.

There was so much going on that kept me hooked. Their relationship, the conflicts between the Vampire characters, the mystery around who the traitor was and the big twist at the end.

This is a brilliant vampire read fantasy series that's definitely worth a read. Guarantee you will be swept into the story and be hooked too.

Now I need to wait patiently for book three.
Profile Image for Fatguyreading.
822 reviews39 followers
October 30, 2024
A Tale of Something Red is the second in the series, the first being, A Tale of Something New, which I've also read and very much enjoyed, so I was looking forward to this read, and let me tell you, it certainly did not disappoint.

For me, A Tale of Something Red is better than the first in the series. There's action, there's mystery, there's romance.

I enjoyed being back in this world again. The writing is so descriptive, you can really see the sights, hear the sounds, and smell the smells.

There's twists, there's turns, and one he'll of a cliffhanger and a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

There's vampiric lore, castles, nobility, all wrapped up in a flowing plot, with a cast of great, well developed characters.

4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Profile Image for Siobhain.
997 reviews36 followers
October 28, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book and I have to say I think A Tale of Something Red is even better. There’s a bit of everything you could want, a bit of action, a bit of mystery and even a bit of romance but just enough that it doesn’t take over the plot, just as I like it.

The writing is fantastic and I loved the characters, the only thing that I didn’t love was the cliffhanger! I need book three right now. I must read if you love fantasy that is well written with really interesting characters.

As always thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.
Profile Image for Ryssa Elyse.
44 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2025
With the way that the first book in this series ended, I was entirely too hyped to know what happened next in this one! Let me tell you, you DO need to read the first book in this series first, in order to understand what’s going on, because if you don’t, you will most definitely be confused! But I will say that this book, just like the first, did NOT disappoint! I love the way the author writes-her description skills are so immersive! At times I genuinely felt like I was there-in the castle, in the village, on the horses. I’m so honored to have been able to read this series and will definitely be coming back for more when it’s released!
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews140 followers
October 31, 2024
A Tale of Something Red by D.S. McColgan.
ATO series book 2.
I really did enjoy this book. I got into it straight away. I loved the story and the characters. I did like the writing style. I found book 2 more enjoyable than book 1. I do love vampires. I couldn't put it down. I did like the romance between El and Liliana. This book ends on a cliffhanger so I'm eager for book 3. I really am enjoying this series. I do recommend this book
1 review2 followers
April 30, 2025
An awesome sequel to A Tale of Something New this book is sooooo addictive I could not put it down. It has original ideas and I definitely could not see the ending happening the way it did.
Profile Image for mommy_and_books.
1,399 reviews35 followers
October 31, 2024
" [...] Never forget that I am a hunter, and you are my prey! [...]"

Wow! The second part of the "A Tale of" series entitled "A Tale of Something Red" by D.S. McColgan is an excellent novel about vampires. There was so much going on here that it was a very emotional story for me. I was rooting for the main character. Thanks to her and some of the vampires, I was moved to tears.

My favourite characters from this part are Liliana and her little daughter Annie. Who is the father of her child? Is the girl, like her mother, a human? In "A Tale of Something Red" they will experience terrifying scenes. Are you curious how they cope among the vampires themselves? I wouldn't want to be in their shoes. I would feel like their future victim. I would be afraid for my life.

Lord Eldric is a vampire and as you know from the previous part, the head of the family. Of course, not everyone likes it. In his own way, he is in love with Lilianna. And I really don't like him. Or rather, his stupid behaviour, excuse me. And it could have been so beautiful.

Vampires love to drink blood and of course fight for influence. Do family ties mean anything to them?

The author presented excellent fight scenes. Thanks to her descriptions, I was shocked. I imagined these scenes in my head.

Remember! Vampires are vile liars and manipulators. Be careful while reading. In this book, I found great maps and a family tree of a certain family. It is worth taking a closer look.

The great cover also deserves your attention. The plot and action are so great that I couldn't tear myself away from reading. The characters are diverse, and the ending caused my heart to stop for a moment. I need to read the next part because I want to know what happens next. I hope that author D.S. McColgan doesn't make us wait too long for it.

If you love vampires, you can't miss this title.
Profile Image for Karolyn.
1,329 reviews43 followers
October 30, 2024
Here is my review for A Tale Of Something Red by D S McCoglan

This was a terrific read which I got into straight away right from the start. I liked the characters and enjoyed the storyline of vampires with a human living amongst them. It was extremely well written and planned out. Lilana and her young daughter Annie were living at Castle Finsterwald with El and his family. To start with she was locked in a room in one of the turrets but apparently this was because of the small window and it was hard to break into and try to steal them. El was still concerned that other people were still after them and that someone in his own family was in on it after an accident at the library. Being around him more, meant she was seeing the different sides of him, some even scared her but some made her realize why she fell for him before him and why she might again. This is a thrilling story that makes you wonder if Lilanne and Annie can survive even with El’s protection?

Blurb :

Liliana finds herself caught in the crossfire of the scheming, bloodthirsty nobility of the Continent. Enemies lurk not just across the border but even within the ranks of El’s family at Castle Finsterwald.
As she uncovers secrets about the past and the power of the vampiric Curse, Liliana must find her own ways to fight in order to protect her daughter and the man she starts to, against better judgment, fall for once more.
In the second book of the ‘A Tale Of’ series, castles, noble families, ancient artefacts, duels, political intrigue, and romantic tension await (fade to black or closed door).
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
April 24, 2025
Something Red . . .

Liliana is exhausted, her pain keeping her from getting much sleep. The escape from the castle failed in so many ways. El was scowling and they were still at his mercy in the tower. Her rib still ached badly. Her ankle had swollen again, and she had a knot on her forehead. Martha the maid brought her some herbs and things Liliana had requested to help heal her. How did she find all those things? After 2 weeks, her skin healed and her ankle was back to normal, but the rib still hurt every time she took a breath. Then Martha told her Lord Eldric (“El”) was having a feast at midnight and wants Liliana to appear as a guest to meet the family consisting of about 20 people. Apparently she was also going to have a scented bath before the event. She told the vampire she didn’t need his help with that and fortunately he left. Since she couldn’t bring her toddler Annie even when Martha would be taking care of her, Martha told her that refusing to attend would mean she would be locked regularly in her room. But he knew she was curious and was confident she would attend. Why was he insisting on this? What was he up to? And how could she prepare herself to protect her daughter and perhaps even El?
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,484 reviews118 followers
April 24, 2025
This is the second book in the A Tale Of... Series. I enjoyed the first instalment awhile ago, so I was eager to read the next instalment.

This is a dark fantasy romance. If you haven't already done so, I would recommend that you read the first instalment, A Tale of Something New, before coming to this. In hindsight, I would have liked to revisit the first book again, to remind myself of what happened, but I did enjoy the continuation of Liliana's story.

This is a slow burn romance with closed-door love scenes, so it's not spicy, but it focuses on the connections between the characters. I enjoy this author's style of storytelling and the way they bring the characters to life. If you like dark fantasy or paranormal romance, give this a try.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mappy BookGirl.
526 reviews12 followers
June 30, 2024
Better than the first book of the series, and I’m looking forward to the next!! In the first book things moved slow (but not in a bad way), but now everything is moving so fast it was hard to put down. There were so many ups and downs and twists, betrayals and romance and fighting. The ending was entirely unexpected and makes me wish I had the next one already so I can know what happens with Liliana, El, and Annie. So many questions, and no answers until the next book is released. For anyone who did not finish the first book, you should reconsider so that you can get into this one!
Profile Image for Tami Wylie.
713 reviews35 followers
October 28, 2024
I didn’t just read this book, I devoured it! I loved book one but this book was even better, if that’s possible. This book continues the story of El and Liliana. I love vampires and forbidden love, both are featured in the book. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep me on my toes and glued to the story. The story is well written, exciting and engaging. The characters are fab and well developed. If I had any complaints about this book, it would be about the cliffhanger at the end! However, it’s a great tactic by the author to leave us hungry for more. Bring on book 3!
Profile Image for Jade.
180 reviews6 followers
July 25, 2024
Picks up right after the first book. These cliffhangers will be the death of me. I loved seeing more of this world and how things are actually run in this world. I truly cannot wait until the 3rd book comes out. I loved seeing more of Liliana and El and him finally realizing he has a daughter. Learning more about the Vampire "curse" and how the Light works. - I could not believe the ending and I absolutely need to know how this ends.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews140 followers
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October 31, 2024
A Tale of Something Red by D.S. McColgan.
ATO series book 2.
I really did enjoy this book. I got into it straight away. I loved the story and the characters. I did like the writing style. I found book 2 more enjoyable than book 1. I do love vampires. I couldn't put it down. I did like the romance between El and Liliana. This book ends on a cliffhanger, so I'm eager for book 3. I really am enjoying this series. I do recommend this book.
Profile Image for C House.
Author 1 book10 followers
November 14, 2025
I was impulsive and bought/read this book before the first one, but the writing and characters were so well-done, it didn't take away from the experience.

I enjoyed the dark elements brought into the fantasy setting by the author. They clearly know what they were doing. The politics and character development were my favorite parts and kept me going to the very end.

Speaking of the end, the cliffhanger was fantastic! Well done!
46 reviews
July 14, 2024
Fantastic! Even better than the first book. I absolutely enjoyed this book. A little closed door romance, a little mystery, and some action. I absolutely recommend! I don't want to say much more to avoid spoilers. This book was great and I think I will have to get a physical copy to add to my collection.
Profile Image for Sara.
618 reviews45 followers
August 15, 2024
Kind of difficult to rate this one. It was a good book maybe even a really good one but just not for me. If you like morally gray characters, tension filled relationships, and a certain fantasy race with sharp teeth definitely give this series a try! Would I read the third book? Yes, because this one ends in a huge cliffhanger!
Profile Image for Jessica Johnson.
61 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2024
Holy cliffhanger Batman!

Love this series and El! He may seem like a real beast, but I think he truly loves Liliana and Annie. He just struggles against his monstrous nature so much, and I feel so bad for him! There is a twist at the end I definitely did not see coming, in regards to the true traitor, and the end is a horrible cliffhanger, so I hope book 3 is out sooooooon!!!
Profile Image for Valinda Henry.
124 reviews
June 4, 2025
I did not like this book as much as the first one. The romance part of this was very arduous and I felt like the story was going no where. Only did the last few pages get interesting, only to find out there is a third book! I’m out!
9 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2024
Even better than the first book! Engaging from start to finish, and I really have started to enjoy the love the characters at this point
Profile Image for MG.
133 reviews
April 23, 2025
all the characters are so incredibly well written that it FRUSTRATES me. you'll know what i mean once you read it.
Profile Image for Avaswordspace.
46 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2024
Eine gelungene Fortsetzung mit einem Ende, das einen nach Buch 3 verlangen lässt 😉
Wo Teil 1 vielleicht noch etwas langsamer gelaufen ist, gibt Band 2 jetzt richtig Gas. Liliana und Annie werden von einer Herausforderung in die nächste geworfen und dabei gibt es ordentlich Abwechslung zwischen großen und kleinen Krisen. So lernen wir den Hofstaat kennen, erleben Bälle, durchstöbern die Bibliothek und untersuchen seltsame antike Gegenstände zusammen mit der Hauptcharakterin. Das alles wird begleitet von einer meisterlich gebauten Atmosphäre, die mir wirklich das Gefühl gegeben hat auf einem Schloss mitten in den verschneiten Bergen zu sein oder aber auf einem Anwesen an einem malerischen See oder ganz wo anders.
El und Liliana, obwohl sie wieder bei einander sind, brauchen sie doch Zeit, um zu einander zu finden. All die Missverständnisse und den Ballast der vergangenen Jahre aufzuräumen funktioniert eben nicht im Handumdrehen.
McColgan schafft es, das Ende des Buches bereits relativ am Anfang geschickt einzufädeln, sodass man die volle Gravitas der Situation auf den letzten Seiten auch wirklich spüren kann. Dabei bringt sie immer wieder auch die Nebencharaktere zum Strahlen.
Zu guter Letzt, das Magic System bleibt auch treu, wir lernen durch Flashbacks und Anekdoten die Geschichte der Vampire kennen und noch immer ist nicht geklärt, wann genau das Wissen verloren gegangen ist und warum. Ich freue mich darauf in Band 3 mehr darüber zu erfahren.
Plus, es gibt einen mächtigen, aber auch irgendwie befriedigenden Cliffhänger am Ende 😉
Profile Image for Karina Benedik.
966 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2024
Liliana und El haben sich wieder gefunden, auch wenn es mehr oder weniger unfreiwillig ist. El spricht davon Liliana beschützen zu wollen, Liliana fühlt sich zu Beginn wie eine Gefangene auf Schloss Finsterwald. Bis die beiden sich wieder annähern und erneut Vertrauen aufbauen, ist ein harter Weg.
Aber nicht nur das, auch Annies Geheimnis wird gelüftet und natürlich der ewige Machtkampf im Reich des Großadels. Jeder will auf den Thron, und kein Hindernis ist dafür zu groß.
Die Fortsetzung ist doppelt so dick wie der erste Teil, also es erwartet euch einiges an Spannung und Überraschungen.
Bitte unbedingt den ersten Teil vorweg lesen, sonst gehen sehr viele Informationen verloren, und man versteht vieles in der Geschichte nicht.
Mir hat Band 2 sehr gut gefallen, viele Emotionen die aufkommen, Geheimnisse die ans Tageslicht kommen, und aber auch Gefahren die gebannt werden müssen. Das Ende ist gemein und so fies, das ich am liebsten sofort mit dem 3. Teil weiterlesen möchte.
Cover sehr ähnlich aufgebaut wie der erste Band, sehr dunkel aber ansprechend.
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