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Vale Avari #1
The Temple
Vale Avari has a mysterious past and a laundry list of super-powers, but that's nothing compared to what she finds upon moving from small town U.S.A to jolly-good England.
A chance dart throw lands her in Quicksilver, an off-the-map place with a big problem - people are dying, and word is, it's supernatural.
At her new place of employment, a temple dedicated to the ancient Mother Goddess, Vale learns something even more shocking - women guards are disappearing at an alarmingly patterned rate; women who possess special gifts like her own.
Supernatural powers aside, Vale isn't ready to believe in the Wild Hunt as the culprit, and she's determined to prove the deaths are acts of human violence.
Plagued by a brute with a history of domestic violence and lusting after a dark-eyed man with a secret, Vale has a limited amount of time to discover the killer before he strikes again. In the process, she'll learn things aren't always what they seem and the supernatural might not be so extraordinary after all.
The Hunt could ride for her.
A chance dart throw lands her in Quicksilver, an off-the-map place with a big problem - people are dying, and word is, it's supernatural.
At her new place of employment, a temple dedicated to the ancient Mother Goddess, Vale learns something even more shocking - women guards are disappearing at an alarmingly patterned rate; women who possess special gifts like her own.
Supernatural powers aside, Vale isn't ready to believe in the Wild Hunt as the culprit, and she's determined to prove the deaths are acts of human violence.
Plagued by a brute with a history of domestic violence and lusting after a dark-eyed man with a secret, Vale has a limited amount of time to discover the killer before he strikes again. In the process, she'll learn things aren't always what they seem and the supernatural might not be so extraordinary after all.
The Hunt could ride for her.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
ebook
First published June 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Heather Marie Adkins
95 books589 followersHEATHER MARIE ADKINS writes too much but still too little. She also has too many cats, not enough tequila, and a torrid love affair with procrastination.
With a penchant for the paranormal, Heather spends her days fueled by coffee, Ancient Aliens, and true crime podcasts. She resides in an unfortunately-not-haunted Queen Anne in southern Indiana with a sarcastic husband who is entirely too dependent on puns.
When she’s not plotting her next book or herding felines, she's researching the spookier aspects of history for her podcast, Historically Weird. Find out more about her at heathermarieadkins.com.
With a penchant for the paranormal, Heather spends her days fueled by coffee, Ancient Aliens, and true crime podcasts. She resides in an unfortunately-not-haunted Queen Anne in southern Indiana with a sarcastic husband who is entirely too dependent on puns.
When she’s not plotting her next book or herding felines, she's researching the spookier aspects of history for her podcast, Historically Weird. Find out more about her at heathermarieadkins.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 19, 2011
I can really say that Heather Marie Adkins doesn't disappoint.
After reading "Underneath" - and loving it - I was more than eager to read this new novel and I have to say that I loved it and it's a shame I didn't read it sooner.
The story revolves around Vale , a 24-year-old girl from US, who -when the book starts - has agreed to move overseas to England and take on a job that is both weird and potentially dangerous.
Not exactly normal herself, Vale fits right in.
Member of a very loving family, of hippy, college professor parents (Dane and Theresa)and a younger sister, Macy, Vale - even though adopted- has had a very happy childhood.
She was found in the woods near her parents' house and they took her in without question giving her love and affection.
From the beginning it is evident that Vale is unlike other girls, as she possesses super-strength, super-speed, telekinesis, a form of talking to spirits (only when they appear) and an orgasm-inducing touch when she chooses. Dane and Theresa know that right from the start, but like practicing wiccans they have faith and open-mindedness and have instilled that into her.
It is obvious that more or less, Vale, isn't unhappy about her abilities - on the contrary - and does not suffer from any complexes due to them.
Her powers are exactly the reason she accepts the "security" job in England, since her father knew the man in charge and her abilities make her uniquely qualified for it. All the guardians have abilities.
Her task seems menial enough, as she is presented a tower/castle in the middle of a forest and she is asked to keep the doors locked and -since it is actually a temple for three goddesses, Bast, Cerridwen and Freya- to keep the incense burning.
It seems easy enough, simple, quiet and dull...up till she gets one last advice.
Whatever you do, ten to midnight lock the doors carefully, pull a switch and no matter what you hear DON'T OPEN THE DOOR, DON'T GO OUTSIDE TILL IT'S 3A.M.
Jordan, the guard doing the shift before her is not helpful enough to explain anything and earns him a place in Vale's black book with good reason as we find out later.
It seems the switch she is meant to pull, adds additional doors and reinforcements to the locks and everything protecting the Temple and it is with effort that Vale makes out the terrible noises, groans and howling at first.
She soon finds out that it is all because of "The Wild Hunt". A group of damned souls led by a lesser deity or a demon, wreaking havoc and condemning everyone that sets eyes on them to be part of their parade. She thinks it's just a myth, an urban legend to keep the teens in check, but as does some research at the local library she realizes that not only is it real, but it has also taken the lives and souls of many innocent people , men and women, adults and children alike, in the past forty years.
In her search for the truth she is aided by a fellow guard, Melissa, who is just as intent on finding the truth. As she investigates Jordan, the mean-tempered guard, who is awfully suspicious and as his wife divulges, very violent and blood-thirsty, she finds out that he had been arrested for murder, fact which causes Vale to think that he may be the one behind the disappearances of female guards over the years without a trace.
While working there, Vale meets, Brett, the guard who often takes the shift right after hers, Bella, a call-girl living next door with a psychic ability which may very well save her life, and Anya, the ghost of a previous guard who went missing but gives only cryptic answers over what is going on.
I have to say that the story started relatively slow, but exactly because of that it gave us the chance to get to know the main character really well and love it. Vale is strong, brave, altruistic, loving and caring but in a laid-back way, that makes sense. She is only 24 years old, she is not normal and even though she has been loved, she strives for independence and wants to have and do something of her own.
The author often gives us insight into what she is thinking and not only because it is written in the first person, but also because we can actually see and feel, how Vale second-guesses herself at times, chastises herself over her decisions and generally her thought-process is thoroughly explained and justified.
The other characters are very well fleshed-out as well, starting with her sweet, wiccan, peaceful mother with a strong dislike towards anything chemical from conservatives to medicines and her father who is just as wiccan, but more level-headed and balances his wife out. Her teenage sister, comes across as an intelligent young woman who makes her own way and even has the courage to come out to her parents for being a lesbian - not that they mind.
Jordan is despised all around, whereas Melissa and Bella really step up to the challenge of being Vale's friend in their own ways and abilities.
Finally, Brett, the main love interest is charming and mysterious enough to make him drool-worthy and dark enough to raise suspicions.
Should Vale trust him or not? Is he honest with her? Is he faithful to her?
I loved how the author didn't make Vale trip over herself to justify him. Yes, she feels the attraction and raw magnetism and sexuality that he emits, but she is not frivolous about giving her heart away and being hurt.
I thought the story was original and well thought out. It flowed very smoothly.
Not that it didn't have a climax towards the end, but it felt like a natural thing... It's hard to explain but it felt like completion. At first I thought it would end with whatever happened at the temple and was ecstatic for book 2, but the end felt like a closure of shorts... It would really be a delight to have a sequel though.
If I had to name something that didn't set well with me regarding the book, it would be towards the end, where Vale is in a hard situation and somehow using her telekinesis occurs to her at the last minute. For someone who grew up feeling comfortable with her powers it struck me as awkward and it would make more sense to have her kick butt that way and not the one that was chosen... After all, she could move things with the power of her mind and she didn't have to wave her hands or anything.
If you haven't read this yet, you should.
Totally worth your time as the writer is really talented and the descriptions are wicked.
I for one will definitely be reading more by this author!
After reading "Underneath" - and loving it - I was more than eager to read this new novel and I have to say that I loved it and it's a shame I didn't read it sooner.
The story revolves around Vale , a 24-year-old girl from US, who -when the book starts - has agreed to move overseas to England and take on a job that is both weird and potentially dangerous.
Not exactly normal herself, Vale fits right in.
Member of a very loving family, of hippy, college professor parents (Dane and Theresa)and a younger sister, Macy, Vale - even though adopted- has had a very happy childhood.
She was found in the woods near her parents' house and they took her in without question giving her love and affection.
From the beginning it is evident that Vale is unlike other girls, as she possesses super-strength, super-speed, telekinesis, a form of talking to spirits (only when they appear) and an orgasm-inducing touch when she chooses. Dane and Theresa know that right from the start, but like practicing wiccans they have faith and open-mindedness and have instilled that into her.
It is obvious that more or less, Vale, isn't unhappy about her abilities - on the contrary - and does not suffer from any complexes due to them.
Her powers are exactly the reason she accepts the "security" job in England, since her father knew the man in charge and her abilities make her uniquely qualified for it. All the guardians have abilities.
Her task seems menial enough, as she is presented a tower/castle in the middle of a forest and she is asked to keep the doors locked and -since it is actually a temple for three goddesses, Bast, Cerridwen and Freya- to keep the incense burning.
It seems easy enough, simple, quiet and dull...up till she gets one last advice.
Whatever you do, ten to midnight lock the doors carefully, pull a switch and no matter what you hear DON'T OPEN THE DOOR, DON'T GO OUTSIDE TILL IT'S 3A.M.
Jordan, the guard doing the shift before her is not helpful enough to explain anything and earns him a place in Vale's black book with good reason as we find out later.
It seems the switch she is meant to pull, adds additional doors and reinforcements to the locks and everything protecting the Temple and it is with effort that Vale makes out the terrible noises, groans and howling at first.
She soon finds out that it is all because of "The Wild Hunt". A group of damned souls led by a lesser deity or a demon, wreaking havoc and condemning everyone that sets eyes on them to be part of their parade. She thinks it's just a myth, an urban legend to keep the teens in check, but as does some research at the local library she realizes that not only is it real, but it has also taken the lives and souls of many innocent people , men and women, adults and children alike, in the past forty years.
In her search for the truth she is aided by a fellow guard, Melissa, who is just as intent on finding the truth. As she investigates Jordan, the mean-tempered guard, who is awfully suspicious and as his wife divulges, very violent and blood-thirsty, she finds out that he had been arrested for murder, fact which causes Vale to think that he may be the one behind the disappearances of female guards over the years without a trace.
While working there, Vale meets, Brett, the guard who often takes the shift right after hers, Bella, a call-girl living next door with a psychic ability which may very well save her life, and Anya, the ghost of a previous guard who went missing but gives only cryptic answers over what is going on.
I have to say that the story started relatively slow, but exactly because of that it gave us the chance to get to know the main character really well and love it. Vale is strong, brave, altruistic, loving and caring but in a laid-back way, that makes sense. She is only 24 years old, she is not normal and even though she has been loved, she strives for independence and wants to have and do something of her own.
The author often gives us insight into what she is thinking and not only because it is written in the first person, but also because we can actually see and feel, how Vale second-guesses herself at times, chastises herself over her decisions and generally her thought-process is thoroughly explained and justified.
The other characters are very well fleshed-out as well, starting with her sweet, wiccan, peaceful mother with a strong dislike towards anything chemical from conservatives to medicines and her father who is just as wiccan, but more level-headed and balances his wife out. Her teenage sister, comes across as an intelligent young woman who makes her own way and even has the courage to come out to her parents for being a lesbian - not that they mind.
Jordan is despised all around, whereas Melissa and Bella really step up to the challenge of being Vale's friend in their own ways and abilities.
Finally, Brett, the main love interest is charming and mysterious enough to make him drool-worthy and dark enough to raise suspicions.
Should Vale trust him or not? Is he honest with her? Is he faithful to her?
I loved how the author didn't make Vale trip over herself to justify him. Yes, she feels the attraction and raw magnetism and sexuality that he emits, but she is not frivolous about giving her heart away and being hurt.
I thought the story was original and well thought out. It flowed very smoothly.
Not that it didn't have a climax towards the end, but it felt like a natural thing... It's hard to explain but it felt like completion. At first I thought it would end with whatever happened at the temple and was ecstatic for book 2, but the end felt like a closure of shorts... It would really be a delight to have a sequel though.
If I had to name something that didn't set well with me regarding the book, it would be towards the end, where Vale is in a hard situation and somehow using her telekinesis occurs to her at the last minute. For someone who grew up feeling comfortable with her powers it struck me as awkward and it would make more sense to have her kick butt that way and not the one that was chosen... After all, she could move things with the power of her mind and she didn't have to wave her hands or anything.
If you haven't read this yet, you should.
Totally worth your time as the writer is really talented and the descriptions are wicked.
I for one will definitely be reading more by this author!
June 27, 2011
Heather Marie Adkins has a way with words. Her descriptions brought the pages to life. I really enjoyed the main character Vale everything about her from her super powers to her relationship with her sister. I don't want to give anything away, but the ending was very dramatic and exciting. Looking forward to reading Abigail when it is released.
October 19, 2016
Rather scattered
Interesting premise but the story was so scattered, jumping from one idea to the next. Cannot say I enjoyed it.
Interesting premise but the story was so scattered, jumping from one idea to the next. Cannot say I enjoyed it.
August 29, 2018
Not entirely without charm, but has way too many random, disconnected ideas. Far too many elements, few coalescing. It takes place largely in a small English village to which the American MC has recently moved, but all of the details are wrong and the setting, characters, and dialogue all seem purely American (the author is American and has probably neither been to England nor researched anything whatsoever). There are a lot of strange word choices, though the overall grammar is at least good. The light tone never matches the dark plot. The pacing is weird. There is no mystery to the villain. I still do not understand why there are superpowers in this book at all. And the “romantic” ending is anything but, in my opinion. I mean, these people have known each other for a matter of weeks from the beginning to the end. It is like a 10 year old’s vision of a romantic ending.
Apparently there are newer editions of this than the version I read (and shelved here!) but I doubt they fixed much.
Apparently there are newer editions of this than the version I read (and shelved here!) but I doubt they fixed much.
May 13, 2017
😻
This is a keeper. To take out and read when u just need some feel good and emotional book. Yes there are sad parts and mystery and crying. But the love actually feels real. There was a couple of lines that had me hoping for that kind of love for my daughter. Well she had it but her boyfriend died right before he was to propose. So hopefully she gets a second chance at that.
This is a keeper. To take out and read when u just need some feel good and emotional book. Yes there are sad parts and mystery and crying. But the love actually feels real. There was a couple of lines that had me hoping for that kind of love for my daughter. Well she had it but her boyfriend died right before he was to propose. So hopefully she gets a second chance at that.
February 17, 2012
Vale was found by her parents in the woods behind their house one evening and instantly adopted her. When she got older, she discovered that she had many supernatural powers. With the support and love of her family, she has chosen to move to England and work as a guardian at a secret temple to the Mother Goddess. The job is pretty easy, get to work by ten, trade off car keys, keep the incense burning, don’t mess with the temperature, and lock up the temple between midnight and three am so the Wild Hunt doesn’t take her.
Not believing in the Wild Hunt, Vale is surprised to learn that people have been killed in mysterious ways that are blamed on the Wild Hunt. She also stumbles onto the face that every two years a female guardian disappears without a trace. Vale wants to know what is going on.
During her trips to the library, she meets another guardian, Melissa, who is looking into the same thing. But the more they learn, the more dangerous things get. Vales cat is poisoned then her brake lines are cut. She also learns that something is going on at home, her mother is acting strangely. Also Brett, her co-worker, is getting closer to her. But something strange is going on because he just disappears without giving a valid reason why.
I have to say that I LOVED this book!!! I was sucked in by the second page and couldn’t put it down. The characters were sensational, especially Vale. She was so realistic and actually grew as the story went on. The setting was fantastic. I felt like I was right there. I also liked how you had the romance between Vale and Brett without the over done sex scenes. I admit that I do get tired of that in most paranormal romances.
If you like paranormal romances and science fiction, you are going to love this story. Now I can’t wait for Heather to write more. What a great author!!
I received this for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Not believing in the Wild Hunt, Vale is surprised to learn that people have been killed in mysterious ways that are blamed on the Wild Hunt. She also stumbles onto the face that every two years a female guardian disappears without a trace. Vale wants to know what is going on.
During her trips to the library, she meets another guardian, Melissa, who is looking into the same thing. But the more they learn, the more dangerous things get. Vales cat is poisoned then her brake lines are cut. She also learns that something is going on at home, her mother is acting strangely. Also Brett, her co-worker, is getting closer to her. But something strange is going on because he just disappears without giving a valid reason why.
I have to say that I LOVED this book!!! I was sucked in by the second page and couldn’t put it down. The characters were sensational, especially Vale. She was so realistic and actually grew as the story went on. The setting was fantastic. I felt like I was right there. I also liked how you had the romance between Vale and Brett without the over done sex scenes. I admit that I do get tired of that in most paranormal romances.
If you like paranormal romances and science fiction, you are going to love this story. Now I can’t wait for Heather to write more. What a great author!!
I received this for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2011
This book is so cool! That's the perfect word for it. There are cool powers, and a cool storyline and cool characters. Get the idea? If you can't tell, I liked it. A LOT.
I still don't even know all that Vale can do. New powers seemed to be revealed and developed constantly. I'm not sure if there is going to be another book or not, but I would love to learn more about her powers! It seems like she can do everything. She really is "all purpose", I thought that was hilarious.
Halloween time always makes me crave some good mystery books. The spookier the better! The Temple has a riveting mystery. It had so many layers. It kept me interested the whole time. I finished this book in one sitting.
The Temple focuses on The Wild Hunt. It was not at all how I had pictured the wild hunt. I had always associated the hunt with Artemis or Diana(from mythology) but Heather's Wild Hunt was way creepier! I loved reading and learning about it. I would be so freaked out to live in that town! I don't know how the residents do it, especially those that actually believe in the hunt. I would freak out if I heard people calling my name.
I didn't really understand why the Temple had to be kept a secret though. I would really like to learn more about that, but I loved this book. Vale is so strong and it was great to see her get more at home in the town and making some really good friends, espcially since she did not have that before in her life. She deserves it.
If you like magic, mythology and mystery this book is for you! All great M things- the only M missing is Michelle...(JK)
I still don't even know all that Vale can do. New powers seemed to be revealed and developed constantly. I'm not sure if there is going to be another book or not, but I would love to learn more about her powers! It seems like she can do everything. She really is "all purpose", I thought that was hilarious.
Halloween time always makes me crave some good mystery books. The spookier the better! The Temple has a riveting mystery. It had so many layers. It kept me interested the whole time. I finished this book in one sitting.
The Temple focuses on The Wild Hunt. It was not at all how I had pictured the wild hunt. I had always associated the hunt with Artemis or Diana(from mythology) but Heather's Wild Hunt was way creepier! I loved reading and learning about it. I would be so freaked out to live in that town! I don't know how the residents do it, especially those that actually believe in the hunt. I would freak out if I heard people calling my name.
I didn't really understand why the Temple had to be kept a secret though. I would really like to learn more about that, but I loved this book. Vale is so strong and it was great to see her get more at home in the town and making some really good friends, espcially since she did not have that before in her life. She deserves it.
If you like magic, mythology and mystery this book is for you! All great M things- the only M missing is Michelle...(JK)
November 3, 2012
I read "The Temple" curled up in an easy chair, wearing bathrobe and slippers and was blissfully transported to a misty English village with dark secrets that one cannot find on a map. Curfew is early, because dreadful things happen at night and have been for decades. The main character is a young woman with a host of (really cool) special abilities who, on a leap of faith, leaves her home in rural Mississippi to take a position as a special guard at the Temple in this tiny village where things literally do go bump in the night, and heaven help anyone lured outside where they are guaranteed a quick and horrible demise. Filled with good boogedy boogedy subject matter, suspense, a healthy dose of comedic moments and a goodly modicum of satisfying romance, The Temple was the perfect read as the days grow colder and the nights get longer. I hope there is follow up book to The Temple, because I found myself growing fond of the entire cast of characters. A good addition to the reading list.
November 6, 2011
I looooooved this book! Vale quickly became one of my favorite characters of all time. Not because of anything flashy or dramatic but because she is this super relatable character with super powers.
I loved the mix of mythology and witch craft that was found in this book. Along with the secretive nature of The Temple itself, which I still don't quite know why it's there or who founded it or what its really used for, that I found simply alluring.
This is a very face paced read. You'll pick it up and read it in one sitting. And YAY there is a book two in the works!! W00T!
Check out a more in depth review on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKrcOU...
Melissa
Reviewer for 1000 + Books to Read
I loved the mix of mythology and witch craft that was found in this book. Along with the secretive nature of The Temple itself, which I still don't quite know why it's there or who founded it or what its really used for, that I found simply alluring.
This is a very face paced read. You'll pick it up and read it in one sitting. And YAY there is a book two in the works!! W00T!
Check out a more in depth review on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKrcOU...
Melissa
Reviewer for 1000 + Books to Read
October 17, 2011
I've never known such paranormals existed and I've read a lot of paranormals. The concept of The Wild Hunt and the mythical temple was unlike anything I've ever read and totally fascinating, especially how it was all connected to ancient mythology. This book has not one, but two climatic scenes revolving around the temple. There were a few spooky moments that had me a little on edge, especially since I scare easily. If you like books with a lot of magic and mystery, and even a little romance, then I highly recommend this book. I was intrigued from the moment I began reading until the last page. Bravo!
December 5, 2011
~3.5 stars
I liked the characters, the plot and I really liked the detail. The writing was GREAT...good descriptions, nice detail, there was none of the 'he said' and then 'she said' and then 'he said'. The sentences were beautifully done. Vale and Brett were well developed and Vale's family was also interesting.
The only donwside to me was that although there was action, I wasn't on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what would happen next. And the big climax came in the middle-ish of the book so then although there were surprises later, it felt like the 'wow' factor came too soon.
I would definitely read more by this author though.
I liked the characters, the plot and I really liked the detail. The writing was GREAT...good descriptions, nice detail, there was none of the 'he said' and then 'she said' and then 'he said'. The sentences were beautifully done. Vale and Brett were well developed and Vale's family was also interesting.
The only donwside to me was that although there was action, I wasn't on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what would happen next. And the big climax came in the middle-ish of the book so then although there were surprises later, it felt like the 'wow' factor came too soon.
I would definitely read more by this author though.
April 11, 2013
Heather Marie Adkins is a born story teller. There’s no debating that with regards to this book. A good balance of description, consistent action and likable characters all carry the story along agreeably. That is, for most of the book. What disappointments me most about reading a story is when it starts off so strongly and I’m loving every bit of it — but then something goes awry. It gets weird. For me, that’s what happened with The Temple.
Check out my blog for the rest of the review: http://betweenthebinding.com/2013/03/...
Check out my blog for the rest of the review: http://betweenthebinding.com/2013/03/...
June 29, 2012
The Temple was an engrossing murder mystery with paranormal elements, romance, vivid descriptions and lots of humor that made it even more interesting. (I think I need to re-read it a few more times to catch all the fun phrases that I want to start using, myself. ~grin~) I had trouble putting down this story.
July 23, 2011
I had fun reading The Temple. The heroine has a unique voice and Heather's descriptions are vivid, placing the reader squarely in the scene. I've become a fan of hers and look forward to future novels!
October 12, 2015
Normally I dislike PNRs but this was real small on the Romance and had characters you grew to like 3.5 stars rounded up
April 28, 2017
Mrs. Adkins is a master at making you feel present in the context of her books. This story was a wonderful mystery with a few twist and turns. I loved learning about Vale and those around her... I look forward to the next installment in Vale's journey! This is a great read!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews