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Volkov
Duty, Servitude, Vigilance – these are the tenets of the Sanguine Hunter’s Guild, ones that Killian Volkov knows all too well. For generations, the Guild has silently protected humanity from the unseen threat of hybrids: Infected super-humans who sustain themselves off of the blood of others. The life of an operative is a hard one, and rarely does anyone live to see their oath be resigned.
When an assignment goes sideways, Killian finds himself face-to-face with one of the very sub-humans whose kind he has slain so many of over the many long years. Expecting death, he receives something far worse: To share the same fate of those he took part in exterminating – to live as a hybrid.
Awakening to a new reality, Killian vows to use the power he has been granted to find the one responsible, and reverse the misfortune that has been inflicted onto him, all the while adjusting to the violent nature that rages inside of him. But the world is a far more complicated place than he had thought, and so too are the decisions that confront him. Not everything is as it seems, and not every monster is created willingly.
Killian must choose what kind he will be: One born out of necessity, or of apathy.
When an assignment goes sideways, Killian finds himself face-to-face with one of the very sub-humans whose kind he has slain so many of over the many long years. Expecting death, he receives something far worse: To share the same fate of those he took part in exterminating – to live as a hybrid.
Awakening to a new reality, Killian vows to use the power he has been granted to find the one responsible, and reverse the misfortune that has been inflicted onto him, all the while adjusting to the violent nature that rages inside of him. But the world is a far more complicated place than he had thought, and so too are the decisions that confront him. Not everything is as it seems, and not every monster is created willingly.
Killian must choose what kind he will be: One born out of necessity, or of apathy.
- GenresFantasy
308 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2024
20 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Ian J. Kempf
1 book7 followersHey there. I'm Ian J. Kempf. I'm the author of the Volkov series, but you already knew that.
Ever since I was young, I've always had a distinct fascination with stories and how they affect us on a personal, emotional level. Though writing was not always at the forefront for me, narratives and rich storytelling was.
My work focuses on themes like brokenness, hope, love, friendship, anger, forgiveness, and how strong a pull these things have on us as flawed, broken human beings. Through my books, I hope to tell stories of beauty through perfectly imperfect people.
IG - @ianjkempfauthor
TikTok - @ianjkempfauthor
Ever since I was young, I've always had a distinct fascination with stories and how they affect us on a personal, emotional level. Though writing was not always at the forefront for me, narratives and rich storytelling was.
My work focuses on themes like brokenness, hope, love, friendship, anger, forgiveness, and how strong a pull these things have on us as flawed, broken human beings. Through my books, I hope to tell stories of beauty through perfectly imperfect people.
IG - @ianjkempfauthor
TikTok - @ianjkempfauthor
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 9, 2025
I would like to mention a few things before I get into this review. Number one; I've never written a review before, so this is my first. Second; I did not read the entire book. I read chapter one and skimmed over chapter two. Third; I signed up as an unpaid arc reader for my honest opinion and am very grateful for the opportunity to have read this story!
I was very excited to read Volkov. Between the cover, the book blurb, and the Instagram posts, I was hooked. My expectations were high as I love darker themes, revenge-fueled plots, and a character who turns into what they hate most. They were not met.
My first thought when I started reading chapter one was that it was a little long, but I don't mind longer chapters. Until I got to the first break and thought "This would be a good place to start a new chapter". Chapter one, I believe, could have been broken into two to three chapters, and the flow would have been better for it. Along these lines, the POV was a bit tricky to get a read on. At times it felt like 3rd-person limited, at others 3rd-person omniscient, and then it also felt like 3rd-person objective. The blending of POV types can work. In this case, I don't think it did.
Based on the short amount I read, my view of the characters aren't great. They were bland and generic. The back of the book blurb painted Killain as a hybrid hater, but, to me, he seemed more like a confused hybrid sympathizer, which makes his outburst in chapter two strange and almost out of character. I'll stop there because, again, I didn't get very far in the story.
The balance between dialogue and narrative was off in that all emotions were poured into the dialogue. Not only does that read unrealistically, but it takes away from body language and character voice. People aren't usually so open about their feelings, even to therapists. And if they are, there's body language to support and add depth. For example, when spilling your guts about a tragic past, you might fidget a lot, perhaps sweat, be unable to hold eye contact, or maybe just stare off into the void. You might be the type to get angry, fists balling, fire swelling, and consuming your insides. Or you might be a cryer where it's difficult to choke out your words. The list goes on. None of that was as apparent or done as often as I think it could have been.
One thing I love learning about is the little details in the environment and/or in a character's attire that hint at their lifestyle and personality or add to the mood of the scene. When the setting description was there, it was good or extremlely plain and/or vague. I feel the character descriptions were also pretty mundane.
There were two things I thought were executed rather well. I admire the twist on 'vampires' Ian did with this story. Even more so, I like that he challenged the idea of what society deems a monster in this book, furthering the challenge by turning the mc into one and forcing him to continue fighting. If you are a lover of action, this book certainly hits the mark. The fight scenes were clear in terms of what the character was physically doing. The fear, anger, hesitancy--the emotions and stakes, however, were abysmal.
Finally, the overall style of writing is simple and amateurish. After page one, my brain immediately went into critique mode, which pulled and kept me out of the story. There is a lack of consistency and an abundance of redundancy. There was a moment, halfway through ch.1 I think, where Killain fights a hybrid alone, gets injured, and then is magically not injured in the next scene. Details, small as they might be, are so important to keep consistent throughout a story. "With all the commotion and visual clutter, she was only able to make out the dark coat they were wearing. She was unable to see the figure's face but felt they were watching her."-- quote from page 32. This is redundant, and phrases and sentences like this are very common. On the same note, there was a lot of flitering, such as "He heard the footsteps approach." when it could have been, "Footsteps approached."
I think if you're looking for a quick, simple, action-packed read, Volkov is for you. I am a strong believer that reviews shouldn't determine whether you read a book or not. If anything, they should be considered, so you can prepare yourself for what you might read. If Volkov is hitting all the right places and tickling your fancy, take a chance and read it for yourself.
Thank you again, Ian, for the chance to read your book!
I was very excited to read Volkov. Between the cover, the book blurb, and the Instagram posts, I was hooked. My expectations were high as I love darker themes, revenge-fueled plots, and a character who turns into what they hate most. They were not met.
My first thought when I started reading chapter one was that it was a little long, but I don't mind longer chapters. Until I got to the first break and thought "This would be a good place to start a new chapter". Chapter one, I believe, could have been broken into two to three chapters, and the flow would have been better for it. Along these lines, the POV was a bit tricky to get a read on. At times it felt like 3rd-person limited, at others 3rd-person omniscient, and then it also felt like 3rd-person objective. The blending of POV types can work. In this case, I don't think it did.
Based on the short amount I read, my view of the characters aren't great. They were bland and generic. The back of the book blurb painted Killain as a hybrid hater, but, to me, he seemed more like a confused hybrid sympathizer, which makes his outburst in chapter two strange and almost out of character. I'll stop there because, again, I didn't get very far in the story.
The balance between dialogue and narrative was off in that all emotions were poured into the dialogue. Not only does that read unrealistically, but it takes away from body language and character voice. People aren't usually so open about their feelings, even to therapists. And if they are, there's body language to support and add depth. For example, when spilling your guts about a tragic past, you might fidget a lot, perhaps sweat, be unable to hold eye contact, or maybe just stare off into the void. You might be the type to get angry, fists balling, fire swelling, and consuming your insides. Or you might be a cryer where it's difficult to choke out your words. The list goes on. None of that was as apparent or done as often as I think it could have been.
One thing I love learning about is the little details in the environment and/or in a character's attire that hint at their lifestyle and personality or add to the mood of the scene. When the setting description was there, it was good or extremlely plain and/or vague. I feel the character descriptions were also pretty mundane.
There were two things I thought were executed rather well. I admire the twist on 'vampires' Ian did with this story. Even more so, I like that he challenged the idea of what society deems a monster in this book, furthering the challenge by turning the mc into one and forcing him to continue fighting. If you are a lover of action, this book certainly hits the mark. The fight scenes were clear in terms of what the character was physically doing. The fear, anger, hesitancy--the emotions and stakes, however, were abysmal.
Finally, the overall style of writing is simple and amateurish. After page one, my brain immediately went into critique mode, which pulled and kept me out of the story. There is a lack of consistency and an abundance of redundancy. There was a moment, halfway through ch.1 I think, where Killain fights a hybrid alone, gets injured, and then is magically not injured in the next scene. Details, small as they might be, are so important to keep consistent throughout a story. "With all the commotion and visual clutter, she was only able to make out the dark coat they were wearing. She was unable to see the figure's face but felt they were watching her."-- quote from page 32. This is redundant, and phrases and sentences like this are very common. On the same note, there was a lot of flitering, such as "He heard the footsteps approach." when it could have been, "Footsteps approached."
I think if you're looking for a quick, simple, action-packed read, Volkov is for you. I am a strong believer that reviews shouldn't determine whether you read a book or not. If anything, they should be considered, so you can prepare yourself for what you might read. If Volkov is hitting all the right places and tickling your fancy, take a chance and read it for yourself.
Thank you again, Ian, for the chance to read your book!
October 18, 2024
Volkov is a fast-paced, action-packed, high stakes, sci-fi fantasy novel about a man named Killian Volkov that’s part of a secret tactical guild that hunts and eliminates hybrids to protect humanity. Hybrids are mutated super-humans that need blood to survive. Being recruited into the secret guild at an early age, all Volkov knows is his hate towards hybrids. All he’s ever been taught is that hybrids are a disease that needs to be wiped out for the safety of the human race. That is until he becomes one.
Volkov will stop at nothing to try to regain his humanity. Even if it turns him into the monsters he hunts.
This retribution driven story was well written with great setting detail and flawed, loyal side characters. It has an engaging storyline and constantly escalating conflict and tension. The third person omniscient POV was nice! It doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, but does indicate there will be a sequel at the end, which I will definitely be reading!
Volkov will stop at nothing to try to regain his humanity. Even if it turns him into the monsters he hunts.
This retribution driven story was well written with great setting detail and flawed, loyal side characters. It has an engaging storyline and constantly escalating conflict and tension. The third person omniscient POV was nice! It doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, but does indicate there will be a sequel at the end, which I will definitely be reading!
September 30, 2024
Quote: “Don’t second-guess yourself. The decision we make in the heat of the moment tend to be the ones that show us who we really are.”
Review: This is my first ever sci-fi book so I had no clue with to expect going in. Diving into this new uncharted territory I knew I needed to keep a very open mind and take in absolutely everything that was written in front of me. With that being said I was completely obsessed with this book. In the book we are following of the chaotic life of Killian Volkov. A hunter of the hybrids an infected superhuman that sustains itself off of blood. But things go sideways on a mission and he now becomes the very thing he hunted. Killian vows to use this new power to uncover who is responsible and see if what he has become can be reversed. But the world is more complicated than he thought. This book straight from the beginning was so interesting every time I was going to put it down I need to know more. I can say the beginning might feel a little “slow” (till page 50ish) but it does pick and it’s as if a whole can of worms is opened. Nothing seems how it appears there is so much beneath the surface. We undercover horrific truth and that’s when the real colors are show. Killian are unpredictable and hot headed we see this battle continue with him throughout the whole book. The story was full of the unknown and so much action there was truly no dull moments. I will definitely be adding Ian J. Kempf to me auto buy this. I can’t want to see what next he will give us.
Review: This is my first ever sci-fi book so I had no clue with to expect going in. Diving into this new uncharted territory I knew I needed to keep a very open mind and take in absolutely everything that was written in front of me. With that being said I was completely obsessed with this book. In the book we are following of the chaotic life of Killian Volkov. A hunter of the hybrids an infected superhuman that sustains itself off of blood. But things go sideways on a mission and he now becomes the very thing he hunted. Killian vows to use this new power to uncover who is responsible and see if what he has become can be reversed. But the world is more complicated than he thought. This book straight from the beginning was so interesting every time I was going to put it down I need to know more. I can say the beginning might feel a little “slow” (till page 50ish) but it does pick and it’s as if a whole can of worms is opened. Nothing seems how it appears there is so much beneath the surface. We undercover horrific truth and that’s when the real colors are show. Killian are unpredictable and hot headed we see this battle continue with him throughout the whole book. The story was full of the unknown and so much action there was truly no dull moments. I will definitely be adding Ian J. Kempf to me auto buy this. I can’t want to see what next he will give us.
January 17, 2025
ARC
I always feel that when reading a review, it's important to know the likes/dislikes of the person writing it. If I hate romance and I read a romance, I'm bound to leave a negative review.
I'm a lover of dark themes, psychological elements, and character depth. I'm someone who enjoys reading between the lines and looking at behavior to find the true motives of characters. Perhaps this is why I enjoy a good psychological thriller. I've also dipped my toes into fantasy/romantasy and, again, enjoy character development, adventure, and magic (love me some mythology, the darker, the better).
I received this book as an ARC and was so excited to read it. I thought the description and cover were both captivating, and they caught my attention immediately! Well done here!
Unfortunately, the delivery wasn't there for me, and I was unable to complete Chapter 1. I thought the idea for the book was cool, I really did. I wanted to at least push through the first chapter, but I felt it was extremely long. I made it just past the coffee scene.The writing style didn't flow easy for me.
I do want to say that the description of the grassy place, where Killian gets the phone call from Mason, was fantastic. I could see it and felt like I was there.
The passion was there because the book was written, and that is something I can appreciate.
Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in this ARC! I almost didn't write a review, but wanted to share my thoughts to support a fellow author ❤️
I always feel that when reading a review, it's important to know the likes/dislikes of the person writing it. If I hate romance and I read a romance, I'm bound to leave a negative review.
I'm a lover of dark themes, psychological elements, and character depth. I'm someone who enjoys reading between the lines and looking at behavior to find the true motives of characters. Perhaps this is why I enjoy a good psychological thriller. I've also dipped my toes into fantasy/romantasy and, again, enjoy character development, adventure, and magic (love me some mythology, the darker, the better).
I received this book as an ARC and was so excited to read it. I thought the description and cover were both captivating, and they caught my attention immediately! Well done here!
Unfortunately, the delivery wasn't there for me, and I was unable to complete Chapter 1. I thought the idea for the book was cool, I really did. I wanted to at least push through the first chapter, but I felt it was extremely long. I made it just past the coffee scene.The writing style didn't flow easy for me.
I do want to say that the description of the grassy place, where Killian gets the phone call from Mason, was fantastic. I could see it and felt like I was there.
The passion was there because the book was written, and that is something I can appreciate.
Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in this ARC! I almost didn't write a review, but wanted to share my thoughts to support a fellow author ❤️
October 19, 2024
Volkov knows that the hybrids must be hunted down and killed at all costs, to protect humanity. That is, until a twist of fate has him becoming one. If you love action, sci-fi, this book is for you! It was hard to put down and Volkov’s story and plot twist was well written.
October 17, 2024
I actually have this rated as a 3.5, but Goodreads doesn’t allow for .5s.
Fav Quote:
“It was an odd feeling to be congratulated by a room full of his enemies”
Let’s start with the pros to this book!
It has a super strong idea that I could 100% get behind. I love the unique take on vampires/werewolf hybrid creatures that this book introduces us to. It was a refreshing look at an overused creature in fiction.
The diverse characters and relationships between characters are what made me keep reading. I wanted to see if Killian would find what he was looking for and how the rest of the story plays out while he is on the hunt.
There is a LOT of action in this book! Killian kicks butt on more than one occasion throughout the novel and he does it well.
Lastly, there are so many twists and turns throughout the book, that it kept me wanting to come back for more. Betrayals, revenge quests, and shocking turns of events kept the story interesting and refreshing.
***
Now to the cons.
Firstly, take all I say with a grain of salt. These are my opinions and should not be taken as a complete and well rounded view of the book. Read it and let me know if you agree or disagree!
The chapters. While I loved the chapter names (cuz so many books don’t do this anymore!), the length of each chapter was hard to swallow. In a 330(on kindle) book, there was only 14 chapters. In most cases, I feel like each chapter could have, and should have, been broken into smaller chapters around natural changes in POV.
The POV swaps. I felt like I was getting POV whiplash. It was hard to keep up with all the swaps in a 30 page chapter, let alone POV swaps in mid action. It was almost like we were swapping between 3rd Person Limited and then to 3rd person Omniscient mid scene/action and it was hard to follow.
The timeline. It felt like though this happened over a few months time in the story, that everything moved way too fast and somewhat unrealistically so. Things that should have taken time and thought were just BAM happening. While I realize this is not necessarily a bad thing all the time, For me, it was one of my least favorite pieces about this book.
Lastly, character motivations. Not all of them, but some. Some characters don’t really seem to have a reason for behaving the way they do, especially some of the main characters in the book. What they say vs what they do just doesn’t coincide with one another and it left me puzzled and overthinking more than once.
But overall, “Volkov” is a wonderful story to read, and I’m so grateful that I got a chance to be a part of the ARC team for this novel. Definitely do not take my review as fact, as reviews are opinion based anyway.
Thank you so much Ian for letting me be one of your ARC reviewers!
Fav Quote:
“It was an odd feeling to be congratulated by a room full of his enemies”
Let’s start with the pros to this book!
It has a super strong idea that I could 100% get behind. I love the unique take on vampires/werewolf hybrid creatures that this book introduces us to. It was a refreshing look at an overused creature in fiction.
The diverse characters and relationships between characters are what made me keep reading. I wanted to see if Killian would find what he was looking for and how the rest of the story plays out while he is on the hunt.
There is a LOT of action in this book! Killian kicks butt on more than one occasion throughout the novel and he does it well.
Lastly, there are so many twists and turns throughout the book, that it kept me wanting to come back for more. Betrayals, revenge quests, and shocking turns of events kept the story interesting and refreshing.
***
Now to the cons.
Firstly, take all I say with a grain of salt. These are my opinions and should not be taken as a complete and well rounded view of the book. Read it and let me know if you agree or disagree!
The chapters. While I loved the chapter names (cuz so many books don’t do this anymore!), the length of each chapter was hard to swallow. In a 330(on kindle) book, there was only 14 chapters. In most cases, I feel like each chapter could have, and should have, been broken into smaller chapters around natural changes in POV.
The POV swaps. I felt like I was getting POV whiplash. It was hard to keep up with all the swaps in a 30 page chapter, let alone POV swaps in mid action. It was almost like we were swapping between 3rd Person Limited and then to 3rd person Omniscient mid scene/action and it was hard to follow.
The timeline. It felt like though this happened over a few months time in the story, that everything moved way too fast and somewhat unrealistically so. Things that should have taken time and thought were just BAM happening. While I realize this is not necessarily a bad thing all the time, For me, it was one of my least favorite pieces about this book.
Lastly, character motivations. Not all of them, but some. Some characters don’t really seem to have a reason for behaving the way they do, especially some of the main characters in the book. What they say vs what they do just doesn’t coincide with one another and it left me puzzled and overthinking more than once.
But overall, “Volkov” is a wonderful story to read, and I’m so grateful that I got a chance to be a part of the ARC team for this novel. Definitely do not take my review as fact, as reviews are opinion based anyway.
Thank you so much Ian for letting me be one of your ARC reviewers!
October 1, 2024
A rampage into a world where familiar supernatural archetypes are given a fresh, brutal spin.
Killian Volkov, a veteran operative of the Sanguine Hunter’s Guild, has dedicated his life to battling hybrids—infected super-humans who feed on blood. When an assignment goes awry, Killian is horrified to find himself transformed into one of the very creatures he has hunted. Determined to reverse his fate, he embarks on a quest to uncover who cursed him and adjust to his new, tumultuous nature. As he navigates a complex world where not everything is black and white, Killian faces a critical choice: to act out of necessity or succumb to apathy, redefining his own humanity in the process.
Through its innovative take on a vampire/werewolf, the story introduces a complex hybrid that defies simple categorization, offering a new lens through which readers can explore the dynamics of power and transformation. This twist not only invigorates the familiar supernatural elements but also enriches the narrative with its own set of rules and conflicts. The novel paints a vivid picture of a world where trust is scarce, and the line between ally and enemy is perpetually blurred. The government cover-up aspect adds a layer of intrigue and tension, making the stakes feel all the more dire.
Rather than relying on the typical dual or multi-POV approach, the book presents a variety of character perspectives within a single chapter. This technique allows for a dynamic exploration of the plot from multiple angles, with each operative’s viewpoint offering a unique approach to similar problems. The result is a fast-paced, action-packed experience where every character's mindset influences the unfolding drama in distinct ways.
Killian is at the heart of this intricate web. As he battles external forces like the Guild, his transformation, and the Order, he also grapples with profound internal conflicts. Killian’s journey from a life defined by allegiance to various organizations to a quest for personal autonomy and meaningful choices is portrayed with depth and sincerity. His struggle to reconcile his desires for freedom and personal fulfillment with the harsh realities of his world adds significant emotional weight to the narrative. Adding to the novel’s appeal is a subtle but compelling slow-burn romance. The friends-to-lovers dynamic introduces a layer of emotional complexity and another reason for freedom.
Overall, Volkov is a blend of supernatural intrigue, political conspiracy, ruthless action, and character-driven drama that make it a standout read for fans of science fiction and dark fantasy.
Killian Volkov, a veteran operative of the Sanguine Hunter’s Guild, has dedicated his life to battling hybrids—infected super-humans who feed on blood. When an assignment goes awry, Killian is horrified to find himself transformed into one of the very creatures he has hunted. Determined to reverse his fate, he embarks on a quest to uncover who cursed him and adjust to his new, tumultuous nature. As he navigates a complex world where not everything is black and white, Killian faces a critical choice: to act out of necessity or succumb to apathy, redefining his own humanity in the process.
Through its innovative take on a vampire/werewolf, the story introduces a complex hybrid that defies simple categorization, offering a new lens through which readers can explore the dynamics of power and transformation. This twist not only invigorates the familiar supernatural elements but also enriches the narrative with its own set of rules and conflicts. The novel paints a vivid picture of a world where trust is scarce, and the line between ally and enemy is perpetually blurred. The government cover-up aspect adds a layer of intrigue and tension, making the stakes feel all the more dire.
Rather than relying on the typical dual or multi-POV approach, the book presents a variety of character perspectives within a single chapter. This technique allows for a dynamic exploration of the plot from multiple angles, with each operative’s viewpoint offering a unique approach to similar problems. The result is a fast-paced, action-packed experience where every character's mindset influences the unfolding drama in distinct ways.
Killian is at the heart of this intricate web. As he battles external forces like the Guild, his transformation, and the Order, he also grapples with profound internal conflicts. Killian’s journey from a life defined by allegiance to various organizations to a quest for personal autonomy and meaningful choices is portrayed with depth and sincerity. His struggle to reconcile his desires for freedom and personal fulfillment with the harsh realities of his world adds significant emotional weight to the narrative. Adding to the novel’s appeal is a subtle but compelling slow-burn romance. The friends-to-lovers dynamic introduces a layer of emotional complexity and another reason for freedom.
Overall, Volkov is a blend of supernatural intrigue, political conspiracy, ruthless action, and character-driven drama that make it a standout read for fans of science fiction and dark fantasy.
September 30, 2024
Yay, I can finally post this!
This was really great! I received as an ARC (advanced reader copy) from the author. I was so excited to read as soon as I saw the cover. I have not been paid, I received a free copy for my honest review. Thanks again to the Author for the privilege.
I really liked this new take on a type of Vampirism (aka, hybrids in the book), more of a scientific look as a kind of mutated disease. Which gives kind of Resident Evil vibes (but not "zombies"), which I am huge huge RE fan so that's why I made the connection. Also kinda "John Wick" vibes with the whole revenge thing and some other similarities. (Don't worry. No dogs get unalived)
Story was action packed and never really dragged at any point for me. There were slow bits but not unbearably drawn out. I definitely teared up😢 at spots, but I will not say why because that would be a spoiler. Epicly revenge driven plot and MMC struggles with keeping his humanity among other things. No spice, but that's okay. Spice is not always needed. I finished in an unprecedented 4 days cause I just needed to know what happened. I would have been done sooner had work and sleep not gotten in the way. Hahaha
Definitely recommend picking this one up if you like...Vampire-like super humans, lots of action and fight scenes, revenge driven plots, multi 3rd person POV, and lots of badass-ness. Publish date is set for October 18th, I believe. Has not popped up on Goodreads yet so I haven't reviewed there.
This was really great! I received as an ARC (advanced reader copy) from the author. I was so excited to read as soon as I saw the cover. I have not been paid, I received a free copy for my honest review. Thanks again to the Author for the privilege.
I really liked this new take on a type of Vampirism (aka, hybrids in the book), more of a scientific look as a kind of mutated disease. Which gives kind of Resident Evil vibes (but not "zombies"), which I am huge huge RE fan so that's why I made the connection. Also kinda "John Wick" vibes with the whole revenge thing and some other similarities. (Don't worry. No dogs get unalived)
Story was action packed and never really dragged at any point for me. There were slow bits but not unbearably drawn out. I definitely teared up😢 at spots, but I will not say why because that would be a spoiler. Epicly revenge driven plot and MMC struggles with keeping his humanity among other things. No spice, but that's okay. Spice is not always needed. I finished in an unprecedented 4 days cause I just needed to know what happened. I would have been done sooner had work and sleep not gotten in the way. Hahaha
Definitely recommend picking this one up if you like...Vampire-like super humans, lots of action and fight scenes, revenge driven plots, multi 3rd person POV, and lots of badass-ness. Publish date is set for October 18th, I believe. Has not popped up on Goodreads yet so I haven't reviewed there.
October 17, 2024
Favorite Quote: "Don’t second-guess yourself. The decisions we make in the heat of the moment tend to be the ones that show us who we really are.”
Review: This has been such a great read!! I was an ARC reader and had a great time reading this book. It did take me a minute to get into it, but once I was in it, I was hooked! Volkov is such an interesting character and I enjoyed watching his and his peers' development as time went on. I liked getting to know the characters better the more I read, instead of having their entire personalities handed to me right away. The book also switched between POVs a fair amount, but I personally like the way it's done. I felt like I was following along with all of the characters at the same time. This not only helped me keep timelines, but it also allowed for personal insights into various characters while keeping a nice flow in the reading.
For me, the telltale sign that a writer is good is when reading their book feels like watching a movie. Ian is great at using so many details that pull you in and make you feel like you're right there. As I'm not a violent person, some scenes were a bit much for me, but even in those scenes, the writing was fantastic! He is able to make you laugh and also cry, getting you so emotionally involved, which is one of my favorite things!
Great job Ian!! I look forward to reading your future work! If this was so great, I can only imagine what you might do in the future.
Review: This has been such a great read!! I was an ARC reader and had a great time reading this book. It did take me a minute to get into it, but once I was in it, I was hooked! Volkov is such an interesting character and I enjoyed watching his and his peers' development as time went on. I liked getting to know the characters better the more I read, instead of having their entire personalities handed to me right away. The book also switched between POVs a fair amount, but I personally like the way it's done. I felt like I was following along with all of the characters at the same time. This not only helped me keep timelines, but it also allowed for personal insights into various characters while keeping a nice flow in the reading.
For me, the telltale sign that a writer is good is when reading their book feels like watching a movie. Ian is great at using so many details that pull you in and make you feel like you're right there. As I'm not a violent person, some scenes were a bit much for me, but even in those scenes, the writing was fantastic! He is able to make you laugh and also cry, getting you so emotionally involved, which is one of my favorite things!
Great job Ian!! I look forward to reading your future work! If this was so great, I can only imagine what you might do in the future.
October 4, 2024
“In a way, the thrill of the fight felt comforting, and that bothered him. There was no solace for him now.”
Sci-Fi is a little out of my element but I did enjoy this read.
Plenty of action and suspense. There were moments that were dark and intense and had me SHOCKED. I was thinking “Did that really just happen?!”
I love Ian’s take on Vampires and the concept of becoming the very thing you despise. It made for an entertaining and interesting read. This internal battle within Killian turned into an external battle that forced him to make difficult decisions.
I do feel that certain characters could use a bit more development to give them more depth which would have also helped certain relationships feel more organic. I had a difficult time really connecting with the characters as I felt that certain actions/scenes didn’t really line up with who they presented to be.
The chapters were quite long as well but that’s a minor issue.
I will read more books by Ian as I did love the concept and felt like he had a really solid plot and basis, it just needs a bit of tweaking to be perfectly balanced.
____________________________________
Tropes:
⚖️ Political Intrigue
🩸 Mutant Hybrids
💭 Multi-POV
🔘Morally Grey MMC
💀 Revenge Plot
🤫 Secret Society
⚔️ High Action
Sci-Fi is a little out of my element but I did enjoy this read.
Plenty of action and suspense. There were moments that were dark and intense and had me SHOCKED. I was thinking “Did that really just happen?!”
I love Ian’s take on Vampires and the concept of becoming the very thing you despise. It made for an entertaining and interesting read. This internal battle within Killian turned into an external battle that forced him to make difficult decisions.
I do feel that certain characters could use a bit more development to give them more depth which would have also helped certain relationships feel more organic. I had a difficult time really connecting with the characters as I felt that certain actions/scenes didn’t really line up with who they presented to be.
The chapters were quite long as well but that’s a minor issue.
I will read more books by Ian as I did love the concept and felt like he had a really solid plot and basis, it just needs a bit of tweaking to be perfectly balanced.
____________________________________
Tropes:
⚖️ Political Intrigue
🩸 Mutant Hybrids
💭 Multi-POV
🔘Morally Grey MMC
💀 Revenge Plot
🤫 Secret Society
⚔️ High Action
October 21, 2024
This was so incredibly different from what I normally read, and I couldn’t really get into it. (Nothing against the book or the author)The plot was good and the world and his take on vampires (hybrids) was really fun and new. However, I think it lacked some world building and was heavy on the dialog. This made it feel kind of like you were just jumping through the story with no real sense of time moving. It felt like a few days, when it had actually months. There were several characters and I enjoyed them overall. I did think Volkov was rather quick to jump the gun when he supposedly hated the hybrids for their ruthlessness. Some parts of the story were a little repetitive or redundant. Overall as a debut novel I think the author did a really good job. And if the blurb in the photo intrigues you give it a read! Not all books are for everyone and this one wasn’t for me but it was still a decent read, and you may love it!
October 21, 2024
This book is about a (vampire) hybrid hunter who gets bitten and turned into one so now he has to learn life as one of the hunted. He goes on a search for his maker in hopes of being turned back. Up to this point in his life he hated the hybrids and was very good at his job of killing them but now that he’s on the other side he learns that they aren’t all evil creatures. Many are still good people. This is book is action packed all the way to the end! Unlikely alliances and new friendships are formed. This was an enjoyable read of a different kind of vampire story.
October 31, 2024
I read this book and I’ll admit my review is short and simple. I enjoyed it truly. Normally I go for contemporary romance once I’m looking for a quick read and Volkov isn’t something I’d normally pick up BUT I admit I got hooked by not only the blurb but also the amazing cover design. I love when books have many dialogue which many will disagree with! We all love vampires and Morally Grey characters. The life you were against is now your own
Would I read it again? Yes, I would and definitely would take my time rereading it again.
Would I read it again? Yes, I would and definitely would take my time rereading it again.
October 18, 2024
4.5
This was interesting. You have vampires along with some action, fights, and a whole lot of everything.
It is jammed packed with details as this world was made for that. Killian was written perfectly for this book and I honestly loved his character. He felt dark and had that demeanor that I was melting for.
I loved the concept of the story and was intrigued from the very first page to the last.
This was interesting. You have vampires along with some action, fights, and a whole lot of everything.
It is jammed packed with details as this world was made for that. Killian was written perfectly for this book and I honestly loved his character. He felt dark and had that demeanor that I was melting for.
I loved the concept of the story and was intrigued from the very first page to the last.
October 18, 2024
This book was really good! I love anything action and this book was just that. The different take on vampires truly impressed me. I am looking forward to what is next in this world. I do have to say, chapter eleven truly made me mad that I couldn’t move past it the rest of the book. And because of that I felt the MMC needed that reality check at the end of the book and I’m sort of glad it happened.
But again this was a good read!
But again this was a good read!
September 30, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! I can’t wait for more from this author. I got John Wick and Daybreakers vibes from this, and both are among my favorites. I hadn’t read any vampire novels in a hot minute and I can happily say Ian J. Kempf has renewed my interest in the genre with his refreshing take and amazing story telling!
September 30, 2024
Hooked. That is what this book had me from the start. When I was connecting with the characters, in my mind I thought ‘This is giving me Supernatural vibes!’ The style of writing was beautiful, and the way you got to read from every perspective, it was everything. Like watching my favorite TV series, I didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the series unfolds.
October 2, 2024
I loved this book I’m normally a dark romance reader, but i absolutely love this book. I was reading page after page after page quicker with each page in order to find out what was next there was excitement on every page. I have had then opportunity to read this book over and over. I never read books for a second read they n I have read this book twice. I can’t wait for more from Ian…
October 9, 2024
When everything you know means nothing. When your mission goes sideways and you end up being the thing you hunt. Only one thing can happen... you fight for the truth.
This book is romance, drama, action, conspiracy and more all in one book. Ian gives you a huge twist on hybrids. This book will entertain you until the last page.
This book is romance, drama, action, conspiracy and more all in one book. Ian gives you a huge twist on hybrids. This book will entertain you until the last page.
October 18, 2024
Felt like a TV series. Killian probably should check himself and not be so fast to jump into things like uh killing haha. Interesting take on hybrids and the secret society's that harbor them and work to get rid of them.
November 7, 2024
Excels as SciFi
The Kemph wraps the characters throughout the story keeps you on the edge of your seat. The myriad of twists have wondering if you’re reading the same book you started. You have to remember, even heroes die.
The Kemph wraps the characters throughout the story keeps you on the edge of your seat. The myriad of twists have wondering if you’re reading the same book you started. You have to remember, even heroes die.
October 5, 2024
What happens when you find out everything you’ve been taught your entire life was wrong and you become the very thing you’ve been trained to kill? Great read!
November 25, 2024
I have this pegged at more of a 3.5 star read but felt compelled to go more towards 3 star for Goodreads since they don't allow half star reviews. This was an interesting read, fast paced, but also a bit of a slog in a way because of how long each chapter is. I tend to like to pause my reading between chapters for a more natural stopping point but with this one I often had to pause in the middle of a chapter which I just really do not enjoy doing. There were POV swaps that were jarring at first but you kind of get used to them. Overall really good interesting story about a man becoming the "monster" that he once hunted, with a very interesting take on vampires. If the chapter pacing had been planned a little better, and the POV had been more of a constant than this would have easily been a 4 star read.
I received an eARC of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an eARC of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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