Of Envy and Empaths

The Goddess’s Daughter #1

by Ward Parker

No one ever said supernatural creatures were beloved. But for the last few centuries, people didn’t believe we existed. We more or less behaved ourselves under the radar, and things were fine.

Until the Great Unmasking. Thanks to viral videos, we supernaturals are now being exposed. Mobs of frightened citizens are attacking previously secret shifters, vampires, trolls, witches like me, and psychics like Mom—who is especially vulnerable because she’s been possessed by an ancient goddess staging a comeback tour.

I have a side hustle as the enforcer for the supernatural guilds. But when I discover I’m also an empath, I don’t have the heart to do it anymore. In fact, my heart is causing heaps of trouble with a certain vampire I’m supposed to destroy.

I need to focus on protecting Mom. And let me tell you, nothing is as complex as a daughter-mother relationship. Especially when the supernatural is involved.



I never asked to be the human vessel of the earth-mother goddess, Danu. Yet, she is slowly taking me over, worrying my family. And I’m stuck in the middle between the Fae, who want me to enlist Danu’s help in finding a mysterious ingredient for their magic, and the Elves, who want me to stop the Fae. All I really want to do is run our historic inn.

The Goddess’s Daughter urban fantasy trilogy is set in the same world of San Marcos as the midlife mystery thriller series The Memory Guild, but it can be enjoyed independently. There’s a slow-burn romance and the language is clean. There is violence, but it is not graphic.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2025

About the author

Ward is a Florida native and author of the the Memory Guild midlife paranormal mystery thrillers, the Monsters of Jellyfish Beach paranormal mysteries, and the Freaky Florida humorous paranormal series, all of which are chock full of psychics, witches, vampires, werewolves, dragons, and other bizarre, mythical creatures, such as #FloridaMan. He also pens the Zeke Adams series of noir mysteries. He lives in Florida (of course) with his wife, cats, and a demon who prefers to remain anonymous.

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Reading & Point of View Changes Handled Smoothly

There are the laughing out loud opportunities I want, (expect) from a Ward Parker story here, but The Goddess’s Daughter’s first volume has a different feel from his Darla series and the other books- in my opinion. He is excellent at writing those scenes that slip a gentle message or learning opportunity inside a well crafted giggle.
I usually dislike the back and forth, 2 character viewpoint writing device in a story, but with their relationship and the situation/s, it makes more sense to me here in Of Envy and Empaths. I was able to fall into the story and enjoy it as the two strong women and their unique cast of found family try to stay safe and help others amid major changes to their world.
I read this copy free in exchange for a review, but I honestly enjoyed it and look forward to reading Book 2!
Haven’t found a single story by Ward Parker that isn’t full of life and laughter with very real characters in unreal situations and I eagerly await each new book!

[Kris Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dad Cory, Mom Darla, and daughter Sophie have their hands full running the Esperanza Inn in San Marcos, Florida. They also have other jobs in the supernatural world, which take away from their time at the Inn.

Sophie is ready to quit her job as Enforcer for The Council while Darla is pulled deeper and deeper into her role as the avatar for Danu. Darla is kidnapped by the Fae who want Danu's help destroying the world.

Meanwhile, the citizens of San Marcos are being riled into a riotous war against anyone who they even suspect of being supernatural.

Can Cory, Darla, and Sophie, with help from their allies, maintain the Inn and its safety while protecting the good (human and supernatural) citizens of San Marcos? Will the Fae convince Danu to work against her own best interests?

And who is Marge Moosebacher?

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic new series starring Sophie, Darla’s daughter. I love the stories in this world and I am ecstatic that I get to continue visiting it. This was an absolutely crazy story! I am not surprised that the humans were so gullible since the ones sending them into a frenzy know how to manipulate their emotions. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Robert Maneer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great New Leading Heroine

I’m excited about this story premise. It’s non stop excitement with great characters and an interesting story line. I’m glad Darla is a warrior who can fight against the evil supernaturals in a physical and magical way. It’s an excellent continuation of Danu’s spiritual side and her daughter’s physical side’s fight against the evil they face

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did really like this well written fantasy story. Always a great read from I find with this writer. A little on the cozy side, but so well written, it is lightly amusing at times, a really interesting storyline & well thought out characters. Every time I read this author's books, the above is confirmed again & again! Such a treat! I do recommend!

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sophie and Darla are in a battle with everyone it seems. Sophie wants to quit being a enforcer. She is now in trouble with the guild. Darla is in a pickle between what everyone wants her to do. An action packed and fast paced read. Love the characters and the visual descriptions.

[Lynne Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Lots of action and adventure. I thought it was very good if you like witches, vampires, fae, and elves.
Interesting story, looking forward to reading the next book