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Haven #1-2

Haven Series Collection

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Known as a place of refuge, Haven is a sanctuary for those with supernatural abilities. Decades of peace between the Witches, Vampires, Goblins, Elves, and Orcs is coming to an end. Now the once tranquil world is shrouded in deception and corruption. Dark secrets tear at the very fabric of their alliance, giving way to an evil that stirs in the shadows. Exhilarating and utterly gripping, the HAVEN series is an action-packed journey full of suspense, magic, mystery, and intrigue.

A Stranger Magic (Book 1):

Sam Dalcome thinks he is so completely average that no one ever notices him. Until he discovers a mysterious stranger outside his home. Bewildered, he tries to uncover the stranger’s intentions. But Sam is sidetracked when he and his friend Travis discover a secret passageway deep in the town’s quarry that leads to a hidden cavern. What they uncover next will not only change their lives forever, but will uncover the first clue to a deadly Dalcome family secret. Sam finds himself drawn into a world of mystery and magic he never knew existed, which brings him closer to a destiny he never knew was possible. Get it today for FREE.

Revenge of the Viper (Book 2):

The Great War of Haven ended thirteen years ago but Alisa Dalcome is about to discover that the war did not end for her. Placed on Earth as a sleeper agent for the Majesty of Haven, Alisa had one objective—protect the portal keys at all costs. In the wrong hands the magical keys could jeopardize the safety of everyone on Haven. But Alisa’s relocation was more than just Majesty business; it was also a chance for her to escape her enemies, enemies that still wanted her dead. Alisa wasn’t thinking about herself when she left Haven, she was thinking about her children Sam and Sarah. The Great War had already taken her husband Rylan; she would be damned if she would let it take her children too. But what Alisa didn’t count on was her inquisitive son Sam and his friend Travis. Sam’s world has turned upside down after discovering magic is real. After barely escaping the caves Sam begins to piece together the past day’s events when he stumbles onto his mother’s secret past. With the clues mounting, Sam must dig deeper to uncover the truth that could change his life forever.

But Sam doesn’t realize that his mother’s past has already caught up with them. Hidden within the shadows nearby is Haven’s most malevolent predator—the Viper. A hunter forged from the blackest of magic, it watches, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Can Sam uncover the truth in time or will his mother’s past collide with the present placing them all in grave danger?

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2014

6 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

D.C. Akers

11 books41 followers
D.C. Akers was born in Texas, and after spending several years working in accounting, he began to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a writer. Like many who enjoy the fantasy genre, Akers started reading it as an adolescent. He was fascinated with Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and Bram Stoker's Dracula. He currently enjoys reading works by Dean Koontz, Heather Brewer, J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, and John Grisham.

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Becca.
219 reviews116 followers
April 2, 2014
Book One, A Stranger Magic, starts off in a small town, just like I like. I was sucked into the storyline immediately. It was a very painless read and I found myself not being able to put it down. Sam and Sarah are characters that you really get to know and that you enjoy getting to know along the way as well. Fantasy and fiction are a favorite of mine and so you can only imagine what kind of heaven that I was in when I was reading this novel. All the mystery is put together perfectly and you are never lost. I loved the flow of the story because it would be very easy to get sidetracked in a fantasy novel. The author did a great job of making sure that everything stayed together perfectly.
Sarah is Sam’s older sister and of course they have their tidbit fights like all siblings do. It would not have been a realistic approach to not have them have these little spats. Both of them start to experience strange things but they do not want to tell anyone because they think that no one will believe what is happening. Things start to get weird around them and that’s when the story really takes flight. Travis and Sam go on a trip together to a cave and they discover a tunnel. they are not at all prepared for what they will find when they go inside. All the happenings throughout the book had me totally drowning in it instead of getting other things done that I needed to. That’s when you know it is an amazing read. Every time there was something that had an open end to it without the answer spelled out I was trying to figure it out and when this book ended I was ready for the next one. I was thankful that this was a collection because I would have been so distraught to have had to wait for book number two.
Book Two, Revenge of the Viper, takes flight where the first book left off. Sam and his friend Travis are finding their way through and out of the caves. They barely make it out and once they do they find a lot of strangeness in Sam’s garage as they are cleaning it out. It is a box that was his mother’s that was hidden away that has some leads to her past. Sam finds a ring, a letter and eleven pieces of onyx inside. Sam has no idea how these things go together or even how they relate to his mother, but he is driven to figure it out.
As his digging goes on he learns that the reason that they know nothing over their mother’s past is because she wanted to protect both of her kids from it. After her husband was killed she wanted nothing more but to run from the truth and to hide from it forever. She never wanted her children to know anything of it and now that Sam has discovered it, his life is about to change. All of this digging has actually put Sam in danger even though he doesn’t know it when he starts. The past is now something that has come to haunt in the future. Talk about exciting stuff! Now you see why I was so dragged into the story and could not put it own! The viper is something that contains the darkest of magic and is just lurking to have the right moment to strike. All three of their lives are now changed forever and you will be begging now for book number three like I am. Highly recommended author and series.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Profile Image for Angiewagg.
290 reviews26 followers
May 14, 2014
Haven is known for being a world of magic. It is a refuge for all types of supernatural beings. Witches.. Vampires.. Goblins.. Elves.. Orcs.. It has been a place of peace for so many years. But that is all about to end. Dark deeply hidden secrets are coming to the surface. And this is leaving the door open for a dark and evil that has been laying in wait in the shadows.

OK guys he had me at witches & vampires, but add the rest to the book.. I LOVE action packed books with mystery, magic & the supernatural.

A Stranger Magic ( Book 1 )

Sam thinks he is just a normal average guy that no one really notices. A stranger shows up in town & seems interested in Sam or Sam's family. He truly thought that his sister Sarah wished he would just go away. But he finds out that Sarah isn't feeling "right" about herself or their situation either.
One night he wakes up from a odd strange type of dream, he looks out his window and there stands a man. Is this man watching him? Is this man real? Or is he a dream? And if he is watching him WHY? He needs to know this so he & his friend Travis head out on an investigation to find out who this man is. And what he was doing outside Sam's house staring at his window.
Sam & his friend Travis find a passage. Not just any passage, but one that is very well hidden. When they start exploring this passage they find out that his family has a very deadly & dark secret.

Ok ~ let me tell you, this book will grab your attention from the first page until the end. You can feel yourself there with Sam, Sarah, Travis & Alisa. I love all things supernatural, dark, evil & good. Could not wait for the 2nd book

Revenge of the Viper ( Book 2 )

Thirteen years ago the Great War of Haven ended. Alisa has been placed here on earth as a sleeper and her only job is to protect the portal. If the wrong person were to get the keys it would jeopardize everyone in Haven.
She lost her husband Rylan to the Great War and refuses to lose her children. But Sam & his friend Travis , being the boys they are, just won't leave things alone. And Sam KNOWS that magic IS real. But will his mom listen & believe him.
And he HAS to find out the entire story. But, can he handle what he will find out? And can he save his mom? From the VIPER?
Before he can talk to his mom and find out the entire Dalcome family story. The Viper shows up with ONE objective ~ KILL Sam's entire family.

I am hooked like a fat kid on chocolate cake. I LOVE the way D.C.Akers bring all the characters alive. You feel like you know them and that they are real & you are there with them watching this all unfold. I hope he continues with this series.
Profile Image for Kelly.
23 reviews
April 2, 2014
My Review of book 1 :



The premise of the book is one of magic and mystery based in a small town. This book draws you in and captures your attention. The ease of reading it and how you get to know Sam and Sarah and their characters are developed is so well that you really feel you get to know them. I enjoy this fantasy/fiction genre and really wanted to get to know Sam, Travis and Sarah and the mysteries that they uncover.

The premise of the book is about a single mother raising her two teenage children in a small little town. Sam and his older sister Sarah constantly fight like siblings usually do. When weird things start happening for both children, they are scared to tell anyone for fear of not being believed. Whenever Sarah gets really angry strange things begin to happen and around the same time Sam notices a stranger larking in the dark near a tree across the street. When Sam and his best friend Travis take their monthly trip to the caves they discover a new tunnel and they couldn’t not be prepared for what happened inside the caves that day.

It really drew me in. I had to know what was going on with Sam and Sarah and who the stranger was outside Sam’s window. I was trying to guess what was going on and how it all fit together. Once I started seeing it fit together I wanted more! When I came to the end I wanted more! I need book 2! What is going to happen next?


My Review of book 2:

This was my first tome reading this author my sister had told me about his first book and I was going to read it and never did . Now having the chance to read both books I am happy I did . I love this author and I cant wait for the next book to come out.

Sam Dacomes world as he knows it will be turned inside out, when he learns that what he thought about magic is actually true. Sam and his best friend Travis barely escape the caves and while cleaning out the garage Sam comes across his moms hidden box of her past. In the box he finds a ring, letter and 11 pieces of onyx and he starts to put the pieces of the past and today’s events together.

He learns pieces of his moms past which she has had to keep hidden in offer to protect her children , after her husband was killed and the truth will change his life forever. Sam doesn’t realize that digging around her past has put them in contact with the danger shes tried hard to keep them from, and the past is onto them now.

The viper is made from the blackest of magic and is now watching and waiting for his chance to attack them, things as the family and Travis are about to turn out so different now. His moms past outs them in danger and three lives will be changed forever.
Profile Image for Simone.
474 reviews17 followers
May 21, 2014
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

"A Stranger Magic" is a captivating young adult fantasy novel about a 13 year old boy with growing pains and hates the fact that he's so invisibly ordinary. His older sister is everything but, and believes she has to behave a certain way in order to live up to her beauty. Little do they both know, their mother has kept her past hidden in order to keep them safe from the danger and mayhem that will follow.

This is an awesome novella on the background on Sam, Sarah, and their mother, which sets up the scene for what Sam uncovers in the forbidden caves and what Sarah realizes occurs when her emotions are out of control. Let's not forget about the stranger watching Sam from the shadows as well!

“Revenge of the Viper” is book two of the Haven series. The story continues where book one left off, with Sam waking up the next morning after his extremely eventful night at the caves. He has many questions, but no one to ask. I mean seriously, who would believe what he saw that night, right? We also learn who the cloaked figure is that has been watching Sam, and the magical world of Haven. The Viper does exact revenge on the Dalcome family, which sets the stage for a book three, as Sam embarks on a dangerous quest to save his sister.

This was a fast paced, action packed fantasy novel that I could not put down! My heart broke for Sam, as his world quickly fell apart. You can easily make an emotional connection with Sam, Sarah, and Travis, as the things they were going through; we all have experienced at some point in our lives. D. C. Akers has woven a complex yet entertaining fantasy series that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Profile Image for Niki.
Author 1 book3 followers
April 7, 2014
I received a copy of both the first and second book for free, in exchange for my honest review.
Here's what I honestly thought about them:
The first book was shorter than the second, and to me, at first, it reminded me a bit of several teen books that I’ve read before. A not so popular boy, his popular sister, and their hard working mom are all going on with their normal lives (or at least what appears to be perfectly normal at first), until some pretty strange stuff starts happening. Once the weird stuff started happening I got really into the book. I love books with twists, with magic, strange occurrences, etc. This normal little family ends up being a lot more unique than you would have expected from the beginning of the book.

The writing in both books flows well, good story line, a lot of little surprises. There is a nice mix of horror, sci-fi, supernatural, fantasy elements in the book. There were a few creepy visuals (I always love that since I’m such a horror fanatic), some Lord of The Rings type characters, and more. There is quite a bit of drama and sadness toward the end, but it will keep you wanting more. And honestly, if you have no idea what’s going on in the first book, please do read the second book, which is not only better than the first, but it also explains things that are going in more detail.
Nerdy Sam and popular Sarah are nothing like what they first appear to be...
I enjoyed both books and would love to read the next. I got really into the story and would love to know where the characters are going, and what they're going to do next. Will Sam be the hero?
Profile Image for Erin yang.
15 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2014
Before anything else, there won’t be any spoilers in this book review. Rather, I will write my opinion about the story, writing, etc. in general. So you can continue reading without worrying over spoilers.

One of the things I love in “Haven” is how the story is written. One book has many short chapters that are not boring and is a bit fast-paced. I don’t why some reviewers say it is slow-paced. I think that is expected from the first book becauseAkers introduces his characters and their lives. “Haven” has lots of characters from both Earth and Haven that he introduces them so readers can know them more.

Another thing I like is Akers’ detailed descriptions that you can imagine what the places and characters look like. In fact, with just his descriptions alone, I already have a favorite character in the form of Bellisoria and I want to know more about her. I am also curious about the other worlds mentioned because Akers gave less description on them, which makes me wonder what their stories are.

And lastly, I love that Akers’ descriptive words make us go to places unexpected and unfamiliar. He brings his readers to the journey of the story and be in an adventure that will seem real whenever you turn the page. Truly, I can’t let go of the story and makes me read it more to the very end. I can’t wait for the third book called “Haven: Elixir of Life” because I was kept hanging in the ending. I want to see what will happen to the Dalcones and the fate of Haven.
Profile Image for Athena Nagel.
286 reviews181 followers
March 22, 2014
These two books (Book 1 and 2) grabbed my attention immediately. I love the titles – interesting and intriguing without revealing too much. Covers also are important to me. I realize that in many cases you cannot judge a book by its cover but the reality is, the cover is extremely important in creating a first impression. In this case, the covers did an excellent job of reaching that goal.
So once I reach step three – actually finding out what the stories are about – I knew I had to find out more. I have read so many stories where the lead character is living a normal life day to day only to find out they are something more – so much more. Sam and Sarah find out they are much more than your average humans. And to add in Witches, Vampires, Goblins, Orcs and Elves - how could I possibly resist this series.

Sam and Sarahs mom has to try and protect Haven – a sanctuary for magical beings; as well as her children. But that becomes more and more difficult as upheaval begins and Viper intends to destroy it all.

The books are not long but are so incredibly captivating. It is very difficult to put the stories down and move on with your day… I highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Mommy Needs Sleep.
1 review
March 30, 2014
The first book in the Haven series is called "A Stranger Magic." I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, so imagine my surprise when I could not stop reading. There were so many questions, and I needed the answers just as much as the book's main character, 13 year old Sam Dalcome did. You know there is a bigger picture, but it is only somewhat revealed at the end.

On to the second book, "Revenge of the Viper". If I thought the first one was good, this one is fantastic! We're finally starting to unravel some of these mysteries! But just when you think you might get a straightforward explanation, there's trouble. The action scenes are so well written that I could visualize the entire thing as if I were watching it on screen. (And I may add, that these books would make an awesome movie?) The characters really mature in this one, especially Sam. His curiosity really helps us to gain an insight into the magical world he is slowly discovering. Again, I could not put it down.

The Haven two book set is an easy, yet exciting read for teens or anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction. I loved that the two books were put together so that at the turn of another page I could start on book 2. I'm thinking of reading them again while I patiently wait for the arrival of book three.
Profile Image for Chipmunk.
2 reviews
March 27, 2014
D.C. Akers is an amazing writer! I truly enjoyed the Haven Series Collection Books 1 & 2. The first book had a great build up from the beginning and led into the second book perfectly. Each character had a unique personality and played a significant role in the story. Mr. Akers gives enough detail about the characters in Book 1 for you to form an opinion and a feeling toward each, however, by Book 2 you may just change your mind about certain ones :) I do not want to give anything away about the story, but if you are a fantasy lover or looking to get into this particular genre then these are definitely must reads! They are perfect for tweens, teens, and adults. I am anxiously awaiting Book 3!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
916 reviews27 followers
March 31, 2014
I have to say as a lover of paranormal books this one is a wonderful read for me. I truly enjoyed both books form beginning to end. I also loved I received both books because I enjoyed the first so much I couldn't wait to start reading the second. I enjoyed learning about Sam and Alisa as the story progressed. These books re filled with magic, mystery and suspense everything you need to keep you coming back for more, and oh boy there is more with book three in progress I can't wait to see what will happen.I definitely recommend getting these books if you enjoy a good read on the paranormal side.
1 review
March 12, 2014
I really enjoyed reading these two books. The author did a great job. When reading the first book I was glad that I already had book two. The magic and suspense was awesome. It just made you to want to hurry up and get through it just so you could get to the second one.
Profile Image for Liza Cochico.
4 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2014
If you're fascinated with magic and you love suspense, this is the book for you. Mr. Akers surely knows how to keep his readers wanting for more. Looking forward to read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Miranda LeMaster .
16 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2014
Loved these two books. A quick read that gets you entranced by the place known as Haven. Must get book #3 now. Nice intro to the world of Haven with magic and mystic galore.
1 review
March 30, 2014
From page one you are quickly drawn into the character's life.
I couldn't put this book down.
I love the author's use of detail and amazing characters!
Can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Cissy.
1 review2 followers
April 4, 2014
I have to say I love paranormal books this one is a wonderful read for me. I truly enjoyed both books form beginning to end. It is a quick read that gets you entranced.
Profile Image for Becca Moree.
Author 4 books42 followers
March 26, 2014
3.5 stars

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

BOOK 1:

I am a big fan of Fantasy Fiction and quick “teen reads”, I enjoy reading and mixing it up with a variety of genres just makes it even better. Okay, so let’s start with the positives, what I like about this book. I’m not huge on short stories most of the time…I tend to want more details…more information…just well more. That being said, this book coming as a group (I got the collection of one and two together) really helped me not feel like I was missing out.

This seems like it really would be a great teen book. The story line is easy to follow and the characters come across as realistic and understandable. This book was full of suspense and magic and was based in a small town, I mean who wouldn’t be pulled into that (even just a little). It was fast and suspenseful and I was quickly drawn into the story.

However, there are quite a few errors that kind of gave me some hangups. The story line was a bit drug out for me…especially seeing as it took place over just TWO DAYS! That was a long two days!! By the end you really start to catch on to a few things and it does make me want to read the next one…however, I sort of wish that instead of writing this as a bunch of little books (which is even more money I have to pay out if I care to keep reading) it had been done in one larger novel.

Honestly, it was a bit “slow” in the beginning and really just followed the lives of Same, Sarah, and Travis…like literally…that’s a lot of pages for just two days! Once things, nothing ordinary of course, started happening later in the book I started to wonder what would happen next.

Overall, the book has some interesting and unique moments, but I never really “got into it” and got to a place where I just couldn’t put it down like I was hoping for. I hated that it ended right when things got “good” and exciting. I get that this book was basically written in order to introduce you to the characters fully…however, I read novels all the time and they somehow do the same thing without dedicating an entire “episode” or book to it. I wish it hadn’t been quite so drawn out and the story line hadn’t seemed to drag. I will be reading the next one…heck I got it as a set…however, if I hadn’t gotten it as a set I’m honestly not sure if I would have read book two or not.

BOOK 2:
After reading book 1 I just wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one, but I read on anyways. This book reminded me of a J.K. Rowling in a way. Although it was short it still managed to pull me in and keep me wanting more. I have to say that this book was so much better than book 1! I mean amazingly better! It is a fast past young adult book that follows along on Sam’s adventure. This book picks up where A Stranger Magic leaves off.

Revenge of the Viper wastes absolutely no time in getting to the action and fun stuff (unlike book one). There are plenty of action packed fight scenes that flow smoothly and have you cringing and crossing fingers hoping things go the way they should. A ton of new characters are tossed in and the information for the introduction is almost like an overload after the way book one was written. I will say that there is a twist in this book that I didn’t expect…it definitely makes Sam’s mission all that more risky and important.

While this is a YA book, I feel that it could be enjoyed by anyone that likes this type of genre. The characters are well developed, the story flows smoothly and the plot twists and action definitely keep you on your toes! I would say that after reading book 2, if you purchase the books as a collection (which I totally recommend) it is totally worth reading…I still just can’t bring myself to say that A Stranger Magic is a good stand alone book lol
18 reviews1 follower
November 10, 2014
I have already given the Haven Series Collection 2 Book Set 5 Stars... I absolutely loved it, so I am looking forward to the third book in this series, as well when it is available. D. C. Akers does an amazing job with his detailed description of the characters and places in the books, making you feel as if you have known these characters for a long time. He as well does a wonderful job by bringing you into the story and another world. These books are filled with adventure, magic, suspense, and mystery. I promise you won't be disappointed if you purchase this set!
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