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Shadow Warder #0.5
Shadow's Passion
He lived for vengeance, until he met her. Now he has to choose—revenge or love?
Exiled by her people after an accidental death, Celeste’s power is so unstable the elegant Shadow healer is considered a deadly menace. Fifty years of isolation have left her a little lonely. And more than a little bored. When a nearby family falls victim to demon infection, she decides to go hunting. Without backup, it won’t be long before the demons are hunting her.
A dangerous assassin, Gabe has better things to do than save a Shadow from her own reckless behavior. Like find the demon who killed his brother. Sure, the Shadow is gorgeous, alluring, and she needs his help. But he can’t afford to get distracted. Everything changes the second he spies his brother’s killer among the demons after Celeste. Now, nothing will tear him from her side.
Gabe is dangerous and secretive. He’s also a skilled fighter and sexy as hell. Celeste knows better than to team up with a Warder, but she’s not sure she cares. It’s been a long dry spell since her exile. Neither of them expects their fling to turn into something more. But when Gabe’s past catches up with him, he learns that his brother’s murder was just the beginning. A new evil is rising, and its sights are set on Celeste. Now Gabe has to make a choice: revenge or love?
Exiled by her people after an accidental death, Celeste’s power is so unstable the elegant Shadow healer is considered a deadly menace. Fifty years of isolation have left her a little lonely. And more than a little bored. When a nearby family falls victim to demon infection, she decides to go hunting. Without backup, it won’t be long before the demons are hunting her.
A dangerous assassin, Gabe has better things to do than save a Shadow from her own reckless behavior. Like find the demon who killed his brother. Sure, the Shadow is gorgeous, alluring, and she needs his help. But he can’t afford to get distracted. Everything changes the second he spies his brother’s killer among the demons after Celeste. Now, nothing will tear him from her side.
Gabe is dangerous and secretive. He’s also a skilled fighter and sexy as hell. Celeste knows better than to team up with a Warder, but she’s not sure she cares. It’s been a long dry spell since her exile. Neither of them expects their fling to turn into something more. But when Gabe’s past catches up with him, he learns that his brother’s murder was just the beginning. A new evil is rising, and its sights are set on Celeste. Now Gabe has to make a choice: revenge or love?
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2014
55 people are currently reading
1252 people want to read
About the author
Molle McGregor
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Molle's writing career started when she was seven and suffered terrible insomnia. Night after night she couldn't sleep until long after mid-night, only to wake a few hours later. Frustrated with her inability to just go to bed, (and her penchant for sneaking a book and a flashlight under the covers) her grandmother said, "You like to read so much, why don't you tell yourself a story until you fall asleep." With this brilliant advice, Molle's overactive brain was off and running. Now, years later, she's finally taught herself to sleep, but she's never stopped telling stories.
When she's not reading, writing, or staring into space making things up, Molle is getting into trouble with her husband, two sons, two dogs and vicious attack cat in the mountains of North Carolina. She likes to hike, cook, listen to music way too loud, and hang out with her boys. She does not like dusting or emptying the dishwasher.
Sign up at mollemcgregor.com/new
Molle's writing career started when she was seven and suffered terrible insomnia. Night after night she couldn't sleep until long after mid-night, only to wake a few hours later. Frustrated with her inability to just go to bed, (and her penchant for sneaking a book and a flashlight under the covers) her grandmother said, "You like to read so much, why don't you tell yourself a story until you fall asleep." With this brilliant advice, Molle's overactive brain was off and running. Now, years later, she's finally taught herself to sleep, but she's never stopped telling stories.
When she's not reading, writing, or staring into space making things up, Molle is getting into trouble with her husband, two sons, two dogs and vicious attack cat in the mountains of North Carolina. She likes to hike, cook, listen to music way too loud, and hang out with her boys. She does not like dusting or emptying the dishwasher.
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July 3, 2015
Shadow’s Passion is book #0.5 in the Shadow Warder series by Molle McGregor. This is my first book by Ms. McGregor and I’m in love. This prequel was sexy, intense, fast paced and just plain great.
Celeste is a Shadow Healer but she has a problem with her powers. Whenever she is around anything electronic, her powers go haywire. A trip to the grocery store could end up in blown transformers and who knows what else. She is exiled from the community of other Shadows so she lives alone in her stone tower in the mountains with her Irish Wolfhound.
Vorati are evil demons that use humans as hosts. Celeste realizes that Vorati have taken over a large family nearby so she takes it upon herself to begin picking them off, one by one. Eventually, though, they realize she is doing it and she becomes the prey. It’s when they have her cornered, with little hope of gaining the upper hand, that Gabriel rescues her.
Gabe is a Warder. His soul purpose is to fight and kill Vorati. But Gabe’s purpose has become more personal. His own younger brother was taken over by one of the demons and Gabe had to kill it, which meant that he had to kill his own brother. Now it is his soul reason for living to find and kill the demon that was responsible for infecting his brother. It is on his search that he comes across Celeste.
Warders and Shadows are expressly forbidden contact. No one really knows why. But it’s been so long since Celeste enjoyed any type of contact with a man, especially one that looked like Gabe. And Gabe was quite taken with Celeste. As their bond grows, the chemistry does as well. These two definitely shared chemistry. When they shared their bodies, though, something happened. Their souls bound to one another. This was most definitely unexpected. Now, they are stronger together.
The demon Gabe has been searching for is also after Celeste so together they vow to hunt it down. But what happens after that? Gabe is a Warder. And Celeste can’t leave the mountain. What of their bond?
“Just this once, he didn’t want to think about strength and duty. He wanted to forget pain and betrayal. Gabe wanted this woman.”
I am pretty much in love with this series already and this is only the prequel. I fell in love with Gabe and Celeste and love the concept of this new world Molle McGregor has created. For me, this was the perfect balance of hotness, intense action and just plain awesomeness. I can’t wait to continue on with book one, Shadow’s Awakening.
January 19, 2020
4.5 stars
An ARC copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow’s Passion is a prequel to a new paranormal romance series, Shadow Warder by Molle McGregor.
The story.
Celeste is a Shadow, with special but volatile abilities, exiled by her people, and hunts Vorati demons.
Gabe is a Warder assassin, hunting Vorati demons as well, and renegade Warders. Because of some ancient reason, Shadows and Warders are forbidden to interact, despite their mutual enemy. Needless to say, Celeste and Gabe team up, and soon they are interested not only in the hunt, but in each other as well.
World-building. Well-thought-out, logical and unique. Many things remain unrevealed, but just the right amount to intrigue you to read the following books.
Plot. Well-paced, dynamic and exciting, with lots of action.
Characters. Well-balanced and engaging characters, with very composed behavior and attitude. I find their colliding powers and the potential in that very interesting.
Celeste and Gabe are very likeable, even if they are a tad clichéd. Celeste is petite and blonde, strong and independent. Gabe is dark, tall, handsome, with darkness in his heart, and a hunger for revenge.
Romance. A little bit rushed, insta-love, but sweet.
Erotica. Hot, intimate, but not cheesy.
Writing style. Well-structured and captivating. Very professional.
All in all. It is a surprisingly fresh and gripping novella, a great start of a new series. I’m definitely going to read the next book!
An ARC copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow’s Passion is a prequel to a new paranormal romance series, Shadow Warder by Molle McGregor.
The story.
Celeste is a Shadow, with special but volatile abilities, exiled by her people, and hunts Vorati demons.
Gabe is a Warder assassin, hunting Vorati demons as well, and renegade Warders. Because of some ancient reason, Shadows and Warders are forbidden to interact, despite their mutual enemy. Needless to say, Celeste and Gabe team up, and soon they are interested not only in the hunt, but in each other as well.
He laughed. "Of course I'm hiding things from you. We just met and you're a Shadow. Not an enemy..."
"But not an ally," she finished.
World-building. Well-thought-out, logical and unique. Many things remain unrevealed, but just the right amount to intrigue you to read the following books.
The demons fed on emotional energy. Any emotional energy would do, but the Vorati savored the negative. Pain, fear, hatred, and rage were a gourmet buffet. Eventually, the demands of the demon spirit in a human body would burn out the host. The body would crumble, leaving the Voratus once again incorporeal, searching for a new human to infect.
Plot. Well-paced, dynamic and exciting, with lots of action.
Characters. Well-balanced and engaging characters, with very composed behavior and attitude. I find their colliding powers and the potential in that very interesting.
Celeste and Gabe are very likeable, even if they are a tad clichéd. Celeste is petite and blonde, strong and independent. Gabe is dark, tall, handsome, with darkness in his heart, and a hunger for revenge.
On the outside all looked as it should. On the inside, Gabe was a wasteland of pain and rage. The sunlight of her touch spread through him, dragging every cell back to life with a prickling awareness not unlike a sleeping limb waking back up.
Romance. A little bit rushed, insta-love, but sweet.
If he turned her down, she'd be embarrassed. Mortified. But it wouldn't kill her. And if he didn't turn her down, she thought she might be in for a very good time.
Erotica. Hot, intimate, but not cheesy.
"I was thinking we should have sex."
Writing style. Well-structured and captivating. Very professional.
All in all. It is a surprisingly fresh and gripping novella, a great start of a new series. I’m definitely going to read the next book!
August 9, 2014
4 New Paranormal Stars
Copy provided by author in exchange for a review.
When Molle McGregor contacted me with a free copy of her book I was a bit reluctant to agree to read it. It's never easy to give a bad rating to a new writer and let's face it, a lot of new authors prove to be a disappointment. I'm happy I accepted because I liked the book very much. I am currently biting my nails for the first full-length novel in the series.
Celeste is a Shadow who can't control her powers around electricity. That has left her exiled in the mountains for the last fifty years with rare contact to the outside world. When the threat of the Vorati(human bodies that have been infected with demon spirits) reach her part of the mountains, she decides to take action.
Gabriel is a Warder, a warrior trained to fight and kill demons. When he sees the beautiful Shadow woman he is compelled to save her despite the fact that their races are not allowed to have any contact. Little does he know that this decision is going to be one of the most important in his life.
Now Celeste and Gabe will fight together to eliminate the threat on the mountains and on the process they will realise that they are stronger together than they are apart but are they willing to defend their relationship when both their races will demand they separate?
Gabe and Celeste are both very likable characters. Celeste is still strong, and sane after all this time she's been all alone. Gabe has suffered through much but he manages to put his past behind and focus on the future. I liked the way their bond was created and although it was a serious case of insta-love, I will blame it on fate and be happy!
This book is a novella so you can understand how there were some questions left unanswered. For example, where do Shadows and Warders come from? Were they created or have they always existed? Why the animosity between them? What happens to Celeste and Gabe later? Why was Celeste special with her abilities and electricity? The story was too short to get a satisfying conclusion.
This didn't however stop me from enjoying the story, I just hope they will be answered in the next installments and after reading an excerpt of the next book, which was awesome, I am very excited I started this series.
Copy provided by author in exchange for a review.
When Molle McGregor contacted me with a free copy of her book I was a bit reluctant to agree to read it. It's never easy to give a bad rating to a new writer and let's face it, a lot of new authors prove to be a disappointment. I'm happy I accepted because I liked the book very much. I am currently biting my nails for the first full-length novel in the series.
Celeste is a Shadow who can't control her powers around electricity. That has left her exiled in the mountains for the last fifty years with rare contact to the outside world. When the threat of the Vorati(human bodies that have been infected with demon spirits) reach her part of the mountains, she decides to take action.
Gabriel is a Warder, a warrior trained to fight and kill demons. When he sees the beautiful Shadow woman he is compelled to save her despite the fact that their races are not allowed to have any contact. Little does he know that this decision is going to be one of the most important in his life.
Now Celeste and Gabe will fight together to eliminate the threat on the mountains and on the process they will realise that they are stronger together than they are apart but are they willing to defend their relationship when both their races will demand they separate?
Gabe and Celeste are both very likable characters. Celeste is still strong, and sane after all this time she's been all alone. Gabe has suffered through much but he manages to put his past behind and focus on the future. I liked the way their bond was created and although it was a serious case of insta-love, I will blame it on fate and be happy!
This book is a novella so you can understand how there were some questions left unanswered. For example, where do Shadows and Warders come from? Were they created or have they always existed? Why the animosity between them? What happens to Celeste and Gabe later? Why was Celeste special with her abilities and electricity? The story was too short to get a satisfying conclusion.
This didn't however stop me from enjoying the story, I just hope they will be answered in the next installments and after reading an excerpt of the next book, which was awesome, I am very excited I started this series.
March 15, 2017
A solid, good and interesting book!
The story line was really, really intriguing. I have the feeling that it will get more and more complicated and more and more interesting!
The idea is fresh and I liked where it was going as I read on, but many things are left unexplained and I just want to know what will happen next, how the other people will react to the forbidden union between a Shadow and a Warder.
I wanted to understand why it is a forbidden union in the first place! What happened in the past? Who and why decided it?
Also, I wanted to know how thier combined power works and how will it influence their relationship in the future!
Ahhhh. so mnay things I want to know!!! :)
I appreciated very much the level-headed attitude both of Celeste and Gabe. Ijust when I thought that they'll react in the usual (stupid) manner, they surprise me by reacting in a very natural, logical way! Such a relief!!!
I don't want to spoil the story because it deserves to be read and enjoyed! There are so may interesting twists and turns, so many hinted things that just cry to be descovered!!
Oh, I alsmost (*wink, wink*) forgot the heat between the two MCs! *fanning myself*
A small complaint: it was too short! :)
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
The story line was really, really intriguing. I have the feeling that it will get more and more complicated and more and more interesting!
The idea is fresh and I liked where it was going as I read on, but many things are left unexplained and I just want to know what will happen next, how the other people will react to the forbidden union between a Shadow and a Warder.
I wanted to understand why it is a forbidden union in the first place! What happened in the past? Who and why decided it?
Also, I wanted to know how thier combined power works and how will it influence their relationship in the future!
Ahhhh. so mnay things I want to know!!! :)
I appreciated very much the level-headed attitude both of Celeste and Gabe. Ijust when I thought that they'll react in the usual (stupid) manner, they surprise me by reacting in a very natural, logical way! Such a relief!!!
I don't want to spoil the story because it deserves to be read and enjoyed! There are so may interesting twists and turns, so many hinted things that just cry to be descovered!!
Oh, I alsmost (*wink, wink*) forgot the heat between the two MCs! *fanning myself*
A small complaint: it was too short! :)
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
June 26, 2014
4.5 Stars
I love discovering new authors and I like it even better when I get the opportunity to read an ARC, after all I’ve got nothing to lose and it allows me to experiment and add new authors to my list. So I would like to say thank you very much to Molle for giving me the chance of reading this book…..you have gained another fan ☺
A rehash of the synopsis is not needed as the official one is more than sufficient. Without giving too much away the basis of the series is that in the Shadow Warder world we have two different races of people who, as far back in history they can remember, it is said that a union between them was forbidden……but what they didn’t realise is that a union between them actually made them stronger and more adept at finding and killing the demons.
I don’t normally like giving novellas too high a rating and it usually either takes a very special book or it has to have been written by an existing favourite author. So bearing in mind that Molle is new to me you can easily work out in which category this novella falls into :) This series is different and new, it is extremely well written and easy to follow - I loved the concept and as soon as I had read the first couple of pages I was hooked and wanted to know more. I did however have one niggle and that was the insta-love between Gabe & Celeste. I accept (and actually like) that in PNR mates recognise each other and instantly act upon it, but what I don’t like is when within a very short space of time they are declaring love. Yes the instinct is there which is driving the lust and the need to be together but I do think the love should be left to develop.
Just a heads up - I really do recommend that you follow the link given in the book blurb on GR’s (http://www.mollemcgregor.com/extras/s...). Molle explains the reasons why this prologue was cut from the book but I honestly thought it would have benefitted from it. I suppose it depends on what type of reader you are, me, I like to have background information so I can concentrate on what I am reading instead of having constant questions floating around my head, so what others may consider as ‘info dump’ I consider as good foundations for the book and series. Yes I do agree it is a very fine line as to when that info is sufficient or starts bordering on being too long and therefore boring and irritating! I read this prologue after I had finished this, but would have preferred to read it in the beginning, but then that’s me!
I am eager to get my hands on the next book, Shadow's Awakening, which is due out in September this year.
ARC courtesy of author without obligation or expectation of a review
I love discovering new authors and I like it even better when I get the opportunity to read an ARC, after all I’ve got nothing to lose and it allows me to experiment and add new authors to my list. So I would like to say thank you very much to Molle for giving me the chance of reading this book…..you have gained another fan ☺
A rehash of the synopsis is not needed as the official one is more than sufficient. Without giving too much away the basis of the series is that in the Shadow Warder world we have two different races of people who, as far back in history they can remember, it is said that a union between them was forbidden……but what they didn’t realise is that a union between them actually made them stronger and more adept at finding and killing the demons.
I don’t normally like giving novellas too high a rating and it usually either takes a very special book or it has to have been written by an existing favourite author. So bearing in mind that Molle is new to me you can easily work out in which category this novella falls into :) This series is different and new, it is extremely well written and easy to follow - I loved the concept and as soon as I had read the first couple of pages I was hooked and wanted to know more. I did however have one niggle and that was the insta-love between Gabe & Celeste. I accept (and actually like) that in PNR mates recognise each other and instantly act upon it, but what I don’t like is when within a very short space of time they are declaring love. Yes the instinct is there which is driving the lust and the need to be together but I do think the love should be left to develop.
Just a heads up - I really do recommend that you follow the link given in the book blurb on GR’s (http://www.mollemcgregor.com/extras/s...). Molle explains the reasons why this prologue was cut from the book but I honestly thought it would have benefitted from it. I suppose it depends on what type of reader you are, me, I like to have background information so I can concentrate on what I am reading instead of having constant questions floating around my head, so what others may consider as ‘info dump’ I consider as good foundations for the book and series. Yes I do agree it is a very fine line as to when that info is sufficient or starts bordering on being too long and therefore boring and irritating! I read this prologue after I had finished this, but would have preferred to read it in the beginning, but then that’s me!
I am eager to get my hands on the next book, Shadow's Awakening, which is due out in September this year.
ARC courtesy of author without obligation or expectation of a review
September 7, 2015
And the award for the quickest insta-love goes to this book!
(There is a reason, but I need to make fun of it first because I'm a jerk.)
So, here's the run down of this epic love story:
Day 1 - meet in the afternoon
Day 2 - have sex, he goes out for a walk to clear his head and realizes he can't live without her
Day 3 - talk about their future together & muse about their love
Day 4 - say "I love you" to each other & live happily ever after (I assume. Because this kind of love lasts forever.)
Okay, okay... to be fair, there is a reason that they fell in love immediately. They are both some sort of magic people who fight demons. He is called a Warder. They fight and kill these demons. She is a Shadow. They have magical powers and can do different things - her power is healing. These two races of people have always hated each other and are forbidden to interact. But, in the beginning of the story, we learn that an Oracle has realized that it is possible that the two races are actually meant to fight demons together. He says that each race has a part of their soul that is missing and can only be filled by their soul-mate in the other race. How convenient!
In other words: they found their soul-mate so it is okay that they fell in love immediately. When they had sex, their souls bonded.
stuck on you, baby!
The concept of this world is pretty cool, and complicated, so I think this will be a fun series. The Warder & Shadows live for hundreds of years, have various and amazing powers & skills, and have a great enemy to fight. The demons are spirits that possess people who are predisposed to evil. They slowly steal the person's soul as they encourage them to indulge in darkness, and eventually the soul dies and they are all demon. Like politicians.
I'm looking forward to continuing this series. Thank you to Carol, who recommended this book! :)
July 11, 2014
*A copy of this e-book was provided to me by the author*
When I got a message from the author gusing about Nalini Singh who is also my favorite author, and offered me her book to read which has some similar stuff, I thought - why not? Anything conected to my Goddess goes.
So when I started it, I honestly didn't expect much. It's a prequel, a short story, what can you do in about 120 pages? Well, it turns out Molle McGregor can do a lot!
I really, really liked it. I loved how it's still very different, and not a sort of Psy/Changeling fanfiction I thought it might be. I'm damned surprised it's her debut novel. The style seems very refined and developed. The world buiding takes much time and a loooot of stuff is still unanswered but that's ok, because it's still the beginning. This is a srot of story that starts the wheel of destiny and change, nothing is clear right now, only that things are about to change.
The basic elemets of the pnr - the Shadows and Warders, is interesting. I still don't really get what are specifics of those races(should I call the that?). Are Shadows a sort of magic/power of elements type? And the Warders? What is their special power other then bits and pieces that serve to fight the Vorati? We need more of that! And how a conecting of Shadow and Warders works!
Celeste and Gabriel are solid MCs, not too emotional or dramatic at all, but still give a grabing-attention story because their chemistry is of the charts and exciting. Celeste is a very brave and kind woman, very loving but a careful fighter. Gabriel is a tough guy only focused on his work and revenge (it sounds cheesier then it is, really), but he's still a smart man, not in too much denial of his feelings that we see a lot in heroes. I can say that the author made the short development of their relationship pretty believable. And that's a power I have to salute.
Can't wait to read more of this series! I hope it gets to be as exciting, intelligent and legendary as the Psy/Changeling series. I wish that to the author. The start was the hardest and she aced it. Good luck!
When I got a message from the author gusing about Nalini Singh who is also my favorite author, and offered me her book to read which has some similar stuff, I thought - why not? Anything conected to my Goddess goes.
So when I started it, I honestly didn't expect much. It's a prequel, a short story, what can you do in about 120 pages? Well, it turns out Molle McGregor can do a lot!
I really, really liked it. I loved how it's still very different, and not a sort of Psy/Changeling fanfiction I thought it might be. I'm damned surprised it's her debut novel. The style seems very refined and developed. The world buiding takes much time and a loooot of stuff is still unanswered but that's ok, because it's still the beginning. This is a srot of story that starts the wheel of destiny and change, nothing is clear right now, only that things are about to change.
The basic elemets of the pnr - the Shadows and Warders, is interesting. I still don't really get what are specifics of those races(should I call the that?). Are Shadows a sort of magic/power of elements type? And the Warders? What is their special power other then bits and pieces that serve to fight the Vorati? We need more of that! And how a conecting of Shadow and Warders works!
Celeste and Gabriel are solid MCs, not too emotional or dramatic at all, but still give a grabing-attention story because their chemistry is of the charts and exciting. Celeste is a very brave and kind woman, very loving but a careful fighter. Gabriel is a tough guy only focused on his work and revenge (it sounds cheesier then it is, really), but he's still a smart man, not in too much denial of his feelings that we see a lot in heroes. I can say that the author made the short development of their relationship pretty believable. And that's a power I have to salute.
Can't wait to read more of this series! I hope it gets to be as exciting, intelligent and legendary as the Psy/Changeling series. I wish that to the author. The start was the hardest and she aced it. Good luck!
July 13, 2014
I got this copy from the author in exchange for a review
4.5/5 stars for this beauty!
So where do I begin? The unbreakable bond Celeste and Gabe developed is so cute it's gotten me swooning. Gabe is a really dark personality but I love that he showed his love and affection, although that kinda made him vulnerable, in my opinion. Celeste is tiny and so adorable but she's a strong fighter too, which makes me really giddy because I'm kinda small and I can relate.
I couldn't really relate to the characters although that's fine, because it's fantasy. It's different than anything I've read and it was a pleasant surprise.
I'm excited for the first book which is called Shadow's Awakening and it'll be out next month.
I think Shadow's Passion was a nice prequel and it gave us enough information to go into the next book.
The cover is really pretty as well, his abs.. Ah. Is that Gabe?
Overall:
Storyline:5/5
Cover:5/5
Characters:4.5/5
Originality:5/5
4.5/5 stars for this beauty!
So where do I begin? The unbreakable bond Celeste and Gabe developed is so cute it's gotten me swooning. Gabe is a really dark personality but I love that he showed his love and affection, although that kinda made him vulnerable, in my opinion. Celeste is tiny and so adorable but she's a strong fighter too, which makes me really giddy because I'm kinda small and I can relate.
I couldn't really relate to the characters although that's fine, because it's fantasy. It's different than anything I've read and it was a pleasant surprise.
I'm excited for the first book which is called Shadow's Awakening and it'll be out next month.
I think Shadow's Passion was a nice prequel and it gave us enough information to go into the next book.
The cover is really pretty as well, his abs.. Ah. Is that Gabe?
Overall:
Storyline:5/5
Cover:5/5
Characters:4.5/5
Originality:5/5
Want to read
November 19, 2014
If you love urban fantasy, and plenty of magical, steamy paranormal romance, this series is right for you.
Get Shadow's Passion (Book 0.5) for FREE:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kEZRzL
BN: http://bit.ly/1y7elNI
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1uBZZSM
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1t33u65
Synopsis: Shadow's Passion is the Prequel Novella to the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Romance Series: The Shadow Warders
He lived for vengeance, until he met her. Now he has to choose—revenge or love?
Exiled by her people after an accidental death, Celeste’s power is so unstable the elegant Shadow healer is considered a deadly menace. Fifty years of isolation have left her a little lonely. And more than a little bored. When a nearby family falls victim to demon infection, she decides to go hunting. Without backup, it won’t be long before the demons are hunting her.
A dangerous assassin, Gabe has better things to do than save a Shadow from her own reckless behavior. Like find the demon who killed his brother. Sure, the Shadow is gorgeous, alluring, and she needs his help. But he can’t afford to get distracted. Everything changes the second he spies his brother’s killer among the demons after Celeste. Now, nothing will tear him from her side.
Gabe is dangerous and secretive. He’s also a skilled fighter and sexy as hell. Celeste knows better than to team up with a Warder, but she’s not sure she cares. It’s been a long dry spell since her exile. Neither of them expects their fling to turn into something more. But when Gabe’s past catches up with him, he learns that his brother’s murder was just the beginning. A new evil is rising, and its sights are set on Celeste. Now Gabe has to make a choice: revenge or love?
Recommended for ages 17+
October 11, 2014
Shadow's Passion by Moll's McGregor is an interesting tale. It has different creatures out there. Both good and evil. The good are the shadows and warders and the bad are demons and the Vorati. The Vorati were weak humans that had a bad flaw. The demon spirits would work on the flaw Til the human turned completely evil and the demon would inhabit the human body doing despicable evil and feed off others emotions. Celeste Cannon was a shadow. She lived isolated and had no electrical equipment around her. Shadows never mixed with warders. Some high level shadow contacted a warder director and thought they may have misinterpreted the laws. Saying shadows and warders should work together. They complete each other. Gabriel (Gabe) is a warder soldier. He is above that. He is an assassin. See what happens when Celeste and Gabe meet face to face with each other and the Vorati.
December 17, 2014
Molle McGregor weaves an interesting tale of two long living defenders of humanity. I like how she starts out with some higher-ups pulling strings and manipulating the outcome. Because ultimately, they are working, in tandem, against the laws of their people in order to survive against the demons. I like how the lovers are fated to be together but it isn’t a “you belong to me” on sight ordeal. They come to that conclusion quickly, but given their longevity and how their energies work, it makes sense and doesn’t feel forced or lacking in romance. There’s not much in the way of wooing, but it’s the small things that show the romance in this story. So don’t expect dramatic...(http://textuallove.wordpress.com/2014...) Read the full review behind the link.
August 4, 2014
I do so love being introduced to the work of an author I’ve never read, and finding a new gem to treasure. Such is the case with Molle McGregor’s Shadow’s Passion. I received this book from Library Thing with the request for an honest review, and I’m quite happy to say this book is a treat from start to finish.
Shadow’s Passion is a prequel to McGregor’s Shadow Warder’s series. It begins with the vision of an Oracle, seeing the urgent need for two separated races to come together to save the world from a demon scourge. Though legend says by joining together their power increases significantly, for fifteen hundred years the Shadows and Warders have worked separately to fight the Vorati demons. The demons take over the bodies of humans and consume their souls, feeding on the sadness, fear and despair of others and spreading their blight as they go. The Vorati, who have always been solitary beasts, have begun to work together. If not stopped they could become a ruling force and take over the world. It’s time for the Shadows and Warders to come together, and the Oracle knows just the pair to being the transition.
Celeste is a Shadow healer who cannot control her powers around electricity. She has cut herself off from all others, living a largely solitary existence in a tower set deep in the mountainous woods where she can do no harm should her powers go haywire. Her only constant companion is her Irish wolfhound. Gabe is an elite Warder soldier, one who hunts demons but also Warders who go rogue. He’s been sent on a mission in Celeste’s area and comes upon a group of Vorati who have her trapped; Gabe knows they will capture and torture her if given the chance. He is injured in the process of helping Celeste so, even though interaction between the two is forbidden, she brings him to her sanctuary to heal his wounds. They are both surprised by the strong connection that rapidly builds between them, and try to deal with that while strategizing how best to eliminate the Vorati nest in their midst.
Any time an author starts a new series I suspect it’s a great challenge to build up a world that quickly draws the reader’s interest yet gives enough information to set the stage for the action to come. McGregor does a great job in this regard; the prologue is an intriguing introduction, then the reader is thrown right into the action. The building relationship between Celeste and Gabe, especially given that it is verboten, is a pleasure to see unfold. There is plenty of passion and heartache (old and new), interspersed with action to keep the story moving. It’s clear this is just the beginning foray into what promises to be a vastly interesting and entertaining world. I look forward to visiting again soon.
Shadow’s Passion is a prequel to McGregor’s Shadow Warder’s series. It begins with the vision of an Oracle, seeing the urgent need for two separated races to come together to save the world from a demon scourge. Though legend says by joining together their power increases significantly, for fifteen hundred years the Shadows and Warders have worked separately to fight the Vorati demons. The demons take over the bodies of humans and consume their souls, feeding on the sadness, fear and despair of others and spreading their blight as they go. The Vorati, who have always been solitary beasts, have begun to work together. If not stopped they could become a ruling force and take over the world. It’s time for the Shadows and Warders to come together, and the Oracle knows just the pair to being the transition.
Celeste is a Shadow healer who cannot control her powers around electricity. She has cut herself off from all others, living a largely solitary existence in a tower set deep in the mountainous woods where she can do no harm should her powers go haywire. Her only constant companion is her Irish wolfhound. Gabe is an elite Warder soldier, one who hunts demons but also Warders who go rogue. He’s been sent on a mission in Celeste’s area and comes upon a group of Vorati who have her trapped; Gabe knows they will capture and torture her if given the chance. He is injured in the process of helping Celeste so, even though interaction between the two is forbidden, she brings him to her sanctuary to heal his wounds. They are both surprised by the strong connection that rapidly builds between them, and try to deal with that while strategizing how best to eliminate the Vorati nest in their midst.
Any time an author starts a new series I suspect it’s a great challenge to build up a world that quickly draws the reader’s interest yet gives enough information to set the stage for the action to come. McGregor does a great job in this regard; the prologue is an intriguing introduction, then the reader is thrown right into the action. The building relationship between Celeste and Gabe, especially given that it is verboten, is a pleasure to see unfold. There is plenty of passion and heartache (old and new), interspersed with action to keep the story moving. It’s clear this is just the beginning foray into what promises to be a vastly interesting and entertaining world. I look forward to visiting again soon.
January 23, 2015
This book is a prequel in The Shadow Warder Series. The prologue provides a bit of background on the basic set up of the Shadow and Warder world and the reasons behind the bonding between Shadows and Warders as told by Zach, a powerful Shadow Oracle but if you haven’t read the first book you’ll be left with some questions regarding the details concerning the main storyline of the series. I recommend reading the first book before reading this novella.
Celeste is a Shadow whose abilities are off. Mishaps with her powers occur whenever she is around electricity and sometimes those mishaps cause danger to others. After a particularly scary and sad incident Celeste is forced to leave the Shadow compound to live off on her own in isolation in the mountains of North Carolina. Gabriel is a Warder but not your typical Warder he’s a Sicarius, a deadly assassin who not only kills Vorati demons, but he also takes out Warders who break the rules. He’s known as the best and the scariest of the Sicarius and no one wishes to have the dark Warder after them.
Celeste and Gabe weren’t complicated or dishonest with one another. I appreciated Celeste’s mature and blunt approach to Gabe. She didn’t beat around the bush with the way she felt and the two were so sweet together. The romance was fast paced but for a novella I expected things to move fast and to get straight to the heart of the story. I did find myself crying a bit at one point so be prepared with some tissues. I won’t spoil what happens but my heart broke. I thought the storyline was action packed and it left me wondering about Amelia. Is she now paying closer attention and keeping track of all the changes going down? Is she going to start gathering the other Warders and work with the Shadows? Will she eventually approach the other directors with what she knows?
Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
Celeste is a Shadow whose abilities are off. Mishaps with her powers occur whenever she is around electricity and sometimes those mishaps cause danger to others. After a particularly scary and sad incident Celeste is forced to leave the Shadow compound to live off on her own in isolation in the mountains of North Carolina. Gabriel is a Warder but not your typical Warder he’s a Sicarius, a deadly assassin who not only kills Vorati demons, but he also takes out Warders who break the rules. He’s known as the best and the scariest of the Sicarius and no one wishes to have the dark Warder after them.
Celeste and Gabe weren’t complicated or dishonest with one another. I appreciated Celeste’s mature and blunt approach to Gabe. She didn’t beat around the bush with the way she felt and the two were so sweet together. The romance was fast paced but for a novella I expected things to move fast and to get straight to the heart of the story. I did find myself crying a bit at one point so be prepared with some tissues. I won’t spoil what happens but my heart broke. I thought the storyline was action packed and it left me wondering about Amelia. Is she now paying closer attention and keeping track of all the changes going down? Is she going to start gathering the other Warders and work with the Shadows? Will she eventually approach the other directors with what she knows?
Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
September 8, 2014
First of all it is a novella which equals an extremely short story.
I would have liked an intro explaining the reason for the animosities between the races and even a better description of them.I still have many questions about them and the characters themselves which I hope will be answered with book one.
Celeste is a Shadow. Her power is focused on healing but she somewhat short circuits around electricity. because of something that happened many moons ago, she basically lives as in exile all alone in the woods.
She notices a nest of vorati demons. She did not ignore them even though she probably should have. Think selfless and bad a** here!
While she is fighting the demons and getting herself in trouble, Gabe happens upon her. Gabe is a Warder and is basically forbidden to interact with shadows even though they fight the same enemy.
Needless to say there is an element of insta lust here. Call it the lure of the forbidden, fate, etc.... Regardless they discover that they are better together and bada boom bada bing, things happen and then it is all said and done.
I WANT MORE!
The ending felt somewhat rushed to me but I can live with that because I know that there is more to come from this author! I just hope that there is more of an explanation about the races, the animosity between them, and of course more of Celeste and Gabe. ;-)
There was some steamy action but it was nicely written. The characters were likable. The plot was engaging and action packed. I really liked her writing style and the way things were presented.
Oh and I should mention that these demons are very bad news. It was about time an author presented them in such a way.
I received an ecopy in exchange for my honest opinion. Great read for a novella. I am overly eager for the next book!
I would have liked an intro explaining the reason for the animosities between the races and even a better description of them.I still have many questions about them and the characters themselves which I hope will be answered with book one.
Celeste is a Shadow. Her power is focused on healing but she somewhat short circuits around electricity. because of something that happened many moons ago, she basically lives as in exile all alone in the woods.
She notices a nest of vorati demons. She did not ignore them even though she probably should have. Think selfless and bad a** here!
While she is fighting the demons and getting herself in trouble, Gabe happens upon her. Gabe is a Warder and is basically forbidden to interact with shadows even though they fight the same enemy.
Needless to say there is an element of insta lust here. Call it the lure of the forbidden, fate, etc.... Regardless they discover that they are better together and bada boom bada bing, things happen and then it is all said and done.
I WANT MORE!
The ending felt somewhat rushed to me but I can live with that because I know that there is more to come from this author! I just hope that there is more of an explanation about the races, the animosity between them, and of course more of Celeste and Gabe. ;-)
There was some steamy action but it was nicely written. The characters were likable. The plot was engaging and action packed. I really liked her writing style and the way things were presented.
Oh and I should mention that these demons are very bad news. It was about time an author presented them in such a way.
I received an ecopy in exchange for my honest opinion. Great read for a novella. I am overly eager for the next book!
December 29, 2014
The winter air chilled Zach's skin calling her was dangerous for him to be calling her. If Amelia gets caught talking to a shadow she'd face serious consequences. Conspiring with a shadow could mean a death sentence for her kind. Warders and Shadows were created to fight against the Vorati demons, fifteen hundered years apart and the Vorati are a greater danger than ever. If the Warders and Shadows don't unite the Vorati will take over.The Siicari are elite soldiers charged with eliminating internal instablility. Zach had a vision that Celeste and Gabriel would bond. Celeste left her home on a scouting mission and she didn't expect an ambush. Gabriel was hunting Vorati on the mountain and he went to help Celeste fight the Vorati.
Celeste Cannon is a Shadowand a mid grade Healer, has an unfortunate sensitivity to electricity. She is around 375 years old. Gabriel Wright is over 600 years older, he spent most of it as a Sicarius, he is one of the Warders best soliders, he is always focused on his mission, he has no mercy, 11 years ago he executed his own brother. Zach Wilder is the youngest Shadow Oracle at a mere 66 years. He is the most powerful Oracle the shadows or the Wilder line produced in centuries. Unfailing accurate prodictions. He is also a legend among the Shadows. Amelia is the Director of the Warders, fights the Vorati. Blake is a Warder, he is infected by a Vorati Demon, he is allowed to keep control of his own body.
This book is amazingly well written, this is my first book by Molle McGregor and it most definitely will not be my last. This is the prequel to The Shadow Warder Series. I loved Molle's style of writing, I also loved how well the characters were developed. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone!!
August 19, 2014
I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock. Shadow's Passion by Molle McGregor is a very interesting book that tells the story of Celeste and Gabe two being of different races that found a connection that goes against everything they know and being told all their lives. I love the spirit of Celeste even though she is a healer and lives in a secluded place with just her dog to avoid hurting anybody since she cant fully control her powers her fighting spirit takes her to try and save the people that live around her even if that is going to put her in danger. Then comes Gabe a warriors and saves her from being taken by the demons that are infecting people around her.... After a day together they realize there is an attraction that cant be stopped and after giving in they find this bond that makes them both stronger and helps then fight these creatures. I love the book it was very well written and the love scenes between Celeste and Gabe were soooo steamy!!!!!! I will be reading the next books in the series and see what happens next.
I give this book 4 fangs!!!!
I give this book 4 fangs!!!!
May 13, 2015
Shadow's Passion is a prequel novella in The Shadow Warder Series by Molle McGregor.
Paranormal fantasy romance is a fairly new genre for me. I'm not sure why I never read one before a few weeks ago, but now I can't stop reading them. One after the other, author after author, I am hooked!
This novella centers around a shadow named Celeste and a warder named Gabriel. They have a common enemy but are very different. Shadows are healers and warders are warrior assassins. Both protect humans, but have been taught to avoid the other - completely.
When Gabe is out tracking his next mark, he stumbles upon an outnumbered Celeste in the midst of a battle, can he kill his enemies and avoid the shadow?
This story has great characters, an interesting story line that sucks you in, and all the action, emotion, and romance that makes me so anxious to read the next book in the series. 5 Stars!
Paranormal fantasy romance is a fairly new genre for me. I'm not sure why I never read one before a few weeks ago, but now I can't stop reading them. One after the other, author after author, I am hooked!
This novella centers around a shadow named Celeste and a warder named Gabriel. They have a common enemy but are very different. Shadows are healers and warders are warrior assassins. Both protect humans, but have been taught to avoid the other - completely.
When Gabe is out tracking his next mark, he stumbles upon an outnumbered Celeste in the midst of a battle, can he kill his enemies and avoid the shadow?
This story has great characters, an interesting story line that sucks you in, and all the action, emotion, and romance that makes me so anxious to read the next book in the series. 5 Stars!
June 2, 2014
Shadow's Passion is a Prequel Novella to The Shadow Warder Series only about 131 pages but I am going to say WOW to those 131 pages.
I read it in one seating and it is a very compelling story.
I love a story that pulls you in and gets your emotions involved and this story about Gabe and Celeste's does. There is one part that you know something bad is
Going to happen and it does and it made me cry my eyes out. I had to stop cause I couldn't see the words, I would dry them and read a little more and there I am crying my eyes out again. This is a very good beginning to a promising series that I will be looking forward to reading.
This was given to me by the author for an honest review.
I read it in one seating and it is a very compelling story.
I love a story that pulls you in and gets your emotions involved and this story about Gabe and Celeste's does. There is one part that you know something bad is
Going to happen and it does and it made me cry my eyes out. I had to stop cause I couldn't see the words, I would dry them and read a little more and there I am crying my eyes out again. This is a very good beginning to a promising series that I will be looking forward to reading.
This was given to me by the author for an honest review.
November 11, 2014
Really 3.5★
This is billed as the prequel, but at over 300 pgs it really deserves to just be the first in the series.
We have 2 factions of demon hunter/good guys, Warders and Shadows, and our villains are Vorati demons who consume souls to survive. World building is subtle and well done, no apparent grammar mistakes.
Celeste, a Shadow, is living a very isolated life due to her problems controlling her electrical power and Gabe, a Warder, is tracking the demon who killed his brother.
Warders & Shadows shouldn't even be in the same room, however, Celeste & Gabe can't get enough of each other.
The demons are changing and so must the good guys.
This is billed as the prequel, but at over 300 pgs it really deserves to just be the first in the series.
We have 2 factions of demon hunter/good guys, Warders and Shadows, and our villains are Vorati demons who consume souls to survive. World building is subtle and well done, no apparent grammar mistakes.
Celeste, a Shadow, is living a very isolated life due to her problems controlling her electrical power and Gabe, a Warder, is tracking the demon who killed his brother.
Warders & Shadows shouldn't even be in the same room, however, Celeste & Gabe can't get enough of each other.
The demons are changing and so must the good guys.
July 5, 2015
Shadow’s passion is a prequel story which introduced an interesting new world. I loved the idea of having Shadows and Warders being apart when perhaps together they can be stronger. I loved that it was made to be forbidden and that makes me wonder why it has been against the law for so many hundreds of years. This short story packed a big punch. It had action, suspense, loss and some very steamy scenes. I loved the writing and will definitely be continuing on with this series. Recommended to fans of paranormal and romance!
July 8, 2014
I gave this book 5 stars because it was a really good book. I want to say thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this book. In return I give my honest review. I could not put the book down. I will read more books by this author.
October 15, 2014
4.5 Stars!
September 27, 2018
Shadow's Passion (Shadow Warder, #0.5) by Molle McGregor
This was a great book. I'm not sure why it is a .5 instead of being the first in the series, but it was very in depth and mysterious. Although there is a well earned, solid HEA at the end, there is also the looming threat in the future. I look forward to more.
This was a great book. I'm not sure why it is a .5 instead of being the first in the series, but it was very in depth and mysterious. Although there is a well earned, solid HEA at the end, there is also the looming threat in the future. I look forward to more.
November 9, 2017
I was lose in the moment with this amazing read♦️♦️♦️♦️
July 2, 2014
Honestly? I've never been a huge fan of romance. I find many times the romance to be coated deeply in purple prose and the characters to lack the passion and personality to truly make the romance come alive. This book I felt made me enjoy the romance, I smiled when they kissed, cheered when they made love. The world around them just as alive as the romance they share.
The story of Shadow's Passion is chock full of emotion and bends. I'm typically a reader who really doesn't get interested in a book till it hits near the end, when the story enters high gear. I felt drawn to the story as soon as I finished chapter 3, I had to at times drag myself away from the book to do things in real life. In thirteen chapters Molle McGregor was able to create a seamless and powerful world, the lore rich as I find myself deeply interested in the powers of Warders and Shadows as they fight against the Vorati. I felt myself walking away full and content with the knowledge of this world, but still wanting more.
The characters in this book were each uniquely powerful, as the narrative switches the voice of the character I felt I could really feel the characters talking to me. Celeste seems self conscious, brave but constantly filled with anxiety and doubt. Gabe is analytical, he takes in every little thing he sees. He observes everything he can about people and is a much better reader of people than Celeste. The narrative is used beautifully to switch between them, to throw darkness over a plot point here, or to give us exposition in this scene here. This use of different voices also expands the characters you see in this world by allowing them to see you through two eyes. Fitz the Irish Wolfhound as an example: Through Celeste's eyes you see the affectionate and loving side this dog has, his deep to the core loyalty and admiration for Celeste. Through Gabe's narrative he see his imposing figure, his intimidating and fearsome appearance. The characters truly come alive as you read about them, I can't fault a single character in this book I've seen, all are fun and interesting to read about.
I can't really state much about the writing style, it's simple but that's what I like. Too many times, I see large words thrown around in romances to make protagonists look extremely intelligent, or to go on for pages about their perfectly sculpted body, it's quite wearing of an experience. This Novella is simple in it's description, it sounds like the people I'm listening to on the page. I also fondly enjoyed the profanity in the book words such as: Cock, ass, fucked, pussy. It all sounds crude, but I loved it. It sounded so modern, so real. Too many times do I see authors shy away from profanity to use words like member or "My place" I rather enjoyed the brash and forward use of these words, as it made the sex scenes come alive. I could see this being two real people.
In the end I gave this five stars, when my fiancée talked to me about this book and explained the general premise to me, I found myself intrigued. I really enjoy paranormal, the lustful dark side of the psyche, demonic entities. It's all right up my alley, so with the author's permission she sent me a copy. I went into this book truthfully expecting something average at best, I walked out of the experience with something more. I truly hope this book gets more readers as I feel it's a book that deserves more attention. If the premise seems good to you, I whole heartedly recommend it as a read.
The story of Shadow's Passion is chock full of emotion and bends. I'm typically a reader who really doesn't get interested in a book till it hits near the end, when the story enters high gear. I felt drawn to the story as soon as I finished chapter 3, I had to at times drag myself away from the book to do things in real life. In thirteen chapters Molle McGregor was able to create a seamless and powerful world, the lore rich as I find myself deeply interested in the powers of Warders and Shadows as they fight against the Vorati. I felt myself walking away full and content with the knowledge of this world, but still wanting more.
The characters in this book were each uniquely powerful, as the narrative switches the voice of the character I felt I could really feel the characters talking to me. Celeste seems self conscious, brave but constantly filled with anxiety and doubt. Gabe is analytical, he takes in every little thing he sees. He observes everything he can about people and is a much better reader of people than Celeste. The narrative is used beautifully to switch between them, to throw darkness over a plot point here, or to give us exposition in this scene here. This use of different voices also expands the characters you see in this world by allowing them to see you through two eyes. Fitz the Irish Wolfhound as an example: Through Celeste's eyes you see the affectionate and loving side this dog has, his deep to the core loyalty and admiration for Celeste. Through Gabe's narrative he see his imposing figure, his intimidating and fearsome appearance. The characters truly come alive as you read about them, I can't fault a single character in this book I've seen, all are fun and interesting to read about.
I can't really state much about the writing style, it's simple but that's what I like. Too many times, I see large words thrown around in romances to make protagonists look extremely intelligent, or to go on for pages about their perfectly sculpted body, it's quite wearing of an experience. This Novella is simple in it's description, it sounds like the people I'm listening to on the page. I also fondly enjoyed the profanity in the book words such as: Cock, ass, fucked, pussy. It all sounds crude, but I loved it. It sounded so modern, so real. Too many times do I see authors shy away from profanity to use words like member or "My place" I rather enjoyed the brash and forward use of these words, as it made the sex scenes come alive. I could see this being two real people.
In the end I gave this five stars, when my fiancée talked to me about this book and explained the general premise to me, I found myself intrigued. I really enjoy paranormal, the lustful dark side of the psyche, demonic entities. It's all right up my alley, so with the author's permission she sent me a copy. I went into this book truthfully expecting something average at best, I walked out of the experience with something more. I truly hope this book gets more readers as I feel it's a book that deserves more attention. If the premise seems good to you, I whole heartedly recommend it as a read.
October 8, 2015
I know what you're thinking. A book cover like this one just screams erotic romance and intense eye-rolling. But hear me out—Molle McGregor's Shadow Warder series is something else. Something exceptional. It was entertaining and thrilling and exciting. Everything that makes a fantasy series epic.
This prequel novella introduces us to the fantasy world of Shadows, Warders and Vorati, and their strange dynamic of conflict. Shadows and Warders have a common enemy—the Vorati—but at the same time there exists a conflict between themselves. We're not sure why, or when, this division took place. But it makes for an intense and titillating tension between our two main characters—Celeste, a Shadow exiled from her kind, and Gabe, a Warder assassin on a mission to kill the demon who infected his brother.
I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to the series. Right from the beginning, we are thrust into an action-fuelled battle. Heart-pounding from the get-go. This excitement only intensified throughout the story. In the time that I read this novella, I had to work an eight-hour shift, and this was the only thing on my mind until I could come home and finish it off. It was epic and thrilling and I just couldn't get enough!
The dynamic between Celeste and Gabe—though eye-rollingly cheesy—was also intriguing. For as long as they can remember, their kinds have never come together for anything, let alone a passion-fuelled romance. The insta-love between these two was the only issue I had with the story, though it's really just me being a nit-picky. This is an adult fantasy romance novella, so a lustful romance is going to be included. I could appreciate the romance—boy, oh boy, it was hot—but their declarations of love for one another was what irked me. This aside, I appreciate what their relationship symbolises in their world, and the future possibilities that may develop throughout the series.
I am now desperately anticipating the release of the first full-length novel in the series—Shadow's Awakening—next month. At this stage, all I want is more Celeste/Gabe stories, but I can understand that their story was a foundation to the upcoming series. It has established this fantasy world beautifully, exploring the intense and complicated relations between Shadows, Warders and Vorati, and most importantly, it has left me wanting more. I'll now be counting down the days until I can have the next book on my Kindle!
Exclusively Books
This prequel novella introduces us to the fantasy world of Shadows, Warders and Vorati, and their strange dynamic of conflict. Shadows and Warders have a common enemy—the Vorati—but at the same time there exists a conflict between themselves. We're not sure why, or when, this division took place. But it makes for an intense and titillating tension between our two main characters—Celeste, a Shadow exiled from her kind, and Gabe, a Warder assassin on a mission to kill the demon who infected his brother.
I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to the series. Right from the beginning, we are thrust into an action-fuelled battle. Heart-pounding from the get-go. This excitement only intensified throughout the story. In the time that I read this novella, I had to work an eight-hour shift, and this was the only thing on my mind until I could come home and finish it off. It was epic and thrilling and I just couldn't get enough!
The dynamic between Celeste and Gabe—though eye-rollingly cheesy—was also intriguing. For as long as they can remember, their kinds have never come together for anything, let alone a passion-fuelled romance. The insta-love between these two was the only issue I had with the story, though it's really just me being a nit-picky. This is an adult fantasy romance novella, so a lustful romance is going to be included. I could appreciate the romance—boy, oh boy, it was hot—but their declarations of love for one another was what irked me. This aside, I appreciate what their relationship symbolises in their world, and the future possibilities that may develop throughout the series.
I am now desperately anticipating the release of the first full-length novel in the series—Shadow's Awakening—next month. At this stage, all I want is more Celeste/Gabe stories, but I can understand that their story was a foundation to the upcoming series. It has established this fantasy world beautifully, exploring the intense and complicated relations between Shadows, Warders and Vorati, and most importantly, it has left me wanting more. I'll now be counting down the days until I can have the next book on my Kindle!
Exclusively Books
September 14, 2014
I received Shadow's Passion in exchange for an honest review.
Shadow's Passion is a prequel novella to the Shadow Warder Series and enfolds quickly. It's the story of Gabe, a Warder (kind of a demon hunter) who only lives to avenge his brother's murder. Celeste, a Shadow (kind of the same) has a magical deficiency, which has forced her to spend decades on her own, her only companion being a dog. Any contact between shadows and warders is strictly forbidden and has been for hundreds of years (why, I do not know), but when they meet, they can neither deny the sparks that fly nor explain the magical bond that seems to form between them.
Shadow's Passion is a compelling and not-so-common blend between fantasy and erotic romance. Moreover, unlike most other romance novels, the heroes' relationship begins as a purely erotic adventure, blunt and unromantic, and it is only after their first night that love and trust develops and they both start to rethink their way of life. In this novella, it works perfectly which is largely thanks to Molle McGregor's flawless and engaging writing that draws the reader in from the first page. All characters are well written and complex. The parasitic demons that feed on human emotions, devouring the soul bit by bit but leaving the body intact, make for a creepy and compelling enemy that you don't read much about in modern fantasy. The story is written from both Celeste’s and Gabe’s point of view, which not only makes their growing love for each other believable but also shows that there is something magical going on between them that neither can explain.
Unfortunately, the story didn't have much time to enfold itself, and naturally lacks the depth of a 500 page novel. I didn't really understand what shadows and warders are and I would have liked to know more about the difference between them and the background of their society. Why are they not allowed to be together? Whatever the reason, their bond is the key to the future, and I am sure that it will be explored in detail in the coming novels. Shadow's Passion prepares the reader for more and I am eager to read the next novel.
Thank you, Molle, I very much enjoyed your story.
PS: All my reviews can also be found on my blog perfectfantasybooks.blogspot.com
Shadow's Passion is a prequel novella to the Shadow Warder Series and enfolds quickly. It's the story of Gabe, a Warder (kind of a demon hunter) who only lives to avenge his brother's murder. Celeste, a Shadow (kind of the same) has a magical deficiency, which has forced her to spend decades on her own, her only companion being a dog. Any contact between shadows and warders is strictly forbidden and has been for hundreds of years (why, I do not know), but when they meet, they can neither deny the sparks that fly nor explain the magical bond that seems to form between them.
Shadow's Passion is a compelling and not-so-common blend between fantasy and erotic romance. Moreover, unlike most other romance novels, the heroes' relationship begins as a purely erotic adventure, blunt and unromantic, and it is only after their first night that love and trust develops and they both start to rethink their way of life. In this novella, it works perfectly which is largely thanks to Molle McGregor's flawless and engaging writing that draws the reader in from the first page. All characters are well written and complex. The parasitic demons that feed on human emotions, devouring the soul bit by bit but leaving the body intact, make for a creepy and compelling enemy that you don't read much about in modern fantasy. The story is written from both Celeste’s and Gabe’s point of view, which not only makes their growing love for each other believable but also shows that there is something magical going on between them that neither can explain.
Unfortunately, the story didn't have much time to enfold itself, and naturally lacks the depth of a 500 page novel. I didn't really understand what shadows and warders are and I would have liked to know more about the difference between them and the background of their society. Why are they not allowed to be together? Whatever the reason, their bond is the key to the future, and I am sure that it will be explored in detail in the coming novels. Shadow's Passion prepares the reader for more and I am eager to read the next novel.
Thank you, Molle, I very much enjoyed your story.
PS: All my reviews can also be found on my blog perfectfantasybooks.blogspot.com
September 10, 2014
Book Description:
He lived for vengeance, until he met her. Now he has to choose--revenge or love?
Exiled by her people after an accidental death, Celeste's power is so unstable the elegant Shadow healer is considered a deadly menace. Fifty years of isolation have left her a little lonely. And more than a little bored. When a nearby family falls victim to demon infection, she decides to go hunting. Without backup, it won't be long before the demons are hunting her.
A dangerous assassin, Gabe has better things to do than save a Shadow from her own reckless behavior. Like find the demon who killed his brother. Sure, the Shadow is gorgeous, alluring, and she needs his help. But he can't afford to get distracted. Everything changes the second he spies his brother's killer among the demons after Celeste. Now, nothing will tear him from her side.
Gabe is dangerous and secretive. He's also a skilled fighter and sexy as hell. Celeste knows better than to team up with a Warder, but she's not sure she cares. It's been a long dry spell since her exile. Neither of them expects their fling to turn into something more. But when Gabe's past catches up with him, he learns that his brother's murder was just the beginning. A new evil is rising, and its sights are set on Celeste. Now Gabe has to make a choice: revenge or love?
My Review:
This book was absolutely amazing! I fell in love with Celeste and Gabriel and sweet Fitz! This wonderful author and her story had me from the start, I could not put this book down until I was finished and now I cannot wait to read all of the books in this series!!! Fantastic, a true best seller for sure!! I want to meet Gabe, he's incredible as is Celeste for taming this bad boy! A fantastic read and I would recommend this book for anyone who loves to go on a roller coaster of emotions along with the characters in the story and be pulled right in to the point that you feel everything they are feeling and that in and of itself is the trademark of a great author! This is one book you don't want to miss out on! I know the rest of the series will be just as good as this one! I can't wait to read book one in this series!
He lived for vengeance, until he met her. Now he has to choose--revenge or love?
Exiled by her people after an accidental death, Celeste's power is so unstable the elegant Shadow healer is considered a deadly menace. Fifty years of isolation have left her a little lonely. And more than a little bored. When a nearby family falls victim to demon infection, she decides to go hunting. Without backup, it won't be long before the demons are hunting her.
A dangerous assassin, Gabe has better things to do than save a Shadow from her own reckless behavior. Like find the demon who killed his brother. Sure, the Shadow is gorgeous, alluring, and she needs his help. But he can't afford to get distracted. Everything changes the second he spies his brother's killer among the demons after Celeste. Now, nothing will tear him from her side.
Gabe is dangerous and secretive. He's also a skilled fighter and sexy as hell. Celeste knows better than to team up with a Warder, but she's not sure she cares. It's been a long dry spell since her exile. Neither of them expects their fling to turn into something more. But when Gabe's past catches up with him, he learns that his brother's murder was just the beginning. A new evil is rising, and its sights are set on Celeste. Now Gabe has to make a choice: revenge or love?
My Review:
This book was absolutely amazing! I fell in love with Celeste and Gabriel and sweet Fitz! This wonderful author and her story had me from the start, I could not put this book down until I was finished and now I cannot wait to read all of the books in this series!!! Fantastic, a true best seller for sure!! I want to meet Gabe, he's incredible as is Celeste for taming this bad boy! A fantastic read and I would recommend this book for anyone who loves to go on a roller coaster of emotions along with the characters in the story and be pulled right in to the point that you feel everything they are feeling and that in and of itself is the trademark of a great author! This is one book you don't want to miss out on! I know the rest of the series will be just as good as this one! I can't wait to read book one in this series!
July 17, 2014
This is a novella that starts a paranormal series about demons and those that hunt them. Celeste is a Shadow, over 400 years old her specialty is healing people. While she excels at that, she has a very hard time controlling the energy when it comes in the form of electricity. When she is around something electric, she can’t predict what will happen, and it once killed a child (although to be fair, the child was already brain dead.) Guilt-ridden, she has hid in a reclusive mountain range for the past 50 years. Recently, she has noticed a nest of Vorati demons nearby. These demons will find any kind of crack in someone’s soul (bad deed etc) and infect them. They eat away at the person, until they are only a shell, and they constantly look for new souls to destroy. Celeste goes out one day to kill some of these demons, and becomes a bit overwhelemed. Lurking though is a soldier named Gabe. He is an assassin who isn’t suppose to mingle with Shadows, but he can’t let Celeste lose to the demons. He goes out and helps her kill them and during the process he gets shot. Celeste helps him back to her house to let him heal.
In this novella, we get some background and information on this world but I would have liked to have a broader view of the world itself. We learn what Celeste is and the demons she fights, but it’s a narrow view of just where she lives. We also don’t dive deep into Gabe and being a Warder (assassin) really means. Since this is a novella that kicks off the series, I assume we get more information in the first full length book. While the sex between Gabe and Celeste is intense and hot, the love declaration at the end kind of comes out of nowhere. Felt very forced. But I liked Celeste and Gabe’s interactions. This author is setting up a world where these demons apparently are extremely viscous and cruel, which could be a good thing. . I hope in the first full length book we get to see some of that darker violence.
Rating: C
In this novella, we get some background and information on this world but I would have liked to have a broader view of the world itself. We learn what Celeste is and the demons she fights, but it’s a narrow view of just where she lives. We also don’t dive deep into Gabe and being a Warder (assassin) really means. Since this is a novella that kicks off the series, I assume we get more information in the first full length book. While the sex between Gabe and Celeste is intense and hot, the love declaration at the end kind of comes out of nowhere. Felt very forced. But I liked Celeste and Gabe’s interactions. This author is setting up a world where these demons apparently are extremely viscous and cruel, which could be a good thing. . I hope in the first full length book we get to see some of that darker violence.
Rating: C
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