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The Sentinels #1
Forgé dans le sang
Une danseuse de charme assassinée. Pas de suspect, pas de mobile et un seul indice : plus de coeur. Il n'en faut pas plus pour pousser le sergent Duncan O'Conner à demander l'aide d'une nécro : un de ces phénomènes de foire qui vivent sous le dôme du complexe tout proche de Valhalla. Mais lorsque Callie Brown s'introduit dans les derniers souvenirs de la victime, elle est loin de se douter du danger. Car ils vont se retrouver projetés dans une traque qui va mettre les dons de Callie à l'épreuve, la carrière d'O'Conner en jeu et leurs deux coeurs en point de mire.
430 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 31, 2013
153 people are currently reading
4391 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Ivy
141 books5,178 followersI'm not exactly sure when I fell in love with books. Probably on my mother's knee listening to her read Dr. Seuss to me. I do remember that I was barely old enough to cross the street by myself when I discovered the delights of the local library. Could anything be more wonderful than spending summer days surrounded by stacks of Nancy Drew mysteries? Over the years I fell in love with Victoria Holt, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and J.R.R. Tolkien just to name a few. I read poetry, essays, biographies, and plays. In fact, I read anything I could get my hands on.
Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
--From authors website--
Years later (no, I'm not admitting how many) I'm still an avid reader, and my tastes are still as varied as they were in my youth, which I suppose helps to explain why I enjoy writing regency historicals under the name of Deborah Raleigh, as well as my contemporary paranormals as Alexandra Ivy. For now that is enough to keep me busy, but who knows what the future might hold!
I do have a few other loves in my life besides reading and writing, the most important being my unbelievably patient husband, David, and my two sons, Chance and Alexander. Without their constant support and belief in me, I never could have been able to follow my dreams. They are truly my heroes.
--From authors website--
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
January 10, 2014
When we meet Duncan O'Conner, he's stinking of "cheap whiskey and even cheaper cigars". He's your classic hardboiled detective--cranky, cynical, and arrogant. I could see him in a dark office, blinds drawn, a nearly-drained tumbler on the desk and his gun in a shoulder strap.
Our femme-not-so-fatale is Callie Brown, a high-blood with the ability to see the last moments and thoughts of the recently deceased. Soft-hearted and vulnerable, she's a sweet character. Contracted by the Kansas City PD, she uses her gift as a diviner to help catch murderers and ne'er-do-wells. She's damn good at it, too.
I liked these two, but I would have liked to have seen more of their working relationship--before sex was involved. Luckily Ms. Ivy finds a way to bring back some of the sexual tension later on, which is much appreciated.
I would consider this book a Paranormal Romance with an Urban Fantasy flair, which worked for me. And the film noir feel to it was a nice change up from the norm in Urban Fantasy.
Let the nitpicking commence!
The constant use of "that were", "that had", "that was", etc. in her descriptions grated at my nerves. (There were a lot of descriptions, particularly about interior design.) I'm surprised an editor didn't go in and "red pen" that stuff out! And all the "hissing" in their speech and reactions. "She hissed", "he hissed"... Annoying. I also found some thoughts in Duncan's POV to be questionable. He often used the term "lover" or "lovers", and it seemed out of place for a tough cop.
Final Thoughts:
It was a good story, with good world building and an interesting premise. Bonus points for a leading couple I didn't feel the urge to shiv. You've usually got to give some leeway to the first in the series, and I factor into my rating whether or not I want to read future installments. So yes, because I'm interested in seeing the stories of some of the side characters introduced in "Born in Blood", I'll continue reading about "The Sentinels".
Book obtained through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
Our femme-not-so-fatale is Callie Brown, a high-blood with the ability to see the last moments and thoughts of the recently deceased. Soft-hearted and vulnerable, she's a sweet character. Contracted by the Kansas City PD, she uses her gift as a diviner to help catch murderers and ne'er-do-wells. She's damn good at it, too.
I liked these two, but I would have liked to have seen more of their working relationship--before sex was involved. Luckily Ms. Ivy finds a way to bring back some of the sexual tension later on, which is much appreciated.
I would consider this book a Paranormal Romance with an Urban Fantasy flair, which worked for me. And the film noir feel to it was a nice change up from the norm in Urban Fantasy.
Let the nitpicking commence!
The constant use of "that were", "that had", "that was", etc. in her descriptions grated at my nerves. (There were a lot of descriptions, particularly about interior design.) I'm surprised an editor didn't go in and "red pen" that stuff out! And all the "hissing" in their speech and reactions. "She hissed", "he hissed"... Annoying. I also found some thoughts in Duncan's POV to be questionable. He often used the term "lover" or "lovers", and it seemed out of place for a tough cop.
Final Thoughts:
It was a good story, with good world building and an interesting premise. Bonus points for a leading couple I didn't feel the urge to shiv. You've usually got to give some leeway to the first in the series, and I factor into my rating whether or not I want to read future installments. So yes, because I'm interested in seeing the stories of some of the side characters introduced in "Born in Blood", I'll continue reading about "The Sentinels".
Book obtained through a Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
February 1, 2016
Hello Alexandra Ivy! Welcome to my list of yes books! Finding new series that have a sense of family and connection can be hard. Honestly it’s not at all what I expected to find here. But lo and behold I did! I was reminded a bit of the BDB series, which is always a nice comparison in my opinion.
It’s a story of mortals and Sentinels. Sentinels are humans that were born with special abilities or powers. Freaks, to the more narrow minded. They live in a cloaked city called Valhalla, but from time to time both worlds must interact with each other, especially when crimes are committed. (namely murder)
It’s when police officer Duncan O’Conner and necromancer Callie Brown get together that people start to notice. Although they must work together, the prejudices are propionate. The living style of the “non-humans”, the writing style and the changing of the story’s POV to the side characters point of view periodically is what has me making the BDB comparison. I am intrigued and ready for more.
My only negative was the cover. Uh - that’s not Cassie. It looks more like different side character that was described. It had me flipping to the cover and asking why while I was reading.
Giving Born In Blood a solid 4 STARS
T~
For more indepth info check out www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com on 29 December 2013 when Born In Blood stop by during their blog tour with Monster Book Promotions!
*Given via Kensington Books/Netgalley
It’s a story of mortals and Sentinels. Sentinels are humans that were born with special abilities or powers. Freaks, to the more narrow minded. They live in a cloaked city called Valhalla, but from time to time both worlds must interact with each other, especially when crimes are committed. (namely murder)
It’s when police officer Duncan O’Conner and necromancer Callie Brown get together that people start to notice. Although they must work together, the prejudices are propionate. The living style of the “non-humans”, the writing style and the changing of the story’s POV to the side characters point of view periodically is what has me making the BDB comparison. I am intrigued and ready for more.
My only negative was the cover. Uh - that’s not Cassie. It looks more like different side character that was described. It had me flipping to the cover and asking why while I was reading.
Giving Born In Blood a solid 4 STARS
T~
For more indepth info check out www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com on 29 December 2013 when Born In Blood stop by during their blog tour with Monster Book Promotions!
*Given via Kensington Books/Netgalley
March 23, 2017
I'm fairly new to the Alexandra Ivy bandwagon having only tried her in On the Hunt. It was however enough of a taste that I have the Oliver Twist syndrome "May I please have some more". So, with great delight I jumped into the series to see if my first nibble was worth it.
My answer...for the most part yes. I really enjoyed Duncan and Callie. He's human and she's a high-blood. They are pulled together working on a murder case where the victim is missing her heart. No big deal until you find out no trauma has happened to the body. The heart is just...missing. Yikes! Duncan is the cop assigned to the case trying to figure out how this happen. In comes Callie, a high-born necromancer, who can channel the dead. When she steps in to read the murdered woman's final thoughts, she finds isn’t the only one there. A necromancer who controls souls blocks her from seeing what happened, what's more, he knows who Callie is. Creepy! They return to Valhalla to report the goings on, especially about the creepy necro. The excitement level is starting to ramp up when the body goes missing, then reappears only to commit a murder, then is found again. Magic coin, the walking dead, lots of extra characters and an epic battle tie everything up nicely. So now on to what worked for me and what didn't.
Easily I loved the characters. Callie and Duncan were absolutely great. Sometimes I am not a fan of insta-love, it really depends on the circumstances. However, knowing that Duncan and Callie already knew each other I was able to over-look how quickly they got it on then fell in love. Their families are polar opposites - he comes from a big loving one, she was abandon and found in the trash. She has abandonment issues so she keeps everyone at a distance. He's got a BIG secret. Add to the pile all the secondaries, ones that I hope get their own stories. Fane (OMG! Loved him!!) Serra, Wolfe and the Mave. Really, there is plenty of tension between these folks and I can't wait to see them hook up. Another thing that got me all happen was the world building. There's quite a bit of it that I had only experienced a small taste of previously. That more than the characters is what lured me in. It's not a nice neat perfect world with high-bloods being considered outcasts of humanity and I’m itching to learn more about it.
Spoilers ahead!
Now what didn't work, well it did and it didn't. The ending was epic! You couldn't have this bad of a nemeses and not have a big battle. Obviously once all the secrets of the characters are laid out on the table you know who is going to war. The finally battle between Callie and Zakhar was fairly intense. He dead and she's in this coma like state. Serra steps in to help, communicates what is the problem, Duncan rushes off to save the day and then she's suddenly awake in his arms. Ummm... Wait. (Spoiler) What happened to all the walking dead? (Spoiler) That was a pretty deep coma like state she was in and she wakes up all okay? I mean I loved the ending how they end up together HEA and all but once Fane gets his hands on Zakhar, everything that happened next was just boom-boom-boom rushed. Up until now there was a nice steady pace going then - big reveal she's awake happy ever after the end. More explaining of certain events would have made the ending for me a bit more sigh-worthy and less ‘did I miss something’.
The ending aside, really I thoroughly enjoy Born in Blood. The characters, the plot, all the excitement and intrigue this series is offering is what I look for in a book. Alexandra Ivy really has something here with her Sentinel series that I will be following closely and will be recommending. I got my fingers crossed the next book is about Fane and Serra. Something tells me that's going to be one wild read.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars - 4, Flames - 3
My answer...for the most part yes. I really enjoyed Duncan and Callie. He's human and she's a high-blood. They are pulled together working on a murder case where the victim is missing her heart. No big deal until you find out no trauma has happened to the body. The heart is just...missing. Yikes! Duncan is the cop assigned to the case trying to figure out how this happen. In comes Callie, a high-born necromancer, who can channel the dead. When she steps in to read the murdered woman's final thoughts, she finds isn’t the only one there. A necromancer who controls souls blocks her from seeing what happened, what's more, he knows who Callie is. Creepy! They return to Valhalla to report the goings on, especially about the creepy necro. The excitement level is starting to ramp up when the body goes missing, then reappears only to commit a murder, then is found again. Magic coin, the walking dead, lots of extra characters and an epic battle tie everything up nicely. So now on to what worked for me and what didn't.
Easily I loved the characters. Callie and Duncan were absolutely great. Sometimes I am not a fan of insta-love, it really depends on the circumstances. However, knowing that Duncan and Callie already knew each other I was able to over-look how quickly they got it on then fell in love. Their families are polar opposites - he comes from a big loving one, she was abandon and found in the trash. She has abandonment issues so she keeps everyone at a distance. He's got a BIG secret. Add to the pile all the secondaries, ones that I hope get their own stories. Fane (OMG! Loved him!!) Serra, Wolfe and the Mave. Really, there is plenty of tension between these folks and I can't wait to see them hook up. Another thing that got me all happen was the world building. There's quite a bit of it that I had only experienced a small taste of previously. That more than the characters is what lured me in. It's not a nice neat perfect world with high-bloods being considered outcasts of humanity and I’m itching to learn more about it.
Spoilers ahead!
Now what didn't work, well it did and it didn't. The ending was epic! You couldn't have this bad of a nemeses and not have a big battle. Obviously once all the secrets of the characters are laid out on the table you know who is going to war. The finally battle between Callie and Zakhar was fairly intense. He dead and she's in this coma like state. Serra steps in to help, communicates what is the problem, Duncan rushes off to save the day and then she's suddenly awake in his arms. Ummm... Wait. (Spoiler) What happened to all the walking dead? (Spoiler) That was a pretty deep coma like state she was in and she wakes up all okay? I mean I loved the ending how they end up together HEA and all but once Fane gets his hands on Zakhar, everything that happened next was just boom-boom-boom rushed. Up until now there was a nice steady pace going then - big reveal she's awake happy ever after the end. More explaining of certain events would have made the ending for me a bit more sigh-worthy and less ‘did I miss something’.
The ending aside, really I thoroughly enjoy Born in Blood. The characters, the plot, all the excitement and intrigue this series is offering is what I look for in a book. Alexandra Ivy really has something here with her Sentinel series that I will be following closely and will be recommending. I got my fingers crossed the next book is about Fane and Serra. Something tells me that's going to be one wild read.
I received this book from the JeepDiva for the express purposes of an honest review. The opinions and rating of this review are solely mine and in no way was I compensated.
Stars - 4, Flames - 3
December 19, 2013
Originally Reviewed For: Tea and Book
I can not believe that this is the very first Alexander Ivy book I have read! I know, I know I am way behind the pack on this one. But at least I started with a great book and the first in what is looking to be an incredibly exciting series.
There have been some changes in the world we know. The high-bloods have come out of hiding. Of course that just means that they are no longer being burned at the stake.. people are still afraid of those who are different from them. The witches, the psychics, the healers and worst of all the Necros.. you know, those who mess with the dead. Except the norms don't call these people High-Bloods, they call them freaks!
Callie Brown was tossed aside like garbage as an infant. Fortunately she was found and sent to Valhalla to be raised by the High-Bloods. Nurtured and well cared for Callie had a wonderful life. As an adult she has used her gift to help humanity, Norms and High-Bloods alike. Secure in who she is, she still can not help be rattled by one simple Police Sergeant, Duncan O’Conner. There is just something about that man that rattles her. Throws her off her game. So when she comes to Kansas City to check on a missing body and finds Duncan there all sorts of sensual bells begin to ring.
Sergeant Duncan O’Conner is a good cop. A really, really good cop. He doesn't suffer fools gladly and he doesn't understand the fear of High-Bloods that most people have. To him, they are just people, good and bad like the rest of them. Of course the fact that he can take a peek at their aura's really doesn't hurt. When he is drawn to a case where the corpse appears totally and completely uninjured, it looks interesting. When they discover that said corpse doesn't have a heart, it gets a bit more problematic and Callie Brown is pulled in. The one woman who sends him to his knees!
Callie and Duncan traverse a path where few have gone before, either High-Blood or Norm. They must work together to find the Necromancer who wants to raise the dead and create his own army. You know to take over the world. Each of them brings a special gift to their team and both work as ambassadors to their individual worlds. They face not only supreme evil but much much worse, they face prejudice.
This book just snowballed along. Starting slowly teasing a reader's interest and gradually gaining speed until you are on a ride between two worlds and absolutely refuse to get off! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Could NOT put it down!! Needless to say I will be checking out more of Ms Ivy's work and absolutely look forward to more of this series!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Born in Blood, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 31, 2013
I can not believe that this is the very first Alexander Ivy book I have read! I know, I know I am way behind the pack on this one. But at least I started with a great book and the first in what is looking to be an incredibly exciting series.
There have been some changes in the world we know. The high-bloods have come out of hiding. Of course that just means that they are no longer being burned at the stake.. people are still afraid of those who are different from them. The witches, the psychics, the healers and worst of all the Necros.. you know, those who mess with the dead. Except the norms don't call these people High-Bloods, they call them freaks!
Callie Brown was tossed aside like garbage as an infant. Fortunately she was found and sent to Valhalla to be raised by the High-Bloods. Nurtured and well cared for Callie had a wonderful life. As an adult she has used her gift to help humanity, Norms and High-Bloods alike. Secure in who she is, she still can not help be rattled by one simple Police Sergeant, Duncan O’Conner. There is just something about that man that rattles her. Throws her off her game. So when she comes to Kansas City to check on a missing body and finds Duncan there all sorts of sensual bells begin to ring.
Sergeant Duncan O’Conner is a good cop. A really, really good cop. He doesn't suffer fools gladly and he doesn't understand the fear of High-Bloods that most people have. To him, they are just people, good and bad like the rest of them. Of course the fact that he can take a peek at their aura's really doesn't hurt. When he is drawn to a case where the corpse appears totally and completely uninjured, it looks interesting. When they discover that said corpse doesn't have a heart, it gets a bit more problematic and Callie Brown is pulled in. The one woman who sends him to his knees!
Callie and Duncan traverse a path where few have gone before, either High-Blood or Norm. They must work together to find the Necromancer who wants to raise the dead and create his own army. You know to take over the world. Each of them brings a special gift to their team and both work as ambassadors to their individual worlds. They face not only supreme evil but much much worse, they face prejudice.
This book just snowballed along. Starting slowly teasing a reader's interest and gradually gaining speed until you are on a ride between two worlds and absolutely refuse to get off! I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Could NOT put it down!! Needless to say I will be checking out more of Ms Ivy's work and absolutely look forward to more of this series!!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Born in Blood, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on December 31, 2013
March 5, 2014
............Mild spoilers ahead................
Born in Blood was an interesting story with a lot of potential, but it just fell flat to me.
I liked the beginning, and wanted to find out what will happen next, but then... the bad guy started having too much air time, Duncan and Callie jumped in bed, and everything seemed to go downhill so fast...
The relationship between the leads made no sense to me. At first Callie avoids Duncan for the longest time, then suddenly they are all over each other, and he‘s talking about introducing her to his parents. I would have loved to see more relationship building. Not to mention that the male protag just didn't grab my attention the way I expect them to. Oh, and the steamy stuff… why all the cutting??? Every time I get to something interesting, the scene would be cut and the next thing I know, there’s something else happening. There was too much telling and too little showing for my tastes.
Then, there‘s the bad guy who is powerful and manages quiet a lot. There was such a build-up for the final battle, but the ending felt almost anticlimactic.
The world building is nicely done, the secondary characters were likable, and maybe even more interesting than the leads. It doesn't say much for the book, but at least it gives me something to look forward to.
Born in Blood was an interesting story with a lot of potential, but it just fell flat to me.
I liked the beginning, and wanted to find out what will happen next, but then... the bad guy started having too much air time, Duncan and Callie jumped in bed, and everything seemed to go downhill so fast...
The relationship between the leads made no sense to me. At first Callie avoids Duncan for the longest time, then suddenly they are all over each other, and he‘s talking about introducing her to his parents. I would have loved to see more relationship building. Not to mention that the male protag just didn't grab my attention the way I expect them to. Oh, and the steamy stuff… why all the cutting??? Every time I get to something interesting, the scene would be cut and the next thing I know, there’s something else happening. There was too much telling and too little showing for my tastes.
Then, there‘s the bad guy who is powerful and manages quiet a lot. There was such a build-up for the final battle, but the ending felt almost anticlimactic.
The world building is nicely done, the secondary characters were likable, and maybe even more interesting than the leads. It doesn't say much for the book, but at least it gives me something to look forward to.
November 17, 2013
Born in Blood is the first book in Alexandra Ivy's new series, The Sentinels. The world building was incredible (Valhalla and characters with mystical abilities? Oh. Hell. Yes.), a couple of the secondary characters have me beyond intrigued, and the overall plot was good. That being said, there were a couple of things that didn't work for me.
First of all I severely dislike the name Duncan so I had to make my way around a super smexy hero with a name I couldn't stand. Wasn't easy. I liked the necro, Callie, but didn't love her and had it not been for the unique world building I may have DNF'd Born in Blood.
In the end I will say I'm glad I stuck with Born in Blood even if the details needed for a proper ending weren't there for me. Maybe we'll learn more about the gateway and the chalice as the series continues but I really needed to know what was up with that. Like now. I also wanted more Fane. He truly was the standout for me. *swoons*
I also want to ask, what's up with the cover? I know it shouldn't bother me but it does. Callie is repeatedly described as having short, spiky red hair and though the cover model is a redhead, she isn't Callie. Not by a long shot.
Born in Blood was a good beginning to a series with loads of potential. Now that the debut book and all the much needed world building is out of the way, maybe we'll get deeper character development. Serra, Wolfe, the Mave, and Fane were all bad ass and I can't wait to learn more about them as I continue on with The Sentinels.
*eARC PROVIDED BY KENSINGTON BOOKS VIA NETGALLEY*
First of all I severely dislike the name Duncan so I had to make my way around a super smexy hero with a name I couldn't stand. Wasn't easy. I liked the necro, Callie, but didn't love her and had it not been for the unique world building I may have DNF'd Born in Blood.
In the end I will say I'm glad I stuck with Born in Blood even if the details needed for a proper ending weren't there for me. Maybe we'll learn more about the gateway and the chalice as the series continues but I really needed to know what was up with that. Like now. I also wanted more Fane. He truly was the standout for me. *swoons*
I also want to ask, what's up with the cover? I know it shouldn't bother me but it does. Callie is repeatedly described as having short, spiky red hair and though the cover model is a redhead, she isn't Callie. Not by a long shot.
Born in Blood was a good beginning to a series with loads of potential. Now that the debut book and all the much needed world building is out of the way, maybe we'll get deeper character development. Serra, Wolfe, the Mave, and Fane were all bad ass and I can't wait to learn more about them as I continue on with The Sentinels.
*eARC PROVIDED BY KENSINGTON BOOKS VIA NETGALLEY*
January 15, 2014
This was a really great read!! The first book in a new series (The Sentinels) by Alexandra Ivy. The story centers around homicide Detective Duncan O'Connor and Necromancer Callie Brown.
Duncan & Callie work together at murder crime scenes. Duncan has been secretly obsessed with Callie since the first time he saw her. At times Callie too has been known to undress the sexy cop in her mind. Their worlds are very different...Callie, known as a "freak" by the "norms"(humans)...though Duncan holds a secret about himself he's kept all his life.
This book has it all....sexy couple, witches, necromancers, healers, big hunky Sentinels, and yes folks~~~even zombies!!! The love scenes are hot and steamy. There were many very interesting secondary characters in the "freak" world, which leaves the door open for future books.
The story was very exciting and at times had me almost biting my nails in anticipation of what would happen next. This was a sweet, fast paced, action packed love story and I found myself wanting to get lost in this new paranormal world of The Sentinels. I look forward to the next book in this wonderful new series.
Duncan & Callie work together at murder crime scenes. Duncan has been secretly obsessed with Callie since the first time he saw her. At times Callie too has been known to undress the sexy cop in her mind. Their worlds are very different...Callie, known as a "freak" by the "norms"(humans)...though Duncan holds a secret about himself he's kept all his life.
This book has it all....sexy couple, witches, necromancers, healers, big hunky Sentinels, and yes folks~~~even zombies!!! The love scenes are hot and steamy. There were many very interesting secondary characters in the "freak" world, which leaves the door open for future books.
The story was very exciting and at times had me almost biting my nails in anticipation of what would happen next. This was a sweet, fast paced, action packed love story and I found myself wanting to get lost in this new paranormal world of The Sentinels. I look forward to the next book in this wonderful new series.
September 20, 2015
4 stars
**** Warning, this review is a bit spoilerish****
This was a very good story. I really liked Callie and Duncan and was rooting for them from the beginning. I accidentally stumbled on Alexandra Ivy when I picked up Predatory for the Immortal Guardians #3.5 story and ended up also reading Sentinels 0.5 which I really enjoyed. Because of this, I decided to buy Sentinels #1 when it came out. I'm glad I did and will be looking forward to more in the series.
Callie is a "High Blood" which is a genetically advanced human that has certain powers. There are many different types but Callie is a Necromancer aka Diviner. Callie goes out to help the police sometimes when they need help on murder investigations as she's able to see the last memories of the person that was killed if it's soon enough after time of death. She's sent out to help the police one night when she encounters something strange that's never happened before...another Necro speaks to Callie in the dead woman's mind...something that shouldn't be possible.
Duncan is a police detective on the Kansas City police force. He was married but didn't love his wife and they got divorced recently. He hasn't dated since the divorce and has been trying to focus on work (and sometimes drown his sorrows with booze). Duncan has met Callie before on previous consultations for the police and has always felt an attraction to her (and dreamed about her...a lot). When they get thrown together on this case, Duncan is determined that it's about time for him to connect with her on a more personal level.
Callie's encounter with the strange Necro in the head of the murder victim causes some concerns and Duncan ends up going back to Valhalla (the High Born's compound/base) with Callie and her protector. While at Valhalla, they try to figure out who the strange Necro is and, when they have down time, Duncan and Callie get to know each other better. Callie has felt the same attraction to Duncan that he's felt for her. Although they both know they have separate lives and being together long term isn't likely, they both decide they'll take whatever time they can get together and give in to their attraction. Things with the case end up going wonky when the body of the woman that was killed turns up missing and then the murdered woman is seen walking and talking. It ends up the strange Necro used the woman to steal an artifact and kill a man and everyone is majorly freaked. The main reason for the freakout is the fact that no Necros are known to be able to raise the dead. Necros can get in the mind of the dead but none have ever been know to be able to actually make zombie-like creatures and this is what the strange Necro seems to have done. The regular humans are iffy (usually ok but with a tenancy towards prejudice behavior) about the High Borns and everyone is worried that if the humans find out that a Necro can actually raise the dead it might cause major problems for the High Borns. They find out that the item the woman stole may be important so everyone scrambles to try to figure out what it was for and what the bad guy plans.
During their searching for answers, there are some ominous indications that something big is coming down and that Callie will be central to the conflict. Duncan is determined to do what he can to protect her and tries to stick with her as much as possible while they work the case. This doesn't always go smoothly as the other High Borns don't really trust Duncan and Duncan's friends aren't exactly kind to Callie, trying to make her feel like she doesn't have the right to be with him. Regardless of the conflicts, Duncan and Callie grow closer as they spend more time together. They realize that it's gone further than what they intended and that their relationship will probably end once the case is over but neither of them is willing to do anything to stop what's happening between them. Duncan seems determined to keep things going with Callie but Callie seems convinced that once the case is over they wont be able to keep their connection with him living in regular human society and her living in Valhalla. Things progress in the case but there's some problems when Callie is taken and Duncan and the High Borns desperately try to find her. During their attempts to find Callie, Duncan's loyalties are tested and he chooses Callie over all else. When the final conflict happens, the bad Necro uses Callie in his spell and she has to try to fight him before Duncan and all her friends are killed. Callie is able to halt the spell but then there's more issues as she can't end it and is trapped in stasis by the spell (which is killing her). They have to find help for her and Duncan ends up finding what they need to save her. In the end, Callie is safe and sound and Duncan makes it clear that she's his (and that he's not going anywhere) and they start planning out their HEA.
This was a very enjoyable story. I really liked Callie and Duncan. I got sucked in to their story quite quickly and was totally rooting for them to get a HEA. The story was pretty good too, showing a good balance between the romance and action plots. I had a hard time stopping once I got in to the story and didn't want it to end. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I'd recommend this story. Thumbs up! :)
* note- I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a pretty good job.
1/14/15 - I reread this book before reading book #2 and I still really liked the story and didn't have any change of opinion from my previous review.
**** Warning, this review is a bit spoilerish****
This was a very good story. I really liked Callie and Duncan and was rooting for them from the beginning. I accidentally stumbled on Alexandra Ivy when I picked up Predatory for the Immortal Guardians #3.5 story and ended up also reading Sentinels 0.5 which I really enjoyed. Because of this, I decided to buy Sentinels #1 when it came out. I'm glad I did and will be looking forward to more in the series.
Callie is a "High Blood" which is a genetically advanced human that has certain powers. There are many different types but Callie is a Necromancer aka Diviner. Callie goes out to help the police sometimes when they need help on murder investigations as she's able to see the last memories of the person that was killed if it's soon enough after time of death. She's sent out to help the police one night when she encounters something strange that's never happened before...another Necro speaks to Callie in the dead woman's mind...something that shouldn't be possible.
Duncan is a police detective on the Kansas City police force. He was married but didn't love his wife and they got divorced recently. He hasn't dated since the divorce and has been trying to focus on work (and sometimes drown his sorrows with booze). Duncan has met Callie before on previous consultations for the police and has always felt an attraction to her (and dreamed about her...a lot). When they get thrown together on this case, Duncan is determined that it's about time for him to connect with her on a more personal level.
Callie's encounter with the strange Necro in the head of the murder victim causes some concerns and Duncan ends up going back to Valhalla (the High Born's compound/base) with Callie and her protector. While at Valhalla, they try to figure out who the strange Necro is and, when they have down time, Duncan and Callie get to know each other better. Callie has felt the same attraction to Duncan that he's felt for her. Although they both know they have separate lives and being together long term isn't likely, they both decide they'll take whatever time they can get together and give in to their attraction. Things with the case end up going wonky when the body of the woman that was killed turns up missing and then the murdered woman is seen walking and talking. It ends up the strange Necro used the woman to steal an artifact and kill a man and everyone is majorly freaked. The main reason for the freakout is the fact that no Necros are known to be able to raise the dead. Necros can get in the mind of the dead but none have ever been know to be able to actually make zombie-like creatures and this is what the strange Necro seems to have done. The regular humans are iffy (usually ok but with a tenancy towards prejudice behavior) about the High Borns and everyone is worried that if the humans find out that a Necro can actually raise the dead it might cause major problems for the High Borns. They find out that the item the woman stole may be important so everyone scrambles to try to figure out what it was for and what the bad guy plans.
During their searching for answers, there are some ominous indications that something big is coming down and that Callie will be central to the conflict. Duncan is determined to do what he can to protect her and tries to stick with her as much as possible while they work the case. This doesn't always go smoothly as the other High Borns don't really trust Duncan and Duncan's friends aren't exactly kind to Callie, trying to make her feel like she doesn't have the right to be with him. Regardless of the conflicts, Duncan and Callie grow closer as they spend more time together. They realize that it's gone further than what they intended and that their relationship will probably end once the case is over but neither of them is willing to do anything to stop what's happening between them. Duncan seems determined to keep things going with Callie but Callie seems convinced that once the case is over they wont be able to keep their connection with him living in regular human society and her living in Valhalla. Things progress in the case but there's some problems when Callie is taken and Duncan and the High Borns desperately try to find her. During their attempts to find Callie, Duncan's loyalties are tested and he chooses Callie over all else. When the final conflict happens, the bad Necro uses Callie in his spell and she has to try to fight him before Duncan and all her friends are killed. Callie is able to halt the spell but then there's more issues as she can't end it and is trapped in stasis by the spell (which is killing her). They have to find help for her and Duncan ends up finding what they need to save her. In the end, Callie is safe and sound and Duncan makes it clear that she's his (and that he's not going anywhere) and they start planning out their HEA.
This was a very enjoyable story. I really liked Callie and Duncan. I got sucked in to their story quite quickly and was totally rooting for them to get a HEA. The story was pretty good too, showing a good balance between the romance and action plots. I had a hard time stopping once I got in to the story and didn't want it to end. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I'd recommend this story. Thumbs up! :)
* note- I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a pretty good job.
1/14/15 - I reread this book before reading book #2 and I still really liked the story and didn't have any change of opinion from my previous review.
December 19, 2013
Reviewed for: Where the Night Kind Roam
Born in Blood is the first in a new series by Alexandra Ivy, in a world where “high bloods” people with special powers are out but separate. They prefer to stay in their own closed off city called Valhalla. Occasionally the regular humans need assistance of the high bloods such as Callie. Callie is a powerful Necro, she can get into the mind of the recently deceased and see their final moments. When she is called in to consult on this new case, she has never seen anything like it, a powerful necro still in the woman’s mind. This start a string of disturbing questions and danger for Duncan and Callie, especially Callie as she must reach her full potential to battle this more powerful necro.
From the start I was pulled into this new world, Alexandra Ivy was actually one of the first paranormal romance authors I read and I continue to enjoy her books and characters and this one is no exception. Now as I write this review, please bear with me as I read this book a while ago but have been sitting on this review until closer to the release date. I really enjoyed both Callie and Duncan. Callie and Duncan have actually been working with each other for quite some time on random cases so, their meeting on this case and subsequent attraction is not so abrupt; which works for me as Im not a huge fan of Insta-Love. From the beginning the attraction is fierce; Duncan has been biding his time with the icy red-head just waiting for the right time to make a move. She’s been filling his dreams for a while and since they are working more closely, he realizes that there is no time like the present to go for it. Callie has been attracted to Duncan for quite some time but she figures the handsome cop would never look her way; after all she is a freak. So almost from the beginning we have some fiery passion going on, which I’m not going to complain about. In the romance department we get a bit of role reversal in this one. While Duncan an alpha male in this story its Callie who ends up being the one to fight the relationship and to be commitment phobic enjoyed reading the female as the commitment phob for a change. Hey women can be commitment phobs too! She is terrified to ever meet Duncan’s normal family and his teasing makes for some humorous moments. Duncan’s family may be normal but Duncan is not, he has something he has not been sharing with the outside world.. he has a few abilities of his own. As characters both are quite likeable and fleshed out. You feel like you know what makes each tick by the end of the book.
This is the first book in the series, so there is a lot of world building, bringing you in, making you comfortable with this new world. I’m ok with this, first books in a series aren’t always necessarily the most exciting in the series but this one holds its own. There is still quite a bit that goes on to keep you plenty entertained. We build up to that final battle and I didn’t find myself disappointed with an anti-climactic last battle scene. This book has a lot of side characters that we are interduced to, some we get to know better than others but you know as the series moves on you will get more time with the High Bloods. Four characters in particular are working towards their own books and I can’t wait to see what happens. I am really looking forward to seeing where this series takes us.
Rating:
4.5
*ARC was provided though NetGalley for an honest review no other compensation was provided.
Born in Blood is the first in a new series by Alexandra Ivy, in a world where “high bloods” people with special powers are out but separate. They prefer to stay in their own closed off city called Valhalla. Occasionally the regular humans need assistance of the high bloods such as Callie. Callie is a powerful Necro, she can get into the mind of the recently deceased and see their final moments. When she is called in to consult on this new case, she has never seen anything like it, a powerful necro still in the woman’s mind. This start a string of disturbing questions and danger for Duncan and Callie, especially Callie as she must reach her full potential to battle this more powerful necro.
From the start I was pulled into this new world, Alexandra Ivy was actually one of the first paranormal romance authors I read and I continue to enjoy her books and characters and this one is no exception. Now as I write this review, please bear with me as I read this book a while ago but have been sitting on this review until closer to the release date. I really enjoyed both Callie and Duncan. Callie and Duncan have actually been working with each other for quite some time on random cases so, their meeting on this case and subsequent attraction is not so abrupt; which works for me as Im not a huge fan of Insta-Love. From the beginning the attraction is fierce; Duncan has been biding his time with the icy red-head just waiting for the right time to make a move. She’s been filling his dreams for a while and since they are working more closely, he realizes that there is no time like the present to go for it. Callie has been attracted to Duncan for quite some time but she figures the handsome cop would never look her way; after all she is a freak. So almost from the beginning we have some fiery passion going on, which I’m not going to complain about. In the romance department we get a bit of role reversal in this one. While Duncan an alpha male in this story its Callie who ends up being the one to fight the relationship and to be commitment phobic enjoyed reading the female as the commitment phob for a change. Hey women can be commitment phobs too! She is terrified to ever meet Duncan’s normal family and his teasing makes for some humorous moments. Duncan’s family may be normal but Duncan is not, he has something he has not been sharing with the outside world.. he has a few abilities of his own. As characters both are quite likeable and fleshed out. You feel like you know what makes each tick by the end of the book.
This is the first book in the series, so there is a lot of world building, bringing you in, making you comfortable with this new world. I’m ok with this, first books in a series aren’t always necessarily the most exciting in the series but this one holds its own. There is still quite a bit that goes on to keep you plenty entertained. We build up to that final battle and I didn’t find myself disappointed with an anti-climactic last battle scene. This book has a lot of side characters that we are interduced to, some we get to know better than others but you know as the series moves on you will get more time with the High Bloods. Four characters in particular are working towards their own books and I can’t wait to see what happens. I am really looking forward to seeing where this series takes us.
Rating:
4.5
*ARC was provided though NetGalley for an honest review no other compensation was provided.
February 6, 2016
Seri baru dari salah satu penulis PNR faveku? Tentang para sentinel seksi pelindung manusia super? Cover marron yang mencolok mata? Wow dong.. Trus kenapa ratingnya gitu? Please Ivy's fans, biarkan aku menjelaskan alasanku sebelum menimpukku dengan bitterballen.
- Storyline cerita ini super lempeng dari awal sampai akhir. Mana kisah penuh intrik? Mana petualangan penuh aksi? Mana romance sepanas kompor? Zero. Untuk penulis sekaliber Ivy, aku yakin dia bisa meramu kisah yang lebih menggetarkan. Aku lebih menikmati buku ini seandainya Ivy lebih banyak menunjukan semua narasinya dengan aksi nyata bukan cuma informasi.
- Aku suka potensi jenis paranorm baru yang menggabungkan sihir-sihir dan dunia tehnologi. Tapi world building di novel ini sangat lemah. Untuk apa mereka memakai nama Valhalla kalau sama sekali tidak ada unsur unsur Norse di dalamnya? Aku merasa tertipu. Aktivitas paranormal di buku ini sangat minimalis, sebagian besar aksi keren itu justru datang dari sang Villain ganteng yang namanya berhasil merusak mood bacaku, Lord Zahkar.
- Diceritakan dalam pov orang ke-3 serba tahu, cerita ini memang bisa menangkap semua sisi dari pemeran utama, figuran bahkan villain-villainnya. Tapi alur majunya pun terasa bak menonton film perpaduan Indiana Jones, MIB, Mortal Instrumen. Tidak ada scene yang cukup WOW untuk di kenang apalagi sampai bikin baper. Semua akan terlupakan setelah menulis review ini.
- Karakter utama Duncan dan Callie tidak bisa menarik perhatianku dan tidak tahu prioritas. Karakter mereka sangat stereotip dan tidak memorable. Agak menyebalkan melihat buku pnr yang serius mengupas penyelidikan kasus kepolisian tapi sebagian besar isinya lebih banyak momen grepe-grepe dan naik ranjang setiap ada kesempatan biarpun dalam kesempitan. Instalust dan perkembangan chemistry mereka sulit dipercaya dan terasa sangat di paksakan. Dan yay... kita akan dihibur dengan adegan hore-hore sepanas lilin diterpa angin badai.
- Banter dan percakapan antar karakter garing, jokenya pun tidak lucu. Flirt-flirtnya tidak menggetarkan dan aku bosan baca pengulangan tentang kesempurnaan fisik setiap tokoh dalam buku ini. Wolfe dan Fane yang bukan pemeran utama saja digambarkan "ukuran lengannya yang meresahkan", "kibasan rambut gelap dengan sentuhan garis uban... uh maap.. warna putih" beberapa kali disepanjang buku. Bagaimana dengan gambaran kecantikan dan aura keseksian karakter utamanya yang sama sekali tidak digambarkan mirip dengan covernya.
- Kejutannya dan twistnya tidak mengejutkan. Klimaks konflik tidak menegangkan dan penyelesaiannya super anti klimaks.
Intinya buku cover cantik ini tidak memenuhi harapan dan seleraku. Tapi penggemar Ivy lain jangan putus asa untuk mencoba membacanya dan membuktikan sendiri kebenarannya. Aku juga mungkin akan membaca lanjutan seri ini kelak, karena aku cukup penasaran dengan hubungan Wolfe yang garang dan The Mave. Juga Serra dan Fane di buku 2.
My Rating :
Star: 2.5/5
Bikini : 1/5
- Storyline cerita ini super lempeng dari awal sampai akhir. Mana kisah penuh intrik? Mana petualangan penuh aksi? Mana romance sepanas kompor? Zero. Untuk penulis sekaliber Ivy, aku yakin dia bisa meramu kisah yang lebih menggetarkan. Aku lebih menikmati buku ini seandainya Ivy lebih banyak menunjukan semua narasinya dengan aksi nyata bukan cuma informasi.
- Aku suka potensi jenis paranorm baru yang menggabungkan sihir-sihir dan dunia tehnologi. Tapi world building di novel ini sangat lemah. Untuk apa mereka memakai nama Valhalla kalau sama sekali tidak ada unsur unsur Norse di dalamnya? Aku merasa tertipu. Aktivitas paranormal di buku ini sangat minimalis, sebagian besar aksi keren itu justru datang dari sang Villain ganteng yang namanya berhasil merusak mood bacaku, Lord Zahkar.
- Diceritakan dalam pov orang ke-3 serba tahu, cerita ini memang bisa menangkap semua sisi dari pemeran utama, figuran bahkan villain-villainnya. Tapi alur majunya pun terasa bak menonton film perpaduan Indiana Jones, MIB, Mortal Instrumen. Tidak ada scene yang cukup WOW untuk di kenang apalagi sampai bikin baper. Semua akan terlupakan setelah menulis review ini.
- Karakter utama Duncan dan Callie tidak bisa menarik perhatianku dan tidak tahu prioritas. Karakter mereka sangat stereotip dan tidak memorable. Agak menyebalkan melihat buku pnr yang serius mengupas penyelidikan kasus kepolisian tapi sebagian besar isinya lebih banyak momen grepe-grepe dan naik ranjang setiap ada kesempatan biarpun dalam kesempitan. Instalust dan perkembangan chemistry mereka sulit dipercaya dan terasa sangat di paksakan. Dan yay... kita akan dihibur dengan adegan hore-hore sepanas lilin diterpa angin badai.
- Banter dan percakapan antar karakter garing, jokenya pun tidak lucu. Flirt-flirtnya tidak menggetarkan dan aku bosan baca pengulangan tentang kesempurnaan fisik setiap tokoh dalam buku ini. Wolfe dan Fane yang bukan pemeran utama saja digambarkan "ukuran lengannya yang meresahkan", "kibasan rambut gelap dengan sentuhan garis uban... uh maap.. warna putih" beberapa kali disepanjang buku. Bagaimana dengan gambaran kecantikan dan aura keseksian karakter utamanya yang sama sekali tidak digambarkan mirip dengan covernya.
- Kejutannya dan twistnya tidak mengejutkan. Klimaks konflik tidak menegangkan dan penyelesaiannya super anti klimaks.
Intinya buku cover cantik ini tidak memenuhi harapan dan seleraku. Tapi penggemar Ivy lain jangan putus asa untuk mencoba membacanya dan membuktikan sendiri kebenarannya. Aku juga mungkin akan membaca lanjutan seri ini kelak, karena aku cukup penasaran dengan hubungan Wolfe yang garang dan The Mave. Juga Serra dan Fane di buku 2.
My Rating :
Star: 2.5/5
Bikini : 1/5
January 2, 2014
Born in Blood is a great start to a new series. This story reminds me of a good B-movie. It is fun, fast, snarky, corny, and a bit over-the-top. It entertains and I found myself laughing out loud.
A large part of the humor comes from the hero's snarkiness. He's jaded, tough, cynical, good at his job and way in love with the heroine. He reminds me a little of the Bruce Willis' character, John Hallenbeck, from the movie The Last Boyscout - less suave, more rumpled, all charm:
"Even with his short, pale blond hair damp from the shower and his stubborn jaw shadowed with a golden stubble, he had the look of a man who knew what to do with a woman. Match that with a pair of hazel eyes that sparkled with wicked charm and they were like putty in his hands."
His character is one of the best parts of the book. The lightening quick banter between Duncan and Callie are highlights to savor.
The larger story is interesting too. Duncan is investigating a murder and is introduced to Callie by the service she provides through her gift as a necromancer. She is a part of a special group consisting of witches, psychics, necromancers, Sentinles and other "freaks" living under the protective dome of Valhalla. They don't easily interact with the humans around them, but they are still a part of the society. This murder puts Callie in the direct path of a renowned murderer who seems to have a special interest in her. As Duncan vows to protect Callie, he must also make some life-changing decisions as well.
Since this is the first book, we are introduced to a variety of secondary character who will surely be the featured in future books. They are intriguing. I cannot wait to learn more about Wolfe, Fane, Serra and Mave.
IN A NUTSHELL:
This is an entertaining book with a hint of tongue-and-cheek (whether it is on purpose, I don't know) that will leave you smiling. (Okay, and there are some scary moments as well with the over the top villain but the ending will leave you smiling.)
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A large part of the humor comes from the hero's snarkiness. He's jaded, tough, cynical, good at his job and way in love with the heroine. He reminds me a little of the Bruce Willis' character, John Hallenbeck, from the movie The Last Boyscout - less suave, more rumpled, all charm:
"Even with his short, pale blond hair damp from the shower and his stubborn jaw shadowed with a golden stubble, he had the look of a man who knew what to do with a woman. Match that with a pair of hazel eyes that sparkled with wicked charm and they were like putty in his hands."
His character is one of the best parts of the book. The lightening quick banter between Duncan and Callie are highlights to savor.
The larger story is interesting too. Duncan is investigating a murder and is introduced to Callie by the service she provides through her gift as a necromancer. She is a part of a special group consisting of witches, psychics, necromancers, Sentinles and other "freaks" living under the protective dome of Valhalla. They don't easily interact with the humans around them, but they are still a part of the society. This murder puts Callie in the direct path of a renowned murderer who seems to have a special interest in her. As Duncan vows to protect Callie, he must also make some life-changing decisions as well.
Since this is the first book, we are introduced to a variety of secondary character who will surely be the featured in future books. They are intriguing. I cannot wait to learn more about Wolfe, Fane, Serra and Mave.
IN A NUTSHELL:
This is an entertaining book with a hint of tongue-and-cheek (whether it is on purpose, I don't know) that will leave you smiling. (Okay, and there are some scary moments as well with the over the top villain but the ending will leave you smiling.)
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2013
Alexandra Ivy is one of my favorite authors. I had the chance to meet her once and got her autograph on my favorite book of her Guardians of Eternity series. When I heard she had a new series coming out I jumped at the chance to read and review it. I have not found a book of hers so far that I did not like and this was no exception.
Many times the first book in the series spends a lot of time on world building and there is not as much spent on the action or romance part of the story. This book while it still built the world, it also had action and romance from the very start of the book. I did not want to put this book down. The characters were well developed and there were no boring or slow parts to this book.
What I liked about this book? There are many things that I liked. The characters were interesting as well as the book set up the series very well for the future stories. The pacing to the story was just right and I loved the fact that this story starts out with a cop who can see aura’s but doesn’t see himself as a high born or paranormal. I have always been fascinated by vampires mainly but I have to say the Sentinels in this story certainly give the vampires from the Guardians of Eternity series a run for their money in the sex appeal department and this series is only just getting started. There are not vampires or werewolves in this story but I think the rest of the high borns will keep me busy. LOL.
Another interesting fact is that this book mainly takes place in Kansas City, which is only about an hour from my home. I am a little curious as to what made the author pick Kansas City as the location for the story. I just think it is neat when I find books about places close to my home.
All in all this was a great start on a new series from one of my favorite authors. I will definitely continue to read this series and can’t wait to see who the next match is up and who will be the next villain in The Sentinels #2.
*I received this book free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Many times the first book in the series spends a lot of time on world building and there is not as much spent on the action or romance part of the story. This book while it still built the world, it also had action and romance from the very start of the book. I did not want to put this book down. The characters were well developed and there were no boring or slow parts to this book.
What I liked about this book? There are many things that I liked. The characters were interesting as well as the book set up the series very well for the future stories. The pacing to the story was just right and I loved the fact that this story starts out with a cop who can see aura’s but doesn’t see himself as a high born or paranormal. I have always been fascinated by vampires mainly but I have to say the Sentinels in this story certainly give the vampires from the Guardians of Eternity series a run for their money in the sex appeal department and this series is only just getting started. There are not vampires or werewolves in this story but I think the rest of the high borns will keep me busy. LOL.
Another interesting fact is that this book mainly takes place in Kansas City, which is only about an hour from my home. I am a little curious as to what made the author pick Kansas City as the location for the story. I just think it is neat when I find books about places close to my home.
All in all this was a great start on a new series from one of my favorite authors. I will definitely continue to read this series and can’t wait to see who the next match is up and who will be the next villain in The Sentinels #2.
*I received this book free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
December 29, 2013
As a beginning to a new series there was certainly a lot of world building, with new types of beings described, associations introduced and prejudices expressed. I will say that I am sad to see the portrayal of a good bit of the "norms" in the story as being so hypocritical and bigoted, but I am certainly not surprised, as many of the people I personally know would more than likely take a similar view. Duncan and Callie’s story is one that I enjoyed on many levels. Seeing them kick the butt of a seriously psychotic megalomaniac and his twisted sidekicks was thrilling for me as I always love seeing good triumph over evil, especially with the teamwork required of Duncan, Callie, and all their friends. I will say that the villain in this story chilled me to the bone, not because he was a terrifying beast, but simply because of his twisted psyche and the pure evil I could tell had invaded what might have once been his soul. A very well written bad guy to be sure, though I’m not really surprised. Also getting to see Callie and Duncan each grow in their powers and accept the truth of their magical strengths was a great way to show their personal growth. Of course, the relationship between them could never be underestimated; full of heat, emotion, and the everyday silliness of a new beginning, I loved every second of Callie and Duncan’s private moments. I also loved the little side stories with hinted romantic entanglements between a few of the characters, it's killing me to find out just who’s story might be next. If you haven’t read anything by Alexandra Ivy, I strongly suggest you run to the store or click in your favorite e-reader and purchase, Born in Blood, the moment it hits the shelves.
for full review see my blog at:
http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...
for full review see my blog at:
http://romancewitchreviews.blogspot.c...
June 30, 2016
This book was really good. I really thought that Ms. Alexandra Ivy did much better with full novel.
I read her rapture series and had review how her short story was much better longer and I still stood my ground and insisted that she wrote better like this.
Spoilers
The first book to the Sentinels series started with great promise. I loved the whole concept of it. It was nothing unique but it was quite different than my usual vampire-werewolf read. We have high-bloods which consisted many kinds of paranormal.. like Witches, Necromancer, Psychic, Doppelgangers, healers, soul-gazers.. so on and so forth. Don't forget the sentinels who could be hunter, and protectors of the High-bloods.
Duncan was a norm, a normal mortal, or he tried to be. He was a cop who was extremely good at his job but had a secret of his own. He had an ex-wife and was currently very very interested in a female high-blood, Callie. Duncan was hot, very. In fact everyone in this book seemed to be gorgeous but I didn't care, I loved to read about gorgeous people. At least they had their personalities and I was totally buying them. Duncan was not just hot, he was damn charming. In fact, he was probably one of the best male characters I had ever read. He had personality of what I called a perfect man... like seriously. He had both mature and childish side that he used at most appropriate timing. He had no typical traumatic past like most male romantic characters. He was a happy child, growing up in a loving family as a youngest for others to spoil. His pasts only consisted of ex-wife and the secret of his power. Basically, He was born with love and was full of it.
The O’Conners were loud and boisterous and rough around the edges, but they all possessed the same overriding urge to be protectors.
Callie, on the other hand would get 'the abandoned child with the worst parents' award. She was left by the dumpster as a baby and had grown and being cared for in Valhalla... no this was not the place where Valkyrie lived. Valhalla was just one of the community where High-Bloods resided. She thought that she was probably abandoned by norm parents when they found out she was a freak (what norms called high-blood). While Duncan was born with loving parents, Callie's parent abandoned her.. so it was no question that Callie might have some attachment and relationship issue. However, Callie was sweet and pure. It also helped that she was absolutely beautiful. But it was her purity and her willingness to help better the world that drew Duncan to her like bee to honey. She was also a Necromancer or a Diviner who could read into the mind of the death.
Their chemistry were right off the chart from the very beginning. He wanted her. She wanted him. There was not much staying away from each other. In fact they jumped into bed quite quickly in the book. She tried not to get attached but Duncan charmed her panties away anyway. Although their sexual relation was sudden, their growing feeling developed over time albeit really really short time. Duncan had always like Callie in the book and along the way he grew to love her company and her. He was sweet funny yet gentlemanly. He did everything so right that I could not help but falling for him like Callie did. It probably helped since he had 3 older sisters who insisted in installing him with knowledge to satisfy women.
...the lack of traditional wooing meant Callie couldn’t be certain that he valued her as much for her swift intelligence and quiet courage as he did for her beauty.
Something he intended to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt.
This man understood women far too well.
Romance wasn’t about flowers or remembered birthdays, or surprise trips to Paris.
Not that all of those things weren’t great.
But it was the tiny, everyday thoughtful gestures that made a woman feel appreciated.
Loved.
He also knew when to take control and when to respect the ability of the female.
She was clearly waiting for him to make a jackass out of himself and try to forbid her to put herself at risk. Maybe she even wanted him to annoy her so she’d have a legitimate reason to keep him at a distance.
Thankfully, he hadn’t been plagued by a gaggle of older sisters for nothing.
He was childish and did whatever he wanted. but he was confident and felt good about it. Most of all, He was not afraid to admitted the truth. He was Damn adorable.
“Your assumption that women should adore you.”
“Of course they should. I’m adorable.”
She snorted. “What you are is spoiled.”
Childish?
Hell, yeah.
But it was common knowledge that most men stopped maturing about the age of five.
Even with his ex-wife. Even though he found her banging a delivery-man on their bed. When she divorced him, she took almost everything from his money to his house, Duncan knew it was part of his fault and accepted it. He didn't belittle her or blame her for his negligence. (Was this guy for real?!! this is too perfect!!)
“Susan was a decent woman who got tired of waiting for me to be a husband instead of a cop,” he confessed. “I couldn’t give her what she needed so she found someone who could.”
Also, He might not cook but he had GREAT sense of humour.
“Do I smell waffles?”
He nodded. “I made them fresh.”
“You made them?” .... “Liar.”
“Busted,” he admitted with a boyish grin that tugged directly on her heart. “I did order them. Does that count?”
He was also absolutely a Momma-boy and He loved kids. HOT DAMN!!
“I love kids and I love baseball.”
Could he be anymore perfect. Sign....
With an effort, he squashed his surge of anger. He couldn’t change Callie’s past. All he could do was try to show her that there were good and beautiful things to be discovered beyond Valhalla.
Other than the awesome characters and great world building, the plot, the action and the setting was great. there was definitely story line going on other than the chemistry between Duncan and Callie. I was very happy for him to finally got Callie the woman he most desired and loved. The whole paranormal concept was really great. And I always loved good gore and gruesome scenes with real blood and death.
the overall really great book for me. 4.5 stars
PS. HOLY DAMN the COVER WAS HOTTTT!!! and yeah I would really preferred that Callie had long hair. YUM!!
I read her rapture series and had review how her short story was much better longer and I still stood my ground and insisted that she wrote better like this.
Spoilers
The first book to the Sentinels series started with great promise. I loved the whole concept of it. It was nothing unique but it was quite different than my usual vampire-werewolf read. We have high-bloods which consisted many kinds of paranormal.. like Witches, Necromancer, Psychic, Doppelgangers, healers, soul-gazers.. so on and so forth. Don't forget the sentinels who could be hunter, and protectors of the High-bloods.
Duncan was a norm, a normal mortal, or he tried to be. He was a cop who was extremely good at his job but had a secret of his own. He had an ex-wife and was currently very very interested in a female high-blood, Callie. Duncan was hot, very. In fact everyone in this book seemed to be gorgeous but I didn't care, I loved to read about gorgeous people. At least they had their personalities and I was totally buying them. Duncan was not just hot, he was damn charming. In fact, he was probably one of the best male characters I had ever read. He had personality of what I called a perfect man... like seriously. He had both mature and childish side that he used at most appropriate timing. He had no typical traumatic past like most male romantic characters. He was a happy child, growing up in a loving family as a youngest for others to spoil. His pasts only consisted of ex-wife and the secret of his power. Basically, He was born with love and was full of it.
The O’Conners were loud and boisterous and rough around the edges, but they all possessed the same overriding urge to be protectors.
Callie, on the other hand would get 'the abandoned child with the worst parents' award. She was left by the dumpster as a baby and had grown and being cared for in Valhalla... no this was not the place where Valkyrie lived. Valhalla was just one of the community where High-Bloods resided. She thought that she was probably abandoned by norm parents when they found out she was a freak (what norms called high-blood). While Duncan was born with loving parents, Callie's parent abandoned her.. so it was no question that Callie might have some attachment and relationship issue. However, Callie was sweet and pure. It also helped that she was absolutely beautiful. But it was her purity and her willingness to help better the world that drew Duncan to her like bee to honey. She was also a Necromancer or a Diviner who could read into the mind of the death.
Their chemistry were right off the chart from the very beginning. He wanted her. She wanted him. There was not much staying away from each other. In fact they jumped into bed quite quickly in the book. She tried not to get attached but Duncan charmed her panties away anyway. Although their sexual relation was sudden, their growing feeling developed over time albeit really really short time. Duncan had always like Callie in the book and along the way he grew to love her company and her. He was sweet funny yet gentlemanly. He did everything so right that I could not help but falling for him like Callie did. It probably helped since he had 3 older sisters who insisted in installing him with knowledge to satisfy women.
...the lack of traditional wooing meant Callie couldn’t be certain that he valued her as much for her swift intelligence and quiet courage as he did for her beauty.
Something he intended to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt.
This man understood women far too well.
Romance wasn’t about flowers or remembered birthdays, or surprise trips to Paris.
Not that all of those things weren’t great.
But it was the tiny, everyday thoughtful gestures that made a woman feel appreciated.
Loved.
He also knew when to take control and when to respect the ability of the female.
She was clearly waiting for him to make a jackass out of himself and try to forbid her to put herself at risk. Maybe she even wanted him to annoy her so she’d have a legitimate reason to keep him at a distance.
Thankfully, he hadn’t been plagued by a gaggle of older sisters for nothing.
He was childish and did whatever he wanted. but he was confident and felt good about it. Most of all, He was not afraid to admitted the truth. He was Damn adorable.
“Your assumption that women should adore you.”
“Of course they should. I’m adorable.”
She snorted. “What you are is spoiled.”
Childish?
Hell, yeah.
But it was common knowledge that most men stopped maturing about the age of five.
Even with his ex-wife. Even though he found her banging a delivery-man on their bed. When she divorced him, she took almost everything from his money to his house, Duncan knew it was part of his fault and accepted it. He didn't belittle her or blame her for his negligence. (Was this guy for real?!! this is too perfect!!)
“Susan was a decent woman who got tired of waiting for me to be a husband instead of a cop,” he confessed. “I couldn’t give her what she needed so she found someone who could.”
Also, He might not cook but he had GREAT sense of humour.
“Do I smell waffles?”
He nodded. “I made them fresh.”
“You made them?” .... “Liar.”
“Busted,” he admitted with a boyish grin that tugged directly on her heart. “I did order them. Does that count?”
He was also absolutely a Momma-boy and He loved kids. HOT DAMN!!
“I love kids and I love baseball.”
Could he be anymore perfect. Sign....
With an effort, he squashed his surge of anger. He couldn’t change Callie’s past. All he could do was try to show her that there were good and beautiful things to be discovered beyond Valhalla.
Other than the awesome characters and great world building, the plot, the action and the setting was great. there was definitely story line going on other than the chemistry between Duncan and Callie. I was very happy for him to finally got Callie the woman he most desired and loved. The whole paranormal concept was really great. And I always loved good gore and gruesome scenes with real blood and death.
the overall really great book for me. 4.5 stars
PS. HOLY DAMN the COVER WAS HOTTTT!!! and yeah I would really preferred that Callie had long hair. YUM!!
January 7, 2014
3,5 stars
Born in Blood is the first installment of new series by Alexandra Ivy, the Sentinels. Lucky for me, I had known Ms Ivy's books long time ago, because Indonesian publisher, kindly translate and published Guardian books. So, her writing is not new for me, and I appraise her to not using vampire, werewolf, anything that go bumps in the night. Boring, thank you! Instead, The Sentinels is like X-Men in paranormal romancelandia. Unique yet still have some paranormal romance clique.
People divided into two categories for The Sentinels world. Those who live a normal life (aka norms) and those who gifted by special ability, called high bloods. The prejudice toward high blood is high and somehow disgusting. This is not new, but again the problem still related to our real condition, we fear what we can't understand. Born in Blood is about Duncan O'Conner a police, pissed off after his ex-wife marriage, but must investigate a strange case. The victim lose her heart. He got help from Valhalla, place for high blood, a diviner name Callie Brown, people who can talk to the dead. Like norms, he did had prejudice toward Callie and her Sentinel, Fane. But he can't resist that he's charmed by her. I'm afraid that Duncan will be a jackass, an alphahole.
Surprisely, Duncan's is charming. Not take a long time for him to work over his prejudice to Callie, to admit that he craved that woman. Ther attraction between Duncan and Callie of course is physical in the first. But, it amazed me that Duncan who try to persuade Callie to accept their relationship. I like this so much, because I got tired with hero that think he's alpha, he doesn't want to desire his woman, but he can't resist. So blah!
In contrary, the villain is a jerk, and well kinda two dimensional actually. I don't want to spoil, but I kinda not like the connection between the villain and Callie, for it seems so forced. The Sentinels is like, well if you read many PNR books, you will know that they are kinda like brotherhood of alpha macho from BDB. Not bad, but this theme already overused. Duncan himself is not part of Sentinel, and it's refreshing to see there other man that care about Callie, so he feel jealous for he can't be Callie's guardian. But, he is too not a norm, there was something special about Duncan (beside his charm of course ;) ).
Other characters are interesting and have some story development. What intrigue me are some people who I suspect will get their own story. We know that Duncan will be with Callie, even Callie have her own guardian, Fane. I think there will be love triangle, but Fane and Callie relationship are platonic, more like brother and sister. It obvious that Fane will be with Serra, a vixen that also Callie's friend, a high blood that can read people mind. There are also the Mave, Valhalla's leader who seems like have history with the Tagos, the Sentinel leader, called Wolfe. I can't wait to know more about what happen between them.
The world is actually easy to understand even I lost for some part. Maybe because I'm not read the prequel of this book, in Predatory anthology. The system of the high blood also not complicated. The writing is easily understand. My complaint is (and I think some reviewers will said yes) is how Ms Ivy love to cut the love scene. The first sex is, thank's God, not cut and well, steamy. But the next, always cut into another scene! I don't like this change of pace, for it can be confusing. I prefer that one chapter just contain one POV, not for two or three.
Also, the cover. Well, I love Paul Marron (still do until now, lol!). I like this cover, but it's sooo misleading. Callie was describe as petite and has spiky red hair. So her hair is not long like on the cover! She also wear ordinary clothes, not bustier. The model in this book represent Serra, that's why I think in the first even Duncan desire Callie, he will become Serra's lover because Callie already have Fane. Then I read the blurb again, and realize that Serra's hair color is black, it confirmed that Duncan is with Callie. I hope the cover -even the author maybe don't have a word to decide what it look like- stay the same with the description of the book.
With the pro and cons, I still want to read the next in The Sentinels series. The villain might be defeated and the ending is feel too rushed (again), but there are some characters that I would love to read and know their story about.
Thanks for Kensington and Netgalley for provide the copy
Born in Blood is the first installment of new series by Alexandra Ivy, the Sentinels. Lucky for me, I had known Ms Ivy's books long time ago, because Indonesian publisher, kindly translate and published Guardian books. So, her writing is not new for me, and I appraise her to not using vampire, werewolf, anything that go bumps in the night. Boring, thank you! Instead, The Sentinels is like X-Men in paranormal romancelandia. Unique yet still have some paranormal romance clique.
People divided into two categories for The Sentinels world. Those who live a normal life (aka norms) and those who gifted by special ability, called high bloods. The prejudice toward high blood is high and somehow disgusting. This is not new, but again the problem still related to our real condition, we fear what we can't understand. Born in Blood is about Duncan O'Conner a police, pissed off after his ex-wife marriage, but must investigate a strange case. The victim lose her heart. He got help from Valhalla, place for high blood, a diviner name Callie Brown, people who can talk to the dead. Like norms, he did had prejudice toward Callie and her Sentinel, Fane. But he can't resist that he's charmed by her. I'm afraid that Duncan will be a jackass, an alphahole.
Surprisely, Duncan's is charming. Not take a long time for him to work over his prejudice to Callie, to admit that he craved that woman. Ther attraction between Duncan and Callie of course is physical in the first. But, it amazed me that Duncan who try to persuade Callie to accept their relationship. I like this so much, because I got tired with hero that think he's alpha, he doesn't want to desire his woman, but he can't resist. So blah!
In contrary, the villain is a jerk, and well kinda two dimensional actually. I don't want to spoil, but I kinda not like the connection between the villain and Callie, for it seems so forced. The Sentinels is like, well if you read many PNR books, you will know that they are kinda like brotherhood of alpha macho from BDB. Not bad, but this theme already overused. Duncan himself is not part of Sentinel, and it's refreshing to see there other man that care about Callie, so he feel jealous for he can't be Callie's guardian. But, he is too not a norm, there was something special about Duncan (beside his charm of course ;) ).
Other characters are interesting and have some story development. What intrigue me are some people who I suspect will get their own story. We know that Duncan will be with Callie, even Callie have her own guardian, Fane. I think there will be love triangle, but Fane and Callie relationship are platonic, more like brother and sister. It obvious that Fane will be with Serra, a vixen that also Callie's friend, a high blood that can read people mind. There are also the Mave, Valhalla's leader who seems like have history with the Tagos, the Sentinel leader, called Wolfe. I can't wait to know more about what happen between them.
The world is actually easy to understand even I lost for some part. Maybe because I'm not read the prequel of this book, in Predatory anthology. The system of the high blood also not complicated. The writing is easily understand. My complaint is (and I think some reviewers will said yes) is how Ms Ivy love to cut the love scene. The first sex is, thank's God, not cut and well, steamy. But the next, always cut into another scene! I don't like this change of pace, for it can be confusing. I prefer that one chapter just contain one POV, not for two or three.
Also, the cover. Well, I love Paul Marron (still do until now, lol!). I like this cover, but it's sooo misleading. Callie was describe as petite and has spiky red hair. So her hair is not long like on the cover! She also wear ordinary clothes, not bustier. The model in this book represent Serra, that's why I think in the first even Duncan desire Callie, he will become Serra's lover because Callie already have Fane. Then I read the blurb again, and realize that Serra's hair color is black, it confirmed that Duncan is with Callie. I hope the cover -even the author maybe don't have a word to decide what it look like- stay the same with the description of the book.
With the pro and cons, I still want to read the next in The Sentinels series. The villain might be defeated and the ending is feel too rushed (again), but there are some characters that I would love to read and know their story about.
Thanks for Kensington and Netgalley for provide the copy
December 27, 2014
I absolutely love the Guardians of Eternity series so I was thrilled when the author started up a new series that is like a paranormal X-Men type world. I didn't get a chance to jump on it when it was brand spanking new, but was no less eager when I sat down to finally read the first book. I read the prequel earlier and decided that it was one of those that probably would have worked better after reading this book. I was very right. The prequel is Niko's story and he is a side character in this book. The parallel storylines make better sense now. I had a good time with this book. I enjoyed the way the Sentinel world was introduced in layers as the story progresses, the intricate plot that is also part suspense, and the great characters. Duncan O'Conner was a huge charmer, but capable and Callie Brown was a strong heroine without all the annoying habits that get me twitchy. Better yet, they fit together well both in their relationship and their work.
The story opens when Callie and Duncan are called in by their respective authority figures to work the case of a woman murdered in her home. Duncan represents the human police and Callie comes from the extra-human magical community of nearby Valhalla. She is a necromancer who can get at a person's last thoughts so is often called in to help solve murders particularly if the murder might involve a highborn like herself. In this instance with the woman's heart missing without any visible signs of how it was take from the body, the regular humans don't hesitate to call her in. She and Duncan have a history of shared cases and both are very drawn to each other particularly now that Duncan's ex remarried.
Callie doesn't know what to make of the case especially since another more powerful necromancer joined her in the dead woman's memories almost taunting her with promises that there is more to come and she really doesn't know what to make of Duncan's interest. Normally she is kept at arm's length even by her own people because her gift connects her with the dead. Duncan seems un-phased by that and tells her honestly that he just wants to pursue their attraction and see where it leads. He loves his life as a cop and he has secrets that he wants to stay secret. She cannot live out in the normal world so he is aware that things might be short-term. In the meantime, they work together to figure out what this other very powerful necromancer is up to. If he is who they think he is, then things are going to get bad quick and they don't have much time to stop whatever it is he is planning.
As I said, I was fascinated by the world building and I really liked the characters and action/suspense plot. The pace was good. The passion was hot. Some things developed nicely like the action and worldbuilding, but I will say that the romance has a fated-mates feel to it. I didn't mind that, but there was a part of me that wished that if it was going to be there that it was just explained as part of the highborn thing. Another thing I noticed that didn't bug me, but was still a niggle was that the biggest barrier to their romance was dismissed rather quickly as one of the characters just decided to concede without a lot of discussion, info gathering or seeming thought and it was a rather big decision to just make a five second choice.
Neither the fated mates or the rushed through the thing with the romance ruined the story. It was still exciting, passionate and engaging. I loved the intro to this series and look forward to seeing each Sentinel get their story. I have a bit of a crush on the leader, Wolfe, though I suppose his story is way far down the road. I think this will definitely have appeal for those who enjoy those humans with extra gifts stories, but paranormal romance fans and even romantic suspense fans might really appreciate this series too.
The story opens when Callie and Duncan are called in by their respective authority figures to work the case of a woman murdered in her home. Duncan represents the human police and Callie comes from the extra-human magical community of nearby Valhalla. She is a necromancer who can get at a person's last thoughts so is often called in to help solve murders particularly if the murder might involve a highborn like herself. In this instance with the woman's heart missing without any visible signs of how it was take from the body, the regular humans don't hesitate to call her in. She and Duncan have a history of shared cases and both are very drawn to each other particularly now that Duncan's ex remarried.
Callie doesn't know what to make of the case especially since another more powerful necromancer joined her in the dead woman's memories almost taunting her with promises that there is more to come and she really doesn't know what to make of Duncan's interest. Normally she is kept at arm's length even by her own people because her gift connects her with the dead. Duncan seems un-phased by that and tells her honestly that he just wants to pursue their attraction and see where it leads. He loves his life as a cop and he has secrets that he wants to stay secret. She cannot live out in the normal world so he is aware that things might be short-term. In the meantime, they work together to figure out what this other very powerful necromancer is up to. If he is who they think he is, then things are going to get bad quick and they don't have much time to stop whatever it is he is planning.
As I said, I was fascinated by the world building and I really liked the characters and action/suspense plot. The pace was good. The passion was hot. Some things developed nicely like the action and worldbuilding, but I will say that the romance has a fated-mates feel to it. I didn't mind that, but there was a part of me that wished that if it was going to be there that it was just explained as part of the highborn thing. Another thing I noticed that didn't bug me, but was still a niggle was that the biggest barrier to their romance was dismissed rather quickly as one of the characters just decided to concede without a lot of discussion, info gathering or seeming thought and it was a rather big decision to just make a five second choice.
Neither the fated mates or the rushed through the thing with the romance ruined the story. It was still exciting, passionate and engaging. I loved the intro to this series and look forward to seeing each Sentinel get their story. I have a bit of a crush on the leader, Wolfe, though I suppose his story is way far down the road. I think this will definitely have appeal for those who enjoy those humans with extra gifts stories, but paranormal romance fans and even romantic suspense fans might really appreciate this series too.
June 1, 2014
Buddy read with Aly & Ange
This is the first book I've read by Alexandra Ivy, I've heard great things about her Guardians of Eternity series though so when I saw this Born in Blood, the first book in her new Sentinels series, available for review on Netgalley I jumped at the chance of reading it. I have to say I enjoyed the world set up, you have normal humans and then you have the high bloods who all have various different psychic abilities. The high bloods tend to keep themselves to themselves living in their own enclosed city called Valhalla and the regular humans consider them freaks. The humans may not trust them but that doesn't mean they aren't willing to call on them for help when they need it.
Callie is a powerful necromancer, her abilities make it possible for her to see the last few minutes of a dead person's life which makes her very useful when it comes to solving murders. Callie is willing to work with the humans but she has to face prejudice from them every time she leaves Valhalla. She works alongside a Sentinel whose sole job is to protect her and keep her safe from harm but for this case she is also partnered with a human cop Duncan. Callie and Duncan have worked together before and there is an intense attraction between them but Callie has never considered taking things further, after all Duncan is a human and he's not going to want to get to close. Duncan however has other ideas and he's determined to show Callie just how special he thinks she is. Their latest case brings them up against a dangerous and powerful enemy, someone who is powerful enough to block Callie's attempts to read the memories of their victims and both of their lives are on the line if they fail to stop him.
Alexandra Ivy has created an interesting world and I liked both of the main characters. Duncan has all the protective instincts of an alpha male but I loved the fact that he respected Callie enough to let her stand on her own two feet. It makes a nice change to see a woman who is the one running from the potential relationship, Duncan knows exactly what he wants but Callie is terrified of the though of meeting his human family and she doesn't think they could possibly accept her. She does work on resolving her issues though and I loved seeing Duncan help her build her self confidence.
There were a few things that stopped this from being a fantastic read rather than a good one but the main problem I had was how easily things were resolved in the end. Everything falls into place a little too quickly and easily and most of it is done off the page and we only find out about it through later conversations. Don't get me wrong, there is some action, but I wanted more of that. I would have liked to learn more about the different Sentinel abilities and to have seen them take more of a central role in saving the day.
Born in Blood is still a good start to his new series though and I'm definitely interested enough to want to carry on reading it. I also enjoyed Alexandra Ivy's writing style so will be checking out more of her back list when I have a chance.
This is the first book I've read by Alexandra Ivy, I've heard great things about her Guardians of Eternity series though so when I saw this Born in Blood, the first book in her new Sentinels series, available for review on Netgalley I jumped at the chance of reading it. I have to say I enjoyed the world set up, you have normal humans and then you have the high bloods who all have various different psychic abilities. The high bloods tend to keep themselves to themselves living in their own enclosed city called Valhalla and the regular humans consider them freaks. The humans may not trust them but that doesn't mean they aren't willing to call on them for help when they need it.
Callie is a powerful necromancer, her abilities make it possible for her to see the last few minutes of a dead person's life which makes her very useful when it comes to solving murders. Callie is willing to work with the humans but she has to face prejudice from them every time she leaves Valhalla. She works alongside a Sentinel whose sole job is to protect her and keep her safe from harm but for this case she is also partnered with a human cop Duncan. Callie and Duncan have worked together before and there is an intense attraction between them but Callie has never considered taking things further, after all Duncan is a human and he's not going to want to get to close. Duncan however has other ideas and he's determined to show Callie just how special he thinks she is. Their latest case brings them up against a dangerous and powerful enemy, someone who is powerful enough to block Callie's attempts to read the memories of their victims and both of their lives are on the line if they fail to stop him.
Alexandra Ivy has created an interesting world and I liked both of the main characters. Duncan has all the protective instincts of an alpha male but I loved the fact that he respected Callie enough to let her stand on her own two feet. It makes a nice change to see a woman who is the one running from the potential relationship, Duncan knows exactly what he wants but Callie is terrified of the though of meeting his human family and she doesn't think they could possibly accept her. She does work on resolving her issues though and I loved seeing Duncan help her build her self confidence.
There were a few things that stopped this from being a fantastic read rather than a good one but the main problem I had was how easily things were resolved in the end. Everything falls into place a little too quickly and easily and most of it is done off the page and we only find out about it through later conversations. Don't get me wrong, there is some action, but I wanted more of that. I would have liked to learn more about the different Sentinel abilities and to have seen them take more of a central role in saving the day.
Born in Blood is still a good start to his new series though and I'm definitely interested enough to want to carry on reading it. I also enjoyed Alexandra Ivy's writing style so will be checking out more of her back list when I have a chance.
December 31, 2013
** I received a copy of the book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review**
Review: 5 stars
General: Born in Blood is an absolutely heart pounding, sexy, wonderfully original start to a new series by Alexandra Ivy. I am a long time reader of her work and couldn't wait to get my hands on something new and I absolutely devoured it.
The world building alone sucked me so far from the first page I couldn't put the book down. Every little detail was thought out that I could think of. From where High Bloods live to why they interact the way they do and the seemingly small ways to tell them apart from the "norms". I loved that it was still modern time and the world was just different from our own with amazingly scary and sexy players.
The plot started out on such a high note that continued through every single page. Every single character was brilliant from their characterization to their interactions with each other. The entire time I was reading I was in love with not only Callie and Duncan- but Serra and Fane, and Wolfe and The Mave as well. I'm hoping those are the pairing that pop out because it would be a shame to waste all the chemistry. Unless she wants to give Fane to me of course! I even loved the nasty villian who I won't name since part of the book is figuring out who they are!
There were a few moments of confusion where I needed to reread an explanation or two. It didn't really pull me out of the story though because I was so invested in this amazing secret world and the players that while I was lost I didn't fully disconnect during the reread. Also, I'm a stickler...she has short spikey hair and the cover model has long beautiful hair and Duncan also had short hair made long. I do love the cover but I tend to get offput when they don't match the books.
Characters: Callie - Callie may be my new favorite heroine from any book series. She was an "innocent" but not in our sense of the word. I'm not certain but I think it may have just meant pure hearted or moral. Which she was, both. She was wicked when she was comfortable and stubborn. But she was by no means a typical fiesty female lead or a meek one. Her chemistry with Duncan hits hard the minute we get into her head and she is almost regal in how she handles her powers and her duty.
Duncan- Duncan for me took a lot of time. He was rather annoying for the majority of the book. Which I realized half way through was the reason I loved him with Callie. Aside from physically he was so far from perfect it was refreshing. He was arrogant and so cocky he was almost sleazy for a time. Then he let all his fake "bad boy" personna fade the male left behind was strong, kind, caring and loyal. I loved seeing him change and think it was a big highlight.
Fane- Just because I loved him so much. Fane is one hell of a character. So loyal it's insane pair that with his look and his grumpy personality and I can't wait for a female to wrap her hands around him and totally mess with his head. I hope he's next!
Review: 5 stars
General: Born in Blood is an absolutely heart pounding, sexy, wonderfully original start to a new series by Alexandra Ivy. I am a long time reader of her work and couldn't wait to get my hands on something new and I absolutely devoured it.
The world building alone sucked me so far from the first page I couldn't put the book down. Every little detail was thought out that I could think of. From where High Bloods live to why they interact the way they do and the seemingly small ways to tell them apart from the "norms". I loved that it was still modern time and the world was just different from our own with amazingly scary and sexy players.
The plot started out on such a high note that continued through every single page. Every single character was brilliant from their characterization to their interactions with each other. The entire time I was reading I was in love with not only Callie and Duncan- but Serra and Fane, and Wolfe and The Mave as well. I'm hoping those are the pairing that pop out because it would be a shame to waste all the chemistry. Unless she wants to give Fane to me of course! I even loved the nasty villian who I won't name since part of the book is figuring out who they are!
There were a few moments of confusion where I needed to reread an explanation or two. It didn't really pull me out of the story though because I was so invested in this amazing secret world and the players that while I was lost I didn't fully disconnect during the reread. Also, I'm a stickler...she has short spikey hair and the cover model has long beautiful hair and Duncan also had short hair made long. I do love the cover but I tend to get offput when they don't match the books.
Characters: Callie - Callie may be my new favorite heroine from any book series. She was an "innocent" but not in our sense of the word. I'm not certain but I think it may have just meant pure hearted or moral. Which she was, both. She was wicked when she was comfortable and stubborn. But she was by no means a typical fiesty female lead or a meek one. Her chemistry with Duncan hits hard the minute we get into her head and she is almost regal in how she handles her powers and her duty.
Duncan- Duncan for me took a lot of time. He was rather annoying for the majority of the book. Which I realized half way through was the reason I loved him with Callie. Aside from physically he was so far from perfect it was refreshing. He was arrogant and so cocky he was almost sleazy for a time. Then he let all his fake "bad boy" personna fade the male left behind was strong, kind, caring and loyal. I loved seeing him change and think it was a big highlight.
Fane- Just because I loved him so much. Fane is one hell of a character. So loyal it's insane pair that with his look and his grumpy personality and I can't wait for a female to wrap her hands around him and totally mess with his head. I hope he's next!
February 5, 2014
New series featuring enhanced paranormal beings, urban fantasy, occult, and yes ZOMBIES.
Duncan O’Conner, Kansas City law enforcement, is the go to guy when victims fall under the scope of paranormal/unexplained crime. When the latest homicide, a young woman without any outside trauma, is found missing her heart the "high bloods" are contacted to send a 'necro' reader to the scene.
Callie Brown, a diviner, is called in to use her special skills to "see" the last few moments of the dead girls life. All goes according to plan until she encounters a presence she's never encountered before who blocks her. It may seem like a random unexplained murder but Callie and those who reside at Valhalla feel that there is something more going on. Callie and Duncan will have to partner up to solve the mystery which is something Duncan's been trying to do for a long time with Callie - partner up.
This is a parallel spin off series to this authors "Guardians of Eternity" series. The premise for the series is the group of supernatural beings who reside at Valhalla venture out into the world to aide humanity IF the situation might indicate that one of their own kind is at fault (so far that is). They otherwise reside totally in the domed city. The heroes for this series are the sentinels who guard Valhalla and provide protection for it's citizens. In this installment Callie's sentinel is a grade A top of the line badass by the name of Fane (or as Duncan affectionately calls him: Lurch) who is a major obstacle for Duncan to have any touchy feely one on one alone time with Callie. Where the story goes from there you'll have to read for yourself.
My opinion on this book/series. I did fully appreciate the world building and layout for the cast of characters. I have a pretty good idea which couples will be matched up in future installments and like what I'm seeing there. The action adventure story line was well done and did have the twist/turn slant going on that I personally love to see. The adult content marginally crossed into the erotic romance category but just by a hair imho. Overall, a fairly good start to the series.
My issues? I did feel there were inconsistency issues going on that didn't affect the story itself but were there. I also wasn't a fan of the lapses in judgement on the part of Duncan in several scenes. Unfortunately this is when I cite the spoiler potential information so.....
The highlight of this book? Definitely the zombies. Zombies for me (if done right) have the same effect as bacon. You can't go wrong with zombies (or bacon). Of course adding hermits and witches and demons and lots of high tech gadgetry helps too. :D
I do wish the next installment in this series would have Wolfe as the main character but I have a pretty good hunch the author will string readers along for a while with him.
*sigh*
Oh well.
Duncan O’Conner, Kansas City law enforcement, is the go to guy when victims fall under the scope of paranormal/unexplained crime. When the latest homicide, a young woman without any outside trauma, is found missing her heart the "high bloods" are contacted to send a 'necro' reader to the scene.
Callie Brown, a diviner, is called in to use her special skills to "see" the last few moments of the dead girls life. All goes according to plan until she encounters a presence she's never encountered before who blocks her. It may seem like a random unexplained murder but Callie and those who reside at Valhalla feel that there is something more going on. Callie and Duncan will have to partner up to solve the mystery which is something Duncan's been trying to do for a long time with Callie - partner up.
This is a parallel spin off series to this authors "Guardians of Eternity" series. The premise for the series is the group of supernatural beings who reside at Valhalla venture out into the world to aide humanity IF the situation might indicate that one of their own kind is at fault (so far that is). They otherwise reside totally in the domed city. The heroes for this series are the sentinels who guard Valhalla and provide protection for it's citizens. In this installment Callie's sentinel is a grade A top of the line badass by the name of Fane (or as Duncan affectionately calls him: Lurch) who is a major obstacle for Duncan to have any touchy feely one on one alone time with Callie. Where the story goes from there you'll have to read for yourself.
My opinion on this book/series. I did fully appreciate the world building and layout for the cast of characters. I have a pretty good idea which couples will be matched up in future installments and like what I'm seeing there. The action adventure story line was well done and did have the twist/turn slant going on that I personally love to see. The adult content marginally crossed into the erotic romance category but just by a hair imho. Overall, a fairly good start to the series.
My issues? I did feel there were inconsistency issues going on that didn't affect the story itself but were there. I also wasn't a fan of the lapses in judgement on the part of Duncan in several scenes. Unfortunately this is when I cite the spoiler potential information so.....
The highlight of this book? Definitely the zombies. Zombies for me (if done right) have the same effect as bacon. You can't go wrong with zombies (or bacon). Of course adding hermits and witches and demons and lots of high tech gadgetry helps too. :D
I do wish the next installment in this series would have Wolfe as the main character but I have a pretty good hunch the author will string readers along for a while with him.
*sigh*
Oh well.
December 24, 2014
Alexandra Ivy brings out her brilliantly dark side again with this series opener, Born in blood. Mythology, Valhalla, mystery, murder and people empowered with unique and supernatural gifts, and oh my, don’t forget the romantic tension, it’s all here in a fast-paced and very detailed tale that sets the standard for the rest of the series. Callie has been called in to consult on a case that the rather arrogant Duncan is working on. Why would this uber-masculine male request help? Callie has a gift, she speaks to the dead and Duncan has a dead woman and a killer on the loose. Never mind that Duncan has the hots for Callie, who returns the heat, but is a little more cautious about any relationship, because of her power. The questions to be answered are: who is the murder, why did he/she do it, and how many pages will it take for Callie to finally all for Duncan’s “charm?”
Get ready to watch a world come to life without you really knowing! Alexandra Ivy manages to sneak and grow her world right before your very eyes as you follow the twists and turns of this tale. The characters? You are going to discover that sometimes the ones you like the least may just grow on you, like moss on a tree! Great story, touchable characters and tension, love the tension.
Series: The Sentinels - Book 1
Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 399 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Get ready to watch a world come to life without you really knowing! Alexandra Ivy manages to sneak and grow her world right before your very eyes as you follow the twists and turns of this tale. The characters? You are going to discover that sometimes the ones you like the least may just grow on you, like moss on a tree! Great story, touchable characters and tension, love the tension.
Series: The Sentinels - Book 1
Publication Date: December 31, 2013
Publisher: Zebra Books
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 399 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 27, 2015
Born in Blood is the first book in the new Sentinels series by Alexandra Ivy. Firstly I have to say that the cover bugged me because in the book Callie is described as having “short, spiky hair that was so dark red it shimmered like fire in the sunlight”. This description immediately pulled me out of the story because on the cover of the book Callie is shown with long, red hair. Additionally, Duncan is described as having short, pale blond hair. Normally I don’t pay much attention to a cover but when one or more of the characters pictured is described so differently in the book it catches my attention. Now, on to the story…
Overall, I found Born in Blood to be a good book but it didn’t really get interesting for me until the very end. I liked it but it failed hold my attention completely. I was more intrigued by the side characters, Fang and Serra then I was by the main characters. Duncan and Callie are both likeable and they are good together but their story wasn’t captivating.
Born in Blood is a mix of romance, danger and suspense. The world building is nicely done and the side characters give you hints of future stories. I found the High Bloods to be an intriguing concept and I look forward to reading more about them in the next book. The potential is there for this to be a great series and I can only hope that potential is realized.
Overall, I found Born in Blood to be a good book but it didn’t really get interesting for me until the very end. I liked it but it failed hold my attention completely. I was more intrigued by the side characters, Fang and Serra then I was by the main characters. Duncan and Callie are both likeable and they are good together but their story wasn’t captivating.
Born in Blood is a mix of romance, danger and suspense. The world building is nicely done and the side characters give you hints of future stories. I found the High Bloods to be an intriguing concept and I look forward to reading more about them in the next book. The potential is there for this to be a great series and I can only hope that potential is realized.
November 26, 2025
Alexandra Ivy has created a dark, edgy, new series called The Sentinels. Born in Blood is the first wonderfully original installment in this must-follow world of Ivy's imagination.
The “high-bloods” are people with extraordinary and special abilities. Faced with public ridicule and hatred, they have banded together over the centuries to create a safe haven. Sometimes the line between the high-bloods and the normal people clashes, and specially trained high-bloods are called in to help. Born in Blood is Callie Brown's and Sergeant Duncan O'Conner's story.
I loved the vivid world-building. I immediately felt a connection and understanding of this brilliantly created new sphere to explore.
Ivy has constructed characters that will keep you coming back for more. Their plights for life, love, and happiness will pull you in and keep you utterly invested from start to finish.
If you love an extraordinary book with a dark paranormal flair, then Born in Blood is the book for you.
I received this ARC copy of Born in Blood from Kensington Books - Zebra in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on December 31, 2013.
The “high-bloods” are people with extraordinary and special abilities. Faced with public ridicule and hatred, they have banded together over the centuries to create a safe haven. Sometimes the line between the high-bloods and the normal people clashes, and specially trained high-bloods are called in to help. Born in Blood is Callie Brown's and Sergeant Duncan O'Conner's story.
I loved the vivid world-building. I immediately felt a connection and understanding of this brilliantly created new sphere to explore.
Ivy has constructed characters that will keep you coming back for more. Their plights for life, love, and happiness will pull you in and keep you utterly invested from start to finish.
If you love an extraordinary book with a dark paranormal flair, then Born in Blood is the book for you.
I received this ARC copy of Born in Blood from Kensington Books - Zebra in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication on December 31, 2013.
November 29, 2013
This was a great start to a series. It’s about high bloods from Valhalla interacting with humans.
Duncan O’Conner is a human cop, cocky, gorgeous who came from a loud, nosy, but loving family. He was sent to investigate a homicide at a rich neighborhood. The murder was highly unusual due to the fact that the female’s heart was missing without signs of her body being cut open. Enter Callie Brown, a Necromancer from Valhalla who taps into dead people’s memories before their death. When she tried to find out the last thoughts of the dead female, she comes across a male with silver eyes who tried to hurt her until she was saved by her Guardian named Fane.
This book introduces you to quite a few characters, but you are never confused. The humans and high bloods’ worlds collide as the antagonist tries to resurrect the dead. Everyone had to try everything in their power to stop the evil lord.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Yes there is an HEA for the couple in the first book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Duncan O’Conner is a human cop, cocky, gorgeous who came from a loud, nosy, but loving family. He was sent to investigate a homicide at a rich neighborhood. The murder was highly unusual due to the fact that the female’s heart was missing without signs of her body being cut open. Enter Callie Brown, a Necromancer from Valhalla who taps into dead people’s memories before their death. When she tried to find out the last thoughts of the dead female, she comes across a male with silver eyes who tried to hurt her until she was saved by her Guardian named Fane.
This book introduces you to quite a few characters, but you are never confused. The humans and high bloods’ worlds collide as the antagonist tries to resurrect the dead. Everyone had to try everything in their power to stop the evil lord.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Yes there is an HEA for the couple in the first book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2015
Callie is a high-blood living in the very real Valhalla. She is a necromancer, which within this world simply means being able to see into the minds of the very recently dead. Duncan is a detective with the Kansas City Police Department and has run into Callie numerous times over the years. She ignites a fire for him that he just can't see past. As they work together to find and attempt to stop the powerful necromancer behind the killing, they grow closer, despite the feelings of those around them.
Born in Blood kept the blood flowing and the pulse racing! It had some great flow. The chemistry between Duncan and Callie was awesome. There was nice set-up as well for future couplings within the high-bloods. Really the only downfall to me was that the love scenes didn't get more in-depth!
I'm already loving this new series. The Sentinels has great world-building and I'm excited to continue to the next in the series.
Born in Blood kept the blood flowing and the pulse racing! It had some great flow. The chemistry between Duncan and Callie was awesome. There was nice set-up as well for future couplings within the high-bloods. Really the only downfall to me was that the love scenes didn't get more in-depth!
I'm already loving this new series. The Sentinels has great world-building and I'm excited to continue to the next in the series.
January 26, 2014
I am really surprised at how long it took me to finish this book. Normally I can finish a book this size in less than 2 days. I started Born in Blood and while I did find it interesting I also found it a bit difficult to get into. I ended up putting it down for a week; finishing 7 books before picking it back up again. This is not like me at all especially with a book that is written by an author I love.
Now I will admit I am not into the whole zombie/ raising the dead back to life without their soul’s plot line. For some reason I just can’t seem to get into that and yes that is what this book has in it. So if that kind of plot concept in a paranormal romance interests you, then you might find Born in Blood more to your taste than I did. The writing is off the wall fantastic which is the only reason I actually was able to finish this book.
Now I will admit I am not into the whole zombie/ raising the dead back to life without their soul’s plot line. For some reason I just can’t seem to get into that and yes that is what this book has in it. So if that kind of plot concept in a paranormal romance interests you, then you might find Born in Blood more to your taste than I did. The writing is off the wall fantastic which is the only reason I actually was able to finish this book.
April 21, 2015
3.5 stars
I'm already a casual fan of Alexandra Ivy's first series so I was happy to see another series pop up from her. I really liked the cover and the blurb is what really got me to read the book.
So going in, I had high hopes. Not all of those hopes were met because the hero came off as such an overbearing , trigger happy cop that pulled his gun at the slightest sound. He was overly aggressive and treated the heroine as if she were a delicate flower to the point that she couldn't do anything for herself and he annoyed the crap out of me.
Other than that, I enjoyed the story and the world that is set up in this story. I think I'll read more but no time soon.
I'm already a casual fan of Alexandra Ivy's first series so I was happy to see another series pop up from her. I really liked the cover and the blurb is what really got me to read the book.
So going in, I had high hopes. Not all of those hopes were met because the hero came off as such an overbearing , trigger happy cop that pulled his gun at the slightest sound. He was overly aggressive and treated the heroine as if she were a delicate flower to the point that she couldn't do anything for herself and he annoyed the crap out of me.
Other than that, I enjoyed the story and the world that is set up in this story. I think I'll read more but no time soon.
May 1, 2015
Yeah, not even happening in audio. boring.
July 22, 2018
It was by chance I found Born in Blood but I am so glad I did. This is an excellent read with a rich storyline of intrigue, mystery, and love. I am looking forward to finding more of Alexandra Ivy books!
August 17, 2019
The Hero and heroine got together way too fast for my taste and the heroine in particular was very one dimensional. I finished the book because it was set in Kansas City but the storyline was just okay. Nothing that grabbed me and demanded I read the next in the series.
April 5, 2020
Mais quelqu’un peut m’expliquer cette fin. Oh je veux la suite 😢💓 c’est ce genre de Bit-lit que j’affectionne totalement. Il était sur le point de dépasser « Psi-Changeling » , mais certains chapitres avaient des longueurs pas nécessaires selon moi. Mais dès que la quarantaine finit au Québec, je cours emprunter le tome 2 à ma bibliothèque municipale !
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