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Vampire Innocent #5
The Phantom Oracle: Vampire Innocent, Book 5
Sarah Wright doesn’t think something as minor as death should get in the way of her future.
With the worst summer of her life behind her, it’s time to start focusing on her education. An immortal vampire - even if she is still new at it - pursuing a degree may or may not be a waste of time, but it at least it’s a way to keep up an illusion of sanity.
Soon after classes start, a mysterious presence trapped at the school attaches itself to Sarah, and her hopes for a normal college year evaporate. Sensing a lost soul in need, she decides to help. Unfortunately, this particular lost soul belongs to an ancient sect of mystics who aren’t at all happy about letting them go.
Worse, they aren’t beholden to Aurelie’s decree. Protecting her parents and siblings from the "supernatural crap" falls entirely on Sarah’s shoulders. One wrong move and her worst nightmare will come Losing the only thing she can’t un-live without - her family.
With the worst summer of her life behind her, it’s time to start focusing on her education. An immortal vampire - even if she is still new at it - pursuing a degree may or may not be a waste of time, but it at least it’s a way to keep up an illusion of sanity.
Soon after classes start, a mysterious presence trapped at the school attaches itself to Sarah, and her hopes for a normal college year evaporate. Sensing a lost soul in need, she decides to help. Unfortunately, this particular lost soul belongs to an ancient sect of mystics who aren’t at all happy about letting them go.
Worse, they aren’t beholden to Aurelie’s decree. Protecting her parents and siblings from the "supernatural crap" falls entirely on Sarah’s shoulders. One wrong move and her worst nightmare will come Losing the only thing she can’t un-live without - her family.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
Audible Audio
First published November 28, 2018
73 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Matthew S. Cox
187 books265 followersBorn in a little town known as South Amboy NJ in 1973, Matthew has been creating science fiction and fantasy worlds for most of his reasoning life. Somewhere between fifteen to eighteen of them spent developing the world in which Division Zero, Virtual Immortality, and The Awakened Series take place. He has several other projects in the works as well as a collaborative science fiction endeavor with author Tony Healey.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
Hobbies and Interests:
Matthew is an avid gamer, a recovered WoW addict, Gamemaster for two custom systems (Chronicles of Eldrinaath [Fantasy] and Divergent Fates [Sci Fi], and a fan of anime, British humour (<- deliberate), and intellectual science fiction that questions the nature of reality, life, and what happens after it.
He is also fond of cats.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 16, 2024
Cox displays the issues of starting college through the dark lens of vampirism, creating a teenage vampire tale that has much to interest both horror readers of all ages and members of non-existent Hermetic orders.
This novel is the fifth in the Vampire Innocent series. So, there are probably spoilers ahead.
With vampirism having ruined her summer plans, Sarah is determined not to let it spoil the next stage of a normal life: college. Unfortunately, while her local college offers night classes, the evenings are still light, making her burning desire to get there literal as well as figurative. More unfortunately, Sarah’s ability to see ghosts leads her to a secret magical order who object to her interference and would pay no heed to the decree protecting Sarah’s family were they even aware of it.
As with the previous volumes, the plot of this novel shifts between the mystical and mundane issues of being a vampiric teenager (and indeed a young vampire).
After his brief excursion into the woods and fae magics of the previous book, Cox returns to the decidedly urban fantasy of modern vampire tales. Building on the hints of ghosts bound to objects in early books, he delves into the darker side of necromancy: binding spirits against their will.
While this magical order does display many of the standard tropes of academic sorcery—readers are most unlikely to be surprised where their sanctum is hidden or their archaic dress style—Cox’s use of nuance and humour make this comforting accessibility rather than distancing stereotype. In a manner very familiar to fans of White Wolf roleplaying games, their obvious power is limited by an almost complete lack of knowledge about anything mystical beyond their own branch; this both allows them to be a real yet not unbeatable threat and creates opportunities of comical misunderstandings that leaven the horror.
The vampire community have the same lack of knowledge of magicians: even those who have some knowledge of magic are unaware of or disregard the truth about ritual sorcery. Again this both adds complexity to the plot and provides opportunities, and creates its a second set of darkly humorous incidents.
Sarah’s mundane life has a similar—if less pretension and mysticism filled—level of complexity: while the new term marks the end of summer, it doesn’t mark the end of light and warm evenings, placing the eight o’clock start time of night school in the zone where it’s often still too bright for even Sarah’s tolerance for sunlight but too pleasant for bundling up in enough layers to hide the entire body.
Although the end of night school is fully dark, it is also late enough that Sarah’s friends are close to sleep and her boyfriend is desperately cramming in study between getting back from work and crashing out before an early start.
And, athwart the two areas of her life, her home life refuses to settle into a comfortable pattern: since the road trip, her parents and siblings have finally achieved an emotional acceptance of her new state; however, the supernatural won’t leave them alone. Sorcerers and ghosts aside, the amiable interest of an elder vampire is still disturbing.
Sarah remains a sympathetic protagonist: she has a greater understanding of vampirism and a deeper acceptance that she is a vampire, but still feels the burden of isolation that not being human brings; skillfully balancing plausible emotion with engaging story, Cox provides enough moments of challenge and doubt that readers feel her sense of loss while maintaining an overall sense of progression that shows Sarah as an active participant in her life. This dichotomy is especially visible in her reaction to college: as a vampire she doesn’t need—perhaps can’t even have—a regular job, so why should she put herself through the difficulties of getting a degree; but if she doesn’t then what could she do instead, and what might abandoning such a strong symbol of normality cost her.
The supporting cast have the same mix of accessibility and nuance as Cox’s other works, providing the reader with a deeper understanding and varied perspective on both the world and Sarah’s issues.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking vampire fiction that has all the humanity of paranormal teenage drama without any mawkishness.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
This novel is the fifth in the Vampire Innocent series. So, there are probably spoilers ahead.
With vampirism having ruined her summer plans, Sarah is determined not to let it spoil the next stage of a normal life: college. Unfortunately, while her local college offers night classes, the evenings are still light, making her burning desire to get there literal as well as figurative. More unfortunately, Sarah’s ability to see ghosts leads her to a secret magical order who object to her interference and would pay no heed to the decree protecting Sarah’s family were they even aware of it.
As with the previous volumes, the plot of this novel shifts between the mystical and mundane issues of being a vampiric teenager (and indeed a young vampire).
After his brief excursion into the woods and fae magics of the previous book, Cox returns to the decidedly urban fantasy of modern vampire tales. Building on the hints of ghosts bound to objects in early books, he delves into the darker side of necromancy: binding spirits against their will.
While this magical order does display many of the standard tropes of academic sorcery—readers are most unlikely to be surprised where their sanctum is hidden or their archaic dress style—Cox’s use of nuance and humour make this comforting accessibility rather than distancing stereotype. In a manner very familiar to fans of White Wolf roleplaying games, their obvious power is limited by an almost complete lack of knowledge about anything mystical beyond their own branch; this both allows them to be a real yet not unbeatable threat and creates opportunities of comical misunderstandings that leaven the horror.
The vampire community have the same lack of knowledge of magicians: even those who have some knowledge of magic are unaware of or disregard the truth about ritual sorcery. Again this both adds complexity to the plot and provides opportunities, and creates its a second set of darkly humorous incidents.
Sarah’s mundane life has a similar—if less pretension and mysticism filled—level of complexity: while the new term marks the end of summer, it doesn’t mark the end of light and warm evenings, placing the eight o’clock start time of night school in the zone where it’s often still too bright for even Sarah’s tolerance for sunlight but too pleasant for bundling up in enough layers to hide the entire body.
Although the end of night school is fully dark, it is also late enough that Sarah’s friends are close to sleep and her boyfriend is desperately cramming in study between getting back from work and crashing out before an early start.
And, athwart the two areas of her life, her home life refuses to settle into a comfortable pattern: since the road trip, her parents and siblings have finally achieved an emotional acceptance of her new state; however, the supernatural won’t leave them alone. Sorcerers and ghosts aside, the amiable interest of an elder vampire is still disturbing.
Sarah remains a sympathetic protagonist: she has a greater understanding of vampirism and a deeper acceptance that she is a vampire, but still feels the burden of isolation that not being human brings; skillfully balancing plausible emotion with engaging story, Cox provides enough moments of challenge and doubt that readers feel her sense of loss while maintaining an overall sense of progression that shows Sarah as an active participant in her life. This dichotomy is especially visible in her reaction to college: as a vampire she doesn’t need—perhaps can’t even have—a regular job, so why should she put herself through the difficulties of getting a degree; but if she doesn’t then what could she do instead, and what might abandoning such a strong symbol of normality cost her.
The supporting cast have the same mix of accessibility and nuance as Cox’s other works, providing the reader with a deeper understanding and varied perspective on both the world and Sarah’s issues.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking vampire fiction that has all the humanity of paranormal teenage drama without any mawkishness.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
February 15, 2020
Life is dangerous
What's a vampire girl supposed to do, every times she tries to help someone, life gets dangerous for her, as well as friends and family! Entertaining, fun read.
What's a vampire girl supposed to do, every times she tries to help someone, life gets dangerous for her, as well as friends and family! Entertaining, fun read.
March 14, 2019
More fun with vampires
The series continues to delivery interesting variations on unlife, mixed with sarcasm and teen angst. In all, a very pleasant read.
The series continues to delivery interesting variations on unlife, mixed with sarcasm and teen angst. In all, a very pleasant read.
January 26, 2020
Another book in this really good series about a young woman who ends up a vampire and lives with her family. Well, at least there's flying to add a positive thing about being turned into a vampire.
Her younger sister is worried about whether or not a shooter will turn up at her school. This shows just how much the news has an effect on young people and I'm glad the author has added this to his story.
Then there's Glim, a shadow being who helps her learn how to fight. One of her teachers is actually a vampire too. Then there's what she calls the 'goth girl' that she keeps seeing.
Oh, yes,,she also collides with a pigeon while flying.
Then there's trouble with an ancient group of mystics who want to stop Sarah from helping the goth girl.
I really like the, I guess I'd call it a 'relaxed style' of story-telling that he does. There's some humor in the story, seriousness in the story and a strong emphasis on the value of the family to Sarah and to each other. I intend to read all the books in this series, they're that good.
Her younger sister is worried about whether or not a shooter will turn up at her school. This shows just how much the news has an effect on young people and I'm glad the author has added this to his story.
Then there's Glim, a shadow being who helps her learn how to fight. One of her teachers is actually a vampire too. Then there's what she calls the 'goth girl' that she keeps seeing.
Oh, yes,,she also collides with a pigeon while flying.
Then there's trouble with an ancient group of mystics who want to stop Sarah from helping the goth girl.
I really like the, I guess I'd call it a 'relaxed style' of story-telling that he does. There's some humor in the story, seriousness in the story and a strong emphasis on the value of the family to Sarah and to each other. I intend to read all the books in this series, they're that good.
August 14, 2019
Trying For Normal
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The first book is "A Nighttime Of Forever". The second book is "A Beginner's Guide To Fangs". The third book is "The Artist Of Ruin". The fourth book is "The Last Family Roadtrip". This is the fifth book. I can't wait to read "How Not To Summon Demons"!
Sarah is not getting the college experience she planned on. Going to USC in sunny California is out... Night classes at a community college in Seattle is hard enough. She barely gets to see her friends or her boyfriend but at least she has figured out how to have meaningful family time. Trying to be *normal* is hard when you are a vampire... Even as an Innocent. She noticed a strange goth girl in some of her classes and no one else seems to notice her so finding out she is a ghost isn't much of a shock. Finding out she is an Oracle and held hostage by a mystical order is weird... But she decides to help Coralie get free from her captors. How can she save her? Will there be retribution? It seems like every time she tries to help someone everything goes pear shaped but if she doesn't help what kind of person would she be? Will this affect her family again? How will she get OUT of this latest predicament?
•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, or faint of heart!•••
This series must be read in order. The first book is "A Nighttime Of Forever". The second book is "A Beginner's Guide To Fangs". The third book is "The Artist Of Ruin". The fourth book is "The Last Family Roadtrip". This is the fifth book. I can't wait to read "How Not To Summon Demons"!
Sarah is not getting the college experience she planned on. Going to USC in sunny California is out... Night classes at a community college in Seattle is hard enough. She barely gets to see her friends or her boyfriend but at least she has figured out how to have meaningful family time. Trying to be *normal* is hard when you are a vampire... Even as an Innocent. She noticed a strange goth girl in some of her classes and no one else seems to notice her so finding out she is a ghost isn't much of a shock. Finding out she is an Oracle and held hostage by a mystical order is weird... But she decides to help Coralie get free from her captors. How can she save her? Will there be retribution? It seems like every time she tries to help someone everything goes pear shaped but if she doesn't help what kind of person would she be? Will this affect her family again? How will she get OUT of this latest predicament?
June 28, 2019
Read it you'll like it! I have enjoyed every book in this series, wish I could give it a 10!
How to put this without Amazon thinking it's dirty. I really enjoy Cox as an awesome story master, insanely bad puns, fun story lines. I started reading Cox and Rain in their vampire books, great team. In addition to the collaborations, I also enjoy their stand alone stories. Great books. I hope everyone enjoys his stories as much as I do. Peace!
How to put this without Amazon thinking it's dirty. I really enjoy Cox as an awesome story master, insanely bad puns, fun story lines. I started reading Cox and Rain in their vampire books, great team. In addition to the collaborations, I also enjoy their stand alone stories. Great books. I hope everyone enjoys his stories as much as I do. Peace!
April 6, 2020
Another Adventure!
Miss Sarah takes us on yet another adventure ! Upon meeting a ghost at college she finds herself getting involved with helping the ghost to escape from those who are keeping her. Then Sarah must do the kidnappers of the ghosts' mummified body a favor which is to find a sunken chest and bring it to them. Gee what could go wrong?
Miss Sarah takes us on yet another adventure ! Upon meeting a ghost at college she finds herself getting involved with helping the ghost to escape from those who are keeping her. Then Sarah must do the kidnappers of the ghosts' mummified body a favor which is to find a sunken chest and bring it to them. Gee what could go wrong?
September 19, 2020
Sarah is just too adorable
I LOVE the family dynamics in this series. Her sisters and little brother just adore her and their interactions ring true. The story line just goes with the caring and loving attitudes the family displays with each other. This series is soothing and light during troubled times. I appreciate the calm.
I LOVE the family dynamics in this series. Her sisters and little brother just adore her and their interactions ring true. The story line just goes with the caring and loving attitudes the family displays with each other. This series is soothing and light during troubled times. I appreciate the calm.
March 19, 2019
Wonderful!!
Fantastic as usual! I just love this series and I sincerely hope it continues on for a very long time, as Sarah is a vampire and who knows what sort of mischief she could get into!! Love the storyline, the characters, everything! You need to be reading this series!
Fantastic as usual! I just love this series and I sincerely hope it continues on for a very long time, as Sarah is a vampire and who knows what sort of mischief she could get into!! Love the storyline, the characters, everything! You need to be reading this series!
August 19, 2019
Paused in middle of series to be respectful.
Greatly enjoy this whole concept. So many real details of life. The lessons learned alongside our heroine comfortingly filled with humor. Off to the next I must go!
Greatly enjoy this whole concept. So many real details of life. The lessons learned alongside our heroine comfortingly filled with humor. Off to the next I must go!
September 19, 2020
Target audience for this series is probably mid-teens to YAs, not old guys, but it's a fun read anyway. The physicist in me cringed a bit over some of the dynamics of an underwater fight scene, but it was OK.
July 31, 2024
Sarah is well she is trying hard to have a normal life after what happened all she want to do is have a normal life. But after dying and being turned into a vampire. She isn't going to let that stop her from being a part of her family and going off to college. Except that pesky sun thing she has got the college thing going on. Changing her life and living in the darkness , thank goodness they have night classes . Until the day she decides to help a spirit that has been trapped for centuries, her life is turned into chaos. Who knew that the spirit was attached to a mysterious cult that want her back. As Sarah tries to keep everyone safe and get back the stuff the cult wants . Will she be able to keep her friends and family safe or loose them.
Sarah is your typical teen ager even though she is also trying to figure out be a vampire also. She wants to keep life as normal as possible even if it means she tired and trying to keep it together. She comes off a little naive through out the book but she also stands up for her family and fights to keep them safe. Even though she has accepted that she is a vampire, there are times that she just feels lonely even with friends and family around. You really care for her and what she is going through, the cast of supporting characters range from her little siblings who are well you know how kids are and her parents who just take everything with a grain of salt and laugh. They are such a fun family to read and really get to know and love .
What can I say, I truly enjoyed reading this series and the author has such a fun take on what a vampire can and can not do. Which is they can do almost anything as long as you stay out of the sun. The characters are enjoyable and you start to care for them. You also get to feel the angst of the main character as she walks the fine line of being a normal girl and a vampire. This could be read by your teenager i would say sixteen and up . So if you want a fun series check it out , there are eighteen books in the series.
Sarah is your typical teen ager even though she is also trying to figure out be a vampire also. She wants to keep life as normal as possible even if it means she tired and trying to keep it together. She comes off a little naive through out the book but she also stands up for her family and fights to keep them safe. Even though she has accepted that she is a vampire, there are times that she just feels lonely even with friends and family around. You really care for her and what she is going through, the cast of supporting characters range from her little siblings who are well you know how kids are and her parents who just take everything with a grain of salt and laugh. They are such a fun family to read and really get to know and love .
What can I say, I truly enjoyed reading this series and the author has such a fun take on what a vampire can and can not do. Which is they can do almost anything as long as you stay out of the sun. The characters are enjoyable and you start to care for them. You also get to feel the angst of the main character as she walks the fine line of being a normal girl and a vampire. This could be read by your teenager i would say sixteen and up . So if you want a fun series check it out , there are eighteen books in the series.
January 1, 2024
The book itself felt like it was following a script from previous books and I kinda stopped enjoying the series. The new narrator (different from the first three books) definitely didn't help the situation, as a lot of the characters lost their appeal to me, especially the little sisters.
August 11, 2024
This book is so much fun and so easy to read, I just breezed thru it last night and forgot that sleep was necessary for non vampires, lol. Poor Sara is still trying to live her life not letting her being a vampire get in the way of friends, family vacations, boyfriends or, in this instance, college. I love the new spin on ghosts being attached to things because in this book they are attached against their will. I enjoy this series a lot and I hope we get lots of books in this world!!!
September 1, 2025
I enjoyed this book and a lot, and all the previous books in the series. Matthew Cox knows how to make me chuckle :-) On to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews