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Mortis #1
Death Beckons
Natalie Pierce knew that using the bathroom at the far end of the dark and scary alley after work was a bad idea, but when you've gotta go you've gotta go. Her instincts prove to be correct and she is snatched by an ancient and evil creature that she thought was just a myth. Lord Lucentio, justice bringer for the European vampire nation, has been sent to Australia to hunt down a traitor. Stumbling across Natalie, Lucentio strongly suspects that she is Mortis, a figure of dread and legend. Despite knowing the doom that will shortly be unleashed on vampirekind, his sense of duty compels him to seek answers directly from the source of the prophecy.
306 pages, ebook
First published April 3, 2013
245 people are currently reading
1459 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Diem
119 books301 followersI began reading horror and paranormal books when most girls my age were still reading fairy stories. I always dreamed that one day I would be able to write stories that readers could become lost in.
The Mortis, Shifter Squad, Hellscourge and Fate's Warriors series are connected, but can be read as stand alone series. The overarching theme about Fate's chosen champions will come to an end with my fifth series; Loki's Exile.
My sixth series, Hunter Elite, begins a new saga with the seventh series, Half Fae Hunter, as a spin off.
Send me an email at subscribe@jcdiem.com if you would like to receive updates about pre-orders and new releases.
The Mortis, Shifter Squad, Hellscourge and Fate's Warriors series are connected, but can be read as stand alone series. The overarching theme about Fate's chosen champions will come to an end with my fifth series; Loki's Exile.
My sixth series, Hunter Elite, begins a new saga with the seventh series, Half Fae Hunter, as a spin off.
Send me an email at subscribe@jcdiem.com if you would like to receive updates about pre-orders and new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
February 1, 2017
It's so bad that it's almost good. Almost. It's hard to explain.
Everything's fucking ridiculous, but almost charmingly so. Almost. I mean, she accidentally skewers two vampires with the sword sticking out of her chest. How can you not enjoy that level of wtfery?
I read the blurb for the sequel and it sounds so hilariously absurd that I'm almost interested in reading it. Almost. I feel like this book was unintentionally hilarious and awful - I started out thinking I was going to DNF it because this girl was like "He needs teeth whitener." as this ancient vamp was about to murder her and I was just thinking "Oh this dumb bitch right here.. " Then she kills the vamp and he's all "Oh no, what have you done?!" when he's dying and she's just sheepishly like "Umm... killing you, I think?" And at that point she went from awful heroine to amusingly awful heroine. That being said, I don't think I could handle more than one book of this girl and will just have to deal with the cliffhanger.
I dunno if I'd bother to recommend it.
Everything's fucking ridiculous, but almost charmingly so. Almost. I mean, she accidentally skewers two vampires with the sword sticking out of her chest. How can you not enjoy that level of wtfery?
I read the blurb for the sequel and it sounds so hilariously absurd that I'm almost interested in reading it. Almost. I feel like this book was unintentionally hilarious and awful - I started out thinking I was going to DNF it because this girl was like "He needs teeth whitener." as this ancient vamp was about to murder her and I was just thinking "Oh this dumb bitch right here.. " Then she kills the vamp and he's all "Oh no, what have you done?!" when he's dying and she's just sheepishly like "Umm... killing you, I think?" And at that point she went from awful heroine to amusingly awful heroine. That being said, I don't think I could handle more than one book of this girl and will just have to deal with the cliffhanger.
I dunno if I'd bother to recommend it.
August 21, 2015
Let us say that the idea for the story is great. A Mortis vampire that has powers that other vamps don't ie holy water and objects have no effect, stabbing through the heart with anything has no effect and fire has no effect. The Mortis vamp is supposedly set to wipe out vamps, which is just silly, but that's the rumour that has been handed down for 20,000 yrs. So all the vamps are crazy scared that the Mortis vamp will get them.
However, the writing is a little stiff for the first half of the book, the H, Lord Lucentino (Luc to Natalie, she's an Aussie after all), realises pretty quick that Nat is different but doesn't quite believe that he has the Mortis right in front of him, despite that, he takes her back to Europe.
Nat, being only 5 days old when Luc meets her, has no clue about vamps but doesn't like the subservient way they treat their servants (younger vamps) or humans either. Which would be typical for an Aussie, and all the little Aussisms were fun throughout the book.
There was a lot to like in this book except for the major cliffhanger after the major battle, so much so that I had to have the next book right then and there. Definitely continuing with the series.
However, the writing is a little stiff for the first half of the book, the H, Lord Lucentino (Luc to Natalie, she's an Aussie after all), realises pretty quick that Nat is different but doesn't quite believe that he has the Mortis right in front of him, despite that, he takes her back to Europe.
Nat, being only 5 days old when Luc meets her, has no clue about vamps but doesn't like the subservient way they treat their servants (younger vamps) or humans either. Which would be typical for an Aussie, and all the little Aussisms were fun throughout the book.
There was a lot to like in this book except for the major cliffhanger after the major battle, so much so that I had to have the next book right then and there. Definitely continuing with the series.
December 18, 2014
Holy of all cliffhangers!!! You can't end a book like that!!! Of course I am the sucker that will by the next book, lol. I was a little iffy on reading this book when I saw that I had it on my kindle, just because vampires books can seem to be all the same but this one is different and I really enjoyed the change from the standard vampire stories!! I am excited to find a new author and look forward to reading more by this author! If you have not read this book I definitely recommend it!! On to the next one in the series! :)
January 7, 2015
The story was very stiff.
She's an awesome bad ass and I love it, but the way the whole thing was executed made it hard to properly enjoy the book like it should be enjoyed- uninterrupted. The main dude didn't blow my socks off and their relationship in the first half of the book was a little weird, it wasn't even funny. Some parts of their whole "thing" was confusing and I don't think even they knew much of what was going on.
50/50 chance you'll love or forget about it. It has potential, but it doesn't stand out like it could if properly seen to.
She's an awesome bad ass and I love it, but the way the whole thing was executed made it hard to properly enjoy the book like it should be enjoyed- uninterrupted. The main dude didn't blow my socks off and their relationship in the first half of the book was a little weird, it wasn't even funny. Some parts of their whole "thing" was confusing and I don't think even they knew much of what was going on.
50/50 chance you'll love or forget about it. It has potential, but it doesn't stand out like it could if properly seen to.
October 6, 2019
I fought with myself about how to rate Death Beckons by J.C. Diem. On the one hand, I enjoyed the book – the plot was new and interesting, the world-building was unique, and I enjoyed the dynamic of Luc and Nat’s relationship.
The major problem for me was that I hated the narrative voice the story was written in. It was juvenile, snarky, and lacked a sense of depth. I didn’t particularly like Nat as a person, and my dislike of her made it hard to enjoy the story at times. I think the book could have been so much better than it was if only Nat had been a little more likable, and a little less of a show-off. Similarly, the romance between Nat and Luc was relatively lukewarm. There was no sexual tension, and little romance to be had – their “romantic” relationship was more of a sexual need spurred on by being vampires, rather than anything I’d truly consider romantic. I wish there had been more to it.
Overall, yes, I liked the book. I had fun, and I’m happy I read it – but it wasn’t perfect, or even in the top ten books of its kind that I’ve read. If you are looking for a fun afternoon of vampire shenanigans, then I encourage you to give it a try, but it isn’t going to fill that need for an involved, sexy paranormal romance.
The major problem for me was that I hated the narrative voice the story was written in. It was juvenile, snarky, and lacked a sense of depth. I didn’t particularly like Nat as a person, and my dislike of her made it hard to enjoy the story at times. I think the book could have been so much better than it was if only Nat had been a little more likable, and a little less of a show-off. Similarly, the romance between Nat and Luc was relatively lukewarm. There was no sexual tension, and little romance to be had – their “romantic” relationship was more of a sexual need spurred on by being vampires, rather than anything I’d truly consider romantic. I wish there had been more to it.
Overall, yes, I liked the book. I had fun, and I’m happy I read it – but it wasn’t perfect, or even in the top ten books of its kind that I’ve read. If you are looking for a fun afternoon of vampire shenanigans, then I encourage you to give it a try, but it isn’t going to fill that need for an involved, sexy paranormal romance.
December 26, 2014
Holy smokes, this series is amazing! I got sucked in so fast that my head spun!
Natalie Pierce, an Australian, gets kidnapped and turned into a vampire by some weird vampire who escaped from Europe. Once Natalie picks up a cross that burns into her hands and decides to throw the cross at the vampire who turned her, her journey has begun. As the old vampire exclaim with surprise as he lay dying, he realizes that he just created the Mortis.
All vampires know about an ancient prophecy that talks about the Mortis, a vampire being that will descend and destroy the vampirekind. The Mortis is able to kill their own maker and will appear with holy marks on their hands. Not only that, they can touch holy relics without being killed.
Natalie Pierce just did all of that. And when a handsome vampire named Lord Lucentio arrives and sees the whole situation, he realizes what has happened. He decides to protect Natalie, even though it would mean doom for his race. Chemistry sizzles between the two of them as he leads her to safety and chaos.
Natalie Pierce, an Australian, gets kidnapped and turned into a vampire by some weird vampire who escaped from Europe. Once Natalie picks up a cross that burns into her hands and decides to throw the cross at the vampire who turned her, her journey has begun. As the old vampire exclaim with surprise as he lay dying, he realizes that he just created the Mortis.
All vampires know about an ancient prophecy that talks about the Mortis, a vampire being that will descend and destroy the vampirekind. The Mortis is able to kill their own maker and will appear with holy marks on their hands. Not only that, they can touch holy relics without being killed.
Natalie Pierce just did all of that. And when a handsome vampire named Lord Lucentio arrives and sees the whole situation, he realizes what has happened. He decides to protect Natalie, even though it would mean doom for his race. Chemistry sizzles between the two of them as he leads her to safety and chaos.
August 25, 2017
This was probably the weirdest vampire book I have ever read. At times I thought is was just ridiculous but I still kept reading. The story starts out in Australia where Natalie Pierce is turned into a vampire then surprisingly kills her maker. Then before you know it Lord Lucentio a very handsome vampire turns up. From there Natalie is whisked overseas into the true world of vampires. The funniest thing was not only do vampires have blood lust but they also have an even bigger lust for sex. It was so corny for the author to add this but not follow up with lots of steamy sex scenes. The ending gives me mixed feelings one one hand the fake Mortis was not as good as she was portrayed through out the rest of the book and the other is, are you serious with that ending? Its all a plot to make me want to buy the next book as this was a freebie ebook.
November 29, 2018
Death Beckons begins when Natalie ends up making a mistake that will cost her her life, literally. After becoming a vampire, Natalie realizes she's much different than her kind, and she's got to help the vamps before they are taken out. But Nat doesn't want to fight, she just wants to live, however, that's not going to happen if she wishes to continue on.
This book was pretty interesting. I enjoyed the vampire aspect of the story, and I really liked Nat's humor. However, the book did seem to drag a little bit, and it got a little bit boring at times.
Other than that it was a very interesting story, and I do look forward into reading more because that ending has me craving to figure out what happens next.
This book was pretty interesting. I enjoyed the vampire aspect of the story, and I really liked Nat's humor. However, the book did seem to drag a little bit, and it got a little bit boring at times.
Other than that it was a very interesting story, and I do look forward into reading more because that ending has me craving to figure out what happens next.
September 12, 2015
2.5's
Against all the odds, I LOVED the Shifter Squad books so decided to give the Death's a go. Have just finished 1 and am not convinced I'm going to be able to finish the series. Not quite sure how to explain it, but it all feels a little bit 'detached' to me. Not so much disjointed or anything, but just didn't have the strength to pull me in. Might try 2 to see if it can catch me, but I don't have high hopes.
Against all the odds, I LOVED the Shifter Squad books so decided to give the Death's a go. Have just finished 1 and am not convinced I'm going to be able to finish the series. Not quite sure how to explain it, but it all feels a little bit 'detached' to me. Not so much disjointed or anything, but just didn't have the strength to pull me in. Might try 2 to see if it can catch me, but I don't have high hopes.
May 8, 2013
At first I wasn't sure what this book would be about - I thought it would be 'just another vampire story'. However. Once it grabbed me, it really held on and I read the whole thing in a couple of hours. :) Thoroughly enjoyed it, don't want to give anything away but must say: the end was VERY unexpected!!! I need the second book NOW!!! :)
July 9, 2015
I didn't like the ending one bit. I know she's gonna survive. Of course she is. But still. Luc? I knew he was going to do it but didn't really believe 'till then. Can't say I'm happy with him. The rest? Rushed but interesting and compelling. I did wish she learned to fight better and didn't rely so much on Luc. Guess she had to learn the hard way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2018
Australian Vampire Slayer?
Sign me the fuck up.
One of my favourite things about Diem besides her writing (obv) is the length of her series! Theres always enough books and world exploration that it truly feels like you go through the journey with the characters rather than getting like a summary every so often of a specific adventure.
Also super love Luc. what a man.
Sign me the fuck up.
One of my favourite things about Diem besides her writing (obv) is the length of her series! Theres always enough books and world exploration that it truly feels like you go through the journey with the characters rather than getting like a summary every so often of a specific adventure.
Also super love Luc. what a man.
July 30, 2017
This was an engrossing read. The main characters were interesting and engaged my interest.
The differences between the vampires in the book and mythical vampires was a pleasant change, these are not sparkly vampires. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The differences between the vampires in the book and mythical vampires was a pleasant change, these are not sparkly vampires. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 24, 2018
Funny, dark and deadly! Looking forward to the rest of the series.
October 10, 2024
It wasn’t half bad. Humour could do with a bit of work.
I haven’t read other reviews yet but maybe I will because I want to know if people find Natalie as insufferable as I do. ‘I’m the mortis I’m this blah blah’ girl u’ve been here for a grand total of 5 minutes pls pipe down.
I haven’t read other reviews yet but maybe I will because I want to know if people find Natalie as insufferable as I do. ‘I’m the mortis I’m this blah blah’ girl u’ve been here for a grand total of 5 minutes pls pipe down.
January 13, 2025
If you want an Aussie vampire story, that's funny, with many tongue-in-cheek gags, fast-paced, and you don't mind that the Author has some issues with distances in Europe, it's THE BOOK for you.
I really enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed it.
January 23, 2018
Natalie’s life takes a turn for the unusual when she’s turned into a vampire. However, after she kills her maker she soon learns that she’s anything but normal, even for a member of the undead.
Natalie pierce is very down to earth character. You’ll see what I mean for yourself when you watch her begin the process of becoming the feared and much unanticipated Mortis. She’s not even aware of the supernatural world when she’s suddenly plunged into it. Luckily for her she’s got a possible ally on her side, Luc. Luc isn’t quite what he seems at first glance and by the end of the book I’m sure he’ll be a firm favourite of yours, just as he was mine as he proves himself to be a really nice guy. Hopefully you’ll find a way to forgive him for his ne deed of wickedness, just as Natalie has/will have too. And no, I’m not going to elaborate on that and spoil it for you.
This is a rather unique series, in that Vampires have a very different origin story that might appeal to those of you who like science-fiction as well as the supernatural. The story is intriguing, well written (with minimal errors) and so well described that you’ll have no trouble picturing the scenes Diem creates for us. Having already read the Shifter Squad series (perhaps rather stupidly), I know I’m in for another wonderful journey. I also already know a little of Natalie’s plight, so if you don’t want to inadvertently ruin this series for yourself, read them in order; as I suspect that will make it all the more enjoyable in the end.
I’m really looking forward to following Natalie’s story and am hoping that things get easier for her. Of course that fact that we’re only on book one of nine, kind of tells me that my hope is more than a little unrealistic. So here’s to Natalie and the long journey she has ahead of her. I’m off to read book 2, Death Embraces.
Natalie pierce is very down to earth character. You’ll see what I mean for yourself when you watch her begin the process of becoming the feared and much unanticipated Mortis. She’s not even aware of the supernatural world when she’s suddenly plunged into it. Luckily for her she’s got a possible ally on her side, Luc. Luc isn’t quite what he seems at first glance and by the end of the book I’m sure he’ll be a firm favourite of yours, just as he was mine as he proves himself to be a really nice guy. Hopefully you’ll find a way to forgive him for his ne deed of wickedness, just as Natalie has/will have too. And no, I’m not going to elaborate on that and spoil it for you.
This is a rather unique series, in that Vampires have a very different origin story that might appeal to those of you who like science-fiction as well as the supernatural. The story is intriguing, well written (with minimal errors) and so well described that you’ll have no trouble picturing the scenes Diem creates for us. Having already read the Shifter Squad series (perhaps rather stupidly), I know I’m in for another wonderful journey. I also already know a little of Natalie’s plight, so if you don’t want to inadvertently ruin this series for yourself, read them in order; as I suspect that will make it all the more enjoyable in the end.
I’m really looking forward to following Natalie’s story and am hoping that things get easier for her. Of course that fact that we’re only on book one of nine, kind of tells me that my hope is more than a little unrealistic. So here’s to Natalie and the long journey she has ahead of her. I’m off to read book 2, Death Embraces.
June 29, 2015
This is definitely not the usual vampire story.
The main character, Natalie, doesn't really like to be turned and behaves/thinks out of the box. This might have something to do with the fact that she is not just an ordinary vampire but the long predicted Mortis, the Death of the Vampires. She kills her Master, handles holy objects and isn't just interested in her physical needs. Thank G-G-G (the Lord) she meets Luc who supports her when they find out what being Mortis really means.
The main character is funny written, she's not interested in how she is supposed to behave and trying to blend in. But later in her development, when she finds out what she can do, I wish she would show more confident in her ability. There is also a bit of repetition of the story background which made me think “I've heard that, know it, she doesn't need to mention it again”. Especially if you carry on reading the next book(s)... which is nearly a necessity because number 1 ends with so many open questions. And this normally puts me off but I'm fortuned that all following books are published already and I can have a sneak preview.
Some things felt well-known (a vampire being different and changing the old vampire society (Anne Rice and her Vampire Chronicles)) and some aspects bring a new edge (sentient shadows, vampires descending from aliens) – like it or not. It makes me rather asked myself why a fourty thousand year old alien descendent don't like crosses which where invented just two thousand years ago.... But maybe this will be revealed in later books.
What I also liked was the “between the lines” story. Hey, Alexander must have definitely been Jack the Ripper!
Will I read the whole 9 books? Not sure... it goes far into outer space and I'm not sure I can follow up there...
The main character, Natalie, doesn't really like to be turned and behaves/thinks out of the box. This might have something to do with the fact that she is not just an ordinary vampire but the long predicted Mortis, the Death of the Vampires. She kills her Master, handles holy objects and isn't just interested in her physical needs. Thank G-G-G (the Lord) she meets Luc who supports her when they find out what being Mortis really means.
The main character is funny written, she's not interested in how she is supposed to behave and trying to blend in. But later in her development, when she finds out what she can do, I wish she would show more confident in her ability. There is also a bit of repetition of the story background which made me think “I've heard that, know it, she doesn't need to mention it again”. Especially if you carry on reading the next book(s)... which is nearly a necessity because number 1 ends with so many open questions. And this normally puts me off but I'm fortuned that all following books are published already and I can have a sneak preview.
Some things felt well-known (a vampire being different and changing the old vampire society (Anne Rice and her Vampire Chronicles)) and some aspects bring a new edge (sentient shadows, vampires descending from aliens) – like it or not. It makes me rather asked myself why a fourty thousand year old alien descendent don't like crosses which where invented just two thousand years ago.... But maybe this will be revealed in later books.
What I also liked was the “between the lines” story. Hey, Alexander must have definitely been Jack the Ripper!
Will I read the whole 9 books? Not sure... it goes far into outer space and I'm not sure I can follow up there...
August 30, 2015
The first thing that attracted me to this book was the awesome cover art. I will be honest, a big part of why I read this book was the cover. The story for Death Beckons in a little bit original when compared to other vampire books. In this story, the vampires have a link to aliens and that is pretty neat. I like the idea and feel like the story had lots of promise to be awesome. Unfortunately, the writing was pretty dry and the characters were boring. I didn't really like Natalie all that much and she was a little bit stupid most of the time. Luc was also very boring, he is supposed to be a hot vampire cop, but he just fell flat for me. There was nothing exciting about the characters and I just didn't connect with them.
The relationship between Luc and Natalie was a little confusing for me, it seemed like Natalie didn't care about him at all but towards the end she admitted she had feelings for him. I just didn't believe her, I felt no chemistry between them if there was supposed to be.
I do think the plot has potential, having vampires be connected to aliens is a pretty neat idea. I also liked the whole Mortis prophecy and having her defeat bad vamps and save good vamps. I feel like the plot has a lot of different directions it can take. Unfortunately, the writing and characters are not good enough for me to justify buying or spending my time reading the other books. So sadly, this is where the series will end for me. The book was just not exciting enough to keep my attention. Overall 3 out of 5 stars. Not great but not horrible either.
The relationship between Luc and Natalie was a little confusing for me, it seemed like Natalie didn't care about him at all but towards the end she admitted she had feelings for him. I just didn't believe her, I felt no chemistry between them if there was supposed to be.
I do think the plot has potential, having vampires be connected to aliens is a pretty neat idea. I also liked the whole Mortis prophecy and having her defeat bad vamps and save good vamps. I feel like the plot has a lot of different directions it can take. Unfortunately, the writing and characters are not good enough for me to justify buying or spending my time reading the other books. So sadly, this is where the series will end for me. The book was just not exciting enough to keep my attention. Overall 3 out of 5 stars. Not great but not horrible either.
January 14, 2017
OK, while I was about to forsake all the free e-book reads when I saw the cheesy amateurish cover of the book I'm reviewing today I actually stumbled upon something worth reading! Yaaassss!
I have no idea what's going on in Australia which naturally lacks vampire myths in their folklore but somehow they are becoming a strong voice in vampire literature. Now that I think of it - it actually makes sense that a sunny country without vampires would come up with something refreshing. No bias there.
See, the story is quite uncomplicated and not so unpredictable since we've already read things like this - I mean, a boring girl who is insignificant in every way gets turned into a creature of the night and somehow gains abilities beyond even the strongest vampire's dreams. But before you get bored here since you've read numerous works like this one you'll basically realise that you can't peel your eyes off the screen of your e-book reader because it's frickin' hilarious. And I know, we have many smart-ass heroines with clever remarks and funny comments out there but how can one get ever tired of it? I mean, you can't get bored by fun, can you? Funny characters will always get one big plus from me. They even make me overlook the mistakes - like surprisingly long international flights in Europe and other not possible stuff like that.
So while I was thinking of shooting my brains out after reading other free books to forget I believe it was a wise step from Diem to allow the readers to access the first book in a series for free because I have no doubt many will continue reading.
I have no idea what's going on in Australia which naturally lacks vampire myths in their folklore but somehow they are becoming a strong voice in vampire literature. Now that I think of it - it actually makes sense that a sunny country without vampires would come up with something refreshing. No bias there.
See, the story is quite uncomplicated and not so unpredictable since we've already read things like this - I mean, a boring girl who is insignificant in every way gets turned into a creature of the night and somehow gains abilities beyond even the strongest vampire's dreams. But before you get bored here since you've read numerous works like this one you'll basically realise that you can't peel your eyes off the screen of your e-book reader because it's frickin' hilarious. And I know, we have many smart-ass heroines with clever remarks and funny comments out there but how can one get ever tired of it? I mean, you can't get bored by fun, can you? Funny characters will always get one big plus from me. They even make me overlook the mistakes - like surprisingly long international flights in Europe and other not possible stuff like that.
So while I was thinking of shooting my brains out after reading other free books to forget I believe it was a wise step from Diem to allow the readers to access the first book in a series for free because I have no doubt many will continue reading.
December 22, 2015
As urban fantasy books go, this one actually surprised me with how good it was. The storyline would seem pretty stock: mousy girl encounters supernatural world, gets turned into a vampire, realizes she has supernatural powers, has plenty of sex with a hot guy, becomes hot herself, and ends up saving the world. Definitely heard that one more than a time or two, in some variation or another.
The thing that I find interesting is the idea of her being the Mortis- the scourge of the damned, one might call it. A figure of prophecy that results in her having truly odd combinations of powers and resistances, and as such, is quite the power figure in the vampire world. The twist to this prophecy isn't one I'm going to spoil, but suffice to say that the revelation definitely made the rest of the read worthwhile.
In short, if you like paranormal romance and vampires and such, you're very likely to enjoy this book. It hits that "Give me the same thing, only different" mark that can be so difficult to find, and therefore offers what readers are expecting while still giving a nice twist to keep it fresh.
The thing that I find interesting is the idea of her being the Mortis- the scourge of the damned, one might call it. A figure of prophecy that results in her having truly odd combinations of powers and resistances, and as such, is quite the power figure in the vampire world. The twist to this prophecy isn't one I'm going to spoil, but suffice to say that the revelation definitely made the rest of the read worthwhile.
In short, if you like paranormal romance and vampires and such, you're very likely to enjoy this book. It hits that "Give me the same thing, only different" mark that can be so difficult to find, and therefore offers what readers are expecting while still giving a nice twist to keep it fresh.
September 30, 2016
I am really starting to love this author. The story, if told by an average author, would boarder ridiculous and too far fetched, but Diem tells it with with such flourish and dry humor, I can't get enough. It very well could be just me, and my sense of odd humor, rather than the writing, but I am enjoying the hell out Diem's books so far. They're fun and fantastic, and addictively entertaining. Like one of those quirky mini-series that few have ever heard of and you get sucked into binge-watching. I'm not sure if its for everyone, but its definitely for me. Told from the heroine's POV, Nat get thrust into a world she never knew existed and ends up with the fate of the world on her shoulders, and she has no clue about anything in her new un-life. While she is fumbling through, she meets up with what is basically a vampire cop who takes her under his wing once he sees she's not a normal vampire. Of course he's hot, and out side of blood to live, she has one other uncontrollable need... yep, you guessed it. Nat's skewed perspective and personality make for some serious giggles. I am on to book 2.
November 3, 2014
Natalie happens to run into trouble after a day at work. An old vampire has come to make her a servant. Natalie, being an independent woman, wants known of it. She's not one to bow down to anyone, but it's too late. He's turned her.
Once Natalie awakens, she finds her maker watching her. She's pissed. Acting on instinct, she kills her maker, which makes her one of the only vampires to ever survive killing her maker.
A member of the European Vampire Council, Luc, finds the remains of Natalie's maker when she's out feeding. When Natalie returns and finds Luc in her new one, she's not excited or pleased to find another vampire, but she's willing to hear him out.
Luc is worried that Natalie has already caused problems with the humans by going on a feeding frenzy, but soon finds out that Natalie has more control over her hunger than an average fledgling. She holds onto her humanity and doesn't need much to feed.
Luc takes Natalie with him to go visit the prophet, but gets intercepted by the council.
Once Natalie awakens, she finds her maker watching her. She's pissed. Acting on instinct, she kills her maker, which makes her one of the only vampires to ever survive killing her maker.
A member of the European Vampire Council, Luc, finds the remains of Natalie's maker when she's out feeding. When Natalie returns and finds Luc in her new one, she's not excited or pleased to find another vampire, but she's willing to hear him out.
Luc is worried that Natalie has already caused problems with the humans by going on a feeding frenzy, but soon finds out that Natalie has more control over her hunger than an average fledgling. She holds onto her humanity and doesn't need much to feed.
Luc takes Natalie with him to go visit the prophet, but gets intercepted by the council.
May 21, 2015
Unholy son of a GUN!
Not what I was expecting and not unpleasantly surprised. I can't say this book is for everyone but if you are looking for vampirus imperfectus with the strange twists of a holier than thou, Death Beckons might be the book for you.
Quirky and a bit obtuse, Natalie Pierce is not your perfect heroine. Unlike most 'unlikely but destined' chars, she is only somewhat redeemable and not for anything interesting and dreadfully sinful. The girl is bland and bored and on the scale of bravery she hits a negative.
Her 'romantic interest' if you can call him that, does nothing that actually makes him 'dark knight-ish' or 'honorable'. Instead, he's a lacky with issues.
There are no little minions to lighten the world with humor or offer comical relief.
This is NOT your typical vampire romance sweetie blood pie novel
BUT... it has strange appeal. oddly interesting and with an end that i should have, but didn't see coming.
Damn. Now i'm gonna have to get the next book << this is the kind of book it is.
It has my recommend.
Not what I was expecting and not unpleasantly surprised. I can't say this book is for everyone but if you are looking for vampirus imperfectus with the strange twists of a holier than thou, Death Beckons might be the book for you.
Quirky and a bit obtuse, Natalie Pierce is not your perfect heroine. Unlike most 'unlikely but destined' chars, she is only somewhat redeemable and not for anything interesting and dreadfully sinful. The girl is bland and bored and on the scale of bravery she hits a negative.
Her 'romantic interest' if you can call him that, does nothing that actually makes him 'dark knight-ish' or 'honorable'. Instead, he's a lacky with issues.
There are no little minions to lighten the world with humor or offer comical relief.
This is NOT your typical vampire romance sweetie blood pie novel
BUT... it has strange appeal. oddly interesting and with an end that i should have, but didn't see coming.
Damn. Now i'm gonna have to get the next book << this is the kind of book it is.
It has my recommend.
could-not-finish
May 4, 2016
I wanted to like this series and and I stopped about halfway through the book because the story simply wasn't interesting enough!
Natalie, the main character, had all this stuff happening to her and she was just like : "eh, so what if I'm so important and I'm supposed to make a difference , I'll just follow along this stranger (whom I've only met about 2 weeks ago) even though I don't know why he's helping me and he'll eventually kill me."
She did not have any interest in what was going to happen to her. She had no purpose and did not care at all .
May 25, 2015
I enjoyed this book. It's definitely a new take on an old and sometimes over explored genre--vampires. You have you classic Dracula types; you have vampires that sparkle a la Twilight; you have the ones who drink synthetic blood made by the Japanese--Sookie Stackhouse Series. Now comes a vampire who's not like other vampires--holy objects don't effect her. Natalie is still susceptible to things like sunlight but this book was entertaining. I really wanted to know what happened on the next page.
If you're looking for a book with a lot of sex, forget it. This book actually centers around what Natalie has become and the prophecy she is destined to fulfill. I can't decide if I want to invest the time/money in the complete series of books (9) but I'm not opposed to it.
If you're looking for a book with a lot of sex, forget it. This book actually centers around what Natalie has become and the prophecy she is destined to fulfill. I can't decide if I want to invest the time/money in the complete series of books (9) but I'm not opposed to it.
August 24, 2016
What the hell?! Who kills off the main character as a cliff hanger?! This is just as depression as when Ned Stark died!! lol.
Great start to the series, it didn't draaggggg and kept me interested from start to finish. The main character was not a whiny little girl, or a tougher then nails ball busting one, she was normal. Loved the way she took to her vampire ways with stride. Guess it helps that she is a special one and didn't have to go through the whole blood lust thing. Now flesh lust..hmmmmm..interesting.
Now I have also read stories about aliens starting the vampire race, glad this one didn't try to simulate that one, it went on it's own.
So maybe she isn't dead, there are nine books in this series, so she better not be dead. lol
Great start to the series, it didn't draaggggg and kept me interested from start to finish. The main character was not a whiny little girl, or a tougher then nails ball busting one, she was normal. Loved the way she took to her vampire ways with stride. Guess it helps that she is a special one and didn't have to go through the whole blood lust thing. Now flesh lust..hmmmmm..interesting.
Now I have also read stories about aliens starting the vampire race, glad this one didn't try to simulate that one, it went on it's own.
So maybe she isn't dead, there are nine books in this series, so she better not be dead. lol
July 2, 2017
One of the best books I've read all year. This newly made vampire is slightly crude and uncouth, and has no idea how to survive this nightmare that's now her life. She's killed her master and touched a holy relic, both of which should've ended her own life, but she wasn't aware at the time and how truly remarkable that made her. Natalie had no idea she had just become the prophesied destruction of vampires, the mythic Mortis. Fortunately, she meets Lucentio. He's the only hope she has of uncovering her destiny, but is he really on her side? Then there's the imposter Mortis who's slaying vampires in her name and must be stopped. However, the recorded prophecy tells Natalie what will happen when she confronts the imposter, and she's in no rush to meet her. Fantastic read!
February 3, 2015
I like Natalie's character and how she reacts to things, for example her reaction to being changed, her refusal to feed on the dog, how she follows Luc to France, then later runs off on her own - all how I can imagine a person would react. I also like the nods to Aussie culture ( in terms of how we behave as a nationality not in terms of arty culture) like giving nicknames (yes we do that) and the whole not getting the titles and serving thing. I felt the amount of crap Natalie goes through is a little excessive though and I think it may only get worse from her. Will definitely check out the next instalment.
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