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Mortis #2
Death Embraces
Alternative cover edition of ASIN B00D55EGFM
Natalie Pierce awakens to find herself not only buried in a box but also missing her body from the neck down. After some initial confusion she remembers that she has become a member of a very exclusive club; the living dead.
While Luc, her closest companion, was responsible for beheading her, he had simply obeyed an order that had been impossible for him to resist. The Comtesse, ruler of the European vampire nation, can be blamed for Nat’s current uncomfortable incarceration.
Natalie has three important tasks ahead of her. Her first objective is to escape from her underground prison. The second goal is to hunt down the Comtesse and introduce her to the holy marks on Nat’s palms. The third task is the most daunting; she must discover who or what is behind the cause of the sentient shadows that only she can see.
As the long awaited and highly unanticipated Mortis, Nat has abilities that no other vampire has ever possessed before. She must utilize the strangeness that sets her apart from her new kin to fulfil the prophecy that was written over two thousand years ago. The ancient prophecy predicts that it is her destiny to wipe out the vast bulk of her own kind.
Natalie has learned one undeniable fact since becoming a vampire, despite all of the weird and wacky powers that she has gained, not even Mortis can avoid her fate.
Size: Approximately 83,000 words
Natalie Pierce awakens to find herself not only buried in a box but also missing her body from the neck down. After some initial confusion she remembers that she has become a member of a very exclusive club; the living dead.
While Luc, her closest companion, was responsible for beheading her, he had simply obeyed an order that had been impossible for him to resist. The Comtesse, ruler of the European vampire nation, can be blamed for Nat’s current uncomfortable incarceration.
Natalie has three important tasks ahead of her. Her first objective is to escape from her underground prison. The second goal is to hunt down the Comtesse and introduce her to the holy marks on Nat’s palms. The third task is the most daunting; she must discover who or what is behind the cause of the sentient shadows that only she can see.
As the long awaited and highly unanticipated Mortis, Nat has abilities that no other vampire has ever possessed before. She must utilize the strangeness that sets her apart from her new kin to fulfil the prophecy that was written over two thousand years ago. The ancient prophecy predicts that it is her destiny to wipe out the vast bulk of her own kind.
Natalie has learned one undeniable fact since becoming a vampire, despite all of the weird and wacky powers that she has gained, not even Mortis can avoid her fate.
Size: Approximately 83,000 words
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2013
55 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Diem
118 books300 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 31 reviews
August 22, 2015
Once again the story ends in the middle of the action.
Natalie is now a badass heroine Mortis having spent 4 months in Japan learning how to fight.
The Firsts' plans are slowly being revealed in dreams, which actually affect Natalie as if she is actually standing there in front of him.
Luc, meanwhile is a prisoner of the Comtesse, his maker, and ruler of the European Court. She is also one of the damned.
Natalie sets out to rescue Luc, despite him having beheaded her in the previous book.
Natalie is now a badass heroine Mortis having spent 4 months in Japan learning how to fight.
The Firsts' plans are slowly being revealed in dreams, which actually affect Natalie as if she is actually standing there in front of him.
Luc, meanwhile is a prisoner of the Comtesse, his maker, and ruler of the European Court. She is also one of the damned.
Natalie sets out to rescue Luc, despite him having beheaded her in the previous book.
May 21, 2021
Admittedly a great description of the über-vampire heroine rescuing herself after being dismembered and buried:
"Gripped by urgency, I gave up the luxury of being squeamish. Yes, I’d been hacked into eleven pieces. Yes, I had to possess my own limbs and force them to gather myself together. 'Get over it,' I told myself.
Taking my own advice, I left the arm inside the bag, but sat my head on top of it so I’d be able to direct my hands more easily. I’d brought the rock along as my new lock pick and it stayed in the bag as well. Shoving plastic between my teeth so I could grip on tightly and not fall off, I compelled Lefty and Righty to pick up the handles. Like the smallest and weirdest dogsled team in creation, they moved in tandem and shot off into the night."
Excerpt from: "Death Embraces: Mortis Vampire Series, #2" by J.C. Diem. Scribd.
This material may be protected by copyright.
Read this book on Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/233881788
"Gripped by urgency, I gave up the luxury of being squeamish. Yes, I’d been hacked into eleven pieces. Yes, I had to possess my own limbs and force them to gather myself together. 'Get over it,' I told myself.
Taking my own advice, I left the arm inside the bag, but sat my head on top of it so I’d be able to direct my hands more easily. I’d brought the rock along as my new lock pick and it stayed in the bag as well. Shoving plastic between my teeth so I could grip on tightly and not fall off, I compelled Lefty and Righty to pick up the handles. Like the smallest and weirdest dogsled team in creation, they moved in tandem and shot off into the night."
Excerpt from: "Death Embraces: Mortis Vampire Series, #2" by J.C. Diem. Scribd.
This material may be protected by copyright.
Read this book on Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/233881788
July 10, 2015
Another ending that sucked. Not as badly as the previous but I still wasn't particularly impressed. It was sudden and things had been kind of lame lately too and I like Luc (somewhat) but his absence in this book certainly didn't make my heart grow fonder. He's kind of a huge blank for me. I don't get him. I don't know him. And if he hadn't existed I can't say I'd be sorry. He does absolutely nothing for me. His purpose in this book was only to have sex with Nat and provide her with some sexy time. Unfortunately, the sex scenes leave much to be desired. I don't even look forward to them anymore. They're boring, rushed and likely to put me to sleep. And Natalie's moods give me whiplash. At first, it was relatively normal after everything she'd been through. Now, after almost half a year of intense training in Japan, her sudden bouts of misery and uncertainty are simply annoying. She needs to find more information, get some confidence and make plans. It's incredibly tiresome to see her get attacked every night. Just find some info, make a plan and execute it. Stop blundering around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2018
Death Embraces kicks off with Natalie waking up to find out she's been buried and in pieces. She knows now what her true purpose is and she has to make it out of this before more bad things happen and in order for her to fight the evil out there.
That's a lot easier said then done. Especially when she finds out the man who she's crushing on, Luc, is in danger. She must do everything she can to get him back to safety and take out the horrible woman who is the cause of all this.
This book was a lot better than the first one. And the first few pages I was "dying" laughing (pun intended) seriously. It was freaking hilarious! I adored that part of the book, then it got a lot more interesting and cool as it continued.
I really enjoyed the hero and heroine in this one a lot. I loved how they acted around each other, and much better Natalie is dealing with her 'Fate"! I can not wait to read more!
That's a lot easier said then done. Especially when she finds out the man who she's crushing on, Luc, is in danger. She must do everything she can to get him back to safety and take out the horrible woman who is the cause of all this.
This book was a lot better than the first one. And the first few pages I was "dying" laughing (pun intended) seriously. It was freaking hilarious! I adored that part of the book, then it got a lot more interesting and cool as it continued.
I really enjoyed the hero and heroine in this one a lot. I loved how they acted around each other, and much better Natalie is dealing with her 'Fate"! I can not wait to read more!
November 3, 2014
Natalie awakens after having her head cut off and her body chopped up. She must find a way out of her situation, which happens to be her remains in several boxes. She learns to control her body parts with her conscious, something very few has ever been able to do.
Once free, Natalie wants to learn how to fight, like the one who had been posing as her. She goes to her Japanese Vampire Kin for help. Sadly, the Japanese and European vampires don't get along. The Japanese try to kill Natalie, but they don't prevail. Eventually, Natalie finally gets to talk to the Emperor.
He helps her train her fighting skills and introduces her to the Japanese seer. She learns who is behind the shadows moving and that danger is to come.
Once free, Natalie wants to learn how to fight, like the one who had been posing as her. She goes to her Japanese Vampire Kin for help. Sadly, the Japanese and European vampires don't get along. The Japanese try to kill Natalie, but they don't prevail. Eventually, Natalie finally gets to talk to the Emperor.
He helps her train her fighting skills and introduces her to the Japanese seer. She learns who is behind the shadows moving and that danger is to come.
December 7, 2014
Great book
Couldn't put first one down an was free! Since first book / I got 2nd spent day reading second now buyin 3rd. Different spin on vampire romance an a must-read series
Couldn't put first one down an was free! Since first book / I got 2nd spent day reading second now buyin 3rd. Different spin on vampire romance an a must-read series
January 10, 2023
The second installment, Death Embraces, was not as good as the first book. It was a mess of ideas and lot that happened the contributed to drama and filling. I do enjoy Nat’s journey but this was really had to finish. It just dragged on. For the first, 28 chapters it was just basically the MC getting ready to fight the monsters and in the end didn’t come across them. This book is like the 2 filler episodes between anime arcs and it was the longest read I’ve read. I really hope the next book is better because this wasn’t it. It felt rushed and it ended in a way that didn’t really make me want to read the next book but I know I will anyways.
I will say there was some good parts like her being able to possess her body parts and be able to bring herself together again and chopping of the hand of the praying mantis was funny.
Over all the story gets
⭐️ for minimal grammar errors or typos that didn’t get caught.
⭐️⭐️ for creativity of the plot and characters but they still feel a bit dry.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ for a mash of ideas that just felt like filler and an ending that stopped half way through and should have been at least at meeting the First already.
No more stars this book received ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I will say there was some good parts like her being able to possess her body parts and be able to bring herself together again and chopping of the hand of the praying mantis was funny.
Over all the story gets
⭐️ for minimal grammar errors or typos that didn’t get caught.
⭐️⭐️ for creativity of the plot and characters but they still feel a bit dry.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ for a mash of ideas that just felt like filler and an ending that stopped half way through and should have been at least at meeting the First already.
No more stars this book received ⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 25, 2020
One shouldn’t read this novel after watching Ewan McGregor’s travel documentary Long Way Round. You find yourself giggling at the ease our heroine Nat journeys across much the same geography with the same ease as if she was driving from Alaska to Florida. In fact, I spend much of the time reading this series in wonder that I am not reacting in my usual anal way to the liberties Diem takes with history, geography and language. Instead I just laugh and enjoy the ride, however ridiculous it gets at times.
This novel is the one in the heroic arc where Nat goes off alone to be trained by her own Yoda, Emperor Ishida and his seer. While the various ways people try to kill her in new and old ways gets tedious by the end, for the most part this novel is a fun read.
This novel is the one in the heroic arc where Nat goes off alone to be trained by her own Yoda, Emperor Ishida and his seer. While the various ways people try to kill her in new and old ways gets tedious by the end, for the most part this novel is a fun read.
October 15, 2024
I like and dislike this book equal parts.
Plus sides- Lots of action. Semi-Badass heroine. (Still insufferable) Keeps you captivated.
Down sides- Humour is forced & not funny. Natalie must think getting her head chopped off proves a point. It’s a good thing she doesn’t get paid for thinking…
Never in my life have I read a book where the mc gets hacked apart as many times as she does and is still fine. mortis or not it’s just not even believable. Ik it’s not even supposed to be- vampires, aliens whatever BUT there is only so many times I’m willing to read indepth descriptions of this girl being torn apart and fusing back together again. it’s ridiculous.
Plus sides- Lots of action. Semi-Badass heroine. (Still insufferable) Keeps you captivated.
Down sides- Humour is forced & not funny. Natalie must think getting her head chopped off proves a point. It’s a good thing she doesn’t get paid for thinking…
Never in my life have I read a book where the mc gets hacked apart as many times as she does and is still fine. mortis or not it’s just not even believable. Ik it’s not even supposed to be- vampires, aliens whatever BUT there is only so many times I’m willing to read indepth descriptions of this girl being torn apart and fusing back together again. it’s ridiculous.
January 29, 2022
Much better
Despite my reservations after reading the 1st and some of the wording that the author used, I bought book 2 in the hopes that things would be remedied. The story was fantastic, just like the 1st one. However, 1 of the big changes I noted was that she called Japanese people Japanese and not Orientals. Kudos to the author and editor, who remedied the insensitivity found in book 1 and made a great story shine without the fauxpas.
Despite my reservations after reading the 1st and some of the wording that the author used, I bought book 2 in the hopes that things would be remedied. The story was fantastic, just like the 1st one. However, 1 of the big changes I noted was that she called Japanese people Japanese and not Orientals. Kudos to the author and editor, who remedied the insensitivity found in book 1 and made a great story shine without the fauxpas.
April 8, 2021
It really kind of disappointed me. It seemed like the authors wanting to chain luc and lady gnat, interfered in the story. Throughout this entire book she didn’t need to feed her “flesh hunger” even though last book she was basically passing out from it? No sense. A lot of it made no sense but somehow I’m still reading.....again a lot of repeating the same thing
December 29, 2017
Very little happened in this book. I mean a lot happened but it took forever. The author is long winded so she just keeps going on and on. The book could have been like 100+ pages less with a little bit more editing. All that said I enjoyed reading the book.
October 6, 2019
Good
I skipped the first few chapters as they were repetitive from the first book.
That aside ... it was a good read. Will try book 3 ...... fingers crossed it will be as good as the previous two.
I skipped the first few chapters as they were repetitive from the first book.
That aside ... it was a good read. Will try book 3 ...... fingers crossed it will be as good as the previous two.
August 22, 2018
Looking forward to seeing what happens next 😊👍
February 12, 2020
Diem is one of my go-to authors when I want to re-read something. So I’m finally getting around to writing my reviews for this series. I probably should have issued a warning in my review of ‘Death Beckons’ and since I didn’t, I’ll do it now instead. This series is rather gruesome at times. So if you’re the squeamish type this probably isn’t the series for you. If you love your paranormal reads with a little gore, beheading and limb rendering, then ‘Mortis’ is the series for you.
Things for Natalie aren’t getting any easier. When we last saw her, she was in literal pieces and that’s exactly how we find her at the start of ‘Death Embraces.’ If you’ve recently read book one in the series, you can probably skip chapter two, if I’m honest, but if you need a little refresher, then taking a walk down memory lane with Natalie, is probably a good idea. So what can I say without spoiling the plot? Not much actually. Nat needs to get herself together, she needs to learn how kick some serious vampire butt and she needs to reunite herself with her friends. All of which, she’ll be doing in this book. So I’d suggest you stop reading reviews and go join Nat on her journey to becoming Mortis; scourge of vampire kind. Happy reading!
Things for Natalie aren’t getting any easier. When we last saw her, she was in literal pieces and that’s exactly how we find her at the start of ‘Death Embraces.’ If you’ve recently read book one in the series, you can probably skip chapter two, if I’m honest, but if you need a little refresher, then taking a walk down memory lane with Natalie, is probably a good idea. So what can I say without spoiling the plot? Not much actually. Nat needs to get herself together, she needs to learn how kick some serious vampire butt and she needs to reunite herself with her friends. All of which, she’ll be doing in this book. So I’d suggest you stop reading reviews and go join Nat on her journey to becoming Mortis; scourge of vampire kind. Happy reading!
October 2, 2016
I am enjoying the series quite a bit. For anyone considering this series, understand it's over the top, far fetched and very odd. Be no means realistic and kind of morbid. However, I happen to really enjoy the author's style. It's fun, slightly dorky, (which is most endearing to me) and has a soap opera type addiction. Each book ends with a CH so if that's not your thing, you've been warned. Nat gets herself dismembered, and there is a lot of time spent putting her back together. I'll agree other reviewers that it went on a bit long, but I am guessing it was needed for such an outrageous process to begin with, but I also had to appreciate the dark humor of it all. At this point I can't say I like it near as much at the Seven Psychics series, but I am still quite entertained and for now that works for me. I have already jumped to book 3 and have the last six (bundles 2 and 3) sitting in my B&N shopping cart, so continuing on is a no-brainer for me, for now.
January 8, 2019
Spoiler !!
Ladybug is a bad Ass. shes a Doom to vampires. but not all just the damned. meaning those vampires thats shadow take over their body. Ladybug(Natalie) along side luc and others will be unstoppable. i absolutely loved her time in japan. she felt at home and became close to the leader. her body can reattach like magic. the book was well written and very funny with Luc, Geogie and the child leader from japan. a must read.
Ladybug is a bad Ass. shes a Doom to vampires. but not all just the damned. meaning those vampires thats shadow take over their body. Ladybug(Natalie) along side luc and others will be unstoppable. i absolutely loved her time in japan. she felt at home and became close to the leader. her body can reattach like magic. the book was well written and very funny with Luc, Geogie and the child leader from japan. a must read.
September 24, 2013
Death Beckons finished on such an unexpected cliffhanger, and DE did not disappoint! Picking up almost right where DB ended, it is fast-paced, amusing, gripping, and deserves to be up there with the bestsellers. This is a vampire tale with a difference, and in my opinion one of the best new series on the market. Loving it.
November 15, 2015
Entertaining and full of everything
I wasn't too keen on the first couple chapters rehashing what happened in the first novel but after those chapters the story picks up. Nat's experience with the Japanese vampires was a really captivating section. The storyline continues to intrigue and keep you wanting to know more. Yes I would recommend this as a series to read.
I wasn't too keen on the first couple chapters rehashing what happened in the first novel but after those chapters the story picks up. Nat's experience with the Japanese vampires was a really captivating section. The storyline continues to intrigue and keep you wanting to know more. Yes I would recommend this as a series to read.
November 21, 2024
OMG it got better!!
This book did The Impossible. It was even better than the first book. I didn't think there was any way that that can happen, but I am very glad that I was wrong. There is non-stop action from the first page to the last page. I am on my way to buy the next book now.
This book did The Impossible. It was even better than the first book. I didn't think there was any way that that can happen, but I am very glad that I was wrong. There is non-stop action from the first page to the last page. I am on my way to buy the next book now.
November 30, 2015
this book is weird.. the whole series is actually weird.. the main character is impossible to kill, there is lot of action and lot of drama, but it is addictive read.. the kind of book you can't put away at 2:30 AM :)
September 23, 2016
The first book of the Mortis series was interesting and fun. This book was awful. I hated everything about it. Chapters 1 thru 6 was about Nat's dismembered body. It took six chapters to resolve that conflict. I was so disappointed and won't be reading anymore books from this series.
October 24, 2020
Well, when you think things can’t get any worse…. They kinda do. Book 2 had me shaking my head and screaming at characters cause that’s what you do when you get invested. Once again we are left dangling at a cliff hanger. Who knows what book three has in store for us.
September 16, 2014
I was certainly not disappointed with #2. I love Natalies character. Although a vampire, I feel she does have morals and compassion. Amazing book!!
January 24, 2015
The first six or so chapters were really interesting. There are a few spelling and punctuation errors.
December 21, 2014
This series is addicting!! Natalie went thru so much in this book and it is only beginning, war is not to far...excited to jump into the next one!!
February 6, 2015
I love this series! Cannot put it down. Love the characters, the crazy story line and the excitement and suspense. Looking forward to the next book.
August 14, 2015
This is a continuation of Nat and Luc's story. it is equally as good as the first book however I did not buy the third book.
January 14, 2016
I couldn't finish it...aliens ...nope...
August 28, 2016
She is bad ass and doesn't even realize how bad ass she is...love it!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews