Hello, my name is Raven, or at least that's what I have always been told. I live at the Halfway House with Eloise Mayflower, my den mother. I am a paranormal, I am seventeen years old, and, oh yeah, I am a vampire.
Whenever I ask about the family I can't remember, I am met with hushed whispers and looks of deception. Something is not right; I might be a vampire, but I am not stupid.
A sexy centaur named Samuel Mane enters my world, and my future starts looking bright and exciting. When my best friend, Sorin Osmochescu, decides that Samuel is too dangerous and forbids me to see him, I have to make a choice—the only family I have ever known or my true love.
An afternoon chat with council member Rumor Winslow leaves me terrified …
A secret past? Hidden identities? Lives in imminent danger? Holy sharp fangs, Batman! Who EXACTLY am I?
Dzintra is an Australian author, living in Queensland, Australia, where the weather is always warm and sunny. She writes a perfect blend of drama, comedy and romance all mixed up in a paranormal/fantasy mash up. Her characters are addictive and her books fresh and new. Her favourite thing to do is to take beliefs aand characters you think you know and turn them upside down. Take a chance, you won't regret it.
Fantastic book, another great read from one of my favourite authors ...
This is book two in the Halfway House series of books by Dzintra Sullivan and this one doesn't disappoint. After Arkadia, I wondered if the author would be able to pull off another good read in this series. Well, the answer is a resounding yes.
Raven, is a vampire who lives at the Halfway House with Eloise Mayflower. She is a vampire with a problem, and if the problem isn't solved then she will not pass her PSE's, and if she doesn't pass her PSE's then we all know it's off to the Island for her.
Into Raven's life (or should I say dreams) walks a hot and sexy Centaur named Samuel Mane. Raven is drawn to Samuel in many ways, she has seen him in her dreams and, therefore, has an instant affinity with the gorgeous Centaur.
Without giving anything away, because so much happens in this story, I can say that this book is without a doubt as good as Arkadia or even better if that is possible.
I give this book five stars and would give more if I was able to. Thank you Dzintra, for allowing me the privilege to work with you and to read your amazing work.
Oh wow what can I say ? This book was absolutely brilliant, this is the second book in the halfway house series and if anything I liked it more than the first ( I have a soft spot for vamps ) Raven is a vampire with a problem but that is nothing compared to what she's about to find out !! I won't put spoilers so I'll just say this book is non stop excitement from page 1. This Author has the ability to drag you into her world and keep you interested to the very last page. The story flowed well, there's humour as well as intrigue and the character personalities and loyalty really shows that friends are the family you choose. If you like paranormal reads, you'll love this series. I can't wait for more.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review
If you love Anything Paranormal then this is the book for you!!!
Raven book 2 in the Halfway House Series will blow your socks off! I couldn't put it down!!! Not only is it an awesome read, with a well written storyline but the author has an amazing ability to drag you into the story and become emotionally invested in each and every character... Each chapter held something new and exciting with a wonderful mix of action, adventure, intrigue and suspense.. Don't even get me started on the humour..... This book is full of hilarious one liners.... Just wait you will have moments when you need to stop laughing out loud before you can continue.. And those feel good moments oh this books has them too!
There is nothing more I can say with out repeating the blurb or going into spoilers... ( and I hate that)
Having read Arkadia (book 1) and loving it! I was thrilled that this story was really about Raven and her unique story... In fact I think I loved Raven just a little bit more.. And shhh I'm secretly in love with Ravens Vampire BFF Sorin... So want to read more about him...
But trust me when I say a READ IT you won't be disappointed.
Looking forward to reading more in this Halfway House Series.
Highly recommend this book for all fans of PNR, fantasy and adventure..
I really enjoyed the first book in The Halfway House Series (Arkadia), so when I heard that Dzintra had written the next in the series, Raven, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it! The Halfway House Series has a way of wrapping you up and taking you away regardless of your age, it is written with a pure sense of Fantasy with depths of Romance and Intrigue, Dzintra Sullivan has a talented way with words for sure and in Raven she has continued that tradition with ease.
Raven is a very interesting girl, we got to learn small snippets about her in the first novel but in this one we learn the truth behind her past, who she is, who she is to become and why she is the only Vampire who seems to faint at the sight of blood!
Plagued with this condition since she can remember, Raven is embarrassed to call herself a Vampire at all and like the other girls is at The Halfway House in order to learn what she needs to in order to pass her exams, to fail will see her either exiled to the famous Island or executed for not being safe enough around humans. Her Den Mother Ellis has been helping her with her "condition" but even with her help, drinking blood in kiddies sippy cups is getting old fast and with her exams coming closer she is beginning to panic.
Sorin her best male friend is also a Vampire and has been there for her through the years, with each frustrating moment of the blood fainting and also the gaping hole in her memory, her parents and who they are. With no answers and no one to claim her she has created a family of her own within the Halfway House, with Eloise serving as the closest thing to what she believes having a mother would feel like.
But not everything is going to stay the same.... A major wind of change is coming, one born of light, one born or darkness and Raven finds herself in the middle of a war she never knew existed, finds love stronger than anything she could of dared to hope for and secrets hidden within lies that have danced beneath the surface of her life since she stepted foot into Halfway House, not everyone or everything is who they seem.....
Samuel has been watching Raven for a while now and the time to come into her life could not come at a more important and imperative point in her life. He has searched the world for her, watching and waiting, but what are his true motives and is Sorin right to want to keep him and Raven apart?
I totally enjoyed this second installment in this series and I egearally await the third book in the series, I have to say I am addicted to The Halfway House Series and it has to go on my lost as one of the best Paranormal Y. A series out there at the moment!
Hello, my name is Raven, or at least that's what I have always been told. I live at the Halfway House with Eloise Mayflower, my den mother. I am a paranormal, I am seventeen years old, and, oh yeah, I am a vampire.
Whenever I ask about the family I can't remember, I am met with hushed whispers and looks of deception. Something is not right; I might be a vampire, but I am not stupid.
A sexy centaur named Samuel Mane enters my world, and my future starts looking bright and exciting. When my best friend, Sorin Osmochescu, decides that Samuel is too dangerous and forbids me to see him, I have to make a choice—the only family I have ever known or my true love.
An afternoon chat with council member Rumor Winslow leaves me terrified …
A secret past? Hidden identities? Lives in imminent danger? Holy sharp fangs, Batman! Who EXACTLY am I
My Thoughts
I couldn't wait to get my little hands on this read.. I mean Arkadia is a 5+ star read, one of my favourites this year. So when I knew there was another book in the making of this awesome series I was beyond happy.. But move on over Arkadia because here is RAVEN!
Raven with her sassy one-liners had me cracking up, seriously laughing out loud.. Yup commence funny looks coming my way lol. Totally went through the motions with Raven as I flicked through the pages of her life and sobbed with her.
In this series we watched Raven grow out of her fears and uncover secrets.. which comes with consequences leaving us once again with an action packed read but leaving us wanting more of the Halfway House shenanigans.
Big Applause for Dzintra Sullivan for another 5+ star read!
You know what is great about Dzintra Sullivan’s writing? She completely nails the angst of YA perfectly. Considering this is a paranormal book it’s amazing as Hell how believable her characters are.
We met Raven in book 1 of the Halfway House series, Arkadia. In that book you knew that there were issues going on with her but not sure what. It’s nice to see her develop into a full well-rounded character and grow as the book progresses. I love the twist that she puts on Raven’s being a vampire.
Once again we have a great supporting cast. We get to interact enough with them to want to see how they will be developed in each installment as the series grow….who will be featured next? A nice balance between plot twists and character relations so that one doesn’t overshadow the other.
Cons: Raven has the attitude that only a teenager could get away with and for a reader like me that does grate the nerves which. That believable teen angst writing talent is a double edge sword. I really shouldn’t want to smack the heroine quiet so often. I often felt like Cher in Moonstruck and want to slap her and say, “Snap out of it.”
I always have a hard time in any romance novel but especially YA when someone finds their soulmate. I think it bothers me more in YA because if it’s a really well written book I always want the author to come back and write a sequel, maybe 10 years down the characters line, and show her/him as an adult and for me if the soulmate is already found there is just no mystery there.
Mystery and intrigue is what grabbed me from the beginning. I couldn't wait to find out what was going on with Raven and the mystery voice she was dreaming about.
Raven is a vampire with no memory of her true family but after her life is threatened she finds out the truth. With her needing to deal with this difficult time in her life she also meets her soulmate Samuel. Their love is almost instantaneous; there is no questioning the love they have for each other.
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“I have never wanted anything more than I want you right now. However, now is not the right time, but my restraint has limits, and you my little bird, push me right to the very edge.”
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This was a good second installment to the Halfway House series. I loved seeing the characters grow and see them become closer as a family. Then twists and turns that happens during this story will keep you turning the pages so you can find out what happens next.
Raven. The quiet in the background vampire you met in Arkaria, but now you see there is sooo much more to her story. She is a vampire, yes, because she was born that way and because she was born as one no matter how young she was she shound have always remembered everything. So why can't she remember her family? And what's with the crazy aversion to blood?
It's time for her to get some answers and we go along on the journey with her as she discovers not only who she is, but why it has all been kept a secret from her.
She's got more sass than you might have imagined and can throw around words with the best of them. She may be quiet at times but Raven is always thinking and you see just how smart she is.
Then there is Samuel. Yummy, sexy, Samuel. He comes in right as everything for Raven is getting shaken up and you can see how just his presence balances her out.
Raven has one heck of an emotional roller coaster ride ahead of her and it's one trip you don't wanna miss!
Raven is a headstrong vampire living in the halfway house. Her story is one of intrigue and suspense. Having just seen her sister arkadia fall in love with bohdan, she is just as surprised to find her own prince charming in samuel mane but all good things come with a bad thing right? Someone is out for Raven...and he wont stop until she sees the true death. No spoilers here so ill say this...Raven's story is amazing. Dzintra has really created a remarkable world that has me gasping, laughing and loving every minute i am apart of it. A definite read for paranormal lovers everywhere.
I Loved Arkadia (Book #1)so could not wait to get Raven in my hands!!! I was not disappointed!!!! This book was amazing,fast paced and a read that you will not be able to put down!!! Raven is a young vampire with a blood issue but that becomes the least of her problems. Raven is smart, quick and funny (love a girl with spunk!!) I don't want to spoil anything!!! :) but this one has as much if not more heart than the first and I cannot wait to see where this world goes... I'm hooked! This is a family that I'd choose to join!!!!
I loved book 1 and I was so glad to get the chance to review this book.
Raven is a vampire who has an aversion to blood - not good for a vampire at all. She lives in the halfway house and can't remember a thing about her past.
This book is a heck of a ride for Raven as she finds out secrets about her live and also she discovers that the sexy guy she has been dreaming about is very real and even more sexy in the flesh - Samuel is a para a centaur to be precise and also her soulmate.
This is a great addition to the Halfway House series, and I loved Ravens story.
Absolutely love this book I am sure if you like paranormal romance books then you will love this one.... Dzintra has done a wonderful job of again giving us characters that we can become passionate about and that you want to know where they are and how they are going to do. You adopt her characters as family members right from the first page.
'Raven' book 2 in the Halfway House Series is simply amazing, a wonderful mix of characters that you can't help but love. The action packed story drags you in from the start and you laugh and cry along with the characters. I definitely recommend this book and series for any paranormal fan. *I received an ARC copy for review purposes*
I actually intended to read each book separately and review each one as i went. That so didn't happen! As soon as i finished Arkadia i started Raven and so on. Dzintra has written a whole world that is fully fleshed out and deep and as you read through this series you feel like you are part of the family experiencing all other their triumphs and and down falls, their love and their loss the Halfway House series is so indepth and flows so smoothly that you can actually see everything and hear everything in your mind as it happens ...Personally i think this series would make a great movie series and even tv series its that good!.Dzintra Sullivan as stunning word smithing skills and has created a world so whole and indepth that i really want this world to exist ( and i want to live there ---- OK maybe not their neighbour though cos i think having a wolf cub pooping on my property may be a tad smelly lol)
Arkadia: A messed up, self absorbed, spell challenged little witch who needs to pass her Paranormal Safety Exams (PSEs) or be banished..Can she get over or get passed what is holding her back to rise above it all and become the young woman/witch she needs to be or will she fail?......A riveting read that pulls you in from the first and wont let you go with twists and turns and danger and one hell of a hot hot dragon shifter a must read!
Raven: A vampire cant be scared of blood can they?..yep they sure can be ask Raven a beautiful soul who also needs to pass her PSEs. But finds out that lies come back and bite you on the bum and can throw your life into even more of a mess than it is already. Enter the hot hot Samuel can he help Raven get over her aversion to blood can he help her sort through the mess that is her life and accept it? ...an exciting read a must have series!
Nevaeh: What to say about her?....Man she is a hard one to love , mind you so would you be if you haven't experienced love before ..Can Nevaeh face her challenges pass her quest will she choose love or duty? Loved Her story so much! Loved to see the growth in this beautiful lippy outspoken little angel with a heart so big!!
Ashja: Well well well what to say about Ashja?..Personally i wanted to smack him upside the head a few times he is arrogant, he is cocky he is adorable, he is caring, he is a force to be reckoned with who needs to learn the lessons he doesn't think he needs to learn, But will he?
I do feel that special mention needs to be made of Eloise and Rumor These ladies hold the Halfway house together one with pure love the other with her tough as nails outlook without these two i do not think the halfway house series would be complete. personally i would've loved a mother who was the exact mix of these to wonderful strong powerful caring women.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review. Dzintra has done it again, with crafting yet another successful book to the Halfway House series. Her characters are great, and so complex. Now she gives you the HEA ending, but it's a frustrating one. I will not say why I was frustrated, you'll know when you reach the end of the tale why it was a frustrating HEA! Overall, the first book was my favorite of the two, but the suspense factor was higher in Raven. I loved the dynamic between Samuel and Raven, so hot! But I hope that Sorin and Sara come into a story of their own; they were so intriguing, and I loved the animosity and bickering it made them so lovable!
Raven, a dark beauty, is a vampire with issues. She can't stand the sight of blood and for the life of her she doesn't know why. She has no memory prior to coming to the Halfway House as a small child. She is feeling so abandoned, the only anchor within her life is her male BFF Sorin, also a vampire, and her female Bestie Zara, a human with no knowledge of this other world of the paranormal. Raven, will have a hard time coming to adjustment of pending PSE's, will she pass or be sent to isolation on the Island? And who is this sexy voice that turns her blood within her dreams? Her pull to this mysterious man is baffling, but she knew this faceless man was her other half, but how to find him and not be banished to the Island?
Sorin Osmocheau, has many secrets, but they are all in the name of love and protection of his dear Raven, but his patience is stretched with the arrival of Bohdan's BBF from his homeland, Samuel Mane. Sam is just as sexy as Bohdan, but whereas Bohdan is Dark, Sam is light. A breath of fresh air! His heart is taken, by a tall slender dark haired vampire, but how to find her? He dreams of her every night, but hasn't a clue where to find his other half.... well, until he describes her to Bohdan and Arkadia. May the matchmaking begin!
Raven is incredibly independent and is really frustrated with her men: Sorin and Samuel. But either man will do anything to keep Raven safe, including risking themselves for her safety. Watch this incredible story of love and sacrifice, and how love survives all challenges and trails.
I can't wait for the next segment in the Halfway House series!
I enjoyed this the second book in Dzintra's Halfway House series. Each book Dzintra introduces us to another paranormal underdog trying to obtain their license to stay in the human world. There is a love interest but always with a twist and a plot to try the endurance of this love and commitment.
There is no actual sexual content but is implied and similar with the violence, would recommend this to anyone from young adult/older teenager and older (being one of the older group).
In this story we meet Raven:
Hello, my name is Raven, or at least that's what I have always been told. I live at the Halfway House with Eloise Mayflower, my den mother. I am a paranormal, I am seventeen years old, and, oh yeah, I am a vampire.
Whenever I ask about the family I can't remember, I am met with hushed whispers and looks of deception. Something is not right; I might be a vampire, but I am not stupid.
A sexy centaur named Samuel Mane enters my world, and my future starts looking bright and exciting. When my best friend, Sorin Osmochescu, decides that Samuel is too dangerous and forbids me to see him, I have to make a choice—the only family I have ever known or my true love.
An afternoon chat with council member Rumor Winslow leaves me terrified …
A secret past? Hidden identities? Lives in imminent danger? Holy sharp fangs, Batman! Who EXACTLY am I?
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is second in the Halfway House series and ends in an HEA. Raven is a vampire who can’t stand the sight of blood. She cannot remember anything prior to living at the halfway house. She meets Samuel, a centaur and they fall for each other. They are both destined to be mates, but the love story was so quick, almost to make it silly. I also felt a little uncomfortable when Raven would kiss Samuel while he was half horse. There was such a sexual attraction and with one of the couple being a horse, the scenes hinted of bestiality. Being a young adult book, these scenes were out of place.
>The plot in this story was excellent. Raven remembers her past and is in danger from her evil uncle. She has some real surprises regarding who her friends really are. There were funny parts, but the sad parts almost gutted me until the paranormal creatures prove once again that nothing is impossible. This book is appropriate for a young adult (16+) audience. I am giving the story 4 stars.
After reading and loving Arkadia, the first book in the Halfway House series, I was wondering how Dzintra Sullivan was going to top this book. How was she going to write a book about a vampire who drinks blood from a sippy cup because she can’t stand the sight of blood? Although Arkadia is still my favourite book, Raven came a very close second. I love the world that Dzintra Sullivan has created; a world in which humans live with witches, vampires, shifters, fairies, centaurs and who knows what else. I’m just happy that she used her incredible imagination to write this book. Raven is a coming of age story but very different to a human’s as well as being more entertaining. It was also better than I imagined, but what I liked most about this book, were the characters. Throw in a bit of suspense and I was in reader heaven. I gave Raven 5 stars. Written by Karen from A Thousand Lives Book Blog
I received a copy for an honest review. Another hit!!! This installment in the series picks up right where Arkadia left off. However, this time the main character is Raven, a vampire with an aversion to the sight of blood & no memory of her childhood. Like the unfortunate events that happened to Arkadia, Raven finds her own version of trouble...it seems to be a trend with the kids in the paranormal halfway house. Taking help from her 'sister's' experiences, but not wanting to involve her 'family' Raven attempts to handle the trouble on her own...until she meets a special someone of her own, and allows him to help. She soon learns about her childhood and overcomes her aversion & discovered she really is royalty!! This installment did not disappoint-at no time was it predictable or boring. I am loving this series & can not wait for the next installment!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Raven is troubled young vampire who lives at the Halfway house. She's desperate to remember her family, and learn what happened to them. Every time she asks about them, nobody seems to know and whispers behind her back...
Having great difficulty with feeding and passing out at the first sign of blood. Raven is reduced to drinking from kiddie sippy cups and battle daily to control things, in time for her PSE Exam. That she must pass or be banished to Isle of Shadows...
Raven is about to get a lot of surprises in her life. Along with a sexy Centaur named Samuel. Who is the man of her dreams, literally...
Don't want to give any more away!! Really enjoyed this book. It's full of twists and turns, that will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat. Laugh out loud moments and lots of surprises. Can't wait to read book 3 in this series :)
I loved this book and Ravens no take attitude. She is a strong independent female that relies on herself a lot but you see her grow in this book from teenager to a full on woman.
Raven protects who she loves while finding out her true identity and why she can't remember anything from her past.
You see her become stronger with her soul mate Samuel and with everyone she cares about.
Uncle Morty is just horrible but he is just a greedy bastard who kills anything and everything just to get what he wants.
Mystery, suspense, adventure, love and family make a great book and Dzintra did a fantastic job! I loved Arkadia and I love Raven.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The second book in this series certainly lived up to my expectations and more really. Raven is a vampire who faints at the sight of blood- not a good thing for a vampire! Samuel is new to the area and is staying with his friend. The chemistry between the two started a long time ago. Raven's life is in great danger and needs the help of her family and friends. Once again Dzintra Sullivan has used words to magically weave a fantastic story. It is fast paced and has many facets which has the reader continually thinking and waiting for each new event. Again there is a fabulous sense of humour throughout and I loved sayings like: "A bee's doodle away!" "Crap on a cracker." & "Son of a llama lover!" Looking forward to the next book!
You will not be disappointed with Book 2 of the Halfway House series!
Time is running out for Raven to get over her blood phobia or she is off to the island never to be heard from again.... no pressure! While Raven knows the island is getting closer, she meets Samuel Mane and knows he is the one for her, but not everyone is happy about this and a new kid on the block brings even more bad news for Raven. I loved how with this book there was so much packed into it, there were some really great twists and definitely some highs and lows, i promise you will laugh and worry and maybe.. just maybe shed a wee tear.
looking forward to getting stuck into book 3 in this great series !
Raven is the second book in the halfway house series and centre around Raven. She is a vampire and she is about to discover things from her past that she never knew. They has to be a love interest......bring in Samuel. The sexy centaur. The book is jam packed with excitement and every chapter brings something new. Ever since reading Arkadia, i have been obsessed with these characters. They are all amazing to read about and when you read Raven, you can't help but get slightly hooked. It's one of these books that you wish could go on and on and when it finishes, you crave more!
Brilliant book and brilliant series! Can't wait to read more in the Halfway House Series.
This book gets a full 5 stars from me! Dzintra has not only done it again, she surpasses the first in the Series: Arkadia. Her writing has grown and left a wonderful want in its wake! I shall be anxiously awaiting the next in this series. I read the entire book in one day.... couldnt put it down. Raven, such a stubborn little hard head. Like so many teens especially girls, she has wondered for a long time just where she belonged. Who is she? Is she anything like her parents? And Samuel, just wow... her own God on earth! Read this wonderful story that is yet again absolutely overflowing with adventure, heartache, love, and finally some understanding.
Okay let me be honest. I'm don't usually read paranormal but this series has sucked me in big time. I loved Raven and Samuel. Not a match you would normally see together. You know a dainty vampire that faints at the sight of blood and a big masculine centaur, but somehow they just work. And Sam is super sweet to her. *sigh* But I also loved Raven's best friend Zara. Oh the one liners she comes out with are hilarious. For example "this headache is pounding away like a horny teenager in a brothel with his daddy's credit card" I laughed so hard when I read it and there are plenty more beauties like this in there. I recommend you get onto this book ASAP!
This is the second book in the series and I felt it was wrote a lot better, the characters weren't as whiny and self centred, and the plot flowed easier... I'm not saying that I didn't love Arkadia, I truly did, yet Raven has something special about it.. Whether it was because Raven is a lot less vain, more put together or just generally because I loved the book loads I have no idea... Raven is filled with action, drama and love. If you like vampire reads you'll definitely enjoy this! Dzintra has done an amazing job, drawing me in, making me want to read every single page! A worthy 5 star rating! #2OCCAB
I absolutely loved this book!!! It was extremely well written and I am in awe of every single character. The emotions are made to feel deep into your heart. Yes, I definitely cried a few times and laughed out loud even more! El, is definitely my favorite character by far because of motherly nature and her heart of gold. The relationships between all the characters is awe inspiring, especially the sister - brother friendships between Raven, Sorin, and of course Arkadia. The story line is, as always, amazingly written and capturing, definitely could not put it down!
Book 2 of the Halfway House series is just as good if not better than the first. This one follows Ravan, a vampire who can't control her fangs. She finds out that her best friend is actually an appointed protector due to who she actually is.......only she had no idea who that is. She also meets Sorin......mmmmm Sorin. He's a centaur and claims to be her soul mate. The journey that this book takes you on is a fun one. I swear Dzintra Sullivan's characters get the hottest boyfriends.
4 1/2 STARS I love the world of the Halfway House series.
Raven is strong-minded and full of sarcasm.
Once again I loved the characters and I love the way the story plays out.
I devoured the book in a few hours and read it in one sitting, once I started reading I couldn't put it down. It made me laugh and cry, so I shed quite a few tears.
Another favourite YA Paranormal.
I can't wait for the next instalment in the series.