Thirteen days. That’s all we have left while demons walk the Earth and the Veil between Hell and the mortal realm begins to tear.
Every thirteen years, Carnivalis weakens the barrier between worlds. For thirteen days, demons cross freely. And this year, Cape Town is caught in the crossfire.
I’ve been made a paranormal detective. My dream, or so I thought.
Balancing vampirism with a badge was never going to be easy. Especially when I’m meant to be hunting monsters like me. But this new case risks destroying more than my new job.
Thirteen dead. And the body count is growing. Are demons responsible, or is someone using Carnivalis to hide something far worse?
And if a ritual killing spree wasn’t bad enough, Fredward is about to be summoned back to Hell to become something far worse than a talking demon cat.
The clock is ticking. Demons rule the night. And when Carnivalis ends, Hell will take what it’s owed.
Sink your fangs into the fifth installment of the Blood Veil Series, where vampire detectives investigate ritual murders, demonic cults move in the shadows, and Hell itself is on a deadline. Perfect for fans of urban fantasy packed with paranormal crime, sharp humour, and relentless stakes.
Nicholas Woode-Smith is a fantasy and science fiction author from Cape Town, South Africa. He has been writing since the age of twelve, writing short stories, novels, and RPG campaigns. In 2013, he published his first book, Fall of Zona Nox. Five years later, he published it again after greatly improving his skills.
Since then, he’s written dozens of books in the urban fantasy and sci-fi genre. Notably, the best-selling urban fantasy series, Kat Drummond.
Nicholas has a degree majoring in economic history and philosophy, and minors in political science, international relations, and English literature from the University of Cape Town. He has been involved in politics, civic activism, and political analysis since 2014.
Well flip! That was really tense! Good lordie, my heart is still pounding! But let's start at the beginning, Nicholas always sucks me in, inch by inch, line by line, as though he were a whale and I, mere plankton! How strong is this in the opening few chapters: "The Crimson Haze, that darned genetic anger management issue I had courtesy of my neglectful sire, pushed aside all my rational terror." Cool right? Although, Kali SHOULD be terrified, a demon is right in front of her....Kali Black has had a major transformation. Yes, she was turned into a vampire, yes, she had a heck of a time adjusting but one thing that's constant, is her purpose and resolve. Right now, thanks to scary demon in front of her, her purpose and resolve is to help Fredward. He might be "her cat" but he's oh so much more, besides his musical lyrical prowess, he's also royalty, demon royalty...
Having a bonafide job with the ORC, after years of trying to join law enforcement, to finally be the detective she always craved, doesn't turn out quite as Kali anticipated. She firstly has her confusing feelings for Theo to contend with, she quickly comes to the realisation that she's not a team player, preferring to go it alone... which, every time she does, ends badly. For her. She seems to have a very unhealthy knack for dying, but thank the stars, her bloodline prevents her untimely demise (or demises!) from being permanent, big phew! Nicholas has given her a vulnerable strength that resonates, that had me rooting for her from book 1, that had me loving her more with each book. And, by adding the absolutely unusually hilarious Fredward, well, that's heaven....I loved how she's stronger than her bloodline, which is, apparently, notoriously blood thirsty, hence the Crimson Veil. It rears and roars, threatening to overtake her, to throw caution to the wind but SHE controls IT!
Theo is still very much an enigma, to Kali as well as to me. He's incredibly dedicated, and, as leader of the ORC, his job ain't easy. Kali had the right of it "Always a mystery. Sometimes warm, sometimes funny and friendly. But still so much that I didn’t know about him". There's so much just his skin, he keeps so much close to his chest, his obvious attraction to Kali screams through the text but he doesn't act on it, except by some "tells". I so can see why Kali is confused! Her undead heart goes pitta patta each time she sees him, I can't wait to find out his secrets, nor can I wait for this slow burn attraction to combust. Because it will... Nicholas honestly creates the bestest characters, Amber, Thalia, Siya Amin, Francesca, even the very prejudice Sarah. When they join forces, hell better look out, literally!
It was a cool twist that this book was a Fredward orientated book, we still got loads of Kali and crew but the events of this book were mostly about him. I adore Fredward, especially seeing the more "human" side of him, feeling and seeing his fears first hand as the author successfully manipulated the plot. Into a tale of past grievances, all coming to a head, with Fredward being at the centre of it all. I loved getting further insight into the "real" Fredward and the vulnerability he hides, and shoot, NOW I know why Fredward is obsessed with music, Taylor Swift Dolly Parton more specifically. To be able to find as many lyrical quotes as Nicholas did, well I'm gobsmacked! It's just brilliant! Kali and Fredward have a bond and love that is strong, affectionately teasing but loving and protective, so, when Fredward goes all morose and DOESN'T spew out lines from songs, she rightly wanted to help him out. He is being forced to take up a mantle he doesn't want, and, as Kali says, “Fredward couldn’t bring order to his CD collection. Much less Hell.” With Carnivalis imminent, a period of 13 days, every 13 years, demons are coming through the veil thick and fast, putting everyone in danger but more so Fredward. But there's something darker happening behind the scenes, ritualistic murders and the dash to stop the perpetrators is on. To save Fredward. To save the victims and themselves.
Oh my frek!!! Things got so heated, and desperate, and scary, I'm sure they could hear my heartbeat 1000 miles away! Nicholas shocked the socks off me! The Doctor! Heck, THE Doctor! All I can say is, thank the stars for Francesca! And Thalia, OMG, stoic, unemotional Thalia did a number on me! Actually... that was all Nicholas, the unexpected was so unexpected, I felt my eyes tear up. And he did it again, with Fredward, my lordie, that heartfelt scene near the end of the book, well, tears DID flow!
As with all of Nicholas' books, it's dark, and gory, so much so, I unintentionally make the "eeeeew" face. But, the lightness of his prose, the ease of his storytelling, makes it seem, somehow, "nicely gory", yeah, that's a bit of a contradiction I know. He injects an easy humour amidst all the dark events taking place, that I'm actually smiling, not wanting to puke! Nicholas is so adept keeping one unawares of where he's going, of where next, and that, my friends, is a major skill! The final few chapters had me bouncing up and down from the sheer stress, not once could I let my guard down. And once again, Nicholas threw a curve ball right at the end, a true WTF moment! As a South African, I relish a read by an author who I understand completely, who uses language so familiar to me, who doesn't shy away from calling a spade a spade. Wrapped up beautifully in fiction, the message is there. Much was revealed in this book and a few more will undoubtedly be addressed in the next book, which I'm sooooo looking forward to!
Book 5 picks up right where the last book left off. There isa a demon in Kali's living room insisting that Fredward is to return to Hell and take over as King now that the previous king has been killed using an angel blade. HE gives Fredward until the end of Carnivalis to find a replacement or he will drag him back kicking and screaming. But crime waits for no cat and now Kali is investigating a series of ritual murders like none they have seen. Trying to help Fredward and learn to work as a team with ORC may be more difficult than Kali imagines as she realizes all their problems may be more connected than she thought. NOt only has Kali always been a lone wolf in regards to work, now she hears an inner voice that tells her she doesn't need a team (among other things). She's still unsure if that is her sire or some strange thing coming from her bloodline, but she is trying her best to ignore it. She is still struggling to include ORC in her plans and it is threatening to ruin her relationship with her boss Theo and the rest of the team. She is even pushing Amber away, so it's a good thing Amber is stubborn and forgiving. She's also a genius, but she may be in over her head in this investigation as well. And we really get to see what Fredward is made of in this book as well! He may avoid anything resembling work usually, but even he has a breaking point! This book will keep you invested the entire time you are reading. There really is never a dull moment between all of the different angles being investigated. We see the return of Kali's arch enemy who now has another plan and has made a deadly alliance. This book definitely has some vivid descriptions and at times may not be for the faint of heart. I wouldn't classify this as dark, but definitely has some darker elements. And the ending! Argh! Yes, it's a cliffhanger but it's a good one!
Another GREAT book in the Fredward Series (Beyond the Bleak Inferno)
This may be the best yet in the series. And it ends with an unexpected surprise: there is going to be an unexpected book 6 this year! Hopefully it will include the backstory of "The Doctor", the only (known) antagonist left, & the most powerful. Kali still needs to kill him, & is there going to be a romance between Kali & Theo? Hopefully book 6 will answer those questions!
This book (especially in the last few chapters) gave us some great surprises about Fredward the hilarious Demon cat. I don't do spoilers, so you're going to have to read it to find out!
This has truly been a wonderful series, & it's a shame that Mr Woode Smith is human & can only write so fast! I couldn't put this one down. Kindle estimated reading time as 9 hours, I read it in 2 days & LOVED it!
I actually read a "beta" version, rather than an ARC, but didn't see anything that needed correcting. This is paranormal fantasy/horror & at minimum I don't see a need for a suggested age limit (other than for very little children due to some possible fear). But the "adult material" is kept to 0 as I feel it should in this genre.
Highly recommended!
I received a beta of an Advanced Reader's copy at no charge & am leaving an unbiased review.
I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this book, the fifth in a fantastic new series by one of my favourite authors. As ever, Nicholas has created a world that is compelling and believable, populated by characters that you’d want to meet in real life.
On her first day in her dream job as a detective, Kali finds herself investigating a gruesome mass murder. Can she solve this while also helping Fredward find someone to take his place as King of Hell? Well, with the demon-carnival taking place in Cape Town over the next thirteen days, that one should be easy. Right?
With the perfect mix of fast-paced action, snark, mystery, and humour, this book had me completely enthralled right up to the very last page. The characters are well thought-out, three-dimensional and, mostly, good (but not perfect).
The Blood Veil series takes an intriguing approach to imagining a vampire society, with different castes of vampire having different talents and limitations. And there are more than vampires beyond the veil – including shape-shifting demons, one of whom has been living with her for years in the guise of her pet cat, Fredward.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book commences right at the cliffhanger in the last book where we find out that our beloved Fredward is wanted back in hell. Shock horror, Fredward does not want to go! This sets off a set of increasingly desperate attempts to avoid having to go back.
All the while Kali finally joins her unit as its newest detective and tries.to adjust to working with a team on a particularly gruesome multiple murder.
Plots converge from the subjugation of the Nosfar, Fredwards demon problem, old foes coming back to haunt us and Kali's ongoing friendship with the mysterious Nyxari Thalia.
Once again our sneaky author has left us on one he'll of a cliffhanger which tempts an outstanding book 6 and gives us a hint at who we will be meeting!
Brilliant book, totally original concepts so if ypu haven't yet begun this series then download book 1 and settle in because you are in for a treat!
Fredward does not want to be King of the 111th Despair. He only has 13 days to find a replacement, though, and nobody wants the job. He just wants to be Kali Black's cat. Kali doesn't want to lose him, either. With her new job at ORC (Occult Related Crimes) trying to find the killers of random people and the identities of those victims, and with the Nosfar enslaved, she has enough problems to solve, but she has to try to help him.
Will she be able to help solve the killings, identify the victims, free the Nosfar from their enslavement, and keep Fredward from becoming a king in hell - all within 13 days? She had said she wanted to be a detective; does she still want that?
Don't ask the book's AI! Read the book for yourself; it will be worth the time.
Kali is having a hard time between her detective position with ORC and her vampire affairs. This year there was a particularly horrendous thing happening. Every thirteen years, Carnivalis weakens the barrier between worlds and this year was the worst. Every day there are a countdown number of grisly murders committed and displayed, with no apparent connection between the victims - at first. A really bad and powerful demon wants to take over the world and Fredward is the first thing that stands in his way. Kali, Fredward and the rest of her friends and colleagues, have their work cut out for them.
4.5 stars. This is book 5 in the urban paranormal fantasy Blood Veil series featuring Kali Black and her cat/demon Fredward. Kali now has a job at ORC with Theo and as the book begins, 13 people have been gruesomely murdered with their tongues and some fingers removed. Looking for leads, Kali discovers that her friend Nigel and other Nosfar have been enslaved by enchanted chains. As the murders continue, Kali desperately searches for clues as to who is responsible as well as to find a way to free the Nosfar. The heroines and heroes are snarky, funny and determined to do their best in a system that vilifies them. Fans of Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift will also appreciate Fredward’s use of their song titles. I received this book as a gift from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Beyond the Bleak Inferno: Vampire Detective Paranormal Fantasy (Blood Veil Book 5), my thirteenth read from author Nicholas Woode-Smith, the concluding book in the occult suspense Blood Veil series. If you like Theophilus Monroe's books you might like this series as well. “I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
This was a great read. We pick up where the previous book ended, and follow Kali as she takes her first steps as a detective, while helping Fredward, and looking for a way to free Nigel and the Nosfar. Her hands are full and the clock is ticking. This is fast paced, action packed, and a must read. The ending has you hooked for the next book–I can't wait to read it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Demons and death. Threats to Fredward and a crown forced upon his head, one he doesn't want. Can Kali solve the puzzle surrounding all the ritual deaths that accompany Carnivalis? Being a detective and trying to save her friends places her in danger as well. You'll be cheering for her and her friends as they try to stop The Doctor and the demon Nil. A real page turner. I read this arc and found it delightful, full of the characters I love to read about.
Carnivalis sounds dreadful. Of course I’m not a demon, but, it sounds dreadful. All through this book I was so worried for Fredward. I love that kitty. This was such an intense story that I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out what happened next. I was worried for Kali, Thalia, Amber, and everyone! This was a great book and I LOVE the series!
Brilliant read ! I love this series it gets the blood pumping , the characters are great each one fits into this world amazingly the storyline is bang up to date with what’s going on today and I must mention Fredward he is magnificent snarky and a light relief to the sometimes hectic action a very well deserved 5 stars I recommend this series
Beyond the Bleak Inferno Book 5 in the Blood Veil series by Nicholas Woode-Smith is a fast-paced, action-packed and the best so far with a surprise ending, omgoodness can't wait! Highly recommend this seies!!
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin and I'm leaving my review freely.
Another twist in the tale. Although this one carries on from the previous it is a lot different, being more about Fredward than Kali. I really enjoyed this one as it full of action and engaged me right from the start.
Wow, what a cracking story this is. It’s probably the best one yet. I don’t know about one more, I’m thinking along the lines of Kat Drummond in length, it’s that good. I absolutely loved every single word. And then the ending that asks questions. We need the answers that’s for sure. I need to say this, when I say I don’t reveal spoilers I mean it, unlike those that say they don’t especially after revealing some already. Highly recommended.