Hidden Carmina

Volcano Valley Series #1

by Adri Sinclair

Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN B00P2P6174

Carmina Nightshade is a 22 year old human girl who discovers the truth about her family and clan - they are not human.

As life would have it, the voices she's heard in her head since birth has a purpose far more sinister than just being annoying. When Carmina meets the big, dark-haired Liam Moretti, she turns the entire immortal world upside down - breaking all the rules and changing history as they know it.

To love eternally, she has to die, to die she has to live and to live... she has to learn the difference between Myth and Truth - if there is any.

396 pages, ebook

First published July 17, 2014

About the author

I am a 42 year old Mother who enjoys reading and writing. I would never presume to imagine my work being anything than palatable - while simplistic and hopefully entertaining.

Growing up with my Grandma who easily became engrossed in a book [to the point where she gave my younger brother permission to set me on fire!!!] and her daughter - my Aunt - I draw a lot of my inspiration from the people and situations I have found myself in...

Poetry has always been my passion and the only way I felt comfortable expressing my emotions - which was a hard thing to do when you grew up in a home where 'talking back' and 'being cheeky' wasn't met with enthusiasm. This lead to at least one poetry award in the past.

I never gave up on my dream, and I write now for the pleasure of writing. The only validation I seek is that of my own peace of mind, I can say: I've done it.

Without the support of my husband and daughter - and the various readers who continue to support me, I may very well not have achieved as little as this... So a big thank you to you too!

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t even think it! Hidden Carmina is most definitely not just another paranormal tale! Author Adri Sinclair is bringing her own special dish to the paranormal table and people are going to eat this one up! Dark, almost dreamlike, veiled in secrets and shadows, strife and deceit, jealousy and joy, Hidden Carmina is unlike any book I have ever read, period. Settle in for the long haul, put out the DO NOT DISTURB SIGN and prepare to enter a world of clans, vampires, shapeshifters and ancient tales coming to life.

Carmina has been part of her family and her clan since she could remember, now 22, she knows there is something wrong with her, something different about her, but little did she suspect her difference was her humanity. Then there are the nightmares and the voices in her head, but why is she tortured with horrendous nights and the deafening noises by day?

When Liam, from another clan finds her, they both realize the love they share, but Liam, a half vampire/half werewolf is claiming her forever and Carmina has far too much internal baggage to commit. Who and what is Carmina? Love her or hate her, some will die for her, while others will kill for a chance to end her.

Let go of reality completely, Adri Sinclair has a rabbit hole for you to fall into, going deeper and deeper with each page. Meet characters that will entertain you, raise your hackles, and completely mystify you. Learn to love Carmina for who she is, flawed, clueless at times, a little sad, scared and determined to do the right thing for those around her, no matter the cost to herself. Discover a world of family ties, loyalty, finding truths and learning to deal with them in a world few of us will ever enter in to.

I received this copy from the author in exchange from my honest review.

Series: Second Breath Chronicles - Book 1
Publisher: Booktrope Editions (February 2, 2016)
Publication Date: February 2, 2016
ISBN-13: 9781508460763
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 374 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Stephanie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a "newbie" to this genre. Historical romance is my usual jam, my comfort zone. I'm not sure how much of this 5-star review is for the story, itself, and how much is for what it did for me, as a reader. I'm accustomed to a certain "order" in my reading. It generally starts, for instance, with a tangible setting ("English-Scottish Borderlands, 1623", "Oregon Trail, 1747"). In the beginning of this story I found myself craving that "security in knowledge". I didn't find it. I made many guesses as to time and place of story (to be surprised a little later that it's a modern-day tale in a never-truly-defined location). I eagerly read on, immediately intrigued and fascinated by the characters. As I was sucked into the intricate weave of the storyline, I found myself caring less and less about little details like location or the fact that our human heroine is able to accept the supernatural nature of everyone around her with infinitely more ease than I ever would have. By then, I was too wrapped up in the mystery and beauty of it all to fret over such trivial concerns. This story set me free as a reader. It allowed me to just jump into this amazing world and enjoy it for what it is. And it wasn't a story to "hold my hand and ease me into it", either. There's no spoon-fed plot here. There's fast-paced surprises at every turn that kept me riveted to the page and fully immersed in the world. I guess that's just what I needed to let go. Review of this book isn't complete without mention of the shocking cliffhanger ending. I'm incredibly thankful that the next books in the series are already out; I don't know what I would do if I faced a long wait for the next installment! Thank you for an incredibly imaginative, intriguing, and invigorating read!

[Patty Seitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a genre I normally read, but I occasionally like to read something different from my usual, and this story did not disappoint! It captures your attention with the twists and turns throughout the tale as it progresses to a point where it’s difficult to put the book down. I love a story that renders you almost unable to stop turning the pages, at the same time, you hate to see it end. Highly recommended, especially if this is a different genre from your normal read. It will be one you will enjoy from start to finish!

[Eeva Lancaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Carmina is a diesel. As you go along, it hooks you in deeper, until you just can't stop reading! It's a fantasy with all the required supernatural characters, Werewolves, vampires, hybrids... but it's more than that. It's a story of love, romantic and family. Carmina Nightshade belongs to a family of hybrid vampires. You can imagine how uncomfortable it is to have her around... but they take her in and contain their nature. She falls in love with Liam Moretti, a werewolf/vampire hybrid, who loves her just as much... but she causes him and his pack pain since to them she's... food! Carmina seems to be a burden to everyone she loves, being human. However, there's more to her than meets the eye. She's MORE and no one knows yet what she really is. There were scenes which made me shed a tear or two. It's a wonderful love story!

Adri Sinclair has a refreshing writing style and you just have to let her words take you where she want you to go. It's a fun, romantic and adventurous ride. I've gotten all 3 books of the Second Breath Chronicles. I wouldn't mind spending my nights with the characters.

Highly recommended read.

[Sandra Kerns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could be the author who 'turns' me from someone who can't stand vampire/werewolf books, to someone who can't put one down. That said, it would have to be one of this author's books.
Adri Sinclair has woven a wonderful story with her take on the immortal beings called vampires and werewolves. This story pulls you in and dares you to stop reading. Believe me, I tried. I had other things I needed to do, but I had to keep reading to get answers to the questions her plot pulled out of me. Who or what is Carmina really? Will she ever find peace or happiness? Will her family/clan ever have peace with her around? Then, can they ever find peace without her around? Can Liam ever find a way to truly be with his beloved or is he destined to be forever an observer in her life?
All of this the author accomplishes while writing in a language other than that native to her. Despite the blips in technical issues, the story is so good you don't care. It is about a good story after all, right? Definitely!
Do yourself a favor and pick up Hidden Carmina now.

[Michelle Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting Story.

This is not the normal genre I would read. But, I stumbled across this book by accident and decided to give it a try. Immediately I was drawn into the supernatural and intricate storyline, and fascinating characters. Very creatively written by Adri Sinclair. This is a fast paced book, with a story line that is brilliantly executed by the author. There are many twists and turns that keep your racing through the pages, with a very inquisitive mind. The story is unpredictable and full of suspense. With a cliff-hanging ending to this book, I must buy the next one to see what happens next. I completely recommend this book if you want to be hanging on the edge of your seat for the next chapter. Five stars from me. :-) Very well done, Adri Sinclair.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't typically read this genre simply because it's not my cup of tea, but Hidden Carmina was unlike any other werewolf/vampire book I've ever heard.

Hidden Carmina follows an eccentric and passionate young woman who falls in love and the book explores the hardships the couple faces because of their different 'lifestyles'. I really enjoyed the chemistry and the banter between Carmina and Liam, it felt natural and realistic. I also really love Liam's character, it was clear that he really cared for Carmina. In fact I really enjoyed the chemistry between all the characters, especially Carmina and her mother and sister Lilly.

I think John is probably my favourite character, he adds comic relief to the novel and is very grounded.

I think the novel itself is very unique and captivating. Adri's writing is very descriptive, emotional and passionate. Carmina's voice is very strong and fierce and I really liked the duo perspectives throughout the book.

However, I felt that there were some parts that were slightly dragging on. But, the more you read on, the more you get into Carmina's head. Also the last 40 pages were intense, it made up for the repetitive long parts in the middle.

I recommend this book if you are looking for something new and authentic. It was a great read! :)

[C.A. A. Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the first person singular approach. It allowed me to feel up close and in touch with Carmina. Also the three entities, or beings, inside her head that would offer conflicting advice. The werewolf family and community she lives within felt very real from Carmina’s, sometimes resentful, perspective. It is the sort of story that I think teenagers would enjoy. Especially girls who liked the Twilight saga. All in all, a very entertaining read, and I did especially enjoy the first person presentation – I know I’ve said this before, but it did give Carmina a recognisable edge of a young lady with dreams and disinclinations too. In some ways, she has a comical aspect with her minor flaws which added to the good flow of a fine supernatural story.

[Bren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden Carmina is a fantasy story, where the author has allowed her considerable imagination to run free creating a tale that keeps readers wondering what is going on and what surprise awaits us on the next page.
It revolves around Carmina, a human with strange maladies; her adopted family, with a strange affliction; and other families/groups/individuals with even stranger idiosyncrasies.
The author has effectively drawn out the individual nature and personalities of the main characters, who the reader can readily identify with in an engaging way.
A rollicking adventure for fantasy fans.

[C.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is one vivid and action-packed read with fantastic characters. Carmina is a breath of fresh air into the fantasy genre with her unique approach and her problems. This avoids the usual werewolf tropes and rises well about the usual fantasy stories. I was utterly captivated, not only by the story itself but by the exquisite handling of the events as they happen.

This is one of those books that is going into my special file for stories I can read again and again and never grow tired of them. By the look of things there are going to be more books coming in this series. Good. I shall be on the lookout.

[L. Benitez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an entertaining read! Unique, fast paced, and thoroughly enjoyable. I really liked the interaction between the characters, especially the main star Carmina and her main love interest, Liam. There were many exciting scenes to go along with the focus and detail of the characters. Sinclair did a fantastic job all in all. What can I say? I'm hooked! I can't wait for more :)

((I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review))

[Morgan Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending had me wanting to scream and perhaps throttle the author just a tad. ;)
Hidden Carmina is a definite 5 STAR read for me.
If I hadn't already bought it I'd buy it all over again.
I seldom re-read books unless I really like the book/ or authors.
Meg Cabot, Rachel Vincent J.L Clayton are all authors I could re-read all day and now Adri Sinclair is on my re-read list of authors I love!
If you haven't picked up your copy yet now's the time to do so!!

~Morgan.

[Kay Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

i rate stars by the likelihood of my reading the book again. there is so much here! it's rowdy and rambunctious and sweet and dangerous and filled with reality and whimsy and just the right amount of fairy tale. i love it and i hate it (you'll understand that when you read it)! upon finishing, i immediately went hunting the second book. i want more!

[R.E.S. Tidmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of turmoil from the start between two people struggling to find a way to be together. I found the comradery between the characters enjoyable. I thought the story line was well developed, but found the ending rather disappointing. I am a HEA kind of girl.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adri Sinclair is a weaver of words, worlds, and characters that come alive on the pages of her book.

Read full review in the 2015 October issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[T.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprising and enjoyable paranormal romance that does not allow itself to be constrained by conventions.

A great use of dream like imagery to describe a system of magic, that adds a poetic and lyrical quality to a familiar narrative.

Beautifully written and well worth a read.

[Stella Alden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware. Reading “Hidden Carmina” will summons vivid, carnal, daydreams of alpha vampire-werewolves. Prepare to be mesmerized, enchanted, and seduced into a unique fantasy world that only Sinclair can create. You will be left bereft, begging for more. Recommended Highly!
— Stella Marie Alden

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved my adventure with Carmina Nightshade & Liam Moretti. I'm glad Carmina is finding out more about her family history, and finding Liam, love changes everything. Great Job on the book Adri Sinclair, will definitely be reading more of your books in the future!

[Sharon Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say Hidden Carmina: Second Breath Trilogy is one of the most beautiful book I have read in a long time.

In genres that create New Worlds the stories become predictable BUT not this one. I can assure you that you are in for an epic read, and it's money well spent. The author has created a world with characters that all seems plausible - yes - I know it's fantasy but it has realism, traits of paranormal and all the dimensions of the supernatural.

Adri Sinclair has created phenomenal characters that are well drawn, dissected and placed into this New World. And she's made it all seem natural. Her treatment of descriptive, be it place or person, is second to none. There is no fluffing or over prissy writing - well, purple prose. The style of writing gives you a sense of place and time, ensuring the descriptive is not overly done or bordering on boring. Ease of reading takes the reader on the natural progression of a well thought out story.

As you read and become involved in Carmina. Sinclair strips back the layers of this young girl and we find out she isn't merely a 'human.'
I was shocked when I also found vampires in the story! Now, I don't like anything vampirey, or werewolves for that matter, BUT the story, characters and plot line made it hard for me to NOT like them. I read on, you will too. The writing is fantastic, the style is pleasant and the reading addictive.

[K.J. Simmill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows the plight of Carmina, a human who suddenly learns not only the truth about a world she didn't know existed, but finds herself at its core. The only human amidst clans of supernatural beings and her scent alone is enough to tempt their resolve. But Carmina herself seems to be something more than human, she hears voices, ones she has ignored her entire life, but then something happens. Her eyes are opened and she sees the world anew, with all its threats and dangers, most of them hungry for her.

This is a beautifully written paranormal/ romance story and has everything fans of the genre could ask for. A fantastic origin story seeped in Greek mythology (my favourite), a gripping and compelling plot, heartache, betrayal, love, war, and tragedy. Most of all it is original, not only in plot, but in the species involved, yes there are vampires, there are werewolves, lynxes and much more, but not as readers have come to expect from this genre. The origin story, in my opinion is was one of the best and most thought out ones I have come across. I thought the author's idea of how these supernatural beings came into existence was unique and fascinating.

This book is certainly deserving of five stars and is making its way straight into my favourites collection. Before even writing this review I picked up the second book in the series, Carmina Revealed, and I can't image many people can read the first and not do the same.

[Mindy Velasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have typed this review over and over again , as there are just no words to explain how amazing Hidden Camina is! I am a busy woman, and I rarely have time to read paperbacks, but this one I just could not put down! I am an avid vampire book lover, but it is hard to find a genuinely good book, that keeps you just hung on every single word like Adri Sinclair has managed to do in her book! Every single time I tried to set this book down,  I couldnt! You just have to know what is going to happen at the next turn with Camina, and I promise, you will want to know! 
Camina is a brilliant , amazing, enticing girl that you just can not get enough of!  This was one book that definitely left me wanting more! I am hoping this will not be the last I read of Camina, because now I am just hooked!

[Sarah Muellers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I…. HATE THIS AUTHOR!!!!

No, seriously… she makes u care, and care and care and then: RIPS UR HEART OUT AND STOMPS ON IT!!!

If u r looking for an ugly cry book… THIS is it. It’ll build u up, tear u down, drop u out of a plane and make a pancake out of u only to pick up the pieces and put em through a wood chipper.

The detail is surreal, the emotions plunge u into the story aaaaand… the ending paralyzes u from head to toe.

Yeah… its 5 stars, but I swear if this doesn't end well for them I am going on my own hunting trip O.o

Poor Liam *sniffles and curls up in bed* EVIL!!!!!!

[Angela Mortimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since someone lent me Twilight, that sense dulling, so perfectly written book your eyes slide off the page I gave up with relish; I've not touched this genre again. I hate to be bored, hate beautiful words created for the perfect word alone and not to be moved or to feel. This book will give you all new hope; it is so full of life. I know there are many out there put off by many current best sellers not meant for us, the long time readers with heads full of thousands of books and searching for different....you can come back via this book. I repeat this book is full of life, the striving to be human, when you feel the pull of something wilder. You will not be disappointed.

[Christy King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the Journey

Sometimes the setting and time period was confusing in the beginning, but the story itself was so captivating, I forgot to be confused. Such beauty in the soul of this novel!

The mythology was interesting, even if I couldn't grasp the depth of it now and then. I'm still not sure what it all meant, but it was fun trying to figure things out.

Overall, a fun and wild adventure with a truly shocking ending.

[Sharon Obelenus Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adri Sinclair is the new Vampire master!!!

Everyone loves a good vampire story. But this one brings the storytelling game to a whole new level!! A mortal surrounded by immortals may seem the norm until you start reading this book. I want, no need more of this story!!!