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Koven

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When Celeste was kidnapped a century ago and turned against her will by a cruel vampire fighter, she expected to spend her doomed eternity as his slave, chained in the darkness, and she questioned her ability to survive. But things don’t always go as expected.

Just ask her kidnapper.

He never expected Celeste to learn how to fight.

He never expected Celeste to become the best warrior he had ever seen.

He never expected the secret hidden away in her blood,

And he certainly never expected to become a victim of his own sword.

Tormented by her past and the dreams she can’t explain, Celeste now roams the earth slaying the creatures she loathes—other vampires like herself—and seeking revenge against those who would harm innocents in the name of bloodlust.

Until she crosses paths with Striker, the handsome vampire leader weighed down by his own tortured story.

In his quest for answers about the stunning Celeste, Striker finds out more than he ever thought possible—about himself, his true origins, and his destiny. But the secret Celeste is keeping from him might be the one thing that keeps them apart for good—a secret even more dangerous than a new, powerful enemy they never saw coming.

As ancient mysteries, forgotten prophecies, and cruel eras collide, Celeste must confront her past as well as her future. Fighting her inner demons and letting Striker beyond the wall she built around her heart haunts her, even more than her captive past.

Enter a supernatural world of passion, lust, sexual obsession, and power that the unsuspecting humans never knew existed, until now . . .

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First published June 11, 2015

11 people want to read

About the author

Vanessa Skye

8 books16 followers
Vanessa Skye has always had a love of words and spent her school years writing poetry, speeches and fictional essays.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism and studying Psychology at Charles Sturt University, Vanessa got a job at Rural Press—Australia's largest publisher of regional and agricultural news and information—where she worked as a journalist in the Central West of NSW for four years.

Thousands of stories later, Vanessa decided to move back to Sydney and try her hand at public relations while studying a Master of Arts in Communication.
Skip forward a few years and Vanessa once again found herself joyfully studying various psychology subjects while managing a Sydney public relations firm. Enthralled with examining the motivations behind people’s actions, Vanessa realized what she really wanted to do in life was combine her love of words with her fascination for human behavior.
So Vanessa quit public relations to begin the significantly more impoverished life of a professional writer.

Inspired by a recurring dream, Vanessa wrote her crime fiction debut, The Enemy Inside, which challenges the concept of justice, asks if the need for vengeance sometimes justifies murder, and explores whether you can ever heal from childhood abuse. The second book in this Edge of Darkness series, Broken, soon followed. The third and final book in this series, Bloodlines, was released on January 15, 2015.
Vanessa’s first paranormal romance book, Koven, was released in May 2015.

In 2016, Vanessa released the first book in a new adult fantasy series, Phoenix.

In her spare time, Vanessa wrote a short story, The Piece, which was published in February 2012 by Dark Prints Press as a part of the One That Got Away dark fiction anthology.

Vanessa now works as a full time writer, lives in Sydney’s northern beaches and tries to immerse herself in salt water at least once a day.

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Lynxie.
711 reviews78 followers
June 4, 2015
Koven, Vanessa Skye's new Paranormal book, the start of a series or trilogy or something, is a rather interesting read.

With some of the vampire norms (drinking blood, fangs, heightened sexual desire etc.), and some new ones, the book takes the reader on a twisted little ride through Celeste's past and present all filled with danger.

I liked Celeste, I liked Striker too, our male lead, but I felt their 'relationship' was a bit rushed (bordering on insta-love), and while there were complexities, I felt it was purely fuelled by sexual attraction and nothing else. (minus one star.)

The weaving threads of the story and how they tied Celeste and Striker together, was really enjoyable. I particularly liked the ceremonial initiation into the Koven; it was a great idea and one that sparked many interesting thoughts about the vampire society as a whole.

The belief system of the vampire society was also a fresh and exciting part of this book. I loved the idea of corruption and deceit amongst the vampires, the introduction of a hybrid (not unlike some of the other vampire inspired shows these days) race and all the complexities that come with these new facets of their society.

Some of the plot twists felt really obvious to me, almost signposted, and this is why I've subtracted another star, because I know Vanessa can do better. I've seen it in her Enemy Inside series.

BUT that does not mean that I didn't enjoy this book. I did! A lot! It just wasn't Vanessa's best. However, I would still strongly recommend this book to vampire lovers, paranormal romance lovers and those who enjoy reading books with sassy heroines and hot male leads.

I noticed one typo:
90% - They (delete y) accounts and businesses have been...

**Note: I was provided an electronic copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Profile Image for Hetal.
804 reviews112 followers
February 2, 2017
For this review and more visit my blog

Received in ebook format in exchange for an honest review.

Striker: Omg you're hot.
Celeste: Omg, ew get away bozo. (well he is kinda hot, but NO)
Striker: But everyone thinks I'm hot!
Celeste: Bah Felicia.

I almost DNFed this book around 35% through, but I'm glad I didn't, despite the uhh, beginning which played out as described above.

Celeste is a vampire that is turned against her will. Her badass skills give Striker, the oh so powerful Koven leader, a run for his money and he immediately falls for her (because why not), but she's on her guard. Why (there is always a damn catch)? There are people who are out for her blood, but who and why?

I really did enjoy this book after striking stop being love sick puppy and Celeste started revealing her secrets. After they all came out it was a fast-paced run straight till the end. Vanessa Skye has clearly taken her time to think about this plot and how each and every twist effects each and every facet of Striker and Celeste's lives.

I am thoroughly looking forward to the next book to see Striker and Celeste interact as a team as well as to see the repercussions of events that took place at the end of the book!

Reader's note: this book can be pretty dark at times and is a definite trigger warning.
Profile Image for Jen.
3,611 reviews
June 11, 2015
Check out the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.

Note: This ARC was provided by The Writers Coffee Shop in exchange for an honest review.

Koven is the first novel in the new paranormal series from author Vanessa Skye and creates an interesting world wherein vampires are not the evil creatures that have made some pact with the devil in order to become immortal but are actually the way they are because of a virus, making them physically stronger and having longer lives than regular humans. There's also a hierarchy within vampire society, and as is the case with societies that have stratification, not everyone is thrilled with the idea that there are those who are given varying degrees of power while countless others do not have any at all. Here, there is Kouncil, vampires that yield the most power because of their being the elders in their world, and Koven, vampire warriors that are able to protect their world from rogue vampires that were created without the consent of and do not adhere to rules set by Kouncil. So, while it is a vampire society, it's one that brings with it an air of familiarity to readers because it's similar to the society we live in or have read about.

I'm a fan of female lead characters who are not only able to hold their own with their male counterparts but can often surpass other males in a story. Celeste is one such heroine, never allowing her past to make her feel like anything less than what she truly was: someone who didn't merely survive but a woman who endured and persevered and made it to the other side with her head held high. In a society like theirs were females were often seen as never at par with males, Celeste was a vampire who commanded rather than demanded attention. Though she's experienced a great deal, both as a human and a vampire, she's never felt love or desire until she meets Striker, and, in a change of pace, it is he who gives her a bit of vulnerability.

There are a few twists in the story and I was able to guess the secret she was keeping from Striker as well as who it was in Koven who was actually a member of Kovenant. And while I was happy that I figured those out correctly, the story was so absorbing that it didn't really matter as much that I was right because knowing didn't really take away from the fast-paced story. There's a lot of intrigue and mystery in this novel but don't doubt that there's enough of a love story to satisfy paranormal romance readers. I enjoyed every bit of this book, and while it does end in a cliffhanger (gah, these evil cliffhangers!), with Vanessa Skye's brand of writing, you know the wait will be worth it until the second book comes out. Aside from adding it to my list of 2015 favorite reads, I'm highly recommending Koven and giving it five stars. ♥
Profile Image for T.S. Arthur.
Author 14 books29 followers
June 6, 2015
Celeste, a vampire with a very painful past, is determined to locate a mysterious organisation responsible for her pain. Striker is the leader of a protective band of vampires, Koven, charged with her capture and execution. It all sounds so simple, but when intrigue and powerful forces come into play, it changes the game they're both playing.

Before I go any further - I bloody loved this book! Anyone who's read my reviews knows just how much just love vampires, they're my Achilles heel, but so often they're overdone and full of cliches, but Koven blows most other vampire novels I've read completely out of the ball park. The creation of the Kouncil, Koven and then the added mystery of the Queens and konsorts all weaved together in a totally believable, yet very refreshing view on typical vampire lore.

The plot was full of twists and turns, I never knew exactly where Skye was going to take this novel. This, combined with a fast paced plot, had me hooked from the start and totally absorbed in Celeste and Striker's story. I found myself ignoring things that needed doing so I could spend the extra time reading.

Celeste and Striker, as leading characters were superb. They were developed, a pleasure to read, and their conflict over their feelings for each other was well written and very easy to get lost in. The support characters of Bradford, Rodham and the other Koven guys were just as entertaining to read, but Celeste really stole the show. Her back story, the pain, her recovery, it was just shine to read and she is such a powerful, strong lead character.

And so, before I keep you any longer, I can only say - buy this, find a quiet room and read it, preferably in one sitting. It's awesome, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Gripping, exciting and just fabulous from start to finish, this is a must read for anyone interested in the vampire genre. I mean this when I say I honestly cannot wait for another installment in what promises to be an excellent saga.

*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
Profile Image for Shawna.
92 reviews4 followers
May 29, 2015
Koven is a novel by Vanessa Skye. This book brought the vampire world to a whole other level, I absolutely love what she did with it and I was hooked from the beginning. This was a very well thought out and written book with great detail in all parts of the story. Celeste and Striker are awesome characters that grow tremendously during this book and i couldn't have been rooting for a more deserving couple. Being a woman myself I love strong female roles when reading, and let me just say that Celeste is a total bad%#@! I love her spunky and cocky attitude, she rocks and she knows it! But she is also a female with a horrible past and so many insecurities because of it. That is another reason I like her so much, she never let any of that hold her down, she uses her past to make her stronger and push her toward her goal, I couldnt ask for a better character. Aaaaand Striker, mmmmm (hold on while I get a towel and clean up this drool on my desk). I love his attitude as well, he has that cockiness too and knows exactly what he wants when he sees just how awesome Celeste is and is determined to get exactly what he wants, her forever. With that comes his strength both physical and emotional, he sees her pain, knows her past and wants nothing but to be her rock. Oh but will she let him??? Will the painful truth of his past tear what they do have apart???Those are questions only the story itself can tell you. This is also one of those paranormal romance books where there is SO much more than just the romance and I loved that about it. Yes the love scenes are totally drool worthy and keep you wanting more of this couple, but the action scenes are just as great and will keep you on your toes with the twists, turns and shocking betrayal throughout the book.This series isn't over either, Vanessa has opened up a whole new world and I personally cant wait to dig deeper into it.

This is a Danielle's Domain review
http://daniellesdomainreviews.blogspo...
Profile Image for Gladys Gonzales Atwell.
396 reviews22 followers
July 6, 2015
*This book has been provided by the publisher/author to me for an honest review.

Let me just tell you that I have not read a vampire book with so much action, true fighting formation and blood lust in a while. The Vampire Lore is a little unique from the norm but was well developed and exquisitely executed.

Stricker is a handsome and faithful vampire leader to the Koven. True to his own tortured past but honest and honorable to the Koven Organization. He is has been set to seek out a vampire that is dispatching unsanctioned kills in their city. Why? He has not a clue, they are rouges anyway and killing them is his teams job anyway. The KILLER is helping them anyway. So either the killer joins them or dies! Whatever Kouncil wants they get!! To find the Vampire Rouge Killer and bring HER in, to JOIN. What he didn't expect was that the killer was a she and that she knew how to fight. He also didn't expect her to fight like him to a perfect tee.

She is tormented and as beautiful as he is handsome and he wants her within Koven's organizations but there are technicalities. SHE IS NOT SUPPOSE TO EXIST!!! Those technicalities are what makes this novel a 5 STAR Hit for me!! The twists! The abnormalities! HER RESISTANCE! It does remind me loosely of Jeaniene Frost's Dark Huntress Series but it doesn't. Does that make sense!!

This book is the first of many, I hope to be reading from Vanessa Sky!! I love her writing style. Her love scenes do NOT take away from the story line BUT enhance them.

I tip my NERD GIRL hat to you and hope to read more about your VAMPS!!! XOXO!! I highly recommend this book to my partner #NerdGirlVamp

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fan Site: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.NG***
2 reviews23 followers
July 29, 2015
"Koven" by Vanessa Skye, is not your typical Vampire novel.

From the very first page, you're drawn into a world of mystery and intrigue as you follow Striker, the leader of Koven, on his mission to purge the city of rogues, and to learn more about the mysterious Celeste.

Celeste catches Striker's eye and his fancy, but in his determination to gain her as a member of Koven and learn her history, he comes to find she is more than a pretty face who can fight battles with skills to match and best the top male warriors he knows.

With a story that twists through the battle lines of love and loyalty, "Koven" speeds up the heart rate with steamy love scenes, suspenseful plot twists, and breathtaking details that make you feel like you're in the midst of a fantasy action adventure with a front row view.

Vampire lore and myth told in a refreshing new way that doesn't dazzle or sparkle, but takes you to the darker side of the fantasy.

You find yourself drawn into the story, running alongside Striker and Celeste and unable to stop until you turn the very last page.

Profile Image for Wyndy.
39 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2015
Koven is a new novel by Vanessa Skye. She is known for well-developed characters that take you for a ride in the dark and twisted while sucking you into her character's world. Koven is no different. She has brought us a vampire world that is different and intriguing.

I loved her badass heroine with her cocky attitude. Celeste has had a troubled past and makes you want to root for her and Striker, the hot leader of the vampire Koven, as their story develops. I love paranormal romance and characters that grow as the story unfolds so that you can really enjoy the journey. Ms. Skye delivered in all areas!

If you love twists and turns, secrets, action-packed fights and lots of vampire hotness, then this story is for you. Though, the cliffhanger leaves you dying for more (and I hope that there is another story in the works!) it is still well worth the read. It is a fast-paced story that keeps you hooked to the end.

I easily give this 5 stars!
Profile Image for Yellagirlgc.
404 reviews45 followers
August 14, 2015
I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review.
Celeste was sold to a brothel as a teenager by her parents. A vampire become obsessed with her and while continuously beating her and her trying to kill herself eventually turned her into a vampire as well. Once she kills her Maker she spends her nights killing rogue vampires preying on humans while trying to find vampires that belong to Kovenant.
Striker has been a vampire for almost 4 centuries. He's the leader of the Koven in America. He's never seen a fighter like Celeste and wants her in his bed and as a member of Koven whose job is to kill rogues who prey on humans, protect the Kouncil and serve as brothers to each other.
The Kovenant wants to rule humans, vampires and hybrids. Its the Kovens job to stop them.
This book was a fresh new take on where vampire's come from & I finished it in one day. Great job Vanessa Skye i look forward to the next book!!
Profile Image for Michelle (Adventure in Bookland).
325 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2015
Koven was a world full of vampires where nothing is what it seems. There are traders in the mist of Striker’s Koven and a woman who he cant stop thinking about.

Vanessa Skye did a create job creating a world of vampires and the traditions they had. I haven’t read a vampire novel, which had kovens and become apart of the koven. Stricker’s Koven is full of tradition and even know he doesn’t agree with some things the kouncil does, he keeps traditions alive, but what he doesn’t know is the corruption with in his world. Celeste on the other hand has lived alone for sometime after her dark past. Once she opened up and talked about her past, I enjoyed her a bit more.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast paced book full of twist and turns with a bot of action!

Profile Image for Alfred Nobile.
791 reviews12 followers
July 13, 2015
I received this book from the author herself as a goodreads give away. Not my usual genre. I have read books about vampires before but not what can be termed a paranormal romance. The fact that i enjoyed this book is down to two main reasons. Firstly the excellence of Ms.Skye's writing and the fast moving plot. Once you get used to vampires texting and using mobile phones it is great. And i mean why shouldn't they? they live a very long time if not actually being immortal. That is another thing that appealed. Though set in the modern world she kept the medieval element eg. sword fights etc. I am glad I won this book and look forward to the sequel and if I can't win it I will buy it. Thanks once again for an excellent book.
4,817 reviews16 followers
September 29, 2016
Vampires were originated by a virus in the beginning. They became stronger and lived longer then humans. There is a hierarchy in the vampire world.There is the Kouncil which were the elders and they held the most power, There was also Koven who were warrior vampires that protect the vampire world from rogue vampires and led by Striker who was four centuries old. Rogues were created without the Kounsils permission and didn’t follow the Kouncil’s rules. Celeste had been sold as a teenager by her parents to a brothel but she didn’t let her past rule her and endures and came out ahead and holds her head high. Celeste had never loved or desired anyone before Striker. Kovenant wants to rule vampirres, humans and hybrids. Koven’s job id to stop them. Celeste was a teenager when she was sold to a brothel by her parents. But Celeste won’t let her past rule her and endures and came out ahead and holds her head up high. Celeste never loved or desired anyone before Striker. Who had been vampire four centuries. Kovenant wants to rule vampires, humans, and hybrids. Koven’s job was to stop Kovenant. Celeste kills vampires out to hurt or kill humans and vampires like her from her dead master she had killed.
I loved this story the action, the romance. How Celeste rose above her past and was very strong mentally and physically. I rooted for Striker and Celeste they both deserved some happiness especially Celeste with what had happened to her in her past. This story is fast paced. I loved the ins and outs and twists of this story. This story wasn’t a five because I hate cliffhangers and this one ended up in one wasn’t too happy about this. I hope to I get to read the next part of this story. I recommend.
I I received an ARC of this story for an honest review.
Profile Image for Alexis.
581 reviews6 followers
October 22, 2015
So I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I totally enjoyed this book. In some way it reminded me of the Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series, but totally in a great way.
Koven has the makings of a great new series!!!
A century ago after Celeste's mother sold her to a brothel she was singled out and then kidnapped and turned by cruel, sadistic master vampire. His mistake was that he thought he broke her, he told Celeste about his plans for the vampire world, he allowed her to watch, train and do combat with his warriors. Celeste was much stronger then he ever thought when she was finally able she broke free killing him in the process.
Now Celeste's goal is revenge, to stop all the plans that her ex-captor had put into motion. Now she roams the night on her own slaying rouge vampires and seeking information on Kovenant.
Until she crosses paths with Striker the Koven warrior and leader, who gives her the access and backup she can use by joining Koven. Striker has his own past he is trying to come to terms with and when he meets Celeste he has no idea just how far the connection goes for them both.
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