Lady of the Dead

Night World #1

by Gretchen S.B.

A Lady of the Dead only comes along once in a century. Gwen knows this makes her valuable but she hates the constant supervision of her Warrior guards. Her increasing power has gifted her some independence until rumors of war spook her guards enough to report to the King

Cesar has been King of North America through several wars and rebellions. When one of his generals informs him these new rumors involve the Lady of the Dead he flies to Seattle himself it investigate, posing as his second-in-command. The instant attraction he feels to Gwen becomes increasingly hard to ignore.

Will Cesar be able to protect Gwen while battling his lust? Will Gwen stay with her warrior guards or will Cesar’s dominating nature push her to switch sides? Hidden alliances surface in Lady of the Dead.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2013

About the author

Gretchen is a Seattleite that loves her home. She has a day job as a Program Coordinator a local university. She loves to read, write and create characters. As well as knit and binge watch Netflix. She currently lives with her husband and their mischievous Rotti mix, who always seems to find something new she shouldn't be chewing on.

Gretchen loves to hear from her readers. So feel free to drop by:

Gretchens.b.author@gmail.com
Gretchensb.com
Twitter.com/GretchenSB
Facebook.com/authorGretchenSB
Plus.google.com/+GretchenSB

Reviews

[Anita Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.5 stars]

This book is a Paranormal Romance that follows 2 perspectives. The first perspective is Gwen who is the Lady of the Dead, this means she can access the spirit world. The other perspective we follow is Ceasar who is the Warrior King.
Gwen is a very independent character and her abilities has kept her able to stay mosly that.
When Gwen is notified of a war coming, Ceasar - being King decided to come to Seattle to investigate himself. Shortly after their meeting Ceasar touches Gwen, and instantly that starts ‘The Maddening’ which is something warriors like Ceasar goes into when they have found their mate, but hasn’t actually mated them. So Gwen has to decide whether she wants to become Warrior Queen and mate Ceasar or not, at the same time they’re trying to stop this war from happening.
Overall I enjoyed a lot of things from this book. Even if the plot makes it sound like the romance might take over, it actually didn’t. The books biggest problem was that the author wanted to do too many things at the same time, and not really coming through with it.
Her writing style could have been a little better. To me the story seemed a little drawn out in places.
I really liked Gwen’s character - I enjoyed her character a lot and some of the side characters have turned out to be my favorites from the book (Viking in particular). So this makes intrigued enough to try the second book as that will be from his perspective.

[Rob Slaven · Rating 2 out of 5]

As is often the case I received this book in exchange for an honest review but despite that kindness my candid thoughts appear below.

The nutshell-no-spoilers-summary on this one is tough because it spans several genres that don't typically tend to cohabitate between the covers of a single book. It's part crime drama, part action adventure and part John Edwards psychic fiction. One book features the undead, gritty cops, fierce warriors, werecreatures, immortals and spirits all in the backdrop of modern day Northwest America.

On the positive side, the author certainly isn't afraid to mix things up. She's brought together a lot of otherwise dissonant strings and isn't afraid to weave them together in new and creative ways. There's a lot of creativity evident in this book and the writer's textual style isn't half bad and is fairly devoid of typos and textual errors.

Sadly, the negative side gives the positive a run for its money. The overarching story is weak and the author introduces so many various characters and new types of creatures in her book that it seems forced. One barely wraps one's mind around one group of people before another one is introduced and then either included for the duration or suddenly dropped. It's as if the author tried to force several longer books into one shorter one. The whole story lacks patience and pacing is barely readable. The only way I managed to force myself to the end was hope that all the creative energy would somehow pay off. It didn't.

The author skims over so much at such a high level that I thought for a long time I was reading a YA novel. That was until I got to the EXTREMELY graphic sex scenes at which point any misunderstanding about that point was entirely lost. The author's only real attempt during the story to add any level of detail to any interaction is in those scenes of copulation.

In summary, I can't recommend this book to anyone but there is hope for the author. Given a bit more time and patience Gretchen could go far but this one particular example of her work is pretty poor.
--
Rob Slaven
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[Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

*** 3.5 Cranky Stars ***

In Lady of the Dead war is coming to the North American Night World. It's up to Gwen to bring everyone together and stop it. She also has other problems: trying to calm her volatile mate.



I wanted to love this book, but alas, it fell short of my expectations. The plot is crowded - with subplots and details and the number of players made it difficult to keep straight.



Also, the overarching story is weak, which accentuates the 'crammed' feeling with characters and groups and subplots.



In fact, I wish the book had been separated into two books. I believe it would have made it easier to follow and reduced some of the 'busyness' and given readers something solid to hang onto.



I did like the storyline. It has a lot of potential and is unique. It mixes genres and draws in elements, which aren't usually put together. I appreciate authors who take a risk and want them to deliver.



I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

With thanks to Lilac Reviews.

http://twistedbookcur.blogspot.ch/201...

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am so glad I accepted this one! It’s different from the unusual dark world stories; in such a wonderful way. I can already tell the Night World Series is going to be one of those surprise-around-every-corner series. The characters are well developed; each has a personality expressed perfectly through the writing, along with the some hilarious banter in their conversations. Lady of the Dead has suspense, action, romance, and friendship bonds like none other. I rate Lady of the Dead: Night World Series Book 1 with 4.5 Boundless Stars. I really loved it! I look forward to more of the Night World Series from Gretchen....Beth

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[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very entertaining story with plenty of humor. I loved the storyline and the characters. Gwen was clever and spunky with a definite attraction to Cesar, king of North America. This fast-paced story left me wanting to learn more about the fascinating people in Gwen and Cesar's world. A MUST READ STORY!!!!!

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is only one Lady of the Dead born every hundred years; our current on is Gwen Erwin. She doesn't just talk to the dead; she speaks to the entire Spirit World (S.B., G., 2013). She is constantly surrounded by her Warrior Guard detail consisting of several hot and hunky men but also needs her freedom to come and go as she pleases. Her "brother" is the Warrior named Viking and has been one of her main protectors for 20 years. Viking saved her life when she was a mere 7 years old.

When Gwen is called to the scene of a kidnapping, what she learns about the case from Carter Tuckman - Alpha of the Norwest Pack and Lieutenant with the King County Police - chills her to the bone. Children are being kidnapped and murdered in 7 day cycles; there have been 8 victims in 3 different counties. When Gwen shifts into the Spirit World for guidance she is approached my 3 spirits who allude to an impending war amongst those in the that she will be central to, and "open up" a door in front of magical abilities she didn't know she had.

After Gwen's Warrior detail inform Cesar, the King of North America, about the supposed war brewing in the Night World, he decides to come to Seattle himself to see what's going on. Cesar is shocked to find that this part of the country is very liberal and, in his opinion, not tight enough with the reins regarding the Lady of the Dead. He comes to Gwen as his first general Roman, but his cover doesn't last long - in fact, I'm not sure he fooled most people, since almost all of the key players figured it out long before he was actually revealed. He spends most of the book in what Gretchen S.B. has described as The Maddening. When a Warrior finds their mate, there is only limited time in which to have sexual relations with her before the Warrior goes mad, and often times, must be put to death. He spends a good portion of the novel trying to control his mate and is about as successful as someone trying to ride a wild stallion - highly unsuccessful.

Lady of the Dead has several story lines: Gwen's childhood with Viking and the role it plays; Gwen's role as Lady of the Dead; Gwen's uncharacteristic Lady of the Dead traits; the impending war and who/what is behind it; the Maddening and those involved; and my favorite enigma - Poet! Poet quickly became my absolute favorite Warrior. He's mischievous, daring, protective, humorous, and above all else - doesn't take crap from the king.

Gwen is a very likable character. She does everything within her power to help those in the Night World. She is very strong and independent, even with her Warrior guards around her. They all know her well enough to give her the space she needs or she'll just take it (by means of running away in order to get some solitude). Her running away isn't as juvenile as it sounds, however.

Cesar is a very old fashioned king. He's from a time where men were in control 100% of the time. Women were protected and not afforded the opportunity to do whatever they want, whenever they want. Boy does he meet his match in headstrong, fiercely independent Gwen. She refuses to put up with his controlling ways and secrecy. He learns, almost the hard way, that Gwen is not at all like the women of the past. It takes some special finessing from his Warrior subjects to get him to realize that.

Viking, Raider, and Poet are excellent secondary characters. They all love Gwen for different reasons and will do anything for her; including helping her "escape" when she needs it (not all 3 do this; just one).

Lady of the Dead is filled with many types of paranormal creatures and her world building around them is wonderful. We have a completely different take on the supernatural and it's refreshing. The interaction between each group and within groups is realistic, as is the dialogue. I enjoyed all of the action, mystery, and chaos surrounding the war - who is behind it, who is recruiting, where are the missing members of some of the paranormal groups, etc.

I can't wait for Book 2 as there are still unanswered questions, unfulfilled romances, and decisions to be made that could shake up the entire Night World.

Review Copy Courtesy Of: The author, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review.

[Kriss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I found a new author who is going to give Ilona Andrews and Kim Harrison a run for a money! Urban fantasy is one of my favorites fun reads. I can say without a doubt that this book took me more than just by surprise, it knocked me off my feet! By 15% I wrote the author and if she could have heard me, she would have heard me squeal! Yes, I am a dork! But seriously this is just lovely!

I just finished reading this wonderful book. Set in my old stomping grounds and reading about the people, the places and the idiosyncrasies only Northwest paranormals can have ;) I was completely taken off guard with this gem! I would not call it a paranormal romance because the majority of the book is focused around Gwen (our Lady of the Dead) and her Warriors, the weres, the spirit world, some MP’s (magic practitioners), and this time America happens to be a penal colony for… ummm well, you really need to read the book, I don’t want to give spoilers!

Lady of the Dead is set in a contemporary paranormal world with, as I mentioned above an amazing variety of paranorms. Like many of these types of urban fantasies, the paranormal world has it’s own political set up, laws and self governing system. Gwen, our Lady of the Dead, is a lovely gal and is very special because of her roll with the spirit world. She also has endured herself to the people in the area, and like most typical Pacific NW people, her idea and her guard detail of Warriors has a different take on the political system. What can I say, Pacific NW’erns are a bunch of granola-heads.

If you like a world where magic can happen and the bad guys are not just gun wielding sociopaths but tings that go bump in the night. If you like a bit of love and hot steamy romance with your urban fantasy.. if you like your men to be big strong alpha men who still have faults and a bit of bad boy in them and a willful strong female, this book is for you! vIf you like the above authors, this book is for you!

Now, for my rating? 5 star read for the read, the cover…. meh, am a cover whore, you guys know that so I gotta ding this one a bit. I am giving it a Cabin Goddess rating of 9 out of 10. I loved it! Go get our copy today!

(go to cabingoddess.com/blog/2013/12/19/lady-dead to find the special coffee recipe made just for Lady of Death!)

[Lacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved a free copy of this in exchange for an honest review.


Review will be posted here after it goes live on onebooktwo.wordpress.com

There is a world mere humans know nothing about. A world where thousand year old Warriors, Werecreatures and the Lady of the Dead, exist. The, as in only one and there has never been one quite like Gwen. What I liked: I like that the author mixes it up. This book is part mystery, part romance and part paranormal. It makes for a truly unique novel idea and while combining all these elements may seem a bit overwhelming, the author does a wonderful job of making the story flow. The characters are well written and even the secondary characters make you feel for them. I love that Gwen rebels. She accepts what she is and helps many people, but she rebels against the rules and has a sassy attitude that many modern women have. It throws the old school Warriors for a loop but it makes them even more loyal and protective of her. There are a couple of mild sex scenes but they work.

What I didn’t like: So. Many. Characters. While they were well written, the cast of characters seems more along the lines of what you would find in an epic novel. Some of the names were very similar and I had to pause a second in my reading to remember who was being talked about. Roman, Cesar/Augustus, Bandit, Buccaneer are just a few of the names that appear in the book. I spent most of the book wondering exactly what the Lady of the Dead could do besides communicate and see the ghost plane. There were several references to powers that Gwen shouldn’t have and I sincerely hope that any lingering questions will be answered in the upcoming novels. There were a few mechanical errors such the wrong word being used. But there are few of those.

I give this book four stars.

[Luna Lovebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What I liked: I like that the author mixes it up. This book is part mystery, part romance and part paranormal. It makes for a truly unique novel idea and while combining all these elements may seem a bit overwhelming, the author does a wonderful job of making the story flow. The characters are well written and even the secondary characters make you feel for them. I love that Gwen rebels. She accepts what she is and helps many people, but she rebels against the rules and has a sassy attitude that many modern women have. It throws the old school Warriors for a loop but it makes them even more loyal and protective of her. There are a couple of mild sex scenes but they work.

What I didn’t like: So. Many. Characters. While they were well written, the cast of characters seems more along the lines of what you would find in an epic novel. Some of the names were very similar and I had to pause a second in my reading to remember who was being talked about. Roman, Cesar/Augustus, Bandit, Buccaneer are just a few of the names that appear in the book. I spent most of the book wondering exactly what the Lady of the Dead could do besides communicate and see the ghost plane. There were several references to powers that Gwen shouldn’t have and I sincerely hope that any lingering questions will be answered in the upcoming novels. There were a few mechanical errors such the wrong word being used. But there are few of those.

I give this book four stars.

If you are looking for more books like this check out the second Night World Novel, Viking Sensitivity. You should also check out the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews and Kim Harrison’s The Hollows series.

[Books In Brogan]

Dynamic storytelling with a fully imagined magical world the story that the readers  will have a hard time putting down and breathlessly awaiting the sequel.  With secondary characters, that almost steal the show and make you wonder about them as much as the primary characters and leaves the series with a lot of potential for many more books to come.

I would recommend this book for any fans who miss the Kitty Norville or Sookie Stackhouse series.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan