Cast in Blood

Revelations #1

by Christine Sutton, Lisa Lane, Jaime Johnesee

An unknown force threatens Heaven and Hell, along with every soul on Earth. Three unlikely heroes join together to restore universal balance. Will their shared adversary initiate an Apocalypse before they're able to uncover the truth, or will they rise to a calling that has, from the beginning of time, been Cast in Blood?

Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, Amazon, Thriller

270 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2015

Reviews

[JenacideByBibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by Raven PA, for an honest review.

Opinion: This is book 1 in the Revelations series by not one, but THREE authors. It is an interesting take on Heaven and Hell, Angels and Demons, an apocalypse, and the backstory between God and Lucifer.

This story starts out following one of our main characters named Lenore, or Lenny, who is a “closet” shapeshifter. After living a life on the streets, Lenny finally finds sanctuary in a church organization called Children of Light, which is run by the ever bizarre Father Hershel Chambers. Children of Light works as an outreach program instilled to help the community and assists the homeless, or so Lenny is told. Soon, the place and leader that Lenny was starting to believe in turns out to be something completely different when she is introduced to Lucifer’s first knight, Polly. Polly (Appollyn), our second main character, is the right-hand woman to Lucifer in Hell and works as the bounty hunter for escapees. As Polly is lead to the Children of Light to find an escaped Djinn, she comes across something that is much bigger than anything she could have imagined. Once Lucifer realizes that there is a significant lack of souls coming into Hell, it soon comes to light that someone or something is stealing souls from both Heaven and Hell. She (yes, Lucifer is a woman) puts Polly, Lenny, and a succubus by the name of Drew to work to find out what is going on and to restore balance back to the world before it’s too late.

I honestly had a bit of a rocky start with this book. I had barely any kind of a book description which, by the way, has been driving me ABSOLUTELY INSANE lately! I understand the idea of wanting to leave a little mystery to your story and not wanting to give too much away, but really? I need a little bit more to go off of here! Anyways, I started reading this book with only the generalization of what it was about. Demons, Heaven and hell, epic battle for the ages, blah blah blah. The first few chapters I got hooked following Lenny around this cult-like place she had started residing in. But once the story turned over to Polly and she was going through the details of her duties and her plans, I got a bit…bored. Why? Well, I felt like there was just TOO much explaining and ongoing dialogue with herself. As you all know, I am a crazy person about needing details and description in a story but I don’t want to feel like the character has just run away with her thoughts. In this case, sometimes less is more. On a positive note, this style of writing starts to taper off during the rest of the story and takes on a better flow.

Something interesting: this story has three authors and each author took on the role of one of the characters. I LOVE this idea! It definitely lets the writers give their own style and flare to the character; as well as, assists each character in keeping their originality. I have always liked a book about demons and angels, and I especially enjoy seeing how an author puts their own creative spin on iconic characters. I thought turning Lucifer into a woman was very welcome and different, and making the main characters a core of strong butt-kicking woman was AWESOME! These authors did a great job of developing a backstory for this world and they even incorporated the Greek gods into it. In regards to Drew, who is a succubus, and Lenny, who is a shapeshifter; these characters started out not knowing too much about their powers and abilities. I found it unrealistic that they both just MAGICALLY figured out how to control their skills and master them. This part just didn’t seem very realistic to me, but then again, this entire story isn’t too realistic is it? Fair enough.

Though I was unsure at first with this book, I turned out to really enjoy it and found myself quite hooked on the story-line. This is book one of the series, so I will probably end up going to purchase book 2 Cast in Fire on Amazon.com. If you guys enjoy The Mortal Instruments series or anything that incorporates Heaven and Hell into their story, but hates when romance gets in the way, this series is for you! Did I mention there is NO ROMANCE?! Yes I know, awesome.

[Mitsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, different and fast paced story! It's a mix of hell and paranormal creatures in a religious cult! I love the different story line! It's the first time I've read a novel written by three authors and I love it.

[Carol orr · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Entertaining novel

No plot spoilers
No potential triggers
There is quite a bit of swearing but no sex scenes.
Which is odd when you consider one of the characters is a succubus, but it seriously does not detract from the story.
The characterisation is good, but not quite enough to allow the reader to form a connection with the characters.
I love the idea of Lucy, and the 'backstory' from when the Angels fell from Heaven.
The three main characters do have individual personalities but are still much alike.
The plotline meanders a bit before getting to the point, with a fair bit of power exhibition from each of the characters. That possibly meant the story lost its way for a short while.
It all sort of pulls together during the last few chapters and that made the ending feel a little forced and rushed. As if the authors realised they were running out of pages.
It has an excellent premise but it's not quite realised.
That's probably due to having three co-authors. It's incredibly difficult for three authors each with their own writing style to make a success of a book and although it's not the best book I've ever read it certainly isn't the worst.
I first read the book years ago and subsequently lost access to the kindle account, I was happy to find and purchase it again.
It looks like a three parter and I fully intend to purchase the next book in the series.
If you are a fan of the genre I have no problem recommending the book.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you combine a team with a shifter, succubus and the First Knight of Hell demon all working for Lucifer, who just happens to be a woman? You get one amazing story written by 3 women authors who create intriguing characters and a roller coaster ride of a story. It grabs you right at the start and never lets go.
Heaven and Hell are both fighting for survival as the volume of souls needed has dropped drastically. Something or someone is plotting against them and trying to start a war.
Can these 3 women, Lenny, Drew and Polly who are all working for Lucy (Lucifer) stop the Children of Light Church, who under the guise of helping runaways and the homeless are actually killing and stockpiling the souls for some evil plan? You need to read this book to get the answers.
I highly recommend this book and series if you love the supernatural genre. I am now digging into the 2nd book in this awesome series.

[Greg Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast in blood

A good read for people who are in to the series recommend highly can't wait for the next one of the series a really enjoyable read but quick shaping up to be a enjoyable series must read the next one of the series

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lenny is at the Children of Light church one night, taking out the trash. Some noise catches her attention. What is it behind the dumpster that has caught that attention? Once she returns to the kitchen of the church, she sees something else outside through the window. What is she seeing? What is happening to her? When she is asked to take sandwiches to a few of the men, what does she see? What happens? Who is Dale and what does he do for Lenny? Who is this man at the church who calls himself the true Messiah? The father? Who are the faithful of this church? What are they? Where did they come from? What happens when Lenny sees Dale disposing of something, his trash so to speak? What does she learn that night and what happens when someone comes and knocks on her door while she's talking to Polly? Who is Polly? What exactly does she want with Lenny? Does Lenny help her or not? What happens if she doesn't? What happens if she does? Man oh man, the intrigue, mystery, suspense and thrills that I found in this book were out of this world, almost literally. It is one to read. It was a fun read. Read it to find out what is truly going on at the Children of Light church? Is it a cult like the name makes it sound like it might be? Or is there something more to the church? Hmm. This is an interesting take on organized religion, heaven and hell.

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan.

[A Book Lover's Emporium Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do i describe Cast in Blood? Take 3 authors, the concept of Heaven and Hell, religious cults and change the sex of the main characters and you have Cast in Blood. Each author takes on a female character in the book and writes from that point of view. It could be confusing but it works really well and each flows nicely to the next. As for changing the sex of the characters. What would Hell be like if it was run by a woman. Not Lucifer but Lucy, and the fallen angels weren't men but women. The first Knight of Hell is Apollyon or Polly (Jaime Johnesee) and she recruits Lenore (Christine Sutton) who is a shape shifter and Drew (Lisa Lane) to help find out who is letting out the demons out of Hell to aid a religious cult! It is a strange tale and there are genuine funny parts in this book and it moves along at a fast pace. It plays on the fact that Lucifer is now a woman and she has the same issues that a normal woman has - time of the month type issues and emotional swings. You dont want PMT in Hell!. Because it is different from the normal Heaven and Hell story I really enjoyed this book, its great to read a subject matter that is well known and have a twist. The three authors work well together and have a produced a great book. It is very difficult to tell that it is written by three authors and the joins are seamless. This is the first in a series of books, with Cast in Fire being the next installment. I'll be looking out for that.

***** 5 star read for being different! *****

[Maghon Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a cool way for three authors to write one story. Lenny, Drew and Polly are all leading ladies but they all have a different voice and a different path, yet the three together take on a whole slew of crazy to defeat it. Amazingly well done!!

Lenny was taken in by the Children of Light church. She never suspected evil supernaturals were running it and converting and killing people. But when Polly appears, helps her and opens her eyes, she's willing to fight to help. Lenny is supernatural but doesn't know it, Polly is first knight of hell for lucifer- dude Lucy is awesome!!- and Drew gets thrown into the mix as a sucubus. When everything starts going to hell or heaven and souls are being stolen, it's down to the nitty gritty for these ladies to do everything the can to save everyone. And high five to girl power!

There's some seriously bad parts and some horrible situations but they are real so it's so believable. The world building is fascinating and I can't wait to see what's in store for our ladies on book two. I would love to know more about Lucy though there's a good bit of explanation in here. The writing is different because each author writes differently and that's cool too. Though sometimes the authors would repeat the same thing like the fall and how things got to where they are. A little repetitive but better than lacking important info. I can't wait for more!! 4.5 PAWS!!

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a very intriguing premise with a different take on angels and demons. Hell is run by a former angel named Lucifer (or Lucy as she prefers to be called). She was demoted to her position as punishment for her actions against God. Many of the demons are angry about their lesser status and are now uniting against those in power. Lucy has three very different women helping her avoid the Apocalypse. I love that it is these strong females that are leading the charge to save the world from the Apocalypse.

I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Apollyon (Polly) was a former angel and is a First Knight of Hell. She is an expert in torture works closely with Lucy to protect and serve. She leads the mission and recruits Lenny and Drew. Lenny is definitely my favorite. She is a shapeshifter and can change into anyone. She was abandoned by her parents and on the streets for many years until she got caught up in the web of the demons. She is kind-hearted and very brave in taking on battles on behalf of others. Drew is part succubus and works as a prostitute. She has skills she is just learning about that are very helpful with their mission.

It is very well-written and I didn't want to put it down until I had finished it. I like that even though it is part of a series, it left you with a feeling of closure on this chapter and excited for the next assignment.

I received a copy in return for a honest review.

[Ernesto I. Ramirez · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am ambivalent about this complete book. It has pretty good ideas, but the execution is shaky at best. It does shows that the book has been written by different people, mostly in the lack of editorial support. It's not that is baddly written (it's not perfect, but in general is fun and interesting, which is why I finished it) but you can see the lack of consistency a long the book: you get different descriptions of hell, different viewpoints of the war in Heaven (from people that should be on the same book), there are sketchy time lapses between events, things that happened at the same time with a different viewpoint changed deeply (in a battle where there were no humans any more, Polly suddenly had to go through lots of them), the villian's actions in some moments made no sense, but most important discoveries and clues that the characters found were later forgotten or ignored. Even a whole paragraph appeared close to the beginning of the book and it clearly was part of somewhere else (around the middle of the second half of the book where it appeared once more)

I know a work like this can be hard to coordinate so many authors working on the same story... but that is why there are editors and proof readers... and someone did not make them a favor giving a green light to this book withoit fixing all that.

Again it was fun and interesting and intriguing enough that I might think to read the second one, maybe.

[Denise Keef · Rating 5 out of 5]

When three authors, each an amazing story teller in their own right, come together and collaborate on a story, you can bet that it will be one helluva great one! Cast In blood is an imaginative story of Hell and a good one at that. With a fantastic cast of characters, this story is filled with action that has quite a few twists and turns and that definitely sucks you in. This is a much needed breath of fresh air in the paranormal genre as demons…good and bad…yes…some demons can be good when need be, that I am so looking forward to the next book in this series! So do not hesitate to get a copy of this light and entertaining book because it will be money well spent.

[PJ Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, quite hard to tell that it's written by three authors. It progressed steadily so we got to know all the main characters, but it still had plenty of action so it didn't become boring.
The plot itself was well thought out and very enjoyable, a lot of twists and turns.
Loved all the strong female leads and Lucy, especially, was a bit of a surprise. Plenty of bad guys, some idiots and some plain evil.
Looking forward to the next part of the story to see what happens next to all the girls.

[Kristen Gough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a highly entertaining read that I couldn't get enough of! It's a well written and successful combination of the work of three great authors and is a great start to an exciting new series! The characters are complex and the storyline is creative and interesting enough that it held my attention very well through the entire read. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future. I highly recommend this to anyone to read and I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimberly C. Winslow · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Dose of Evil!

The line between good and evil is depicted so brilliantly murky. Things aren't usually black and white and I enjoyed the creativity with the many shades of grey. Love the twist on gender, religion, and mythology and the blending the author did with all of them!

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book provided by Raven PA Booktours in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting spin on Hell and the demons, along with Heaven. I liked the freshness of the story. Drew, Kenny and Polly were a good part of the book. Having the three main characters and the slew of other characters in the book made some parts hard to follow.

This is a cliffhanger and it will be nice to see how the next battle ensues.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hella Good Read ...

... From a fabulous writing team! A fast-paced read that (more than) lives up to its REVELATIONS title ... with apocalyptic doom lurking over Heaven and Hell as well as Earth. I eagerly await another action-filled story in the next installment.

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting spin on hell and the demons. I liked the freshness of the story. Drew, Kenny and Polly were a good part of the book. This is a cliffhanger and it will be nice to see how the next battle ensues. Book provided by Raven PA Booktours in exchange for an honest review.

[Mark Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start by three of my favorite authors!

[Taylor]

This book may be fantastic, unfortunately with the christian-church turned cult and changes made to Biblical facts and the use of strong language I could not get into it....sorry!

[Sarai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow

But it interesting concept. Love the mythos and would like to see if the series improves. Not a lot out there like it

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, I loved Lenny. I only wish I had it in paperback, because I really liked the way it was written. I cannot wait to read more from this author.

[KAREN RAY · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't care for this book. Not my type

[Kathy Harrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good.... just not my cup of tea I guess. The writing was well done though.

[Marley Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book kept me entranced the whole time and great characters

[Amanda DeLoach · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome