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Vampire Descendants #1
Newborn
Growing up on the rough streets of western Sydney, seventeen-year-old Helena Callahan has always been a fighter. Her philosophy is simple: be sly, agile, and never get caught doing something illegal. And that’s what her world was all about—breaking the law.
With no parents around, Helena is forced to sell her body to make a living. It wasn’t ideal, but it was how she survived after running away from home. Nothing ever seemed to change for Helena. It was always the same dauntless routine. At least that was until she is streetwalking one night and witnesses a supernatural murder.
Among being caught in a bizarre love-triangle, Helena is thrown into a new lifestyle that is surrounded by undead creatures, magical prophecies, and a compelling psychopath that she is bound to for an eternity. Now the cunning heroine is forced into a different kind of battle in order of survival. Only this one means war.
With no parents around, Helena is forced to sell her body to make a living. It wasn’t ideal, but it was how she survived after running away from home. Nothing ever seemed to change for Helena. It was always the same dauntless routine. At least that was until she is streetwalking one night and witnesses a supernatural murder.
Among being caught in a bizarre love-triangle, Helena is thrown into a new lifestyle that is surrounded by undead creatures, magical prophecies, and a compelling psychopath that she is bound to for an eternity. Now the cunning heroine is forced into a different kind of battle in order of survival. Only this one means war.
- GenresSupernatural
332 pages, ebook
First published May 17, 2010
8 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Emma Lowe
4 books53 followersAward-winning novelist, Emma Lowe, has been writing professionally since 2010, when she was featured in Girlfriend magazine for her first online edition of Newborn. Since then, Emma has published multiple novels and had many of her stories go viral on Wattpad. When not writing, Emma chooses to spend her free time rescuing stray cats, doing various kinds of volunteer work, and also running her Youtube channel, where she posts videos to help guide budding writers. Beyond that, Emma enjoys reading fantasy novels, collecting Pop Funko from her favourite TV shows, and mentally dating fictional characters.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 29, 2014
This book can be found on http://www.wattpad.com/user/Emmiie the author is currently in the process of publishing this fabulous piece of work. It truly brings a whole new world alive where nothing is expected. I have never gotten into a book so much before. I read all three in a week and I am currently awaiting the fourth. I recommend this book to anyone; it is far from what you'd expect and nothing like the cliched books nowadays.
March 25, 2016
The original story was good, but this one is heaps better. Can't wait for Spellbound.
August 5, 2019
I am a Vampire fanatic! I love absolutely anything that has to do with Vampires, but get irritated when they are portrayed poorly. I first read Newborn with an open mind and I am really glad that I did! Newborn is a new sensation of the Vampire trope! It is one of the best I have read in a really long time and I plan on continuing to read more of the Helena Series, as I am with the 2nd book - Spellbound.
Helena is a great character and written in first person makes this story even more relatable. I absolutely love the fact she is so genuine as a person, as a character. Not one of those fake people all inhumanly able to do everything whatsoever!
Darien is my favorite character of all though. He's swoon worthy and day dream fantasy overtake! I think he over takes my other Fantasy boyfriends by a long shot ;)
Again, I am a huge Vampire fanatic, so being in love with this book is saying a lot because I take my Vampire books extremely seriously!
But also, this series alone has helped me a lot. It has helped bring me out of a spell of depression when I didn't think there was anyone truly listening to me. The way Helena has to overcome life changes in dramatic ways really speaks to my heart as someone who has been through a lot in such a short span of time. Her character speaks to me, involves me in her life and I feel a deep connection with her. This series has helped me greatly and I couldn't be more grateful that it was written when it was, because otherwise I don't know if I would have ever come across it and the author (who by the way, is such an amazing person!)
Can't wait to keep reading! <3
Helena is a great character and written in first person makes this story even more relatable. I absolutely love the fact she is so genuine as a person, as a character. Not one of those fake people all inhumanly able to do everything whatsoever!
Darien is my favorite character of all though. He's swoon worthy and day dream fantasy overtake! I think he over takes my other Fantasy boyfriends by a long shot ;)
Again, I am a huge Vampire fanatic, so being in love with this book is saying a lot because I take my Vampire books extremely seriously!
But also, this series alone has helped me a lot. It has helped bring me out of a spell of depression when I didn't think there was anyone truly listening to me. The way Helena has to overcome life changes in dramatic ways really speaks to my heart as someone who has been through a lot in such a short span of time. Her character speaks to me, involves me in her life and I feel a deep connection with her. This series has helped me greatly and I couldn't be more grateful that it was written when it was, because otherwise I don't know if I would have ever come across it and the author (who by the way, is such an amazing person!)
Can't wait to keep reading! <3
June 11, 2019
In a time when I was really struggling to find the peace of mind to read, this book appeared. It was the first one is managed to read and thoroughly enjoy in ages.
The characters are witty and funny, and even their darker sides are something you love. I can't wait to read the next book and definitely recommend the series to those who like their romance and vampire books a little more dark and gritty
The characters are witty and funny, and even their darker sides are something you love. I can't wait to read the next book and definitely recommend the series to those who like their romance and vampire books a little more dark and gritty
February 14, 2019
Dark, gritty and sexy... Everything you want in a vampire novel, plus more.
Emma has a cunning way to set her world and help get you inside her character's heads.
Great read, you won't be disappointed.
Emma has a cunning way to set her world and help get you inside her character's heads.
Great read, you won't be disappointed.
October 30, 2018
Absolutely addicting and easy to read. Couldn't put it down once I started reading. :)
October 30, 2024
Emma Lowe’s Newborn takes readers into the gritty, unpredictable life of Helena Callahan, a woman from the rough streets of Western Sydney who’s no stranger to survival in its rawest form. Helena’s world, shaped by hardship and danger, gets an electrifying twist when she witnesses a supernatural murder that pulls her into a new, terrifying underworld. Caught between a sinister love triangle and a dark prophecy, Helena’s fight for survival escalates, blending fantasy with edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Emma crafts Helena as a fierce, complex protagonist whose wit and resourcefulness make her immediately engaging. Her transition from street-savvy fighter to supernatural survivor is captivating, allowing readers to root for her as she grapples with the terrifying allure of an undead society. The paranormal elements are deftly woven, adding layers of intrigue that keep the story unpredictable and utterly immersive.
With its gripping plot and a strong, resilient heroine, Newborn offers a dark, thrilling ride into a world of magic, survival, and undying love. Emma Lowe has crafted a fresh take on supernatural fantasy, one that grips you and doesn’t let go until the very last page. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy with grit and heart.
Emma crafts Helena as a fierce, complex protagonist whose wit and resourcefulness make her immediately engaging. Her transition from street-savvy fighter to supernatural survivor is captivating, allowing readers to root for her as she grapples with the terrifying allure of an undead society. The paranormal elements are deftly woven, adding layers of intrigue that keep the story unpredictable and utterly immersive.
With its gripping plot and a strong, resilient heroine, Newborn offers a dark, thrilling ride into a world of magic, survival, and undying love. Emma Lowe has crafted a fresh take on supernatural fantasy, one that grips you and doesn’t let go until the very last page. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy with grit and heart.
June 20, 2018
I read this book recently (ebook version) and my overall thoughts can be summed up in one word: okay.
'Newborn' is okay. It's an okay book. There's nothing that stands out about it, but that doesn't mean that it's bad. The author has an nice writing style and an interesting plot. Character-wise, I didn't really find myself really 'clicking' with any of the main characters, which was disappointing as I did really want to like this book. It just didn't really work for me.
Overall, 'Newborn' is a pretty average book. Nothing super good, but nothing terribly bad.
'Newborn' is okay. It's an okay book. There's nothing that stands out about it, but that doesn't mean that it's bad. The author has an nice writing style and an interesting plot. Character-wise, I didn't really find myself really 'clicking' with any of the main characters, which was disappointing as I did really want to like this book. It just didn't really work for me.
Overall, 'Newborn' is a pretty average book. Nothing super good, but nothing terribly bad.
August 4, 2019
This book is perfect for YA/New Adult readers, probably aimed more toward women, but is a fun read with lots of fast-paced action/drama, comedy, and some unique romances - not the typical boy meets girl stuff, but complex in a good way.
July 23, 2019
Love love love this series. I read them at 13 and adored the badass characters, and reading them again at 21 makes me feel the exact same way. Can’t wait for more
February 29, 2020
A vampire book you will not regret reading, trust me. Read now and thank me later.
October 15, 2024
Reading this was a lovely experience.
April 27, 2019
I won't lie. I almost read the book in one sitting. Emma Lowe is a very good writer, but the plot wasn't that amazing. Overall, it was a pretty okay book. There is nothing that makes it stand out, but it is a very enjoyable read non the less.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews