Vampire Dawn

Vampire for Hire (world) #5

by J.R. Rain

Six years ago federal agent Samantha Moon was the perfect wife and mother, your typical soccer mom with the minivan and suburban home. Then the unthinkable happens, an attack that changes her life forever. And forever is a very long time for a vampire.

Now in VAMPIRE DAWN, Samantha Moon tackles her most frightening case yet. Someone is leaving victims drained of blood, and all signs point to the killer not being a vampire. Meanwhile, Sam can't help but notice the changes coming over her son...fantastical changes that will leave her searching desperately for answers.

As Sam tracks down a ruthless killer, and as her own humanity slips further and further away, an ancient relic holds a secret that will rock her world...and open up a whole new one.

Genres: Paranormal, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Werewolves

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 13, 2012

About the author

J.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vampire Dawn
Vampire for Hire, Book 5
By: J. R. Rain
Narrated by: Dina Pearlman
I love these stories and really liked this one. I especially like how her son is changing and how she deals with it. Then there is the blood ring! Exciting and emotional story.
Good narration.

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Vampire Dawn (Vampire for Hire #5) and as always it was great but it was a bit sadder and did not add much to the revelations of Christmas Moon (A Vampire for Hire Novella) . I think I may have to rate this one 4 Stars rather than 5 like all the others but I will sleep on that since I am tired and part of my disappointment is that I did NOT want it to end (which should make me question my less than 5 Star rating). Each one of these books add to the growth and powers of Samantha Moon and each book adds some personal problems that she has to deal with as a mom, it is so hard to rate these books because they suck you into her life so deep you are always a bit mad that the book ended and you have to wait once again. I think as I write this that the book may be much better than I gave it credit for, the "bad" guys were not so bad but at least one or more of the "good" guys are not so good. Mr Rain has once again given us a book that moves this story along a timeline a bit more but these books never seem to leave me with fulfillment but more of a "That was great but what happens now?" and you don't get any answers for months. Ok, maybe it was 5 Stars after all ..... if it wasn't why am I writing a freaking novel telling you why I can't just throw it off and just start a new book tomorrow like I always do? Only the best books can frustrate me so much I think. I really wish these books sucked so i could just ignore the fact that I miss knowing how she is going to cope with the things that are left until the next book. This last year seems to be the year of writers putting out books that add depth to the storylines and setup plots for future books in many of our favorite series and Mr. Rain seems to have followed their lead in that respect since there were some large things to be resolved in the future. The fact that some are more concerning for Samantha Moon - Vampire for Hire and some are more concerning for Samantha Moon the Mom is a bit of why these books are so addicting. Mr Rain, I will probably hate you until the next book comes out and we start this dance again :)

[Cheyenne Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great!! I liked the positive quotes in it. I just like the way it goes, funny, suspense, trying to find purpose. It a great book and I'm loving the series.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Vampire Dawn” is book five of the “Vampire for Hire” series featuring private investigator Samantha Moon, picking up a few months after book 4.5. Yeah….the numbering is getting convoluted.

Samantha has further conversations with a couple mysterious all-knowing and, perhaps, all-powerful entities that describe her as being destined for immortality…with vampirism being her path to that destiny, rather than vampirism being her destiny and immortality being a side-effect. Yeah….we’re all confused together.

Samantha’s relationships with many other lead characters change significantly in this book. She gets closer to her friend Sherbet, and as she worries over changes with her son Anthony (he was a vampire for a few days in book four, but he got better), she asks “”But will he be okay?” and is advised by one of the mystical beings to

“Show him love and strength, Sam. Not fear and worry.”

Good advice for each of us as we worry about friends, family and lovers…whether we’re vampires or not!

Self-described as cute and spunky, Samantha finally succumbs to her heterosexual nature and has sex with Kingsley…pretty much off-camera once she got past admiring his size. Much of her oogling guys has actually been fun up to now, with her recurring admiration of potbellies and old spice aftershave!

Again there are two detective stories. The one involving her shitty ex-husband Danny is pretty routine, and the one involving a serial killer is for the most part pretty enjoyable. Once the mystery is solved Samantha must face again whether she is human, more than human or less than human…and her relationship with another lead character shifts as she confronts those questions.

This book comes closer to recapturing the 5* magic of the first two books in the series, and it’s very enjoyable. With the multiple threads of Kingsley, Fang, Anthony, Danny, Sherbet, Hanner, Max and the other mysterious entities….the story isn’t a tight standalone novel, especially at only 4.5 hours long. I rate this book as 4.25*

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really did enjoy this book, I wish it was a little longer. I like the expanding relationship with Det. Sherbert. Sam is struggling with slowing losing her humanity. The effects of the sun are getting greater and the want for blood stronger. While trying to figure out who is killing people, she is trying to figure out what is happening with her son. He starts showing signs of great athleticism and strength. I liked that there was a balance between work and her kids and it didn't seem like one was the main focus. Her relationship with Kingsley is progressing but I honestly don't like them together but that is just my opinion. This is another great addition to the Vampire for Hire series.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampire Dawn is another mystery that Samantha Moon, mother of two, private investigator and of course vampire, has to solve. This time the mystery is very close to home as people are missing and found dead as well as completely drained of blood. Vampire killing? Perhaps not, but it definitely does have something to do with the creatures of the night and Samantha Moon is the best investigator for finding out the truth.

This, like all the other Vampire for Hire stories is great. It is witty, endearing in parts even gruesome. J R Rain has picked a heroine who is very likeable and as you read through the series, it is not difficult to wish her and her family happiness. The mystery part of this most recent instalment does not have too much substance and is easily solvable and a very quick read. What I like about this book is it's complexity of the characters. There is definitely more tension with the cyberspace relationship between Fang and Moon Dance and Samantha's romance with the mighty werewolf, Kingsley. Plus, the situation with Samantha's son, possibly the decision she made in Vampire Child does have repercussions and with the hints in Vampire Dawn, I'm looking forward to seeing if our heroine did make a mistake in the next instalment.

[Dianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Now that Samantha has officially turned into a "Mary Sue" what can we expect her to pull out of her hat next? Eating real food? Something a little more crazy to help her solve the next case? Some new otherworldly creature to show up and prove what a wonderful thing she has going? Perhaps a reincarnation of the Dali Lama will show up next? Maybe God? All she had to do was to have faith and she could live in the sun? Why does that sound like a fairy tale to me. All you need is to believe.

I did find what was going on with her son to be very interesting and it is a story line I would like to see completely played out, but that is not enough for me to keep going with this series. Book by book things are getting out of hand and I see the author walking into the abyss like Laurell K Hamilton did.

So many people had complaints as to how short the book was---I did not. Had it been any longer I would have been compelled to not finish it since it really stretched the idea of "suspending disbelief". I so loved the first few books since Samantha at the time was still a flawed creature trying to find her way in this new world she found herself in. Now, not so much. *sigh*

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a girl crush on Samantha. I get all tingly when she slaps bad guys around.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to hang in there with this series a little longer but it does have some troubling aspects. First of all Sam is becoming too powerful. Heck, she can already leap tall buildings in a single bound (actually it's leap off of cliffs and then fly off just before hitting bottom). She was a much more engaging character when she couldn't solve all of her problems with a new superpower. There are a lot of interesting characters but they don't get their due because the books/novellas are short. It looks like Anthony is going to be a superhero too with all the superpowers and none of the pesky blood drinking or sunshine avoiding annoyances. It's starting to look like that's what will happen to Sam also as she overcomes these obstacles with much sought after magic medallions that keep falling into her lap. The book is titled VD for a reason. I still like the premise and the characters so I will continue the series though I will be taking a break from it.

[EscaPe iNTo thE PaGEs · Rating 4 out of 5]

another win for this series. I'd recommend this series to anyone looking for a light mystery-comedy.

[Alli]

DNF at 56%
I really loved the start of the series but unfortunately it just burnt out. I don’t agree with the decisions the main character made and this book just makes me angry.

[Kathy Kennerley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! This series is so easy to get in to and it's a quick read.

[Raelene · Rating 5 out of 5]

VAMPIRE DAWN, book 5 in the Samantha Moon series, finds Sam tackling a very difficult case when Detective Sherbet of the Fullerton police department, reaches out to Sam for help.The plot of this makes you wonder if there may be some rogue vampires who are draining victims of blood. But Sam and Detective Sherbet quickly determine, due to how the victims were killed, a human is responsible for the killings.

There is a new twist in Sherbet and Sam's relationship as Detective Sherbet seems to be able to read Sam's thoughts. Sam continues to develop her Vampire skills as she does in each of the books in the series, and is on the way to becoming a very gifted Vampire.

Sam again is forced to deal with he personal tragedies in her life, as well as trying to solve crimes. Her son has now developed an unusual strength, he is fighting, taking on the bullies at school, only not one at a time, but 7 or 8 and they older and bigger. This takes Sam in another direction as she desperately seeks answers for her son.

As Sam hunts down a coldblooded killer, another of the ancient relics, a medallion turns up which holds a secret that will change her world completely!

I enjoyed the twists and turns in this one as Sam uncovers the killer with Detective Sherbet, only to find out that one of the Vampire Detectives on the force Hanner, was aware of the killer and why he was draining his victims of blood, and she helped to cover up the killers crimes.

We discover that Detective Hanner has the ability to wipe memories, and she does this to Detective Sherbet, to hide the role she played in the crime, and tells Sam that she too has this ability.

The dark side of Vampirism is discussed between Hanner and Sam.
Sam uncovers the secret to the medallion and you leave at the end of this book with a sigh, at least something good is happening for Sam.

Another great book from J.R. Rain, my only criticism is I wish they were longer! To short and it is over too soon! He has the most amazing characters and could delve deeper into them making the reading longer. This of course comes from a selfish position as a reader, as I always want the story to continue. I give this one 5 stars and am off to read the 6th book in the series

[David Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Moon is back in the fifth instalment of the Vampire for Hire series.

Samantha Moon is an ex-Federal Agent that was changed into a vampire at the expense of losing her job and her marriage. She is now a private detective that mostly works at night and is slowly discovering more and more powers that she haves like great strength and psychic abilities. To stay alive she must drink blood but buys animal blood so she doesn’t have to kill.

When her old friend Detective Sherbet asks Sam for help with a new case she has to investigate the murder of missing people that are being drained. Is this a vampire attack of something else? This leads her to an actor and an old theatre but is she on the right track?

She also has to worry about her 8 year old son who is getting extraordinarily strong and seems to be gaining all the strengths of a vampire with none of the weaknesses.

She has also found another ancient medallion that will open up her world, but will she be able to discover the secret and put it to use?

Overall, I think this is the best book of the series so far. Sam is using her vampire skills a lot more and developing her psychic abilities. A great read from start finish filled with mystery, suspense, psychics, a werewolf and of course, a vampire.

Highly recommended, I cannot wait to start reading the 6th book – Vampire Games!

[Marcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give this more stars, because I actually like the story, but it's about as long as a pamphlet. I'd call this a short story and not a novel. It's particularly frustrating that the story ended when my Kindle showed it being 87% complete. The reason for that is that there are many pages of add at the end of the story. I know the author is churning these out quickly and I appreciate that. I just want a more developed, longer story.

[Glenn Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Samantha Moon series, but this Kindle edition irritated me. For one thing, the "novel" is only a little more than half the total material--not much more than a novella. For another, the extra material includes "Christmas Moon"--which I wouldn't have bought separately at the same time if I had known.

[Hard12luv · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Moon seems to find more and more about her new self as a vampire. She is working on a case that leads her to a blood bath. All the killings, death that she knew was unjusted. The only other vampire she knows, hmm, knows more than she is saying. Bad vampire is tring to lead Sam don't the wrong way. Sam will not just jump in without looking at all the sides first.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samantha Moon was a normal woman , mother, and wife seven years ago. Then her life was changed. Now through no fault of her own, she must stay away from the sun, and drink animal blood to stay alive. Each year has become harder as her children have grown more observant. Then her little son was kidnapped and near death, that only a little of her blood could help him, but the cost is high. He is not a vampire, but he is very strong, and taking on as many as ten kids that want to fight him. Then the detective that knows her secret, and is her friend face a case of terrible proportions. Some one is kidnapping individuals, and draining them of blood, yet Samantha smells no vampire around the area where the body is located .. It is a human, but for what purpose. Little does she know how this case would put her , and her family in danger. Her powers are getting stronger, and she is learning that she has more powers than she thought. Will they be enough to find the killer, and save her family, and most of all herself. 5 stars. Great read. I loved the ending.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't ridden with Samantha in a while, partly because she often feels sorry for herself and distances those she deems unworthy. The characters are well-developed, drawing me back into the story each time. The settings are relatable, immersing me in the story rather than being a mere blend of cities or states.

A mysterious figure is leaving victims bloodless, and evidence suggests the perpetrator is not a vampire.

Simultaneously, Sam notices extraordinary changes in her son, which drives her to seek answers desperately.

As Sam pursues a ruthless killer, her humanity fades, and an ancient artifact reveals a secret that will shake her world and unveil a new reality.

Although Samantha appears strong, she tends to complain excessively. It's normal to have concerns, but she amplifies them. Nonetheless, her redeeming quality is her kindness, and despite her complaints, she deeply cares for her loved ones, provided they align with her moral standards, revealing her lack of tolerance.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I admit it, I’ve become hooked on this series. I’m enjoying the narrative, the characters, the scenarios, the supernatural elements flowing all the way through. For some reason, I’m especially enjoying the situations where Sam comes in contact with ghosts! What I love most about it is her respect for the spirits, for their lives, and their deaths, and for the help they give her along the way. I don’t know why I feel the need to categorize these books as a guilty pleasure, but I do, and they are!! I can’t read through them fast enough! If you enjoy stories about private investigators, families, and the supernatural, you’ll enjoy these books. I’m showing my age, but I just realized that for me, these books are a little bit Rockford files, and Buffy the vampire slayer all rolled into one!!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingsley got the girl and Fang is broken-hearted about it. Family-wise, Danny the ex-husband is being blackmailed and needs Samatha's help as a bodyguard. Additionally, her eight-year-old son is showing signs of extraordinary strength and immediate healing that can have only come from her giving him her blood when he was dying last year. Sam and Detective Sherbet are on the hunt for a murderer who kills their victims and drains them of their blood. Sam suspects the killer is a blood supplier to her kind and it makes her sick. She did not ask to become a vampire and is appalled by her need for blood so she will do what needs to be done to bring down the supply ring that is murdering innocent people. This was another fun short installment to the series. I really like all the characters and the dialog between them. Sam can be a tad sarcastic and it never fails to make me laugh.

[Quenya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am getting disappointed in these books. The author gives very little new information about the how his universe functions and where the issues are in each book. The other thing is that the author put Samantha in this situation to start the series but is now finding ways to “fix” her so that she can function in the daylight world. Also, both her and her son are now special snowflakes of the supernatural world – please it is just too much.

Samantha’s daily world of being a mother is starting to take up too much of the books and her inability to accept the fact she is a vampire and can’t go back is disturbing after so many years. Again, with the author “fixing” all her problems it doesn’t make sense. I also find Samantha slightly judgmental to the people around her yet wants them to be available when she needs them. Not sure how many more books I can manage with the series.

[Mary Cokenour · Rating 4 out of 5]

7 months since Samantha Moon saved her son from dying, from becoming a vampire; or did she? Anthony is suddenly exhibiting almost superhuman strength & any wounds, even a scrape, heals immediately. Will be begin shunning sunlight, have a craving to drink blood?

What's a mother to do when she's also a PI, and a serial killer is draining blood from his/her victims? A vampire gone blood crazy, or something more sinister. ...and why does Robert Mason, former actor on "One Life to Live" give Samantha the big time hibbie jibbies???

Another medallion has shown up as well, what is it's secret and why do all the other vamps Samantha meets tell her she is "special"? All the answers to these questions can be found out same bat time, same bat channel....no, just read the book!!!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this entire 15-book (so far) series back-to-back for the last couple weeks, plus quite a few short stories that relate. Free on Kindle Unlimited. It's a great series for a fan of paranormal mystery. The set up is that a mom in California was changed into a vampire in an attack. Fast forward several years and she's struggling with a failing marriage and raising 2 kids with her day time disability. As the years progress, her marriage fails, her kids mature, and her relationships with love interests/ friends/family grow. The characters are relate-able, there's a little humor, and very entertaining mysteries with interesting treatments of magic. Solidly fun reading!

[Byonder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entertaining and i think the author made a good job at "displaying" the daily life of a vampire.
The only problem i have with this book/ great aprt of the series so far is, that there a sooo many very convenient things appearing right when they are needed.

Like random forgotten bags or finding the one talisman that lets you walk in daylight/cure your son in a pile of garbage in your neighborhood.

Also i can't stop thinking about the reason why vampires would move to california.

[Sunshine✰✰✰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is all about the consequences of Sam's actions. We are seeing changes in her son but still not sure about the long-term effects. Sam takes a job as a consultant for the PD to track down a serial killer and the result of her actions will effect her future, as well as other (as-yet unknown) vampires. We are getting hints that Sam is way more powerful than the average vampire but she is still learning what she can do. She has also discovered another medallion (apparently there are 4). This one could have a major effect on Sam's life. If she dares to use it.... ;-D

[Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evil Ball Of Death

This series must be read in order. This is the sixth book. I can't wait to read "Vampire Games"!


Samantha Moon is very quickly becoming more st sensitive. Pretty soon she will not be able to go out in the sun for any reason... What is she gonna do then!? How can she take care of her kids if she cannot see the light of day literally? Also there is a killer on the loose draining their victims of blood completely. Who would do such a thing? Is it vampires? Humans? One human? One vampire? Or something else entirely?

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Changes

Excellent book! I am enjoying reading and listening to J.R. Rain's books. In this books you will find a continuing romance but there is an excellent mystery and humor. Sam is coping with many changes in her life and her son is experiencing some changes as well. How well will she cope and where will she go from here? Read and enjoy and if you are hooked you will be onto the next book like I am!

[Agnieszka · Rating 1 out of 5]

5 books of whining about being a monster, drinking tainted animal blood, running with a solution in her pocket in a shape of an amulet and doing nothing with it... dating a guy without a consciense and very well forgeting all pesky inconviniences like hating someones job and all the fighting for few cuddlies ... Jesus! I loved previous books so I'm going to read the next one in hope that the heroine will finally evolves, stop seeing herself as a monster and deal with her shit!!

[Yalonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is good to be back with Samantha Moon; I have missed her. I have the entire series lined up and ready for the start of summer vacation. I am not sure I like the direction Rain is taking with Moon. I was hoping she could have a brief respite from all the drama in her life but I guess it is not meant to be. It is interested to hear references to her being a unique vampire and to follow the development of her many abilities. I liked the references to Spinoza and Knighthorse as well as the developing relationship with Sherbert. I could punch Kinglsey, Fang, guardian angel, and vampire detective chick in the face ~ all of them! I cheered when Sam got the most recent medallion to work. And I applaud Rain's transformation & flight descriptions ~ best I have read yet. Let's see what happens next!