What do you think?
Rate this book
Antecedent
We always long for what fate has denied us.
Emina has had her share of bad luck. She was orphaned at a young age and now is completely alone after the death of her aunt. Although she is content with her solitude, she longs for something more. When she loses her job and is dumped by her boyfriend in the same week, the prospect of a new job offered by a mysterious stranger is both enticing and terrifying. This new job opens her eyes to a world she didn’t know existed, a world where myths and legends collide with reality. Will this new life give her everything she’s ever wanted or lead her down a path to her own demise…
Emina has had her share of bad luck. She was orphaned at a young age and now is completely alone after the death of her aunt. Although she is content with her solitude, she longs for something more. When she loses her job and is dumped by her boyfriend in the same week, the prospect of a new job offered by a mysterious stranger is both enticing and terrifying. This new job opens her eyes to a world she didn’t know existed, a world where myths and legends collide with reality. Will this new life give her everything she’s ever wanted or lead her down a path to her own demise…
236 pages, Paperback
Published April 13, 2016
3 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 5, 2016
A Superb Read
I've never been into books about vampires but this one has changed my mind and I'm anxiously waiting on part 2. I could not put this book down ! A great read from the first page to the last.
I've never been into books about vampires but this one has changed my mind and I'm anxiously waiting on part 2. I could not put this book down ! A great read from the first page to the last.
July 26, 2018
I have no idea where all the inflated 5-star reviews came from. I guess the author must have a lot of friends, because this book is so bad I could not finish it. I tried. I truly did. But when I got to page 91 and read this (comma splices preserved), I physically felt my brain cells combusting and had to give up:
I decided to take a shower to wake myself up, besides I needed to pee again. I didn’t want to go upstairs without pants so yes, I peed in the shower, we've all done it.
As a friend of mine commented in response to this excerpt, “I’ve seen text messages written better than that!”
The book contains innumerable typing errors and grammar mistakes, as you would imagine from a self-published title, but even worse, the writing is low-brow and juvenile. When I discovered this novel, it was being hawked by the author as an adult paranormal romance. But it actually reads as though meant for ages 10-14 and there is nothing romantic about it. Take this scene, grammar intact as written:
His breath smelled like blood and it gave me the willies. I think he felt my skin prickle under my blouse.
“Am I frightening you?” he asked.
“No. Your breath smells like blood, it’s creepy,” I whispered in case anyone was close enough to hear.
“And yours smells like pesto, so what,” he fired back.
The characters are each childish and unlikable, but worst of all is the narrator, the “heroine” of the story. Imagine an emancipated twelve-year old. Now picture her with a drinking problem. That’s the main character of this story, who refers to her love interest as Mr. Tall, Dark, and Grouchy; Tall, Dark, and Flimsy; Daddy Warbucks; Count Chocula; and Creepy McCreeperson. And that’s just in the first five chapters.
The author doesn’t seem to have any concept of how real adults actually speak and behave. And her book contains ignorant cultural faux pas that read as undeniably racist. I knew the writing was bad from the first page, but I was shocked by the use of such terms as “oriental” and “Chinese-looking.”
The one thing all the planted reviews rave about is the author’s unique portrayal of vampires, which is in fact anything but. Most of her readers admit to not even being fans of vampire lore (which supports my suspicion they are personal relations of hers), but I am, so trust me when I say her ideas are not original.
First off, the author’s “Antecedents” (which her main character refers to as, I kid you not, “Ants”) are the descendants of Cain from the Bible. This is directly from the canon of “Vampire: The Masquerade,” a live-action role-play game franchise that spawned countless playbooks, several novels, two video games, and a short-lived television series.
The author’s vampires have a problem with blood circulation, causing impotency. This is a very common theme in various books and films on the subject of vampirism. Similarly, her female vampires cannot bear children. It would have been a much more original concept if they could, because I have never read serious fiction about a vampire that actually could bear vampire children (excluding light-hearted kids’ books and movies such as “Hotel Transylvania”).
Her male vampires mate with mortal women to produce half-breed offspring she calls “Seeds.” This is also not a new concept, and frankly I prefer Richelle Mead’s dhampirs in her “Vampire Academy” series.
Finally, Stumpf’s vampires are described as lacking human emotion. I can’t even recount how many vampire series fit this archetype. For every portrayal of a vampire as a romantic, sexual creature, there’s another depiction of a monster who feeds on human blood and cares nothing for mortal weaknesses like love.
So basically what you have here is an unoriginal, unentertaining, grade- to middle school-level self-insertion fanfic. I would not recommend this book to anyone, nor would I read anything else published by its author. I reached page 91 of 233 of this novel, and if the writing itself hadn’t given me a migraine, the 14 point font would have. Up to that point, more than a third of the way through the book, there was no plot, but rather a series of disjointed, random events, and it would be my expectation that it would continue that way until the end. I just can’t take it anymore.
I decided to take a shower to wake myself up, besides I needed to pee again. I didn’t want to go upstairs without pants so yes, I peed in the shower, we've all done it.
As a friend of mine commented in response to this excerpt, “I’ve seen text messages written better than that!”
The book contains innumerable typing errors and grammar mistakes, as you would imagine from a self-published title, but even worse, the writing is low-brow and juvenile. When I discovered this novel, it was being hawked by the author as an adult paranormal romance. But it actually reads as though meant for ages 10-14 and there is nothing romantic about it. Take this scene, grammar intact as written:
His breath smelled like blood and it gave me the willies. I think he felt my skin prickle under my blouse.
“Am I frightening you?” he asked.
“No. Your breath smells like blood, it’s creepy,” I whispered in case anyone was close enough to hear.
“And yours smells like pesto, so what,” he fired back.
The characters are each childish and unlikable, but worst of all is the narrator, the “heroine” of the story. Imagine an emancipated twelve-year old. Now picture her with a drinking problem. That’s the main character of this story, who refers to her love interest as Mr. Tall, Dark, and Grouchy; Tall, Dark, and Flimsy; Daddy Warbucks; Count Chocula; and Creepy McCreeperson. And that’s just in the first five chapters.
The author doesn’t seem to have any concept of how real adults actually speak and behave. And her book contains ignorant cultural faux pas that read as undeniably racist. I knew the writing was bad from the first page, but I was shocked by the use of such terms as “oriental” and “Chinese-looking.”
The one thing all the planted reviews rave about is the author’s unique portrayal of vampires, which is in fact anything but. Most of her readers admit to not even being fans of vampire lore (which supports my suspicion they are personal relations of hers), but I am, so trust me when I say her ideas are not original.
First off, the author’s “Antecedents” (which her main character refers to as, I kid you not, “Ants”) are the descendants of Cain from the Bible. This is directly from the canon of “Vampire: The Masquerade,” a live-action role-play game franchise that spawned countless playbooks, several novels, two video games, and a short-lived television series.
The author’s vampires have a problem with blood circulation, causing impotency. This is a very common theme in various books and films on the subject of vampirism. Similarly, her female vampires cannot bear children. It would have been a much more original concept if they could, because I have never read serious fiction about a vampire that actually could bear vampire children (excluding light-hearted kids’ books and movies such as “Hotel Transylvania”).
Her male vampires mate with mortal women to produce half-breed offspring she calls “Seeds.” This is also not a new concept, and frankly I prefer Richelle Mead’s dhampirs in her “Vampire Academy” series.
Finally, Stumpf’s vampires are described as lacking human emotion. I can’t even recount how many vampire series fit this archetype. For every portrayal of a vampire as a romantic, sexual creature, there’s another depiction of a monster who feeds on human blood and cares nothing for mortal weaknesses like love.
So basically what you have here is an unoriginal, unentertaining, grade- to middle school-level self-insertion fanfic. I would not recommend this book to anyone, nor would I read anything else published by its author. I reached page 91 of 233 of this novel, and if the writing itself hadn’t given me a migraine, the 14 point font would have. Up to that point, more than a third of the way through the book, there was no plot, but rather a series of disjointed, random events, and it would be my expectation that it would continue that way until the end. I just can’t take it anymore.
February 7, 2017
Review of Antecedent by Susan Stumpf
5 stars
Reviewed by Donna
I loved how Susan Stumpf put own her twist on paranormal events and characters that made a great story called, “Antecedent”. I was able to read this story really quickly. I loved how the story just kept moving with a variety of up and downs, twist and turns! The banter that came from the characters were was hysterical. I loved all the characters and their various personalities that they brought to the story. I loved the story how it started out simple and just got more complicated towards the end. It was always very clear as to what was going in the story! I think the only thing I did not like was how open ended it was on the last page.
I loved how the author got right into the story on the very first page and not chapters later. The story was simple but became complex in all the details that were added. All the emotions and feelings that developed in the story were definitely details that added to the complexity of the story. There were all kinds of love exhibited in this story. I am not sure which I felt worse for! Li and Wu, Esther, Em, and or Bo. I felt like I had my heart broken along with the characters. Hopefully, Em will figure things out and make the right decisions that will not get her killed.
I loved the cover of this book! I think it represented so much of the story!!!!!! I think the story should get 5 stars without a doubt. Dialogue was AWESOME, characters were funny and charismatic, descriptions written by the author were phenomenal, and the visual that was created through the words was EXCEPTIONAL!
The Magic of Books Reviewer Donna
5 stars
Reviewed by Donna
I loved how Susan Stumpf put own her twist on paranormal events and characters that made a great story called, “Antecedent”. I was able to read this story really quickly. I loved how the story just kept moving with a variety of up and downs, twist and turns! The banter that came from the characters were was hysterical. I loved all the characters and their various personalities that they brought to the story. I loved the story how it started out simple and just got more complicated towards the end. It was always very clear as to what was going in the story! I think the only thing I did not like was how open ended it was on the last page.
I loved how the author got right into the story on the very first page and not chapters later. The story was simple but became complex in all the details that were added. All the emotions and feelings that developed in the story were definitely details that added to the complexity of the story. There were all kinds of love exhibited in this story. I am not sure which I felt worse for! Li and Wu, Esther, Em, and or Bo. I felt like I had my heart broken along with the characters. Hopefully, Em will figure things out and make the right decisions that will not get her killed.
I loved the cover of this book! I think it represented so much of the story!!!!!! I think the story should get 5 stars without a doubt. Dialogue was AWESOME, characters were funny and charismatic, descriptions written by the author were phenomenal, and the visual that was created through the words was EXCEPTIONAL!
The Magic of Books Reviewer Donna
March 22, 2017
OMG I bought this book because the authors were at an event I attended and I am always on the look out for new talent to add to my collection. Plus it's just awesome to have signed copies in my library. So I literally read this book in 1 sitting. The writing was smooth and flowed very well. It had a style but wasn't so drenched in it that the book was difficult to read. The storyline is very interesting and the tension in the book is very heavy. Definitely not a book you're gonna want to put down. To me this is a perfect vacation book as well since it is so well written and not a door stopper size.
June 30, 2018
Toss out everything you know about vampires. Ms. Stumpf puts a different spin on the man, the myth, the legend.
Em is down on her luck when Bo waltzes in. He offers her a job, that she is reluctant to accept. What can she do, she needs money to survive. He explains what type of job she'll have and just what he is.
It's an offer she can hardly refuse. Thus begins a tumultuous relationship.
Em is quickly pulled into a new world. She is also pulled to Bo. Will he ever feel anything for her? Or is he just using her?
This is a quick read that will keep your interest and make you laugh. I really thought Brian was making a play for Em. This book does end in a cliffhanger. You are in luck because book #2 is ready to roll.
Em is down on her luck when Bo waltzes in. He offers her a job, that she is reluctant to accept. What can she do, she needs money to survive. He explains what type of job she'll have and just what he is.
It's an offer she can hardly refuse. Thus begins a tumultuous relationship.
Em is quickly pulled into a new world. She is also pulled to Bo. Will he ever feel anything for her? Or is he just using her?
This is a quick read that will keep your interest and make you laugh. I really thought Brian was making a play for Em. This book does end in a cliffhanger. You are in luck because book #2 is ready to roll.
Read
February 3, 2017I loved how Susan Stumpf put own her twist on paranormal events and characters that made a great story called, “Antecedent”. I was able to read this story really quickly. I loved how the story just kept moving with a variety of up and downs, twist and turns! The banter that came from the characters were was hysterical. I loved all the characters and their various personalities that they brought to the story. I loved the story how it started out simple and just got more complicated towards the end. It was always very clear as to what was going in the story! I think the only thing I did not like was how open ended it was on the last page.
I loved how the author got right into the story on the very first page and not chapters later. The story was simple but became complex in all the details that were added. All the emotions and feelings that developed in the story were definitely details that added to the complexity of the story. There were all kinds of love exhibited in this story. I am not sure which I felt worse for! Li and Wu, Esther, Em, and or Bo. I felt like I had my heart broken along with the characters. Hopefully, Em will figure things out and make the right decisions that will not get her killed.
I loved the cover of this book! I think it represented so much of the story!!!!!! I think the story should get 5 stars without a doubt. Dialogue was AWESOME, characters were funny and charismatic, descriptions written by the author were phenomenal, and the visual that was created through the words was EXCEPTIONAL!
I loved how the author got right into the story on the very first page and not chapters later. The story was simple but became complex in all the details that were added. All the emotions and feelings that developed in the story were definitely details that added to the complexity of the story. There were all kinds of love exhibited in this story. I am not sure which I felt worse for! Li and Wu, Esther, Em, and or Bo. I felt like I had my heart broken along with the characters. Hopefully, Em will figure things out and make the right decisions that will not get her killed.
I loved the cover of this book! I think it represented so much of the story!!!!!! I think the story should get 5 stars without a doubt. Dialogue was AWESOME, characters were funny and charismatic, descriptions written by the author were phenomenal, and the visual that was created through the words was EXCEPTIONAL!
January 21, 2017
After taking a break from reading, I was given Antecedent as a gift. You know... you'd think after centuries, guys would get less boneheaded. Apparently not. Bo is one of those men you'd like to hug before you strangled him.
I found myself laughing at his antics, only to give a mental face palm in the next minute. Antecedent has a great cast of characters that are nicely fleshed out. You begin to root for them... yes, even poor clueless Bo.
I usually love stories with the hot, graphic sex to draw me in, but this one had none of that. There were spicy romantic moments, but none of the raunchy stuff I usually read.
Which makes it even odder for me to say, this was a 5 star read for me. The story captivates you, drawing you in. At the end, I stared, thinking... that can't be it! I immediately rushed to buy Antecedent: Reborn, then stayed up all night to finish that one.
This series is one for the "keeper" list.
I found myself laughing at his antics, only to give a mental face palm in the next minute. Antecedent has a great cast of characters that are nicely fleshed out. You begin to root for them... yes, even poor clueless Bo.
I usually love stories with the hot, graphic sex to draw me in, but this one had none of that. There were spicy romantic moments, but none of the raunchy stuff I usually read.
Which makes it even odder for me to say, this was a 5 star read for me. The story captivates you, drawing you in. At the end, I stared, thinking... that can't be it! I immediately rushed to buy Antecedent: Reborn, then stayed up all night to finish that one.
This series is one for the "keeper" list.
December 27, 2016
A very unique storyline,took me by surprise.
I normally don't choose a book about vampires but Stumpf hooked me with the theory of where they came from and I'd met Susan at a signing so I decided to give it a try. I've already gotten the 2nd book and can't wait to read it. I read this one in one sitting, just couldn't put it down! I highly recommend it to vampire lovers and readers who, like me, are usually not.
I normally don't choose a book about vampires but Stumpf hooked me with the theory of where they came from and I'd met Susan at a signing so I decided to give it a try. I've already gotten the 2nd book and can't wait to read it. I read this one in one sitting, just couldn't put it down! I highly recommend it to vampire lovers and readers who, like me, are usually not.
April 29, 2016
Absolute must read!!!
Did not want this book to end. Cannot wait to see what happens next for these characters. Bring on the next book!!
Did not want this book to end. Cannot wait to see what happens next for these characters. Bring on the next book!!
September 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! Can't wait to read the next one!
April 17, 2019
This was potentially the most juvenile, awkward book I have read. I physically cringed at some of the writing, and the grammatical mistakes and choppy sentences only worsened my experience. I couldn't even make it halfway through the book.
November 20, 2018
Had the pleasure of meeting this author at a convention and simply had to have her book. Vampires are some of my favorites, and this is a great, fresh take on the genre. I won't spoil it for you so I'll just say that her character development is spot on and you leave the book wanting to know more about her mysterious new world. Make it to her new "job" and she'll have you hooked!
Look forward to continuing the series!
Ben
Look forward to continuing the series!
Ben
August 8, 2024
Oof.
While I do acknowledge the work it takes to self-publish, this was not good. The one star is for the sheer entertainment I got from reading such a badly-written novel. Like a car wreck, I couldn’t look away. The character’s dialogue and actions were not in any way believable. It read like a 14-year old’s tumblr fanfiction. It was a bit racist. There were typos. The main character woke up to the vampire licking her feet. Need I say more?
While I do acknowledge the work it takes to self-publish, this was not good. The one star is for the sheer entertainment I got from reading such a badly-written novel. Like a car wreck, I couldn’t look away. The character’s dialogue and actions were not in any way believable. It read like a 14-year old’s tumblr fanfiction. It was a bit racist. There were typos. The main character woke up to the vampire licking her feet. Need I say more?
March 11, 2018
I absolutely loved this book!! Ermina and Bo and all the characters are great. I laughed out loud quite a few times as well as teared up. I was a few characters in and went online to buy book 2 and 3 because I was in love. Can't wait to get to book 2!!
November 23, 2018
For the first 30 pages, I'd get upset with the main character, Em, and think I should put the book down. She didn't listen, was whiny, and just annoying to me. But then, the book grew on me. I like it and want to know what comes next.
April 15, 2019
Very good book! Good action, good character development, all around good story I thought.
September 7, 2016
Couldn't put the book down! It wasn't what I expected either. Not your average book about vampires, they are so much more than sparkles and strength. The book will throw you through a loop of excitement and suspense. It's a must read for sure!
February 3, 2017
I absolutely love this book! I was hooked right away and it kept my interest from start to finish. I love how different it is from most typical vampire stories. I will definitely be recommending it to others. I can't wait to read the next one!
June 23, 2016
Intriguing from beginning to end
From the beginning it was intriguing and I didn't want to put it down. Em is a relatable character and I can't wait to read what happens next!
From the beginning it was intriguing and I didn't want to put it down. Em is a relatable character and I can't wait to read what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews