What do you think?
Rate this book
The Venom Trilogy #1
Venom & Vanilla
Successful Seattle baker Alena Budrene doesn’t want to die. But when she’s infected with a lethal virus spread by supernatural beings, her only chance for recovery is to make a deal with the devil—or in this case, a warlock.
Though he saves her life, it looks nothing like the life she once knew—and neither does she. Alena is a new breed of “Supe” no one has ever seen before. Even the supernatural police don’t know what she is. Now exiled to the northern side of the Wall, which marks the divide between humans and Supes, Alena is thrust into a dark and magical new world.
But just as she begins to adjust to all things supernatural, she realizes that her transformation is the least of her worries—and it was no accident. She was chosen…to be killed by a Greek hero trying to make a name for himself once more.
Alena was brought up to be subservient, preferring creating to fighting, and vanilla and honey to blood. But that was then. Now, to survive, she must stand up for herself—and this time she’s got fangs. But will she be ready to use them?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
3138 people are currently reading
6593 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Mayer
161 books7,249 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,027 reviews
October 21, 2016
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
In an attempt to not judge this book by the same standard as Shannon Mayer’s other titles, I constantly readjusted my mindset while reading VENOM AND VANILLA. The tone was very light, I’d describe it as an Urban Fantasy parody, and the protagonist is a Firstamentalist (think religious zealot meets goody-goody). But, try as I may, the insta-heroine, mythology leaps, and shaky pacing just didn’t work for me.
I enjoyed the premise, and the basis of the VENOM TRILOGY was sound. Alena is forced to adjust to an inconceivable situation when she’s diagnosed with the Aegrus virus. There is no cure, and it kills within weeks unless the infected is willing to give-up life as they know it, and become a monster. For Budrene that’s a huge ask because it goes against her morals, upbringing, and the very fiber of her being.
Here’s where things start to get wonky. Lena owns her new identity without barely batting an eye. She now has the body of a sex goddess, and has basically condemned her soul to Hell by turning her back on her beliefs. So, she evolves from a little brown church mouse to a lethal succubus overnight with next to no fuss, and yet she can’t bring herself to swear. Her character was rife with inconsistencies, and contradictions.
Ok, so now that we’ve established that I’m not keen on just-add-water-champions the remaining reasons on why I didn’t like this novel should be fairly apparent. Lena defeats Archilles with minimal bluster (or effort), makes Greek mythology her bitch, and amasses an outrageous number of allies in the war of heroes vs. monsters for someone who’s essentially the equivalent of a one-day-old baby in the world of Super Duper.
VENOM AND VANILLA was a hot mess. ~2.5 Stars
In an attempt to not judge this book by the same standard as Shannon Mayer’s other titles, I constantly readjusted my mindset while reading VENOM AND VANILLA. The tone was very light, I’d describe it as an Urban Fantasy parody, and the protagonist is a Firstamentalist (think religious zealot meets goody-goody). But, try as I may, the insta-heroine, mythology leaps, and shaky pacing just didn’t work for me.
I enjoyed the premise, and the basis of the VENOM TRILOGY was sound. Alena is forced to adjust to an inconceivable situation when she’s diagnosed with the Aegrus virus. There is no cure, and it kills within weeks unless the infected is willing to give-up life as they know it, and become a monster. For Budrene that’s a huge ask because it goes against her morals, upbringing, and the very fiber of her being.
Here’s where things start to get wonky. Lena owns her new identity without barely batting an eye. She now has the body of a sex goddess, and has basically condemned her soul to Hell by turning her back on her beliefs. So, she evolves from a little brown church mouse to a lethal succubus overnight with next to no fuss, and yet she can’t bring herself to swear. Her character was rife with inconsistencies, and contradictions.
Ok, so now that we’ve established that I’m not keen on just-add-water-champions the remaining reasons on why I didn’t like this novel should be fairly apparent. Lena defeats Archilles with minimal bluster (or effort), makes Greek mythology her bitch, and amasses an outrageous number of allies in the war of heroes vs. monsters for someone who’s essentially the equivalent of a one-day-old baby in the world of Super Duper.
VENOM AND VANILLA was a hot mess. ~2.5 Stars
September 4, 2017
Venom & Vanilla (The Venom Trilogy #1) by Shannon Mayer is a fantasy audible book I fell in love with! Our gal is dying from a plague that is sweeping the country. There is a wall built keeping the supernaturals on one side and the normal people on the other. Only those with a touch of supernatural blood can get sick or if they are exposed to the the sick person. Our gal is dying and ca her friend tells her she knows a wizard can make her into a supernatural if she has the money. She has the money but does she want to? She was raised that supernaturals were wrong. She had the option of vampire, werewolf, or witch. She declines but the warlock comes back and asks again and she agrees but tells him to make her none of those things but something special. Oh boy, does he! You have to read this book! He makes her into a mythological creature! Part siren, part snake. She can shift to a 20 foot snake with the power of a siren. Her body is now different too and super hot. This book is a hoot! I loved every bit! There is so many fun characters, great plot, and humorous moments. This is an audible and the narrator had their hands(voice) full with this challenge and did it perfect!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2017
Here's the thing - the story was decent, but the heroine was a complete and utter twat.
And here's another thing - swearing is okay, actually it's great. It can add passion to a dialogue and really make you feel the heightened emotions of a character.
What doesn't do either of those things is a character (an adult character) using words like frick, frack and butthole instead of swearwords. It wasn't endearing or cute, it was fucking stupid and so bloody annoying I wanted to punch someone. Really. I do not exaggerate here. It made the heroine come across as immature and like a complete twat. She's not 10 for fuck sake.
When you add that onto the fact that she's like a baggy beige cardigan, it wasn't good. It was actually shit and ruined what COULD have been a really good book. It's making me angry just thinking about it now. What a muppet. Argh.
Yes, yes I know I've been a negative Nancy again and still given this 2 stars, that's because it did show some promise under the silly sausage donkey nugget bum words. If the author can turn that ridiculousness into snark it could be a really good series. But that's a big if for me right now.
And here's another thing - swearing is okay, actually it's great. It can add passion to a dialogue and really make you feel the heightened emotions of a character.
What doesn't do either of those things is a character (an adult character) using words like frick, frack and butthole instead of swearwords. It wasn't endearing or cute, it was fucking stupid and so bloody annoying I wanted to punch someone. Really. I do not exaggerate here. It made the heroine come across as immature and like a complete twat. She's not 10 for fuck sake.
When you add that onto the fact that she's like a baggy beige cardigan, it wasn't good. It was actually shit and ruined what COULD have been a really good book. It's making me angry just thinking about it now. What a muppet. Argh.
Yes, yes I know I've been a negative Nancy again and still given this 2 stars, that's because it did show some promise under the silly sausage donkey nugget bum words. If the author can turn that ridiculousness into snark it could be a really good series. But that's a big if for me right now.
March 28, 2017
I'm rating this book 3.75 stars. When i first started reading this book I had a difficult time with Alena. It really irritated me the way she believed. That all supernaturals were evil and she had very occult like beliefs. Fortunately, this book got a lot better and better as i read on. Alena slowly became un-victim like and shed some of those opinions about supernaturals and everything else. I really got into this book even though it took a while. It was original and i didn't even mind the snake shifter thing. Even though i hate snakes. Overall this book had most of everything you need in a paranormal/fantasy read. Action, Adventure, a little bit of Humor and surprises. Although this book did need more romance, it barely had any. I think that this series will have more romance in the next book. Alena was a character that you either love or hate. I ended up liking her. I really liked and enjoyed the others characters in this book, including but not limited to the vampire mob boss and the Greek bird monster girls. The Greek mythology element in this book was a twist and definitely had a spin on it, that i have never read before. It was interesting how the Greek heroes weren't exactly good. The writing and pace of this book was perfectly done. Overall this book had many positives and some negatives. It does need a little help here and there. But i really enjoyed reading this and the author did had good descriptions that brought the book to life in my mind.
April 30, 2019
What other disaster could happen to a poor innocent girl?
Oh, this was such a fun read!
Very unusual and mixing many genres! There're ancient Greek heroes, minotaurs, cupids, Greek gods, Satyrs, vampires, werewolfves, witches... What more could you want? LOL
It follows the story of Alena, a successful owner of a pastry shop who catched a deadly virus an is preparing to die a horrible death.
And if that wasn't enough, her douchebag of a fiancee tells her that he will take her life insurance, sell her shop to her hated adversary and spend all her money to make a new life with a fake-bobs bombshell!
She already lost to the same virus her brother, her parents abandoned her for their religion... she doens't have anybody left...
But, just when she decides to committing a suicide of a sort, she's given an opportunity to new life. New life as a Super - a changed human.
A witch, Merlin, changes her and save her life, but nobody knows what she's been changed into!
She also makes some rather incredible discoveries, such as that her beloved brother is alive and changed too into a naga - kind of a snake shape-shifter.
Suddenly, everybody wants a piece of her hide: vampires, werewolves, gods... They're all chasing her and she has to run!
Even if she's ill equipped to manage this strange world she's beenplunged into, she makes some rather incredible choises. She saves lives, she helps different kind of supernaturals when even they don't mix together!
She's something extraordinary nobody has seen before: a mythical being!
Nothing is as it should be, everything is upsidedown!
I'll not tell you all the wtory, you should read it! But be aware that this is a parody of urban fantasy books! It is fun, but it is also eye-rolling inducing! You have to suspend belief to enjoy it - if you cannot do it, you'll find it cringe-worthy! :)
I liked it and laughed at all the eye-rolling stuff!
Oh, this was such a fun read!
Very unusual and mixing many genres! There're ancient Greek heroes, minotaurs, cupids, Greek gods, Satyrs, vampires, werewolfves, witches... What more could you want? LOL
It follows the story of Alena, a successful owner of a pastry shop who catched a deadly virus an is preparing to die a horrible death.
And if that wasn't enough, her douchebag of a fiancee tells her that he will take her life insurance, sell her shop to her hated adversary and spend all her money to make a new life with a fake-bobs bombshell!
She already lost to the same virus her brother, her parents abandoned her for their religion... she doens't have anybody left...
But, just when she decides to committing a suicide of a sort, she's given an opportunity to new life. New life as a Super - a changed human.
A witch, Merlin, changes her and save her life, but nobody knows what she's been changed into!
She also makes some rather incredible discoveries, such as that her beloved brother is alive and changed too into a naga - kind of a snake shape-shifter.
Suddenly, everybody wants a piece of her hide: vampires, werewolves, gods... They're all chasing her and she has to run!
Even if she's ill equipped to manage this strange world she's beenplunged into, she makes some rather incredible choises. She saves lives, she helps different kind of supernaturals when even they don't mix together!
She's something extraordinary nobody has seen before: a mythical being!
Nothing is as it should be, everything is upsidedown!
I'll not tell you all the wtory, you should read it! But be aware that this is a parody of urban fantasy books! It is fun, but it is also eye-rolling inducing! You have to suspend belief to enjoy it - if you cannot do it, you'll find it cringe-worthy! :)
I liked it and laughed at all the eye-rolling stuff!
May 1, 2018
3.5- 4ish. Great start!
It's a pretty good start to a new series.
I really seem to like Alena, although she doesn't really seem to have depth so far. Still, she's pretty sweet and funny and a bit of a badass, so let's see what happens next.
It's a pretty good start to a new series.
I really seem to like Alena, although she doesn't really seem to have depth so far. Still, she's pretty sweet and funny and a bit of a badass, so let's see what happens next.
September 23, 2016
eARC kindly provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF 31% I couldn't go on. It was an impossible task. I simply hated the h more more as the pages continued everything about her upset me.
DNF 31% I couldn't go on. It was an impossible task. I simply hated the h more more as the pages continued everything about her upset me.
June 16, 2017
***** 4 Stars *****
Venom & Vanilla is one crazy ride. There's vampires, sirens, werewolves, and mystical gods. If you can think of anything supernatural, they exist in this world.
The story is told in Alena's point of view. A young woman that constantly follows rules... until she gets a deadly disease and later gets left alone to die in a hospital.
As she prepares for her final days, she gets a chance to live one more time. But she has to turn into something unnatural.
The setting is similar to X-Men. Normal humans don't like unfamiliar people, so everyone is segregated. Supernaturals have no rights and are assigned to live in designated areas.
As Alena navigates the new world, she makes new friends and enemies.
The pace is very fast, and there's never a dull moment. I enjoyed the humor, action, and light romance, and I can't wait to read book 2!
Venom & Vanilla is one crazy ride. There's vampires, sirens, werewolves, and mystical gods. If you can think of anything supernatural, they exist in this world.
The story is told in Alena's point of view. A young woman that constantly follows rules... until she gets a deadly disease and later gets left alone to die in a hospital.
As she prepares for her final days, she gets a chance to live one more time. But she has to turn into something unnatural.
The setting is similar to X-Men. Normal humans don't like unfamiliar people, so everyone is segregated. Supernaturals have no rights and are assigned to live in designated areas.
As Alena navigates the new world, she makes new friends and enemies.
The pace is very fast, and there's never a dull moment. I enjoyed the humor, action, and light romance, and I can't wait to read book 2!
October 26, 2016
Not sure this was the book for me. I just had a hard time getting into it but it did have a fun and unique concept and design.
September 2, 2017
A decent book. Interesting world building. The heroine is a early version of Anitra Blake, a little self righteous, but not as annoying about it.
I hate injustice. So the inequality bugs me to no end; probably enough that I lost a little enjoyment. Here is hoping that the inequality doesn't last until the final pages of the trilogy.
I hate injustice. So the inequality bugs me to no end; probably enough that I lost a little enjoyment. Here is hoping that the inequality doesn't last until the final pages of the trilogy.
October 26, 2016
Thanks, amazon, for recommending me with kindle first the most laughably terrible book that I've read in years. I almost rated this two stars for the enjoyment of making all my friends suffer by posting screenshots in the group chat. If this book is a parody, I'm impressed at the author's masterful touch in creating such a terrible, terrible book. In this book, the main character frequently uses the words 'fricky dicky' to swear and refers to supernatural creatures as 'super dupers.' She was raised in a fundamentalist Christian home and married the first guy she saw shirtless. She's a snake lady with sparkly blood. Don't forget though, she's like, super sexy. She has big bazookas. This is a term that is used in the actual real book.
Here are some quotes from the people I dragged through this hell with me.
"Just burn me alive." -Lynette, age 21
"This book made me never want to look at words again." -Nikki, age 20
"That's it, kids. We did it. We found this generation's My Immortal." -Adelaide, age 19
"It's called Venom and Vanilla because you want to poison yourself once you've read it." -Paria, age 20
Here are some quotes from the people I dragged through this hell with me.
"Just burn me alive." -Lynette, age 21
"This book made me never want to look at words again." -Nikki, age 20
"That's it, kids. We did it. We found this generation's My Immortal." -Adelaide, age 19
"It's called Venom and Vanilla because you want to poison yourself once you've read it." -Paria, age 20
December 1, 2016
I did not finish this and stopped at 24 percent.
I received this book for free for November's Kindle single or whatever it's called on Amazon. I just really wish I had passed on this book. The world building was non-existent and we were just thrown facts our way. And I am sorry, reading about how after a change was done to Alena and how sexy she was and how people were staring at her and or wanting to have sex with her was too much.
The book starts off with Alena in a hospital dying of something called Aegrus virus. Apparently this virus comes from humans/inhumans (Alena calls them super dupers) or who are immune to this virus. Alena is in a hospital being visited by her husband (who up until then was a really good guy) who pretty much later baby's her butt and leaves her alone to die. But then Alena's roommate tells her about a secret cure and though Alena says no to the cure, ends up taking it anyway when she realizes she doesn't really want to die.
We find out who is behind Alena getting this cure (yeah I called that whole thing) and then the book has Alena being chased because her kind is not supposed to interact with other super dupers (her words for the supernatural people). At that point I just stopped because this book was lowering my IQ the more I kept reading it.
I still don't understand how the United States managed to build a freaking wall tall and long enough to separate out human/supers. I still don't get how other countries apparently were dealing with this. Alena's family's backstory (religious types) did not really fit and I just gave up trying to make two plus two equal four. The plot was all over and the world building was a mess.
The development of characters was pretty terrible too. We hear bits and pieces about Alena's brother and that doesn't match up with the guy when we catch up with him later in the book. Same goes for Alena's husband. He sounds like a really good person who actually stands up to her mother and family due to Alena's strict religious background, but then he morphs into an asshole over night. It doesn't work. I think the author was fixated more on the end product (the completed book and making it into a trilogy) then actually making sure readers could follow what was happening.
I received this book for free for November's Kindle single or whatever it's called on Amazon. I just really wish I had passed on this book. The world building was non-existent and we were just thrown facts our way. And I am sorry, reading about how after a change was done to Alena and how sexy she was and how people were staring at her and or wanting to have sex with her was too much.
The book starts off with Alena in a hospital dying of something called Aegrus virus. Apparently this virus comes from humans/inhumans (Alena calls them super dupers) or who are immune to this virus. Alena is in a hospital being visited by her husband (who up until then was a really good guy) who pretty much later baby's her butt and leaves her alone to die. But then Alena's roommate tells her about a secret cure and though Alena says no to the cure, ends up taking it anyway when she realizes she doesn't really want to die.
We find out who is behind Alena getting this cure (yeah I called that whole thing) and then the book has Alena being chased because her kind is not supposed to interact with other super dupers (her words for the supernatural people). At that point I just stopped because this book was lowering my IQ the more I kept reading it.
I still don't understand how the United States managed to build a freaking wall tall and long enough to separate out human/supers. I still don't get how other countries apparently were dealing with this. Alena's family's backstory (religious types) did not really fit and I just gave up trying to make two plus two equal four. The plot was all over and the world building was a mess.
The development of characters was pretty terrible too. We hear bits and pieces about Alena's brother and that doesn't match up with the guy when we catch up with him later in the book. Same goes for Alena's husband. He sounds like a really good person who actually stands up to her mother and family due to Alena's strict religious background, but then he morphs into an asshole over night. It doesn't work. I think the author was fixated more on the end product (the completed book and making it into a trilogy) then actually making sure readers could follow what was happening.
October 27, 2016
http://angelerin.blogspot.com/2016/10...
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ebook copy of Venom & Vanilla By: Shannon Mayer in exchange for an honest review.
Short Review Summary:
Not for me at all.
Well Venom & Vanilla is not what I was expecting, and not in a good way. I made it maybe about 60-70% through before I had to give up on it. I couldn't take it seriously! Some of the things that happened are too silly to be believable. I don't care for that at all.
#UmNo
Also, I found some parts to be a bit weird and there isn't enough world building to really support the weirdness. There isn't enough depth, venom, or action in the story for me and it didn't help that I did not like the brainless MC Alena. Part of that may have been her overuse of the term "super duper," which annoyed me to no end. Or perhaps it's how thanks to her supernatural change she's so beautiful now and has longer legs...blah blah. I'm really over supernatural changes making female characters go from plain to gorgeous, especially when it's done in a cheesy way. I have to admit that I'm pretty disappointed since I was looking forward to this one so much, but it just didn't do it for me.
#NotSuperDuper
I can't personally recommend Venom & Vanilla, but if you like your urban fantasy books very vanilla then no harm in trying it!
#FantastyLight
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free ebook copy of Venom & Vanilla By: Shannon Mayer in exchange for an honest review.
Short Review Summary:
Not for me at all.
Well Venom & Vanilla is not what I was expecting, and not in a good way. I made it maybe about 60-70% through before I had to give up on it. I couldn't take it seriously! Some of the things that happened are too silly to be believable. I don't care for that at all.
#UmNo
Also, I found some parts to be a bit weird and there isn't enough world building to really support the weirdness. There isn't enough depth, venom, or action in the story for me and it didn't help that I did not like the brainless MC Alena. Part of that may have been her overuse of the term "super duper," which annoyed me to no end. Or perhaps it's how thanks to her supernatural change she's so beautiful now and has longer legs...blah blah. I'm really over supernatural changes making female characters go from plain to gorgeous, especially when it's done in a cheesy way. I have to admit that I'm pretty disappointed since I was looking forward to this one so much, but it just didn't do it for me.
#NotSuperDuper
I can't personally recommend Venom & Vanilla, but if you like your urban fantasy books very vanilla then no harm in trying it!
#FantastyLight
September 5, 2017
Meh, It was all over the place. I wanted to enjoy it but Alena got on my nerves, she could never decide what she wanted. This entire book couldn't decide what it wanted to be, shit just happened without explanation. I might read the next installment someday or not.
May 30, 2017
this could have been really interesting, and i actually found the heroine quite amusing and quirky (she reminded me of alison hendrix from orphan black) but oh my actual gosh all of the tropes made me want to poke my eyes out. humans that turn beautiful when they become supernaturals, heroine who is magically super powerful and needs little-to-no-training, mcfucking i n s t a l o v e and your obligatory Blonde Barbie "Bitch" With Fake Boobs who is literally called Barbie. i mean really. REALLY??!?
September 25, 2016
This book is hard for me to review as it is a bit over-the-top and full of WTFery. This is a fantasy version of our world in which there are supernaturals who live openly. However, humans are uncomfortable with them and many are required to live in walled-off reservations when identified, despite having lived their entire lives with the rest of us. This is aggravated by the development of a plague of sorts that has no known cure.
The heroine is dying from that plague. She was raised in a very restrictive and conservative religious community, but fell in love and married outside her religion. Early in the book we realize her husband is pretty self-centered in a scene that had me stunned. At least the heroine was stunned too. However, she has a very self-effacing and naive attitude towards life, and is quick to blame herself when others are jerks.
As things develop and it turns out that there is a secret 'cure,' the situation gets even more strange. Her grandmother visits and hints at a family history. Alena finds herself changed and powerful. Her embracing of that power is uneven and haphazard, though I expect that her own history and the fast-developing circumstances warrant that. For much of the book she is in the dark about her family's history as well as her own nature. But, eventually she grabs on to her own strengths and uses them to save those she loves.
In the meantime, there is an unveiling of certain supernatural and godly figures. Some of that is really weird. In addition, most of the men in the book are creeps at best, which was disappointing. However, several women are unpleasant as well, so at least it wasn't solely directed at one sex. The story takes place over a very short time period and a lot of craziness ensues. This is not a book to take seriously, but rather one to go along with for the rollercoaster ride.
While there is some back story given throughout the book, there are many questions left unanswered and it is clear that this is going to be a series that follows the heroine as she figures out what is going on, fights brand new enemies (that she has based on others' actions), and finds her strengths and a good relationship. So far there are a couple of attractive males, but I'm not convinced that either is worth serious consideration. That was a bit disappointing, but in urban fantasy series it usually takes a bit of time for the romance to develop.
I received a copy free for review through NetGalley.
The heroine is dying from that plague. She was raised in a very restrictive and conservative religious community, but fell in love and married outside her religion. Early in the book we realize her husband is pretty self-centered in a scene that had me stunned. At least the heroine was stunned too. However, she has a very self-effacing and naive attitude towards life, and is quick to blame herself when others are jerks.
As things develop and it turns out that there is a secret 'cure,' the situation gets even more strange. Her grandmother visits and hints at a family history. Alena finds herself changed and powerful. Her embracing of that power is uneven and haphazard, though I expect that her own history and the fast-developing circumstances warrant that. For much of the book she is in the dark about her family's history as well as her own nature. But, eventually she grabs on to her own strengths and uses them to save those she loves.
In the meantime, there is an unveiling of certain supernatural and godly figures. Some of that is really weird. In addition, most of the men in the book are creeps at best, which was disappointing. However, several women are unpleasant as well, so at least it wasn't solely directed at one sex. The story takes place over a very short time period and a lot of craziness ensues. This is not a book to take seriously, but rather one to go along with for the rollercoaster ride.
While there is some back story given throughout the book, there are many questions left unanswered and it is clear that this is going to be a series that follows the heroine as she figures out what is going on, fights brand new enemies (that she has based on others' actions), and finds her strengths and a good relationship. So far there are a couple of attractive males, but I'm not convinced that either is worth serious consideration. That was a bit disappointing, but in urban fantasy series it usually takes a bit of time for the romance to develop.
I received a copy free for review through NetGalley.
November 6, 2025
I can’t tell you how excited I was to hear Shannon Mayer has come out with another series. Venom and Vanilla is the first in this new Urban Fantasy. It seems that humans are away of the supernatural but have created a divide to keep themselves separate. To make tensions worse, the supernaturals are carrying a disease, Aegrus virus, that causes humans to die a horrific death.
We enter this world with, Lena, our heroine barely hanging and dying from the virus. She is given a choice to change into a supernatural or die human by a warlock. Due to her zealot family upbringing in the church of Firstamentalist, Lena chooses to die but then up at the warlock’s mercy anyways. Finding herself thrust into a world of mythology, gods and goddesses and ultimate a pawn in their battles.
Venom and Vanilla has a marvelous premise, one that I would like to explore more. The characters were built around humor and antics. I know I shouldn’t compare it to another of Mayer’s work but this story just didn’t flow. 3.5 stars
I received this ARC copy of Venom & Vanilla from 47North in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication November 1, 2016.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
We enter this world with, Lena, our heroine barely hanging and dying from the virus. She is given a choice to change into a supernatural or die human by a warlock. Due to her zealot family upbringing in the church of Firstamentalist, Lena chooses to die but then up at the warlock’s mercy anyways. Finding herself thrust into a world of mythology, gods and goddesses and ultimate a pawn in their battles.
Venom and Vanilla has a marvelous premise, one that I would like to explore more. The characters were built around humor and antics. I know I shouldn’t compare it to another of Mayer’s work but this story just didn’t flow. 3.5 stars
I received this ARC copy of Venom & Vanilla from 47North in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication November 1, 2016.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
October 3, 2016
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
I liked the idea for this book more than its execution. In theory, it could have been fun and dark, navigating the worlds of both supernatural beings and humans. It could have brought Greek mythology into our present-day world and explored the consequences of gods and heroes and Twitter. But instead, it was juvenile - in almost every sense of the word.
First, how can I take a book serious when the main character calls the supernatural beings "Super Dupers"? In fact, most things out of her mouth are either cheesy or a cliche, at levels to make a person cringe. Oh and the baking puns! And if that's not bad enough, the story is predictable and safe. There are no chances taken by the author or characters. I would have thought it a preteen's book except for all the sex.
Seriously, unless cheesy is your thing, I'd skip this one.
I liked the idea for this book more than its execution. In theory, it could have been fun and dark, navigating the worlds of both supernatural beings and humans. It could have brought Greek mythology into our present-day world and explored the consequences of gods and heroes and Twitter. But instead, it was juvenile - in almost every sense of the word.
First, how can I take a book serious when the main character calls the supernatural beings "Super Dupers"? In fact, most things out of her mouth are either cheesy or a cliche, at levels to make a person cringe. Oh and the baking puns! And if that's not bad enough, the story is predictable and safe. There are no chances taken by the author or characters. I would have thought it a preteen's book except for all the sex.
Seriously, unless cheesy is your thing, I'd skip this one.
April 8, 2017
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!! And I bought my own copy already as well as the rest of the trilogy!
This is the first book that I’ve read by Shannon which is very silly of me because I own thirty of her books, but I plan to remedy this be reading more of her books! This is the first book in the series / trilogy. It is for adults due to the violence and adult things though there is no steamy content described in this book.
When I started the book, I wasn’t sure what was what. It clears up quickly, and then you get so drawn in you can’t put it down. Alena is trying to live up to what everyone expects of her, but she realizes that everything she’s ever been told is lies. Good guys aren’t necessarily good, and bad guys aren’t bad. You can’t judge someone based on what they are. She quickly becomes her own person and realizes she doesn’t need to do things just because that’s the way they have always been done.
This book is awesome with its mix of paranormal, Greek mythology, and mystery and intrigue to keep you engaged in the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next!! Shannon’s writing style is wonderful, and you don’t even realize you’ve been pulled in. I can’t wait to read more of her books!
I highly recommend this book to all readers who love paranormal and Greek mythology!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!! And I bought my own copy already as well as the rest of the trilogy!
This is the first book that I’ve read by Shannon which is very silly of me because I own thirty of her books, but I plan to remedy this be reading more of her books! This is the first book in the series / trilogy. It is for adults due to the violence and adult things though there is no steamy content described in this book.
When I started the book, I wasn’t sure what was what. It clears up quickly, and then you get so drawn in you can’t put it down. Alena is trying to live up to what everyone expects of her, but she realizes that everything she’s ever been told is lies. Good guys aren’t necessarily good, and bad guys aren’t bad. You can’t judge someone based on what they are. She quickly becomes her own person and realizes she doesn’t need to do things just because that’s the way they have always been done.
This book is awesome with its mix of paranormal, Greek mythology, and mystery and intrigue to keep you engaged in the story. I can’t wait to see what happens next!! Shannon’s writing style is wonderful, and you don’t even realize you’ve been pulled in. I can’t wait to read more of her books!
I highly recommend this book to all readers who love paranormal and Greek mythology!
November 6, 2016
Alena Budrene is a young woman afflicted with a lethal virus spread by supernaturals. She doesn't want to die but her only option to stay alive is to be turned into a supernatural by a warlock before it is too late. Her ultra religious upbringing makes it very difficult for her to make the decision to do this. Her resolve ultimately crumbs when she decides to live even if she has to be non-human to survive. When the warlock changes her, she doesn't know what she is & all he will tell her is that she is something special. She learns that her brother, Tad, who she believed to be dead is also alive as a supe. Alena finds out that it was Tad who sent the warlock to help her become a supe in the first place. Supes are to be chipped so they can be monitored but Tad helps Alena evade the supernatural police. When Alena & Tad finally meet back up with their family, their grandmother 'yaya' shares a little with them about the family history. Their yaya was a priestess for Zeus & now what Alena has become plays into the whole greek mythology of heros vs. monsters. Alena with her friends figure out that the warlock is resurrecting mythical monsters so the heros will have a reason to raise again. Will Alena be able to embrace what she has become? What will happen when Alena is faced with meeting the hero meant to destroy her? Who will Alena be able to depend on?
Ok there is a lot of different things going on in this book. First you have the whole way Alena was brought up to be a 'good girl' with her religious background, then you have the whole supernatural world living along side the humans & on top of that the whole greek mythology of hero vs. monsters stuff. It is a lot to wade through. I thought the book was okay. The story seemed to be spread in so many directions that it wasn't focused on resolving anything. I haven't decided if I will try to read any of the other books in this series.
I received a NetGalley.com copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ok there is a lot of different things going on in this book. First you have the whole way Alena was brought up to be a 'good girl' with her religious background, then you have the whole supernatural world living along side the humans & on top of that the whole greek mythology of hero vs. monsters stuff. It is a lot to wade through. I thought the book was okay. The story seemed to be spread in so many directions that it wasn't focused on resolving anything. I haven't decided if I will try to read any of the other books in this series.
I received a NetGalley.com copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2016
Never have I started a book and wanted to punch one of the characters as badly as I did in this book. This book starts off playing on your emotions, but don't let that stop you, things suddenly change and boy what a ride. Alena is on death's door at the start of the book, and her husband Roger isn't the great man she thought he was. A deal with the devil (not literally) saves our heroine(?) from the jaws of death and give her a second life. But not the life she expected. Join Alena on the run from Gods and Heroes and root for the Monsters this time.
November 3, 2016
According to the print on the cover art this is from a USA Today best selling author of another story (I don't recall the title). I call bullwinkles. Either that or USA Today's standards are so low using them in the bottom of your birdcage would be a more improved usage of its pathetic existence on this earth. Conclusion: There. Is. No. Way.
This WILL contain SPOILERS.
This book has so many holes it could double as Swiss Cheese. It's main focus is dialog, and LOTS of it and none of it good. It moves so quick with lots of hopping around, zero depth, no character development, no world building. Unbelievable thing after unbelievable thing happens but nothing to support it. The Supernatural Division of Mounted Police? First, that sounds utterly ridiculous. Second, it's just a bunch of filthy thugs, no police of any kind but are somehow government controlled and they do their duty against fellow Supernaturals, no questions. Super Dupers? Where do I begin with the lameness on this term? It might have been funny if she used it as a joke or to tease/piss someone off but she uses it all the time. It's usage only furthers this ridiculous thing masquerading as a book.
The MC Alena is supposed to be a successful Baker and yet she speaks like a bubble headed teenager, which is probably an insult to teenagers. I don't for one second believe she's successful at anything other than being female. Maybe. Her husband drops her like a hot potato for some busty blonde named BARBIE and runs off with ALL of her inheritance, house and bakery (who he ends up selling to her arch-nemesis) while she's lying on her death bed and she just accepts it! It went from this idea of a whirlwind romantic and loving relationship to him nonchalantly dropping her on her death bed. Omg, the pain, I can't even. I almost didn't make it past this part. I can't even be bothered to read on to find out if she gets revenge.
So after the mysterious Merlin (more cheesiness) makes his shady appearance there's some useless drama of her debating on saving herself or her dying roommate (it's too boring and lengthy to put here). She then agrees but wants to be turned into something no one can identify, "unique" as she requested because warlocks are God's and can apparently create Supernaturals on a whim. So now, she's magically taller, bustier and even has a huskier voice. Why do Supernaturals have to go from plain Jane to super sexy? Why?! She's annoying, ditzy and whiny and even more so in her "tiny" dress. Not to mention they're not supposed to be recognizable but yet they keep recognizing each other. So many eye rolls I got a headache.
More useless drama ensues where her ex roommate Dahlia (am I the only one who thought her personality changed?) appears involving her fellow vampires and their "mob boss" and the Supernaturals Division of Mounted Police thugs. I closed the book after this, I just couldn't anymore.
This turned into more of a rant on too many parts of the story but I couldn't help it. It needed said. I don't understand how anyone has given this more than 2 stars and that's being generous. It needs an overhaul, some depth and character. It was a roller coaster of dialog and no attachments, no meat on the bones. It's a good idea on the plot but so little on the delivery. Just too many cliches and silliness, you couldn't take any of it seriously. There was nothing to keep you wanting more, just a series of random events and you're only a mere observer. Honestly, if I hadn't received a free copy of this through my Amazon I would have been extremely upset if I'd paid even $0.99 for this...book.
This WILL contain SPOILERS.
This book has so many holes it could double as Swiss Cheese. It's main focus is dialog, and LOTS of it and none of it good. It moves so quick with lots of hopping around, zero depth, no character development, no world building. Unbelievable thing after unbelievable thing happens but nothing to support it. The Supernatural Division of Mounted Police? First, that sounds utterly ridiculous. Second, it's just a bunch of filthy thugs, no police of any kind but are somehow government controlled and they do their duty against fellow Supernaturals, no questions. Super Dupers? Where do I begin with the lameness on this term? It might have been funny if she used it as a joke or to tease/piss someone off but she uses it all the time. It's usage only furthers this ridiculous thing masquerading as a book.
The MC Alena is supposed to be a successful Baker and yet she speaks like a bubble headed teenager, which is probably an insult to teenagers. I don't for one second believe she's successful at anything other than being female. Maybe. Her husband drops her like a hot potato for some busty blonde named BARBIE and runs off with ALL of her inheritance, house and bakery (who he ends up selling to her arch-nemesis) while she's lying on her death bed and she just accepts it! It went from this idea of a whirlwind romantic and loving relationship to him nonchalantly dropping her on her death bed. Omg, the pain, I can't even. I almost didn't make it past this part. I can't even be bothered to read on to find out if she gets revenge.
So after the mysterious Merlin (more cheesiness) makes his shady appearance there's some useless drama of her debating on saving herself or her dying roommate (it's too boring and lengthy to put here). She then agrees but wants to be turned into something no one can identify, "unique" as she requested because warlocks are God's and can apparently create Supernaturals on a whim. So now, she's magically taller, bustier and even has a huskier voice. Why do Supernaturals have to go from plain Jane to super sexy? Why?! She's annoying, ditzy and whiny and even more so in her "tiny" dress. Not to mention they're not supposed to be recognizable but yet they keep recognizing each other. So many eye rolls I got a headache.
More useless drama ensues where her ex roommate Dahlia (am I the only one who thought her personality changed?) appears involving her fellow vampires and their "mob boss" and the Supernaturals Division of Mounted Police thugs. I closed the book after this, I just couldn't anymore.
This turned into more of a rant on too many parts of the story but I couldn't help it. It needed said. I don't understand how anyone has given this more than 2 stars and that's being generous. It needs an overhaul, some depth and character. It was a roller coaster of dialog and no attachments, no meat on the bones. It's a good idea on the plot but so little on the delivery. Just too many cliches and silliness, you couldn't take any of it seriously. There was nothing to keep you wanting more, just a series of random events and you're only a mere observer. Honestly, if I hadn't received a free copy of this through my Amazon I would have been extremely upset if I'd paid even $0.99 for this...book.
October 2, 2016
I gave it 2.5 stars
I am having a REALLY hard time with my review of VENOM AND VANILLA. On one hand I LOVE Shannon Mayer and her books, but on the other hand, I did not love VENOM AND VANILLA.
I thought VENOM and VANILLA started off pretty strong. I instantly took to Alena and the storyline intrigued me. Then Alena was turned and both her and the storyline pretty much lost me. Did I hate either? No, but I had to force myself not to put the book down or jump ahead.
I think my biggest issue with VENOM AND VANILLA was that a lot of the situations and conversation felt forced and awkward and there were also a lot of over-the-top, "WTF, are you kidding me?" moments. On top of that I honestly cringed multiple times when some of the characters opened their mouths. I would compare some of their vocabulary to that of a prepubescent teenager and since this is an adult urban fantasy, that just didn't work for me. Now having said that, the main character is supposed to be wholesome and naive before turning into a 'super duper', so I understood some of the stuff she did and said, but it didn't stop me from cringing.
There is a lot left unanswered at the end of VENOM AND VANILLA. It is part of a planned trilogy, so I expect we will get answers in the next two books, but there were a few things that seemed pretty huge that weren't addressed by the end of VENOM AND VANILLA that make me want to pick up book two. I would normally give a book I felt this way about 2 stars, but I truly think that the Venom Trilogy has great potential and has a good chance of winning me back. For that reason I am bumping my stars up to a 2.5. Hopefully book two will prove me right and Alena's character will even out a bit and make me like her again.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I am having a REALLY hard time with my review of VENOM AND VANILLA. On one hand I LOVE Shannon Mayer and her books, but on the other hand, I did not love VENOM AND VANILLA.
I thought VENOM and VANILLA started off pretty strong. I instantly took to Alena and the storyline intrigued me. Then Alena was turned and both her and the storyline pretty much lost me. Did I hate either? No, but I had to force myself not to put the book down or jump ahead.
I think my biggest issue with VENOM AND VANILLA was that a lot of the situations and conversation felt forced and awkward and there were also a lot of over-the-top, "WTF, are you kidding me?" moments. On top of that I honestly cringed multiple times when some of the characters opened their mouths. I would compare some of their vocabulary to that of a prepubescent teenager and since this is an adult urban fantasy, that just didn't work for me. Now having said that, the main character is supposed to be wholesome and naive before turning into a 'super duper', so I understood some of the stuff she did and said, but it didn't stop me from cringing.
There is a lot left unanswered at the end of VENOM AND VANILLA. It is part of a planned trilogy, so I expect we will get answers in the next two books, but there were a few things that seemed pretty huge that weren't addressed by the end of VENOM AND VANILLA that make me want to pick up book two. I would normally give a book I felt this way about 2 stars, but I truly think that the Venom Trilogy has great potential and has a good chance of winning me back. For that reason I am bumping my stars up to a 2.5. Hopefully book two will prove me right and Alena's character will even out a bit and make me like her again.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2016
I had no idea what to expect from this book but as it's written by an author who friends rave about I thought it high time I got on-board. It's the first in a new series so seems an ideal place to start.
Alena is in a very bad way when we meet her, dying from an incurable wasting disease and discovering that the man she loves is an epic douche bag and no mistake. Alena has lost so much, family, home, her business and now even the marriage she believed in. It's an all round disaster really but Alena still has it in her to think of others and that's when I really started to like her.
It's an odd story in some respects as the disease originates from contact with supernaturals but there is a way to cheat death if you know how and of course have the means to pay. Alena is thrown into a world where being the monster isn't perhaps as awful as she imagined. With her peculiar choice of language( which I think other readers will either love or hate) and revelations concerning her family Alena starts as she means to go on, surprising both herself and everyone around her! Supernatural creatures are just the start of it all though as pretty soon Greek mythology plays a part oh and of course that little thing called a war that's about to break out!
So not what I expected but well written, completely original and an intriguing mixture of humour, mystery and of course baking!
I was gifted a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Alena is in a very bad way when we meet her, dying from an incurable wasting disease and discovering that the man she loves is an epic douche bag and no mistake. Alena has lost so much, family, home, her business and now even the marriage she believed in. It's an all round disaster really but Alena still has it in her to think of others and that's when I really started to like her.
It's an odd story in some respects as the disease originates from contact with supernaturals but there is a way to cheat death if you know how and of course have the means to pay. Alena is thrown into a world where being the monster isn't perhaps as awful as she imagined. With her peculiar choice of language( which I think other readers will either love or hate) and revelations concerning her family Alena starts as she means to go on, surprising both herself and everyone around her! Supernatural creatures are just the start of it all though as pretty soon Greek mythology plays a part oh and of course that little thing called a war that's about to break out!
So not what I expected but well written, completely original and an intriguing mixture of humour, mystery and of course baking!
I was gifted a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
October 3, 2016
I don't know how to review this book without saying that I kind of hated it. It is horribly stereotypical with cookie cutter characters that are all supposedly ridiculously gorgeous in a completely roll-your-eyes fashion.
First off, the main character comes from an annoyingly fundamentalist religious background and is as much of a victim as that Twilight twerp. The writing makes me want to weep with frustration on how incredibly sexist it is, focusing so fully on a male gaze to the female figure that I wanted to hurl. The main character's special snowflake act was so ridiculously and cutesy that I can't imagine how anyone can act like they are that dumb and innocent. None of this seemed even remotely feasible and I gave up around 30% in on my Kindle. Sorry Kindle First, this was an appalling choice and there are far too many good books out there to waste my time on this one. Pass!
First off, the main character comes from an annoyingly fundamentalist religious background and is as much of a victim as that Twilight twerp. The writing makes me want to weep with frustration on how incredibly sexist it is, focusing so fully on a male gaze to the female figure that I wanted to hurl. The main character's special snowflake act was so ridiculously and cutesy that I can't imagine how anyone can act like they are that dumb and innocent. None of this seemed even remotely feasible and I gave up around 30% in on my Kindle. Sorry Kindle First, this was an appalling choice and there are far too many good books out there to waste my time on this one. Pass!
September 6, 2018
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The first book of the Venom Trilogy is promising. I enjoyed the first half more than the second half though. The story follows the heroine Alena who is sick with a deadly virus that spread globally. The only way to cure herself from this virus is by being turned to a super duper! Super duper is what the protagonist call being a supernatural (Silly! I know) She agrees to be turned into one provided she wants her look to remain very human like. During her journey she finds out many secrets about her new form, her deceased brother and what she really is. Yes the story has some silliness to it but still it was enjoyable overall. Next have to read the second book in the series to see what awaits Alena!
The first book of the Venom Trilogy is promising. I enjoyed the first half more than the second half though. The story follows the heroine Alena who is sick with a deadly virus that spread globally. The only way to cure herself from this virus is by being turned to a super duper! Super duper is what the protagonist call being a supernatural (Silly! I know) She agrees to be turned into one provided she wants her look to remain very human like. During her journey she finds out many secrets about her new form, her deceased brother and what she really is. Yes the story has some silliness to it but still it was enjoyable overall. Next have to read the second book in the series to see what awaits Alena!
March 19, 2018
I will preface this review by saying that I did not complete this book; I read the first several chapters... In saying that, the dynamics and language of the world building did not work for me... I am a huge fan of Shannon Mayer and have enjoyed both her "Rylee Adamson" and "Elementals" series; this seemed quite different than her previous books and a little too quirky for my liking in this particular genre... As a result, I could not connect with the story and actually felt frustrated while reading it... unfortunately it was a 1 Star read for me:(
July 10, 2019
Great first book love to see whare the story goes from here.Also can't get over how much I want to drop kick the ex in the head.
March 21, 2020
Alena Budrene has weeks to live. A victim of the Aegrus virus which killed her brother Tad five years before, her only comfort is fellow patient Dahlia who has even less time to live. Her husband Roger has already moved on, having moved his long time girlfriend into their home and helped himself to her inheritance. To add salt to injury he has also sold her beloved bakery to her competitor. Now all Alena can do is wait for the inevitable gruesome end that will see her body waste away.
Suddenly Dahlia offers Alena hope. A warlock by the name of Merlin, is offering a cure - for the right price. However Alena is a Firstamentalist and fearing she will go to hell if she takes up Merlin’s offer - which has apparently been already paid for by a mysterious benefactor - tells Merlin to cure Dahlia in her stead.
With Dahlia now gone, Alena is in despair. Unexpectedly, Merlin returns with a new offer - to make her ‘special’ a one of a kind supernatural that no one has seen before.
“Beautiful. Powerful. Exotic. Cured. And no one will ever know who you are by looking at you.”
Alena decides to accept his offer unaware that Merlin has got his own agenda and that she has been chosen for a specific reason.
Venom and Vanilla is the first instalment of the Venom trilogy and was also my first introduction to the author. From the offset I found myself sympathising with Alena’s plight and outraged at her self centred husband’s betrayal and callousness. Alena comes across as an endearing and caring individual who readers won’t help rooting for. The secondary characters were equally appealing. Dahlia, Remo, Officer Jensen, Ernie the Cherub and Yaya were my favourite.
Alena stems from fundamentalist religious background. Her parents are Firstamentalists and it’s for this reason that Alena initially rejects the cure as it goes against her morals and upbringing. Her evolution from a meek church mouse into a fearsome Drakaina - a woman siren capable of shifting into a venomous snake at will, was interesting to see.
I was equally impressed with the authors world building. We have a world in which humans had initially been oblivious to the vampires, werewolves, warlocks and Greeks gods walking amongst them. That is until the Aegrus virus began to spread. Although the virus originated from the Supes themselves, it only presents itself as a cold or at worst the flu in them. For humans however, contracting it leads to certain death within weeks of becoming infected - their bodies slowly shrivelling up into husks. The government has quarantine protocols in place for those infected which has victims separated from their loved ones and isolated in a specially built hospital on Whitney Island. There’s no cure unless one takes the route that Alena and Tad did. Alena later discovers that the virus is only susceptible to humans who had supernatural blood in the genetics and comes to learn that her parents are hiding something in their family tree. Supes are separated from humans by a Wall that is patrolled by police in both sides of the divide. Those who wish to visit the human side are chipped by the supernatural police to track their movements. They have no rights as humans refuse to acknowledge their existence.
All in all I found this to be an engaging read with an unique twist on Greek mythology. We find ourselves rooting for the monsters instead of the gods and heroes. The book was fast paced with never a dull moment. It’s a light hearted read with lots of humour and definitely not one to be taken seriously. Judging by her hints of a family curse and the fact that their parents are keeping secrets, the author has paved the way for an interesting sequel and I’m looking forward to exploring their backgrounds further.
I listened to this book in audible form which was narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. I was impressed by the way she was masterfully able to bring each character to life with their own unique voice, switching effortlessly between characters and accents.
I recommend this for fans of vampires, werewolves, warlocks, shifters, sirens, Greek mythology and baking!
Suddenly Dahlia offers Alena hope. A warlock by the name of Merlin, is offering a cure - for the right price. However Alena is a Firstamentalist and fearing she will go to hell if she takes up Merlin’s offer - which has apparently been already paid for by a mysterious benefactor - tells Merlin to cure Dahlia in her stead.
With Dahlia now gone, Alena is in despair. Unexpectedly, Merlin returns with a new offer - to make her ‘special’ a one of a kind supernatural that no one has seen before.
“Beautiful. Powerful. Exotic. Cured. And no one will ever know who you are by looking at you.”
Alena decides to accept his offer unaware that Merlin has got his own agenda and that she has been chosen for a specific reason.
Venom and Vanilla is the first instalment of the Venom trilogy and was also my first introduction to the author. From the offset I found myself sympathising with Alena’s plight and outraged at her self centred husband’s betrayal and callousness. Alena comes across as an endearing and caring individual who readers won’t help rooting for. The secondary characters were equally appealing. Dahlia, Remo, Officer Jensen, Ernie the Cherub and Yaya were my favourite.
Alena stems from fundamentalist religious background. Her parents are Firstamentalists and it’s for this reason that Alena initially rejects the cure as it goes against her morals and upbringing. Her evolution from a meek church mouse into a fearsome Drakaina - a woman siren capable of shifting into a venomous snake at will, was interesting to see.
I was equally impressed with the authors world building. We have a world in which humans had initially been oblivious to the vampires, werewolves, warlocks and Greeks gods walking amongst them. That is until the Aegrus virus began to spread. Although the virus originated from the Supes themselves, it only presents itself as a cold or at worst the flu in them. For humans however, contracting it leads to certain death within weeks of becoming infected - their bodies slowly shrivelling up into husks. The government has quarantine protocols in place for those infected which has victims separated from their loved ones and isolated in a specially built hospital on Whitney Island. There’s no cure unless one takes the route that Alena and Tad did. Alena later discovers that the virus is only susceptible to humans who had supernatural blood in the genetics and comes to learn that her parents are hiding something in their family tree. Supes are separated from humans by a Wall that is patrolled by police in both sides of the divide. Those who wish to visit the human side are chipped by the supernatural police to track their movements. They have no rights as humans refuse to acknowledge their existence.
All in all I found this to be an engaging read with an unique twist on Greek mythology. We find ourselves rooting for the monsters instead of the gods and heroes. The book was fast paced with never a dull moment. It’s a light hearted read with lots of humour and definitely not one to be taken seriously. Judging by her hints of a family curse and the fact that their parents are keeping secrets, the author has paved the way for an interesting sequel and I’m looking forward to exploring their backgrounds further.
I listened to this book in audible form which was narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. I was impressed by the way she was masterfully able to bring each character to life with their own unique voice, switching effortlessly between characters and accents.
I recommend this for fans of vampires, werewolves, warlocks, shifters, sirens, Greek mythology and baking!
October 23, 2019
I was not impressed. Another reviewer, who is on Mayer's street team, says the author calls this an urban fantasy parody. That makes the whole ridiculous thing a little easier to swallow. But it still just isn't very good. Maybe it needed to be more or less of what it is. More parody, if a parody or less parody-like if a serious novel. I don't know. Maybe an author who writes in the urban fantasy genre shouldn't be writing parodies of it unless they highlight what it is in big neon letters. Either way, almost everything about the book irritated me.
First and foremost the stupid non-cursing grated like sandpaper. Hearing an adult woman, who is supposed to be kicking ass and taking names call someone a donkey's butthole instead of a jackass was not cute. It was super irritating. Similarly, wanna RUIN any sexual tension you have going on? Throw in a "He grabbed my bumm."
Mostly though Alena was just too perfect. She wakes up with the perfect body. She's loyal and sacrificing. She makes allies out of enemies with nothing but her sass. She defeats her foes with aplomb. She saves the day and gets the guy (if she wants him). And while all of that sounds fine, to have it all in one character is over-reaching and moves right into underdeveloped and unbelievable.
All in all, this was a big old bust for me. No thank you.
First and foremost the stupid non-cursing grated like sandpaper. Hearing an adult woman, who is supposed to be kicking ass and taking names call someone a donkey's butthole instead of a jackass was not cute. It was super irritating. Similarly, wanna RUIN any sexual tension you have going on? Throw in a "He grabbed my bumm."
Mostly though Alena was just too perfect. She wakes up with the perfect body. She's loyal and sacrificing. She makes allies out of enemies with nothing but her sass. She defeats her foes with aplomb. She saves the day and gets the guy (if she wants him). And while all of that sounds fine, to have it all in one character is over-reaching and moves right into underdeveloped and unbelievable.
All in all, this was a big old bust for me. No thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,027 reviews