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The Seeker #3

The Rise of Vlad

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Vlad the Impaler has never known love. He’s never wanted to know love. After all, what need does an ancient vampire have for such soft, weak emotions? No, Vlad is given only to duty. His life is an endless span of long, dark nights fighting shifters and the enigmatic hunters known as the Seeker Society.

But when fate puts Nita Franks, the sexy alpha of the wolf shifters, in Vlad’s path, all bets are off. After rescuing her from the Seekers, Vlad is drawn to Nita as fiercely as she is drawn to him. Their passion ignites, threatening to burn everything in its path, friend and foe. Even worse, the Seekers have unleashed a dark plot to end Vlad’s very existence and resurrect an ancient evil that could ultimately destroy them all...

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2014

40 people are currently reading
83 people want to read

About the author

Ditter Kellen

67 books908 followers

Ditter Kellen is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Mystery-Thriller-Suspense-Christian Thriller Novels. She loves spinning edgy, heart-pounding stories that will leave you guessing until the very end.

When she's not writing, Ditter spends her days creating hair and skincare products, using organic ingredients. Her products have been proven to work and are used by Ditter on a daily basis.

A devoted wife, mother and Christian, Ditter resides in Florida with her husband, son, and many unique farm animals. She adores French fries and her phone is permanently attached to her ear.

You can find Ditter's books and skincare products at Ditterkellen.com/shop. Or on her app, where shopping is made easier! https://rb.gy/v2786

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for The BookChick .
1,454 reviews425 followers
August 29, 2016
I finished Vlad late last night and I have to say that I fell in love. Vlad's story builds on the arc that began in The Seeker and continued in Shon. Not only is the The Rise of Vlad full of explosively sexy interludes, but it is jammed packed with superbly written suspense and action. Kellen is truly one of the most prolific new paranormal romance authors that I've had the pleasure of reading in a long time. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store.
Profile Image for Lisa.
899 reviews12 followers
September 28, 2019
I love this character in this series. And the narrator really does such an amazing job with the voice. Nita was such a perfect match for Vlad. I felt like his heart softened even more when he found her. I loved that it combined both the vampire world and the werewolves. Two enemies become united. I don’t know how this author does it, but she always brings each character alive. I love them all, even the bad guys that are so easy to hate.
Profile Image for angelblue.
189 reviews26 followers
August 24, 2016
I can't begin to tell you how amazed I am that each book that this author puts out is exponentially better than the previous. All of Ditter's books have an amazing amount of action, intrigue, humor and beyond swoon worthy heroes, but what I love most about her books is that the heroines are just as strong as the heroes. It doesn't matter if they are human are not, her heroines are always smart, witty and have an incredible amount of inner strength to them. Nita was all of that and more. I happen to know who this particular heroine was inspired by and I think Ditter captured her spirit and tender heart perfectly. She possess a deep well of love and compassion that is protected by a tough outer shell that balanced perfectly with Vlad's arrogance and possessiveness. I do have to admit that as much as I adored Nita's fierceness, I did want to borrow the real life Nita's bat and smack her around a bit over her stubbornness and her insistence *GRRR* with going through with the (no spoilers) Shaman's ceremony.

Vlad has been alone for a long time. So long that he doesn't feel desire anymore. Until he meets Nita that is... Unfortunately he has a terrible prejudice against shifters. He believes they are nothing more than animals, beneath even humans who he considers little better than food. When he finds Nita injured he is infuriated by his physical response to her <--- his reaction is hilarious by the way. Instead of killing her on site he decides to save her because of her help in the previous book, (which if you haven't read yet, you need to do so ASAP because it's fantastic) Shon. Vlad thinks that he will be able to just send her on her way and never have to deal with her again. Uh yeah, not happening dude. He can't stop thinking about Nita or his body's response to her. But it's not all physical, she challenges him and he is fascinated by her strength and loyalty to her pack. Vlad can't seem to stay away from her and when they finally kiss? Oh baby, he is not letting her go! The passion between those two is explosive, especially when they finally give in to each other. I swear, I needed to drink a glass of wine and smoke an imaginary cigarette after reading all that "singe your eyebrows off" hotness!

The Seekers are still around and they have teamed up with someone close to Vlad. Nita is also having issues within her pack because they believe she is fraternizing with the Vampires. Threats to her position as alpha and a shocking ceremony made for some serious heart pounding, nail biting moments for me. Do not read this book at four in the morning in the same room as your significant other unless they don't mind being woken from a dead sleep to you yelling NOOOOOOOO! I had two different moments of that with this book. My husband was not pleased, Ditter. And I've been banished to read in the living room after twelve am from now on. Totally worth it...

The excitement and fast-paced intensity of The Rise of Vlad will make you unable to put this book down for a second because the "Oh my God, I NEED to know what is going to happen next" will consume you. So, if you are a fan of sizzling PNRs, I urge you to clear your calendar and go one click this bad boy right now!
Profile Image for Missyb.
718 reviews11 followers
July 13, 2014
1 - 3 stars

I want to like the characters, but you don't really get to know them. It's short, and really shouldn't be listed as book 3, but as part 3 in a ? part mini series. Better yet, release as a full book instead of in portions as it's currently being released.

You need to read book 1 & 2 for things to make sense. I have not, and probably will wait and see if the stories are released as one book rather then doling out $1.99 for each book. It's up to book 3 so far and that's almost $6 for only a portion of a story.

It's cleanly written and easy to read and I kind of like the characters, but I can't get past the way it's being released. 56 pages in this portion. It's a "to be continued" ending, literally.

I think it's about a serial killer that was caught, and now there is a copy cat & it's targeting Ember. No clue if the original killer did too. There's a few dead bodies, some vampires, and multiple suitors in her life.
Profile Image for Jaycee.
539 reviews
November 5, 2016
While I haven't read the first two books in the series it was still quite easy to get the gist of the series, and these diverse characters were able to stand on their own as well.

I was really enjoying the book, the relationship, the blending of worlds and the resultant suspense. The resolution of this particular conflict was rather simple, however, as a series, its clear the conflicts are far from over. Indeed, they are likely to become much nastier. All of which was very promising, until the very abrupt and, as a result, very unsatisfying ending.

Even in a series mean to continue, where HFN can be the only conclusion for a specific book, life doesn't come to a conclusion of any kind with such whiplash at the stop. It won't stop me from reading on, but there is a reader-hole where significant story depth *could* be.

Profile Image for Samaris Creech.
376 reviews7 followers
June 19, 2014
This is a wonderfully fast paced read. Ember has been the target of a serial killer for over a year now with no hopes of it ending anytime soon. While the police think they have the man behind the murders in custody and are dealing with a copycat Ember knows the truth. There is a Vampire hunter out there using her to lure someone she cares about out so that they can kill him. Angel is fiercely protective of Ember and has a fit when she continually puts herself in danger. While this is a short read it definitely does not lack hot sex or action. Definite must read with one heck of a cliff hanger.
Profile Image for Buttercup1201.
560 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2019
A continuation of the seeker, vampire, shifter storyline. Picks up where book 2 ended. Vlad is back home in Alaska where he runs into Nita who has managed to find herself in trouble. With the seekers still looking to destroy all the vampires, a new alliance will need to be formed.

We are lead to believe that Vlad is uncaring and hard. This book shows a different perspective. We see he is capable of love and affection. All the lovable characters from the previous books appear as well. A perfect book to read anytime. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Erin.
1,008 reviews10 followers
November 17, 2019
Having not read any of the other books from this series, I am glad that I was able to enjoy this one without feeling lost. Nita and Vad are wonderfully written characters and their story is great. Vlad never expecting to feel desire for a Nita a female shifter, nor for her to desire and want Vlad. Initially he thinks saving her life is just repaying a debt, never knowing the outcome. Bring the seekers into the mix and this story brings in a fast paced adventure.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Charlene.
40 reviews
May 29, 2017
What do you get when you mix a Sexy vampire with a Beautiful alpha shifter? You get The Rise of Vlad by Ditter Kellen. Vlad and Nita team up to find out who or what is wanting Vlad dead. Neither one of them are happy when they find out who is helping the bad guys. Plenty of hot sexy scenes and a lot of action. I really need to stop reading these books in the break room at work. I do not recommend this book for the under 18 crowd.
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,454 reviews26 followers
November 14, 2019
Another brilliant tale in this entertaining series. I think I fell in love with these characters. Vlad is so powerful, he'd need a woman beyond the norm. How could he resist an alpha female..only problem, she is a stinking wolf shifter. Can these life enemies make it work, how can you avoid the pull of your mate?
There was plenty of action in this story, not a smooth sailing story of love. Kidnapping, murder and love made for a gripping read. Absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
December 30, 2019
The Rise of Vlad: A Vampire Thriller (The Seeker Book 3) by Ditter Kellen is an amazing story that I have read. This is book number three in this amazing series and I can not wait to see what this author writes next. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about wolf shifters, vampires, romantic suspense and paranormal romances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gloria.
298 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2018
The Rise of Vlad

Finally I get to read The Rise of Vlad!!!! Yassss📚🎉! Vlad aka Dracula is fiercely protective of his family. He may be the oldest vampire but loves fiercely. Nita being the leader of her pack is the perfect mate for Vlad. Both loyal, strong and might I add both have an itch they need to scratch *cough**cough*😏
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
July 4, 2018
The Rise of Vlad was a great conclusion to The Seeker Trilogy by Ditter Kellen. Vlad is the strongest vampire who is also known as Vlad the Impaler. Nita Frank’s is an alpha wolf shifter who was rescued by Vlad. This rescue was something that will change their lives forever. I loved reading this book and can’t wait to read more by Ditter Kellen.
17 reviews7 followers
May 27, 2017
Ditter did it again

Strong storyline. Love of two different species of love in the air. Ditter had my heart from Chapter One til the end of the book. Love this series and can't wait for the next book. Love you Ditter Kellen and keep on writing til your hearts desire is met.
Profile Image for Linda.
679 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2017
Fantastic, amazing, wonderful!

This book is amazing! A nail biting, heartpunding thrill ride! Vlad finds Nita in a trap and being shot by a human. When he realizes who she is he takes her back to his castle to heal her. Vlad and Nita, Nita and Vlad who would have thought it!
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
July 4, 2018
Ember Yearns by Ditter Kellan was another good quick read. This is the third book in The Seeker Series. Ember is still in the grasps of a stalker/serial killer. I really enjoy reading Ember and Angelos story.
2,416 reviews
November 28, 2019
I had a really hard time putting this book down. The storyline is very well written. Ditter Kellen is one of my favorite authors and did not disappoint with this book. I would definitely recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Yovonda Coleman.
424 reviews
March 14, 2020
Unexpected Mate

Vlad is one powerful vampire. Nita is the leader of a wolf pack. They don't like each other but their chemistry says different. They are drawn to each other. This is such an awesome hot story. I loved reading this book.
Profile Image for Debra Hawkins.
38 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2017
So excited to read!

I was so excited to read Vlad. I have loved him from his 1st sullen appearance in Ember. Loved Nita as well.
1,526 reviews14 followers
March 9, 2018
Awesome book

This story was incredible,outstanding,exciting and just plain hot 🔥as hell 😄!!!. DT is an amazing writer and fantastic storyteller 😄.
Profile Image for Jennifer Miller.
Author 51 books192 followers
March 26, 2018
absolutely amazing read.. highly anticipated addition and the author delivered.
Profile Image for Tayra Sanders.
2,313 reviews31 followers
December 21, 2019
Vlad a vampire and Nita a wolf who happens to be alpha of her pack who or should be the least likely couple but after Vlad saves Nita from a hunters trap his blood has bound them.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
October 24, 2019
The Rise of Vlad was a great conclusion to The Seeker Trilogy by Ditter Kellen. Vlad is the strongest vampire who is also known as Vlad the Impaler. Nita Frank’s is an alpha wolf shifter who was rescued by Vlad. This rescue was something that will change their lives forever. I loved reading this book and can’t wait to read more by Ditter Kellen.
582 reviews
October 13, 2019
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review. Vlad has been around along time and hunting is his only pleasure. Until a trespasser tries to kill a shifter on his property, only he's allowed to do that. The alpha shifter is fatally wounded and Vlad saves her life, and changes his and his people's lives forever. Well written characters with a fast paced and suspenseful plot that not only keeps you listening, but will make you chuckle occasionally. Well worth the listen.
85 reviews4 followers
February 25, 2017
A new twist on an ancient character! Vlad the Impaler has had many stories usually very dark but In this one he finds love. I have been waiting to see what this author would do with him all through the series and she surprised me by giving him a slight softer side. Vlad is fierce in everything he does including giving his heart, as strong and stubborn Nita soon finds out. I read this book straight through and was sad to see it end. If you like the paranormal mixed with high heat romance then I recommend you read the seeker series. This is book 3 and I'm hoping the author has more in store for us.
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2016
Change or Die

Vlad has been around for a long time and considers shifters the vampires enemy. The wolves consider vampires their enemies also. The seekers are enemies to both.

This story is has enough drama, betrayal, jealousy, hatred and love. Enemies will have to work together to root out the bad among their own people in order for the few to survive.


Profile Image for Angela Goodrich.
1,608 reviews102 followers
November 8, 2014
Well it was a good thing I was home alone when I reached the end of Ember Yearns. Had I been in public, I would have offended parents and religious people with what came out of my mouth. I have a love-hate relationship with The Seeker series. I love the books, but hate that they end so abruptly on a cliffhanger ... who am I kidding, I love that too. It's like watching a suspenseful TV show where you get so drawn into what's going on that you lose track of time and just when you think it's time for the big reveal, BAM! ... the episode is over and you have to wait for the next one to find out what happens. If someone had ever told me that I would get drawn into a series of novellas that did the same thing, I would have called them crazy, but ... my name is Angela and I am addicted to The Seeker series by Ditter Kellen.

In this this installment, Ms. Kellen provides us more insight into Ember with the introduction of her cousin Shon. Because of the way Shon has changed since the last time they saw one another and the ruler contest Angel and Shon engage in, we get more insight into Angel as well. While the Seeker continues to evade them (maybe) and threaten Ember's safety, we see Ember and Angel clash as his protective and possessive natures emerge. And although old school ideas and modern feminine independence don't go well together, it certainly makes for some SERIOUSLY hot sex. Good grief those two were lucky they didn't catch on fire. If their sex life gets any hotter, death by spontaneous combustion is a real possibility (I'm just not sure if it's mine or theirs that is more likely).

Due to the nature of the storyline, I'm at a loss to refer to specific events because of the risk of spoiler reveals. I can say that if you enjoyed books 1 & 2, you will definitely enjoy book 3 - but be sure to read it in private because the author tortures (or treats, depending upon your perspective) you with another well played cliffhanger ending that will leave you rabid for the next book (or at least it did me). Oh Ms. Kellen, please write faster!

I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!
Profile Image for Jay.
383 reviews67 followers
April 24, 2015
Title: Ember Yearns (The Seeker, #3)
Author: Ditter Kellen
Cover Artist: Syneca Featherstone
Publisher: Loose ID
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Paranormal
Type: Romance
Pairing: Heterosexual
Length: Novella
Heat Rating: 5 Flames
Book Rating: 4.5 Stars

By now if you have been reading this series you are aware of the vampire component introduced in Ember Learns. Here Ember’s story continues and we are introduced to two new characters. One being Shon, Embers cousin and the other being Gina, his sire. Gina is a strong character that I am sure will appear in further installments of the series. Shon’s humor adds another layer to this action, mystery, supernatural, erotic, and suspense filled adventure.

Ember and Angel’s relationship is still being developed with each trying to sort out their feelings and role. With the Seeker still after Ember Angel’s protectiveness increases and Ember becomes increasing agitated by that. Add to it, the fact that Ember will soon be going through her change and the complexity of their relationship increases. Aside from all that, the spontaneous heat between these two continues unfaltering.

As we have come to expect this installment yet again leaves us with a cliffhanger that we have to patiently await an answer to. The author once again has continued the suspense filled M/F erotic adventure. At the risk of sounding repetitious with this series, I once again found myself engrossed in a pager turner with a writing style that is captivating and engaging. Next installment please!

Review also at WoDF - Ember Yearns (The Seeker, #3)
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
February 21, 2016
The story started to pull me in and then it went over the top and lost me never to find me again. The author put a twist on how we see vampires we have come to know that you become one when you are bitten. Here the author said you have been one all your life but you must drink a lot of blood to be changed. I thought that was a little over the top as well as when Dracula came along that just put the stops on it for me. There were a few other places that I just did not feel the story came together. I did not feel the heat or even the lead up to passion. They met and hit the hay but I didn’t feel the chemistry at all. There just wasn’t any build up to give it what a true romance is all about. This has a great plot I just felt it needed a little more thought to it.

Robert Coltrane did a good job on narration. I did feel his female voices were close to being the same. I had a hard time knowing which one was talking. The male voices were great. The audio was clear with even tones. At times Mr. Coltrane voice seemed a little flat but it wasn’t that much to take away from the audio. There are no background noises and no change from high to low anywhere in the audio. I thought his character voice were good, clear and even. The music added to this audio was great it put you in the mood for what the author wrote.

I enjoyed some of the character and I thought others were a little much. All in all this wasn’t a bad audio the narrator makes this a nice listen. Just because it wasn’t more for me doesn’t mean it won’t be for you. I am sure you will enjoy the narrator and what he brings to the story. Give it a try you might find what I didn’t see.
Profile Image for Tiblu.
1,255 reviews49 followers
August 26, 2020
Vlad is a giant horses rear. Hated him.



Ok, guess if your name is “Vlad”,and chances are your the “Vlad” of the legends, we can’t expect you to be all sweet and nice.
Ok,but this guy was such an arrogant horses rear. Nothing ur selfish self absorbed BS seemed come out of his mind or thoughts. It was all about Vlad and his narcissistic needs.
One minute he wants Nita to rot and die, because even though
Vampires are just parasites feeding off of humans to even exist,some how shifters are the scum of the earth.
So according to his royal a hole ness the wolf deserves a painful death for daring to exist near him. The next he’s forcing his blood down her throat against her will and instructions because it’s what he wants.
The pursues a bond w/ her all the while happily telling us how much she disguise him,simply because of her shifter nature.
Who the Hell is he of all ppl to judge?
I hated Vlad.
He’s a selfish self absorbed monster who cares about himself first and every one else somewhere later,if it’s convenient for him.
Nita’s “ relationship “ with this D nugget felt soo forced. It was like in trying to do the decent thing and repay a debt her life was taken over by this monster.
I read this book a few years ago and I was re reading it thinking it was a book I’d enjoyed,WOW was I wrong!
I can’t wait to delete!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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