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Legion of Angels #1
Vampire's Kiss
Once you sip the Nectar of the gods, there’s no going back.
Leda Pierce is working as a paranormal bounty hunter on the Frontier, the dividing line between human civilization and the plains of monsters. Life is simple and the pay modest, but at least she has her family. That is, until a vampire hunt goes wrong and her brother goes missing, captured by the dark angels of hell.
With no magical powers of her own and no way to find him, Leda’s only option is to go to New York and join the Legion of Angels, an elite unit of supernatural soldiers with powers gifted to them by the gods themselves. If she can survive long enough to make it up the ranks, she will gain the magic she needs to find her brother.
But Leda soon finds herself on the wrong side of a conspiracy that will shake up the supernatural world—and at the mercy of a fiercely powerful and tempting angel.
Leda Pierce is working as a paranormal bounty hunter on the Frontier, the dividing line between human civilization and the plains of monsters. Life is simple and the pay modest, but at least she has her family. That is, until a vampire hunt goes wrong and her brother goes missing, captured by the dark angels of hell.
With no magical powers of her own and no way to find him, Leda’s only option is to go to New York and join the Legion of Angels, an elite unit of supernatural soldiers with powers gifted to them by the gods themselves. If she can survive long enough to make it up the ranks, she will gain the magic she needs to find her brother.
But Leda soon finds herself on the wrong side of a conspiracy that will shake up the supernatural world—and at the mercy of a fiercely powerful and tempting angel.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2016
1561 people are currently reading
3693 people want to read
About the author
Ella Summers
66 books1,426 followersElla Summers has been writing stories for as long as she could read; she's been coming up with tall tales even longer than that. One of her early year masterpieces was a story about a pigtailed princess and her dragon sidekick. Nowadays, she still writes fantasy. She likes books with layered plots, lots of action and adventure, and a touch of romance. When she is not busy writing or spending time with her two young children, she makes the world safe by fighting robots.
Originally from the U.S., Ella currently resides in Switzerland. She is the author of Sorcery and Science, a fantasy adventure series set in a world splintered by magic and technology.
Originally from the U.S., Ella currently resides in Switzerland. She is the author of Sorcery and Science, a fantasy adventure series set in a world splintered by magic and technology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
d-n-f
July 4, 2019I didn't make it very far, so this comparison may fall flat further on, but this feels like a really bad Guild Hunter rip-off. Remember when Elena meets Raphael for the first time and she gets a little sassy until he quickly reminds her he's a super powerful murderous bastard? Imagine that scene, but with less impressive characters, and Elena just keeps going and making it worse and digging herself a deeper hole with flippant and disrespectful comments while Raphael's comments drip with disdain and disgust.
It was bad. This chick desperately needs the Legion's help, so best to piss them off right from the start. Makes sense.
Aside from that, I'm more interested in the secondary character with telepathy and supernatural levels of charm than I am interested in the main character that's "just slightly stronger and faster than most humans"... Boo, lame.
Also, the ratings on this book look a little... untrustworthy.
It was bad. This chick desperately needs the Legion's help, so best to piss them off right from the start. Makes sense.
Aside from that, I'm more interested in the secondary character with telepathy and supernatural levels of charm than I am interested in the main character that's "just slightly stronger and faster than most humans"... Boo, lame.
Also, the ratings on this book look a little... untrustworthy.
August 25, 2017
I never thought I should see the day where a book with average writing would ruin my enjoyment of an awesome plot. But this book did just that, there were too many times where my suspension of disbelief just broke, and my annoyingly logic craving mind popped with 'This doesn't make sense'.
March 20, 2018
It’s been a long time since I’ve been driven to dive into one book after another in a series. Legion of Angels hooked me with the first book, Vampire’s Kiss, and I couldn’t stop until I read them all. Now I’m left waiting for the sixth installment to come.
Note: This series does have some similarities to the Guild Hunters, but their are enough differences and unique qualities to make this something new and appealing. One similarity is that our heroine Leda has a backbone and talks back to the Angel's and those higher up in the Legion. She stands up for what she feels is right. Like Elena in Guild Hunters.
Vampire's Kiss is book one in the Legion of Angels series by Ella Summers.
In Vampire’s Kiss we are introduced to the world, to Leda, the Legion of Angel’s, and so much more. Their is quit a lot to wrap your mind around and digest in this first installment.
War has been raging; between demons and angels. This war destroyed the world and now everyone has to live behind a protective wall or the monsters in the Black Plains created by demons and gods will get them.
Leda is a bounty hunter. Her family is not a family by blood, but a family by choose. They stick together and look out for each other, so when one goes missing. Leda makes a choice that will change her life.
The Legion of Angel’s are an elite law enforcement agency. Those that join do not leave. It’s a life long services and the higher up you get in the ranks the more powers you are giving. The training is grueling and brutal. Their are several levels; before you become an angel or an archangel. To get leveled up you have to first servive the training and then the ceremony that grants you powers.
Leda is a kick ass character. I liked her loyalty and love for her foster family. She puts herself through a lot to try and save her brother. The training in the Legion of Angel’s is demanding, but she’s determined and stubborn and I like that about her. Besides all the training, she actually gets to go on a case and investigate. I will say I had fun with Leda and I liked her standing up to Nero, the angel.
Their is a little love triangle in Vampire’s Kiss. Two men take an interest in Leda and they approach her in different ways. Leda dose make decisions that lead one or the other on and with that it bumped my liking of her down a notch. I’m not a fan of love triangles, but I will say by the ending things are leaning more towards one.
Now, their is one thing I didn’t care for. One scene Leda conforms to peer pressure. Everyone in the Legion of Angel’s takes this drug to help unwind and lossen up. I don’t care for the gods nectar being used as a recreational drug, but I guess at some point we all give into peer pressure.
Last, Vampire’s Kiss just ends with no warning that it’s nearing the end. It was more like an ending of a chapter then an ending to a book. With this ending it leaves you wanting to either stop the series or pick up the next book and find out what happens next.
I had a lot of fun reading Vampire’s Kiss. The story captivated and intrigued me. I liked the balance of action and romance. Urban Fantasy readers will enjoy this book.
Rated: 4 Stars
Note: This series does have some similarities to the Guild Hunters, but their are enough differences and unique qualities to make this something new and appealing. One similarity is that our heroine Leda has a backbone and talks back to the Angel's and those higher up in the Legion. She stands up for what she feels is right. Like Elena in Guild Hunters.
Vampire's Kiss is book one in the Legion of Angels series by Ella Summers.
In Vampire’s Kiss we are introduced to the world, to Leda, the Legion of Angel’s, and so much more. Their is quit a lot to wrap your mind around and digest in this first installment.
War has been raging; between demons and angels. This war destroyed the world and now everyone has to live behind a protective wall or the monsters in the Black Plains created by demons and gods will get them.
Leda is a bounty hunter. Her family is not a family by blood, but a family by choose. They stick together and look out for each other, so when one goes missing. Leda makes a choice that will change her life.
The Legion of Angel’s are an elite law enforcement agency. Those that join do not leave. It’s a life long services and the higher up you get in the ranks the more powers you are giving. The training is grueling and brutal. Their are several levels; before you become an angel or an archangel. To get leveled up you have to first servive the training and then the ceremony that grants you powers.
Leda is a kick ass character. I liked her loyalty and love for her foster family. She puts herself through a lot to try and save her brother. The training in the Legion of Angel’s is demanding, but she’s determined and stubborn and I like that about her. Besides all the training, she actually gets to go on a case and investigate. I will say I had fun with Leda and I liked her standing up to Nero, the angel.
Their is a little love triangle in Vampire’s Kiss. Two men take an interest in Leda and they approach her in different ways. Leda dose make decisions that lead one or the other on and with that it bumped my liking of her down a notch. I’m not a fan of love triangles, but I will say by the ending things are leaning more towards one.
Now, their is one thing I didn’t care for. One scene Leda conforms to peer pressure. Everyone in the Legion of Angel’s takes this drug to help unwind and lossen up. I don’t care for the gods nectar being used as a recreational drug, but I guess at some point we all give into peer pressure.
Last, Vampire’s Kiss just ends with no warning that it’s nearing the end. It was more like an ending of a chapter then an ending to a book. With this ending it leaves you wanting to either stop the series or pick up the next book and find out what happens next.
I had a lot of fun reading Vampire’s Kiss. The story captivated and intrigued me. I liked the balance of action and romance. Urban Fantasy readers will enjoy this book.
Rated: 4 Stars
April 19, 2020
Wow, did not expect to like the story as much as I did, especially since the blurb was reminding me so much of the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh. There are some similarities but nothing that would make me stop reading the book and call for author rights. In this series the whole world is so much different from what I'm used to reading about and that made me like the plot a lot. It's basically how the world looks like after armageddon. And all the angels and gods versus demons stuff is also quite amusing. I'm sure some wouldn't see it that way, but these days I just have a wicked kind of humor. Can't wait for Halloween btw.
Anyway, as I was saying the book is a treat, wonderful really! That being said, I wished there was more N/A instead of YA. You know, a bit more action on that front. But nonetheless, the characters had great chemistry and some I even found annoyingly lovable. I also wished we'd get a HEA but it's more of a HFN, maybe, for now. So I'm onto reading the next book and see what's the fuss about becoming an angel all about. With the speed the main character is progressing it certainly won't be long for her to be one.
Anyway, as I was saying the book is a treat, wonderful really! That being said, I wished there was more N/A instead of YA. You know, a bit more action on that front. But nonetheless, the characters had great chemistry and some I even found annoyingly lovable. I also wished we'd get a HEA but it's more of a HFN, maybe, for now. So I'm onto reading the next book and see what's the fuss about becoming an angel all about. With the speed the main character is progressing it certainly won't be long for her to be one.
October 15, 2016
In my opinion a good book is one where the characters and plot stay with after you've finished reading and drive you crazy with the need to know more and you have an overpowering desperation to read the next in the series, right up until the moment you realise it hasn't been released yet then you inevitably slump into a book hangover. This is the stage I am now at.
I started reading Ella's new book with interest as I was keen to see how she would portray angels, gods and vampires and she did not disappoint me and I cannot wait to see where she is taking them, as well as gods and demons. I mean there's a whole gamut of supernaturals to get your teeth into and yet I'm left with the feeling we've only just really started seeing them.
This whole new world Ella has created is amazing and the visuals the reader can construct from her descriptions are impressive. The plot may seem straightforward but be warned, there are unexpected twists and turns, and in fact is the whole thing is a slow burner setting the reader up for the next book.
At first glance you could be fooled into thinking you know all you need to know about the characters but as with anyone, there are hidden motives and behind the scenes manoeuvring which leaves questions hanging and nicely sets up the next book.
There is definitely a lot more to Leda than even she is aware of. The vampires' reaction to her hair is weird, as well as her seeming immunity to angel compulsion. There's something hinky going on there.
Ella's classic humour permeates the conversations and her characters grow and expand as you get to know them but there is no immediate trust or instant love here; in fact the interaction between the main two characters is nail biting to the extreme and completely slow burning, which I really like as it makes their growing attraction for each other more realistic. My only hope is that neither does something stupid like going off with someone else then come back and get forgiven.
Of the side characters I love the fact that Leda has a family and I'm interested to see how they may figure further into the series. So, to recap: amazing book; book hangover; a smokin' hot angel; badass heroine who definitely has more going on than we or even she knows about; and suspicious events. What's not to like?
I started reading Ella's new book with interest as I was keen to see how she would portray angels, gods and vampires and she did not disappoint me and I cannot wait to see where she is taking them, as well as gods and demons. I mean there's a whole gamut of supernaturals to get your teeth into and yet I'm left with the feeling we've only just really started seeing them.
This whole new world Ella has created is amazing and the visuals the reader can construct from her descriptions are impressive. The plot may seem straightforward but be warned, there are unexpected twists and turns, and in fact is the whole thing is a slow burner setting the reader up for the next book.
At first glance you could be fooled into thinking you know all you need to know about the characters but as with anyone, there are hidden motives and behind the scenes manoeuvring which leaves questions hanging and nicely sets up the next book.
There is definitely a lot more to Leda than even she is aware of. The vampires' reaction to her hair is weird, as well as her seeming immunity to angel compulsion. There's something hinky going on there.
Ella's classic humour permeates the conversations and her characters grow and expand as you get to know them but there is no immediate trust or instant love here; in fact the interaction between the main two characters is nail biting to the extreme and completely slow burning, which I really like as it makes their growing attraction for each other more realistic. My only hope is that neither does something stupid like going off with someone else then come back and get forgiven.
Of the side characters I love the fact that Leda has a family and I'm interested to see how they may figure further into the series. So, to recap: amazing book; book hangover; a smokin' hot angel; badass heroine who definitely has more going on than we or even she knows about; and suspicious events. What's not to like?
October 20, 2020
2.5 Stars
Egh
Started out okay but went downhill. The writing was cheesy and at times cringey. The plot was cliche, which is sad because the world building was unique, but the romance and drama kind of ruined it all. The characters also acted like they were all in high school when they're supposed to be at least in their early 20s.
I also didn't like how all everyone cared or talked about was how hot the hero was, or how bada** he is, and yet the first time he has a chance to prove it, he literally gets captured and tortured. Weak. Same goes for the heroine though. She was a bounty hunter but loses against everyone in hand to hand combat.
The whole plot is because the heroine's brother gets taken and they are so devastated, so, without any internal struggle, she joins this deadly legion place, and you know how many times she thinks of her brother when she joins? Zero. It's like she totally forgets her family when she joins and all she can think about was the hero who is a bit creepy tbh, or the forced OM drama that keeps being brought up for literally no reason at all, and just turned out to be a bit humiliating for the heroine. I love kicka** heroines as much as the next person, but this heroine definitely isn't one. Saying you are is one thing, but your actions actually have to live up to all the talk.
Also, the whole legion place is whack. What are they even fighting for? They're all just so okay with their lives being treated like trash and to be killed off on the first day over a drink? It's definitely a little messed up that all your fellow trainees are dying right in front of you for no reason, and you don't even give it a second thought. Then again everyone's reactions to everything are also whack. One second someone would be totally happy, and the next they are randomly wiping a tear off their face when I didn't even know they were crying. We get no buildup of emotions or reactions, they just happen as soon as the words appear.
Overall, a not so great book. I wish the "romance" would have stayed out of it, because I wasn't a fan of it, or the hero at all. Not sure if I will read the second book or not to see if it gets any better, but I don't think I will.
Egh
Started out okay but went downhill. The writing was cheesy and at times cringey. The plot was cliche, which is sad because the world building was unique, but the romance and drama kind of ruined it all. The characters also acted like they were all in high school when they're supposed to be at least in their early 20s.
I also didn't like how all everyone cared or talked about was how hot the hero was, or how bada** he is, and yet the first time he has a chance to prove it, he literally gets captured and tortured. Weak. Same goes for the heroine though. She was a bounty hunter but loses against everyone in hand to hand combat.
The whole plot is because the heroine's brother gets taken and they are so devastated, so, without any internal struggle, she joins this deadly legion place, and you know how many times she thinks of her brother when she joins? Zero. It's like she totally forgets her family when she joins and all she can think about was the hero who is a bit creepy tbh, or the forced OM drama that keeps being brought up for literally no reason at all, and just turned out to be a bit humiliating for the heroine. I love kicka** heroines as much as the next person, but this heroine definitely isn't one. Saying you are is one thing, but your actions actually have to live up to all the talk.
Also, the whole legion place is whack. What are they even fighting for? They're all just so okay with their lives being treated like trash and to be killed off on the first day over a drink? It's definitely a little messed up that all your fellow trainees are dying right in front of you for no reason, and you don't even give it a second thought. Then again everyone's reactions to everything are also whack. One second someone would be totally happy, and the next they are randomly wiping a tear off their face when I didn't even know they were crying. We get no buildup of emotions or reactions, they just happen as soon as the words appear.
Overall, a not so great book. I wish the "romance" would have stayed out of it, because I wasn't a fan of it, or the hero at all. Not sure if I will read the second book or not to see if it gets any better, but I don't think I will.
May 19, 2017
KISS OF DEATH
I bought this book because of the reviews. Which is why I felt compelled to write THIS review, even though I could only make it a quarter of the way through this book (and that with gritted teeth).
It started well - nice action setting in what looked to be a really interesting world. Then it went down hill from there. Very rapidly. In a nutshell the book is very poorly written, exhibiting a considerable lack of maturity in character development, character scripting and plot development. It read like the author had sat down one day and written, without reading back over what she'd done. Repetitive in many places, full of irrelevant information and poorly executed interaction of characters that left me feeling like I was in a plastic world of barbie dolls. I don't mind cliche if it is done well. This was not.
I bought this book because of the reviews. Which is why I felt compelled to write THIS review, even though I could only make it a quarter of the way through this book (and that with gritted teeth).
It started well - nice action setting in what looked to be a really interesting world. Then it went down hill from there. Very rapidly. In a nutshell the book is very poorly written, exhibiting a considerable lack of maturity in character development, character scripting and plot development. It read like the author had sat down one day and written, without reading back over what she'd done. Repetitive in many places, full of irrelevant information and poorly executed interaction of characters that left me feeling like I was in a plastic world of barbie dolls. I don't mind cliche if it is done well. This was not.
July 19, 2017
I generally don't like covers showing girls in some heroic poses (with minimum clothing) all blonde and beautiful...but this cover attracted attention because it came up as kindle-unlimited recommendations and I thought what I have got to lose?
For my liking I had lot of issues with this book which I will address later on but somehow the story and setting reminded me of Vampire Academy and well defined Gods, Angel and demon system is so fascinating, it held my interest.
Leda is looking for his kidnapped foster brother and that prompts her to join Legion of Angles. If you ask me, I personally don't like take it. If you are looking for someone, you chose the way which is less cumbersome and more of a shortcut (may be few unauthenticated sources). The problem with this plot is she can find her brother through Ghost whisper gift specially available to level 7 angel which she may achieve after at least few years and that even if she can make it to all trials. Now if you ask me that's very long shot. How does she know by that time her brother would be alive or not turned into some kind of monster?
2nd problem, I don't like our special snowflake of heroine doesn't know her parentage. So tomorrow instead of some street urchin with just strong will power would be be like higher up Angel (or Gods) bastard child for all we know.
And then we have fallen angel's son as her trainer (and potential love interest, of course). Problem no. 3
He is kind of jerk as Leda points out often (more often than I like).
I don't like Leda calls others Legion brats when she herself behaves like a brat all the time. Smart mouth is fine but I liked her better when she keeps quiet.
With all this problems, I still would like to continue as the story has potential. It is not mind blowing but I think because I went into this with the least expectations, I am pleasantly surprised. I have already started with #2 so definitely going to continue this series....
For my liking I had lot of issues with this book which I will address later on but somehow the story and setting reminded me of Vampire Academy and well defined Gods, Angel and demon system is so fascinating, it held my interest.
Leda is looking for his kidnapped foster brother and that prompts her to join Legion of Angles. If you ask me, I personally don't like take it. If you are looking for someone, you chose the way which is less cumbersome and more of a shortcut (may be few unauthenticated sources). The problem with this plot is she can find her brother through Ghost whisper gift specially available to level 7 angel which she may achieve after at least few years and that even if she can make it to all trials. Now if you ask me that's very long shot. How does she know by that time her brother would be alive or not turned into some kind of monster?
2nd problem, I don't like our special snowflake of heroine doesn't know her parentage. So tomorrow instead of some street urchin with just strong will power would be be like higher up Angel (or Gods) bastard child for all we know.
And then we have fallen angel's son as her trainer (and potential love interest, of course). Problem no. 3
He is kind of jerk as Leda points out often (more often than I like).
I don't like Leda calls others Legion brats when she herself behaves like a brat all the time. Smart mouth is fine but I liked her better when she keeps quiet.
With all this problems, I still would like to continue as the story has potential. It is not mind blowing but I think because I went into this with the least expectations, I am pleasantly surprised. I have already started with #2 so definitely going to continue this series....
April 11, 2018
This book has been recommended to me twice in the last 24 hours. I think I found my next read.
And oh surprise! Let's clean the never ending TBR!
Rating : 3.5 stars
A bit cheesy and silly at some point but basically a good and interesting first book. Let's go read the next one!
full review to come
And oh surprise! Let's clean the never ending TBR!
Rating : 3.5 stars
A bit cheesy and silly at some point but basically a good and interesting first book. Let's go read the next one!
full review to come
June 7, 2019
This was a fast paced and fun read that got me out of my reading slump. Looking forward to reading more of this series.
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: Low
HEA
Cheating/OW/OM
Any push/pull
Any couple separation
Angst Level: Low
Heat Level: Low
June 26, 2019
This is entirely me and not the book, because of the white haired badass female mc and the angel of New York my mind immediately went to one of most favorite couples ever. This while having a few similarities isn't that series.
I'm not a fan of Nero's though he's dream to the h he's too wishy washy for me
Ugh that OM drama was ridiculous
The h was a badass, bold and fearless yet still retaining her humanity (Channeling Elena vibes) but Everytime she had tender thoughts for Nero I got pissed.
Interesting plot and development but it's tough to enjoy a series while not liking one of the mcs, nevertheless I'm curious enough to move on.
I'm not a fan of Nero's though he's dream to the h he's too wishy washy for me
Ugh that OM drama was ridiculous
The h was a badass, bold and fearless yet still retaining her humanity (Channeling Elena vibes) but Everytime she had tender thoughts for Nero I got pissed.
Interesting plot and development but it's tough to enjoy a series while not liking one of the mcs, nevertheless I'm curious enough to move on.
October 29, 2016
Hell of a cliffhanger ending. I've mixed feelings about this book but I do think the slightly apocalyptic story arc & my curiosity about the demons is interesting enough to read book 2.
October 16, 2018
I’m in the mood to read about a super kickass heroine!
I found one, her name is Leda.
And the hero?
He is an angel 😘
The book is on KU ❤️
I found one, her name is Leda.
And the hero?
He is an angel 😘
The book is on KU ❤️
February 3, 2017
This may be a first, (if not the first it was so long ago I've forgotten ), a prologue giving the basic information needed to understand the paranormal plot. What a concept, and I loved it!
This story was action packed. No romance, but on to book 2.
May 1, 2021
A friend of mine, whose choice I tend to trust recommended this horse shit pretty vehemently... And for that reason and that reason only did I grit my teeth and read this craptastic fuckjob cover to cover. (BTW when people say bad words around me I scream 'hey watch your language'. So yea saying I'm frustrated is a massive understatement). Anyway let's get to discussing everything that's wrong with this surprising published bag of manure.
I admit the premise and the plot are good, interesting really. In the hands of an author like Brandon sanders or Cassandra Clair or Marie Lu or many others really, this would have been a master piece! But Ella's mediocre at best writing ruined it. So now we have a dildo that fucks the brain.
The character development is more or less non existent. The dialogues are cliche in a, I'm cringing my ass off and thinking of killing a certain friend, way. Relationships are all out of whack! Totally unrelatable, no Ella, if a girl has to get into an academy to gain power to save the brother she loves, she is not gonna mouth off during interview! No Ella, that girl is also not gonna beg her EMOTIONALLY UNAVAILABLE TEACHER to bite her neck cause he is sexy.
The emotional tone of the book is flat as a pane of smooth glass, no ups and downs. No Ella, if girl's brother gets kidnapped and then she witnesses a ghastly death she's not likely to happily examine her new room at the hostel and make jokes! When your best friend nearly kills your... crush? Dunno but someone you're definitely attracted to, there is more fluff than "meh, off to the authorities we go"
When your MC repeatedly says "this is unbelievable" or something to that effect, in a situation that is unbelievable, in all the wrong ways... You're not being witty, you're being willfully neglectful of the fact that your writing is sloppy... Fix it!
The flow is off, it's like things are just happening, too fast, too randomly. It's hard to keep them straight. You have packed too much with too little care for its wording or tone or relatability or for making sense. I do understand everything written, every word but umm "I wanted to bath in his blood" no Ella that is not sexy. When I picture the pig blood scene from Carrie, which is what the line made me picture, it does not make me kinky! If it works for you, whoever you may be that's reading this review, for the love of god get help. DO NOT GET THIS BOOK, WE WANT TO CURE YOU, NOT MAKE YOU THE NEXT JACK THE RIPPER.
The interaction between the characters is so shallow, if it were a pool I'd feel comfortable laying my baby in it... Face down. Not that I have a baby, but you know, my future baby.
But then like I said, a friend who I trust recommended it, so I decided OK I'll pick up book two, if she's recommending it... repeatedly it must get better. I'm five chapters down in book two, and her writing does seem to be more palatable, which could mean she's improved or it could also mean I've gotten used to the stink of bullshit enough to start noticing the subtle spicy or floral tones, present in it (in which case, thank God Ella's bull had a variable garden in which to feast before it shat on a bunch of pages) . Either ways I'm now able to appreciate the plot somewhat, still just 5 chapters in so I may be speaking too soon. We shall see.
I admit the premise and the plot are good, interesting really. In the hands of an author like Brandon sanders or Cassandra Clair or Marie Lu or many others really, this would have been a master piece! But Ella's mediocre at best writing ruined it. So now we have a dildo that fucks the brain.
The character development is more or less non existent. The dialogues are cliche in a, I'm cringing my ass off and thinking of killing a certain friend, way. Relationships are all out of whack! Totally unrelatable, no Ella, if a girl has to get into an academy to gain power to save the brother she loves, she is not gonna mouth off during interview! No Ella, that girl is also not gonna beg her EMOTIONALLY UNAVAILABLE TEACHER to bite her neck cause he is sexy.
The emotional tone of the book is flat as a pane of smooth glass, no ups and downs. No Ella, if girl's brother gets kidnapped and then she witnesses a ghastly death she's not likely to happily examine her new room at the hostel and make jokes! When your best friend nearly kills your... crush? Dunno but someone you're definitely attracted to, there is more fluff than "meh, off to the authorities we go"
When your MC repeatedly says "this is unbelievable" or something to that effect, in a situation that is unbelievable, in all the wrong ways... You're not being witty, you're being willfully neglectful of the fact that your writing is sloppy... Fix it!
The flow is off, it's like things are just happening, too fast, too randomly. It's hard to keep them straight. You have packed too much with too little care for its wording or tone or relatability or for making sense. I do understand everything written, every word but umm "I wanted to bath in his blood" no Ella that is not sexy. When I picture the pig blood scene from Carrie, which is what the line made me picture, it does not make me kinky! If it works for you, whoever you may be that's reading this review, for the love of god get help. DO NOT GET THIS BOOK, WE WANT TO CURE YOU, NOT MAKE YOU THE NEXT JACK THE RIPPER.
The interaction between the characters is so shallow, if it were a pool I'd feel comfortable laying my baby in it... Face down. Not that I have a baby, but you know, my future baby.
But then like I said, a friend who I trust recommended it, so I decided OK I'll pick up book two, if she's recommending it... repeatedly it must get better. I'm five chapters down in book two, and her writing does seem to be more palatable, which could mean she's improved or it could also mean I've gotten used to the stink of bullshit enough to start noticing the subtle spicy or floral tones, present in it (in which case, thank God Ella's bull had a variable garden in which to feast before it shat on a bunch of pages) . Either ways I'm now able to appreciate the plot somewhat, still just 5 chapters in so I may be speaking too soon. We shall see.
March 14, 2019
3.5 I might even give a 4 when I'm done with the other books.
April 11, 2019
For the first book this was amazing, The author painted such a vivid picture of the post apocalyptic world. The plot was intense and gripping i'm eager to see how it all turns out
I am withholding my 5 star due to the characters, i felt there personalities seemed to flutter about alot Nero went from stoic to chuckling to guzzling drugs... Leda was stubborn and brave but occasionally cruel the other characters were a little bland... But for such a short book it really was exceptional, fingers crossed for a little more character development in next book!!!
I am withholding my 5 star due to the characters, i felt there personalities seemed to flutter about alot Nero went from stoic to chuckling to guzzling drugs... Leda was stubborn and brave but occasionally cruel the other characters were a little bland... But for such a short book it really was exceptional, fingers crossed for a little more character development in next book!!!
November 6, 2019
Vampires Kiss features a family of bounty hunters under the business name Pandora's Box. In this fantasy, there are gods, angels, witches, vampires, werewolves and humans. A humans are born with an some type of magical affinity but they are able to become angels if they go through this legion academy and reach level 9. For context, most people die at level 1.
Leda and her family are business as usual until a hunt almost goes bad and then her brother Zane gets kidnapped. The only way to save him is for her to join the Legion because if she reaches level none she'll get a special gift ability that will allow her to track him. In addition to that ability she will be super strong, and be able to heal and a host of other things.
The story started off strong for me. Here is a family stressing out about their missing member and how to get him back while trying to figure out what is going on with all these vampires and other supernaturals suddenly showing up. The dialogue was great; believable even in a fantasy world.
However things took a turn when Leda joined the legion. The dialogue suddenly resembled that of a high school drama complete with a short lived, hilarious love triangle and one over the top piece of plot after another. I rated it 3 stars even though it's probably closer to 2 simply because it entertained me enough to keep reading to see what happens next. The ending wasn't exactly a huge cliffhanger but it does leave you wondering. I will probably check out the next book because I'm curious how it's going to play out.
Leda and her family are business as usual until a hunt almost goes bad and then her brother Zane gets kidnapped. The only way to save him is for her to join the Legion because if she reaches level none she'll get a special gift ability that will allow her to track him. In addition to that ability she will be super strong, and be able to heal and a host of other things.
The story started off strong for me. Here is a family stressing out about their missing member and how to get him back while trying to figure out what is going on with all these vampires and other supernaturals suddenly showing up. The dialogue was great; believable even in a fantasy world.
However things took a turn when Leda joined the legion. The dialogue suddenly resembled that of a high school drama complete with a short lived, hilarious love triangle and one over the top piece of plot after another. I rated it 3 stars even though it's probably closer to 2 simply because it entertained me enough to keep reading to see what happens next. The ending wasn't exactly a huge cliffhanger but it does leave you wondering. I will probably check out the next book because I'm curious how it's going to play out.
March 9, 2019
It feels like a long time since I read a good old fashioned Urban Fantasy book, after my Year long fall into the Reverse Harem rabbit hole, and I really enjoyed this, apart from one small thing, which I'll get to in a bit.
For me, the has all of the ingredients which make a good UF book: good world building, good plot, with a pair of characets with sizzling chemistry in what is clearly going to be a good slow burn romance. I love Nero!
My only quibble is that Leda is a little too much of a special snowflake. This didn't bother until the last third, where you have this organisation of experienced bass assets, yet she was the only one who knew what was going on...
However, that was just a niggle, and if I didn't have a new shiny ARC to read right now I'd be picking the next one up. Straight away!
For me, the has all of the ingredients which make a good UF book: good world building, good plot, with a pair of characets with sizzling chemistry in what is clearly going to be a good slow burn romance. I love Nero!
My only quibble is that Leda is a little too much of a special snowflake. This didn't bother until the last third, where you have this organisation of experienced bass assets, yet she was the only one who knew what was going on...
However, that was just a niggle, and if I didn't have a new shiny ARC to read right now I'd be picking the next one up. Straight away!
March 22, 2017
I so did not enjoy this book. Full of stereotypical, one-dimensional characters and annoying shortcuts. World was flat and not interesting. Beginning was promising but it went down fast, hence the two stars. I wont buy the next installement in this series
November 18, 2016
1.5 Stars. I don't understand where all of the 5 star ratings came from, but I'll be continuing the series anyway.
August 30, 2018
I didn’t love this but I didn’t hate it either. I always think the first books in this type of urban fantasy series are kind of slow though, so I’ll read the next ones to see if it picks up. I like the idea of the Legion in this, and the angels and demons at war. The plot is actually really good but I had trouble with the characters. Leda was okay, but not my favorite heroine ever.
April 13, 2017
In a world, where the Gods and Demons fought the war, created their own monsters and left the humans with picking up the pieces. The Gods granted them magic so as to balance out the monsters with the humans. The world is full of vampires, shapeshifters, witches and to maintain the peace the legions of angels who in itself are ruthless.
Leda, has no magic and is a bounty hunter and leads a normal yet, busy life along with her foster family. One day a routine hunt goes awry and her brother goes missing without a trace. Willing to do anything to get her brother back she decides to join the Legion of Angels in NY. It's rigorous training campus for elite & ruthless soldiers with their own special powers that are gifted by the Gods and only attained with each level passed. Each level gains the soldiers special powers and not everyone makes it through every level. As the days go by she finds out more and more about the gods, demons and other conspiracy. At the training camp she heads butt with the tough as nails Angel Nero who is training them to be the best of the best. Thus begins her training and her quest to get closer to finding her brother with each passing day.
I thought the premise of this book was quite interesting and it was fairly fast paced. The world building was just ok. This book just did not rock for me. I'm not quite sure what or where the issue was but everything just felt mediocre with this one. The characters I just couldn't connect with them. The romance interest as well kind of felt flat. It's a shame cuz I do enjoy the authors Dragon Born series -Mercenary Magic . If you have not read it I do recommend that one.
Leda, has no magic and is a bounty hunter and leads a normal yet, busy life along with her foster family. One day a routine hunt goes awry and her brother goes missing without a trace. Willing to do anything to get her brother back she decides to join the Legion of Angels in NY. It's rigorous training campus for elite & ruthless soldiers with their own special powers that are gifted by the Gods and only attained with each level passed. Each level gains the soldiers special powers and not everyone makes it through every level. As the days go by she finds out more and more about the gods, demons and other conspiracy. At the training camp she heads butt with the tough as nails Angel Nero who is training them to be the best of the best. Thus begins her training and her quest to get closer to finding her brother with each passing day.
I thought the premise of this book was quite interesting and it was fairly fast paced. The world building was just ok. This book just did not rock for me. I'm not quite sure what or where the issue was but everything just felt mediocre with this one. The characters I just couldn't connect with them. The romance interest as well kind of felt flat. It's a shame cuz I do enjoy the authors Dragon Born series -Mercenary Magic . If you have not read it I do recommend that one.
May 6, 2020
Re-read
Just needed something I could listen to while I work :) Hoping the rest of the series comes out in audio soon. I freaking LOVE Leda
Re-read
Forgot too much and Fairy’s Touch is out so going through it again
3/4*
This one is hard for me to rate and I'm not even sure why. I read it quickly and was engaged in the story
But the more I think about it there was just something..........not sure yet if I will read book 2
Just needed something I could listen to while I work :) Hoping the rest of the series comes out in audio soon. I freaking LOVE Leda
Re-read
Forgot too much and Fairy’s Touch is out so going through it again
3/4*
This one is hard for me to rate and I'm not even sure why. I read it quickly and was engaged in the story
But the more I think about it there was just something..........not sure yet if I will read book 2
October 20, 2016
Amazing read. Some of the best world building I've ever read. Leda was such an awesome character - strong, sarcastic and special. Nero certainly got my blood pumping and the energy between the two is electric. The story is just starting to show reveal and I can't wait to see where it goes. Bring on book 2! Highly recommend.
November 7, 2016
YES! This is what I've been looking for.
Urban Fantasy/ Dystopian at its finest.
Great first book of a series. Fresh new storyline, badass heroine, hot alpha male, action packed and filled with paranormal creatures. I have needed a book like this, it read so smoothly, i didn't want it to end.
Urban Fantasy/ Dystopian at its finest.
Great first book of a series. Fresh new storyline, badass heroine, hot alpha male, action packed and filled with paranormal creatures. I have needed a book like this, it read so smoothly, i didn't want it to end.
February 5, 2022
The premise of the book was interesting, but the plot was pretty cheesy with predictable drama until the very end when some surprising twists were introduced. The FMC Leda is an orphan that was fostered into a bounty hunter family. The good angels are introduced as these super OP law enforcement being with magic granted by the gods - they pretty much have every power of every other supernatural race in the world (super speed and strength like vampires, telepathy, healing fairy powers, and much more). The dark angels are similar, but they are rogues or work for the evil demons instead. The main story line is started when her foster brother Zane is allegedly kidnapped by dark angels for his rare and powerful natural telepathic powers, which prompts her and her family to chase down leads to try and find out where he ended up.
We have our predictable secret evil breeding program, leads with clues killed by evil villains before they can try to help, hidden supernaturals persecuted for their powers, a self-sacrificing FMC with mysterious parentage and powers, and a powerful emotionless angel Nero with suspicious interest in our FMC. It would have been much less convoluted and quicker to save Zane if Leda could just request the angels directly for help, but apparently all these hidden telepathic people called "ghosts" are in high demand by the "good" angels, too. As a result, Leda ends up joining the Legion of Angels to the sadness of her foster family in an attempt to become an angel herself and gain telepathic angelic powers for her own purposes. She also couldn't reveal the true reason why she wanted to join the Legion to anyone due the secrecy of Zane's powers, to the frustration of Nero. The dramatic point of this decision is that once you join the Legion, you can never leave or back out of the group unless through death.
While that's all and good, I really did have an issue with the idea that the only way that Leda could even get close to finding where Zane was was by joining the Legion and slowly leveling up to gain the necessary power. It sounds like this is not a quick process in the order of weeks, and who knew if Zane would still be alive or in the same mental capacity by then if he was being held by dark angels and demons?!
Similar to other reviews, I definitely get Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter vibes with the bounty hunter guild and powerful angels, but the post-apocalyptic world in this book, the concept of people slowly evolving into angels through a process of steps, and the combination of magic and tech implementation is unique. The plot is also quite different as it follows Leda's training journey in the Legion of Angels for much of the book.
I did feel that there was a bit too much gratuitous violence during the chapters about their training that I didn't really enjoy. If there are tough obstacles in the way, I would like them to have a believably rational reason. In their training process, initiates get their hands chopped off and voluntarily injured and broken due to Nero's logic that they need to learn to be tough and suck it up in order to have the willpower to survive the leveling step for the Vampire's Kiss. There must have been better ways to teach the trainees this lesson without resorting to self-mutilation. Lastly, it also bothered me that the story had a somewhat YA high-school academy feel with bratty bullies during the initiation process, even though all initiates are at least 22 years old.
However, overall, the book was an easy and quick action-packed urban fantasy read, and I plan on continuing to follow Leda's journey as she gains more powers in the Legion.
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Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Vampire's Kiss (this book): ★★★☆☆
#2 Witch's Cauldron: ★★★☆☆
#3 Siren's Song: ★★★☆☆
We have our predictable secret evil breeding program, leads with clues killed by evil villains before they can try to help, hidden supernaturals persecuted for their powers, a self-sacrificing FMC with mysterious parentage and powers, and a powerful emotionless angel Nero with suspicious interest in our FMC. It would have been much less convoluted and quicker to save Zane if Leda could just request the angels directly for help, but apparently all these hidden telepathic people called "ghosts" are in high demand by the "good" angels, too. As a result, Leda ends up joining the Legion of Angels to the sadness of her foster family in an attempt to become an angel herself and gain telepathic angelic powers for her own purposes. She also couldn't reveal the true reason why she wanted to join the Legion to anyone due the secrecy of Zane's powers, to the frustration of Nero. The dramatic point of this decision is that once you join the Legion, you can never leave or back out of the group unless through death.
While that's all and good, I really did have an issue with the idea that the only way that Leda could even get close to finding where Zane was was by joining the Legion and slowly leveling up to gain the necessary power. It sounds like this is not a quick process in the order of weeks, and who knew if Zane would still be alive or in the same mental capacity by then if he was being held by dark angels and demons?!
Similar to other reviews, I definitely get Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter vibes with the bounty hunter guild and powerful angels, but the post-apocalyptic world in this book, the concept of people slowly evolving into angels through a process of steps, and the combination of magic and tech implementation is unique. The plot is also quite different as it follows Leda's training journey in the Legion of Angels for much of the book.
I did feel that there was a bit too much gratuitous violence during the chapters about their training that I didn't really enjoy. If there are tough obstacles in the way, I would like them to have a believably rational reason. In their training process, initiates get their hands chopped off and voluntarily injured and broken due to Nero's logic that they need to learn to be tough and suck it up in order to have the willpower to survive the leveling step for the Vampire's Kiss. There must have been better ways to teach the trainees this lesson without resorting to self-mutilation. Lastly, it also bothered me that the story had a somewhat YA high-school academy feel with bratty bullies during the initiation process, even though all initiates are at least 22 years old.
However, overall, the book was an easy and quick action-packed urban fantasy read, and I plan on continuing to follow Leda's journey as she gains more powers in the Legion.
--------
Ratings - abandoned series:
#1 Vampire's Kiss (this book): ★★★☆☆
#2 Witch's Cauldron: ★★★☆☆
#3 Siren's Song: ★★★☆☆
February 13, 2017
Oh boy, where do I even start?
I picked up this book with the expectation of it being a knockoff of a favorite series of mine, the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh. As I kept reading I noticed a lot of similarities but the further I got into the book the more it became clear that it has its own unique style, story, and characters. And I absolutely loved it.
You have Leda, the incredibly witty and spunky main character. You can argue she's a Mary-Sue and I wouldn't disagree, but at least she's a loveable Mary-Sue. I cannot compliment her wit enough, there were so many moments in the book that made me smile and even laugh out loud. She brings out the good and goofy part of others and maybe that's why I find her so hard to dislike?
Nero is an angel, but also a trained soldier through and through. With all the death and pain he has witnessed, he is slowly losing touch with his humanity. That is, until he meets the tornado of chaos that is Leda.
"“Thanks for helping,” I said with a fake smile, tossing the saucepan aside. He looked from me, to the unconscious vampires, to the debris of glass and fire all across the club. “What the hell was that?”
I stomped down a flame on one of the vampires. “That’s how I fight.”
He was shaking his head like he’d never seen anything so inappropriate. So uncouth."
The story kept me hooked and I ended up reading all (currently 3) books available before getting around to actually review them. If you're in for a steamy romance with panoramal aspects I cannot recommend this book enough.
I picked up this book with the expectation of it being a knockoff of a favorite series of mine, the Guild Hunter series by Nalini Singh. As I kept reading I noticed a lot of similarities but the further I got into the book the more it became clear that it has its own unique style, story, and characters. And I absolutely loved it.
You have Leda, the incredibly witty and spunky main character. You can argue she's a Mary-Sue and I wouldn't disagree, but at least she's a loveable Mary-Sue. I cannot compliment her wit enough, there were so many moments in the book that made me smile and even laugh out loud. She brings out the good and goofy part of others and maybe that's why I find her so hard to dislike?
Nero is an angel, but also a trained soldier through and through. With all the death and pain he has witnessed, he is slowly losing touch with his humanity. That is, until he meets the tornado of chaos that is Leda.
"“Thanks for helping,” I said with a fake smile, tossing the saucepan aside. He looked from me, to the unconscious vampires, to the debris of glass and fire all across the club. “What the hell was that?”
I stomped down a flame on one of the vampires. “That’s how I fight.”
He was shaking his head like he’d never seen anything so inappropriate. So uncouth."
The story kept me hooked and I ended up reading all (currently 3) books available before getting around to actually review them. If you're in for a steamy romance with panoramal aspects I cannot recommend this book enough.
December 20, 2016
Angels, monster, vampires and kick-ass heroine? That's what drew me to Vampire's Kiss but as much as I like Leda's flaw and resilient her character just didn't hold my interest and sadly her sexy angel didn't help either. To me Vampire's Kiss is like a collage of Divergent, Guild Hunters, Mortal Instrument and many other fantasy books in the market. With stubborn MC trying to get into elite group, tough training, sexy boss, every guys drooling over her and blah blah....you know I mean after a while it's quite predictable and I couldn't care less whether Leda's romance or mission will success. Somehow I did enjoy reading some part the book (I'm a sucker for angel and fighting chic) but the characters' lack of chemistry and their unimaginative names just dampen the whole thing.....C'mon Magictech? Nero? Leda? 1.5 stars
September 30, 2019
Pleasantly surprised with this book.
I don’t have much to say.
Love the unconventional fighting tactics.
Love the budding relationship between Leda and Nero.
(Is it Neeeero or Nehro? How do you say it?)
Love Ivy even tho she’s kinda confusing me. Like yess girl enjoy your freedoms. Have fun at the clubbbbbb. But like what are doing with Drake? Yay or nay? You’re keeping me on my toes here.
she’s the only one keeping me on my toes
Edit: whoops. Spoiler ahead. Lol my bad.
I was RIGHT about Harker betraying her. Knew it all along. He just had that look in his eye ya know? Ca-razyyy.
Which leads me to wonder who is the actual betrayer in her dream.
Time will tell darlings.
Onto book 2.
I don’t have much to say.
Love the unconventional fighting tactics.
Love the budding relationship between Leda and Nero.
(Is it Neeeero or Nehro? How do you say it?)
Love Ivy even tho she’s kinda confusing me. Like yess girl enjoy your freedoms. Have fun at the clubbbbbb. But like what are doing with Drake? Yay or nay? You’re keeping me on my toes here.
she’s the only one keeping me on my toes
Edit: whoops. Spoiler ahead. Lol my bad.
I was RIGHT about Harker betraying her. Knew it all along. He just had that look in his eye ya know? Ca-razyyy.
Which leads me to wonder who is the actual betrayer in her dream.
Time will tell darlings.
Onto book 2.
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