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Guardians of the Grail #1
Guardian of the Grail
A beautiful witch. A warrior vampire. A journey of desire and danger...
When Lachlan Thorn is entrusted with the task of relocating the Holy Grail, he’d rather work alone. Unfortunately, he requires magical assistance and the only option is Ivy, a gorgeous and feisty witch whose ability to distract him might prove fatal for them both. Ivy Meadows is new to her inherited magic and had no idea it would draw the attention of vampires. Especially not one who’s a red hot Highlander. She soon learns that while her spells are essential to the protection of the Grail, the success of Lachlan’s mission might be the key to protecting all mankind. With a horde of enemies literally snapping at their necks, the duo embark on a quest to the mists of Scotland. As passion and peril collide, Ivy is forced back in time, where she connects with Lachlan in the past and discovers the truth about their bond. But Lachlan is tested with an impossible choice. Can he stay resolute in his duty to the Grail even if it means losing the only woman he’s ever truly loved?
“An all-around wonderful escape into the world of good versus evil, the power of an ancient relic and most of all, the power of love. If you are Team Vampire, this one is a must read!” Tome Tender Book Blog
“Outlander with vampires. Outstanding!” Goodreads Reviewer “Finally, a fresh and yet believable take on vampire lore. No sparkly vampires here, but they do have a noble cause. Truly original and captivating paranormal romance.” Goodreads Reviewer “If you loved A Shade of Vampire, Twilight or Magic Wakening, this will blow them away.” Brighton Book Babes
When Lachlan Thorn is entrusted with the task of relocating the Holy Grail, he’d rather work alone. Unfortunately, he requires magical assistance and the only option is Ivy, a gorgeous and feisty witch whose ability to distract him might prove fatal for them both. Ivy Meadows is new to her inherited magic and had no idea it would draw the attention of vampires. Especially not one who’s a red hot Highlander. She soon learns that while her spells are essential to the protection of the Grail, the success of Lachlan’s mission might be the key to protecting all mankind. With a horde of enemies literally snapping at their necks, the duo embark on a quest to the mists of Scotland. As passion and peril collide, Ivy is forced back in time, where she connects with Lachlan in the past and discovers the truth about their bond. But Lachlan is tested with an impossible choice. Can he stay resolute in his duty to the Grail even if it means losing the only woman he’s ever truly loved?
“An all-around wonderful escape into the world of good versus evil, the power of an ancient relic and most of all, the power of love. If you are Team Vampire, this one is a must read!” Tome Tender Book Blog
“Outlander with vampires. Outstanding!” Goodreads Reviewer “Finally, a fresh and yet believable take on vampire lore. No sparkly vampires here, but they do have a noble cause. Truly original and captivating paranormal romance.” Goodreads Reviewer “If you loved A Shade of Vampire, Twilight or Magic Wakening, this will blow them away.” Brighton Book Babes
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 22, 2016
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376 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
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November 26, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/26/2017)! 💝
May 12, 2018
Ridiculous but engaging.
Lachlan the feckless immortal guardian aka vampire with pizazz, who can't keep it in his pants... aaaand, Ivy the 19 yr old witch.
It all starts in Vale a town in England that harbours the holy grail. Ivy lives there with her brother and her grandmother Aurora; Lachlan's lost love.
Lachlan returns upon request of the grail's protector, to find Aurora an old woman with a granddaughter who could be her youthful twin... Hmmmmm...
The story had everything from Christianity to Vampires to black magic gypsies to the kitchen sink.
Through the first 2/3 there is a near relentless procession of info dumps.
The hero is a slut who can't seem to differentiate between women. The heroine who starts as a person with backbone, then gets easily swept away by his awesome vampire lover skills.
The characters constantly would say one thing and half a page later do the opposite.
The magic thing was over the top throughout, causing aggravated eye rolling to the reader but also lots of chuckles. (although I'm not sure it was supposed to be a comedy...)
And yet it was strangely hard to out down.
Would I read more by this author?
Not in this series!
Safety.. not so much
Lachlan the feckless immortal guardian aka vampire with pizazz, who can't keep it in his pants... aaaand, Ivy the 19 yr old witch.
It all starts in Vale a town in England that harbours the holy grail. Ivy lives there with her brother and her grandmother Aurora; Lachlan's lost love.
Lachlan returns upon request of the grail's protector, to find Aurora an old woman with a granddaughter who could be her youthful twin... Hmmmmm...
The story had everything from Christianity to Vampires to black magic gypsies to the kitchen sink.
Through the first 2/3 there is a near relentless procession of info dumps.
The hero is a slut who can't seem to differentiate between women. The heroine who starts as a person with backbone, then gets easily swept away by his awesome vampire lover skills.
The characters constantly would say one thing and half a page later do the opposite.
The magic thing was over the top throughout, causing aggravated eye rolling to the reader but also lots of chuckles. (although I'm not sure it was supposed to be a comedy...)
And yet it was strangely hard to out down.
Would I read more by this author?
Not in this series!
Safety.. not so much
January 10, 2017
The Holy Grail, one of the most sought after religious artifacts of all time. Who better to protect it and guard its secrets than one of the most powerful creatures on Earth, a Guardian made immortal by drinking blood of the Holy Grail. The Holy Grail is in danger of being discovered by a being who would use it for their own purposes and it is up to Lachlan Thorn, an ancient vampire, to retrieve, and re-hide the Grail to keep it safe. In order to do so, he must use the services of a powerful witch to cloak the Grail from the world during its dangerous transport and who he has is Ivy, young, untrained and more than just a reminder of the woman he once loved and lost, she is her granddaughter.
Together they will face the most powerful immortal of all time, an entity known as the Wandering Jew. Will they succeed in their vital quest or will the Wandering Jew destroy their spirit by destroying everything they hold dear in the world.
Talk about a different and fascinating take on vampires, the paranormal world and one of the most vital relics of all time. Are vampires the evil threats that skulk around feeding off blood in the night or are they a creature created for a blessed mission of eternal worth? Elena Bryce has done the near impossible herself, she has given a fresh take on vampires that speaks volumes for her creative magic! GUARDIAN OF THE GRAIL is filled with intrigue, the pain of love lost and the joy of love found. It is a tale of choices, good or bad and the consequences of those choices as they affect others. An all-around wonderful escape into the world of good versus evil and the power of an ancient relic that remains shrouded in the faith that it truly exists and most of all, the power of love. If you are Team Vampire, this one is a MUST READ!
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: Immortal Blood - Book 1
Publication Date: December 12, 2016
Publisher: Elena Bryce
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 229 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Together they will face the most powerful immortal of all time, an entity known as the Wandering Jew. Will they succeed in their vital quest or will the Wandering Jew destroy their spirit by destroying everything they hold dear in the world.
Talk about a different and fascinating take on vampires, the paranormal world and one of the most vital relics of all time. Are vampires the evil threats that skulk around feeding off blood in the night or are they a creature created for a blessed mission of eternal worth? Elena Bryce has done the near impossible herself, she has given a fresh take on vampires that speaks volumes for her creative magic! GUARDIAN OF THE GRAIL is filled with intrigue, the pain of love lost and the joy of love found. It is a tale of choices, good or bad and the consequences of those choices as they affect others. An all-around wonderful escape into the world of good versus evil and the power of an ancient relic that remains shrouded in the faith that it truly exists and most of all, the power of love. If you are Team Vampire, this one is a MUST READ!
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: Immortal Blood - Book 1
Publication Date: December 12, 2016
Publisher: Elena Bryce
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 229 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 26, 2017
Over the years I've watched dozens of vampire movies. Some good, some great, and some not so great. Even as far back as the old black and white versions with the famous Bela Lugosi. However, I've only read a handful of vampire books, including the Twilight Series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Christian twist that the author, Elena Bryce incorporated into her book. It was totally unique and refreshing to read. The pace is fast and action packed and a romance which helped to keep my interest.
We have a young pretty witch, and a handsome man who looks like he's in his twenties, but in actuality he's ancient, and another immortal that's willing to kill everything in sight in order to acquire the holy grail.
The story goes all the way back to Joseph of Aramethea, a disciple of Jesus, and his quest to keep the holy grail safe from evil hands. Guardians drink blood from the grail which make them immortal. Their main purpose is to protect the grail. They become known as vampires, but not all vampires are good. The sections of the book where it explains the different kind of vamps was intriguing and like I said before~unique, which is why this story stands apart from the rest.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Christian twist that the author, Elena Bryce incorporated into her book. It was totally unique and refreshing to read. The pace is fast and action packed and a romance which helped to keep my interest.
We have a young pretty witch, and a handsome man who looks like he's in his twenties, but in actuality he's ancient, and another immortal that's willing to kill everything in sight in order to acquire the holy grail.
The story goes all the way back to Joseph of Aramethea, a disciple of Jesus, and his quest to keep the holy grail safe from evil hands. Guardians drink blood from the grail which make them immortal. Their main purpose is to protect the grail. They become known as vampires, but not all vampires are good. The sections of the book where it explains the different kind of vamps was intriguing and like I said before~unique, which is why this story stands apart from the rest.
June 13, 2017
This book introduces us/me to something new in vampire-lore - there are two types of vampires depending on how they are sired, and this opens a whole lot of plot opportunities. Although these opportunities were not explored in the book, I expect that they would be relevant in the subsequent books in the series.
Lachlan Thorne is a twenty something looking but very old vampire tasked with protecting the Holy Grail (yes, that holy grail) from another immortal who seeks to use it for some unknown evil. As the grail has the power to attract vampires and humans alike, it must be cloaked by a spell until it reaches its new location.
Enter our heroine, Ivy, a witch who has been practicing spells on her own since discovering her grandmother's grimoire. In spite of the possible dangers of the journey and no actual experience with evil, added to her attraction to Lachlan, Ivy agrees to perform a cloaking spell and accompany Lachlan on his dangerous quest.
While Lachlan is sure Ivy is the one, Ivy is weirded out by the fact that Lachlan has had sex with her grandmother - way back when her grandmother was young - and with several other of her ancestors in the course of his long life. In the end, they are able to get past their differences and choose each other.
I won't lie, I expected a little more danger especially with the arrival of the Immortal. A hint at what the Immortal needed the Grail for would have been nice, but I do get that it's a series plot point so it needs to be dragged out. One thing that didn't work for me (and this is entirely personal) is the addition of characters relevant to a specific religion (e.g. taking a saint or a disciple and making him a vampire just doesn't work for me, especially when it really doesn't add anything to the story).
In general, Guardian of the Grail was a satisfactory read. I hope book 2 packs a little more danger and a little more romance.
Lachlan Thorne is a twenty something looking but very old vampire tasked with protecting the Holy Grail (yes, that holy grail) from another immortal who seeks to use it for some unknown evil. As the grail has the power to attract vampires and humans alike, it must be cloaked by a spell until it reaches its new location.
Enter our heroine, Ivy, a witch who has been practicing spells on her own since discovering her grandmother's grimoire. In spite of the possible dangers of the journey and no actual experience with evil, added to her attraction to Lachlan, Ivy agrees to perform a cloaking spell and accompany Lachlan on his dangerous quest.
While Lachlan is sure Ivy is the one, Ivy is weirded out by the fact that Lachlan has had sex with her grandmother - way back when her grandmother was young - and with several other of her ancestors in the course of his long life. In the end, they are able to get past their differences and choose each other.
I won't lie, I expected a little more danger especially with the arrival of the Immortal. A hint at what the Immortal needed the Grail for would have been nice, but I do get that it's a series plot point so it needs to be dragged out. One thing that didn't work for me (and this is entirely personal) is the addition of characters relevant to a specific religion (e.g. taking a saint or a disciple and making him a vampire just doesn't work for me, especially when it really doesn't add anything to the story).
In general, Guardian of the Grail was a satisfactory read. I hope book 2 packs a little more danger and a little more romance.
April 24, 2017
I am not a fan of insta-love.
June 16, 2017
4.5 Stars
“Before vampires, they were Guardians. Drinking the blood of the Holy Grail, and sworn to protect it and the other sacred relics through the ages.”
Elena Bryce’s ‘Immortal Blood’ series follows the precious few who have drank from the Holy Grail, gaining enhanced strength, speed, night-vision, and other gifts; along with a responsibility to the Grail and the other sacred artifacts. Author Bryce has combined aspects of the Christian religion with the legend of King Arthur and Merlin, as well as a host of supernatural creatures into a truly original and captivating paranormal urban fantasy series.
In ‘Guardian of the Grail,’ we follow Grail Vampire Lachlan Thorn and witch Ivy Meadows on their quest of protecting the Holy Grail while in transport so that it can be properly hidden once again. You see, the Grail draws the attention and attraction of everyone in the surrounding area, whether they be human, vampire, witch, werewolf, fay, or otherwise magically inclined.
Though Lachlan and Ivy do some traveling together, their story focuses more on their personal journeys. Through conversations between Lachlan and Ivy, readers learn about Lachlan’s past and the origination of Grail Guardians, and separately, vampires as known by modern popular culture. We also learn much about Ivy’s family history of witches through the ages as she taps deeper into her powers.
As with all good paranormal fantasy novels, there is a ‘villain,’ perhaps the oldest of villains; known as The Wandering Jew. Rumor has it he possesses all the advantages of vampires without any of the weaknesses and cannot be killed. His search for the Grail and other sacred relics in his quest for power and domination brings him in direct contact with Lachlan and Ivy, and Lachlan’s family.
The characters may be ancient and powerful, but they are easy to care about and emphasize with. Likewise, the story-telling nature of this novel was easy to read and enjoyable, and the fight scenes weren’t descriptively gruesome.
The ‘Immortal Blood’ series is solid paranormal urban fantasy. The sequels to ‘Guardian of the Grail’ – both ‘Guardian of the Spear’ and ‘Guardian of the Thorn’ are currently available as part of the Kindle Unlimited Program. Author Elena Bryce is also working on more novels set in this world.
“Before vampires, they were Guardians. Drinking the blood of the Holy Grail, and sworn to protect it and the other sacred relics through the ages.”
Elena Bryce’s ‘Immortal Blood’ series follows the precious few who have drank from the Holy Grail, gaining enhanced strength, speed, night-vision, and other gifts; along with a responsibility to the Grail and the other sacred artifacts. Author Bryce has combined aspects of the Christian religion with the legend of King Arthur and Merlin, as well as a host of supernatural creatures into a truly original and captivating paranormal urban fantasy series.
In ‘Guardian of the Grail,’ we follow Grail Vampire Lachlan Thorn and witch Ivy Meadows on their quest of protecting the Holy Grail while in transport so that it can be properly hidden once again. You see, the Grail draws the attention and attraction of everyone in the surrounding area, whether they be human, vampire, witch, werewolf, fay, or otherwise magically inclined.
Though Lachlan and Ivy do some traveling together, their story focuses more on their personal journeys. Through conversations between Lachlan and Ivy, readers learn about Lachlan’s past and the origination of Grail Guardians, and separately, vampires as known by modern popular culture. We also learn much about Ivy’s family history of witches through the ages as she taps deeper into her powers.
As with all good paranormal fantasy novels, there is a ‘villain,’ perhaps the oldest of villains; known as The Wandering Jew. Rumor has it he possesses all the advantages of vampires without any of the weaknesses and cannot be killed. His search for the Grail and other sacred relics in his quest for power and domination brings him in direct contact with Lachlan and Ivy, and Lachlan’s family.
The characters may be ancient and powerful, but they are easy to care about and emphasize with. Likewise, the story-telling nature of this novel was easy to read and enjoyable, and the fight scenes weren’t descriptively gruesome.
The ‘Immortal Blood’ series is solid paranormal urban fantasy. The sequels to ‘Guardian of the Grail’ – both ‘Guardian of the Spear’ and ‘Guardian of the Thorn’ are currently available as part of the Kindle Unlimited Program. Author Elena Bryce is also working on more novels set in this world.
October 3, 2018
Some Christians May Find This Novel Blasphemous . . .
But considering how destructive the Christian Faiths have been to every society they have touched, I really don't care they feel. Using Christian Mythology and stories of the Holy Grail as the origins of vampires is not something I have seen previously, so it puts a somewhat unique twist into the typical vampire romance novel.
There is a definitely compelling logic behind the idea of the first vampire being created by drinking the blood of Christ from the Grail and some "living vampires" being created by drinking liquids transformed into blood by the Grail (as opposed to "undead vampires," or second, and successive, generations of vampires created by other vampires). Most of the standard tropes for vampires apply, but the reasons and the inventive methods of their application are quite different from most other vampire stories.
A great Fantasy Romance read, if you don't get hung up on the use of Christian Mythology.
But considering how destructive the Christian Faiths have been to every society they have touched, I really don't care they feel. Using Christian Mythology and stories of the Holy Grail as the origins of vampires is not something I have seen previously, so it puts a somewhat unique twist into the typical vampire romance novel.
There is a definitely compelling logic behind the idea of the first vampire being created by drinking the blood of Christ from the Grail and some "living vampires" being created by drinking liquids transformed into blood by the Grail (as opposed to "undead vampires," or second, and successive, generations of vampires created by other vampires). Most of the standard tropes for vampires apply, but the reasons and the inventive methods of their application are quite different from most other vampire stories.
A great Fantasy Romance read, if you don't get hung up on the use of Christian Mythology.
January 19, 2019
Interesting story
Lachlan is a vampire chosen to protect the grail. Ivy is an untrained witch, whose grandmother Aurora was almost Wed to Lachlan. He's been alive for hundreds of years. Now he must move the grail to his parents castle so they can protect it. Joseph, who is the primary guardian, is going on a Lachlan must get in before it's too late. Ivy is pretty good for being untrained. But they are captured by the immortal. Can they escape and protect the grail?? The immortal, a n evil being is after the grail, so they must be careful.
The immortal has a small band of hunters attacking the castle and fighting begins.
It's interesting but not my usual. Vampires are just not my thing...even good ones.
Lachlan is a vampire chosen to protect the grail. Ivy is an untrained witch, whose grandmother Aurora was almost Wed to Lachlan. He's been alive for hundreds of years. Now he must move the grail to his parents castle so they can protect it. Joseph, who is the primary guardian, is going on a Lachlan must get in before it's too late. Ivy is pretty good for being untrained. But they are captured by the immortal. Can they escape and protect the grail?? The immortal, a n evil being is after the grail, so they must be careful.
The immortal has a small band of hunters attacking the castle and fighting begins.
It's interesting but not my usual. Vampires are just not my thing...even good ones.
June 7, 2021
A different take on vampires.
This is one of my favorite genres and this one didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the connection between the Holy Grail and vampirism. I noticed that other reviewers had issue with instalove, but paranormal romance is one case where I feel that it is okay because there are other powers at work. I will say there was more action than relationship building between Ivy and Lachlan, but overall it was a great read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This is one of my favorite genres and this one didn't disappoint. I enjoyed the connection between the Holy Grail and vampirism. I noticed that other reviewers had issue with instalove, but paranormal romance is one case where I feel that it is okay because there are other powers at work. I will say there was more action than relationship building between Ivy and Lachlan, but overall it was a great read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 26, 2017
Great read!
This was such a great book! I love vampire books but get tired of the same old vampire falls for a human story. This was fast paced and exciting, filled with plenty of paranormal creatures to keep the excitement going! Onto number 2!
This was such a great book! I love vampire books but get tired of the same old vampire falls for a human story. This was fast paced and exciting, filled with plenty of paranormal creatures to keep the excitement going! Onto number 2!
December 8, 2017
The whole premise of the vampire origin didn't appeal to me and the
More i Read the less I liked the book. It was well written but just did not appeal. Nothing religious about my dislike.
More i Read the less I liked the book. It was well written but just did not appeal. Nothing religious about my dislike.
December 12, 2017
Excellence in spades
What a wonderful beginning!!! Looking to book two to continue the tale of Lachlan Thorn and Ivy. The holy Grail and it's safety bound stories, histories together with suspence.
What a wonderful beginning!!! Looking to book two to continue the tale of Lachlan Thorn and Ivy. The holy Grail and it's safety bound stories, histories together with suspence.
April 26, 2018
Very interesting
Thus is an original take on the holy grail story. A very different story than what you're used to and wonderfully told. Absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to reading the next book.
Thus is an original take on the holy grail story. A very different story than what you're used to and wonderfully told. Absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to reading the next book.
September 15, 2018
An excellent story of the Grail
I adore Grail stories. This is an excellent story thing together the last lives of so many vampires and the history of the Grail and it's protectors. The romance is not very strong but the characters are well developed.
I adore Grail stories. This is an excellent story thing together the last lives of so many vampires and the history of the Grail and it's protectors. The romance is not very strong but the characters are well developed.
October 13, 2018
Slow start, great ending!
The beginning was a bit slow for me. But I’m glad I pushed through! As the story progresses, it gets scores more interesting. By the last few chapters, it can’t be put down!
The beginning was a bit slow for me. But I’m glad I pushed through! As the story progresses, it gets scores more interesting. By the last few chapters, it can’t be put down!
December 26, 2018
Great read
When Ivy met Lachlan, she felt a instant pull. He is a vampire and he had followed the Ashtree women for years but he must choose to do his job and protect the Holy Grail or keep the woman he loves safe
When Ivy met Lachlan, she felt a instant pull. He is a vampire and he had followed the Ashtree women for years but he must choose to do his job and protect the Holy Grail or keep the woman he loves safe
February 8, 2019
Enchanting
A different and refreshing take on vampires and Grail lore. Add a touch of Arthurian legend, witchcraft, and an enticing set of characters and you have a great start to a series.
A different and refreshing take on vampires and Grail lore. Add a touch of Arthurian legend, witchcraft, and an enticing set of characters and you have a great start to a series.
November 30, 2017
Great read!!
I truly loved readying this book. Its wonderful when soulmates find each other.. Question "who is the immortal"? Judas ischariot?
I truly loved readying this book. Its wonderful when soulmates find each other.. Question "who is the immortal"? Judas ischariot?
January 27, 2018
The story was ok but I think it needed more development, everything happened very fast, and the romance was super insta-love
February 10, 2018
Immortal Blood
This book gets a 5 star rating from me because I love Jesus! I was very entertained by the story of the Holy Grail.
This book gets a 5 star rating from me because I love Jesus! I was very entertained by the story of the Holy Grail.
March 8, 2018
Awesome
Love witches and vampires i cant wait to see what happens next. I hope they stop the immortal and have children
Love witches and vampires i cant wait to see what happens next. I hope they stop the immortal and have children
June 12, 2018
This was a great free book. I think it would be a very interesting series. I wonder what is going to happen to the Grail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2018
Good Reading
A good mixture of fantasy and church lore. Strong hero and heroine. No silliness as often in fantasy fiction. Can't wait to read the second book.
A good mixture of fantasy and church lore. Strong hero and heroine. No silliness as often in fantasy fiction. Can't wait to read the second book.
May 30, 2018
Couldn't take the incredibly shallow characters and their all over the place emotions...
July 22, 2018
Awesome
Loved it, peeked my interest from the start and held my attention through to the end. Can't wait for the next book
Loved it, peeked my interest from the start and held my attention through to the end. Can't wait for the next book
October 3, 2018
Excellent read
Tales of the Holy grail, witches and vampires an excellent story spun in a way to make the reader want more. Look forward to reading more by this author.
Tales of the Holy grail, witches and vampires an excellent story spun in a way to make the reader want more. Look forward to reading more by this author.
March 1, 2019
Loved it
The romance and biblical references combine made the book enjoyable. I can’t wait to start reading the next book thank you
The romance and biblical references combine made the book enjoyable. I can’t wait to start reading the next book thank you
June 28, 2019
Really good
That was a really good book, the story was great, can’t wait to start the next one.
Lachlan and Ivy are awesome!!
That was a really good book, the story was great, can’t wait to start the next one.
Lachlan and Ivy are awesome!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews