Deathless

The Vein Chronicles #2

by Anne Malcom

My life was never black and white.
Heck, it wasn’t even black, white and gray.
Lines were not drawn between good and evil, and if they were, I would have jumped those suckers for fun.
But now it was simpler. It wasn’t black and white. Or gray. It was only one thing.
Blood.
A crimson-tinted world. That was all I needed.
All I wanted.
Him.
Despite the war raging around us, or the secrets between us, there was nothing simpler than blood.
It didn’t matter that it would be fatal.
After all, it’s the things we’re not undead without that will kill us in the end.

Genres: Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Magic, Humor

417 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2017

About the author

Anne Malcom has been an avid reader since before she can remember, her mother responsible for her book addiction. It started with magical journeys into the world of Hogwarts and Middle Earth, then as she grew up her reading tastes grew with her. Her obsession with books and romance novels in particular gave Anne the opportunity to find another passion, writing. Finding writing about alpha males and happily ever afters more fun than reading about them, Anne is not about to stop any time soon.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/annemalcomau...

Join Anne's reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16752...

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this cover! Great representation of Isla. Great composition. Great use of graphis and eye-catching typogrpahy. Pretty much perfect in every way.

To say I was excited to get my hands on this one would be an understatement. When my ARC landed on my tablet, I may have screamed more than a 13-year-old girl at a Bieber concert.



And let me just say that reaction was entirely deserved. This was another amazingly good read. Same phenomenal writing as book one. Same fast pace. More twists (I KNEW it!!) and turns(OMG did NOT see THAT coming!!) More exceptional World building. Even more character development. I said it in my review for book one, and I will say it again here Isla is one of the best heroines I have ever read. She is KICK-ASS, and she is HILARIOUS. Again we have an amazing cast of secondary characters, and the groundwork (it would appear) is being laid for future pair ups. Witches, werewolves, demons, humans. I CANNOT wait to see where all this is heading.

Honestly, not much more I can say about this one. It was AMAZING. READ IT! Now I will try and pull my big girl patience panties up and wait for book three...TRY being the operative word here. Two HUGE thumbs, fingers, and toes up from yours truly.

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal! It’s one word but I think it sums up how truly amazing this book was perfectly. Similar to the awesomeness that was FATAL HARMONY, Anne Malcom gave us more bang for our buck. Incredible characters (Isla and Thorne were still badass), interesting side characters you can’t help but want to know more about (who doesn’t love Duncan, Scott and Sophie?), surprising (and not so surprising) plot twists, and a whole lot more.

The author has such a compelling way of writing that pulls you into the story. It’s like watching a live-action film that you never want to end. Although Isla drove me up the wall (I wasn’t shocked by this), I couldn’t wait to see what she would say or do next. Or what would happen to her because it seemed like home girl couldn’t catch a break.

”I’ll not make any promises, mostly since I never make promises because I don’t like present Isla making future Isla’s decisions for her. I find it rude.”

Honestly I don’t know what else to tell you without revealing too much. If you love a story that has well-developed characters, descriptive world building, an intricately detailed plot, full of vamps, slayers, demons, witches and wolves, then start THE VEIN CHRONICLES series. It’s all that and so much more.

”If evil is your heart, your soul, then I’m evil too, baby. And no fuckin’ way is it wretched. Even if it is, your wretched heart is mine forever. And my wretched heart is yours.”

My review of Fatal Harmony.

Release Date: April 25, 2017
Genre: Paranormal Romance
POV: Heroine - 1st person
Steam: 2 out of 5
Book Type: Book 2 of The Vein Chronicles series

[Jessica ❥Chatterbooks Book Blog❥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Deathless, the second book in the Vein Chronicles series, by Anne Malcom brought us back into the life of everyone’s favorite gorgeous, snarky, vampire fashionista, Isla. There is nothing I love more than a strong heroine, and Isla does not disappoint! Whether she is saving her loved ones from certain death, training little girls to fight monsters, ripping someone’s limbs off, or verbally annihilating her enemies, she is the epitome of a badass female character.

At the end of Fatal Harmony, her undead life was in jeopardy, so I have been eagerly anticipating this book ever since! In this installment, we find out her fate, more about her relationship with Thorne, and the origins of vampires and slayers. Isla holds a grudge, makes some dietary changes, and is as hilarious as ever. Thorne is alpha af. Sophie’s magic evolves. Duncan is his sexy Scottish self. Scott is the ever faithful sidekick, and Rick wants what he can’t have as per usual. I can’t really say much else about the plot without giving anything away, but there was more than a few twists, turns, and shocking revelations.

Deathless is a solid sequel filled with action, suspense, witty banter, and pop culture references. The plot is much more complex than that of its predecessor, and Isla continues to be my favorite thing about the series. As much as I enjoyed the story, I did have some problems with it. There were way too many information dumps, the romance wasn’t as strong, there was a lot of unnecessary angst, and the book took me FOREVER to get through. That being said, I’m still invested in the characters, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you like strong female characters, sarcasm, violence, and vampires, or if you read and loved Fatal Harmony, this one’s for you!

[SamJ ★Needs a HEA★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Copy received from Author in exchange for an honest review

★Book Basics★

Genre : - Paranormal Romance
Series : - Second in the series, should not be read as a stand alone
Love triangle? - No
Cheating? - No
HEA? - Erm, more open ended, h/H are together, but this will be an ongoing series it seems
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 5++ stars


★Review★

This series is proving to be abso-bloody-lutely AWESOME!

Isla is just the perfect heroine, strong, independent, confident, funny.....and completely unapologetic about who/what she is.



Thorne, is an alpha hero, but he is strong in a way that does not mean he has to see Isla as weaker, just because she is female. He is a strong, alpha, confident, yet fully aware that Isla can be stronger. And they work together because they are both such strong characters.

And I love how Anne Malcom has not felt the need to water down or "humanise" her vampires, they are NOT protectors of the human race, yeah Isla mainly feasts on criminals etc, but death is a fact of life, if your Scottish Vampire hitman friend is hungry he may just eat a human, killing said human, but I still really love the Scottish vampire hitman friend.

It is chock full of action and twists and turns and is quite frankly genius. It was scary, funny, creepy, down right sad at times and I cannot wait for it to continue.

I love the lore and the world building. I love we have a vampire heroine who is strong, capable, violent, scary. A hero that is the same. Secondary characters I want to know more about, and I still love the Vampire King Rick.

So all in, an excellent 5 stars. Isla is the reigning Queen of vampire heroines, she may not have a crown, but she wears heels, looks fabulous and does not give a damn.

[Anne Malcom]

ONE FREAKING WEEK!

Are we ready for this? Are you ready for Isla? I can promise the craziest ride and also promise that we're not finished with Isla and Thorne yet...

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was really good too- just not quite as good as the first!

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ughh I am so disappointed in this. I liked the first book but the second book was literally annoying as hell.

"Isla. You almost died. in front of me. You think I'm gonna let you go now? or ever? I need to keep holdin' you to make sure this shit isn't something my broken mind didn't make up in order to escape the world without in it."



THORNE IS SO ANNOYING omg
I like Alpha males but the shit Thorne spouts makes me want to legit slap him every time. Isla is still that no nonsense girl but after falling in love with Thorne, all that melodrama between the two. I was done. so done.

I don't even know where the plot was going. The chemistry between Isla and Thorne couldn't be more bland. Thorne's behaviour literally made me throw my kindle out. Like a little kid who was about to have his candy stolen. Grow up, boy. Honestly I saw potential in the first book but nope. Pretty disappointed with this one. The writing, I felt wasn't par either. I don't know it was all over the place.

It was like a badly written soap drama.

[Viktória Tóth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book but seriously struggled with this one. It usually takes me to read a book 2 days 3 tops if I'm busy and only can read in the evening. This on took me almost 2 weeks to read, I just couldn't get into it.

2.5 stars


This one is going to be an unpopular opinion if I go by the review I saw on Goodreads. After reading the first book I was really looking forward to this particular story. Since I loved that one I expected that I’m going to love the second book too. Well I was wrong, but at least I tried and tried and struggled and crawl through the whole book in the end but with so much suffering. Usually I read a book in 1-2 days and the worst case scenario when I hate a story but I hate DNF-ing books more, then its 3 days. Well, guess how long it took me to read this one. Drumroll……. almost 2 and a half week, my personal record if you ask me. Unfortunately I couldn’t concentrate for more than 25 pages at one sitting and at first I couldn’t understand why, when the first book was such a phenomenal read.

Just a quick warning, this review is going to be riddled with a lot of complaining and mainly ranting about what I didn’t like. Sorry but when a book leaves such a deep and negative impact on me I tend to turn into complainer.

Let’s start something positive. I loved the prologue and the epilogue I think those were the best parts in the whole freaking book. They are a bit confusing thanks to the wording, but the story they tell and the information they provide for the story and history of Isla world and the things we got to know about it in the first book, are really great and the prologue kinda sucked me in for a bit.
But then came the first official chapter and everything crashed and burned. After the prologue there is not beginning as powerful as with the first story and from then I struggled to get into the book. Not to mention Sophie brief but annoying and maniac chapter, lets be honest I got to love Isla in the irst book so don’t try to sell me another slightly crazier main character not even for a little bit. And in all honesty I couldn’t understand the significance of it since we didn’t get to know anything new or surprising about the crazy witch and her deeper thoughts. It was just a good scare tactic if you ask me.

Still my main issue was with Isla. But before I get to that lets see the less than thrilling parts of the writing style. First of all, the way the author gets from point A to point B is like my sister story telling. When you go such a roundabout way that it takes 5 times as long as it normally would and you ran 5 extra circles too. It was the same in the first book too but somehow it didn’t annoy me this much then.
There are also a lot of prophecies mentioned in the book but they have such a confusing and complex wording that if anybody could puzzle out the meaning behind it the you deserve an award my friend.

So we arrived the point when I can’t avoid my concerns regarding Isla anymore. I loved her attitude, sarcastic and maniac personality in the first book but in this the author took it up a notch and it was way too much that the plot and could handle. I saw her personality, character in a completely new light. Her normal state is mayhem and she became such a borderline personality. She blows everything so out of proportions and throws huge temper tantrums when something doesn’t go as she wants. She is a bit petulant, a lot aggressive and has a definite problem with ADHD. Does a lot of thing just so she can look more dark or sinister especially when a little hint of emotion comes up or feelings get mention. And don’t even get me started on her long ass, obnoxious and elaborate speeches she makes in the most inappropriate moments. She still has some funny moments but the annoying ones definitely out weights the good ones. Also her inability to be even a little bit serious, her tendencies to run headlong into fights or her thing with not wanting to put effort into anything but getting results are also a sore points for me. But mainly she hides from her emotions, the truth and any kind of responsibility.

Well feel like the book has no substantial plot at all, the whole storyline is really messed up by Isla inner struggles and the relationship between her and Thorne, which is another thing I don’t really get. I still can’t remember why or even when did they so deeply in love with each other, between trying to kill one another? And the whole first book doesn’t take up such a long period of time so their cheesy, lovey-dovey relationship with confessing their never dying love for each other was a bit unfounded for me. Or really the whole relationship only consisted of sex because any time they should or could have talked the avoided it as the plague. Yeah, not the best connection I ever read about in a book.

All in all I didn’t enjoy this book at all. As I mentioned earlier almost the only things I liked are the prologue and the epilogue and maybe the identity of the mastermind or more like the surprise it caused. I also didn’t love the cove, it a bit grotesque which could go with the book but I get a more horror show vibe from it.

Other reviews from me, here:FantasyRaiders

[B.E.Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing second book In a series that is quickly shaping up to be one of the best urban fantasy/ paranormal romance books I have read in a long time. My true love for books came from PR and it will always be a genre I come back to and because of that I am very picky about paranormal romance book but this series is everything I could want in a UF/PR series.

The second book in a series really showes us what the series is made of. Will the second book fizzle out and the promise from book one go nowhere or will book two be a continuation and a bridge to a series that just seems to get better and more engaging(?). Well this book was the second option and then some. Questions are answered more questions are brought to our attention and honestly I'm left just wanting book three and so many more books after that.

I know some wish Anne Malcom just stuck with her MC books because let's face it they are great and when you find an author that writes great books you want more and more and as quickly as possible. But I couldn't be happier she branched out. Do I love her MC series and her new series? Of course 100% but this series is something else and in my mind just shows us what great talent and versatility this author has and maybe more impressive the imagination and creativity she has and ability to create this world she has written about.

Book two starts where book one left off. We were left at a nail bitter scene and now we finally get to see what actually happens. Because of that my review will be a little different so I don't spoil anything. What I will say is this, questions we had are answered and more questions are brought to light, vengeance which isla loves so much is dished out. There are some huge new twists in this book that made and are making for some great stories( not only in this book but books to come). We get more of Scott( who I absolutely love), Sophia who is a great partner In Crime with Isla and who also has a nice little twist opening up her story up for so much to come.

Rick who I have to admit I love. He's cocky and arrogant and so sure of himself but in this book we see more and get a huge twist. Like Sophia we also get a nice little coming glimpse of what's to come for him( and I for one am so happy and anxious to get his story ). Douglas is a character that I loved since book one and we again get his gruffness and we get to see more of him trying to convince everyone how much he doesn't care when in fact it's very obvious he does.

Another character that I was happy we see is Thornes sister, I like that little kid and whenever I read about her I always am left wanting more of her and her story. She little but wants to be tougher than she is, but she's also seen more than anyone her age ever should have to. I especially loved the scenes with her and Isla.

And we of course get more Isla and Thorne. We get more of their story and learn more of whats to come for them but we get more of their love that took them both by surprise and grows into this all consuming Life altering love for them both. There's so much going on in this story and yet there's so much more to come. I loved every minute of this book, the world created just keeps expanding and growing and I can't wait for more. This series has quickly made itself neighbors to some of my all time favorite PR/UF series and I can't get enough. I can't recommend this book enough and I can't wait for book three.
Beta/ARC copy provided by Anne Malcom

[Runningrabbit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen of the Irreverent

KU
Isla joins us again with her special brand of irreverent rhetoric, insults and snarky repartee. This series has most definitely been added to my favourites list, winning extra points for no cliffhanger.

There's some nice wrap ups here which are appreciated, and in one sense conclude a small part of the series. However, this doesn't at all mean that the series should end here. So, yes, I'm waiting for the next piece of Isla to add pep to my step and give me no small smirk for the day.

[• Island Queen Reads • Ofa • · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fucking amazing!

Anne Malcom already know I’m bloody fixated with her. Seriously, there are absolutely no words. She has utterly changed the game when it comes to Paranormal Romance. I was completely enthralled from the first word. I devoured every word like my next breath. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m not really a PNR fan but The Vein Chronicles have been undeniably life-changing in that retrospect. It’s like I can’t get enough. A book that encompasses everything I love about romance, everything I love about that dark side to reality & the combination is explosive! I finished this book in one breath, the execution was spectacular and the character development was magnificent.

An edge of your seat read that will definitely leave you a little ‘deathless’. It’s different from anything I’ve ever read and I doubt anyone has read anything like this either. It’s unique and deserves a category of its own. When you get a sassy, bitchy vampire who refuses to be seen as weak and an equally stubborn alpha male, vampire slayer, the chemistry is out of this world hot. Get too close and you’ll get burnt. It’ll burn you up from the inside out, prolonging the burn til you can’t think of anything else.

Praise to Anne Malcom for writing yet another successful book that will absolutely destroy the book community. No one will see it coming. I won’t discuss the content of the book because of spoilers but this is hands down a MUST READ. You will learn to embrace your dark side with this book, it’s so funny, thrilling & captivating. It’ll change your views on vampire romances. Move along Twilight, Anne Malcom has created a series that will smash all and any competition out of the way.

[Michelle Claypot_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone already knows I am a massive Anne Malcom fan. Her stories speak to me like no other books. Deathless has yet again cemented her as my favourite author. Isla is back and she's not screwing around.

This book has something for everyone.

Ass kicking action of the paranormal variety ✅
Swoon worthy moments ✅
Seriously hot chemistry ✅
Witty banter and dialogue ✅
Supporting characters you love ✅
Storyline that leaves you wanting more ✅
Banter and dialogue so funny you will definitely laugh and might snort ✅

And most importantly it has a heroine that you want to be best friends with. Isla is the very best kind of kick ass character you want to go out for a few cocktails with and then join her posse and kill a few bad guys.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for an action packed, funny, emotional, hot and female empowering read.

Thorne and Isla are my perfect couple. Swoon Central ❤️❤️❤️

Wasn’t that what love did? Broke you into as many pieces as humanly, and inhumanely, possible so you couldn’t put yourself back together? Not without the other person, at least.

I'm not going to say anything else because I don't want to spoil the book for readers but I do have to share my favourite quote from Isla. I just love her. I love her hard.

I never make promises because I don’t like present Isla making future Isla’s decisions for her. I find it rude.

Thank you Anne for another book that gave me everything I needed x
I reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Bella]

DNF @ 50%

I tried, I really tried! I struggled my way to just past the half way point (which took me over a week, reading chapters at a time between other books), but I just cannot get into this story. I thought it was just me - maybe I just wasn't in the mood or something? But my friend who LOVED the first book had the exact some problem. This book just feels different to the first.

My main struggle was Isla. She was just so annoying. She constantly made references to fashion, shoes etc, things which I found entertaining in the first book, but it was too much this time. She often came across as immature.

Not only that, but I still didn't feel any epic connection between her and Thorne. I've felt epic connections before - Ryder and Syn from Fighting Destiny come to mind - but Thorne and Isla don't even come close.

I see other people loving this series, and I'm bummed I'm not the same. Especially considering it's written by a fellow Kiwi! But this book was a huge disappointment for me.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let me save your time:

Isla lives but can only survive by drinking Thorne's blood.
She kills 2/3 witches that placed the spell on her.
Thorne and Emrick are brothers. One is the vampire king and the other essentially kind of the vampire slayers.
Isla is pissed when she learns this because they had a million opportunities to tell her before then.
She goes solo for a very short while, which was pretty awesome. At this point, all Thorne ever does is say Isla's name in a growly voice.
Isla kills her two brothers but her mom escapes, along with Jonathan, Isla's husband and the leader of the uprising. Isla's dad is no where in the picture.
Isla's heart apparently starts beating and the book ends!

[Holly]

DNF. Might try again soon. Not enough character growth.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

LISTEN UP, ANNE MALCOM

Anne Malcom! I have a message for you: PLEASE keep writing! Do not EVER stop! The world and I need your words!!!

Deathless created a chasm in my heart, where the need to sleep was irrelevant, yet it took me so much longer to read BECAUSE of the relevance of Isla. She is THE being who brings life to death.

I tried, I really did. I tried to not care, not feel, not crave her. But I failed. And I will keep failing with Sophie and Duncan and Thorne and Rick and Scott. As the Vein Chronicles continue, thank every blessed being, I will be heart hurt, from laughter, fear, and tears.

And I blame YOU <3

[Ewa · Rating 1 out of 5]

prawie tego nie skończyłam, bo to jest taka dziwna książka. czuję się jakby autorka sama nie wiedziała o czym pisze i wymyślała wszystko co rozdział + bohaterowie też są max niestabilni w swoich charakterach

[Vakaris the Nosferatu · Rating 3 out of 5]

all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu

About the Book: Seems like all the truths Isla was certain about in her life have decided to become utter, and terribly annoying lies. Blood that was supposed to kill her is now her only sustenance. Man she loved is… Well, has bad secrets. Man she loved before had even more. Rebellion is not what it seems like. Her life is not what she was made to believe it was. What’s next, her family will turn out to be good citizens of the society? Not a chance, she’ll go home, and get the truth out of them, if it’s the last thing she does.

My Opinion: It gets old very fast when a character trait is being pushed onto the reader. Much like I almost rolled my eyes out of their sockets reading Vampire Hunter D, and how handsome he is in every other paragraph, same here, with Isla doing her best to convince us she’s a crazy villain. There’s a saying that actions speak louder than words. Well, she tries for that too, which then passes with logic due to her character arc not wholly fitting random acts of “just because I can“. Eventually leading to sad little old me, upset at the poorly written, but otherwise very likeable character. Will finish the series, don’t get me wrong. But this was awfully disappointing, as it started really good.

[Cookie Monster · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rating: ★
Rating of Fatal Harmony (1st book): ★★★

Well, does it counts as a review if I say that I almost DNFed? Of if i just skimmed through the book because it was annoying the shit out of me? Well I hope I does.

But to make you happy and explain why, here are a small list (in adorable bullets) to help you save your time:

☃ Remember I said here that Isla, our wonderful female lead, had a witty personality and a quick mouth? Well, because I do. And it gets F*&%#@* annoying throughout book #2. She is the most childish character I forced myself to read and she is almost 500 years old!.

☃ I know, I know... A lot of people love that "funny" side of her. But after almost 400 pages of never, I mean, NEVER taking anything seriously and always having some 'geek reference' or quick remarks. Trust me, it gets boring and fast.

☃ After her, the second most annoying and unrealistic character is the Slayer himself. I've never seen in my years living this earth a man like this one. At least once, in e-ve-ry page, he has some major stupid love declaration to give. Blerg.


And I am quite happy in love, thank you.

Really, I was almost dropping his pants to see if he lost his balls in the middle of the book. They don`t make them as they used to be.

Anyhow, I have places to be, books to read, and this was one more of the: Wasted Time on Kindle Unlimited Books™. Hope not to see you here again next time.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book

OMG!!! Paranormal is my JAM!! I loved this book!!! I think I need to go and read the first book in this series as well, as I felt like I was missing a lot as it is a continuation of the first book.

This heroine is totally Kick Ass! I mean seriously, confident, strong, independent and so comfortable with herself. I fell in love with her! And Thorne, Holy Smoke...

”If evil is your heart, your soul, then I’m evil too, baby. And no fuckin’ way is it wretched. Even if it is, your wretched heart is mine forever. And my wretched heart is yours.”

This book was full of action, twists and so many shocking things happening, that it will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Loved the Greek mythology and for those that read the first book, I'm sure this one will just make you fall in love even more with this series.
And for once its about a female vampire heroine.



I can't tell you what this is about as I feel you need to read book 1 first and then do book 2. But for me it was right up there with Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series (that I absolutely love)

So I will be starting at Book1 and re-reading book 2 to get the whole picture. And I might change my review again, lol

But I have to say if you love Paranormal books. Love Greek Mythology then I suggest you READ THIS SERIES! Definitely adding to my favorite Paranormal pile

Reviewed on behalf of Novels in Heels!

[Caro · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, we learnt of Isla's untimely demise in Fatal Harmony....but that cannot be the end or her sarcastic witty self, can it?

Sods law isn't it. Just find your man, your other half, your soul mate and then boom...you die from being flailed in public by a vampire king for bumping uglies with the enemy. Doesn't the King know that a girls got to get hers?

And it all comes down to this...

'True love, is the only thing in this world that is truly deathless.'

And with that, I am saying no more!

[Lauren Cline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to Sit Through and Unfinished


Rated the first one 5 stars. I loved the first book but there's just too much repetitive subject matter in this story which unfortunately makes the journey a bit tedious. The same subjects, dialogue and character reactions seem to be on an endless loop ad nauseam. The sections in between were great- it's just sifting through that's a little frustrating to find either new subject matter or any action being taken on said redundancies. The storyline itself is great, just could have been edited down some.

War? They're at war? You don't say. Well, it's mentioned on about every page but there's really not much of one happening; just eluding to the danger of it being there for most of the book. Most of the big events were more like background noise which was odd. Isla's life is constantly on the line and of course there are copious (mostly) empty threats of violence. Everything important happens in a flurry during the very last 15%. There's a lot that I really really wish would have been expounded upon rather extending it to what looks to be a 3rd book coming. Err- I would hope so anyway.

Isla's immaturity gets pretty out of control in this one. It was amusing and quirky in the first book, but kind of goes downhill here. I was really looking forward to seeing how her character would evolve but it was more of a devolution. Her relationship with Thorn unfortunately contributes to that as well.

I had quite an anticlimactic reaction by the time the proverbial cat was out of the bag with Thorn. Although the truth about his origins was suppose to be this big secret, I really don't understand what all the fuss was about in general or why Isla takes this as some huge betrayal. It has nothing to do with her other than the fact he didn't say anything sooner and she admits several times that she knows next to nothing about him, purposefully ignoring her inclinations to ask. I felt like there was this huge buildup of this facet being eluded to over and over in both books, but when it comes down to it, it doesn't really effect the story and really deflated my sense of expectation. I suppose they have to have conflict, but I wish it was something more consequential that made me feel for either character.

I think my expectations were just too high going in because I genuinely thought going in that this would be even juicer than the first installment; If not on par anyway. The stage was set for some pretty major events and epic conclusions already. I love this story as a whole, but this kind of fell flat for me.

[Siga · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried picking this book back up on several occasions because I did enjoy the first one is the series. However, I just couldn't get into it. The heroine felt, to put it plainly, annoying. Incredibly so. All powerful, up in everyone's face, can get away with absolutely everything with few consequences just because she is *the* heroine. At first her upfront attitude felt refreshing but it got too much, too quick and it just felt like it was her entire personality.
Great potential, not a fan of the execution.

[MammieBabbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-pumping darkly passionate romance that promises and delivers time and again.

I'm a massive Anne Malcom fan, her writing is just dinkum, that's Kiwi for genuine, and at the risk of sounding repetitive (because I'm pretty sure I've said this about Ms. Malcom before) - she's got the gift of flawless character and plot progression. Every time I open one of her books I just get utterly and completely sucked in. She just holds such a special place in my book heart, she's just so so dear to my heart.

I'm not going to go on and on because the reality is that just like Fatal Harmony (book #1 of The Vein Chronicles), Deathless is nothing short of exceptional. The moment it hit my kindle I'm pretty sure time stood still for my moment of outright and sheer maddening glee. Avid head bangers and moshers were put to shame. Enthusiastic ravers and flailers were outdone. I may have ascended to a whole new level of nutter, and quite frankly I just don't give a flying fart in space! Deathless was everything that I had anticipated AND more. I was turning those pages quicker than a pubescent boy with his first Playboy. Anne Malcom had me hooked and it just felt so good getting my Isla fix, I swear she's more kick-arse than Selene (Underworld flick chick) on a good day. I think she may actually be my book girlfriend... if I could I would... no doubts, no questions, I just would dive head first.

In true Vein Chronicles fashion, Deathless had me going from I knew it! to Whaaaaaat?!? from one milisecond to the next. The character and plot development were on point and just built an even more solid world from that of Fatal Harmony. It's not often that an author can make a second book as good or even better than the first, but Malcom definitely achieves this. The pace was fast and delicious and secondary characters are sublime. I'm pretty sure that this sassy author already has future couples in mind! Which is good for me because I do not want his series to end. EVER. I mean what other series gives you such a divine cocktail of Vampires, Werewolves, Demons, Witches and homo sapiens? Exactly. None.

I've just finished this gorgeously gripping book and I'm already having anxiety pangs for the next one. I actually don't know just how I'm going to be able to wait for book #3 - patience may be a virtue, but I am not virtuous. In any way. I just need to know where Anne Malcom is going next and I need more Isla in my life... STAT!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This end, of undeath as I knew it, came first with the ecstasy of warm blood filling my mouth”

I think everyone expected Isla to survive Thorne's blood, so it wasn't such a surprise. I did not, however, expected her to become somewhat addicted and dependent on his blood.
I don't really understand the new prophecy yet and all it entails. My mind was kind of occupied with all the plot twists. And there were quite a few of those here.
I had my suspicious about the connection between Thorne and Rick, though not about the twist to the Vampire history in general.
And, Yeah, I never expected the meeting with Ambrogio (that was creepy, btw).
But still, all that was not as mind blowing as Jonathan. It's just another proof of how fucked up Isla's family is (if you didn't have enough proof already). I love it when a plot twist catches me by surprise, but I felt so sorry for Isla.

Is it just me, or does Isla talk too much sometimes? Like this is all entertaining and shit, but can we get to the point? But, boy, can she hold a grudge. And I'm not just talking about her deal with Thorne here.
“They couldn’t really expect anything less than me blowing up their estate in Turkey as revenge for bidding on that painting I explicitly said I wanted." Jesus, she's insane. Though, so fun to read about.
And omg, that cliffhanger in the end just sprung on me. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what's gonna happen.

[Cat Imb || The Reading Cat || · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author via Give Me Books. Thank you Anne Malcom and Give Me Books!

I know I've probably said this is Fatal Harmonie's review, but I love the narration style of this series. It is full of great sass, references, comments, wit, and humour. Isla's point of view does not disappoint at all. My favourite parts are when she goes in these long monologues and forgets where she's going with the story - because I do that. A lot.

That plot twist Anne! It was so unpredictable (in my opinion) and just messed with my head - in a good way.

I really enjoyed how Greek Mythology was incorporated into the story - I'm a huge Greek Mythology geek; and I'm Greek and a geek, and that rhymes so I'm awesome (wow Isla is having an impact on me, and I know how to use conjunctions properly apparently).

Speaking of rhymes, the prophesies / poems were well written and I thoroughly enjoyed them. If you've been reading my reviews, you'll know that I'm a sucker (catch what I did there?) for poetry in books.

Anyways, where can I get me some of that Deathless nail polish? Like seriously?

Back to the review! So Deathless was a great and enthralling sequel to Fatal Harmony, which will not disappoint.

[Brandi Reeves-Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in freaking love with The Vein Chronicles! Like, seriously. This series so far has been epic and I have a feeling each book is just going to keep getting better and better. Since this is book two, I would highly recommend checking out book one, Fatal Harmony, before reading this one just so you understand what’s happening.
Deathless picks up right where Fatal Harmony left off and I won’t lie, I was sitting on the edge of my seat through most of this book. There’s so many twists and turns that I really didn’t know what to expect. Which is a very good thing. Anne Malcom does a wonderful job keeping the plot unpredictable, and every time I thought I knew what would happen next, it would be totally different. It was definitely a nice surprised finding out some truths that I wondered about in book one, so it was great to get more insight on certain characters.
Trust me when I say this book is amazing and deserves way more than five stars. It’s packed with action, suspense, and some killer twists. I cannot wait to see what Anne will write next for this series, and I’m impatiently waiting to read it. Highly recommend checking this series out. Especially if you love paranormal that isn’t your everyday type of book.

[Natalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost dnf several times...

So i really loved the first book but this one was disappointing.
One of the positive of my review of the first book is that Isla did not act like a teenager with popping hormones when around hot men, but i bite my tongue in the second book there is a dependence between Thorne an Isla that is just to much... All the "love you forever and all eternity" and the all the possessive where really a mood kill!
Isla is still witty and sassy but in this book goes over the top crazy... the inner dialogues are so big that it gets boring!!!
The book is almost center in Isla and Thorne "eternal and fated love" and i'm so sad that they use the king character just as a anti-hero (Emrick was my pick and favorite character) so when he is just trow aside after that big revelation and goes instalust at first sight with a dirty human i really said and quote: "oh fuck off!" almost DNF that instant

That mentality that every female character needs a "true love" or a Man to get her life going or to have a meaning is so wrong... she could bang the hole city and still be awesome...

Really struggle to finish this book!

[Stephanie S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Anne has done it again!! I was given this as a ARC that I was excited to jump into. I have to say that I have not read a book with vampires in a long time and I was not disappointed. The first book in this series, Fatal Harmony thrust me back into this world I love to read. I have only know of Anne Malcom for about 2 months and I am so glad to have been introduced to her.

Isla is a strong independent vampire that I can relate to on so many levels. She doesn't want to be taken care of and finds it hard to accept help when she desperately needs it. Thorne who is suppose to be her enemy has slowly drawn her out and fall in love again which she thought could never happen.

I don't want to add any spoilers to this as the book has not been released yet but everyone is in for a ride. Congrats Anne on another gem that your readers will love!!!

[Paula D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious, exciting and a thrill seeker from first page to the last. A war is happening ,who will live who will die? I'm loving Anne Malcom and this series how she gives us a twist with vampires, vampire slayers and witches and so much more. This is a book that's hard to review without giving away spoilers. Do you like paranormal? Do you like action packed biting your nails and so intense you wanna pace and read well this is book two of the series and it's as good as the first one. Is Isla alive or did she die from the curse? Did Thorne survive or did he die of heartache? I can't wait to read book 3 to find out what happens next! 5/5 Deathless stars ****Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Read provided for a voluntarily Advanced Reader Copy of this book ****