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Descendants #1

Shadow Descendant

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A powerful witch, a centuries-old vampire, and a passion that can't be denied...

Naomi Feldman has never understood the strange energy that hums beneath her senses. But when she comes across an ancient artifact that seems to beckon to her, she may finally find the answers she's been seeking.

Alaric, a centuries-old vampire, lives a solitary life by choice. When he's assigned to protect Naomi, long dormant emotions stir to life.

Pursued by a dangerous enemy and battling their growing attraction, Naomi and Alaric follow the mystery of the artifact from the museums of Athens, the streets of London, towards a confrontation that will decide the fate of two worlds...

300 pages, ebook

Published September 26, 2017

327 people are currently reading
308 people want to read

About the author

L.D. Goffigan

21 books124 followers
L.D. Goffigan writes fast-paced thrillers and action-adventure with historical intrigue.

She is passionate about history, adventure, thrillers, and hidden mysteries waiting to be uncovered…

She studied film and dramatic writing at New York University.When not writing, you can find her traveling to places she’s never been, reading the latest thriller which has her on the edge of her seat, watching a documentary about ancient mysteries, or seeking her next adventure.

Stay in touch and join the adventure—

subscribepage.com/ldgoffiganbooks

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5 stars
66 (22%)
4 stars
101 (34%)
3 stars
89 (30%)
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30 (10%)
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10 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Fanny.
98 reviews26 followers
December 18, 2017
Super light read and predictable.

Honestly, nothing new I can write here. Read it if you want some light reading on another tale of vampire and witches (yawn)
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
July 14, 2018
💝FREE on iBooks today (7/14/2018)!💝

Blurb:
A Discovery of Witches meets Twilight in this mesmerizing paranormal romance...

Naomi Feldman has never understood the strange energy that hums beneath her senses. But when she comes across an ancient artifact that seems to beckon to her, she may finally find the answers she's been seeking.

Alaric, a centuries-old vampire, lives a solitary life by choice. When he's assigned to protect Naomi, long dormant emotions stir to life.

Pursued by a dangerous enemy and battling their growing attraction, Naomi and Alaric follow the mystery of the artifact from the museums of Athens, the streets of London, towards a confrontation that will decide the fate of two worlds...
Profile Image for meghann.
1,063 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2017
I'm a huge fan of the author's Mina Murray series, so I was super excited to read this one. I really liked Naomi. She was thrust into an impossible situation and had to change her view of the world and adapt at a moment's notice. Not only did she handle all that like a boss, but she stepped up and embraced her role. And the girl worked for it. I thought the other characters were a lot of fun as well, and I can't wait for the next book in this series!

***I voluntarily read a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book.***
Profile Image for Nisareen.
458 reviews13 followers
June 20, 2019
”To activate the spell, the Stone requires the willing blood sacrifice of a Descendant. Your life.”

Naomi Feldman has never understood the strange energy that hums beneath her senses. A curator in a museum, she is caught off guard one day, when a mysterious artefact seems to call out to her. Unnerved, she represses her senses. When the artefact is stolen that same evening, Naomi is bereft as though she has been robbed of a precious heirloom.

When two intruders break into her apartment the following evening, a panicked Naomi aided by the sudden appearance of the vampire Alaric, calls on dormant powers to save herself.

Alaric brings a stunned Naomi to London, where she meets with Madalena, who is in charge of The Alliance, a group of witches and vampires who have aligned to stop The Order. The Order consists of witches who want to rid the world of all those who are not witches. The artefact, known as The Incantation Stone, contains a powerful spell capable of unleashing a plague which could wipe out the vampire and human population. The Stone can only be activated or destroyed by a pure blood witch such as Naomi.

Naomi learns that her mother, a Descendant of the First Witches, placed a Locking Spell on her when she was a child, a binding spell that nullified her magic making her undetectable to the Order. Her powers were unlocked on the night the Order tried to take her due to her life being in danger. Now Naomi must choose whether to embrace her powers and help the Alliance locate and destroy the stone or go into protection. But can the Alliance keep her safe?

Shadow Descendant is the first instalment of the Descendants series and was my first introduction to the author. The strength of the book lies in the exceptional world building that the author has created which effortlessly brings the characters and plot to life.

Naomi was a relatable and appealing protagonist who the reader instantly connects with. She is brave and faces each challenge head on rather than be a victim. Alaric sometimes came across as slightly overbearing with his constant desire to protect Naomi so it was refreshing when she refused to be mollycoddled.

The secondary characters were equally intriguing. I’m looking forward to reading more about the backgrounds of Elias, Madalena, Casimir and Fiona which the author has only touched upon in this instalment.

All in all I thought the book had an interesting premise and was an encouraging start to what looks to be a promising series. I recommend this to fans of A Discovery of Witches.

I received an advanced free audible copy of Shadow Descendant which was narrated by Price Walden and I am voluntarily reviewing it. I felt that the narrator gave a smooth and concise delivery which made it easy to differentiate between characters.
Profile Image for Steph Warren.
1,761 reviews39 followers
October 3, 2017
*I received a free ARC of this book. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

This is an engaging and easy-to-read paranormal romance that strikes a nice balance between the developing romance(s) and an action-filled, magic-packed plot.

There are a number of familiar elements mixed in, from the vampire/human (ish) romantic, but dangerous, relationship, to the parents dying to protect the life of their magical offspring, who grows up thinking that she is ordinary. However, Naomi and Alaric feel authentic, as does the development of their character arcs and relationship, and the plot about the mysterious stone tablet that speaks to Naomi’s unique bloodline is interesting and exciting.

L. D. Goffigan has thrown in some of her own twists to vampire mythology, such as blood bonds ‘mating’ a couple like a more visceral marriage ceremony. The ‘rules’ of magic use and mythology here are clearly explained and consistently applied, allowing the reader to suspend their disbelief in the paranormal elements.

I was pleased to note small details like Naomi actually knowing and caring about her job, and applying herself to it whilst there despite mysterious tablets and attractive strangers, then mentally sighed slightly when she dropped everything and casually tossed said job in order to run away with the hunk and save the world! Her life was in danger though, so I will give her a pass. Especially as she stands up for herself repeatedly and chooses her own path, and Alaric respects her independence (somewhat reluctantly!) and is supportive of her friendships and decisions.

Definitely one for fans of sweet romance and magic adventure. There is some romantic sex (think of the camera artistically panning candlelit elbows and backs to the sound of soft sighs), but no strong language and the violence is not graphic, so I would thinthink this appropriate for both Young Adults and ‘full’ adults who enjoy a well-written, easy read.
Profile Image for Nickole.
1,485 reviews9 followers
September 27, 2017
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my two cents. hook...line...and sinker. I was hooked from the get go. we meet museum curator Naomi working in Greece when an artifact comes in and it calls to her..whispers in her mind that only she can hear. she thinks she's losing her mind again. same anxieties and voices growing up where therapy never helped. Alaric is a vampire who is in charge of keeping tabs on Naomi for the order as they believe she is a direct descendant from the first witch. One night Naomi is sleeping and she wakes up knowing people are in her living room and she knows it's relates to the break in at the museum. nexr thing she knows the hot guy from the cafe is there trying to get her to escape but the intruders come after them and boom...a white light appears and kills the intruders. Naomi wakes up in London of all places trying to remember what happened. she meets Madalena and is told about the Alliance, the Order and who she really is. Naomi doesn't know what to believe but deep down she knows it's true. the order has the artifact and need her to sacrifice herself for the future of witches...not happening if she can help it. Naomi has strong feelings for Alaric and vice versa. he can't get her out of his mind and wants to protect her..but at what cost? after a run in with a witch, can the alliance keep Naomi safe? will she succumb of the whispers?
Profile Image for a collective of books.
1,521 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2017
Note: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. I was excited to read this, but was kind of disappointed...I liked where the story was going and the plot was intriguing. Their world is witches and vampires living amoungst humans where the witches are split between 2 competing organizations on what they believe is right. I would have liked to learn more about the other characters. There was some action and romance resistence.

**SPOILER ALERT BEYOND THIS POINT**

Profile Image for Jessica Del Fuoco.
115 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2017
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

Stories with vampires and witches are right up my alley and I enjoyed this one. This story had a nice mix of danger, deceit, hope, magic, power struggles and a little bit of romance.
Naomi's character was likable and I think the way she handled herself in the situation she was put in was admirable.
The story was a little slow in some places but I thought it was overall a pretty good pace.

This is the first book I've read by L.D. Goffigan. I look forward to reading the next installment and I think I'm going to check out the Mina Murray series while I wait!
Profile Image for Birdie BD Bookworm.
36 reviews5 followers
May 7, 2018
Excellent Beginning To A New Set

I loved this book! The hunt for a pure-blood Descendant of the original Witches has come to fruition. The search results in a terrifying conspiracy, filled with magic, treachery and love. Follow Alaric and Naomi as they try to find the artifact that could end the humans and vampire races. Join them as she comes into her magic and opens his heart to love again.

Read the first book in a new set by LD Goffigan detailing the struggle between the Alliance, a group of Witches and Vampires determined to save the world, and the Order, Witches vowing to cleanse the Earth of all non-Witches.
Profile Image for Heather Bireley.
162 reviews
September 25, 2017
I read this book basically in one setting. It was very good. I received an advanced copy from the author with the understanding that I would provide an honest review. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out. I do have to say that I was glad that this book was more about the magic and the conflict than about the sex. And I hope this isn't a spoiler but it was also nice that Naomi wasn't able to just do magic, she had to work at it. And it didn't come easy. I'm a sucker for vampires and witches so this was right up my alley. Loved it and can't wait for more!
1,062 reviews18 followers
September 29, 2017
What a great trip into the world of vampires and witches against all humanity. This was a story with intense love, hate, betrayal, hope, despair, and suspense galore during this battle between "good" and "bad" witches and their use of magic for the benefit/destruction of mankind and vampires as they search for the pure-blooded witch, they call a descendant. I am glad there is going to be a follow-up book, as this book would have ended in a very unsatisfying cliff hanger otherwise. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of the book.
Profile Image for Night-Mere.
193 reviews16 followers
October 4, 2017
This was my first LD Goffigan novel and I'm in love! I love the writing style and all of the characters. Naomi is amazingly strong, even with everything she's been through. I love novels that have a strong, substantial character because it makes them very realistic and enjoyable. It's also nice to have the romance on the periphery rather than the entire point of the novel. There are a few twists, so the novel stays interesting, as well.
Profile Image for Carrie Marshall.
528 reviews4 followers
April 3, 2018
I must first say I bought this incredible book by accident! I meant to hit sample on my kindle and clicked buy now. But am I ever glad I stumbled upon this author and series! I have to agree it’s a little like A Discovery of Witches, but with steamier scenes and much more excitement!! I absolutely loved this book. I would say I bought it around 6 pm and never put it down! It was addictive! I recommend this to all paranormal romance readers. It’s amazing! I’m off to book 2 in the series!
6,028 reviews45 followers
October 4, 2017
Some loves transcend all boundaries. Race and kind make no difference to deepest love.

Naomi and Alaric both have love and pain in their past.

An action packed good vs evil battle with steamy romance thrown in!

If they stop fighting their emotions and shadows of their pasts, can they overcome greater evil and darkness?

Hmmm m..... Wicked intense romance, friendship, family and love.
305 reviews3 followers
October 31, 2017
Very intriguing beginning to a series. Naomi and friends are very well thought out and intelligent. I loved Naomi's ability to take everything in stride, push forward, and not complain about it. This is the first time I've read L.D. Goffigan. I can promise you that it won't be the last. Thank you for a good read that held my attention when all hell was breaking loose.
4,283 reviews20 followers
September 30, 2017
I liked this suspense/paranormal/romance. The storyline is good and the characters are complex. I think this is a very good start to a new series. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
313 reviews7 followers
October 8, 2017
Sweet paranormal romance with a lot of adventure. This is good start for new series with vampires, humans and witches. A bit to slow and dragging pace. The characters are believable. I think this series really has potential. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
299 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2017
Enjoyed this book. Alaric & Naomi were meant to be together.
Will Elias find someone? Will Casamir & Fiona make up? Will the Order ever be put down so that everyone can just live in peace? All burning questions.
42 reviews
March 5, 2018
Interesting

I liked this book but thought it lacked depth. Someone compared it to the Deborah Harkness series but it is missing the historic details and character building of those novels. This story had potential but needs more
Profile Image for Kelé.
101 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2017
Loved it!

Could barely put it down. Best I have read lately. Great characters and story line. Looking forward to the next one.
4 reviews
November 11, 2017
No stone left unturned

OMG...love it..could not put it down. 👍 👍.
Please keep the storyline going. Looks like you have a winner (7+) for series.

Thank you.

Karen
92 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2017
A really good vampire romance.

Filled with action, drama, and again creative. Plot ideas..
Not just the regular Vampire macho storyline.
It was a pleasant surprise.
Profile Image for Inka.
122 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2018
Good storyline

Storyline was good. Different to the normal witch/vamp stories.
To many name mistakes though. It gets confusing when the wrong name is used.
Profile Image for Chyina Powell.
Author 12 books25 followers
March 26, 2019
The voices in Naomi's head are getting louder and she has no idea why.

Naomi is a museum curator. She has always loved history and moving often seems to help out her persistent anxiety and draws her attention from the innate feeling that something is wrong, like a part of her is missing. But now that she's in Greece, the voices are getting louder and they seem to be coming from an artifact in her collection.

Alarick has been watching Naomi for a while now. She may not know it but she is more powerful than she could ever imagine and it is his job to make sure that power doesn't get used by the wrong people. What can one vampire do to protect the descendant of the first witches?

Naomi is anxious and funny in her disbelief. I also found Alaric's near obsession with her funny, especially since he didn't want to own up to it. A lot of the background characters were interesting but just that, background characters that didn't add much to the story other than a bit of exposition and dialogue.

One thing I do wish could have been more explored was Naomi's past. While we get the sense that it was troubled and hear her talk about how hard it was for her there is no in depth flashback or conversation with another character that explores it more in depth.
Profile Image for Angel.
276 reviews17 followers
January 4, 2019
I received an ARC of this story through Hidden Gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Naomi spends most of her life thinking she's crazy, turns out she's just a witch, and vampire Alaric, who works with the Alliance, is currently tasked with watching over her and keeping her safe from the Order who want to use her as a sacrifice to essentially rid the world of anyone who is not a witch. It's a very interesting premise. The book itself felt very, very slow however. I didn't find myself drawn to the characters emotionally either. I did solider on to finish the story and while there were some parts that are good and drew me in to the story temporarily, overall it was just decent and I probably won't read farther into the series... The ending of this one felt very anticlimactic as well.
Profile Image for Lootz.
162 reviews3 followers
October 19, 2018
Received this free for review.

I really liked this first novel in the Descendants series. I'm a sucker for vampires playing with witches so this book hit all the right notes. The characters are not emo, young people, which was refreshing and the witches were badass. I like the world building, the artifact hunting gave it an aspect of Indiana Jones for me and the ending left me wanting more. I've already started the second book as a matter of fact. My only complaint is I wish it were a bit sexier. It felt like the romance aspect was a major part of the novel, but the actual sex and kissing scenes were underdeveloped. Still, would recommend this novel to urban fantasy/paranormal lovers.
Profile Image for Nikki Riley.
36 reviews
February 16, 2019
A Discovery is Witches and Twilight lover’s dream, THIS IS NOT, however, it is a decent quick read. Yes, you may get annoyed with the relationship flip flopping (I sure did, I mean, how many times can two characters both profess their love while simultaneously thinking the other hates them because of some overprotective flaw), but honestly, this is rampant in this genre. Basically if you have a half a day to kill this is a decent way to do it. Also, maybe do yourself a favor and skip to #2 in the series, which is basically the same story but with a more badass female character.
Profile Image for Lacy.
292 reviews5 followers
November 1, 2018
Good book

I was really intrigued by the story and was sucked in quick. The characters where very likable and the world the author is building is different and great. For some reason I found the romance a little to rushed and there was only 1 physical part and was a few sentences, I hope I didn't stumble into a Ya series, I hope I am wrong. I really did enjoy this book and will read the next one.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
March 23, 2019
Shadow Descendant was a great read by L.D. Hall. Naomi has always felt a strange energy that hums below her senses. She has never understood it but one day an ancient artifact gives her the answers she needs. Alaric is a vampire who has been assigned to protect Naomi traveling through London following the artifact to get answers. This was a great read.
Profile Image for Melissa (missy).
245 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2019
I love when books catch you and just won't let go
This one has so much going for it danger, deceit, hope, magic, power struggles and a little bit of romance not to mention Vamps and witches
I had to make myself stop reading a few times just to deal with life and hated every second lol
I am jumping into the second book now
Can Not Wait to see what is next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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