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The Blood Borne #1
Silver Staked
From NYT & USAT bestselling authors Shannon Mayer and D.G. Swank comes a new vision of supernatural suspense. Only these two authors could deliver two such complex heroines and their undaunted courage in a tale of unexpected twists of fate. Escape into the city that never sleeps and where nightmares live in the darkness with "Silver Staked".
My name is Leah, and I am a Cazador. Trained to hunt and kill vampires over 300 years ago, my training became essential once I became one of those monsters.
The underbelly of the supernatural world has begun to bleed into the human world and journalist Rachel Sambrook, is asking too many dangerous questions. Unwittingly, she's revealed a conspiracy I had hoped would never become a reality; using vampire blood for human experiments.
As I attempt to contain her, she's by my side as the truth of just how deep the darkness goes is exposed. Unfortunately, the consequences have also brought forth the creatures that hide around every corner; thirsty for flesh.
The only question remaining is which one of us will survive the inevitable bloodbath ahead?
My name is Leah, and I am a Cazador. Trained to hunt and kill vampires over 300 years ago, my training became essential once I became one of those monsters.
The underbelly of the supernatural world has begun to bleed into the human world and journalist Rachel Sambrook, is asking too many dangerous questions. Unwittingly, she's revealed a conspiracy I had hoped would never become a reality; using vampire blood for human experiments.
As I attempt to contain her, she's by my side as the truth of just how deep the darkness goes is exposed. Unfortunately, the consequences have also brought forth the creatures that hide around every corner; thirsty for flesh.
The only question remaining is which one of us will survive the inevitable bloodbath ahead?
372 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2015
1337 people are currently reading
1912 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Mayer
133 books7,303 followersA long time ago, in a galaxy far away, I was born into a family of Star Wars nuts. I have a lot of siblings (somewhere I lost count but I think there was more than could be numbered on one hand) and being one of the young padawans I was subjected to Star Wars marathons, on a regular basis. If you've read any of my books you'll see there is often a reference to said movies as a small homage to my upbringing. May the force be with you and all that jazz.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
I started writing when I realized I didn't want to grow up not believing in magic, or not believing in creatures everyone else said didn't exist. That being said, I have never seen a fairy, unicorn or dragon. I had a neighbour who swore they fed the leprechauns in their garden, but I never caught the little buggers no matter how long I lay in wait. (And consequently had to help the neighbours plant new flowers to replace those I killed waiting for the leprechauns to show their faces.)
Along the way, I found my husband who is the rock that keeps me from floating away into my dreams, and we have a little boy who is the centre of our world. Living on a farm keeps us busy (as if the writing wasn't enough) and I have more than my share of stories about wrestling with cows, helping birth calves and ending up in the creek during the process, falling in the mud (we'll call it mud but we all know that on a farm, mud is rarely mud) and chasing escaped livestock in the hopes the four legged convicts don't make it to the highway.
I've taken up archery, and the goal is to move into horseback archery in time (you know, when I can hit the target on a consistent basis) and when no one is looking, I love to bake (this doesn't happen often as it's hard to keep the sweet treats in stock with two boys in the house.)
As to what's coming next for me? More stories (since those never stop inside my head, I might as well share them with all of you!) and more adventures. Pretty much, when the fancy strikes, I'll jump on it. Leap before you look I'm sure that motto was created for me.
Or was that . . . think big and dream bigger, ready, set, pull the trigger . . . yeah. That one is a good one too. But only if you have a gun. And are hunting elephants. Which is not cool because of so many reasons. Let's stick with the first one with an addendum.
Leap before you look and let your dreams carry you on their wings. And that, my friends, is me in a nutshell.
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November 10, 2015
RATING 4.5 STARS
Recombinant is book one in The Blood Borne series by Shannon Mayer and Denise Grover Swank. This book was generously provided to me by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Lea was a trained Cazador, a vampire hunter, and she was good at her job. Then she was changed in to the very creature she spent her life killing, a vampire. But did this stop her from her vow to clear the earth of vampires? No it did not. Now she is well known for being the vampire who hunts her own kind.
Lea and her helper, Calvin, have come to New York to investigate a series of unsolved murders where the victims are drained of blood. What they ended up finding out was so much more than that.
Rachel is a journalist. She has spent several years covering the war in Iraq She’s only been back in New York for about six months and has been researching the sudden recent decline of prisoners in the area prisons. Decline as disappearing. On this night, she went to investigate yet another murder and was surprisingly face to face with not one but two men from her past. Both men she hasn’t seen in two years. One of them, Sean, she thought she was in love with until he cheated on her. And the other one, Derrick, was her best friend. It can’t be coincidence that both of these men re-enter her life on the same night.
Rachel and Lea are the most unlikely of allies but surprisingly work perfectly together. Calvin is old, he has been with Lea for over fifty years and she knows it’s time to get a new helper.
“I was torn in two directions. Toward the life I’d built with Calvin, which revolved around hunting vampires and nothing more, and toward Rachel. A friend who could help me find a glimmer of humanity in myself. In my kind.”
This book is pretty much non-stop from start to finish. Both of these woman are strong, kick butt and ask questions later women. They don’t trust easily but are loyal till the end. The more they delved into the murders and missing inmates, the more bizarre and crazy the diabolical scenario became. I am admittedly a romance junkie and I did miss not having that aspect in this story. But there wasn’t really a place for it.
So if you like a fast paced, paranormal suspense thriller with strong female heroines, this book is most definitely for you. I’m looking forward to book two in this series, Replica. I can’t wait to see what these authors have cooked up next for Lea and Rachel.
Recombinant is book one in The Blood Borne series by Shannon Mayer and Denise Grover Swank. This book was generously provided to me by the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Lea was a trained Cazador, a vampire hunter, and she was good at her job. Then she was changed in to the very creature she spent her life killing, a vampire. But did this stop her from her vow to clear the earth of vampires? No it did not. Now she is well known for being the vampire who hunts her own kind.
Lea and her helper, Calvin, have come to New York to investigate a series of unsolved murders where the victims are drained of blood. What they ended up finding out was so much more than that.
Rachel is a journalist. She has spent several years covering the war in Iraq She’s only been back in New York for about six months and has been researching the sudden recent decline of prisoners in the area prisons. Decline as disappearing. On this night, she went to investigate yet another murder and was surprisingly face to face with not one but two men from her past. Both men she hasn’t seen in two years. One of them, Sean, she thought she was in love with until he cheated on her. And the other one, Derrick, was her best friend. It can’t be coincidence that both of these men re-enter her life on the same night.
Rachel and Lea are the most unlikely of allies but surprisingly work perfectly together. Calvin is old, he has been with Lea for over fifty years and she knows it’s time to get a new helper.
“I was torn in two directions. Toward the life I’d built with Calvin, which revolved around hunting vampires and nothing more, and toward Rachel. A friend who could help me find a glimmer of humanity in myself. In my kind.”
This book is pretty much non-stop from start to finish. Both of these woman are strong, kick butt and ask questions later women. They don’t trust easily but are loyal till the end. The more they delved into the murders and missing inmates, the more bizarre and crazy the diabolical scenario became. I am admittedly a romance junkie and I did miss not having that aspect in this story. But there wasn’t really a place for it.
So if you like a fast paced, paranormal suspense thriller with strong female heroines, this book is most definitely for you. I’m looking forward to book two in this series, Replica. I can’t wait to see what these authors have cooked up next for Lea and Rachel.
March 24, 2016
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.
Being very familiar with Shannon Mayer’s work, but not at all with Denise Grove Swank’s, I knew that my feelings vis-à-vis the two protagonists and writing styles could potentially be divided. The premise of RECOMBINANT suited my tastes completely with its iron fueled heroines—a vampire turned Cazador and a ballsy reporter—and action driven plot; however multiple POVs have a tendency to get messy, and that’s precisely what happened in this first installment.
I enjoyed both of the leads separately, and witnessing their developing partnership. Lea’s right-hand-man, Calvin, was also a plus. The characters’ backstories were explored in sufficient detail which allowed readers to get a good sense of what drives them, although switching back and forth did make it difficult to get a cohesive picture. That point aside, I thought that they interacted well together, and saw definite promise for them as a baddie fighting team.
For me, government conspiracies come in at the bottom of the pile as far as Urban Fantasy threads go. They are just so commonplace that it’s impossible for an author to come up with an adequately overhauled version to get me fully engaged. I hope that it was a one-off, and that this won’t end up being the primary arc of this series. In addition, the ex-boyfriend tangent as well as the unrequited love one were two utterly unoriginal tropes that further contributed to this novel’s run-of-the-mill-ness.
This title is written in alternating first person narratives, and because both protagonists were new to me, it was sometimes hard to pinpoint which “I” was currently at the helm. Mayer and Swank’s styles were quite different which helped a bit with the former, but caused a number of inconsistencies, and on occasion made a scene cut-out mid-idea to make way for the other heroine’s take. I also didn’t get why Lea & Rachel split in the final pages.
There were too many I’s and not enough We’s in RECOMBINANT.
Being very familiar with Shannon Mayer’s work, but not at all with Denise Grove Swank’s, I knew that my feelings vis-à-vis the two protagonists and writing styles could potentially be divided. The premise of RECOMBINANT suited my tastes completely with its iron fueled heroines—a vampire turned Cazador and a ballsy reporter—and action driven plot; however multiple POVs have a tendency to get messy, and that’s precisely what happened in this first installment.
I enjoyed both of the leads separately, and witnessing their developing partnership. Lea’s right-hand-man, Calvin, was also a plus. The characters’ backstories were explored in sufficient detail which allowed readers to get a good sense of what drives them, although switching back and forth did make it difficult to get a cohesive picture. That point aside, I thought that they interacted well together, and saw definite promise for them as a baddie fighting team.
For me, government conspiracies come in at the bottom of the pile as far as Urban Fantasy threads go. They are just so commonplace that it’s impossible for an author to come up with an adequately overhauled version to get me fully engaged. I hope that it was a one-off, and that this won’t end up being the primary arc of this series. In addition, the ex-boyfriend tangent as well as the unrequited love one were two utterly unoriginal tropes that further contributed to this novel’s run-of-the-mill-ness.
This title is written in alternating first person narratives, and because both protagonists were new to me, it was sometimes hard to pinpoint which “I” was currently at the helm. Mayer and Swank’s styles were quite different which helped a bit with the former, but caused a number of inconsistencies, and on occasion made a scene cut-out mid-idea to make way for the other heroine’s take. I also didn’t get why Lea & Rachel split in the final pages.
There were too many I’s and not enough We’s in RECOMBINANT.
October 13, 2015
I received an ARC copy for a honest review
Swank and Mayer make a good team. Although it took me a bit to get into Recombinant but once I did I enjoyed the premise of the story. I would have liked a bit more set up and backstory but hopefully we learn more as the series progresses. There were a few parts that were slow for me but I'm glad I stuck with it.
We get a dual POV set up for Recombinant with each chapter alternating between Lea and Rachel leading the helm. Glimpses of their lives before they met each other are scattered here and there. We are introduced to a world of vampires and hunter.
Calvin was my favorite character out of the entire group. He was consistent throughout the entire book.
I can't say too much more without spoiling it for everyone else even though I have a few more thoughts I would like to express. I'll just say I'll be checking out book 2 in the series.
Swank and Mayer make a good team. Although it took me a bit to get into Recombinant but once I did I enjoyed the premise of the story. I would have liked a bit more set up and backstory but hopefully we learn more as the series progresses. There were a few parts that were slow for me but I'm glad I stuck with it.
We get a dual POV set up for Recombinant with each chapter alternating between Lea and Rachel leading the helm. Glimpses of their lives before they met each other are scattered here and there. We are introduced to a world of vampires and hunter.
Calvin was my favorite character out of the entire group. He was consistent throughout the entire book.
I can't say too much more without spoiling it for everyone else even though I have a few more thoughts I would like to express. I'll just say I'll be checking out book 2 in the series.
June 26, 2016
This was my first venture into the urban paranormal fantasy type book and it did not disappoint! Vampire books are not my go to read, but this book worked for me. The strong female characters sucked me in. The suspense kept me reading because I HAD to know what happened! I am looking forward to the next book!
**I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
**I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
October 15, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.
What happens when the 2 reigning queens of Urban Fantasy come together to collaborate on one book? They create an intense, intriguing, pulse pounding, flipping pages so quickly my Kindle should have smoking drag marks on the screen kind of story!
The action focuses on Lea, (Vampire hunter who is also a vampire) and Rachel a reporter who is investigating a string of crimes that have a bit of an odd pattern to them when all of a sudden a few blasts from her past come back into the picture and pull her deeper into what is really behind these crimes. And these two world collide and bring these two strong female characters together to figure out what is going on.
What I have always loved about both of these authors books were their strong female characters! They each have characters who are serious butt kickers, they have characters who may get scared and unsure about things but they saddle up and keep going anyway and both of those types of characters are blended together perfectly in this book. And they play well off of each other,the duality of both sides makes for an interesting dynamic. each woman thinks that she is tops in her field but when the situation gets out of control and begins crossing over into the human world they need each other to put a stop to the threat.
This is a solid first book in a new series that I can't get enough of! But with these two writers behind it there is really no wonder why I am so enthralled! Check out this book as well as all the other fantastic books these two ladies write, you won't be sorry!
What happens when the 2 reigning queens of Urban Fantasy come together to collaborate on one book? They create an intense, intriguing, pulse pounding, flipping pages so quickly my Kindle should have smoking drag marks on the screen kind of story!
The action focuses on Lea, (Vampire hunter who is also a vampire) and Rachel a reporter who is investigating a string of crimes that have a bit of an odd pattern to them when all of a sudden a few blasts from her past come back into the picture and pull her deeper into what is really behind these crimes. And these two world collide and bring these two strong female characters together to figure out what is going on.
What I have always loved about both of these authors books were their strong female characters! They each have characters who are serious butt kickers, they have characters who may get scared and unsure about things but they saddle up and keep going anyway and both of those types of characters are blended together perfectly in this book. And they play well off of each other,the duality of both sides makes for an interesting dynamic. each woman thinks that she is tops in her field but when the situation gets out of control and begins crossing over into the human world they need each other to put a stop to the threat.
This is a solid first book in a new series that I can't get enough of! But with these two writers behind it there is really no wonder why I am so enthralled! Check out this book as well as all the other fantastic books these two ladies write, you won't be sorry!
October 20, 2015
First let me say that I received an ARC of this book for my honest review...and honest is the only way I know how to give a review.
In the world of Urban Fantasy this book really stands out! It is not my normal genre but with this author I have stopped saying that because no mater what genre she is writing in she blows me away!
This book is cold hard VAMPIRE with a little bit of a twist! No brooding soul searching, these ladies are out to get a job done and in doing so they take no prisoners!
Lia is a vampire hunter who centuries ago was turned into what she was sworn to destroy. Clinging to the last of her humanity she has worked over the ages to keep her vow and wreck havoc on the monsters that turned her into what she hated the most!
Rachel is a reporter that has worked hard to always go after the truth but when her best friend is killed she is out to avenge him.
These two strong kick butt women are thrown together in a fight to stop hell on earth!
Do NOT miss this story! it is fast paced and full of twists you won't see coming! Beautifully written, this story will grab you from page one!
In the world of Urban Fantasy this book really stands out! It is not my normal genre but with this author I have stopped saying that because no mater what genre she is writing in she blows me away!
This book is cold hard VAMPIRE with a little bit of a twist! No brooding soul searching, these ladies are out to get a job done and in doing so they take no prisoners!
Lia is a vampire hunter who centuries ago was turned into what she was sworn to destroy. Clinging to the last of her humanity she has worked over the ages to keep her vow and wreck havoc on the monsters that turned her into what she hated the most!
Rachel is a reporter that has worked hard to always go after the truth but when her best friend is killed she is out to avenge him.
These two strong kick butt women are thrown together in a fight to stop hell on earth!
Do NOT miss this story! it is fast paced and full of twists you won't see coming! Beautifully written, this story will grab you from page one!
October 25, 2015
If this is your genre, you're going to love it. This book keeps you on your toes, thinking what is next. It has everything you need for a good story with brilliant writers - Denise Grover Swank being one of my favourites. It has action, suspense, twists and turns, blood and gore, right and wrong, good and bad. And a whole lot in between.
These girls had to find their footing with each other but once they did - brilliant and unstoppable. One is out to rid the world of monsters just like herself - vampires, and the other is a journalist wanting to uncover the conspiracy her best friend told her about. This is not your typical vampire adventure, there are no sparkles but plenty of combat.
This is the first book in the series and I think anyone would find this story compelling and I would recommend it highly.
Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.
I received a copy for an honest review.
These girls had to find their footing with each other but once they did - brilliant and unstoppable. One is out to rid the world of monsters just like herself - vampires, and the other is a journalist wanting to uncover the conspiracy her best friend told her about. This is not your typical vampire adventure, there are no sparkles but plenty of combat.
This is the first book in the series and I think anyone would find this story compelling and I would recommend it highly.
Reviewed for JoandIsaLoveBooksBlog.
I received a copy for an honest review.
March 10, 2018
A book by #ShannonMayer and #DeniseGroverSwank? Yes, please! I’ve enjoyed books by each author individually so I figured I would definitely enjoy something by them as a duo.
#Recombinant started with a bang. Vampire and vampire hunter Lea, has vowed to rid the world of all vampires. When a spate of murders lead her to New York, she crosses paths with reporter Rachel Sambrook. After some life altering developments the two start working together towards the same goal.
This book was fast paced and action packed. I will say Rachel’s character annoyed me a bit; I felt like she was a bit bipolar in her emotions. She didn’t trust so and so, then she did then she didn’t. Overall, I enjoyed the story and will definitely be reading the second book in the series.
#Recombinant started with a bang. Vampire and vampire hunter Lea, has vowed to rid the world of all vampires. When a spate of murders lead her to New York, she crosses paths with reporter Rachel Sambrook. After some life altering developments the two start working together towards the same goal.
This book was fast paced and action packed. I will say Rachel’s character annoyed me a bit; I felt like she was a bit bipolar in her emotions. She didn’t trust so and so, then she did then she didn’t. Overall, I enjoyed the story and will definitely be reading the second book in the series.
July 12, 2018
I was given an ARC copy from the author in exchange for a review.
This book had very likable characters, whether vampire or human. There were many points of action, as well as humor. I think the premise of government testing and creating an army of monsters was very interesting as well as a strong plot. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal with strong female lead characters that are able to fight for themselves. There are definitely no "damsels in distress" here. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more in the series. The combining of the authors' talents made for a very seamless read.
This book had very likable characters, whether vampire or human. There were many points of action, as well as humor. I think the premise of government testing and creating an army of monsters was very interesting as well as a strong plot. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal with strong female lead characters that are able to fight for themselves. There are definitely no "damsels in distress" here. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more in the series. The combining of the authors' talents made for a very seamless read.
October 18, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! I'm an avid fan of Denise Grover Swank. This isn't your average vampire novel. The characters are strong and have depth, there is enough about their history to give you insight, but room to build on through the rest of the series. The story picks you up and carries you along quickly. I normally can figure out what's going to happen next, but not with any of Denise Grover Swanks novels! It's intriguing, quick witted and seamlessly written! Even if this isn't your typical genre ( it's not my typical genre) , it's a great book! This is a must read!
I received this ARC free in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC free in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2015
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Yes!! yes!! yess!! Mayer and Swank make the ultimate team!! Just wow. At the start of this book I was a little unsure but was intrigued to keep reading and then just WOW I loved this story and so cant wait to read more!!If your a fan of these type of books its a Must read!!
Mayer and swank do an amazing job of creating likable characters which they bring to life, you feel you are living the story along with them. This isn't like your usual vampire story a totally unique take and very different spin. This is Urban Fantasy at it's best. I don't want to give too much away and spoil it just say READ READ READ!!
Yes!! yes!! yess!! Mayer and Swank make the ultimate team!! Just wow. At the start of this book I was a little unsure but was intrigued to keep reading and then just WOW I loved this story and so cant wait to read more!!If your a fan of these type of books its a Must read!!
Mayer and swank do an amazing job of creating likable characters which they bring to life, you feel you are living the story along with them. This isn't like your usual vampire story a totally unique take and very different spin. This is Urban Fantasy at it's best. I don't want to give too much away and spoil it just say READ READ READ!!
August 16, 2020
Actual stars 3.5.
October 24, 2015
Recombinant (The Blood Borne Series Book 1) by Shannon Mayer and Denise Grover Swank was amazing! Denise is one of my favorite authors ever and this is such a different spin on vampires that I really believe people are going to love the series.
I have always felt that Denise takes her female characters to a whole new level and with her teaming up with Shannon to write this we now have two super kickin' female heroes from two gifted authors.. Add them into your not so normal vamp book and you have gold.
The story is told from between the POVs of two women. First we have Rachel, who suddenly has people from her past fighting to get her to trust them and she has no idea who is really telling her the truth. Then we have Lea who is the ultimate hunter, a vampire hunting her own kind.
The two end up forming a team to try and find the truth about some murders that have been happening in New York City. Rachel started hunting for answers for work as a journalist and Lea is just hunting the killers. Their paths cross and once they get started on their journey there is no slowing down for them. For both characters we have enough history given to us that the story flows and helps show us how the two ladies ended up where they are today. It really made for a fast pace read full of just about anything and everything. Love...got it...tuck those feelings back down. Fighting...got it...HELLO hot vampire with some butt kicking skills. Creepy things...got it....bioterrorism and a "mad scientist" make me get goose bumps. Mystery...got it...who is lying, who can you trust with your life, and will the heroes even live? Wait Lea is already dead....the whole vampire thing.
Anyway this book really does have it all and it is just the first one. This means more are coming and I can't wait!
I have always felt that Denise takes her female characters to a whole new level and with her teaming up with Shannon to write this we now have two super kickin' female heroes from two gifted authors.. Add them into your not so normal vamp book and you have gold.
The story is told from between the POVs of two women. First we have Rachel, who suddenly has people from her past fighting to get her to trust them and she has no idea who is really telling her the truth. Then we have Lea who is the ultimate hunter, a vampire hunting her own kind.
The two end up forming a team to try and find the truth about some murders that have been happening in New York City. Rachel started hunting for answers for work as a journalist and Lea is just hunting the killers. Their paths cross and once they get started on their journey there is no slowing down for them. For both characters we have enough history given to us that the story flows and helps show us how the two ladies ended up where they are today. It really made for a fast pace read full of just about anything and everything. Love...got it...tuck those feelings back down. Fighting...got it...HELLO hot vampire with some butt kicking skills. Creepy things...got it....bioterrorism and a "mad scientist" make me get goose bumps. Mystery...got it...who is lying, who can you trust with your life, and will the heroes even live? Wait Lea is already dead....the whole vampire thing.
Anyway this book really does have it all and it is just the first one. This means more are coming and I can't wait!
October 22, 2015
I am a huge fan of Denise Grover Swank and when I heard she teamed up to write a vampire novel I was like "sign me up." I love me a good vampire story, unless they sparkle. I haven't read one in a while so I was looking forward to it and Recombinant was exactly what I was looking for. It had the strong supernatural element and some kick ass females...can't go wrong with that.
Lea and Rachel were awesome. Rachel reminded me of Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer even though she wasn't the vampire slayer in this duo, but she did have a particular set of skills and knew how to take care of herself with men and supernatural beings. And, she was the blonde that people underestimated, much like Buffy. Lea was just badass. She was compassionate, but ruthless when it mattered. Plus, her outfit sounded awesome haha.
Besides the two leads, the story was really good. It had a good mix of supernatural elements, mystery, and conspiracy theories. I always felt the need to read "just one more chapter." My husband knows that that usually means more like two or three but who's counting. For a first book in a series it did a great job of introducing characters and all kinds of information. It does end with some loose ends but gives you more than enough to be satisfied with how it ended. It definitely made me intrigued to continue reading on in the series and see where it goes.
After reading Recombinant, I may pick up a book by Shannon Mayer. I've never read anything by her but I may start because I really enjoyed this joint book and if her books are anything like this one I know I'll enjoy it. Plus she has an awesome name so that means her books have to amazing ;).
Lea and Rachel were awesome. Rachel reminded me of Buffy from Buffy the Vampire Slayer even though she wasn't the vampire slayer in this duo, but she did have a particular set of skills and knew how to take care of herself with men and supernatural beings. And, she was the blonde that people underestimated, much like Buffy. Lea was just badass. She was compassionate, but ruthless when it mattered. Plus, her outfit sounded awesome haha.
Besides the two leads, the story was really good. It had a good mix of supernatural elements, mystery, and conspiracy theories. I always felt the need to read "just one more chapter." My husband knows that that usually means more like two or three but who's counting. For a first book in a series it did a great job of introducing characters and all kinds of information. It does end with some loose ends but gives you more than enough to be satisfied with how it ended. It definitely made me intrigued to continue reading on in the series and see where it goes.
After reading Recombinant, I may pick up a book by Shannon Mayer. I've never read anything by her but I may start because I really enjoyed this joint book and if her books are anything like this one I know I'll enjoy it. Plus she has an awesome name so that means her books have to amazing ;).
October 25, 2015
RECOMBINANT is told from two different POVs. Rachel is a journalist who is searching for answers for a story she is working on. Lea is a Cazador (aka Vampire hunter) that was turned into a vampire against her will, but still hunts vampires. Stories with multiple POVs aren't my favorite type of stories, but when they are done right, I don't usually mind it. Unfortunately for RECOMBINANT, it started off a little too choppy going from one to the other for my tastes which made it a bit hard to get into the story. Thankfully it smoothed out a bit as the story progressed.
Both Rachel and Lea were interesting characters. They each are pretty bad ass in their own right and together they made a great team. There was a lot involved in the story line and it takes a bit to catch up with things, but it ended with a ton of action and drama which I love.
I have a lot of questions after reading RECOMBINANT. One of my biggest is that I expected Rachel and Lea to stick together. I just don't understand them going their separate ways at the end of the book. I thought the whole point of Rachel's new position as Leah's helper was for her to be by Lea's side? I am hoping book 2, REPLICA, answers that and the other questions floating around in my mind.
* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Both Rachel and Lea were interesting characters. They each are pretty bad ass in their own right and together they made a great team. There was a lot involved in the story line and it takes a bit to catch up with things, but it ended with a ton of action and drama which I love.
I have a lot of questions after reading RECOMBINANT. One of my biggest is that I expected Rachel and Lea to stick together. I just don't understand them going their separate ways at the end of the book. I thought the whole point of Rachel's new position as Leah's helper was for her to be by Lea's side? I am hoping book 2, REPLICA, answers that and the other questions floating around in my mind.
* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2015
Being a huge fan of both authors, I was excited to see how their different writing styles would mesh. I was not disappointed, I think the different voices of the authors made the different voices of the characters that much more believable. This is the story of two strong lead female characters, Lea, a vampire hunter turned vampire, and Rachel, a tenacious and clever reporter. The story is told from their alternating point of views, which is a risky move in the beginning since their storylines are unconnected, and I felt it slowed the pacing down a bit. However once their worlds collide, bringing them into a mutually beneficial partnership, you won't be able to put the book down. Both Rachel and Lea are strong, smart, loyal and capable, and yet they both are struggling too. Lea to keep her humanity while hunting and destroying the very thing she has become; and Rachel, to compete in the male dominated field of journalism where she is constantly being protected and underestimated by even those she is close too. I loved seeing how their relationship developed in this first book, and can't wait too see how it evolves in the series. This really is a great start to an interesting and fun new series!
I was given an advanced ARC for an honest review.
I was given an advanced ARC for an honest review.
October 20, 2015
By Nadine M Haarsager
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This review is from: Recombinant (The Blood Borne Series Book 1) Sometimes you are not JUST lucky ! How often do you read a new book only to say..."HMM, not bad..but...." With Denise Grover Swank you will find a winner every time! No matter what genre I have read of hers I have not been disappointed.
When I had the opportunity to read an ARC of the DGS /Shannon Mayer "The Recombinant" I knew I was in for a good ride.
"The Recombinant" had the "bite" and tension to keep me riveted from the first chapter. The characters are strong, complicated women....
albeit Lea and Rachel have lived totally different "lives". I loved the alternating POV chapters, it gave a great theme and balance to the story and kept my curiosity at a high level though-out the book. The intriguing spin on the vampire realm proves these ladies masters of the urban fantasy .
I must admit to feeling a hole in my gut when the two characters flowed away from the last page and out of the book, but not my mind.
Sometimes you are not just lucky..you have bet on a sure thing.."The Recombinant" is one of those.
October 20, 2015
Was given this as a ARC for a honest review!
I was so excited to receive this book as I totally LOVE Denise's books, I haven't read any of Shannon's but I will be after reading this book!
This is so unlike anything that denise has written before but I think that just proves she really can turn her hand to anything, it is AMAZING!
I've read lots of vampire stories before but this is something totally different from the norm, it starts with Rachel she's a journalist who is also mortal, she's working on two stories when with the help of 2 old friends she stumbles onto something she finds hard to let go of, but are her friends trustworthy?? Will they let her down?? And are the two stories linked??
And then you have lea, she's a vampire who is also feisty & dangerous, she is also unlike any vampire you have seen before. Together they make up a team that is unbeatable in the war that they have encountered, a war they are determined to end!
I promise you don't want to miss this book, once I started reading it I couldn't put it down it truly is addictive, can't wait see more from these two amazing authors!!!
I was so excited to receive this book as I totally LOVE Denise's books, I haven't read any of Shannon's but I will be after reading this book!
This is so unlike anything that denise has written before but I think that just proves she really can turn her hand to anything, it is AMAZING!
I've read lots of vampire stories before but this is something totally different from the norm, it starts with Rachel she's a journalist who is also mortal, she's working on two stories when with the help of 2 old friends she stumbles onto something she finds hard to let go of, but are her friends trustworthy?? Will they let her down?? And are the two stories linked??
And then you have lea, she's a vampire who is also feisty & dangerous, she is also unlike any vampire you have seen before. Together they make up a team that is unbeatable in the war that they have encountered, a war they are determined to end!
I promise you don't want to miss this book, once I started reading it I couldn't put it down it truly is addictive, can't wait see more from these two amazing authors!!!
October 26, 2015
This book is not the genre I would 'usually' read but it is definitely NOT your stereotypical Vampire story!! I totally loved this book! It was so fast paced, full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat right until the end! You know when you read a book that is written by Denise Grover Swank and Shannon Meyer that it is going to be great!
Lea is a Cazador - Vampire Hunter, she has vowed to Rid the world of Vampires even though she is one herself. She was turned by another vampire and vowed ever since to get rid of every last one.
Rachel is a Journalist fresh off the plane from covering the war in Iraq and she is trying to get to the bottom of the so called 'vampire murders' that have been happening in New York. What she finds herself mixed up in is beyond her wildest dreams(nightmares!)
The girls end up working together and what they uncover is bigger than either of them could ever have imagined!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was definitely a 5 star read for me.... What are you waiting for, download it now and read it!!!!!!!
Lea is a Cazador - Vampire Hunter, she has vowed to Rid the world of Vampires even though she is one herself. She was turned by another vampire and vowed ever since to get rid of every last one.
Rachel is a Journalist fresh off the plane from covering the war in Iraq and she is trying to get to the bottom of the so called 'vampire murders' that have been happening in New York. What she finds herself mixed up in is beyond her wildest dreams(nightmares!)
The girls end up working together and what they uncover is bigger than either of them could ever have imagined!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was definitely a 5 star read for me.... What are you waiting for, download it now and read it!!!!!!!
October 23, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I am a HUGE fan of anything Denise Grover Swank writes and this book just cements that she can write any genre and nail it. I haven't read anything by Shannon Mayer before, but I do have many of her books sitting on my Kindle waiting to be read. And they are now being put at the top of my TBR list.
I was hooked from the beginning of this book. It is an intense, intriguing, fast paced story that had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't read it fast enough...I just had to know what happened next.
It is a twist to the usual vampire/supernatural stories out there. The lead characters, Rachel and Lea, are both strong independent woman who can kick some serious butt. The story will keep you guessing as to what is really going on and who and what to believe. Fantastic start to the series! I am now anxiously awaiting the second book of the series.
I am a HUGE fan of anything Denise Grover Swank writes and this book just cements that she can write any genre and nail it. I haven't read anything by Shannon Mayer before, but I do have many of her books sitting on my Kindle waiting to be read. And they are now being put at the top of my TBR list.
I was hooked from the beginning of this book. It is an intense, intriguing, fast paced story that had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't read it fast enough...I just had to know what happened next.
It is a twist to the usual vampire/supernatural stories out there. The lead characters, Rachel and Lea, are both strong independent woman who can kick some serious butt. The story will keep you guessing as to what is really going on and who and what to believe. Fantastic start to the series! I am now anxiously awaiting the second book of the series.
October 17, 2015
I recieved an ARC copy of this book for an honest review. Let me start out simply by saying I absolutely loved this book! I wasn't exactly sure what to expect since it is a book written by two authors. I have been a longtime Denise Grover Swank fan but Shannon Mayer was new for me. This writing duo hit it out of the park. The main thing I noticed was this story is different from any other I have read previously. A lot of times a book can seem like it was done before which can get boring. That is not the case with Recombinant. I usually read a full length book over two evenings, but I finished this one in one sitting. I could just not put it down, the story kept me wanting to know what was coming next. Rachel and Lea and a fantastically intriguing pair that play off each other well. Even the secondary characters come to life and you feel the emotions that pass between characters. I am truly excited to see more from this pair of authors for this series.
November 10, 2015
Let me first start off by saying I have never read a vampire novel before (nope, nothing), but since Denise Grover Swank was one of the authors, I knew I had to give it a try. Since I don't have a good point of reference to this genre, I will say that I really enjoyed Lea, the Vampire, and Rachel, the journalist, and how the story followed them on their own paths and then together as they set out to stop some serious evil going down. I appreciated the back stories of the characters, the supporting cast (some of whom we know will probably show up again as the series continues), and the action and excitement that came with the storyline. I was definitely surprised as to how much I really did enjoy the book (being from this genre) and how much I am looking forward the the next book in the series. I know Lea and Rachel have a lot more evil to take down and I'm glad I am along for the ride!
October 18, 2015
I am an avid Denise Grover Swank reader, so when I got offered the chance to read an ARC of a new book I, naturally, jumped at the chance. I was not disappointed.
Recombinant was a little slow to start and get into the story, it is definitely not your usual Vampire novel (which is awesome). At the beginning I was confused as to who these girls were and why they were doing what they were doing. However, throughout the book you start to learn a little bit more about them as the story progresses.
I'm rating this a 4/5 because the story was excellent and I love the writing style, I was just a bit disappointed in how little I know about the characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment because even with my one complaint, this has the potential to be one of my favorite series.
Recombinant was a little slow to start and get into the story, it is definitely not your usual Vampire novel (which is awesome). At the beginning I was confused as to who these girls were and why they were doing what they were doing. However, throughout the book you start to learn a little bit more about them as the story progresses.
I'm rating this a 4/5 because the story was excellent and I love the writing style, I was just a bit disappointed in how little I know about the characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment because even with my one complaint, this has the potential to be one of my favorite series.
March 2, 2017
This series is going to rock! The first book in the The Blood Borne series left me totally gasping for breath. I loved both Rachel and Lea. They are both strong, bold women with a take charge attitude. Rachel has seen some things being an investigative journalist and isn't very surprised to find out that Lea is not only a vampire, but also a vampire hunter. With her nose on a story involving a government conspiracy she must decide whether to trust Lea or not. Lea, on the other hand, knows there is much more than just a government conspiracy going on, and she also has to decide just how much to trust Rachel. I can't wait to see what else is in store for these two and how their relationship grows. I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2015
~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~
Once I got into the book, I loved it! It has a great story and a good plot. The one thing that I love about these two authors, is that they can collaborate great together. This book has action, vampires, vampires that are superimposed, monsters etc... The one thing that you can count on, is that this book is not predictable at all. Once you think you have it figured out, things go the opposite direction.
I am a huge fan of both of these authors. They both have a unique writing style, but you can't tell who wrote what in this book. With these two authors combined, you get masterpiece that makes you want more! You need to read this book, Infact, you need to read every book by both of these authors!!
Once I got into the book, I loved it! It has a great story and a good plot. The one thing that I love about these two authors, is that they can collaborate great together. This book has action, vampires, vampires that are superimposed, monsters etc... The one thing that you can count on, is that this book is not predictable at all. Once you think you have it figured out, things go the opposite direction.
I am a huge fan of both of these authors. They both have a unique writing style, but you can't tell who wrote what in this book. With these two authors combined, you get masterpiece that makes you want more! You need to read this book, Infact, you need to read every book by both of these authors!!
October 20, 2015
This was a great book! I love the powerful women in the book. Lea, the Cazador turned vampire hundreds of year ago who vows to kill every vampire. She ends up teaming up with Rachael Sambrook. Rachael is a former war journalist back in the States for a more normal life. Her journalists skill uncovers something far bigger then simple murder in NYC. It's now a fight for humanity! Can Lea recover some of hers with her new friendship or is she really doomed to be the monster she believes all vampires are? I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion review
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion review
October 19, 2015
This is not your typical vampire book, it is much better! I was pleasantly surprised how well the book read-it wasn't confusing and the writing styles blended well. Amazing work ladies!
I absolutely LOVE both Rachel and Lea! They are two strong, independent, and savvy women who can kick some butt and they are the main characters. LOVED IT!!
Recombinant is indeed a captivating book, I was on the edge of my chair the entire time I was reading the book. Awesome imagery, great plot and the characters are amazing! I kept guessing what would happen next and boy I was surprised the entire time with something completely unexpected!
I cannot wait for book #2!!
I absolutely LOVE both Rachel and Lea! They are two strong, independent, and savvy women who can kick some butt and they are the main characters. LOVED IT!!
Recombinant is indeed a captivating book, I was on the edge of my chair the entire time I was reading the book. Awesome imagery, great plot and the characters are amazing! I kept guessing what would happen next and boy I was surprised the entire time with something completely unexpected!
I cannot wait for book #2!!
October 21, 2015
Recombinant is the first in The Blood Borne Series. This story has two leading women… Lea is not your typical vampire hunter and Rachel is a seasoned war reporter. Rachel has been back in the states for some time and investigating some strange murders that have been happening in her city. And these same murders draw Lea to the city. The question is not who is behind the murders but who is (are) behind the murderer(s). There are many twists and turns that I did not expect including the way these two meet. I was definitely on the edge of my seat reading this story, and I cannot wait to see how this story continues in Replica, the second of the series.
October 24, 2015
Do you like kick ass chicks with attitude? How about kick ass chicks who kills vamps? How about kick ass chicks who kill vamps and solve a string of murders? Well then this book is for you! Not really your love and lust sort of book, no sparkling here folks!
Lea is a hunter turned vamp, Rachael an OIF reporter. A string of murders brings them together, and they work as a team to solve a government conspiracy that brings Lea back to her Master, leaving you wondering just how much more trouble these two can get into.
My guess, a whole lot of trouble.
Lea is a hunter turned vamp, Rachael an OIF reporter. A string of murders brings them together, and they work as a team to solve a government conspiracy that brings Lea back to her Master, leaving you wondering just how much more trouble these two can get into.
My guess, a whole lot of trouble.
October 25, 2015
what a combination these two authors make. Denise who books I absolutely love and Shannon who I yet to have read any of her books. but by finishing this one I know I have an author who stories I will adore!
this book delves into the world if conspiracy theories, government involvement and vampires with a touch of werewolves. I love that this story has two females as the main leads and a relationship developing a trust that has to be earnt. good old fashioned plot line that good will conquer evil. bring on book 2.
this book delves into the world if conspiracy theories, government involvement and vampires with a touch of werewolves. I love that this story has two females as the main leads and a relationship developing a trust that has to be earnt. good old fashioned plot line that good will conquer evil. bring on book 2.
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