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The action is fast paced, the Vepars are truly frightening and the characters had me hooked from the first chapter. The story also presents a unique take on elemental magic which, at some points, gave me chills. - J. Anielia
Don't miss Ula, the captivating first book in J.R. Erickson's urban fantasy Born of Shadows Series. Murder, witches and, of course, love.
Abby Daniels has abandoned her life. As she grapples with the guilt of leaving her boyfriend, her family and her job, an enthralling stranger enters her small world. His name is Sebastian and his mysterious past and hypnotic blue eyes lull Abby from the fear of her hasty departure. However, her predictable life is truly flipped upside down when she stumbles upon the dead body of a young woman. As she uncovers the mysteries surrounding the woman's death, she unearths the previously invisible threads of her own secret identity. These threads, woven together with the aid of Sebastian, lead her to the Coven of Ula, a secret island in Lake Superior, inhabited by witches. Though their welcome is warm, the hidden island holds a truth that Abby cannot deny. She is a witch and her powers, whether she wants them or not, must be exercised. For Abby, the Coven of Ula represents an equally terrifying and exhilarating future. Alone, Abby faces the witches' most lethal enemy, the Vepar, whose demonic powers first enrapture and then destroy their victims.
Don't miss Ula, the captivating first book in J.R. Erickson's urban fantasy Born of Shadows Series. Murder, witches and, of course, love.
Abby Daniels has abandoned her life. As she grapples with the guilt of leaving her boyfriend, her family and her job, an enthralling stranger enters her small world. His name is Sebastian and his mysterious past and hypnotic blue eyes lull Abby from the fear of her hasty departure. However, her predictable life is truly flipped upside down when she stumbles upon the dead body of a young woman. As she uncovers the mysteries surrounding the woman's death, she unearths the previously invisible threads of her own secret identity. These threads, woven together with the aid of Sebastian, lead her to the Coven of Ula, a secret island in Lake Superior, inhabited by witches. Though their welcome is warm, the hidden island holds a truth that Abby cannot deny. She is a witch and her powers, whether she wants them or not, must be exercised. For Abby, the Coven of Ula represents an equally terrifying and exhilarating future. Alone, Abby faces the witches' most lethal enemy, the Vepar, whose demonic powers first enrapture and then destroy their victims.
- GenresFantasyParanormal
258 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2012
141 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Erickson
39 books886 followersJ.R. Erickson writes novels that blend murder mysteries with haunted houses. Her Northern Michigan Asylum series are novels of paranormal suspense inspired by a real former asylum in Traverse City. Her current books, the Troubled Spirits series, are all inspired by real crimes, which she covers in her true crime podcast, Bitter Endings.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
Jacki is a lifelong lover of all things spooky, and started penning scary stories in childhood. She grew up in Mason, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Psychology. These days, Jacki resides near Traverse City, Michigan with her husband, son, and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 14, 2019
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to author J.R. Erickson.)
This was an adult fantasy story, about a girl who found out that she was a witch.
Abby was an okay character, although it wasn’t nice of her to walk out on her boyfriend and mother the way she did and just leave! They were obviously worried that something might have happened to her, and she just didn’t care.
The storyline in this was initially about Abby running away from home without telling her boyfriend or mother where she was going, then moved on to Abby finding a dead body, and then eventually became about Abby finding out she was a witch. It seemed to take a long time for the blurb to come true though, and I was left wondering when Abby was going to discover she was a witch for a long time. The pace in this was a little slow for me, and we seemed to get big chunks of information at times which were hard to get through. I did want to know what happened to Abby, but the book just dragged for me.
The ending to this was okay, and I was pleased with the way things were wrapped up.
6 out of 10
This was an adult fantasy story, about a girl who found out that she was a witch.
Abby was an okay character, although it wasn’t nice of her to walk out on her boyfriend and mother the way she did and just leave! They were obviously worried that something might have happened to her, and she just didn’t care.
The storyline in this was initially about Abby running away from home without telling her boyfriend or mother where she was going, then moved on to Abby finding a dead body, and then eventually became about Abby finding out she was a witch. It seemed to take a long time for the blurb to come true though, and I was left wondering when Abby was going to discover she was a witch for a long time. The pace in this was a little slow for me, and we seemed to get big chunks of information at times which were hard to get through. I did want to know what happened to Abby, but the book just dragged for me.
The ending to this was okay, and I was pleased with the way things were wrapped up.
6 out of 10
December 29, 2020
I read the other series by this author and loved it. That being said it is a different type of book but after getting into it i was and still am happy with it some good surprises along the way
December 9, 2017
I rec'd a signed paperback copy from the author through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Initial thoughts: I was really excited to read this since it's a local Michigan author and also that the book itself took place in Michigan. "Coven of Ula, a secret island in Lake Superior" sign me up! Since I live in Michigan it made me feel a little more connected to the story.
I must admit I'm a little on the fence about this one. Interesting concept but I struggled with the inconsistent pace. Fantastic world building, descriptions were rich, thoughtful, and extremely detailed. The dialogue for the most part was normal very natural, flowed thoughtfully, there was a lot of dialogue. Loved the mention of all things Michigan, although I fought with why some places were real for example Lansing, and some fictional i.e Trager City. Kept thinking it was a typo and it should be Traverse City. My thoughts were either make them up or keep them as true cities, but I guess if you don't live in Michigan you wouldn't know the difference. So a lot happens in this book in a very short amount of time, almost to a fault. Reviewed as being fast paced, but mid way through the pace just fell flat. Things were happening so quickly at first I got used to the speed so when it did start to slow and really explain the history of our characters I started to completely lose interest. When I needed to be really engaged at this point I wasn't. I think a lot of details could have been introduced and stretched in the beginning allowing the pace to slow a bit. It needed a more gradual build to keep my attention. Still an interesting story and will definitely pass it along to those friends whose interest may be peaked by this.
I must admit I'm a little on the fence about this one. Interesting concept but I struggled with the inconsistent pace. Fantastic world building, descriptions were rich, thoughtful, and extremely detailed. The dialogue for the most part was normal very natural, flowed thoughtfully, there was a lot of dialogue. Loved the mention of all things Michigan, although I fought with why some places were real for example Lansing, and some fictional i.e Trager City. Kept thinking it was a typo and it should be Traverse City. My thoughts were either make them up or keep them as true cities, but I guess if you don't live in Michigan you wouldn't know the difference. So a lot happens in this book in a very short amount of time, almost to a fault. Reviewed as being fast paced, but mid way through the pace just fell flat. Things were happening so quickly at first I got used to the speed so when it did start to slow and really explain the history of our characters I started to completely lose interest. When I needed to be really engaged at this point I wasn't. I think a lot of details could have been introduced and stretched in the beginning allowing the pace to slow a bit. It needed a more gradual build to keep my attention. Still an interesting story and will definitely pass it along to those friends whose interest may be peaked by this.
October 27, 2017
I love witchy reads. Hence, when I saw that the author J.R.Erickson is looking for reviewers for her fantasy series “Born of Shadows”, I went ahead and put my name up for it.
Ula is the story of Abby, a normal girl who runs away from home to escape a smothering life. Destiny takes her to her aunt’s house where she meets Sebastian who helps her cope with the reality of her situation. Amidst all this, she discovers a dead body in the forest. As she is pulled deeper into the case, she discovers that she is a witch and that she has unknowingly put herself in the path of demonic witch hunters called Vepars. Her only hope is to reach the coven of Ula, who live on a hidden island in Lake Superior. Sebastian has sort of inherited witch stuff from his dead sister Claire and this second-hand knowledge is there only hope to find others who can help. This is the story of Abby transforming into a witch from a mere commoner.
I really enjoyed reading the book. It is well paced, has lively characters and is very atmospheric. I like how Abby evolves as a witch and she embraces her powers. She is not some perfect do-gooder character but full of flaws like an average girl. I do not condone her leaving her family all of a sudden, but I am a practical person and I believe in looking out for oneself. I found the book a little too romantic to my taste but then some may like it as well. My favorite part of the book is about the Witch ‘Lourdes of Warning’ and the description that surrounds her.
I like how the author has tried to prevent any loose ends and provides a book reference or some explanation as part of the story like how she knows about the way to kill a Vepar or how she knows about what a Relic is. I was reading the author’s bio and saw that she is into Yoga. One can clearly see the influence in the book as she mentions meditations and chakras. I liked that even magic is represented as a manifestation of energy.
I really enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait to read the next part.
Thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
Ula is the story of Abby, a normal girl who runs away from home to escape a smothering life. Destiny takes her to her aunt’s house where she meets Sebastian who helps her cope with the reality of her situation. Amidst all this, she discovers a dead body in the forest. As she is pulled deeper into the case, she discovers that she is a witch and that she has unknowingly put herself in the path of demonic witch hunters called Vepars. Her only hope is to reach the coven of Ula, who live on a hidden island in Lake Superior. Sebastian has sort of inherited witch stuff from his dead sister Claire and this second-hand knowledge is there only hope to find others who can help. This is the story of Abby transforming into a witch from a mere commoner.
I really enjoyed reading the book. It is well paced, has lively characters and is very atmospheric. I like how Abby evolves as a witch and she embraces her powers. She is not some perfect do-gooder character but full of flaws like an average girl. I do not condone her leaving her family all of a sudden, but I am a practical person and I believe in looking out for oneself. I found the book a little too romantic to my taste but then some may like it as well. My favorite part of the book is about the Witch ‘Lourdes of Warning’ and the description that surrounds her.
I like how the author has tried to prevent any loose ends and provides a book reference or some explanation as part of the story like how she knows about the way to kill a Vepar or how she knows about what a Relic is. I was reading the author’s bio and saw that she is into Yoga. One can clearly see the influence in the book as she mentions meditations and chakras. I liked that even magic is represented as a manifestation of energy.
I really enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait to read the next part.
Thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
June 19, 2019
The beginning of a thrilling new witch series.
Abby, a young woman in her early twenties, is being strangled by her normal predictable life. She is a good daughter, though her mother is always quick to criticize. She lives with her law student boyfriend, a fast friend of Abby’s mother. In fact, Abby often feel her parents prefer her boyfriend to her. She has done everything expected of her, totally ignoring what would be in her own best interest.
Then one morning after her boyfriend heads out to the golf course, Abby decides to run. She doesn’t have any idea where she will end up in the long run, but this moment she knows if she doesn’t bolt now, she will go mad.
Abby goes the one place she has always felt at home, to her Aunt Sydney’s. Her aunt and her young husband are on vacation so Abby knows the lake house will be empty. Alone time is just what she needs to figure out her life. But the house isn’t empty. Sebastian, a man her age and a friend of Sydney’s, also had the idea to hide out at the lake and think.
Far from being the safe place Abby craves, her first morning there she discovers the body of a murdered young woman in the woods. Abby and Sebastian are thrown into a world of witches and Vepars, the demonic like creatures who hunt and kill witches. Have they stumbled into a world that will claim their lives as well?
Abby, a young woman in her early twenties, is being strangled by her normal predictable life. She is a good daughter, though her mother is always quick to criticize. She lives with her law student boyfriend, a fast friend of Abby’s mother. In fact, Abby often feel her parents prefer her boyfriend to her. She has done everything expected of her, totally ignoring what would be in her own best interest.
Then one morning after her boyfriend heads out to the golf course, Abby decides to run. She doesn’t have any idea where she will end up in the long run, but this moment she knows if she doesn’t bolt now, she will go mad.
Abby goes the one place she has always felt at home, to her Aunt Sydney’s. Her aunt and her young husband are on vacation so Abby knows the lake house will be empty. Alone time is just what she needs to figure out her life. But the house isn’t empty. Sebastian, a man her age and a friend of Sydney’s, also had the idea to hide out at the lake and think.
Far from being the safe place Abby craves, her first morning there she discovers the body of a murdered young woman in the woods. Abby and Sebastian are thrown into a world of witches and Vepars, the demonic like creatures who hunt and kill witches. Have they stumbled into a world that will claim their lives as well?
November 4, 2017
Ula is an urban fantasy featuring witches.
For me the story started a little too slowly but was well paced once it was apparent that Abby was a witch.
I enjoyed reading JR Erickson’s version of the magical witchy powers and the links they have to the elements. The vepars are a unique twist on witchy villains as well and seem rather disgusting!
The story definitely had me interested in finding out what was going to happen to Abby and the Coven of Ula but this was mainly due to some of the supporting characters like Sebastian, Lydie and Oliver.
Abby as a main character took some time to like as I didn’t really feel any connection to her at the beginning of the story. She also didn’t feel like a 22-23 year old, instead I would have put her at around 17-18ish.
Overall I would say the book is worth a read if you are a fan of witchy fantasies but you might have to be a bit patient at the start until the story gets going.
The author kindly provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.
For me the story started a little too slowly but was well paced once it was apparent that Abby was a witch.
I enjoyed reading JR Erickson’s version of the magical witchy powers and the links they have to the elements. The vepars are a unique twist on witchy villains as well and seem rather disgusting!
The story definitely had me interested in finding out what was going to happen to Abby and the Coven of Ula but this was mainly due to some of the supporting characters like Sebastian, Lydie and Oliver.
Abby as a main character took some time to like as I didn’t really feel any connection to her at the beginning of the story. She also didn’t feel like a 22-23 year old, instead I would have put her at around 17-18ish.
Overall I would say the book is worth a read if you are a fan of witchy fantasies but you might have to be a bit patient at the start until the story gets going.
The author kindly provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2018
I rather liked this book as it had plenty of action and pace. It is the first in an already 5 book series, so I didn’t mind the slightly abrupt ending as the author has put the first chapter of the next book in at the end as a taster. We have been introduced to a myriad of characters which we probably get to know better in the next book. This book is all about Abby and her growth, not just as a young woman finding her way in the world, but also the growth of Abby the inexperienced witch. I thought that was nicely done as we first meet Abby, a rather mousy girl that rather runs away than stand up to her overbearing mother and boyfriend. Hiding out in her aunt’s lake house she finds that she isn’t alone and Sebastian is also hiding there to get away from some demons. A grisly discovery and some other forces, throw them together on an exhilarating and terrifying adventure. Well written if somewhat over done with flowery metaphors. My attention was kept from beginning to end and had a few edge of my seat moments. Wouldn’t mind reading the next one.
January 1, 2023
I received a copy of this book through the GoodReads First Reads program.
It took me far too long to read this book, but when I finally did I found it difficult to put down. It's an urban fantasy rich with magic and lore that unfolds slowly through the pages. There's mystery and intrigue, and characters that I became a bit too attached to as the story went on. Though I admit that I'm still a bit suspicious of Sebastian, and far too attached to Oliver for my own good. Seriously. Give him to me.
This is the first in a series, and it's a promising opening. I'm curious what the rest of the series might hold, and likely will pick up the rest of the books as time allows. I fully understand why other reviewers ended up reading each book in the series in the course of a day. The books really go by that quickly.
So: a promising fun read that I can imagine picking up at the beach and breezing straight through - though it might hit a bit harder than most beach reads.
It took me far too long to read this book, but when I finally did I found it difficult to put down. It's an urban fantasy rich with magic and lore that unfolds slowly through the pages. There's mystery and intrigue, and characters that I became a bit too attached to as the story went on. Though I admit that I'm still a bit suspicious of Sebastian, and far too attached to Oliver for my own good. Seriously. Give him to me.
This is the first in a series, and it's a promising opening. I'm curious what the rest of the series might hold, and likely will pick up the rest of the books as time allows. I fully understand why other reviewers ended up reading each book in the series in the course of a day. The books really go by that quickly.
So: a promising fun read that I can imagine picking up at the beach and breezing straight through - though it might hit a bit harder than most beach reads.
June 21, 2024
Abby Daniels is dissatisfied with her life, so she decides to stay at her Aunt’s house for a while, since her aunt is away. She has no way of knowing that her decision will change her whole life. It takes some convincing to believe that she’s a witch, but soon, she’s being followed by “witch hunters,” and what follows makes her wonder if being a witch is a good thing or not. I know that sometimes I think life would be much easier with an incantation to have my house clean itself. But I’ve never fantasized the repercussions! I was biting my nails during parts of this book, and had tears in my eyes in other parts. And I’m not usually that emotional while reading. This is the 2nd series of books I’ve read by J.R. Erickson, and I’m impressed.
March 16, 2021
Beginnings of a magical adventure
Join Abby as she discover what lies beneath the surface.
Abby has spent her life pleasing everyone around her until the day she bravely said no more and escaped her humdrum existence. Follow Abby's journey into a whole new magical world and watch as she discovers what wonders, and dangers, await her.
The first in complete series and a must for J.R. Erickson fans
Join Abby as she discover what lies beneath the surface.
Abby has spent her life pleasing everyone around her until the day she bravely said no more and escaped her humdrum existence. Follow Abby's journey into a whole new magical world and watch as she discovers what wonders, and dangers, await her.
The first in complete series and a must for J.R. Erickson fans
November 21, 2017
Abby & Sebastian
Abby has run from her home and old life to her Aunt Sidney's house in northern Michigan. She meets Sebastian at the house and they discover a body in the woods. Abby struggles with her developing feelings for him as well as her developing powers.
Interesting plot and characterization.
Abby has run from her home and old life to her Aunt Sidney's house in northern Michigan. She meets Sebastian at the house and they discover a body in the woods. Abby struggles with her developing feelings for him as well as her developing powers.
Interesting plot and characterization.
January 5, 2021
This is a great book from author J. R. Erickson. Her world details are so well written and descriptive that you feel like you are there. The characters are developed and complex. They feel like real people that you can relate to, not just characters in a story. I can't wait to read the rest of this series!
March 7, 2022
It took me awhile to get through this. Everything is so descriptive but it's a little too much for me. I felt like it took forever to get to the point because the descriptions were so in depth. I don't mind knowing about the scenery or feelings but this is way over the top. I'm going to continue on with book 2 though.
January 28, 2025
This was really different to what I’ve already read by J.R. Erickson and I really really enjoyed it. It gave off witchy fairytale vibes and I liked the atmosphere of it. The normal life of one woman turns quickly into a witchy future she didn’t see coming. Very good read! The Vepars are definitely different too the whole book had a different vibe.
September 16, 2018
Addictive Read
This book had a good pace to it. I wanted to keep reading to the end. I liked the characters of the story. They each had their own quirky personality.
This book had a good pace to it. I wanted to keep reading to the end. I liked the characters of the story. They each had their own quirky personality.
February 8, 2020
Made it 10% in, but gave up. The random focus points were very tangent-like and the plot was rather bland / no point. I was too lost-bored to continue reading.
November 26, 2020
Hard to get into...slow paced.
December 18, 2021
Excellent Read
The book and story line are excellent. It finishes nicely and flows on to other books or lets you finish here. Exceptional in this day and age.
The book and story line are excellent. It finishes nicely and flows on to other books or lets you finish here. Exceptional in this day and age.
July 26, 2012
Abby Daniels leaves behind a controlling boyfriend, a family that doesn’t understand her, a dull job and a bad wardrobe to take refuge in beautiful Trager City (reminiscent of Traverse City, MI). Here Abby meets Sebastian, a smoldering tall-dark-and-handsome with gorgeous eyes and an old soul. When Abby and Sebastian aren’t trying to solve a truly bizarre murder or being chased by the demonic Vepars, they sit back and enjoy the bounty of Trager City and invite the reader along with them.
With Sebastian’s help, Abby learns that she is a witch; but not just any witch a powerful one with mastery over water. Through their adventures, Abby and Sebastian end up at the Coven of Ula, a secret island in Lake Superior, inhabited by witches that protect and teach Abby.
The action is fast paced, the Vepars are truly frightening and the characters had me hooked from the first chapter. The story also presents a unique take on elemental magic which, at some points, gave me chills.
Overall, my favorite part of this book was the characters and particularly Abby. While I truly enjoyed watching Abby and Sebastian fall in love and test the boundaries of their awkward situation, I was even more thrilled to see Abby get to know herself. Not only does Abby come into her powers as a witch but she chops off her hair and cuts out the people in her life that don’t treat her right. This character grows in admirable ways; she makes the book for me. I can’t wait to see what Abby does next and what J.R. Erickson has in store for her readers.j
With Sebastian’s help, Abby learns that she is a witch; but not just any witch a powerful one with mastery over water. Through their adventures, Abby and Sebastian end up at the Coven of Ula, a secret island in Lake Superior, inhabited by witches that protect and teach Abby.
The action is fast paced, the Vepars are truly frightening and the characters had me hooked from the first chapter. The story also presents a unique take on elemental magic which, at some points, gave me chills.
Overall, my favorite part of this book was the characters and particularly Abby. While I truly enjoyed watching Abby and Sebastian fall in love and test the boundaries of their awkward situation, I was even more thrilled to see Abby get to know herself. Not only does Abby come into her powers as a witch but she chops off her hair and cuts out the people in her life that don’t treat her right. This character grows in admirable ways; she makes the book for me. I can’t wait to see what Abby does next and what J.R. Erickson has in store for her readers.j
February 10, 2023
Excellent books!!!
March 19, 2018
I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews