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The V Games #3
V Games: Dead Before Dawn
After the explosive breakout on the Isle of Lidelse, Selena and Varick have made it to safety. But the Helsings are already plotting their revenge and will hunt them to the ends of the earth to have it. Selena must rely on new allies as well as old to remain safe, but trust is not a thing she finds easy anymore.
Soon, she's forced to decide whether to fight or keep running. But can she stay out of this war, even when whispers of a new game reach her ear? Can she continue to let the Hunters brutally kill girls for the sake of entertainment? Or is it time for her to rise up and put a stop to the games once and for all?
Soon, she's forced to decide whether to fight or keep running. But can she stay out of this war, even when whispers of a new game reach her ear? Can she continue to let the Hunters brutally kill girls for the sake of entertainment? Or is it time for her to rise up and put a stop to the games once and for all?
583 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2018
393 people are currently reading
2030 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Peckham
119 books29.7k followersI'm a #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Zodiac Academy series. I write all things dark romance, from fantasy to contemporary, high school bully to mafia, there's bound to be a book for you!
Me and my sister Susanne Valenti now write books together and we've built the most amazing, fun, crazy reader group on Facebook which we would LOVE you to join. Be the first to get teasers of upcoming books, plus interact with us daily, asks us questions, make friends with other book junkies and find your reader home.
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For all business inquiries please contact us at>>
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For more information, special editions, signed books and more, check out my website here >>
www.kingshollow.co.uk
Me and my sister Susanne Valenti now write books together and we've built the most amazing, fun, crazy reader group on Facebook which we would LOVE you to join. Be the first to get teasers of upcoming books, plus interact with us daily, asks us questions, make friends with other book junkies and find your reader home.
Join here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/19697...
Sign up to our newsletter here >>
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
For all business inquiries please contact us at>>
mail@kingshollow.co.uk
For more information, special editions, signed books and more, check out my website here >>
www.kingshollow.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
March 18, 2019
** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much, Caroline!! I’m so sorry it took me so long to get to it but once I started to actually read it, I really enjoyed your book! I hope you’ll forgive me for that long wait. >_< **
”Your heart will deliver you to the doorstep of all your desires. But only courage will have you step through the door.”
Do you still remember my review of “Fresh From The Grave”? Back then I said that Caroline stepped up her game and that everything was even more fast-paced, blood thirsty and an entirely new level of dark and cruel. Well, the same holds true for the blood thirsty and dark part, when it comes to the pace “Dead Before Dawn” was certainly way slower than its predecessors though.
Is this a bad thing? Nope, definitely not!
Because for once, we actually get a decent chance to get to know the background story of some of the characters that accompanied us throughout the first two books. This was a really nice change and didn’t only help to flesh out the characters, but also managed to give the reader a better understanding of the world they live in.
So whilst it’s true that the first 60% of the book were rather slow and served as a build-up this was by no means detrimental for the overall storyline. Quite the contrary, if anything it made the last 40% of the book even more enjoyable! ;-) So kudos to Caroline for pulling this off so nicely and for showing us that she can do slow-paced and deliberate too. XD
The characters:
You are now entering the Isle of Lidelse. This island is swamped with hungry V’s and spoilers so if you’re no hunter and can’t handle aspoiler stake you better don’t cross this line. Trespassing at your own convenience AND risk! ;-P
Selena:
”We’re both here because we survived what they did to us. They’re the enemy. Our hands may have done terrible things, but it was their hearts that wanted it.”
Selena is such an awesome heroine! She’s not only strong but also still has compassion in her and after everything she went through that is pretty amazing. I loved how she was able to give everyone hope and I enjoyed to see her relaxed and among her friends. It was nice to get to know this softer side of her, especially because she didn’t have the luxury to be all too friendly in the first two books. It would have easily gotten her killed so *lol* it was nice to see calm Selena that didn’t have to run for her life all of the time. XD Plus I loved to see her growing relationship with her father and her friendship with Jameson that started to develop as well. Selena can still do ruthless and reckless though, so the last 40% were pretty amazing as well! XD
”It was why I admired Varick so wholly. Because he proved that no matter what demons lived inside you, no matter what past haunted you, or how far buried beneath it all you were, the person you became was always your choice.”
Varick:
”It will not be enough until I take from them what they took from you. I have a need in me that will not be sated until it’s done. More than blood, more than want, I must kill them for you.”
HA! I loved that side of Varick! After all this time, after all the torture and the suffering he went through everything he wants is his revenge and tell you what? I can totally understand it! *lol* Ignus was just the beginning and since our favourite vampire is on a mission nothing will ever be the same again. Plus I loved that Varick trusted Selena and let her decide for herself. We’ve had enough of overprotective alpha and vampire males so it was more than just nice to see that Caroline created something else. =)
Cass:
I love that fierce red-head! <3 Cass is one of those characters you can’t help but want to know more about. After three books I still feel like I didn’t get to know her properly and since I’ve read that there is going to be an entire series about her and Jameson I’m really glad that I might get a chance to find out more about her and her background. Plus I’m convinced she might be an even better heroine than Selena. She’s ruthless, she’s fierce, she has compassion but it’s buried deep down in her heart and in contrast to Selena she takes what she wants and doesn’t feel bad about it. *lol* So yep, I’m definitely looking forward to read “Wolf Games”. XD
Jameson:
”I leant back against the wall, sinking down to the floor, sucking in slow, ragged breaths.
You didn’t do this. He did. And one day you will kill him for it.
Jameson my “cocky little shit”. *LOL* I STILL LOVE THAT BOY!!! That moment with Varick’s tracking transmitter? Priceless! Only Jameson could pull this off. *lol* We are the champions indeed! ;-P To send a grenade with this song. Haha! I can’t even! Still, it wasn’t all sunshine in this book and I suffered with Jameson when Ulvic forced him to kill his pack. Ulvic was such a coward!! I really despise him for ordering Jameson to do such a thing. It hurt so much to read his POV and even though he was his usual self on the outside it was obvious that he was haunted by what he had been forced to do. >_< I really hope that “Wolf Games” will give him a decent chance to heal. >_<
”Jameson found me, falling to the ground at my side and taking me into his arms. He rocked me until our pain blended with each other’s.”
The relationships & ships:
Selena & Varick:
”Till we meet again,” I managed as my heart beat its final beat.
And we would.
One day.
Somehow.
We would.
If Caroline aimed to give me a heart attack she definitely succeeded! I really thought that Varick had died and that the book would end like that! And it made me very unhappy but I would have understood it if it actually would have ended like that. If I’m entirely honest I always thought that Selena would become a vampire but Caroline chose to take another route and this was a pleasant surprise. XD I think this is the first book I read in which the vampire finds a cure and becomes human again. *lol* At least I can’t think of any other vampire book in which this happened. So well done, Caroline! ;-) Also can we appreciate the glimpses of true love and romance that were amazing to read?
”The sea had once given me a home. I knew how to navigate the world by the stars, how to sail through storms and thick sea fog. But the longer I stood there, the more I thought of another possibility. The chance of a home elsewhere. On land. Alongside a girl who had captivated me so entirely that I no longer belonged to the sea. But to her. She was more tempestuous than the wind had ever been, and more calming than the crystal clear waters of Greece. I didn’t need the sea while she stayed at my side. She was the sea.”
Cass & Jameson:
”If it ever gets too much, I’m here.” He gave me an intense look, no walls between us at that moment. “I know I’m a cocky shit ninety nine percent of the time. But I’m still here for you, okay?”
I nodded, the burning sensation in my throat easing. “Okay,” I breathed.
I love the chemistry between those two and I can’t wait to read more about them! Their love story made me so sad though. I mean there are two people that are meant to be together, yet their past and the things that happened to them make it impossible to open up and to give their love a chance. Jameson is broken because of what he’s been forced to do and Cass is broken because of what she’s become and they are both too troubled with their own past to be able to find a way together. *sighs* Talk about the wrong place at the wrong time. >_< I’m not giving up hope just yet though. They will have a happily ever after! I know it! Wolf Games I’m so coming for you! *lol*
”Thanks,” I smiled, tying it in place. “Where would I be without you?”
“Probably deep in hell already,” she teased.
“The devil’s been waiting for me for a long time, Firefly.” I gave her a wink as I stepped out the door. “And I plan on keeping him waiting.”
”Don’t ever lose your light again.” I released her, glanced at the shocked table with a nod of goodbye and left without looking back.”
Jameson & Varick:
”When I found Selena I…” The words stuck in my throat like they had sharp edges. I forced them out all the same. “I nearly killed her.”
Jameson’s eyes found mine and in a low tone that shredded me to pieces, he said, “Yes Varick… but you didn’t.”
I swear those two have one hell of a Bromance going on! *lol* I love that they are so close to each other and that they can talk about everything. They watch out for each other and even though they seem to be such different characters they still get along more than just fine. =) I really hope we’ll see a little bit more of that friendship in the other series because Jameson needs Varick more than ever and it would be nice to have a little cameo of Selena and Varick. XD
My conclusion:
This was a nice ending for a fulminant series! The beginning might have been slow in comparison to the former books but this did not spoil the enthralling atmosphere of the final pages. I loved this series and I’ll definitely read the “Wolf Games” too. Watch out for Caroline Peckham! I’m sure there’ll be many other books coming our way in the near future. ;-)
”Your heart will deliver you to the doorstep of all your desires. But only courage will have you step through the door.”
Do you still remember my review of “Fresh From The Grave”? Back then I said that Caroline stepped up her game and that everything was even more fast-paced, blood thirsty and an entirely new level of dark and cruel. Well, the same holds true for the blood thirsty and dark part, when it comes to the pace “Dead Before Dawn” was certainly way slower than its predecessors though.
Is this a bad thing? Nope, definitely not!
Because for once, we actually get a decent chance to get to know the background story of some of the characters that accompanied us throughout the first two books. This was a really nice change and didn’t only help to flesh out the characters, but also managed to give the reader a better understanding of the world they live in.
So whilst it’s true that the first 60% of the book were rather slow and served as a build-up this was by no means detrimental for the overall storyline. Quite the contrary, if anything it made the last 40% of the book even more enjoyable! ;-) So kudos to Caroline for pulling this off so nicely and for showing us that she can do slow-paced and deliberate too. XD
The characters:
You are now entering the Isle of Lidelse. This island is swamped with hungry V’s and spoilers so if you’re no hunter and can’t handle a
Selena:
”We’re both here because we survived what they did to us. They’re the enemy. Our hands may have done terrible things, but it was their hearts that wanted it.”
Selena is such an awesome heroine! She’s not only strong but also still has compassion in her and after everything she went through that is pretty amazing. I loved how she was able to give everyone hope and I enjoyed to see her relaxed and among her friends. It was nice to get to know this softer side of her, especially because she didn’t have the luxury to be all too friendly in the first two books. It would have easily gotten her killed so *lol* it was nice to see calm Selena that didn’t have to run for her life all of the time. XD Plus I loved to see her growing relationship with her father and her friendship with Jameson that started to develop as well. Selena can still do ruthless and reckless though, so the last 40% were pretty amazing as well! XD
”It was why I admired Varick so wholly. Because he proved that no matter what demons lived inside you, no matter what past haunted you, or how far buried beneath it all you were, the person you became was always your choice.”
Varick:
”It will not be enough until I take from them what they took from you. I have a need in me that will not be sated until it’s done. More than blood, more than want, I must kill them for you.”
HA! I loved that side of Varick! After all this time, after all the torture and the suffering he went through everything he wants is his revenge and tell you what? I can totally understand it! *lol* Ignus was just the beginning and since our favourite vampire is on a mission nothing will ever be the same again. Plus I loved that Varick trusted Selena and let her decide for herself. We’ve had enough of overprotective alpha and vampire males so it was more than just nice to see that Caroline created something else. =)
Cass:
I love that fierce red-head! <3 Cass is one of those characters you can’t help but want to know more about. After three books I still feel like I didn’t get to know her properly and since I’ve read that there is going to be an entire series about her and Jameson I’m really glad that I might get a chance to find out more about her and her background. Plus I’m convinced she might be an even better heroine than Selena. She’s ruthless, she’s fierce, she has compassion but it’s buried deep down in her heart and in contrast to Selena she takes what she wants and doesn’t feel bad about it. *lol* So yep, I’m definitely looking forward to read “Wolf Games”. XD
Jameson:
”I leant back against the wall, sinking down to the floor, sucking in slow, ragged breaths.
You didn’t do this. He did. And one day you will kill him for it.
Jameson my “cocky little shit”. *LOL* I STILL LOVE THAT BOY!!! That moment with Varick’s tracking transmitter? Priceless! Only Jameson could pull this off. *lol* We are the champions indeed! ;-P To send a grenade with this song. Haha! I can’t even! Still, it wasn’t all sunshine in this book and I suffered with Jameson when Ulvic forced him to kill his pack. Ulvic was such a coward!! I really despise him for ordering Jameson to do such a thing. It hurt so much to read his POV and even though he was his usual self on the outside it was obvious that he was haunted by what he had been forced to do. >_< I really hope that “Wolf Games” will give him a decent chance to heal. >_<
”Jameson found me, falling to the ground at my side and taking me into his arms. He rocked me until our pain blended with each other’s.”
The relationships & ships:
Selena & Varick:
”Till we meet again,” I managed as my heart beat its final beat.
And we would.
One day.
Somehow.
We would.
If Caroline aimed to give me a heart attack she definitely succeeded! I really thought that Varick had died and that the book would end like that! And it made me very unhappy but I would have understood it if it actually would have ended like that. If I’m entirely honest I always thought that Selena would become a vampire but Caroline chose to take another route and this was a pleasant surprise. XD I think this is the first book I read in which the vampire finds a cure and becomes human again. *lol* At least I can’t think of any other vampire book in which this happened. So well done, Caroline! ;-) Also can we appreciate the glimpses of true love and romance that were amazing to read?
”The sea had once given me a home. I knew how to navigate the world by the stars, how to sail through storms and thick sea fog. But the longer I stood there, the more I thought of another possibility. The chance of a home elsewhere. On land. Alongside a girl who had captivated me so entirely that I no longer belonged to the sea. But to her. She was more tempestuous than the wind had ever been, and more calming than the crystal clear waters of Greece. I didn’t need the sea while she stayed at my side. She was the sea.”
Cass & Jameson:
”If it ever gets too much, I’m here.” He gave me an intense look, no walls between us at that moment. “I know I’m a cocky shit ninety nine percent of the time. But I’m still here for you, okay?”
I nodded, the burning sensation in my throat easing. “Okay,” I breathed.
I love the chemistry between those two and I can’t wait to read more about them! Their love story made me so sad though. I mean there are two people that are meant to be together, yet their past and the things that happened to them make it impossible to open up and to give their love a chance. Jameson is broken because of what he’s been forced to do and Cass is broken because of what she’s become and they are both too troubled with their own past to be able to find a way together. *sighs* Talk about the wrong place at the wrong time. >_< I’m not giving up hope just yet though. They will have a happily ever after! I know it! Wolf Games I’m so coming for you! *lol*
”Thanks,” I smiled, tying it in place. “Where would I be without you?”
“Probably deep in hell already,” she teased.
“The devil’s been waiting for me for a long time, Firefly.” I gave her a wink as I stepped out the door. “And I plan on keeping him waiting.”
”Don’t ever lose your light again.” I released her, glanced at the shocked table with a nod of goodbye and left without looking back.”
Jameson & Varick:
”When I found Selena I…” The words stuck in my throat like they had sharp edges. I forced them out all the same. “I nearly killed her.”
Jameson’s eyes found mine and in a low tone that shredded me to pieces, he said, “Yes Varick… but you didn’t.”
I swear those two have one hell of a Bromance going on! *lol* I love that they are so close to each other and that they can talk about everything. They watch out for each other and even though they seem to be such different characters they still get along more than just fine. =) I really hope we’ll see a little bit more of that friendship in the other series because Jameson needs Varick more than ever and it would be nice to have a little cameo of Selena and Varick. XD
My conclusion:
This was a nice ending for a fulminant series! The beginning might have been slow in comparison to the former books but this did not spoil the enthralling atmosphere of the final pages. I loved this series and I’ll definitely read the “Wolf Games” too. Watch out for Caroline Peckham! I’m sure there’ll be many other books coming our way in the near future. ;-)
May 29, 2018
Peace came in the form of a steady pulse. Not mine, but hers. Selena's.
The final book in the trilogy and the main question is one: Is Selena the cure? Can she make vampires, humans again? Varick has hope.
The Helsings will follow them eventually. They don't like to lose and now that the sadistic little psycho, Abraham's son, is dead; they will seek revenge.
Verick and Selena thankfully are not alone. If the Helsings do show up, Jameson and his pack will be there to defend the island.
This is not a bad book, but it lacked the pace and the focus of the previous two books. I also found the chemistry between Verick and Selena a bit lukewarm. I think this is the main reason I kept postponing finishing the book.
In all my life and immortality, I had never felt like this. But there was one thing still keeping us parted. When the moon reigned, I could love her as she deserved to be loved. But unless the sun decided to let me walk in its burning light once more, I would only be able to kiss her half as often as I wished to.
I would also have loved a more spectacular ending, although it provided a closure.
The good news is that Jameson and Cass will live their own adventure in the forthcoming Wolf Games Trilogy.
(I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review)
The final book in the trilogy and the main question is one: Is Selena the cure? Can she make vampires, humans again? Varick has hope.
The Helsings will follow them eventually. They don't like to lose and now that the sadistic little psycho, Abraham's son, is dead; they will seek revenge.
Verick and Selena thankfully are not alone. If the Helsings do show up, Jameson and his pack will be there to defend the island.
This is not a bad book, but it lacked the pace and the focus of the previous two books. I also found the chemistry between Verick and Selena a bit lukewarm. I think this is the main reason I kept postponing finishing the book.
In all my life and immortality, I had never felt like this. But there was one thing still keeping us parted. When the moon reigned, I could love her as she deserved to be loved. But unless the sun decided to let me walk in its burning light once more, I would only be able to kiss her half as often as I wished to.
I would also have loved a more spectacular ending, although it provided a closure.
The good news is that Jameson and Cass will live their own adventure in the forthcoming Wolf Games Trilogy.
(I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review)
May 16, 2018
I finally picked this one up again and finished it off. It was OK. I didn't like it nearly as much as the first two. It felt super slow and bloated with a bunch of unnecessary stuff. I didn't need pages and pages and pages of Kite's backstory when she was only a minor secondary character. And I didn't like Cass in this one at all. The way she treated Jase wasn't very nice.
May 22, 2018
3.5*
This continues on from the previous book Fresh from the Grave. Selena, Varick and friends have decided that the games have to stop and the Helsings have to die.
But that’s easier said than done.
This book reunites Selena with someone from her past and this provides the means of revenge they’re after.
This is another good read and everything is here. All our favourites plus some new friends and some old enemies.
This time around they find themselves at another Games only this time as guests. And if you thought the Helsings were cruel which let’s face they were and we did. These games are worse, much worse.
But...I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I have the previous two and I don’t know why.
I’m sure it a case of it’s me not the book but it just didn’t grab me like the others. I felt I could have put it down at any point and not picked it up again.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
This continues on from the previous book Fresh from the Grave. Selena, Varick and friends have decided that the games have to stop and the Helsings have to die.
But that’s easier said than done.
This book reunites Selena with someone from her past and this provides the means of revenge they’re after.
This is another good read and everything is here. All our favourites plus some new friends and some old enemies.
This time around they find themselves at another Games only this time as guests. And if you thought the Helsings were cruel which let’s face they were and we did. These games are worse, much worse.
But...I just didn’t enjoy it as much as I have the previous two and I don’t know why.
I’m sure it a case of it’s me not the book but it just didn’t grab me like the others. I felt I could have put it down at any point and not picked it up again.
I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the author.
May 21, 2018
What an amazing series!
Book 2: Fresh from the Grave ===> 5 STARS
Book 3: Dead Before Dawn ===> 3.5 STARS
OVERALL RATING: 5 STARS!!
I know, I know . . . but math was never my strong suit. (That's what a liberal arts education will get you, lol).
In all seriousness though, these books were full of girl power, mile-a-minute action, and a wonderful forbidden love story that has earned this author a permanent place on my must-read list. If you're looking for any of the above, you should definitely check this series out.
But during all of it, they could never have predicted, I could never have predicted, that I'd find love. Find something worth facing death for every day.Book 1: V Games ===> 5 STARS
Book 2: Fresh from the Grave ===> 5 STARS
Book 3: Dead Before Dawn ===> 3.5 STARS
OVERALL RATING: 5 STARS!!
I know, I know . . . but math was never my strong suit. (That's what a liberal arts education will get you, lol).
In all seriousness though, these books were full of girl power, mile-a-minute action, and a wonderful forbidden love story that has earned this author a permanent place on my must-read list. If you're looking for any of the above, you should definitely check this series out.
If the games had taught me anything, it was that killing was sometimes the easy option.As for this installment . . . I felt that there were some pacing problems with the plot lacking focus off and on throughout the story. That said, Varick and Selena are such beloved characters that I would have joined them on any meandering journey that they chose to undertake, especially when that journey included declarations of love and some downtime to enjoy themselves.
"I may need blood to live, but I need you to breathe, to feel . . . to love."But don't worry, there was plenty of action too. I mean, come on, was there ever a chance that Selena was going to let bygones be bygones? I think not.
I gritted my teeth hardly recognizing my own blood lust. I wanted to see the looks on the Helsings' faces when they realised they were going to die.Plus, Jameson continued to bring levity to this dark story, and I continued to love him for it.
I was owed an apology. And some groveling. And possibly some sort of expensive gift. And it had better be something good. An Xbox or a fifty-inch TV that I'd make him try to hang on my forty-inch wall.So while the plot seemed to lack direction at times, it all came together in the end. And YAY! Jameson's getting his own book! I can't wait!!
September 30, 2021
"Everyone had shades of darkness in them, tones of light, but it was our decisions that mattered. Whether we chose to act out of love, or out of hate. Whether we took pleasure in power, or if we were able to surrender to our so-called weaknesses of kindness and compassion. That was where I saw true strength."
Sweet baby Jameson, this book was amazing. A perfect ending for this trilogy. I just loved it. The cocktail of old and new characters, the feelings, the romance... overwhelmingly delightful. I loved it and I'm definitely going to start the next trilogy; I'm really looking forward to seeing Cass and Jameson as MCs.
“Stubborn, aren't you?” he mused as I halted behind him.
“Stubbornness will get a person through any journey,” I panted.
“It certainly gets you a lot of places. Mainly into trouble.”
》》The Plot《《
Finding help from an unexpected ally, her long lost father, Selena Grey risks everything she managed to achieve for two things: assuring no Hunter will ever host another Game and revenge. This time, she joins the games as a spectator,along Cass, Varick, Jameson and Ned, an Immortal Siren they've met at her father's retreat, having Mercy and Kite as help from the inside. What follows? Mayhem. In the most delicious way.
》》Characters and Relationships《《
'As Jameson unbuttoned his jeans, Varick put his hand firmly over my eyes and I started laughing.
“I don't wanna see this,” Kodiak muttered.
“People would pay good money to see this,” Jameson quipped.'
I loved how, with each book, every character got more depth, the relationships became worth shipping and fangirling over and it allowed me to get attached to these wonderful figments of imagination. They showed development and progress and it just made them have a special place in my bookish heart.
"Only in death did the meaning of my life truly come to me. The sun rose and set, rose and set. Day in, day out. For all of time. But one day it would not. One day the sun would grow tired and give up. But my soul would never grow tired. It would never give up."
This last book had multiple POVs, Selena, Varick, Jameson, Kite, Cass and Mercy giving us insights into their own emotions and thoughts.
♦️ Selena Grey
"Fear gripped my heart as I gazed at them all, but overriding it was my burning thirst for revenge. And for the first time since I'd learned about the existence of Vampires, I knew what it was truly like to hunger for blood."
Damn. She became the perfect heroine: bold, courageous, willing to fight against all odds, ready to take her revenge and give up her newly found safety to ensure no girl will ever go through the games, while keeping kindness and love close to her heart. I loved her fierceness here and there were some scenes where you'll definitely get how badass she became.
♦️ Varick
"In all my life and immortality, I had never felt like this. But there was one thing still keeping us parted. When the moon reigned, I could love her as she deserved to be loved. But unless the sun decided to let me walk in its burning light once more, I would only be able to kiss her half as often as I wished to."
I didn't exactly feel a lot of progress here in him; his mainly feature here was his love for Selena and his need to protect her. But maybe, seeing him as a monster incapable of proper feelings for so long, being able to love was a progress in itself.
♦️ Selena and Varick
“Do you want to know what I thought when I first met you?”
“Tasty snack?”
“Apart from that.”
“What?”
“You looked like dawn. Something I'd craved for so long, I'd forgotten how much I missed it.”
They are my new Romeo and Juliet. I loved to see their relationship being an actual relationship (meeting the parents level) and it was sweet to watch them enjoying each other as we didn't get much of that in the first two books.
“I may need blood to live, but I need you to breathe, to feel...to love.”
While we definitely saw them coming from the start, the way they fought for each other was still heartwarming. The little things, the love declarations, their fierce protectiveness (I don't even think that's a word) over one another and the way they found their way back time and time again made them memorable.
"Some of you will arrive as couples, so Varick will pair with Selena-”
“Fairly self-explanatory even if we hadn't all just witnessed him pissing on his tree,” Jameson said casually.
“I'm not a tree,” I muttered.
And having them pretend to be husband and wife to have cover during the games was definitely a nice touch.
♦️ Jameson and Cass
“Where would I be without you?”
“Probably deep in hell already,” she teased.
“The devil's been waiting for me for a long time, Firefly.” I gave her a wink as I stepped out the door. “And I plan on keeping him waiting.”
Ahhh, they were definitely my favorite couple in the making. The teasing, the banter, the game of mouse and cat, Jameson's utter shock that Cass simply wasn't swooning and all the biting (literally and not only) made me ship them harder than ever.
“If it ever gets too much, I'm here.” He gave me an intense look, no walls between us at that moment. “I know I'm a cocky shit ninety nine percent of the time. But I'm still here for you, okay?”
They were also cute and touching, giving us rawness and moments of vulnerability and tenderness and I honestly can't wait to start the trilogy about them. And watching them having to pretend to be a couple, to infiltrate the games along Selena and Varick, provided a gold mine of nice scenes.
♦️ Kite
"He'd dragged me back out of oblivion and put me here at his side. The girl who'd died twice, that's what I'd be. And no one would care. Not a single soul on this entire planet."
I liked her before, but now I actually care for her. We get to see her past, how and why she got to prison and I really did feel she was misjudged and misunderstood. She has a very interesting background and a refreshing perspective as a V.
♦️ Mercy Van Helsing
“I get why you want them to live, but do you really think they're worth saving?”
My heart crumbled at her words. I refused to answer that question aloud. But inside, a tiny voice answered it for me. A voice I crushed and stamped on, trying to force it away.
No. And I'm not either.
I felt for her. After reading the previous book, my only sentiment towards her was pity. But this time, she showed some spine, the desire to right the wrongs her family had done and actually chose to be on the right side of things.
“I think I've given nearly every piece of myself away. And the centimetre I still have left keeps evaporating, a fraction at a time. And...a part of me wishes you'd let that grenade go off while I still had something to hold onto.”
She still has a long way to go, because a few moments of clear judgment and one or two acts of bravery can't really define her new personality, but her character development has definitely started and I'm keen to follow her on this journey as (hopefully) gets a redemption arc.
》》Conclusion 《《
I am, once again, glad I've discovered Caroline Peckham. and her novels. They make me forget I'm reading, miss out sleep and fall in love with fictional characters. And don't even get me started on the men she creates because damn it, I need them irl too.
"Vampires, Werewolves, Immortals. And men who were bigger monsters than all of them."
I loved this trilogy and I will definitely read the entire series. It was quick paced and both serious and funny, sad and happy, intriguing and heartstoping at times. And really really hard to put down.
“Till we meet again,” I managed as my heart beat its final beat.
And we would.
One day.
Somehow.
We would.
The V Games
V Games - 3.75 stars ⭐
V Games: Fresh From The Grave - 4 stars ⭐
V Games: Dead Before Dawn - 4.5 stars ⭐
Sweet baby Jameson, this book was amazing. A perfect ending for this trilogy. I just loved it. The cocktail of old and new characters, the feelings, the romance... overwhelmingly delightful. I loved it and I'm definitely going to start the next trilogy; I'm really looking forward to seeing Cass and Jameson as MCs.
“Stubborn, aren't you?” he mused as I halted behind him.
“Stubbornness will get a person through any journey,” I panted.
“It certainly gets you a lot of places. Mainly into trouble.”
》》The Plot《《
Finding help from an unexpected ally, her long lost father, Selena Grey risks everything she managed to achieve for two things: assuring no Hunter will ever host another Game and revenge. This time, she joins the games as a spectator,along Cass, Varick, Jameson and Ned, an Immortal Siren they've met at her father's retreat, having Mercy and Kite as help from the inside. What follows? Mayhem. In the most delicious way.
》》Characters and Relationships《《
'As Jameson unbuttoned his jeans, Varick put his hand firmly over my eyes and I started laughing.
“I don't wanna see this,” Kodiak muttered.
“People would pay good money to see this,” Jameson quipped.'
I loved how, with each book, every character got more depth, the relationships became worth shipping and fangirling over and it allowed me to get attached to these wonderful figments of imagination. They showed development and progress and it just made them have a special place in my bookish heart.
"Only in death did the meaning of my life truly come to me. The sun rose and set, rose and set. Day in, day out. For all of time. But one day it would not. One day the sun would grow tired and give up. But my soul would never grow tired. It would never give up."
This last book had multiple POVs, Selena, Varick, Jameson, Kite, Cass and Mercy giving us insights into their own emotions and thoughts.
♦️ Selena Grey
"Fear gripped my heart as I gazed at them all, but overriding it was my burning thirst for revenge. And for the first time since I'd learned about the existence of Vampires, I knew what it was truly like to hunger for blood."
Damn. She became the perfect heroine: bold, courageous, willing to fight against all odds, ready to take her revenge and give up her newly found safety to ensure no girl will ever go through the games, while keeping kindness and love close to her heart. I loved her fierceness here and there were some scenes where you'll definitely get how badass she became.
♦️ Varick
"In all my life and immortality, I had never felt like this. But there was one thing still keeping us parted. When the moon reigned, I could love her as she deserved to be loved. But unless the sun decided to let me walk in its burning light once more, I would only be able to kiss her half as often as I wished to."
I didn't exactly feel a lot of progress here in him; his mainly feature here was his love for Selena and his need to protect her. But maybe, seeing him as a monster incapable of proper feelings for so long, being able to love was a progress in itself.
♦️ Selena and Varick
“Do you want to know what I thought when I first met you?”
“Tasty snack?”
“Apart from that.”
“What?”
“You looked like dawn. Something I'd craved for so long, I'd forgotten how much I missed it.”
They are my new Romeo and Juliet. I loved to see their relationship being an actual relationship (meeting the parents level) and it was sweet to watch them enjoying each other as we didn't get much of that in the first two books.
“I may need blood to live, but I need you to breathe, to feel...to love.”
While we definitely saw them coming from the start, the way they fought for each other was still heartwarming. The little things, the love declarations, their fierce protectiveness (I don't even think that's a word) over one another and the way they found their way back time and time again made them memorable.
"Some of you will arrive as couples, so Varick will pair with Selena-”
“Fairly self-explanatory even if we hadn't all just witnessed him pissing on his tree,” Jameson said casually.
“I'm not a tree,” I muttered.
And having them pretend to be husband and wife to have cover during the games was definitely a nice touch.
♦️ Jameson and Cass
“Where would I be without you?”
“Probably deep in hell already,” she teased.
“The devil's been waiting for me for a long time, Firefly.” I gave her a wink as I stepped out the door. “And I plan on keeping him waiting.”
Ahhh, they were definitely my favorite couple in the making. The teasing, the banter, the game of mouse and cat, Jameson's utter shock that Cass simply wasn't swooning and all the biting (literally and not only) made me ship them harder than ever.
“If it ever gets too much, I'm here.” He gave me an intense look, no walls between us at that moment. “I know I'm a cocky shit ninety nine percent of the time. But I'm still here for you, okay?”
They were also cute and touching, giving us rawness and moments of vulnerability and tenderness and I honestly can't wait to start the trilogy about them. And watching them having to pretend to be a couple, to infiltrate the games along Selena and Varick, provided a gold mine of nice scenes.
♦️ Kite
"He'd dragged me back out of oblivion and put me here at his side. The girl who'd died twice, that's what I'd be. And no one would care. Not a single soul on this entire planet."
I liked her before, but now I actually care for her. We get to see her past, how and why she got to prison and I really did feel she was misjudged and misunderstood. She has a very interesting background and a refreshing perspective as a V.
♦️ Mercy Van Helsing
“I get why you want them to live, but do you really think they're worth saving?”
My heart crumbled at her words. I refused to answer that question aloud. But inside, a tiny voice answered it for me. A voice I crushed and stamped on, trying to force it away.
No. And I'm not either.
I felt for her. After reading the previous book, my only sentiment towards her was pity. But this time, she showed some spine, the desire to right the wrongs her family had done and actually chose to be on the right side of things.
“I think I've given nearly every piece of myself away. And the centimetre I still have left keeps evaporating, a fraction at a time. And...a part of me wishes you'd let that grenade go off while I still had something to hold onto.”
She still has a long way to go, because a few moments of clear judgment and one or two acts of bravery can't really define her new personality, but her character development has definitely started and I'm keen to follow her on this journey as (hopefully) gets a redemption arc.
》》Conclusion 《《
I am, once again, glad I've discovered Caroline Peckham. and her novels. They make me forget I'm reading, miss out sleep and fall in love with fictional characters. And don't even get me started on the men she creates because damn it, I need them irl too.
"Vampires, Werewolves, Immortals. And men who were bigger monsters than all of them."
I loved this trilogy and I will definitely read the entire series. It was quick paced and both serious and funny, sad and happy, intriguing and heartstoping at times. And really really hard to put down.
“Till we meet again,” I managed as my heart beat its final beat.
And we would.
One day.
Somehow.
We would.
The V Games
V Games - 3.75 stars ⭐
V Games: Fresh From The Grave - 4 stars ⭐
V Games: Dead Before Dawn - 4.5 stars ⭐
April 7, 2019
GUUUYYYSSSSSS
HIdden Gem!! #MustRead
HIdden Gem!! #MustRead
February 3, 2023
Full Review on my blog!
*a copy was provided by the author*
AHHH! This was the perfect ending to this trilogy! After reading and LOVING the first two books, I absolutely needed to read this! And let me tell you I just DEVOURED this novel!!!
As I mentioned in my reviews of the first two books, I haven't read a GOOD vampire/supernatural book in forever; this one is a very unique vampire book! And I mean it, it's very different; this trilogy so far is something else! I don't know why, but I'm so amazed and I feel happy; the first two books have brought me so much joy! Vampire/supernatural/fantasy books are one of my favourite genres and not all are as unique as this. One thing I really liked was the different POVs, I always love when authors do this! I love, love, love knowing what's going through all the character's minds!
This was such an emotional rollercoaster of a finale! Oh my! om the very beginning, you could tell that the ~tone~ of this novel was different--there was so much more at stake as the characters loved harder, fought more brutally, hurt more completely, cried more uncontrollably, and bled me completely dry.
Selena and Varick are back and better than ever. We also get more of Cass, Kite, Ulvich, Jameson, and Mercy. Things will not always play out the way you think they will. I think one of the best things about a well-told story is the ability to shock and awe the reader. There are many points within this book where I could not have predicted what was going to happen next and was literally gasping!
V Games: Dead Before Dawn was literally the perfect ending! I just cannot say it enough! Selena and Varick once again battle the Helsing Family with help from their friends. When the news of a new game being held Selena and Varick can't rest until they bring the whole system down. They are heading back into danger at the most dangerous place, the result on Oyafrelse island, which is owned by Rockley, one of the vilest men who run the games in a resort-type style.
So much action in one book! Vampires, humans, werewolves, and more! I stand by my previous reviews saying this series is like The Hunger Games with Vampires, but this conclusion is so much more!
If you enjoy vampire stories, or if you are a fan of books like The Hunger Games, or if you enjoy a good paranormal story, you are going to love this series. I am VERY excited about the spin-off series the author has hinted at! I highly recommend reading this series!
_________________________
Season 1:
V Games | Review
V Games: Fresh from the Grave | Review
V Games: Dead Before Dawn | Review
Season 2:
Wolf Games | Review
Wolf Games: Island of Shade | Review
Wolf Games: Severed Fate | Review
Season 3:
Hunter Trials | Review
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Facebook
*a copy was provided by the author*
AHHH! This was the perfect ending to this trilogy! After reading and LOVING the first two books, I absolutely needed to read this! And let me tell you I just DEVOURED this novel!!!
As I mentioned in my reviews of the first two books, I haven't read a GOOD vampire/supernatural book in forever; this one is a very unique vampire book! And I mean it, it's very different; this trilogy so far is something else! I don't know why, but I'm so amazed and I feel happy; the first two books have brought me so much joy! Vampire/supernatural/fantasy books are one of my favourite genres and not all are as unique as this. One thing I really liked was the different POVs, I always love when authors do this! I love, love, love knowing what's going through all the character's minds!
When the moon reigned, I could love her as she deserved to be loved. But unless the sun decided to let me walk in its burning light once more, I would only be able to kiss her half as often as often as I wished to. --Varick
This was such an emotional rollercoaster of a finale! Oh my! om the very beginning, you could tell that the ~tone~ of this novel was different--there was so much more at stake as the characters loved harder, fought more brutally, hurt more completely, cried more uncontrollably, and bled me completely dry.
Selena and Varick are back and better than ever. We also get more of Cass, Kite, Ulvich, Jameson, and Mercy. Things will not always play out the way you think they will. I think one of the best things about a well-told story is the ability to shock and awe the reader. There are many points within this book where I could not have predicted what was going to happen next and was literally gasping!
But during all of it, they could never have predicted, I could never have predicted, that I'd find love. Find something worth facing death for every day.
V Games: Dead Before Dawn was literally the perfect ending! I just cannot say it enough! Selena and Varick once again battle the Helsing Family with help from their friends. When the news of a new game being held Selena and Varick can't rest until they bring the whole system down. They are heading back into danger at the most dangerous place, the result on Oyafrelse island, which is owned by Rockley, one of the vilest men who run the games in a resort-type style.
If the games had taught me anything, it was that killing was sometimes the easy option.
So much action in one book! Vampires, humans, werewolves, and more! I stand by my previous reviews saying this series is like The Hunger Games with Vampires, but this conclusion is so much more!
If you enjoy vampire stories, or if you are a fan of books like The Hunger Games, or if you enjoy a good paranormal story, you are going to love this series. I am VERY excited about the spin-off series the author has hinted at! I highly recommend reading this series!
_________________________
Season 1:
V Games | Review
V Games: Fresh from the Grave | Review
V Games: Dead Before Dawn | Review
Season 2:
Wolf Games | Review
Wolf Games: Island of Shade | Review
Wolf Games: Severed Fate | Review
Season 3:
Hunter Trials | Review
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Facebook
April 7, 2019
After the kickass and bloody breakout on the Isle of Lidelse, Selena and Varick have made it to safety, but the Helsings, are already plotting their revenge, ravenous for blood and vengeance.
This book certainly had me transported into the story, for a minute I thought , now if I had been less stuck in the story I would have recognised/known how things would go, but I was so immersed that all I could think was NO!
Mercy’s character evolves in this one, I missed, a little, having her as a source of dislike, but somewhat intrigued to see what will happen with her next.
I enjoyed seeing Jameson and Cass in this – their interactions often making me smile.
The pace of this was a little slower than the previous too books, but only a little and gave us more tender moments with Selena and Varick.
One thing in this third book that I wasn’t keen on was the , this action of hers had me wrinkling my nose a little in displeasure, but not enough to stop me from enjoying the read.
This book ends the story of Selena and Varick and the next one will focus on Jameson and Cass, which I’m looking forward to reading. I really hope Ulvic gets what’s coming to him – redemption should not be in the cards for him.
Acquired via KU.
This book certainly had me transported into the story, for a minute I thought , now if I had been less stuck in the story I would have recognised/known how things would go, but I was so immersed that all I could think was NO!
Mercy’s character evolves in this one, I missed, a little, having her as a source of dislike, but somewhat intrigued to see what will happen with her next.
I enjoyed seeing Jameson and Cass in this – their interactions often making me smile.
The pace of this was a little slower than the previous too books, but only a little and gave us more tender moments with Selena and Varick.
One thing in this third book that I wasn’t keen on was the , this action of hers had me wrinkling my nose a little in displeasure, but not enough to stop me from enjoying the read.
This book ends the story of Selena and Varick and the next one will focus on Jameson and Cass, which I’m looking forward to reading. I really hope Ulvic gets what’s coming to him – redemption should not be in the cards for him.
Acquired via KU.
September 11, 2018
4/5 Stars
"If the games had taught me anything, it was that killing was sometimes the easy option."
Selena and Varick have made it to safety but not for long. The Helsings want revenge and will go to the ends of the earth to have it. To stop 'The V Games' for good, Selena must rely on new and old allies to remain safe but that's easier said than done.
⤷ This book was my least favorite out of the three but it was still a great final installment! The beginning and end very well paced and action full but the middle was when I had trouble enjoying it much as the others.
⤷ I liked that we got to see behind the scenes of the games and how much the humans were involved!
⤷ We finally got some more Selena and Varick moments with a little less chaos surrounding them which was wonderful and worth the wait!
⤷ One of my favorite parts of this books was the how well Mercy's characterisation was done. At the start of the series she was one of the bad guys but as the story progressed we learned how much of a victim she was as well and in the end, she stood up for what was right. Mercy had one of the best developments in this series!
⤷ The thing that really frustrated me the most in this book was Selena! I loved her in book one and two but in this book her character was disappointing. , yeah I get it true love and all but after everything she went through to survive and to be reunited with her parents and friends, it just seemed out of character for Selena and was so frustrating to read!
⤷ I really enjoyed Cass and Jameson dynamic and can't wait to read more about them in the next books!
⤷ I loved the first two covers for this series but wasn't really feeling this one. It wasn't as eye-catching and probably wouldn't have gotten my interest if I wasn't already familiar with the books!
"In all my life and immortality, I had never felt like this. But there was one thing still keeping us parted. When the moon reigned, I could love her as she deserved to be loved. But unless the sun decided to let me walk in its burning light once more, I would only be able to kiss her half as often as I wished to."
The final book in 'The V Games' was full of twists and surprises! Can't wait to be reunited with this story and characters again!
Thank you, Caroline Peckham, for providing a copy of this book for an honest review! :)
"If the games had taught me anything, it was that killing was sometimes the easy option."
Selena and Varick have made it to safety but not for long. The Helsings want revenge and will go to the ends of the earth to have it. To stop 'The V Games' for good, Selena must rely on new and old allies to remain safe but that's easier said than done.
⤷ This book was my least favorite out of the three but it was still a great final installment! The beginning and end very well paced and action full but the middle was when I had trouble enjoying it much as the others.
⤷ I liked that we got to see behind the scenes of the games and how much the humans were involved!
⤷ We finally got some more Selena and Varick moments with a little less chaos surrounding them which was wonderful and worth the wait!
⤷ One of my favorite parts of this books was the how well Mercy's characterisation was done. At the start of the series she was one of the bad guys but as the story progressed we learned how much of a victim she was as well and in the end, she stood up for what was right. Mercy had one of the best developments in this series!
⤷ The thing that really frustrated me the most in this book was Selena! I loved her in book one and two but in this book her character was disappointing. , yeah I get it true love and all but after everything she went through to survive and to be reunited with her parents and friends, it just seemed out of character for Selena and was so frustrating to read!
⤷ I really enjoyed Cass and Jameson dynamic and can't wait to read more about them in the next books!
⤷ I loved the first two covers for this series but wasn't really feeling this one. It wasn't as eye-catching and probably wouldn't have gotten my interest if I wasn't already familiar with the books!
"In all my life and immortality, I had never felt like this. But there was one thing still keeping us parted. When the moon reigned, I could love her as she deserved to be loved. But unless the sun decided to let me walk in its burning light once more, I would only be able to kiss her half as often as I wished to."
The final book in 'The V Games' was full of twists and surprises! Can't wait to be reunited with this story and characters again!
Thank you, Caroline Peckham, for providing a copy of this book for an honest review! :)
March 16, 2020
Holly crap
It was so darn good. This was a beautiful love story, among the action, fighting, and most depraved, cruel people the world has. I absolutely loved the first three books, they were wonderfully written and full of everything you can imagine and much you probably can’t imagine.
It was so darn good. This was a beautiful love story, among the action, fighting, and most depraved, cruel people the world has. I absolutely loved the first three books, they were wonderfully written and full of everything you can imagine and much you probably can’t imagine.
May 27, 2019
I loved every second of this trilogy, it is a series that kept you hooked the whole way through. The only reason it did not get the five stars is at times it felt like there was filler to make the book longer. It didn't affect the overall story but felt a little like fluff
June 3, 2018
I received a free copy of this book directly from the author Ms. Caroline Peckham. Thank you so much Caroline! This is my review.
Blood-Thirsty. Revenge-Seeking. Heart-Wrenching. Death and Destruction -- no one is safe.
As a major fan of the previous novels, I could not have imagined a more fitting ending to this series. Dead Before Dawn has it all; fast paced action, heart-pumping scenes, heart-breaking moments; revelations further into the characters we have loved from the beginning and so much blood; death and destruction.
This novel really had it all. It was an emotional roller-coaster for sure! I highly recommend this series. It had me at the edge of my seat the entire time. I also fly through these books because I need to know; and the writing is incredible!
There are so many surprises within this final novel. It left me shooketh, in the best way possible.
I highly recommend this series; and I can't wait for the Wolf Games. I need more of these characters already!
Blood-Thirsty. Revenge-Seeking. Heart-Wrenching. Death and Destruction -- no one is safe.
As a major fan of the previous novels, I could not have imagined a more fitting ending to this series. Dead Before Dawn has it all; fast paced action, heart-pumping scenes, heart-breaking moments; revelations further into the characters we have loved from the beginning and so much blood; death and destruction.
This novel really had it all. It was an emotional roller-coaster for sure! I highly recommend this series. It had me at the edge of my seat the entire time. I also fly through these books because I need to know; and the writing is incredible!
There are so many surprises within this final novel. It left me shooketh, in the best way possible.
I highly recommend this series; and I can't wait for the Wolf Games. I need more of these characters already!
May 7, 2018
Pre-order the final part of Selena and Varick's story now!
5 days to go!
https://amzn.to/2I3jrD7
5 days to go!
https://amzn.to/2I3jrD7
December 21, 2021
V Games: Dead Before Dawn is the third and final book of the Vampire Games Trilogy. Also known as season 1. Now I've enjoyed the previous two books but for some reason this one annoyed me. Maybe it's because I was in a weird funk after reading another book that was completely frustrating. Or maybe it was the overall pace of the book. Not sure what it was but for most of this book, I was either bored or annoyed with what was going on.
Eventually things became a bit more likable than they first started off with me. After reaching the halfway mark that is. It's always interesting to me when things start to pick up towards the end of the book. Even though I secretly wished it was like that for the entire book.
The characters were okay, and things were kind of predictable in this one. I wasn't a huge fan of seeing a certain someone in this book but that's because I didn't like them that much in the previous one. My opinion never swayed with them either. So, I guess that's a plus for me?
In the end, I'm not really shocked with the overall outcome. I'm also not sure if I will dive into the wolf games either.
Eventually things became a bit more likable than they first started off with me. After reaching the halfway mark that is. It's always interesting to me when things start to pick up towards the end of the book. Even though I secretly wished it was like that for the entire book.
The characters were okay, and things were kind of predictable in this one. I wasn't a huge fan of seeing a certain someone in this book but that's because I didn't like them that much in the previous one. My opinion never swayed with them either. So, I guess that's a plus for me?
In the end, I'm not really shocked with the overall outcome. I'm also not sure if I will dive into the wolf games either.
September 1, 2018
When the moon reigned, I could love her as she deserved to be loved. But unless the sun decided to let me walk in its burning light once more, I would only be able to kiss her half as often as often as I wished to. --Varick
5+ stars!
This was such an emotional rollercoaster of a book/finale for me. From the very beginning, you could tell that the ~tone~ of this novel was different--there was so much more at stake as the characters loved harder, fought more brutally, hurt more completely, cried more uncontrollably, and bled me completely dry.
I'll keep my thoughts pretty short and vague cuz no one likes spoilers! It felt like the novel was split into a BEFORE--which was filled with happiness and love and relative safety mixed with a hunger for revenge--and AFTER--which was filled with hard decisions and love and hope and sacrifice and tears (SO MANY TEARS) and an endless river of blood. The ending was so hard for me to read through and finish--I tried to pace myself with this book because I knew Caroline would put my heart through a spiked wringer and set it on fire. But it was so worth it, and I'm super stoked for WOLF GAMES! My updated recipe for DBD is this: 2 cups of a Hunger Games infiltration and rebellion and 1 1/4 cups of a Divergent outbreak and THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. Short, sweet, and to the point.
Nevertheless, I'm so so SO glad that Caroline stumbled across my review for a different vampire novel and invited me to read her humble and new V book. I love when authors reach out to me with their works because even though I don't absolutely love them all, I've discovered SO MANY amazing novels that way, V GAMES included :) I completely and wholeheartedly recommend this series and the upcoming WOLF GAMES, so start them now if you haven't already!!
My Varick, the tortured but eternally lovely, green-eyed vampire :)
My Jameson, the always charming, cocky and carefree werewolf :)
My Varick and Selena, enjoying the small minutes of peace they can carve out in between all of the death and chaos..
June 26, 2018
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Caroline Peckham!
V Games: Dead Before Dawn is the third and final book in The Vampire Games Trilogy and continues the story of Selena and Varick. Selena, Varick and their friends escaped from the Helsings and now need to decide whether they are going to run or going to fight. Will they try and live a life they’ve always wanted or are they going to stop the hunter from hosting V Games?
V Games: Dead Before Dawn was another amazing sequel. I think it’s one of my favourite ones because it was really action-packed and there was even a moment that I was crying – if you’ve read the book, then you know what I’m writing about!
I love that The Vampire Games Trilogy always has multiple perspectives. You get to know so much about the characters and it’s just nice to know what they are really thinking and how they are really feeling. Caroline Peckham is such a good author because she can really pull off the multiple perspectives!
And I just cannot express my love for Selena and Varick, and for Cass and Jameson. They are my favourite characters and they are so cute together! And I just love the way this series ended. It’s such a beautiful ending and I couldn’t help smiling while reading the last few chapters!
I would love to end my review by saying that I’m glad that I got the chance to review this trilogy and I cannot wait to read the Wolf Games series!
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Caroline Peckham!
V Games: Dead Before Dawn is the third and final book in The Vampire Games Trilogy and continues the story of Selena and Varick. Selena, Varick and their friends escaped from the Helsings and now need to decide whether they are going to run or going to fight. Will they try and live a life they’ve always wanted or are they going to stop the hunter from hosting V Games?
V Games: Dead Before Dawn was another amazing sequel. I think it’s one of my favourite ones because it was really action-packed and there was even a moment that I was crying – if you’ve read the book, then you know what I’m writing about!
I love that The Vampire Games Trilogy always has multiple perspectives. You get to know so much about the characters and it’s just nice to know what they are really thinking and how they are really feeling. Caroline Peckham is such a good author because she can really pull off the multiple perspectives!
And I just cannot express my love for Selena and Varick, and for Cass and Jameson. They are my favourite characters and they are so cute together! And I just love the way this series ended. It’s such a beautiful ending and I couldn’t help smiling while reading the last few chapters!
I would love to end my review by saying that I’m glad that I got the chance to review this trilogy and I cannot wait to read the Wolf Games series!
July 10, 2018
This is how the third book in a trilogy should be! Bravo Caroline Peckham, you have officially ruined me for other books! Well....at least until I find and read the next big wow lol.
I am so sad this trilogy is over. I want more of every single character in that book. I think that this is actually the first book since I've read the hunger games that I felt for every single one of the characters and felt effected by the deaths, the love, the survival...everything. The author did a wonderful job with getting us into the heads of all the characters and make us love them like we do. And of course the hate you can feel towards the bad guys too lol.
In this book, Selena and Varick with the rest of the scooby gang make a plan to shut down the games for good. Going through the entire book, it all seemed to be too easy. You know when a plan just comes together and it's acted out, it just feels like one big set up and you're waiting for that moment where you can jump out of your seat and do the "I told you, I told you that was gonna happen!!!!" lol. Surprisingly, it didn't go down like I thought it would....which I LOVED! I hate the predictable story lines but can still enjoy them all the same, so I was ecstatic to see that I was wrong and how the plot unfolded.
It's been about 24 hours since I finished this, and I gotta say that I am still shook over the events of this last book and the ending in itself. Selena, Varick, Cass, Jameson...and of course the rest of you lovely characters, you all have a very special place in my bookish heart and don't worry, I will re-read you guys all in due time lol.
I am so sad this trilogy is over. I want more of every single character in that book. I think that this is actually the first book since I've read the hunger games that I felt for every single one of the characters and felt effected by the deaths, the love, the survival...everything. The author did a wonderful job with getting us into the heads of all the characters and make us love them like we do. And of course the hate you can feel towards the bad guys too lol.
In this book, Selena and Varick with the rest of the scooby gang make a plan to shut down the games for good. Going through the entire book, it all seemed to be too easy. You know when a plan just comes together and it's acted out, it just feels like one big set up and you're waiting for that moment where you can jump out of your seat and do the "I told you, I told you that was gonna happen!!!!" lol. Surprisingly, it didn't go down like I thought it would....which I LOVED! I hate the predictable story lines but can still enjoy them all the same, so I was ecstatic to see that I was wrong and how the plot unfolded.
It's been about 24 hours since I finished this, and I gotta say that I am still shook over the events of this last book and the ending in itself. Selena, Varick, Cass, Jameson...and of course the rest of you lovely characters, you all have a very special place in my bookish heart and don't worry, I will re-read you guys all in due time lol.
May 11, 2018
I think of writing as an art form- painting a picture for readers using words that soak your soul in colors, emotions, and images. A good artist/author creates characters that evoke emotion -may that be anywhere on the spectrum between adoration and repulsion.
I can honestly say this book raised my blood pressure over and over. Ulvic- such a complicated character. In love with his tormentor- hiding his sexuality- his fascination with wolves...THIS guy drove me fucking nuts. My skin crawled every time he made an appearance in the book. A character so well written that he has haunted me since the second book in the series.
More great writing- the relationship between Varick and Selena. These two just don’t have it easy! Try overcoming the 200+ years of torture (poor Varick), the years of abuse from her stepfather (Selena), the absolute mind fuck and emotional scarring brought on my the V games, and now being an “interracial couple”... these characters own my heart.
Loved this book and as a result my emotions are in a tizzy.
I happily offer this honest review and am grateful the author honored me with an early copy.
I can honestly say this book raised my blood pressure over and over. Ulvic- such a complicated character. In love with his tormentor- hiding his sexuality- his fascination with wolves...THIS guy drove me fucking nuts. My skin crawled every time he made an appearance in the book. A character so well written that he has haunted me since the second book in the series.
More great writing- the relationship between Varick and Selena. These two just don’t have it easy! Try overcoming the 200+ years of torture (poor Varick), the years of abuse from her stepfather (Selena), the absolute mind fuck and emotional scarring brought on my the V games, and now being an “interracial couple”... these characters own my heart.
Loved this book and as a result my emotions are in a tizzy.
I happily offer this honest review and am grateful the author honored me with an early copy.
May 12, 2018
What an amazing ride this book took me on! This is one trilogy that did not disappoint for me...each book was just as good, if not better, than the last. The action is non-stop, there's romance and intrigue and adventure and everything that a reader wants from a great series.
Selena and Varick are back and better than ever. We also get more of Cass, Kite, Ulvich, Jameson and Mercy. Things will not always play out the way you think they will. I think one of the best things about a well told story is the ability to shock and awe the reader. There are many points within this book where I could not have predicted what was going to happen next and was literally gasping!
If you enjoy vampire stories, or if you are a fan of books like The Hunger Games, if you enjoy a good paranormal story, you are going to love this series.
I am VERY excited for the spin off series the author has hinted at!
*I was gifted an ARC copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed.*
Selena and Varick are back and better than ever. We also get more of Cass, Kite, Ulvich, Jameson and Mercy. Things will not always play out the way you think they will. I think one of the best things about a well told story is the ability to shock and awe the reader. There are many points within this book where I could not have predicted what was going to happen next and was literally gasping!
If you enjoy vampire stories, or if you are a fan of books like The Hunger Games, if you enjoy a good paranormal story, you are going to love this series.
I am VERY excited for the spin off series the author has hinted at!
*I was gifted an ARC copy of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed.*
May 8, 2018
I cannot believe how well-written this is. Such a phenomenal story with writing that makes you feel as though you are walking around with Selena and the Vs.
Varick? Still my beating heart, I think I am in love! Finally get to see more of their love story, and it doesn’t disappoint, though the twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. Thoroughly enjoyed each word.
Selena is a hardcore lady, Cass is sarcastic and strong, Jameson always makes me laugh, Varick is ever the romantic and so swoon-worthy as a protective boyfriend. The action is this book is unlike any previous.
The Games are different, way different, and the heroes’ interactions with them are as well. Gives a new twist to the Games we have come to love to hate.
I laughed, I cried (seriously, I was bawling at one point), and I binge-read until I was sad it was over.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Varick? Still my beating heart, I think I am in love! Finally get to see more of their love story, and it doesn’t disappoint, though the twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. Thoroughly enjoyed each word.
Selena is a hardcore lady, Cass is sarcastic and strong, Jameson always makes me laugh, Varick is ever the romantic and so swoon-worthy as a protective boyfriend. The action is this book is unlike any previous.
The Games are different, way different, and the heroes’ interactions with them are as well. Gives a new twist to the Games we have come to love to hate.
I laughed, I cried (seriously, I was bawling at one point), and I binge-read until I was sad it was over.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
May 18, 2018
****I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all opinions are my own.****
I was sincerely worried about the ending to this series. I have been in absolute LOVE with it since the V Games started, especially Selena and Varick and have grown emotionally attached to them. Even though I cried, twice, throughout this book, I'm really satisfied and excited for how it ended. It was perfect. Every character, except Ulvic, was perfect! Caroline Peckham has created some of my favorite characters, especially Jameson!! I have heart eyes for all my favorites, Selena and Varick, Jameson and Cass, Kite, Mercy (can't believe this addition!).
LOVE this series, LOVED everything this author has brought for me to read thus far and I look forward to more in her new series :)
5 stars!
I was sincerely worried about the ending to this series. I have been in absolute LOVE with it since the V Games started, especially Selena and Varick and have grown emotionally attached to them. Even though I cried, twice, throughout this book, I'm really satisfied and excited for how it ended. It was perfect. Every character, except Ulvic, was perfect! Caroline Peckham has created some of my favorite characters, especially Jameson!! I have heart eyes for all my favorites, Selena and Varick, Jameson and Cass, Kite, Mercy (can't believe this addition!).
LOVE this series, LOVED everything this author has brought for me to read thus far and I look forward to more in her new series :)
5 stars!
January 7, 2022
This series continued to surprise me with it's brutality. I don't know why I find it so shocking but it could be because I'm bitter over all the good characters we lose throughout and a couple in this final book. I didn't find the end to be surprising at all and I'm glad with how things wrapped up. To be honest I was just hoping for a reunion between Selena and her mom which we did receive in the epilogue.
I fell hard for Jameson in this book. He goes through some REAL hard shit and I really don't know how it all will affect him in the future. Then again he's spending a lot of his time fawning over Cass and trying to get her to like him. While I would like to continue on with the series this time featuring Cass and Jameson I think I'm going to step back for a bit as I'm not in a rush.
I fell hard for Jameson in this book. He goes through some REAL hard shit and I really don't know how it all will affect him in the future. Then again he's spending a lot of his time fawning over Cass and trying to get her to like him. While I would like to continue on with the series this time featuring Cass and Jameson I think I'm going to step back for a bit as I'm not in a rush.
May 28, 2020
Well I must admit I did not see all the stuff with Mercy, it was a big character change, I feel like it should have been done gradual so we could see the changes not just a quick I don't want to be like that any more. I liked the big battle and feel like it's a just end to the story.
March 11, 2019
This was my least-favorite of the trilogy, unfortunately. The pacing is very different from the first 2 books. This one was slower and very broken up. There were tons of awesome scenes (that I could really visualize), but it was very staccato, so it was hard to gain momentum. And as much as I enjoyed getting backstories for Kite, it took too much time out of the book and in the end wasn't entirely NECESSARY - It could have been greatly condensed. The chapters for the many many many side characters just took too much time away from Varick and Selena... I stopped caring about them as much. All of their moments were broken up and rushed-through. The first 80% of the book is mostly planning/plotting, with an occassional intense moment thrown in intermittently.
I was also really displeased with the ending (beware of spoilers now):
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Jameson was the best part of this book, so I am looking forward to reading his books eventually.
I was also really displeased with the ending (beware of spoilers now):
.
.
.
Jameson was the best part of this book, so I am looking forward to reading his books eventually.
March 29, 2019
Having killed Ignus and successfully destroyed the games on the Isle of Lidelse, Selena and her friends take temporary refuge with Ulvic and his pack on Skorpa. Selena meets with her father, Brendan and agrees to accompany him to The Sanctuary, a safe refuge he has built for all Immortals. Ulvic refuses to allow Jameson to leave with Varick as he stubbornly believes that the Helsings are unaware of Skorpa’s location.
Following the funeral of Ignus, the vengeful Helsings seek retribution for the death of their son. Mercy and Kite are sent on a mission to track Varick while Abraham and Katherine confront Ulvic on Skorpa. After torturing him for hours, the Helsing’s give Ulvic an ultimatum. As a result, Ulvic forces Jameson to commit an unforgivable act that will forever change their pack.
While heading to The Sanctuary, Selena and Varick encounter Mercy and Kite and take the former hostage. A broken Jameson later turns up and tells Varick the awful fate of his pack. When they learn that a more brutal round of games is being held in honour of the Helsings on the Island of Oyefrelse, Selena and her friends, form an unlikely alliance with Mercy and set out to infiltrate the Island under the guise as spectators. Selena and Varick vow to kill the Helsings and stop the games once and for all. With the odds stacked against them, can they succeed?
Dead Before Dawn is the epic conclusion to the V Games trilogy and what a thrilling, fast paced, edge of your seat, emotional rollercoaster it was. I was pleased that Caroline chose to write from Mercy and Kite’s point of view in addition to Selena, Varick, Cass, and Jameson. Kite’s backstory was heart rending and added so many facets to her character, her actions and what drove her throughout the trilogy. Veta and Thames’ fate in the conclusion of the last book was heart breaking but I was pleased that Caroline brought back two of my favourites from the previous books.
Mercy in particular was a revelation to read in this installment. Her scenes with Jameson and Kite made for compelling reading. I love how far her character has come and I look forward to reading more in the spin off, The Hunter Trials.
I confess I was a blubbering wreck after the loss of two characters until the surprise reveal and couldn’t be more delighted at the conclusion of Varick and Selena’s story. Caroline has done it again and I’m so pleased that Jameson and Cass have been given their own spin off, Wolf Games, which I plan to read next. 😊
Following the funeral of Ignus, the vengeful Helsings seek retribution for the death of their son. Mercy and Kite are sent on a mission to track Varick while Abraham and Katherine confront Ulvic on Skorpa. After torturing him for hours, the Helsing’s give Ulvic an ultimatum. As a result, Ulvic forces Jameson to commit an unforgivable act that will forever change their pack.
While heading to The Sanctuary, Selena and Varick encounter Mercy and Kite and take the former hostage. A broken Jameson later turns up and tells Varick the awful fate of his pack. When they learn that a more brutal round of games is being held in honour of the Helsings on the Island of Oyefrelse, Selena and her friends, form an unlikely alliance with Mercy and set out to infiltrate the Island under the guise as spectators. Selena and Varick vow to kill the Helsings and stop the games once and for all. With the odds stacked against them, can they succeed?
Dead Before Dawn is the epic conclusion to the V Games trilogy and what a thrilling, fast paced, edge of your seat, emotional rollercoaster it was. I was pleased that Caroline chose to write from Mercy and Kite’s point of view in addition to Selena, Varick, Cass, and Jameson. Kite’s backstory was heart rending and added so many facets to her character, her actions and what drove her throughout the trilogy. Veta and Thames’ fate in the conclusion of the last book was heart breaking but I was pleased that Caroline brought back two of my favourites from the previous books.
Mercy in particular was a revelation to read in this installment. Her scenes with Jameson and Kite made for compelling reading. I love how far her character has come and I look forward to reading more in the spin off, The Hunter Trials.
I confess I was a blubbering wreck after the loss of two characters until the surprise reveal and couldn’t be more delighted at the conclusion of Varick and Selena’s story. Caroline has done it again and I’m so pleased that Jameson and Cass have been given their own spin off, Wolf Games, which I plan to read next. 😊
May 11, 2018
It's finally here, the last book in the V Games trilogy by Caroline Peckham. This series took me totally by surprise. I am a young adult reader so of course I have come across vampire books, it may not have been a whole lot but I have read some and I had expectations going into this series and boy was I wrong. The whole idea of this book was different, it was like Vampire Diaries meets the Hunger Games and it was awesome.
You have girls taken from prison, who deaths are faked, to play a game of survival against starved/feral vampires on an island for the amusement of the "hunters" and other deprived human beings. The things that go on during these books are horrible and it's all about survival. You really get to see a human darkness prevalent in a supernatural world and the sexism that is on display is almost as bad as the rest of it.
V Games: Dead Before Dawn was everything I could have wanted in the series finale, I loved this book. Selena and Varick are safe with their friends on Ulvic's island for now but when the news of a new game being held Selena and Varick can't rest until they bring the whole damn system down. They are heading back into danger at the most dangerous place, the result on Oyafrelse island, which is owned by Rockley, one of the most vile men who run the games in a resort type style.
I have loved this series from the beginning, I love the storyline and Selena Gray is a great example of basic human decency. She stands up for what she believes, protects her friends something fierce, believes everyone deserves kindness (up to a point), makes good choices (mostly) and doesn't take the easy way out. While I do love Varick, once again Jameson is my favorite male character in the book. Jameson is just so full of life and when he feels things he feels them deeply but doesn't want to admit it to himself. Jameson takes on a lot of unnecessarily fault but still somehow manages to be light-hearted at times and he is so funny, I love his sarcasm.
Favorite things in this book, a Varick more human, I got to know Selena's father, more couple action from a couple of couples and the action in this book is of course superb. Being on the island with the games being run in the full darkness that is mankind and my people plotting and planning to bring the house down, of course it was going to be action packed. The only thing I have a problem with is a couple of things didn't add up but it wasn't even a big deal enough for me to remember what they were.
V Games: Dead Before Dawn was long but I absorbed all of it. I couldn't wait to find out how Selena, Varick and everyone else was going to pull off the biggest plan yet. Everything just went together seamlessly and things mentioned in the previous books was incorporated into this one. Dead Before Dawn had a whole lot of action, romance, and of course blood. It truly was the perfecting ending to the series and guess what, we get a spin-off series that I am looking forward to.
You have girls taken from prison, who deaths are faked, to play a game of survival against starved/feral vampires on an island for the amusement of the "hunters" and other deprived human beings. The things that go on during these books are horrible and it's all about survival. You really get to see a human darkness prevalent in a supernatural world and the sexism that is on display is almost as bad as the rest of it.
V Games: Dead Before Dawn was everything I could have wanted in the series finale, I loved this book. Selena and Varick are safe with their friends on Ulvic's island for now but when the news of a new game being held Selena and Varick can't rest until they bring the whole damn system down. They are heading back into danger at the most dangerous place, the result on Oyafrelse island, which is owned by Rockley, one of the most vile men who run the games in a resort type style.
I have loved this series from the beginning, I love the storyline and Selena Gray is a great example of basic human decency. She stands up for what she believes, protects her friends something fierce, believes everyone deserves kindness (up to a point), makes good choices (mostly) and doesn't take the easy way out. While I do love Varick, once again Jameson is my favorite male character in the book. Jameson is just so full of life and when he feels things he feels them deeply but doesn't want to admit it to himself. Jameson takes on a lot of unnecessarily fault but still somehow manages to be light-hearted at times and he is so funny, I love his sarcasm.
Favorite things in this book, a Varick more human, I got to know Selena's father, more couple action from a couple of couples and the action in this book is of course superb. Being on the island with the games being run in the full darkness that is mankind and my people plotting and planning to bring the house down, of course it was going to be action packed. The only thing I have a problem with is a couple of things didn't add up but it wasn't even a big deal enough for me to remember what they were.
V Games: Dead Before Dawn was long but I absorbed all of it. I couldn't wait to find out how Selena, Varick and everyone else was going to pull off the biggest plan yet. Everything just went together seamlessly and things mentioned in the previous books was incorporated into this one. Dead Before Dawn had a whole lot of action, romance, and of course blood. It truly was the perfecting ending to the series and guess what, we get a spin-off series that I am looking forward to.
May 11, 2018
The book was exciting and I couldn’t put it down. I read it in one sitting, I love ❤️ that Selena and Varick have finally made it to a safe place. Selena has met someone she didn’t really realize alive. So many questions, so many twists and so many turns.... This book will definitely keep you on your toes, you will scream, you will laugh 😂, you will cry 😢, you will want to pull your hair out, and some times of you may even want to bite your nails...
one thing you may not want to do like I did was start the book later in the night thinking you will read a few chapters and then read a few more later because once you start you will not want to stop 🛑!!!!
If I didn’t HATE the Helsings before I hate them even more in this book, even though one of them stole my heart ♥️ and I was happy that things changed for them in the end!! Good always wins out in the end!!!
I never saw the end coming, but I was so happy 😀 with it....
I hope there is a novella with it.... just to give us a little more on them.... I will not give any spoilers here, but, I know the author will know what I am talking about, I would love to see a wedding in someone’s future or possibly two, just to see what happens, especially after you brought in another character at the very end.....
I would recommend this series... I cannot wait for another series with werewolves... 😍
I received this ARC in return for my HONEST review..
I also preordered the book, as I did the other two in the series because I loved ❤️ this series so much !!! I don’t do that often ...
dnf
March 25, 2020I had to dnf this. It's not a bad book, I really enjoyed this book when I started it and I really enjoyed the previous books in the series but I took a break to read books from the library that were almost due and when I came back to this one I just wasn't as interested as I was before. If I would've finished it when I originally started it probably would've gotten 4 stars, I'm just not in the mood to read this right now so I'm dnf-ing so that I can read books I'm more in the mood for
August 4, 2018
Great series. The Vampire Games are an interesting twist of Hunger Games. Selena is amazing and her romance with Varick is intense throughout the whole traumatic situation that she is put through. Her strength and cunning keeps her alive but at what cost?
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