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Nephilim Narratives #1
Natural Born Exorcist
Soleil Burns works for the Bureau of Exorcism. Paired up with a US Marshals Fugitive Recovery Team they will try to bring back an escaped convict possessed by a demon and hiding in the slums of Chicago.
It immediately becomes apparent that there is more going on than a simple case of a possessed escaped convict. The entire Division of Magic in Chicago has also been possessed. It’s a feat that could only have been accomplished by a very powerful witch or wizard.
As Soleil digs deeper into the mass possession of a critical part of the police department, she will need all her skills as an exorcist and an investigator. It will also require an open heart and some sage advice from friends and family, to help her face down some of the most powerful beings she has ever dealt with. Both human and demonic.
It immediately becomes apparent that there is more going on than a simple case of a possessed escaped convict. The entire Division of Magic in Chicago has also been possessed. It’s a feat that could only have been accomplished by a very powerful witch or wizard.
As Soleil digs deeper into the mass possession of a critical part of the police department, she will need all her skills as an exorcist and an investigator. It will also require an open heart and some sage advice from friends and family, to help her face down some of the most powerful beings she has ever dealt with. Both human and demonic.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2018
109 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Hadena James
45 books246 followersHadena James began writing at the age of eight. As a teenager, she had several short stories published in literary magazines. She completed writing her first novel at the age of 17.
Hadena graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in European History with minors in German and Russian studies. She has always wanted to be a writer so she also took several classes in creative writing.
Hadena’s primary literary genre is action/thriller. She currently writes two series, both use action/thriller. “The Brenna Strachan Series” uses fantasy and the “Dreams & Reality Series” uses murder mystery as its secondary genre. She continues to explore and expand her writing and hopes to soon produce a comedic action/thriller.
When she isn’t busy writing or running her business, Hadena enjoys playing in a steel-tip dart league. She also loves to travel throughout North America and Europe. Her favorite cities are Chicago, Illinois and Berlin, Germany. She is an avid reader, reading everything from the classics like Jane Austen to modern writers like Terry Pratchett. One of her all-time favorite books is “Good Omens” by Neil Gaimen and Terry Pratchett. She writes all of her books while listening to music and the bands tend to get “honorable mentions” within the pages.
Hadena graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in European History with minors in German and Russian studies. She has always wanted to be a writer so she also took several classes in creative writing.
Hadena’s primary literary genre is action/thriller. She currently writes two series, both use action/thriller. “The Brenna Strachan Series” uses fantasy and the “Dreams & Reality Series” uses murder mystery as its secondary genre. She continues to explore and expand her writing and hopes to soon produce a comedic action/thriller.
When she isn’t busy writing or running her business, Hadena enjoys playing in a steel-tip dart league. She also loves to travel throughout North America and Europe. Her favorite cities are Chicago, Illinois and Berlin, Germany. She is an avid reader, reading everything from the classics like Jane Austen to modern writers like Terry Pratchett. One of her all-time favorite books is “Good Omens” by Neil Gaimen and Terry Pratchett. She writes all of her books while listening to music and the bands tend to get “honorable mentions” within the pages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 30, 2021
This is a 3.5 star read.
July 4, 2020
Free on Amazon
07/01/20
Cardboard characters, confusing dialogue, lackluster interactions that are supposed to be emotional
Poorly written and edited. There are missing words or wrong words that made me stumble and try to decipher what the author was trying to say.
I read it because I felt emotionally wrung by the last few book's I've read, and the book worked out well in that one aspect. It's just so dry of emotion that you don't really care what happens to any of the characters.
Romance-wise, there is a love interest although you literally don't see it until the last chapter.
07/01/20
Cardboard characters, confusing dialogue, lackluster interactions that are supposed to be emotional
Poorly written and edited. There are missing words or wrong words that made me stumble and try to decipher what the author was trying to say.
I read it because I felt emotionally wrung by the last few book's I've read, and the book worked out well in that one aspect. It's just so dry of emotion that you don't really care what happens to any of the characters.
Romance-wise, there is a love interest although you literally don't see it until the last chapter.
October 3, 2018
3.5 - would have been a 4 if not for grammatical errors.
September 30, 2018
Dude, sir! From the minute I finished the first chapter until the very last page was read, I felt I was in the presence of a nephilim as the author has written them. Whether you're familiar with the author or not (and you should get acquainted! She's one of the best indy authors out there), this is far from your average paranormal. Hadena has clearly woven a new world that will continue to grow for several books to come.
June 6, 2024
This was a nice quiet entertaining read. I love the paranormal aspect of this book and it was just the right length. I did enjoy the action packed scenes.
April 9, 2020
Excellent
This was a different take on the Angels , Arch Angels, Nephilim and the different levels of Demons plus other supernatural folk. Soleil is a Nephilim and excorcist that works with the police to pull Demons out of people. A coven of seven have been causing mayhem and she needs help from her family to stop Demons taking over. I really enjoyed reading this book.
This was a different take on the Angels , Arch Angels, Nephilim and the different levels of Demons plus other supernatural folk. Soleil is a Nephilim and excorcist that works with the police to pull Demons out of people. A coven of seven have been causing mayhem and she needs help from her family to stop Demons taking over. I really enjoyed reading this book.
December 19, 2019
This is the first book in the Nephilim Narratives series, and I bought it as I'd read all the author's thriller books and loved them, and wanted to see how she'd do with combining this with fantasy elements. I'm pleased to say she hasn't lost her edge at all, and the addition of angels, nephilim, demons, magic etc only adds an additional spice to the story. I really enjoyed the book and hope there'll be more to read! There were quite a few errors and issues that I found a bit distracting, so I wish I could've given it 4.5*, but as I couldn't and didn't want to detract from the fact that the book overall is excellent, I gave it a 5*. However, I have made a note of those issues I found and will send them to the author, in hopes it helps. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed there's more books in this series for me to read REALLY soon!!
September 24, 2021
Some really interesting worldbuilding in this novel. I liked the way the archangels were humanized and the breadth of supernatural beings in the world. The worldbuiling, in fact, is the star of this novel. So many interesting nuances and unexpected choices.
The plot sucked me in, and liked the quick pace. I liked the many relationships of varying types with Soleil, even if I'd like them all a bit deeper.
I listened to this as an audiobook with a good reader, and still the dialogue was a bit stilted. The angels speaking overly formal could have worked, but everyone in the book did. There was also a lot of exposition just laid out there either in dialogue or within the narrative, which I think would have worked better if it had been woven into the events or even left out altogether.
The ending was really rushed and resolved too much with too little effort, and was disappointing.
Overall, though, the novel worked for me. Fun concept and decent execution.
The plot sucked me in, and liked the quick pace. I liked the many relationships of varying types with Soleil, even if I'd like them all a bit deeper.
I listened to this as an audiobook with a good reader, and still the dialogue was a bit stilted. The angels speaking overly formal could have worked, but everyone in the book did. There was also a lot of exposition just laid out there either in dialogue or within the narrative, which I think would have worked better if it had been woven into the events or even left out altogether.
The ending was really rushed and resolved too much with too little effort, and was disappointing.
Overall, though, the novel worked for me. Fun concept and decent execution.
June 19, 2021
Half angels are more fun than I thought.
Soleil Burns is a Nephilim who works for the government doing exorcisms. She is tasked to a group of US Marshalls to go after a demon possessed fugitive hiding in Chicago. Unfortunately, Chicago has its own problems, and Soleil and the Marshalls are pulled into much deeper problems.
A half angel (Nephilim) wouldn’t have been my first choice as a main character for an Urban Fantasy novel. The author though does a good job of making the character interesting and likable. The pacing on the story was quick and keeps you turning the page.
One small issue I had with the novel is the editing. There were a few places where the author explains something and then, a few paragraphs later, explains the same thing again. A better editor should have caught this repetition.
Overall, the book was a strong effort, and I look forward to reading more of the series.
Soleil Burns is a Nephilim who works for the government doing exorcisms. She is tasked to a group of US Marshalls to go after a demon possessed fugitive hiding in Chicago. Unfortunately, Chicago has its own problems, and Soleil and the Marshalls are pulled into much deeper problems.
A half angel (Nephilim) wouldn’t have been my first choice as a main character for an Urban Fantasy novel. The author though does a good job of making the character interesting and likable. The pacing on the story was quick and keeps you turning the page.
One small issue I had with the novel is the editing. There were a few places where the author explains something and then, a few paragraphs later, explains the same thing again. A better editor should have caught this repetition.
Overall, the book was a strong effort, and I look forward to reading more of the series.
November 26, 2022
Natural Born Exorcist (Nephilim Narratives #1)
by Hadena James
I picked up the audio version from Chirp for a couple of bucks and WOW what a book! I had no idea what I was getting but as soon as it started I knew I wanted the second one in the series!
The book is about a half angel, nephilim, and it's a world of fae, demons, werewolves, vamps, etc. They all live in harmony with humans except demons but some nutty humans still get mad and protest for demon rights.
Our gal of the story is an Exorcist. Her father is the angel Raphael. (Other angels make appearances too.) Our nephilim meets a young boy who has great power but he doesn't know his worth and from a poor family. He helps with a big nest of demons.
Lots of action, great plot, fun characters, love the fantasy, unique, full of love despite the demons!
Wonderful narration!
When the other books come to chirp on sale, I am grabbing them up!
by Hadena James
I picked up the audio version from Chirp for a couple of bucks and WOW what a book! I had no idea what I was getting but as soon as it started I knew I wanted the second one in the series!
The book is about a half angel, nephilim, and it's a world of fae, demons, werewolves, vamps, etc. They all live in harmony with humans except demons but some nutty humans still get mad and protest for demon rights.
Our gal of the story is an Exorcist. Her father is the angel Raphael. (Other angels make appearances too.) Our nephilim meets a young boy who has great power but he doesn't know his worth and from a poor family. He helps with a big nest of demons.
Lots of action, great plot, fun characters, love the fantasy, unique, full of love despite the demons!
Wonderful narration!
When the other books come to chirp on sale, I am grabbing them up!
October 30, 2020
This novel was okay. The writing left a little to be desired and there were a plethora of typos. I found it hard to believe that the main character (Soleil Burns) a very young Nephilim (compared to her father and other archangels) was able to figure out a couple of the main dilemmas of the novel. How is it that she manages to solve the case when three archangels and an entire squad of police detectives were not? It was a bit lazy.
There wasn't really anything to like or dislike about Soleil. She seemed fine. Fine does not get me to keep reading. I want to be laughing or crying or care at all. It seemed that she breezed through all of the terrible events and then people were falling over themselves to love her. I didn't buy it.
There wasn't really anything to like or dislike about Soleil. She seemed fine. Fine does not get me to keep reading. I want to be laughing or crying or care at all. It seemed that she breezed through all of the terrible events and then people were falling over themselves to love her. I didn't buy it.
January 27, 2024
I want to give this a higher rating but can't.
It really needs to be edited. There are words missing and all sorts of grammatical errors. It is confusing as well with some characters going by multiple names. And just a lot of stuff going on. It was way too much for just 180 pages. It also seemed to drag on because a lot of things were repeated.
The best thing about this book was the world. It was interesting and I really want to know more about it but I also really don't give a shit about the main character so that is a problem. I want to know about the demon possessed zombies but not the person who exorcises them
It really needs to be edited. There are words missing and all sorts of grammatical errors. It is confusing as well with some characters going by multiple names. And just a lot of stuff going on. It was way too much for just 180 pages. It also seemed to drag on because a lot of things were repeated.
The best thing about this book was the world. It was interesting and I really want to know more about it but I also really don't give a shit about the main character so that is a problem. I want to know about the demon possessed zombies but not the person who exorcises them
November 7, 2020
If you are a fan of RJ Blain or Patricia Briggs, you need to read this book. Soliel Burns (I agree, our heroine's parents are twisted) feels like a sister to Mercedes Thompson and Poppy Lowrence, a very human woman who has no problem stepping up to face villains to protect the innocents around her and who attracts interesting men with their own frailties. This was a surprisingly fun yet gritty urban fantasy and it is now in my pile of to-be-reread-often books.
April 5, 2021
The story line is excellent and could have really dragged me into the series. The problem for me is the author wrote, to me anyway, every other sentence, about "feelings." It became so distracting that as great as I found the storyline it was a DNF for me. Just way too touchy-feely and too many women characters whining. I can see where many would enjoy this type of writing but not for me. It's too bad as this is a great twist on Uriel and Raphael and their interactions with us lowly humans.
October 4, 2018
I love this book!!!
I absolutely loved this book. It was funny, emotional, captivating, and just an all around amazing story. I can't wait for another one. I hope this becomes a series. I could totally tell it was a Hadena James book by the humor and sarcasm, but it is in its own category! I absolutely recommend reading Natural Born Exorcist!
I absolutely loved this book. It was funny, emotional, captivating, and just an all around amazing story. I can't wait for another one. I hope this becomes a series. I could totally tell it was a Hadena James book by the humor and sarcasm, but it is in its own category! I absolutely recommend reading Natural Born Exorcist!
March 31, 2021
As per Hadena's Norm... AMAZING!!
You really cannot go wrong with anything Ms. James writes. She is incredible. She is an amazing author, with an exceptional imagination, and she is a Word Wizard. She can write!!
What a ride!! So glad I found another series I can love and absorb!! Excellent!! Highly recommend!!
You really cannot go wrong with anything Ms. James writes. She is incredible. She is an amazing author, with an exceptional imagination, and she is a Word Wizard. She can write!!
What a ride!! So glad I found another series I can love and absorb!! Excellent!! Highly recommend!!
November 27, 2021
Overall, the storyline was good, but it needs a good editor. I got somewhat bored towards the middle which I think is the reason this book took me longer to read. I felt the ending was rushed and would have liked to seen some of the loose ends closed. Not sure if there is a second book and couldn't tell be the ending.
October 9, 2018
Another great book
I love everything Haden’s James has written. Another great start to a new series! Loved the cursing archangels who fight with their brothers because no one is perfect.
I love everything Haden’s James has written. Another great start to a new series! Loved the cursing archangels who fight with their brothers because no one is perfect.
October 29, 2018
Can't wait to read the next one
Angels and demons, vampires and zombies...this book had all that and more...I'm so looking forward to more of Soliel's and Jerome's stories...Hadena James can really tell a story.
Angels and demons, vampires and zombies...this book had all that and more...I'm so looking forward to more of Soliel's and Jerome's stories...Hadena James can really tell a story.
August 26, 2019
Intriguing
I have read everything Hadena James has written and this didn't disappoint. She is a wonderful writer and writes about subjects you normally don't think about. Great book.
I have read everything Hadena James has written and this didn't disappoint. She is a wonderful writer and writes about subjects you normally don't think about. Great book.
July 12, 2020
This was the first book I’ve read by this author. I was pretty pleased with the quality of the storyline. There could be some better editing, but overall I enjoyed the world.
I will continue to read book two.
I will continue to read book two.
October 24, 2020
Heavenly
I enjoyed this twist on Heaven, Hell,demons, and Angels. Soliel is a fiesty, but loving being who is half Angel and half human. When all hell breaks loose, she and her angelic family take on the demons and try to determine who called them forth. A story full of twists.
I enjoyed this twist on Heaven, Hell,demons, and Angels. Soliel is a fiesty, but loving being who is half Angel and half human. When all hell breaks loose, she and her angelic family take on the demons and try to determine who called them forth. A story full of twists.
June 7, 2021
The Sun Angel
Enjoyed this novel, fast paced, a lot of action and adventure. Brings to mind the film Constantine which I absolutely adore, with hints of Die Hard esque action if it was set in a supernatural world
Enjoyed this novel, fast paced, a lot of action and adventure. Brings to mind the film Constantine which I absolutely adore, with hints of Die Hard esque action if it was set in a supernatural world
November 27, 2021
Decent storyline
Overall I enjoyed the story, however, it needs an editor. Too many mistakes. The story was a little redundant and at times boring towards the middle. The ending I felt was rushed. Overall a decent book but could use another draft or two.
Overall I enjoyed the story, however, it needs an editor. Too many mistakes. The story was a little redundant and at times boring towards the middle. The ending I felt was rushed. Overall a decent book but could use another draft or two.
March 6, 2022
Hadena James does it again!! I just love anything she writes. This series has a bunch of supernatural elements which was exciting. As always lots of action. I just get so wrapped up in her books you don’t want to put them down. 💕
March 18, 2022
Wow
Wow what a story. I really enjoyed the action and the mix of characters in this story. The author did a great job of introducing new people and actions to keep it exciting to the end.
Wow what a story. I really enjoyed the action and the mix of characters in this story. The author did a great job of introducing new people and actions to keep it exciting to the end.
October 28, 2018
A must read
As always I couldn't put the book down. The characters are strong. I don't want to give the story away. This book is a must read and I hope there will be more.
As always I couldn't put the book down. The characters are strong. I don't want to give the story away. This book is a must read and I hope there will be more.
July 11, 2020
It's all about the love
Kick-was heroine with the best snark and backup. No need to say more, read forward yourself. Enjoy the best ride.
Kick-was heroine with the best snark and backup. No need to say more, read forward yourself. Enjoy the best ride.
July 19, 2020
Really enjoyed this book. A half angel drags demons out of humans.
August 21, 2020
A world of fun
There is a lot I could say about this book. But I won't. Just read the above.
I really enjoyed this read, so different a tale as is gotten. I wish for many more.
There is a lot I could say about this book. But I won't. Just read the above.
I really enjoyed this read, so different a tale as is gotten. I wish for many more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews