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Mortality Bites #4
Orphaned Follies
Never meet your heroes.
But that’s exactly what my fae roommate Deirdre wanted to do: meet her hero, the human Professor Oighrig End. Turns out the professor was speaking at some exclusive event, and me being a sucker, I went with her.
It wasn’t like I had anything better to do. I was fighting with my boyfriend, I hated my life and I was so severely depressed that all I really wanted to do was curl up in the fetal position and cry. Getting out would be good for me.
But then someone had to go murder the human professor. And because of a massive snowstorm, we were literally locked in a building with his killer. What did Sherlock Holmes always say when faced with a mystery? “The game’s afoot.”
I don’t know about games. I do know that I really wish I had gone with my initial instincts and stayed in bed.
I’m Katrina Darling, a three-hundred-year-old ex-vampire who really wishes she’d read more Agatha Christie in her long, long life.
But that’s exactly what my fae roommate Deirdre wanted to do: meet her hero, the human Professor Oighrig End. Turns out the professor was speaking at some exclusive event, and me being a sucker, I went with her.
It wasn’t like I had anything better to do. I was fighting with my boyfriend, I hated my life and I was so severely depressed that all I really wanted to do was curl up in the fetal position and cry. Getting out would be good for me.
But then someone had to go murder the human professor. And because of a massive snowstorm, we were literally locked in a building with his killer. What did Sherlock Holmes always say when faced with a mystery? “The game’s afoot.”
I don’t know about games. I do know that I really wish I had gone with my initial instincts and stayed in bed.
I’m Katrina Darling, a three-hundred-year-old ex-vampire who really wishes she’d read more Agatha Christie in her long, long life.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2018
29 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Ramy Vance
111 books418 followersRamy is the creator of the GoneGod World - a universe dedicated to myth, magic, mischief and mayhem.
He lives in Edinburgh with his wife, demonic toddler, monstrous 8-year old and imaginary dog.
Terrified, he pretty much stays in his office and writes.
He lives in Edinburgh with his wife, demonic toddler, monstrous 8-year old and imaginary dog.
Terrified, he pretty much stays in his office and writes.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 28, 2020
And then. . . it got worse.
I want to preface by expressing I mean no harm to the author who is very obviously loved by others. But this book was most definitely not my cup of tea.
As someone who values plots and continuing arcs, this book hurt to read. The book began on the discussion that the boyfriend messed with the dybbuk box, so naturally the story must complete this arc, correct? No. Rather, it follows an entirely different path, creating a confusing jumping plotline. And look, I believe that psychologists are important, but the scene rather felt entirely out of place.
In addition, a more personal issue I had with the book was the outdated and very childish slang at that, to the point of being cringe-worthy, slang. During the peak of it's era, it might have been well received. However, the issue which is often brought up in the previous books he wrote, is that once these slang terms are outdated they almost hurt to read or hear. The words in this novel, are no exception.
I want to preface by expressing I mean no harm to the author who is very obviously loved by others. But this book was most definitely not my cup of tea.
As someone who values plots and continuing arcs, this book hurt to read. The book began on the discussion that the boyfriend messed with the dybbuk box, so naturally the story must complete this arc, correct? No. Rather, it follows an entirely different path, creating a confusing jumping plotline. And look, I believe that psychologists are important, but the scene rather felt entirely out of place.
In addition, a more personal issue I had with the book was the outdated and very childish slang at that, to the point of being cringe-worthy, slang. During the peak of it's era, it might have been well received. However, the issue which is often brought up in the previous books he wrote, is that once these slang terms are outdated they almost hurt to read or hear. The words in this novel, are no exception.
September 28, 2018
An Elvish cozy mystery.
Kat and Deidre attend a multi-day seminar of one of Deidre's favorite story tellers. But the death of one of the attendees causes the rest of the convention to become a race to catch the killer.
This is the fourth installment in the Mortality Bites series. It is fairly hard to label this series. While it started as a paranormal/urban fantasy, there are lots of elements from other genres mixed into the stories. There is humor, romance, adventure and mystery in varying degrees. The third installment was a superhero story. This time we go into the traditional cozy murder mystery. We have the small group of suspects all getting snowed into the conference hall. No one knows whom to trust and fingers are being pointed at all of the guests. Secrets will be revealed but will the killer be caught before he-or she- strikes again? (I think Agatha Christie would approve.) It might seem a departure from the rest of the series but it fits perfectly.
Not only do we have a solid mystery story, we still get the mythological aspects that make the series so much fun. Another nice thing about this series is that each book is a full story but there are parts of a larger story that connects all of the books together. (It reminds me of the different episodes of a TV show during one season.) Having said that (and trying to avoid spoilers), this story has several events happen that will have long term impacts on Kat and her friends.
This series just keeps getting better. Highly recommended
Kat and Deidre attend a multi-day seminar of one of Deidre's favorite story tellers. But the death of one of the attendees causes the rest of the convention to become a race to catch the killer.
This is the fourth installment in the Mortality Bites series. It is fairly hard to label this series. While it started as a paranormal/urban fantasy, there are lots of elements from other genres mixed into the stories. There is humor, romance, adventure and mystery in varying degrees. The third installment was a superhero story. This time we go into the traditional cozy murder mystery. We have the small group of suspects all getting snowed into the conference hall. No one knows whom to trust and fingers are being pointed at all of the guests. Secrets will be revealed but will the killer be caught before he-or she- strikes again? (I think Agatha Christie would approve.) It might seem a departure from the rest of the series but it fits perfectly.
Not only do we have a solid mystery story, we still get the mythological aspects that make the series so much fun. Another nice thing about this series is that each book is a full story but there are parts of a larger story that connects all of the books together. (It reminds me of the different episodes of a TV show during one season.) Having said that (and trying to avoid spoilers), this story has several events happen that will have long term impacts on Kat and her friends.
This series just keeps getting better. Highly recommended
December 23, 2018
Orphaned Follies is the forth book in the series Mortality Bites written by Ramy Vance, and probably my favorite to date! This is definitely the perfect "whose done it" and has a complex plot, similar to the series opener Mortality Bites. What I really liked about this one though was that it is all based on the fae themselves. The fae to me are so fascinating and I find it curious that they are not written more about in the paranormal books. The plot is very well developed and has some really nice twists and turns. The pace is perfect, not dragging out nor ever rushing you through it.
Kat has her work cut out in this one and has also some moral struggles. Deirdre always supports her 100% and is slowly but surely growing in this human world. I really enjoy how these two work together. There are some sad choices by the author but I see how they had to be made and they do help the story develop the way it does.
I am definitely a fan of this series and can't wait to get started on the next one. Thank you binge reading!
Kat has her work cut out in this one and has also some moral struggles. Deirdre always supports her 100% and is slowly but surely growing in this human world. I really enjoy how these two work together. There are some sad choices by the author but I see how they had to be made and they do help the story develop the way it does.
I am definitely a fan of this series and can't wait to get started on the next one. Thank you binge reading!
September 26, 2018
Katrina faces new challenges this time. A murder in a secluded house, where the only suspects are a group brought together as fans of a human writer. In the meantime, the emptiness within her is growing and she is starting to think she might just have to believe that her soul is really gone. At least this gives her a few days away from Justin so she can figure out what she feels about him.
While this series is generally light-hearted and fun, this book was surprisingly emotional and tender in parts.
You can't help loving Katrina Darling. She's such a smart, tough but tender-hearted person and you really want her to achieve her goal of making up for her past.
While this series is generally light-hearted and fun, this book was surprisingly emotional and tender in parts.
You can't help loving Katrina Darling. She's such a smart, tough but tender-hearted person and you really want her to achieve her goal of making up for her past.
September 1, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
I felt that this book, in particular, had a different feel to it. I guess it was more the internal journey of discovery, that Kat needed to do, in order to get an idea as to what she needed to do next.
That she got so heavily involved in a group of Others' lives, which led to her actually becoming the catalyst to her moving on, and deciding to go for what she needs, in order to use the rest of her, very human, life, now, was both a surprise, but also not, as Kat hovers between her very Human side, and her previous, then present, Vampire side!
This, more introspective, tone in Kat's continuing story, suited her situation, and I can't wait to go on to read Book Five: 'Dawn Of A Thousand Sunsets', in order to find out what will happen with Kat, next!
So, I'm going to go on to start reading it and, once done, I'll catch you on the flip side, in order to let you know what I think about this next leg of Kat's journey!
I felt that this book, in particular, had a different feel to it. I guess it was more the internal journey of discovery, that Kat needed to do, in order to get an idea as to what she needed to do next.
That she got so heavily involved in a group of Others' lives, which led to her actually becoming the catalyst to her moving on, and deciding to go for what she needs, in order to use the rest of her, very human, life, now, was both a surprise, but also not, as Kat hovers between her very Human side, and her previous, then present, Vampire side!
This, more introspective, tone in Kat's continuing story, suited her situation, and I can't wait to go on to read Book Five: 'Dawn Of A Thousand Sunsets', in order to find out what will happen with Kat, next!
So, I'm going to go on to start reading it and, once done, I'll catch you on the flip side, in order to let you know what I think about this next leg of Kat's journey!
October 1, 2018
Ramy Vance is a tease. I've worked out more specifically why I'd like these books to be longer. In particular, I think the characters are so strong that each deserves more air time, a combination of the clever mythology device and Vance's talent for characterisation. But while the characters are ripe for more development, Vance clearly doesn't like to pad out individual stories, preferring to stick to tight narratives within the series' overall story arc, which is bubbling along nicely. Its probably wise, makes for punchier books, and gives him an ever widening cast that I suspect he may dip into as the series progresses. Always keep em wanting more as they say. Anyway, this is yet another strong addition to the series. Next next next please!
October 4, 2018
What do you do when your mom just dropped in on you?
This book is really good. The author always delivers on a great storyline that feels like it could happen in your town, and in your street. This storyline always keeps you along for the ride. Parents can be a pain, especially I'd you turned your mom into a vampire 300 years ago and have had a rocky relationship since. It's got snark, tangled family ties, and a quest. What can go wrong? Just everything.
This book is really good. The author always delivers on a great storyline that feels like it could happen in your town, and in your street. This storyline always keeps you along for the ride. Parents can be a pain, especially I'd you turned your mom into a vampire 300 years ago and have had a rocky relationship since. It's got snark, tangled family ties, and a quest. What can go wrong? Just everything.
October 22, 2018
I love the way Ramy Vance writes. His subtle side comments sprinkled through out the book bring smiles even during the most dire of times for Kat and the other cast of characters. He keeps you guessing how Kat will get herself and those around her out of whatever sticky situation she has managed to get in to. Ramy is able to bring human qualities to these individuals who spent decades being non-humans and are struggling to adapt to their new unwelcoming world.
June 27, 2022
Loving this series, hated this book.
I've loved the previous three books but this one didn't come close to be as good as those. Was a struggle to finish this book but stuck with purely in the hope the next one returns to form.
Some of the dialogue was really cumbersome with endless he said she said that totally shattered any kind of immersion in the story.
.
I've loved the previous three books but this one didn't come close to be as good as those. Was a struggle to finish this book but stuck with purely in the hope the next one returns to form.
Some of the dialogue was really cumbersome with endless he said she said that totally shattered any kind of immersion in the story.
.
September 30, 2018
An Elvish murder mystery
This book is a change of pace, an Elvish murder with a smidgen of dybek on the side. It is well written and well paced, and twisted as only the GodsGone world can be.
This book is a change of pace, an Elvish murder with a smidgen of dybek on the side. It is well written and well paced, and twisted as only the GodsGone world can be.
October 3, 2018
Loved this one so far. Kat of course gets thrown into another mess, by Deidre this time, that she didn't want to deal with in the first place. It's your "Did the butler do it?" mystery with a twist.
Can't wait for the next one to see if Kat goes after the soul jar.
Can't wait for the next one to see if Kat goes after the soul jar.
October 18, 2018
Kat and The Fae
4.5 Stars! Another great book while keeping the mystery high and the snarky real lol Scooby Doo meets Clue in this one. This one did make me sad at the end though😭 You better fix it with the next book Ramy Vance haha
4.5 Stars! Another great book while keeping the mystery high and the snarky real lol Scooby Doo meets Clue in this one. This one did make me sad at the end though😭 You better fix it with the next book Ramy Vance haha
December 9, 2018
What could possibly go wrong during a blizzard?
This had a grown up Scooby Doo feeling to it, complete with a mystery, murder, setting up a plan to catch "the bad guys" , and reveals. Kat seems to be thinking out loud significantly less but still has her awkward moments.
This had a grown up Scooby Doo feeling to it, complete with a mystery, murder, setting up a plan to catch "the bad guys" , and reveals. Kat seems to be thinking out loud significantly less but still has her awkward moments.
August 3, 2019
Weakest of the bunch. Sort of hard to follow all the characters and bouncing back and forth in time. Also, I had worried about the series being built around a college student (I don't really do YA), but she's not 19, but rather 319 ... so she should be able to avoid the whole relationship angst nonsense. It has raised its ridiculous head here, and that's points off for me.
October 11, 2018
A cozy mystery with not so cozy characters. It wasn't the butler in the library with the candlestick. Another delightful fantasy by Ramy Vance.
November 2, 2019
Started off not bad. But then it got hokey. I want to be done. But there’s only two books left. And finally I think she’s going to look for her stupid soul. Ugh. Now I gotta read #5.
June 8, 2020
😢. She broke up with her boyfriend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2021
What a mess! Kat has a lot to learn, and is once again the centre of a murder. The action, snark, and emotions continue in this story, and ends with a lead to the next. A good read.
July 11, 2024
Behind on reviews, nothing super specific for this series, probably copying the same review to each book just to get through. LOL
Good continuation of the series.
Good continuation of the series.
September 26, 2024
This was a great installment in the series. We see the consequences of the book play out. This a a good murder mystery and the characters are interesting. Nothing is what it seams and all that.
December 4, 2018
I loved this book! This series just continues to deliver suspense, mystery and action.
Orphaned Follies has a ton of heart and addresses some deeper emotional issues that strikes a strong chord with this reader. Kat’s missing soul opens up some interesting questions about the GoneGods and their closed realms. Vance has plenty more up his sleeve, and I can’t wait to see how it all gets resolved.
Orphaned Follies takes on the style of a murder mystery, a mystery involving a centuries-long grudge from a class of Others that do not easily forgive and forget. The story features one of my favorite characters, Deidre, and many other fae characters, each with a mysterious past that seems to be connected to a fae-renowned historian and lecturer who certainly thinks quite highly of himself. At first, this seems like a simple side plot after the cliffhanger ending of Superhero Me!, which reveals that Kat’s soul is missing after reverting back to a human existence from a brief dalliance as a vampire (just like the good ol’ days), and she must use the artifact from Family Matters in order to figure out where it’s located. But slowly, slowly you get pulled into an intense murder mystery, and by the end of it, it is hard to imagine how it could have been done differently.
You’ll love the intense reveal. Love, betrayal, revenge… this book has it all. Definitely a ‘must read’.
Orphaned Follies has a ton of heart and addresses some deeper emotional issues that strikes a strong chord with this reader. Kat’s missing soul opens up some interesting questions about the GoneGods and their closed realms. Vance has plenty more up his sleeve, and I can’t wait to see how it all gets resolved.
Orphaned Follies takes on the style of a murder mystery, a mystery involving a centuries-long grudge from a class of Others that do not easily forgive and forget. The story features one of my favorite characters, Deidre, and many other fae characters, each with a mysterious past that seems to be connected to a fae-renowned historian and lecturer who certainly thinks quite highly of himself. At first, this seems like a simple side plot after the cliffhanger ending of Superhero Me!, which reveals that Kat’s soul is missing after reverting back to a human existence from a brief dalliance as a vampire (just like the good ol’ days), and she must use the artifact from Family Matters in order to figure out where it’s located. But slowly, slowly you get pulled into an intense murder mystery, and by the end of it, it is hard to imagine how it could have been done differently.
You’ll love the intense reveal. Love, betrayal, revenge… this book has it all. Definitely a ‘must read’.
October 27, 2018
Four books in and this series continues to deliver! Orphaned Follies provides a slight change in pace as Kat and my personal favourite character Deidre find themselves in a situation worthy of Agatha Christie herself. A classic whodunnit in the GoneGod World? Fabulous! Not only that, but this book touches on the epic with shadows of the Seelie and UnSeelie Courts and a thoroughly engrossing backstory that adds immensely to the history of the Fae. Add a sprinkle of wonderfully engaging new characters and you have a book that you will just want to curl up in front of the fire and not put down until you’ve finished. More, Mr Vance, more!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews