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Asheville Arcana #3
Quenched in Blood
Will love mean rebirth… or death?
Vampire Julian Schaden has been warning the Asheville Paranormal Council of an impending demonic incursion for more than two decades. Over the past two years, he and his friends have fought as hard as they can with little help, since Micah Carter, the demon hunter who should have led them, shirked his responsibility and then perished.
Desperate for anything that might aid the fight, Julian enters the Carter property and finds something he never dared hope young Thomas Carter, the heir to a long line of demon hunters.
Thomas knows nothing about the supernatural world. But the prospect of a real life, outside the sheltered, isolated farm where he grew up, calls to him, and the idea of fighting the Unholy feels right.
Julian agrees to train Thomas, but he struggles against an unexpected, unwanted attraction. Thomas is too young and innocent to get involved with Julian, but opposites attract, and this is one battle Julian seems fated to lose. But a prophecy from a dying mage comes with a bleak the upcoming battle will claim Thomas’s life. To keep his home and friends safe, Julian may have to sacrifice the only love he’s ever known.
Vampire Julian Schaden has been warning the Asheville Paranormal Council of an impending demonic incursion for more than two decades. Over the past two years, he and his friends have fought as hard as they can with little help, since Micah Carter, the demon hunter who should have led them, shirked his responsibility and then perished.
Desperate for anything that might aid the fight, Julian enters the Carter property and finds something he never dared hope young Thomas Carter, the heir to a long line of demon hunters.
Thomas knows nothing about the supernatural world. But the prospect of a real life, outside the sheltered, isolated farm where he grew up, calls to him, and the idea of fighting the Unholy feels right.
Julian agrees to train Thomas, but he struggles against an unexpected, unwanted attraction. Thomas is too young and innocent to get involved with Julian, but opposites attract, and this is one battle Julian seems fated to lose. But a prophecy from a dying mage comes with a bleak the upcoming battle will claim Thomas’s life. To keep his home and friends safe, Julian may have to sacrifice the only love he’s ever known.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2018
20 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Ari McKay
72 books181 followersAri McKay is the professional pseudonym for Arionrhod and McKay, who collaborate on original m/m fiction. They began writing together in 2004 and finished their first original full length novel in 2011. Recently, they’ve begun collaborating on designing and creating costumes to wear and compete in at Sci Fi conventions, and they share a love of yarn and cake.
Arionrhod is an avid costumer, knitter, and all-around craft fiend, as well as a professional systems engineer. Mother of two human children and two dachshunds who think they are human, she is a voracious reader with wildly eclectic tastes, devouring romance novels, military science fiction, horror stories and Shakespeare with equal glee. She is currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.
Arionrhod is an avid costumer, knitter, and all-around craft fiend, as well as a professional systems engineer. Mother of two human children and two dachshunds who think they are human, she is a voracious reader with wildly eclectic tastes, devouring romance novels, military science fiction, horror stories and Shakespeare with equal glee. She is currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 3, 2020
3.5 Hearts
I just want to say that I enjoyed this entire trilogy as it brought some nice twists to a community of supernaturals confronted with some very terrible evil and how they deal with such conflict while still finding love in the process!
This 3rd and final book focuses on vamp Julian, who’s made it his life mission to hunt demons. When he finds out that the local demon hunter (who was killed in the last book) has been secreting away a grandson who knows nothing of his heritage, Julian’s at once appalled but also relieved to have found such a potential powerful ally to help in the current fight against a seriously scary foe.
In turn, Thomas takes things in stride. He’s surprised about how life has been flipped upside down but what a wonderful discovery to realize he has a greater destiny and responsibility than just being a humble farmer. As Thomas learns his trade and gains more experience through Julian’s training, he obviously falls in love while shit gets real as the enemy closes in.
This had a sweet romance, and fans of virgins will certainly enjoy this. Of note, I personally felt this fell just a bit short through really no fault from Julian and Thomas. Their progression was plausible and reasonable but perhaps the lack of a mate bond set them apart from the other two couples in this series, and such a prolonged buildup in defeating the ultimate baddie was a tad anticlimactic regarding the conclusion.
However, be reassured that this was plenty sexy, with a good dash of gory violence, and neatly tied up the main story arc. Seeing as how Whimsy and Harlan from Forged in Fire were my favorites, Julian and Thomas also unfortunately had a tough act to follow, and it was an upward climb from the start.
Regardless, this was an overall enjoyable paranormal series that consistently delivered on all fronts!
Thank you to the authors/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
I just want to say that I enjoyed this entire trilogy as it brought some nice twists to a community of supernaturals confronted with some very terrible evil and how they deal with such conflict while still finding love in the process!
This 3rd and final book focuses on vamp Julian, who’s made it his life mission to hunt demons. When he finds out that the local demon hunter (who was killed in the last book) has been secreting away a grandson who knows nothing of his heritage, Julian’s at once appalled but also relieved to have found such a potential powerful ally to help in the current fight against a seriously scary foe.
In turn, Thomas takes things in stride. He’s surprised about how life has been flipped upside down but what a wonderful discovery to realize he has a greater destiny and responsibility than just being a humble farmer. As Thomas learns his trade and gains more experience through Julian’s training, he obviously falls in love while shit gets real as the enemy closes in.
This had a sweet romance, and fans of virgins will certainly enjoy this. Of note, I personally felt this fell just a bit short through really no fault from Julian and Thomas. Their progression was plausible and reasonable but perhaps the lack of a mate bond set them apart from the other two couples in this series, and such a prolonged buildup in defeating the ultimate baddie was a tad anticlimactic regarding the conclusion.
However, be reassured that this was plenty sexy, with a good dash of gory violence, and neatly tied up the main story arc. Seeing as how Whimsy and Harlan from Forged in Fire were my favorites, Julian and Thomas also unfortunately had a tough act to follow, and it was an upward climb from the start.
Regardless, this was an overall enjoyable paranormal series that consistently delivered on all fronts!
Thank you to the authors/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
August 20, 2021
4 Stars
The high-stakes have reached a peak here in the final story in the supernaturally charged Asheville Arcana series.
Over the course of the trilogy, vampire Julian Schaden has worked tirelessly with his dearest friends, half-elf Arden and young mage Whimsy, to bring down a powerful demon that has run havoc in and around Asheville’s supernatural community, possessing shifters and slaughtering innocents en masse.
As the threat begins to rise, obviously in the lead up to an unspeakable ultimate attack, Julian, his friends, and their mates, realise they need to bring in an outsider, with a birthright and abilities unmatched, as they take their final offensive.
Enter Micah Carter, a reclusive farm boy, whom, unbeknownst to him, comes from a long line of demon hunters that are descended from angels. Micah, now all alone in the world, is pretty open-minded and quick to believe the supernatural truths spoken to him by Julian and Arden, and soon enough puts himself in Julian’s capable hands to physically train, learn of his ancestry, and better understand the vital role he may need to play in the impending demonic incursion.
This was an exciting and riveting story, balancing the new romance between Julian and Micah perfectly with the build up to the big demon fighting finale. I loved all the little glimpses we got into Micah’s family and the roles they played in Julian’s life before Micah was around. I also enjoyed the sweet but determined nature of fresh-faced Micah, watching him learn about his legacy and the tragic costs that legacy had already taken on his parents and grandfather before him. It was a heavy weight to bear but he handled it well, helped along nicely by his quick and deep connection with Julian as a mentor and eventual lover.
I mentioned this book was high-stakes and it really was. By the final chapters I couldn’t look away, reading well into the night to make sure the good guys would win and that Julian and Micah would get their much-deserved HEA. They did, of course, but it was a heart-stopping time getting there, and I much appreciated the intensity of those final, nail-biting, emotional scenes, which served so well in making this third and final book truly worth the read.
It was my absolute pleasure to read the Asheville Arcana series and I look forward to trying more from this writing duo in the future.
The high-stakes have reached a peak here in the final story in the supernaturally charged Asheville Arcana series.
Over the course of the trilogy, vampire Julian Schaden has worked tirelessly with his dearest friends, half-elf Arden and young mage Whimsy, to bring down a powerful demon that has run havoc in and around Asheville’s supernatural community, possessing shifters and slaughtering innocents en masse.
As the threat begins to rise, obviously in the lead up to an unspeakable ultimate attack, Julian, his friends, and their mates, realise they need to bring in an outsider, with a birthright and abilities unmatched, as they take their final offensive.
Enter Micah Carter, a reclusive farm boy, whom, unbeknownst to him, comes from a long line of demon hunters that are descended from angels. Micah, now all alone in the world, is pretty open-minded and quick to believe the supernatural truths spoken to him by Julian and Arden, and soon enough puts himself in Julian’s capable hands to physically train, learn of his ancestry, and better understand the vital role he may need to play in the impending demonic incursion.
This was an exciting and riveting story, balancing the new romance between Julian and Micah perfectly with the build up to the big demon fighting finale. I loved all the little glimpses we got into Micah’s family and the roles they played in Julian’s life before Micah was around. I also enjoyed the sweet but determined nature of fresh-faced Micah, watching him learn about his legacy and the tragic costs that legacy had already taken on his parents and grandfather before him. It was a heavy weight to bear but he handled it well, helped along nicely by his quick and deep connection with Julian as a mentor and eventual lover.
I mentioned this book was high-stakes and it really was. By the final chapters I couldn’t look away, reading well into the night to make sure the good guys would win and that Julian and Micah would get their much-deserved HEA. They did, of course, but it was a heart-stopping time getting there, and I much appreciated the intensity of those final, nail-biting, emotional scenes, which served so well in making this third and final book truly worth the read.
It was my absolute pleasure to read the Asheville Arcana series and I look forward to trying more from this writing duo in the future.
November 20, 2018
The final part of the Asheville Arcana trilogy brings things to a close and sees vampire Julian get his happy ending with neophyte demon hunter Thomas.
This book pulls heavily on both Christian mythology and Irish/Welsh lore of The Cauldron of Rebirth found in The Mabinogi, and it mixes up well.
Julian and Thomas are a great pair, Thomas' inexperience and eagerness to learn stirs something in the long lived vampire. It's moderate steam, this is a Dreamspun Beyond release after all, but the scenes we get are pitched perfectly.
Tensions ramp up as we approach the end of the trilogy and there are suitable consequences for the actions of some participants.
As with the first two, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was glad to see grumpy loner Julian find the right person to inhabit his gothic pile.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
This book pulls heavily on both Christian mythology and Irish/Welsh lore of The Cauldron of Rebirth found in The Mabinogi, and it mixes up well.
Julian and Thomas are a great pair, Thomas' inexperience and eagerness to learn stirs something in the long lived vampire. It's moderate steam, this is a Dreamspun Beyond release after all, but the scenes we get are pitched perfectly.
Tensions ramp up as we approach the end of the trilogy and there are suitable consequences for the actions of some participants.
As with the first two, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was glad to see grumpy loner Julian find the right person to inhabit his gothic pile.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 7, 2018
3.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR. Full review to follow soonish!
This demon hunter doesn't hate vampires...
or at least not all of them.
'Quenched In Blood is the third and concluding part of Ari McKay's Asheville Arcana series. In each of these stories we've met a different couple first it was Arden and Eli. In the second story we say Whimsy as he found his mate in the werewolf Harlan and throughout we've seen glimpses of Arden and Whimsy's friend and erstwhile lover the vampire Julian...
As the battle between Arden, Whimsy, Julian and the Werewolf Packs against the demons continues Arden and Julian find themselves at Micah's farm. As afar as they knew Micah was the last of the Demon Hunters but what they believe turns out to be wrong when they discover that Micah's wasn't the last Demon Hunter...no that honor falls to Thomas, Micah's grandson.
When Thomas learns that his grandfather has kept his legacy from him, he puts his anger aside to learn what's needed so that he can help save his new found friends and their world as they band together to find the cauldron of rebirth...the key to finally defeating the demons.
Julian agrees to take in Thomas giving him protection and training him to be a Demon Hunter and as his training progresses Thomas and Julian realize that they share an attraction to each other but Julian's filled with the guilt of the past and it's going to take all of Thomas's sweetness and determination to get past his barriers and convince Julian that they can be together and have a future.
While Julian's been a present in all of these books. He's always kept himself at a cool, aloof distance and for me the Julian that we met in this story didn't quite mesh with the Julian that we've had until now. I'm ok with the fact that his attraction brought him out a bit more making him a more approachable...a bit warmer in his personality but there were moments that Julian just felt a bit too aloof. So maybe this parts on me that Julian just wasn't what I thought he should be.
Thomas actually got off easy with me because while we knew of him until this story he's really only been an abstract idea and one that I didn't have any preconceived ideas about so he just got to be who he was and I was good with him. Thomas was young and had an extremely sheltered life with his grandfather keeping him on the farm and never allowing him to experience the world.
Overall I liked this story in theory it was good and a lot of it worked but Julian and Thomas as a couple just didn't quite happen for me. I think if things had developed at a little slower pace between these two I would have felt myself more invested in their story...in them as a couple. The rest of this story worked fairly well for me especially the ending so while this book wasn't quite as successful for me as the first two. It was still a fitting ending for this story giving a magical but all things considered rather realistic solution to things.
************************
An ARC of 'Quenched in Blood' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This demon hunter doesn't hate vampires...
or at least not all of them.
'Quenched In Blood is the third and concluding part of Ari McKay's Asheville Arcana series. In each of these stories we've met a different couple first it was Arden and Eli. In the second story we say Whimsy as he found his mate in the werewolf Harlan and throughout we've seen glimpses of Arden and Whimsy's friend and erstwhile lover the vampire Julian...
As the battle between Arden, Whimsy, Julian and the Werewolf Packs against the demons continues Arden and Julian find themselves at Micah's farm. As afar as they knew Micah was the last of the Demon Hunters but what they believe turns out to be wrong when they discover that Micah's wasn't the last Demon Hunter...no that honor falls to Thomas, Micah's grandson.
When Thomas learns that his grandfather has kept his legacy from him, he puts his anger aside to learn what's needed so that he can help save his new found friends and their world as they band together to find the cauldron of rebirth...the key to finally defeating the demons.
Julian agrees to take in Thomas giving him protection and training him to be a Demon Hunter and as his training progresses Thomas and Julian realize that they share an attraction to each other but Julian's filled with the guilt of the past and it's going to take all of Thomas's sweetness and determination to get past his barriers and convince Julian that they can be together and have a future.
While Julian's been a present in all of these books. He's always kept himself at a cool, aloof distance and for me the Julian that we met in this story didn't quite mesh with the Julian that we've had until now. I'm ok with the fact that his attraction brought him out a bit more making him a more approachable...a bit warmer in his personality but there were moments that Julian just felt a bit too aloof. So maybe this parts on me that Julian just wasn't what I thought he should be.
Thomas actually got off easy with me because while we knew of him until this story he's really only been an abstract idea and one that I didn't have any preconceived ideas about so he just got to be who he was and I was good with him. Thomas was young and had an extremely sheltered life with his grandfather keeping him on the farm and never allowing him to experience the world.
Overall I liked this story in theory it was good and a lot of it worked but Julian and Thomas as a couple just didn't quite happen for me. I think if things had developed at a little slower pace between these two I would have felt myself more invested in their story...in them as a couple. The rest of this story worked fairly well for me especially the ending so while this book wasn't quite as successful for me as the first two. It was still a fitting ending for this story giving a magical but all things considered rather realistic solution to things.
************************
An ARC of 'Quenched in Blood' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2020
**gmr**
In my opinion, this 3rd book was the best in the series. I liked the chemistry btw Julian and Thomas and loved the fact that they had a similar physique, both tall and strong and with defined muscles, because I'm not usually a fan of stories where one of the MCs is described as short, fragile, with no character etc.. and most of the time almost loses his masculinity. I liked how Thomas, a complete virgin, was still sure of what he wanted, had a strong personality and was pretty smart. Julian was one of my favourite characters, maybe because I always liked stories with vampires or maybe was the fact that he lived in a castle, idk.. Anyway I still think that the story should end here, bcs all was said and done and I really don't think more books of this series are needed.
In my opinion, this 3rd book was the best in the series. I liked the chemistry btw Julian and Thomas and loved the fact that they had a similar physique, both tall and strong and with defined muscles, because I'm not usually a fan of stories where one of the MCs is described as short, fragile, with no character etc.. and most of the time almost loses his masculinity. I liked how Thomas, a complete virgin, was still sure of what he wanted, had a strong personality and was pretty smart. Julian was one of my favourite characters, maybe because I always liked stories with vampires or maybe was the fact that he lived in a castle, idk.. Anyway I still think that the story should end here, bcs all was said and done and I really don't think more books of this series are needed.
November 21, 2018
I think this is, by far, my favorite out of this series. I like the first two but something about this one was just better. And it's funny because in the first two I didn't care too much for Julian. I liked him ok, but the way he needled Harlan and Eli after they mated just drove me nuts. Even though I know why he did it.
When Julian and some others go check on the land of demon Hunter Micah, they were in for a shocker. Micah had been hiding someone. His grandson, Thomas. And when Thomas finds out there is a whole other world that he's a part of, he is NOT a happy camper. And both are pissed at what Micah denied Thomas. Not only did he keep Thomas's legacy away from him, he hid anything of his parents from Thomas too. Julian, despite thinking it's a bad idea because of his attraction, takes Thomas under his wing to train. Not only as a demon Hunter, but to be able to protect himself. But the demons and those possessed are quickly moving to find a relic to wipe out the Earth, and Thomas is rushed into fighting. They all hope they can defeat these demons before they themselves are killed.
When Julian's lovers, Arden and Whimsy, found their mates, Julian was sad. Being a recluse, he doesn't need to have company all the time, and truthfully he feels like not many can deal with him. But he was happy with those and with them being gone, he was lonelier than he wanted to admit. I felt so bad for him. Yeah, he could be dick for sure. He needled the hell out of Harlan and Eli for a while, but eventually chilled. So I was happy when Thomas knocked his socks off. He needed someone to shake up his world and by golly, Thomas shook it with the force of an earthquake and I….had a good laugh.
Thomas was as innocent as they came. Being sheltered by Micah from EVERYTHING, he had no clue about the preternatural. No clue. And he should have been a strong hunter. Micah kept him from everything. Sex, tv, paranormals, all of it. Thomas had a lot to learn. But what cracked me up, was even in his innocence, he knew how to get under Julian's skin. And most of the time, it was really funny. Julian got so flustered. But when it got serious, as far as life and death, I bawled. Fighting against evil has a way of putting things in perspective.
This has been a really good series. This book kinda seemed like it's over, and if it is, I'm sad. I've really grown fond of these characters and their escapades and their fight against evil. But I'm glad to see how it ended. Definitely a good series.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
When Julian and some others go check on the land of demon Hunter Micah, they were in for a shocker. Micah had been hiding someone. His grandson, Thomas. And when Thomas finds out there is a whole other world that he's a part of, he is NOT a happy camper. And both are pissed at what Micah denied Thomas. Not only did he keep Thomas's legacy away from him, he hid anything of his parents from Thomas too. Julian, despite thinking it's a bad idea because of his attraction, takes Thomas under his wing to train. Not only as a demon Hunter, but to be able to protect himself. But the demons and those possessed are quickly moving to find a relic to wipe out the Earth, and Thomas is rushed into fighting. They all hope they can defeat these demons before they themselves are killed.
When Julian's lovers, Arden and Whimsy, found their mates, Julian was sad. Being a recluse, he doesn't need to have company all the time, and truthfully he feels like not many can deal with him. But he was happy with those and with them being gone, he was lonelier than he wanted to admit. I felt so bad for him. Yeah, he could be dick for sure. He needled the hell out of Harlan and Eli for a while, but eventually chilled. So I was happy when Thomas knocked his socks off. He needed someone to shake up his world and by golly, Thomas shook it with the force of an earthquake and I….had a good laugh.
Thomas was as innocent as they came. Being sheltered by Micah from EVERYTHING, he had no clue about the preternatural. No clue. And he should have been a strong hunter. Micah kept him from everything. Sex, tv, paranormals, all of it. Thomas had a lot to learn. But what cracked me up, was even in his innocence, he knew how to get under Julian's skin. And most of the time, it was really funny. Julian got so flustered. But when it got serious, as far as life and death, I bawled. Fighting against evil has a way of putting things in perspective.
This has been a really good series. This book kinda seemed like it's over, and if it is, I'm sad. I've really grown fond of these characters and their escapades and their fight against evil. But I'm glad to see how it ended. Definitely a good series.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
November 5, 2020
4.5 Stars ~ To say I’ve been anticipating Julian’s tale ever since I read the first installment in this series is an understatement. Julian is the bad boy hands down and he’s everything that draws me in. He’s grumpy, brooding, gorgeous, sarcastic, intelligent, did I say gorgeous, and underneath all of that lies a heart that longs for love, and a loyalty to his friends and his community that is unsurpassed. Thomas is young, sweet, innocent, with a gentle heart and soul, and a determination to do what needs to be done. I knew I was in for a hell of a ride right from the start.
“He wanted to pull away, to flee somewhere he could be alone to rage against the irony that when he finally found someone who could be more than a lover to him, it was the one person he couldn’t allow himself to desire. Thomas was his responsibility.”
Julian is angry when he discovers Thomas living on the family farm with no clue he’s a demon hunter or that he’s descended from an angel. He can’t understand why Micah never told his grandson unless he was trying to protect him. Unfortunately, the only thing that can truly protect Thomas is a knowledge of who he is and the training to handle himself in the real world. Thomas is happy, although more angry with his grandpa, when he discovers he’s meant for more than farming and he takes to training like he’s been doing it all of his life. Thomas may be innocent in all ways but he knows from the beginning that he wants Julian, and for more than an affair.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
“He wanted to pull away, to flee somewhere he could be alone to rage against the irony that when he finally found someone who could be more than a lover to him, it was the one person he couldn’t allow himself to desire. Thomas was his responsibility.”
Julian is angry when he discovers Thomas living on the family farm with no clue he’s a demon hunter or that he’s descended from an angel. He can’t understand why Micah never told his grandson unless he was trying to protect him. Unfortunately, the only thing that can truly protect Thomas is a knowledge of who he is and the training to handle himself in the real world. Thomas is happy, although more angry with his grandpa, when he discovers he’s meant for more than farming and he takes to training like he’s been doing it all of his life. Thomas may be innocent in all ways but he knows from the beginning that he wants Julian, and for more than an affair.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
November 21, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I am a big fan of Ari McKay’s Asheville Arcana series and was thrilled to see the third installment, Quenched in Blood, had been released. Once again, we get to visit with Eli and Arden, Harlan and Whimsy, and, the grumpy yet intriguing, Julian. I am rather sad that this is the final chapter in this series, but was not disappointed by the unending action and the discovery of a new demon hunter—one destined to be Julian’s undoing.
For those who have not read the first two novels in this series, there will be ample spoilers in this review, so do yourself a favor and go back to read those before forging ahead. When we last left this intrepid group, Micah—seemingly the last demon hunter–had been ambushed and killed on his way to help Julian. The group was still searching for the cauldron, which promised whoever possessed it the ability to become reborn and made it a deadly prize between the good guys and the demons that seemed to be constantly surfacing. For Julian and the others, Micah’s death meant they had very little hope of defeating the mega demon that they knew had been unleashed from the bowels of hell. It also added to the burden of guilt Julian carried with him for this was not the first demon hunter who had fallen coming to his aid.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I am a big fan of Ari McKay’s Asheville Arcana series and was thrilled to see the third installment, Quenched in Blood, had been released. Once again, we get to visit with Eli and Arden, Harlan and Whimsy, and, the grumpy yet intriguing, Julian. I am rather sad that this is the final chapter in this series, but was not disappointed by the unending action and the discovery of a new demon hunter—one destined to be Julian’s undoing.
For those who have not read the first two novels in this series, there will be ample spoilers in this review, so do yourself a favor and go back to read those before forging ahead. When we last left this intrepid group, Micah—seemingly the last demon hunter–had been ambushed and killed on his way to help Julian. The group was still searching for the cauldron, which promised whoever possessed it the ability to become reborn and made it a deadly prize between the good guys and the demons that seemed to be constantly surfacing. For Julian and the others, Micah’s death meant they had very little hope of defeating the mega demon that they knew had been unleashed from the bowels of hell. It also added to the burden of guilt Julian carried with him for this was not the first demon hunter who had fallen coming to his aid.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
November 29, 2018
https://optimumm.blog/2018/11/29/revi...
Julian Schaden is a reclusive three-hundred-year-old vampire and a member of the Asheville paranormal council. For the last two years, with his two best friends, Arden and Whimsy and their mates, Eli and Harlan, they fight against evil forces who want to bring a powerful demon to earth.
Thomas Carter is the last heir of a long line of demon hunters, but he doesn’t know that. He was raised by his grandfather, Micah, a demon hunter too, who had to hide the truth to Thomas. Micah raised him on an isolated farm, without friends, TV, Internet…nothing. Thomas was completely cut off from the outside world.
Julian agreed to train Thomas and to teach him everything about the paranormal world and his legacy. Thomas is eager to learn with Julian, and not only about his destiny. But when a prophecy reveals that Thomas must die in order to save the world, Julian will have to choose between the world’s safety or his only real chance of love.
Quenched in Blood by Ari McKay is the third and final book in the Asheville Arcana series.
Julian is a vampire—a broody vampire. He’s fought against the evil forces for centuries now, and with the help of his two best friends and former lovers, Arden and Whimsy, Julian tries to protect the world. He has a lot of guilt in him, and he blames himself for Thomas’ parents and grandfather’s deaths, that’s why he tries to trained him to be the best.
Thomas is eager to discover the world or the worlds around him—the human world and paranormal world. He’d lived sheltered from the outside all his life, and he has a lot to discover. He also wants Julian, not only as a mentor, but also as a lover. He’s young, but eager to learn, he’s brave and kind and accepts his destiny even if it’s terrifying.
I loved these two characters. Julian is the archetype of the broody, moody vampire who reveals himself only to the people he cares about. He can be technically undead, but he’s more human than what people think. He’s strong, brave, fierce but also sensitive, kind and very smart, I loved that about him. Thomas is young but not stupid. He takes his duty as demon hunter seriously, and he’s also brave and doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind when necessary. I liked that he wasn’t a little puppy following and obeying his master.
This book is the last one in the Asheville Arcana Trilogy. We finally know who the demon is, how they’re going to fight it, and if they’ll survive. It was captivating, and I was a little bit sad to have to say goodbye to them.
I had a great time with them, and this final episode was super good.
4 Stars for the Vampire and his angel.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
Julian Schaden is a reclusive three-hundred-year-old vampire and a member of the Asheville paranormal council. For the last two years, with his two best friends, Arden and Whimsy and their mates, Eli and Harlan, they fight against evil forces who want to bring a powerful demon to earth.
Thomas Carter is the last heir of a long line of demon hunters, but he doesn’t know that. He was raised by his grandfather, Micah, a demon hunter too, who had to hide the truth to Thomas. Micah raised him on an isolated farm, without friends, TV, Internet…nothing. Thomas was completely cut off from the outside world.
Julian agreed to train Thomas and to teach him everything about the paranormal world and his legacy. Thomas is eager to learn with Julian, and not only about his destiny. But when a prophecy reveals that Thomas must die in order to save the world, Julian will have to choose between the world’s safety or his only real chance of love.
Quenched in Blood by Ari McKay is the third and final book in the Asheville Arcana series.
Julian is a vampire—a broody vampire. He’s fought against the evil forces for centuries now, and with the help of his two best friends and former lovers, Arden and Whimsy, Julian tries to protect the world. He has a lot of guilt in him, and he blames himself for Thomas’ parents and grandfather’s deaths, that’s why he tries to trained him to be the best.
Thomas is eager to discover the world or the worlds around him—the human world and paranormal world. He’d lived sheltered from the outside all his life, and he has a lot to discover. He also wants Julian, not only as a mentor, but also as a lover. He’s young, but eager to learn, he’s brave and kind and accepts his destiny even if it’s terrifying.
I loved these two characters. Julian is the archetype of the broody, moody vampire who reveals himself only to the people he cares about. He can be technically undead, but he’s more human than what people think. He’s strong, brave, fierce but also sensitive, kind and very smart, I loved that about him. Thomas is young but not stupid. He takes his duty as demon hunter seriously, and he’s also brave and doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind when necessary. I liked that he wasn’t a little puppy following and obeying his master.
This book is the last one in the Asheville Arcana Trilogy. We finally know who the demon is, how they’re going to fight it, and if they’ll survive. It was captivating, and I was a little bit sad to have to say goodbye to them.
I had a great time with them, and this final episode was super good.
4 Stars for the Vampire and his angel.
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
November 24, 2018
Since I’m a big fan of vampires in my paranormal romances, I was eagerly awaiting Julian’s story. I really liked that he wound up being paired with someone so innocent and unaware of the paranormal world—it gives this book a touch of opposites attracting (of which I’m also a big fan). And after following this series, I of course was very ready to see where things would sit by the end of this story.
Julian has so far seemed aloof and cool in his attitude in the first two books, but now that the focus has shifted to him we get to see him more closely. He’s not one to quickly give his heart away, so it’s understandable that he tries to keep Thomas in the ‘off-limits’ box even though he feels a pull to him. Thomas has an innocence about him thanks to the protected life he’s lived up to this point courtesy of his grandfather. Once he finds out there’s more—a LOT more—out in the world than he knows, that naïveté quickly dissolves as he embraces his lineage.
I’m also a huge fan of relationship development in any book I read, something I would have liked to have seen more of here. It felt like some of that was glossed over due to the length of the story and the need to get the series arc of the demon incursion resolved. It’s easy to see Julian and Thomas’s physical chemistry, and their first fully intimate scene where one aspect of Thomas’s innocence is lost is both tender and steamy at the same time.
There are several really good scenes regarding the escalation of the evildoings that were quite well laid out, and the major fight scene near the end was riveting. With such excitement, what happens after that felt a bit anti-climactic. But the end of the story does still leave the possibility of more in the series, so I’m hoping that will be the case since I really like the characters and world the authors have built.
Quenched in Blood was a 4.5-star read for me. While it is the third book in the series and I would advise reading the stories in order for the most enjoyment (especially since there is an ongoing arc through all the books), you could probably read it on its own since it does give a good base of information to facilitate understanding of what’s going on. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
Julian has so far seemed aloof and cool in his attitude in the first two books, but now that the focus has shifted to him we get to see him more closely. He’s not one to quickly give his heart away, so it’s understandable that he tries to keep Thomas in the ‘off-limits’ box even though he feels a pull to him. Thomas has an innocence about him thanks to the protected life he’s lived up to this point courtesy of his grandfather. Once he finds out there’s more—a LOT more—out in the world than he knows, that naïveté quickly dissolves as he embraces his lineage.
I’m also a huge fan of relationship development in any book I read, something I would have liked to have seen more of here. It felt like some of that was glossed over due to the length of the story and the need to get the series arc of the demon incursion resolved. It’s easy to see Julian and Thomas’s physical chemistry, and their first fully intimate scene where one aspect of Thomas’s innocence is lost is both tender and steamy at the same time.
There are several really good scenes regarding the escalation of the evildoings that were quite well laid out, and the major fight scene near the end was riveting. With such excitement, what happens after that felt a bit anti-climactic. But the end of the story does still leave the possibility of more in the series, so I’m hoping that will be the case since I really like the characters and world the authors have built.
Quenched in Blood was a 4.5-star read for me. While it is the third book in the series and I would advise reading the stories in order for the most enjoyment (especially since there is an ongoing arc through all the books), you could probably read it on its own since it does give a good base of information to facilitate understanding of what’s going on. This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
November 21, 2018
Brooding vampire Julian Schaden is taking the task to train young Thomas Carter to face the battle against the demon that has been threatening Asheville. Thomas is new to supernatural world, after being kept in the dark by his grandfather all his life…
Quenched in Blood is the conclusion of Ari McKay’s Asheville Arcana series – and I admit that I’m a little bit underwhelmed about it, especially the romance. The conflict is quite common: Julian feels that Thomas is too young for him, too inexperienced, Julian is practically his mentor in both supernatural and sexual aspect (you see, Thomas is a virgin).
However, in my perspective, it doesn’t take long for them to succumb to their attraction despite Julian’s reluctance in the beginning. I guess I miss some sort of relationship development between the two. Although I understand that they must share their story with the paranormal/demon aspect that happens in the background.
Since this is the last trilogy book, we finally being introduced to the demon, and there’s some great action scenes near the end. We also understand what the Cauldron of Rebirth can do and how it helps our heroes in the final battle. But in overall, I think it slightly lacks the charm of the first two books.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Quenched in Blood is the conclusion of Ari McKay’s Asheville Arcana series – and I admit that I’m a little bit underwhelmed about it, especially the romance. The conflict is quite common: Julian feels that Thomas is too young for him, too inexperienced, Julian is practically his mentor in both supernatural and sexual aspect (you see, Thomas is a virgin).
However, in my perspective, it doesn’t take long for them to succumb to their attraction despite Julian’s reluctance in the beginning. I guess I miss some sort of relationship development between the two. Although I understand that they must share their story with the paranormal/demon aspect that happens in the background.
Since this is the last trilogy book, we finally being introduced to the demon, and there’s some great action scenes near the end. We also understand what the Cauldron of Rebirth can do and how it helps our heroes in the final battle. But in overall, I think it slightly lacks the charm of the first two books.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
November 10, 2019
ARC received for an honest review
This is the conclusion of the Asheville Arcana series. It has Julian the 300+ yr old vampire who goes out to the Carter farm to find out who Micah was hiding on his farm. He encounters Thomas, Micah's grandson, who is completely clueless to his destiny of being a demon hunter. Thomas has wanted a life away from the farm for a long time and it doesn't take much convincing to get him to leave with Julian. Julian has promised to train Thomas to be a fighter and Thomas is coming around pretty good. Thomas has known he's gay since he was young and although he has no experience, he's immediately attracted to Julian and wants him. Julian is attracted to Thomas as well but is convinced that he's wrong for Thomas and is determined to ignore the attraction. Only problem with that is Thomas is just as determined to change Julian's mind.
There is great chemistry between Julian and Thomas and the sex scenes are pretty good too. The world building is enhanced and all the previous characters from books 1 and 2 are back to help. Thomas and Julian get some closure on things they thought about their pasts and Thomas gets a surprise meet. I thought this was the best of the trilogy and I definitely recommend it for anyone who likes supernatural creatures.
This is the conclusion of the Asheville Arcana series. It has Julian the 300+ yr old vampire who goes out to the Carter farm to find out who Micah was hiding on his farm. He encounters Thomas, Micah's grandson, who is completely clueless to his destiny of being a demon hunter. Thomas has wanted a life away from the farm for a long time and it doesn't take much convincing to get him to leave with Julian. Julian has promised to train Thomas to be a fighter and Thomas is coming around pretty good. Thomas has known he's gay since he was young and although he has no experience, he's immediately attracted to Julian and wants him. Julian is attracted to Thomas as well but is convinced that he's wrong for Thomas and is determined to ignore the attraction. Only problem with that is Thomas is just as determined to change Julian's mind.
There is great chemistry between Julian and Thomas and the sex scenes are pretty good too. The world building is enhanced and all the previous characters from books 1 and 2 are back to help. Thomas and Julian get some closure on things they thought about their pasts and Thomas gets a surprise meet. I thought this was the best of the trilogy and I definitely recommend it for anyone who likes supernatural creatures.
November 24, 2018
I have been waiting for Julian's story and hopefully happy ever after since book one! He is one of my favorite characters because he is a bad boy, broody vampire. I wasn't sure how Ari McKay was going to give Julian that HEA without softening him up too much or changing his personality and with whom. I was very pleased with the outcome!
Julian is an old vampire and hasn't had a lover in a while other than hookups for blood at the vampire/club slash bar. Both his past lovers, Arden and Whimsy (some at the same time) have found their true mates with werewolves.(you really should read the other two books for full understanding and who each character is)
All the characters were really awesome, the story-line intriguing, unique and a very big twist kinda shocking and sad too!
If you like vampires, werewolves, fae, mages, magic, demon hunters, demons and some hot man-sex you should really like this!
Julian is an old vampire and hasn't had a lover in a while other than hookups for blood at the vampire/club slash bar. Both his past lovers, Arden and Whimsy (some at the same time) have found their true mates with werewolves.(you really should read the other two books for full understanding and who each character is)
All the characters were really awesome, the story-line intriguing, unique and a very big twist kinda shocking and sad too!
If you like vampires, werewolves, fae, mages, magic, demon hunters, demons and some hot man-sex you should really like this!
December 5, 2018
This is an amazing series. It’s really rich and full of tremendous world building with lively and engaging characters and a bad guy really worth going after.
I loved the relationship building here – I felt like it went at a great pace and kept me interested without rushing it.
Of course the virgin aspect mixed with the “slut” as partner was really hot! But it was also really tender and Julian did a lot of growing along side Thomas.
The action/adventure was just enough without overwhelming the romance.
Overall I think this was excellent and I highly recommend it to any fan of the author, the series, paranormal romance and fantasy. I do think this is best read in order but you could muddle though if you really don’t want to.
5 of 5 stars
I loved the relationship building here – I felt like it went at a great pace and kept me interested without rushing it.
Of course the virgin aspect mixed with the “slut” as partner was really hot! But it was also really tender and Julian did a lot of growing along side Thomas.
The action/adventure was just enough without overwhelming the romance.
Overall I think this was excellent and I highly recommend it to any fan of the author, the series, paranormal romance and fantasy. I do think this is best read in order but you could muddle though if you really don’t want to.
5 of 5 stars
November 19, 2018
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-fh7 on 11/20
From that review: "When I look from the first introduction of the three men to the very last sentence, to the entire series arc, each relationship, the world building, and all the characters (quirks, cultures, and back histories), I think that Ari McKay accomplished a remarkable thing. The Asheville Arcana series is a fun, scary, hair-raising thrill ride of a romance trilogy and this was a wonderful send off."
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-fh7 on 11/20
From that review: "When I look from the first introduction of the three men to the very last sentence, to the entire series arc, each relationship, the world building, and all the characters (quirks, cultures, and back histories), I think that Ari McKay accomplished a remarkable thing. The Asheville Arcana series is a fun, scary, hair-raising thrill ride of a romance trilogy and this was a wonderful send off."
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
November 27, 2018
Why do people do that? The tagline more or less gives away the very end of the book. However despite that personal peeve, I've got little else to complain about. I enjoyed every single one of these books. All the couples were great (although I have a soft spot for a older virgin MC, so Whimsy and Harlan were probably my favourites. If you pressured me.). The story that was started in Out of the Ashes finishes in this final book and I was more than happy with the way things were all tied up. I read all three books over a two week period.
January 8, 2019
Just a bit underwhelmed with the characters and story development. Maybe this is why I usually start at the beginning of a series, not the end.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
February 28, 2019
Tale as old as time: 300 year old vampire's heart caught by 20 year old farm boy without being too Twilighty.
January 15, 2020
Quenched in Blood is the third and last book in the ‘Asheville Arcana’ series. It centers on vampire Julian Schaden, and neophyte demon hunter, Thomas Carter. The story is told in third person with duo pov.
May 31, 2022
This is the final installment with grumpy vamp Julian who goes to check out the farm where the demon hunter live and they find his grandson living there, completely oblivious to the fact he's a demon hunter as his grandfather tries to protect him. But once he finds out, he's happy to take on his role and starts training with Julian who feels guilty about being attracted because he feels responsible for the death of Thomas's parents when he was a baby and he's a virgin whose never had a chance to experience life.
Eventually they figure out who the demon is who is trying to take over the world and there is a big show-down with lots of drama. I did appreciate that Everything was nicely wrapped up but you really need to read the first two books to understand what is going on.
Eventually they figure out who the demon is who is trying to take over the world and there is a big show-down with lots of drama. I did appreciate that Everything was nicely wrapped up but you really need to read the first two books to understand what is going on.
January 16, 2021
Not my favorite
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but this one seemed to fall flat. Much of the story felt like it happened off screen. The author chose to tell us instead of show us some major developments. So many things were just sort of mentioned off hand as having happened but we never got to experience them. It made me feel very disconnected from both characters and the action of the plot itself. I wanted to feel the emotions of the characters as their relationship developed.
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but this one seemed to fall flat. Much of the story felt like it happened off screen. The author chose to tell us instead of show us some major developments. So many things were just sort of mentioned off hand as having happened but we never got to experience them. It made me feel very disconnected from both characters and the action of the plot itself. I wanted to feel the emotions of the characters as their relationship developed.
January 19, 2025
It started out well. It was entertaining getting to know the characters. Everyone seem nice enough and the supernatural world seem also interesting. For the first third of it I was happy with the book but suddenly it just felt the inical charm was lost. I end up struggling a bit to get to the end of it. I had a hard time to connect with the main characters emotions and even more so with their romance, which felt a bit rushed. I did like a lot of the story so I don't regret reading it.
May 6, 2020
Same criticism, I enjoyed it but it was nothing special. The ending was lacking, the focus was again on the couple and their romance, everything else like the plot, the secondary characters, the council and the packs was lacking. I am sure I will read this series again at some point, but you really should not expect a masterpiece. So much unused potential.
November 4, 2020
This was an amazing read and the perfect way to end a series. I absolutely loved Julian in the previous books, and for him to be the final book in the series made it that much sweeter. Thomas was perfect for Julian in every way, and I loved seeing a different side of him with Thomas. It made me sad that this was the final book...It was that good.
August 25, 2021
3.5 Stars
The series comes to a conclusion and the romance was super sweet. I enjoyed this one.
TAGS
-- Fantasy -- vampire/demon hunter pairing -- various other supernatural beings -- action -- drama -- sweet moments -- first time/virgin -- LOVED the MCs... Julian & Thomas -- satisfying conclusion to a series -- not a stand alone
February 21, 2021
Spoiler alert
The firat two books were much better. I feel very unsatisfied, like a page or three more could have helped. It ended extremely abruptly, as if the author accidentally hit send before they could finish. Other than the ending, it was an okay story.
The firat two books were much better. I feel very unsatisfied, like a page or three more could have helped. It ended extremely abruptly, as if the author accidentally hit send before they could finish. Other than the ending, it was an okay story.
April 13, 2021
Wonderful!
This is the last book in the ashville arcana series and it’s a doozy! Finding out that you’re part Angel and a demon hunter to boot, Thomas has a heck of a time catching up. Thank goodness Julian is there to help. Highly recommended
This is the last book in the ashville arcana series and it’s a doozy! Finding out that you’re part Angel and a demon hunter to boot, Thomas has a heck of a time catching up. Thank goodness Julian is there to help. Highly recommended
April 27, 2021
I loved everything except the end. It just seemed to quick and felt like parts were skipped over.
May 11, 2021
Good story.
Good conclusion to the series! I liked Julian and Thomas. I liked the action and danger and magic. It was also good to see Whimsy, Harlan, Arden, and Eli again.
Good conclusion to the series! I liked Julian and Thomas. I liked the action and danger and magic. It was also good to see Whimsy, Harlan, Arden, and Eli again.
July 1, 2021
Super cute! Hope to see more from this series!
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