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Lady Dread #1
Lady Dread
She kills for a demon overlord until a conscience turns her traitor. Now she’ll take one final stand for the living. Undead Commander Lady Dread wages war without mercy. Until the spellbinding eyes of an enemy youth warms her rotted heart. Defying her demon overlord, Lady Dread steals away with the child in search of safety. Stripped of her rank and her cursed armor, she’s shocked when flesh returns to her skeletal frame… and lost memories creep into her skull. In search of the truth behind her magical recovery, Lady Dread must find the hidden path to her mysterious homeland. But when echoes from her past start to take form, she fears the secrets waiting on the other side could be too horrible even for her to bear. With a vengeful demon army on her trail, she must summon her courage to reclaim her true self… and save the living from eternal damnation. Lady Dread is a pulse-pounding dark fantasy novel. If you like grisly battles, spine-tingling suspense, and unflinching journeys of redemption, then you’ll love John Patrick Kennedy’s tale of honor, horror, and war.
268 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2018
95 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
John Patrick Kennedy
13 books811 followersJohn has always had a taste for wanderlust and adventure. As a young man, he travelled the world with little but what he could carry on his back. He has climbed Denali, hiked the Amazon, and even spent a year in Japan, teaching English and feeding deer in the famous Nara Park. His love of Asian history and philosophy has led him to become a master at Jeet Kune Do and a practicing Taoist.
John now divides his time between two homes, one in New York City, the other in London. He is married with a beautiful little girl who inspires and captivates him. They share their homes with a loyal, loving, German Shepherd. A man of many interests and talents, John has been a world-ranked tennis pro, a ballroom dancer, chef... and of course, he remains, and always will be a writer. All of John's many interests and adventures have inspired his writing. In addition, his imagination is so vivid and dear, it is almost as if he lives part-time within a third home in his mind, an inner world his readers glimpse when they read his novels.
Unfortunately, he's still unable to get verified on Twitter and Facebook.
johnpatrickkennedy.net
twitter.com/JohnPatKennedy
facebook.com/AuthorJohnPatrickKennedy/
John now divides his time between two homes, one in New York City, the other in London. He is married with a beautiful little girl who inspires and captivates him. They share their homes with a loyal, loving, German Shepherd. A man of many interests and talents, John has been a world-ranked tennis pro, a ballroom dancer, chef... and of course, he remains, and always will be a writer. All of John's many interests and adventures have inspired his writing. In addition, his imagination is so vivid and dear, it is almost as if he lives part-time within a third home in his mind, an inner world his readers glimpse when they read his novels.
Unfortunately, he's still unable to get verified on Twitter and Facebook.
johnpatrickkennedy.net
twitter.com/JohnPatKennedy
facebook.com/AuthorJohnPatrickKennedy/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 22, 2020
Yikes! A cliffhanger! Ugh!
Lady Dread by John Patrick Kennedy is a super awesome and original fantasy world of evil vs good! The evil world is fascinating and contains our main characters, yep, on the team of the bad guys! Lady Dread is on her every day killing spree and heard a cry of a newborn baby. She tracks the cries and gets ready to stomp it's head in then stops. There is something about this baby that makes her not be able to kill it. Well, now she is big trouble! She is being chased by the most unusual creatures of evil for disobeying. She has to find a way to take care of the baby. There is lots going on and I would have given it a 5 star review but I hate cliffhangers!
Lady Dread by John Patrick Kennedy is a super awesome and original fantasy world of evil vs good! The evil world is fascinating and contains our main characters, yep, on the team of the bad guys! Lady Dread is on her every day killing spree and heard a cry of a newborn baby. She tracks the cries and gets ready to stomp it's head in then stops. There is something about this baby that makes her not be able to kill it. Well, now she is big trouble! She is being chased by the most unusual creatures of evil for disobeying. She has to find a way to take care of the baby. There is lots going on and I would have given it a 5 star review but I hate cliffhangers!
June 9, 2023
Primer libro que leo de este autor y realmente me gustó, ya que tenía muchas ganas de leer alguno de sus libros.
Que historia más buena y original. Lady Dread es un personaje interesante, que tiene un cambio progresivo y profundo.
Lo único "malo" del libro es que deja muchas explicaciones para el segundo, así que hay cosas que no tienen sentido o no se entienden en este.
Espero poder leer pronto la continuación.
Que historia más buena y original. Lady Dread es un personaje interesante, que tiene un cambio progresivo y profundo.
Lo único "malo" del libro es que deja muchas explicaciones para el segundo, así que hay cosas que no tienen sentido o no se entienden en este.
Espero poder leer pronto la continuación.
January 1, 2020
A REMARKABLE STORY ABOUT GOOD BAD MAGIC! BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
Here is a wonderful story of amazing people who are good and then evil!Along with a very evil man, who enjoys torturing men, women, children.This terrible man has strong MAGIC. He is able to tum live people into dead warriors and torture them!This was a very interesting book ! BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍 See 👀 how the characters evolve and the horror of it changes! Many surprises, it builds into an outstanding adventure in reading 📚. BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
Here is a wonderful story of amazing people who are good and then evil!Along with a very evil man, who enjoys torturing men, women, children.This terrible man has strong MAGIC. He is able to tum live people into dead warriors and torture them!This was a very interesting book ! BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍 See 👀 how the characters evolve and the horror of it changes! Many surprises, it builds into an outstanding adventure in reading 📚. BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
July 25, 2018
This was a fantastical journey to go on. Lady Dread is a badass villain turned heroine in this story. Upon finding a baby hidden in the woods, she cannot figure out why she isn't able to squash it like a bug under her boot. Forced to protect the babe, she begins to have random flashes of memory she had forgotten. There was a bit of comedy within her thoughts which I found awesome as it gave her personality.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. My only complaint is that I wish I knew what happens at the very end. I kinda feel like I'm on a cliff LOL
Overall, I really enjoyed this story. My only complaint is that I wish I knew what happens at the very end. I kinda feel like I'm on a cliff LOL
July 24, 2018
Lady Dread is the latest book from John Patrick Kennedy. I've read 4 of his other 6 available books (working on getting those last two), so I would like to think I'm familiar with his style. Lady Dread fits in quite well in JPK's collection with its badass lead, who happens to be a woman. I also happen to be a fan of awesome, badass female leads so Lady Dread fits perfectly with my tastes.
This isn't a spoiler since it's stated in the description: Lady Dread starts as the absolute scum of the earth and a character that you just want to hate. After the baby is saved, Dread begins to develop an actual personality besides being a poster child for the "chaotic-evil" archetype villain. She's rough around the edges as she regains her humanity, but Dread does become likable. Not his strongest lead character in terms of personality shift and likability (that goes to Nyx from the Angels duo, in my opinion), but Dread did win me over in the end.
Speaking of characters, with the exception of the baby and Dread's horse, most everyone else introduced is relatively generic and standard. They serve their purposes, but are generally "McGuffins" to drive the story along. Baby and Horse do offer some humorous moments within. Horse is pretty awesome, actually. He's about as equally badass as Dread.
Lady Dread also follows JPK's style of intense violence, so if you are squeamish or uncomfortable with descriptions of said violence, this book is not for you, as I would say it also adds a "hyper-" tag to it as well. Which, in context, is understandable since Lady Dread is the lead commander of an undead and demon army... the latter of which is known for hyper-intense violence.
Story wise, Lady Dread is solid. Action starts heavy and fast, tapers slightly in the middle as exposition takes control to drive the plot, but picks up shortly thereafter. Definitely entertained and wanting to keep reading. There are a few predictable moments; if you've read enough books, you'll pick up on the signs. Instead of being disappointed in seeing them coming, there was more of a seeing-how-it-plays-out feeling that led to vindication of calling it... and then cursing said characters involved. Battle sequences are a fluid mix of sword and sorcery, with the magic usage being simple and not cumbersome.
The book is not without its flaws, of course. I have noticed JPK does have some issues with punctuation and wording. Nobody's perfect. Said instances are spaced few and far between to not detract from the reading.
Overall: I do recommend Lady Dread. I have several questions after the ending, so I do hope at least a singular sequel is being thought of/developed. I would suggest Princess Dracula as an entry title into JPK's work, as that is tame in comparison to Lady Dread. If you're already a JPK fan or looking to jump straight into the deep end, go for it.
This isn't a spoiler since it's stated in the description: Lady Dread starts as the absolute scum of the earth and a character that you just want to hate. After the baby is saved, Dread begins to develop an actual personality besides being a poster child for the "chaotic-evil" archetype villain. She's rough around the edges as she regains her humanity, but Dread does become likable. Not his strongest lead character in terms of personality shift and likability (that goes to Nyx from the Angels duo, in my opinion), but Dread did win me over in the end.
Speaking of characters, with the exception of the baby and Dread's horse, most everyone else introduced is relatively generic and standard. They serve their purposes, but are generally "McGuffins" to drive the story along. Baby and Horse do offer some humorous moments within. Horse is pretty awesome, actually. He's about as equally badass as Dread.
Lady Dread also follows JPK's style of intense violence, so if you are squeamish or uncomfortable with descriptions of said violence, this book is not for you, as I would say it also adds a "hyper-" tag to it as well. Which, in context, is understandable since Lady Dread is the lead commander of an undead and demon army... the latter of which is known for hyper-intense violence.
Story wise, Lady Dread is solid. Action starts heavy and fast, tapers slightly in the middle as exposition takes control to drive the plot, but picks up shortly thereafter. Definitely entertained and wanting to keep reading. There are a few predictable moments; if you've read enough books, you'll pick up on the signs. Instead of being disappointed in seeing them coming, there was more of a seeing-how-it-plays-out feeling that led to vindication of calling it... and then cursing said characters involved. Battle sequences are a fluid mix of sword and sorcery, with the magic usage being simple and not cumbersome.
The book is not without its flaws, of course. I have noticed JPK does have some issues with punctuation and wording. Nobody's perfect. Said instances are spaced few and far between to not detract from the reading.
Overall: I do recommend Lady Dread. I have several questions after the ending, so I do hope at least a singular sequel is being thought of/developed. I would suggest Princess Dracula as an entry title into JPK's work, as that is tame in comparison to Lady Dread. If you're already a JPK fan or looking to jump straight into the deep end, go for it.
July 28, 2018
Lady Dread is a brutal redemption story that grabbed my attention. This author whom I have read 4 other books by did not let me down. This story was different and normally I am not very much into books centered around this time frame or more or less genre (I normally hang around vampires). However, once I began reading within the first paragraph I was hooked and with each page, I needed to know more of this story of Lady Dread and her journey of redemption. She is a strong female warrior and unique. I am newer to this authors style of intense violence but that didn't slow me down as I turned each page groggy laying in bed knowing I had been up all night. Only when sleep forced itself on me did I rest but the moment I woke I had to read more. I could feel my heart beat quicken and the moment when the child smiled that I swear I felt it stop for a moment as I read what would happen. No, I cannot tell you, after all, I am a reviewer and no one likes spoilers.
July 29, 2020
Interesting and fresh
Well written with an interesting viewpoint. The world building is solid but not great (it might become better as the series progresses for all I know).
The largest issue is that this is at most half a book. Even if the author intends to write a multi book series it makes no sense to cut it off where it ends. This book is the just the beginning of a story, there's no middle and no end. We get some prologue interspersed with a beginning. I don't mind multi book series but I feel that each part should at least have a working solid subplot.
As it's hard to rate just part of a story it gets a middling score while I continue with the next book.
Well written with an interesting viewpoint. The world building is solid but not great (it might become better as the series progresses for all I know).
The largest issue is that this is at most half a book. Even if the author intends to write a multi book series it makes no sense to cut it off where it ends. This book is the just the beginning of a story, there's no middle and no end. We get some prologue interspersed with a beginning. I don't mind multi book series but I feel that each part should at least have a working solid subplot.
As it's hard to rate just part of a story it gets a middling score while I continue with the next book.
August 15, 2018
The Apocalypse is here!! The world is burning to the ground and the dead are waking up and coming back to life! John Patrick Kennedy is a new-to-me author, but after this amazing adventure I just HAVE to read more by him because WOW!!! I fell into this story and stayed on the edge of my seat reading until it ended! This book had everything from adventure and suspense to a small dose of hope and even a dark sort of love. I can't wAit to read the next book to see what happens to to the Captain next!!
March 14, 2023
I have been so excited about this book, I've had it for years and finally read it.
I love the cover and the title.
I will admit it took me a while to get into it but I think its because I haven't read a horror in a while and needed to get back into the mindset.
Once I did though I really enjoyed it. It was graphic, blood thirsty and dark just the way I like it.
It flowed well, I liked the characters and the relationships. It broke my heart. FURION!
Great world building.
I would happily continue this series.
I love the cover and the title.
I will admit it took me a while to get into it but I think its because I haven't read a horror in a while and needed to get back into the mindset.
Once I did though I really enjoyed it. It was graphic, blood thirsty and dark just the way I like it.
It flowed well, I liked the characters and the relationships. It broke my heart. FURION!
Great world building.
I would happily continue this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2018
This book is amazing! It is definitely on the dark side of the stuff I have read but it is absolutely fantastic!
This is the first book by Mr. John Patrick Kennedy that I have read and I must say that I instantly fell in love with his writing style and the characters of this story! The attention to detail at every turn and in everything is astounding and it adds an incredible amount of dimension to the story. The attention to detail is what allows you to become completely enveloped in the story and feel like you are living it as you read, makes you not want to stop until the last word. I can also definitively say that I was thoroughly disappointed when it was over! I wanted it keep going, that’s how much I was loving it and living it!
My favorite character in this amazingly written tale is the leading Lady Dread! She has such an epic progression in her character! She transforms physically, mentally and emotionally from the beginning of the story all the way through to the end! The detail with which those transformations are described will make you feel it all as if you are Lady Dread herself!
A five star read on all fronts and I cannot wait for the next installment! By which i mean that i am definitely keeping my hopes up that there will be another!
This is the first book by Mr. John Patrick Kennedy that I have read and I must say that I instantly fell in love with his writing style and the characters of this story! The attention to detail at every turn and in everything is astounding and it adds an incredible amount of dimension to the story. The attention to detail is what allows you to become completely enveloped in the story and feel like you are living it as you read, makes you not want to stop until the last word. I can also definitively say that I was thoroughly disappointed when it was over! I wanted it keep going, that’s how much I was loving it and living it!
My favorite character in this amazingly written tale is the leading Lady Dread! She has such an epic progression in her character! She transforms physically, mentally and emotionally from the beginning of the story all the way through to the end! The detail with which those transformations are described will make you feel it all as if you are Lady Dread herself!
A five star read on all fronts and I cannot wait for the next installment! By which i mean that i am definitely keeping my hopes up that there will be another!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2018
Where do I start with this amazingly written book? So first of all John is amazing at writing I have read all his books and love each and every one of them!! Lady dread is no different this story is a bit dark but dear lord will it make you feel and I love it so much!!! The whole time I was reading it I just had anxiety and had to keep going to find out what happens! I can not wait for the next adventure
December 30, 2019
Dark fantasy with strong female lead.
Darkness travels across human lands; an army of monsters conquer and destroy. Standing first among these and most feared is a legend: Lady Dread who fights for and serves a far off dark lord. Lady Dread slaughters all before her until she spares a baby... David Gemmel does 'legend' better, but few others that I can think of. If you like strong female characters and action adventure this is the book to read.
Darkness travels across human lands; an army of monsters conquer and destroy. Standing first among these and most feared is a legend: Lady Dread who fights for and serves a far off dark lord. Lady Dread slaughters all before her until she spares a baby... David Gemmel does 'legend' better, but few others that I can think of. If you like strong female characters and action adventure this is the book to read.
July 26, 2018
Lady Dread is a must read for anyone that loves books that keep you on the edge of your seat... always wanting more! It has a bit of everything; suspense, action, horror and even love. The most important question, why the baby? Hard to put down and makes you want to call in sick to work as you ride along with Lady Dread on her road to self-discovery (and bodies)!
September 12, 2018
Wow! That was surprising in an awesome way!
John Patruck Kennedy has created an abomination of astronomical proportions! Thank God this world doesn't really exist!
I thought this would be a nice little story to read while waiting in the doctors office.....then I couldn't put it down! Lady Dread is my new favorite monster!
John Patruck Kennedy has created an abomination of astronomical proportions! Thank God this world doesn't really exist!
I thought this would be a nice little story to read while waiting in the doctors office.....then I couldn't put it down! Lady Dread is my new favorite monster!
December 29, 2019
An interesting read and compelling story...
I didn't know what to expect with this book from the description, but I have to say, the story was interesting and compelling. You feel for the unusual heroine, and hope she regains some of her humanity. As for the mysterious child, I'm sure the answers will be forthcoming. Great story, can't wait for the next book in the series.
I didn't know what to expect with this book from the description, but I have to say, the story was interesting and compelling. You feel for the unusual heroine, and hope she regains some of her humanity. As for the mysterious child, I'm sure the answers will be forthcoming. Great story, can't wait for the next book in the series.
August 11, 2020
A story about an undead slave warrior and a baby in an undead adventure that basically killed everyone else but them.
Very simple, yet straight to the point. Very interesting magic system and a character that changed from "Do this. Now" to "You need to do this, now, or I'll shove my boot up your arse"
Totally recommend, it's a fast read.
Very simple, yet straight to the point. Very interesting magic system and a character that changed from "Do this. Now" to "You need to do this, now, or I'll shove my boot up your arse"
Totally recommend, it's a fast read.
July 26, 2018
Very interesting story. World building and setup- beginning of many adventures
Lady dread becomes so much more in this book and is a very interesting character. Her story and that of the child is just beginning and I am very interested in seeing what happens next.
Lady dread becomes so much more in this book and is a very interesting character. Her story and that of the child is just beginning and I am very interested in seeing what happens next.
August 1, 2018
Surprisingly good
I couldn't stop reading it and will buy the next one asap. Loved the characters, the worldbuilding, and the vivid, realistic setting. I hope Lady Dread meets her descendants before the next, worse demon finds her.
I couldn't stop reading it and will buy the next one asap. Loved the characters, the worldbuilding, and the vivid, realistic setting. I hope Lady Dread meets her descendants before the next, worse demon finds her.
October 1, 2018
Love it!
Since I read Princess Dracula I was expecting this story. I like the quest, the characters and setting. Lady dread is a fine character in search of self redemption. Really love it
Since I read Princess Dracula I was expecting this story. I like the quest, the characters and setting. Lady dread is a fine character in search of self redemption. Really love it
October 14, 2018
Great Read!
Loved it! The various demons are inventive and different from standards thoughts and beliefs of what makes a demon and how they act. Story line keeps you going. I have read every book from this author and I have loved every one! I cannot wait for more!
Loved it! The various demons are inventive and different from standards thoughts and beliefs of what makes a demon and how they act. Story line keeps you going. I have read every book from this author and I have loved every one! I cannot wait for more!
December 31, 2019
Entertaining
But not a complete book. Apparently it's the first of a long series. The writing is very good, great story. I am not going to read further however, I don't like cliffhangers and series where you are forced to buy a bunch of books to get a complete story.
But not a complete book. Apparently it's the first of a long series. The writing is very good, great story. I am not going to read further however, I don't like cliffhangers and series where you are forced to buy a bunch of books to get a complete story.
April 25, 2020
Ghost rider meets king arthur
This was a shot in the dark read that I ended up really enjoying. Definitely had its share of surprises and action. Wish it had just a bit more to story line but I will definitely will pick up number 2
This was a shot in the dark read that I ended up really enjoying. Definitely had its share of surprises and action. Wish it had just a bit more to story line but I will definitely will pick up number 2
November 24, 2024
Lady Dread was a delightful discovery for me. Far better than i had expected. It is set in an interesting fantasy world, with an intriguing main character, and a compelling plot. The magic system is unique and well thought out. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and ha e already purchased the next one.
July 21, 2018
Absolutely mind blowing and action packed. Loved the story characters and in your face action can't wait for more.
August 29, 2018
This book had me enthralled from the very beginning.
I could not put it down. Very adventurous and magical and I want to read more. 15/10 would reccomend and would read again.
I could not put it down. Very adventurous and magical and I want to read more. 15/10 would reccomend and would read again.
August 29, 2018
Dark, urban fantasy at its finest!
December 29, 2018
My Spoiler Free Review -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1Cvq...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1Cvq...
November 9, 2019
The Beginning of a Journey
This id the first book in the series and it is a great start. I can't wait to read the next part, all the while wishing it was already out.
This id the first book in the series and it is a great start. I can't wait to read the next part, all the while wishing it was already out.
May 22, 2020
Good Short Book
Enjoyed this book. Intriguing main character. The hardships, trials and tribulations well written and kept me wanting more and more
Enjoyed this book. Intriguing main character. The hardships, trials and tribulations well written and kept me wanting more and more
October 28, 2019
Dark, deep and love it!
I love the intense dark story lines from page one I was pulled in and felt like I was there. Love it! I loved the transformation of Lady Dread and more so her reaction to it. Was so innocent and confused.
I love the intense dark story lines from page one I was pulled in and felt like I was there. Love it! I loved the transformation of Lady Dread and more so her reaction to it. Was so innocent and confused.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews