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Rouen Chronicles #4

A Vampire's Bane

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“The monster isn’t under my bed. It’s screaming inside my head.”  

Cursed by the Kiss of Eternal Night, Samira lives her life as an ancient and powerful vampire, guarding her emotions carefully. One slip up and the darkness inside her could send her on a rage-filled, bloodlust path of death and destruction. It’s happened once before, and it could easily happen again. 

For over a century, she’s managed to keep the beast inside her at bay, but when someone from her past shows up unexpectedly, her emotions hang by a thread. Especially when she finds out they are working with the Phoenix, the source of the growing evil in Rouen. 

Maybe it’s time she stops controlling the monster inside her. It may be the only way she can save those she loves. 

In this full-length, urban fantasy series, Steele and Mason introduce readers to a dark and exciting world full of shifters, vampires, and witches. If you like Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Shayne Silvers or K.F. Breene, you will LOVE this new series! Scroll up and grab this gritty urban fantasy TODAY! 

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2019

610 people are currently reading
303 people want to read

About the author

Raven Steele

98 books175 followers
Join my private Facebook group where you can talk about everything Rouen: Raven Steele and the Rouen World Readers Group

Born at the stroke of midnight, Raven Steele grew up in a home bordering a graveyard as old as time. Ghosts became her only friends and whispered tales of a world that existed between night and day. In this place, monsters roamed the lands, magic curled in the wind, and good and evil fought over the hearts and minds of humans. Desperate to not let those dark and brave creatures be forgotten, Raven wrote down the words of the ghosts, knowing their stories of triumph and sorrow would give strength and comfort to those in our world.

And so, when the sun sets, Raven retreats to the cemetery at the edge of the woods, where she sits and listens to the dead speak their tales of Rouen and all of its inhabitants. Because one day, our two worlds may collide, and when they do, we must be ready. For when their darkness bleeds into ours, we will be fighting for more than our lives. We will be battling for our souls.

Raven Steele is a pen name to USA Today's bestselling author Rachel McClellan.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
March 9, 2019
A Vampire's Bane #4 - Ohmygosh! While not quite a cliffhanger, it sets up the next book. Well written as always, Ms. Steele packs a novel full of intrigue, suspense, action and well thought out storylines. The cast of characters do not disappoint with their dialog and actions, including the new additions. The twists keep the reader immersed in the pages, along with the vivid descriptions of the author's imagination, rather a good one and my type.

There's plenty of sexual tension, but no sex open to voyeurs and the vulgar language consists of one f-bomb and mild cursing - mainly thanks to one character, it's just her way. Yes, there is violence but nothing graphic; you get the idea and your imagination takes it as graphic you want it. The formula of a weakness is used heavily but that's the nature of the game. I just wish I had the next book or this one with another 300 pages. I contacted the author, one of my favorites, to review her book. 5*

Rouen Urban Series:
A Shifter's Curse #1 - Another good series from one of my favorite authors, Rachel McClellan and even and with her name change to Raven Steele, she still remains in that category. This book is fast paced, action packed and well thought out. The storylines are interesting and add twists and kinks, but keep the reader glued to the pages. There's violence but it isn't graphically gory but clear what happened; the reader still can use their imagination. Yes, vulgar language but not continuous, here and there for emphasis.

The characters are developed enough for the reader to understand them and their motives. They run the gamut on personalities and types. The action has a real feeling to it, not the Hollywood garbage common today. With the author's clear, vivid descriptions the reader is racing along in a rollercoaster car that sometimes isn't on the tracks, which adds a lot of excitement to the story. I contacted the author to review her books and she hasn't disappointed me once. 5*

Shifter's Rage #2 - Ms. McClellan is one of my favorite authors and even with her name change to Raven Steele, she still remains in that category. Like all of her previous books, this is fast paced, well written with well thought out storylines, some of which are completed in this book and some that set up the next book; not a cliffhanger. Her characters run the gamut from nice to typical to horrendous, complete with their own personalities. The action scenes run true, no Hollywood silliness, and there's violence but not graphic gory, just clear cut. The reader gets the picture and feels the pain, but their imagination is allowed to exist. The author does a wonderful job with her clear, vivid descriptions. There is sexual tension and some vulgar language but not in every sentence, paragraph or page.

Here and there will be a surprise twist out of the blue; there are still surprise kinks and actions, but the twists add a depth to the usual shifter/vampire/witch theme. Ms. McClellan makes her stories her own and not copies of what everyone else is doing. It is easy to get lost in the intrigue and suspense and the revenge, while still seeing good. I contacted the author to review her books a long time ago and haven't read a bad book in the last two years. 5*

A Shifter's Revenge #3 - I hope you've been reading these books in order; you'll enjoy this one a lot better if you have. I love the Ann Landers' quote, how true. This book is just as well written, well thought out and action packed as the first two. The characters are likable, realistic and grow more with each book. The fast paced storylines continue to evolve and the reader is taken on another rollercoast ride through a gamut of emotions and twisting kinks.

The intrigue and the vivid descriptions keeps the reader glued to the pages and all too soon another book is finished, which is really difficult on this Shifter addict. I am never disappointed by Raven/Rachel's work and she remains one of my favorite authors; she weaves her craft so well. It is so hard to write a review since the desire is so strong to turn this into a book report, but I dislike those people that take away the joy of reading a new book. 5*
Rouen Urban Series end.
Profile Image for Shelley.
5,599 reviews490 followers
May 1, 2019
*Source* Amazon
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0

*Thoughts*

A Vampire's Bane, by co-authors Raven Steele and Ava Mason, is the fourth installment in the Rouen Chronicles. This is a story that takes place in the fictitious town of Rouen, Louisiana where something evil is brewing and a group of vampires, witches, and shifters stand guardian. While the first three stories of this series focused on Briar, this book focuses on Samira Chevoky. Samira is a centuries old vampire who is roommates of Briar (Alpha shifter) and Lynx (Witch).

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Saint Fitz.
270 reviews
May 20, 2020
I tried to get into this, I really did. But Samira the Cardboard Cutout aka Breaker of Insomia, Briar's Boobies, and Who is Lynx, Again? really did my head in.

While I like Angel, all these characters are about as interesting as a box of Triscuits. The Asbestos blood was completely forgotten this book.

:::More nega-tron points:::
• One-dimensional villains and no framing for the "big bad." They (Korin plus Phoenix--aka, overplayed-name McGee) were just these amorphous evil dudes with no reason or purpose or goal. Lasers locked on DESTROY, and that was about all we knew as readers.
• Random highly-detailed and out of place mention of spin-off characters, a surefire late-in-the- game editing decision.
• Does Samira having that Cursed Crunk Juice in her veins mean she can't laugh or smile or be, ya know, a real character?
• Luke needs to go. Bye-boi. He's just hot ab-curtains at this point.
• Did I mention that Briar is a big tiddie Liddie? huh, I could have sworn she mentioned it (and now, Samira) about 30,000 times over the last 4 books.
• Characters like Mateo--"I love you to the ends of the earth and would die for you and keep showing up without fail and saving your ass and bringing you back from utter darkness I love you I love you I looooove yooooooooou" *hand lingering outreached in the air* are the worst. Because, they are boring.

Wow... I guess I had to get some stuff off my chest with this review. Sorry, authors. I liked your books, okay, but I can't hang in there for however many more you've got cookin'.
Profile Image for Rickie.
457 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2019
This is the first time I've read a book by Steele but I look forward to reading more as this was the 4th book in the series and one I received as an ARC. I love all things vampire, however this book a boat load of supernaturals. It pushed all my buttons with action, suspense, betrayal, and no HEA in sight as yet.

Samira is a key piece to Korin's desire to take over everyone along with the Phoenix (who has her own agenda). The Phoenix is portrayed as a man throughout this book, but who is in fact a woman who can shift at will into anyone she wants. This is a dark undertaking story where Samira doesn't realize she is a target and guilty of not paying attention as she has told Briar she needs to be. The characters here are well developed, the action keeps you on the edge of your seat, the outcome is still not done with Samira. This isn't a cliffhanger as I'm use to in a series, but you just know there is more to come. What is in store for Samira and her friends....well, keep reading and find out.

Can Samira come back from the cursed Kiss of Eternal Night?
Profile Image for Terri West.
2,157 reviews
May 6, 2019
This series continues to give. The first three books focused on Briar, while this forth book in the series presents things from Samira's perspective and the story continues from where we left the third book. Korin continues to cause Samira pain and is determined she should work with him, however she is fighting to control the Kiss of Eternal Night and keep the darkness at bay, something Korin hopes to unleash.
As throughout this series the world building and characters are well developed and there is action and suspense all the way. Of course there is a certain amount of love interest but as is always the case, the course of true love never runs smoothly. Briar and Like are still together and there is a lot of sexual tension between Samira and Mateo, not forgetting Angel, who clearly still has feelings for Briar who knows where their lives will end up.
At the end of this book we do not have a definitive conclusion, we do however get a mention of Aris Crow whom you will meet in book 5. Great fantasy series for anyone who enjoys paranormal and fantasy fiction.
2,552 reviews22 followers
March 27, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of " A VAMPIRE'S BANE" WOW!!!!! Right off the bat this story grabs hold and won't let go this is more about Samira's background and she contains the Kiss of Eternal Night which if she lies control she will kill everything in sight.
Samira, Briar and Lynx are trying to take Korin down along with the Phoenix who's trying to raise Trianus who will take over everything and they want to prevent this from happening.
It will take everyone working together the Shifters,Vampires, Witches, and The Fae to come together to destroy Korin who is Samira's maker along with Mateo and Angel, and the Phoenix who is really a woman but now a man and it can shift into anything and has unbelievable poweres.
This is one addicting series you just can't miss having in your library Ava Mason is a brilliantly talented writer and create awsome characters I definitely recomnend to get this amazing story you so won't be disappointed.
6 reviews
March 24, 2019
This was an interesting take on the whole doomsday vibe- from Sammie’s perspective. I loved that we got more info on Samira’s past. I was floored by the revelation of what truly happened between her and Mateo! Heart wrenching! I can’t say that this part of the series was packed with exciting twists and turns as the others, but I enjoyed the introduction of a new bad ass villain. I can’t wait to see how the girls get out of this jam! I love the conflicted feeling involving Angel- he is sooo damn brooding and I love it. I truly can’t wait to see what the authors come up with. I read this as a ARC. I am heavily invested in the rest of the series. I can’t wait to hear more of the bad ass crap talking. I think Briar is rubbing off on Sammie!
Profile Image for Chantel Mah.
1 review
June 18, 2020
The whole time I was reading this book was to good to the end with the hope that the next book Samira would not be the narrator. She was boring and lifeless, no pun intended, as the main character. She spent most of the time eluding to how she use to be interesting. The only things I looked forward to was Briar’s interactions with Angel and the end of the book. Samira in the prior books had been made out to be this bad ass heroine, but all I saw throughout this book was someone giving up her blood like it was coca cola and acquiescing to everyone else and making promises that we all knew she could not keep. There was no real or inspiring leadership on her part.
Profile Image for Nereid.
1,466 reviews21 followers
August 19, 2020
Monsters and magic

Evil is alive and well and some vampires just have to fit the stereotype. Korin is one of them and I can see why Samira left in the first place. Talk about an egomaniac and control freak who makes Jack the Ripper look like a saint. This Kiss of eternal night seems pretty scary really and I wonder if it is hard to switch it off again. No humanity for a vampire seems typical but for her friends like Briar and Lynx the side effect could be devastating. Losing Faithe was the last thing holding her humanity intact and now it all out war. I hope she can make it back to Mateo as Samira deserves some happiness.
Profile Image for J.M..
974 reviews4 followers
March 12, 2019





No spoilers of any kind included!
This book like the ones before it was awesome!
And that’s all I’m going to say about this book because if I say anymore I’ll be giving away all the surprises that’s hidden within this story!
Ava Mason and Raven Steele are an amazing writing team because their combined writing is so addicting, I’m always left wanting and needing more!
So yeah I am recommending this book because I really enjoyed reading it.
But if you haven’t read any of the books before this one then I highly suggest that you do!
1,899 reviews13 followers
March 12, 2019
Samira had her mystery and her secrets but, looks like the evil ones are a step ahead. Leading the pace Samira was willing to sacrifice everything for her loved ones but things were not as she expected. Kept me on edge all the time suffering with Samira and her friends. Intense and exciting descriptions, powerful characters, violence and evil. I was caught in the story with so much action and suspense. Good! These action-packed, fast paced, intriguing and dark stories continue amazing me. Can’t wait for the next.
1,720 reviews10 followers
March 14, 2019
I received an ARC and the views and opinions are my own. In the fourth book we are learning more about Samira and her past. We also learn about the legend that involves Samira, Briar and Lynx. We also meet Koran, Samira’s maker and a very evil vampire who is working with Phoenix. Koran has become all powerful and is scheming to get more power. An excellent read. Each character is growing and Samira is showing her human side. I would recommend this series. Just be warned this book does have its dark side.
Profile Image for Tera Comer.
2,136 reviews48 followers
March 15, 2019
This is the fourth book in the series and Samira finally gets to be the main focus, instead of being a side character. I love how she is tough as nails on the exterior but to those that she allows to get close, they know she cares deeply for her friends. We get to find out a little bit more about the legend that involves Briar, from the first three books, Lynx and Samira. The character growth is spot on. I can not wait to read the rest of the books in the Rouen Chronicles. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
4,283 reviews20 followers
March 12, 2019
This PN/UF read is well-written, has snark, danger, intrigue, suspense, and a life-altering decision. The main characters are defined and there is more depth added to one of the heroines. This trio of heroines is amazing and want to help not destroy Rouen with the evil that is coming. This volume also sets the stage for the next book and I liked it. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
439 reviews
March 15, 2019
Oh I like seeing the dark side of Sammie! She is one seriously bada** vamp. This book was so good. Just as good as the others, maybe even better. I cannot wait to see what happens with Briar, Lynx, and Samira in the next book. I know already that it will be an excellent read.

There was so much more history for Samira in this book. Would not have guessed about Faithe, but I loved it. And that ending was spectacular.
Profile Image for Dave.
747 reviews7 followers
March 15, 2019
It was different and wonderful to see things from Samira's perspective and to learn more of her history and motivations. Like the previous books in this series, non-stop action and intrigue and enough loving to make it feel more real. I did not want to put this down but actually started reading too late and my eyes gave out. I couldn't wait to get back to it. Enough unresolved issues that I'm sure the next book will be great, too.
810 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2019
Another fantastic book in the "Rouen Chronicles"!
The story is full of surprises and twist for Samira, Brian and Linx...
There are new and old enemy and mystery to solve...
In this book, you will learn more about the past of Samira and it will kept you read until the end...
Sometimes you will do things you don't want to save your friends and to hope for a better future...
If you love mystery and fantasy don't miss it!
Profile Image for L.
92 reviews
June 5, 2019
Amazing writing by both Elizabeth and Ava! I couldn’t book this book down. This series keeps getting better and better. If you love reading about vampires, warewolves, witches and anything else super natural, this is a series you will get hooked into and won’t want to put down. This book dives into more of Samiras back story and how her past has made her who she is today.
I received an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Lil'n  Dunski.
1,518 reviews15 followers
March 3, 2019
Wow! Just when I thought it couldn't get any more gritty, we're hit with Samira's POV and it's intense, emotional and amazing!!!
I love the relationship Samira, Lynx and Briar having been slowly building. It's an incredible sisterhood, of very different races and yet they haven't let that stop them from helping each other and helping others! I'm loving this series!
59 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2019
From the pint of view of Samira, the vampire in a trio with Briar, a shifter and lynx a witch. The plot thickens as we see where the checkers are taken and what they are driven to do to help each other and Rouen. Loved every minute of it.
The series is well written I would definitely recommend to any paranormal fiction/romance fan.
Profile Image for Emily Dickson.
1,096 reviews7 followers
March 5, 2019
Samira was fantastic! This book gave us so much insight to Samira who had the kiss of Eternal Night. Lots of action and some twists that made this a book I read in one sitting. Great to see previous characters and meet some new ones. I loved getting to read about Samira and I can't wait for the next book to come out. This series has me hooked! Loved it!!
Profile Image for Linda.
374 reviews
March 9, 2019
This book is from Samira's pov and we learn a bit more about her and Mateo's past.
She wants to save Faith from Korin.
Samira, Briar and Lynx with the help of others have to stop Korin and the Phoenix from raising Trianas and Samira has to keep the darkness from taking over.
I would highly recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Amber.
2,218 reviews60 followers
March 13, 2019
It's always a little bit of a risk when you switch character view points in a series but this was so well done. I loved getting to know more about Samira and seeing her story. The storyline was amazing and kept your interest from start to finish. This is one of my favorite series and I cannot wait to continue to see where it ends!
1,016 reviews
March 13, 2019
This book is just amazing. I absolutely love this series. This book is more about Samira and her point of view on things. There is tons of action in this book that will keep you hooked. We also learn some of Samira's secrets and things start to heat up between her and Mateo. Lynx is starting to come into her powers more and trying to become more of a leader. I need the next one now!
276 reviews
March 13, 2019
Love this!!!

This was such an awesome book! Samira is a kick butt vampire who has to lock down her emotions. After the first three books in this series we finally get to know why Samira acts so unfeeling and her history with Mateo. So many twists and tragedy. I cannot wait to find out what happens next with Samira after that ending!!
202 reviews
March 17, 2019
Samira is the bomb!

This series is nitty gritty and Briar has been a bad ass but Samira has always remained a mystery. Not anymore! She is probably my favorite character now. She has so much going on under the surface. Plus now Lynx is coming into her own.
The series does not disappoint and continues to deliver non stop excitement! Plus more creepy vampires.
Profile Image for S.
377 reviews
March 18, 2019
I am so glad to finally learn more about Samira. She’s so observant, I feel like I’ve learned more about every other character in the series through her. This book cracks open her shell and allows us to see to the core of this very old being while keeping the main story moving. There are still tons of things to discover in Rouen!

I RECEIVED AN ARC COPY OF THIS BOOK
7 reviews
March 18, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book. It was so amazing getting to see more of Samira and getting more into her mind and the way she thinks. Learning about her past. And also learning more about the prophesy. You still get to have Briar and Lynx . You still kick kick ass females. I can't wait for the next book. I am completely addicted!!!!!
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,813 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2019
First let me state that I received an Advance Reader Copy, (ARC), but this in no way influences my review. I always leave an honest review.

Holy shiznet!!! These stories are getting better and better. This is the 4th book in this series and I'm on the edge of my seat dying to read the next one. I recommend this read 5 Thumbs up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews

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