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Librarian's Note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B07PJVD7DJ

The city doesn't need another hero. It needs a monster.  

Aris has lived beneath the streets all his life as a growing evil overtook the city he loved. He’s watched the people suffer, smelled their fear, and heard their cries for mercy. All while they lived under the control of the ruthless man who murdered his parents.  

But the time has come for Aris to rise from the darkness. He’s trained his whole life for this moment and, unlike the justice system, he will not fail the people of Coast City, or the woman he fell in love with as a child, the woman who believes him dead.  

But no one told him that sometimes heroes aren’t enough. Sometimes people need a monster. . 

 In this gritty and fast-paced, urban fantasy novel, Raven Steele brings a new kind of vampire that will leave you breathless and anxious for more!

* This novel takes place while Briar fought against the assholes in her life. Soon he will join Briar, Sam and Lynx in Rouen, but until then, find out how he became known as a vampire legend.  

317 pages, ebook

Published March 26, 2019

603 people are currently reading
587 people want to read

About the author

Rachel McClellan

35 books546 followers
Rachel lives in New Hampshire, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four children. Her love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was…

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5 stars
233 (48%)
4 stars
161 (33%)
3 stars
59 (12%)
2 stars
20 (4%)
1 star
9 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for hugsandcookies.
990 reviews81 followers
February 2, 2018
It’s been awhile since I’ve read any paranormal reads and surprisingly I enjoyed this one even though it felt slow in the beginning but it sure did pick up middle to ending and realising that it ended on a cliffhanger so delving into Book 2 and the characters are definitely enjoyable.
Profile Image for Melissa.
160 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2017
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A Heros Death: Aris Crow Vampire Legend by Rachel McClellan is a superhero/monster origin story that is fast-paced with an intriguing plot. This paranormal adventure is written in first-person and is from the point-of-view of Aris Crow, a young man born with V protein in his blood, which gives him many of the strengths a vampire possesses.

This book is filled with plenty of action. It follows in the vein of an origin story, so if you enjoy comics and comic book movies then you'll enjoy this story as well. The young hero is fighting back against a crime lord and his stranglehold on his city. This book isn't just action it also has a compelling plot with plenty of mystery and revelations to keep you reading; as well as interesting characters you will find easy to root for and those you will simply love to hate.

Recommended to fans of comic book heroes, modern vampires, and paranormal adventure stories filled with plenty of action
Profile Image for Penny.
3,139 reviews85 followers
July 3, 2017
I have to say I have never read this author before, but this book has made me a believer. The book was so beautifully written, had such an interesting plot, and the characters so well-drawn I was captivated from start to finish. I loved the overall noir feeling which I saw somewhere compared to the Dark Knight summarizing the feel exactly. The dark feeling mixed with the hopefulness of the characters made it a complex book but not in a bad way. There were also a few twists and turns that kept the reader guessing which I always appreciate as I can usually figure out a book and love it when I can’t. I am so looking forward to see what the author has in store for us next. I would normally say here if you are a fan of “X” genre, try this one, but this one is such a wonderful mix of genres, I just say try it! Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
March 26, 2019
A Monster's Death #5 - Great Book! A well written, intriguing suspense with a well thought out plot and developed characters. This book reminds me a lot of the Dresden Files; no, the author wrote something completely different, but the way DF evolves into a continuous story. No, Ardis is not a witch/warlock, I grew up in time when females were the witches, but he's stronger than any human because of his father's genes. Hard to describe without doing spoilers. This book has substance, intelligence and immerses the reader into a twisting tale, full of vivid descriptions, that can't be put down until it's finished. 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*

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 end.

The Devil's Fool #1 - Intriguingly dark. A well written suspense with several interesting characters and an intriguing plot. This is my first book by this author and since I didn't know what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised by the story. I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book; the more into the story, the more mesmerizing. Cliffhanger, there's three more books. 5*

The Devil's Angel #2 - Intriguingly darker. A well written, fast paced suspense with more interesting characters with a twisting, intriguing plot. I am confused why such a powerful witch would weaken so much after using her magic. This is still a substantial series, unlike Twilight, more like The Dresden Files. I couldn't put this book down, either, and hated that it's a cliffhanger, two more books. 5*
Profile Image for Tera Comer.
2,136 reviews48 followers
November 3, 2017
First book in a new series by this author and I could not put it down. I loved the world building and characters. Oz is so funny at time I can see him "annoying" Aris future books to come. I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews128 followers
Want to read
October 17, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/17/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Natalie Noblett.
153 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2019
I was given an ARC of A Hero's Death by Rachel McClellan to review and it was brilliant. I have read the first three books in her Devil series and really enjoyed them so was excited about having the opportunity to review A Hero's Death - the first in her new series.
The world building was great, I really could imagine what Aris' city was like and feel the fear the city lived in caused by the violence and control of Victor.
The characters in the book were great and I liked the introduction of Oz part of the way through as it did seem that Aris needed a friend because he only really had his mentor who had brought him up, an aunt he occasionally saw and Emma, his childhood love, who he had to keep his distance from in order to protect her.
The story was brilliant with a different take on vampires and the mystery about what some of the supernatural people might be and how they are what they are, which will probably become more apparent in the next book.
Aris has trained all his life to take back the city from Victor and restore peace and normality for the people. He seeks vengeance as Victor killed his parents when he was only two years old. Aris' father used to protect the city from violent crime and drugs and Aris wants to follow in his footsteps being the 'hero' he believes his father to have been.
I was frustrated for Aris at times as Victor seemed to control everything in the city and when Aris and Oz managed to take out one of Victors drug factories and get the thugs arrested they got away with it because Victor 'owned' most of the police force and everyone else was just too scared of Victor to do anything about it.
Overall a very good plot which will make you want to keep reading this series especially with the little twist at the end which points to someone else maybe pulling Victor's strings....
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,039 reviews316 followers
July 7, 2017
4.5 stars - A captivating and exciting read

This was a bit of a slow burn but that gave us a wonderful opportunity to get to know Aris and his life so far. Aris is one amazing hero both in Coastal City and in the book. His innate goodness was obvious from the start, it could be seen in how he treated others, his desire for doing good, his unwillingness to kill and the love he holds for his few family and friends.

As the story unfolded it felt like the pace picked up, although this might have been that we were learning more truths. Some of those truths were quite shocking and unexpected and made me question my perspective on other characters. I am sure the author has plenty more revelations to slay us with in future books. The ending was sort of unexpected and is a cliffhanger but was still extremely good.

Overall the pace was good and the plot was both very different, engaging and well written. The story had a bit of a 'dark' feel to it with despair and corruption being huge issues. However Aris and Emma provide moments of joy and lightness that offer you real hope for their future. There are so many secrets that are hinted at and untold stories yet to be revealed and I for one am ready and waiting for book 2.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Connor.
1,465 reviews41 followers
July 9, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Technically, there was nothing wrong with this book. It was written well, the plot was intriguing, and the characters were complex. And yet…..

There was no emotion. I know I should have felt something for the characters, but I didn't care about them. Throughout the book I felt like I was reading an expanded plot synopsis, almost like a Cliff’s Notes rendition of the story. It was similar to reading a comic book - plot, characters, dialogue, but no feelings.

It was just as well this book didn't evoke any strong emotions from me. It made it much easier to walk away from what could be called a cliffhanger ending.
Profile Image for Tam.
2,179 reviews53 followers
July 14, 2017
A Legendary Read!

Wow! What a fantastic way to start a new series. The plot was mesmerizing and moved along almost as quickly as I turned the pages. The characters were well-developed, multi-dimensional and personally engaging. The story was well thought out and not just thrown together to satisfy the paranormal masses. McClellan really seemed to do everything she could to make this book and its characters unique and intriguing, and I think she was a smashing success! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Profile Image for Linda Romer.
866 reviews61 followers
July 10, 2017
A Hero's Death: Aris Crow Vampire Legend

Loved it! This book was great.
Aris Crow wanted to be a hero and walk in his late father's footsteps by saving the people of Coast City from the evil crime boss Victor.
The Characters are well developed and fascinating. The evil Dax Baxter/Physician is very intimidating. There is much evil in Coast City and many evil entities. This book is full of excitement and I can't wait to read book two.

I give A Hero's Death 5 stars for its exciting story and great characters.
I would recommend this book to Paranormal fans.
Profile Image for Natalie Noblett.
153 reviews8 followers
Read
April 26, 2019
I was given an ARC when this was A Hero's Death by Rachel McClellan to review and it was brilliant. She has since released it as A Monster's Birth as the fifth book in the Rouen Chronicles. I have read the first four books in the Rouen Chronicles and also the three Aris Crow books so I can't wait to find out what happens when Aris joins Briar and Samira.
The world building was great, I really could imagine what Aris' city was like and feel the fear the city lived in caused by the violence and control of Victor.
The characters in the book were great and I liked the introduction of Oz part of the way through as it did seem that Aris needed a friend because he only really had his mentor who had brought him up, an aunt he occasionally saw and Emma, his childhood love, who he had to keep his distance from in order to protect her.
The story was brilliant with a different take on vampires and the mystery about what some of the supernatural people might be and how they are what they are, which will probably become more apparent in the next book.
Aris has trained all his life to take back the city from Victor and restore peace and normality for the people. He seeks vengeance as Victor killed his parents when he was only two years old. Aris' father used to protect the city from violent crime and drugs and Aris wants to follow in his footsteps being the 'hero' he believes his father to have been.
I was frustrated for Aris at times as Victor seemed to control everything in the city and when Aris and Oz managed to take out one of Victors drug factories and get the thugs arrested they got away with it because Victor 'owned' most of the police force and everyone else was just too scared of Victor to do anything about it.
Overall a very good plot which will make you want to keep reading this series especially with the little twist at the end which points to someone else maybe pulling Victor's strings....
2,552 reviews22 followers
March 27, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "A MONSTER'S DEATH" This was such an interesting story about Aris Crow his life in the underground he heard the cries of the people who were terrorized by the monster that killed his parents people thought him dead.
Aris inherited his father's traits he liked to help people not kill he wanted to follow in his father footsteps and fight evil.
It time for Aris to rise this story is engaging, captivating, intriguing, action, secrets, mystery twists that keep you reading and guessing til the very end its a must have book its do well worth the read.
Raven Steele did a fantastic job writing this story and the characters were well developed and the secondary characters were enjoyable I definitely recommend to get this book well worth the read that's for sure.
1,899 reviews13 followers
March 27, 2019
Having inherited his father’s traits, Aris was decided to follow in his footsteps against evil. But what if there were some things he had not knew? Would it make a difference? This story remembered me the heroes from the adventure comics. An intense, intriguing, mysterious and exciting story with lot of action and some twists that kept me guessing all time. A hero struggling with his feelings and beliefs, the evil consuming all and a group of good supporting characters. Liked Oz character very much. He was like a sidekick with his own mind and resources and added the funny touch to the story. The story left me intrigued and waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Mary aka scooby.
250 reviews
March 28, 2019
Aris wants to save this town. Aris has super natural qualities that he uses to help the police. Only the whole town is afraid of Victor and his men. Only things are not always what they seam. He has trained his whole life to clean up this town and the man responsible for his parents murder . Only things are not always what they seam. Decision are needed to be made hero or monster. I have to say really enjoyed reading this book . I usually read books with strong heroines but this one was a pleasant surprise. I cant wait to see how this next book will take us. my only complaint is it has a big cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read an arc of this book.
202 reviews
March 27, 2019
Unexpected vigilante

So normally I don’t read books with the main character being a male but I have fallen in love with the Rouen stories. This book was sooooo good! Aris is a powerhouse that just wants to be like his father and make a difference in his town without turning into the very monsters he fights against. However sometimes to defeat a monster you must become one. Action packed and so gripping you won’t be able to put this down and will be begging for Aris’s next book just like me.
1,720 reviews10 followers
April 1, 2019
I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own. Here you have the story of Aris Crow and how he became a monster. Lots of secrets were kept from Aris that makes him question his life and training. The story keeps you entertained and enthralled. You have to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next. There is a lot of violence even with Aris determined not to kill anyone. I gave this book five stars because you could feel the emotion of the characters and you could visualize the story. Will have to get A Monster’s Birth.
Profile Image for Jennifer Lil'n  Dunski.
1,518 reviews15 followers
April 14, 2019
A Different Twist

Wow, I didn't see this coming and I effing loved it! Aris Crow rising from the shadows to take down the one man who destroyed his life at a very early age, is about to get a reality check! Coast City is falling apart again, drugs, crime and thugs tearing it apart. Can Aris be the his father was and clean up the city?

It's not our favorite trio of ladies and I think Aris will have a part in destroying the great evil that's moving into the light. But I'm liking his stubborn character! I'm looking forward to reading more about Aris in the series!
Profile Image for Linda.
374 reviews
March 15, 2019
A well written story with secrets, suspense, raw emotions and a young man that has worked toward one goal, to kill the man that killed his parents.
Aris had to live underground with Roman, a blind friend of the family after his parents death to protect him.
Aria tried to live up to his dad's reputation but all is not as it seems.
Profile Image for Michelle.
279 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2019
This book had an interesting storyline that kept me hooked. I really like the character of Aris, and find his lifestyle to be unique and interesting. I enjoyed following along with him on his quest to take down the man who has destroyed the city.
There were plenty of twists and turns in this dark world. I can’t wait to see what is next in store for Aris.
1,016 reviews
April 5, 2019
What a good story! This story is all about how Aris became who he is. Not wanting to give into the darker side of himself. He believed there was a way to be good and still fight the crime taking over the city. He fights with his integrity and beliefs in himself and the man he thought his father was. Lots of action and suspense in this story and I loved it.
Profile Image for Miranda.
191 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2019
I enjoyed reading this book quite a bit. The author makes the main character into someone the reader can relate to, even though he has special abilities. He also has flaws, people he cares about, and people that know just how to rub him the wrong way (in a caring way ;)). The plot kept moving and kept me interested. The author's version of vampires is also different and I found it interesting.

My biggest issue with this book is that it *totally* ends on a cliff-hanger. So not cool. ;)
Profile Image for Amber Richard.
100 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2019
Cooky, sexy, arrogant

I love the possiblity this book possesses so many twist and turns that can be made and plotted into it. Cocky, arrogant, sexy Adam/Aris learning what his true nature is suppose to be. Discovering well hidden secrets and trying to discover the teuth from well told lies.
2,627 reviews
March 12, 2019
This is an intriguing read!
A well told tale which sucks you in and keeps you hooked as you venture into Ari's world. his world is filled with horror and brutality but the love he feels helps him hold on to his humanity as he th A to save his city and those he loves.
Warning - cliffhanger!
Profile Image for Izzybear.
755 reviews
April 21, 2019
Wow. This is an intriguing and kind of intense story. It’s full of suspense and action with a few twists too. I really like Aris. He easy to relate to. His tale captivated me and I couldn’t read it fast enough. I can’t wait for next segment of his story.
Profile Image for Tera Comer.
2,136 reviews48 followers
April 5, 2019
*** Read in Kindle Unlimited ***
This is the fifth book in the Rouen Chronicles and I could not put it down. I loved the world building and characters. Oz is so funny at time I can see him "annoying" Aris future books to come.
Profile Image for Dave.
747 reviews7 followers
April 18, 2019
A Great Series
An even better series with the recent addition of the earlier books.
The characters continued to evolve and sometimes showed an unexpected side. Non stop action and intrigue kept me reading late into the night.
Profile Image for Terri West.
2,157 reviews
May 6, 2019
This book is set during the time Briar is busy trying to get revenge for the death of her family, so a slight step back in time from the previous book (book 4). As with all of this series the characters and world building are awesome and I have truly loved all of it from start to finish so far.
Profile Image for Antionette.
388 reviews
July 10, 2019
Wow

I’m still trying to figure out the connection with the other books but this story was amazing. Keep reading.... Adam..not his real name... has an amazing story. And the drugs being made by supernaturals begins here.... just wow
Profile Image for MELANIE .
88 reviews
July 27, 2020
Love learning Aris back story

After 8 books in Rouen it’s a nice shift learning about Aris & how he came to be. The characters and the story are unique and I can’t wait to start the next book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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