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Immortal Codex #1
Petra
I am the Prima Vita, the only true immortal.
But the darker the gift, the higher the blood price—and I have paid it all.
At the moment of my making, at the turn of the first millennium amid the glories and horrors of Ancient Rome, two men died with me. Both reborn in my immortal blood, one became my lover and the other my enemy. I promised the unspeakable to save Lucius from Clarius.
The bargain, once struck, was simple: die with Clarius once a year to keep Lucius safe for an eternity.
* For those who love stories in the vein of Anne Rice, this is a fresh and unusual twist on vampire lore.
But the darker the gift, the higher the blood price—and I have paid it all.
At the moment of my making, at the turn of the first millennium amid the glories and horrors of Ancient Rome, two men died with me. Both reborn in my immortal blood, one became my lover and the other my enemy. I promised the unspeakable to save Lucius from Clarius.
The bargain, once struck, was simple: die with Clarius once a year to keep Lucius safe for an eternity.
* For those who love stories in the vein of Anne Rice, this is a fresh and unusual twist on vampire lore.
- GenresEbooksParanormalFantasy
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2019
About the author
Cheri Lasota
29 books125 followersUSA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Cheri Lasota is an author, cover designer and editor. Her bestselling debut novel, Artemis Rising, is a 2013 Cygnus Awards First Place Winner and a 2012 finalist in the Next Generation Indie Books Awards. Cheri also helped found the Paradisi Chronicles, a massive open-source Sci-Fi universe set on the fictional planet, New Eden. Her Paradisi Exodus series focuses on the early years of the human exodus from Earth to the new planet. Cheri’s most recent project is her ambitious Historical Fantasy series, Immortal Codex, which explores the lives of immortals throughout history.
Read more from Cheri Lasota at CheriLasota.com.
Read more from Cheri Lasota at CheriLasota.com.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 10, 2017
We are two for two this week on reading some of my favorite sub-genres. I’ve been reading vampire novels since middle school, and they have remained one of my favorite things to read about even despite the saturation that happened after Twilight hit the shelves, because when they are done right it’s completely worth it. Petra is one such novel.
Petra is a book that spans several centuries and focuses on the origins of the Essentiae (the immortals) but mostly follows our title character from her humble and sad beginnings to a woman capable of withstanding the test of time and opposition. This novel offers something a bit different in the way of vampiric origins and powers and focuses on the ‘human’ aspect of the story instead of turning it into some generic fight against a generic force of evil. We get a love story, a power struggle, and even a coming of age story all packed into one. The Essentiae don’t come about in a usual fashion, and much of the ‘why’ is still a mystery to both the reader and the characters but we do get see them struggle to learn the measure of their powers. I love that while the ‘them vs. us’ aspect seems fairly cut and dry to begin with, there is a lot going on under the surface. Not all of those who follow the ruthless Clarius do so blindly, and not all that follow Petra do so easily. One thing I really loved was the focus on Petra and Lucius’ relationship, and the way immortality and power struggles have shaped it. So often we see these immortal couples as invincible to petty things like jealousy, but Petra and Lucius are not like that. They feel deeply and just because something must be done doesn’t mean it comes without a fight. The well placed time jumps in the narrative (for that’s exactly what it is overall) proved glimpses into historical time periods and provide rather vivid backdrops, like one of my favorite chapters which take place in the old city of Kaffa (Theodosia). And let me tell you, I can tell some serious research went into this. It’s obvious not only in the setting but the way the characters speak to one another. In fact, it comes with a glossary (hyperlinked words!) filled with definitions of any words that might trip you up.
I’m super pleased with how this story turned out! I can’t wait to see where this series will go (10 books!) and how each book will develop the story of the Essentaie especially in regards to Petra.
Petra is a book that spans several centuries and focuses on the origins of the Essentiae (the immortals) but mostly follows our title character from her humble and sad beginnings to a woman capable of withstanding the test of time and opposition. This novel offers something a bit different in the way of vampiric origins and powers and focuses on the ‘human’ aspect of the story instead of turning it into some generic fight against a generic force of evil. We get a love story, a power struggle, and even a coming of age story all packed into one. The Essentiae don’t come about in a usual fashion, and much of the ‘why’ is still a mystery to both the reader and the characters but we do get see them struggle to learn the measure of their powers. I love that while the ‘them vs. us’ aspect seems fairly cut and dry to begin with, there is a lot going on under the surface. Not all of those who follow the ruthless Clarius do so blindly, and not all that follow Petra do so easily. One thing I really loved was the focus on Petra and Lucius’ relationship, and the way immortality and power struggles have shaped it. So often we see these immortal couples as invincible to petty things like jealousy, but Petra and Lucius are not like that. They feel deeply and just because something must be done doesn’t mean it comes without a fight. The well placed time jumps in the narrative (for that’s exactly what it is overall) proved glimpses into historical time periods and provide rather vivid backdrops, like one of my favorite chapters which take place in the old city of Kaffa (Theodosia). And let me tell you, I can tell some serious research went into this. It’s obvious not only in the setting but the way the characters speak to one another. In fact, it comes with a glossary (hyperlinked words!) filled with definitions of any words that might trip you up.
I’m super pleased with how this story turned out! I can’t wait to see where this series will go (10 books!) and how each book will develop the story of the Essentaie especially in regards to Petra.
February 18, 2021
This story is part of the epic "Dominion Rising" package that was released a few years back. I'm getting back into it after a nearly 3-year hiatus, finding that my treadmill walks are more productive if I catch up on magazines or an e-book while I get those steps in.
Unfortunately, this was the next story in line from where I'd left off, and it's my first 1-star review on Goodreads (joining fifteen 2-star reviews). I'll throw in a couple of qualifiers: paranormal romance (which is what this primarily is) is not my cup of tea, nor do I believe it falls under the sci-fi/fantasy umbrella, so its inclusion in this package was a bit of a surprise to me. Also, some of the more recent things I've read have trended toward massive world-building epics, and "Petra" is not meant to be something along that scale.
Still...
This is a dialogue-driven story that could have been tolerable, except for a few key things. The below may contain spoilers, but not really. And I might be doing you a favor, anyway, by not using the html code to hide it.
1) It's abhorrently repetitive. Petra loves Lucius, Lucius loves Petra, and they both hate Clarius, who hates them back. Then they all take turns killing each other, but, because they're immortal, they come back to life shortly thereafter. No consequences, no suspense, no surprises.
2) Perhaps due to #1, the only things that advance are the years. Petra remains idealistic, Lucius broods romantically, Clarius is super eeeeviiilll. Starts out that way in Ancient Rome around the time of Caesar, and remains that way in 18th century...France? I don't remember if it was France or Italy...maybe Spain? Anyway, the characters (who are between the ages of 18 and 25 when this story begins) have literally CENTURIES to change, and they never do. Dude, I'm 43 and I barely recognize my 19-year old self. And that's just with regular life experience.
3) Perhaps due to #2, it's abhorrently repetitive... oh, wait.
4) Everything is WAY too convenient.
a)Mutt & Jeff show up in France to have a priest (with some kind of science background) examine the flowers that produce a deadly poison which may have something to do with their immortality (??). The priest comes up with nothing, but they manage to convince his teenage granddaughter to abscond with them back to Italy so she can become their immortal scribe/servant.
b) Petra goes to Kaffa in the middle of the Mongolian siege to find her brooding (and missing) beloved, following rumors that a man there calls himself "The Immortal." Turns out, it's not Lucius, but, just as the Mongols start launching an attack. Guess who shows up at the same sally port that Petra's trying to escape from? Gah.
5) The main element that could make this story work on at LEAST a two-star level would be a more earnest attempt by ANY of the parties involved to understand the mysterious power of Petra's blood. There are mentions of the lovers experimenting with the blood and the flower-poison on rats, but, in 1,800 years, they've come up with nothing. Oh, well, they say. Or maybe raise the stakes. Perhaps Clarius stops from feasting on Petra during one of their annual soirées just a little sooner, then has one of his henchmen collect some pure samples of her blood so they can go study it for the next year?
Anyway, you just read the book.
The first act was the only part that had any sort of promise because there was a feeling that something was truly at risk, but you never get invested in these characters because they're not real in any way. The final chapter, though, brings us some words of wisdom. Petra tells her French acolyte: "We can never live beyond the mistakes we do not learn from."
If this kind of stuff entertains you anyway, have at it. As for me, I will learn and live beyond my mistake.
Unfortunately, this was the next story in line from where I'd left off, and it's my first 1-star review on Goodreads (joining fifteen 2-star reviews). I'll throw in a couple of qualifiers: paranormal romance (which is what this primarily is) is not my cup of tea, nor do I believe it falls under the sci-fi/fantasy umbrella, so its inclusion in this package was a bit of a surprise to me. Also, some of the more recent things I've read have trended toward massive world-building epics, and "Petra" is not meant to be something along that scale.
Still...
This is a dialogue-driven story that could have been tolerable, except for a few key things. The below may contain spoilers, but not really. And I might be doing you a favor, anyway, by not using the html code to hide it.
1) It's abhorrently repetitive. Petra loves Lucius, Lucius loves Petra, and they both hate Clarius, who hates them back. Then they all take turns killing each other, but, because they're immortal, they come back to life shortly thereafter. No consequences, no suspense, no surprises.
2) Perhaps due to #1, the only things that advance are the years. Petra remains idealistic, Lucius broods romantically, Clarius is super eeeeviiilll. Starts out that way in Ancient Rome around the time of Caesar, and remains that way in 18th century...France? I don't remember if it was France or Italy...maybe Spain? Anyway, the characters (who are between the ages of 18 and 25 when this story begins) have literally CENTURIES to change, and they never do. Dude, I'm 43 and I barely recognize my 19-year old self. And that's just with regular life experience.
3) Perhaps due to #2, it's abhorrently repetitive... oh, wait.
4) Everything is WAY too convenient.
a)Mutt & Jeff show up in France to have a priest (with some kind of science background) examine the flowers that produce a deadly poison which may have something to do with their immortality (??). The priest comes up with nothing, but they manage to convince his teenage granddaughter to abscond with them back to Italy so she can become their immortal scribe/servant.
b) Petra goes to Kaffa in the middle of the Mongolian siege to find her brooding (and missing) beloved, following rumors that a man there calls himself "The Immortal." Turns out, it's not Lucius, but, just as the Mongols start launching an attack. Guess who shows up at the same sally port that Petra's trying to escape from? Gah.
5) The main element that could make this story work on at LEAST a two-star level would be a more earnest attempt by ANY of the parties involved to understand the mysterious power of Petra's blood. There are mentions of the lovers experimenting with the blood and the flower-poison on rats, but, in 1,800 years, they've come up with nothing. Oh, well, they say. Or maybe raise the stakes. Perhaps Clarius stops from feasting on Petra during one of their annual soirées just a little sooner, then has one of his henchmen collect some pure samples of her blood so they can go study it for the next year?
Anyway, you just read the book.
The first act was the only part that had any sort of promise because there was a feeling that something was truly at risk, but you never get invested in these characters because they're not real in any way. The final chapter, though, brings us some words of wisdom. Petra tells her French acolyte: "We can never live beyond the mistakes we do not learn from."
If this kind of stuff entertains you anyway, have at it. As for me, I will learn and live beyond my mistake.
July 31, 2017
Petra by Cheri Lasota
Imagine being a poor slave girl forced to watch her mother be slaughtered by her master. Petra was a young woman who was forced to deliver her master's baby after her mother was killed and accidentally gave the woman a deadly poison. In his madness, the master forced Petra to drink the poison which should have killed her but instead gave her immortality. Petra wanders the centuries finding others to join her group. This is an interesting book but I now need a Latin to English dictionary. I look forward to the next book.
Imagine being a poor slave girl forced to watch her mother be slaughtered by her master. Petra was a young woman who was forced to deliver her master's baby after her mother was killed and accidentally gave the woman a deadly poison. In his madness, the master forced Petra to drink the poison which should have killed her but instead gave her immortality. Petra wanders the centuries finding others to join her group. This is an interesting book but I now need a Latin to English dictionary. I look forward to the next book.
August 21, 2017
"PETRA: The Immortal Codex”
“I am the Prima Vita, the only true immortal. But the darker the gift, the higher the blood price—and I have paid it all.
At the moment of my making, at the turn of the first millennium amid the glories and horrors of Ancient Rome, two men died with me. Both reborn in my immortal blood, one became my lover and the other my enemy.
I promised the unspeakable to save Lucius from Clarius. The bargain, once struck, was simple: die with Clarius once a year to keep Lucius safe for an eternity.”
I should probably start out by saying that one of my favorite quotes from this book was “Let go of the life I take and embrace the immortal you will become”. With that said, on we go!
We start our eternal adventures with Petra retelling her past next to her, what I can only call her, dearest friend Aurelia a she transcribes the tales to what Petra called “The Immortal Codex”. As Petra takes a trip down memory lane, while she plots her way to end a lifelong eternal bargain, we visit ancient Rome, Sicily and other amazing places. Once you get in the mood and ambience of this book you will not be able to put it down. Trust me, I tried to do it and get a decent night’s sleep and I couldn’t. Petra, who’s forever 18 years of age and a true depiction of beauty, is a slave. As she’s forced to help deliver her masters unborn child, she decides to take justice in her own hands (her mother was brutally murdered by her master). She takes a phial of poison and gives it to the woman in pain. The woman dies and her master, Clarius decides to deliver his unborn child himself. We see that the scene is gruesome and sad at the same time. I cried while he was looking up as his dead child. Clarius then takes Petra away and goes on to avenge his wife and child. What happens next is truly a masterpiece. I’m sorry I don’t want to give too much away *wink wink*
This book is enticing. Exquisite in detail. We see beautiful gowns, estates & vineyards. As soon as I began to submerge this amazing read, it gave me some major “Interview with the vampire” feels. We get to meet some interesting characters along the way, one of them being Cassian, a man who feels no pain. And Aurelia, a woman ahead of her times. We also learn the different houses for the “Eternae”. While this book has an amazing potential to be one the best reads of the year, I must admit it does have one flaw, that ending left me hungry for more. I cannot tell you how good and full of emotions this book was. As we move along the centuries in this trip, we get an inside, and I do mean INSIDE, look at what seems like infamous “plague”.
I truly hope that book 2 is as captivating and mesmerizing as this one! I cannot wait for these to come out! The excitement is real!
“I am the Prima Vita, the only true immortal. But the darker the gift, the higher the blood price—and I have paid it all.
At the moment of my making, at the turn of the first millennium amid the glories and horrors of Ancient Rome, two men died with me. Both reborn in my immortal blood, one became my lover and the other my enemy.
I promised the unspeakable to save Lucius from Clarius. The bargain, once struck, was simple: die with Clarius once a year to keep Lucius safe for an eternity.”
I should probably start out by saying that one of my favorite quotes from this book was “Let go of the life I take and embrace the immortal you will become”. With that said, on we go!
We start our eternal adventures with Petra retelling her past next to her, what I can only call her, dearest friend Aurelia a she transcribes the tales to what Petra called “The Immortal Codex”. As Petra takes a trip down memory lane, while she plots her way to end a lifelong eternal bargain, we visit ancient Rome, Sicily and other amazing places. Once you get in the mood and ambience of this book you will not be able to put it down. Trust me, I tried to do it and get a decent night’s sleep and I couldn’t. Petra, who’s forever 18 years of age and a true depiction of beauty, is a slave. As she’s forced to help deliver her masters unborn child, she decides to take justice in her own hands (her mother was brutally murdered by her master). She takes a phial of poison and gives it to the woman in pain. The woman dies and her master, Clarius decides to deliver his unborn child himself. We see that the scene is gruesome and sad at the same time. I cried while he was looking up as his dead child. Clarius then takes Petra away and goes on to avenge his wife and child. What happens next is truly a masterpiece. I’m sorry I don’t want to give too much away *wink wink*
This book is enticing. Exquisite in detail. We see beautiful gowns, estates & vineyards. As soon as I began to submerge this amazing read, it gave me some major “Interview with the vampire” feels. We get to meet some interesting characters along the way, one of them being Cassian, a man who feels no pain. And Aurelia, a woman ahead of her times. We also learn the different houses for the “Eternae”. While this book has an amazing potential to be one the best reads of the year, I must admit it does have one flaw, that ending left me hungry for more. I cannot tell you how good and full of emotions this book was. As we move along the centuries in this trip, we get an inside, and I do mean INSIDE, look at what seems like infamous “plague”.
I truly hope that book 2 is as captivating and mesmerizing as this one! I cannot wait for these to come out! The excitement is real!
November 6, 2025
Petra, Book 1 of the Immortal Codex series by Cheri Lasota, is a powerfully written and incredibly well-researched vampire novel. Lasota’s writing style reminds me of a cross between Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Elizabeth Kostova’s The Historian.
In Petra, the reader is treated to a unique vampire origin story. It unfolds as the main character Petra who is the Prima Vita, the only true immortal, tells her origin story, along with the stories of those she has turned, to Aurelia, a talented woman writing a cipher for the Immortal Codex. She tells these stories in Sicily in the year 1723, centuries after Petra has granted Aurelia eternal life.
The Immortal Codex is an encrypted version of Petra’s origin story along with the histories of the Essentiae, her group of followers now able to live forever. This history spans millennia from Ancient Rome to the eighteenth century. The reader is treated to a sweeping tale that takes place in a variety of locations: Ancient Rome; Sicily, Italy in the eighteenth century; and in the fourteenth century: Genoa, Italy; Kaffa, Crimea; and Avignon, France.
There is an important reason for the Immortal Codex to be encrypted and kept secret. When Petra first discovered she had immortal life as well as the ability to bring others back to life, she brought back two men: one man her lover, the other her enemy. Unfortunately, her enemy turned out to be an incredibly powerful foe and a threat to the man she loves deeply for all eternity. Petra feels she needs a codex in order to keep a record of her history and to try to figure out the nature of her immortality, but she also knows that it would be extremely dangerous for her enemy to read it.
Petra has everything the best stories have: romance, danger, intrigue, insights into human nature, and so much more. Petra also has fascinating ideas on what it would be like to be more than human and to live for eternity.
In Petra, the reader is treated to a unique vampire origin story. It unfolds as the main character Petra who is the Prima Vita, the only true immortal, tells her origin story, along with the stories of those she has turned, to Aurelia, a talented woman writing a cipher for the Immortal Codex. She tells these stories in Sicily in the year 1723, centuries after Petra has granted Aurelia eternal life.
The Immortal Codex is an encrypted version of Petra’s origin story along with the histories of the Essentiae, her group of followers now able to live forever. This history spans millennia from Ancient Rome to the eighteenth century. The reader is treated to a sweeping tale that takes place in a variety of locations: Ancient Rome; Sicily, Italy in the eighteenth century; and in the fourteenth century: Genoa, Italy; Kaffa, Crimea; and Avignon, France.
There is an important reason for the Immortal Codex to be encrypted and kept secret. When Petra first discovered she had immortal life as well as the ability to bring others back to life, she brought back two men: one man her lover, the other her enemy. Unfortunately, her enemy turned out to be an incredibly powerful foe and a threat to the man she loves deeply for all eternity. Petra feels she needs a codex in order to keep a record of her history and to try to figure out the nature of her immortality, but she also knows that it would be extremely dangerous for her enemy to read it.
Petra has everything the best stories have: romance, danger, intrigue, insights into human nature, and so much more. Petra also has fascinating ideas on what it would be like to be more than human and to live for eternity.
May 9, 2024
Self-published in 2017. I read this in the ebook collection Dominion Rising.
“Talk to me of fear, and I will tell you no one on Earth has ever feared death more. But there will likely never be another who fears it less. Death is both my curse and my gift.”
Lady Petra Valerii is an immortal, the Prima Vita, and this is her origin story, her first Vellessentia. Tivoli, 2 BC. After she witnesses her mother, a slave, murdered by their master Clarius, she poisons him, his wife, and herself. However the poison doesn't work on her and she awakes, then flees from the house with another servant whom she loves, Lucipor. They gradually learn that Lucipor can be brought back from death with Petra's blood. While attempting to kill their old master, Petra is forced to negociate a similar blood-letting with Clarius to revive him.
The prose in this story is flat and the dialogues are awkward, banal, and unnatural. The plot is mostly a series of discrete events and lack the logical transitions that make a narrative cohesive. For example, the scenario surrounding I just wish this could have been crafted with more imagination and intrigue.
Part III of the novel is better plotted and executed although there are still some awkward moments. The ending is not conclusive and I wished that it had not been allowed to end in such a cliff hanger. The story overall was disappointing and I will just leave it at that.
“Talk to me of fear, and I will tell you no one on Earth has ever feared death more. But there will likely never be another who fears it less. Death is both my curse and my gift.”
Lady Petra Valerii is an immortal, the Prima Vita, and this is her origin story, her first Vellessentia. Tivoli, 2 BC. After she witnesses her mother, a slave, murdered by their master Clarius, she poisons him, his wife, and herself. However the poison doesn't work on her and she awakes, then flees from the house with another servant whom she loves, Lucipor. They gradually learn that Lucipor can be brought back from death with Petra's blood. While attempting to kill their old master, Petra is forced to negociate a similar blood-letting with Clarius to revive him.
The prose in this story is flat and the dialogues are awkward, banal, and unnatural. The plot is mostly a series of discrete events and lack the logical transitions that make a narrative cohesive. For example, the scenario surrounding I just wish this could have been crafted with more imagination and intrigue.
Part III of the novel is better plotted and executed although there are still some awkward moments. The ending is not conclusive and I wished that it had not been allowed to end in such a cliff hanger. The story overall was disappointing and I will just leave it at that.
September 22, 2017
An unusual and interesting vampire origin story, this earns 4.2 out of five stars from me...and I don't even like vampires!
Part of the attraction of this book was that it begins in the Roman Empire, one of the few historical eras I don't mind reading about. Also, I know the author can write a good tale.
I don't want to give anything away but this origin tale won't answer all your questions about "how did vampires come to be" but it will introduce you to a new breed of vampire. In fact, there are two types of Essentiae (might have spelled it wrong) but only one source of immortality. This isn't a "one bite" and you're in forever club.
One thing that stole some of the tension from the story is the story outside of the story format. We start in the future and then the tales are retold as they're written into the immortal codex. Because of this, we know that some people who leave the "family" will eventually return and that spoiled the story for me.
If you like vampires, you should definitely check out Lasota's new series. If you enjoy reading historical fantasy, you'll probably enjoy this.
I received a review copy and have chosen to review the book.
Part of the attraction of this book was that it begins in the Roman Empire, one of the few historical eras I don't mind reading about. Also, I know the author can write a good tale.
I don't want to give anything away but this origin tale won't answer all your questions about "how did vampires come to be" but it will introduce you to a new breed of vampire. In fact, there are two types of Essentiae (might have spelled it wrong) but only one source of immortality. This isn't a "one bite" and you're in forever club.
One thing that stole some of the tension from the story is the story outside of the story format. We start in the future and then the tales are retold as they're written into the immortal codex. Because of this, we know that some people who leave the "family" will eventually return and that spoiled the story for me.
If you like vampires, you should definitely check out Lasota's new series. If you enjoy reading historical fantasy, you'll probably enjoy this.
I received a review copy and have chosen to review the book.
September 5, 2017
Although it did take a few chapters to get into the story...it is NOT because the writing was lacking. Sci-fi is difficult for me to process quickly. I have to keep reading until the story begins forming a movie in my head so I can "see" these new worlds. Once that kicked in...(it is the same for me for all sci-fi) it was a page turner. Petra, an immortal, takes her "position" in life so seriously that it impacts those around her. By the time the ending rolled around, I saw an even greater internal struggle that she had lived with for hundreds of years and she...well... I can't give everything away! Let's just say it was an easy read that pulled me in and made me a convert to Petra's world. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. The author has very concise storytelling skills that go straight to the heart of every scene and emotion. Once I got into the book, (or my minuscule sci-fi brain finally kicked in) I read so fast that I fear that I may have missed some excitement! So, I am going to reread it at a casual pace. I want to savor it this time. Loved it!
May 21, 2019
A wonderfully penned blend of historical fiction and paranormal fantasy.
Beginning at the turn of the first millennium AD, on the estate of an extremely brutal Roman, Clarius, the intertwined story of slaves, Petra and Lucius begins.
The story of how immortality was imparted to this trio and their interconnected lives over succeeding centuries was compelling.
The characters are vibrant, including the secondary ones that appear as their story unfolds. The meticulous historical research undertaken by the author ensures there are neither inaccuracies or anachronisms present to throw one out of the narrative.
A touch violent at times, (possibly not unexpected for a growing group of blood-dependant immortals) especially when the story lands in the fourteenth century as the Tartar-Mongol horde are attacking the city of Kaffa (Theodosia) and bring the Black Death with them.
A thoroughly enjoyable, well crafted tale that was a pleasure to read.
Beginning at the turn of the first millennium AD, on the estate of an extremely brutal Roman, Clarius, the intertwined story of slaves, Petra and Lucius begins.
The story of how immortality was imparted to this trio and their interconnected lives over succeeding centuries was compelling.
The characters are vibrant, including the secondary ones that appear as their story unfolds. The meticulous historical research undertaken by the author ensures there are neither inaccuracies or anachronisms present to throw one out of the narrative.
A touch violent at times, (possibly not unexpected for a growing group of blood-dependant immortals) especially when the story lands in the fourteenth century as the Tartar-Mongol horde are attacking the city of Kaffa (Theodosia) and bring the Black Death with them.
A thoroughly enjoyable, well crafted tale that was a pleasure to read.
August 20, 2017
I don’t know exactly what I was expecting when I started this book, but I was left standing in awe and amazement by the time I’d finished it. Firstly, I didn’t know it was a story about vampires, and didn’t figure it out till I was pretty far into the story. Immortals…duh. Obviously I don’t read books about vampires aka immortals. However, I am so glad I read this one.
What an emotion-filled, action-packed story! There is never a dull moment, that’s for sure. And I absolutely loved all of the historical aspects of the story. I fell in love with both Petra and Lucius. Their love story is at once passionate, enduring, and heart-breaking.
I was drawn into the story immediately and caught up in the romance and intrigue. This being the first in a series, I know the story is bound to get grittier and continue on this wild, passionate, romantic ride. I look forward to reading the whole series.
What an emotion-filled, action-packed story! There is never a dull moment, that’s for sure. And I absolutely loved all of the historical aspects of the story. I fell in love with both Petra and Lucius. Their love story is at once passionate, enduring, and heart-breaking.
I was drawn into the story immediately and caught up in the romance and intrigue. This being the first in a series, I know the story is bound to get grittier and continue on this wild, passionate, romantic ride. I look forward to reading the whole series.
May 27, 2020
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/petra-immor...
If you’re getting a bit of an Interview With The Vampire vibe here, you are not far off the mark, with the story spanning multiple human lifetimes. Fortunately, it largely stays clear of the vampiric cliches, and what could have been little more than Twilight with delusions of historical significance becomes a little more. It’s recounted in flashback from the 18th century, though there are huge gaps in the narrative, where you’re left to wonder what Petra was doing during the 1,300+ intervening years. I’m still a little vague on the specific mechanism of the immortality, too: it is based on Petra’s blood, the herb, or is it the combination? But my major problem was the overpowering emphasis on the romantic angles. Look, we get it: Petra and Clarius are super in love. Now, can we move on to interesting anecdotes about life everlasting?
If you’re getting a bit of an Interview With The Vampire vibe here, you are not far off the mark, with the story spanning multiple human lifetimes. Fortunately, it largely stays clear of the vampiric cliches, and what could have been little more than Twilight with delusions of historical significance becomes a little more. It’s recounted in flashback from the 18th century, though there are huge gaps in the narrative, where you’re left to wonder what Petra was doing during the 1,300+ intervening years. I’m still a little vague on the specific mechanism of the immortality, too: it is based on Petra’s blood, the herb, or is it the combination? But my major problem was the overpowering emphasis on the romantic angles. Look, we get it: Petra and Clarius are super in love. Now, can we move on to interesting anecdotes about life everlasting?
August 8, 2017
A Novel Twist on the Vampire Theme.
Petra is a Roman slave who discovers a plant that grants her immortal life. Unfortunately, following his wife’s death, her master (Clarius), a particularly unpleasant individual, enters into an agreement with Petra to grant him and others immortal life. There is a catch: Petra must renew their lives every year. Not wishing to miss out on his cruelty Clarius agrees to not kill Petra’s lover (Lucipor) providing that Clarius can murder (temporarily at least) Petra at the renewal ceremony.
What follows is Petra’s story of her immortal life and the lives of those around her and the coterie of truly unpleasant people that Clarius gathers around him.
A story full of promise and a great start to the series.
Petra is a Roman slave who discovers a plant that grants her immortal life. Unfortunately, following his wife’s death, her master (Clarius), a particularly unpleasant individual, enters into an agreement with Petra to grant him and others immortal life. There is a catch: Petra must renew their lives every year. Not wishing to miss out on his cruelty Clarius agrees to not kill Petra’s lover (Lucipor) providing that Clarius can murder (temporarily at least) Petra at the renewal ceremony.
What follows is Petra’s story of her immortal life and the lives of those around her and the coterie of truly unpleasant people that Clarius gathers around him.
A story full of promise and a great start to the series.
September 19, 2017
I am not normally a fan of vampire fiction, but in Petra, Cheri Lasota has introduced a new kind of vampire and an intriguing vampire origin story. I was drawn in from page one by the interaction between Petra and Aurelia, and my feelings about the story only grew more and more positive as I read. The origin story, the love between Petra and Lucius, and the absolutely (but not quite absolutely) irredeemable Clarius, along with so many other aspects, made this a book that I feel like I absolutely must follow-up on. It may be a little while until there is a sequel, but I will await it with anticipation.
I would recommend Petra to anyone who enjoys romance and vampire stories in a historical setting.
I would recommend Petra to anyone who enjoys romance and vampire stories in a historical setting.
February 23, 2018
“Petra” was the first book I have read by Cheri Lasota. With this first book in the Immortal Codex series, she has set up an interesting world with infinite possibilities. In the beginning, it seemed like the book was primarily conflict without much character development, but as the story moved on, a better balance was achieved.
I found the return to the “present” every so often helpful in staying in touch with the timeline. This is not the genre that I normally read, but I did enjoy the book and look forward to seeing where Ms. Lasota takes Petra and her companions in future volumes.
I found the return to the “present” every so often helpful in staying in touch with the timeline. This is not the genre that I normally read, but I did enjoy the book and look forward to seeing where Ms. Lasota takes Petra and her companions in future volumes.
May 14, 2019
So well written! A very engrossing story.
Ordinarily I don't care for books about vampires, and I might not have chosen this one if I'd fully understood what I was getting into. But I'm very happy in my failure. The origin story of a group of Immortals begins in innocence and pain. I cared for the two main characters immediately .
The genuine love and caring of Petra for her followers is so endearing. The heinous vile evil villain, while frightening, brings a strong sense/desire for revenge. I want him ended!
Ordinarily I don't care for books about vampires, and I might not have chosen this one if I'd fully understood what I was getting into. But I'm very happy in my failure. The origin story of a group of Immortals begins in innocence and pain. I cared for the two main characters immediately .
The genuine love and caring of Petra for her followers is so endearing. The heinous vile evil villain, while frightening, brings a strong sense/desire for revenge. I want him ended!
July 5, 2019
Absolutely terrible
Thank God this book was free, I think I skipped a good portion of this book just to get to the end. It started out decent and I bought into the slave Petra. But really they became immortal by a plant or flower?? Then you can only stay alive by someone's blood. Too many holes in the story and too much emphasis on the love story of Lucuis and Petra and how they are figuring out their new found immortality. Honestly book was just not put together well. Not worth the read for me at least.
Thank God this book was free, I think I skipped a good portion of this book just to get to the end. It started out decent and I bought into the slave Petra. But really they became immortal by a plant or flower?? Then you can only stay alive by someone's blood. Too many holes in the story and too much emphasis on the love story of Lucuis and Petra and how they are figuring out their new found immortality. Honestly book was just not put together well. Not worth the read for me at least.
August 7, 2017
Petra isn't your typical vampire story, although it shares much in common. The protagonist and title character, along with her band of Immortals, must bargain with ancient pacts made with an implacable enemy. While they attempt to live without those pacts dominating their lives, still they ever struggle. It is that struggle that defines the story, rather than some grand quest or an action adventure.
It is really about immortal love.
It is really about immortal love.
October 20, 2019
The mystery of how they came to be immortals and the complexities of the two different clans. And how they work together to live through the centuries and cultures they pass through.
Petra's life as a slave would of been different if she and her family would of never been swept up in the war that plagued their country. Her only solace is in her one friend that she made while growing up. Then when the new master starts in on her she can't hold back any more of her feelings....
Petra's life as a slave would of been different if she and her family would of never been swept up in the war that plagued their country. Her only solace is in her one friend that she made while growing up. Then when the new master starts in on her she can't hold back any more of her feelings....
January 10, 2018
This story is part of the Dominion Rising HUGE package. I wasn't sure I would like it at all since I have avoided vampire books - but I don't remember why I decided to avoid them. Anyway, this is a very interesting story with more ideas about that subject than I expected. I think it is very well written and I have to admit that I am surprised that I liked it!
September 8, 2017
Did not like it. Slow in places, which will put you to sleep and the story line left alot to be desired. I just didn't care for the story at all. Found it long winded, boring, with dull and uninteresting characters.
July 11, 2019
Vampires?
But not.
I love it. It's historical romance at its best, with violence and rivalry, and deep hatred. This book has all things a great romance needs. It brings to mind, Gone with the Wind, or Casablanca.
This book/series is one of my absolute favorites! <3
But not.
I love it. It's historical romance at its best, with violence and rivalry, and deep hatred. This book has all things a great romance needs. It brings to mind, Gone with the Wind, or Casablanca.
This book/series is one of my absolute favorites! <3
August 24, 2017
This is a book purchased as part of the Dominion Rising Anthology. I enjoyed this unusual storyline with enduring characters. No great drama-- simply a good story, well told.
January 6, 2018
A different view on the vampire origins. An eternal battle to keep them under control. Tragic romance and interesting perspective.
May 24, 2019
Very interesting
I really enjoyed this one it was really unique. However I was rather lost in the beginning and I wished that there was more to the story.
I really enjoyed this one it was really unique. However I was rather lost in the beginning and I wished that there was more to the story.
August 21, 2019
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Beautifully written, could not put it down,
Highly recommend reading this amazing story, characters and storyline are more than brilliant.
Beautifully written, could not put it down,
Highly recommend reading this amazing story, characters and storyline are more than brilliant.
September 7, 2021
4.5 Stars!!
Stunning and rich take on the vampire folklore, Lasota weaves a spellbinding tale that spans whole centuries, in vivid emotional detail!
Stunning and rich take on the vampire folklore, Lasota weaves a spellbinding tale that spans whole centuries, in vivid emotional detail!
December 22, 2023
Very good. I definitely want to know how it all plays out.
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