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Bloody Hearts #1
Shadow Walker
Nothing stays black and white in a world full of shadows.
I’m Alana Mitchell, and for my twentieth birthday, I got a brand-new magical destiny instead of the laptop I was saving for.
I’m a witch. I have powers I can’t control, enemies I know nothing about, and a legacy I can’t begin to grasp.
A renegade demon and his brother rescued me, but they are driving me crazy with their I-know-better attitudes, beckoning stares and stupidly handsome faces.
I want to hunt the bastards that destroyed my future, but the brothers’ past is catching up to us in the form of a smart, bitter, and deadly enemy, one who will stop at nothing to possess me.
To survive, I must embrace the darkness simmering inside me and unleash the devil within, no matter the consequences…
Shadow Walker is the first book in an urban fantasy/paranormal series filled with action, suspense, and smoking-hot men. Demons, witches, forbidden love… Pick up your copy today
I’m Alana Mitchell, and for my twentieth birthday, I got a brand-new magical destiny instead of the laptop I was saving for.
I’m a witch. I have powers I can’t control, enemies I know nothing about, and a legacy I can’t begin to grasp.
A renegade demon and his brother rescued me, but they are driving me crazy with their I-know-better attitudes, beckoning stares and stupidly handsome faces.
I want to hunt the bastards that destroyed my future, but the brothers’ past is catching up to us in the form of a smart, bitter, and deadly enemy, one who will stop at nothing to possess me.
To survive, I must embrace the darkness simmering inside me and unleash the devil within, no matter the consequences…
Shadow Walker is the first book in an urban fantasy/paranormal series filled with action, suspense, and smoking-hot men. Demons, witches, forbidden love… Pick up your copy today
294 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2019
824 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Anya J. Cosgrove
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
February 20, 2019
Book Reviewed by Nia on www.whisperingstories.com
Who doesn’t love a good love triangle? Alana, a witch just coming into her powers, is taken away from her ordinary life to be kept safe from people who might hurt her, and to learn how to use her powers.
Luckily for her, she’s taken by two very attractive brothers, which definitely takes the edge off!
As a main character, Alana was busy either crying (understandable) or telling herself that she’s not a damsel in distress (patently untrue at this stage in the series). I personally don’t mind a good damsel in distress novel, I would have preferred she just own it and allowed the boys to save her while she enjoys their sculpted torsos than protest that she can handle herself when she clearly couldn’t.
I really enjoyed the writing style, it was the right amount of dark and angsty to fit in with Alana’s mindset and circumstances, switching perspectives between her thoughts and those of Liam, the darker and broodier of the two brothers (be still my heart!). The majority of the tensions in this book could be resolved by the main characters communicating a bit better between themselves about their feelings, but where’s the fun in that?
This book sets a lot of groundwork for what we can expect in the rest of the series in terms of magic and mythology, and while it’s not the most original of storylines, it’s a trope that I never tire of so I’m more than happy to see where the main characters take us in the remainder of the series.
Who doesn’t love a good love triangle? Alana, a witch just coming into her powers, is taken away from her ordinary life to be kept safe from people who might hurt her, and to learn how to use her powers.
Luckily for her, she’s taken by two very attractive brothers, which definitely takes the edge off!
As a main character, Alana was busy either crying (understandable) or telling herself that she’s not a damsel in distress (patently untrue at this stage in the series). I personally don’t mind a good damsel in distress novel, I would have preferred she just own it and allowed the boys to save her while she enjoys their sculpted torsos than protest that she can handle herself when she clearly couldn’t.
I really enjoyed the writing style, it was the right amount of dark and angsty to fit in with Alana’s mindset and circumstances, switching perspectives between her thoughts and those of Liam, the darker and broodier of the two brothers (be still my heart!). The majority of the tensions in this book could be resolved by the main characters communicating a bit better between themselves about their feelings, but where’s the fun in that?
This book sets a lot of groundwork for what we can expect in the rest of the series in terms of magic and mythology, and while it’s not the most original of storylines, it’s a trope that I never tire of so I’m more than happy to see where the main characters take us in the remainder of the series.
June 2, 2020
~*Review first appeared on The Bent Bookworm!*~
I am so excited to be able to give a high recommendation to Anya Cosgrove’s debut novel! This book was such a fun, entertaining read.
Best Things
- Um, the brothers! Duh. They’re very different but they’re both hot. Haha! Thom is the friendly, popular guy that everyone likes, and Liam is the brooding anti-hero. As you know by now, if you’ve read my blog for any length of time…I am ALL ABOUT the anti-heroes. Yes please.
- Alana is a fun character, and I’m super eager to see how she grows and matures in future books. She comes around to this whole supernatural thing very quickly, and it would have been a sore point for me except that she even says in her narration that it’s very odd, how easily she accepted this new world that she is suddenly thrust into. So I’m interested to see if that plays out in any way down the road as well.
- The slow burn! I absolutely hate insta-love, and while of course it’s pretty normal for any hot-blooded human to feel some physical pull to an attractive other person, I don’t think it’s normal for a true obsession to switch on immediately. THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN HERE, and I am so grateful. It made me enjoy the story so much more!
- The evil guy is really despicable. Not just sort of nasty. Like made my skin crawl in horror. Which is IMPORTANT! If the stakes aren’t high enough, the story won’t work…and it worked, let me tell you.
Minor Complaints
- Love triangle. Obviously that was a main point of this story, it even says it in the GR description – but I really didn’t think *I* personally would be so torn between the brothers. ARGH!
- Need more details on how all this witch/warlock/demon/magic stuff actually works, and it’s origins. It’s explained a little, but…really needs some more fleshing out. Hopefully in the next books!
- Erm…the cover. I absolutely HATE covers with barechested men or scantily clad women. Like I couldn’t read a physical copy of this in public. Can we please just not? There’s so many other cool scenes from this book that they could have chosen…but that’s a very small beef. Just ignore the cover!
I cannot WAIT for the next installment of Bloody Hearts, which is titled Witch’s Honor and is due out on April 11, 2019!
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I am so excited to be able to give a high recommendation to Anya Cosgrove’s debut novel! This book was such a fun, entertaining read.
They say ignorance is bliss. I say ignorance gets you killed. I still miss it, though.
Best Things
- Um, the brothers! Duh. They’re very different but they’re both hot. Haha! Thom is the friendly, popular guy that everyone likes, and Liam is the brooding anti-hero. As you know by now, if you’ve read my blog for any length of time…I am ALL ABOUT the anti-heroes. Yes please.
- Alana is a fun character, and I’m super eager to see how she grows and matures in future books. She comes around to this whole supernatural thing very quickly, and it would have been a sore point for me except that she even says in her narration that it’s very odd, how easily she accepted this new world that she is suddenly thrust into. So I’m interested to see if that plays out in any way down the road as well.
- The slow burn! I absolutely hate insta-love, and while of course it’s pretty normal for any hot-blooded human to feel some physical pull to an attractive other person, I don’t think it’s normal for a true obsession to switch on immediately. THAT DIDN’T HAPPEN HERE, and I am so grateful. It made me enjoy the story so much more!
- The evil guy is really despicable. Not just sort of nasty. Like made my skin crawl in horror. Which is IMPORTANT! If the stakes aren’t high enough, the story won’t work…and it worked, let me tell you.
Minor Complaints
- Love triangle. Obviously that was a main point of this story, it even says it in the GR description – but I really didn’t think *I* personally would be so torn between the brothers. ARGH!
- Need more details on how all this witch/warlock/demon/magic stuff actually works, and it’s origins. It’s explained a little, but…really needs some more fleshing out. Hopefully in the next books!
- Erm…the cover. I absolutely HATE covers with barechested men or scantily clad women. Like I couldn’t read a physical copy of this in public. Can we please just not? There’s so many other cool scenes from this book that they could have chosen…but that’s a very small beef. Just ignore the cover!
I cannot WAIT for the next installment of Bloody Hearts, which is titled Witch’s Honor and is due out on April 11, 2019!
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February 4, 2019
Originally posted at:
I'm surprised by how much I liked this book and how much sleep I lost while making my way through it! The strange thing is that I usually dislike books that feature love triangles. I think I liked it because it wasn't the focal point in the story. Everything is up in the air at this point and there are more important things to deal with other than deciding who the main character wants.
Alana had her moments. Some kick*ss moments and other very whiny moments. I could sympathize with her enough to let most of it roll off but she pushed her luck on various occasions. I wish Alana had more of a sense of humor, preferably darker and accepting of sarcasm (but that's just a personal preference). The author did a great job at building the mystery up from her perspective. She's just as lost as the reader and it struck the right balance of mystery that didn't become unreasonably frustrating by the end.
I'm not sure which team I'm on but I'm leaning more towards Liam. Even though he's a demon and did really bad things both in the past and present. I like his dark demeanor, overall sarcastic sense of humor and dark outlook of the world. Though the hot and cold thing can go away if I have any say in it.
Thom, on the other hand, is human and I'm not sure how long he'll survive in the supernatural world. That's probably just my pessimism speaking considering he's been entrenched in this world for most of his life and he hasn't died yet, right?
I love the creature concepts and the overall world the author started building in this novel. I hope she continues to expand on it with future novels in this series. I also liked the creature definitions that would pop up when one was mentioned. Though maybe a glossary would be better suited for those in the future if the amount of different creatures starts to grow out of control.
This book ended in a good good-for-now ending, which is a very strange statement coming from someone who hates but has learned to accept any kind of open ending and the slightest of cliffhangers in books over the years. I'm very invested in this story and I want to know what happens next!
My Favorite Quotes:
"Ghosts and demons in fiction were funny or disgusting-looking but never scary."
"I used to watch supernatural teen dramas and hope I'd find my own dreamy hero."
"Starting over was hard but staying in limbo was worse."
I'm surprised by how much I liked this book and how much sleep I lost while making my way through it! The strange thing is that I usually dislike books that feature love triangles. I think I liked it because it wasn't the focal point in the story. Everything is up in the air at this point and there are more important things to deal with other than deciding who the main character wants.
Alana had her moments. Some kick*ss moments and other very whiny moments. I could sympathize with her enough to let most of it roll off but she pushed her luck on various occasions. I wish Alana had more of a sense of humor, preferably darker and accepting of sarcasm (but that's just a personal preference). The author did a great job at building the mystery up from her perspective. She's just as lost as the reader and it struck the right balance of mystery that didn't become unreasonably frustrating by the end.
I'm not sure which team I'm on but I'm leaning more towards Liam. Even though he's a demon and did really bad things both in the past and present. I like his dark demeanor, overall sarcastic sense of humor and dark outlook of the world. Though the hot and cold thing can go away if I have any say in it.
Thom, on the other hand, is human and I'm not sure how long he'll survive in the supernatural world. That's probably just my pessimism speaking considering he's been entrenched in this world for most of his life and he hasn't died yet, right?
I love the creature concepts and the overall world the author started building in this novel. I hope she continues to expand on it with future novels in this series. I also liked the creature definitions that would pop up when one was mentioned. Though maybe a glossary would be better suited for those in the future if the amount of different creatures starts to grow out of control.
This book ended in a good good-for-now ending, which is a very strange statement coming from someone who hates but has learned to accept any kind of open ending and the slightest of cliffhangers in books over the years. I'm very invested in this story and I want to know what happens next!
My Favorite Quotes:
"Ghosts and demons in fiction were funny or disgusting-looking but never scary."
"I used to watch supernatural teen dramas and hope I'd find my own dreamy hero."
"Starting over was hard but staying in limbo was worse."
November 7, 2019
Love, love this~
Full Review on my blog!
I've had this in my TBR ever since I posted the Cover Reveal for Shadow Walker sooo, when I saw there was going to be a Blog Tour I jumped a the chance, and I'm so glad I did.
It was a very fresh, fun, unique read with an interesting story that puts you on the edge of your seat. It's well written and has unique characters. I loved how the story progressed and each character grew. I absolutely loved every minute of it, and was sad when it ended. And I immediately read Lost Boy, which is the prequel novella, it's available, when signing up for Anya's newsletter. BUT Anyways...
Shadow Walker is the first book in the Bloody Hearts series and tells the story of Alana, whose life has just been turned upside down and she has to deal with her new-found status as a witch, with only Liam (a demon), his brother Thom and another witch to guide her and teach her how to use her powers before it is too late.
I don't want to give too much away, you'll have to read this one to find out what happens. Trust me you'll want to. This book is definitely worth the read. Out of the 6 books I've read this year so far, Shadow Walker is my favourite read. I'm so looking forward to reading the second book in the series!
_________________________________
Shadow Walker | Review
Witch's Honor | Review
Cursed Souls| Review
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Full Review on my blog!
I've had this in my TBR ever since I posted the Cover Reveal for Shadow Walker sooo, when I saw there was going to be a Blog Tour I jumped a the chance, and I'm so glad I did.
It was a very fresh, fun, unique read with an interesting story that puts you on the edge of your seat. It's well written and has unique characters. I loved how the story progressed and each character grew. I absolutely loved every minute of it, and was sad when it ended. And I immediately read Lost Boy, which is the prequel novella, it's available, when signing up for Anya's newsletter. BUT Anyways...
Shadow Walker is the first book in the Bloody Hearts series and tells the story of Alana, whose life has just been turned upside down and she has to deal with her new-found status as a witch, with only Liam (a demon), his brother Thom and another witch to guide her and teach her how to use her powers before it is too late.
I don't want to give too much away, you'll have to read this one to find out what happens. Trust me you'll want to. This book is definitely worth the read. Out of the 6 books I've read this year so far, Shadow Walker is my favourite read. I'm so looking forward to reading the second book in the series!
_________________________________
Shadow Walker | Review
Witch's Honor | Review
Cursed Souls| Review
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January 21, 2019
I voluntarily received an ARC of Shadow Walker, all thoughts and opinion are my own.
Shadow Walker blew me away with its originality and the depth of the world Cosgrove created on her freshman outing. The story is fast-paced with loads of action, danger, and heroin that is easy to like. Then there are the two gorgeous brothers one good one not so good. Whatever is a girl to do? I'll tell you, cut the sexual tension with a knife! Even I wasn’t sure which one she should pick at times.
I had so much fun reading the story I just wanted to know what happened next and I can’t wait for the next book. I need to know what happens next! I am giving Shadow Walker 5 Boundless Stars.
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Shadow Walker blew me away with its originality and the depth of the world Cosgrove created on her freshman outing. The story is fast-paced with loads of action, danger, and heroin that is easy to like. Then there are the two gorgeous brothers one good one not so good. Whatever is a girl to do? I'll tell you, cut the sexual tension with a knife! Even I wasn’t sure which one she should pick at times.
I had so much fun reading the story I just wanted to know what happened next and I can’t wait for the next book. I need to know what happens next! I am giving Shadow Walker 5 Boundless Stars.
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
January 15, 2019
**Copy provided by Netgalley/Tour Host, in exchange for an honest review**
I enjoyed reading the Shadow Walker. The story kept me engaged and interested. I do like all the characters, but confuse on how I feel about Alana. Alana has feelings for two brothers and is as confused as I am with how I feel about her. I can’t hate her for being the way she is with the brothers, but she did keep me on edge on how she would be with either one. Tom is the perfect guy and is clueless on what exactly is going on around him. Then there’s his older brother Liam, who shouldn’t have the feelings that he does. Then there’s Lana who is kissing both brothers and feeling for both. Liam lights her on fire, while Tom makes her feel safe and cared for.
I am not a big fan of love triangles, especially when it is between brothers. I love the story and the idea of it, but I don’t love the relationships between the three. Right now I love Tom, he is the most innocent when it comes to all 3 and I want only what’s best for him. I can’t wait to read book 2.
I enjoyed reading the Shadow Walker. The story kept me engaged and interested. I do like all the characters, but confuse on how I feel about Alana. Alana has feelings for two brothers and is as confused as I am with how I feel about her. I can’t hate her for being the way she is with the brothers, but she did keep me on edge on how she would be with either one. Tom is the perfect guy and is clueless on what exactly is going on around him. Then there’s his older brother Liam, who shouldn’t have the feelings that he does. Then there’s Lana who is kissing both brothers and feeling for both. Liam lights her on fire, while Tom makes her feel safe and cared for.
I am not a big fan of love triangles, especially when it is between brothers. I love the story and the idea of it, but I don’t love the relationships between the three. Right now I love Tom, he is the most innocent when it comes to all 3 and I want only what’s best for him. I can’t wait to read book 2.
January 18, 2019
Original review
This book was provided by the author through Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Anya J. Cosgrove and Xpresso Book Tours!
Shadow Walker is the first book in the Bloody Hearts series and tells the story of Anya, Thom and Liam. Shadow Walker is a slow-burn Paranormal Romance read.
Shadow Walker was the first book I read written by Anya J. Cosgrove and I’m happy that I chose to read this one. Shadow Walker has such an interesting story that puts you on the edge of your seat. I had to know what was going to happen to the characters and I wanted to know what was happening and why it was happening.
I think that Anya J. Cosgrove did an amazing job, this is her debut novel and Shadow Walker is so well written. I couldn’t get enough of the story and the characters and I finished this book in two days, it was just that good. I love the world that Anya’s created and the characters are so lovable.
As you may have read in the synopsis, there’s a love triangle in Shadow Walker and when I first started this book I didn’t know there was going to be a love triangle. I have the tendency to not read the synopsis, or just glance at it and see if it interests me. Most of the time I pick up a book just because of its cover. So I didn’t know there was going to be a love triangle, but I wasn’t disappointed at all! I actually really liked the love triangle, and I cannot wait to see who Anya’s going to choose in the sequel.
Shadow Walker was an amazing read and definitely one of my favourite reads! I cannot wait for the second book in the series, Witch’s Honor!
This book was provided by the author through Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Anya J. Cosgrove and Xpresso Book Tours!
Shadow Walker is the first book in the Bloody Hearts series and tells the story of Anya, Thom and Liam. Shadow Walker is a slow-burn Paranormal Romance read.
Shadow Walker was the first book I read written by Anya J. Cosgrove and I’m happy that I chose to read this one. Shadow Walker has such an interesting story that puts you on the edge of your seat. I had to know what was going to happen to the characters and I wanted to know what was happening and why it was happening.
I think that Anya J. Cosgrove did an amazing job, this is her debut novel and Shadow Walker is so well written. I couldn’t get enough of the story and the characters and I finished this book in two days, it was just that good. I love the world that Anya’s created and the characters are so lovable.
As you may have read in the synopsis, there’s a love triangle in Shadow Walker and when I first started this book I didn’t know there was going to be a love triangle. I have the tendency to not read the synopsis, or just glance at it and see if it interests me. Most of the time I pick up a book just because of its cover. So I didn’t know there was going to be a love triangle, but I wasn’t disappointed at all! I actually really liked the love triangle, and I cannot wait to see who Anya’s going to choose in the sequel.
Shadow Walker was an amazing read and definitely one of my favourite reads! I cannot wait for the second book in the series, Witch’s Honor!
August 19, 2018
I had the pleasure of reading this one as an advance reader's copy - and it pulled me in completely (I stayed up way past my bedtime). The world is very detailed and well-constructed, the romance is deliciously slow-burn, and the heroine is strong and capable without being one of those "I discovered magic and now I'm the strongest user in the history of time" types. If you're bothered by love triangles, this one might not be for you, but I haven't read one in ages, so I was perfectly happy to root for my favorite (no spoilers though!). I can't wait to read the sequel and feel like Alana and her little crew will become reader favorites.
January 22, 2019
Reviewed on behalf of http://bookaddict.live,
It all starts when on the eve of her twentieth birthday she gets attacked and kidnapped after her father has an accident and Alana panics and she wants him well, and not knowing how she did it heals him. After the ambulance goes with her parents in side. Suddenly after Alana is being kidnapped then rescued by Thom and his brother Liam.
Then the adventure starts even though Alana still doesn’t believe that she is a witch. Thom and Liam start to train Alana in physical fighting, but she finds it hard at first. Thom and Liam help new witches by training them and when they can look after themselves, they go back to the real world safe. The brothers were HOT I had to say that, there is a lot of jealousy between them as they both wanted Alana.
That the bones of what goes on, this is action all the way and kept me mesmerized to the end. The brothers were HOT I had to say that, there is a lot of jealousy When I got there, I wanted to go back and start again. Great start to a exciting series.
It all starts when on the eve of her twentieth birthday she gets attacked and kidnapped after her father has an accident and Alana panics and she wants him well, and not knowing how she did it heals him. After the ambulance goes with her parents in side. Suddenly after Alana is being kidnapped then rescued by Thom and his brother Liam.
Then the adventure starts even though Alana still doesn’t believe that she is a witch. Thom and Liam start to train Alana in physical fighting, but she finds it hard at first. Thom and Liam help new witches by training them and when they can look after themselves, they go back to the real world safe. The brothers were HOT I had to say that, there is a lot of jealousy between them as they both wanted Alana.
That the bones of what goes on, this is action all the way and kept me mesmerized to the end. The brothers were HOT I had to say that, there is a lot of jealousy When I got there, I wanted to go back and start again. Great start to a exciting series.
June 4, 2019
Kinda sweet
There is a slow growth narrative to Lana, an introduction to the supernatural that many Urban fantasies miss. She’s a normal girl who has never really been normal, and now she has to face that - and it’s hard. She doesn’t fall into fighting or even trying, she struggles, she’s immature and often reckless in her disregard for things she doesn’t understand. In other words - she IS normal, even as she is 100% as far from normal as you can get.
Pros:
- relatable FMC, even if she is sometimes annoying.
- Unique world building.
- Liam is EVERYTHING.... whew, that’s a man! 😈
- Well written.
- Flows fairly well.
Cons:
- Despite it being understandable, Lana is sometimes very annoying and childish. Both a pro and a con for the narrative.
There is a slow growth narrative to Lana, an introduction to the supernatural that many Urban fantasies miss. She’s a normal girl who has never really been normal, and now she has to face that - and it’s hard. She doesn’t fall into fighting or even trying, she struggles, she’s immature and often reckless in her disregard for things she doesn’t understand. In other words - she IS normal, even as she is 100% as far from normal as you can get.
Pros:
- relatable FMC, even if she is sometimes annoying.
- Unique world building.
- Liam is EVERYTHING.... whew, that’s a man! 😈
- Well written.
- Flows fairly well.
Cons:
- Despite it being understandable, Lana is sometimes very annoying and childish. Both a pro and a con for the narrative.
December 1, 2019
Audio Review: Shadow Walker (Bloody Hearts, #1) by Anya J. Cosgrove (Author), Kelsey Navarro (Narrator)
Navarro proved her versatility. Shadow Walker is not my normal type of read. Paranormal is not my genre of choice, but somehow both author and narrator made it work. Alana's journey from teen angst to adult shadow hunter is a captivating transformation. From dangerous enemies to possible romance and let's not forget the learning curve along the way, Cosgrove and Navarro kept me invested and that is a tough task.
Navarro proved her versatility. Shadow Walker is not my normal type of read. Paranormal is not my genre of choice, but somehow both author and narrator made it work. Alana's journey from teen angst to adult shadow hunter is a captivating transformation. From dangerous enemies to possible romance and let's not forget the learning curve along the way, Cosgrove and Navarro kept me invested and that is a tough task.
January 13, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of the book collecting secrets from the author via Voracious Readers Only a very gripping book that sucks you in and you need to know what it happening next. I hope this is a start of a series and i Can't wait to read the next one.
October 9, 2019
Note: I received this (audio) book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
Shadow Walker is the first book in the Bloody Hearts series by new author Anya Cosgrove. This paranormal romance centers around what happens when, Alana, finds out that the supernatural exists and that she is apart of it. Alana discovers that she is a witch and that demons are after her, enter two brothers who protect witches and are determined to help Alana whether she likes it or not. However, the brothers' past comes back to bite them when a big bad sets his eyes on Alana.
I already had Shadow Walker on my tbr before I got the opportunity to review the audio so I was excited plus I already download an ebook by Anya that sounded promising that I just hadn't gotten to so I was up for it.
Anya's writing style was similar to other authors that I've read and I liked the overall story, there are so many possible things that can happen and the storyline can go anywhere. While I was entertained and the narrator did a good job with the story I didn't really like Alana. Alana was a whiny, ungrateful and very judgemental. Sometimes she was right about the situation but other times she was just annoying.
The story is told from another pov, Liam (one of the brothers) has a couple of chapters and it was interesting seeing things from his pov and I wish there were more of his chapters. Liam is interesting, he is a supernatural, very complex and has a tortured past. Liam is the very definition of a bad boy but he really isn't that bad. While his brother Thom is the definition of a good guy (who is still a bit problematic) the guy who is nice and wants to protect.
I normally don't mind love triangles but I have a problem when two siblings are involved, I don't care for that. Anya managed to do a sneaky love triangle because Liam and Alana is just a complicated mess that honestly I don't know how I feel about. As for Alana and Thom, there is no chemistry between them, it just something that Alana wanted so...
In general, I liked the story, I love the different supernatural creatures that make an appearance. The world was pretty good and the story is just starting to take off and Shadow Walker wrapped on a tidy ending but there are so many questions left hanging in the air that I want to be answered. Honestly, I don't know if I will continue the story as an ebook, I am just gonna wait and see if I feel like continuing the story.
Shadow Walker is the first book in the Bloody Hearts series by new author Anya Cosgrove. This paranormal romance centers around what happens when, Alana, finds out that the supernatural exists and that she is apart of it. Alana discovers that she is a witch and that demons are after her, enter two brothers who protect witches and are determined to help Alana whether she likes it or not. However, the brothers' past comes back to bite them when a big bad sets his eyes on Alana.
I already had Shadow Walker on my tbr before I got the opportunity to review the audio so I was excited plus I already download an ebook by Anya that sounded promising that I just hadn't gotten to so I was up for it.
Anya's writing style was similar to other authors that I've read and I liked the overall story, there are so many possible things that can happen and the storyline can go anywhere. While I was entertained and the narrator did a good job with the story I didn't really like Alana. Alana was a whiny, ungrateful and very judgemental. Sometimes she was right about the situation but other times she was just annoying.
The story is told from another pov, Liam (one of the brothers) has a couple of chapters and it was interesting seeing things from his pov and I wish there were more of his chapters. Liam is interesting, he is a supernatural, very complex and has a tortured past. Liam is the very definition of a bad boy but he really isn't that bad. While his brother Thom is the definition of a good guy (who is still a bit problematic) the guy who is nice and wants to protect.
I normally don't mind love triangles but I have a problem when two siblings are involved, I don't care for that. Anya managed to do a sneaky love triangle because Liam and Alana is just a complicated mess that honestly I don't know how I feel about. As for Alana and Thom, there is no chemistry between them, it just something that Alana wanted so...
In general, I liked the story, I love the different supernatural creatures that make an appearance. The world was pretty good and the story is just starting to take off and Shadow Walker wrapped on a tidy ending but there are so many questions left hanging in the air that I want to be answered. Honestly, I don't know if I will continue the story as an ebook, I am just gonna wait and see if I feel like continuing the story.
January 25, 2019
Can we just spend a second talking about the (incredibly attractive man on the) cover? I feel that with a cover like that this you might get the wrong impression that this was a romance book. Well, sorry to be a dream wrecker but this was not a steamy romance, instead it was an urban fantasy (which is the best kind of book!) with a subtle hint of romance. Expect an action packed ride, with scary encounters, some serious intensity, and an angsty love triangle where not everyone will win.
This was a perfect mesh of supernatural worlds, making it something completely unique and interesting. We have all kinds of demon species, and a secret society of evil half-demons that speak through a creepy collective. Then there are two groups of witches, the born knowing that are taught from birth about their magic and then the randoms who can potentially turn on their 20th birthdays, unbeknownst to them. Oh and let's not forget the Seer's who watch the witches and notify the demons of the witch's existence, and bounty hunters who hunt down anything supernatural with no regard for others. I liked how the plot and the world building kept me on my toes and I never knew what type of creature or danger would come next.
And I know I said this was not a romance, but I do need to mention the love triangle aspect of the book. I can confidently say that I am Team Liam (let's make team shirts!). Don't get me wrong, Thom was a very nice guy (you really can't say anything bad about a guy who's favorite movie is The Fifth Element- obviously he has good taste!) the kind you take home to meet your parents (when you are not in hiding), but I do not even a little bit feel that he is the RIGHT guy for Lana. He needs a nice sweet girl to settle down with, like Lilah, who would never be demanding of him and they could have an easy, nice fluffy life. Lana is all demands and tempestuous feelings, a whirlwind of chaos and need, and she needs someone who can give as good as she can. And that leads me to (dreamy, angsty, protective) Liam. Liam was a hard person to get to know, but once he let's you in, it is for life. And Lana was under his skin just as much as he was under hers. The terrible immature bickering between them made me want to yell to kiss already! The two of them just fit so well and I hope that they will get the chance to see it later in the series- otherwise my heart will just hurt.
And yes, this is book one in a new series. To say that I am on board for the rest of the Bloody Hearts books is an understatement- I am already counting down the days until book 2 is released and I forced all my close friends/family to pick up a copy of Shadow Walker so I had people to talk about the book with. I really enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster that was learning about this dangerous demon-filled world and I an excited to see what Anya has in store next. In case you can't tell, I highly recommend Shadow Walker for anyone who likes dangerous missions, magic, and boys with just a little bit of evil in them.
I reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. Come visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
What is he? seemed like a rude question to ask. How do you politely inquire about someone's species?
This was a perfect mesh of supernatural worlds, making it something completely unique and interesting. We have all kinds of demon species, and a secret society of evil half-demons that speak through a creepy collective. Then there are two groups of witches, the born knowing that are taught from birth about their magic and then the randoms who can potentially turn on their 20th birthdays, unbeknownst to them. Oh and let's not forget the Seer's who watch the witches and notify the demons of the witch's existence, and bounty hunters who hunt down anything supernatural with no regard for others. I liked how the plot and the world building kept me on my toes and I never knew what type of creature or danger would come next.
And I know I said this was not a romance, but I do need to mention the love triangle aspect of the book. I can confidently say that I am Team Liam (let's make team shirts!). Don't get me wrong, Thom was a very nice guy (you really can't say anything bad about a guy who's favorite movie is The Fifth Element- obviously he has good taste!) the kind you take home to meet your parents (when you are not in hiding), but I do not even a little bit feel that he is the RIGHT guy for Lana. He needs a nice sweet girl to settle down with, like Lilah, who would never be demanding of him and they could have an easy, nice fluffy life. Lana is all demands and tempestuous feelings, a whirlwind of chaos and need, and she needs someone who can give as good as she can. And that leads me to (dreamy, angsty, protective) Liam. Liam was a hard person to get to know, but once he let's you in, it is for life. And Lana was under his skin just as much as he was under hers. The terrible immature bickering between them made me want to yell to kiss already! The two of them just fit so well and I hope that they will get the chance to see it later in the series- otherwise my heart will just hurt.
"You're really going to kill that guy?"
He rolled his eyes. "No, I'll make him some tea, he'll realize the errors of his ways and you'll join us for some bonding activity, probably paper mâché."
Being a man of few words, he sure saved them for sarcasm.
And yes, this is book one in a new series. To say that I am on board for the rest of the Bloody Hearts books is an understatement- I am already counting down the days until book 2 is released and I forced all my close friends/family to pick up a copy of Shadow Walker so I had people to talk about the book with. I really enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster that was learning about this dangerous demon-filled world and I an excited to see what Anya has in store next. In case you can't tell, I highly recommend Shadow Walker for anyone who likes dangerous missions, magic, and boys with just a little bit of evil in them.
I reviewed a complimentary copy of this title. Come visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
January 20, 2019
I received a review copy from Voracious Readers, and boy am I happy that I did!
This book is awesome, the pace is perfect throughout the story and builds up nicely. When you think you figured something out - bam, it will pull you in the other direction.
This book is about Alana, who's life changes totally after celebrating her birthday turned into saving her father's life. Instead of following him to the hospital, she gets kidnapped by strangers and saved by an even stranger person. When she wakes up in the morning she finds herself in a house without doors and the guy she has a crush in is not who she thought he is. He tells her she is a witch and that they have been watching over her and she actually shouldn't even have activated her powers anymore. While he tries to help her grasp this all, it's his brother who should be training her in using her new powers. The two brothers are like yin and yang. One the light, the other the dark. One soft and lovely, the other dangerous and exciting.
The more time she spends with them, the more she learns that not everything is black and white. Not everything is as it seems, and she is not who she thought she was.
This book is awesome and catching and pushing all my buttons. I loved it and cannot wait for the new one to come out! Please don't leave us waiting too long!
This book is awesome, the pace is perfect throughout the story and builds up nicely. When you think you figured something out - bam, it will pull you in the other direction.
This book is about Alana, who's life changes totally after celebrating her birthday turned into saving her father's life. Instead of following him to the hospital, she gets kidnapped by strangers and saved by an even stranger person. When she wakes up in the morning she finds herself in a house without doors and the guy she has a crush in is not who she thought he is. He tells her she is a witch and that they have been watching over her and she actually shouldn't even have activated her powers anymore. While he tries to help her grasp this all, it's his brother who should be training her in using her new powers. The two brothers are like yin and yang. One the light, the other the dark. One soft and lovely, the other dangerous and exciting.
The more time she spends with them, the more she learns that not everything is black and white. Not everything is as it seems, and she is not who she thought she was.
This book is awesome and catching and pushing all my buttons. I loved it and cannot wait for the new one to come out! Please don't leave us waiting too long!
January 17, 2019
How To Become A Witch Overnight🌛
Here's a book about Alana💃, a college student that suddenly finds she has turned into a witch overnight🌛 and is immediately immersed in a life and death struggle with demons👺 all over town wanting to drink her blood! Before, she never even knew demons👺 existed!
She concludes her wannabe boyfriend's brother , Liam👹, is one of these demons. Thom🐺, her friend, knows his brother is a demon, and they take dire steps at times to stop him from killing. This time it's Alana💃 he wants to kill, and he's willing to kill Thom🐺, his own brother , to have her! Alana💃 doesn't have a clue what is going on. She just knows she is in big trouble. She is taken in by Thom🐺 and Liam👺 to be taught witch lessons!
ARC Received from Hidden 💎Gems.
I also got The book with Amazon KU.
Definitely a fantasy👺! The author makes up rules for The behavior and interactions between demons👺, half demons👺, and witches. The book ends in a cliffhanger. Loss of a 🌟star For the cliffhanger.
Here's a book about Alana💃, a college student that suddenly finds she has turned into a witch overnight🌛 and is immediately immersed in a life and death struggle with demons👺 all over town wanting to drink her blood! Before, she never even knew demons👺 existed!
She concludes her wannabe boyfriend's brother , Liam👹, is one of these demons. Thom🐺, her friend, knows his brother is a demon, and they take dire steps at times to stop him from killing. This time it's Alana💃 he wants to kill, and he's willing to kill Thom🐺, his own brother , to have her! Alana💃 doesn't have a clue what is going on. She just knows she is in big trouble. She is taken in by Thom🐺 and Liam👺 to be taught witch lessons!
ARC Received from Hidden 💎Gems.
I also got The book with Amazon KU.
Definitely a fantasy👺! The author makes up rules for The behavior and interactions between demons👺, half demons👺, and witches. The book ends in a cliffhanger. Loss of a 🌟star For the cliffhanger.
January 15, 2019
An official review to come but holy smokes this was such a good book!
—
Okay now for my official review.
So, the black and white of it? I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK.
Loved it.
So much.
I wish I could go back and reread it for the first time all over again. Actually, I am already rereading it because I seriously enjoyed it that much.
I don’t do spoilers because I’m a lover of surprises SO let me say that there is such a unique twist to all things “supernatural” in it ... the Shadow Walker thing is something I’ve never read before so it was just a super breath of fresh air.
Also, there is reference to one of my FAVORITE..and I mean ALL time favorite couples, in the story. It made me laugh and goofy smile when I read the line - “He might as well have pulled my pigtails and called me Carrots.”
As soon as I finished the book I was immediately on the hunt for when book 2 would be releasing because I need it.
I need it you guys.
—
Okay now for my official review.
So, the black and white of it? I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK.
Loved it.
So much.
I wish I could go back and reread it for the first time all over again. Actually, I am already rereading it because I seriously enjoyed it that much.
I don’t do spoilers because I’m a lover of surprises SO let me say that there is such a unique twist to all things “supernatural” in it ... the Shadow Walker thing is something I’ve never read before so it was just a super breath of fresh air.
Also, there is reference to one of my FAVORITE..and I mean ALL time favorite couples, in the story. It made me laugh and goofy smile when I read the line - “He might as well have pulled my pigtails and called me Carrots.”
As soon as I finished the book I was immediately on the hunt for when book 2 would be releasing because I need it.
I need it you guys.
January 11, 2019
Shadow Walker
A Slow-Burn Paranormal Romance
Bloody Hearts Book 1
Anya J Cosgrove
This was wonderful. I loved the brothers. I was torn between them as well - of course finding out you may not have to choose was the best ever. Having a good boy and a devil was perfect. Alana was a great heroine. I just loved her. This book had it all. Action, intrigue, and drama galore. I did not stop once I started. I may have screamed at the book once or twice, but that was perfectly acceptable. Loved it. I cannot wait for the next installment!!
A Slow-Burn Paranormal Romance
Bloody Hearts Book 1
Anya J Cosgrove
This was wonderful. I loved the brothers. I was torn between them as well - of course finding out you may not have to choose was the best ever. Having a good boy and a devil was perfect. Alana was a great heroine. I just loved her. This book had it all. Action, intrigue, and drama galore. I did not stop once I started. I may have screamed at the book once or twice, but that was perfectly acceptable. Loved it. I cannot wait for the next installment!!
March 16, 2019
What can one new witch do to prevent her death? Get kidnapped by two hot as sin brothers. Alana can't decide if Thom, who is human and his older demon brother Liam, are saving her or driving her crazy. On things for sure, the heat between all of them will pull you in and have you craving for more. Will the brothers be able to protect her from the evil stalking her, and still be able to have their HEA? I can't wait to read the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 20, 2019
This book surprisingly was a slow burn fantasy romance. When I finished the book, I had more questions. We’re the visions she had reincarnations of a past life ? How is she’s connected to the brothers? What exactly is she? I’m hoping that some of these questions are answered in the next book. One of the things I hope the author does is taking her time to build the romance. It shouldn’t be rushed into. Also don’t let the romance overrun the actual plot. The central focus of the book should’ve the mysteries uncovered and how everything is interwoven. I cannot wait for the second book!
January 11, 2019
This turned into an excellent book. It's well written with interesting characters. The only reason it's a 4 star and not a 5 is on me and not the author. It took me about a third of the way through the book to get invested. I was always interested but it took a little while for the drive to find out what happens to kick in. But let me tell you once it I did I was INVESTED! I can't wait to read the next one. Demons and witches are not usually my thing but I truly enjoyed reading this one.
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January 29, 2019Shadow Walker: A Slow-Burn Paranormal Romance by Anya J Cosgrove is a wonderful story to read. This is book number one in a wonderful start to a brand new series I fell in love with. I love reading about magic , witches and I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves to read stories about magic and witches.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 1, 2019
Wow. I dont know what to say but, this was a great paranormal read. I haven't read anything like this until now and I freaking loved it! Liam. Is. Mine. I need more Liam in my life. Cannot wait to see what comes next for Alana.
August 5, 2019
Excellent
Really brought you in the minds of the characters! My biggest issue was actually the night she healed her Dad he was on the roof during 1/2 time of the hockey game?? Hockey games have periods lol
Really brought you in the minds of the characters! My biggest issue was actually the night she healed her Dad he was on the roof during 1/2 time of the hockey game?? Hockey games have periods lol
January 4, 2019
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! I was lucky enough to receive this book for free. What a great read it was too! I loved the characters. I'm a huge fan of the tv show Supernatural (team Dean all the way) and this book had reminded me of parts of Supernatural.
I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say that I'm sitting on the edge of my seat because I can't wait for the next installment! This book is definitely worth the read. Patience is a virtue but when it comes to having to wait for the remaining books, all my patience is out the door and I'm foaming at the mouth just to get my fix. It's kind of like getting a taste of witches blood and not being satisfied until I get more! Lol. I found that analogy a little funny and probably cheesy but I couldn't resist! Great job Anya! Very well done! I'm very proud of you and what you have accomplished. I know how much this means to you and how long you've waited for this to come to fruition! Well, you did it and you did yourself, your family, your friends and your fans very proud! Bravo!!!I wish that I had your talent for writing books, instead, I'll just stick with my true love and that is reading great books! I'm not even great at giving reviews (I don't do it very often), so I hope that I did your book justice with the review that I'm giving!
I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say that I'm sitting on the edge of my seat because I can't wait for the next installment! This book is definitely worth the read. Patience is a virtue but when it comes to having to wait for the remaining books, all my patience is out the door and I'm foaming at the mouth just to get my fix. It's kind of like getting a taste of witches blood and not being satisfied until I get more! Lol. I found that analogy a little funny and probably cheesy but I couldn't resist! Great job Anya! Very well done! I'm very proud of you and what you have accomplished. I know how much this means to you and how long you've waited for this to come to fruition! Well, you did it and you did yourself, your family, your friends and your fans very proud! Bravo!!!I wish that I had your talent for writing books, instead, I'll just stick with my true love and that is reading great books! I'm not even great at giving reviews (I don't do it very often), so I hope that I did your book justice with the review that I'm giving!
January 5, 2019
I received a review copy of this book through Veracious Readers Only.
I honestly absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. It draws you in very quickly, and keeps you wanting more. It has all the best things about books I love; suspense, mystery, budding love, a dark anti hero who tears at your heartstrings, and a strong Heroine who has a love of books and is torn between two brothers one light and one dark. (Personally I always root for the dark they need the love the most.)
For my full review check out my blog https://bellesbookreviewssite.wordpre...
I honestly absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the next one. It draws you in very quickly, and keeps you wanting more. It has all the best things about books I love; suspense, mystery, budding love, a dark anti hero who tears at your heartstrings, and a strong Heroine who has a love of books and is torn between two brothers one light and one dark. (Personally I always root for the dark they need the love the most.)
For my full review check out my blog https://bellesbookreviewssite.wordpre...
January 28, 2019
I absolutely LOVED this book. It left me wanting so much more. A cliffhanger ending that I immediately preordered the next book. I love the dynamics between the main characters. How real she makes everything. I can picture and feel like I'm there living the story with the characters.
January 29, 2019
Witch is discovered, demon is scarred. Romance, bonding, blood and gore, what's not to like.
February 9, 2019
Captivating action-filled mystery suspenseful paranormal fantasy story. Engaging characters. A well-written book, I liked reading. It was a pleasure to review.
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February 21, 2019Caught my attention from the first page kept me enthralled throughout. I love how the characters developed as well as the storyline flows till the finale.
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