Shards of Venus

Celestial Shifters #1

by Tjalara Draper

Shifting by the light of Venus...

Still reeling from the vicious murder of her best friend, Violet Chambers is haunted by the "faceless" man with the neck tattoo who kidnapped her. Trying to move on is a daily struggle for the girl who spent most of her life in foster care. But when she meets Nathan, the detective who found her at her best friend's crime scene, things begin to look more promising. Violet finally finds sanctuary for the first time in her life.

Hellbent on protecting her, Nathan Delano, a mysterious shape-shifting Veniri, will do anything he can for Violet. All he has to do is ensure Violet's world never collides with the shifter world. But even he can't stop the enemy determined to destroy her and anyone she gets close to.

Suddenly, Violet doesn't know who she can trust. With a pact broken and her safety on the line, will Violet save herself before it's too late?

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2019

About the author

Hey Hey!

I’m Tjalara Draper, a small town Aussie who's started turning my whimsical daydreams into the written and bookish format.
My dream of becoming an author has been a fascinating journey of making friends with other authors and meeting readers who enthusiastically enable my book buying addiction.

I’m inspired to craft stories that resonate with readers of all ages. My writing is a testament to the power of imagination and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit. I'm a sucker for complex and wild characters who tend to have a mind of their own and take my stories where I never expect.

I love exploring the ability to forge worlds and magic systems for all my favourite genres—paranormal, fantasy, and sci-fi—all dappled with action, adventure, and amorous entanglements.

Along with side questing as an indie author, I'm also a wife and mother, residing in our quaint little town on the edge of the Australian Outback. When not logged into the left hemisphere of my world building escapades, I’m fearlessly navigating the Aussie landscape, dodging drop bears, and avoiding man eating crocs.
Nah! Just kidding! There are no crocs where I live.

Reviews

[Nikki Minty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can see why this book won a Maxy Award, it’s action packed and filled with goodness. I’d only just finished reading another, much larger, book when I picked it up, and my eyes were bleary. I’d planned on reading one chapter to get the feel for it, however, 100 pages later and I had to force myself to put it down.
Although it’s a totally different storyline, this book gave me GRIMM vibes, and I loved the show GRIMM. Detectives and shapeshifters, yes please.
It’s written in two POVs with a surprise POV that’s packed with a punch at the end. Loved it. I’m now jumping into book 2.

[Mihaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesss! Once again, Tjalara delivers a compelling story that leaves you wanting for more. I need to know what happens next, that ending killed me.
In Shards of Venus, I've learned more about Veniri shifters, their abilities and society systems. I've fell in love with Violet and Nathan and Sagan and Thane ... I want more and I need it now! I'm so curious of how the things will progress.

5 stars

~ I voluntarily read and reviewed an author's copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own ~

[Krys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The first thing I would like to say is that the characters, storyline, and world building were absolutely perfect! I loved the suspense in this book. The writer did an outstanding job with all the twists and turns throughout the book that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put this book down. That's how good it was! With the end of each chapter approaching, I was left begging for more, which I personally loved. Shards of Venus was an easy 10 out of 10 for me !
Superb Writing Tjalara!!! ✍️

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommend!!!! Loved it!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celestial Shifters Book 1
Shards of Venus

By Tjalara Draper

I received an ARC for this book, and it took me a few chapters to get into the flow of the book. But once I did OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I was hooked, I loved it, I couldn't put it down. There are so many twists that I didn't see coming and I want more. I so can't wait for the next book to come out. Bec

[Andhisnosestuckinabook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This Book Was Very Generously Sent To Me By The Author For A Genuine & Honest Review.

I Was So Excited When I Got The Chance To Receive #shardsofvenus By #tjalaradraperauthor To Review As It Sounded Like Such An Intriguing Premise. I Mean This Is The Blurb That You Can Read Here 😍:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

This Story Is Told In Dual POV Through The Characters Of Violet And Nathan. Both Of Their POVS Felt Independent To The Voices Of Each Character So No Confusion Was Had Swapping Between Them. Violet Has Truly Gone Through So Much As A Character After Witnessing Her Best Friend Be Murdered And Herself Being Kidnapped. It Would Completely Understandable To See Violet Become A Completely Introverted Character And Not Trusting The World. I Absolutely Love How The Author Displayed Such A Realistic Portrayal For Someone Who Suffers From Anxiety And Felt It Very Relatable As Someone Who Is Crippled With Anxiety Myself. Despite This She Plunges Into The Unknown By Going To College And Meeting New People. It Truly Resonated With Me With The Inner Conflict She Faced In New Social Situations And The Courage She Displayed Facing Her Fears. Nathan On The Other Hand Is Cool And Collective While Keeping His Shifter Nature Hidden From The Human World. Nathan’s Protective Nature & Loyalty To The Ones He Cares About Is So Admirable & Aspirational. We All Would Be Lucky To Have A Nathan In Our Lives! 💜

The Plot Was So Fast Paced And Engaging That I Was Constantly Surprised And Second Guessing. I Think I Suspected Every Single One Of The Characters At One Point Of Having Questionable Morals And That Was Down To How Beautifully Crafted They Were. Autumn Was Witty & Intelligent, August Was Loyal & Fiercely Protective And Then We Have Thane Who Is The Mysterious & Alluring Stranger. Each Of These Characters Felt So Tangible That I Equally Wanted To Trust And Doubt Them! 😱

This First Book In The Celestial Shifters Series Only Left Me With One Problem Which Was Putting It Down! Every Page And Chapter Had Me Wanting To Keep Turning The Page! 😍

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Leaha Hosking · Rating 5 out of 5]

I NEED to start reading the second book in this series today!

Violet's best friend is murdered and all she can remember about that night is a man with a scorpion neck tattoo. Add to this mystery, the Veniri, shifters who source their energy from Venus and the Erathi (human) hunters out to kill them and harvest their valuable shards. This book has action, mystery, more action, more mystery, action and then some romance. It is a fast-paced story full of twists and surprises. Some of those surprises are very well hidden until the reveal, then wham! One particular twist, I am still coming to terms with. No spoilers.

Having read Nika, the spin-off story, some of the characters I had met before, but in a very different setting. This is the story from the shifters point-of-view, were as Nika is the hunters story. The two tie in nicely and compliment each other. I have had a few ahah moments.

This world of the shifters co-exists with the everyday human world. Just like the Veniri true self, it lies just beneath the surface. The author has intertwined the history of the Veniri, the main characters Violet and Nathan and the Hunters into the story, in a way that doesn't overwhelm the reader with information and creates that sense of mystery and that there is still more to it. So many things I just want to find out about.

The characters are likeable and authentic. Violet's friends, Gus and Autumn give the story a sense of fun. They are both not at all what you would expect them to be and I have a feeling that they play a much bigger role in the next book.

The ending of this book was quite a motivator to pick up the next one right away. It is tense and even more mysterious. I am worried for Violet and especially Nathan and Thane. So I had better start reading Flames of Mars.

[Sophaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a free copy from the author for an honest review.
I feel bad because I didn't love this book, I much prefered "Nika" which leaves this book with 3,5 stars from me.
Shards of Venus is really good, it's action packed, filled with mystery and a really good plot, I'm just picky with my ratings.

I really enjoyed the short chapters, since I read on my phone. And it feels like a really nice accomplishment when I finish a chapter.
I love when they say/mention the books name in the book, it makes me so giddy.

The story is honestly so good, though I wasn't a fan of the plot twists . I loved "Nika" and was hoping to read more about her, but it's fine without because SoV is really good too!
For the characters I really like Nathan, and I wish we had more from his pov. Violets pov was kind of meh to me, but that's because I prefered the action scenes we got with Nathans pov, and I didn't really feel the chemistry between Violet and Thane.
I didn't really like Thane either, he annoyed me. But this quote is a chefs kiss.

"Then I pledge my soul to you. My flesh is your flesh. My breath is your breath. My blood is your blood. My bones are your bones.”

Can you hear me screaming in the background, that line killed me!

I disliked Matthias in "Nika" but the hatred I have for this man after reading SoV!! He is absolutely vile, and I hope he suffers horribly in the future!

Autumn is really sus. Gus I'm not sure if I should be on the fence about him too.

I kind of already "knew" what was going to happen in SoV because I read "Nika" first, which was a little downer, but it also helped with the suspense at times.

I'm still really excited to read the sequel, but mostly I'm just looking forward to seeing Nika again, I adore her.

[Liv Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few books that have me hooked from the very first chapter, and hold my attention consistently the whole way through. This, I can happily say, is one of them. The story of Nathan and Violet opens with a gripping, grisly scene that sets the tone for the rest of the novel. I absolutely adored the dual storylines , and the relationship between Nathan and Violet. It isn't often that the main POV male and female MCs are not lovers .
After being sucked in by the great opening chapter, I was then further hooked by the unique magic system and shifter species. I'm not gonna lie here, I was gripping the book hard and bouncing in my seat, excited for any tidbit I could get! The goods were peppered throughout the novel in just the right places for a well-paced reveal and thought out worldbuilding. There is no info-dumping in this, as Draper does an excellent job of giving readers the information they need to know when they need it.
The book was well-paced throughout, and there was not a single moment where I was left skimming lines. I loved watching Violet's character development and reading Nathan's secrets as they unfolded.
Oh, and I also found myself a new book boyfriend. Sorry, all, but Thane is totally mine.
By the end of The Shard of Venus, I was enraptured in the world. Having to close the book at the end was my only not-favourite moment. There were some great reveals and cliffhangers at the end that had me yelling at the pages. Although, Draper, you're totally forgiven for leaving me hanging because the sequel is already out!
I can't wait to see where Flames of Mars takes us, because I need to know what happens to the characters!

[Shayla Morgansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is EXCELLENT. There is so much originality to love in Tjalara Draper's debut novel that I am having trouble working out where to start this review. It's got all the things I expect to see in YA paranormal fantasy - high stakes, a mystery or two, magical shifter races, an ancient war, ambiguous morality on both sides and a sexy love interest - as well as things I really like that stand out to me. One is a dual POV. The story is told by alternating chapters between platonic leads Nathan, a supernatural being called a Veniri who works as a detective, and Violet, a recovering former victim of a Veniri attack who is taken in by Nathan. Another stand-out is a downplayed romance. I love that in Shards of Venus, the romance subplot never eclipses the chief narrative, and in this way actually supports it and propels it so that the intrigue is never lost. I enjoyed the pacing, which was tight; I was absorbed by the world-building, which felt fresh and unique; and I connected closely with the characters and their depths. My favourite characters were Autumn and Sagan.

I took an interest in this book as soon as I saw the cover, and bought it after a chat with the author about the themes and concepts she explored through it. I am so glad I did. It was engaging and able to surprise me right through to the last page. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you want shifters with a difference, Shards of Venus is the perfect book to purchase. In this first book in the Celestial Shifters series, we’re introduced to a couple of key characters. Nathan is a celestial (Veniri) shifter, posing as a human detective, when he finds Violet Chambers at a crime scene. The young girl is injured, her best friend murdered, and Nathan knows that the murder wasn’t done by anyone human.

We fast forward a few years after these opening scenes, to when Violet begins college. Nathan had been her safe haven for years, teaching her and raising her like a daughter. But now she has to start afresh...The trouble is, Violet isn’t safe. Neither is Nathan. Can they survive what’s hunting them? And will big secrets force a goodbye?

I am so very glad that I went with my heart and ordered the other books that are already out! Violet has been such a brave soul, and I am incredibly invested in seeing what happens next for her.

Bring on a bigger danger, a bigger world, and a whole heap of new shifters. I cannot wait...

* You can see my full review on my blog via the link: https://www.immersedinbooks.com/shard... *

[H.M. Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shards of Venus
Rating: 🌟⭐️⭐️🌟
Clean read with mild language

My opinion of this book altered regularly throughout the progression. First, I felt it was more sci-fi than fantasy since the “shifters” read more alien to me. Second, I began to see it more as a contemporary romance with a traumatized girl in college working through her difficulties. Finally, after what I felt was a slightly boring part, it shifted again and went to a fantasy read.
In the first 30% I was sure I’d read more of the series, I was intrigued. Around 70% I really wasn’t sure, I was at a low part. Coming to the last 5-6 pages, I was still torn about liking or disliking the book and whether I’d continue on with the series. The last 2 pages completely re-hooked my attention. I’m incredibly intrigued as to where this series is going and what more there is to be revealed. In those last pages it went from a hunted girl and a power-thirsty queen to a whole undiscovered reality that was busting to be revealed. This is all I can say without spoilers. Needless to say, I will continue the series and have high expectations.

[Ely · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a wild ride and I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about it. This has a really interesting premise and I liked the whole ‘Celestial shifter’ thing that was going on. But it was very confusing—there’s some explanation, but there’s a lot that happens for only 289 pages. In a way, that’s good because things move kind of quickly but there also isn’t a lot of development. Violet is supposed to be the lead but I didn’t feel any connection to her or feel like I know anything about her. I much preferred Nathan who is a strange second POV as more of a father figure for Violet than anything else. I felt like he had a bit of development and he was interesting to read about it. The other side characters have very little to them in this one—I honestly completely forgot about Violet’s friends at one point until they suddenly popped up again. It was still interesting and it was fun to read. I’m interested to see where book two will go since this is only a duology.

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up because of the cover and the blurb and settled in to read, and I was blown away by how amazing this was. The writing was superb and transported you along with Nathan, Violet and the others. I was so pulled into the story that I picked up the second in the series and plan to devour it ASAP. I loved the worldbuilding, the descriptions, the way that there was a different kind of shifter story. I loved the characters and their dynamics and the plot was perfectly woven through the words. Overall an amazing read, and an author that I will have to watch, I need to know what happens next!

[enchanting e-reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very unique take on shape shifters! A lot happened in this book with many unexpected twists and turns, but somehow it was also a little bit slow? Probably because there’s a lot of world-building/ story set up in this book. I think that the next book will get into the meat and potatoes of the story a little more now that background has been established. Characters were a little underdeveloped, especially Thane. I needed more from him before I could be emotionally invested in him and Violet. Overall really good! An engaging and enjoyable read, and I’ll be starting book 2 of the series right away!

[Lynne Stringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating world! It's shape-shifting with a sci-fi element. The Veniri themselves and their make-up is definitely something a bit different. I enjoyed going where this story led, particularly the scenes in Nathan's point of view. His double life as a cop and a shapeshifter was incredibly engaging. I didn't gel as much with Violet, although her trauma and the secrets it held raised questions I was anxious to have answered.
My only real complaint was that the resolution was a bit too open-ended for me. I would have liked to have more resolved. But it was still entertaining and is definitely recommended for lovers of speculative fiction.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the plot of this book was very cleverly thought out and executed.
I enjoyed having realism mixed in with the Sci-if element because it gave me something to relate to as well as having the alien/shapeshifters.
Nathan's witty humor kept me grinning, he has a lot of good one liners.
I was very pleased to learn that a particular character was a much bigger person than their parent. I won't mention names for spoiler reasons.
Her love interest Thane kept me guessing as to what his story was.
All in all this was a very enjoyable read and I will definitely be turning in for book 2.

[Josephine Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book!
I loved it and it had such a new take on Shifters. Which it explains is like warewolves and hints that we're going to see warewolves! ❤️🐺 Similar to how warewolves have the moon each of the shifter species is tied to a planet, such as Venus.

Violet is a young woman living in the foster care system when her best-friend is murdered and she ends up being looked after temporarily by an old school cop as the murderer is slowly revealed.


If you love this book you'll love Nikki Minty's Pastel Pink

[Bobbie Alemar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

It was a pretty good book. A lot of the story line was pretty predictable. With the exception of one short chapter and the epilogue it is from the two MCs POV. With the back and forth there wasn't a lot of time to build a real connection with the MCs but hopefully that'll change in the next book. One of the things I liked were it wasnt a cliche shifter book. The shifters are unique.

[Mel Bears · Rating 5 out of 5]

I jumped right into this book and it grabbed me! The storyline is so captivating definitely and I highly recommend it. I haven't been so pulled in by a book since I read my first chapter book as a child! The character development throughout is great and the details are fantastic. There were parts of the story that had me on the edge of my seat as well as parts that left me so shocked! I can't wait to read book two!

[TJ Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a new shapeshifter urban fantasy to sink your teeth into, this is the one! I enjoyed the depth and variety of characters throughout this book and that nothing is always as it seems!

Nathan Delano is an awesome character that I would love to see in his own show or even his own series, for me, he kept me going! I want more of his intriguing backstory!

Can’t wait for more! 😱

[Tatiana Vasalo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! The story, the plot! Amazing! It was one of those books that doesn't let you go until you've read it all. I really loved the characters, outside and inside! The plot was exactly what I was looking for. Fantastic and dynamic.
The writing was also very very good. Not tiring and easy reading. Also very easy for people who don't know very good English.

[Kellie Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this book was so different to others I have read before. Although it is a shifter book the majority of them are things you've never seen or would even think of before now.
I honestly can't believe this is her first book!! It was so well written and thought out.
This book is full of twists you won't see coming. A definite must read

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It’s such a different take on shifters and I love the blend of normal world things eg coffee dates, computer geeks and mobile phones blended with these off world beings!

It’s done in such a good way and the storyline has me hooked from the beginning! I got about 1/4 of the way through when things really started to pick up that every moment I could I was reading just so I could discover what was going to happen next!

Highly recommend this book and very keen for the next one!

[Sarah Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very cool!

We follow Violet Chambers who is taken in by Nathan a Detective - and also a shape shifter!

Nathan tries to protect Violet but evil is coming for her!

Love Violet as the MC she's super cool. Draper's writing is awesome a fabulous balance of action and dialogue.

If you liked City of Bones or Maxx Victor's series you will love this!

Thank -you Tjalara Draper for sending me this copy to read and review.

[Courtney Reich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not like sci fi. Honestly, it’s not my genre but I couldn’t put it down! I finished in less then 48 hours. Awesome story line and plot with so many turns. I appreciated all the clever details and can’t wait to read book 2 🤗🤗🤗

[Emily (RecordofaBibliophile) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rate this a 2.5 /5 stars.
Only because I found it to be quite a young read.
I enjoyed the story. But I couldn't see the Veniri in my minds eye. Their shift happened so quickly and I wasn't a fan of the way it was described.
I won't be. continuing this series.

[Hillary Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. The writing was amazing! I like how it there was action and you could picture it happening. The ending is definitely a cliff hanger and I didn't see it coming. Great book. Ready to read the 2nd one.

[Dallas Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I thought might be another ole fantasy turned into a pleasant surprise! Ms. Draper gave me a unique story, engaging characters, and fabulous storytelling! I look forward to the next book in the series and highly recommend!

[Linsey Toney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shards of Venus is book 1 in the Celestial Shifters Series. I really enjoyed this book. I got sucked in fast and enjoyed the details and characters. This was the first book I've read from this author but I will be starting book 2 ASAP!