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Killian Delaney #2
Call of Vultures
In this suspenseful and twisted thriller, an ex-con uses her unique skill set to fight for the justice of those who can't defend themselves. Kate Kessler's novels are "impossible to put down" (Hollie Overton).
Killian Delaney has a skewed moral compass, a high threshold for pain, an unstoppable will, and she's just joined the Network: a group of well-funded individuals who help the weakest among us.
Two sisters have gone missing, and Killian has been hired to track them down.
The plan is straightforward: follow the trail, find the girls, and kill whoever stands in her way.
They're living in a commune in upstate New York, one that looks a lot like a cult. And while one sister wants out, the other adamantly refuses.
Breaking them free will push every skill in Killian's arsenal to its limit. But she's determined to get them home.
For more from Kate Kessler, check out:
The Killian Delaney Novels:
Seven Crows
Call of Vultures
The Audrey Harte Novels:
It Takes One
Two Can Play
Three Strikes
Four of a Kind
Zero Hour (novella)
Dead Ringer
Killian Delaney has a skewed moral compass, a high threshold for pain, an unstoppable will, and she's just joined the Network: a group of well-funded individuals who help the weakest among us.
Two sisters have gone missing, and Killian has been hired to track them down.
The plan is straightforward: follow the trail, find the girls, and kill whoever stands in her way.
They're living in a commune in upstate New York, one that looks a lot like a cult. And while one sister wants out, the other adamantly refuses.
Breaking them free will push every skill in Killian's arsenal to its limit. But she's determined to get them home.
For more from Kate Kessler, check out:
The Killian Delaney Novels:
Seven Crows
Call of Vultures
The Audrey Harte Novels:
It Takes One
Two Can Play
Three Strikes
Four of a Kind
Zero Hour (novella)
Dead Ringer
- GenresLGBT
333 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2020
21 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Kate Kessler
8 books370 followersAs a child Kate Kessler seemed to have a knack for finding trouble, and for it finding her. A former delinquent, Kate now prefers to write about trouble rather than cause it, and spends her day writing about why people do the things they do. She lives in New England with her husband. - See more at: http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titl...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 1, 2020
Call of Vultures releases this week, and it’s a follow-up to Seven of Crows. While both books can stand on their own, I am grateful I read them back to back because I got to know Killian, the main character better. She uses her skills from being incarcerated to help the vulnerable get justice.
Killian is formidable, a little rough around the edges, with a heart of gold. In Call of Vultures, she’s searching for two sisters who have been living in a cultish commune. It’s suspenseful and compelling, and I absolutely loved it.
I loved the action, I love our MC, and the ending brought it all together in a satisfying way. If you are looking for a Kick A female lead, meet Killian!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Killian is formidable, a little rough around the edges, with a heart of gold. In Call of Vultures, she’s searching for two sisters who have been living in a cultish commune. It’s suspenseful and compelling, and I absolutely loved it.
I loved the action, I love our MC, and the ending brought it all together in a satisfying way. If you are looking for a Kick A female lead, meet Killian!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
March 12, 2021
3.5 stars
December 9, 2020
Knocked it out in 2 days. Killian is a woman on a mission, I like the way she rolls.
December 7, 2020
I read Kate Kessler's first Killian Delaney book earlier this year and quite liked it. The second book is the newly released Call of Vultures. It starts off with a great opening line..."It would be a great place to get rid of a body."
Killian is an ex-con and hard core fighter. After a tumultuous reentry into society in the last book, she's taken a job with a 'security' company. The jobs are dangerous and more than a little left of the right side. If there are vulnerable women to be rescued, Killy's the one to do it. She has her own unwavering sense of justice.
"Violence was something she was good at, and violence was pretty much the only thing the people she was sent after understood. "
This time, the job is to rescue two sisters, reportedly living in a commune. Seems like a straight forward job. Not so much....
Killy infiltrates the group, but finds more than she bargained for - including some faces from the past. And some new faces with their own agenda. The reader is privy to more information that Killian has. We can see the danger, but can't warn her. (I must admit, I took a little peek ahead to see if she figures it out!)
Those familiar faces include the enigmatic Story, another employee of The Initiative. As well as Dash, her boyfriend. I really like these two. Killian's sister and her family are Killy's weakness - their safety is everything to her. Her niece Shannon does grate on me though.
Killian is such a great kick butt female lead. The reader can't help but be on her side as she battles seemingly overwhelming odds. Kessler continues to build this character, with more insight into her psyche.
But what drives this series (aside from Killian) is the danger, the action and the darkness of Killy's world. Truly, Call of Vultures reads like an action movie. Kessler provides quite a few turns in the plot that I didn't see coming (and neither does Killian) that kept me turning pages quickly! Killian's own moral compass never budges. The reader can't help but be on her side as she battles seemingly overwhelming odds.
Gentle readers, this one's probably not for you.
Killian is an ex-con and hard core fighter. After a tumultuous reentry into society in the last book, she's taken a job with a 'security' company. The jobs are dangerous and more than a little left of the right side. If there are vulnerable women to be rescued, Killy's the one to do it. She has her own unwavering sense of justice.
"Violence was something she was good at, and violence was pretty much the only thing the people she was sent after understood. "
This time, the job is to rescue two sisters, reportedly living in a commune. Seems like a straight forward job. Not so much....
Killy infiltrates the group, but finds more than she bargained for - including some faces from the past. And some new faces with their own agenda. The reader is privy to more information that Killian has. We can see the danger, but can't warn her. (I must admit, I took a little peek ahead to see if she figures it out!)
Those familiar faces include the enigmatic Story, another employee of The Initiative. As well as Dash, her boyfriend. I really like these two. Killian's sister and her family are Killy's weakness - their safety is everything to her. Her niece Shannon does grate on me though.
Killian is such a great kick butt female lead. The reader can't help but be on her side as she battles seemingly overwhelming odds. Kessler continues to build this character, with more insight into her psyche.
But what drives this series (aside from Killian) is the danger, the action and the darkness of Killy's world. Truly, Call of Vultures reads like an action movie. Kessler provides quite a few turns in the plot that I didn't see coming (and neither does Killian) that kept me turning pages quickly! Killian's own moral compass never budges. The reader can't help but be on her side as she battles seemingly overwhelming odds.
Gentle readers, this one's probably not for you.
December 2, 2020
Killian Delaney is so refreshingly brutal. An anti-heroine you can’t help but root for – she doesn’t hold back in fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves. She honestly reminds me of a female version of The Punisher without the gunplay. Killian’s character and her relationship with others kept me entertained the entirety of the book. There were quite a few twists in Call of Vultures that I honestly did not see coming. I could have forgone a couple of the POV’s to keep the story more streamlined, the POV changes jarred me out of the story a little bit and I’d rather spend time with Killian anyway.
As the second book in the series, it was no less action-packed and while Killian was invested in assuring the girls returned safely home, it wasn’t as personal of a fight. I was surprised to learn new information about Killian’s background but it endeared and gave her an extra nudge into reality (even though she didn’t need it). New characters are introduced and I was surprised at who I admired at the end of the book besides the people Killian counts among her extremely limited group of friends. While I love Killian’s character, I would probably be wary of approaching her in person.
I would highly recommend this book (and Seven Crows) to readers who enjoy thrillers, crime, strong (physically and mentally) female protagonists, gritty novels, and while slight – LGBTQ+ content. I would like to thank Redhook and Kate Kessler for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Call of Vultures – all opinions are my own. I am so excited to see more from one of my favorite series! *Rounded from 4.5 stars*
As the second book in the series, it was no less action-packed and while Killian was invested in assuring the girls returned safely home, it wasn’t as personal of a fight. I was surprised to learn new information about Killian’s background but it endeared and gave her an extra nudge into reality (even though she didn’t need it). New characters are introduced and I was surprised at who I admired at the end of the book besides the people Killian counts among her extremely limited group of friends. While I love Killian’s character, I would probably be wary of approaching her in person.
I would highly recommend this book (and Seven Crows) to readers who enjoy thrillers, crime, strong (physically and mentally) female protagonists, gritty novels, and while slight – LGBTQ+ content. I would like to thank Redhook and Kate Kessler for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Call of Vultures – all opinions are my own. I am so excited to see more from one of my favorite series! *Rounded from 4.5 stars*
November 8, 2020
This book was amazing! This is the second book in The Killian Delaney Novels, and if you haven’t read the first book, Seven Crows, I highly recommend it!
This series features Killian, our kick-A female lead character, a girl with a unique set of talents to take care of crappy villains. I love her because she’s a flawed character and struggles with her own demons. It makes her relatable. Her talent for tracking down the bad guys, however, is beyond anything I could ever do, and I love reading about her adventures!
This book is packed with action scenes, sassy quips, and an awesome story that kept me gripped from start to finish. I finished this book so fast because I couldn’t put it down! I love the way Kate Kessler writes her stories. She brings the characters to life with their backstories and their personalities. It makes the characters relatable, and I just need to know how things work out for them.
Overall, I absolutely loved this second story in this series! I absolutely adore the characters, and I found myself completely sucked into the story! I highly recommend this one!
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend Call of Vultures to readers that enjoy a strong, sassy female lead that takes charge in an action plot.
I highly recommend reading Seven Crows before reading this new book. It will provide a lot of backstory and context. https://shejustlovesbooks.com/2019/09...
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
This series features Killian, our kick-A female lead character, a girl with a unique set of talents to take care of crappy villains. I love her because she’s a flawed character and struggles with her own demons. It makes her relatable. Her talent for tracking down the bad guys, however, is beyond anything I could ever do, and I love reading about her adventures!
This book is packed with action scenes, sassy quips, and an awesome story that kept me gripped from start to finish. I finished this book so fast because I couldn’t put it down! I love the way Kate Kessler writes her stories. She brings the characters to life with their backstories and their personalities. It makes the characters relatable, and I just need to know how things work out for them.
Overall, I absolutely loved this second story in this series! I absolutely adore the characters, and I found myself completely sucked into the story! I highly recommend this one!
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend Call of Vultures to readers that enjoy a strong, sassy female lead that takes charge in an action plot.
I highly recommend reading Seven Crows before reading this new book. It will provide a lot of backstory and context. https://shejustlovesbooks.com/2019/09...
I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 1, 2020
Thank you RedHookBooks / Hachette Books for the gifted copy.
This is the second book in Kate Kessler's Killian Delaney series and boy was it just as intense and twisted as the previous one. Having just read Seven Crows, I was quite eager to jump right in to this one and it did not disappoint.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading Seven Crows first. It really sets this one up, giving you a much fuller understanding of who Killian Delaney is and why she is the way she is. Plus, you will have a better understanding of some of the other relationships she has with the other secondary characters. That's not to say that you will be totally lost should you not read Seven Crows as Kate Kessler does provide some backstory, but it's just bare bones.
In this latest installment, Killian is asked to go after two sisters who have found themselves involved with can only be described as a cultish group. Little does she know that she has not been given the full story and as she digs deeper into the situation, she uncovers more than she bargained for.
I love Killian - she is one tough, kick-a** character who is fiercely loyal to those she loves yet she is a deeply flawed character. This story was so full of twists and suspense and I could not turn the pages fast enough, trying to figure out what was going on. It kept me engaged from start to finish and I loved how this one played out.
I hope this is not the last we have seen of Killian Delaney...
You can see all my reviews at: http://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com/
This is the second book in Kate Kessler's Killian Delaney series and boy was it just as intense and twisted as the previous one. Having just read Seven Crows, I was quite eager to jump right in to this one and it did not disappoint.
While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading Seven Crows first. It really sets this one up, giving you a much fuller understanding of who Killian Delaney is and why she is the way she is. Plus, you will have a better understanding of some of the other relationships she has with the other secondary characters. That's not to say that you will be totally lost should you not read Seven Crows as Kate Kessler does provide some backstory, but it's just bare bones.
In this latest installment, Killian is asked to go after two sisters who have found themselves involved with can only be described as a cultish group. Little does she know that she has not been given the full story and as she digs deeper into the situation, she uncovers more than she bargained for.
I love Killian - she is one tough, kick-a** character who is fiercely loyal to those she loves yet she is a deeply flawed character. This story was so full of twists and suspense and I could not turn the pages fast enough, trying to figure out what was going on. It kept me engaged from start to finish and I loved how this one played out.
I hope this is not the last we have seen of Killian Delaney...
You can see all my reviews at: http://alwayswithabook.blogspot.com/
March 1, 2021
To be brutally honest I had to grit my teeth to keep from DNF'ing this. I'd give it a one-star but because it held my interest until the climax I'm willing to offer it 2. I picked this up because of the premise of Killian's character, that she's this antiheroine badass ex-con yada yada, but instead of getting some action I got a painfully drawn out self-help retreat and zero climatic action buildup. I mean holy shit, you can tell me there's going to be an FBI raid on the place all you want, but if you don't back it up with any sense of a ticking clock then I'm like, when? now? tomorrow? are they late? and why is the FBI agent woman there in the first place if they already know they're going to raid? The premise that Killian took the job because *it's a job* makes for some pretty lackluster motivation. Maybe I don't get it, but I'm not into the whole mommy-thing. Especially since Killian had a bad mom, she can't see that shit coming from a mile away? Why is she so eager to empathize?
Anyway. This is the third time I've accidently picked up the sequel in a series and read it before realizing its the second book, and it makes me really, really wish publishers would put any kind of blurb on the front cover that is like Hey! This isn't a Standalone Novel! because, ugh.
Anyway. This is the third time I've accidently picked up the sequel in a series and read it before realizing its the second book, and it makes me really, really wish publishers would put any kind of blurb on the front cover that is like Hey! This isn't a Standalone Novel! because, ugh.
November 29, 2020
Thanks to the publisher, via Edelweiss, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
I didn't realize going into this one that it was a sequel to another one of Kate Kessler's books, but this worked fine as a standalone for me. Killian Delaney is a memorable badass of a character, and she puts everything at risk for the job she's contracted to do in this story. I love a vigilante type, and Killian's background and attitude are uniquely written and engaging. This story gets vicious at some points but manages to keep just to the right side of gratuitous. I will be going back to the first book for sure.
This reminded me a little, maybe just in terms of protagonist, of One Kick by Chelsea Cain, and since it seems like that one might never get a published sequel, this series can scratch that itch.
I didn't realize going into this one that it was a sequel to another one of Kate Kessler's books, but this worked fine as a standalone for me. Killian Delaney is a memorable badass of a character, and she puts everything at risk for the job she's contracted to do in this story. I love a vigilante type, and Killian's background and attitude are uniquely written and engaging. This story gets vicious at some points but manages to keep just to the right side of gratuitous. I will be going back to the first book for sure.
This reminded me a little, maybe just in terms of protagonist, of One Kick by Chelsea Cain, and since it seems like that one might never get a published sequel, this series can scratch that itch.
March 13, 2021
Another good read. This is the second in this series about Killian who was in prison for killing a man but now is out and trying to live her "new" life. She is a security person. She has been hired by an ex-con whom she knew to get the daughters of her significant other out of a "cult" who is holding them and has damaging info on them. Killy has to attend a seminar and get into this place to find the girls and then she begins to see what is going on and what really may be happening. As she is getting involved in this her parole officer calls to say that the parole board is looking at her too. She is worried what might be going on and who would have done this to her. Will she have to go back to prison or can this be resolved. Also her "niece" is having anger issues with her mom, Killy's sister that have the girl running to Killy. Another good story with a very strong woman.
December 2, 2020
A formidable addition to the Killian Delaney series. Kate Kessler offers a fast-paced, addictive thriller with brazen characterization. Readers are given an edgy, strong willed protagonist who lives by her own set of vigilante rules. The storyline is refreshing and bold with engaging dynamics that will keep readers on the edge of their seat the entire way through. Highly recommended.
Thank you to #RedHookBooks and #KateKessler for the ARC of #CallOfVultures which was read and reviewed voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to #RedHookBooks and #KateKessler for the ARC of #CallOfVultures which was read and reviewed voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 14, 2020
What a great follow up for a series. I loved Killian's story so far, and her struggles with her past a.d her secrets. I still love how strong she is as a person, physically and mentally. She cares a lot about her family and friends and her loyalty is her strong side.
This time, she infiltrates (aka joins) a cult of some sorts. It is about bettering oneself, targeted towards women. She's on a mission to save a couple of girls, who seem to be brainwashed. But there's more to everyone and everything involved.
I like how this series is action packed. A bit unbelievable, but still fun to watch these characters act on the grey line, and have the skills and connections to do that. Looking forward to see more of Killian's adventures, as well as relationship growth.
This time, she infiltrates (aka joins) a cult of some sorts. It is about bettering oneself, targeted towards women. She's on a mission to save a couple of girls, who seem to be brainwashed. But there's more to everyone and everything involved.
I like how this series is action packed. A bit unbelievable, but still fun to watch these characters act on the grey line, and have the skills and connections to do that. Looking forward to see more of Killian's adventures, as well as relationship growth.
December 22, 2020
Second book in the Kilian Delaney series. Fierce, tough main character with enough vulnerability to make her interesting and a rigid moral compass. I love a real kick ass female character, who isn’t afraid to go the whole way - and Kilian is all of that. The writing is fast and furious and the action rarely stops; there are nice references to the backstory but the book could have done with a little more editing as there is quite a bit of repetition. Still, an exciting story with a fabulous heroine - I loved it.
July 4, 2023
I made it through half of the book before I set it down for just over a month before I picked it up again. It's an easy read. The first half is the storyline, build up, but the second half, oh my goodness! The story takes off at about 0-60 in 60 seconds. I finished the second half in a couple of hours.
January 16, 2024
I liked this book but it wasn’t my favorite as far as thrillers go. There was something about the writing that, for myself, made it difficult to keep up with characters as the POV seemed to changed without warning. I felt like this was more of a kicking ass and taking names books versus the traditional edge of your seat thriller. It made for a quick weekend read.
February 6, 2021
This was another great book, I loved the different perspectives we got, all the twists and turns, and it was just a really satisfying book, and I can't wait for the next one, because there has to be a next one!
June 8, 2022
This second book in a series works just fine as a standalone. If you like a kickass antihero who has good morals and who actually kicks actual ass, this is the book for you. Very strong Jessica Jones vibes here. I want more.
January 2, 2024
I loved watching Killian grow from the first book- Seven Crows- to this book. She is an amazing character to see develop. Kessler’s writing is really impossible to put down. Absolutely loved the action and everything this book brought to the table
December 8, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up. It was good but Seven Crows was AMAZING. I guess I just expected the second book in the series to be just as good.
December 10, 2020
i love our anti-hero Killian. She does what it takes. She loves but is also limited by her trauma. a more interested female jack reacher like character. Keep em coming.
December 21, 2020
Killian deals with being in prison, a daughter she gave to her sister to raise, and trying to do a favor to someone she owes.
January 4, 2021
Love Kate Kessler's style. She delivers an awesome second installment in the Killian Delaney series. My only regret is there is no #3 in this series....
April 13, 2021
I was so disappointed with this I didn’t finish it. Seven Crows was an excellent book but this follow-up had minimal plot and no action.
August 1, 2022
I love the character, Killian but I didn't love this book.
September 9, 2024
I’m hoping theres a third Killian Delaney book in the works!
September 10, 2024
Last book I have by her, good read.
March 15, 2025
A good read but rather violent and offensive at times.
January 1, 2026
Uh oh.👀 My first one-star book review.... already... Buckle up, buttercup. It's going to be a bumpy ride. (Harry Potter reference anyone?)
“Call of Vultures” by Kate Kessler is about Killian Delaney, an ex-convict, hired to do secretive, certainly not legal, jobs to help protect weaker members of society. Killian takes a job from her ex-cellmate to save two sisters who have become indoctrinated into a cult. One sister is staying because she believes the message the cult is sending, while the other sister wants out, but will not leave without her sister. Killian’s job is to get them out of the cult and destroy any blackmail data that the cult may have against the sisters and their family.
I was super excited to read this book. I have a guilty pleasure of watching cult documentaries, how they got started, people escaping them, and all that jazz. So, when I saw that the premise of this book was trying to save two girls from a high-profile cult, I was hooked immediately.
Unfortunately, I thought the book fell flat. Very Flat. I did not finish this book; I did not even make it halfway through.😬 I really tried to read it, I picked it up several different days, at different times, thinking maybe I just wasn’t in the reading mood, but no. The first thing I did not like about the book was the writing style. Kessler uses a third-person point of view that I found hard to track. I found it odd that we know so much information from different characters, yet we were never actually one of the characters. I found the pacing of the book pretty slow, with action right out the gate and then nothing really going on after except some fistfights. I did not like how repetitive it could be, every page it seemed, Killian was talking about her previous bad temper, how she could seriously hurt or kill someone, and referencing previous fights. She said her anger issues were under control, yet she thought about throwing a mug at her boyfriend and making him eat the shards. Yeah… that sounds under control, not!!
After doing some research on the book to see others' opinions, I discovered that this is actually the 2nd book in a series, with the first being “Seven Crows”. “Call of Vultures” is a stand-alone book, though, so you do not have to read the first book to understand the second. I don't know, though, maybe if I had read "Seven Crows" first, I could have gotten into this book. Another interesting discovery was that the author, Kate Kessler, actually has several different pseudonyms that she goes by, six to be exact: Kathryn Smith, Kady Cross, Kate Cross, Kate Locke, Kate McLaughlin, and Kate Kessler. She uses a different name depending on the genre of the book, so if you enjoy her writing, be sure to check out her different pseudonyms for more book options in additional generes.
“Call of Vultures” by Kate Kessler is about Killian Delaney, an ex-convict, hired to do secretive, certainly not legal, jobs to help protect weaker members of society. Killian takes a job from her ex-cellmate to save two sisters who have become indoctrinated into a cult. One sister is staying because she believes the message the cult is sending, while the other sister wants out, but will not leave without her sister. Killian’s job is to get them out of the cult and destroy any blackmail data that the cult may have against the sisters and their family.
I was super excited to read this book. I have a guilty pleasure of watching cult documentaries, how they got started, people escaping them, and all that jazz. So, when I saw that the premise of this book was trying to save two girls from a high-profile cult, I was hooked immediately.
Unfortunately, I thought the book fell flat. Very Flat. I did not finish this book; I did not even make it halfway through.😬 I really tried to read it, I picked it up several different days, at different times, thinking maybe I just wasn’t in the reading mood, but no. The first thing I did not like about the book was the writing style. Kessler uses a third-person point of view that I found hard to track. I found it odd that we know so much information from different characters, yet we were never actually one of the characters. I found the pacing of the book pretty slow, with action right out the gate and then nothing really going on after except some fistfights. I did not like how repetitive it could be, every page it seemed, Killian was talking about her previous bad temper, how she could seriously hurt or kill someone, and referencing previous fights. She said her anger issues were under control, yet she thought about throwing a mug at her boyfriend and making him eat the shards. Yeah… that sounds under control, not!!
After doing some research on the book to see others' opinions, I discovered that this is actually the 2nd book in a series, with the first being “Seven Crows”. “Call of Vultures” is a stand-alone book, though, so you do not have to read the first book to understand the second. I don't know, though, maybe if I had read "Seven Crows" first, I could have gotten into this book. Another interesting discovery was that the author, Kate Kessler, actually has several different pseudonyms that she goes by, six to be exact: Kathryn Smith, Kady Cross, Kate Cross, Kate Locke, Kate McLaughlin, and Kate Kessler. She uses a different name depending on the genre of the book, so if you enjoy her writing, be sure to check out her different pseudonyms for more book options in additional generes.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews