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Cain University #1
First Kill
Don’t miss out on this one of a kind, unexpected adult-age RH academy romance. You’ll be on the edge of your seat!
I'm Ellen Arizona, and I'm a murderer.
I know you've heard my name. They're all talking about what I've done. But no one really understands why I did it. And no one understands me.
Except for the other killers at Cain University.
The Cain graduate program for killers is the only safe place left for me. But it comes with a catch: leave, and the consequences are deadly.
I need to stay. I have powers to train, and someone to kill next: the man who murdered my mother in cold blood. To get him, though, I'll need to survive the first year program.
Easier said than done. Especially when I find out the four men I loathe, who hunted me and petitioned to kill me, are somehow connected to my powers. If we don't learn to get along, it could spell doom—for them and for me.
First Kill is a brand new university-age first in a series, similar to The Magicians and Villain Academy. It has blood, gore, mature scenes, laugh out loud comedy, and a reverse harem enemies-to-lovers romance that will scorch off the pages. For readers 18+ only; please read the trigger warning inside.
I'm Ellen Arizona, and I'm a murderer.
I know you've heard my name. They're all talking about what I've done. But no one really understands why I did it. And no one understands me.
Except for the other killers at Cain University.
The Cain graduate program for killers is the only safe place left for me. But it comes with a catch: leave, and the consequences are deadly.
I need to stay. I have powers to train, and someone to kill next: the man who murdered my mother in cold blood. To get him, though, I'll need to survive the first year program.
Easier said than done. Especially when I find out the four men I loathe, who hunted me and petitioned to kill me, are somehow connected to my powers. If we don't learn to get along, it could spell doom—for them and for me.
First Kill is a brand new university-age first in a series, similar to The Magicians and Villain Academy. It has blood, gore, mature scenes, laugh out loud comedy, and a reverse harem enemies-to-lovers romance that will scorch off the pages. For readers 18+ only; please read the trigger warning inside.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2019
713 people are currently reading
583 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Auburn
50 books309 followersLucy Auburn is an urban fantasy/paranormal romance writer who lives in the Southwest. She loves writing interesting stories about strong women. Some of the writers who inspire her include Patricia Briggs and Sarah J. Maas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
February 26, 2020
I'll admit this book wasn't much but I've always had a liking for revengeful heroines. Ellen wasn't really that though. After being in an abusive relationship she finally snapped and killed her boyfriend.Brutally. This awakens something in her, then she finds out she has an aptitude for killing. The school for killing was a bit much but since I didn't have to deal with jealous mean girls I am willing to over look it.
There wasn't any character development. The Ellen of Page 1 was the same throughout. Though we didn't get the guys POV they didn't seem like cutouts you see in RH, ok maybe a little. We did have one that hated her as they are wont to do but at least he had a reason.
This is my first book-I think- by the author and I've got the second book loaded. Hopefully it brings more.
There wasn't any character development. The Ellen of Page 1 was the same throughout. Though we didn't get the guys POV they didn't seem like cutouts you see in RH, ok maybe a little. We did have one that hated her as they are wont to do but at least he had a reason.
This is my first book-I think- by the author and I've got the second book loaded. Hopefully it brings more.
February 14, 2020
Great concept poor execution. Ends in a cliffhanger.
2 mediocre stars.
2 mediocre stars.
January 8, 2020
It was okay
It was okay. I felt like there was no character building for the MC or any of the guys. I don’t feel I know that much about them. I find the MC super annoying too.
It was okay. I felt like there was no character building for the MC or any of the guys. I don’t feel I know that much about them. I find the MC super annoying too.
December 18, 2019
*Spoiler Alert*
Charged then cleared of murdering her violent and abusive boyfriend Ellen (FMC) goes home with her mother and step father to get herself on her feet. Things go wrong there when they are murdered in front of her and she sees the murderer. That puts Ellen on a course where she gets hounded by 4 guys (Grayson, Mason, Levi and Wyatt) who want to capture her. As well as mysterious golden doors turn up behind which is a strange university, she reconnects with an old school friend (with her own secrets), finds out more about her dad and powers she may or maynot have. So its a pretty fast-paced and action packed book with a little blood, killing and sex thrown on for good measure. Its got it all and its a damn fine read
Charged then cleared of murdering her violent and abusive boyfriend Ellen (FMC) goes home with her mother and step father to get herself on her feet. Things go wrong there when they are murdered in front of her and she sees the murderer. That puts Ellen on a course where she gets hounded by 4 guys (Grayson, Mason, Levi and Wyatt) who want to capture her. As well as mysterious golden doors turn up behind which is a strange university, she reconnects with an old school friend (with her own secrets), finds out more about her dad and powers she may or maynot have. So its a pretty fast-paced and action packed book with a little blood, killing and sex thrown on for good measure. Its got it all and its a damn fine read
March 22, 2021
Kindle Unlimited.
This was an interesting idea that requires you to REALLY suspend your disbelief. I couldn't do it.
Ellen didn't feel real to me. Her reactions were unusual, and I didn't believe any of the relationships. Eve was her roommate in college that she hadn't spoken to in years, but then Eve was her best friend and willing to vouch for her at the academy. The anger and resentment from the Conduits was over-the-top.
The pacing of the story was in fast forward, which left little time for explanations or world building. I would've enjoyed an explanation of the powers that people have, the pocket dimension that the university is in, and you know...why the university exists in the first place.
All in all, this is lacking.
This was an interesting idea that requires you to REALLY suspend your disbelief. I couldn't do it.
Ellen didn't feel real to me. Her reactions were unusual, and I didn't believe any of the relationships. Eve was her roommate in college that she hadn't spoken to in years, but then Eve was her best friend and willing to vouch for her at the academy. The anger and resentment from the Conduits was over-the-top.
The pacing of the story was in fast forward, which left little time for explanations or world building. I would've enjoyed an explanation of the powers that people have, the pocket dimension that the university is in, and you know...why the university exists in the first place.
All in all, this is lacking.
April 1, 2020
So I actually only ended up buying the book after seeing a 1 star review. They didn't like Plan B, Farts and apparently our Heroine's hygiene. Whelp...that sold me lol.
I enjoyed the book.
Spoilers I believe maybe? lol
Plan B is mentioned in a situation that I myself have found myself using lol. Nothing wrong with it.
Farts bruhhhh we all do it! Better than in!
Hygiene..... she showers in the books.... so I'm guessing it's because she didn't have a shaved vagina? idk..... Not all of us wanna look bald, plus uh....sorta had her reasons and issues as to not why she wouldn't be able to have a razor lol. Also Leather pants and yeast infections? lol idk
I enjoyed the book.
Spoilers I believe maybe? lol
Plan B is mentioned in a situation that I myself have found myself using lol. Nothing wrong with it.
Farts bruhhhh we all do it! Better than in!
Hygiene..... she showers in the books.... so I'm guessing it's because she didn't have a shaved vagina? idk..... Not all of us wanna look bald, plus uh....sorta had her reasons and issues as to not why she wouldn't be able to have a razor lol. Also Leather pants and yeast infections? lol idk
December 17, 2019
Epic
This is a great example of slow-med burn RH. There is no touching until close to the end.
The characters and their lives are explained in great detail and the world building is really good.
This is a great example of slow-med burn RH. There is no touching until close to the end.
The characters and their lives are explained in great detail and the world building is really good.
February 3, 2025
***OH WOW***
This was my first book from this author, and i loved it! It's unique and very refreshing to read this plot line. It is a Well paced and great world and character building.
This was my first book from this author, and i loved it! It's unique and very refreshing to read this plot line. It is a Well paced and great world and character building.
December 17, 2024
My friend told me this book was a university for killers and they have the best rep for how men are really like (aka gross, you cannot tell me a bunch of men living together wouldn’t be gross). Plus fart jokes.
I immediately downloaded the book and I have not been disappointed.
These characters, plot and world are so complex. I’m obsessed with it.
The idea that these powers come with weaknesses is GENIUS. Not only are they weaknesses but they are weaknesses that actually matter. The they effect the world and characters around them. It’s so good. Chefs kiss.
I immediately downloaded the book and I have not been disappointed.
These characters, plot and world are so complex. I’m obsessed with it.
The idea that these powers come with weaknesses is GENIUS. Not only are they weaknesses but they are weaknesses that actually matter. The they effect the world and characters around them. It’s so good. Chefs kiss.
November 19, 2021
TW: Domestic Violence
I have to give the author credit. The book is fairly well-written and daring enough to address the subject of domestic violence head on. However, as difficult as it was to read the first 1/3 of the book, the author then leans in to having a whole new group of men participate, as a team, in perpetuating even more graphic abuse against the fmc.
The book starts with a detailed description of the years long ongoing psychological, physical, and financial domestic abuse that Ellen’s boyfriend Jack subjected her to. The author then introduces the male characters by having 3 out of the 4 of them violently assault Ellen, who is forced to run for her life. I truly cannot imagine what the author was thinking by having the majority of the male characters all participate in continuing to both psychologically and physically assault the fmc, throughout the duration of the book. No attempt is made to redeem any of the male characters at all. At best, Wyatt passively stands by when his friends harm Ellen. At worst, Grayson keeps doing and saying horrible things to Ellen until the very last page of the book. If I bend backward, stretching to the breaking point for generosity, the author might imagine that allowing Ellen to successfully fight back against their individual and collective abuse is her version of “redemption”.
To me, fighting back is the absolute minimum. That bar is so low that it’s subterranean and certainly not some turning point in the story unless the male characters see the error of their ways, which they do not, and choose to make substantive changes, which they do not. Instead, out of nowhere, the author has Ellen suddenly feel overwhelmingly h•rny for these abusive creeps.
What I fail to comprehend here is how hot would a man have to be to make it okay for him to threaten to k*ll Ellen? For him to hit her? For him to use the deaths of her mother and stepfather to torment her? To poison her food? To hold her at knifepoint? Because that’s what they do to her. The only time the author has one of the men deign to half-heartedly “apologise”, he does it solely so that she’ll have sex with him, which she does. Frankly, I’m not sure “uh, sorry” is sincere remorse for first trying to kidnap and k*ll the fmc, then beating the snot out of her. What’s worse is that the author has Ellen repeatedly apologise to her new abusers.
Ellen is not empowered in this book. Not even when she develops stunning new powers. She doesn’t try. She doesn’t get therapy. She doesn’t work on herself. Nothing changes in her life except to exchange one abusive boyfriend for 4 new ones.
I have to give the author credit. The book is fairly well-written and daring enough to address the subject of domestic violence head on. However, as difficult as it was to read the first 1/3 of the book, the author then leans in to having a whole new group of men participate, as a team, in perpetuating even more graphic abuse against the fmc.
The book starts with a detailed description of the years long ongoing psychological, physical, and financial domestic abuse that Ellen’s boyfriend Jack subjected her to. The author then introduces the male characters by having 3 out of the 4 of them violently assault Ellen, who is forced to run for her life. I truly cannot imagine what the author was thinking by having the majority of the male characters all participate in continuing to both psychologically and physically assault the fmc, throughout the duration of the book. No attempt is made to redeem any of the male characters at all. At best, Wyatt passively stands by when his friends harm Ellen. At worst, Grayson keeps doing and saying horrible things to Ellen until the very last page of the book. If I bend backward, stretching to the breaking point for generosity, the author might imagine that allowing Ellen to successfully fight back against their individual and collective abuse is her version of “redemption”.
To me, fighting back is the absolute minimum. That bar is so low that it’s subterranean and certainly not some turning point in the story unless the male characters see the error of their ways, which they do not, and choose to make substantive changes, which they do not. Instead, out of nowhere, the author has Ellen suddenly feel overwhelmingly h•rny for these abusive creeps.
What I fail to comprehend here is how hot would a man have to be to make it okay for him to threaten to k*ll Ellen? For him to hit her? For him to use the deaths of her mother and stepfather to torment her? To poison her food? To hold her at knifepoint? Because that’s what they do to her. The only time the author has one of the men deign to half-heartedly “apologise”, he does it solely so that she’ll have sex with him, which she does. Frankly, I’m not sure “uh, sorry” is sincere remorse for first trying to kidnap and k*ll the fmc, then beating the snot out of her. What’s worse is that the author has Ellen repeatedly apologise to her new abusers.
Ellen is not empowered in this book. Not even when she develops stunning new powers. She doesn’t try. She doesn’t get therapy. She doesn’t work on herself. Nothing changes in her life except to exchange one abusive boyfriend for 4 new ones.
December 11, 2019
Reverse harem-ish, murder mystery-ish, academy-ish, paranormal story
If you're looking for an original idea in a book, look no further. First Kill has a story that I've not yet read, ever, and this was my 300th book of this year, so the bar was high. And it rocked.
I believe this book even gave me nightmares. It was just that good.
So the story goes (no spoilers): The FMC, aka Ellen Arizona, kills someone, (some other stuff happens), then she somehow finds an academy/university designed for people like her, where she meets four guys who are connected to her, aaaaand they eventually need to sort their stuff out and do bad things together. Sooo.. Lots of killing!
And it's a haunting story, for sure. There's an air of mystery, aggression, and magic around. The magical side of things is very original, and the characters are also rather fresh and not at all cookie-cutter.
My only issue is with how some things "just happen" while others seem to stand still for way too long. For example, the FMC pretty much figures out her special skill-set, without much help from anyone, which was okaaaay-ish, but a tad rushed, maybe? And then one other murder mystery seems to be going nowhere, while the FMC is thrown into the university world with little or no actual education (her own fault, really). I guess my point is: the actual learning process is nonexistent, while the actual skills are forced to be used like.. magic. And if that makes no sense.. I've had nightmares all week, so apologies!
Also, the romance doesn't really happen in this book yet, so slow is the burn. We shall wait.
And I will wait to read more, quite eagerly as well.
If you're looking for an original idea in a book, look no further. First Kill has a story that I've not yet read, ever, and this was my 300th book of this year, so the bar was high. And it rocked.
I believe this book even gave me nightmares. It was just that good.
So the story goes (no spoilers): The FMC, aka Ellen Arizona, kills someone, (some other stuff happens), then she somehow finds an academy/university designed for people like her, where she meets four guys who are connected to her, aaaaand they eventually need to sort their stuff out and do bad things together. Sooo.. Lots of killing!
And it's a haunting story, for sure. There's an air of mystery, aggression, and magic around. The magical side of things is very original, and the characters are also rather fresh and not at all cookie-cutter.
My only issue is with how some things "just happen" while others seem to stand still for way too long. For example, the FMC pretty much figures out her special skill-set, without much help from anyone, which was okaaaay-ish, but a tad rushed, maybe? And then one other murder mystery seems to be going nowhere, while the FMC is thrown into the university world with little or no actual education (her own fault, really). I guess my point is: the actual learning process is nonexistent, while the actual skills are forced to be used like.. magic. And if that makes no sense.. I've had nightmares all week, so apologies!
Also, the romance doesn't really happen in this book yet, so slow is the burn. We shall wait.
And I will wait to read more, quite eagerly as well.
December 23, 2019
If you like darker fantasy books that are more crime gritty action based type mystery stuff and also love RH in all its forms aka bully esque then this is the book for you! If you dont love RH & can't at least tolerate some early misunderstanding type bullying and one arsehole in the group & don't like assassin/crime/killer acrion sorta books then steer clear.
This reminds me of a series well multiple but one that has the same vibe without the RH is the spider assassin series which has like a million books last i checked and is super high quality so check that out for funsies. As far as rh goes... well its kinda like others in that theres a magical connection but its defs not something id read for the rh alone like a lot of rh books are focused on the rh with the story revolving around that and at least from this first book this is mainly action/non romance at all like the furthest from that soooo i mean its good but dont go in expecting RH and go in expecting an assassin mystery magic type book and youll love it. The ending was amazeballs imo and suggests the next book will pick up the pace and level etc.
This book was slower to start than i wouldve liked however HOWEVER it neede to be to have depth and you need the backstory and the prologue so to speak before you get the intro of the new world shes in... so i mean i think it was about 50-75 percent in before i felt like the book really started and got like good good. The first bits well necessary but kinda not great to read or fun or whatever theres trigger stuff and darker bits and im a weakling and i tolerated it and most of it didnt phase me but i can see it upsetting some people and its not a one and done thing its clear its very a large trauma slash integral part of the story and character as youd expect not just a catalyst alone so ya know jeep that in mind and i will say it was done really well and allowed you to understand the character without having to necessarily experience the trauma with her which for me is a pet peeve with books where the character goes through something particularly violent or triggering its much better when its done this way as a looking back or detached sort of clinical manner rather than emotional or like your in her shoes etc i hate that. Like the how to live with the dead or whatever brumner i think series like thats amazing but its shit scary traumatising and suuuuper fucking dark RH this is like a disney movie compared to that series so like ya know read this defs even a couple pages in you should be able to tell if you can handle it because at least for this first book the very first chapters are the worst it gets and its mostly just dark humour or more regular assassin action type stuff from there.
Anyway hopefully that helps someone i know i was a lil apprehensive to begin with cause like mentioned crybaby disney hallmark HEA bitch over here so if i can handle it you can likely too. I will say i dislike most bully stuff but this is really not what id consider bully romance either more misunderstanding fairly quickly resolved except for one prick with his own issues but it doesnt really interfere with their behaviour and is more just annoying dumbarse enemies to lovers vibes.
This reminds me of a series well multiple but one that has the same vibe without the RH is the spider assassin series which has like a million books last i checked and is super high quality so check that out for funsies. As far as rh goes... well its kinda like others in that theres a magical connection but its defs not something id read for the rh alone like a lot of rh books are focused on the rh with the story revolving around that and at least from this first book this is mainly action/non romance at all like the furthest from that soooo i mean its good but dont go in expecting RH and go in expecting an assassin mystery magic type book and youll love it. The ending was amazeballs imo and suggests the next book will pick up the pace and level etc.
This book was slower to start than i wouldve liked however HOWEVER it neede to be to have depth and you need the backstory and the prologue so to speak before you get the intro of the new world shes in... so i mean i think it was about 50-75 percent in before i felt like the book really started and got like good good. The first bits well necessary but kinda not great to read or fun or whatever theres trigger stuff and darker bits and im a weakling and i tolerated it and most of it didnt phase me but i can see it upsetting some people and its not a one and done thing its clear its very a large trauma slash integral part of the story and character as youd expect not just a catalyst alone so ya know jeep that in mind and i will say it was done really well and allowed you to understand the character without having to necessarily experience the trauma with her which for me is a pet peeve with books where the character goes through something particularly violent or triggering its much better when its done this way as a looking back or detached sort of clinical manner rather than emotional or like your in her shoes etc i hate that. Like the how to live with the dead or whatever brumner i think series like thats amazing but its shit scary traumatising and suuuuper fucking dark RH this is like a disney movie compared to that series so like ya know read this defs even a couple pages in you should be able to tell if you can handle it because at least for this first book the very first chapters are the worst it gets and its mostly just dark humour or more regular assassin action type stuff from there.
Anyway hopefully that helps someone i know i was a lil apprehensive to begin with cause like mentioned crybaby disney hallmark HEA bitch over here so if i can handle it you can likely too. I will say i dislike most bully stuff but this is really not what id consider bully romance either more misunderstanding fairly quickly resolved except for one prick with his own issues but it doesnt really interfere with their behaviour and is more just annoying dumbarse enemies to lovers vibes.
December 18, 2019
Ellen meet the man that she thought would love her forever. The dream she had was taken away from her with how he really was. He became her worst nightmare. In order to save herself, he has to die. Something comes over her as he tries to beat her to death, she is able to kill him. She was arrested and put on trial for his murder. She is found not guilty of his murder due to his past history.
Ellen is finally free and at home with her mom and stepdad. She is moved into the garage apartment while she tries to get her life together. She can't sleep due to it being to quiet. She goes into the house and sleeps on sofa. Her worst nightmare happens. Her mom and stepdad are attacked and killed by nighttime intruder that vanishes. The police takes her to the station for questioning for what seems to be forever. She has no choice but to call her old bestfriend. They haven't spoken in years, due to her dead boyfriend.
While leaving the station, she sees four men that don't fit that are going into the station. She somehow knows they are looking for her. Her friend Evelyn is taking her to her home to stay while everything is happening at the house.
That night she hears an intruder but before he can enter her room something happens. Evelyn is at her door, she thinks she sees an injury on her, but then doesn't. She tries to go to sleep, is given a message to leave.
The four men are after her and doesn't know why. She just knows they are trying to hurt her. She runs for her life. They catch up to her, she does things she can't believe. She keeps seeing these weird doors that keep showing up. She finally decides to go through them, as she feels she will be safe there. Boy was she wrong. Not only is her friend there but also the four guys are as well. She sees a face she never thought she see there, her dead father's picture.
What happens next in this story is really good, as Ellen learns about her powers, the fours guys, what her father was doing there and the guy that killed her mom. Ellen will need to get her powers under control before she is a victim of the guy who killed her mother or be put to death by the school.
This story is a slow build up in the story, covers why Ellen killed her boyfriend, and the rest. If domestic violence causes any problems for you to read, then this is not a series to read as this book spends some time on it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ellen is finally free and at home with her mom and stepdad. She is moved into the garage apartment while she tries to get her life together. She can't sleep due to it being to quiet. She goes into the house and sleeps on sofa. Her worst nightmare happens. Her mom and stepdad are attacked and killed by nighttime intruder that vanishes. The police takes her to the station for questioning for what seems to be forever. She has no choice but to call her old bestfriend. They haven't spoken in years, due to her dead boyfriend.
While leaving the station, she sees four men that don't fit that are going into the station. She somehow knows they are looking for her. Her friend Evelyn is taking her to her home to stay while everything is happening at the house.
That night she hears an intruder but before he can enter her room something happens. Evelyn is at her door, she thinks she sees an injury on her, but then doesn't. She tries to go to sleep, is given a message to leave.
The four men are after her and doesn't know why. She just knows they are trying to hurt her. She runs for her life. They catch up to her, she does things she can't believe. She keeps seeing these weird doors that keep showing up. She finally decides to go through them, as she feels she will be safe there. Boy was she wrong. Not only is her friend there but also the four guys are as well. She sees a face she never thought she see there, her dead father's picture.
What happens next in this story is really good, as Ellen learns about her powers, the fours guys, what her father was doing there and the guy that killed her mom. Ellen will need to get her powers under control before she is a victim of the guy who killed her mother or be put to death by the school.
This story is a slow build up in the story, covers why Ellen killed her boyfriend, and the rest. If domestic violence causes any problems for you to read, then this is not a series to read as this book spends some time on it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2020
Really liked it? Not sure but... it's not bad enough to warrant two stars.
I am kind of done with RH romance but this one was interesting enough to deserve a chance to impress me. I mean, a girl killing her bf, without regrets and then attending a university for killers? (Well, assassins, really.) And with enough charm to keep four guys?
But the execution lacked... something. Maybe several somethings.
I recently read Bring Me Their Hearts
which was supposed to have exactly what this book has plenty of - some heartless, merciless or at least kind of remorseless killing. I know, I am also worried about myself but killing in my/our world is usually so distant and alien concept I don't really count killing in books as something traumatic or terrible, unless it's the point of the book.
Well, problem was, this girl had it, except, she swung to the other side of the spectrum - when the world, the plot, the characters, actually were a little too heartless for my taste. Maybe I am being hard on her but the entire environment of the university was really annoying me. It was like the Hunger Games but for four years. I do like to have at least someone at the MC's corner and her mentor was too cold to provide some emotional support of any kind.
The romance was also not very spectacular. Enemies to lovers? Sure. Impossibly quick and uselessly so? That also. It also had quite the breathlessly-porny moments, because of the whole atmosphere. It might have been made to look all raw and primal, fitting with the whole theme of killing people and kind of liking it and kicking ass and being on a university that may kill you first so having this intense reaction to an asshole who have been nothing but a dick to you was just not working for me. Especially since at least two of them were okay to just change their opinion based on stuff that shouldn't have mattered.
And don't let me start on that absurd ending.
All in all, I am not going to come back to this genre and can't really recommend the book beyond - I finished it, so it's not that bad.
I am kind of done with RH romance but this one was interesting enough to deserve a chance to impress me. I mean, a girl killing her bf, without regrets and then attending a university for killers? (Well, assassins, really.) And with enough charm to keep four guys?
But the execution lacked... something. Maybe several somethings.
I recently read Bring Me Their Hearts
which was supposed to have exactly what this book has plenty of - some heartless, merciless or at least kind of remorseless killing. I know, I am also worried about myself but killing in my/our world is usually so distant and alien concept I don't really count killing in books as something traumatic or terrible, unless it's the point of the book.
Well, problem was, this girl had it, except, she swung to the other side of the spectrum - when the world, the plot, the characters, actually were a little too heartless for my taste. Maybe I am being hard on her but the entire environment of the university was really annoying me. It was like the Hunger Games but for four years. I do like to have at least someone at the MC's corner and her mentor was too cold to provide some emotional support of any kind.
The romance was also not very spectacular. Enemies to lovers? Sure. Impossibly quick and uselessly so? That also. It also had quite the breathlessly-porny moments, because of the whole atmosphere. It might have been made to look all raw and primal, fitting with the whole theme of killing people and kind of liking it and kicking ass and being on a university that may kill you first so having this intense reaction to an asshole who have been nothing but a dick to you was just not working for me. Especially since at least two of them were okay to just change their opinion based on stuff that shouldn't have mattered.
And don't let me start on that absurd ending.
All in all, I am not going to come back to this genre and can't really recommend the book beyond - I finished it, so it's not that bad.
January 5, 2020
First Kill is trying to bring something new to the world of academy RH and I'm completely digging the twisted elements that adds some much needed freshness in this genre.
The selling point for me was the whole concept of having a university where you basically become a killer, an assassin killing the bad dudes of the world. The book doesn't rush the beginning, I kind of like it. I get a chance to warm up towards our FMC Ellen, see the part where she got pushed towards the "killer" awakening and her journey towards joining the university. So by the time we have actually arrived at the uni, we have enough content to connect with Ellen and feel her emotions towards the assholes who would be her harem.
The plot itself is okay but brought to life by the magical abilities that have corresponding weakness. The abilities may be nothing new but they are repackaged in such a creative way that you are invested in seeing how this plays out in the book. I wish the uni elements were more polished like we didn't see Ellen interacting with any other students than her friend Eva and her harem or even just have class scenes without the harem members. It dilutes the immersive feeling.
Ellen as a character has a dry sense of humor and has a mature voice that sits right with her traumatic events, it's the harem that bothers me. I didn't really like them for most of the book except for Wyatt, it's only towards the end where they don't feel too annoying. They badly need characterization beyond the common traits to feel like fleshed out characters and have a presence that matters in the book beyond the sake of being Ellen's harem.
This book is not without faults but damn it's trying to be something different while still giving you everything you like in a RH book, for that I have to give it a 3 star rating.
The selling point for me was the whole concept of having a university where you basically become a killer, an assassin killing the bad dudes of the world. The book doesn't rush the beginning, I kind of like it. I get a chance to warm up towards our FMC Ellen, see the part where she got pushed towards the "killer" awakening and her journey towards joining the university. So by the time we have actually arrived at the uni, we have enough content to connect with Ellen and feel her emotions towards the assholes who would be her harem.
The plot itself is okay but brought to life by the magical abilities that have corresponding weakness. The abilities may be nothing new but they are repackaged in such a creative way that you are invested in seeing how this plays out in the book. I wish the uni elements were more polished like we didn't see Ellen interacting with any other students than her friend Eva and her harem or even just have class scenes without the harem members. It dilutes the immersive feeling.
Ellen as a character has a dry sense of humor and has a mature voice that sits right with her traumatic events, it's the harem that bothers me. I didn't really like them for most of the book except for Wyatt, it's only towards the end where they don't feel too annoying. They badly need characterization beyond the common traits to feel like fleshed out characters and have a presence that matters in the book beyond the sake of being Ellen's harem.
This book is not without faults but damn it's trying to be something different while still giving you everything you like in a RH book, for that I have to give it a 3 star rating.
December 30, 2019
What's next
So this was a good story but one you should definitely head\read the trigger warnings before diving in becuase it does touch some dark and even painful things. I don't really have triggers with reading books but there were 1 of 2 times that made me cringe. But just like life it's filled with good and bad you have to go through; and strong people don't normally have perfect pretty lives that made them who they are. And our character had those strong foundation in her where now we get to follow her as she discovers her strength and who exactly she is. I found the heroine, Ellen, to be relatable and understandable while still being unique. I can't wait to see how she continues to come to terms with things and figures out who she is and who she wants to be. This story is a reverse harem enemies to lovers and for me romance wise I would call it slow medium burn.That said we do get some tension and steamy times and hopefully the romances will continue to grow in depth and intensity. All the men who we have been told will teachers are not and different. We get some background info on them in this book but I hope we get a lot more in future, because what we know So far definitely has me curious. I like the undertones of this story as well as the fact that it's essentially a supernatural college for killers, which isn't a story idea I've seen often. This is a good story with plenty of suspense, action, and mystery sprinkled with romance and the supernatural. It did end in its own kind of cliff hanger that definitely left me wanting to know what comes next. So if your looking for something with why choose romance that's different and maybe grittier this is for you. Overall it's a good start to a new series would recommend.
So this was a good story but one you should definitely head\read the trigger warnings before diving in becuase it does touch some dark and even painful things. I don't really have triggers with reading books but there were 1 of 2 times that made me cringe. But just like life it's filled with good and bad you have to go through; and strong people don't normally have perfect pretty lives that made them who they are. And our character had those strong foundation in her where now we get to follow her as she discovers her strength and who exactly she is. I found the heroine, Ellen, to be relatable and understandable while still being unique. I can't wait to see how she continues to come to terms with things and figures out who she is and who she wants to be. This story is a reverse harem enemies to lovers and for me romance wise I would call it slow medium burn.That said we do get some tension and steamy times and hopefully the romances will continue to grow in depth and intensity. All the men who we have been told will teachers are not and different. We get some background info on them in this book but I hope we get a lot more in future, because what we know So far definitely has me curious. I like the undertones of this story as well as the fact that it's essentially a supernatural college for killers, which isn't a story idea I've seen often. This is a good story with plenty of suspense, action, and mystery sprinkled with romance and the supernatural. It did end in its own kind of cliff hanger that definitely left me wanting to know what comes next. So if your looking for something with why choose romance that's different and maybe grittier this is for you. Overall it's a good start to a new series would recommend.
February 28, 2020
Ok, about this book. The beginning intrigued me. I liked the concept of the book. The reviews that Ive read for this book was mixed. But the one that really bugged me was the one talking about farts and using plan b as an option for birth control. Let me clarify that for you. Spoiler Alert***
So through out the book, there was only one fart envolved and it was not voluntary. It was brought up a total of 3 to 4 times, cuz damn, it was a stinky one. Now, on to the plan b moment. So you are caught in a moment of lust, nothing planned, just a random moment of damn Im so turned on we are gonna fuck. No condom on hand, and all that was said was that so and so has plan b in her medicine cabinet. Like I get it, no one should use that as a birth control method, but again, it was only mentioned once in the book AND the cat came to the rescue with a strip of condoms. So plan b was never used. The fucking end.
Phew, had to get that one out of my chest. It was really fucking bothering me. At last, the reason for the 3 ☆ was because, i enjoyed the depth of the way the main MC was in the beginning of the book. But then she seamed kinda just, like im angry im gonna kill you type shit, and she seems just blah in those moment. At times she actually had more thought and processing in her angry moments where you got more understanding of her.
So through out the book, there was only one fart envolved and it was not voluntary. It was brought up a total of 3 to 4 times, cuz damn, it was a stinky one. Now, on to the plan b moment. So you are caught in a moment of lust, nothing planned, just a random moment of damn Im so turned on we are gonna fuck. No condom on hand, and all that was said was that so and so has plan b in her medicine cabinet. Like I get it, no one should use that as a birth control method, but again, it was only mentioned once in the book AND the cat came to the rescue with a strip of condoms. So plan b was never used. The fucking end.
Phew, had to get that one out of my chest. It was really fucking bothering me. At last, the reason for the 3 ☆ was because, i enjoyed the depth of the way the main MC was in the beginning of the book. But then she seamed kinda just, like im angry im gonna kill you type shit, and she seems just blah in those moment. At times she actually had more thought and processing in her angry moments where you got more understanding of her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2020
That was an okay read.
The first thought after reading the blurb I had was: Please be a mix between the Mindf*uck series and Deadly Class wrapped in RH. Whelp, don’t get your hopes up. It isn’t. But I was entertained enough. I just was expecting a little more action, I guess.
In fact I thought it a little bit boring at times, given the blurb. The beginning was interesting and I found the whole premise exiting, but how everything just just fell into place didn’t feel natural at all, the whole situation with Eve, how the police was dealt with, how she simply discovered her powers at her fathers house, how she beat the three Fuckfaces with basically no training at all yada yada yada.
I also wasn’t too impressed with the characters, besides Grayson who’s story was rather intriguing and Wyatt who seems to be adorable. I am always a sucker for the gentle giant.
The heroine wasn’t asking enough questions given the circumstances, besides being yet another “special snowflake”, she didn’t have much memorable character traits for me. Especially not brains.
We get next to no information about the school of assassins, which should have been the most interesting part of the book, besides too much of the shady as fuck headmaster.
So, interesting premise, could have definitely been better for me.
The first thought after reading the blurb I had was: Please be a mix between the Mindf*uck series and Deadly Class wrapped in RH. Whelp, don’t get your hopes up. It isn’t. But I was entertained enough. I just was expecting a little more action, I guess.
In fact I thought it a little bit boring at times, given the blurb. The beginning was interesting and I found the whole premise exiting, but how everything just just fell into place didn’t feel natural at all, the whole situation with Eve, how the police was dealt with, how she simply discovered her powers at her fathers house, how she beat the three Fuckfaces with basically no training at all yada yada yada.
I also wasn’t too impressed with the characters, besides Grayson who’s story was rather intriguing and Wyatt who seems to be adorable. I am always a sucker for the gentle giant.
The heroine wasn’t asking enough questions given the circumstances, besides being yet another “special snowflake”, she didn’t have much memorable character traits for me. Especially not brains.
We get next to no information about the school of assassins, which should have been the most interesting part of the book, besides too much of the shady as fuck headmaster.
So, interesting premise, could have definitely been better for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2020
I'm Ellen Arizona, and I'm a murderer.
I know you've heard my name. They're all talking about what I've done. But no one really understands why I did it. And no one understands me.
Except for the other killers at Cain University.
The Cain graduate program for killers is the only safe place left for me. But it comes with a catch: leave, and the consequences are deadly.
I need to stay. I have powers to train, and someone to kill next: the man who murdered my mother in cold blood. To get him, though, I'll need to survive the first year program.
Easier said than done. Especially when I find out the four men I loathe, who hunted me and petitioned to kill me, are somehow connected to my powers. If we don't learn to get along, it could spell doom—for them and for me.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I know you've heard my name. They're all talking about what I've done. But no one really understands why I did it. And no one understands me.
Except for the other killers at Cain University.
The Cain graduate program for killers is the only safe place left for me. But it comes with a catch: leave, and the consequences are deadly.
I need to stay. I have powers to train, and someone to kill next: the man who murdered my mother in cold blood. To get him, though, I'll need to survive the first year program.
Easier said than done. Especially when I find out the four men I loathe, who hunted me and petitioned to kill me, are somehow connected to my powers. If we don't learn to get along, it could spell doom—for them and for me.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 29, 2019
Ellen
Right up front with you in the first paragraph Ellen admits to killing someone. She has a snarky sense of humor that I like to call foot meet mouth, but I love it. Ellen has been in a relationship that in the beginning was fine, but then the abuse starts. She spends time in prison and then crap hits the fan royally in her life. She's being hunted for reasons beyond her, door ways magically appear they seem to be chasing her as well. And well while she's checking them out she gets shoved through what is she to do other then learn at Cain academy. Oh that's right learn the 4 guys who were chasing her she's now stuck with. But Ellen also has to see This through mainly because she has a killer to find, the person that murdered her stepdad and mom will be taken care of it she has any day in it.
This is the first book I have read of Lucy's and I will say she has created an interesting world one that I've never come across and I look forward to reading more of it.
Right up front with you in the first paragraph Ellen admits to killing someone. She has a snarky sense of humor that I like to call foot meet mouth, but I love it. Ellen has been in a relationship that in the beginning was fine, but then the abuse starts. She spends time in prison and then crap hits the fan royally in her life. She's being hunted for reasons beyond her, door ways magically appear they seem to be chasing her as well. And well while she's checking them out she gets shoved through what is she to do other then learn at Cain academy. Oh that's right learn the 4 guys who were chasing her she's now stuck with. But Ellen also has to see This through mainly because she has a killer to find, the person that murdered her stepdad and mom will be taken care of it she has any day in it.
This is the first book I have read of Lucy's and I will say she has created an interesting world one that I've never come across and I look forward to reading more of it.
January 18, 2020
This is definitely a different academy book. This is an academy that prepares assassins for their life. Ellen did not make a good impression in the beginning and it was not because of her self-defense kill. You can only take being abused for so long before you just break. What I had trouble with is the way her personality swings from being nice and thankful for getting out of trouble to being a loose cannon and screaming at everyone and having meltdowns. Besides that, knowing that she will need help from the four guys that were originally hunting her, she still gives them an extremely hard time and cuts no slack. She has no intention in following any rules, even though her life may depend on it. I did like the story quite a bit and loved Wyatt and Mason. Levi and Grayson have a ways to go. I did like Penny and how helpful she can be. I'm looking forward to the rest of the story. I requested an advanced reader copy from Booksprout and am under no obligation to leave this review.
December 23, 2019
Ellen Arizona puts up with more then any women should from her psycho boyfriend and when he gets what's coming to him in a really dramatic and gross way. Ellen finally becomes who she was meant to be a killer well and assassin but she doesn't learn that until she gets chased and ends up at Cain University. Were all the best and social unacceptable assassins go to train. But before she gets there she will loose someone close to here. And maybe the Academy wont be so bad if it wasn't for the four rude guys that she now has to deal with there her conduits. She's apparently real special and a notorious killer the black serpent has his eye on her. This book is dangerous with its twisted secrets and constant cruel snark I bet the Academy has plenty of secrets left to reveal. Cant wait for the next one.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
January 22, 2020
I really loved this book! It was so well written and engrossing. I loved the way Ellen's mind worked. She was such a heartbroken and scarred girl who had some seriously bad luck. I felt so bad for her, but at the same time I was cheering her on the whole time. I was so frustrated with Grayson! I wanted to slap him every time he was in a scene. It drove me crazy because I just wanted her to show him that memory and get it out of the way so he would stop calling her a killer. It was such an easy fix for him and the anticipation killed me. Over all it was an amazing story and I am so excited for the next one. I thought the book was going to be slow at first, because it took a while to get into the Academy, but I realized quickly that we needed all of that build up in order to accurately understand her mind and the reason she acts the way she does. It was worth it and I'd recommend this book to anyone. 6 stars!
December 15, 2019
What will Ellen do?
This is a good book to read. I love the characters, especially Ellen. She is snarky and has her funny moments which I hope to get more of. The guys, Mason, Levi, Wyatt and Grayson are indeed hot and formidable. I understand Ellen's reluctance to work with them. Ellen has been given a bad hand in life and everywhere she goes it doesn't get better. She does have a friend Eve in all this which is great cause she needs it. As the story builds and comes to the end I was left speechless. Ellen really needs to buckle down and get her powers under control? What will she do now? What will the guys and Eve do? This book is a slow build in suspense but doesn't let you down. I can't wait to see what happens next.
This is a good book to read. I love the characters, especially Ellen. She is snarky and has her funny moments which I hope to get more of. The guys, Mason, Levi, Wyatt and Grayson are indeed hot and formidable. I understand Ellen's reluctance to work with them. Ellen has been given a bad hand in life and everywhere she goes it doesn't get better. She does have a friend Eve in all this which is great cause she needs it. As the story builds and comes to the end I was left speechless. Ellen really needs to buckle down and get her powers under control? What will she do now? What will the guys and Eve do? This book is a slow build in suspense but doesn't let you down. I can't wait to see what happens next.
December 7, 2019
Wow I’ve never read anything like this before it’s an intriguing story about Ellen Arizona she’s a murderer she was tired of her boyfriends abuse so she killed him, she is sent to Cain University where she needs help with training her powers but this University is full of killers and 4 men who she hates that wanted to kill her. Ellen needs to train to kill the man that murdered her mother and the 4 men Grayson, Levi, Mason and Wyatt are far from perfect they have their insecurities as well. This story was funny it made me say what the **** so many times but I really enjoyed it and I definitely recommend this book.
December 18, 2019
First Kill is not your typical paranormal story. It is the first book in what will be a very interesting series. Without giving away too much, Lucy Auburn writes a very original story hinged on the second sin committed by man, killing.
The characters have extremely unique talents, skills, and weaknesses. They are also enrolled at Cain University in its only graduate school program. The students have one skill in common that is required for consideration to the program and they have to survive the entrance exam for acceptance to the program.
It is easy to get caught up in the drama of Ellen. Despite being ill-tempered, rash, and impulsive, you cannot help but like her. Her temper and impulsivity get her into trouble time after time. Her BFF Eve, and her three new associates, help her through. That is until the end of this book when Ellen finds herself in a real nightmare.
The ending is definitely the start of the next book, which I pre-ordered. I am already on edge to see how or if Ellen makes it through.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters have extremely unique talents, skills, and weaknesses. They are also enrolled at Cain University in its only graduate school program. The students have one skill in common that is required for consideration to the program and they have to survive the entrance exam for acceptance to the program.
It is easy to get caught up in the drama of Ellen. Despite being ill-tempered, rash, and impulsive, you cannot help but like her. Her temper and impulsivity get her into trouble time after time. Her BFF Eve, and her three new associates, help her through. That is until the end of this book when Ellen finds herself in a real nightmare.
The ending is definitely the start of the next book, which I pre-ordered. I am already on edge to see how or if Ellen makes it through.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2019
Abused? No more! A dark and deadly resolve took charge in her and her reality changed. Dark, intense and thrilling story that left me devouring the pages. I was so intrigued with the protagonist and her different, strange and sinister situation and the unexpected twists. Justice and making wrong right had its chance in here! A page turner story! Lot of action, suspense, mystery, secrets, violence, gory details, heated passion and lot of assassins. Love these stories with so much exciting darkness.
December 19, 2019
Although a twisted thought, I really liked this story. From front to back I absorbed its contents with next to no sleep because of it. This is the 1st book in the Cain University series with the 2nd one in the wings. A school to train natural born killers into a highly talented assassin. Each student has a gift or talent that makes them unique for the jobs they are assigned. It was great to walk the line with Ellen and safely view how the other have live. Loved it and want more of it!
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.
January 19, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and the characters and story were well developed. I loved the individual character personalities and the character dynamics. I thought the story was excellent. It was action packed and full of suspense, emotion, intrigue and hot chemistry. I look forward to the next book in this series!! I’d highly recommend this book!!
NB: This book ends on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
NB: This book ends on a cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2019
First Kill by Lucy Auburn is a wonderful story that I have read. This is book number one in this wonderfu start to a brand new series that I fell in love reading and can not wait for book number two in this wonderful series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romances.
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.
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