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Shadow Guild: The Rebel #1
Once Bitten
Vampires aren't real, right?
People say I'm a weirdo. Sure, my idea of a party is a mini box of wine and hanging out with a feral raccoon, but it works for me.
When I’m accused of murder, things get crazy. One, I learn that I have magic. Two, there’s a secret magical city hidden right in London itself. And three, my only hope is a vampire who’s sexy as sin and scary as the devil himself. He's called the Devil of Darkvale, and he all but owns Guild City.
Some say I should just quit and turn myself in. Not a chance. I’m going to solve this murder myself, which means surviving in a new world of witch parties, magical guilds, and a vampire with a tortured past. The vampire and I are like colliding stars, and the heat is irresistible. I should avoid him, but if I want to save my own life, he’s my only hope.
People say I'm a weirdo. Sure, my idea of a party is a mini box of wine and hanging out with a feral raccoon, but it works for me.
When I’m accused of murder, things get crazy. One, I learn that I have magic. Two, there’s a secret magical city hidden right in London itself. And three, my only hope is a vampire who’s sexy as sin and scary as the devil himself. He's called the Devil of Darkvale, and he all but owns Guild City.
Some say I should just quit and turn myself in. Not a chance. I’m going to solve this murder myself, which means surviving in a new world of witch parties, magical guilds, and a vampire with a tortured past. The vampire and I are like colliding stars, and the heat is irresistible. I should avoid him, but if I want to save my own life, he’s my only hope.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2020
4843 people are currently reading
12022 people want to read
About the author
Linsey Hall
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Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
For giveaways, contests and book discussion join my Facebook group
here!
Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 522 reviews
January 12, 2021
DNFed at 8% nope. nope nope nope. More lazy writing. Instant attraction to someone you think murdered your best friend? Pfft. No thanks. Why do so many authors try to use the instant attraction trope as a short cut? It's just an excuse to not have to write believable relationships, and it pisses me off that its so common! That, along with the love interest's unfounded and instant "need" to protect the MC as soon as he lays eyes on her. It's just lazy and sad and eye rolling.
Not to mention the cringe "Look at this dude, total badass" vibes. When its the MC's POV the chapter starts off with her name, but when its the love interests POV it starts out with "The Devil". No, I'm not joking. I can practically hear the Author's thoughts while creating this character "Hmm, he's gotta be a total badass, a dark mystery surrounded in shadow, enticing and chilling. I know, I'll call him the Devil! Hmmm what should he sound/think like?" This is the first taste we, as readers, get of "the devil's" voice:
"I tucked myself into the shadows, disappearing into the darkness as I watched the police shackle the woman who’d drawn me into her visions. Something pulled inside me, hard and fierce. Protect her. I rubbed a hand over my chest, confused. What the hell was this feeling? I hadn’t felt anything like this—much of anything, really—since I’d been turned into a vampire nearly five hundred years ago."
Now if that doesn't scream bad ass worthy of the title "The Devil", I don't know what does. Sigh.
Not to mention the cringe "Look at this dude, total badass" vibes. When its the MC's POV the chapter starts off with her name, but when its the love interests POV it starts out with "The Devil". No, I'm not joking. I can practically hear the Author's thoughts while creating this character "Hmm, he's gotta be a total badass, a dark mystery surrounded in shadow, enticing and chilling. I know, I'll call him the Devil! Hmmm what should he sound/think like?" This is the first taste we, as readers, get of "the devil's" voice:
"I tucked myself into the shadows, disappearing into the darkness as I watched the police shackle the woman who’d drawn me into her visions. Something pulled inside me, hard and fierce. Protect her. I rubbed a hand over my chest, confused. What the hell was this feeling? I hadn’t felt anything like this—much of anything, really—since I’d been turned into a vampire nearly five hundred years ago."
Now if that doesn't scream bad ass worthy of the title "The Devil", I don't know what does. Sigh.
May 15, 2021
I decided to go back to the beginning of the Shadow Guild universe after picking up another further down the line. It's an interesting prospect because even just that one revealed a few secrets that are being kept in this one. That said, this was very much along the lines of what I expected so this is likely to be something of a plough-through (as I'm having fun with them, at least so far).
I knew the worldbuilding would be light going in and that helped a bit, at least with expectations. This one starts in the mundane world and it's basically only the strength of Carrow that held my interest. She's in something of a tough spot because she's a bit stupid about revealing things to the police when she figures out that a murder is about to happen. Well, she finally gets there before they do and is caught at the scene. And arrested and, eventually, on the run with a manhunt out for her. Which is when she stumbles onto "Guild City" the magical city within London.
Yes, that's all very ridiculous and I don't care. I told you the worldbuilding was light, right? There you go. What held me was the friendships and relationships, even though they're all pretty fast. I didn't care that Mac attached to her nearly instantly because their conversations were fun and she was such a great intro into the magical world.
And again, the plot held together and the mystery was compelling. And Devil, the male protagonist for this chunk of the series, wasn't nearly as bad as he could have been and had a few stand-out moments along the way.
So yeah, light and I definitely don't recommend this to anyone who wants to take their UF seriously. But it is entertaining and I'm going to read more of them because I have a personal weakness, apparently. Four stars, all of them for taking, and holding, my interest.
A note about Chaste: Despite being all interested and stuff, Carrow and Devil aren't anywhere near a place where they'd be anything like intimate, even just physically. So there's an almost kiss and a stimulating neck-bite (vampire, you expected that to happen, right?) so it's pretty chaste, I think.
I knew the worldbuilding would be light going in and that helped a bit, at least with expectations. This one starts in the mundane world and it's basically only the strength of Carrow that held my interest. She's in something of a tough spot because she's a bit stupid about revealing things to the police when she figures out that a murder is about to happen. Well, she finally gets there before they do and is caught at the scene. And arrested and, eventually, on the run with a manhunt out for her. Which is when she stumbles onto "Guild City" the magical city within London.
Yes, that's all very ridiculous and I don't care. I told you the worldbuilding was light, right? There you go. What held me was the friendships and relationships, even though they're all pretty fast. I didn't care that Mac attached to her nearly instantly because their conversations were fun and she was such a great intro into the magical world.
And again, the plot held together and the mystery was compelling. And Devil, the male protagonist for this chunk of the series, wasn't nearly as bad as he could have been and had a few stand-out moments along the way.
So yeah, light and I definitely don't recommend this to anyone who wants to take their UF seriously. But it is entertaining and I'm going to read more of them because I have a personal weakness, apparently. Four stars, all of them for taking, and holding, my interest.
A note about Chaste: Despite being all interested and stuff, Carrow and Devil aren't anywhere near a place where they'd be anything like intimate, even just physically. So there's an almost kiss and a stimulating neck-bite (vampire, you expected that to happen, right?) so it's pretty chaste, I think.
April 29, 2020
I have been a fan of this author for quite some time. I really enjoy the adventure and romance that takes place in her series. This is a brand new series, and I think it’s probably the best one I’ve read by her yet. It’s a little different than the ones I’ve read by this author, and I just love the turn in writing. The main character Carrow is an interesting character, and I hate how lonely she is. But that doesn’t last long as she discovers magic is real, and she soon has magic friends. I was intrigued by her love interest in the short story about Connor, and now we get to know the Devil a little bit better. I can’t wait to see what happens in this fascinating new world and what happens next with the cast of characters. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
April 29, 2020
This is the first in this series and I'm over the moon that a certain Vampire who was briefly introduced in a recent book is going to be the hero here. Plus the heroine Carrow is definitely someone I can get behind because she's plucky and brave enough to take on the "Devil" even though her world has been turned upside down. Carrow might believe she's human but with an unusual gift she most assuredly fits right into this new magical reality she has stumbled into. I won't give too much away although I will say there is a resolution to Carrows immediate problems. What is even more encouraging though is the way these characters feel realistic and I'm enjoying the games they are playing. There's undoubtedly a lot more to come and I will happily read more . I will say though initially it was all too obvious that this England based story was written by an American ( small wine box ??? and Ramen noodles ???? just such an over the pond vibe ) once the characters began to interact this story and its world building came to glorious life.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
May 20, 2020
This was a really great UF read.
The world felt fresh and vibrant, Carrow was very likeable, Mac was a great side character and yay for female friendship and I am totally intrigued by The Devil.
This has the making of a great series with a delightful slow burn. My favourite!
The world felt fresh and vibrant, Carrow was very likeable, Mac was a great side character and yay for female friendship and I am totally intrigued by The Devil.
This has the making of a great series with a delightful slow burn. My favourite!
February 1, 2024
Awful book
I feel as if the character is overly naive even given the fact that her friend was murdered and that she sees murder and death constantly. It's more irritating than not that the character just keeps getting these feelings that ends up leading her in the right direction or making her trust someone after one conversation. I mean I know it's a realm of magic but it's so unrealistic, like why hasn't everyone just decided that they could trust a specific person leaving no more problems within the magical community. I feel like the writer was sloppy and lazy with a lot of her writing. An example being the feelings the character keeps getting that points you in the right direction or having an instant mated reaction with a random guy that happens to be standing over a bludgeoned body. Like what's up with that. Have her start out with mistrust and work her way to appreciation and then eventually love. Don't just throw the reader into "this guy murdered someone and we locked eyes, but what is this feeling? we must be mates". The writer also does a poor job integrating her into the supernatural community. The character dismisses the majority of her findings because she wants to stay on the murder Trail so she can clear her name, and then literally a page later is walking through to the magical Community because the girl that she met at the bar 10 minutes ago said she'd take her and there's an automatic trust that she's not going to kill her? What happened to denial and staying on the murder Trail?
The other reason I say the author did sloppy work with her writing is because the main character at multiple points checks your phone and makes some sort of reaction and when people comment on it she assumes it's because of their magical abilities or her new friend being a seer. Could it not just be the fact that she checked her phone made a face/ some sort of physical reaction happened? They live in a world with shifters who can detect changes in ones heartbeat and people that are capable of reading facial features. It doesn't seem that unlikely that they just noticed because they understand human body language rather than some sort of magical ability.
And instead of using descriptive words to describe the confusion of the main character she at one point used, and I quote, "did this weird tornado thing in my head". There are a million other ways to more accurately state that someone is in a state of confusion and none of them include the word 'thing'.
The conversation between characters sounded like it came from a child trying to remember what normal conversations were like. There was no depth, no humor, no quirk. Just vapid, boring, simple conversations that basically consisted of "thank you, your welcome, adventures are fun, and I totally agree!!"
Overall, unless you're a 9 year old girl, I don't recommend this book.
I feel as if the character is overly naive even given the fact that her friend was murdered and that she sees murder and death constantly. It's more irritating than not that the character just keeps getting these feelings that ends up leading her in the right direction or making her trust someone after one conversation. I mean I know it's a realm of magic but it's so unrealistic, like why hasn't everyone just decided that they could trust a specific person leaving no more problems within the magical community. I feel like the writer was sloppy and lazy with a lot of her writing. An example being the feelings the character keeps getting that points you in the right direction or having an instant mated reaction with a random guy that happens to be standing over a bludgeoned body. Like what's up with that. Have her start out with mistrust and work her way to appreciation and then eventually love. Don't just throw the reader into "this guy murdered someone and we locked eyes, but what is this feeling? we must be mates". The writer also does a poor job integrating her into the supernatural community. The character dismisses the majority of her findings because she wants to stay on the murder Trail so she can clear her name, and then literally a page later is walking through to the magical Community because the girl that she met at the bar 10 minutes ago said she'd take her and there's an automatic trust that she's not going to kill her? What happened to denial and staying on the murder Trail?
The other reason I say the author did sloppy work with her writing is because the main character at multiple points checks your phone and makes some sort of reaction and when people comment on it she assumes it's because of their magical abilities or her new friend being a seer. Could it not just be the fact that she checked her phone made a face/ some sort of physical reaction happened? They live in a world with shifters who can detect changes in ones heartbeat and people that are capable of reading facial features. It doesn't seem that unlikely that they just noticed because they understand human body language rather than some sort of magical ability.
And instead of using descriptive words to describe the confusion of the main character she at one point used, and I quote, "did this weird tornado thing in my head". There are a million other ways to more accurately state that someone is in a state of confusion and none of them include the word 'thing'.
The conversation between characters sounded like it came from a child trying to remember what normal conversations were like. There was no depth, no humor, no quirk. Just vapid, boring, simple conversations that basically consisted of "thank you, your welcome, adventures are fun, and I totally agree!!"
Overall, unless you're a 9 year old girl, I don't recommend this book.
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December 1, 2021
Once Bitten was a pretty fun and quick read! The plot was nothing too complex and/or complicated—the bad guy didn’t even have a name lol
The world-building was interesting as well and I liked all the different Guilds. Could have done with better developed characters and romance, though.
And the true star in this book was obviously Cordelia.
The world-building was interesting as well and I liked all the different Guilds. Could have done with better developed characters and romance, though.
And the true star in this book was obviously Cordelia.
November 25, 2020
Mon avis en Français
My English review
This is an author I really wanted to test after seeing her novels all over the internet. So I was delighted to get into this first volume.
Carrow has the incredible gift of being able to see someone’s future or past by touching an object or a person. It’s a power she doesn’t master, but it helps her sometimes. But when she finds herself in front of a dead man, killed the same way her best friend was, trouble begins. Hunted by the police, Carrow will do everything in her power to find the murderer and clear her name. Unfortunately, things will not go as planned when she discovers a world full of magic where a vampire as beautiful as he is enigmatic seems interested in her. Helped by her new friends, our heroine will have to understand what is going on with this vampire, but also do everything she can to find out the truth.
It was a very nice novel and I liked the mix of supernatural creatures. There were a lot of ideas and I must say I’m very curious to see what happens next, especially the relationship between Carrow and the Devil of Darkvale. Lots of things to look forward to!
My English review
This is an author I really wanted to test after seeing her novels all over the internet. So I was delighted to get into this first volume.
Carrow has the incredible gift of being able to see someone’s future or past by touching an object or a person. It’s a power she doesn’t master, but it helps her sometimes. But when she finds herself in front of a dead man, killed the same way her best friend was, trouble begins. Hunted by the police, Carrow will do everything in her power to find the murderer and clear her name. Unfortunately, things will not go as planned when she discovers a world full of magic where a vampire as beautiful as he is enigmatic seems interested in her. Helped by her new friends, our heroine will have to understand what is going on with this vampire, but also do everything she can to find out the truth.
It was a very nice novel and I liked the mix of supernatural creatures. There were a lot of ideas and I must say I’m very curious to see what happens next, especially the relationship between Carrow and the Devil of Darkvale. Lots of things to look forward to!
January 29, 2022
If you want light and fluffy this is the book for you. Plot and writing aren't fab but it's super light and easy and I was defo in the mood for that.
I liked the fact that the female lead is not a cowering mess, and has a backbone.
Didn't really feel the chemistry between the MCs, but we'll see what happens in book two.
Worldbuilding is very light.
Ends in a cliff-hanger, so book cannot be read as a standalone. Book two has been downloaded.
Acquired via KU.
I liked the fact that the female lead is not a cowering mess, and has a backbone.
Didn't really feel the chemistry between the MCs, but we'll see what happens in book two.
Worldbuilding is very light.
Ends in a cliff-hanger, so book cannot be read as a standalone. Book two has been downloaded.
Acquired via KU.
June 29, 2020
3.5
RTC
RTC
June 30, 2020
Quick(ish) Review
So...this wasn't bad, but it did need a bit more character development to really build what appears to be the central relationship. The attraction's insta, but the worldbuilding is the draw. It's a blend of Harry Potter meets True Blood vibes, and I'm into the idea of Guild City. So I'm willing to check out the next book and see where it goes. If any of that sounds interesting to you, that's all I got. I can't quite rave about it yet, but I don't hate it. So, there you go. *shrugs*
So...this wasn't bad, but it did need a bit more character development to really build what appears to be the central relationship. The attraction's insta, but the worldbuilding is the draw. It's a blend of Harry Potter meets True Blood vibes, and I'm into the idea of Guild City. So I'm willing to check out the next book and see where it goes. If any of that sounds interesting to you, that's all I got. I can't quite rave about it yet, but I don't hate it. So, there you go. *shrugs*
May 20, 2020
DNF 26%
February 9, 2024
Interesting book with a pretty good concept. I love unknown magical abilities books. And a whole secret magical world is even better! However, I’m not fond of the insta-love (connection) trope esp when the main guy is boring. The author does her best to hype him up but the descriptions make him seem seemingly op and not in a good way. Also, the story itself was kind of meh. I’m going to keep reading because I’m hopeful it gets more exciting but I’m honestly not overjoyed with this book. Fingers crossed it gets better.
June 26, 2022
This is my first foray into this author’s books and I’m happy to say it was actually pretty enjoyable. There is absolutely NOTHING beneath the surface,however, no back-story, no depth, no world-building… in fact everything just kind of magically (heh, heh) happens. Like her insta-best friend Mac, her insta-romantic interest with the Devil, the insta-magic world acceptance. It’s urban fantasy light - really light. Still, the story was quick and fun so I’m hoping some of those things level out in later books. (Yes, I’m off to try the next one.)
December 29, 2023
I do so love English fantasy.
Somehow, it has more heart than others, imo.
This was warm and cosy, yet with dark magic and gory murders.
It landed on 3 stars because I felt like I've read this world before, so lacking a bit of originality and no surprising twists to the story.
Somehow, it has more heart than others, imo.
This was warm and cosy, yet with dark magic and gory murders.
It landed on 3 stars because I felt like I've read this world before, so lacking a bit of originality and no surprising twists to the story.
April 17, 2021
3.5 stars
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. I liked it more than I thought I would.
The book is a little rough around the edges, sure, but it has the potential to be a great series.
For me, at least.
Carrow, weird name but cool, is a little odd and waaay too trusting with people she just met. I get it that she relies on impressions and has a certain sense but still. It's ridiculous to assume if a person is good or bad immediately after you meet them. It's not that simple.
Another pleasant surprise was the author's inspiration for the Devil. And how it was just that, an inspiration. In most books Vlad the Impaler is the important detail of the book. Reinterpreted in various ways, but still the same thing. Really glad that in this book it wasn't the main focus of the story.
So, this book was a nice, relaxing read. A little ridiculous at times and predictable, but still enjoyable. I'll definitely read the next book and hope that I'll like it even more.
6/10 would recommend
Well, this was a pleasant surprise. I liked it more than I thought I would.
The book is a little rough around the edges, sure, but it has the potential to be a great series.
For me, at least.
Carrow, weird name but cool, is a little odd and waaay too trusting with people she just met. I get it that she relies on impressions and has a certain sense but still. It's ridiculous to assume if a person is good or bad immediately after you meet them. It's not that simple.
Another pleasant surprise was the author's inspiration for the Devil. And how it was just that, an inspiration. In most books Vlad the Impaler is the important detail of the book. Reinterpreted in various ways, but still the same thing. Really glad that in this book it wasn't the main focus of the story.
So, this book was a nice, relaxing read. A little ridiculous at times and predictable, but still enjoyable. I'll definitely read the next book and hope that I'll like it even more.
6/10 would recommend
June 6, 2020
A wonderful start to a new series. Carrow is sad and lonely. She lost her best friend to a murderer a year ago. She has a talent of knowing 'things' when she touches an object or person that increases her isolation from others. When a murder very similar to that of her friend makes her a suspect, she goes into hiding. From there she ends up in another realm, within the the city of London. A realm in which her talent makes her one of the crowd. New friendships, a dark and broody male and a raccoon named Cordelia makes this a fun and interesting read as Carrow and her new 'gang' work to remove her from the suspect list and to stop the 'evil'. I'm looking forward to the next book.
May 12, 2020
This was a great start and introduction to a new series. I loved Carrow, she’s not perfect, she’s learning and doesn’t suddenly figure her powers out and is ultra powerful the way they do in so,e books, it’s more believable. The Devil, of course you love him, he’s written so well, just enough to intrigue you, but we still don’t know much. Fab start, looking forward to the next
May 31, 2020
SO MUCH POTENTIAL. I cannot wait for more from this author.
September 2, 2020
Awesome
This was an outstanding start to a new series and I can't wait to continue the journey with Carrow and the friends.
This was an outstanding start to a new series and I can't wait to continue the journey with Carrow and the friends.
added-it
January 28, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/28/2021)! 🎁
September 17, 2020
This was a total cover buy for me. It’s so gorgeous! I enjoyed the story, almost like a grownup version of Harry Potter but with a sexy vampire thrown in. I inhaled the first half, but then started to drift a little. I didn’t connect with the characters like I’d hoped, didn’t really feel anything for them. More backstory on each of the characters would have helped a lot. Overall though, it was an enjoyable read!
January 11, 2025
The plot is ok, the characters are likeable, but the gem is the magical world created by the author
February 6, 2021
Standard UF/PNR but still enjoyable.
May 15, 2023
Trop rapide, manque de profondeur des personnages et du background, avec un petit côté kikoolol en prime, abandon à 50%
May 3, 2020
Loved it
Another great read from Kinsey Hall. I really enjoyed this new chapter with great new characters. I am eagerly awaiting book 2 💜
Another great read from Kinsey Hall. I really enjoyed this new chapter with great new characters. I am eagerly awaiting book 2 💜
Read
August 21, 2020DNF
May 4, 2020
A great start for a new series ...
This is the first book in a brand new series by Linsey Hall, although if you're familiar with her other works you'll notice the nod in that direction when she describes a couple of other people Carrow sees.
So, what's this books about then? Carrow is psychic, broke, living in London and wanted for murder, mainly because she has a habit of turning up within minutes of the acts being carried out. Corrigan, a police officer who believes in Carrow's skills and knows she'd never actually commit murder arranges a diversion to allow her to escape the police station and go on the run. It is whilst she's on the run that she enters a whole new magical realm - one people can only enter if they are magical themselves.
On entry to this new, magical world she quickly meets and makes new friends and immediately sets out on a new adventure, one that will take her to the Devil of Darkvale, an incredibly powerful vampire who pretty much runs the city. He is also the man Carrow saw on her vision and quite possibly the muderer. Carrow doesn't let that one small detail put her off confronting him, or make her attraction towards him any less.
The Devil is the other voice in the book and we learn that Carrow's attraction is not one-sided. As a vampire who hasn't wanted to drink from a real person in a very long time, he finds himself wanting to taste her and his longing glances at her neck don't go amiss.
As with all Linsey's books both the Devil and Carrow have to work together to find the real culprit and all the while they are fighting their attraction to each other.
Of course they're not alone, which is another good thing with the books, as there is already the burgeoning relationships of the 'side kicks' to discover. These come in the form of Carrow's familiar, Cordelia, her only friend from the real world, then there is seer Mac, shifter Quinn and fae Eve who all become friends and allies with Carrow and I'm sure we will see these relationships grow as the stories do. We may even bare witness to the tension between Quinn and the Devil who are both interested in Carrow's affections.
This is a great start to a new series. Linsey has written this very well and I only noticed a slight mistake where she mixed up Carrow and Mac for a couple of sentences - enough to make you think, but not confuse you, if you notice it at all.
The pace of the book is good, not so slow you wonder if we'll ever get anywhere, but not so fast you feel you're missing valuable information. Her experience definitely comes into play here.
Overall this is a well paced book with plenty to keep the reader interested, but not so much attention to new characters that one gets caught in a quagmire of information.
I really enjoyed this, taking an immediate liking to all the characters, but look forward to more from Cordelia now Carrow finally realises both what she is, and what the raccoon is to her.
Thank you Linsey for another great book and a refreshing new series, I have faith it will be every bit as popular as the last x
This is the first book in a brand new series by Linsey Hall, although if you're familiar with her other works you'll notice the nod in that direction when she describes a couple of other people Carrow sees.
So, what's this books about then? Carrow is psychic, broke, living in London and wanted for murder, mainly because she has a habit of turning up within minutes of the acts being carried out. Corrigan, a police officer who believes in Carrow's skills and knows she'd never actually commit murder arranges a diversion to allow her to escape the police station and go on the run. It is whilst she's on the run that she enters a whole new magical realm - one people can only enter if they are magical themselves.
On entry to this new, magical world she quickly meets and makes new friends and immediately sets out on a new adventure, one that will take her to the Devil of Darkvale, an incredibly powerful vampire who pretty much runs the city. He is also the man Carrow saw on her vision and quite possibly the muderer. Carrow doesn't let that one small detail put her off confronting him, or make her attraction towards him any less.
The Devil is the other voice in the book and we learn that Carrow's attraction is not one-sided. As a vampire who hasn't wanted to drink from a real person in a very long time, he finds himself wanting to taste her and his longing glances at her neck don't go amiss.
As with all Linsey's books both the Devil and Carrow have to work together to find the real culprit and all the while they are fighting their attraction to each other.
Of course they're not alone, which is another good thing with the books, as there is already the burgeoning relationships of the 'side kicks' to discover. These come in the form of Carrow's familiar, Cordelia, her only friend from the real world, then there is seer Mac, shifter Quinn and fae Eve who all become friends and allies with Carrow and I'm sure we will see these relationships grow as the stories do. We may even bare witness to the tension between Quinn and the Devil who are both interested in Carrow's affections.
This is a great start to a new series. Linsey has written this very well and I only noticed a slight mistake where she mixed up Carrow and Mac for a couple of sentences - enough to make you think, but not confuse you, if you notice it at all.
The pace of the book is good, not so slow you wonder if we'll ever get anywhere, but not so fast you feel you're missing valuable information. Her experience definitely comes into play here.
Overall this is a well paced book with plenty to keep the reader interested, but not so much attention to new characters that one gets caught in a quagmire of information.
I really enjoyed this, taking an immediate liking to all the characters, but look forward to more from Cordelia now Carrow finally realises both what she is, and what the raccoon is to her.
Thank you Linsey for another great book and a refreshing new series, I have faith it will be every bit as popular as the last x
June 17, 2020
Imagine craving for a chocolate milkshake on a hella long trip on a hot day and finally finding a cafe to get some of that icy goodness only to find the flavours a little bland but you gulp it down because it's still a milkshake. Once Bitten is that brand of milkshake.
With the relatively short length, the book moved at a hasty speed forgoing things that would have helped to enrich the book. I mean just the first chapter itself takes no time in introducing the FMC or showcasing her situation before she is already being framed for the murder. The whole pacing is too snappish.
Carrow had interesting powers that of course aren't anything new but they did have potential to be useful in the story, the raccoon was so under-utilised as her familiar. The insta connection with the Devil made me roll my eyes but the cursed mates thing perked up my interest and it's not like they boink in this book so despite the insta attention, the relationship is not rushed yet. The side characters fell too easily into the slot of buddy group, imo.
The plot is there, the progression from point A to B to C scenes is there, I can't deny it but the abruptness with which we move towards those scenes leaves no room to truly enjoy the (intriguing but limited) world building and get hooked into the catch the murderer plot-line. I'm still trying the next one due to the amount of potential I could see despite the faults.
With the relatively short length, the book moved at a hasty speed forgoing things that would have helped to enrich the book. I mean just the first chapter itself takes no time in introducing the FMC or showcasing her situation before she is already being framed for the murder. The whole pacing is too snappish.
Carrow had interesting powers that of course aren't anything new but they did have potential to be useful in the story, the raccoon was so under-utilised as her familiar. The insta connection with the Devil made me roll my eyes but the cursed mates thing perked up my interest and it's not like they boink in this book so despite the insta attention, the relationship is not rushed yet. The side characters fell too easily into the slot of buddy group, imo.
The plot is there, the progression from point A to B to C scenes is there, I can't deny it but the abruptness with which we move towards those scenes leaves no room to truly enjoy the (intriguing but limited) world building and get hooked into the catch the murderer plot-line. I'm still trying the next one due to the amount of potential I could see despite the faults.
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