It was just supposed to be a simple delivery. It turned into a terrifying destiny…
Violet Reynolds is married to her job. Made the face of the campaign to name the facility’s new lion, the junior zookeeper is exhausted and wishing for something more. When the big cat arrives hours late, she’s forced to flee for her life when the animal’s handlers slaughter her coworkers.
Alexander Rehnquist never thought it would end like this. Drugged and trapped in the body of a lion, the five-hundred-year-old vampire’s enemies plan to frame him for a massacre and delight in his humiliation as he’s euthanized. So when a brave human woman frees him from captivity, he’s grateful and determined to protect her.
Stunned when the creature not only talks but tells her he’s a vampire, Violet finds herself the target of a supernatural conspiracy. And when he’s able to enter her dreams through a previously unknown power, Alexander realizes this woman is much more than his rescuer. Especially as a millennia-old threat returns to claim her.
Can the fated pair survive an ancient fiend and find immortal love?
Dream Walker is the first book in the suspenseful Blood Legacy paranormal romance series. If you like action-packed scenes, strong-willed characters, and slow-burn connections, then you’ll love Elise Hennessy’s thrilling tale.
Elise Hennessy is an author of young adult fantasy full of adventure and found family. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and enjoys crafting unique stories. When Elise is not busy writing, she’s trying to reduce her prodigious TBR list. She lives in Texas with her family and is owned by two cats.
3.5 , stars Second book of this series I read and review to give an honest review. Nice set up, although the world from book one was really looking intriguing and on the spot. The problem with this book for me this time, was the romance. Its temperature was rather "cool" and going done. I think it lost its appeal somewhere in the middle of the book when the other characters started to come in. Generally it was a good read and I dived right into the third and last Arc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Waiting for an evening delivery that was already 4 hours overdue, zookeeper Violet Reynolds found herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and had to run for her life. Even her good deed -- saving a talking lion whom the coven leader of Haven, Bryant Collins, wants humiliated and killed -- gets her in deeper trouble as she is mentally compelled to take the lion to her car and race away from the crime scene where Collins’ men had killed the other zoo personnel. About 10 miles away, a car caught up to them just as the man the lion had her phone told Violet they were vampires. Although injured, drugged, and weak, stuck in his lion form by the drug, Coven Master and lion shapeshifter, Alex Rehnquist, vows to protect her as gunshots force them to stop. The car behind them shoved Violet’s car off the road and into a dirty river where they started to sink. He grabbed her clothing and dragged her through the shot-out back window and swam to shore, with the last of his strength. He saw a shard of glass protruding from her belly and licked the blood around it, instantly gaining temporary strength.
The men were heading for them again to finish the job. He killed one, the other shot him. He needed to kill him quickly as the blood ran down his side. Defeating the man, he dragged himself back to Violet. She was not in good shape. If he survived and he left her there, his enemy would produce evidence that she had killed everyone at the zoo. He gave her 3 drops of his powerful blood to heal her, knowing there was a small chance she could turn. When she awoke, they both walked into the woods to escape, exhausted and barely conscious. The danger was still out there and they could not stop to rest.
When the sound of the interstate faded, Alex picked a spot for them to rest. Violet immediately laid down in the grass while Alex tried to shift to human. The best he could do was a black housecat! Angry, he hissed and walked off. Violet woke to someone pressing a cloth with something on it to her nose, and she was unconscious again as the man lifted her to his shoulder. She wakes, tied tightly to a chair in a dirty bathroom with cobwebs above her head! Who has kidnapped her and for what reason? This is not her fight; she has no information of value. She apparently can’t even count on Alex anymore!
Kim Cox, an evil and powerful vampire, came into the room and began torturing Violet with nightmares from hell. But before she could finish, someone else burst in. She heard the words, “What are you?” Then Violet’s chair toppled over and her heart slowed, taking her toward death. In the following quiet, her chair was gently put upright and a soft voice told her to drink, take her blessing, and no one will victimize her again under the woman’s protection – as she poured horrible old copper blood down her throat.
This was an interesting book with some different ideas about vampires. Violet has lost her humanity and becomes a sort of vampire – but with silver blood! And somewhere along the way, Alex finds himself with a new power –walking through the memories and dreams of others and destroying the nightmares. Hopefully he can use his new power to find out what Violet has become since her capture and rescue, and how it happened to her, especially with an ancient Vampire Queen intently watching both of them!
Omg! I could not put this this book down. Just loved the characters in the story. Alexander Tamerin Rehnquist is a coven vampire Master and a Shapeshifter. Violet Reynold is a normal human and a zookeeper turned vampire sorceress. Alex gets caught as a lion. Alex’s enemy drugged him and placed him into a box and is delivering him to the zoo. Where they try and blame him of murder. That’s where he meets Violet, she saves his life and they go on the run from the Bryant Collins and his men. Violet gets catch and is on the verge of death when something happens. They go in hiding and Violet must learn how to use her magic and her and Alex must stop there new and old enemies. Will they be able to figure out there feelings for each other? Will they make it out alive? Will Violet be able to figure out her magic?
It sounds like there maybe a second book to this one. I would like to see what happens with Violet and Alex.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free advanced copy of this book through BookSirens in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Hennessy's writing style is one that pulls you in with the details from the very start. She took what we've come to expect from the origins of mortal, Vampire and Fae alike, and twisted them to make for an interesting tale of power-plays, politics and fated choices.
While the action of the main climax had me glued to the pages until I had finished (seriously, couldn't accomplish a single other thing once I hit that 90% mark), the book as a whole was filled with well-written world-building, banter and driven characters. It didn't end on a cliff-hanger, with the action of the first central plot having been resolved, but it's clear that this world the author has built has much more in store, and I'm eager to see where it all leads.
Violet's work is never done. She goes from average person working with a zoo in a lion exchange to saving the world. I will admit, one of the things I like most is the bad puns. I am one of those crazy people who loves them and it gives Violet's character...well.. character. Beyond that having vampires with specific talents has been done before but I have not read it in this particular format so I like the originality to it without stepping outside of the stereotype completely. Although they don't really talk about drinking blood much in her stay on the island. The climax was exciting and overall I really enjoyed the book. The only thing I can say against it is that it felt like 2 separate books in a same-character series. There was a shift in power, dynamic, and overall feel. Since the series will be of different couples, I understand why it was not but it felt a little odd when the shift occurred. Outside of that minor thing, it was a really good book and will be excited for the next.
This is a complete story, focusing on the development of Violet, a human turned vampire-sorceress, and Alex, a vampire with shapeshifting and dream walker capabilities. The author has created a world where vampires exist, unknown to humans.s. These vampires are gifted with additional powers, depending on age and DNA. Some are born vampires, others are "turned". Violet was a zookeeper awaiting the delivery of a lion. It was a set-up. The lion in question was Alex, the shapeshifting vampire witch, who was stuck in beast-mode due to a poison. He is also the Master of a Coven. Violet saves Alex, and the fun ensues. There is plenty of action, intrigue, betrayal, political infighting, romance, and the obvious attempt to rule the world by an evil Sorceress. All in all, I enjoyed the book. I hope there is a sequel about some of the peripheral characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After escaping n attempt on her life, Violet discovers that the lion she has saved turns out to be a vampire. She now has a target on her back and something has been done to her that is threatening her humanity. She is changing into something that no one has seen before/ Violet is brought in Alex's coven and he has vowed to protect her after she save him.
This is the first book I have read by Elise Hennessy. It is full of action from the very beginning and Violets and Alex's connection is there from the beginning and only gets stronger.
The author has created a different version of vampires that we have read about before. After finishing this book it will definitely be worth reading what happens next.
Dream Walker is an enjoyable book. The story begins with an action-packed sequence during which Alex and Violet meet and become inextricably connected. From there, we meet other members of Alex's coven, all of whom have an intriguing backstory.
The Characters are as you expect supernatural beings to be except these seem to have more feelings and seem more human. There is also an interesting explanation of the hierarchy in the vampire realm. Violet was not born a vampire, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time, she became one. This is where the mystery and suspense build to the end. The ending scene implies that there will be more to come from this group of supernaturals.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Elise Hennessy did not disappoint! Dream Walker was a phenomenal book exploring the world of vampires in modern day New York. This book was action packed from beginning to end, and left me craving more of Alex and Violet. If Alex did not turn Violet, who did? And what’s with the silver eyes and lack of blood thirst in a newly turned vampire? You must read this book to find out! If you haven’t read The prequel, The Blood Curse, definitely grab a copy! While Dream Walker can be read as a stand alone, the prequel gives the history behind the Ancients you will meet as you read this book. I cannot wait to read book two.
Wonderful characters, Violet and Alex. They meet with action at every corner and Violet taken away from Alex. They get Violet back and the love they have for each other; Alex knows she's his lifemate. But before they can be together they need to fight Lucia. This is a new author for me, I loved her writing style. It kept me turning the pages and on the edge of my seat that it had that much action. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a vampire romance book. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
I devoured this book in one sitting. I adored the fresh new take on fantasy creatures - lately with books I've felt like I've been reading a different version of another story, but not this time! Dream Walker is completely unique and with a wonderfully developed lore around all the fantasy elements. The characters were well thought out and I found myself rooting for Violet and Alexander from the start. The urban setting worked well for me and for anyone who has binge watched the likes of the Vampire Diaries, The Originals and Shadowhunters, this is the perfect read. I can't wait for book two!
Great introduction to the story writing of Elise Hennessy. This book has a little bit of everything. A thrilling story line, Violet an amazing lead characters, Alex with the power to walk through dreams, and the vampire queen fixated on them. You re pulled in wanting to know more, more about the legends, and especially more about Violet and Alex. Looking forward to the next book.
The story line was great. The character work was terrific. The book had a smooth flow to it. I was hooked from beginning to end. I look forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I read by this author and am absolutely amazed by how well it was written. I was completely addicted the entire freaking time and just couldn't put down once I started. These characters are really great and so good together. The storyline/ plot and backstory of how and why some things were happening just kept me on edge and needing more. So, so amazing!!
This is book 1 of the Blood Legacy series. This was a great start to for the series. I loved the storyline and characters. Both are very well written and keep you engaged. From the start I didn’t want to put down. I’m looking forward to the next book. I would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ok that cover🤯 gawe it's so pretty!! Ok now the story!🤯🤯🤯🤯 I couldn't put this down it's so well written and I love the characters! I can not wait to see what's in store next!!!!
Dream Walker: Blood Legacy Series Book 1 by Elise Hennessy is a wonderful start to a brand new series. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a new series that I have fallen in love with and can not wait to read the next book. I highly recommend this story to all who loves reading about romantic suspense, fantasy and paranormal romances.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a unique twist on vampires. While it was holding my attention for the most part, my mood shifted and I found myself wanting more focus to be on the couple and less on the upcoming war that's inevitably going to change the vampire world as they know it.
DNF at 56% but will be coming back to the series when I'm in the mood for more mystery/suspense and less romance.
This was a really interesting read. Great new take on vampire, shapeshifter, and fae storylines. Unique and enchanting. I can hardly wait for the next one. The characters are interesting and develop in unexpected ways. Big cliffhanger but that’s to be expected in a series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ONE SENSATIONAL BOMBSHELL!!! Growling gators! Elise blazes through on the wings of fire, ratcheting up the heat and flames, bringing the magic and riding the winds, blasting this baby into a tailspin with a mind-blowing culmination. Rolling with the drama, intrigue, turmoil, magic, underlying threats, danger, spiraling suspense and unnerving situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging deadly intentions, you have one thrilling rollercoaster ride. A churning vortex chocked full of vexing mishaps and surprising circumstances, alongside the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, noting a slew of shocking twists and thrilling turns, tempting our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, booting this gem into a tempest, bursting it into a frenzy with a life-altering realization. Satisfaction rocks this jewel, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, riding roughshod and imparting one jaw dropping thrill, launching this baby to a whole new level. The characters, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely approachable personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Remarkable job Elise, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Liquid silver is more valuable than gold…. a truth Violet would experience firsthand.
Elise Hennessy’s „Dream Walker“, the first book in the “Blood Legacies Series” is a good written book, with a good plot, a new take on the shifter/vampire mythos and a very likeable cast. A good addiction to the UF shelves, easy to read while still offering some very interesting tropes, and unexpected turns.
Violet Reynolds, a zookeeper with a pretty standard life, finds herself at the wrong end of an overdue delivery turned murder attack. With all her co-workers dead, and a talking lion compelling her to flee the scene her life goes fast from standard, to strained to spectacular. The lion is not a “normal” life (well the talking part, is already a dead giveaway) but a lion shifter, that has been stuck into his animal form after a vicious attack by a vampire. Alex Rehnquist, lion-shifter/vampire hybrid and Coven Master and Violet embark into a quest to find those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice. Easier said than done….and happily so, as the story evolves into a full-blow adventure with twist and turns, a plethora of good written characters and an unexpected end that let the door open for further installments.
The book introduces some original twists to the traditional mythology on shifters, vampires and conversions. Violet is relatable, very strong despite her original soft nature, capable to turn the tides in a very complex situation. Alex is the embodiment of Lion/Vampire (a creature never seen before, and forever on to be exactly like Alex). The evil vampires Kim Cox and even Bryan, the villain they are running from are relatively well crafted. The end is satisfactory and, with by no means being a cliffhanger, let enough room for further development in the next volumes of the series.
This novel was written and edited cleanly, with no typos that I found in the ARC version of this manuscript and prettily written sentences. The world building was amazing and vivid, with this paranormal world being a character in itself. The characterization was top-notch, with both the hero and heroine of this paranormal romance coming to vivid life and being sympathetic. The development of the romantic relationship between the protagonists was natural and organic, though there were no on page sexytimes, which I personally found disappointing. The plot and pacing was exciting, with me quickly turning pages to find out what was going to happen next! There was relatively low angst and very high stakes in this romance, which tends to be one of my preferred narrative structures for a romance novel. This novel used the Forced Proximity trope. The characterization and development of the romantic relationship rated four stars. The world building, plot, and pacing also rated four stars. The combined score of this novel was therefore four stars. This novel had a Happy For Now ending with some plot threads left unresolved instead of a cliffhanger ending, so that is a big plus to this novel. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy well written paranormal romances without on page sexytimes. I do not plan to buy myself a keeper copy of this novel, though I enjoyed it quite a bit. I would probably read the next novel in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What an interesting story this turned out to be. I was totally unprepared for how much I liked this storyline. The characters were unique, interesting and very unusual. I thought it was an original idea for the vampires to be able to shapeshift to animals and it added a distinctive element to the plot. Violet and Alex seem to be trouble magnets making the story keep moving and adding drama as the storyline continue. Several twist and turns keep the reader guessing what will happen next and turning the pages as fast as they can read. There was never a dull moment and as the story unfolded the reader was drawn deeper into the amazing world created by Ms. Hennessy. I was captivated right from the beginning, wanting more as I was drawn deeper into the story and sad when I reached the last page. I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series and looking into other books this author has written.
Dream Walker was definitely a 360 from the books I normally gravitate to… And by that I mean there was no eggplant in the taco emoji.
Don’t get me wrong, there was a shit ton of sexual tension and implied sexy times but sadly for my thirsty ass there was no actual bow chicka wow wow. There was however an amazing plot that took twists & turns I never saw coming and kept me on my toes! If you’re a fantasy lover you will likely be OBSESSED with this series! Elise has created an incredible world that stands out among the many other fantasy romances on the market. Her take on vampires and fae was not only refreshing, it was absolutely astonishing! I love the world she’s built and that there’s so much we still have yet to learn. The fact each book in the Blood Legacy series focuses on a different couple makes it even better!
100% would recommend Dream Walker to any fantasy romance fan. You won’t be disappointed!
The book was good, but not great. It's a good choice for when you just want to read something decent without much focus on the plot. The story flows nicely, so I read it without giving much thought to why something happens and what'll happen next. It's what I could call an easy read. It's not really relatable and has some typos, but it's good for a casual read.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is really good. It's a great concept, with a combination of the vampire and shifter romance style. Alex and Violet are great, it's not an insta love story. The characters are developed in their own journeys together and apart. It was a great read that I was not expecting. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is a big meh. The plot line is interesting enough, but the characters did not act in any sort of a believable manner. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, nor did I like the romance between the main two characters. I still read to the end, but it wasn’t the least bit engaging
Some interesting takes on vampires in this book. Was a long read but worth it although it did slow down a bit in the middle. Liked the clean romance. Although it ended quite well, no cliffhanger as such, it will be continued in the next book which I would love to read.
This book was recommended for me and I’m so happy I picked it up. Super creative twist on vampires. I love Alex and the “silver” element makes it very interesting! Would recommend to anyone looking for something refreshing in the paranormal genre.