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Santa Cruz Vampires #1
Banished by Blood
A M/M Vampire Series with a Twist.
Ezra thinks his job sucks eggs.
My team of former angels - now vampires - won't make an effort to get along or follow orders. Kaziel, our master, is a jerk who rarely takes any interest in the nest's progress or lack thereof. Michael, my former archangel, refuses to hear my petition to return to The Realm of Light so I can plead my case. I should never have been banished and sent to Earth.
To top things off, I've been told another new recruit is about to get kicked through the portal. As usual, I'm the one who'll have to mentor the newbie and see him through the difficult transition to vampire. This one's a healer from Raphael's legion. Ha! I wish him luck. This thrown-together bunch can't even agree on the time.
Asher is excited to take a temporary journey to the mortal realm.
I've healed angels from all four legions, becoming one of Raphael’s top healers. Now there’s a job for me on Earth in the town of Santa Cruz, part of the new territory of Costa Larga. I haven’t been given any information as to what I’ll be doing, but that’s never hindered me before.
Ezekiel, Michael's third in command, is one of the six angels I’ll be working with. A male I've admired since I first came through the aether and grew my wings. This explains why he’s been out of sight for five years. He too must have been assigned a job on Earth.
A clerk from Uriel’s legion shoves me toward an open door. Michael's second in command greets me holding a bloody sword. I clutch the small bag of favorite possessions closely to my chest and tremble as doubt floods my mind. What fate truly awaits me?
Ezra thinks his job sucks eggs.
My team of former angels - now vampires - won't make an effort to get along or follow orders. Kaziel, our master, is a jerk who rarely takes any interest in the nest's progress or lack thereof. Michael, my former archangel, refuses to hear my petition to return to The Realm of Light so I can plead my case. I should never have been banished and sent to Earth.
To top things off, I've been told another new recruit is about to get kicked through the portal. As usual, I'm the one who'll have to mentor the newbie and see him through the difficult transition to vampire. This one's a healer from Raphael's legion. Ha! I wish him luck. This thrown-together bunch can't even agree on the time.
Asher is excited to take a temporary journey to the mortal realm.
I've healed angels from all four legions, becoming one of Raphael’s top healers. Now there’s a job for me on Earth in the town of Santa Cruz, part of the new territory of Costa Larga. I haven’t been given any information as to what I’ll be doing, but that’s never hindered me before.
Ezekiel, Michael's third in command, is one of the six angels I’ll be working with. A male I've admired since I first came through the aether and grew my wings. This explains why he’s been out of sight for five years. He too must have been assigned a job on Earth.
A clerk from Uriel’s legion shoves me toward an open door. Michael's second in command greets me holding a bloody sword. I clutch the small bag of favorite possessions closely to my chest and tremble as doubt floods my mind. What fate truly awaits me?
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2021
20 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Marie Booth
22 books102 followersA California girl who loves writing, reading, music and theatre
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September 14, 2023DNF 37%
I was losing braincells as I read. And I won’t even get into the misogyny.
I was losing braincells as I read. And I won’t even get into the misogyny.
May 23, 2021
3.5 stars rounding down.
As a fan of Urban Fantasy I couldn't pass this up especially with that beautiful cover and the blurb. This is my first read of this author and I'll continue with the series since her writing style suited me and there are some really interesting pairings in the future of the series.
As I said the writing style suited me and the premise really worked for me since I couldn't really put it down. The book had some 4,700 locations on my kindle.
Our 2 main characters here with alternate POVs are Ezra and Asher. Ezra used to be a warrior angel under Michael and Asher used to be a healer angel under Raphael. They were exiled from TROL to Earth to live as vampires as a punishment for crimes, they didn't really commit. Their objective as mandated by the Archangels is to defend and protect the people of Santa Cruz in Costa Larga.
Now I won't go into details of the story because really it is a very good read BUT there are issues with it that me personally were throwing me off the story because I couldn't get things straight.
1. Is Costa Larga the result territory of the states of California, Oregon and Washington being joined?
2. There's a mention of a virus that ravaged the population of the Earth. Both Shifters and Humans? What Virus? How it happened? What was it? We don't know.
3. What is our time period exactly? 2021? 2031? How many years after the virus receded? We don't know.
4. The Angel/Daemon, TROL/TROD have any connection to Heaven and Hell and God as is in Christianity? A different realm all together that has nothing to do with religion? We don't know.
5. Why send the angels to Earth as a punishment for false crimes and not as a mission?
These plot holes (plus a few more that might be answered in future books) in the story felt like they were made up as the story, through Asher's eyes, was progressing and not something that was plotted beforehand. I feel like the above were things that should have been expanded on/explained and not left for us to fill in the gaps with things that might be mentioned in later books and conflict with what the reader inserted in their head.
Another thing was that for a writer that has released 10+ works, and this is a released work, already live for purchase there were A LOT of mistakes that should have been caught in editing, such as missing words, periods instead of commas, wrong words and/or names, missing " " to indicate dialogue especially since this was 1st POV and there were times that I couldn't figure out if the character was talking out loud or thinking unless I reached the next sentences which meant that I had to re-read and put the previous sentences in another context, throwing me off the story.
There were other instances when the dialogue felt forced and/or jumped from topic to topic with no connection and the epilogue was inserted twice.
I want to go back and read the Shifters of Santa Cruz books before Zach and Ryder's book is released but to tell the truth I'm kinda afraid of the editing I'll find and I don't want to lose my interest in the story because of it.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
As a fan of Urban Fantasy I couldn't pass this up especially with that beautiful cover and the blurb. This is my first read of this author and I'll continue with the series since her writing style suited me and there are some really interesting pairings in the future of the series.
As I said the writing style suited me and the premise really worked for me since I couldn't really put it down. The book had some 4,700 locations on my kindle.
Our 2 main characters here with alternate POVs are Ezra and Asher. Ezra used to be a warrior angel under Michael and Asher used to be a healer angel under Raphael. They were exiled from TROL to Earth to live as vampires as a punishment for crimes, they didn't really commit. Their objective as mandated by the Archangels is to defend and protect the people of Santa Cruz in Costa Larga.
Now I won't go into details of the story because really it is a very good read BUT there are issues with it that me personally were throwing me off the story because I couldn't get things straight.
1. Is Costa Larga the result territory of the states of California, Oregon and Washington being joined?
2. There's a mention of a virus that ravaged the population of the Earth. Both Shifters and Humans? What Virus? How it happened? What was it? We don't know.
3. What is our time period exactly? 2021? 2031? How many years after the virus receded? We don't know.
4. The Angel/Daemon, TROL/TROD have any connection to Heaven and Hell and God as is in Christianity? A different realm all together that has nothing to do with religion? We don't know.
5. Why send the angels to Earth as a punishment for false crimes and not as a mission?
These plot holes (plus a few more that might be answered in future books) in the story felt like they were made up as the story, through Asher's eyes, was progressing and not something that was plotted beforehand. I feel like the above were things that should have been expanded on/explained and not left for us to fill in the gaps with things that might be mentioned in later books and conflict with what the reader inserted in their head.
Another thing was that for a writer that has released 10+ works, and this is a released work, already live for purchase there were A LOT of mistakes that should have been caught in editing, such as missing words, periods instead of commas, wrong words and/or names, missing " " to indicate dialogue especially since this was 1st POV and there were times that I couldn't figure out if the character was talking out loud or thinking unless I reached the next sentences which meant that I had to re-read and put the previous sentences in another context, throwing me off the story.
There were other instances when the dialogue felt forced and/or jumped from topic to topic with no connection and the epilogue was inserted twice.
I want to go back and read the Shifters of Santa Cruz books before Zach and Ryder's book is released but to tell the truth I'm kinda afraid of the editing I'll find and I don't want to lose my interest in the story because of it.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
June 5, 2021
This was different. Not bad different, just well different. There was some world building and there was a plot, but I got confused at times. Also the actual romance aspect wasn't hugely present. The ending left me with a ton of questions. On top of this, some editing is sorely needed. Missing quotation marks for dialogue was missed numerous times making it even more confusing.
What I did like? The team. I enjoyed the bickering and teasing. I liked how they grew together trying to find a purpose in their new lives. Each member is so different and brings a different perspective to the table. However, in the end they all want the same thing: to feel like they belong. To have a home, a purpose, and to feel needed again. In their old lives they had a duty and without that they splintered. Every member ended up losing everything due to a betrayal and that takes time to heal. Asher, as a healer, helped bring that about. He was just what the team needed.
I'm intrigued enough with Zack to want to continue with the series. I want to see the moody little brat find some peace. I also want him to put his money where his mouth is where Ryder is concerned. The UST was real between those two. I'd give this one 3.25 stars.
What I did like? The team. I enjoyed the bickering and teasing. I liked how they grew together trying to find a purpose in their new lives. Each member is so different and brings a different perspective to the table. However, in the end they all want the same thing: to feel like they belong. To have a home, a purpose, and to feel needed again. In their old lives they had a duty and without that they splintered. Every member ended up losing everything due to a betrayal and that takes time to heal. Asher, as a healer, helped bring that about. He was just what the team needed.
I'm intrigued enough with Zack to want to continue with the series. I want to see the moody little brat find some peace. I also want him to put his money where his mouth is where Ryder is concerned. The UST was real between those two. I'd give this one 3.25 stars.
June 7, 2021
2.5 stars {maybe}, rounded up
I’m going to preface my review by saying that I eagerly anticipated reading this book; it sounded unique and exciting. However, the book {or at least the ARC I was provided} is absolutely rife with cringe-worthy moments, and I am still struggling my way through it. As it’s not available in KU, I couldn’t borrow a live version to see if the grievous editorial issues made it through to publication.
Unfortunately my review is due today, so here is my 75% opinion ….
ᑕOᑎꌚ ᖴᎥᖇꌚT, because they’re multitudinous :
•The beginning was 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙮 brutal and angst ridden, actually quite difficult {for me} to get through
•After 6yrs on earth, the current vamps are still an emotional mess and confused about what they’re even supposed to be doing. Yet it only takes 3wks after Asher arrives for everyone to suddenly understand what’s going on and why they were banished ?? ѕՇɼαηցﻉ
•𝑺𝒐. 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒚. 𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕. 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒔.
•Very often there are absolutely zero transitions between scenes
•We have dropped words and complete lack of punctuation
•So many inconsistencies;
Ȧ) The vampires were told they’re sent to protect the humans and shifters in a dangerous city/territory; except there’s hardly any crime and a longtime resident says it’s a very safe place to live. Then a few chapters later the city is rife with corrupt and greed and has “always been this way”
Ḃ) Why are the vampires told to protect the humans but then also told to let them be murdered??
Ċ) Nobody knows that vampires exist. Only {𝒐𝒐𝒐𝒑𝒔} actually 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗘 knows that vampires exist and that they live in the old Victorian mansion on the hill …. ?¿?
Ḋ) The MCs {but mostly Asher} often go back to FPPOV, but the book isn’t written this way
•Multiple mentions of “𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘶𝘴” like the reader is supposed to be aware of it, yet this is the first book of this series
•The reader finds out over halfway through the book that the city/territory of Costa Larga is made up of California, Washington, and Oregon combined. Ummm …. 𝙒𝙃𝙔?? Why are these three ‘former states’ combined??
•Why were the angels falsely accused of crimes, tortured, and banished to earth only to then later be told they’re actually on a mission for the archangels?? 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙮 Who are the archangels hiding all this from, who do they work for/under; God??
Did I like 𝑨𝑵𝒀𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑵𝑮?? I adored Asher, he is a wonderful {though in the beginning completely unbelievable} character. I enjoyed the growing team dynamics, and the individual personalities the reader gets to learn from each member.
I’m going to preface my review by saying that I eagerly anticipated reading this book; it sounded unique and exciting. However, the book {or at least the ARC I was provided} is absolutely rife with cringe-worthy moments, and I am still struggling my way through it. As it’s not available in KU, I couldn’t borrow a live version to see if the grievous editorial issues made it through to publication.
Unfortunately my review is due today, so here is my 75% opinion ….
ᑕOᑎꌚ ᖴᎥᖇꌚT, because they’re multitudinous :
•The beginning was 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙮 brutal and angst ridden, actually quite difficult {for me} to get through
•After 6yrs on earth, the current vamps are still an emotional mess and confused about what they’re even supposed to be doing. Yet it only takes 3wks after Asher arrives for everyone to suddenly understand what’s going on and why they were banished ?? ѕՇɼαηցﻉ
•𝑺𝒐. 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒚. 𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕. 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒔.
•Very often there are absolutely zero transitions between scenes
•We have dropped words and complete lack of punctuation
•So many inconsistencies;
Ȧ) The vampires were told they’re sent to protect the humans and shifters in a dangerous city/territory; except there’s hardly any crime and a longtime resident says it’s a very safe place to live. Then a few chapters later the city is rife with corrupt and greed and has “always been this way”
Ḃ) Why are the vampires told to protect the humans but then also told to let them be murdered??
Ċ) Nobody knows that vampires exist. Only {𝒐𝒐𝒐𝒑𝒔} actually 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗘 knows that vampires exist and that they live in the old Victorian mansion on the hill …. ?¿?
Ḋ) The MCs {but mostly Asher} often go back to FPPOV, but the book isn’t written this way
•Multiple mentions of “𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘶𝘴” like the reader is supposed to be aware of it, yet this is the first book of this series
•The reader finds out over halfway through the book that the city/territory of Costa Larga is made up of California, Washington, and Oregon combined. Ummm …. 𝙒𝙃𝙔?? Why are these three ‘former states’ combined??
•Why were the angels falsely accused of crimes, tortured, and banished to earth only to then later be told they’re actually on a mission for the archangels?? 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙨𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙮 Who are the archangels hiding all this from, who do they work for/under; God??
Did I like 𝑨𝑵𝒀𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑵𝑮?? I adored Asher, he is a wonderful {though in the beginning completely unbelievable} character. I enjoyed the growing team dynamics, and the individual personalities the reader gets to learn from each member.
June 7, 2021
This is the first book in a terrific new series with former angels banished to earth, stripped of their wings and turned into vampires. They are supposed to form a team to help police the Santa Cruz area. In this world the humans know that there are creatures such as shifters etc but no one knows much about vampires, even the vampires. I was a bit overwhelmed by all the information and concepts at the beginning of this book, but part of it is that the vampires themselves don’t really know what is going on either. There are a lot of interesting plots within plots going that make this a very enjoyable story. I think it probably would help if you read the Santa Cruz Shifters books before this series which I haven’t done. I really enjoyed this book in the end and can’t wait to read the next one
May 24, 2021
3.5
Unique, set in a world where shifters are common and a virus has decimated the land. The vampires are fallen angels who are sent from their realm as a punishment for crimes they are innocent of. Each angel is a "type" under an archangel. Michael's are warriors, Gabriel's messengers and so on.
While it was interesting there errors that an editor should have picked up that took me out of the story. It seemed rather long too, unnecessarily so, and I found my attention wandering. I have plenty of questions too and I'm on the fence about book 2.
Unique, set in a world where shifters are common and a virus has decimated the land. The vampires are fallen angels who are sent from their realm as a punishment for crimes they are innocent of. Each angel is a "type" under an archangel. Michael's are warriors, Gabriel's messengers and so on.
While it was interesting there errors that an editor should have picked up that took me out of the story. It seemed rather long too, unnecessarily so, and I found my attention wandering. I have plenty of questions too and I'm on the fence about book 2.
October 22, 2023
🎧 Audiobook Review
Story ❤️❤️❤️💕
Narration ❤️❤️❤️❤️💕
Overall ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Vampire romance with a twist, because this time the vampires have been former angels, banished and transitioned to the world of darkness aka vampirism. Another "new to me author" Marie Booth surprised me with her style and got me engrossed in the story from the start thanks to the awesome narration done by Tim Paige and Liam Dicasmo. Tim has a way of showing his voice skills by creating a cadence and style that works for both protagonist and the support cast quite well. I would have liked Liam to give a better voice to Asher, but he was very apt in giving voice variation. Tim's variation is limited, but he brings out his flair in voice style. All in all both narrators did an awesome job in bringing in so many voices, and with so many characters it's not an easy feat (not everyone is like Joel Leslie, the accent "God" of the narrator's world 😉). I finished listening to this book in a day, so yeah it was an intriguing, entertaining and eargasmic experience 😍.
The highest entity of the powerful world is the angelic realm, lead by arch angels. They have subordinates as angels, warriors, healers, messenger etc. But if someone commits a grave crime they are sent to the mortal/human realm. The punishment is not just living in the mortal world, they are stripped of their wings and they can never return to Troll (heaven or angel realm) or go to Trod (hell/ demon realm). And they are transitioned to vampires. Ezekiel or Ezra, MC1 is the second in command of one such team of punished vampires who were formerly part of various arch angel elite forces. Unfortunately, they have all been falsely accused of such crimes. Ezra has been trying his level best to adjust to the life of a vampire and leading the misfit vampires in his command. His boss/master Kaz is another ex angel who is supposed to oversee the workings of these vampires, but he just lazes around in his office, leaving all the leg work to Ezra. Ezra also wants to clear his name and go back to Troll, but right when he wants an audience with his arch angel Micheal, another newbie fallen vampire is thrown in the midst for Ezra to help transition and train to live in the human world. But this fallen is a healer.
Asher or Ash, is an elite healer from Raphael's team, who never expected to be accused of theivery and falsehood. He has no idea what to expect as a punishment, but what Asher has is determination and being true to his oath as a healer. So he accepts his punishment and readies himself for the human world. Loosing his wings and becoming a vampire was not something anyone told him. On top of it he's part of a team whose lead by Ezra, whom Ash has crushed over for years. He just never knew the circumstances of Ezra disappearance from the troll. The team of fallen was a surprise as well, but Ash knew right away why he was needed in the team. If the team has to become trained warriors, then Ash is their Anchor. Ezra will lead and guide and Ash will support him in every way possible. What he never expected was to fall for the fallen warrior all over again.
The protagonists have a beautiful chemistry and some real good banter moments with some really smexy times thrown in. Surprising part is we'll also get introduced to all the couples of the coming up books - volatile Zac/Zachariah and the aloof alpha wolf Ryder; the nerd vampire Daniel/Danny & the mysterious master Kaz of team Vampire; the brawny warrior vampire Cal/Caleb and the grumpy artist vampire Rue/Reuben. There are some previous series characters also introduced here, but the story does not sways from its course. The whole support character vampire and shifter cast is an interesting bunch and made the whole book a joyous listen. Think of this book as a bunch of misfits trying to make a comfortable life with their found family and while also finding love 💕.
Story ❤️❤️❤️💕
Narration ❤️❤️❤️❤️💕
Overall ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Vampire romance with a twist, because this time the vampires have been former angels, banished and transitioned to the world of darkness aka vampirism. Another "new to me author" Marie Booth surprised me with her style and got me engrossed in the story from the start thanks to the awesome narration done by Tim Paige and Liam Dicasmo. Tim has a way of showing his voice skills by creating a cadence and style that works for both protagonist and the support cast quite well. I would have liked Liam to give a better voice to Asher, but he was very apt in giving voice variation. Tim's variation is limited, but he brings out his flair in voice style. All in all both narrators did an awesome job in bringing in so many voices, and with so many characters it's not an easy feat (not everyone is like Joel Leslie, the accent "God" of the narrator's world 😉). I finished listening to this book in a day, so yeah it was an intriguing, entertaining and eargasmic experience 😍.
The highest entity of the powerful world is the angelic realm, lead by arch angels. They have subordinates as angels, warriors, healers, messenger etc. But if someone commits a grave crime they are sent to the mortal/human realm. The punishment is not just living in the mortal world, they are stripped of their wings and they can never return to Troll (heaven or angel realm) or go to Trod (hell/ demon realm). And they are transitioned to vampires. Ezekiel or Ezra, MC1 is the second in command of one such team of punished vampires who were formerly part of various arch angel elite forces. Unfortunately, they have all been falsely accused of such crimes. Ezra has been trying his level best to adjust to the life of a vampire and leading the misfit vampires in his command. His boss/master Kaz is another ex angel who is supposed to oversee the workings of these vampires, but he just lazes around in his office, leaving all the leg work to Ezra. Ezra also wants to clear his name and go back to Troll, but right when he wants an audience with his arch angel Micheal, another newbie fallen vampire is thrown in the midst for Ezra to help transition and train to live in the human world. But this fallen is a healer.
Asher or Ash, is an elite healer from Raphael's team, who never expected to be accused of theivery and falsehood. He has no idea what to expect as a punishment, but what Asher has is determination and being true to his oath as a healer. So he accepts his punishment and readies himself for the human world. Loosing his wings and becoming a vampire was not something anyone told him. On top of it he's part of a team whose lead by Ezra, whom Ash has crushed over for years. He just never knew the circumstances of Ezra disappearance from the troll. The team of fallen was a surprise as well, but Ash knew right away why he was needed in the team. If the team has to become trained warriors, then Ash is their Anchor. Ezra will lead and guide and Ash will support him in every way possible. What he never expected was to fall for the fallen warrior all over again.
The protagonists have a beautiful chemistry and some real good banter moments with some really smexy times thrown in. Surprising part is we'll also get introduced to all the couples of the coming up books - volatile Zac/Zachariah and the aloof alpha wolf Ryder; the nerd vampire Daniel/Danny & the mysterious master Kaz of team Vampire; the brawny warrior vampire Cal/Caleb and the grumpy artist vampire Rue/Reuben. There are some previous series characters also introduced here, but the story does not sways from its course. The whole support character vampire and shifter cast is an interesting bunch and made the whole book a joyous listen. Think of this book as a bunch of misfits trying to make a comfortable life with their found family and while also finding love 💕.
June 6, 2021
Rating: 3.5 / 5 → round up to 4 / 5
Steam: 3 / 5
Definitely a book with an unseen twist (on my part). Let me just say that I enjoyed the book immensely and definitely found tons of feels with this book. I laughed, cried, and 'awww' at the characters, though mostly I was confused a lot of the time.
Banished by Blood, by a first-time author to me -Marie Booth, was a bit messy on the writing, confusing, and I thought that there were too many unanswered questions and plot holes. The dialogue was confusing and felt forced at times. I don't know if this has anything to do with the fact that it was a spin-off or simply a writing style.
Asher and Ezra are definitely MCs that I can get behind. They compliment each other perfectly and I found their personalities engaging. Ezra was a warrior angel and Asher was a healer angel. The twist was that they were both exiled to earth as vampires as punishment for crimes they did not commit.
The secondary characters were amazing and it's easy to be invested in their storied. The comradeship, the bickering, the teasing and the support. It felt great seeing how they and our MCs try to find a sense of belonging and to see them grow in their own skin with the new direction their lives took. Asher, being a healer, definitely helped these guys a lot.
These are the highlights for me; good and bad and meh.
- BAD: Too messy, confusing and filled with plot holes.
- GOOD: The feels, the sexiness and the team.
- MEH: The "types" under "chain of command".
POV: Dual First Person
Standalone or Series: Book #1 in Santa Cruz Vampires Series *side note: maybe it would be good to read Santa Cruz Shifters because of unexplained issues like the virus*
Buy Links: Amazon
Would Recommend? Yes
** ARC RECEIVED BY GAY ROMANCE REVIEWS (GRR) FOR AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW **
If you liked my review and wouldn't mind a longer review in a blog, please consider supporting with a cup of coffee or just a Ko-Fi
Laura M.
Steam: 3 / 5
Definitely a book with an unseen twist (on my part). Let me just say that I enjoyed the book immensely and definitely found tons of feels with this book. I laughed, cried, and 'awww' at the characters, though mostly I was confused a lot of the time.
Banished by Blood, by a first-time author to me -Marie Booth, was a bit messy on the writing, confusing, and I thought that there were too many unanswered questions and plot holes. The dialogue was confusing and felt forced at times. I don't know if this has anything to do with the fact that it was a spin-off or simply a writing style.
Asher and Ezra are definitely MCs that I can get behind. They compliment each other perfectly and I found their personalities engaging. Ezra was a warrior angel and Asher was a healer angel. The twist was that they were both exiled to earth as vampires as punishment for crimes they did not commit.
The secondary characters were amazing and it's easy to be invested in their storied. The comradeship, the bickering, the teasing and the support. It felt great seeing how they and our MCs try to find a sense of belonging and to see them grow in their own skin with the new direction their lives took. Asher, being a healer, definitely helped these guys a lot.
These are the highlights for me; good and bad and meh.
- BAD: Too messy, confusing and filled with plot holes.
- GOOD: The feels, the sexiness and the team.
- MEH: The "types" under "chain of command".
POV: Dual First Person
Standalone or Series: Book #1 in Santa Cruz Vampires Series *side note: maybe it would be good to read Santa Cruz Shifters because of unexplained issues like the virus*
Buy Links: Amazon
Would Recommend? Yes
** ARC RECEIVED BY GAY ROMANCE REVIEWS (GRR) FOR AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW **
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Laura M.
June 21, 2021
So I have to say, I was intrigued by the storyline but was surprised by how much I enjoyed the story. Though there were times that I had questions and didn't get answers that made me think I missed a prologue or came into it with book two, but for the most part, I was okay with taking a lot of the unanswered stuff as a series thing rather than a story thing.
What I mean by that is, there is obviously some shady stuff going on in the Realm of the Light (by the way, I intensely disliked the use of the acronym in the dialogue...it was jarring in a bad way) and it's clear that in the first book, Banished by Blood, we're just going to dive in and get a bit lost in all the stuff we're discovering. The answers will come much, much later, I feel, after we get a whole lot more crap thrown our way first.
As for the men and the romance, I liked them in general and knew that Asher and Ezra were going to be good for one another so long as they could see beyond their hopes for their futures in relation to their pasts and embrace the now that everything is set up to truly transform them. I ached for Ezra in the beginning, not just because his past was difficult and his betrayal heartbreaking, but because he got so much crap from the men that he literally nursed into this new life. Their disdain and criticism was hurtful.
It was also a bit justified because Ezra did need to try harder to fight for them and not just use them as a stopping point on his way back into the Light. Using Asher to help him see that was a good move because it also allowed Asher to find his new place in the Mortal Realm and encourage growth in everyone in the coven.
There's a whole lot of messed up going on behind the scenes with the archangels and I'm both disgusted by their behavior and really, really interested to see where we're going with it all and how it's going to play out. All the characters are intriguing in their own ways and the coven as a whole is a huge draw to come back to this world as the subsequent stories become published.
So yeah, overall this is a good story with a whole lot of confusing moments that will frustrate you if you're looking for a clean story with a lot more answers. Despite its flaws, I think it's a good start to a series that's going to be both painful and great as it finds its footing and lays everything out through the gritty, spicy, and tender romances that develop throughout the journey.
What I mean by that is, there is obviously some shady stuff going on in the Realm of the Light (by the way, I intensely disliked the use of the acronym in the dialogue...it was jarring in a bad way) and it's clear that in the first book, Banished by Blood, we're just going to dive in and get a bit lost in all the stuff we're discovering. The answers will come much, much later, I feel, after we get a whole lot more crap thrown our way first.
As for the men and the romance, I liked them in general and knew that Asher and Ezra were going to be good for one another so long as they could see beyond their hopes for their futures in relation to their pasts and embrace the now that everything is set up to truly transform them. I ached for Ezra in the beginning, not just because his past was difficult and his betrayal heartbreaking, but because he got so much crap from the men that he literally nursed into this new life. Their disdain and criticism was hurtful.
It was also a bit justified because Ezra did need to try harder to fight for them and not just use them as a stopping point on his way back into the Light. Using Asher to help him see that was a good move because it also allowed Asher to find his new place in the Mortal Realm and encourage growth in everyone in the coven.
There's a whole lot of messed up going on behind the scenes with the archangels and I'm both disgusted by their behavior and really, really interested to see where we're going with it all and how it's going to play out. All the characters are intriguing in their own ways and the coven as a whole is a huge draw to come back to this world as the subsequent stories become published.
So yeah, overall this is a good story with a whole lot of confusing moments that will frustrate you if you're looking for a clean story with a lot more answers. Despite its flaws, I think it's a good start to a series that's going to be both painful and great as it finds its footing and lays everything out through the gritty, spicy, and tender romances that develop throughout the journey.
April 17, 2021
This book presents to readers a new type of Angel and Vampire match-up that I've never seen before. Full of complex characters with an ever changing dynamic that makes you want to keep reading and trying to anitcipate.
There is actually a line in the book that really describes this story well. " A tale of Angels and Vampires, of pain and loss, but also a continuing, sometimes dificult, rebirth." Even though this line does seem sad the story is anything but! The way each character is set up makes for quite a few light hearted scenes and the characters feel like they could be one of us readers as well. I loved how each character was at least partially fleshed out and the dialouge really did feel like it belonged with and came from each character.
The romance is what I would consider a slow burn type with a bit of a push-pull factor full of warm sultry sex scenes that really do feel like love making; something that I really loved when there are so many other scenes that are very primal and sheet clawing in this genre. There are also some hints near the end of the book that relate to the next book in the series that left me really curious and made me wish I could read it.
While I didn't feel the need to devour this book, that doesn't mean that it wasn't amazing. It brought forth an interesting idea that is somwhat common in its base form, but was then filled with complexities that made it a riveting read for me. I loved how each character was at least partially fleshed out and the dialouge really did feel like it belonged with and came from each character. This book end up pulling me along slowly with wave after wave of fresh concepts and I hope that others will enjoy it as much as I did.
I recevied this as an ARC.
There is actually a line in the book that really describes this story well. " A tale of Angels and Vampires, of pain and loss, but also a continuing, sometimes dificult, rebirth." Even though this line does seem sad the story is anything but! The way each character is set up makes for quite a few light hearted scenes and the characters feel like they could be one of us readers as well. I loved how each character was at least partially fleshed out and the dialouge really did feel like it belonged with and came from each character.
The romance is what I would consider a slow burn type with a bit of a push-pull factor full of warm sultry sex scenes that really do feel like love making; something that I really loved when there are so many other scenes that are very primal and sheet clawing in this genre. There are also some hints near the end of the book that relate to the next book in the series that left me really curious and made me wish I could read it.
While I didn't feel the need to devour this book, that doesn't mean that it wasn't amazing. It brought forth an interesting idea that is somwhat common in its base form, but was then filled with complexities that made it a riveting read for me. I loved how each character was at least partially fleshed out and the dialouge really did feel like it belonged with and came from each character. This book end up pulling me along slowly with wave after wave of fresh concepts and I hope that others will enjoy it as much as I did.
I recevied this as an ARC.
June 4, 2021
received an ARC, an uncorrected proof, so maybe thats why there's so many wrong wordings for the pov. (or maybe not) and also two same epilogues. though that means two times the happiness!!
this was pretty cool! i love the settings. angels turning into fallen angels to vampires. and vampires protecting humans!!!!
Ezra is so unselfish and kind, and Asher compliments him so prefectly, fitting in and takecare of Ezra and the other boys so well. i love how both was protective of each other yet, they trust that their partner are strong and reliable and able to protect themselves.
though i felt like Ezra just changed his feelings pretty quickly! he was so sure about revenge and going back to TROL for years!!! and then bam a few days with Asher and he didnt have the strength and heart to do it. (i would understand though, Asher was pretty determined and strongheaded and firm haha)
i have a qn!
i have more questions actually! but considering its the first book in a series, i hope itll be answered later on!
this was pretty cool! i love the settings. angels turning into fallen angels to vampires. and vampires protecting humans!!!!
Ezra is so unselfish and kind, and Asher compliments him so prefectly, fitting in and takecare of Ezra and the other boys so well. i love how both was protective of each other yet, they trust that their partner are strong and reliable and able to protect themselves.
though i felt like Ezra just changed his feelings pretty quickly! he was so sure about revenge and going back to TROL for years!!! and then bam a few days with Asher and he didnt have the strength and heart to do it. (i would understand though, Asher was pretty determined and strongheaded and firm haha)
i have a qn!
i have more questions actually! but considering its the first book in a series, i hope itll be answered later on!
April 3, 2023
This was a really fun book that broke my DNF streak. (Thank goodness!) Though I'm a little conflicted about how to rate it.
What I loved:
~The characters. All the characters! They are lovable and have distinct personalities that stay that way through the whole book.
~The over arching plot. While there are similarities to other PNR angel series out there, this is very unique in the actual storyline.
~The plot and romance were intertwined and neither lost out to the other.
~No shortage of adventure. Not once did the story lag.
What I found frustrating:
~There was a lot of "wait what" when I was reading. Like I had missed what someone said, but I hadn't. The conversation just veered or the characters were in on something I wasn't. I was never actually lost, just momentarily confused.
~Like I mentioned, it's a great plot, but large parts of this ended up being over simplified. It actually works because then you don't have to get hung up on every little issue, but it took me out of the story.
Regardless of my issues I really enjoyed this book and I love LOVE the characters! I'm so looking forward to the "bad guys" getting their due after what they put this group through, and for everyone to find their lifemate.
What I loved:
~The characters. All the characters! They are lovable and have distinct personalities that stay that way through the whole book.
~The over arching plot. While there are similarities to other PNR angel series out there, this is very unique in the actual storyline.
~The plot and romance were intertwined and neither lost out to the other.
~No shortage of adventure. Not once did the story lag.
What I found frustrating:
~There was a lot of "wait what" when I was reading. Like I had missed what someone said, but I hadn't. The conversation just veered or the characters were in on something I wasn't. I was never actually lost, just momentarily confused.
~Like I mentioned, it's a great plot, but large parts of this ended up being over simplified. It actually works because then you don't have to get hung up on every little issue, but it took me out of the story.
Regardless of my issues I really enjoyed this book and I love LOVE the characters! I'm so looking forward to the "bad guys" getting their due after what they put this group through, and for everyone to find their lifemate.
May 26, 2021
I wasn't sure how to rate this story. Ultimately, I ended up giving it 3 stars. I think it's creative, original, and has some interesting elements. Plus, I enjoyed the characters. They each had their own personalities, and weren't flat. I liked the premise that archangel's are bad, and they sent angels to Earth to be vampires for their own nefarious plans.
There were things I had issues with, however. There wasn't any background on the world. There was mention of a virus. How did it spread? Where did it come from? What did it do? There was mention of Oregon, Washington, and California combining and being a separate country(?). How and when did this happen? I'm suspecting some of this may have been explained in a previous series, but I did not read that series, so this is all new to me. Some background on this world would have been nice. Also, this book is written in third person, but every now and then it would jump into first person, then back to third. I also think this book needs another round of editing.
There were things I had issues with, however. There wasn't any background on the world. There was mention of a virus. How did it spread? Where did it come from? What did it do? There was mention of Oregon, Washington, and California combining and being a separate country(?). How and when did this happen? I'm suspecting some of this may have been explained in a previous series, but I did not read that series, so this is all new to me. Some background on this world would have been nice. Also, this book is written in third person, but every now and then it would jump into first person, then back to third. I also think this book needs another round of editing.
May 27, 2021
This caught my attention like a slap in the face and I was instantaneous hooked into the story. It's such an original idea, angels being sent down to earth and becoming vampires. It gave a different spin on the whole origins of vampires which made it interesting and fresh to an often used genre, this made it stick out. As I say I was immediately drawn into the story, I'm not going to hash the story out because that's what the book description for but it had a what youd perceive to be the good turns out to be the baddies. So this book had story, interesting pairings and a plot that you know is going to go places though it didn't necessarily happen all in this book so I'd say an ongoing storyline over how many books this series will contain. There were questions unanswered and a bit of world building left unexplored so we are left guessing but it does make you have a heart in the mouth moment. There were mistakes throughout, but overall I enjoyed the read and will be on the look out for book 2.
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
May 27, 2021
What are the archangels doing in creating these nests? Michael clearly has his own agenda, but Uriel and Raphael appear to be working together, and there is a plan, but it will be very interesting to find out what is going on in TROL, and what Earth has to do with it.
I liked that Ash was given information about the whole team before he was sent out of TROL, so that he was prepared foe each of their wants and needs. I also hope that justice comes to Ariel and his flock of lackeys in a way that we’ll be able to see, as the series progresses.
Michael really made a mistake with Ezra. He would have been the most loyal angel to ever serve under an archangel, but his cruelty has now ensured that he has become an implacable enemy, and one smart enough to gather friends and allies strong enough to take even the archangel out. Ariel may be just like Michael, but he certainly can’t be trusted.
I am interested to see how the vampires integrate into the mortal world, and what that means for everyone’s wider plans.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I liked that Ash was given information about the whole team before he was sent out of TROL, so that he was prepared foe each of their wants and needs. I also hope that justice comes to Ariel and his flock of lackeys in a way that we’ll be able to see, as the series progresses.
Michael really made a mistake with Ezra. He would have been the most loyal angel to ever serve under an archangel, but his cruelty has now ensured that he has become an implacable enemy, and one smart enough to gather friends and allies strong enough to take even the archangel out. Ariel may be just like Michael, but he certainly can’t be trusted.
I am interested to see how the vampires integrate into the mortal world, and what that means for everyone’s wider plans.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 31, 2021
This book is built on a convoluted but compelling mythology in which uber-villain archangels have framed and banished innocent angels to earth, where they become vampires. Wounded physically and emotionally, the “nest” must follow the archangels’ orders while trying to build lives for themselves in an environment that’s utterly foreign. The overarching plot line is rich in intrigue, betrayal, and possible angelic world domination. In this first book, the central romance that unfolds against this backdrop belongs to warrior Ezra and newly-exiled healer Ash. Ash has a transformative effect on his entire team, but no one more than Ezra, and it’s rewarding for him to get to be with his love, even if the larger events of their existence are still very much up in the air-- to be settled, no doubt, in future books.
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.
June 5, 2021
I really liked the concept of the book and the two MC’s Ezra and Asher were awesome together. Ezra is a fallen angel that was turned into a Vampire and Asher who worked under Raphael is a healer. The idea of angels being sent to earth as punishment and being turned into vampires is an interesting concept and also very original.
There was a lot going on in this book and a lot of characters were introduced in this book. Archangels, Vampires, and Shifters. This book was a bit confusing at times about (some aspects of the world like there was a virus?), and I finally realized that it was a spin-off of Shifters of Santa Cruz and I probably should have read that series too get the full world-building experience. I wish I knew this before I started the book. But it was still enjoyable. I am definitely going to continue to read this series.
I received this arc from GRR and this is my honest review
There was a lot going on in this book and a lot of characters were introduced in this book. Archangels, Vampires, and Shifters. This book was a bit confusing at times about (some aspects of the world like there was a virus?), and I finally realized that it was a spin-off of Shifters of Santa Cruz and I probably should have read that series too get the full world-building experience. I wish I knew this before I started the book. But it was still enjoyable. I am definitely going to continue to read this series.
I received this arc from GRR and this is my honest review
September 4, 2021
First time reading this author. Let me just say that I enjoyed the book immensely and definitely found tons of feels with this book. I laughed, cried, and 'awww' at the characters, and I was even confused at times. :)
Asher and Ezra are definitely MCs that I can get behind. They compliment each other perfectly and I found their personalities engaging. Who would have thought A warrior and healer would be so good together .
The secondary characters were amazing and it's easy to be invested in their stories as-well. The comradeship, the bickering, the teasing and the support. It was just like being at home sometimes. :) It was great seeing how they and our MCs try to find a sense of belonging and to see them grow in their own skin with the new direction their lives took. Can't wait to read thier booksto see if I am right about Them ships I thought of why reading. lol
Asher, being a healer, definitely helped these guys a lot. If he didn't come who know where they all would be.
Asher and Ezra are definitely MCs that I can get behind. They compliment each other perfectly and I found their personalities engaging. Who would have thought A warrior and healer would be so good together .
The secondary characters were amazing and it's easy to be invested in their stories as-well. The comradeship, the bickering, the teasing and the support. It was just like being at home sometimes. :) It was great seeing how they and our MCs try to find a sense of belonging and to see them grow in their own skin with the new direction their lives took. Can't wait to read thier booksto see if I am right about Them ships I thought of why reading. lol
Asher, being a healer, definitely helped these guys a lot. If he didn't come who know where they all would be.
April 1, 2021
Takes Some Getting Used To . . .
This book begins a new series focused on the Santa Cruz Vampires series. The main characters are the warrior Ezra and the healer Asher. The vampires we meet here have a very different creation story than I have ever heard before. Bad-guy archangels set up innocent angels and had them banished down to Earth, at which point they become vampires! The archangels are still in charge, but the new vampires are adjusting and trying to find a way to live in this new world.
I’m still trying to figure this one out with vampires being former angels! I have to admit I didn’t see that one coming. I know the archangels' names and roles in another contact, but it's kind of confusing to put it all together in this new context. Grab your copy and see what you think about this totally new approach to where the vamps originated!
This book begins a new series focused on the Santa Cruz Vampires series. The main characters are the warrior Ezra and the healer Asher. The vampires we meet here have a very different creation story than I have ever heard before. Bad-guy archangels set up innocent angels and had them banished down to Earth, at which point they become vampires! The archangels are still in charge, but the new vampires are adjusting and trying to find a way to live in this new world.
I’m still trying to figure this one out with vampires being former angels! I have to admit I didn’t see that one coming. I know the archangels' names and roles in another contact, but it's kind of confusing to put it all together in this new context. Grab your copy and see what you think about this totally new approach to where the vamps originated!
June 21, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Banished By Blood is the first in the Santa Cruz Vampires series and, while the world building is chaotic, the characters are fairly compelling and made this book an interesting read.
Ezra and Asher were captivating both as individuals and as a couple. They read as well developed and had some real personal growth over the course of the book. Their romance was a bit rushed and occasionally haphazard, but despite this, I believed the connection between them and enjoyed their courtship. The secondary characters are less defined, but given this is the first in a series, I expect this to change with further installments.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Banished By Blood is the first in the Santa Cruz Vampires series and, while the world building is chaotic, the characters are fairly compelling and made this book an interesting read.
Ezra and Asher were captivating both as individuals and as a couple. They read as well developed and had some real personal growth over the course of the book. Their romance was a bit rushed and occasionally haphazard, but despite this, I believed the connection between them and enjoyed their courtship. The secondary characters are less defined, but given this is the first in a series, I expect this to change with further installments.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
June 2, 2021
This is the first book in the series and I really liked the set up with archangels, vampires and shifters.
Ezra is a fallen angel, stripped of his wings and made a vampire. He tries to lead and take care of the other men in the nest that's been through the same thing but is really stuck in his way.
But when a new arrival, a healer named Asher joins them it's clear that changes has to be made not only for their benefit but also for their survival.
Ezra and Asher is an great couple and I enjoyed their journey and there's a lot of promising new couples in the making.
I'm going to read the Santa Cruz series now to get a better understanding for the world building since this was the first book I've read by this author
Ezra is a fallen angel, stripped of his wings and made a vampire. He tries to lead and take care of the other men in the nest that's been through the same thing but is really stuck in his way.
But when a new arrival, a healer named Asher joins them it's clear that changes has to be made not only for their benefit but also for their survival.
Ezra and Asher is an great couple and I enjoyed their journey and there's a lot of promising new couples in the making.
I'm going to read the Santa Cruz series now to get a better understanding for the world building since this was the first book I've read by this author
June 7, 2021
Poor Asher he has no idea when this book starts what is really going on, both for him personally and with the world he's been sent to. You feel sorry for his naivete, but the way the author writes, you have to chuckle as well. Then, there's Ezra, always getting shafted - and definitely letting you know how aggrieved he is. When these two come together, the fireworks begin. I am really inteigued by these snarky angels/vampires and their world. We are given enough to go on in this book, but there are delicious hints of so much more we are going to learn abput the world and all the characters in future books. I am a hard sell when it comes to humor in my urban fantasy, but this one got under my skin in a good way.
April 3, 2021
This is a new and exciting take on angels and vampires. Angel healer Asher thinks he's being sent down to Earth by the archangel Raphael for a (temporary) assignment. Hmm, not quite. The archangels are not the heroes of heaven. Rather, they are villains who get innocent angels banished and sent to Earth where they become vampires. (What!? Yeah, crazy right?) He meets up with Ezekiel, and his fractious 'nest' of co-vampires/ex-angels, and connection sparks between the two. I enjoyed this new and different take on angels and vampires, and I am looking forward to more books in this series.
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.
May 31, 2021
This was my first experience with the work of Marie Booth.
I was overjoyed with the world she created.
So many aspects of the 'angels' took me totally off guard...but in a good way.
Not so angelic at all!
There are lots of questions left to be answered in future books...perfect for a well-thought-out series. I'll definitely want to see what happens to all of the 'guys' in the nest...especially the fate of Kaziel.
I like how the shifters interact with those in the nest.
Humorous scenes balanced out the pain and agony forced on so many.
Santa Cruz has more delights for us, I'm sure.
I was overjoyed with the world she created.
So many aspects of the 'angels' took me totally off guard...but in a good way.
Not so angelic at all!
There are lots of questions left to be answered in future books...perfect for a well-thought-out series. I'll definitely want to see what happens to all of the 'guys' in the nest...especially the fate of Kaziel.
I like how the shifters interact with those in the nest.
Humorous scenes balanced out the pain and agony forced on so many.
Santa Cruz has more delights for us, I'm sure.
June 2, 2021
I love vampires, so I was intrigued by the blurb...however, there was a jumble of info and sooooooo much of it at once it was hard to follow in the beginning. I understand the storyline and as it progressed it definitely got better. I loved Asher and how he affected everyone. He was sweet and what the team needed to come together. I can’t say I loved this story but I did like enough that I want to see how the overall arc is completed in the next book. The love-making between Asher and Ezra was HOT!!
June 6, 2021
~3.5 Stars~
This was an interesting story where former angels who had supposedly done wrong became vampires. Ezra and Asher have different personalities, but I did like them both, Asher a little more than Ezra. I really liked the secondary characters.
Overall, I did like the story but I didn’t quite like the way it ended. I did like the writing style. The world-building wasn’t bad, but I was left with several unanswered questions that I hope are answered in the next book/s in this series.
This was an interesting story where former angels who had supposedly done wrong became vampires. Ezra and Asher have different personalities, but I did like them both, Asher a little more than Ezra. I really liked the secondary characters.
Overall, I did like the story but I didn’t quite like the way it ended. I did like the writing style. The world-building wasn’t bad, but I was left with several unanswered questions that I hope are answered in the next book/s in this series.
October 29, 2022
2.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed Marie Booth's Santa Cruz Shifters series and had been looking forward to this spinoff series. Unfortunately this first book was pretty disappointing. Neither the MCs nor the storyline were very interesting to me. Asher and Ezra were okay but I never felt any real connection between them and the story both didn't connect enough to the previous series and also felt too reliant on it's storylines. Not a fan of this book but will continue with the series to see how it goes as I have enjoyed Booth's previous works.
I really enjoyed Marie Booth's Santa Cruz Shifters series and had been looking forward to this spinoff series. Unfortunately this first book was pretty disappointing. Neither the MCs nor the storyline were very interesting to me. Asher and Ezra were okay but I never felt any real connection between them and the story both didn't connect enough to the previous series and also felt too reliant on it's storylines. Not a fan of this book but will continue with the series to see how it goes as I have enjoyed Booth's previous works.
December 18, 2022
I didn't know when I started this book there was another series connected to this. I think that explains the lack of all the background info. There is some but why the world was as it was is only vaguely alluded too. This left me with some confusion about the world. Still I found for the most part the story was enjoyable. There was a lot going on. I thought the characters interesting and colorful. The side characters were well written as well. Is the book perfect no, but since I like listening something was done right.
January 11, 2023
3.5*
I had to start and drop it several times before the plot picked up speed and I could power through the first couple of chapters.
Ones I have figured out who the good/bad guys are, it became interesting. I have some vague recollection that I read Santa Cruz Shifters a long time ago (not even sure if all books in the series or the first one only) so I'll need to re/read Santa Cruz Shifters to catch up who is who.
By the end, this book become really interesting which prompted me to go for book 2.
I had to start and drop it several times before the plot picked up speed and I could power through the first couple of chapters.
Ones I have figured out who the good/bad guys are, it became interesting. I have some vague recollection that I read Santa Cruz Shifters a long time ago (not even sure if all books in the series or the first one only) so I'll need to re/read Santa Cruz Shifters to catch up who is who.
By the end, this book become really interesting which prompted me to go for book 2.
March 24, 2021
Banished by Blood is the first book in the Santa Cruz Vampires series and follows Ezra and Asher as well as their nest of vampires. This series has a very interesting take on vampires and them being former angels adds a unique spin to the books. It was a very interesting read and has great world-building. Can't wait for the next book.
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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