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Protector

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REVISED JUNE 2019

Carys Taylor has her life perfectly under control until an ill-fated trip to the South American jungle changes her into a supernatural being. Now she's sprouting claws and stronger and faster than any human in existence. She’s overwhelmed by her new abilities until she meets Sarah, a witch who introduces her to a group of do-gooders trying to save the world from the paranormal threats it doesn’t know exists.

William spots Carys in a nightclub and is immediately drawn to her beauty and the exotic scent he can’t figure out. Too bad she’s chummy with his mortal enemies—but Carys doesn’t seem to care. She’s the first human in over a hundred years that hasn’t judged him for being a vampire and he falls for her strength, kindness, and sense of humor, but is frustrated when she keeps sticking him in the friend zone despite their obvious chemistry. Why is she so hesitant to get into a relationship?

Between dodging a bounty hunter, saving the tribe that created her, dealing with a persistent vampire determined to go from friends to lovers, and meeting her future child, Carys’ first year as a Protector is full of challenges. What does a girl have to do to get a little peace?

This story is intended for readers 18 and over due to adult situations.

385 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2016

9 people are currently reading
240 people want to read

About the author

Vivian Lane

35 books112 followers
Writer of supernatural badasses.

A proud geek *cough*nerd*cough* who likes fashion, interior design, and sports, Vivian Lane is the author of the Children of Ossiria and Strange Allies series. She lives in California.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,133 followers
January 11, 2019
Carys is your typical twenty-something, that is until she goes on a trip to South America with an old professor to study tribal music. Little did she know what would happen next. After a trippy night where the ancient tribe performed a ritual, Carys wakes up to find out she’s the chosen Protector of the tribe and the embodiment of the tribe’s goddess. She’s in a state of shock, especially when she starts growing claws and snapping off bad guys’ (read vampire and other creatures of the night) heads without much effort.



Carys is in need of help and guidance so she confides in her friend, Sarah, who turns out to be a witch. Sarah, in turn, introduces Carys to a group of people with knowledge of the supernatural. Carys has got her very own Scooby Gang including an elusive yet mysterious vampire named William.



Everyone helps Carys train for when the tribe calls her back to protect them from an unknown evil. The more she trains, the more confident she is about her abilities. When the time comes, she’ll have to face the big bad alone. Can she defeat the evil forces bent on her destruction or will she die trying?



I loved this book and read it in one sitting. I couldn’t stop reading it and the characters became a part of me. I loved Carys as a character because she was real, with insecurities like me, yet in the end kicked demon ass. I loved the characters of her Scooby Gang, especially Sarah and William. Each character had a backstory and their humanness only adds to their charm.



While the plot was a little predictable, the witty banter and intelligent dialogue made up for it. I was glued to my e-reader and I can’t wait to read more.



Favorite Character:



Carys. She’s a strong female who was chosen without her permission and must come to grips with some pretty deep stuff in a short amount of time. Sure, she has insecurities but her friends help her (especially William). At the end of the book, she realizes she kind of likes this new life and being a Protector definitely has perks. * grins *



Favorite Quote:



“I’m not a friend to vampires. They do very bad things. But I also believe the good guys should act better than the evil they fight against.” ~ Sarah



My Rating: 5+ stars



Reviewed by: Mrs. N



This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,133 followers
January 25, 2016
If I could summarize my feelings on this book down to four words, it would be:

I freaking LOVED this book!!!!

End of review. Kidding!

Please pardon me if I gush. I’m not sure if the author is a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan but this brand new series is intelligent, witty, full of action, mythology and a fair share of supernatural beings (witch, vampire, watcher, vampire slayer, etc.). Not to mention the uber-powerful panther, otherwise known as Carys.

Carys is your typical twenty-something, that is until she goes on a trip to South America with an old professor to study tribal music. Little did she know what would happen next. After a trippy night where the ancient tribe performed a ritual, Carys wakes up to find out she’s the chosen Protector of the tribe and the embodiment of the tribe’s goddess. She’s in a state of shock, especially when she starts growing claws and snapping off bad guys’ (read vampire and other creatures of the night) heads without much effort.

Carys is in need of help and guidance so she confides in her friend, Sarah, who turns out to be a witch. Sarah, in turn, introduces Carys to a group of people with knowledge of the supernatural. Carys has got her very own Scooby Gang (Buffy reference) including an elusive yet mysterious vampire named William.

Everyone helps Carys train for when the tribe calls her back to protect them from an unknown evil. The more she trains, the more confident she is about her abilities. When the time comes, she’ll have to face the big bad alone. Can she defeat the evil forces bent on destruction or will she die trying?

I loved this book and read it in one sitting. I couldn’t stop reading it and the characters became a part of me. I loved Carys as a character because she was real, with insecurities like me, yet in the end kicked demon ass. I loved the characters of her Scooby Gang, especially Sarah and William. Each character had a backstory and their humanness only adds to their charm.

While the plot was a little predictable, the witty banter and intelligent dialogue made up for it. I was glued to my e-reader and I can’t wait for book two to come out in February 2016!

If you’re a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you must read this book! You’ll be addicted to this new Urban Fantasy series by Vivian Lane.



Favorite Character:

Carys. She’s a strong female who was chosen without her permission and must come to grips with some pretty deep stuff in a short amount of time. Sure, she has insecurities but her friends help her (especially William). At the end of the book, she realizes she kind of likes this new life and being a Protector definitely has perks. * grins *



Favorite Quote:

“I’m not a friend to vampires. They do very bad things. But I also believe the good guys should act better than the evil they fight against.” ~ Sarah



My Rating: 5+ stars


This review first appeared on: https://princessofthelight.wordpress....
132 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2015
I received a free review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was impressed. Definitely a 5 star book. Carys is a women of many talents beginning with her voice. She comes from a rich family but you would never know it. She teaches classes and takes a trip with a professor to the jungle to check out their music. Only to find out that she is part of a legend. She gains powers and has to fight demons. William is a vampire that has been cursed and is unable to attack humans any longer. They become friends and maybe a bit more down the road.

Carys is called to fight but William has to stay home. In the beginning it's a great story and Christmas story. It is a story about how we should all act and be with our friends and family. Carys was awesome as a hostess and friend. You will enjoy a more true to life story of a girl that has had some bad in her life but put in the background where it belongs. Great story, definitely a 5 star read. The author did a great job putting it all together, even the vampires and demons. Not action packed but you will enjoy it anyway. Love it.
Profile Image for Lisa.
902 reviews12 followers
January 1, 2016
**I received an ARC from author/publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Oh my gosh! If you haven't read this, I highly suggest it. Words just don't do it justice. You know how you have those very memorable books that you always compare every book afterwards to? And you always think there will never be another like it. It just soothes a part of your soul as you are reading it. This book is like that. I can't think of a good example. It just has the most fun loving bunch of characters in it. They were very well developed. I loved all of them. And my favorite part was how the heroine came about getting her powers. I just can't wait to see where this series leads. It is an amazing world. There's all kinds of supernatural creatures in it. I just want to tell all I'm so excited about it but I guess I shouldn't spoil it.
Profile Image for Mary Brannian.
1,068 reviews19 followers
July 28, 2019
Danger and Desire...

“Yes,” she said to him before he could even ask. Even she could hear the joy in the word. “Yes to you. Yes to everything.” - Jessica's last words

A prophecy foretold. A prophecy fulfilled. Carys was invited to go on a trip of a lifetime, one that would change her world... In more ways than one....

Attending the trip to catalog the native music of an obscure South American tribe, as a music therapist, Carys was delighted to be invited. The intense stares and sidelong glances should have been an indication that not all was as it seemed...

"He spoke of a prophecy. A pale woman with blue eyes would come to them and be the Chosen vessel for the essence of the Cat. She would be infused with this essence through the ritual, and become the patron Protector of their people. " - Carys

Carys returns to her life in Southern California, hoping, praying it was all a hallucination; that she had been drugged, or something. An incident with a would be mugged quickly eliminated that thought... That hope... She had become a monster...

"Try to make a deal with the local vampire clan in charge and get betrayed for your trouble. Turned over to mortal enemies. Dusting him would’ve been kind. Fair. These wankers took a different route and hobbled him. Might as well have been neutered! Me, William bloody Fontaine, the Butcher of Ai. One of the most powerful vampires in the whole world. Couldn’t go back to England. Not like this. He’d stand in the sun before letting his allies see what he’d become. Feeding on animals. Disgusting!" - William Fontaine, vampire

William Fontaine, vampire, has been cursed. Betrayed by his brethren, William is forced to subsist on animal blood, as he is unable to even THINK of feeding from humans. If he even thinks to feed from a human, he sickens at the thought. Desperate to find a way to break the curse, William finds himself distracted by petite and curvaceous beauty....

"William would never have guessed she knew such heartache. Never saw a hint of those darker things. Every time he peeled away a layer, it revealed so much more to explore. Never known anyone like her." - William

The more time William spends in Carys's company, the more he is drawn to her. Her courage, her kindness, her ferocity all cause conflicting emotions within him. Spending time with Carys reinforces his feeling of loneliness and isolation.

Several months pass, then Carys receives a summons. The elders need her; the village is in danger. The demons will be attacking.... After traveling back to the village, Carys meets with the elders and discusses their next moves...

After the battle, Carys returns home. But all isn't as it appears, as evil lurks in the dark, and another malevolent threat is winding ever closer....
Profile Image for Billie.
5,783 reviews72 followers
July 5, 2019
This is a slow-burn romance between a shapeshifter and a vampire.
Carys Taylor has her life perfectly under control until an ill-fated trip to the South American jungle changes her into a supernatural being. Now she's sprouting claws and stronger and faster than any human in existence. She’s overwhelmed by her new abilities until she meets Sarah, a witch who introduces her to a group of do-gooders trying to save the world from the paranormal threats it doesn’t know exists.
William spots Carys in a nightclub and is immediately drawn to her beauty and the exotic scent he can’t figure out. Too bad she’s chummy with his mortal enemies—but Carys doesn’t seem to care. She’s the first human in over a hundred years that hasn’t judged him for being a vampire and he falls for her strength, kindness, and sense of humor, but is frustrated when she keeps sticking him in the friend zone despite their obvious chemistry. Why is she so hesitant to get into a relationship?
Between dodging a bounty hunter, saving the tribe that created her, dealing with a persistent vampire determined to go from friends to lovers, and meeting her future child, Carys’ first year as a Protector is full of challenges. What does a girl have to do to get a little peace?
This story is intended for readers 18 and over.

I love this series and this is the 2nd intallment.
Wow it's just getting better.
I love the world building going.
I adore the characters that have been created and it's nice to see them developing more.
I love the plot and story line going on with the paranormal.
I can't wait to read more.
Recommend reading.

I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews361 followers
July 21, 2019
Asked by her professor to come along with him to study an obscure tribe’s native music and catalog their songs, Carys Taylor went to a South American jungle on a trip that would change her life. The villagers were welcoming, but she noticed the continual stares at her when they thought she wasn’t aware. They were invited to observe an ancient ritual performed only once every hundred years! Amid the elders strange chanting, an odd smoke rose from the fire and seemed to seek out something as it moved toward Carys. The smoke entered her nose and she passed out. Apparently a prophecy said a white woman with blue eyes would be the chosen vessel for the essence of the Cat and become their Protector. They told her instinct would guide her as all of her senses were enhanced! She would know what to do when the time arrived. She loved the amazing eyesight, but the enhanced hearing and smell were not appreciated in noisy, pollution-filled Southern California. When a mugger attacked her, her fingers sprouted claws and she knocked him out and called the police. What had they done to her in that village?

I really enjoyed the book. It wasn’t fast-paced or action-packed, but it was well written and fun to read as the reader shared Carys’ experience in getting used to her new powers. She meets William, a vampire, who would like to get to know her better. And she comes across other supernaturals she hadn’t thought about before! Will she practice her new skills to prepare for the protection of the villagers? Will she be ready to take on the worst evil she has ever encountered? Grab your copy and enjoy an interesting adventure with the newest cat-shifter in town!
Profile Image for Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat.
1,230 reviews10 followers
July 16, 2019
After reading Children of Ossiria Outcast, I was left with several questions. That meant that I wanted to read a sequel and I am glad I got that chance. In this part you will find many characters from part 1 and it is nice to see how they develop.
The story revolves around Carys and William, a panther shifter and a vampire. Carys is selected by a native tribe as their new protector against evil. Without being aware of it, she is transformed into a panther shifter and tries to get a grip on her new paranormal powers. She meets Sarah, a witch from part 1, and introduces her to a group of people who help her discover and control her powers. Then she also meets William, a vampire that we also encountered in part 1.

The story has a too slow structure for me, but the story itself is well written and therefore pleasant to read. Many detailed descriptions of where the characters are located but in my eyes not always necessary for the story. Where there are still plenty of steaming love scenes in part 1, this cannot be found in this part. The chemistry is there between Carys and William but due to uncertainties of Carys it doesn't get any further ....... too bad, it had given something extra to the story for me. All in all a good continuation of this series and I am still curious about any follow-up books.

I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
August 17, 2019
Magic. A land, Ossiria, that exists in an alternate dimension but impacts our own. Paladins, demons, witches, shifters and vampires. I’m so there. Also, superb addiction - as evidenced by my massive binge read through the prequel and first three books of Vivian Lane’s The First Vampires, namely Outcast, Protector & Goddess (Children of Ossiria, Book 0.5. 1, 2 & 3). I love the characters here, from Mike and his daughter Hope in book 1 (plus Hope’s former baby-mom Bathany, new interest Corinne, and future baby mom Catherine: its exhausting just listing then but it all works in the book), to Carys the Protecter in training and William the cursed vampire (who we met previously) and other great supporting characters (hello, Sarah). Really fun stuff. All extremely well done. Frankly, but for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed, and the fact that the publisher’s blurbs on these books are excellent, I could go on and on with praises. Each of these books definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that each book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next books in this series.
2,259 reviews6 followers
July 28, 2019
This book was much better than the first book, Outcast. The first book, Outcast, didn't flow well. This book was a great read. We meet all of the characters from Outcast, and some new ones. William, who had a short spot in Outcast, is now a vampire with a curse. He can't hurt humans and he can't drink human blood. He even helps the paladin hunt the demons and vampires. Carys grew up well-to-do, has inherited money so doesn't have to work, but takes musical jobs that take her all over the world. On one of these jobs she is altered by a native tribe. She is now a panther shifter with awesome abilites. She has to learn how to use her new special skills, to not only be the protector of the tribe, but help the paladin hunt demons and vampires. This book gives you more insight into the characters from the previous book, along with the progression of Carys' and William's romance. I felt sorry for William's predicament, but he is so sweet and almost human in how he relates to everyone. There was foreshadowing of events to come, so I can't wait to see what happens next with these characters.
Profile Image for Donna.
715 reviews
July 29, 2019
Protector is Book 2 in the Children of Ossiria series. It is well written with interesting well-developed characters. Carys (our heroine) takes a trip with her professor to record the songs and rituals of an Amazon tribe. During the rituals a smoke from the fire enters Carys and she is changed forever. The tribe's chief tells her she is now their protector and she will know what to do when the time comes. Carys returns home and she begins to experience physical changes. Not knowing what to do she seeks help from her friend Sarah who is a witch. Thru Sarah, Carys is introduced to a group who have knowledge of the supernatural. One of this group is William, an elusive vampire. With the help of William and the other members of this group, Carys is training to be a Protector. Will Carys have the ability to defeat the evil when she receives the call from the tribe for protection? I loved this book. It is a fast-paced page-turning adventure that I had a hard time putting down. It has a little action, suspense, and romance (between Carys and William). Received a copy from Booksprout and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for TXBRITGAL.
1,432 reviews33 followers
July 16, 2019
I LOVED this book! It was just as exciting as book one, and I enjoyed catching up with a few characters from book one along the way. This book centers around Carys. A young lady we first meet on a trip to a small island somewhere with her professor to record a tribal ceremony. The LAST thing she expected while filming was a cloud of strange smoke from the bonfire to come toward her and somehow go into her. The next thing she knew she awakened to the tribes chief telling her she was now their Protector and all would reveal itself. She left the island with a bracelet from the tribe and went home. Shortly thereafter she began noticing changes. Suddenly able to see without her glasses up to a mile away, faster than usual, and claws appearing from her fingers when startled? What the bleep was going on? Luckily she meets a group of friends thanks to one of her students... Through these friends she learns she's not as alone as she thinks in this strange new world of hers! All kinds of crazy events happen that leave you wanting more, including a quick visit from her teenage daughter from the FUTURE?!? Trust me this one exciting and unique series! Can't wait to read more of this series!
1,898 reviews13 followers
July 26, 2019
A ritual changed her and opened a new life full of dangerous creatures, Paladins and magic. Destined to protect her new tribe, face evil and enjoy her new powers Carys also had a chance at love and passion. Not as she had expected but still it seemed true love. Loved William character. After his brief appearance in Outcast I would not have imagine this version of him. The descriptions and narrations in the book were detailed and allowed us to learn more about William. Besides the making of the Protector, the legend and the evil threats, the plot revolves around the relationship between the Protector and the vampire, their fears and their desires. Lot of things were in effect in the story. A curse, something mysterious in need of protection, an evil force lurking in the dark and a spell. There was some action and suspense, romance, magic and intriguing surprises. An interesting and entertaining story that I enjoyed.
4,481 reviews21 followers
July 27, 2019
I liked this story about Carys and William. It had a bit of action and supernatural twist to it but at its core it was about friends and family. It was fun to read as Carys makes friends with the main characters from the Outcast. I loved seeing what they were up to. I loved how Carys and William's view points were easily woven together to make the story flow well. Just a nice story that kept me glued just to see what would happen next and when would Carys end up back in the Amazon jungle. Loved watching her come into herself even more. Quite a few spots made me laugh out loud too. Plus add in the nightly evil bad guy hunting and I just blinked and a few hours had passed by. Read more like an epic story spanning time then an action packed story but that was what ended up drawing into the story.
Profile Image for Carlynne Toomey.
462 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2019
For me, this book wasn't as engaging and enthralling as the first in the series, Outcast. However, with that being said, I did enjoy the story. The characters are both flawed and real and Ms. Lane is able to bring them to life in such a way that you care about them and what happens to and with them. The world-building is creative and enjoyable. I definitely recommend this and can't wait to read book 3.

I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
315 reviews
August 13, 2019
Really Enjoyed It!

This is a great series! It's not my usual type of story but i haven't been disappointed with any of the books so far. Poor Carys went on a research trip to South Africa and came home me to a whole new world. The tribe she visited perform her an ancient ritual that made her their protector. She woke up with heightened senses and a lot more. After returning home she befriends Sarah and her group off supernatural friends who all help Carys learn how to use her new strengths. She ends up fighting demons and vampires....except for one that is. This story was full of fun and excitement!
Profile Image for Alicia.
182 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2019
Have you ever finished a book and then yelled because it was over and you weren’t ready to say goodbye to these characters yet? I literally did that this time. This book was a slow tease compared to the fast pace of book#1 but just as interesting and compelling. I’m dying to know more!!!

I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am leaving a voluntary review.
115 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2019
Great read.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is great.the mix between the supernatural and a romance works very nicely. Liked when Carys the main character was off on her solo task and but felt that there was the possibility for that to be expanded on in the future. Once or twice there seemed a slight confusion of perspective when changing characters but a that does not detract from an enjoyable read
Profile Image for Kimberly Butler.
43 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2019
After reading the first book I couldn't wait to get this book in my hands. It keeps giving to you. This is a great story line and once again I cannot wait to read the next one in the series. I cannot wait to see what happens to the characters in the books to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,416 reviews
July 23, 2019
Really good book. The story and characters are well written. The author is a wonderful writer. Highly recommend reading. I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,913 reviews116 followers
August 11, 2019
This is a fantastic slow-burn romance between a shapeshifter and a vampire and a prophecy foretold! Fast paced, this well written adventure has some action, suspense and romance with great developed characters and I just could not put this down!
Profile Image for Brandy Dalton.
55 reviews25 followers
November 5, 2019
This was a fun paranormal romantic comedy. You can relate to the unknown and difficult changes the main character turned shape-shifter goes through along with the hilarious and somewhat awkward moments of a new romance you didn't know you wanted
2,812 reviews13 followers
June 19, 2019
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.
12.7k reviews189 followers
July 2, 2019
An amazing continuation of this fabulous series. I couldn’t stop reading until I came to the end. I’m definitely ready for more by this talented writer.
Profile Image for Teri Ruscak.
2,124 reviews17 followers
July 14, 2019
No spoilers.
WOW! Even better than the first book!
I requested a free review copy of this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pat .
4,151 reviews20 followers
July 26, 2019
Wow what a read. This book has it all, gripping and thrilling throughout. The storyline was superb and very well written. It’s a must read, I received a free copy and this is my honest review
22 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2019
Interesting way of introducing her shapeshifting abilities, I like the romance between her and William. I can't wait to read The others in the series. You are a great author, keep up the great work.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
July 28, 2019
Protector (Children of Ossiria #2) (2019 Revision) by Vivian Lane is an amazing story that I was able to read. This is book number two in this amazing series that I can not get enough of . I can not wait to read the next book in this series cause I love reading about vampires and shifters in my stories, I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about vampires, shifters, fantasy and paranormal romances in their stories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Diana Rising.
455 reviews23 followers
March 22, 2016
This was an account of the life of a young woman who becomes the protector for a hidden tribe in South America. Becoming a protector includes strength and fighting ability and fighting demons and vampires. There are also witches who can really do spells and paladins, who have special abilities to fight demons. There is a good amount of magic going on, but also a story that includes a lot of day to day life. I enjoyed the story and liked the characters very much. The romance was slow to develop, but warm. There are no love-making scenes. At times, the story was a bit slow.
I guess Ossiria is an alternate reality, but that never gets mentioned in the story. Obviously, it isn't normal earth with all of the strange goings-on.
22 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2016
I received this book from librarything for an honest review.
I will confess I almost stopped reading this book because I was a little overwhelmed by the first couple chapters and how quickly many aspects of the story were introduced in a short amount of time. I am glad I persevered though because once I got past that beginning point it was a good paced novel that had a very nicely timed and crafted cliffhanger to take you into the next book. I am also a sucker for slow build romance in a story as it is a refreshing change from the “soulmate stories” that I see so often now. Overall a great read once you get past the very quick beginning and one I would definitely recommend to others.
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