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Arbiters of Shadow #1
Marked For Death
Demon hunter Riley Collins has discovered a dark secret... and she'll have to give up everything to bring it to light.
Riley Collins swore an oath to the Arbiters of Shadow to carry on her family’s legacy of hunting demons. After a hellhound attack in Omaha ends in disaster, the Arbiters assign her a new partner: Jacob Thorne, the arrogant son of one of the highest ranking members of the Council.
Their first assignment together leads them to a demonic ritual that gives Riley and Jacob more questions than the Arbiters are willing to answer. By defying Marcus Thorne and the rest of the Council in her search for the truth, Riley uncovers a conspiracy that runs deep within the demon hunting organization.
Caught between her desire to do the right thing and her duty to the Arbiters, Riley has to make an impossible choice. Will she resign herself to a dark truth within the organization she’s pledged her life to, or will she become an Oathbreaker and spend the rest of her life running from death?
Fans of Supernatural, Jim Butcher, and Ilona Andrews will love the dark twists and turns of MARKED FOR DEATH, book one of the ARBITERS OF SHADOW urban fantasy series by USA Today bestselling author Becca Blake.
Riley Collins swore an oath to the Arbiters of Shadow to carry on her family’s legacy of hunting demons. After a hellhound attack in Omaha ends in disaster, the Arbiters assign her a new partner: Jacob Thorne, the arrogant son of one of the highest ranking members of the Council.
Their first assignment together leads them to a demonic ritual that gives Riley and Jacob more questions than the Arbiters are willing to answer. By defying Marcus Thorne and the rest of the Council in her search for the truth, Riley uncovers a conspiracy that runs deep within the demon hunting organization.
Caught between her desire to do the right thing and her duty to the Arbiters, Riley has to make an impossible choice. Will she resign herself to a dark truth within the organization she’s pledged her life to, or will she become an Oathbreaker and spend the rest of her life running from death?
Fans of Supernatural, Jim Butcher, and Ilona Andrews will love the dark twists and turns of MARKED FOR DEATH, book one of the ARBITERS OF SHADOW urban fantasy series by USA Today bestselling author Becca Blake.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2021
41 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 14, 2021
Riley Collins is just your everyday Arbiter of Shadows, working with her partner Ayla, killing demons, protecting humans who didn’t know either existed. That is until Ayla is killed by one. After her enforced time off, Riley is ready to go back out in the field. She needs a new partner though, and after stepping in where she wasn’t supposed to, she’s assigned the son of a Councilmember. After their first assignment doesn’t go as planned, Riley finds out that her father and his team was killed while on assignment. But something doesn’t seem right.
When she finds a note in one of his books, she goes to his best friend, Orion, but he doesn’t give her much to go on, other than the author of the note is an oathbreaker, which she already knew, having already run into him. An oathbreaker is someone who walked away from the Arbiter of Shadows. He’s using “dark magic” now and the Council wants him dead. But the Council isn’t what it’s pretends to be, they’re covering up a huge secret, one that Riley discovers with the help of others. With the Council now after her, will she survive to be able to tell the rest of Haygrove what the Council is really up to or will she be silenced?
This is the first book in the Arbiters of Shadow series, and I truly can’t wait for more. The story isn’t like anything I’ve read before, we’ve got a strong heroine who wields magic like she was born to it, demons, hellhounds, different planes, and more than one storyline going on. We’ve also got the almost romantic twist between Riley and Jacob. The story pulls you in and the writing and characters keep you intrigued until you’re surprised you’ve reached the end. I read this in one day, only stopping when I was forced to leave my house and told to leave my kindle at home.
**I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.
When she finds a note in one of his books, she goes to his best friend, Orion, but he doesn’t give her much to go on, other than the author of the note is an oathbreaker, which she already knew, having already run into him. An oathbreaker is someone who walked away from the Arbiter of Shadows. He’s using “dark magic” now and the Council wants him dead. But the Council isn’t what it’s pretends to be, they’re covering up a huge secret, one that Riley discovers with the help of others. With the Council now after her, will she survive to be able to tell the rest of Haygrove what the Council is really up to or will she be silenced?
This is the first book in the Arbiters of Shadow series, and I truly can’t wait for more. The story isn’t like anything I’ve read before, we’ve got a strong heroine who wields magic like she was born to it, demons, hellhounds, different planes, and more than one storyline going on. We’ve also got the almost romantic twist between Riley and Jacob. The story pulls you in and the writing and characters keep you intrigued until you’re surprised you’ve reached the end. I read this in one day, only stopping when I was forced to leave my house and told to leave my kindle at home.
**I received an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 10, 2021
Demon hunting has been in Riley Collins family for a very long time. Riley has sworn an oath to the Arbiters of Shadow to carry on this family legacy. Riley is sent on a mission that ends with her and her partner fighting hellhounds which turn disastrous for her partner.
Riley is then assigned a new partner, Jacob Thorne. Jacob and Riley’s first assignment together leads them to a demonic ritual. On their assignment, they learn that something is not quite right with the council. Riley defies the council in order to find the truth. Riley has been taught all her life to follow the rules but what are you supposed to do when your bosses are breaking those rules?
Marked For Death is filled with action that keeps the pages turning. Once Marked For Death grabs your attention then you are in for the long haul. Marked For Death is filled with demon hunting and fighting from the very beginning and never lets up.
Jacob and Riley are great characters that pull you into their world with their amazing demon fighting skills. When reading Marked For Death it feels as if you are right there with Riley and Jacob fighting hellhounds. You can see the world created for Marked For Death in your head as it plays out. The descriptions are that vivid.
I would recommend Marked For Death for all fans of hellhounds, demons, and demon fighting. One-click your copy of Marked For Death today to step into Riley and Jacob’s world as they fight these demon hellhounds.
Riley is then assigned a new partner, Jacob Thorne. Jacob and Riley’s first assignment together leads them to a demonic ritual. On their assignment, they learn that something is not quite right with the council. Riley defies the council in order to find the truth. Riley has been taught all her life to follow the rules but what are you supposed to do when your bosses are breaking those rules?
Marked For Death is filled with action that keeps the pages turning. Once Marked For Death grabs your attention then you are in for the long haul. Marked For Death is filled with demon hunting and fighting from the very beginning and never lets up.
Jacob and Riley are great characters that pull you into their world with their amazing demon fighting skills. When reading Marked For Death it feels as if you are right there with Riley and Jacob fighting hellhounds. You can see the world created for Marked For Death in your head as it plays out. The descriptions are that vivid.
I would recommend Marked For Death for all fans of hellhounds, demons, and demon fighting. One-click your copy of Marked For Death today to step into Riley and Jacob’s world as they fight these demon hellhounds.
March 6, 2021
“Marked For Death” marks the start of Becca Blake’s new urban fantasy series “Arbiters of Shadow”, starring Riley Collins a demon hunter working for the Arbiters of Shadow, the organization tasked with policing the supernatural world.
Demon hunting is Riley heritage, her family has been sworn to the Arbiters for generations, which makes Riley situation even tougher as she is forced to choose between her loyalty to the organization and bringing to light the conspiracy within.
Living with the secret seems unattainable considering Riley’s attachment to the truth, but exposing the secrets equals being deemed an Oathbreaker, sentenced to death, and living of the run for the rest of her life.
This is a captivating series, that evolves organically from a rather slow start, which Blake’s utilizes to introduce the world and the main characters (Riley and her partner Jacob) and gradually increases the pace into an action-packed, twisted filled story that engages the reader in the plot. Riley and Jacob have a wonderful chemistry; Jacob (being the son of Marcus Thorne, a powerful member of the council) is a complex character, that evolves from being an obnoxious, almost insufferable guy to the perfect partner at Riley’s side. Original, good, solid urban fantasy, already waiting for the next installment in the series 😊
Demon hunting is Riley heritage, her family has been sworn to the Arbiters for generations, which makes Riley situation even tougher as she is forced to choose between her loyalty to the organization and bringing to light the conspiracy within.
Living with the secret seems unattainable considering Riley’s attachment to the truth, but exposing the secrets equals being deemed an Oathbreaker, sentenced to death, and living of the run for the rest of her life.
This is a captivating series, that evolves organically from a rather slow start, which Blake’s utilizes to introduce the world and the main characters (Riley and her partner Jacob) and gradually increases the pace into an action-packed, twisted filled story that engages the reader in the plot. Riley and Jacob have a wonderful chemistry; Jacob (being the son of Marcus Thorne, a powerful member of the council) is a complex character, that evolves from being an obnoxious, almost insufferable guy to the perfect partner at Riley’s side. Original, good, solid urban fantasy, already waiting for the next installment in the series 😊
March 20, 2021
Riley has spent her whole life battling the demons that most humans do not even know exist. But when her partner doesn't make it home on their last mission, Riley is left with the aftermath that she is not sure how to overcome. When the next group of recruits attempt to pass thier certifications, Riley can't stand by and watch a newbie die as well, causing her to get a new partner agianst her will. Can Riley and her partner learn to work together in time to stop the devious plans already in motion?
I enjoyed how fast paced this story was, keeping the plot moving forward with tons of action and surprises. Marked For Death is a wholely unique urban fantasy series start that I kept being surprised by, be it the world building or the character developments. Also keep in mind that the ending is not the end so do not expect any real answers since the battle is just getting started- and it appears to be a doozy. Riley has a war on her hands and this book drew the line at where everyone stands- but I will admit that I am hopeful that a certain betrayer is not as guilty as he or she may appear (which was surprisng and heartbreaking in this book). If you are interested in romance, this is probably not the right place for you. But if you want action, battles, magic, hard choices and heartbreak then I have found your next read!
I enjoyed how fast paced this story was, keeping the plot moving forward with tons of action and surprises. Marked For Death is a wholely unique urban fantasy series start that I kept being surprised by, be it the world building or the character developments. Also keep in mind that the ending is not the end so do not expect any real answers since the battle is just getting started- and it appears to be a doozy. Riley has a war on her hands and this book drew the line at where everyone stands- but I will admit that I am hopeful that a certain betrayer is not as guilty as he or she may appear (which was surprisng and heartbreaking in this book). If you are interested in romance, this is probably not the right place for you. But if you want action, battles, magic, hard choices and heartbreak then I have found your next read!
April 21, 2021
I like fantasy with continuous action and twists, Marked for Death doesn’t disappoint. Riley is a hunter with the Arbiters of Shadows, who take out hellhounds, demons,and Orthbreakers for the council. She believes something isn’t right and starts to question who to trust especially when she gets a new partner.
I can’t say I have a favorite character, but enjoyed them in the story. Riley had integrity and wanted to do what’s right, but for her to be a hunter I couldn’t get why she kept getting injured and beat. I was looking at her as a kickass hunter that could take out anyone. It did make the story interesting and the fight scenes suspenseful.
I wanted to learn more about Marcus. I hope to learn more about him in the next book. I also want to know why Jacob did what he did to Riley and if the situation will change. I liked them as partners. The mystery behind her parents death was touched on in this book, but I wonder if she’ll find more in the next book.
Overall, the characters kept me interested and the plot moved with twists and turns I didn’t suspect, which made me like the book even more. This being the first book I’ve read by this author has convinced me to continue this series and to read some of her other work.
I can’t say I have a favorite character, but enjoyed them in the story. Riley had integrity and wanted to do what’s right, but for her to be a hunter I couldn’t get why she kept getting injured and beat. I was looking at her as a kickass hunter that could take out anyone. It did make the story interesting and the fight scenes suspenseful.
I wanted to learn more about Marcus. I hope to learn more about him in the next book. I also want to know why Jacob did what he did to Riley and if the situation will change. I liked them as partners. The mystery behind her parents death was touched on in this book, but I wonder if she’ll find more in the next book.
Overall, the characters kept me interested and the plot moved with twists and turns I didn’t suspect, which made me like the book even more. This being the first book I’ve read by this author has convinced me to continue this series and to read some of her other work.
March 17, 2021
Marked for Death is a heart-pounding paranormal suspense story that you will not want to put down. The characters are engaging and have you rooting for them page after page. The women are strong and resilient. They fight hard for their beliefs and those that they love. The men are fierce and fight for their beliefs, principles, and those they love.
The story has a different take on magic. They see it as a black and white force until former Arbiter, Ayla, dares to challenge their views. Riley and Orion are Arbiters, sworn to protect humanity from demons. The supernatural beings are under the protection or is that control of the Council of Shadows. Riley finds out through personal losses and sacrifices that the group she has sworn an oath to are not whom they say they are. With many twists, betrayals, paranormal action, secrets, mysteries, tons of drama, this is a very engaging story. I am anxious to read the next book in the series as the battle against the demon lords has only just begun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story has a different take on magic. They see it as a black and white force until former Arbiter, Ayla, dares to challenge their views. Riley and Orion are Arbiters, sworn to protect humanity from demons. The supernatural beings are under the protection or is that control of the Council of Shadows. Riley finds out through personal losses and sacrifices that the group she has sworn an oath to are not whom they say they are. With many twists, betrayals, paranormal action, secrets, mysteries, tons of drama, this is a very engaging story. I am anxious to read the next book in the series as the battle against the demon lords has only just begun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2021
This book was exciting, full of intrigue and betrayal.
Riley Collins is a Arbiter of the Shadows. She hunts demons along side her partner Ayla. One night they confront a demon with a hellhound. Riley goes after the demon and Ayla battles the hellhound. Riley looses the demon and goes back to find her partner dead. She is devastated. She goes into routine leave and Orion her CO and second father to her comes over and takes her to the new recruit trials. First up is Jacob Thorne, son of council member Marcus Thorne. She, her father Owen and Orion are astonished when they let loose a hellhound for his trial. Things go south for Jacob and Riley saves his life but the council is angry at her. They decide that Jacob will be her new partner. Then it's hold onto your seats because the rollercoaster ride is just beginning.
Great characters and storyline and I can't wait for more from this series.
Riley Collins is a Arbiter of the Shadows. She hunts demons along side her partner Ayla. One night they confront a demon with a hellhound. Riley goes after the demon and Ayla battles the hellhound. Riley looses the demon and goes back to find her partner dead. She is devastated. She goes into routine leave and Orion her CO and second father to her comes over and takes her to the new recruit trials. First up is Jacob Thorne, son of council member Marcus Thorne. She, her father Owen and Orion are astonished when they let loose a hellhound for his trial. Things go south for Jacob and Riley saves his life but the council is angry at her. They decide that Jacob will be her new partner. Then it's hold onto your seats because the rollercoaster ride is just beginning.
Great characters and storyline and I can't wait for more from this series.
March 2, 2021
This book starts off fairly slowly, however it builds into an excting and twisted plot that will entertain any fantasy/paranormal fan. Well written with good world building and well developed characters that are easy to relate to (or in some cases dislike). The plot revolves around demon hunters and the world they have been trained to maintain, however not all is as it would seem, who can our heroine trust and who is out for her downfall? Riley is the decendant of demon hunters and things have always been done in a certain way, when tragedy comes to her door Riley discovers things that make her doubt everythiing she has known but how can she find the truth when she is uncertain of who has her back?
An entertaining start to this series and I look forward to reading more.
I kindly received an ARC of this book and all opinions and views are my own.
An entertaining start to this series and I look forward to reading more.
I kindly received an ARC of this book and all opinions and views are my own.
March 11, 2021
Riley is a demon hunter, descended from a proud family of demon hunters. The loss of her partner Ayla in battle and acquisition of her new partner Jacob only puts her on a path where she she discovers that not everything is as it seems. This story combines bloodshed, betrayal and the beauty of the bonds of family and true friendship. This is a well plotted series and Riley and her uncle Orion are great characters. I would have liked to have seen more development of Jacob's character and I think that her father Owen's character/role could also have been better built up. Overall a great read and I look forward to more. 4.5/5 stars.
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.
March 18, 2021
As in many PNR humans are unaware of paranormal are real. The FMC is a sort of protector of the humans with her partner Ayla When she is killed Riley Is forced to take time out of work. You guessed it when she returns to work she has a new partner. As of dealing with the loss of her partner wasnt bad enough her own father and his team gets killed.
Black magic and you guessed it council members that dont have the best of intentions are involved. Its full of betrayal and twisted every turn that youll have to read because you wont want to miss it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Black magic and you guessed it council members that dont have the best of intentions are involved. Its full of betrayal and twisted every turn that youll have to read because you wont want to miss it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2021
Riley is a demon hunter her partner was killed by a Hellhound and now something is going on in the Arbiters of Shadow they are using Hellhounds against the new recruits for their evaluations and let’s just say that didn’t go down well but now Riley has more to be worried about but I will let you find that out for yourself. Amazing story there’s plenty of action, adventure, suspense, danger, magic, drama and so much more to keep you entertained and turning the pages, I loved this story and I can’t wait to read book 2 and highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
March 12, 2021
I am happy and count myself lucky that I received an ARC for Blake's debut venture into Urban Fantasy. "Marked for Death" is just as strong, exciting, and entertaining as her Reign of Blood stories. With solid character development, non-stop action, and perfect pacing, Blake hits a homerun with the first book in her newest series. Fans of CW's "Supernatural" will greatly enjoy this story; a marker for more exciting magic to come as this series advances.
December 6, 2021
I found this book on a sidewalk, laying on the pavement next to a bin of free books. Brought it home with me because the cover looked cool and next thing I know i'm thrust into the Arbiter world running alongside demons and new friends. The story line itself is fun to read, and the characters are well written, relatable, and kept me coming back. I throughly enjoyed my concrete find and if you're looking for a character driven supernatural-esque read, pick up this book!
March 11, 2021
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again PNR is and has always been my first love that goes without saying that as soon as I read the blurb I wanted in. Great characters. Awesome storyline. I’m really looking forward to more books by this author.
March 13, 2021
I enjoyed the action, the characters and the story as well. I found this to be an entertaining read that I totally enjoyed. This is a story that held my interest from page one to the end and I Loved It! I recommend!!!
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.
March 14, 2021
This is a very good start to a new series. The world-building is well done, the main characters are complex and likable/unlikable and tasked with a job that has underlying secrets. It is well-paced with action and adventure. I liked it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2021
A great start to a series that has a strong undertone of the paranormal with its demons and its demon hunters. There was plenty of action, secrets, intrigue, betrayal, mystery and fun. Loved the setup of the series and the characters. Just a book that drew me in and had me reading to the end to see what Riley would face and uncover. Loved it.
March 18, 2021
Riley is such an awesome heroine! She is strong, intelligent and kicks major butt! This story had so many twists and turns, so many things were not what they seemed to be. Definitely looking forward to the next book in the 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.
March 29, 2021
This book was amazing!! I was hooked from page 1. I can not wait to see what comes next for Riley in book 2! She is an amazing character! The storyline is well thought out and overall development is amazing. Entertaining and emotional, I really enjoyed this story!!
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.
October 23, 2021
Riley hunts demons for the Arbiters of Shadow like her parents before her. After she loses her partner and best friend a series of increasingly serious events occur and even more devastating secrets are revealed. Riley and her friends must make tough decisions about what to do with their new knowledge. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
August 23, 2022
Magic, demons and those trained to fight them make a good reading experience. Who are the real monsters, will evil win? There are so many twists to this story line, betrayal, secrets and discovering strength in people not expected. I really want to read more.
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.
March 13, 2021
This was a kickbutt adventure story lead by a kickbutt heroine. Truly enjoyed reading it in one sitting as it had an engaging plot, a captivating cast, and was just overall well written.
It definitely makes you crave more of this world and the characters that inhabitants it.
It definitely makes you crave more of this world and the characters that inhabitants it.
March 16, 2021
Such an exciting start to an action packed thriller with a strong female leading charge. The plot is enthralling and the characters are enticing and captivatingly real and attention grabbing.
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.
March 25, 2021
Becca Blake has such a great hit on her hands. Demon hunters (how cool) the characters are so believable and the story line is exceptional. I loved this book so much I stayed up all night to finish it
March 27, 2021
Action and suspense made this an exciting story. I was intrigued by the blurb but the story blew me away. Fast paced and incredibly entertaining, I found this story an enjoyable read and I cannot wait to read more.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
March 29, 2021
Book 1... The story had an interesting perspective on magic with a storyline that included action, suspense, mystery, intrigue and drama. The main characters were strong and brought depth to the story. Looking forward to the next book.
May 1, 2021
This is a fantastic start of series. Riley's growth through the story was realistic & relatable. The world the author created for the series is intriguing. I look forward to the next book in this series
March 18, 2021
this author come highly recommended because of other authors I follow. I can see why this book was amazing and I want more of this series.
March 19, 2021
Well done Becca
March 20, 2021
Demon fighting book that keeps you wanting for more!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews