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Castillian Blood #1

Escaping Demons

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One phone call landed me the perfect job. Too bad it didn’t come with life insurance.

I didn’t think this job would be anything special. Sure, the first phone call was weird, and yeah, maybe it wasn’t the smartest idea to come to someone’s house before I met them in person, but Dax seemed nice. All he wanted was a caretaker for his sick father.

Oh, and an exorcist for the spirits haunting his family’s estate. Now he’s left me alone with his father, and the ghosts know my name. Caring for an old man with dementia, I can do. Fighting evil spirits? That’s way above my pay grade.

But Dax has disappeared so I have to learn on my own or both Orlando and I might not live to see tomorrow...

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2019

70 people are currently reading
157 people want to read

About the author

Killian Wolf

22 books132 followers
Killian Wolf is a Miami, FL native who enjoys pirates, rum, and skulls as much as she loves writing about dark magick and sorcerers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology and Sociology and a Master of Science in Environmental Archaeology and Palaeoeconomy.

Killian writes books about obtaining magickal powers, and stepping into other dimensions. She lives in England with her husband, a tornado of a cat, and the most timid snake you'd ever meet.

When she isn't writing, you might find her at an Archaeological dig, rock climbing, or sipping on dark spiced rum while working on a painting.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Mairy.
133 reviews55 followers
July 23, 2020
3.4
Ain't bad not at all.
First things first my favorite scenes were at the doll room. The feeling there was thrillery , scary and gave me the chills even though I was reading it in the morning.
Maybe the author should consider writing more scary thrillery kinda stuff.
Em to the cons now.... Not fun of the cover, not fun of the title.
First chaps were a bit off and boring and didn't match the rest of the book.
Although at some parts the action was packed, the energy was high, and my heart was beating fast,those were the thrillery well wrietten parts and the demon hunting parts, the intensity of and my interest were skydiving in the rest of the book. I felt like there wasn't consistency.
I think also the author must keep an eye on how the change of scenes happens. Especially at the first chaps it's rough and I got a little bit confused here and there.
Ripper love story. Okey I am all done for that. The thing is because there were happening so much at the same time the love story kinda missed my heart. In my opinion it needed more time, more things on what the characters perspective was. Due to the plot focusing somewhere else the romance got lost . I think maybe it shouldn't be included in the first installment of the series.
The big revelation of the brother wasn't big, we all have figured it out and wasn't really touched by it. needed more build up and a couple of more pages to really reach its potential.
After the plot was mainly finished and the book was getting to its closing, too much happened and too fast. the reaper love thing, the brother reaper thing maybe shouldn't be in this book.
I feel as a reader that it would be more satisfying to go to what happens in the last pages rather include the reaper job etc.
Anyways, wasn't bad. It has potential just some technical stuff that it needs a little help.

This was my honest arc review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gmr.
1,254 reviews
September 14, 2020
It's creepy, spooky, spine tingling, mysterious, and all the other adjectives you can throw at a New Adult title that you just want to pick up and read from virtual cover to cover. You can't help but wonder why Addison would take a job under such strange circumstances and with so many hair raising moments to stop you cold...but later on, we discover a bit of the reasons why and they weren't really in her control. The sparks felt between her and Ambrose were certainly awkward to say the least, but that sorta goes with the whole "I'm-not-exactly-human" territory, right? The curious events that seem to plague our girl from day one on the job are just frightening enough to make the suggestion of leaving a light on a little less far fetched (creepy room of dolls in a spooky mansion, anyone?). The job she was hired for, at least on the surface, made sense with her background, but the care she takes and the trials she must go through to actually keep him in health go WAY above and beyond the call of normal duty. It all eventually climaxes with what we perceive to be a showdown...but as with most things we've been exposed to along the way, I wouldn't take it at face value. Just saying...

All in all, an enjoyable reading escape with much promise and potential for further installments to come! If you're a YA lit fan who loves his/her reading with a paranormal twist, this might just be the perfect fit for you!


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,359 reviews39 followers
August 19, 2020
This book had potential. The story line was good and had some spooky moments. The romance part was a bit off for me and not the main focus of the book. Writing was up and down for me. It would drag in spots. If it was a bit shorter I think it would have held my attention more.
Profile Image for Rajiv.
1,006 reviews69 followers
September 3, 2020

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This book was amazing! I love stories that surpass my expectations and Escaping Demons certainly did!

To begin with, the author did a brilliant job in narrating the story. The story is atmospheric, eerie and mesmerizing. The author narrates it in a simple yet captivating manner that draws you to the plot. Moreover, the setting takes place in a haunted mansion, and I love spooky stories set in haunted mansions. There are so many scenes which spooked me, like the creepy dolls from the doll room, and the one with the scorpions (*shudders*). Also, there is a creepy mysterious boy who also randomly appears, that gave me the chills. Moreover, there are symbolic crows and owls, a battle with the forces of evil, and a beautiful romance. There is a lot happening in the story.

Speaking of romance, I loved the main characters and their relationships. Addison is wonderful in the lead. I loved the scenes where she has an out of body experience, and how she discovers the connection between her past and her present. Ambrose is also adorable as the reaper with the heart of gold (I loved this concept). Moreover, they have a sizzling chemistry. I also loved the bond that Addison shares with Dax. On a side note, Dax was an interesting character with a few shocking secrets. Similarly, I also liked Deacon and Orlando in the supporting role. The villain is a bit clichéd but still interesting. The author wrote the story with the perfect pacing and character development which I loved.

Overall, this is one of those books where I wish I could rate 10/5 stars because it is SO good. I cannot wait to see how the story continues in the next book!
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews25 followers
August 3, 2020
“Escaping Demons” is the first full-length installment in the “Castillian Blood” Series by Killian Wolf, a captivating gothic tale and a beautiful family story.

As Addison (MC), a jobless nurse desperately searching for work, receives an offer as an in-house living caretaker to Orlando Castillo, an older man apparently suffering from dementia, she could begin to imagine the turn her life is about to take. A first glance at the house already promises uncanny things to come, but Addison’s needs take over, the positions comes with living cost benefits and Addison, who is a caring and nurturing person, is drawn to the old man and takes the position, which brings her in the middle of a curse and the way of a reaper.

The plot develops into a fully satisfying story that combines elements of gothic tale, light horror, fantasy and paranormal romance in a fully fresh and enticing story, that explores the true meaning of loss … this is first and foremost a tale about family and human relations, a very original plot, truly one of a kind. Addison is instantly relatable and has the reader rooting for her from the very beginning. Every one of the characters around her have a precise and very specific role to play in the plot to fulfill the riddle and solve the mystery. Ambrose, the Reaper, has a very dry approach to events, that makes him unintentionally hilarious and all the more charming. Even Addison sometimes annoying boyfriend has a reason to be. The mystery portion of the story is very good crafted, with elements of light horror that suit the gothic flavour of the series.

Killian Wolf writing style is impeccable, appealing and enjoyable, her use of gothic tropes and imaginery is exquisite (some beautiful hidden gems to be found 😊). The story is action-packed, with non-stop twist and new discoveries that keep the reader of the edge until the very last page, and a beautiful crafted tale on the ultimate meaning of family.
Profile Image for Lauren.
396 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2020
Addison desperately needs a job so when a job offer as a live-in nurse comes out of the blue. Too bad the beautiful old house is almost certainly haunted. There's a room full of creepy dolls, a mysterious voice keeps calling her name, and she's pretty sure that was a demon she saw upstairs.

Diving deep into the magickal and the supernatural, this book had a lot of twists I didn't see coming. It quickly takes a turn into horror, it's a wonder that Addie didn't turn tail and run two nights in. I certainly would have! It all culminates in a reveal had me flipping back to see what I missed. To be fair, I missed quite a lot. There's so much going on, important clues and meaningful asides are mixed in with the seriously creepy.

I especially enjoyed the chapters from the point of view of Ambrose, once I understood who and what he was. (From the looks of it, there's a prequel story that might give context). Ambrose is delightfully new at being human(ish) which is both charming and entertaining.

The first person present tense narration may put some off - it does take a while to get used to and naturally lends itself to a bit more stream of consciousness. The limited point of view keeps the reader just as confused as poor Addie, though perhaps I would've appreciated a bit more around the 'rules' of this world (as Addie perceives them) and maybe a bit less Santeria (which kinda came out of nowhere to muddy the waters).

There's a lot in this book - ghosts, demons, eternal politics, magick, Santeria - but if you're looking for horror-lite/paranormal that's a bit more out of the ordinary, give this one a go.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews32 followers
August 31, 2020
Addison is given the opportunity to be a live in nurse for Dax’s father, Orlando. But strange things are happening at the house and it’s clear that a demon is after Orlando. Addison meets Ambrose in the worst way possible but it is clear that there is something going on with Ambrose and Dax and that it involves Addison. They are going to have to work together to stop the demon, and help both Dax and Ambrose with their problems.

This is one of those stories that I want to write a summary of the book but then I would be giving too much of the story away. Addison, Dax, and Ambrose has some much going on with each other. Addison lost her parents at an early age and although freaked out she still stays to protect Orlando. Dax and Ambrose have their own problems but they are also interconnected. They have very limited time to finish their tasks but then again you can’t really rush what needs to be done.

I hope I have been vague enough to make you curious about the story without giving too much away. This is a great read that I quickly got into and had a hard time putting down. I was cheering for the trio and on the edge of my seat hoping all would work out. This is definitely a great story and one to check out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
2 reviews
August 26, 2020
Wow! I'm so excited about this world that's been created and this story has left me wanting more.

It has everything you could want: an interesting view of the supernatural and its interaction with our world, a tangible and beautiful setting, real and interesting characters that draw you in, scare and suspense to keep you on your toes, and a budding love story (just to add that cherry to the top of this delicious urban fantasy cake).

I have to say that I disagree with some other reviews - I found this start of a series to have me coming back for more. It has built a fantastic foundation for the rest of the series to build from.

I would recommend! I am super excited to find out how this series, and the world, rolls out in the subsequent books.
Profile Image for Natasha M. Lott.
174 reviews
September 1, 2020
After reading this book I was slow glued into the plot of the story. Addison is a caring nurse who is able to land a job to care for An elderly man who is suffering from dementia. This is a huge opportunity for her due to the financial and stability benefits of being a caregiver. She begins to come closer and takes her job very seriously. Things begin to change and Addison is thrown into a world of magic and the supernatural world. She spins unlock a world that she know little about and will meet other who will help uncover many secrets. Addison is a very relatable character and she brings together others to fight against the greater evil.

I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Kris10.
232 reviews49 followers
April 22, 2022
There just aren't enough stories written in the setting of a haunted house!! I loved the setting and the suspenseful eeriness of the mansion. This was a well-written and well-planned novel that was fast-paced and action packed. I enjoyed the battle of "good and evil" that played throughout the entire story, subtle at first through "symbols" like crows. There was even enough creep factor for me, especially in the "doll room"...*shudders* and with a boy who keeps popping up when least expected! I loved the strong female lead and how the author took the idea of the grim reaper and put her own spin on it in the form of the adorable Ambrose. Definitely a good read that I would recommend to anyone who loves the supernatural with a hint of romance!
4,613 reviews21 followers
September 3, 2020
I think atmosphere when I think about this story. It was a bit creepy but so hard to put down as I was hooked from the beginning and had to see how all the characters all fit together. It was a bit creepy with a hint of scary but not in a bad horror way. It just made me think and wonder and need to know what was going on. The main characters were fun and had secrets and things going on with them, many they did not even know themselves. Just a good mix of scary lite, thriller, mystery and paranormal all mixed into a good story. I read it before bed and could not put it down. Just an entertaining story.
241 reviews
September 1, 2020
I have to admit that I read the first iteration of this story. I did enjoy it, but the second is much more adult - which is fine with me. I did get bogged down in some spots, but that could have been because I basically knew some of what was coming (story line didn't change dramatically from the first time). I do like that there is a definite antagonist, which does seem to carry though into the next book at least. Do like the accurate description of Florida - makes you feel as if you are there at times. All in all, very enjoyable book. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Profile Image for JoAnn.
246 reviews
September 24, 2020
Interesting Story! I really enjoyed reading this mesmerizing story that is jam-packed with many surprises. However, I must confess that the beginning of the story was a bit confusing, as I didn’t quite know what was really going on. Be forewarned, there’s also a MASSIVE surprise in store for you as you near the end of this book!! I totally look forward to reading more of this series—the story line promises to be both scary and intriguing and the twists and turns are totally unexpected. I was given this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
September 5, 2020
Escaping Demons by Killian Wolf is an awesome story to read. This is book number one in this one in this awesome start to a brand new series written by a brand new author for me to read. I can not wait to read the rest of this awesome series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy and paranormal romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,147 reviews13 followers
September 7, 2020
Addison is my favorite character. I love her. The other characters are ok. The world building was very good. The story was very intriguing but it had a really creepy feeling to it. A few parts were downright scary. This book was absolutely superb. I coulnt have asked for a better book. I am eagerly awaiting the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Margarita Rose.
1,231 reviews12 followers
September 2, 2020
A slow burn at the beginning and the pace gets going faster and the storyline really opens up. Just when you think you have it all figured out there's twisting and turning that sends off on another tangent. Unpredictable and scary moments. You need to read this book. It's a great spine-tingling psychological thrilling read. Received ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,817 reviews28 followers
Read
November 23, 2020
Escaping Demons, my first read from author Killian Wolfe. Well-written & enjoyable, an entertaining thriller. I was given a Kindle copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. It seemed like I was always behind in reading this book, none-the-less I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Veronica Prowant.
515 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2020
This book wasnt a bad book but I did have a really hard time getting into it. The beginning was just slow and left too many questions. I liked the characters and the story overall, but it just didnt flow smoothly.
2,305 reviews28 followers
September 5, 2020
This is an entertaining story that kept me glued to the pages until the end. I love a story where the MC brings everyone together to work and fight for a cause.
I Loved It!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tegan Brinkman.
347 reviews
December 20, 2020
Wow this so over described that my brain hurts
The premise looked to be interesting but it lagged so much weighed down by the descriptions that I just had to drop it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Summer.
143 reviews
September 2, 2021
DNF at 20%
Not sure what book all the 4- and 5- star reviewers read. This was awkwardly paced and written, the 2 POVs had no change in narration, and at only 20% the plot was already threaded with holes. Seems like an intriguing storyline, but this book needs a lot of work.
132 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2022
This is the first book in a new series. They also doesn't really good job at narrating the storyline and introducing a world that is a bit creepy and mysterious. It was a great book to read from a new author for me. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
312 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2022
This was an interesting book. The characters were all well thought of. The details were good. I do recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lorna.
281 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2023
It's okay.

The book starts in a way that makes you think it's book two instead of book one. A lawyer chapter should really have been the first.

The scenes jump with little explanation, chunks of information are left out, and the story seems inconsistent as it unravels.

6,510 reviews24 followers
September 1, 2020
This is a well developed read in storyline and characters. This has interesting world building and a twist filled storyline. This has a great mix of romance, fantasy, gothic and lighter horror.
Profile Image for evieo17 .
5,102 reviews51 followers
September 7, 2020
This is a great start to the series. There are a lot of twist and turns but still so much mystery behind the scene. Will definitely be checking out the next book in the series.
7,813 reviews65 followers
September 13, 2020
Loved this read it’s well written and the characters are well developed and engaging and I enjoyed the flow of this read.



I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Dawn Milligan.
2,712 reviews16 followers
December 3, 2020
I wasn't sure what to expect form this book as this is a new to me author..... But I enjoyed it! Well written good characters and great story flow! I will for sure check our more books from Killian!
Profile Image for Evelyn Goughnour .
1,180 reviews
November 15, 2021
Full of magic!

I love magical books and this one doesn’t disappoint. There are som unexpected twists in it and surprises that jump out at you that make the reading even better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews