Saskia de la Cruz is a Verity Witch - her only magic being that she can tell the truth from a lie.
As an investigative reporter for The Blood Web Chronicle, the biggest news outlet on the paranormal dark Blood Web, Saskia spends her days cracking twisted para cases hoping that someday, some case, will bring her closer to finding her missing sister.
In snowy Moscow drained corpses of illegal workers have begun to turn up, with hundreds more reported missing. When Saskia is sent on assignment to investigate an oligarch Vampire crime ring that might be behind the deaths, she plans to get in out of the city’s frozen grasp quickly...preferably with her neck intact.
But beautiful ballet dancer Konstantin Volkov and his wildcard brother Lukka complicate things. The vampire brothers have their own reasons for solving the string of murders, reasons that conflict with Saskia’s mission. Soon, Saskia finds herself enmeshed in the city’s glittering web of crime, passion, and violence, where truths and lies are one and the same.
With vibrant characters, page-turning suspense and steamy romance, this new series has been dubbed by early readers as “a fun crime-solving sexual adventure across Europe.”
Co-authored by two established fantasy authors Jacqueline Silvester and N.J Simmonds, and set across a christmassy Moscow, Vampires of Moscow is the first book in The Blood Web Chronicles series. Perfect for fans of Crescent City, True Blood and Veronica Mars.
About Caedis Knight Caedis Knight is the pen name of two established fantasy authors, Jacqueline Silvester and N J Simmonds. Silvester began her career in screenwriting and lived all over the world before going on to pen her highly successful YA series Wunderkids. Spanish Londoner Simmonds' background was originally in marketing before writing her fantasy series The Indigo Chronicles, along with various Manga stories and writing collaborations. Together they created Blood Web Chronicles - their first paranormal romance series set in Europe. Great friends and avid travelers, you can find them whizzing between one another's homes in Germany and the Netherlands, or having Zoom calls to excitedly plot Saskia's next humorous sexy adventure.
This stopped being entertainingly bad about 20% in and I don't know why I kept on reading after that. It was just one hahaha-funny "joke" about how horny the heroine is and how weird the Russians are after the other and the plot barely progressed. It feels like she has barley discovered anything about the story she's supposed to be investigating because she's so busy being horny.
I was really impressed with this! A fun urban fantasy starring Saskia, a witch who can tell when people are lying and can understand every language (would take this power in a heartbeat). Russia was well-drawn and the plot was satisfying. Scratched the itch for a good fantasy romance, and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Vampires of Moscow is a great start to the Blood Web Chronicles and it's really left me wanting more. This book is everything that I wanted and more. There's humor, sarcasm, suspense, mystery, amazing characters and some scenes that would even keep you warm in Moscow!
I already read the prequel, Sirens of Los Angeles, and knew this was going to be a series I adored. Vampires of Moscow is such a well written book. I honestly wouldn't know two authors are behind this book, because their writing flows together so well. I've never been to Moscow, but the way everything is written and described so vividly. It was a nice change of pace to have a book set in a location I don't see often.
The main character Saskia has become one of my favorite main characters. She's a verity witch and can tell when someone is lying. Definitely a useful tool, but I can only imagine annoying at times. Saskia is sarcastic, strong and very protective of her family. She's also a bit reckless at times, but I think it fits her character well. It's interesting to read about her though, because her mother has always seen her as "nothing", because she isn't very powerful, but she has so much more to offer than she realizes.
Also, these authors have created two bookish boyfriends that I don't know if I can trust. The vampire brothers are total opposites and definitely kept me on my toes during the whole story! One minute I wanted to hug them and the next minute they do something vicious and it makes me wonder. Caedis Knight didn't hold back when it came to the characters and events in this story!
There's a side of mystery and suspense in this book while Saskia investigates for the Blood Web Chronicles and works for the brothers. I don't want to say too much about this, because that's something you need to read for yourself. These authors put together such an interesting plot. I couldn't put this down and it left me wanting more!
I think I've found myself a new favorite author duo and I can't wait to see what they do next! If you're a fan of sarcasm, steamy scenes, vampires, mystery and suspense, this is the place to be.
This book starts some time after Sirens and Saskia is already deep into the Blood Web and causing mayhem. Looks like she has had a number of ‘final warnings’ and this assignment in Moscow is not one she can refuse. This woman is not afraid to put herself in harm’s way to get her story and it’s great being in her head as we get immersed into the city. Once again this is a fast paced read and we waste little time in meeting the vampire brothers. Thankfully. I have struggled with reading this year but these stories I whipped through. Not going to lie some of my first fictional crushes were vampires so I am super here for this. Love the pop culture references littered throughout which makes the story feel modern but with some added nostalgia, I particularly liked the Paul Rudd mention. Brothers Lukka and Konstantin strike that great mix of evil brooding bad boys with a secret side and they soon take advantage of Saskia’s skills! But is it a case of bad boy(s) turn good or simply bad boy(s) that you should keep well away from your mother. Considering who Saskia’s mother is though that question is a little misleading. Needless to say that she is unlikely to approve of Saskia’s connections. A story with grit, in a murky paranormal underworld, and plucky determination from Saskia. I love that the backdrop for each will take us to a different locale and that she has that key driver for moving forward. Mikayla is there in the background. The research and theming makes us feel like we are investigating alongside Saskia and I wouldn’t say no to a future Blood Web Chronicles themed road trip post pandemic. Rachel, Elizabeth - are you in? If you love crime, complex families, urban fantasy and paranormal romance then this series is the perfect combo and I can’t wait to see who, or what we meet next.
Treat yourself to you some bloody vampires. This series is the authors’ treat for us having to do 2020.
I am part of the Verity Knights street team for the series and I did receive gifted copies of the books in exchange for an honest review but I’d already pre-ordered them and wish I could do a series link pre-order. Check out the rest of the stops on the blog tour to see what everyone else thought.
Vampires of Moscow is the first full length novel in the series by Caedis Knight (if you haven't read the Sirens of Los Angeles, go do so!) In it we find Saskia in the heart of Moscow investigating two notorious vampire brothers. The setting is beautiful and you feel as if you are getting to experience Moscow right there with Saskia.
As we've come to expect from her, she's witty, daring (maybe even a bit reckless) and even though she's a Verity witch she still has trouble knowing who to trust.
We also get a more in-depth look at the world of Paras that she's a part of which I think is going to be a lot of fun as the series progresses.
The vamps in this series are very much how you would expect modern day vamps to be, sexy, lethal, building an empire as they go and boy are these two complex.
Epic and addictive! This is definitely up there in my top reads of the year. Total and utter escapism from 2020. Just sheer brilliance. The world building and scene setting alone is magnificent. Okay, I have only been to Moscow once, but the city leaves such an impact on all who travel to her - the author (actually a duo of talent - N.J. Simmonds and Jacky Silvester) literally takes you to Russia, with all its colour, sights, and sounds. What's more, Simmonds and Silvester's voices blend seamlessly to create Caedis Knight. You could never tell this book is the collaboration of two authors. And let me tell you, these writers are a true powerhouse between them. I predict BIG things as this series unfolds. In Saskia they have manifested a character you absolutely root for (sometimes wanting to slap!)... alongside the backdrop of a dark, pacey, erotic, vivid, and seriously witty underworld of hierarchy and mystery. As a reader, I could not put the book down. I honestly can't say that about many of the stories I have read this year. So if you are looking for a read that totally whisks you away to a whole other world, this is it!
This first full length novel in this urban fantasy series takes the reader even deeper into the “Para” world as Saskia investigates two crime lord Vampire brothers in Moscow. The setting is vividly drawn and the characters intriguing and complex, so that they keep you guessing about who to trust, even with Saskia’s special ability as a verity witch to tell tell truth from lies. Her smart mouth and quips keep the tone light, but there is no mistaking the dark edge and tension as she grows closer to the brothers. It’s a page-turning read, sexy and fun, and I can’t wait to see where Saskia ends up next (and what sexy Para’s cross her path!).
This was a fun read. The pacing is good and I read this in just a couple of hours pulled onward toward the end. There were a few things that I'd love to see tweaked (the Russia depicted has several key differences to the Russia I lived in for years) but I will be forever grateful for the memory tour of delicious foods. Now I want Sirniki! I enjoyed the twists and turns. You might need a strong stomach for a few bits as there are some torture refs and fairly graphic depictions of people having their throats ripped out but it doesn't go quite into the realm of body horror. Do expect though references to torture, death and child abuse.
I really enjoyed this! Saskia is sassy and determined.
While trying to keep her job as an undercover reporter, Verity Witch Saskia investigates the paranormal world, hoping that one of her cases will help find her missing sister.
When paranormals start to turn up dead, drained of blood, Saskia is sent to Russia to infiltrate an organisation run by the most dangerous vampires, find out what's going on, and report back.
The book it like a crime thriller with fantasy and spice combined. I thought it worked really well.
I feel like this book is set up for something big as there are still some things left unanswered, and I really hope there's a reunion with a certain person in book two!
The writing was really easy to fall into and follow Saskia on her mission to Russia. I've never been, but I thought the world was depicted in a way I could have the image in my head.
I also finished this book in one sitting. It kept me hooked, and I can't wait for book 2!
If you’re looking for a light, sexy, magical read, then this book is for you. I absolutely love this series. The characters are fully-rounded and well-crafted, the settings are gorgeous and rich, and the sex is HOT. It’s like gender-swapped James Bond, only much, much more fun. I love all of the different paranormal creatures and their histories, and also the classic noir notes that take us into the underbelly of every location. Saskia is a great main character. I love that she gets scared, she gets uncertain, and she bangs a bunch of people she definitely shouldn’t, but she still caries on grafting. She has so much agency (and libido 😂). I can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for us.
The Rebirth of the Vampire & The Rise of the Neck Munchers (no glitter allowed)
Before I begin this review, I would like to thank the writing duo that is Caedis Knight for introducing me to the phrase neck muncher. Since reading this description in their novel Vampires of Moscow I have made the executive decision that all vampires should henceforth be renamed as neck munchers.
No Glitter Allowed! I am sick of the Twilight vampire, and I can't be the only one?
For most of my teenage years, I was stuck in the ‘Twilight generation’ of the vampire novel. Broody, whiny (sorry, not sorry, Edward) vampires who get off on stalking their love interest but never drink from them because they are a big bad monster who might lose control. Gasp!
I understand the appeal, don’t get me wrong. Sensitive males have a special place in my heart. But it’s like that Bruce Willis crying scene in Friends, good to see but parodied in such a way I wish the writers would just stop. Get a new template and stop copying Stephanie Meyer.
It was fine when I was younger, I devoured those novels and had many a vampire husband. But now I’m over it. I want something darker ... richer and more complex. I need a bit of grit.
That’s not a siren call for writers to use the other tired template of the vampire; the sadistic monster. I am not in the market for torture porn or gratuitous violence, thank you. But I want a side of blood and gore with that brooding vulnerability. These men are vampires for crying out loud.
Don’t ignore their predatory undertone because that’s what makes vampires so darkly delectable.
That’s what I loved about Knight’s Vampires of Moscow – sizzling and sassy, I couldn’t put it down! Here we have two sinfully seductive vampire siblings who are so nuanced you can’t help but fall in love with one of them. Or both... both is good.
First, you have dark dreamy Konstantin the Ice King. He is ambitious and power-driven yet seems to care about his workers and his crazy little brother Lukka.
He is cultured, sophisticated, and sleek. A true vampire in his predatory grace and seductive ways. Yet underneath the ice is fire ... desire. He yearns and he will stop at nothing to take what he wants from the world.
Then you have Lukka. Sweet crazy complex Lukka. (He’s mine ladies. Sorry, I call dibs.)
Lukka is described as a hybrid cross between the Joker and The Mad Hatter. Here is someone who loves fun, wants to live every day like it may be his last, yet at the same time is hiding from the truth of the world. There is just something about him that makes you want to reach out and hug him close. He has a dangerous mix of vulnerability and viscousness that you can’t help but be drawn to.
For years, I have searched for a book that unleashes the true, unfiltered version of a vampire. One who doesn't hold back. Vampires who don’t reign in their darkness or their vulnerability. I think I have finally found that book. Konstantin and Lukka are apex predators, sure, but they also have backstories that make them relatable. It is refreshing to see that this new writing duo have ripped up the old template, overused by the YA genre, and created a new, fresh, and dynamic type of neck muncher.
Down with sadistic monsters. Down with teenagers dipped in glitter. Down with authors who follow tried and tested templates. Your vampires suck and not in a good way. Give me Konstantin and Lukka. Give me a writing partnership that goes full throttle and serves me up bittersweet babies made of gore and sex; who have darkness and humour aplenty but have vulnerable backstories that make me cry. This is the paranormal romance series I have been searching for. Reviewed by Claire Knight for The Glass House Book Club
I am a fan of a well-written love triangle and Vampires of Moscow by Caedis Knight delivers. The Volkov brothers are as different as night and day, leaving out heroine unsure which is the true villain. I loved the twists and turns as my opinion of the brothers changed with the page numbers. I was guessing whodunit until the very end. A delightful read with swoon-worthy vampires who a reader can’t help but adore – until their violent side emerges. Yikes!
My favorite part of the book was the unique group of paranorms included in the book. I am a major fan of herbivore shifters and this book had many not normally seen in paranormal romance. Different Fae and witches were also players in the mystery, and I loved it.
Our heroine Saskia is a delightful low-level witch who I wanted as a friend. She’s down-to-earth, despite her meager magical powers, and has the problems relatable to any millennial. In the beginning, I found her sense of humor a little jarring. I wasn’t prepared for “his forehead had the dick vein of a snicker’s bar” when she was describing her boss. However, she stayed true to her character throughout the book which shows the fantastic writing talent of Knight. By the end, I was desensitized to it and rooting for Saskia.
Overall, this is an action-packed vampire thriller with an unpredictable plot. I recommend this book to vampire, mystery, and shifter fans.
What a fantastic ride. The first few pages didn’t grab me but then as the para world and the blood web chronicles concept started unfolding, I got completely sucked in! ( no pun intended). I really enjoyed experiencing this story through Saskia’s first person POV. This snarky, smart and wild young witch who happens to be a reporter’s current assignment throws her into an exotic and imaginative world of vampires, shifters and other creatures in the gritty underworld (not like a Greek legend underworld, but more like the gritty crime world of mafia, etc). The scenes—weather sexual or murderous—were unapologetically gritty and descriptive, causing me to wince, smile and blush on multiple occasions.
A few developments were a bit predictable but there were several developments I didn’t see coming. I really liked the characters—even the baddies, due to their complexity.
It annoys me when novels leave you hanging at the end. Thus I appreciate that this novel resolved the current story before laying the seeds for the next adventure. I’ll definitely read the next one as I’m excited to see what Saskia is up to next.
Saskia de la Cruz is a Verity Witch who has magic, her powering? She can tell when someone is telling the truth or lying. She is an investigator reporter for The Blood Web Chronicles; a news outlet on the paranormal dark Blood Web. She does this in the hopes that she'll find a case that brings her closer to finding her missing sister.
This is an urban fantasy, supernatural elements with suggestive comments and naughty language. We follow Saskia on her journey, she is a very strong character. I did really like her power where she can tell if people are lying. Imagine how cool to would be to have that power! I did find the story difficult to follow at times and I couldn't put the events into a picture. It took quite a while to get to the plot and I found myself confused at times. I wasn't a fan of some of the wording at times. Lukka was an interesting guy, I liked his development. I did like how we got some character development and we learnt more about the brothers. I also liked the bit of a mystery we had in this story. I'm trying to be careful that I don't spoilt it. I'm intrigued to see how this story concludes.
The blood web: Vampires introduces us to the character of Saskia who is a witch that possess the power of being able to tell when people are lying. She works as a reporter for The Blood Web Chronicle. We find out that she is trying to find out about the disappearance of her sister and that Sasha is a sassy and outspoken woman who isn’t afraid of doing the right thing regardless of consequences. The authors get the story going quickly and we are off to Russia. The story does a good job of building the atmosphere in Russia and in mentioning some of the landmarks without it being forced. I enjoyed reading about Saskia’s journey and her developing situation with both brothers. There were a few twists in the story and I liked that the pace was fast and that there wasn’t endless superfluous detail given but rather just what was needed to help build the world and focus on the story. There were a few moments where I questioned Saskia’s actions and choices but overall that was a good read and I’d recommend to anyone wanting some slightly spicy reading for Halloween. I’m definitely interested in seeing what happens with Saskia’s story in the next chapter of this series.
This book has absolutely everything I love—action, romance, a touch of darkness, and humor galore.
From the first chapter (from the dedication really), I knew I was going to enjoy it. Saskia is a fantastic female lead. She’s a smart-aleck, sassy, a bit perverted... just perfect! Some of her snarky comments had me rolling.
Then, we meet the brothers! I cannot swoon hard enough. Who doesn’t love brooding vampires? I’ll be honest, I did not foresee who Saskia would end up with. The authors had me rooting for one and then the other and switching back and forth so fast I gave myself whiplash.
Be forewarned, though, this isn’t just a sexy vampire story with giggles tossed in. The ending really punches you in the gut. It was a lot darker than I expected, and I am definitely here for it.
Did I read this book in two sittings? Yes. Did I instantly go download the next one? Also yes.
The MC is constantly horny which didn't actually bother me but she is also stupid. I think the smut was really hot and the general plot might be decent too but I kind of lost interest when the MC started to do one stupid thing after another towards the story climax.
This is book is mostly a bad boy mob boss vampire romance wish-fulfillment that tries to also have some form of an actual plot. It succeeds at the former but fails at the latter. I couldn't be bothered to finish the story.
While the MC is clearly horny af she still deals with her sexuality in a mature way which is actually quite rare in combination.
The audiobook unfortunately has horrible mic/recording quality. This is doubly sad because the narrator actually does a great job. But especially later on the audio quality drops to the level of a cheap 80s landline phone. It gets extremely tinny, echoey, and has no bass whatsoever towards the end.
This book was a fantastic beginning of what is obviously going to be a great series. I was left wanting more and wishing the book hadn't ended.
It has everything I love in a fantasy book - paranormal beings such as vampires, shifters, witches, humour, steamy scenes, an edge of mystery, and so much more
I think Saskia was a kick ass witch and although her ability was downplayed and she felt she wasn't one of the top Witches she used her skill to get out of many a situation and honestly if I had to choose I'd like to be able to tell if someone was lying. I loved Lukas from the start he just seemed so down to earth and genuine, and although he was a killer, he was a good person.
The author set the scenes well, and it was easy to picture it all playing out in my head. Honestly, this was a fantastic book and perfect for this spooky season.
A huge thanks to InstaBookTours, for the tour opportunity, and a digital copy of the book.
In this paranormal suspense, Saskia, a reporter for The Blood Web Chronicle, will do whatever it takes to find her story, including getting close to the Russian vampires, Konstantin and Lukka. In a world where the paranormal community remains hidden and wild, the chronicle publishes exposé to help govern the ungoverned, to protect those victimized, and for Saskia to find her missing sister.
The authors do not pull any punches with Saskia's personality, her smutty sarcastic nature starts on page one. There was no doubt what to expect in the book: a lot of steam. Saskia follows the drained corpses to a dance and sex club in Russia, the Black Rabbit. The story moves quickly, the characters unique, and it reads like a steamy thriller.
If you like books that move quickly, are a bit naughty with added darkness, then this series is for you.
Honestly… I absolutely loved EVERYTHING about this book and I powered through it so fast that I really wasn’t ready for it to end. I’m so glad it’s part of a series and I can get some more of Saskias adventures!
Also, let me just add in that I will never look at a snickers bar the same again!
Saskia is an undercover news reporter for The Blood Web Chronicle which reports on the paranormal going ons in the world. When she is sent on a risky mission to Russia which will make or break her career she meets the Volkov brothers….
The book is filled with dark humour and banter and there were points where I was literally laughing out loud!
I really liked how the ending set us up perfectly for the next book in the series, which I already CANNOT wait to get stuck into!
An easy 5 stars from me! Also a very enjoyable holiday read as I read this one by the poolside in Greece!
thank you so much to insta book tours for having me on this tour and for providing me with an e-copy!!
the blood web follows Saskia, a verity witch who is an investigative reporter since her magic allows her to tell the truth from a lie. she works for the blood web chronicles and is now working on to investigate an oligarch vampire crime ring in the hopes of finding her sister; however, there are two vampire brothers, Konstanin and Lukka, also looking to solve the case but for reasons that might thwart her own.
although it had all the promise there in the blurb, sadly this was a miss for me. Saskia is a strong FMC to follow that i enjoyed at times and Lukka definitely had interesting development! there’s also intriguing suspense and mystery throughout
This first full length novel in this urban fantasy series takes the reader even deeper into the “Para” world as Saskia investigates two crime lord Vampire brothers in Moscow. The setting is vividly drawn and the characters intriguing and complex, so that they keep you guessing about who to trust, even with Saskia’s special ability as a verity witch to tell tell truth from lies. Her smart mouth and quips keep the tone light, but there is no mistaking the dark edge and tension as she grows closer to the brothers. It’s a page-turning read, sexy and fun, and I can’t wait to see where Saskia ends up next (and what sexy Para’s cross her path!).
I really enjoyed this book. It is a paranormal suspense and we follow Sasha who is a verity witch, this means her magic allows her to tell a truth from a lie. This comes in handy for her job as a reporter for the blood web chronicle.
Saskia is sent to Moskow on a mission to investigate two vampires. The story moves along quite quickly. It is quite dark and steamy in places. But there is a fair bit of humour too. I really liked Saskia and her sass!
I’m looking forward to reading the next book to see what Saskia will be up to next.
Thank you to Instabooktours for having me on the tour and the author for the gifted ebook.
Vampires of Moscow was one surprise of a read. I discovered it randomly and decided to give it a go. Super glad I did! Once I started reading, I couldn't stop. And when I reached the end, I didn't want to leave the world.
What I Liked: - a believable storyline- not too complex but also not too easy - quick-paced - an atmospheric setting - Saskia- her boldness and hilarious inner monologues - Lukka- his wild yet innocent demeanor - sexy not too rauchy - Konstantin's magnetism- I wasn't sure if I liked or hated him - the mystery held my attention and never dragged - super FUN
The Not So Much: - parts of the story were a little bit predictable - misleading love triangle
"That's what Lukka is, tenderness wrapped in violence." (ebook Loc 2602)
From the very first page, I found myself drawn into the story of Saskia, a Verity Witch (meaning a witch who can tell the truth from a lie) and her assignment for the Blood Web Chronicles to investigate two vampire brothers in Moscow, Russia. The story has it all: magic, a beautiful setting that is Moscow and a fascinating, sexy story with a smart female protagonist.
Saskia is a weak witch, DEEP undercover reporter for The Blood Web Chronicle, the key paranormal world news agency. While her body count is high, especially for a reporter, yet she continues with her job so we can find her missing sister witch. The assignment to Moscow to check out Vampire brothers Volkov is the subject of this excellent first book in the series. This book is as advertised; Dark, Funny & Sexy!!
This was a great start to a new series by 2 authors I have not encountered before but I will certainly be looking out for them in the future. The story pulled me in right from the start and I didn't want to put it down until I had finished. The world building was great and the book had a little bit of everything I enjoy. Great characters a bit of fun, some darkness, mystery, intrigue and slightly steamy. A great read that I can happily recommend.
Caedis Knight's debut novel is a fast-paced, super sexy read! I devoured this novel in a matter of days and I can't wait to get my hands on the next one!😍
The MC is sassy and quite relatable; if not a little sex driven at times...though who can blame her when shes surrounded by gorgeous and dangerous people all the time 😉. The Volkov brothers are absolutely delicious and certainly caught my attention the moment they entered the story ❤️ Im excited to see where Saskia's story goes from here!
A perfect blend of Veronica Mars and Vampire Dairies with a pinch of Sarah J Mass. This book is a perfect come back for Vampires in the literary world. A highly addictive, page turning suspense story filled with action and romance, between Millionaire handsome Vampire brothers and a witty investigative journalist Witch.