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The Legend of Nyx #1
Scared Shiftless
A stiletto heel through a vampire’s heart…
Who ever said you had to sacrifice fabulous for functional?
Eventually I’d find her, the one who stole my abilities.
Now I was stuck like this…
As a water elemental, everything about me before was fluid…
My shape, my gender…
Hell, I didn’t even have a gender before…
Whatever form was most appealing to my human prey… that’s the shape I’d take. Luring my prey to my watery lair through sex appeal and alluring song…
I didn’t even know that vampires were real…
How was I supposed to know that I’d chosen a vampire as an entree?
When I was bit that damned bloodsucker stole my shape-shifting ability…
I was scared shiftless.
I'm out for more than vengeance. I want my life back. But even if I catch her, even if I kill the vampire who ruined my life… can I even take my abilities back? Or, am I destined to stay like this… forever.
Who ever said you had to sacrifice fabulous for functional?
Eventually I’d find her, the one who stole my abilities.
Now I was stuck like this…
As a water elemental, everything about me before was fluid…
My shape, my gender…
Hell, I didn’t even have a gender before…
Whatever form was most appealing to my human prey… that’s the shape I’d take. Luring my prey to my watery lair through sex appeal and alluring song…
I didn’t even know that vampires were real…
How was I supposed to know that I’d chosen a vampire as an entree?
When I was bit that damned bloodsucker stole my shape-shifting ability…
I was scared shiftless.
I'm out for more than vengeance. I want my life back. But even if I catch her, even if I kill the vampire who ruined my life… can I even take my abilities back? Or, am I destined to stay like this… forever.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2021
109 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Theophilus Monroe
152 books288 followersTheophilus Monroe is a fantasy author with a knack for real-life characters whose supernatural experiences speak to the pangs of ordinary life. After earning his Ph.D. in Theology, he decided that academic treatises that no one will read (beyond other academics) was a dull way to spend his life. So, he began using his background in religious studies to create new worlds and forms of magic-informed by religious myths, ancient and modern-that would intrigue readers, inspire imaginations, and speak to real-world problems in fantastical ways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 7, 2021
“Scared Shiftless” is a good story which holds promise for the rest of the series. There are some amusing moments, some chuckles and some interesting characters. It is a good story. I'd recommend it as a light, fun read, something you can follow without overly confusing plot twists or characters but with enough action to keep you engaged. There is a nice amount of action balanced with comedic moments.
The main character is a transgender elemental (water element), Nyx, who is on the hunt for the vampire who stole her abilities. She was bit when Nyx tried to eat her. There is a refreshing diversity of characters in the story. There are gay characters, drag queens, straight characters, humans, sprites, vampires and so on. I am glad to see trans-friendly and LGBTIQ+-friendly characters and stories representing my experiences.
There are 2 things I found interrupted the flow of the story. One is that it can feel a bit too ‘preachy’ in relation to trans rights and experiences in a couple places early in the story. Those areas are awkward, not quite fitting in smoothly. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that it shouldn’t have parts that can reflect experiences and struggles in our communities, but that a couple pieces didn’t work as well in the story. I found it overall it does a good job with presenting LGBTIQ+ experiences, especially from the main character's (Nicky/Nyx) point of view.
The other think that slowed it down was the repetition of words/thoughts/themes in some areas and some obvious broadcasting of what could be less obvious parts of the plot (the sexuality of someone for example).
Despite some of the bumps, this is a series I would read more of to see what happens next. I need to add more of Theophilus Monroe’s work to my wishlist.
This would be a good read for LGBTIQ+ people who want to read a story with characters they can relate to & to anyone who wants more character diversity in their reading. It makes a good tick off on your “LGBTIQ+ main character in a fantasy book” Reading Bingo card category. You don't need to know anything about trans issues or experiences to enjoy the story, but at the same time this is not something I'd recommend to people who tend towards homophobia, transphobia, TERFs or those who look down on the LGBTIQ+ community.
The main character is a transgender elemental (water element), Nyx, who is on the hunt for the vampire who stole her abilities. She was bit when Nyx tried to eat her. There is a refreshing diversity of characters in the story. There are gay characters, drag queens, straight characters, humans, sprites, vampires and so on. I am glad to see trans-friendly and LGBTIQ+-friendly characters and stories representing my experiences.
There are 2 things I found interrupted the flow of the story. One is that it can feel a bit too ‘preachy’ in relation to trans rights and experiences in a couple places early in the story. Those areas are awkward, not quite fitting in smoothly. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that it shouldn’t have parts that can reflect experiences and struggles in our communities, but that a couple pieces didn’t work as well in the story. I found it overall it does a good job with presenting LGBTIQ+ experiences, especially from the main character's (Nicky/Nyx) point of view.
The other think that slowed it down was the repetition of words/thoughts/themes in some areas and some obvious broadcasting of what could be less obvious parts of the plot (the sexuality of someone for example).
Despite some of the bumps, this is a series I would read more of to see what happens next. I need to add more of Theophilus Monroe’s work to my wishlist.
This would be a good read for LGBTIQ+ people who want to read a story with characters they can relate to & to anyone who wants more character diversity in their reading. It makes a good tick off on your “LGBTIQ+ main character in a fantasy book” Reading Bingo card category. You don't need to know anything about trans issues or experiences to enjoy the story, but at the same time this is not something I'd recommend to people who tend towards homophobia, transphobia, TERFs or those who look down on the LGBTIQ+ community.
September 9, 2023
What a cool start to a series dedicated to Nyx! We were first introduced to her in Bloody Mad where I found her a character I'd love to know more about and now I can! Quite the different heroine, Nyx is not human , she's an Elemental and a shapeshifter, who takes the form and shape of who her prey most desires to lure them in. After an encounter with a Vampire, who feeds on her, and consumes her shapeshifting abilities, Nyx is stuck in a male form with no ability to transform. She is forced to live as a human and to her disgust, as a male. Although Elementals have no definate gender, Nyx identifies herself as female. She discovers that humans refer to her as a transgender. Theo handles this subject delicately and with such respect, it was easy to understand a transgender's turmoil. Their desire for acceptance, for love, the need to be who they are for what they are, without judgment or prejudice. That is true for all of us, irrespective of whether one is heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. We all strive to be loved for who we are. It's a topic many people are uncomfortable with but intricate to the story and to better understand Nyx. Her greatest desire is to track down the Vampire who stole her shapeshifting abilities, to try get it back. But things are never what they seem and as Nyx gets closer to achieving her goal, she realises there is more at play. The Order, whose mission it is to eliminate all Vampires have their own agenda, which Nyx feels she has to thwart. She struggles to keep some semblance of what has become her normal life whilst pursuing her quest. I honestly found this a really thought provoking story. The plot is totally enthralling and intriguing. i read the book in 1 sitting, I just couldn't put it down, not even to go to the bathroom! That's how much it drew me in! Thanks Theo for such an inspiring, inciting and provoking story! Awesome read!
May 18, 2021
This was Nyx's first book in her own series and what a great read it was! Nyx appeared in the Legacy of a Vampire Witch series where she is in an asylum with Mercy Brown (another great series by this author, so pick that one up as well if you haven't read it yet!), but this story is all her own following the events in Bloody Mad.
Nyx is determined to hunt the vampire who took something from her, something she desperately wants back and will stop at nothing, even joining the Order of the Morning Dawn, which goes against everything Nyx believes in and feels. She is definitely one fierce vampire hunter, but when she stumbles across an old vampire, she thinks she may have a chance to find out where Alice may be hiding.
That plot in itself makes for a good read - there's passion behind what Nyx is hunting for, determination to right a wrong and revenge for letting a vampire takes something so easily from her.
However what makes this a GREAT story is the character of Nyx. She was a genderless water elemental, one who used to be able to shift forms and turn into the human form her prey most desired, before luring them in to eat them. Yes, she hunted, killed and ate humans, so almost seems a bit of an anti-heroine here, but now she is something else. Stuck in a male human form having lost the ability to shift, she now identifies as being female and is given the human label of being a transgender female. Nyx has no problem with being fabulous, but her struggles with the way society and humans expect her to behave, to dress, to conform are real. All she wants is to be accepted for who she is, to be loved and to sing! Very much like most of us I guess - we all want to be accepted for who we are, to be loved for the way we are without being judged or criticised.
I don't have much experience with the LGBT+ community, but I felt this book really showed me a side that I haven't read much about. I felt it was considerate, caring, researched well and very passionate about acceptance and love.
Definitely a great start to this series and with the turn of events concerning the vampire Nyx was hunting, I can't wait to read more! I received a copy of this book from the author without obligation, but this review is my own honest one!
Nyx is determined to hunt the vampire who took something from her, something she desperately wants back and will stop at nothing, even joining the Order of the Morning Dawn, which goes against everything Nyx believes in and feels. She is definitely one fierce vampire hunter, but when she stumbles across an old vampire, she thinks she may have a chance to find out where Alice may be hiding.
That plot in itself makes for a good read - there's passion behind what Nyx is hunting for, determination to right a wrong and revenge for letting a vampire takes something so easily from her.
However what makes this a GREAT story is the character of Nyx. She was a genderless water elemental, one who used to be able to shift forms and turn into the human form her prey most desired, before luring them in to eat them. Yes, she hunted, killed and ate humans, so almost seems a bit of an anti-heroine here, but now she is something else. Stuck in a male human form having lost the ability to shift, she now identifies as being female and is given the human label of being a transgender female. Nyx has no problem with being fabulous, but her struggles with the way society and humans expect her to behave, to dress, to conform are real. All she wants is to be accepted for who she is, to be loved and to sing! Very much like most of us I guess - we all want to be accepted for who we are, to be loved for the way we are without being judged or criticised.
I don't have much experience with the LGBT+ community, but I felt this book really showed me a side that I haven't read much about. I felt it was considerate, caring, researched well and very passionate about acceptance and love.
Definitely a great start to this series and with the turn of events concerning the vampire Nyx was hunting, I can't wait to read more! I received a copy of this book from the author without obligation, but this review is my own honest one!
July 26, 2021
This author writes with passion and writes it will. If you can't accept LGBTQ community you might not want to read this book. I will say this book brings out things that people should accept in our community. Please make sure you read the note written by the Author that brings more to the book. I would love for my students in middle and high school to read this story. I know children in middle school have the roughest times being accepted and understanding themselves. High school they are starting to accept, but we still have others that refuse to accept the LGBTQ. Read the story and follow Nyx on his/her journey.
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.
November 8, 2021
light, quick read with a great premise. What would happen if a vampire stole your shapeshifting ability and left you stuck in the body of the opposite sex? That's what has happened to Nyx, an elemental. Nyx technically assumes the gender of whatever she is hunting's desire but identifies as female. It is a bit heavy and lectures a bit on the gender front and there was a bit of a "preachy" tone to it. Once the story moves past that it picks up and becomes a delight. I liked it enough that i picked up the second book to read.
December 27, 2021
This is not your normal shifter read! A shifter who gets bit by a vampire and now cannot shift so is stuck in the last body they shifted to!! Nyx / Nicky is a strong and snarky character who you can’t help but like. The author has done an incredible job building this world and the storyline draws you in and keeps hold of you.
July 11, 2021
This is book one of The Legend of Nyx and tells the story of Nicky, a water elemental, who is now stuck in the male body wanted by their last target some five years ago, who turned out to be a vampire, and managed to steal their abilities to shift forms. At night she is Nyx, a vampire hunter, always searching for word of the vampire Alice, who bit her and stole her life. She now exists as a transgender woman, stuck with an appendage she hates dangling between her legs! She works in a drag club called Leotard and Lace, doing a few sessions a week as a singer, but isn’t fully accepted alongside the drag acts. She also works as a cleaner at the club to make a bit of extra money, using her magical speed to get things done in far less time than a team of people would take. She spends all her spare time hunting vampires, looking for older ones that may know Alice and her current location. If she manages to catch Alice and stake her, she can eat her heart and hope that would return her shapeshifting abilities back to her. But maybe that won’t be the solution she hopes for!
She could be stuck in a man’s body, a human body, for the rest of her long and elemental life. Her flatmate Donnie is also a trans woman and was the one who saved her when she first came to town, without even a stitch of clothing. At the club one night she notices an old vampire talking to one of the drag queens and then luring them out. Nicky runs out to save them and ends up staking this vampire, who she later finds out if called Wolfgang and is quite an old vampire who was part of the original Order of the Morning Dawn. This order created nightwalkers and used witches for their own ends, to destroy those they thought of as abominations. As a water elemental, Nyx was completely genderless and had never known any parents. She used to live in a lake and came onto land to lure her human prey, by shifting into the figure her victim desired, then dragging their body into the water to eat them! Now she has been forced to live as a human herself for the last five years, she has come to rethink how she treated humans and isn’t sure she will want to go back to quite the same method of getting food, if she can ever go back to what she was.
The storyline brings in aspects of other characters from other of the author’s series and even Nyx is shown in one. Wolfgang and the Order of the Morning Dawn also pay a key role, as does the hunt for Alice and a large number of younglings, newly made vampires, turning up in the part of Kansas she is in. What Nicky may have to do, to infiltrate the Order and get a lead on Alice’s location, is far beyond anything she is comfortable with. She also ends up persuaded to team up with Wolfgang, who has persuaded her that he can locate Alice with his senses and help take her down, allowing her to have Alice’s heart, so long as he can take her body to the Order as part of his deal with them! Whether Nicky can trust any of the parties she ends up working with, will soon be revealed and I can’t wait to read more of her story. She is a complex character, who has lived a long life and the addition of a certain cigar smoking sprite later on, is really funny. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
She could be stuck in a man’s body, a human body, for the rest of her long and elemental life. Her flatmate Donnie is also a trans woman and was the one who saved her when she first came to town, without even a stitch of clothing. At the club one night she notices an old vampire talking to one of the drag queens and then luring them out. Nicky runs out to save them and ends up staking this vampire, who she later finds out if called Wolfgang and is quite an old vampire who was part of the original Order of the Morning Dawn. This order created nightwalkers and used witches for their own ends, to destroy those they thought of as abominations. As a water elemental, Nyx was completely genderless and had never known any parents. She used to live in a lake and came onto land to lure her human prey, by shifting into the figure her victim desired, then dragging their body into the water to eat them! Now she has been forced to live as a human herself for the last five years, she has come to rethink how she treated humans and isn’t sure she will want to go back to quite the same method of getting food, if she can ever go back to what she was.
The storyline brings in aspects of other characters from other of the author’s series and even Nyx is shown in one. Wolfgang and the Order of the Morning Dawn also pay a key role, as does the hunt for Alice and a large number of younglings, newly made vampires, turning up in the part of Kansas she is in. What Nicky may have to do, to infiltrate the Order and get a lead on Alice’s location, is far beyond anything she is comfortable with. She also ends up persuaded to team up with Wolfgang, who has persuaded her that he can locate Alice with his senses and help take her down, allowing her to have Alice’s heart, so long as he can take her body to the Order as part of his deal with them! Whether Nicky can trust any of the parties she ends up working with, will soon be revealed and I can’t wait to read more of her story. She is a complex character, who has lived a long life and the addition of a certain cigar smoking sprite later on, is really funny. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 8, 2024
I was sent this whole series to review but I won't be progressing past this one.
It was an alright story but there was A LOT of getting off track to talk about a bunch on moral issues and problems with the world. The MC spends half the book 'reflecting' and going completely off track in a way that hugely distracts from the narrative which makes so much of this book (which already had very short chapters and jumped around a decent amount) feel like filler.
Every character is a little annoying. Except maybe Johann, who shows up, immediately gets on with things and then dies (no doubt to be later brought back or revealed to have not died as a 'plot twist'). The MC is meant to be sassy and cool but just comes across as weird, arrogant and rude. Also her need to name her designer shoes at every turn got old so quickly.
The MC was meant to be a gender fluid elemental who doesn't really understand human constraints of gender. Yet she immediately conforms to these constraints, identifying as a transgender woman, because she wanted to wear dresses and designer heels while in a man's body, when the message of this book could have been supporting all gender identities and forms of expression. Still, the discussions on trans issues were interesting at times, although at one point they changed the lyrics of 'I feel pretty' to comment on trans experiences apparently lacking understanding that 'gay' in that song means happy not sexuality... On top of this it took up more of the book than the actual vampire hunting part, in which she was hugely effective except when it was important. Her knowledge as a 5 year human was hugely inconsistent e.g. she doesn't watch a lot of TV and yet knows actors enough to describe someone as reminding her of jake gyllenhaal.
The romance element was also odd. Her attraction to Devin came kind of out of nowhere. Then she lowkey sexually assaulted him, forcing a kiss on him when he hadn't consented or implied he wanted it, in order to prove he was gay? While pretending to be a man to join vampire hunting order... She became obsessed with him so quickly... Out of nowhere, like 3 conversations into knowing him... And thinking he was gay (and therefore attracted to her for her male genitals - an issue she said had hurt her a lot in the past). LUCKILY (conveniently) he was stalking her on the internet for years, knew who she was and how she identified and was attracted to her for who she was the whole time... Let's ignore the fact he didn't tell her and she still forced that kiss on him...
The main plot was good, she wanted to hunt a specific vampire for her powers back. Along the way she decides she doesn't want to go back to eating humans - Yay! And now allies with some of the vampires she's been trying to kill the whole time.
The ending was completely unrealistic out of nowhere ending - like the vampire gives her a singing club and she is dating the guy that stalked her and she attacked... Like... I feel like the author wanted everything resolved but also wanted to stick to a word limit? I think it needed more resolution.
Finally, an editing note Ch 15 and 16 are the same chapter twice... Unsure if this is a flaw in all editions but it was very confusing!
It was an alright story but there was A LOT of getting off track to talk about a bunch on moral issues and problems with the world. The MC spends half the book 'reflecting' and going completely off track in a way that hugely distracts from the narrative which makes so much of this book (which already had very short chapters and jumped around a decent amount) feel like filler.
Every character is a little annoying. Except maybe Johann, who shows up, immediately gets on with things and then dies (no doubt to be later brought back or revealed to have not died as a 'plot twist'). The MC is meant to be sassy and cool but just comes across as weird, arrogant and rude. Also her need to name her designer shoes at every turn got old so quickly.
The MC was meant to be a gender fluid elemental who doesn't really understand human constraints of gender. Yet she immediately conforms to these constraints, identifying as a transgender woman, because she wanted to wear dresses and designer heels while in a man's body, when the message of this book could have been supporting all gender identities and forms of expression. Still, the discussions on trans issues were interesting at times, although at one point they changed the lyrics of 'I feel pretty' to comment on trans experiences apparently lacking understanding that 'gay' in that song means happy not sexuality... On top of this it took up more of the book than the actual vampire hunting part, in which she was hugely effective except when it was important. Her knowledge as a 5 year human was hugely inconsistent e.g. she doesn't watch a lot of TV and yet knows actors enough to describe someone as reminding her of jake gyllenhaal.
The romance element was also odd. Her attraction to Devin came kind of out of nowhere. Then she lowkey sexually assaulted him, forcing a kiss on him when he hadn't consented or implied he wanted it, in order to prove he was gay? While pretending to be a man to join vampire hunting order... She became obsessed with him so quickly... Out of nowhere, like 3 conversations into knowing him... And thinking he was gay (and therefore attracted to her for her male genitals - an issue she said had hurt her a lot in the past). LUCKILY (conveniently) he was stalking her on the internet for years, knew who she was and how she identified and was attracted to her for who she was the whole time... Let's ignore the fact he didn't tell her and she still forced that kiss on him...
The main plot was good, she wanted to hunt a specific vampire for her powers back. Along the way she decides she doesn't want to go back to eating humans - Yay! And now allies with some of the vampires she's been trying to kill the whole time.
The ending was completely unrealistic out of nowhere ending - like the vampire gives her a singing club and she is dating the guy that stalked her and she attacked... Like... I feel like the author wanted everything resolved but also wanted to stick to a word limit? I think it needed more resolution.
Finally, an editing note Ch 15 and 16 are the same chapter twice... Unsure if this is a flaw in all editions but it was very confusing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2021
Super interesting start to a new series that is a side character from The Legacy of a Vampire Witch series.
From that series we meet Nyx in Bloody Mad as she helps Mercy out of a tough situation and well Nyx isn't what she seems. In Bloody Mad we see a small glimpse of who Nyx could be and I have to tell you was intriguing. It's wonderful to get to see more of her as an MC.
Nyx is an Elemental shapeshifter, who once had the ability to take any shape to hunt her prey. In Bloody Mad we meet her after she had been attacked by a vampire who was able to steal her shapeshifting abilities leaving her trapped in the form she was using when attacked (a male and she no longer has a way to change into anything else). This is a horrifying revelation for Nyx. Being human is not her natural form and although her species does not have a definitive gender Nyx prefers and identifies with being female so this is all somewhat traumatic for her to accept.
Anothe obstacle is that most humans simply see Nyx as transgender. This book handles this topic very well and portrays Nyx's struggle for acceptance and love with grace.
But this also mean you should be aware this is a book with what may be a trigger topic for some. If the topic or storyline focus isn't for you be forwarned.
However, I would hate to see anyone turn aside the book due to this because the overall storyarc and character development is excellent and pulls you right in. The overall world-building and storyline makes for a really a great read and I recommend it.
From that series we meet Nyx in Bloody Mad as she helps Mercy out of a tough situation and well Nyx isn't what she seems. In Bloody Mad we see a small glimpse of who Nyx could be and I have to tell you was intriguing. It's wonderful to get to see more of her as an MC.
Nyx is an Elemental shapeshifter, who once had the ability to take any shape to hunt her prey. In Bloody Mad we meet her after she had been attacked by a vampire who was able to steal her shapeshifting abilities leaving her trapped in the form she was using when attacked (a male and she no longer has a way to change into anything else). This is a horrifying revelation for Nyx. Being human is not her natural form and although her species does not have a definitive gender Nyx prefers and identifies with being female so this is all somewhat traumatic for her to accept.
Anothe obstacle is that most humans simply see Nyx as transgender. This book handles this topic very well and portrays Nyx's struggle for acceptance and love with grace.
But this also mean you should be aware this is a book with what may be a trigger topic for some. If the topic or storyline focus isn't for you be forwarned.
However, I would hate to see anyone turn aside the book due to this because the overall storyarc and character development is excellent and pulls you right in. The overall world-building and storyline makes for a really a great read and I recommend it.
February 23, 2023
Scared Shiftless is the beginning of a new story it is also the first book in The Legend of Nyx series. Scared Shiftless is a wonderfully written story that will draw you in from the first page to the last.
Nyx is a water elemental. A while back Nyx was bitten by a vampire who took her abilities and now she wants them back and will do whatever it takes to get them back no matter what it is she may have to do.
When Nyx was bitten she became human, a human man to be exact but Nyx feels more like a woman than a man. She is known in the human world as transgender. Nyx is only being who she feels she is. She is only trying to be herself not someone that everyone wants her to be.
Before she was bitten Nyx lived in the water and came out to feed on humans. When she came out to feed she would become whatever made the human feel safer with to make the feeding more smooth.
Nyx needs to find this vampire and eat her heart if she wants to get her abilities back. But even if she eats the vampire’s heart it is not known if she will recover her abilities or if she will go back to being what she was before.
Will Nyx find this vampire? What will happen if she does find her? What will happen to Nyx? Who will she be then? Will she stay who she is now or will she go back to what she was before?
I can’t wait to dive into the next Bat Shift Crazy to find out more about Nyx and her world.
So, so many questions, questions that can only be found by reading Scared Shiftless. Grab your copy of Scared Shiftless today to find the answers that you seek!
Nyx is a water elemental. A while back Nyx was bitten by a vampire who took her abilities and now she wants them back and will do whatever it takes to get them back no matter what it is she may have to do.
When Nyx was bitten she became human, a human man to be exact but Nyx feels more like a woman than a man. She is known in the human world as transgender. Nyx is only being who she feels she is. She is only trying to be herself not someone that everyone wants her to be.
Before she was bitten Nyx lived in the water and came out to feed on humans. When she came out to feed she would become whatever made the human feel safer with to make the feeding more smooth.
Nyx needs to find this vampire and eat her heart if she wants to get her abilities back. But even if she eats the vampire’s heart it is not known if she will recover her abilities or if she will go back to being what she was before.
Will Nyx find this vampire? What will happen if she does find her? What will happen to Nyx? Who will she be then? Will she stay who she is now or will she go back to what she was before?
I can’t wait to dive into the next Bat Shift Crazy to find out more about Nyx and her world.
So, so many questions, questions that can only be found by reading Scared Shiftless. Grab your copy of Scared Shiftless today to find the answers that you seek!
October 29, 2021
was introduced to Nyx in The Legacy of the Vampire Witch Series – Bloody Mad and I was just thrilled to see that this character was to have her own break out series. Alice a vampire took Nyx’s ability to shift, and now Nix (Nicky) has been searching for this Vampire to take her magical abilities back. Nicky is trapped in a human male body while she is female. She looks like a man but feels like a woman and has the voice to prove it. As a dancer she performs as Nicky and when not performing she turns into the ultimate Vampire hunter. I have read several of Theophilus Monroe’s novels and I have to say I think is perhaps my favorite author. He is talented and gifted. When he puts pen to paper it like an artist painting a landscape. He has a way of crafting his story, masterfully interwoven with progressive world building, action, and delving deeply into his characters persona without overdoing one thing or another. I highly recommend his works and I gladly would read additional novels by this author. . I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel.
May 29, 2021
Sprites, Vampires, Drag Queens, Elementals that eat people, and people that use the church for their agendas. If you're looking for any of these, this is the book for you! It takes you on an adventure of great storytelling, but also awareness of social issues, which aren't always addressed as they should. They are done tho in a way that is all storytelling, no preaching (except those crazy church people I mentioned).
I enjoyed every minute of my reading, connecting with the characters, feeling what they felt. Some 'oh my gosh' and 'oh no he didn't' did happen, and that made me love this book more. I don't want to read something that I KNOW what is going to happen.
Theophilus has a winner in this new series if you ask me, which if you're reading this review, YOU DID! I can't wait for book 2, coming in July!!!! YA and older, grab your favorite reading apparatus and get reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed every minute of my reading, connecting with the characters, feeling what they felt. Some 'oh my gosh' and 'oh no he didn't' did happen, and that made me love this book more. I don't want to read something that I KNOW what is going to happen.
Theophilus has a winner in this new series if you ask me, which if you're reading this review, YOU DID! I can't wait for book 2, coming in July!!!! YA and older, grab your favorite reading apparatus and get reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 4, 2022
It's s pretty good story.
The MC (Nyx) is a water Nymph of some sort. She used to eat people in that form but because of a vampire she is now stuck in a make human's body. Therefore she is a transgender woman. And we all know that's not easy.
Because of the issue with the Vampire who took her power, she has become a vampire hunter in an attempt to find said vampire and get her powers back.
It is an interesting concept, I've definitely not read anything like it before. The Nymph with succubus like abilities as well as the power stealing Vampire angle are very intriguing.
This book is very much a finding yourself story of this creature who never really had a gender, learning what human gender she identified with as well as which gender her human body dictates she should be. This is very prominent within the story.
I enjoyed it, it was a good story with lovable characters and I will continue to read the series.
The MC (Nyx) is a water Nymph of some sort. She used to eat people in that form but because of a vampire she is now stuck in a make human's body. Therefore she is a transgender woman. And we all know that's not easy.
Because of the issue with the Vampire who took her power, she has become a vampire hunter in an attempt to find said vampire and get her powers back.
It is an interesting concept, I've definitely not read anything like it before. The Nymph with succubus like abilities as well as the power stealing Vampire angle are very intriguing.
This book is very much a finding yourself story of this creature who never really had a gender, learning what human gender she identified with as well as which gender her human body dictates she should be. This is very prominent within the story.
I enjoyed it, it was a good story with lovable characters and I will continue to read the series.
August 19, 2021
This was a different type of story from what I am used to. I'll be honest. I am not a huge fan of the LGBT community, but I am also NOT an enemy. I am all for live and let live, and I would never deny them the love of another. Knowing this about me should tell you that I am being as honest as I can be. The story is a good one. The plot is easily followed and the main characters are very believable and the reader can feel friendly towards them IF the reader has an open mind. Sin, original sin, is a commitment to harm others, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Jealousy has transformed this original sin to many myriad forms that have absolutely nothing to do with where original sin came from. My point is that if you have an open mind and heart, you will enjoy this story for what it is, a struggle between good and evil in it's original form.
June 30, 2022
Full-Speed Action, a HUGE twist & Tears @ the End
Unbelievable! I have been a fan of Monroe's imagination and storytelling for some time. And yet I am astounded by this particular book.
This story has so many surprises and twists, all the while still continuing to build on and expand the history of Eden Gate.
I jumped into this saga late in the stream with the first of the books dedicated to Cain. I stopped after the 3rd or 4th one and went back to the beginning. All of these books, individually and collectively, are a fun and easy read. It is so interesting to start in the future, so to speak, and then come back and read the history upon which it was all built.
But this book and I believe this entire series is going to be a huge surprise. You'll see what I mean when you pick it up and, I guarantee, enjoy!
Unbelievable! I have been a fan of Monroe's imagination and storytelling for some time. And yet I am astounded by this particular book.
This story has so many surprises and twists, all the while still continuing to build on and expand the history of Eden Gate.
I jumped into this saga late in the stream with the first of the books dedicated to Cain. I stopped after the 3rd or 4th one and went back to the beginning. All of these books, individually and collectively, are a fun and easy read. It is so interesting to start in the future, so to speak, and then come back and read the history upon which it was all built.
But this book and I believe this entire series is going to be a huge surprise. You'll see what I mean when you pick it up and, I guarantee, enjoy!
September 11, 2022
I’m quite new to Theophilus Monroe’s work and I’m probably listening out of order as from reading other reviews Nicky was in another series. But that doesn’t detract from this book at all.
I love Nicky - a water elemental who has had her powers taken by Alice, a Vampire. So she’s stuck in the image which Alice gave her - which is a man with long white hair. And oh how she hates the appendage between her legs lol.
She works as a drag queen whilst vampire hunting on the side to try and find Alice and kill her so she can regain her true form and shape shifting abilities.
As the story progresses, we meet other characters such as Brucie, who is a sprite and is actually part of her.
Altogether, it was a great story, I love Nicky and the other characters, good world building and I can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series.
Narration was perfect too.
I love Nicky - a water elemental who has had her powers taken by Alice, a Vampire. So she’s stuck in the image which Alice gave her - which is a man with long white hair. And oh how she hates the appendage between her legs lol.
She works as a drag queen whilst vampire hunting on the side to try and find Alice and kill her so she can regain her true form and shape shifting abilities.
As the story progresses, we meet other characters such as Brucie, who is a sprite and is actually part of her.
Altogether, it was a great story, I love Nicky and the other characters, good world building and I can’t wait to listen to the next book in the series.
Narration was perfect too.
April 26, 2024
Nicky is a water magical and rare, so when her magical shapeshifting abilities are stolen by a vampire, she is trapped in one form. Nicky’s magical ability is to turn into whatever her victim desires , so her appearances changes when she is hunting a meal.
Nicky’s focus is set upon killing the thieving vampire and getting her abilities back, but she doesn’t plan on falling hard for Devon, who brings surprising and dangerous challenges her way. Nicky has to make some difficult choices - does she choose revenge? Love? Food?? A return to who she is as a water elemental and her true nature?
The characters in addition to Nicky are intriguing and intricate, while the plot of the novel is sure to tantalize old and new readers alike.
A fascinating novel about choices and the power of love, and absolutely worthwhile read
Nicky’s focus is set upon killing the thieving vampire and getting her abilities back, but she doesn’t plan on falling hard for Devon, who brings surprising and dangerous challenges her way. Nicky has to make some difficult choices - does she choose revenge? Love? Food?? A return to who she is as a water elemental and her true nature?
The characters in addition to Nicky are intriguing and intricate, while the plot of the novel is sure to tantalize old and new readers alike.
A fascinating novel about choices and the power of love, and absolutely worthwhile read
October 18, 2021
2.5 Stars.
I truly struggled to decide between 2 and 3 stars for this book.
I loved the premise of this book, and found some funny moments I really enjoyed.
However the first 3rd or so of the book it felt like the author had an agenda and had shoehorned story around it. I really struggled to read it because the constant explanations kept jolting me out of the story, and I nearly gave up a couple of times, but there was enough plot there with enough interest that it kept me reading.
I'm glad I persevered as once the scene had been set, there was an enjoyable tale there. I will be reading the next one, before I decide if Nyx is a heroine I will be following all the way through to the end of book 5.
I truly struggled to decide between 2 and 3 stars for this book.
I loved the premise of this book, and found some funny moments I really enjoyed.
However the first 3rd or so of the book it felt like the author had an agenda and had shoehorned story around it. I really struggled to read it because the constant explanations kept jolting me out of the story, and I nearly gave up a couple of times, but there was enough plot there with enough interest that it kept me reading.
I'm glad I persevered as once the scene had been set, there was an enjoyable tale there. I will be reading the next one, before I decide if Nyx is a heroine I will be following all the way through to the end of book 5.
May 27, 2021
Nyx a water elemental is out to find the female vampire who stole her shifting abilities, and kill her. After being locked in the form of a drop dead handsome male while she is at heart female, Nyx can't wait to get herself back together and out of the trans scene. Or at least that is what she thinks. This story goes into detail on the thoughts, feelings and way trans people are treated. It also details the close friendships that can be formed. In the end Nyx must choose to take a chance on trust or continue on the quest for vengeance.
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.
July 19, 2021
Truth be told, the vampire aspect in the synopsis is what drew me to this book. Not to mention the cover, love it. And thank goodness!
The plot is like nothing I've ever read before. It had me turning page after page, like binge watching a TV show. Nyx is a kick butt loveable character & her love for designer stilettos is fantastic! The world is incredible & the characters are well thought out. Plus, as a hetero woman, I respect the LGBTQ aspect. Live & let live, people should be whoever they want to be.
I see this series just getting better and better! I can't wait to read Bat Shift Crazy!
Buy now with one click. You'll be glad you did.
The plot is like nothing I've ever read before. It had me turning page after page, like binge watching a TV show. Nyx is a kick butt loveable character & her love for designer stilettos is fantastic! The world is incredible & the characters are well thought out. Plus, as a hetero woman, I respect the LGBTQ aspect. Live & let live, people should be whoever they want to be.
I see this series just getting better and better! I can't wait to read Bat Shift Crazy!
Buy now with one click. You'll be glad you did.
May 29, 2022
First book of a new series from a new author to me is always exciting. Well this one has got the series off to a great start. The MC is a trans woman / trans human called Nicky. She is a water elemental called a Neck and she became stuck as a trans woman when she was bitten by a vampire. The commentary of the story brings about trans gender is enlightening.
The one thing that I’m less keen on is the romantic elements. It not too bad but I can see if it expands it
could be a deal breaker for me. It not that it’s poorly written; it’s just not what I look for in a book.
I’m actually writing this a little after finishing the book and I’m already on book 3!!
The one thing that I’m less keen on is the romantic elements. It not too bad but I can see if it expands it
could be a deal breaker for me. It not that it’s poorly written; it’s just not what I look for in a book.
I’m actually writing this a little after finishing the book and I’m already on book 3!!
May 7, 2021
First off, let me just say that I have no bias towards anybody whether it be race colour or creed. Now this book is a little cracker, another take on the vampire hunter genre. I enjoyed it immensely, the only thing being the details that the author goes into regarding Nyx. I know she what is and by the first couple of episodes we know what she is and why. But we keep getting reminders of it. Perhaps I am being too pedantic, I don’t really know. Still worth five stars however. Highly recommended.
May 22, 2021
I liked Nyx’s story. Took a lot for her to realize she can be loved. My only question is how long will it last? The hunt for Alice isn’t what she thought it would be and definitely didn’t turn out like she expected. What happens when Nyx is attracted to someone? What about when she finally sees Alice after 5 years? Will she get her abilities back or be left as someone/something she doesn’t like/want? Can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2021
Cordelia, in a male body, strutting the night fantastic, staking vampires with her
Christian Louboutin stiletto boot heels.... I never would have come up with this concept myself and yet, what a way to delve into the real meaning of diversity, of self-exploration, of discovering ones true self. If you want an adventure reminiscent of Buffy's endeavours, this is worth reading, but if you are not okay with the idea of examining what it is to be transgender (and trans-species), this is not the book (or series) for you.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Christian Louboutin stiletto boot heels.... I never would have come up with this concept myself and yet, what a way to delve into the real meaning of diversity, of self-exploration, of discovering ones true self. If you want an adventure reminiscent of Buffy's endeavours, this is worth reading, but if you are not okay with the idea of examining what it is to be transgender (and trans-species), this is not the book (or series) for you.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2021
Loved it. In Scared Shiftless(The legend of Nyx#1) by Theophilus Monroe, Nyx was stuck in as a human male because her abilities had been stolen so she tries to find the one who did this to her. If she manages to follow through will she get her shapeshifting abilities back or will there be a change of plan. I really enjoyed the plot twists in this book. I didn't see some of them coming and that is a rare thing. I received this book through StoryOrigin and am voluntarily reviewing. I am looking forward to other books in the series. This book is available on Amazon
June 29, 2022
“Stake and Bake”!
Nyx, a water elemental, is more human than she ever wanted to be. An ancient vampire bit her five years ago and stole her shifting powers leaving her stranded in a transhuman body forever unless she can finish her meal and eat Allice’s heart. She almost succeeded once and now, after hunting and staking many vampires in her search, Nyx aka Nicky finally has a lead on Alice’s location. Will she succeed this time or be trapped forever in a body she never wanted?
I never had much use for 9-inch heels before but Nicky certainly changed my mind! What a great book!
Nyx, a water elemental, is more human than she ever wanted to be. An ancient vampire bit her five years ago and stole her shifting powers leaving her stranded in a transhuman body forever unless she can finish her meal and eat Allice’s heart. She almost succeeded once and now, after hunting and staking many vampires in her search, Nyx aka Nicky finally has a lead on Alice’s location. Will she succeed this time or be trapped forever in a body she never wanted?
I never had much use for 9-inch heels before but Nicky certainly changed my mind! What a great book!
June 3, 2021
Ever since Alice took her ability to shift, Nicky has been searching for her. While looking for Alice, Nicky earned money to pay rent and a car payment by cleaning the club Leotards and Lace during the day and performing here at night. Nicky is transgender. She looks like a man but feels like a woman and has the voice to prove it. After her performance, Nicky turns into Nyx, a vampire hunter. This story is fun to read and is full of action and some m/m romance. Highly recommended.
October 3, 2021
an interesting take
Nyx is trapped in a man’s body but it doesn’t feel right. She is stuck in the last form she took when she was going to feed on a vampire,but the vamp bit her instead and stole her ability to shift her form. Now she sings in a club by day and hunts vampires at night, always on the lookout for the one who stole her abilities. This book was fascinating! Nyx is an interesting character and one I honestly wouldn’t mind to read more about.
Nyx is trapped in a man’s body but it doesn’t feel right. She is stuck in the last form she took when she was going to feed on a vampire,but the vamp bit her instead and stole her ability to shift her form. Now she sings in a club by day and hunts vampires at night, always on the lookout for the one who stole her abilities. This book was fascinating! Nyx is an interesting character and one I honestly wouldn’t mind to read more about.
February 2, 2022
Scared Shiftless (The Legend of Nyx #1), my fifth read from author Theophilus Monroe, and my first in a new series. Well written & enjoyable read, very different from his Voodoo Legacy Series. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. Kasey Logan's narration sets a different tone for this series & adds to the enjoyment of the book. I look forward to the next book in this series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 29, 2022
I enjoyed this unusual vampire hunter story. Theophilus Monroe wrote a creative tale in which a paranormal being started to hunt vampires in order to find the vampire that stole her ability. The characters were complicated and unique. The tale had twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Kasey Logan's narration was good and kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
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