What do you think?
Rate this book
The Legacy of a Vampire Witch #1
Bloody Hell
She’s a vampire. She's a witch. And she's heartless... literally.
Mercy died twice. Once when she became a vampire. Again, when her own father had her heart cut out of her chest. But Mercy’s guide in the Craft had other ideas. The essence of her heart, now bound to her brother's soul, revived the vampire witch. But the Order of the Morning Dawn will stop at nothing to eliminate her. An organization devoted to two tasks-burning witches and vanquishing vampires-will literally go to hell and back in an effort to liberate Mercy's brother's soul and end Mercy’s vampiric life. If Mercy wants to live she must go to hell herself and capture her brother’s soul before the Order can get to him. Will Mercy survive, or will the Order finally eliminate one of the most notorious vampires in existence?
Bloody Hell is the first book in Theophilus Monroe's Legacy of a Vampire Witch series. These vampires don’t sparkle. If Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles ever met the Mayfair witches you might end up with a character like Monroe's Mercy Brown. She is a ruthless, badass, snarky anti-hero straight out of your worst nightmares. But you will want to root for her nonetheless! Bloody Hell will take you from the time she was turned in the 1890s through the present day. Readers of Monroe's Voodoo Legacy will get a glimpse of her role in that series-from her own perspective-while being taken on a new action packed adventure and dark urban fantasy story that is wholly Mercy's own.
Mercy died twice. Once when she became a vampire. Again, when her own father had her heart cut out of her chest. But Mercy’s guide in the Craft had other ideas. The essence of her heart, now bound to her brother's soul, revived the vampire witch. But the Order of the Morning Dawn will stop at nothing to eliminate her. An organization devoted to two tasks-burning witches and vanquishing vampires-will literally go to hell and back in an effort to liberate Mercy's brother's soul and end Mercy’s vampiric life. If Mercy wants to live she must go to hell herself and capture her brother’s soul before the Order can get to him. Will Mercy survive, or will the Order finally eliminate one of the most notorious vampires in existence?
Bloody Hell is the first book in Theophilus Monroe's Legacy of a Vampire Witch series. These vampires don’t sparkle. If Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles ever met the Mayfair witches you might end up with a character like Monroe's Mercy Brown. She is a ruthless, badass, snarky anti-hero straight out of your worst nightmares. But you will want to root for her nonetheless! Bloody Hell will take you from the time she was turned in the 1890s through the present day. Readers of Monroe's Voodoo Legacy will get a glimpse of her role in that series-from her own perspective-while being taken on a new action packed adventure and dark urban fantasy story that is wholly Mercy's own.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2020
321 people are currently reading
451 people want to read
About the author
Theophilus Monroe
157 books292 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Want to read
January 21, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/21/2021)! 🎁
January 30, 2022
This is the story of a very unusual vampire who is also a witch, but that isn't the strangest thing about her! Thanks to her witchy mentor and a very dodgy ritual or two, Mercy is now the only vampire who can survive being staked in the heart. Unfortunately her little brother hasn't come out too well in this deal...
I loved all the unusual vampire lore, there are a lot more rules in this world than the typical wooden stake and garlic. It was a fascinating story for how the original vampire was created. I particularly enjoyed how this was set in the past, looking forward to Bram Stoker's Dracula book and films.
Kelley Hazen gives the perfect sassy narration for Mercy Brown's character.
I loved all the unusual vampire lore, there are a lot more rules in this world than the typical wooden stake and garlic. It was a fascinating story for how the original vampire was created. I particularly enjoyed how this was set in the past, looking forward to Bram Stoker's Dracula book and films.
Kelley Hazen gives the perfect sassy narration for Mercy Brown's character.
October 12, 2020
I will say this spin off is awesoooooome. This book did not disappoint. We have twist and turns, the unexpected, interesting combinations of characters. Follow Mercy on her journey. We where its dark its light and she is awesome. Can wait to start 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.
dnf
June 22, 2022Audiobook. Did not finish. Review audio copy of the series.
I couldn't get past the dreadful narration.
I couldn't get past the dreadful narration.
October 11, 2020
In order to understand this new series, I suggest to everyone to first read the Voodoo Legacy! In this new series, we read about Merci and how she becomes a vampire! I love how this character develops and how with time you see that she matures into a fiesty, clever vampire. I can see the struggles she has in the beginning. Not wanting to eat from a parent, cause children could be waiting. And although I am not a vampire fan, I am really growing fond of this fiesty, bitchy girl! This is a bit darker series than the Voodoo Legacy, eventhough it plays at the same time. This series just shows how the 'bad' girl became the bad girl! The true story of her and not just all black and White! Nope it has Grey and all sorts of colours in it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2020
„Bloody Hell” is the first installment in Theophilus Monroe’s brand-new series “The Legacy of a Vampire Witch”. Conceived as a spin-off of sorts of his fabulous “The Voodoo Legacy” series, this new series focuses on Mercy Brown, a witch/vampire hybrid which already played a pivotal role in the aforementioned previous series.
Mercy Brown is a heartless ageless witch who ‘managed’ to died twice and keep on living, literally. Back at the end of the nineteenth century, Mercy felt her own death nearing (she was terminal ill with consumption) and decided to change her own fate, approaching a witch for a live remedy, which turned out to be ‘live changing’ and transformed her into a vampire. Her father decided to put an end to such blasphemy by literally cut her heart out, however Mercy didn’t stay death, own knowledge of Witchcraft enable her to bound her soul to her own brother and keep on (un)living. Nevertheless, Mercy cannot take a breath (pun intended 😊) because the Orden of the Morning Dawn will stop at nothing to make her a truly forever dead….. no, I’m not telling anything else…. Go and read by yourself.... you can help me later… or just pick the second volume in the series and continue on enjoying your reading 😉
Theophilus Monroe has done it again! Mix and blending voodoo, magic, fantasy, mystery, a sprinkle of romance and some history into a coherent story that manages to describe a fully realistic environment despite the fantastic underline plot. Mercy coming-of-age story may be of supernatural nature, but nonetheless credible. Page after page of pure joy and entertainment in a well-written book, depicted a carefully crafted verse that despite being fantastic in nature feel eerie familiar and realistic. Last but not least…. never judge a book by its cover, but after you read this one, spare a to admire the layout and imagery.
Mercy Brown is a heartless ageless witch who ‘managed’ to died twice and keep on living, literally. Back at the end of the nineteenth century, Mercy felt her own death nearing (she was terminal ill with consumption) and decided to change her own fate, approaching a witch for a live remedy, which turned out to be ‘live changing’ and transformed her into a vampire. Her father decided to put an end to such blasphemy by literally cut her heart out, however Mercy didn’t stay death, own knowledge of Witchcraft enable her to bound her soul to her own brother and keep on (un)living. Nevertheless, Mercy cannot take a breath (pun intended 😊) because the Orden of the Morning Dawn will stop at nothing to make her a truly forever dead….. no, I’m not telling anything else…. Go and read by yourself.... you can help me later… or just pick the second volume in the series and continue on enjoying your reading 😉
Theophilus Monroe has done it again! Mix and blending voodoo, magic, fantasy, mystery, a sprinkle of romance and some history into a coherent story that manages to describe a fully realistic environment despite the fantastic underline plot. Mercy coming-of-age story may be of supernatural nature, but nonetheless credible. Page after page of pure joy and entertainment in a well-written book, depicted a carefully crafted verse that despite being fantastic in nature feel eerie familiar and realistic. Last but not least…. never judge a book by its cover, but after you read this one, spare a to admire the layout and imagery.
October 24, 2020
DNF - quit at 10%
There's a bit of an identity crisis with this book. It starts off in the late 1800's, but the language and feel of the world doesn't jive with the time period. The female main character is not likable -at all, for me, and there's no hook making me want to continue to read about her. The overall vibe it very dark and pulled me down, which didn't lead me to want to continue.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
There's a bit of an identity crisis with this book. It starts off in the late 1800's, but the language and feel of the world doesn't jive with the time period. The female main character is not likable -at all, for me, and there's no hook making me want to continue to read about her. The overall vibe it very dark and pulled me down, which didn't lead me to want to continue.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
October 28, 2020
This is book one of The Legacy of a Vampire Witch series and the main character is nineteen year old Mercy Brown, who lives with her parents, sister and younger brother Edwin aged nine. She loses her mother and sister to consumption and then becomes ill herself. She had been getting trained in witchcraft by an older witch called Moll, until she also got consumption and ended up in a sanatorium for the sick. Moll had made a deal with the first ever vampire Nico, Niccolo the Damned, who was made by Baron Samedi more than a century in the future, and then sent back in the past thousands of years! Moll wanted Mercy to be made a vampire, so that when she arose, she could be Moll’s weapon against the Order of the Morning Dawn, a religious group who wanted to wipe out the evil of witches and vampires. Mercy just didn’t want to die! When she rises from the dead, she feeds on her young brother until Nico pulls her off him, but keeps going back. When her own father tries to kill her to ensure his beloved son doesn’t also die of consumption, Moll removes her heart and burns it and uses magic to send Edwin’s soul to hell, while making Mercy unable to be killed by a stake.
Her very existence is tied to her brother’s in hell, if he ever manages to return or if his soul is sent to heaven, she will die the true death. She is now heartless and only one witch knows about that to start with, which is a huge advantage when zealots from the Order try to kill her. Nico has to control her young vampire life urges and bloodlust and she also meets another of his progeny, Ramon, who unfortunately has to be repeatedly staked as he loves to dismember people! When the stake is removed and he is unburied, he starts all over again. Another young woman who was in the bed next to Mercy in the sanatorium, called Alice, plays a huge role in trying to take Mercy down over the next decades. The order finds out her secret and what magic was done to seal her existence without a heart, the soul that has been imprisoned in hell for decades, from such a young age and seeing such violent acts daily. It will no doubt have damaged his psyche and soul, but the Order want to redeem his soul and end her. Mercy has to ensure that doesn’t happen, as she quite likes her life as a vampire, and has almost forgotten about practising any magic. That will soon have to change. She isn’t ready to die and will go to hell and back to make sure she doesn’t!
A great start to this series and some strong characters in Mercy and Nico. Definitely a violent character to witness in vampire Ramon. I liked the extra bits added into the vampire lore, such as the parts of souls vampires took in as they drank blood from victims, and how these souls can give them extra powers. One such power is Mercy’s ability to compel anyone to do anything she asks or tells them to. The first couple of times she did it accidently and more swearing at the situation. But a great ability to have, until it’s gone! A tale of a new vampire over the decades from the 1800’s until almost present day and the actual birthdate of Nico. A nice mix of witchcraft, vampires and the life and suffering of souls in hell, with lots of surprises thrown in. I look forward to reading the next one in this series. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Her very existence is tied to her brother’s in hell, if he ever manages to return or if his soul is sent to heaven, she will die the true death. She is now heartless and only one witch knows about that to start with, which is a huge advantage when zealots from the Order try to kill her. Nico has to control her young vampire life urges and bloodlust and she also meets another of his progeny, Ramon, who unfortunately has to be repeatedly staked as he loves to dismember people! When the stake is removed and he is unburied, he starts all over again. Another young woman who was in the bed next to Mercy in the sanatorium, called Alice, plays a huge role in trying to take Mercy down over the next decades. The order finds out her secret and what magic was done to seal her existence without a heart, the soul that has been imprisoned in hell for decades, from such a young age and seeing such violent acts daily. It will no doubt have damaged his psyche and soul, but the Order want to redeem his soul and end her. Mercy has to ensure that doesn’t happen, as she quite likes her life as a vampire, and has almost forgotten about practising any magic. That will soon have to change. She isn’t ready to die and will go to hell and back to make sure she doesn’t!
A great start to this series and some strong characters in Mercy and Nico. Definitely a violent character to witness in vampire Ramon. I liked the extra bits added into the vampire lore, such as the parts of souls vampires took in as they drank blood from victims, and how these souls can give them extra powers. One such power is Mercy’s ability to compel anyone to do anything she asks or tells them to. The first couple of times she did it accidently and more swearing at the situation. But a great ability to have, until it’s gone! A tale of a new vampire over the decades from the 1800’s until almost present day and the actual birthdate of Nico. A nice mix of witchcraft, vampires and the life and suffering of souls in hell, with lots of surprises thrown in. I look forward to reading the next one in this series. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
December 4, 2021
Well hello Theophilus Monroe! There's a new kid on the urban fantasy/paranormal audiobook block and I am just lucky enough to be his narrator!
Bloody Hell is the first installment in The Legacy of a Vampire Witch 1-5 series. As the title indicates, it packs a double punch - vampires AND witches! And I can tell you that is not all! We have recorded the second book Bloody Mad. We are awaiting its release any day now. So if the sound of demons, werewolves, voodoo and frat boys doesn't whet your paranormal whistle, I don't know what will!
Mercy Brown is our heroine. Turned into a vampire at a youthful age in the late 1800's, we follow her vampiric development under the tutelage of her sire, Nico. He has been a vampire for many centuries. Nico is hand-picked for this job by Mercy's mentor in 'The Craft', Moll - a wizened old witch of great wisdom AND ulterior motives. Not only is Nico possibly responsible for supplying Bram Stoker with the tinder for one of the greatest stories ever told, but he has lived so very long as a vampire that he might be ready to end himself. But not before he tries to make the world a more accepting place for all vampire-kind.
We watch Mercy's rise through a century and half. She embraces the Modern Age with aplomb and style. All the while her brother is paying a price in hell for her evolution.
Mercy is sexy, sassy, cocky, reckless, heartless - everything you love in a vampire and (maybe) in a role model.
We meet Mercy's on-again-off-again boyfriend Ramon - a French 'tickler' who is into dismemberment. Why is he her irregular guy? He has to be staked to stop his voraciously bloody attacks when he feeds. He gets staked and sent to hell to cool off!
Monroe has created for us an incredibly fresh take on the vampire experience. He offers us new and fresh explanations for among other things garlic, holy water, coffins and SO much more.
Theo's own evolution into writing is fascinating. I encourage you to visit his website and get to know him. With a Theology Ph.D (that's right, My Friends, he's a DOCTOR), Theo brings a grounded-ness to this journey that deepens the storytelling beyond mere sensationalism and gore.
Monroe is so effective in fact that I am starting to look over my shoulder. The more I read of the series, The Legacy of a Vampire Witch 1-5 the more I'm beginning to believe I just may see 'Vampire People' in the real world!
Bloody Hell is the first installment in The Legacy of a Vampire Witch 1-5 series. As the title indicates, it packs a double punch - vampires AND witches! And I can tell you that is not all! We have recorded the second book Bloody Mad. We are awaiting its release any day now. So if the sound of demons, werewolves, voodoo and frat boys doesn't whet your paranormal whistle, I don't know what will!
Mercy Brown is our heroine. Turned into a vampire at a youthful age in the late 1800's, we follow her vampiric development under the tutelage of her sire, Nico. He has been a vampire for many centuries. Nico is hand-picked for this job by Mercy's mentor in 'The Craft', Moll - a wizened old witch of great wisdom AND ulterior motives. Not only is Nico possibly responsible for supplying Bram Stoker with the tinder for one of the greatest stories ever told, but he has lived so very long as a vampire that he might be ready to end himself. But not before he tries to make the world a more accepting place for all vampire-kind.
We watch Mercy's rise through a century and half. She embraces the Modern Age with aplomb and style. All the while her brother is paying a price in hell for her evolution.
Mercy is sexy, sassy, cocky, reckless, heartless - everything you love in a vampire and (maybe) in a role model.
We meet Mercy's on-again-off-again boyfriend Ramon - a French 'tickler' who is into dismemberment. Why is he her irregular guy? He has to be staked to stop his voraciously bloody attacks when he feeds. He gets staked and sent to hell to cool off!
Monroe has created for us an incredibly fresh take on the vampire experience. He offers us new and fresh explanations for among other things garlic, holy water, coffins and SO much more.
Theo's own evolution into writing is fascinating. I encourage you to visit his website and get to know him. With a Theology Ph.D (that's right, My Friends, he's a DOCTOR), Theo brings a grounded-ness to this journey that deepens the storytelling beyond mere sensationalism and gore.
Monroe is so effective in fact that I am starting to look over my shoulder. The more I read of the series, The Legacy of a Vampire Witch 1-5 the more I'm beginning to believe I just may see 'Vampire People' in the real world!
November 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this first book in this spin off series of the Voodoo Academy (which I have only read the first one of, so need to catch up on those as well!).
The year is 1891 and Mercy is dying of consumption as many did at that time. There is no way to survive it, unless of course you happen to be a witch in training and the leader of your coven has some serious contacts who can change who and what you are. To save her life, Moll, the coven leader, uses a favour of a vampire, the first vampire at that, to turn Mercy. Along with her witch powers, she is to become one incredible young woman/vampire, with the strength and skills to eventually take down the Order of the Morning Dawn. An organisation that wants to destroy all witches, vampires and anyone else they deem to be evil.
Mercy's vampiric life comes across as hard at times until she gains control of her hunger urges, fun, deadly, vicious, powerful and downright scary at times. A lot of this book, spent time showing her exploits throughout the decades leading into the centuries of her life. All the time, she gains more powers and abilities through the soul fragments she absorbs when she feeds and these abilities come in really useful many a time. Nico, her sire, has a plan for her, having seen what the future will bring. Ramon, another of Nico's vampires, was a fun addition, if not a pretty gruesome one too, but I have a feeling Ramon will do more than bring out Mercy's truly evil nature.
She still has a element of humanity within her and even after a century, she cannot let go of her guilt of something that happened that ultimately saved her life. Now though, this situation has changed, maybe for the better, maybe not, but I guess that's for the next book, which I can't wait to now read! She's not without her enemies though and not just those within the Order. Someone from her past is determined to end Mercy once and for all, but how she deals with this person is yet to be fully seen!
I really liked Mercy - she's ruthless, vicious and powerful, but I would love to see her use her witch powers more in the next book as she seemed to lose those here in favour of her vampire ones. She has the potential to be the most powerful vampire/witch hybrid created, so let the magic flow!
The year is 1891 and Mercy is dying of consumption as many did at that time. There is no way to survive it, unless of course you happen to be a witch in training and the leader of your coven has some serious contacts who can change who and what you are. To save her life, Moll, the coven leader, uses a favour of a vampire, the first vampire at that, to turn Mercy. Along with her witch powers, she is to become one incredible young woman/vampire, with the strength and skills to eventually take down the Order of the Morning Dawn. An organisation that wants to destroy all witches, vampires and anyone else they deem to be evil.
Mercy's vampiric life comes across as hard at times until she gains control of her hunger urges, fun, deadly, vicious, powerful and downright scary at times. A lot of this book, spent time showing her exploits throughout the decades leading into the centuries of her life. All the time, she gains more powers and abilities through the soul fragments she absorbs when she feeds and these abilities come in really useful many a time. Nico, her sire, has a plan for her, having seen what the future will bring. Ramon, another of Nico's vampires, was a fun addition, if not a pretty gruesome one too, but I have a feeling Ramon will do more than bring out Mercy's truly evil nature.
She still has a element of humanity within her and even after a century, she cannot let go of her guilt of something that happened that ultimately saved her life. Now though, this situation has changed, maybe for the better, maybe not, but I guess that's for the next book, which I can't wait to now read! She's not without her enemies though and not just those within the Order. Someone from her past is determined to end Mercy once and for all, but how she deals with this person is yet to be fully seen!
I really liked Mercy - she's ruthless, vicious and powerful, but I would love to see her use her witch powers more in the next book as she seemed to lose those here in favour of her vampire ones. She has the potential to be the most powerful vampire/witch hybrid created, so let the magic flow!
March 13, 2022
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
Well, I needed almost two weeks to think over my review for this book... On the one hand, it was a really nice listen, one that kept me going on without much disappointment or irritation; on the other, I did not feel an urge to listen to the second part immediately after finishing the first... So I'd say it has some potential, but still needs a little bit more of that spark that would grasp me and make me forget about the world around...
There are two things that kind of killed the curiosity in me while listening: one, the vampire lore itself - there is a lot of information on how vampires and their world work, but because there are not many real differences between this book's vampire world and so many others out there, this amount of information felt excessive and slowed the dynamics of the plot. Secondly, I felt rather indifferent to Mercy, the main heroine - I neither liked nor disliked her, her cruelty and mercilessness (so much talked about in the book) didn't move me at all, and she reminded me more of a naive child that hadn't yet been taught how to control emotions and impulses rather than a monster she's supposed (?) to be. I also didn't buy her plans to somehow save her brother and herself...
That said, the plot itself was quite interesting, even with the slower first part, some ideas mentioned in this first installment will probably be developed later on (there's much potential there), also some of the secondary characters are very well written and the ending does make you want to find out what will happen next, even if you don't want to just immediately jump into the next book.
Generally, it's an OK book, and quite a good introduction to the new series, I think.
When it comes to narration, Ms Hazen as always does a great job, saving the book in some weaker moments:) She adds life and energy where they're lacking in writing. It's a great interpretation of the story.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Well, I needed almost two weeks to think over my review for this book... On the one hand, it was a really nice listen, one that kept me going on without much disappointment or irritation; on the other, I did not feel an urge to listen to the second part immediately after finishing the first... So I'd say it has some potential, but still needs a little bit more of that spark that would grasp me and make me forget about the world around...
There are two things that kind of killed the curiosity in me while listening: one, the vampire lore itself - there is a lot of information on how vampires and their world work, but because there are not many real differences between this book's vampire world and so many others out there, this amount of information felt excessive and slowed the dynamics of the plot. Secondly, I felt rather indifferent to Mercy, the main heroine - I neither liked nor disliked her, her cruelty and mercilessness (so much talked about in the book) didn't move me at all, and she reminded me more of a naive child that hadn't yet been taught how to control emotions and impulses rather than a monster she's supposed (?) to be. I also didn't buy her plans to somehow save her brother and herself...
That said, the plot itself was quite interesting, even with the slower first part, some ideas mentioned in this first installment will probably be developed later on (there's much potential there), also some of the secondary characters are very well written and the ending does make you want to find out what will happen next, even if you don't want to just immediately jump into the next book.
Generally, it's an OK book, and quite a good introduction to the new series, I think.
When it comes to narration, Ms Hazen as always does a great job, saving the book in some weaker moments:) She adds life and energy where they're lacking in writing. It's a great interpretation of the story.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 27, 2022
This is just what I needed. I love vampire stories and have since I was a kid. Bloody Hell gets extra points for being creative though. It gives you interesting characters, fuses vampire mythology with actual history so the lore actually makes sense.
Bloody Hell solves a lot of issues with vampires. How do vampires not kill off the human population in a few years? Not all of their bites turn and not all of their bites are lethal. There’s the bonus about them not needing to feed as often, the older they get. Which makes them more sustainable. The way the lore is mixed in with real-world history is smooth.
While I only had a few hours with the characters, they’re pretty few and far between. You get plenty of time to grow familiar with them. I feel attached to these characters after only a short time because they all feel distinct and unique. I want to see how their stories play out in the sequels. Most of the time, by the time I’m done with a book, I can’t even remember half the characters’ names.
The story is read kinda like a diary. See the summary for an example. I’m not overly fond of this storytelling method, but it’s at least done well here. It could be this is the reason I was able to feel like I came to know these characters so quickly.
The story is a rollercoaster of emotions and I really didn’t want it to stop. I will add that most of it is set up for the world. The action doesn’t really behind until the end.
The narrator did a truly fine job of bringing this story to life.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
Bloody Hell solves a lot of issues with vampires. How do vampires not kill off the human population in a few years? Not all of their bites turn and not all of their bites are lethal. There’s the bonus about them not needing to feed as often, the older they get. Which makes them more sustainable. The way the lore is mixed in with real-world history is smooth.
While I only had a few hours with the characters, they’re pretty few and far between. You get plenty of time to grow familiar with them. I feel attached to these characters after only a short time because they all feel distinct and unique. I want to see how their stories play out in the sequels. Most of the time, by the time I’m done with a book, I can’t even remember half the characters’ names.
The story is read kinda like a diary. See the summary for an example. I’m not overly fond of this storytelling method, but it’s at least done well here. It could be this is the reason I was able to feel like I came to know these characters so quickly.
The story is a rollercoaster of emotions and I really didn’t want it to stop. I will add that most of it is set up for the world. The action doesn’t really behind until the end.
The narrator did a truly fine job of bringing this story to life.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
October 29, 2020
Bloody Hell got off to a great start. I understood Mercy's struggle and her turning into a very special kind of vampire. Where I had a lot of problems was the sense of time. The book starts in the 1890's, but you never would have guessed it if the date wasn't under the chapter number. The language and actions spoke of a time 100 years later.
The story drags for a while as Mercy grows older and more powerful. Ramon was an interesting diversion, but it lasted far too long. It was just page after page of how horrible they could both be. This middle section was just a lot of gore. It wasn't graphic or overly descriptive, but it was death after death, page after page. It didn't seem to take the characters anywhere in their development. It did pull the story slightly forward, as all the killings brought the attention of vampire hunters, but I think it could have happened in a much less draw out way.
There were also several inconsistencies in the storyline, where later parts of the book seemed to forget things that had happened earlier or directly contradict them - especially when it came to Mercy's abilities and relationships with her sire, Nico, and Ramon.
There were some really great one line quotes in the story that I really got a kick out of and showed the promise of what the story could have been. I would have liked to see more about the voodoo and the people from Nico's past. It was glossed over and I think the lack of details there made the story a little confusing when the author was trying to pull all the strings back together. To be honest, I'm still not sure what happened at the end even though I read the last 25 pages or so several times.
The story drags for a while as Mercy grows older and more powerful. Ramon was an interesting diversion, but it lasted far too long. It was just page after page of how horrible they could both be. This middle section was just a lot of gore. It wasn't graphic or overly descriptive, but it was death after death, page after page. It didn't seem to take the characters anywhere in their development. It did pull the story slightly forward, as all the killings brought the attention of vampire hunters, but I think it could have happened in a much less draw out way.
There were also several inconsistencies in the storyline, where later parts of the book seemed to forget things that had happened earlier or directly contradict them - especially when it came to Mercy's abilities and relationships with her sire, Nico, and Ramon.
There were some really great one line quotes in the story that I really got a kick out of and showed the promise of what the story could have been. I would have liked to see more about the voodoo and the people from Nico's past. It was glossed over and I think the lack of details there made the story a little confusing when the author was trying to pull all the strings back together. To be honest, I'm still not sure what happened at the end even though I read the last 25 pages or so several times.
February 11, 2022
I enjoyed this story. It did seem to jump all over the place with things going on, but I managed to follow it without to many problems.
Mercy is a witch who gets turned into a vampire in exchange for her soul, but there are so many other things going on and she's right in the middle of it all.
The book is fast paced in some parts but dragged in other - mostly when some things were over explained. Lots of different threads weaving through, all centered around Mercy.
I swung from liking Mercy to being annoyed with her, she had quite a selfish attitude sometimes but other times she was likeable.
I found some of the story a bit complicated to follow, but it was always always explained in detail, sometimes too much. There didn't seem to be a defined plot, just lots of things happening over the timeline of her life.
There are lots of fun and interesting characters in the story and they helped move the story along. The later part of the book just seemed over complicated to me and I did loose some interest towards the end.
Audio book- I loved the narration from Kelley Hazen, she did an amazing job, giving different characters different voices and accents. There was so much emotion and feelings added to the narration that you couldn't help but get pulled in.
Mercy is a witch who gets turned into a vampire in exchange for her soul, but there are so many other things going on and she's right in the middle of it all.
The book is fast paced in some parts but dragged in other - mostly when some things were over explained. Lots of different threads weaving through, all centered around Mercy.
I swung from liking Mercy to being annoyed with her, she had quite a selfish attitude sometimes but other times she was likeable.
I found some of the story a bit complicated to follow, but it was always always explained in detail, sometimes too much. There didn't seem to be a defined plot, just lots of things happening over the timeline of her life.
There are lots of fun and interesting characters in the story and they helped move the story along. The later part of the book just seemed over complicated to me and I did loose some interest towards the end.
Audio book- I loved the narration from Kelley Hazen, she did an amazing job, giving different characters different voices and accents. There was so much emotion and feelings added to the narration that you couldn't help but get pulled in.
December 19, 2021
Bloody Hell is the 1st book in the "Legacy of the Vampire Witch" series by Theophilus Monroe. To me, it felt like modern Anne Rice meets True Blood and I absolutely loved it! The story opens with Mercy dying of consumption. Mal (a witch) comes to her and offers to cure her. They perform a ritual on Samhain that would save her within 3 months. Mercy is visited by the first Vampire, Niko, and turned. Her blood craving was so strong she started feeding off her younger brother. Her father, in turn, tries to kill her but is unsuccessful due to Mal removing her brother's heart and burning it - sending him to hell and also making Mercy unkillable. The caveat - if her brother manages to return or his soul is sent to heaven, Mercy will die a true death. Niko takes Mercy under his wing along with her semi romance interest, Ramon - who is also sired by Niko. The whole story revolves around them trying to stop the Order of the Morning Dawn, a group that wants to destroy vampires and witches, which Mercy is both. Mercy isn't ready to meet her real death and she will do everything to ensure that doesn't happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2022
"Bloody Hell", first in the Legacy of a Vampire Witch, is a somewhat confusing book, particularly if you stop reading and start thinking about the plot.
It's 1891 and Mercy Brown, a witch, is on the verge of dying from consumption when she is turned by the original vampire Niccolo 'Nico' Freeman. She's got a couple of things going for her, one being that she no longer has a heart so staking her won't work.
She takes to the vampire life with gusto.
As the book unfolds over a century it becomes clear that rather than being free to do as she wishes she is part of several complex schemes, a pawn if you will!
The book works best when Mercy does her thing and there is some fun to be had in Nico's attempt to reshape the way humans view vampires. It loses impetus when Mercy attempts to justify being a vampire by drawing heavily on the Bible - it's just not very convincing.
Ramon, the out of control vampire, is good fun for a while but eventually seems to go out of focus.
"Bloody Hell" is full of good ideas and has a couple of memorable lines but is let down towards the end by too complicated plotting.
3 Stars.
It's 1891 and Mercy Brown, a witch, is on the verge of dying from consumption when she is turned by the original vampire Niccolo 'Nico' Freeman. She's got a couple of things going for her, one being that she no longer has a heart so staking her won't work.
She takes to the vampire life with gusto.
As the book unfolds over a century it becomes clear that rather than being free to do as she wishes she is part of several complex schemes, a pawn if you will!
The book works best when Mercy does her thing and there is some fun to be had in Nico's attempt to reshape the way humans view vampires. It loses impetus when Mercy attempts to justify being a vampire by drawing heavily on the Bible - it's just not very convincing.
Ramon, the out of control vampire, is good fun for a while but eventually seems to go out of focus.
"Bloody Hell" is full of good ideas and has a couple of memorable lines but is let down towards the end by too complicated plotting.
3 Stars.
August 20, 2023
I really enjoyed book #1. I really wish I had realized there was a whole series that goes before this whole series. There is also a series that comes after this one. I didn't need to read the first series to REALLY enjoy this book. But I do plan on going back and listening to the first series. Then going on to number 3 and etc..
So when I started listening to the 5 book series set, I was a little concerned when I first started listening. I didn't love the narrator at first. But after a few chapters, she really started to grow on me. She kind of reminded me of the main character of Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23. The same girl who played Jessica Jones. She fit Mercy's character perfectly! And she really did a good job with the French accents and the men. She definitely added to the book.
Book one was a great intro to Mercy's world. Even though, apparently, there is another into in the first series. Even so, it was a great intro. I love Mercy's attitude. She's a total badass. I highly recommend these books, as of book one anyway. Starting number 2 now.
So when I started listening to the 5 book series set, I was a little concerned when I first started listening. I didn't love the narrator at first. But after a few chapters, she really started to grow on me. She kind of reminded me of the main character of Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23. The same girl who played Jessica Jones. She fit Mercy's character perfectly! And she really did a good job with the French accents and the men. She definitely added to the book.
Book one was a great intro to Mercy's world. Even though, apparently, there is another into in the first series. Even so, it was a great intro. I love Mercy's attitude. She's a total badass. I highly recommend these books, as of book one anyway. Starting number 2 now.
April 1, 2022
This review is for the audiobook.
This audiobook started pretty slow for me, but after about chapter 6 or 7, it really picked up as the adventure began. I was glad I hung on through the start. I thought Mercy was a bit naive and annoying at first, but as the story went on, I liked her feisty spirit and energy. I liked some of the unique aspects of vampires in the story, particularly that a stake to the heart WOULDN'T kill them, but just put them to sleep (so to speak) until it was removed. Intriguing struggle with the Morning Dawn. Hard to decide who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. Overall, a fun adventure, especially if you like vampires, witches, and the paranormal.
The narrator's voice annoyed me at the beginning, but it grew on me as the story progressed. She did a great job with the variety of voices and accents.
I received a free review copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This audiobook started pretty slow for me, but after about chapter 6 or 7, it really picked up as the adventure began. I was glad I hung on through the start. I thought Mercy was a bit naive and annoying at first, but as the story went on, I liked her feisty spirit and energy. I liked some of the unique aspects of vampires in the story, particularly that a stake to the heart WOULDN'T kill them, but just put them to sleep (so to speak) until it was removed. Intriguing struggle with the Morning Dawn. Hard to decide who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. Overall, a fun adventure, especially if you like vampires, witches, and the paranormal.
The narrator's voice annoyed me at the beginning, but it grew on me as the story progressed. She did a great job with the variety of voices and accents.
I received a free review copy of this audiobook via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
December 23, 2021
Bloody Hell is a very well-crafted urban fantasy and a fantastic start to the Legacy of a Vampire Witch series. It's very well-plotted with a fascinating premise and intriguing characters. Nineteen-year-old Mercy Brown's destiny was forever altered when she contracted consumption as her deceased mother and sister. Desperate not to meet their fates, and with the aid of her trainer, Moll, she agrees to become a vampire. But Mercy was no ordinary human, she was a witch in training, and Moll was her mentor. Theophilus Monroe has weaved such an intricate tale with fascinating elements in her plot that I'm reluctant to say more and spoil the book.
The storyline is rich, totally entertaining, and the surprising twists and turns make it unpredictable. Kelley Hazen did an excellent job with the narration. She breathed life into the characters and made the story even more enjoyable.
The storyline is rich, totally entertaining, and the surprising twists and turns make it unpredictable. Kelley Hazen did an excellent job with the narration. She breathed life into the characters and made the story even more enjoyable.
June 10, 2025
I’m DNF this shit at 10%.
Baron SALAMI? In 1892?
Ew?
Toothbrush?
Underwear?
In 1892?! What the fuck is wrong with this author?
The with tells her “don’t die” and she’s like “lol okay”.
WHAT?!
Why bother setting a story in the 1800s if you’re going to use modern terminology and not bother your dick enough to research what they had or called things back then?!
Why is this a complete and utter valley girl American dumbass come vampire story dressed up as some outrageously world shattering literary genius?
This is 5th grade level writing.
This infuriated me from page one. I’m 3/3 on reading utter shite this week so Thomophillis or whatever the fuck your name is you’re getting the axe.
I’m so glad I didn’t commit to the whole series straight away.
Someone please for the love of GOD recommend a good book to me.
Baron SALAMI? In 1892?
Ew?
Toothbrush?
Underwear?
In 1892?! What the fuck is wrong with this author?
The with tells her “don’t die” and she’s like “lol okay”.
WHAT?!
Why bother setting a story in the 1800s if you’re going to use modern terminology and not bother your dick enough to research what they had or called things back then?!
Why is this a complete and utter valley girl American dumbass come vampire story dressed up as some outrageously world shattering literary genius?
This is 5th grade level writing.
This infuriated me from page one. I’m 3/3 on reading utter shite this week so Thomophillis or whatever the fuck your name is you’re getting the axe.
I’m so glad I didn’t commit to the whole series straight away.
Someone please for the love of GOD recommend a good book to me.
October 26, 2020
This was my first read by this author and I loved it!!! Brilliant storyline and characters. I loved the female main character Mercy. She was so entertaining and her whole thought process and actions sucked me in and made want to know what she would do next. I loved her site and what a surprise a time traveling vampire. This storyline is fresh new inventive and so entertaining. It was hard to put down and I found my self with the iPad open and me trying to read as I was attempting to cook dinner and do other things as I didn’t want to put the book down. So ready for the next book.
I received a free book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
December 8, 2021
I absolutely loved this novel. Yes, this book is very magical, bringing the reader to be transported to a whole new world of magic. There was a real balance of darkness and realm of fantasy with lightness and humor. The author brought the characters to life, as he penned this amazing story and created her characters. I was entranced by this story. The writing was fast-paced. This book is a real page-turner. You won’t want to put it down, so clear your schedule, get comfortable and settle in for a treat. I received a copy of this novel through BookFunnel. This is an honest review, and my own opinions.
December 15, 2021
Bloody Hell (The Legacy of a Vampire Witch #1) by Theophilus Monroe. Mercy is a vampire and a witch. She has died twice. The first time was when she became a vampire. The second was when her father had her heart cut out of her chest. Luckily for Mercy, her guide in the craft, had other ideas. The essence of her heart is now bound to her brothers soul. The Order of the Morning Dawn will stop at nothing to make sure she's eliminated. Mercy must go to hell and capture her brother's soul if she wants to survive. I enjoyed listening to Kelley Hazen's narrations and the life she brought to the characters. I can't wait to read more in this series.
Read
February 20, 2024DNF at 23%
Was looking forward to a badass MC but so far only got a teenager.
The first thing that threw me was that although it was supposed to be the late 19th century, it didn't feel like that at all. Neither speech, behaviour, description of places, and not even clothes alluded to the time period. If it hadn't been written at the beginning of the chapters, I wouldn't even have guessed.
The thing that completely kicked me out of the story though was
Was looking forward to a badass MC but so far only got a teenager.
The first thing that threw me was that although it was supposed to be the late 19th century, it didn't feel like that at all. Neither speech, behaviour, description of places, and not even clothes alluded to the time period. If it hadn't been written at the beginning of the chapters, I wouldn't even have guessed.
The thing that completely kicked me out of the story though was
October 25, 2020
The year is 1891 Mercy is a witch but she is dying of consumption she goes to see a witch Mercy is given 3 months of extra life and told that she will be given immortality when a man comes to visit her in the night but in the meantime her father puts her in a sanatorium to die. In the end for Mercy to live her brothers soul has to take her place now Mercy is on her way to hell to find her brother. There is so much more going on in this story I loved it it’s a fantastic read and I can’t wait to read book 2 and I definitely recommend this book.
December 17, 2021
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and extremely enjoyable. Being 19 and dying of consumption will make you do anything to stay alive. That's what Mercy did and now she's heartless vampire witch and never had so much fun, even though religious fundamentalists are trying to kill her. The interesting and intriguing characters keep you listening, wondering what unexpected twist will happen next in this action packed tale. It's very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to book 2.
January 11, 2022
Interesting enough. I’ll keep listening to the series. I was left not really knowing what way I feel about the main character I’m not sure if she’s good or evil or something hat she is haha.
Narration was good I liked the voices used for all characters, definitely different from the usual bland voices you hear.
I like that this book was set over centuries. At the end of this book I feel somewhat at a loss as to how I feel about it. I need the next book to cement my feelings I think.
3 stars
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review.
Narration was good I liked the voices used for all characters, definitely different from the usual bland voices you hear.
I like that this book was set over centuries. At the end of this book I feel somewhat at a loss as to how I feel about it. I need the next book to cement my feelings I think.
3 stars
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2020
This is a spin-off of the author's Vodoo Legacy's series. Mercy is a witch turned vampire. There is a lot of drama as she learns to navigate the world with her new abilities and learns to control her hunger. This book spans several centuries and gives all her history up until the time we meet her in the Voodoo Legacy series. The author does a fantastic job of matching the two series together. A great read.
October 10, 2020
This was a bang up job by a master storyteller, I am an Honest ARC reviewer , Love the awesome merging of the voodoo , with the vampiric . The story expands the Voodoo Queen Series. I don't believe it will be as much fun to read if you haven't read the Voodoo series, But you can read it as a stand alone .Lots of intrigue , Action ,Magic and battles make this read a page-turner.So settle in and enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews