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“Bestselling author Lydia Michaels weaves a ferociously addictive tale of immortal hunger, lust, and noble sacrifice in the haunting continuation of The Order of Vampires series.”

Cain Hartzler has a tortured past and a score to settle. After losing his destined mate, he is sentenced to an eternal life of pain and solitary sacrifice. To serve a purpose, he enters a deadly crusade to hunt and destroy the lethal vampire butchering mortal females in the Pennsylvania woods outside of Jim Thorpe.

Foolish ambition leads news reporter Destiny Santos into dangerous territory. Risking her life for a story, she discovers a sinister army of feral vampires out for blood. Desperate to escape, she shoots the one immortal willing to protect her from certain death. Cain’s honor is tested when the meddlesome news reporter tries to end his life–thereby endangering the life of his precious mate.

Cain is terribly injured as evil vampires close in! Only the blood of a human can save him now, and there’s only one human nearby–the one holding the bow that just shot an arrow through his heart. Fangs sharpening, he must rip into her throat if he wants to live–shame on him if he enjoys it.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2012

29 people are currently reading
301 people want to read

About the author

Lydia Michaels

71 books1,897 followers
Lydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.

Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.

Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).

She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).

You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels

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5 stars
89 (44%)
4 stars
81 (40%)
3 stars
18 (9%)
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6 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Trish (Beautiful Chaos Reviews).
1,073 reviews23 followers
December 26, 2022
I was wondering where we would pick up after Adam’s story. When we left Cain was hunting down the feeish Uncle Isaiah and the opening scene of this book was exciting. Both Cain and Destiny are deep in the woods, wounded, and in danger. This is how Prodigal Son kicks off and does not let up until the ending. And even then we are given another cliffhanger to keep us guessing until the next book in the series.

Be prepared to meet new characters, get to know some others more deeply, get surprises, and witness some sad and tragic events for this family. The hiding in plain sight in the Amish community is captivating, and you can feel the peace of their lifestyle. I enjoyed this book in the series perhaps the best because Cain deserved his HEA. He’s loyal, faithful, and determined even when he keeps getting knocked down. Destiny is perfect for him and helping him move on from Anna was perfect. Prodigal Son and the entire series is a fantastic paranormal series—-READ IT!
Profile Image for Luana ☆.
732 reviews158 followers
November 8, 2023
No, Cain was such a mercurial character. In book one, he shows his ugly side with a sprinkle of goodness there in the end. In the second book, he turned completely around, and we started liking him. And now, here, in his story, it was a complete bore. I don't like where the story is taking us, I don't agree with his father's decisions from the last book and the consequences in this one. I also realized that the series is not done yet, as I usually prefer to wait for a paranormal/fantasy to be complete. But as it is going, I am not sure it will improve.

I'm not sure, though, as the end was pretty amazing.
Profile Image for Saucy Sierra.
532 reviews85 followers
December 28, 2022
This series is amazing!! I'm hanging on my every word and hoping it never ends. This vampire/gothic romance series is so well written. Dangit! This is incredible by Lydia Michaels. I can't get enough. The way she writes about certain characters in the central plot but keeps going with the surrounding stories is magic. I've been in awe of her writing for years.
This edition picks up with Cain. His ties to home are precarious. He has met a woman that he has a great attraction to but he's not dreaming about her. That's what makes him keep his distance. The dreams of the calling are so important to these immortals. But he's already done that. Unfortunately his twin has also been given the same. He tries to get away and make himself redeemed in the Amish community his family lives and grows in but he can't. Not until he falls in love. She might not be his one but she is his love. This book gives all entirely new look at what might be out in the world. A half breed.

Please read the first two books to gain the most insight about what is going on because every book keeps up with the continuous story. No characters have a finale. They are vital in every installment. It's such a beautiful series.
Profile Image for Jenner Reed.
Author 1 book31 followers
December 23, 2022
Holy Crap this book was intense. There was so much happening but not in a way that made it confusing or overwhelming. Well, it was overwhelming but in the best way possible.
I've had a soft spot for Cain since book one. My heart broke for him. This book had my emotions all over the place. It's not often I cry reading Paranormal, but this one had me in tears more than once.
It's emotionally charged and full of intensity. It's also steamy as hell!!
I'm still madly in love with the whole Immortal Amish world. The perfect way for them to hide in plain sight. It's absolute genieus!!

This story is laying the groundwork for so many possible new stories, and I hope we get them all. I'm so damn excited to see where Lydia takes us next.
Profile Image for Karin.
2,178 reviews
December 28, 2022
Cain and Destinys story starts off with a bang doesn’t stop! The rollercoaster keeps going on and on and this book certainly didn’t disappoint in the least
Profile Image for Nancy.
433 reviews
December 26, 2022
Prodigal Son is book 3 in Lydia Michaels Order of the Vampires series. They should be read in order. This is Cain's story. I love that the story is set in Lancaster Pennsylvania and the Vampires are portrayed as Amish. What a brilliant way to hide in plain sight! This book picks up where the last left off. Cain is lost because his connection to Anna is so strong that he is having a hard time going forward. He runs into Destiny who is a reporter covering unexplained deaths in the area. She is a strong woman that has Cains attention. This book had me on the edge of my seat through the whole thing. The twists and turns made is hard to put down. I can't wait for the next one to answer question that this book left me.
Profile Image for Donna Smith.
1,273 reviews12 followers
December 28, 2022
I am so in love with this series. I never thought I would be so invested in a story that revolves around Amish Immortals. Lydia Michaels has created a world that has me debating if I want to live in this world. This story focuses on Cain who has been my favorite of all these characters. Cain is a tortured soul. His fate is unfair but he still goes on. His devotion to his family is un-matched. His determination to right the wrongs may do more harm than good. I was so glad to see him finally get some happiness for a short time. His story is not for the faint of heart.
The woman who steals his heart is so perfect for him. She is strong willed, loud, and knows her own mind. I adore her. I want to tell you all sorts of things but don’t want to ruin your own reading.
I cannot wait for more of this series. There are so many characters that I need to see have their own stories.
1,458 reviews10 followers
December 31, 2022
This is the third book in the Order of the Vampire series …..there will be a 4th!!!!!

Now that is out of the way……Oh my can Lydia Michaels tell a story. This series has kept me on the edge of my seat throughout all the stories. We get some answers and yet have many more questions. I cannot wait for the fourth book!!!!
Profile Image for Twilla Wickedly Sweet and Synful Book Blog.
1,040 reviews14 followers
December 27, 2022
I'm really torn on this one. I have been fascinated by this world from book 1. The possibilities are endless. Are there other supernatural creatures out there that we don't know about? I'm talking about demons, orcs, etc. This book has so much angst. You definitely need to read these books in order to grasp the storyline.

Joshua and Abilene the parents are featured up close and personal the first part of the book. We get to know their love story. There love is tested so much.

We are introduced to several new characters, Clare, Dane, Cybil, Destiny, Christopher and Juniper. They add so many layers to the story. This story has several POVs. Some I was conflicted about.

Cain he is not my favorite person. He has changed and is not the happy, go lucky sinner from book 2. He is too morose and martyr-ish. He is constantly coveting Annabel even though he doesn't feel anything but brotherly toward her. Don't get me wrong he is very loyal and loves his family. He makes stupid, rash decisions like when he goes hunting something in the woods right after he said he would keep himself safe so as not to harm Annabel. There are times when I did sympathize with him and think that even he didn't deserve this.

Destiny she's out plucky daily news reporter. Now she does some stupid things too. She goes off in the woods knowing that something bad is out there. She's feisty and doesn't take Cains orders at all. They fought quite a bit. They are super hot together. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts.

I had some really strong emotions come out of me reading this book. I wanted to throw my kindle hard against the wall. I had to put it down and walk away a few times. I truly feel so rung out emotionally from this book. The author knows how to get you in the gut so good. The last scene made the hair on my arm stand up straight so definitely ends in a cliff hanger. I recommend this book and series. I feel like book 4 will be about Christopher and Juniper. Just my guess.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
December 26, 2022
Prodigal Son by Lydia Michaels is book Three in The Order of Vampires Series. This is the story of Destiny Santos and Cain Hartzler. I do think the books should be read in order to get the full enjoyment of this one. Cain is still feeling his connection to Anna but meets Destiny. Destiny is a news reporter covering the deaths that are happening. This book does help with some questions we have been wondering about. I am enjoying this series and I hope to read more from this author.


Profile Image for Liz.
2,126 reviews15 followers
December 27, 2022
The third instalment in Lydia Michael’s Order of the Vampire series and the action picks up for Cain Hartzler immediately where the previous book ended with Destiny in mortal danger from encroaching vampires and Cain severely injured and unable to fight unless he feeds. I have loved Cain since the very beginning – sorry Anna but what were you thinking? You definitely chose the wrong brother when you opted for Adam! Cain has been the unsung hero of this series and it’s about time he got his own book. He puts his family and their happiness before himself even giving up his true mate to his brother despite knowing the consequences he ultimately faced for that act of nobility. His current act of tracking the vicious vampire hunting its unsuspecting prey in the Pennsylvania woods could very well lead to his death but in the short term it brings him into contact with reporter Destiny Santos who just might bring him some small semblance of peace and happiness… if they both survive the woods that is.

With a plot that’s full of twists and turns, ramping up the tension with every turn of the page Prodigal Son is a gripping addition to the series. I still can’t get my mind around immortals living out their lives as Amish though. I get the whole hiding in plain sight aspect but personally, for me living in a world without my creature comforts would make eternity seem like a life sentence. No matter this is still an amazing series and, after that ending, I can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Erin.
3,531 reviews79 followers
December 27, 2022
WOW! This story starts off with a bang and doesn’t slow down one bit! It’s one hell of an intense and emotional rollercoaster ride that is filled with suspense, intrigue, action, drama, and spiciness right to its cliffhanger of an ending! I was riveted to my seat, biting my nails with anticipation and turning the pages quickly to see how it was all going to play out.

Cain and Destiny take us on a journey filled with all kinds of ups and downs, intense emotional turmoil, crazy twists and turns throughout and some very wonderful heartfelt moments between them. They were perfectly matched.

This is such a unique and creative take on a vampire story. The fact that they are Amish Vampires hiding in plain sight of everyone is such an intriguing concept that with each story I am always captivated with everything going on.

I loved this one and can��t wait for more of this series.
Profile Image for Renee.
954 reviews5 followers
December 29, 2022
4.5 Stars

This is the third book in this series. It's not my typical genre or romance trope. But because of who the author is, and how much I enjoy her writing, I chose to (first) try and then (second) continue this series. I'll admit that I didn't realize it would be longer than three books, so I'm semi disappointed to not have the final conclusion. BUT I'm so invested in these characters that I can't wait to see what will happen next. There was SO MUCH more going on in this book. I kept guessing and totally failing in figuring it out. The cliffhanger is brutal. I can't wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Amanda.
25 reviews
December 24, 2022
In the third installment of the Order of the Vampires series, we are taken through Cain’s story. As readers, we can’t help but connect with his anguish if sharing his mate with his twin, but also the complete sorrow he feels to want love. We meet an obnoxious reporter who, as an audience member, I immediately hated since were drawn to cheer for Cain. The author did a great job of turning our thoughts around on her, which has us cheering by the end. We are also taken on a sideways adventure through the eyes of a different coven, for lack of better terms. That took an interesting twist that I didn’t see coming and, to be completely honest, was unappealing. I’m nervous as to what this gate will open in the future. This book lends itself to a fourth, which will hopefully bring some answers to the end slight cliffy this one left us off on, as what we’ve seen in previous books in this series. I’m curious as to who it will be!
Profile Image for Loren.
221 reviews
December 28, 2022
This third book in the Order of Vampires series may now be my favorite of the series. Cain Hartzler is Adam's twin -- from book one -- and I have so many feelings about Cain. I was not a fan of his back in the first book, until the end. His story is heartbreaking, and I don't think anyone can read his story and not become a huge fan. I'm glad he crossed paths with Destiny. But theirs isn't the only story here -- Cain's father is front and center. His whole family is there to protect and help and eventually to understand. I find the entire series fascinating and well-written. It's a vampire series like no other and has become one of my favorites.
Profile Image for JP.
684 reviews25 followers
December 29, 2022
High 4 ⭐️

I really liked this. The Prodigal Son by Lydia Michaels was my first read by her and it was a stand-alone even though it was book 3.
I’ve read a lot of vampire books and I thought this was good. It had a good pace with an interesting story. The romance was so steamy I thought it was going to catch on fire. I’m anxious to see how this will play out!
I can’t wait for book 4 and highly recommend this one.
Thanks Bailey Brown Publishing via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Jean Dewsbury.
871 reviews17 followers
December 31, 2022
Book 3 for me has been an absolute pleasure to read.
The characters continue to keep me invested, the storyline has been interested with the unexpected events unfolding.
Cain has will always be my favourite twin.
Destiny and Cain's journey has been a complicated one.
Immortals vampires and witches do make for interesting reading.
I hope this series continues to create more adventures.
Profile Image for LLS.
924 reviews21 followers
December 27, 2022
What a great addition to this series! Cain, as we know, has been through the wringer so far and I was looking forward to him getting his due. Destiny is a reporter looking for a story who gets more than she bargained for. I really enjoyed the two of them together. There were a lot of twists and turns that points to more from these vsmpires. Looking forward to it!

Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done
Profile Image for Jenn O'Leary.
1,022 reviews22 followers
December 29, 2022
Prodigal Son is book 3 in the series. I have not read the other books and now I have to as I was a little confused while reading this.
However, Lydia Michaels had me on the edge of my seat with this book! Wow.
Profile Image for marie wilson.
208 reviews8 followers
December 23, 2022
This book was so super interesting and exciting! I really enjoyed reading this book and I loved Destiny soo much. While I did like Cain there were some things he did that frustrated me. At the same time I still emphasize with him and what his family puts him through. One thing that was a bit weird to me though was Cain and Destiny’s relationship. I thought it was weird how their relationship developed but I definitely enjoyed their banter! Overall, A pretty good book!
Profile Image for Amber | aambuurreads.
606 reviews36 followers
December 19, 2022
Oh man!
This started off with a BANG! I was literally chewing at my nails on the edge of my seat.
I was so looking forward to reading more into Cain. And I felt so bad for him at times! He’s sacrificed so much and he’s still seen as “the bad guy” every time something happens.
Destiney is in the picture and I really liked her. She was a firecracker!
There is A LOT happening and a lot to learn. I’m excited how much more the story is giving and more characters we are getting to know.
There were laughs and tears and definitely suspense.
I’ll be itching for the next I’m the series!!
Profile Image for Siobhan.
5,037 reviews596 followers
September 27, 2024
After reading and enjoying the first two books in the Order of Vampires series, I was eager to dive into Prodigal Son. It tells the story of the character I’ve always been the most interested in, and I had high hopes for the story. While I did enjoy this one, I did not love it to the degree I enjoyed the prior books. In fact, this one left me conflicted.

There was so much going on in Prodigal Son, and I adored the elements it introduced for the future of the series. There are lots of details I was left theorising about, elements that had me hooked, and I am eager to see how things develop. At the same time, I feel some of these elements meant other components of the book did not get the focus they deserved. Cain’s romance, for example, did not hit me as hard as I’d hoped it would. I was eager to be sucked in deep, to lose myself to his story, yet in the book that I consider his, his story was not the detail that held my interest the strongest. Thus, I was conflicted. I adored the way things developed for the world, yet it felt like too much at points.

While this was not my favourite in the series, it has left me excited to see what else the series offers. There were many new elements in this one, and I want to see which of my theories turn out to be true.
Profile Image for CaroleDee.
158 reviews16 followers
October 11, 2012
So, I got to revisit my Amish Vampires and I just have to say that I KNEW that Cain's story was going to be the best so far, and I was right! I found Lydia Michaels' way with words were just as magical in Destiny Calls as her two previous installments of The Order of Vampyre series. She knows how to paint a picture with words without losing the plot of the story. I don't think I can praise her writing style enough!

Cain and Destiny run the show in this one. While there are a couple of side-stories going on the main focus is on the Cain and Destiny's relationship. When they came together it was probably some of the steamiest sex scenes I've read in a while. Their sexual compatibility is off the charts.

There are some bumps a long the way, but it makes their happily ever after that much better! And, wow, once again I am waiting to find out what happens in the next Order of the Vampyres. There was a huge twist at the end (with one of the minor characters) that has me all in knots! I can't wait!

Do yourself a favor pick up this series, it is absolutely wonderful!
Profile Image for Devons book corner.
1,423 reviews40 followers
December 30, 2022
This is book 3 in The Order Of Vampires series, and they really need to be read in order. Book 3 brings us Cain's story, and what an intense one it was. This story, as well as the series itself, it absolutely incredible and one you won't want to miss. Lydia Michaels can tell a story that you will get lost in. I'm always down for a good vampire story and Amish vampires just made it that much better in my opinion. Be prepared to be taken on a wild ride full of action, drama, suspense, and spice. This book will keep you on your toes and biting your nails, that is until you reach the end and want to pull your hair out with the cliffhanger ending. I can't recommend this book enough.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Swain.
1,022 reviews28 followers
February 14, 2023
Fantastic Series! Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read

Prodigal Son picks up right where the last book ended! Fast paced and on the edge of your seat good! Cain is seriously the BEST! Loved the final book and this entire series!

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Jen.
31 reviews
November 24, 2022
DNF
I only made it 62 pages in. I really can’t get over how horribly Adam treated Anna in the first book. It has ruined all these characters for me. He abused her, assaulted her and now I’m supposed to have sympathy for him and his bonding triangle with his brother and wife? I just can’t get over the trauma and misogyny.
Profile Image for Joy  Avery.
1,311 reviews160 followers
January 2, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶

Angst: 💣💣💣💣

Cliffhanger? ✅️

Do I recommend? Yes but you really need to read the first two books to get the full experience.

Tropes: dark paranormal romance, enemies-to-lovers, close proximity, city girl vs. Country boy, plus size heroine 

The Order of Vampires saga continues with Prodigal Son. Before you continue reading, I highly recommend you read the first two books as it's essential to the whole experience. Cain Hartzler found and lost his true mate and now he feels his life will be empty as he spends eternity alone in pain and sacrifice. In an effort to find a purpose, he joins the hunt for his deranged, vampiric uncle. Isaiah continues to kill mortal women in the Pennsylvania woods. When Cain begins closing in on his uncle, he's interrupted by the aggravating reporter, Destiny Santos. Her ambition could get her killed for she has no idea just how deadly the situation truly is. When she finds herself being attacked by the feral vampires, she shoots an arrow into the heart of the only immortal there to save her life. Now mortally injured, Cain must find a way to save them both. This is the prodigal son's story and his journey will be one you won't forget or be able to put down for even a minute.

This ongoing series just gets better and more exciting with each new book. I have been dying for Cain's story every since reading Original Sin and the author certainly didn't disappoint. The edge of your seat, action-packed, page turning and emotional journey consumed my waking hours until I was finally able to reach the end where the cliffhanger has me anxiously waiting for the next installment. The author expertly told the main characters story while also continuing the overall story arc surrounding them, involving past characters while adding exciting new aspects. My heart truly felt for Cain and his place in their society. The story of Amish immortals is very original with a layered plot that will have you addicted to every word written. I loved Cain and Destiny's HFN and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next. Amish immortals, feral vampires, powerful witches and half-breeds. It only gets more interesting as we follow the overall journey. I highly recommend this series! If you love paranormal romance, then you need this series on your TBR. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Profile Image for Rhonda Hicks.
4,676 reviews83 followers
January 17, 2023
Book three of Lydia Michaels' "The Order of Vampires" is an absolute adrenaline rush! 'The Prodigal Son' is Cain Hartzler's story and what a story it is! Both twins called to the same mortal woman. One has her heart and is married to her. The other holds her heart in friendship but feels all his physical and emotional outpourings. If ever there was an anti-hero to be rooted for, Cain Hartzler is the one. I've waited for his story since he was introduced and was definitely not disappointed. Lydia Michaels has pulled out all the stops with this one. Every emotion that could be wrenched from this reader was seemingly ripped out of me as I read this gripping story. This series is not to be missed and this book is the icing on a delicious, intriguing cake.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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