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Vampire's Courtesan #1
A Time of Demons & Destiny
Good intentions make bloody heroes.
Juniper is a witch, hidden amid the gas lamps of Victorian society, who knows the bloody shape of the future. Once, she fought to keep her village safe from vampires. Now, she is on the run with a terrible secret through the slums of Jack the Ripper's London.
Magic has a price, and she isn't prepared for it.
When she is imprisoned in a vampire's lair alongside an officer from Scotland Yard, she faces his interrogation about a murder that rocked the front page of newspapers around the globe. She knows that he sees her as a courtesan with dangerous social ambitions, but the truth would scandalize him more. It is a story of outcasts, warlocks, werewolves, finishing schools, dark prophecies, and supernatural threats that he won't believe.
He already suspects that she fell in love with a killer.
As the candles melt in the dungeon, she answers his questions and hopes that a clue will lead to their escape. They have until nightfall before their captors rise...
--- This is a historical prequel series to the Red Witch Chronicles and features other crossover characters like the vampire Kristoff Novak, Perenelle Flamel the alchemist, Father Matthew, and more.
Warnings: A Time of Demons & Darkness is a dark urban fantasy with depictions of violence, swearing, sexual situations, toxic people/relationships, and mature themes. Think Trueblood meets Outlander in the Victorian Age.
Juniper is a witch, hidden amid the gas lamps of Victorian society, who knows the bloody shape of the future. Once, she fought to keep her village safe from vampires. Now, she is on the run with a terrible secret through the slums of Jack the Ripper's London.
Magic has a price, and she isn't prepared for it.
When she is imprisoned in a vampire's lair alongside an officer from Scotland Yard, she faces his interrogation about a murder that rocked the front page of newspapers around the globe. She knows that he sees her as a courtesan with dangerous social ambitions, but the truth would scandalize him more. It is a story of outcasts, warlocks, werewolves, finishing schools, dark prophecies, and supernatural threats that he won't believe.
He already suspects that she fell in love with a killer.
As the candles melt in the dungeon, she answers his questions and hopes that a clue will lead to their escape. They have until nightfall before their captors rise...
--- This is a historical prequel series to the Red Witch Chronicles and features other crossover characters like the vampire Kristoff Novak, Perenelle Flamel the alchemist, Father Matthew, and more.
Warnings: A Time of Demons & Darkness is a dark urban fantasy with depictions of violence, swearing, sexual situations, toxic people/relationships, and mature themes. Think Trueblood meets Outlander in the Victorian Age.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2023
155 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
About the author
Sami Valentine
23 books91 followersUrban fantasy writer who grew up in the desert. Get exclusive reads from the Red Witch Chronicles here: www.samivalentine.com/goodies
Formerly a mild-mannered librarian, she had a quarter-life crisis and shook everything up. She started working in an LGBT homeless center, shaved some of her head, and got really into tarot. After realizing that her goal in life was to get out of her small town and she only made it 30 minutes up the highway, she filled a bag and left. That was two years and a dozen countries ago.
A Witch Called Red is her debut novel and will be released on November 20th.
Formerly a mild-mannered librarian, she had a quarter-life crisis and shook everything up. She started working in an LGBT homeless center, shaved some of her head, and got really into tarot. After realizing that her goal in life was to get out of her small town and she only made it 30 minutes up the highway, she filled a bag and left. That was two years and a dozen countries ago.
A Witch Called Red is her debut novel and will be released on November 20th.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 7, 2023
I have been so looking forward to reading Juniper St James' story and this did definitely not disappoint. If you have read any of the Red Witch Chronicles series, this will be familiar in parts, particularly lots of the characters.
It starts off with Juniper as a teenager, desperately wanting to become a Hero for the Brotherhood, but still living in secret with her mom. And then after an epic battle, she is somehow transported through time to Victorian England. She knows nothing really of this time, doesn't know how she got there or how to get back and daren't use her powers in case someone sees her. Everything is so strange for her and the emotions Juniper and myself went through were crazy.
As a young teen in a strange time and world, she finds it hard to find her place. She doesn't understand the rules of society, of etiquette, how to act and react to everything. My heart broke at times seeing what Juniper, now Clara aka Cat, had to go through just to survive, just to find food and shelter and friendship.
As a huge fan of the Red Witch Chronicles, I know parts of what happens in this time, but how she got to where she ended up was all so revealing and heart wrenching. It definitely was not a romantic as a Vampire's Courtesan sounds - even though there were moments of romance, it was a lot worse than being romanced by a vampire.
I loved the switch between the different times as Juniper is telling her story, to moments in what should have been her real present, her current present and her recent past. The narrative was great and fast paced, never slowing down for a moment. Just when you thought she was on the right track to where she wanted to go, something disastrous would happen to send her way off course once again! Nothing ever seemed to go right for her! How she didn't have a breakdown, I don't know. She was such a strong willed young lady; not sure I would have been in her shoes!
This was a great start to this spin off series and showed another side of Juniper/Red's life as well as Lucas'. Highly recommended!
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author, but this review is my own honest one!
It starts off with Juniper as a teenager, desperately wanting to become a Hero for the Brotherhood, but still living in secret with her mom. And then after an epic battle, she is somehow transported through time to Victorian England. She knows nothing really of this time, doesn't know how she got there or how to get back and daren't use her powers in case someone sees her. Everything is so strange for her and the emotions Juniper and myself went through were crazy.
As a young teen in a strange time and world, she finds it hard to find her place. She doesn't understand the rules of society, of etiquette, how to act and react to everything. My heart broke at times seeing what Juniper, now Clara aka Cat, had to go through just to survive, just to find food and shelter and friendship.
As a huge fan of the Red Witch Chronicles, I know parts of what happens in this time, but how she got to where she ended up was all so revealing and heart wrenching. It definitely was not a romantic as a Vampire's Courtesan sounds - even though there were moments of romance, it was a lot worse than being romanced by a vampire.
I loved the switch between the different times as Juniper is telling her story, to moments in what should have been her real present, her current present and her recent past. The narrative was great and fast paced, never slowing down for a moment. Just when you thought she was on the right track to where she wanted to go, something disastrous would happen to send her way off course once again! Nothing ever seemed to go right for her! How she didn't have a breakdown, I don't know. She was such a strong willed young lady; not sure I would have been in her shoes!
This was a great start to this spin off series and showed another side of Juniper/Red's life as well as Lucas'. Highly recommended!
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author, but this review is my own honest one!
December 5, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by Sami Valentine, and I think I’ll jump into the Red Witch series next. From what I understand, this series is something of a prequel to the Red Witch, although it isn’t necessary to have read it first.
The story is about Juniper St James, a witch and high school student in a small Oregon town full of lots of other supernatural creatures. After playing a minor role in preventing the apocalypse, Juniper finds herself pulled back in time to England in 1892. It’s dangerous and gritty, and she is faced with the difficult task of blending in and not changing the past while she tries to survive and figure out how to get back to her own time.
Perhaps the most dangerous of all is a vampire named Lucas Crawford. Without giving away any spoilers, Juniper is caught between her memories of Lucas as a good man in 2010, and the terrifying reality of the soulless killer that he is in 1892. Add to that the werewolves, mages, work houses, brothels, dodging the police, and searching for the elusive Brotherhood of Bards and Heroes, and the story just keeps getting more and more intense.
I’m looking forward to the next one. It didn’t end on a cliffhanger (yay!), and something about the characters really drew me in, so I’m pretty invested in their stories 😃
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me with a review copy of this book.
The story is about Juniper St James, a witch and high school student in a small Oregon town full of lots of other supernatural creatures. After playing a minor role in preventing the apocalypse, Juniper finds herself pulled back in time to England in 1892. It’s dangerous and gritty, and she is faced with the difficult task of blending in and not changing the past while she tries to survive and figure out how to get back to her own time.
Perhaps the most dangerous of all is a vampire named Lucas Crawford. Without giving away any spoilers, Juniper is caught between her memories of Lucas as a good man in 2010, and the terrifying reality of the soulless killer that he is in 1892. Add to that the werewolves, mages, work houses, brothels, dodging the police, and searching for the elusive Brotherhood of Bards and Heroes, and the story just keeps getting more and more intense.
I’m looking forward to the next one. It didn’t end on a cliffhanger (yay!), and something about the characters really drew me in, so I’m pretty invested in their stories 😃
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me with a review copy of this book.
April 9, 2023
This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last.
First, I do not enjoy books that skip back and forth through time, chapter to chapter. Also, the author was trying to give us enough background and context to make the story make sense in two separate eras. Because of that I found the beginning of the book hard to get into and a little exasperating, BUT I have to admit that it was well explained and that information was necessary. Once the text settled into the story with less 'interruptions' by the back and forth jumping I was swept into it quickly.
As an urban fantasy reader and a historical fiction and nonfiction reader my nerdish brain kept getting whiplash from the historical accuracies and inaccuracies sitting side by side in this book until I came to terms with the fact that this is historical urban fantasy and I think I now have a new genre to add to my favorites. My TBR piles do not thank you for this addition Sami Valentine, as I already will need a supernatural lifespan to read everything I want to🤣❤📚📚📚📚📚
I am entirely sure that as I read the red witch series I will be eagerly anticipating the sequel to this book.
First, I do not enjoy books that skip back and forth through time, chapter to chapter. Also, the author was trying to give us enough background and context to make the story make sense in two separate eras. Because of that I found the beginning of the book hard to get into and a little exasperating, BUT I have to admit that it was well explained and that information was necessary. Once the text settled into the story with less 'interruptions' by the back and forth jumping I was swept into it quickly.
As an urban fantasy reader and a historical fiction and nonfiction reader my nerdish brain kept getting whiplash from the historical accuracies and inaccuracies sitting side by side in this book until I came to terms with the fact that this is historical urban fantasy and I think I now have a new genre to add to my favorites. My TBR piles do not thank you for this addition Sami Valentine, as I already will need a supernatural lifespan to read everything I want to🤣❤📚📚📚📚📚
I am entirely sure that as I read the red witch series I will be eagerly anticipating the sequel to this book.
April 20, 2023
This is the first book I read by Sami valentine and I was completely sold. A time of demons & destiny is a prequel serie to the Red Witch Chronicles series.
The story is about a young witch named Juniper St James who was born in Oregon (USA).The story begins in 2010 where Juniper plays a small role in stopping the apocalypse, but when she reclaims her life something special happens.Juniper actually ends up in 1892, London. How will juniper be able to adapt to Victorian London, will she be able to survive in these dark times. And what will happen if she meets Lucas Crawford in the past. This story takes you on a quest for answers, mix in this bloodthirsty vampires, an evil wizard, a community of bards, a sudden loss of powers and you get a fantastic story.
Sami valentine has managed to write such a beautifully complex story. She worked out the different characters beautifully, no scene is coincidental, everything is connected. You always stay on the edge of your seat. i can't wait for the sequel.
I was given an ARC in return for an honest review.
The story is about a young witch named Juniper St James who was born in Oregon (USA).The story begins in 2010 where Juniper plays a small role in stopping the apocalypse, but when she reclaims her life something special happens.Juniper actually ends up in 1892, London. How will juniper be able to adapt to Victorian London, will she be able to survive in these dark times. And what will happen if she meets Lucas Crawford in the past. This story takes you on a quest for answers, mix in this bloodthirsty vampires, an evil wizard, a community of bards, a sudden loss of powers and you get a fantastic story.
Sami valentine has managed to write such a beautifully complex story. She worked out the different characters beautifully, no scene is coincidental, everything is connected. You always stay on the edge of your seat. i can't wait for the sequel.
I was given an ARC in return for an honest review.
April 28, 2023
I received this book as an ARC by the author.
I found the beginning of the book to be too slow and long and I almost DNF'd, but I am glad I did not. Concentration is needed, there are a lot of details but the author did amazing in not leaving anything out. She def created a movie in my head! haha
The story follows Juniper, a teenage witch, as she is transported back in time. The book does go back and forth a bit with the present and past, and can be a bit tedious, but it is needed to understand her actions. There is a lot of twists and turns that you don't see coming, they keep the story interesting, Sami did a great job in representing the struggles of women in the Victorian Era. Characters are relatable (okay maybe just Juniper) , and the world building is amazing!
The end will hook you right into waiting for the next books. ( ORRRR you could read The Red Witch Series)
I found the beginning of the book to be too slow and long and I almost DNF'd, but I am glad I did not. Concentration is needed, there are a lot of details but the author did amazing in not leaving anything out. She def created a movie in my head! haha
The story follows Juniper, a teenage witch, as she is transported back in time. The book does go back and forth a bit with the present and past, and can be a bit tedious, but it is needed to understand her actions. There is a lot of twists and turns that you don't see coming, they keep the story interesting, Sami did a great job in representing the struggles of women in the Victorian Era. Characters are relatable (okay maybe just Juniper) , and the world building is amazing!
The end will hook you right into waiting for the next books. ( ORRRR you could read The Red Witch Series)
February 23, 2023
Present meets past in this combination Urban & Victorian Fantasy. The first in a series, it starts the story off with a bang as future-past & past-present overlap for the protagonist. Thanks to almost non-stop struggles and twists and turns, this story is very compelling. Just when things seem to be resolving, another twist shows up, making this one of those novels that stay with me even while I am not reading it. The characters are believable and complex, the story is unpredictable and pulls you right into the setting. Add in time-travel, magic, the dregs of Victorian society, a bunch of vampires, a werewolf, an evil warlock & a society of bards and you have one crazy ride.
April 7, 2023
Okay, now I am understanding it. This lays the foundation down for Juniper St. James. She's so much younger and naive but you can see inking of the Red that she would become. It was difficult learning about her strife when she fell back in time. Extremely real representation of the struggles that a modern young woman would have in the Victorian era. I started to empathize with why she was forced to be with the Byrnes. In all, if you can get over the heartbreak in the beginning, you will love this book and how it adds layers to the previous series. I was given an ARC to review honestly and openly. I am all the better for it. My heart is breaking and I cannot wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2023
A Time of Demons and Destiny by Sami Valentine.
Overall Score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Level 🔥
This book is girthy! There is soooo much that happens and you never know where it is going. There were some parts that seemed to drag on a bit of me, but the author is very through and there are no plot holes or details left out. The last half is very quick paced and leaves you wanting the next installment
Overall Score ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heat Level 🔥
This book is girthy! There is soooo much that happens and you never know where it is going. There were some parts that seemed to drag on a bit of me, but the author is very through and there are no plot holes or details left out. The last half is very quick paced and leaves you wanting the next installment
October 2, 2024
This was the first I have read by this author - and it was a bit to read. Meaning - the subject was heartbreaking at times with the time traveling and the experiences of Juniper. However, it so worth the read and something that I will for sure be continueing as well as looking at the other related series.
April 8, 2023
This is a wonderful look at what happens in the past for Juniper's life. We know her as red in the Red Witch series. This gave me true insight into the character's past, and it is Amazing! I Loved this Book!!! No Spoilers!
August 20, 2024
overall interesting story
I’m not thrilled with some of the violent and erotic themes. I also am having a hard time with the main premise. Perhaps the next book will bring it together.
I’m not thrilled with some of the violent and erotic themes. I also am having a hard time with the main premise. Perhaps the next book will bring it together.
April 12, 2023
An exciting and captivating story through time and space. Where vampires are perhaps the lesser evil? What happens when you are transported from the 21st century to Victorian London?
April 14, 2023
A fantastic story told in exquisite details that capitivates you and keeps you hooked till the very end. Looking forward to the next book!
June 21, 2024
Listened on Audible and DNF... virtual voice is not good.
April 12, 2025
Nope. Not for me. The writing did not pull me in… At. All.
April 4, 2023
I will start off by saying if you are in the middle of or reading the Red Witch Chronicles, you will want to be at least to book 7 before you start this is you don’t want any spoilers! That being said I was excited to read this after reading book 7. You get to meet Juniper as she was in high school and when she first arrives back in the past. She has to learn to live in a much different society while trying to figure out how to get back home. She then meets Lucas and even though she knows she shouldn’t, she can’t stay away from him. But this is a much different Lucas than present day Lucas. All while dealing with having her power gone and trying to avoid capturer by Maxwell. This is a great addition to the red witch chronicles and I can’t wait to read more.
March 31, 2023
This is a hard read, not a lazy Sunday afternoon read, nor a speed read job, concentration is needed. There is a lot happening with much detail. There is time travel and jumping from the past to present. Having read the Red Witch series it was interesting to see where so much of that past had come from. I love anything with Lucas in it even if he is a bad boy in this series.
September 10, 2023
I've waited over nine books to get to this point!
It was so worth the wait! Historically detailed, raw, and unflinching, this book did not disappoint in making me want more and thank goodness, I know my history. She made me feel all the grittiness of old London accurately. It's the start of Red's dark past with the bloody Byrneses, the beginning of the missing 8 years she could never seem to crack until books 8 and 9. Even with us finally understanding that Red gets her memories back, no one mentioned how dark her past was or how badly she wanted Baldacci. This book starts answering all that and more. I shudder at how much more might be revealed in the coming books. The author has truly outdid herself. If I could've given 10 stars, I would. I highly recommend this book!
It was so worth the wait! Historically detailed, raw, and unflinching, this book did not disappoint in making me want more and thank goodness, I know my history. She made me feel all the grittiness of old London accurately. It's the start of Red's dark past with the bloody Byrneses, the beginning of the missing 8 years she could never seem to crack until books 8 and 9. Even with us finally understanding that Red gets her memories back, no one mentioned how dark her past was or how badly she wanted Baldacci. This book starts answering all that and more. I shudder at how much more might be revealed in the coming books. The author has truly outdid herself. If I could've given 10 stars, I would. I highly recommend this book!
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews