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Changing Bodies #1
Ritual of the Ancients
Waking up undead was just the start of my bad night.
This night is going from bad to worse. My roommate is dead. My sexy neighbor, who I’ve never worked up the guts to talk to before, is standing in my living room. I have a gold amulet I just stole from the museum hidden in my pocket. Oh, and I’m dead... or undead?
All the myths about vampires, were-wolves, and the like? Turns out, all true. My sexy neighbor claims I’m a vampire now. I don’t quite believe him, but then again, he turned into a coyote in front of me. Jackal, whatever. Plus, you know, my new fangs.
Oh, did I mention my sexy neighbor is an ex-cop? And his cop buddies just knocked down my door. I’m pretty sure this night can’t get any worse… I’m probably wrong.
This night is going from bad to worse. My roommate is dead. My sexy neighbor, who I’ve never worked up the guts to talk to before, is standing in my living room. I have a gold amulet I just stole from the museum hidden in my pocket. Oh, and I’m dead... or undead?
All the myths about vampires, were-wolves, and the like? Turns out, all true. My sexy neighbor claims I’m a vampire now. I don’t quite believe him, but then again, he turned into a coyote in front of me. Jackal, whatever. Plus, you know, my new fangs.
Oh, did I mention my sexy neighbor is an ex-cop? And his cop buddies just knocked down my door. I’m pretty sure this night can’t get any worse… I’m probably wrong.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2020
45 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 20, 2022
The good
+ The mystery around what Everett actually is
+ Jack not giving a damn about Everett's body not being what he's used to, and not once making Everett feel like he's different or wrong
+ Both of them sharing difficult things with each other and building strong trust
+ Everett trying his best in every scenario (in his own way), and never giving up hope
+ Both of them having a first-time experience when they get intimate, so they both have to teach the other about what's good
+ The terrible introductory powerpoint about shapeshifters
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o Jack was very wishy-washy about who to trust and when, making it hard for Everett to know what he could and couldn't say to which people
o Everett was pretty dumb. Jack then deciding to help him fix it (after a lot of convincing) was really sweet of him
The bad
- Everett's roommate was apparently his best friend, but he hardly thought about her at all and didn't grieve
- I honestly have no idea what age the main characters are supposed to be. In my head, Everett is like eighteen because he behaved like a teenager and I'd prefer him to be legal, while Jack read more like someone in his forties or at least thirties...
- Jack was always awake when Everett was awake, but when Everett when to sleep it was always alone because Jack was gonna do daylight things. When did Jack sleep? Couldn't he just cuddle up with Everett, please?
- Jack's ex-colleague Andre is first described as a red-haired woman with a ponytail, then as a man. Then, he was shot in the forehead and died. Later, Jack suddenly said Andre was his boyfriend, and that it broke his heart when Andre thought he was dead and started dating someone new. I am confused
- Everett was saving up for top surgery and taking T. Then when he became a vampire, he didn't once worry about whether he'd be able to get surgeries at all anymore (everything might just grow back the way it was) and aside from a few mentions, he never figured out whether he still needed his T shots. By the end of the book,
- Everett and Jack moved pretty fast. That's okay. But after two days together, Jack left a note on the table saying something like going to get groceries, be right back, love you and that was the worst first I love you in the history of ever. Everett didn't even acknowledge it!
- At the end of the book, when
- This book ends on an unannounced cliffhanger
This book started out really promising, but then more and more things started bothering me. This book really needs to be polished. Besides the inconsistencies, I especially had difficulties with how much Everett behaved and thought like a teenager, while I'm quite sure he's supposed to be an adult. Regardless of all these issues, I think the plot is really interesting and the series has potential. For that reason, I've decided to give 3 stars instead of 2. I'm not quite sure yet whether I'll read the next book.
+ The mystery around what Everett actually is
+ Jack not giving a damn about Everett's body not being what he's used to, and not once making Everett feel like he's different or wrong
+ Both of them sharing difficult things with each other and building strong trust
+ Everett trying his best in every scenario (in his own way), and never giving up hope
+ Both of them having a first-time experience when they get intimate, so they both have to teach the other about what's good
+ The terrible introductory powerpoint about shapeshifters
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o Jack was very wishy-washy about who to trust and when, making it hard for Everett to know what he could and couldn't say to which people
o Everett was pretty dumb. Jack then deciding to help him fix it (after a lot of convincing) was really sweet of him
The bad
- Everett's roommate was apparently his best friend, but he hardly thought about her at all and didn't grieve
- I honestly have no idea what age the main characters are supposed to be. In my head, Everett is like eighteen because he behaved like a teenager and I'd prefer him to be legal, while Jack read more like someone in his forties or at least thirties...
- Jack was always awake when Everett was awake, but when Everett when to sleep it was always alone because Jack was gonna do daylight things. When did Jack sleep? Couldn't he just cuddle up with Everett, please?
- Jack's ex-colleague Andre is first described as a red-haired woman with a ponytail, then as a man. Then, he was shot in the forehead and died. Later, Jack suddenly said Andre was his boyfriend, and that it broke his heart when Andre thought he was dead and started dating someone new. I am confused
- Everett was saving up for top surgery and taking T. Then when he became a vampire, he didn't once worry about whether he'd be able to get surgeries at all anymore (everything might just grow back the way it was) and aside from a few mentions, he never figured out whether he still needed his T shots. By the end of the book,
- Everett and Jack moved pretty fast. That's okay. But after two days together, Jack left a note on the table saying something like going to get groceries, be right back, love you and that was the worst first I love you in the history of ever. Everett didn't even acknowledge it!
- At the end of the book, when
- This book ends on an unannounced cliffhanger
This book started out really promising, but then more and more things started bothering me. This book really needs to be polished. Besides the inconsistencies, I especially had difficulties with how much Everett behaved and thought like a teenager, while I'm quite sure he's supposed to be an adult. Regardless of all these issues, I think the plot is really interesting and the series has potential. For that reason, I've decided to give 3 stars instead of 2. I'm not quite sure yet whether I'll read the next book.
May 19, 2022
Sooo good!! This was first time reading this author, now I want to read everything by them! The story starts out with a bang! It hooked me and didn’t let me go. Everett is mugged and wakes up in a dumpster. He doesn’t know how he got there. When he goes home, his roommate won’t let him in and he tries to bite someone. Jack is a former cop and a member of Paranormal Creature Alliance, the PCA. He tries to explain everything to Everett. I loved poor clueless Everett and Jack!! The story was well written but the pacing was a little off, otherwise I loved it!!
May 24, 2022
Good first book.
First time reading a book with fTm trans. Nice inclusivity. Very interesting take on Vampires. Interesting world. I really want to learn more about the different supernatural creatures. I didn't really connect with the characters though. They need more depth. And the sex scene was very very bland.
First time reading a book with fTm trans. Nice inclusivity. Very interesting take on Vampires. Interesting world. I really want to learn more about the different supernatural creatures. I didn't really connect with the characters though. They need more depth. And the sex scene was very very bland.
May 13, 2022
I’m excited about this new series “Changing Bodies” already, can’t wait to see what Roan Rosser has planned for book two “Bloodline of the Ancients”.
Everett Boesch is in all types of trouble, some of it he can’t even remember. How did he wind up being mugged, in a dumpster, lost his keys to his apartment, why won’t his roommate let him in, and he’s bitten a person? Fortunately, for Everett his neighbor has stopped him from doing anymore damage until he actually bites him too.
Former cop, Jack Smith, is a member of PCA (Paranormal Creature Alliance), he has a lot to explain to Everett, first and foremost he is now a vampire. With the devastation of his apartment all the stolen artifacts are now gone. Everett’s not really a bad guy, he’s shy and a little lost and overwhelmed. He was also looking for a way to make extra money to get his top-half transition completed. His job at the Portland Art Museum has him steeling artifacts for mobster Lady Ann.
Before all the troubles of that night started, Everett hid an amulet in a secret pocket and that’s all he has left. He finds himself being very possessive of the amulet. It doesn’t get any easier for Everett. Can he trust Jack? Can he trust the PCA? Lady Ann’s mobsters are gunning for him and he can’t trust the police. There’s so many questions about how he became a vampire and what it all means.
“Ritual of the Ancients” started off fast with all Everetts troubles. I wished at that point the author had gradually introduced them. It left me thinking, Everett was going to be a nitwit but the more I read, I was totally surprised how things started to change. I also thought it was going to be humorous, but there is a little more serious subject matter: dealing with new creatures, vampires, werewolves, shifters, mages, investigation, archeology, history of artifacts and an interesting amulet and an ancient book. Not all myth and lore about vampires and werewolves rings true, in this novel. There’s lot’s of action, danger, suspense and a start of a friendship.
I was also glad this was not an insta-love between Everett and Jack. At one point I didn’t feel a connection between them. Their connection was very gradual because both have had and continued to have issues of the heart to deal with. Especially Everett, being a trans-man and dealing with transitioning, becoming a vampire that leaves him with so many questions and no clear answers, and the love of family that denies him because of who he truly is.
Some interesting characters that form The Paranormal Creature Alliance are: Vampires: Stacy, Ted, Werewolves: Zoe, Jack and Dave the mage. PCA is a secret organization to help those who become part of the supernatural world. They have to stay completely hidden from the human world.
At the end of the novel there is: “Bonus Concept Art” by Beleoci of Everett and Jack and a drawing of the Amulet by Lychgate. The artistry is fantastic, I think it should have been at the front of the book. There’s also a schedule of the up coming novels for this new series “Changing Bodies”.
For readers who like vampires, werewolves and other creatures this is a must read. I searched for Roan Rosser novels on a couple of sites and didn’t find anything but this new series. So I’m calling “Changing Bodies” a new series, with the debut novel “Ritual of the Ancients” that has very high potential of being a hit!
Everett Boesch is in all types of trouble, some of it he can’t even remember. How did he wind up being mugged, in a dumpster, lost his keys to his apartment, why won’t his roommate let him in, and he’s bitten a person? Fortunately, for Everett his neighbor has stopped him from doing anymore damage until he actually bites him too.
Former cop, Jack Smith, is a member of PCA (Paranormal Creature Alliance), he has a lot to explain to Everett, first and foremost he is now a vampire. With the devastation of his apartment all the stolen artifacts are now gone. Everett’s not really a bad guy, he’s shy and a little lost and overwhelmed. He was also looking for a way to make extra money to get his top-half transition completed. His job at the Portland Art Museum has him steeling artifacts for mobster Lady Ann.
Before all the troubles of that night started, Everett hid an amulet in a secret pocket and that’s all he has left. He finds himself being very possessive of the amulet. It doesn’t get any easier for Everett. Can he trust Jack? Can he trust the PCA? Lady Ann’s mobsters are gunning for him and he can’t trust the police. There’s so many questions about how he became a vampire and what it all means.
“Ritual of the Ancients” started off fast with all Everetts troubles. I wished at that point the author had gradually introduced them. It left me thinking, Everett was going to be a nitwit but the more I read, I was totally surprised how things started to change. I also thought it was going to be humorous, but there is a little more serious subject matter: dealing with new creatures, vampires, werewolves, shifters, mages, investigation, archeology, history of artifacts and an interesting amulet and an ancient book. Not all myth and lore about vampires and werewolves rings true, in this novel. There’s lot’s of action, danger, suspense and a start of a friendship.
I was also glad this was not an insta-love between Everett and Jack. At one point I didn’t feel a connection between them. Their connection was very gradual because both have had and continued to have issues of the heart to deal with. Especially Everett, being a trans-man and dealing with transitioning, becoming a vampire that leaves him with so many questions and no clear answers, and the love of family that denies him because of who he truly is.
Some interesting characters that form The Paranormal Creature Alliance are: Vampires: Stacy, Ted, Werewolves: Zoe, Jack and Dave the mage. PCA is a secret organization to help those who become part of the supernatural world. They have to stay completely hidden from the human world.
At the end of the novel there is: “Bonus Concept Art” by Beleoci of Everett and Jack and a drawing of the Amulet by Lychgate. The artistry is fantastic, I think it should have been at the front of the book. There’s also a schedule of the up coming novels for this new series “Changing Bodies”.
For readers who like vampires, werewolves and other creatures this is a must read. I searched for Roan Rosser novels on a couple of sites and didn’t find anything but this new series. So I’m calling “Changing Bodies” a new series, with the debut novel “Ritual of the Ancients” that has very high potential of being a hit!
May 6, 2022
A fun urban fantasy romp with a sweet romance (and a (secretly dorky) werejackal who actually stays in his animal form sometimes, thank you). I enjoyed the somewhat fluffy tone, which makes the book easy to read despite the serious topics. Though it did feel a bit off sometimes;
I also found it odd that the book opens on the least interesting part of Everett's night, which just made the first few pages overstuffed with exposition as we played catch-up. We learned like 5 very important separate things in the first few pages, all just casually thrown at us like he's listing furniture in his house. It's a fairly short book; I feel like we could have spared a few pages for a slower setup.
Little details I liked:
-How serious sunlight is for vampires; they can't just stand under an umbrella and be fine.
-The cheesy powerpoints used to bring new supernaturals up to speed.
-Jack's secret poster; he's a man of taste.
-The werejackal being named... Jack.
Overall a fun ride! Everett is a gay disaster, and I look forward to seeing more from him.
I also found it odd that the book opens on the least interesting part of Everett's night, which just made the first few pages overstuffed with exposition as we played catch-up. We learned like 5 very important separate things in the first few pages, all just casually thrown at us like he's listing furniture in his house. It's a fairly short book; I feel like we could have spared a few pages for a slower setup.
Little details I liked:
-How serious sunlight is for vampires; they can't just stand under an umbrella and be fine.
-The cheesy powerpoints used to bring new supernaturals up to speed.
-Jack's secret poster; he's a man of taste.
-The werejackal being named... Jack.
Overall a fun ride! Everett is a gay disaster, and I look forward to seeing more from him.
May 27, 2024
I picked up this novella at the 2023 OryCon Sci Fi convention. The convention wasn’t that good, but the group of self-published authors in the vendors room was wonderfully diverse. I picked up books by three authors, this was one of them. It’s a simple trans M/M paranormal mystery romance, but it’s more fun than I expected. It started out slowly, but soon it had me pretty gripped in trying to figure out how the main characters were going to survive the situation. The prose is average, but the plot is exciting. There is at least one big plot hole that doesn’t make sense. But I found myself liking the story and the characters. I daresay I might actually read the rest of the series.
Come visit my blog for the full review…
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Come visit my blog for the full review…
https://itstartedwiththehugos.blogspo...
January 1, 2023
This book is a little different from the books I have read in the past. But I still enjoyed reading it. Everett comes home thinking he has been mugged. He is bloody and hungry. He attracts one of his neighbors in his building and tries to drink his blood. Jack ( a paranormal agent) is there to stop the attack. They make it up to Everett’s apartment and his roommate has been killed. Plus Jack tells Everett he is a vampire. Everett does not have a clue as to the identity of his maker. It turns out Everett stole an amulet that a mob boss wants and this why his roommate was killed. Everett and Jack must work together to stay one step ahead of the mob boss and figure out what is going on with Everett.
May 15, 2022
This book was excellent. It was easy to digest and fast paced enough to keep me entertained from the moment it began. I would definitely recommend this book to any mature reader interested in fantasy, especially those of the transmasc variety.
I just have to mention that it brought back warm memories of my teenage/young adult years reading Darren Shan’s Cirque du Freak series, and even reminded me of my childhood years reading R.L. Stine’s books.
I can’t wait to see where Roan Rosser takes me next in his upcoming releases!
I just have to mention that it brought back warm memories of my teenage/young adult years reading Darren Shan’s Cirque du Freak series, and even reminded me of my childhood years reading R.L. Stine’s books.
I can’t wait to see where Roan Rosser takes me next in his upcoming releases!
May 15, 2022
If you like your books with a plot: Read this one! It’s amazing! The story line is addictive and unpredictable and the characters are great! I couldn’t stop reading.
Everett is trans and wakes up a newly turned vampire. Jack, his shifter neighbor, introduces him to the supernatural world. As they try to work out what happened to Everett, they are chased by supernaturals and humans alike. And love happens.
Everett is trans and wakes up a newly turned vampire. Jack, his shifter neighbor, introduces him to the supernatural world. As they try to work out what happened to Everett, they are chased by supernaturals and humans alike. And love happens.
May 30, 2022
I enjoyed this story. It was a fun and interesting read. There's a lot going on, but I really enjoyed the characters. The tone was light at times, more serious at others. This is the first book I've read by this author. I'm looking forward to book two. 4 stars.
November 4, 2023
PNR in Portland
A well-written tale with an intriguing cast of characters. F2M tran steals an artifact, becomes a vampire. Paranormal Council agent Jack, a shifter, is tasked to his keeper and love blooms around blood and guns. Nicely constructed alt-world.
A well-written tale with an intriguing cast of characters. F2M tran steals an artifact, becomes a vampire. Paranormal Council agent Jack, a shifter, is tasked to his keeper and love blooms around blood and guns. Nicely constructed alt-world.
May 23, 2022
A cute, with a quick reading style and overall an okay read.
Read
June 14, 2023DNF 29%
July 27, 2025
Love the behind the scenes of the world
May 23, 2022
Rarely do you see a vampire/shifter book where one of the MCs is trans. The inclusivity is refreshing. I am looking forward to seeing how the series progrosses.
May 6, 2022
A fun urban fantasy romp with a sweet romance (and a (secretly dorky) werejackal who actually stays in his animal form sometimes, thank you). I enjoyed the somewhat fluffy tone, which makes the book easy to read despite the serious topics. Though it did feel a bit off sometimes;
I also found it odd that the book opens on the least interesting part of Everett's night, which just made the first few pages overstuffed with exposition as we played catch-up. We learned like 5 very important separate things in the first few pages, all just casually thrown at us like he's listing furniture in his house. It's a fairly short book; I feel like we could have spared a few pages for a slower setup.
Little details I liked:
-How serious sunlight is for vampires; they can't just stand under an umbrella and be fine.
-The cheesy powerpoints used to bring new supernaturals up to speed.
-Jack's secret poster; he's a man of taste.
-The werejackal being named... Jack.
Overall a fun ride! Everett is a gay disaster, and I look forward to seeing more from him.
I also found it odd that the book opens on the least interesting part of Everett's night, which just made the first few pages overstuffed with exposition as we played catch-up. We learned like 5 very important separate things in the first few pages, all just casually thrown at us like he's listing furniture in his house. It's a fairly short book; I feel like we could have spared a few pages for a slower setup.
Little details I liked:
-How serious sunlight is for vampires; they can't just stand under an umbrella and be fine.
-The cheesy powerpoints used to bring new supernaturals up to speed.
-Jack's secret poster; he's a man of taste.
-The werejackal being named... Jack.
Overall a fun ride! Everett is a gay disaster, and I look forward to seeing more from him.
December 28, 2020
So fun and enchanting!!! I literally cannot wait until the next one 🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
May 24, 2021
This was a very engaging and enjoyable vampire novel. I'm very interested to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews