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Hallows #1
A Date With Death: Part One
♥ Reverse harem romance with a deadly twist. ♥
I’d felt a pull to this city my whole life.
I was going to make the best of it, now that I was here.
At least, that was the plan before I started traveling to another world every night.
Before he started haunting me everywhere I went.
He said, “I’m not the one you want watching her,” and that smirk said so many things.
It held a promise.
A warning.
Instantly, I was hooked, no longer caring about what he did or how much he hated what I was becoming - I wanted him.
In the deepest parts of my soul, in any and every way I could get him.
The problem?
I was alive, and he was Death himself.
It was going to take a lot more than a date through the Otherworld to get past all that.
Then, when death showed up where it wasn't supposed to be, I knew my time was wearing thin, and I found myself clinging to the hope of just making it out alive.
However, with my biology, I should've known better than to hope for the impossible.
AUTHOR'S NOTE & TRIGGER WARNING
A Date With Death is Part One in a reverse harem romance duology in Cilla Raven’s Hallows Series.
It has dark themes including abuse, bullying, drug references, foul language, violence, sexual situations, and content that could trigger some. It is only intended for readers 18 years and older.
I’d felt a pull to this city my whole life.
I was going to make the best of it, now that I was here.
At least, that was the plan before I started traveling to another world every night.
Before he started haunting me everywhere I went.
He said, “I’m not the one you want watching her,” and that smirk said so many things.
It held a promise.
A warning.
Instantly, I was hooked, no longer caring about what he did or how much he hated what I was becoming - I wanted him.
In the deepest parts of my soul, in any and every way I could get him.
The problem?
I was alive, and he was Death himself.
It was going to take a lot more than a date through the Otherworld to get past all that.
Then, when death showed up where it wasn't supposed to be, I knew my time was wearing thin, and I found myself clinging to the hope of just making it out alive.
However, with my biology, I should've known better than to hope for the impossible.
AUTHOR'S NOTE & TRIGGER WARNING
A Date With Death is Part One in a reverse harem romance duology in Cilla Raven’s Hallows Series.
It has dark themes including abuse, bullying, drug references, foul language, violence, sexual situations, and content that could trigger some. It is only intended for readers 18 years and older.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2022
10 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Cilla Raven
13 books122 followersCilla Raven is an indie author that lives in North Carolina with her husband, five children, and a big fluffy Great Pyrenees named Luna. She’s an obsessive reader that cusses too much and has too much attitude to take seriously from her four foot eleven frame.
She constantly has stories running through her mind from the depths of her own complicated, funny, sometimes dark, and scary subconscious that eat at her until she has no choice but to write them down. She falls for all of her characters; even the “bad” ones, knowing that they probably didn’t start out that way. So is life or whatever.
Cilla has a pants-off after 10 p.m. mentality, loves music and dancing in her underwear, dirty humor, playing video games, funny animal videos (probably more than is necessary), and good food to name a few of the many things that excite her.
Hopefully, this lets you get to know her a little better, but if you still have questions, don’t be shy! Send her an email or hit her up on Facebook and Twitter. She’d love to hear from you!
She constantly has stories running through her mind from the depths of her own complicated, funny, sometimes dark, and scary subconscious that eat at her until she has no choice but to write them down. She falls for all of her characters; even the “bad” ones, knowing that they probably didn’t start out that way. So is life or whatever.
Cilla has a pants-off after 10 p.m. mentality, loves music and dancing in her underwear, dirty humor, playing video games, funny animal videos (probably more than is necessary), and good food to name a few of the many things that excite her.
Hopefully, this lets you get to know her a little better, but if you still have questions, don’t be shy! Send her an email or hit her up on Facebook and Twitter. She’d love to hear from you!
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 17, 2022
OMG, what a read. This book grabbed me and would not let me go no matter what I needed to do. IT moves along at a pace that is perfect for the flow of this story, not too fast nor too slow, but just perfect. The characters are unique and interesting and no matter what happens you want to see them overcome whatever may get in their way. You cannot help but love them. This book is a must read, there is no doubt about it.
December 27, 2022
New Take on the Usual Supernatural World
I really liked the world building in this first book of the series. There was a lot of set-up early in the book but was still very interesting to read. I am curious about what will happen with the main characters in the next book and who else will join. Definitely recommend reading as it was an interesting read.
I really liked the world building in this first book of the series. There was a lot of set-up early in the book but was still very interesting to read. I am curious about what will happen with the main characters in the next book and who else will join. Definitely recommend reading as it was an interesting read.
June 26, 2023
I had hopes for this book but unfortunately I didn’t get what I thought I would out of it.
I’ll start with the stuff I liked about the book.
I thought the world building was really intriguing and was really interested to learn more about the lore and the rules of the world. I especially liked one of the first scenes we get of Em going into a parallel version of her reality that really grabs your attention.
I also really enjoyed Van as a character. I thought she was really likable and had a ton of potential that we didn’t really get to see that much of. She was definitely a character that was put on the back burner and I hope she is able to get more of her own place in future books rather than just being the supportive friend. I personally love when a cast of characters is more than just the main character and the love interest.
Now speaking of the characters, I felt pretty indifferent to Em as our main character. There were times I liked her but most of the time I didn’t really connect well with her. I think one of my main dislikes is that she thinks with her cooch more than her brain. There were times Felix was explaining things about the world that were really interesting, and Em could not focus to save her life. (Which is a reoccurring theme 🥲) She also had SO MUCH thrown at her and acted the completely opposite of how anyone else would react. Or she really didn’t care that much and just let so much go without questioning it. A lot of things she just swept under the rug without us as the readers getting much closure. I honestly enjoyed Felix’s character and his story more than Em’s. It made me wonder how the book would be with more than just one Pov.
Which brings me to Em and Felix as a pair. I felt no chemistry between them. It felt like they were only attracted to each other physically and there was no actually emotional ties between them. Certain scenes were cute I’ll give them that but it just wasn’t enough for me in a relationship sense. I was also starting to question the reverse harem tag until about the 60% mark when we’re hit with a new character Donatien. I honestly thought he was just going to be another good looking dude. I didn’t think he would be our second love interest. And half the time he was around Em and Felix it just felt like he was third wheeling. If Em and felix had no chemistry his was non existent.
For being such a short book the pacing was all over the place. At times we got hit with big reveals out of nowhere and the other times it just dragged on. We weren’t given much information about the world building until the 90% (!!!) mark and then it was pure info dump while so many other things were happening that just got put on pause. And the ending felt like it was cut extremely short. Nothing was wrapped up at all. I get cliffhangers but this felt like we were in the middle of walking to the edge.
Lastly the dialog. A lot of the banter didn’t work for me. It felt really stiff and awkward at times. A really big issue I had was the way it was formatted. We would get HUGE chunks of a character talking with nothing to break it up besides breaking the paragraph with no end/start quotations. I might be nitpicking here but I would get so confused and have to go back to see that we were still in the same monologue and it would take me out of the story.
I knew my rating would be low and please don’t think i’m just trashing on this book for fun. I wanted to give an in depth review of the things I didn’t like or think could be improved on instead of just anonymously giving a low rating without reason. Especially since this is an indie author and I always want to support small authors. I really do feel like this series could have potential if it was more fleshed out.
I’ll start with the stuff I liked about the book.
I thought the world building was really intriguing and was really interested to learn more about the lore and the rules of the world. I especially liked one of the first scenes we get of Em going into a parallel version of her reality that really grabs your attention.
I also really enjoyed Van as a character. I thought she was really likable and had a ton of potential that we didn’t really get to see that much of. She was definitely a character that was put on the back burner and I hope she is able to get more of her own place in future books rather than just being the supportive friend. I personally love when a cast of characters is more than just the main character and the love interest.
Now speaking of the characters, I felt pretty indifferent to Em as our main character. There were times I liked her but most of the time I didn’t really connect well with her. I think one of my main dislikes is that she thinks with her cooch more than her brain. There were times Felix was explaining things about the world that were really interesting, and Em could not focus to save her life. (Which is a reoccurring theme 🥲) She also had SO MUCH thrown at her and acted the completely opposite of how anyone else would react. Or she really didn’t care that much and just let so much go without questioning it. A lot of things she just swept under the rug without us as the readers getting much closure. I honestly enjoyed Felix’s character and his story more than Em’s. It made me wonder how the book would be with more than just one Pov.
Which brings me to Em and Felix as a pair. I felt no chemistry between them. It felt like they were only attracted to each other physically and there was no actually emotional ties between them. Certain scenes were cute I’ll give them that but it just wasn’t enough for me in a relationship sense. I was also starting to question the reverse harem tag until about the 60% mark when we’re hit with a new character Donatien. I honestly thought he was just going to be another good looking dude. I didn’t think he would be our second love interest. And half the time he was around Em and Felix it just felt like he was third wheeling. If Em and felix had no chemistry his was non existent.
For being such a short book the pacing was all over the place. At times we got hit with big reveals out of nowhere and the other times it just dragged on. We weren’t given much information about the world building until the 90% (!!!) mark and then it was pure info dump while so many other things were happening that just got put on pause. And the ending felt like it was cut extremely short. Nothing was wrapped up at all. I get cliffhangers but this felt like we were in the middle of walking to the edge.
Lastly the dialog. A lot of the banter didn’t work for me. It felt really stiff and awkward at times. A really big issue I had was the way it was formatted. We would get HUGE chunks of a character talking with nothing to break it up besides breaking the paragraph with no end/start quotations. I might be nitpicking here but I would get so confused and have to go back to see that we were still in the same monologue and it would take me out of the story.
I knew my rating would be low and please don’t think i’m just trashing on this book for fun. I wanted to give an in depth review of the things I didn’t like or think could be improved on instead of just anonymously giving a low rating without reason. Especially since this is an indie author and I always want to support small authors. I really do feel like this series could have potential if it was more fleshed out.
June 2, 2023
3 STARS ✨
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of A Date with Death from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There's no doubt that Cilla Raven has created a unique and captivating world hidden amongst our own in A Date with Death. Our main character, Emmilean, has felt an undeniable pull towards New Orleans her whole life, and the book starts with her moving into her new home and having dreams that feel far too tethered to reality than they should be.
It turns out it is because Emmilean is actually a Hallow, the daughter of a Demigod, and her faith has been written for her all along. It was definitely an interesting concept to read - that both the Demigods and the Hallows have certain roles that they are destined to fulfil, whether they wish to or not, and, in a Hallows' case, they train their whole life for. It worked well, and I was definitely intrigued, but the pacing unfortunately did feel a bit rushed when it came towards Emmilean's acceptance towards certain things and the heavy revelations that took place. There were a lot of bombshells in there that weren't given too much time as you quickly move onto the next thing.
I'm not too sure how the story is going to be resolved as a duology; the second book definitely needs to be longer than the first, especially with the cliffhanger exposing that there are a few more characters who need to be introduced, but I do think it could be pulled off with a little slower pacing and with Emmilean given time to process everything that has happened.
I'd recommend this read to people who are fans of low paranormal fantasy, demigods and quick, easy reads.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of A Date with Death from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There's no doubt that Cilla Raven has created a unique and captivating world hidden amongst our own in A Date with Death. Our main character, Emmilean, has felt an undeniable pull towards New Orleans her whole life, and the book starts with her moving into her new home and having dreams that feel far too tethered to reality than they should be.
It turns out it is because Emmilean is actually a Hallow, the daughter of a Demigod, and her faith has been written for her all along. It was definitely an interesting concept to read - that both the Demigods and the Hallows have certain roles that they are destined to fulfil, whether they wish to or not, and, in a Hallows' case, they train their whole life for. It worked well, and I was definitely intrigued, but the pacing unfortunately did feel a bit rushed when it came towards Emmilean's acceptance towards certain things and the heavy revelations that took place. There were a lot of bombshells in there that weren't given too much time as you quickly move onto the next thing.
I'm not too sure how the story is going to be resolved as a duology; the second book definitely needs to be longer than the first, especially with the cliffhanger exposing that there are a few more characters who need to be introduced, but I do think it could be pulled off with a little slower pacing and with Emmilean given time to process everything that has happened.
I'd recommend this read to people who are fans of low paranormal fantasy, demigods and quick, easy reads.
June 4, 2023
This had me on an absolute grip, and I could not put it down all day! I'd wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking at a very slow burn reverse harem.
This book follows Emmilean, in what I suppose is her discovery of herself and her destiny. Followed along with a very grumpy guide, Felix, and a golden retriever spirit, Donatien
Ultimately, I was on edge almost the entire time and wanted to slap a certain someone quite frequently throughout the book. However, at the end Felix did win over my heart and his character development was divine. Honestly, I felt for Felix when we got to know his reasoning.
Donatien was a whole different story! He was a sweetheart the entire time and I loved the contrast of his character with Felix! It was a perfect slow build of a harem with different personalities. I honestly cannot wait to see who joins the harem next.
And back to the main character, Em. She could definitely hold her own and defend herself against Felix's unprovoked snarky comments. I absolutely adored her.
Ultimately, I cannot wait to read the next book of this series as the cliff hanger held so much tension that I'm immensely excited to see what happens next!.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book follows Emmilean, in what I suppose is her discovery of herself and her destiny. Followed along with a very grumpy guide, Felix, and a golden retriever spirit, Donatien
Ultimately, I was on edge almost the entire time and wanted to slap a certain someone quite frequently throughout the book. However, at the end Felix did win over my heart and his character development was divine. Honestly, I felt for Felix when we got to know his reasoning.
Donatien was a whole different story! He was a sweetheart the entire time and I loved the contrast of his character with Felix! It was a perfect slow build of a harem with different personalities. I honestly cannot wait to see who joins the harem next.
And back to the main character, Em. She could definitely hold her own and defend herself against Felix's unprovoked snarky comments. I absolutely adored her.
Ultimately, I cannot wait to read the next book of this series as the cliff hanger held so much tension that I'm immensely excited to see what happens next!.
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2023
Em has always been drawn to a certain house in New Orleans. Finally she buys the house and moves, upon her first night in her new home she has the most vivid dream and sees a gorgeous man but she can feel his anger . When she wakes up she can't explain why her dream felt so real . New Orleans is waking her up to whom she is and her family secrets , with new friends and learning her place she is finally aware .
The book grabbed me at first page , Em learns who she is and never forgets who she is and personality never changes no matter is thrown at her . Great book look forward to where this series will go
The book grabbed me at first page , Em learns who she is and never forgets who she is and personality never changes no matter is thrown at her . Great book look forward to where this series will go
August 13, 2023
This was a really good read. I found myself trying to fight sleep to continue reading. I honestly don't know what to put in this review; I really enjoyed the book.
This is more of just shy of being a 4.5/5 star rating. That is solely because there was no development with the second guy - he was introduced, something happened, and then he's a constant. After the dad goes off on Felix, his personality does a quick 180, and it's just glossed over in a way.
Other than that, the story feels original or I haven't run across anything too similar anyway. I can't wait to read the next one and find out how everything turns out.
-This was an ARC read-
This is more of just shy of being a 4.5/5 star rating. That is solely because there was no development with the second guy - he was introduced, something happened, and then he's a constant. After the dad goes off on Felix, his personality does a quick 180, and it's just glossed over in a way.
Other than that, the story feels original or I haven't run across anything too similar anyway. I can't wait to read the next one and find out how everything turns out.
-This was an ARC read-
March 14, 2023
A Date with Death
I really enjoyed this book. I just discovered this author within the past couple of days and I am addicted. This book had me captivated because I am from New Orleans so this book hit different for me. It was a great introduction into the story and moved at a perfect pace that kept you hooked the whole time. There wasn’t any spice in this book but that is okay because the plot of the story made up for it. I am really looking for to the rest of the series. Thank you Cilla you have a new fan.
I really enjoyed this book. I just discovered this author within the past couple of days and I am addicted. This book had me captivated because I am from New Orleans so this book hit different for me. It was a great introduction into the story and moved at a perfect pace that kept you hooked the whole time. There wasn’t any spice in this book but that is okay because the plot of the story made up for it. I am really looking for to the rest of the series. Thank you Cilla you have a new fan.
December 18, 2022
I swear every book of Cilla's is better than the last. I absolutely loved the character's in this book and the story line.
The cliff hanger at the end makes you impatient for the next book because you just need to know what happens next! I can't wait to learn more about Felix, he's definitely my favourite so far
The cliff hanger at the end makes you impatient for the next book because you just need to know what happens next! I can't wait to learn more about Felix, he's definitely my favourite so far
December 27, 2022
I definitely need more then 5 stars options for this book. It was so incredible, great way to escape into the supernatural world. I didn’t want to put this book down at all! Highly recommend this book you won’t regret it!
June 9, 2023
This book was different to any paranormal book I've ever read. It was very interesting. I love that it's a why choose book and can't wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2022
This book is amazing! The characters and world building pulled me in immediately. I can't wait to see what happens next.
January 2, 2023
Brilliant start to new series
Brilliant start to new series, includes some dark themes and a cliffhanger ending.
Short read completed over a couple of hours.
Brilliant start to new series, includes some dark themes and a cliffhanger ending.
Short read completed over a couple of hours.
January 10, 2023
This tantalizing book grabbed me and wouldn't let go. The chemistry between the fmc and her men was 🔥. I'm curious to see just where the story goes from her.
January 19, 2023
I was hooked from page one. Great world building. Great read. I highly recommend this book.
February 4, 2023
what a fabulous book!! … Cilla Raven is absolutely a one-click author 🖤
December 21, 2022
A quick light read. I found this story to be a fun, emotional roller coaster filled book that left me intrigued. The world building was good, I really loved the characters and over all I found it to be a world I would definitely step foot in again. Sometimes the back forth got a little confusing for me personally but I think that’s simply because it was happening so fast (which is exactly how it was supposed to be going for our main character as well). I’m excited to see where this goes, I suspect this will be a slow burn reverse harem of sorts and I look forward to what’s next!
December 30, 2022
This is an awesome start to a series by Cilla Raven, the characters jump off the page and make you on occasion bang their heads together!
Can’t wait for book 2
Can’t wait for book 2
September 13, 2023
A Date With Death
Hallows series part 1
Cilla Raven
Stars:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 0
Burn level:🔥
Time to read: 3 hours
Cliffhanger
My review may contain spoilers
Read Trigger Warnings
Tropes:
PNR
RH
Forced Proximity
Fated mates
Set in New Orleans, in a world where Demi-Gods exist, there are also what are known as Hallows. Emmilean Triodeau is one of these Hallows… or should I say a pre-Hallow since she is still living. 24 year old Emmilean had felt a pull towards New Orleans for a long time until finally she decided to move there. Once she moves into her new house though it is apparent the house is haunted. Emmilean is plagued with vivid dreams of her new house, however 1920s and a handsome man in a top hat who insists she doesn’t belong.
This was an Outstanding story however it has zero smut, just a good bit of sexual te tiño. I am assuming part 2 will be different now that Felix acknowledges the mate bond and Donatien is in the picture as well. I believe her third mate will be Betar but that’s known as of now.
The author did a great job with her descriptions of Otherworld, the chemistry between the characters, and the overall plot. I cannot wait for part two to come out!
I received an arc copy and am leaving a voluntary review.
Hallows series part 1
Cilla Raven
Stars:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 0
Burn level:🔥
Time to read: 3 hours
Cliffhanger
My review may contain spoilers
Read Trigger Warnings
Tropes:
PNR
RH
Forced Proximity
Fated mates
Set in New Orleans, in a world where Demi-Gods exist, there are also what are known as Hallows. Emmilean Triodeau is one of these Hallows… or should I say a pre-Hallow since she is still living. 24 year old Emmilean had felt a pull towards New Orleans for a long time until finally she decided to move there. Once she moves into her new house though it is apparent the house is haunted. Emmilean is plagued with vivid dreams of her new house, however 1920s and a handsome man in a top hat who insists she doesn’t belong.
This was an Outstanding story however it has zero smut, just a good bit of sexual te tiño. I am assuming part 2 will be different now that Felix acknowledges the mate bond and Donatien is in the picture as well. I believe her third mate will be Betar but that’s known as of now.
The author did a great job with her descriptions of Otherworld, the chemistry between the characters, and the overall plot. I cannot wait for part two to come out!
I received an arc copy and am leaving a voluntary review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews