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The Consciousness: When love never dies
They’ve walked among us for centuries, but you’d never know.
Plasmadians hide in plain sight, long since outliving the myths and rumours about vampires and Dracula.
On a dark and lonely street, Journalist Ruth Evan’s finds herself in trouble, until she is rescued by a man with a story to tell, a story she will help him keep secret. Ralph recognises something in her that won’t become clear for years to come, but when it does, she won’t be able to fight it.
When the Queen of the dead comes to town, Ruth feels suddenly drawn to the woman in a way she has never felt before, and the feeling is mutual. They must work together to stop the discards from destroying peace between Humanity and the Plasmadians, while fighting their growing attraction to one another.
The Consciousness isn’t something to be ignored. A supernatural chemical reaction that will draw two soulmates together. Bound for an eternity to one another. But it doesn’t usually affect humans. Julia feels obligated to act on it, and take Ruth as her lover, but only if Ruth comes with free will.
Plasmadians hide in plain sight, long since outliving the myths and rumours about vampires and Dracula.
On a dark and lonely street, Journalist Ruth Evan’s finds herself in trouble, until she is rescued by a man with a story to tell, a story she will help him keep secret. Ralph recognises something in her that won’t become clear for years to come, but when it does, she won’t be able to fight it.
When the Queen of the dead comes to town, Ruth feels suddenly drawn to the woman in a way she has never felt before, and the feeling is mutual. They must work together to stop the discards from destroying peace between Humanity and the Plasmadians, while fighting their growing attraction to one another.
The Consciousness isn’t something to be ignored. A supernatural chemical reaction that will draw two soulmates together. Bound for an eternity to one another. But it doesn’t usually affect humans. Julia feels obligated to act on it, and take Ruth as her lover, but only if Ruth comes with free will.
223 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2022
76 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Claire Highton-Stevenson
43 books366 followersAward-Winning and best selling, Claire Highton-Stevenson is an Independent author of contemporary romance and crime novels.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
Having worked for many years in emergency services, Claire now spends her time writing, traveling, researching ancestry, following Liverpool FC and enjoying life as much as possible.
She lives in West Sussex, UK. Along with her wife and fur babies.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 9, 2022
I love this author.
The Vampire storyline was highly entertaining. Especially the approach of the soulmate theme in this book was very appealing to me.
Highly recommend.
The Vampire storyline was highly entertaining. Especially the approach of the soulmate theme in this book was very appealing to me.
Highly recommend.
June 11, 2023
This story, I think, is a little bit of a guilty pleasure. It's light, with a rather interesting view of vampires (along with a unique name for them), and of course, soul mates. Well, a form of, at least, and an interesting take on them. It's not overly long with decent enough pacing, with two plot lines working alongside each other. I appreciate that, at least, the main vampires aren't brutal killers, and that even with the force of the bond, the characters take their time to work through it, both the attraction, and the other issues that it causes. And the sex scene, yes well ^^
All in all, a very enjoyable story, and one that I'd definitely recommend.
All in all, a very enjoyable story, and one that I'd definitely recommend.
November 27, 2022
Quite decent
It felt a bit rushed, so the characters didn't have much time to develop, but otherwise I really enjoyed it. Cool iteration on the genre.
It felt a bit rushed, so the characters didn't have much time to develop, but otherwise I really enjoyed it. Cool iteration on the genre.
October 28, 2022
Wow what a fantastic storyline
Wow fantastic storyline I loved the main characters chemistry it was described perfectly their connection was incredible,hot their journey through it all flowed seamlessly everything you want in a book definitely worth reading congratulations.
Wow fantastic storyline I loved the main characters chemistry it was described perfectly their connection was incredible,hot their journey through it all flowed seamlessly everything you want in a book definitely worth reading congratulations.
November 17, 2022
A love that lasts forever is forged in a mystery.
I just love these beautiful pictures of a life so different yet more often boldly loving. I am not a vampire kind of reader. Claire Highton-Stevenson brings so much more to the storytelling that I can't love it more. We have mystery murders, a people who have a very different life and a magnificent love story. I am just besotted with this couple and the relationship they carry soul deep. The experiences, twists and journey to love make this story so wonderful you won't want to put it down.
I just love these beautiful pictures of a life so different yet more often boldly loving. I am not a vampire kind of reader. Claire Highton-Stevenson brings so much more to the storytelling that I can't love it more. We have mystery murders, a people who have a very different life and a magnificent love story. I am just besotted with this couple and the relationship they carry soul deep. The experiences, twists and journey to love make this story so wonderful you won't want to put it down.
February 24, 2023
Dreamy
A quick read of two souls and a twist of fate that cross paths to their twin flames. In the world of fantasy where vampires exists, choosing love amongst what and who you know. The heart wants what the heart wants.
A quick read of two souls and a twist of fate that cross paths to their twin flames. In the world of fantasy where vampires exists, choosing love amongst what and who you know. The heart wants what the heart wants.
December 31, 2022
Really interesting premise. The MCs we're really likable and the plot was interesting.
January 21, 2025
This was a little much. It tried too hard to be too many things. There were just too many plotlines floating around to do any of them justice in the time allotted by the book. Many of the plotlines were dealt with in less than anticlimactic ways because of this. The author also seemed to just pack too many ideas into what her characters were. The sudden addition of special powers that Julia has, just to get used once in a fever dream like scene is a good example of this. Why did the author think adding that would make sense or be anything but a distraction? It all kind of felt like she went, this is cool, this is cool, I like that...then cobbled them all together into a story the best she could.
The romance is basically nonexistent. It's a fated mates trope, but even in most of those stories the characters spend time together and get to know each other beyond their urges. In this story Julia and Ruth literally avoid each other most of the time. But then the fated mates thing makes them feel love toward each other, of course. So there is sudden I love yous without any work being put in. It feels lazy.
There is no third act breakup. They avoid each other so much it's more of a third act finally acknowledging each other. Then the rest of the book is the ceremony of their joining and Ruth's transformation.
The romance is basically nonexistent. It's a fated mates trope, but even in most of those stories the characters spend time together and get to know each other beyond their urges. In this story Julia and Ruth literally avoid each other most of the time. But then the fated mates thing makes them feel love toward each other, of course. So there is sudden I love yous without any work being put in. It feels lazy.
There is no third act breakup. They avoid each other so much it's more of a third act finally acknowledging each other. Then the rest of the book is the ceremony of their joining and Ruth's transformation.
March 23, 2023
One True Love 💕
Claire Highton-Stevenson does a great job 👏. It’s impossible to resist the pull of your soulmate. Julia, queen of the “undead” travels to London to thank a human journalist Ruth for 20 years of her assistance to the vampires 🧛♀️. Little do either of them realize that when they meet, there’s an instant connection between them. As queen, Julia can claim Ruth and take her by force. Julia holds back despite her own discomfort of feeling the intractable force urging her to Take Ruth. Whereas Ruth, using all her strength resists going to Julia, despite her feelings of intense attraction and lust. Meanwhile, there is a monster killing in London. A monster who Julia knows all too well…her sister. Julia’s sister flaunts the restrictions of the vampire culture. Rules that keep them hidden from humans. Working together, can they subdue the threat and find a way to be together? Read the book to find out.
Claire Highton-Stevenson does a great job 👏. It’s impossible to resist the pull of your soulmate. Julia, queen of the “undead” travels to London to thank a human journalist Ruth for 20 years of her assistance to the vampires 🧛♀️. Little do either of them realize that when they meet, there’s an instant connection between them. As queen, Julia can claim Ruth and take her by force. Julia holds back despite her own discomfort of feeling the intractable force urging her to Take Ruth. Whereas Ruth, using all her strength resists going to Julia, despite her feelings of intense attraction and lust. Meanwhile, there is a monster killing in London. A monster who Julia knows all too well…her sister. Julia’s sister flaunts the restrictions of the vampire culture. Rules that keep them hidden from humans. Working together, can they subdue the threat and find a way to be together? Read the book to find out.
April 14, 2024
3.5 The story of Ruth and Julia is a cute vampire-soulmate trope and could work so much better, if the author wrapped at least some of the plot-threads with a proper last act. Without that it leaves "The Consciousness" with a ton of allusions and me as reader a little unsatisfied.
There are so many unanswered questions.
There are so many unanswered questions.
October 24, 2022
First of all, I love CHS books. This author always delivers a memorable story.
I couldn’t put this book down. Ruth, a journalist, a feisty and intelligent woman first encounters
A “vampire” when he saves her life from thugs in a dark alley. A lifelong friendship is formed and the vampire Ralph recognizes in Ruth someone thrustworthy and special. Many years later, another vampire introduces Ruth to their Queen, the beautiful Julia. A connection, a strong desire and sense of belonging is awaken between the two, a Consciousness. The story is extremely well written, it is entertaining and romantic. I strongly recommend it.
I couldn’t put this book down. Ruth, a journalist, a feisty and intelligent woman first encounters
A “vampire” when he saves her life from thugs in a dark alley. A lifelong friendship is formed and the vampire Ralph recognizes in Ruth someone thrustworthy and special. Many years later, another vampire introduces Ruth to their Queen, the beautiful Julia. A connection, a strong desire and sense of belonging is awaken between the two, a Consciousness. The story is extremely well written, it is entertaining and romantic. I strongly recommend it.
May 6, 2024
4 stars. I’m in such a vampire mood. I can’t get enough. This one was pretty good. Very unique and different. I liked the writing and it was a fast paced read. I liked the main characters a lot and their romance. Ruth and Julia had great chemistry and I liked how their relationship developed and played out. This felt more like the first book in a series but it looks like it’s actually a standalone but I wouldn’t be mad at all if the author decided to expand upon this world. It’s really interesting.
November 8, 2022
Not Normally A Vampire Fan But This Book Pulled Me In!
It could only be a story written by Claire Highton - Stevenson that could make me read a vampire story. It was exciting, entertaining and hot. Ruth and Julia and The Consciousness. A story well written pulling you into the world of the Plasmadians. A story that took you on an adventure leading to love. A story I was sorry to see end. I love Claire’s mind!
It could only be a story written by Claire Highton - Stevenson that could make me read a vampire story. It was exciting, entertaining and hot. Ruth and Julia and The Consciousness. A story well written pulling you into the world of the Plasmadians. A story that took you on an adventure leading to love. A story I was sorry to see end. I love Claire’s mind!
November 17, 2022
There's a lot to desire from this first book. It felt like a rushed mini essay rather than a novel. There wasn't much plot and character building, but the chemistry of the leads, however short their getting to know period was, is enough to keep me reading. I will read the next book if there is and just to see where the author will take the FLs.
December 1, 2022
Was this story a little rough and ready? Yes, but wow- the pull between the two MC's is palpable. The consciousness is an interesting phrasing for soulmates. The Queen was kind and her consort was intelligent making for a delicious pairing. The sister tumult and mystery murders was distracting but drove the plot. Overall, a good vampire sapphic fiction.
September 1, 2024
Masterful and still Delightful
This is an incredible vampire story so masterful in its telling while still also being delightful to read. I loved the main characters, and the supporting cast is great too.
I won't read anything without a HEA so rest assured it has that too. I highly recommend this.
This is an incredible vampire story so masterful in its telling while still also being delightful to read. I loved the main characters, and the supporting cast is great too.
I won't read anything without a HEA so rest assured it has that too. I highly recommend this.
November 3, 2022
different, but good
It’s a little different take on vampires, but in a good way. Ruth ends up getting cornered and Ralph helps her. Years later Ruth is introduced to Julia and what an interesting cops and robbers story is told. It was an interesting and enjoyable read.
It’s a little different take on vampires, but in a good way. Ruth ends up getting cornered and Ralph helps her. Years later Ruth is introduced to Julia and what an interesting cops and robbers story is told. It was an interesting and enjoyable read.
March 26, 2023
Excellent
The Consciousness is a wonderful “vampire” love story. I enjoyed the dialogue and overall storytelling. Julia and Ruth being pulled together by the consciousness was so wonderful to watch.
The Consciousness is a wonderful “vampire” love story. I enjoyed the dialogue and overall storytelling. Julia and Ruth being pulled together by the consciousness was so wonderful to watch.
December 9, 2023
Wow! I really love this different approach to a vampire story. Developing new terms and concepts is definitely an artform especially for believability of the storyline. Great supporting characters too that round out this tale of eternal love.
April 27, 2025
I don't usually rate this low but it's frustrating
This book wasn't flushed out at all. The main characters had very little time together before having an eternal bond. There was a lot of useless scenes that went nowhere.
This book wasn't flushed out at all. The main characters had very little time together before having an eternal bond. There was a lot of useless scenes that went nowhere.
November 16, 2022
Lovely
Nice solid read. I enjoyed the prospective. I would have loved most it felt short and would have liked to know more her sister.
Nice solid read. I enjoyed the prospective. I would have loved most it felt short and would have liked to know more her sister.
January 9, 2023
Didn't really like it all that much kinda seemed a lot of unnecessary filler sections. but i liked the concept. so
May 7, 2023
2.5 Stars
November 5, 2023
love it!
Wonderful story, engaging characters, well written and a book I couldn’t put down. Another great interpretation of vampires. Recommend highly
Wonderful story, engaging characters, well written and a book I couldn’t put down. Another great interpretation of vampires. Recommend highly
February 3, 2024
Would make a good series
March 19, 2024
I just didn’t connect with the characters or feel like the stakes were very high(i guess they were but it didn’t read that way) but it was an interesting take on vampires and the smut was good.
April 27, 2024
My Gawd!!
I just had to give this book/author 5 stars for this story. It was one of those stories that once I started I knew I would not be able to put this book down until I finished reading it. There was NEVER a point in reading this that I was disappointed. This was like Twilight on steroids. I am huge vamp fan. I hate books about vamp hunters. I’ve been in love with vampires since my teen years and watching the Lost Boys and Fright Night.
This author gave me something new that added to repository of all things vampires. The prophecy with the twins, the ability to be granted permission to create a life once in their existence, The Consciousness and etc. The primordial pull to another human being that we call a soulmate. I call it the Soul Yearning. I felt this between. Julia and Ruth. From the first time I heard the queen speak to Ruth and the comment about how Ruth could meet the queen lacking clothing told me so much. This queen was beautiful and down to earth. Human-ish. I loved her at first meet.
I felt so much angst between the two of them as they tried to figure this all out. I loved all the supporting characters too. Even Rachel was necessary.
This love story has been added to my collection. It is unforgettable and I will reread it many times like I do all the books I rate a 5.
I just had to give this book/author 5 stars for this story. It was one of those stories that once I started I knew I would not be able to put this book down until I finished reading it. There was NEVER a point in reading this that I was disappointed. This was like Twilight on steroids. I am huge vamp fan. I hate books about vamp hunters. I’ve been in love with vampires since my teen years and watching the Lost Boys and Fright Night.
This author gave me something new that added to repository of all things vampires. The prophecy with the twins, the ability to be granted permission to create a life once in their existence, The Consciousness and etc. The primordial pull to another human being that we call a soulmate. I call it the Soul Yearning. I felt this between. Julia and Ruth. From the first time I heard the queen speak to Ruth and the comment about how Ruth could meet the queen lacking clothing told me so much. This queen was beautiful and down to earth. Human-ish. I loved her at first meet.
I felt so much angst between the two of them as they tried to figure this all out. I loved all the supporting characters too. Even Rachel was necessary.
This love story has been added to my collection. It is unforgettable and I will reread it many times like I do all the books I rate a 5.
May 26, 2023
Enjoyable
Great read, enjoyable and low stress which is hard to find. A definite page turned and will be reading more from this author soon!
Great read, enjoyable and low stress which is hard to find. A definite page turned and will be reading more from this author soon!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews