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Set in the Infinite Arcana Universe, BLOOD OMEN is a fascinating peek into the wider world of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer by SJ Himes....

Remi has been doing the same job for the last two thousand years: specialist courier of valuable magical objects and sensitive information. Sent on a mission to get a powerful talisman to the City Master of the Boston Bloodclan, Remi ends up with an unexpected complication: Celyn, a beautiful fae college student who was in the right place at the wrong time.
Celyn was instantly attracted to the sexy vampire when they met by chance at a pub. Thinking he was about to experience the best hook-up of his life, Celyn never expected to end up running across the streets of Budapest with Remi while the High Council of Sorcery was trying to kill them.
Dodging spells and holing up in secret lairs, Remi and Celyn find something even rarer than the object Remi carries: a chance at true love.

BLOOD OMEN is an MM vampire/fae romance featuring a laid-back vampire with a dangerous profession, an adventurous fae college student with some interesting gifts of his own, and a connection to the ongoing battle between the High Council of Sorcery and the infamous Necromancer of Boston, Angel Salvatore...

Reading order is not essential, and for reference, this novella of 22k words takes place after LOVE SPRINGS ETERNAL in the BHS timeline. Features extended character cameos from BHS regulars. Previously released through Prolific Works in 2022. No changes to the text have been made. Sheena Jolie is the new pen name of the author formerly known as SJ Himes.

85 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 2, 2022

195 people are currently reading
866 people want to read

About the author

Sheena Jolie

15 books293 followers
Sheena Jolie is the new name for bestselling author SJ Himes. New name, same great books.

Sheena lives in MidCoast Maine with their two cats, Wolf and Silfur, close enough to the ocean to see seagulls harassing tourists. When not writing, Sheena is junk journaling, painting, reading, or cooking.

Sheena writes urban and epic fantasy romance, and all their MCs are queer, and that's on purpose. Most of their works are under SJ Himes, but over the course of 2022, they'll be moved to Sheena Jolie.

Twitter: @WriterSJHimes
Tiktok: @sjhimes
Instagram: @authorsjhimes

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5 stars
547 (43%)
4 stars
467 (37%)
3 stars
216 (17%)
2 stars
26 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
Profile Image for * A Reader Obsessed *.
2,711 reviews581 followers
December 25, 2022
4 Stars

A very tasty morsel taking place in the magical world of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer.

Not a stand alone as this occurs after Love Springs Eternal and readers will be lost if they start here. Of course, I’m intrigued as I enjoyed the introduction of new characters Remi and Celyn. Bonus points for an appearance from Batiste and Isaac!

If you haven’t met Angel and company, you are missing out on a fabulous urban fantasy series, and I urge you to start with The Necromancer's Dance!
Profile Image for Meags.
2,490 reviews700 followers
February 1, 2022
4 Stars

Blood Omen may be short in length, but it is another effortlessly charming, romantic and exciting PNR from the legend that is Sheena Jolie (AKA, the author formerly known as S.J. Himes).

Tangentially linked to Jolie’s/Himes’ The Beacon Hills Sorcerer series, Blood Omen introduces some new characters in romantic leads, Remi (an ancient vampire) and Celyn (a young half-fae college student).

The story only spans the first handful of days after Remi and Celyn meet in a bar, but in the limited page count, these two made an impact, coming together as potential soulmates and finding themselves on the run, together, when the pesky High Council of Sorcery come meddling, again.

Although this can be read as a standalone, it is very much set in the same universe as the BH Sorcerer—even going so far as to briefly, but appreciatively, feature series regulars, Baptiste and Isaac in the stories climax.

Remi and Celyn’s story may have been short, but I’m more than eager to see how these two fit into the expanding Infinite Arcana world. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Barbara➰.
1,665 reviews461 followers
February 25, 2025
Reread December 2023

Wow. I didn’t remember this book at all 😳. It was sweet but I could have done with less sex and more story.

Originally read January 2022

I hope we get more of these two. Things happen pretty fast, but I'm okay with that. I want to see them bond.
Profile Image for Bev .
2,241 reviews486 followers
January 29, 2022
I really enjoyed that intro into a new series as well as the links back to the Beacon Hill series.
Profile Image for Layla .
1,468 reviews81 followers
January 4, 2022
I just love Sheena Jolie's Arcana world. This novella was no diferent.


Here we have a One Night Stand-turns out to be my mate kind of thing.
A bit of suspense and action with a dash of bite-me-until-I-come steam.

We also git a Constans and Isaac cameo!
I was so happy to see Isaac so self assures and playful.

This novella serves as an intro for what qill transpire in book 6 of Beaconhill and I can't wait!
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,854 reviews499 followers
May 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. It’s a fabulous short read which links to the Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series.
I can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Elena Rodríguez.
1,219 reviews491 followers
June 17, 2024
“Vampires mated where true love bloomed. Requited, honest, true love, unencumbered by fear or miscommunication.”

Me ha gustado mucho. Maldigo el hecho que sea un relato porque los personajes me han encantado y yo quería saber más de ellos. Pecan de insta-love en general, pero siento que si hubiese sido novela hubiera estado muchísimo mejor.

Con este relato ya me pongo al día con la saga y tengo ya ganas de leer el siguiente una vez sea publicado.
Profile Image for Achim.
1,301 reviews86 followers
January 16, 2022
New pen name, new series title and yet it is starting as a spin-off of Beacon Hill Sorcerer and ends at the Tower in Boston i.e. right in the middle of the original series, so I'm a bit confused why the name changes were necessary.

We watch Remi meeting Celyn in a pub at Budapest. Everthing looks like a hook-up at a student hang-out but of course with one of them a centuries old vampire and the other one human with a large dose fae in his blood nothing is as it seems to be and yes, the soulbond threads we know from the original series are already flowing around those two which becomes more apparent after they are attacked by the High Council and have to escape. There is a lot of trust and attraction on both side and no second-thinking at all. I could accept that for the usual shifter romance but I'm not so quite forgiving here. Might be also because as adorable Celyn is, he is also a slightly modern damsel in distress and I don't like to see such a guy as the love interest and part of a future power couple. Hope his fae heritage is coming more into the foreground in the next book.

And because it seems my niggling self is in my foreground today: I also wonder why the author had a need to explain so many details in the first chapters at inappropriate times. It's fortunate that the next part of this series will be also the next Beacon Hill Sorcerer book because as a separat series it's appeal is a bit limited but might be a nice addition to the original series.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,248 reviews35 followers
January 19, 2026
This was a good start but ended too soon, I wish we had more info on Celyn’s fae genes.
I liked both characters Remi and Celyn! 🤗 Looking forward to more interactions from this pair with future books with the Salvatore family and friends.
Profile Image for the kevin (vaguely alive).
972 reviews178 followers
February 10, 2022
DNF at 19%

First, surprise information: This is a pen name (or new name?) of SJ Himes, and apparently tied into a series under that name. I had no idea until I read the reviews.

confusion:

He spoke English, too, but then Remi wasn’t surprised. A lot of people in this area of Budapest near the university spoke it, and it wasn’t a stretch to assume Remi spoke it as well, considering he was dressed like an American action movie star, in a light leather jacket and dark blue jeans with combat boots and a skintight black Henley top.


On what planet are these clothes exclusively American? Or movie star? I met a cop in Budapest like 15 years ago wearing this outfit.

How does clothing mean you can speak a language? I was not aware that clothes gave you ability to speak languages. I have struggled all my life learning languages and I just needed to buy clothes.

For the record, that cop totally didn’t speak English either. Guess his jeans weren’t enchanted with the Speak-English charm.

Infodumping: holy buckets of info dumping. I zoned out so hard. Is this a history textbook of their world? Information needs to be worked in to the narrative, not just dropped on my eyeballs.

Overall, it looks like I had the exact same issues as the last time I tried this author (DNFd the series that this is apparently tied into) for infodumping.
Profile Image for BWT.
2,253 reviews248 followers
July 24, 2024
4.5 stars

Loved getting to know two new characters and am even more impatiently waiting for Book 7 The Necromancer's War. I really hope Angel and co. kick the council's butts!
Profile Image for haletostilinski.
1,530 reviews658 followers
January 25, 2024
This fun, quick read introduces us to the couple of Remi and Celyn. Remi is an old vampire. Around 2000 years old, maybe a little less or more. But definitely from around ancient Roman times.

Celyn is mostly human, but has Fae blood in him, from generations of human/fae couplings in his family. His parents themselves are several hundred years old. Celyn is college aged, but will at least live some hundreds of years himself - although with becoming Remi's mate, possibly forever.

This is mostly an introduction to these two - I have no idea if we will see them as a main couple again, perhaps in a full length novel, so this is either an introduction or their whole story, I do not know.

But they will be in the next book in the series, coming out soon, which brings Angel and Simeon back to the forefront of the series, so it's good to read this short, 85 page read before that comes out.

We don't get a ton of these two, they're really just starting out, but there's already a great connection between them by the end of this novella, and a definite strong HFN ending.

If we don't get more of them, that'll be okay, but I enjoyed these two enough that I would love a full length novel of them in the future, if that's possible.

The chemistry was good, and I already loved the deepening romance between them. They didn't get to being true mates yet in this, but I imagine they will (whether as secondary characters in the next book or in a possible future book with them.)

This is definitely worth a read, especially before the 6th book in the series comes out. Remi and Celyn were great and fairly adorable together. Remi is badass but so sweet to Celyn, and Celyn is a sweet, blushing guy who trusts Remi so quickly and easily, and Remi doesn't let him down.

We did also get some hot sexy times, although because I enjoyed these two I did wish there was more. Buttt what we got was really good.

The plot is centered around Remi being a messenger of sorts, and he's given a talisman or something like that from his sire to give to Constantine, but the Council, which we know are baddies, are after it for it's power. And because Celyn is there with Remi, he's accidentally gets sucked into the whole plot. But it gives him and Remi some extra time to realize they're more than a one night stand and are already on their way to falling for each other.

Which is quick, but for a novella, it makes sense.

So definitely pick this up. It's a fast, easy read with a new couple to enjoy, and we get to see Constantine and Isaac for a little bit near the end.

Can't wait for the new book coming out soon, and a return to Angel and Simeon, are flagship couple of the series.

My Ratings for The Beacon Hill Sorcerer Series:

🔆 The Necromancer's Dance: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Necromancer's Dilemma: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 The Necromancer's Reckoning: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 A History of Trouble: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Mastering the Flames: 4.5 stars (my review)
🔆 Love Springs Eternal: 5 stars (my review)
🔆 Blood Omen: 4 stars
🔆 The Necromancer's War: TBR
Profile Image for OnePieceOfReading.
159 reviews8 followers
June 17, 2025
I love this authors writing and world building ability - and these characters are so cute!
446 reviews24 followers
February 25, 2024
A two thousand years old vampire and a young fae falling in love in the midst of an action-packed chase for their lives.
Lovable MCs, chemistry and natural connection between them, mating bond as a possibility and choice rather than destiny.
The action part gives a glimpse into the larger series plot, but Remy and Celyn story is their own and can be read as a stand-alone. Though I wholeheartedly recommended reading the entire series - it is amazing! Looking forward to seeing more of Remy and Celyn in future books.
Profile Image for ⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven•.
1,606 reviews300 followers
December 14, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐
A MM Paranormal romance with Vampire x Fae, magical artifact, action, on the run, a hot hookup leading to an adventure & start of a bond!
I had been looking for a short audiobook through Joel's VA catalogue & stumbled upon a new-to-me author!

Joel's narration had such a flair here, damn. The thinking voice was alright but the accented speaking? Holy heck, it felt like an imitation of "posh". I'm not well-versed in European accents (being asian myself), so maybe that's why, but they were hard to understand at times. Kinda pretentious 🤷‍♀️. I'm a sucker though, as I completed this nevertheless 😂.

Remi is a (very) old vampire who still looks like he's in his 20s, with punk-aesthetic (or feels atleast). R transports powerful magical things ✨. R's flirty, cool & I liked how honest he is with C!
Celyn is a shy, sweet college student who's a Fae majoring in art/art history & gets feisty against fascists (approved!).

The plot is what's written in blurb. They meet in bar, hookup & get attacked. R feels bad getting C in midst of trouble but C's stubborn & wants to stay. Most safe together! It's a fast-paced, adventurous story. I liked seeing their connection, the hot & cute chemistry.

The lore's interesting but also a bit confusing at times, maybe as I haven't read the series (I also could've been multitasking, but don't remember). **Especially don't get how bonds/fated mates work here exactly 🤔, even with explanation. I liked the aqueduct & magic scenes! I may try more books by this author.

Audiobook+Story ratings :
POV: 3rd Person, Dual POV
Narration: Single, Joel Leslie
1) The Characters: 4.5/5
2) The Feels: 😯😏😉😬😤😍🙈😈💫🤔🥰🥵
3) Sexy/Steamy times: 2/5
4) Levels: Low Angst, Kinda Cute, Moderate Action/Dark
5) Build up & Style: 4/5
6) Voice acting: 6/10 (Fine, but the accents...!)

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Profile Image for Grace.
3,354 reviews216 followers
January 23, 2022
3.5 rounded up

So glad Sheena Jolie sent out a newsletter reminder today about her contribution to this giveaway, because it had totally slipped my mind that this is S.J. Hime's new name, and this book wasn't on my radar otherwise!

Set in the same universe as the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series, though this works fine as a standalone. There's a cameo of a couple from the main series, but not to the point of confusion/distraction if you're not familiar. Though perhaps the world-building might be a bit confusing or less clear without those books as background. I already know I enjoy this 'verse, and this was a lovely interlude with some new characters. Sort of a one-night-stand turned possibly more. I think it worked fine as a short story but there are definitely a lot of loose threads that I think would have come together better in a longer book.
Profile Image for tara.
228 reviews11 followers
February 28, 2022
this was so sweet pls 🥲

i love how its insta-attraction and it's a short book, but the relationship built on as it progress, even on the "mates." i love the trust between them. and especially Celyn, when he gets brave and bold. i hope he have a "power." 👀

also omg, i didn't realised Sheena Jolie was.... SJ Himes.... and two of the characters from her other series (The Beacon Hill Sorcerer) appeared here!!!! i was thinking that I NEED to read about those two characters.....

also i really need more of Celyn and Remi!!
Profile Image for Nishantika  Neeher.
10 reviews28 followers
Read
August 7, 2023
Do we have any idea when this book is coming out?? I am dying here for years!
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,033 reviews108 followers
May 4, 2023
This was a great story, even though it was so short ... and I am happy looking forward to see these two again in the next book.

What made me happy was to see how far Isaac came and how sure he is now in his own skin and his relationship with Constans.
I would love to get a novella for these two as well
Profile Image for purely.romantic.
185 reviews20 followers
January 17, 2023
This little novella that fits into Infinite Arcana world by Sheena Jolie focuses on two brand new characters and contains everything that I really love about the larger series; a lot of swoony feelings, a generous dash of sexy, fancy magics and of course, running from some bad guys.

Remi, a vampire and procurer of magical artifacts is on a routine job on the instructions of his sire when he spots Celyn, a sweet human with fae blood who is also instantly taken with him. They are having a marvellous and *very* sexy time together until they’re rudely interrupted by magical assasins sent by the High Council. Cue running across Budapest until they are rescued by some familiar faces from the previous Beacon Hills books.

I really liked how this novella was able to give us a bite-sized stand alone story between two really sweet characters, while also neatly tying into the larger world. Remi and Celyn have such an instant connection and I loved how tender they are with each other. While Celyn is a total sunshine character I loved that he is unfazed and really kept his cool during a crisis, and Remi’s suave, capable personality was also so fun to read. Though we spend only a short amount of time with them it’s so clear how well they complement each other and how deeply their feelings already run. I really appreciate how Sheena crafted their bond to be organic and authentic with a lot of fun banter alongside them building trust. The novella also nicely provides more context for what is promising to be an epic showdown between the Beacon Hills folks and that pesky High Council in the next book. I can’t wait to see Celyn and Remi in Boston with the rest of the gang and for more shenanigans!

CN’s: This novella was originally part of the YBBB Giveaway in 2022 and is now available for purchase. It belongs to the Infinite Arcana universe and can be read as a stand alone. Chronologically it takes place after Beacons Hills Sorcerer book 5, Love Springs Eternal (though there are no spoilers for the main series). One character is a vampire and the novella includes blood play in an intimate context. There is one detailed and very sexy on-page sex scene.
Profile Image for Sadie Forsythe.
Author 1 book287 followers
January 19, 2022
There was too much world-building for such a short piece, especially since it tended to be info-dumped. (I sense a lot of it was simply brought over from something long, one assumes the rest of the series.) But I liked the characters and it does seem an interesting world. I'd give the series a shot.
Profile Image for Lynnette Robertson.
2 reviews
September 1, 2022
I have yet to read a book from SJ Himes I have not loved. All of her stories keep me in thralled from beginning to end. I cannot wait for book 6 and Angel and Simeon. And of course the rest of the family.
Profile Image for Joyfully Jay.
9,120 reviews520 followers
February 13, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.

4 stars


I am always excited for the chance to step back into Sheena Jolie’s world of the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series, and the larger Infinite Arcana universe. Blood Omen was previously released as a free story as part of a year-long giveaway, and has now been re-released for sale. According to Jolie (who formerly wrote as S.J. Himes), this one is officially book 5.5 in the Beacon Hill Sorcerer series and we do get some crossover, with appearances by Constantine and Isaac. So fans of the series should enjoy getting to know Remi and Celyn, who will appear in the next Beacon Hill book, but new readers should also be able to enjoy an introduction to the series here.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

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