What do you think?
Rate this book
Coiree Guardians #1
Fledgling
"She didn't scream. She should have, but the scream never formed." Rebecka "Beka" Saberhagen had a shock of her life when she found out her brother worked for a vampire. Just as she was able to understand that Vincent was a vampire, multiple murders began to happen close to her home. Then she was attacked by another vampire. A giant by the name of Steopa. With the help of Steopa and Vincent. Beka begins to accept the changes. Her old fears are gone, but new ones are becoming apparent. Strange creatures and other beings, things she would never had seen as a human are suddenly real for her. The night has become a new playground for her and sometimes a nightmare. But, her brother and friends are being targeted; by someone with an old grudge. A grudge, she has nothing to do with. But it has ties to both Vincent and Steopa. As she discovers the past, she realizes she will have to fight. Will Beka find the strength to fight for the people she loves? Is she powerful enough? Will she survive?
- GenresVampires
218 pages, Paperback
First published April 17, 2010
164 people want to read
About the author
Mari Miniatt
5 books102 followersMari Miniatt was born and raised in the north woods of Wisconsin. On a large farm in the middle of the woods. She graduated from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point with a degree in communications.
After working in a variety of places; food service, factory, offices, she settled in on her life in retail. But on the side she wrote. Inspired by her father, who would longhand write every day. Mari would often have a notepad out whenever she could.
Mari currently lives in Syracuse, NY. Where she decided to take her writing from hobby to profession. She still works in retail, where she can be seen writing on her breaks and lunches.
She hopes that people find her books enjoyable and different.
After working in a variety of places; food service, factory, offices, she settled in on her life in retail. But on the side she wrote. Inspired by her father, who would longhand write every day. Mari would often have a notepad out whenever she could.
Mari currently lives in Syracuse, NY. Where she decided to take her writing from hobby to profession. She still works in retail, where she can be seen writing on her breaks and lunches.
She hopes that people find her books enjoyable and different.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 11, 2016
When I received this book in the mail I was worried.. I saw the cover, (I am horrible at judging books by their covers) and I didn't think it was going to be something I liked at all. I love it when I am proved wrong!
The story's main character is Beka, who's had her fair share of bad luck in her past and has the emotional (and physical) baggage to prove it. She is living with her brother in a building that is owned by Vincent. It starts off right away with Beka learning that Vincent is a vampire and that she is the only one that didn't know. When she finally starts trying to get use to the idea she is attacked by Steopa (another vampire).
What goes on after is a story of how she copes with becoming a vampire with the help of Steopa who is linked to her through his bite. She learns that she has a rare gift, something that is beneficial to her more than once.
I really enjoyed this book because there was no dull moments, I had to tear myself away from the book more than once to do the mommy/wife thing. I was so captivated by the story of her transitioning and the adventure that she embarks on to rid her city of evil at it's deadliest. (I am trying REALLY hard not to have any spoilers here)
Another thing that stood out in the book is the characters, but it did leave me wanting to know more about Vincent and Steopa's lives pre and post vampire. I really liked Beka's character for the simple fact she wasn't the perfect 10 girl that you read in most books. She's got a little weight on her and she's very insecure about herself in many ways. She's selfish to the point that she's only concerned about what goes on in her worldl Although after turning into a vampire she learns to except herself and in turn learns how selfish she had been. I believe she more than proves herself as being selfless and learning that even though her past has demons, it doesn't mean that it has to rule her life.
The story's main character is Beka, who's had her fair share of bad luck in her past and has the emotional (and physical) baggage to prove it. She is living with her brother in a building that is owned by Vincent. It starts off right away with Beka learning that Vincent is a vampire and that she is the only one that didn't know. When she finally starts trying to get use to the idea she is attacked by Steopa (another vampire).
What goes on after is a story of how she copes with becoming a vampire with the help of Steopa who is linked to her through his bite. She learns that she has a rare gift, something that is beneficial to her more than once.
I really enjoyed this book because there was no dull moments, I had to tear myself away from the book more than once to do the mommy/wife thing. I was so captivated by the story of her transitioning and the adventure that she embarks on to rid her city of evil at it's deadliest. (I am trying REALLY hard not to have any spoilers here)
Another thing that stood out in the book is the characters, but it did leave me wanting to know more about Vincent and Steopa's lives pre and post vampire. I really liked Beka's character for the simple fact she wasn't the perfect 10 girl that you read in most books. She's got a little weight on her and she's very insecure about herself in many ways. She's selfish to the point that she's only concerned about what goes on in her worldl Although after turning into a vampire she learns to except herself and in turn learns how selfish she had been. I believe she more than proves herself as being selfless and learning that even though her past has demons, it doesn't mean that it has to rule her life.
August 22, 2010
Beka just got bitten. Not by your average vampire though. This guy’s real - seven feet tall, fierce and Slavic. The way they should be. Now Beka’s one of them. She has to learn to accept the changes, and the consequences. There are always consequences. Her first problem is a power-hungry runt, who will do anything to get what he wants. But, what exactly is that? Once they find out what this guy wants, things get complicated...and stay that way.
Independent author Mari Miniatt has gone back to fantasy basics with this little gem. The vampires aren’t sweet, and they certainly don’t glitter. The main character in this book is not your average skinny girl, and she’s more than willing to get her hands dirty. She’s different, clever and much more realistic. And she’s definitely not throwing herself at the first sucker she sees. In fact, she’s terrified by the idea of vampirism– like a normal person would be! Her first reaction is exactly how people should be reacting, which is what makes her lovable from the beginning.
Another great thing about this book is the different take on other fantastical creatures. One such example is of a berserk (don’t ask, just read the book) that gets involved in a lovely little fight scene (my favourite scene). The fight scenes: beautifully original, and just enough that they don’t get boring.
One thing that I was a little disappointed with was the lack of characterisation. I didn’t get a good understanding of the characters until quite late in the book. It would’ve been nice to know more about the characters earlier on, to make it easier to get attached to the characters and genuinely want to know about their adventures. This is one thing that may make it difficult to get into the book, but that’s probably different for each person. Another small thing is that the characters only ever ‘say’ things. There wasn’t much yelling or any other kind of emotion in the speech. But again, that could be easier on the imagination, because it doesn’t restrict how a character says something.
With this criticism, I think this book is very original, in comparison with some of the drivel that gets published these days. While the author’s writing style may not be for everyone, the story is a definite recommendation for vampire lovers.
Independent author Mari Miniatt has gone back to fantasy basics with this little gem. The vampires aren’t sweet, and they certainly don’t glitter. The main character in this book is not your average skinny girl, and she’s more than willing to get her hands dirty. She’s different, clever and much more realistic. And she’s definitely not throwing herself at the first sucker she sees. In fact, she’s terrified by the idea of vampirism– like a normal person would be! Her first reaction is exactly how people should be reacting, which is what makes her lovable from the beginning.
Another great thing about this book is the different take on other fantastical creatures. One such example is of a berserk (don’t ask, just read the book) that gets involved in a lovely little fight scene (my favourite scene). The fight scenes: beautifully original, and just enough that they don’t get boring.
One thing that I was a little disappointed with was the lack of characterisation. I didn’t get a good understanding of the characters until quite late in the book. It would’ve been nice to know more about the characters earlier on, to make it easier to get attached to the characters and genuinely want to know about their adventures. This is one thing that may make it difficult to get into the book, but that’s probably different for each person. Another small thing is that the characters only ever ‘say’ things. There wasn’t much yelling or any other kind of emotion in the speech. But again, that could be easier on the imagination, because it doesn’t restrict how a character says something.
With this criticism, I think this book is very original, in comparison with some of the drivel that gets published these days. While the author’s writing style may not be for everyone, the story is a definite recommendation for vampire lovers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2010
This is why I enjoyed this book:
First, it was a book I didn't skim. I tend to do that when the description or action gets too long. This is a personal preference. Some people enjoy lots of description and action, but I don't. I do enjoy a little bit of description to get me into the setting, but from there, my imagination takes over so I want the dialogue, internal thoughts, and action that adds to the plot rather than is randomly placed there or extended to the point where I lose interest. This was a book that read quick because it was to the point, and I liked that.
Second, it had horror elements. I found this to be a refreshing change from the lovelorn vampires currently popular on the market. Sorry but I'm not big into that kind of thing. Like the other person said, it probably can't be defined as horror, but there were parts where I cringed and said, "Ewe." One example is when Beka must either drink human blood or turn out like a ghoul who was a vampire who refused to drink human blood so he ended up feeding on corpses. It was so gross that it was awesome. Another example is when her head came off. So yeah, I'd say this is not for the faint of heart.
Third, I love that the main character, Beka, is not one of those gorgeous and slim women who have men falling all over themselves to meet. She's overweight and has real problems from her past to deal with. And as a bonus, Steopa, the vampire who attacked her and ended up making her a vampire, doesn't see her the way "humans" do. He kept saying, "Think like a vampire instead of a human" and it spoke of how he didn't notice all the things "wrong" with her that our society tends to view as wrong with women who are not perfect. I loved that! I also loved that they slowly established a bond. Nothing was forced or rushed. It progressed smoothly.
And last, but not least, it was not a cliffhanger. This book neatly ties itself up but also leaves you wondering what happens to the characters next. It's easier to wait for the next book when you feel the one you just read is complete. (Again, another personal preference.)
First, it was a book I didn't skim. I tend to do that when the description or action gets too long. This is a personal preference. Some people enjoy lots of description and action, but I don't. I do enjoy a little bit of description to get me into the setting, but from there, my imagination takes over so I want the dialogue, internal thoughts, and action that adds to the plot rather than is randomly placed there or extended to the point where I lose interest. This was a book that read quick because it was to the point, and I liked that.
Second, it had horror elements. I found this to be a refreshing change from the lovelorn vampires currently popular on the market. Sorry but I'm not big into that kind of thing. Like the other person said, it probably can't be defined as horror, but there were parts where I cringed and said, "Ewe." One example is when Beka must either drink human blood or turn out like a ghoul who was a vampire who refused to drink human blood so he ended up feeding on corpses. It was so gross that it was awesome. Another example is when her head came off. So yeah, I'd say this is not for the faint of heart.
Third, I love that the main character, Beka, is not one of those gorgeous and slim women who have men falling all over themselves to meet. She's overweight and has real problems from her past to deal with. And as a bonus, Steopa, the vampire who attacked her and ended up making her a vampire, doesn't see her the way "humans" do. He kept saying, "Think like a vampire instead of a human" and it spoke of how he didn't notice all the things "wrong" with her that our society tends to view as wrong with women who are not perfect. I loved that! I also loved that they slowly established a bond. Nothing was forced or rushed. It progressed smoothly.
And last, but not least, it was not a cliffhanger. This book neatly ties itself up but also leaves you wondering what happens to the characters next. It's easier to wait for the next book when you feel the one you just read is complete. (Again, another personal preference.)
April 22, 2011
There's a lot to like in this book. The vampires and how they and their crazy awesome vampire abilities operate are extremely interesting. The character histories are rich, complex, but the information is well meted out--which is huge. The story arc with Beka was satisfying and fascinating, watching her go from point A to point B with a lot of action in between, and the balance between that single satisfying storyline and the overarching plot that must continue in the next one was well done. More than any of that, however, I adore Beka as the hero. I could kiss Mari Miniatt for inventing her.
My only complaint was that the writing wasn't wholly to my taste, and I mean that more in a mechanical sense than anything else. It wasn't bad (I've put books down for being bad, so believe me, no holds barred on this), but it lacked in voice, which occasionally made it feel like a list of events. Combined with some basic line edit issues, it pulled me out of the moment here and there. This is really just personal preference, though, and I will certainly read KILLER, the next in the series.
My only complaint was that the writing wasn't wholly to my taste, and I mean that more in a mechanical sense than anything else. It wasn't bad (I've put books down for being bad, so believe me, no holds barred on this), but it lacked in voice, which occasionally made it feel like a list of events. Combined with some basic line edit issues, it pulled me out of the moment here and there. This is really just personal preference, though, and I will certainly read KILLER, the next in the series.
June 4, 2010
This was an interesting twist on a common topic. The ending was a little soft, but overall was good. It was easy to read and follow along with. I would have liked to have a little more "tension" between our hero and heroine. I would have liked it to be a little longer and have a little more action and explore some of the supporting characters a little more. I'm definately looking forward to the next book!!!
June 10, 2010
What Mari Miniatt has done is taken a stale genera and breathed new life into the undead. Twihards beware. The heroin in this book is taken from unlikable to interesting. Don't expect emovaps. The monsters in this story have fangs, and they are not afraid to use them. With book one under my belt I'm in anticipation of the second. Thank you and Good work!
September 21, 2010
So far this book is pretty good. I have read the first 20 or so pages and it was interesting and suspenseful!
December 10, 2010
Intriguing :-)
August 10, 2016
kindle edition.
I liked the main character in the beginning, but then she turned kinda Mary Sue-ish for me.
The novel (I think) was supposed to be in the US, but the characters kept referencing European locations. So I just got confused
I liked the main character in the beginning, but then she turned kinda Mary Sue-ish for me.
The novel (I think) was supposed to be in the US, but the characters kept referencing European locations. So I just got confused
June 29, 2010
I cannot give a fair review. I wrote it! So of course I think it's great. Not as good as book two, but don't you want to whet your appetite on this one first!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews