Stolen

The Dhampyr Series #2

by V.M. Nelson

Tasi’s world has been turned upside down. She and her newfound family flee New York City and head to a secret location. One that should keep her and Emily safe from the Deity—the evil group hunting them. A promise has also been made to go on the offensive. Tasi is ready to attack. The only problem, her mother—a newly turned vampire—is standing in her way.

Then, as tragedy strikes, and the Deity is one step closer to creating the vampire virus, the secret coven prepares to lead an assault. The problem? The group brought in to head up the mission tells Tasi to sit it out.

Feeling dismissed, Tasi takes matters into her own hands. Refusing to ask for help from the people she loves, she sneaks out to hunt down the evil cult, alone. With danger around every corner and an unexpected companion, will Tasi realize she has people who would die for her, ready to help her, before it is too late?

Genres: Fantasy

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2023

About the author

Virginia is a writer and author of The Dhampyr Series. She was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and now lives in Minnesota.

She has always had an obsession with myths, legends, and fairytales. If asked, she would prefer to live in an alternate universe with vampires and fairies.

When not writing you can find her spending time with her family or playing fantasy-based video games.

Reviews

[Carol]

dnf read 85% this book could not hold my interest as the first one did.

[BookMadLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Dhampyr series sees Tasi’s world turned upside down. Fleeing from New York to a new undisclosed location with her newfound family, Tasi and her sister Emily must stay one step ahead of the group known as the Deity, whose mission is to hunt them down and use their blood to create a vampire-killing virus. Tasi wants to go on the offensive and end the threat of the Deity for good.

When tragedy strikes, and the Deity are a step closer to their goal of creating the virus, the coven prepares to lead an assault. Tasi decides to take matters into her own hands but will she realise before it’s too late that those closest to her will do anything to save her and her sister, even if it means sacrificing themselves?

The second book is darker in terms of its content than book one in the series, Hunted. Full of fierce female characters, love triangles and brutal enemies both human and vampire, Stolen has a lot going on. We get to delve further into Tasi’s mind and her struggle to make the world safer for her family. She must fight to keep both her vampire and human relationships and connections, trying to forge a safe space for them all.

Thanks to the author for the arc. I’m excited to see what book three in the series, Tormented, out in October 2023 will bring for Tasi!



Merged review:

The second book in the Dhampyr series sees Tasi’s world turned upside down. Fleeing from New York to a new undisclosed location with her newfound family, Tasi and her sister Emily must stay one step ahead of the group known as the Deity, whose mission is to hunt them down and use their blood to create a vampire-killing virus. Tasi wants to go on the offensive and end the threat of the Deity for good.

When tragedy strikes, and the Deity are a step closer to their goal of creating the virus, the coven prepares to lead an assault. Tasi decides to take matters into her own hands but will she realise before it’s too late that those closest to her will do anything to save her and her sister, even if it means sacrificing themselves?

The second book is darker in terms of its content than book one in the series, Hunted. Full of fierce female characters, love triangles and brutal enemies both human and vampire, Stolen has a lot going on. We get to delve further into Tasi’s mind and her struggle to make the world safer for her family. She must fight to keep both her vampire and human relationships and connections, trying to forge a safe space for them all.

Thanks to the author for the arc. I’m excited to see what book three in the series, Tormented, out in October 2023 will bring for Tasi!

Stolen is out now. 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stolen is a wickedly satisfying and alluringly enthralling continuation of a precious journey both shared and personal. Everything within these pages will entice you to walk in their footsteps and partake in their agony and triumph. Embracing every aspect of life is the only way we can ever hope to move forward and learn as much about ourselves and those around us as we can. Learning to accept the good with the bad is also the only way we can survive each day that changes and molds us into the person we were born to become. The sour makes the sweet that much more delicious and enjoyable.

Tasi has one mission in life - make the world safer for her family. Since her family includes both blood and heart connections, she finds herself unsure of how to accomplish this monumental goal. All she knows is that when her heart has been forcibly torn from her, she will do anything in her power to see to its safe return. Showing mercy to bullies has never been one of her strong suits. One thing is for sure, she will never be the same when she walks away from this mission. Can she learn her most important lesson from her family and friends, or will she doom herself and everyone who stands with her?

I truly enjoyed the authentic push and pull inside Tasi as she learns to navigate life turned upside and inside out. Watching her find loyal friends and family warmed my heart and gave me hope that she would make it through this nightmare. Also, I enjoyed the small twists on the vampire mythology throughout this book. Nothing makes me happier then learning something new and seeing how it effects the characters and their choices. I take what I read to heart, and I savor every second of them.

V.M. Nelson has given us a wonderful continuation of this breathtaking story of Tasi and how she makes her way through her ever-changing world. Her characters are wild and vivid, and they will live in your heart indefinitely. Every step taken deeper into this world is one that is sure to delight and entrance, so don't miss out on the wonder and joy of this incredible world.

[Evelyn Reddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

V.M. Nelson has done it again in the sequel to Hunted. The well paced story of Tasi, Emily and friends continues where Hunted left off. With the threat of the Diety and evil vampire, Jelena looming in, the sisters are in a new hidden location. Feeling safe, Tasi let’s her guard down one night and the worst of her nightmares happens. Emily is kidnapped. Stolen.
Tasi ensues a battle within herself because if she had not gotten comfortable, Emily will still be safe, with her loved ones. Feeling the weight of the world on her, Tasi starts a journey that will test her strength, loyalty, and stubbornness. Full of twists and turns, no one is safe, no one is to be trusted and most importantly no one stands in the way of Tasi getting to Emily - not even the love of her life.
I have read this book twice. Once as an ARC and again after it’s been published but before the release of the third in the series. Both times, the story has captured my heart as the characters come to life in the brilliantly told story. I can feel the joys, sadness and tears of Tasi. V. M. Nelson has a way of bonding you to her characters. I can’t wait to start book 3. If Nelson’s trend continues, book three will be even more powerful than book two and one. For this, I cannot wait!

[Jeanette T. Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in The Dhampyr’s series. I thought book 1 was amazing, well book 2 is even better. We see both Taisa and Emily grow leaps and bounds in this book. It is also a bit of an emotional roller coaster of emotions. I have to keep this review brief because I don’t want to risk giving anything away. You want to experience this crazy ride without spoilers. I loved it, I think it’s better than book 1 and that’s saying something. Can’t wait to see what happens in book 3.

[Morgan Trampert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written so well. It held my attention the entire read. In this book tasi had an internal battle of learning what to accept and how it was going to change things. Taking the good with the bad. I love the small character developments through the book, along with the twist on the vampire history.

[Nichole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like book one, I really enjoyed this book and how the series is developing. Stolen dove a lot further into the emotional aspect and developing relationships of the series. Even with darkening themes, the series still holds that YA nostalgia that I don't often read. The characters go through a lot and are really pushed to their limits, but never give up on each other. How far are you willing to go to rescue a loved one?

[Miia Salomäki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in V.M. Nelson’s dhampyr series sees Tasi’s world turned upside down. Her nemesis has kidnapped her sister, Emily, to develop a virus which would kill all vampires. Once again, there’s a lot of adventure, action and snarky banter.

[Maheen Junaid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC of this book.

I first came across the series from tiktok and I enjoyed it so much. In the beginning for me it was kinda slow but once I got more into it, I was hooked and I can't wait for what happens next.

[E.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author.

Let me start by saying if there was a way I'd give it more than 5 stars. It was so good! I adored book 1 (listened to it as an audiobook and the narrator doing these is phenomenal as well) but this book took it even further.

I laughed, and cried, with the characters. I won't spoil it but chapter 31 broke my heart so have some tissues handy when you get there.

I cannot wait for October to find out what happens next!

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes Urban Fantasy stories and specifically vampires. I also consider this as a zero spice book though there's one scene that might push the boundaries, but I'd have no problem with my teens reading it and that's where/how I rate my spice levels.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasi, Emily, and the group have set up base at a rural farm to figure out how to take down the Deity once and for all. The farm also comes with some familiar faces. Tasi's childhood friend and her not-so-deceased mother. One reunion is welcome, while the other presents some challenges. However, when Emily gets taken by the Deity and the virus that could wipe out vampires becomes one step closer to being created, they are all going to have to figure out how to work together.

I was so excited to receive a e-ARC of this book, as it was the first book was one of the first advanced copies of a book that I reviewed. V.M. Nelson did not disappoint with this second installment into the series. Also, I'm not going to spoil anything, but the author managed to rip my heart out at one point (iykyk). I can't wait to see how the story continues.

[Jessie Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always recommend this book and the series! It's well paced, funny, and definitely keeps you wanting to read. It's interesting going through the changing relationships of the group and how they seem to find themselves more. I feel like Tasi will always be a little hard headed but in the best way this book. She's opening up more and not so closed off. I love this book and the series and can't wait to read more!!