Who's Your Author? discussion

This topic is open for discussion of Once Bitten by Trina M. Lee. Be prepared for SPOILERS.

Synopsis:
Alexa O'Brien is a professional huntress and a werewolf with the ability to conduct and manipulate metaphysical energy. When she is inexplicably drawn to the enigmatic vampire Arys Knight, the dangerous power they create together becomes more than either of them anticipated. As a result of their actions Alexa risks the loss of more than her remaining humanity, she risks losing the very person who holds her heart, Shaz Richardson.

When her former lover and Alpha pack member Raoul is framed for murder, he comes to her for help and Alexa is forced to face past emotions and betrayals that were never laid to rest. As the murders continue she is torn between past hurts and present loves. Amidst the rush of power and the struggle for control, Alexa must dig deep within herself to discover where her heart truly belongs. As secrets are revealed and lies exposed, she comes to discover that not everyone is who you think they are and the greatest loves are undying.

Reserved.
Sonia and I are opting to read this book over a three day span. If you are a quick reader. Don't worry. You don't have to pace yourself to our schedule. Just throw a spoiler tag, like this:
**************** Comments/Thoughts for the End of the book ****************
(OR)
**************** Comments/Thoughts for Chapters 1 - 8 ****************
and set your own pace. We find it's fun to discuss what's happening before we finish and try to guess what will happen in the future, but there is no pressure to read the way we do. It's reader's choice on this one. Just don't forget to Spoiler Tag when possible.

Reading schedule at a pace of 33% of the book at a time:

February 5 Chapters 1 - 8
February 6 Chapters 9 - 14
February 7 Chapters 15 - Epilogue

I am in!

me too

me too! me too!

And me. Don't forget about me :o)

Yeah buddy read lol

Since this is coming up soon, I went to the amazon page and just saw that it's currently free for kindle, if any of you have ereaders.

I'm in!

I'm in...

I ll join in...it is also free on kobo

It's also free on nook & smashbox. Glad you're all joining us.

YeY, it's today!!!!

I'm reading it at work - the pdf is open "discreetly" on the background :o)
I'm at chapter 3 right now... only in the beginning but so far, so good, I'm waiting for the story to pick up.

I'll be starting it shortly.

How "fast" do you want to read it? It has 258 pages (21 chapters I think). 2-3 days?

How about three days about 33% a day? That would come to:

February 5 Chapters 1 - 8
February 6 Chapters 9 - 14
February 7 Chapters 15 - Epilogue

looks fine to me.

I'm at chapter 4 now. Will return to chat about it later :o)

Sonia wrote: "looks fine to me.

I'm at chapter 4 now. Will return to chat about it later :o)"

Don't forget to use spoiler tags.

I won't.

Like the ones on the Fair Game thread, right?

Sonia wrote: "I won't.

Like the ones on the Fair Game thread, right?"

Yes, that should work.

I'll probably start this later this evening.

I am starting chapter 4 when I get home tonite. Liking it so far.

Won't be able to start tonight till I get kids on bed. The schedule looks good though.

***** Thoughts/observations on reading Chapter 1 - Chapter 8*****

OMG

This is soooo good.

Alexa really kicks some ass :o)

There is a demon involved on a blood circle. How is that even possible? I thought demons had to be raised... even demon lords can't pop in on the human world...

The energy swap between Alexa and Arys is so weird... and the overload just crashed the apartment... that is
so cool and scary at the same time. And the mind sharing... and the way that Alexa was feeling Ary's weakness... that was...no words... I sooo want to know the implications, but right now, I think they are really playing with fire.

And the murders... Raoul is in serious trouble. Two of her exes turned up dead... What is going on here?

I'm so curious, I so want to read more, I'm so enthralled by the book. But is now past midnight, I have to go to sleep.

Plus I busted my ereader this weekend, and only noticed today - I already cried and banged my head in desperation, now I have to read on my laptop and phone till the budget allows another one, but I'm still annoyed at my own stupidity... and a bit depressed too.

Comments/Thoughts for chapters 1 -8:


Warning, possible spoilers ahead -

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It's a slow build so far but that's not uncommon for the first book in the urban fantasy series. We've been introduced to the main characters and have demon summoning and the murders of the Alpha's exes.

I like Alexa. I hope we find out more about the werewolf attack on her family. It seems as if someone sent the wolf to her house because I find it strange that a werewolf would break into a house to attack a family as opposed to going after someone in the park or on the streets. Also, was Alexa the only one in her family to have her magical abilites - is that why they attempted to kill her family?

Arys reminds me of a creepy stalker and Raoul is a jerk so I am rootin for either Shaz or Kale if there is to be a romance.

I like Lena and Shaz and am intrigued by Lilah - she's a vampire but what makes her so powerful that she can take out a demon with a touch?

I think Alexa sharing energy with Areys is going to end badly - the after-effects of the one time seem to be taking a toll on her. Anthying that encourages/causes an increased bloodlust in a werewolf is very, very bad.

***** Thoughts/observations on reading Chapter 1 - Chapter 8*****

I am loving this one too. I confess I kept reading past where we were supposed to stop because it started getting really good. lol I'm so bad. *giggle*

Sonia said, "a demon involved on a blood circle. How is that even possible? I thought demons had to be raised... even demon lords can't pop in on the human world..."

I think the vampire conjured him up with a spell? If he's got some kind of link to someone in the real world couldn't he materialize? I guess it depends on how you define demons. Some say they're fallen angels. If that's true and people can see angels, then I guess they could potentially see demons. I think in biblical terms demons usually have no physical form so they tend to possess people.

They energy exchange was pretty cool, but it'd be scary too. So if their powers attracted each other like polar opposites on magnets, I wonder how their powers differ? I'm guessing they each possess magic and that is the part that is doing the pulling? Very intriguing.

Raoul must have truly ticked someone off. Could it be a hubby who knocked off his wife and is using her death as a way to justify going after her lover? Could it be an ex lover going after Raoul for ending the affair? Or could we have a pack mate vying for his position? Hmmm.... I have no idea yet.

Sorry to hear about your eReader Sonia. Can it be fixed?

@Sara--all your questions will be answered (though not all in this book). As a teaser I will tell you you guys are gonna freak when you find out what really happened w/her family.

*******Spoiler for Chapters 1-8*******



So far I'm enjoying the story. I'm not usually a huge werewolf fan, so I'm liking that this has a variety. Already demons, witches, and vampires to go along with them.

I like Arys. I don't think I foresee them having relationship problems, but I'm not sure what to think about what is happening to her. It's almost like he's giving her vampire powers.

I agree about the wolf killing her family. It is sort of strange and for some reason I immediately suspected Raoul for having something to do with it.

The one thing I'm not liking about this book so far, is the author doesn't really describe there surroundings at all. I don't like a lot of description, but I like to at least have something to go off of to visualize where they are talking at. It adds a certain realism to the story.

Sara wrote: "Comments/Thoughts for chapters 1 -8:


Warning, possible spoilers ahead -

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It's a slow build so far but that's not uncommon for the first book in the urban fantasy series. We've ..."

Wouldn't it be an interesting twist if the wolf was sent in as a hit man? Could there be some truth to what Aerys says about how she should have been a vampire? We keep hearing everyone say she had vampiric abilities before she got together with Aerys. I find that curious.

I have a theory about Lilah. There is a HUGE trend lately to use Lilith in paranormal books. With the name s being so similar paired with her extra abilities I can't help but wonder if she could they could be one and the same. Plus didn't Kale say something about her being part demon? Apparently Lilith is thought to be the mother of demons and some like to define her as the mother of vampires as well. Someone said she was referenced in some Jewish or Hebrew texts. I'll see if I can find the information and post it here.

FYI, If you read Kendra Leigh Castle's Dark Dynasties series you will see her pop up there as well.

I also think Arys is a little creepy. I mean come on he eats people. (So wrong to do, but I laughed as I wrote that because it reminded me of the "How Twilight Should Have Ended" video where they have Bella say, "Let's go eat some people.")

I want Shaz too. I'm not sure about Kale yet.

interesting read. loving this story so far. i am about to start chapter 14.

oh my gosh Chapter 13 just left me wanting more. i wonder what will happen when Alexa and Arys go and visit Lena. Where did Cat get the amulet and what powers does it possess? Who is out to get Raoul? How many more women will be killed? And what the deal with Raoul knowing about the wolf that killed Alexa family and why hasnt he given her more info about that?

Danhg off to work now but cant wait to get home and finish reading tonite....
Many unanswered questions.

I'm at chapter 13 now, and I just can't stop reading.... I'm at work, I'm supposed to be, you know, working! But I have no idea if I'll be able to stop at the end of chapter 14...

Zina wrote: "interesting read. loving this story so far. i am about to start chapter 14.

oh my gosh Chapter 13 just left me wanting more. i wonder what will happen when Alexa and Arys go and visit Lena. ..."

You ARE SO RIGHT... then of chapter 13 was so good...

LOL
I read past Chapter 14 and probably wouldn't have stopped if my kindle hadn't run out of juice. I so want to finish it. *grin* So right now this seems to be more paranormal romance than urban fantasy to me. I wonder if I'll feel different by the end?

Well Alisa promised me that this was dark and gritty UF with no HEA on sight...

Sonia wrote: "Well Alisa promised me that this was dark and gritty UF with no HEA on sight..."

Each book gets darker. The relationships get increasingly complicated with each book and there is definately no HEA in sight.

Sonia wrote: "Well Alisa promised me that this was dark and gritty UF with no HEA on sight..."

*****************Spoilers for Chapter 8 - 14 *****************

We'll see....

So the charm seems like it had to have some significance. Could there be a connection between this jilted lover and the Raoul's situation? I can't think of what, but the author spent to much time focusing on it to not come into play later. Is the witch truly a friend or could she be a foe?

So after seeing the info that the ex had on Arys I'm wondering just how accurate or inaccurate a picture she painted of him? Is he a callous and cold hearted selfish person? If he was wouldn't he just have taken her when she offered? I'm not sure what to make of the guy. At times he seems rather nice. I wonder if he truly feels the two belong together?

Interesting that when one needs to shift or feed the other is the one who faces the consequences. If they interact more will some of the sharing increase? Could they each end up morphing into a new breed of creature? A hybrid wolf/vamp?

Lisarenee wrote: "Sara wrote: "Comments/Thoughts for chapters 1 -8:


Warning, possible spoilers ahead -

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It's a slow build so far but that's not uncommon for the first book in the urban fantasy se..."

I would love to know the historical reference on Lilith being the mother of all demons if you find it. I know that was a big part of the TV show Supernatural for a few seasons and I too have read a few other books that reference it. I also enjoy knowing the history of where the authors get their ideas for this stuff.

I don't have any actual quotes, but this is what Shay said,

"Lilith was the first wife of Adam. No, it's not in the Christian Old Testament. It's part of Jewish mystical writings. Sorry, can't name the exact one. Lilith is mentioned many times in Jewish mysticism. Often as a generic kind of "she demon". Li-li could be a "corruption" of Li'lu which was an Assyrian she demon who is also referred to as Lilith or a shortening of li-lit. Ita- one of the names of Lilith: The names of Lilith: Abeko, Abito, Amizo, Batna, Eilo, Ita, Izorpo, Kali, Kea, Kokos, Lilith, Odam, Partasah, Patrota, Podo, Satrina, Talto. Lilith is also named "Astaribo" in medieval magic, "Avitue" in Rabbinic lore, "Bat Zuge" is a term for the evil Lilith when she is regarded as the 10th of the 10 unholy sefiroth or divine emanations issuing from the left side of God. (From the Jewish mystical text Zohar.) "

Also if you google Lilith, you'll find it's the name of a demon in Hebrew lore? There are a variety of stories out there on Lilith, but one called her the Queen of Demons. FYI, Lila means night.

Alisa wrote: "Lisarenee wrote: "Sara wrote: "Comments/Thoughts for chapters 1 -8:


Warning, possible spoilers ahead -

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It's a slow build so far but that's not uncommon for the first book in th..."

On the Georgina Kincaid series Lilith was the demon that created the succubus and incubus. The angel usually called Georgina daughter of Lilith.

Lisarenee wrote: "Sonia wrote: "Well Alisa promised me that this was dark and gritty UF with no HEA on sight..."

*****************Spoilers for Chapter 8 - 14 *****************

nteresting that when one needs to shift or feed the other is the one who faces the consequences. If they interact more will some of the sharing increase? Could they each end up morphing into a new breed of creature? A hybrid wolf/vamp? ."

I was thinking of that too. They are changing into something. We'll have to wait and see what exactly.

And the warning from Alexa's vampire boss to leave the wolf that changed her as a untouched subject really intrigued me.

Sonia wrote: "And the warning from Alexa's vampire boss to leave the wolf that changed her as a untouched subject really intrigued me. "

Yes, it sounds like he knows more than he's telling her. I still wonder if the wolf was an assassin. It is definitely weird he actually went into a home to attack. What would be really cool would be for there to be some lore associate with her family that caused the attack. Some lore.prophecy, or myth about her family bloodline. I love that kind of stuff.

Lisarenee wrote: "Sonia wrote: "And the warning from Alexa's vampire boss to leave the wolf that changed her as a untouched subject really intrigued me. "

Yes, it sounds like he knows more than he's telling her. I ..."

Me too. But we don't get anything like it. Not even a hint of her attack being the main reason. Frustrating. I sooo want to finish this book today... but if I manage to do so, I have no idea how to resist the next one.

DONE!!!

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I need a moment to process...

*bows to Alisa*
Thank you for the recommendation...

*considers to stick to the plan or grab the next one*

I finished too. :)

Once again, I'm awake past midnight... but it was worth it...

Why thank you Sonia! :). Seriously though each book gets better. You can not stop.

I already got the short stories and the #2

Sonia wrote: "Once again, I'm awake past midnight... but it was worth it..."

lol

********************** Spoilers for 15 - end **********************

I did not see Raoul being the wolf that broke into her house. Total shock. I was surprised Alexa didn't recognize him. What a scumbag!

Sounds like Raoul's daughter isn't totally out of the picture.

Sounds like her relationship with Shaz is doomed.

I wanted something to be up with the charm and was kind of disappointed.

Wasn't Raoul the Pack leader or am I incorrect? Who will be the leader now? I don't think this was addressed.

Thoughts/comments for Chapters 9 - 14

Warning, possible spoilers ahead...

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The power sharing doesn't seem to be leading to anywhere good - Alexa is completely lost in bloodlust and Arys is suffering pain from being unable to shift -
similiar situation to Rick from the Jane Yellowrock series.

Still don't like Areys or Raoul. I have a bad feeling that Alexa is going to completely screw up any chance of a relationship with Shaz.

Rapidly losing sympathy for Alexa. I stopped reading Anita Blake when the series stopped going downhill but I don't recall Anita ever watching Jean-Claude drain someone to the point of death and find it hot. I understand that she has a predator inside her but I read many books with shifter character and they don't express that viewpoint either. Was it wrong that I was rooting for Catherine in the Cat vs Alexa/Arys showdown? Alexa reminds me of Anita in that she is caught between the sexy, mysterious vampire and the nice werewolf but instead of the ardeur we have "power sharing". Watch out Alexa, it didn't end well for Anita Blake either (the character or the series). Hopefully Shaz won't have the same character assassination that Richard did.

I have a question about the extermination lists - if vampires raping young girls or werewolves eating "fresh meat" places you on the "be killed ASAP" list shouldn't Arys and other vampires killing their victims also be put on the list? Arys sounds like he should have been at the top of the list a long time ago.