Download Books 1 and 2 on Amazon,com for Free Feb 6-7
If you have not had a chance to read the Gothic Memoirs Series yet, now is you chance to try them for free, the first 2 books will be free for download only on Feb 6 and 7. So go get them as soon as they are up.
Here is links to my own reviews, and I had loved them a lot, all 5 star, with some extras, and interview too. Visit Rebekah Armusik Here
Wow, where to start? This book was soooooo good, I have trouble putting it into words. It had my emotions on a roller-coaster along with Nadija. I actually cried at one very traumatic scene about ¾ in, wont say what, but man, this book sucks you into Nadija’s world right with her. I will say, it’s the best book so far. But then again, its hard to compare them, as its an ongoing story, you have to read them all to understand it. They are memoirs in fact, written that way, and I love it.
This book continues right where we left off in book 3, Lucifer Rising. I won’t get into any spoilers for any of the books, as I want people who had not read any, to be able to read this, and see what a great series it really is, and give it a shot. This series is one that had me even more passionate about them than any other books out there, and there are many I really, really like, but this I love in a way I can’t explain.
Rebekah’s writing is top notch, it really is. It’s flawless, exceptional in a way that leaves me speechless. The way you get sucked in, and nothing else around you matters anymore.
I think the thing I love the most about this series, is that it is different than the usual vampire story, as I do not really call it that, as you can just as easily call it a fallen angel story.
Basically, I will say one thing, this series of vampires are actually fallen angels, from long ago. When exiled to earth, they found surviving on earth extremely difficult, no food would sustain them, until they found only human blood would. This is where it starts. And they are able to give the “gift” to selected loved ones; they have their own society, and rules to follow. Which leads up to Nadija, who is an “old soul” lets say. She is a Guardian and Guardians are also as old as the Fallen, I won’t get into explaining the Guardians, but lets say it’s a line of female magical users, who are in touch with nature. I guess that’s the best way to sum it up. These Guardians are part of a council that governs the fallen and their offsprings and the transfers (people that have been made immortal)
So, I believe anyone who enjoys fallen angels and or vampires, will really be able to get into this series. You start with The Memoirs of a Gothic Soul, which starts with Nadija’s life before she discovers this life, and follow her on the journey to discover who she is. (and that’s a great surprise, remember I said she is an old soul, well, you find out in 3rdbook, Lucifer Rising) Then you read Mariposa, the journey of Nadija’s learning of the ways of the Guardians and more, then Lucifer Rising. Where big things are discovered.
This book goes deeper into her past, and what she must do. She will loose people she loves, and the pain she feels you will feel.
I love the deep romance and love that continues with Nadija and Alexei who finally get married.
I continue to LOVE Nadija’s funny antics, lol, I can see what she means on some stuff, like the whole wedding deal, she is not into it, the crowds and all the stuff that goes with it. I am with her on that, me, can’t stand crowds and all that. Here is a funny quote about the whole wedding deal, lol:
Alexei caressed my back. “Are you all right?”“I’m fine … but you know I hate crowds—and people in general, for that matter. That was absolutely awful, and I’m certain I will never put myself through again. Why on Earth would people feel the need to go up to a complete stranger and kiss them? It’s weird, right?” I waited for him to confirm and approve my neurotic issues.All I got was a look of disbelief. “My darling, you are a social nightmare.”“What—you want a divorce now because I’m not fond of embracing strangers?” I asked sarcastically.He pulled me close and kissed my forehead. “Never!”
That would be me, lol. Her whit and quick tongue had me laughing at times. She has a bit of a potty mouth, but its her, and find it hilarious. She seems harsh at times, but we get to see how passionate and caring she really is. She is very empathetic and I love her for it. She feels deeply for so many, and my heart hurt for her pain at some dramatic events she has to endure.
Here is another quote that I absolutely just love. It’s a thought that Diji (Nadija) is having at her wedding.
He had loved me for centuries;he’d loved me before it was necessary to mark time. We were two spirits forbidden to love, yet we abandoned all reason and allowed ourselves to be swept away. That, in my opinion, was true love— the kind of love you risk dying for.
I can’t get into the story much more without spoiling things. I kept this as spoiler free as I could for all the books. But some things are mentioned, and impossible to keep the first 3 out of it. It’s all an ongoing story as I mentioned. So start with the first book, and don’t stop, as it just gets better and better. Book one is just a stepping stone to more.
Again, Rebekah has brought us an epic tale of fallen angels/vampires and the most epic love of all. You need to check it out.
5 out of 5 stars, but would give a 10 if I could!
Interview with Rebekah Armusik!
Question 1:
I would like to help readers get to know you, so what would you like to share that we may not know about you?
I was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania in an area that was predominately Slovak. Growing up in this environment, surrounded by the rich culture, supernatural fascination, and folklore, truly molded me into who I am today and had a huge impact on my series. My grandmother, who lived one house down from me growing up, is a gifted story teller and her legends and tales became the very inspiration for my novels.As a child, she would gather the neighborhood children on her front steps and tell us stories of the “old country”. Often, they were dark, morbid, and deeply romantic – I was enthralled. I was so enraptured by the darkness and beauty – the conflict and desire for redemption, that even as a young child, I knew I wanted to write and began dreaming of the world I have created. In many ways, my childhood was strange but very ideal in certain ways – I feel very fortunate.
Question 2:
Can you tell new readers or hopeful readers about the series? And how its not the “Usual” vampire story? Explain the best you can without major spoilers.
The series is difficult to summarize even under the most ideal circumstances - I always find this question to be terribly daunting. How do you simply describe an epic adventure, and without ruining the surprises and allure of the story? I never feeling comfortable describing it as a vampire series because my vampires are fallen angels and not the stereotypical vampires that most expect. Though it’s deeply romantic, that is not the primary focus either. The novels are so layered it’s difficult to give it one clear explanation.
I have always been fascinated by Jewish mysticism, Catholicism, and witchcraft – and not necessarily in that order. All of these passions shaped the novels and somehow, I was able to make it all work.My tale begins before time was recorded, during the first celestial war when God threw Lucifer into hell and separated his army. Some remained neutral and God felt that He could not trust these angels to remain in heaven and serve Him well, so He banished them to Earth as punishment. The fallen had to adapt and because they were not born, but created, their bodies adjusted and mutated – hence the need for blood.
Without ruing the story, I also have incorporated the legends of Lilith, the first wife of Adam. Throughout history, Lilith has been demonized; she has been called the first vampire, a succubus, and sadly, the cause of stillborn deaths. But, I never liked or bought that idea. She simply didn’t dig Adam and in my opinion, that’s not a sufficient reason to make her the origin all things rancid and foul. So, taking some artistic license, I made her an ethereal goddess who catches the eye of Samuel- the Arch Angel of the elements and master of the wind. They fall in love and have 7 daughters with angelic blood and gifts. Thus, the Guardian race is born and is, eventually, critical in helping the fallen adapt to their life on Earth.
However, the story is told in present day through the voice of Nadija, a young woman from the line of Lilith. She is not aware of her linage because her grandmother has kept it a secret for own selfish reasons. Though it’s rooted in the past, it’s relatable because it’s told in a present and modern voice. I want to engage the audience, not distance them, and I achieve this by welcoming them to be part of the story, to be present on the journey. Consequently, the reader learns most of the dramatic back stories from the characters that assist Nadija on her adventure to becoming the active Guardian Queen.
Question 3:
Have you traveled to the places Nadija does in the books?
Yes, I have family in Bratislava.
Question 4:
Who is your favorite character, 2ndand 3rdfavorites too, and why? I love Alexei, and Nadija too of course, and then James.
My favorite character will always be Nadija – I know her the best, we are inseparable. But I love writing each character for different reasons. Most are based off of real people so when writing them, I imagine their mannerisms, what they would say, or how they would say it. Writing Alexei is easy because I live with him – he is based on my husband. My husband is very nurturing and protective and has a very quick and dry sense of humor. So most of the conversations between Alexei and Nadija are actual conversations we’ve had. And yes, I wake up Eric in the middle of the night often worrying about things I cannot fix.Lastly, I love James and from my fan mail, so does everyone else! James is a mixture of my close guy friends – he embodies all their quirks, depth and insecurities. I have a few male friends that I have been close with since childhood and they tell me everything and are continually asking for my advice concerning women and everything else. I hate when they continue to complain about the same issues that I thought we already ironed out! I am not known for my patience or subtlety so it seems that I spend a lot of time yelling at them the way Nadija yells at James for continually repeating mistakes concerning women and life. It’s terribly mind-numbing.
Question 5:
I love to get into the authors head, and get a visual of the characters. If this was to become a movie, who would you see as Nadija, Alexei, Nickolas, James , Jozeph and Michael? (I agree with these choices by the way)
For Nadija, I would choose Jessica Brown Findlay – I love her work on Downton Abbey and knew immediately that she was perfect to play Nadija. Dija is complex; she is strong, elegant, well-spoken, sarcastic, and terribly self-deprecating and it would take an actress who is multi-faceted to do her justice. Nadija is not an average 23 year old woman; she is mature beyond her years and is a talented social chameleon – something that would need to be conveyed on film. She is different with Crash then with council members – she knows how to rise to the occasion with a certain amount of grace and poise.
For Alexei, I would choose Henry Cavill. Primarily because Alexei has such a sophisticated charm and a sense of humor that needs to be interpreted properly and I think Henry Cavill could easily translate that.
I believe that Chris Pine would make a great Nikolas - he has a certain amount of natural sophistication about him and an excellent sense of comedic timing.
James, Jozef and Michael are difficult to cast! I have yet to find someone that could do them justice. I’ll keep looking!
Question 6:
Which scene in any of the books, either made you cry the most or laugh the hardest?
Honestly, I cry and laugh a lot when writing. When I write, the movie is playing in my head - I am there with my characters. I can literally feel, smell and see everything so when something funny or tragic happens, I respond accordingly. Most times, I wonder if my readers “get” the humor of certain situations because I have a very dark and morbid sense of humor - I often wonder if they are experiencing the scenes the way I intend. For instance, I love writing the countess – I cannot think of a more alluring sociopath. To me, everything she does is hilarious in a disturbing way and I love the way Nadija responds to the absurdity with sarcasm and frustration. In my opinion, some of the funniest scenes were in Mariposa at the countess’s home.The book that made me cry the most was Vlkolak King. I had just finished the last chapter when my husband walked into the room because my editor needed to speak with me. Instantly, he thought something terrible happened because I was crying so hard – he was relieved to hear it was only because one of my characters died. I become so involved, so entangled in their lives that I mourn them when they pass as I would any friend I loved dearly. For days I was not myself because in a way, I missed this character and was so upset that she and I would never again spend time together - that she would never whisper to me anymore. It’s utterly tragic and strange.
Question 7:
Where do you like to write the most?
This is where I can lie and tell you I make a pot of tea and put on some old magick sweater but I’ll tell you the truth. I always write in full make-up – I can’t have my character’s see me looking awful and I always write in bed. This is the sad and crazy truth – I swear. I’ve tried to write in my husband’s office, at the dining room table, and the kitchen table and it just doesn’t happen. I end up re-arranging the furniture, dusting the fireplaces, and picking up Barbie shoes, or half eaten candy. But, in my bed, I’m a writing wizard. It’s just nuts.
Question 8:
Tell us about the amazing covers, I am sure not everyone knows they are oil paintings done by your husband. (you wont find duplicates of models on other covers like we do so much now, lucky you)
I am very fortunate to be married to a well-known traditional painter. My husband’s work is terribly romantic and captivating – I often marvel at how well he paints emotion - a slice of time that would otherwise, be forgotten. I remember the night we first met, he had just returned to the states from studying in Italy and I was instantly enamored with him. We spent the night talking about art and poetry and we both agree that we fell in love that night. To me, it was evident that he had something special - a talent for conveying deep emotion and narrative in one single expression. It was this beauty that made me fall so hard and fast – it was as if I finally found someone who understood all the passion inside me – it was amazing!What I do with words, he does with paint so the artistic marriage of our art forms only seemed natural. Plus, I can yell at him and complain until I get my way – this is extremely important! Honestly, after 16 years, we know each other so well that I just give him a few thoughts and he knows exactly what I want – it’s wonderful. I could never have my hard work covered by something that did not represent it properly – I am far too attached to my world and its representation.
Question 9:
I am a HUGE fan of the Gothic Memoir series, and wanted to ask, what is the inspiration behind the story?
The title and concept first came to me when I was 16. At that time, it was more of an autobiographical novel about my life growing up in a Slovak area and my grandmother’s fantastic tales. However, slowly, it began to change. By the time I was finishing college, I decided to change the concept of the series to a fictional novel with an autobiographical tone. In other words, I would put myself in the tales that I dreamt about and bridge the gap between reality and fantasy. I believe this is what is so different about my work from other paranormal fantasy because there is a deep level of believability – nothing is manufactured and I never follow a template or formula. In my opinion, the work is organic and sincere because it reflects my life experiences, rather than distancing my readers by creating a wall of fantastic fiction. When writing, I chose to engage my fans on a personal level and do that easily and effortlessly through Nadija – she experiences life as a real person, not a work of fiction which is so appealing and refreshing to my audience. I meant for the series to read as a journal, a memoir that allows the reader to engage with Nadija on a very intimate level. You are privy to her thoughts, fears, and doubts enabling the reader to know her so personally; she becomes a close and cherished friend.
I believe when we are stripped naked of all our inhibitions, we are the most honest and beautiful. That is why I chose to write the series in first person. We never have to surmise or assume what Nadija is feeling because we are always inside her head – eager witnesses to her raw and uncensored emotions and thoughts.
·
Question 10:
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the 5thbook in the series titled,In the Shadows of Eden.This novel goes even deeper into the past as Nadija and Alexei are given their memories back by the Arch Angel Michael. The readers will get to know the main characters in a completely new and more intimate way – if that is even possible to fathom. And again, without spoiling it for future readers, this book really begins to turn the story around because now, we can understand the past, through Nadija and Alexei first hand. In my opinion, this is the novel that will change and shape the series – it is truly beautiful and utterly romantic.
Question 11:
Rebekah, Thank you so much for stopping by Michelle’s Paranormal Vault of Books today to share your thoughts with us, and answer these questions. Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?
Thank you for having me, Michelle. Today is the last day of my $.99 special on Memoirs of a Gothic Soul on Kindle. I hope everyone will take advantage of this offer to start the series! Thank you for all of your support!
For this huge giveaway Hop. I am giving away the first 3 books in a series that is dear to me. The Gothic Memoirs. One of my favorites ever. They are not YA, closer to New Adult (main character is early 20's. and there is some language and blood and gore, think vampires) See below for more on them.
Check them out, give them a shot. The 4th book is out on Halloween.
Below you can see more on the other books I am giving away. Shadow Series, and 4th in the Ancient Legends series.
Gothic Memoirs series for this giveaway is the first 3 books (book 4 is out Halloween, and I have a giveaway for that on the 30th) Review for Vlkolak King AND Interview
These wonderful covers are paintings done by the authors husband, Erick, so they are one of a kind.
Book trailer for Lucifer Rising.
Summary of Memoirs of a Gothic soul (book 1)
Nadija Fey is weeks away from graduating college and is eager to escape small-city life. She feels suffocated by her eccentric Slovak family, an abusive ex-boyfriend, and a drug-addicted childhood friend. To her, life seems empty, lonely, and stale. The only consolation she has is a dream to move to Prague and start a new life.
Despite her grandmother’s warnings and the pleas of friends and family to stay, she embarks on her journey to find herself, but to her dismay, Prague seems to harbor more pain and suffering than she anticipated. She is forced to accept a life she never would have chosen for herself—a life her grandmother fought desperately to shield her from.
Nadija quickly finds herself caught in a celestial world struggling to maintain its delicate balance—a balance contingent upon her acceptance of her destiny. And though she finds the love she has always desired, it comes with an awful price—her life.
In the first of her epic thirteen-book series, author Rebekah Armusik captivates the reader with rich language and colorful characters. In Memoirs of a Gothic Soul, Armusik successfully redefines the Gothic novel and resurrects the sensuality, mystique, and allure of the classic vampire with an unexpected twist.
If you want to read the summary of books 2 and 3 you can go to Goodreads to read them, read at your own risk, as there may be spoilers for book one. (links above)
I also am giving away ebook of each of the Shadow Series, author S.H Kolee is kind enough to offer them for this giveaway.
Caitlin Kile was living a normal college life full of parties and early morning classes. Living with her best friend and enjoying her senior year, Caitlin's life seemed idyllic. Until her neighbor's cousin, Simon Crewe, transferred to her school, unbalancing her tightly controlled life. Because control was one thing Caitlin desperately needed.
Simon was instantly attracted to Caitlin, but he couldn't seem to get past her guarded walls. Caitlin wasn't planning on competing with all the groupies clamoring for Simon's attention ever since he became the lead singer of a popular band. But despite Caitlin's refusal to show any interest in him, Simon couldn't seem to shake his attraction to her.
But Simon didn't know everything about Caitlin. He didn't know about the images of death that haunted her while she was awake. Or the gripping terrors that plagued her at night.
And Simon couldn't possibly know that those terrors were determined to destroy him.
Chasing Shadows Summary:
Warning: Spoilers for Seeing Shadows, Book #1 of the Shadow Series, are contained in the description below. Chasing Shadows is a direct continuation of Seeing Shadows.
Caitlin Kile is on the run. Her life was shattered in one terrifying night, and now every decision she makes is a decision between life and death.
The only thing she knows for sure is that she's tired of being scared. She's no longer a victim of shadows; she's their executioner.
But who can she trust? And who can she save? Everybody Caitlin has ever loved is at risk and she'll do anything to protect them, even if it means her own death.
Also, in addition to the 3 books of the Gothic Memoirs series, and Shadow series, I am giving away ebook of Forever and Beyond (Book 5 in Ancient Legends series) by Jayde Scott| Goodreads
Summary:
Hidden from mortal eyes and divided into three factions are the creatures of darkness that coexist with mortals.
In the witches’ town Morganefaire, an ancient legend tells the story of a mirror that was once shattered into four fragments, each able to entrap a powerful soul.
Eighteen-year-old Amber is a struggling necromancer on a mission: help vampire Aidan stop the Prophecy of Morganefaire and protect the innocents from the inevitable fate that will befall them should the wrong faction win. When bodies begin to pile up, Amber realizes she has no choice than to work together with the fashion-savvy yet irritating ghost of a young witch to solve the mystery and protect the one she loves.
In a world of forbidden love, of ancient enemies and bonds spun by fate, nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted. Amber’s life will never be the same again unless she finds out who the murderer is, and quick, before everything she ever loved is taken from her forever…
WINNER is Marlena F. (rafflecoper is giving me trouble, wont display it, so here it is.) This is winner for the books above, not the active one below.
Here is the rafflecopter for the 4th book in the Gothic Memoirs Series . The Post is Here if your going to do the entries for the tweet and comment, thanks.
I do not have any info for this book, there is no summary that I can find. But here is the cover for the New book in Rebekah Armusik's 4th book in the Gothic Memoirs Series. Here is Rebekah's page on this book, you can pre-order signed copies.
Watch for my giveaway this month for the series, and one on the 30th for this book too.
Others in this series below
Book Blurb:
In the fourth novel of the epic Gothic tale, Nadija finds herself in the middle of an imminent war just as she’s planning her much-anticipated wedding to Alexei. Struggling to keep her family safe and her opposition at bay, Nadija begins to feel the pressure of her throne and destiny.
As time ticks away before she has to give Lucifer his answer and the Vlkolak struggle to regain power and respect, Nadija is forced to make political decisions that will incite more dissent than ever.
Lucifer Rising by Rebekah Armusik My rating: 5 of 5 stars Lucifer Rising, the third novel of the Gothic Memoirs series, reopens the epic tale with startling revelations about the past that leave Nadija staggering. Some of the long-suppressed secrets leave her disappointed and resentful of those she once thought were loyal to her and her throne.
Though disappointed, Nadija continues to secretly plot to rearrange council and assist the Vlkolak in their rise to power. In a series of strategic and surprising political moves, Nadjia begins to unravel the secrets that could potentially keep the Vlkolak king from taking back his throne. (Summary from Book) My Review: I said this for the 2nd book,Mariposa, and it applies to this one too: Mesmerizing. Captivating. Addictive. Perfect. I am so hooked, and can’t wait until Halloween when the 4th book is out! I was very pleased with how this story progressed, it has just gotten better if that’s possible, but it did, so far each book just grows the story, and that’s the kind of series I like. I am so amazed at Rebekah Armusik's writing style. It all flows so beautifully together. The descriptions are so vivid, you really feel like you’re there with Nadjia. I am extremely impressed. Rebekah has a huge career ahead of her, and would not be surprised to see her become one of the top writers. I really believe that. Give these books a chance. They will hook you in, the story is so intriguing, and the suspense is there, with such believable characters. You become attached to them, and you will feel all the emotions and the fears and excitement right along with them. Nadjia is a great lead character. I love her witty, sarcastic, sometimes harsh personality, it is refreshing to me, and that part of her, feels so real. We begin this book pretty much were the last one Mariposa left off. There is a huge revelation at the end of this book, that I won’t say what, but it makes this love story between Nadjia and Alexei EPIC, it really does. We finally learn some well hidden secrets that shed some light on why these two are so perfect for each other, and seem drawn to each other as if it was a magnetic pull. We also get to learn why Nadjia is so powerful. She also learns some pretty awesome magick, that has me in awe. Here is a very touching quote between Nadjia and Alexei, when he asked her if she was in love with James, she said she loved him, but not in love with him, and how he would not be able to fulfill all her needs, and that Alexei is everything to her, and then she says this: Kindle Location 4444 “And to be honest, this entire time I was quiet because I was thinking about how much I love you. Every time I allow myself that quiet reflection, I begin to panic. I become paralyzed with fear, because the love I have for you is so overwhelming and irrational that I would never survive the absence of it. For people like us, forever is a very long time.” It’s so touching the relationship they have. It’s not perfect, they have their fights and all that, but they always come back to how much they mean to each other. I again, really love the relationship Nadjia and Alexei have. I also really love the love James and Nadjia have for each other. It’s platonic, but a very really love all the same. James is a great character too; I really love the final truth we learn behind the Vlkolak that Nadjia learns from her Aunt Lizzy (Olga’s much younger sister) we find out who James’s father is, and it’s a whopper of a surprise, and a nice one too. We know from book 2 that Nadjia wants the get the Vlkolak back on the council, and she wants James as their king. She can feel James is filled with goodness like no other. I was openly crying when Lizzy was telling her story about when she was very young, and about the King of the Vlkolak. It’s heartbreaking, and the emotional turmoil this will put you in is hard to describe. There are some funny parts too, as usual, as Nadjia does and says some funny things, she does have that quick tongue and it gets her into some funny situations. I can’t really quote some of the funnier ones, as they contain some language that I can’t post most everywhere, but hopefully you will find out when you read the books. If you have not read books one and two,(Mariposa) yet, I suggest you start with them, as you need the info in them, or you would be lost. These books are meant to be a series, as I can tell it’s been a well thought out plan for the series. Not like some books that were meant for one or two then the author decides to write more. I love some of the scenes that has Nadjia dealing with that horrid women who calls herself Countess, and she learns more about how she came about, and is NOT very happy about it, at all. I feel privileged to be able to go on this journey with Nadjia and the rest of them. It’s a story like no other out there. It has its own spin on Angels, Vampires, and Magick. It will have you dreaming and thinking of this world that Nadjia lives it. It will feel like a long wait for book 4, and will be counting down the days. Memoirs of a Gothic Soul is book one for those who do not know.
Memoirs of a Gothic Soul by Rebekah Armusik My rating: 5 of 5 stars Nadija Fey is weeks away from graduating college and is eager to escape small-city life. She feels suffocated by her eccentric Slovak family, an abusive ex-boyfriend, and a drug-addicted childhood friend. To her, life seems empty, lonely, and stale. The only consolation she has is a dream to move to Prague and start a new life.
Despite her grandmother’s warnings and the pleas of friends and family to stay, she embarks on her journey to find herself, but to her dismay, Prague seems to harbor more pain and suffering than she anticipated. She is forced to accept a life she never would have chosen for herself—a life her grandmother fought desperately to shield her from.
Nadija quickly finds herself caught in a celestial world struggling to maintain its delicate balance—a balance contingent upon her acceptance of her destiny. And though she finds the love she has always desired, it comes with an awful price—her life.
In the first of her epic thirteen-book series, author Rebekah Armusik captivates the reader with rich language and colorful characters. In Memoirs of a Gothic Soul, Armusik successfully redefines the Gothic novel and resurrects the sensuality, mystique, and allure of the classic vampire with an unexpected twist. (summary from Amazon)
My Review: This book really had me hooked. From the very beginning, I went nuts, wanting the name of Diji’s soul mate, that was predicted early one. We get a short section that takes place 50 or more years in the past from now. One of the Guardians (Olga) has visions of the future, and she has a vision of one of her descendent meeting and falling in love with her soul mate, a true soul mate, and what scares her at that time, is she knows this man who will be the one to capture Dijis heart. BUT it drove me nuts, as she has a conversation with this man, who she never calls by name, just refers to him as My Grace. She is determined to set him on the right path to being a good man, not down the path he was currently heading. She shared the vision with him, in his head, so he saw her. And was shocked and overjoyed that this women existed; he has been painting her for awhile. He can see no one but her, but he has no idea how to find her. Well, he then is informed he has to wait, as she was not yet born. This is all in the first few chapters of the book, so not much spoilery, as its read right away. It drove me nuts not knowing his name. Below is a section for you to read: Here is a quote from Lady Olga (had the vision) and who she called My Grace about the vision, of his soul mate: From Olga’s point of view: (Kindle location 133 of 6791) (Quote start)
“Do you dream of a woman?” I ask bluntly. He laughs wickedly. “I dream of many women.” I look at him sternly. “Stop playing games with me. I know you dream of a particular woman,” I allege with fury. He once again becomes serious. “Yes. If you must know, I have dreamt of a particular woman for many years.”
I look up at the paintings as I sip my drink.”That woman-is she the woman you dream of?” I ask, staring at her face.
He recoils at my words. “How could you know that?”
“I saw her with you today. You were holding hands in my vision.” I again look at her face in the beautiful portrait; I would know her eyes anywhere.
“You know her?” He asks as he jumps out of the chair. “Yes-yes, I do.” I answer quietly.
“Where is she? Where can I find her?” He is frantic as he paces back and forth in front of me. “You will have to wait, darling-she has not come to us yet.”
He stops and looks at the paintings and then at me.”Why are you tormenting me? Where is she? I need to see her!” he says as his voice rises with an accusatory tone.
It is at this moment I realize I am correct. She belongs to him, and there is nothing I can do. This certainty makes me ill, and I can actually feel the vomit burn my throat. I am never wrong, but there is always hope-the hope may be reading the future incorrectly, that I am misguided.
He screams as he stands over me ”Where is she?” He is obsessed with her, and again another fracture in my heart forms. “Why won’t you answer me, god-dammit?” I wince at his blasphemy.
“She is not yet born!” I finally bellow in frustration. He stares back in shock. “What?”
“She is not on this earth yet. You will have to wait half a century to see her,” I quietly explain. He looks at me in disbelief. I can feel his heart break; He misses her, though she does not yet exist. (Quote End) We now go forward to Diji’s (Nadjia Amayla Fey, is her name, Diji is nickname, its in her POV from now on) life as she is 23, (and yes she is the girl in the paintings and Olga’s vision, glossy black hair, beautiful big, deep blue eyes, very pretty) but she has lots of heartaches, a very abusive boyfriend, or rather ex-boyfriend, and she can’t shake him. He stalks her, and ends up hurting her and almost killing her. She has one gorgeous best friend, names Crash, he sounds so yummy, but Diji is the wrong sex for his tastes, so then I know it’s not him, then she has this other guy friend, Patrick, seems super cool, good-looking, protective, but was not sure if this was the guy in HER dreams, see, she has been dreaming of her soul mate as well. So I am reading along, trying to figure who the soul mate is, until we finally find out. I will not say, as to not spoil it for you. It was a brilliant way to put the suspense in the story for us. I really love this book, it’s written so beautifully, I can really connect with Diji, she really has a strong will, and am proud of her decision to leave home to do research in Prague, the best thing she could have done. She wants to do research on stories her grand-mother always told her of, of beautiful people, who do not age, and are immortal. She believes her grand-ma is crazy, but got an idea to go back to her roots, and research the legends, for possibly writing a book, about vampires, as that is what she thinks of when she hears that description. I will tell you here, it’s not exactly what you think. The new take on vampirism in this book is unique and pretty interesting to me. I really enjoyed that. She goes to Prague to stay with a cousin Milla, and meets some interesting people. She meets up with her contact, who claims he is a vampire, Andrei, and is shocked to find out that he is more than what she thought. She also has a connection to people’s energy; she is more than a mere human herself, which is fascinating to discover more about her. When she finally sees HIM it gets really interesting (meaning her soul mate) Here is a quote of his description (No name) (Kindle Location 2001 of 6791) “He stood tall. I squinted and estimated…at least a little over six feet. He had a medium build and wore a black fitted suit with a cornflower blue French cuff dress shirt. He wore no tie, so the shirt was unbuttoned in a relaxed fashion. My heart skipped a beat as I became lost in his splendor. His skin was flawless. His face was strong, and every feature was perfect. I stood enraptured as I watched him run his fingers through his thick black hair. He was walking sex, and I fixated on his every move.” (he has ice blue eyes too, just was not in this particular section) Of course Nadjia finds trouble yet again. Another guy she meets at her cousin Milla’s named Adak, it’s a bad soul, she feels ill around him, and the energy he puts off literally makes her sick. He is a character to keep an eye on, seems Nadjia finds trouble wherever she goes. She meets some more of her cousins, Mischa, Athena, Katya, and Antoniya. She is feeling more at home in this strange country. Then she discovers the truth, and things get very interesting at this point. The ending is a huge cliffhanger, and I am glad I have the next 2 books already waiting to be read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the paranormal and great love story on top of it. No silly love triangles in this book. I see it as more for adults, not young teens. It does have a few gruesome parts, 17 and up should be ok. Not scary, just a little violence, domestic violence situations in a few parts. This book is a very good start to what I think will be an amazing series. Its starts with plenty of background, and descriptions, and really gives us a good picture in our heads of what is playing out. It’s a great foundation for the following books. I can’t wait to start them. Mariposa is book 2 of The Gothic Memoirs series and Lucifer Rising book 3 of The Gothic Memoirs series Check them out to. I will have reviews of them when I finish them as well. Rebekah Armusik Is amazing! I will post my reviews for the next 2 books as I finish them.
