Book Reviews by Lynn

In the long awaited prequel to the award winning Epic Saga of The Master of Whitehall, Charlotte Ann Erickson, an enchanting but deadly immortal, and the acknowledged matriarch of the Charleston coven, has decided after much soul searching that at long last she must tell her story. A decision reached primarily because the natural and supernatural worlds are coming in contact with each other more than ever before in the past. Her main consideration is that she feels it is long overdue for humans to hear some hard truths about the reality of the immortal world … especially after the veritable flood of books and movies in recent years.

Her story, having been a closely guarded secret in the past, begins before the first English settlers came to America. It’s a story that spans across four centuries, shrouded in the fog of myths and imaginations. She was the last of six children born into a prominent shipping family in seventeenth century London, England … and the forerunner of a well-known immortal coven in twenty-first century Charleston, South Carolina.

Charlotte Ann bares her soul, giving insights into the life of a vampire unlike any today. She was made in the days when life was cheap and immortals were hunters and killers. Look through her eyes as she relates her story, dispelling modern misconceptions of immortals. Step into her shoes and recognize humans as she does … easy prey, weak and pathetic … creatures of no real importance outside of sustenance. Listen as she tells of her evolution over the centuries into a modern predator … and when her story is told, watch, as once again, she quietly fades away, back into the mists of folklore and fantasy.

Review 5*

I received a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review.

This is the fourth book in The Master of Whitehall Saga. I loved it!

Charlotte Ann Erikson is a fantastic character. I liked her very much. We were first introduced to her in the first book, The Master of Whitehall. This is her story and follows her journey from being a young daughter of a sea faring merchant in 1625, to one of the most enchanting but deadly immortals still alive today. I really liked getting to know her better, and enjoyed watching her growth as a character worthy of respect.

Having read the other three books in the series, I was excited when the author contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reading this one. I jumped at the chance and was not disappointed.

I was quickly pulled into the story and was swept away into the past. The author has done a lot of research into the history of not only countries, specifically the European continent and the United Kingdom and lastly America, but the important events within those countries through the centuries. His descriptions brought the past to life, as well as certain characters. I loved meeting Ferdinand, Charlotte Ann’s future mate, though his history is a bit of a mystery even to this day. He seems to be warm and loving though, so I hope his story will be told one day. I also loved meeting Jemison. He may be a mortal, but he (along with his family) plays an important role in Charlotte Ann’s life. Immortals’ seem to have no concept of time, unless certain events or people they meet interact with their normal day to day existence. Jemison’s character definitely makes an impact on Charlotte Ann’s life and gives her a reference point for time. Another character that makes an impression on her life is James Dubois (The Master of Whitehall, book one in the saga). He becomes her child, lover and friend. However, her heart still belongs to her mate and one true love, Ferdinand.

This book is told through the eyes of Charlotte Ann and it took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. I found myself empathising with Charlotte Ann as she dealt with the terrible loss of a parent. It is not easy to lose someone you love. I also felt her happiness in finding Ferdinand and the sadness at their parting. I also was a little envious of her for finding a wonderful companion and friend in James. But I was totally ecstatic when a surprise visitor makes a return. Charlotte Ann has lived a long and sometimes turbulent life, and I have thoroughly enjoyed taking a journey through history and her memories of them with her. I hope that she will have many more years to make new memories in the future.

Rick Veal has written an intriguing series of love, loss, friendship and emotional growth that will take the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotion. His characters are lifelike and likable. His writing style has improved a lot and is faster paced than ever before. The flow of the story is wonderful, and this kept me turning the pages. I do not know if there will be any more books in this series, but even if there are not, I would definitely read more of this authors work in the future.

There are some scenes of a sensual nature that are a little on the hot side (although not as explicit as some books I have read), so I do not recommend this book for younger readers. I do, however, recommend this book (and series) if you love paranormal romances with sexy vampires or immortal beings. - Lynn Worton