A fantasy thriller that ties in Norse mythology and harsh realism of today’s concepts. We follow the adventures of Raine and Will, their worlds colliding as they chase the culprits that intertwine them. With both humor and romantic chemistry between them, the duo faces hardships and challenges, and blood is spilled within the first few pages. As they learn to become partners, the reader is easy to join in their conversations and small moments with glee.
Overall a good, fast-paced read for the first part of a trilogy. Good start, happy to anticipate the upcoming books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristen2022-11-15 05:58:282022-11-18 11:30:47Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) by CB Samet – Review by Christen Ware
Raine Thoren became a Shadow Guardian to protect non-magical humans from threats they aren’t even aware of. But the latest killer on the loose has stealth and power unlike any adversary she’s faced. She won’t be able to bring this one down alone.
FBI Special Agent Will Decker prefers to work by himself. When a mysterious woman saves his life, she’s suddenly assigned to work with him in his quest to track an elusive killer. The more he learns about his new partner, Raine, and what demons lurk in shadows, the more fantasy becomes reality.
If they’re going to stop the demon and unravel prophecies of the future, they’ll need to work as a team and unlock each others’ hearts and untapped powers.
***Raine Down is the captivating first book in The Shadow Guardians urban fantasy romantic suspense series. If you like engaging characters, sizzling tension, and magic, then you’ll love this series.***
Christina is a four-time award winning author in thriller, romantic suspense, and fantasy.
She is a mother of two energetic boys and a Jack Russel Terrier. She writes action and adventure in fantasy and romantic suspense genres with strong female leads. She completed The Avant Champion epic fantasy series at over 450,000 words. Her urban fantasy trilogy, The Shadow Guardians, is nearly complete. The Rider Files, a modern romantic suspense series, has 7 books so far, and she’s plotting and writing books 8 and 9.
“I grew up reading Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton, and the Bourne books. I write seeking to create that level of action and intrigue but with female heroines. I love the quote, ‘She needed a hero. So she became one.’ My novels have empowered women overcoming powerful obstacles and the strong men who support them.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/rainedown.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-11-15 00:01:002022-12-07 21:19:17Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) by CB Samet
To say that this was a fantastic read is an understatement! I was definitely excited for the next book! Order of Vespers was a hard book to put down once you start. Matilda Reyes has a knack for excellent character development and growth of the plot line throughout the book.
This book is the story of Jasper and her journey to discover more about herself and her newfound power. A small-town girl from Upstate New York is about to have her world turned upside down with the discovery of new, uncontrollable powers! When something big happens in her small town and causes an uproar and she is found at the center of it, and it sets off a whole series of events. When the news begins to travel, there are those who want to hurt Jasper, and then there are those who do not threaten her life.
This book shows how a little determination, and some major tragedy can be used to make the world alternating changes. This book shows how feelings are a big deal and can cause changes that can greatly affect someone. In Order of Vespers, you get to see how someone who is used to hiding finds out that there are powers that can become something shocking. This book shows the importance that something big can come from girl from a small town, and the impact it can have on the world. How does someone trust group full of assassins? If you want to know more, then read the book and find out, I promise you won’t be disappointed!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mary E Espinozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMary E Espinoza2022-11-14 08:27:402022-11-18 11:17:39Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Mary Espinoza
The Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes is a fantastic read. The book is a fast read with great characters that have personalities. The main character, Jasper, is a strong young woman with powers that she can’t control. Her power causes an internal struggle for control with something/ someone inside of her. When her world turns upside down after a tragic event she is kidnapped by the Order of Vespers. Now she must decide if she can trust this group while taking control of her powers.
This was my second read by Matilda Reyes and found this book to be more enjoyable than the first one. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Callie Lunahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCallie Luna2022-11-12 20:25:262023-08-05 13:59:36Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Callie Luna
This is the second book I have read by Matilda Reyes, and I fall more in love with her work with every new book and every page. First reading the synopsis for Order of Vespers I became excited about the story and how it tied into the cover. Jasper Andrews better known as Jas is an 18-year-old girl in upstate New York. She used to have it all she was homecoming queen, an honor student, former cheerleader, pretty and athletic, as described by police. So, what happened. Jas wakes up in the hallway of her high school, a nasty giant bump on her head that she calls “Boom” and scorch marks covering the floor and walls. Being questioned she maintains her innocence as all she remembers was walking out of the cafeteria and then the hot fireman waking her up. Her older sister a rising lawyer Olivia comes to down to defend her sister and take her home. Only things quickly go from bad to worse. Her mother is being uncharacteristically affectionate, almost like she is saying goodbye and then at supper with only her parents the bomb is dropped. For the safety of the family and herself she is being sent away. The Andrews family has one rule “keep the family abilities a secret” or else they will find them. Growing up Jas’s mother Delia told her and her siblings about a group that hunts down those with abilities and removing them as a threat to humanity. It’s not until her mother tells her that she has family with connections to another group that can hide her and keep her safe that she suddenly starts to believe in her mothers’ stories about boogiemen. Before Jas has a chance to leave tragedy strikes in the worse way returning from a walk Jas witnesses her family home exploding, her family still inside. Once again, an explosion and Jas is the only witness around and is automatically assumed to be guilty by all. She has no choice but to flee to Manhattan and hope that the animosity of the big city can help her disappear. Who would want her family dead? What keeps happening and why can’t she control it? Will her inner primitive self be enough to save her? The author has a way with building a world that you can see yourself in. Characters that you can not only hear their voice in your head but feel their overwhelming pain. I can’t wait for book two in The Vespers Chronicles, The Circle to come out on May 24th, 2023, to learn more about Jasper’s story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2022-11-12 20:10:132022-11-18 11:00:12Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Ayla Phipps
The first thing that drew me into this book was the amazing book cover! It was so pretty and bright that it drew me in and then I WAS HOOKED! I could not put that book down as it was so good. I have not read any books by this author and now I cannot wait for the second book in this series to come out so I can keep getting more answers! The main character is thrown through lots of hoops, and I was not anticipating that the story would take turns like it did. I cannot wait to tell my friends about this book so that they can read and enjoy it too!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-11-12 19:48:232023-08-05 14:00:23Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
Order of Vespers starts with 18 year old Jasper facing scrutiny over an explosion at her high school. She knows that while her powers caused the explosion and no one was hurt, no one can find out. Her family decides its best to send her away with family to keep everyone safe while she learns control. This sends her into a tailspin of secret societies and an impending war. Will she get to the truth of what’s really going on or will she remain in a danger she doesn’t know the seriousness of?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brittanyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrittany2022-11-12 19:47:042022-11-18 10:59:42Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Brittany Angel
This book right away held me and wouldn’t let me go. I really couldn’t read it fast enough. A teenage girl thinking, she was a normal teenager and doing normal teenager things but then finding out she all of a sudden ends up with something way more then what she bargained for. Her magic become something everyone wanted and having to save herself. I absolutely loved how this book was written and put together with the suspense and mystery woven into it. the twists and turns in this book kept me in this story and wanting to know more. I absolutely couldn’t get enough and will be waiting for the next book for sure.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2022-11-12 19:26:332022-11-18 10:59:00Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Jennifer Reimer
This is a brilliant YA story and for me it is all about the main character, Jasper. She is strong, interesting and really engaging right from the word go. I couldn’t help but like her from the minute I started reading about her. I thought the story was really well written. It was clearly well thought out and imaginative. This is a new author to me and I enjoyed the writing style she brought to the book. This was a really good introduction to her work and I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-11-12 16:12:482022-11-18 10:57:07Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Kerry Baker
This was a very complex and interesting read, definitely more than I originally expected. Jasper’s world is thrown into utter chaos after she gets into some hot water in her hometown – and is forced to leave…only things don’t go according to the original plan. Forced to leave town and strike out on her own, Jasper manages to make it out, only to be kidnapped by a secretive organization…and that’s where the story really takes off. What started out as a sad situation turned into something more thrilling and fantastical than I could have imagined. There is a much darker element to this story that reflects more of a realistic light on the events. This first book of the series seems to set us up for a long ride through this fast-paced story and I can’t wait to see where things go from here!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Gonzalezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Gonzalez2022-11-12 14:31:582022-11-18 10:56:08Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Amanda Gonzalez
This was a really good book. Jasper’s story was so full of adventure and depth. I loved going through her journey as she discovered who she is and how she is meant to shape her world. The story kept my attention and had a bit of a twist at the end. I look forward to continuing this story in the future and will read more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Rushinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Rushin2022-11-12 13:38:242022-11-18 10:55:06Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Cindy Rushin
Jasper is a teenager in high school. She doesn’t live a normal life, she has a special gift. She is a girl who you never know what she is going to do, super smart, and full of sass. She finds herself in trouble. She gets sent away after being accused of blowing things up and then she is on the run after her family dies in a fire. She eventually meets up with the Order of Vespers, try to maintain balance between good and evil. Will she find out who is after her? Ready for the next book to see how the story continues.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amelia Stansellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmelia Stansell2022-11-12 07:37:472022-11-18 09:22:03Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Amelia Stansell
This book is so well written. It has budding romance, action, suspense, and drama. It’s a true page turner and you immediately fall in love with the characters. The only thing I’m upset about is that I’m going to have to wait so long for the next book in the series. This has the making of a very addictive series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Goodmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Goodman2022-11-11 19:15:282022-11-18 09:17:20Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Heather Goodman
Order of the Vespers is a well written urban fantasy. Jasper Andrews is a teenager who has a gift she cannot control. Now she’s on the run for a crime she didn’t commit. Her parents had told her that the only way to protect her family was to keep their secrets. Now on the run in Manhattan, she is kidnapped by the Order of the Vespers, a group that would like to train her to be an assassin. Jasper has much to learn and each time she seems to take a step forward something pushes her back. She needs to trust those around her. Will she learn the lessons needed to protect the Order? Ms. Reyes has written a strong character and a wonderful story. This book had me hooked page after page routing for Jasper to overcome her fears and find trust and friendship within this new life. I enjoyed reading this book and I know you will as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Diane Sennetthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDiane Sennett2022-11-09 10:48:262022-11-18 08:50:11Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Diane Sennett
A fantastic read that left me excited for the next book. A hard book to put down once you start. Excellent character development and growth throughout the book.
This book follows the story of Jasper in her journey to discover more about herself and her power. A girl from a small town in upstate New York. When something happens causing an uproar in her small and she is found at the center of it sets off a series of events. When news travels those who want and fear those that they are not like threaten her life.
This book shows how determination and tragedy can be used to make the world alternating changes needed. This book shows how feelings can cause changes and affect someone. In this story, you get to see how someone who is used to hiding finds out something shocking. What importance can a girl from a small town have on the world? How does someone trust anyone in a group full of assassins? Read this book to find out.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kiana Corleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKiana Corley2022-11-08 20:29:002023-08-05 14:04:13Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Kiana Corley
Raine Thoren became a Shadow Guardian to protect non-magical humans from threats they aren’t even aware of. But the latest killer on the loose has stealth and power unlike any adversary she’s faced. She won’t be able to bring this one down alone.
FBI Special Agent Will Decker prefers to work by himself. When a mysterious woman saves his life, she’s suddenly assigned to work with him in his quest to track an elusive killer. The more he learns about his new partner, Raine, and what demons lurk in shadows, the more fantasy becomes reality.
If they’re going to stop the demon and unravel prophecies of the future, they’ll need to work as a team and unlock each others’ hearts and untapped powers.
***Raine Down is the captivating first book in The Shadow Guardians urban fantasy romantic suspense series. If you like engaging characters, sizzling tension, and magic, then you’ll love this series.***
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/CB-SAMET-RAINE-DOWN-PREORDER.jpg750750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-11-08 00:02:062022-12-07 21:19:43(¸.•*❤️.*•.¸) PREORDER (¸.•*❤️.*•.¸) Raine Down (The Shadow Guardians Book 1) by CB Samet
Wow. What an amazing start to an action packed series. The author did a fantastic job with building her characters and bringing them to life. She pulled me in from the very first explosion and kept me wanting more with every page. Can not wait to see what is in store for Jasper and Jordy and the rest of the circle members.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trista Martinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrista Martin2022-11-07 21:01:472023-08-05 14:04:34Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Trista Priest
This book had my attention from start to finish!!! If you have felt alone and yet surrounded by people, this book is for you. Jasper Lee Andrews (the Main Character) shows you how to survive/disappear from those who are out to hurt you or even worse kill you. Jasper’s world is turned upside in a matters of hours. She goes from being a part of a family of five to an orphan after the Order kills her family. With the help of some new “friends” she is able to get the revenge she has desperately needed. I can’t wait until book two comes out!!!
This book had my attention from start to finish!!! If you have felt alone and yet surrounded by people, this book is for you. Jasper Lee Andrews (the Main Character) shows you how to survive/disappear from those who are out to hurt you or even worse kill you. Jasper’s world is turned upside in a matters of hours. She goes from being a part of a family of five to an orphan after the Order kills her family. With the help of some new “friends” she is able to get the revenge she has desperately needed. I can’t wait until book two comes out!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kirsten Berkebilehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKirsten Berkebile2022-11-07 17:40:202022-11-09 08:44:59Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Kirsten Berkebile
Order of Vesper Reyes is a very exciting and fast paced read. There is a lot going on in the story and it keeps the reader very engaged with the plot. I really love how the characters interact with each other. The main character is very relatable and I enjoyed how she dealt with anything major with humor.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristin Boutellehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristin Boutelle2022-11-05 08:26:502022-11-08 09:49:19Order of Vespers, The Vespers Chronicles, Matilda Reyes, Review by Kristin Boutelle, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Supernatural, Fantasy
Jasper is the main suspect in a case about an explosion and the murderer of her own family. Jasper possesses supernatural power that she can’t control. Great story with unexpected aspects. Loved it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jasmin Slaglehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJasmin Slagle2022-11-01 22:13:572022-11-02 12:55:12Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes Reviewed by Jasmin Slagle
Happy Halloween my friends and what a good read this was for it! I’m always a little bummed when I start a new series because I usually wait for multiple books to be out but boy- this was a good one! I LOVED Jaspers character (also cute as hell name!) and She usually kept me laughing too. There were so many cool ideas used in this book that I don’t want to spoil for yall- you’re gonna have to read it for yourself friends! Just know there are some really good twists and turns that makes this book even more worth reading! The only reason I knocked a star off is because it doesn’t let you do half stare and this would have been a 4.5. There were a few places at the beginning that were confusing and seemed that wrong characters were being referenced. Other than that- what an excellent read! I definitely recommend my friends!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jade Thomsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJade Thomson2022-11-01 04:49:152022-11-01 12:47:46Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Jade Thomson
This book is the first installment to this authors new series and trust me when I say that this dark urban fantasy is original, intriguing and full of good and evil. This very complex story is full of drama, action, suspense, mystery and so much more that I simply can’t wait to see what happens next. The characters were well developed, the plot was intriguing and intense. But needless to say the beginning of this story and its beautiful cover has left this reader wanting more, I can’t wait for book two.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2022-10-31 21:29:212022-11-01 12:41:04Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Stephanie Nicole
This is an intriguing book which left me rooting for the main character, Jasper, and groaning in frustration at the cliff-hanger ending as I couldn’t move straight onto the next book!
I was gripped from page one and did not want to stop reading, when at work my thoughts were with Jasper and the difficulties she faced, and I couldn’t help but theorise until I could get back to my kindle.
I really enjoyed the way Jasper was written, her response to trauma (her defences/coping mechanisms) felt very real to me and her growth in both strength and character was admirable as the book progressed. The darker events of the book were impactful but were well-balanced with Jasper’s sarcasm providing a humorous break, so it wasn’t all doom and gloom. To balance this well can be difficult but I was impressed by how well this was achieved without detracting from the emotional impact had on Jasper.
Overall, I found the storyline engaging and well-constructed and although the book is geared towards teens/young adults, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading this as an adult and can’t wait to find out what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2022-10-31 14:03:152022-11-01 12:43:23Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
This was a great thriller. I enjoyed all of it. I could not put this book down. It hooked me from the beginning and kept me interested the entire time. Something new for me was the author notes, I enjoyed them, it made me feel like I got to know more about the author.
I must say that this book totally held me to the end. The author certainly has a great writing skill This is the first book in a new series, and I know I will be devouring the rest of the books in the series!
Up front, I loved Jasper. Great character and great ambition. Imagine being in her shoes and living your life, and realizing your more different than you so thought, well, more less in terms of magic! She already had life to get through, but now this was added to her plate! And when a certain group realizes what she holds, everything she knew within herself is put at large! The story was spot on with suspense that certainly brought intrigue to the table! I must also add the mystery and truth that was at large, kept me coming back for more. Twists and turns, definitely kept you interested. I very much enjoyed the author’s writing style as well! Great read that held me all the way through, and left me wanting more! Can’t wait for the next book!
Wonderful read. And great work and creativity by a gifted author!! I do very much highly recommend this book, the series, as well as the author! Definitely a must read that shouldn’t be passed up!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2022-10-29 09:27:082022-11-01 12:18:27Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Lorrene Huisman
What a fascinating story! This is the beginning of a new series. Jasper finds that she has supernatural powers and goes to Manhattan where no one knows her. Unfortunately, she is kidnapped by the Order of Vespers, a league of assassins. The story is full of drama, action, intense suspense and a bit of mystery. I love the characters. The author wrote them full of teen angst and just how they would be seen. The plot had a couple choppy spots but it flowed so smooth. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series. That ending…..Loved it! I’m hooked…have been since the beginning. An eagerly awaiting fan.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-10-29 05:31:222022-11-01 12:17:43Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Shelly Kittell
A deadly explosion. A league of assassins. And no place to hide.
Jasper Andrews is pinned as the prime suspect when an explosion rocks her small town in upstate New York. Not that she’s surprised. This isn’t the first time she’s been caught near a suspicious blast. Considering she has supernatural powers she can’t control, even she’s not convinced it would be the last.
Jasper flees her small town for the anonymity of Manhattan. Before she can get far, she’s kidnapped by The Order of Vespers, a cabal of assassins who believe she’s the key to a prophecy they believe can save the world. In exchange for helping them with their mission, The Order offers her a place to hide from her enemies and a chance to learn how to control her powers. Left with no allies or friends, Jasper takes them up on their offer.
Life with a league of assassins isn’t at all what Jasper expected. Just as she begins to let her guard down, a betrayal from within The Order leads to a deadly standoff.
Will Jasper choose to save her new friends and all of humanity . . . or save herself?
Matilda Reyes was born and raised in New York City. After an eight-year stint in Los Angeles, she moved to South Florida, which she’s still trying to love. She loves living by the ocean. She owns more books than she could possibly read in this lifetime and has no compunctions about buying more. Her favorite genres to read are urban fantasy and paranormal romance though she’ll read anything you put in front of her. Her newest series, the Black Cauldron Detective Agency, kicks off with the release of book one, Unearthly Magik, in 2022.
Matilda lives in the Miami area with her husband and dog, Jon Snow.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/New-Order-of-Vespers-Cover.jpg1200784itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-10-29 00:03:202022-12-06 20:06:34Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes
Order of Vespers is the first instalment in The Vesper Chronicles by Matilda Reyes and is an epic dark urban fantasy. It has a very original and intriguing storyline that explores the world of good and evil, order and chaos; and the Order of people who possess special abilities who are tasked with maintaining the universal balance. It is very complex story that has suspense, action, drama, mystery- and contains a lot of graphic violence. Jasper Andrews appears to be a fairly ordinary 18-year-old- she is a high achieving student, always on the Honor Role, is a formidable member of the debate team and a former cheerleader. She has a twin brother who she has a love/hate relationship with and an older sister who she really admires. Her family is pretty close-knit and supportive, if not a little overprotective. They value their privacy and don’t like drawing attention to themselves. Appearances can be deceiving, as life for Jasper and the Andrew’s family is far from ‘normal’ or ‘ordinary’; they are constantly vigilant and guarded in order to protect their secrets……. that they possess powerful, superhuman abilities. So, when Jasper finds herself at the centre of an investigation after a freak explosion destroys part of her school, the family must take measures to minimize any potential threat or unwanted attention being focused on them- and try to avoid being exposed. The police become the least of their worries as they come to the attention of a covert group, who have sinister interests in their secret abilities. Then Jasper becomes the sole survivor of her family, after they are all killed in a terrible and devastating event. She finds herself in the unfortunate situation of being the sole suspect in her family’s murder. Taken into custody, Jasper must try and find a means to escape- her desire for vengeance is the only thing holding her together in her overwhelming grief. An opportunity presents itself and Jasper is finely able to escape police custody. She is drawn to New York City, where she hopes to blend into the crowds and avoid detection. But unknowingly she has found her way to the Order of Vespers, who are aware of her, and of her plight. The Order of Vespers are the children of an ancient and all-powerful entity called Il Separatio, who holds the balance between God and the Devil, light and dark, good and evil, order and chaos. The Orders is tasked with keeping the peace, maintaining the balance and making sure that neither side gains too much power. Jasper may just hold the key to restoring the balances and protecting the Vespers and humanity from annihilation. But Jaspers abilities continue to strengthen and become harder to control. She becomes volatile and unpredictable- unable to fully control her power; she’s become a danger to herself and all those around her. The Vespers have no choice but to lock her up until she can control her abilities. But people of the order are disappearing at an alarming rate and danger is on the doorstep. Will Jasper learn to control her abilities in time to help the cause? Is she the key to harnessing the powers of Il Separatio and protecting the Vespers and humanity? Will she be able to restore the balance, or will the evil overcome her and win in the end? I really liked the concept of this story- I thought the plot was unique and sounded really interesting. The author really does write well and has quite a dynamic and robust style to her writing. The story is very detailed and descriptive with very complex plot- so many elements and layers went into crafting this story and I think the author has done a great job in choreographing all those details….. There are scenes in the story which are quite dark, gritty and graphically violent, and were really hard to read! Ms. Reyes didn’t shy away from these elements and added a dark, raw realism to her story. The characters were really wonderful. I felt so devastated for Jasper and was with her every step of the way, cheering her on to succeed. I was hoping that she and Jordy would connect more as the story evolved… I am hoping that there will be another book, where we get to explore this connection between them in more detail. As this book ends on somewhat of a cliff-hanger everything is set to continue in Book #2. Bring it on!!!! Happy Reading
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-10-27 00:18:222022-10-27 11:39:42Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book #1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Angela Hayes
Jasper Andrews has a special gift one which finds her on the wrong side of the law. A gift she has no control over. She is strong of will, sassy, quick to temper and she is extremely unpredictable. She is also a protagonist and lashes out at those around her. Jasper is having a week from hell. After being accused of blowing things up at school, having her parents decide it is safer to send her away to strangers, to starting a fire that causes her to lose everything and everyone she loves and holds dear, she is one the run. When she stumbles across a stranger who seems to know her but she doesn’t know him, she is forcefully taken off the streets but are they friend or foe? Is her gift really a gift or is it a curse? Is she really in danger, from herself, from something unknown or from those who seek to help?
Jasper finds herself amongst the Order of Vespers, people similar liker her who are trying to maintain the balance of good and evil, light and dark and peace. This has been their task since the beginning of time. Jasper must learn to master her gift to become all she can be, become more than they all know. But time is running out and what was once a safe haven is no more. Those that she now holds dear are at risk from those who seek to destroy.
Who is this group who are after her and other like her? Is Jasper all they thought she is and is she the answer to all their needs? Is she the balance between good and evil, light and dark? Will they destroy her to become something more? How far will they go to take what they want? Who can she trust?
Jaspers world definitely has many twists and turns and everything is not what it seems. She often had me laughing with her humour and sarcasm but sad for all she had to endure. I enjoyed this book and know you will too. The cliffhanger leaves it open for the next instalment, I hope.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-10-26 18:05:362022-10-27 11:37:57Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Jenni Bishop, October 2022
Order of Vespers Matilda Reyes ☆☆☆☆☆ Great young adult paranormal fantasy scifi novel. With a coming of age theme.
Jasper Andrews a protagonist, is a teen girl that has lost everything including her twin brother. Her life is so confusing for her. The bombs going off at school and her family home being blown up. There are too many questions she does not understand. Now she has woke up in a strange place, and still there are no answers. Her job is to learn what she must, to find a balance in her powers and her mind. She must find balance.
II Separatio, the Entity of Neutrality, is trying to restore peace through its children, the Order of Vespers. They are trying to maintain balance between light and dark. They think Jasper is what they need to find that balance. But they must teach her how to use her powers for good. This will become quit the test of their wits. Can they teach Jasper what she needs to know in order to find a balance between light and dark?
This author has written this book with teens in mind. She blends split personalities with puberty. Teen girls and boys will relate with the struggles viewed in this story. While this is just fantasy, the struggles will be real. The story is fantastic as well as fun to read. Scary at times but such a page turner. The author keeps it real in her book, real enough teens and young adults can relate. Job well done! Looking forward to reading more of your books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2022-10-26 13:40:052022-10-27 11:36:05Order of Vespers (The Vespers Chronicles Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Cindy Mayberry
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