Posts

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Lucinda Morton-Phillips

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the ‘War of Destiny’ series by Teresa Van Spankeren and takes place 70 years after the first book, in the late 16th century. You can read it as a stand-alone book, but you will get more understanding of the characters if you read the first book, Lost Souls.
Julia and Adam are living peacefully with the other members of the group (ka-tet) that form part of the Resistance in London. She is learning how to use her new abilities and fighting skills to take on the vampire Valentino when the time is right. Unfortunately, Valentino arrives in England, bringing matters to a head and forcing the hand of the Resistance, leading to tragedy.
Once again Julia suffers confusion when she hears a dark voice in her head and cannot trust what is real, concluding with her making decisions that will have far-reaching consequences.
The writing hits its stride in this book with the story flowing well for the most part. There is one section where the change seems to come out of nowhere, but makes sense for the story in the end.
The characters in the book are well-rounded and developed, with an emotional depth. I wonder how the group will be able to continue on, but I guess I will see in the next book.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely enjoyed reading the book. I had not read book 1, but I felt the author was able to recap book 1 without it feeling like it was being repetitive of book 1. I thought this was an interesting take on the vampire world and the author did a great job of making you feel like you are transported back in time to the 16th century England. This was a wonderful story full of friendships, romance, intrigue, and action. I thought that the author had a unique voice and the story was well written, with well-rounded characters and detailed descriptions. I definitely enjoyed seeing the relationship between Julie and Samuel progress and change as he works with her to prepare for a battle she isn’t ready for. Julie is an interesting protagonist and I enjoyed seeing how her character develops. I can’t wait to check out book 3 to see what happens next.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Laura Jones

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2KHYIJP1CGEE1/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3087049254

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6187532892

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Elisha Johnson

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny) by Theresa Van Spankeren- 5 out of 5 stars

This is my first time reading this author’s work and I was not disappointed. The storyline draws you in but all of the twists and turns make this book hard to put down. Even with this book being the second in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I plan to go back and read book one. I recommend this book.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good book and I am glad I picked this one up! This is the second book in the series and to get the best reading experience, this series should be read in order. This book was well written and I really enjoyed the main characters. I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Ayla Phipps

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Impending devastation and death. Book two in the War of Destiny series starts off roughly eighty years after the events of book one. Some positives are that Julia has Adam at her side and somewhere over time she has just stopped existing and started too truly live again.
1582, back in London and enjoying a peaceful life when one dream, to meet Queen Elizabeth, comes true but everything changes in the same night. Events set into motion that can’t be undone or deterred. A strange dream, a ten-year-old girl and “tarot” cards tells Julia her future, one filled with loss, evil, death, sacrifice, and betrayal. Unsure of what the meaning is more strange things begin starting with a nap.
Can Julia decipher the strange future she was told in time? Betrayal is coming but from who? While this is the second book, I understand how it could be a standalone if starting with this book. That said I feel that it would be like starting a movie forty-five minutes in without context or background on what led to the events or the significance of the situations. Such as Julia finally having Adam at her side or who Marie was to Julia. The continued growth of Julia in discovering herself more and evolving with everything she faces and overcomes. I cannot wait to start book three, Between Darkness and Light. I devoured the first two books in just a few days, once I started, I couldn’t stop.

View all my reviews

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Series Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Ayla Phipps

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heavy emotional rollercoaster. While I have seen Theresa’s books over time while working at a library, I hadn’t previously given them a read until now. One of my new years resolutions was to read books by as many new authors as I could, and this series always looked interesting. I must say I was not prepared for the deep emotions that I would be taken for a ride with, but the book had me holding my breath from start to finish praying Julia could get a win.
Julia is in modern day London but as she writes her biography, we are taken on the journey of who Julia is and how she came to this point. She is over half a century old, and a combination of things has her getting flashbacks to her past life, her human life. The only way to be rid of the flashbacks is to confront them and discover what the importance is in them. 1492, Julia was born and while her childhood was mostly wonderful considering nothing prepared her for what was to come after overhearing her father and brother speaking when she was eleven. At fifteen she was to marry Gregory Smith, a man wealthier than her own father had asked for her hand and while it was not the man, she wanted to marry her father accepted for her and that was final. All Julia ever wanted was to have the power to make her own decisions about her own life. To have control. Immediately her younger sister informs her of the uneasy feelings she gets around Gregory and the urge to flee from the room he enters, but it’s too late she has no choice but to marry him. Crystal, her sister, warns her to be careful. What follows the marriage and in the first two years is heartbreaking, not only what Julia experiences at the hands of her husband but of her own father.
Will Julia find an escape? Can she have a happy moment that’s not tainted with painful consequences? The world the author builds is based off history, the times in which the story takes place are accurate which makes reading it so much more painful as some today still deal with similar situations. The characters have immense strength and fight to overcome all that they are faced with. Finding one thing to fight for to keep her going. I have found a new author and series to follow and now off to book two, Pursuit into Darkness to see what happens next for Julia.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren

Pursuit into Darkness is the second book in the War of Destiny Series and is a Paranormal/ Vampire/ Fantasy story that will have you turning the pages till the end. This takes place many years after the first book. The twists and turns had me turning the pages trying to figure out what was going to happen next. The characters are well developed and well written. There’s plenty of action and it plays with your emotions and so much more. I don’t want to give away anything. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Samantha Cleaver

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two of the series. I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the beginning! Questions I had from the first book were answered in this one. We continue to follow Julia through heartbreak and tragedy. I definitely recommend this book!

View all my reviews

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Samantha Cleaver

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not sure what to expect out of this book, but I ended up really enjoying it! I was drawn into this book and it felt like I was right beside Julia and was going through the exact same things. I definitely recommend this book!

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Barbara Bohls

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand alone. I did not read the first book before this one and I felt like I didn’t miss anything that would make this book hard to understand. What I did feel was missing was more of the background story. I am sure that I would be given that in book one. So, it isn’t super important to read the first one but you might want to, to have a better understanding of what each of the characters are going through and have been through. This book has everything you could possibly think of for a book to have. It has intrigue, mystery, the evolution of characters, and an amazing plot line. Speaking of characters in this book, they will run you through the ringer. I have gone from loving them to hating them back to loving them. It felt like a viscous cycle but it is worth it in the end. I promise. If you have loved any vampire story, this is going to be a series that you will want to read. I am not normally a reader of paranormal, I will but it isn’t always my first choice. However, this book made it enjoyable to read and I will go and read the first one because this book takes a jump forward in the time line of the story. I have a feeling that I will feel even more connected to the characters by doing that. Maybe, I will even have a roller coaster of emotions again.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Audrie Harrington

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two in the series and it starts shortly after the first book. It again starts with a little introduction to the book that Julia is writing about her past. I say shortly after but it is about 80 years which is short in vampire time. The group of vampires has come back to London after having to leave after the fight at the end of book one. There are still many of the original vampires so I only had to learn a few new vampires from the resistance group. Valentino’s men are searching for Samuel and Julia to kill them. Many of the resistance vampires are being attacked so they all come together to make a plan. There are so many twists and turns in this book. I feel like I’m following the story pretty well and then all of the sudden something happens that doesn’t make sense so I have to go back and reread. There are also times where I feel that the dialogue doesn’t flow well or there is not enough description. I will keep reading the series because this one ends and I need to know what happens next.

View all my reviews

Pursuit of Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jennifer Larson

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pursuit into darkness
War of destiny by Theresa Van Spankeren

Pursuit into darkness by Theresa is the second installment in her series War of Destiny. This book continues to follow Julia’s journey through tragedy and heartbreak. There maybe some content within this story that might be sensitive to some readers.

I did like the second book a bit more now that I understand how some things were conducted. I understand now why Julia was conflicted in decisions made. It is an interesting story and I look forward to its progress.

View all my reviews

Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jennifer Larson

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Lost souls:
War of destiny by Theresa Van Spankeren

Lost souls by Theresa is a dark story about a young girl who goes through extremely dark trials. There are moments that happen in this book that may affect others. They were not listed when I began reading so keep that in mind.

This not a book I felt was for me but it may be for you. The story starts off tragic and leads into the healing process of Julia’s life and how she over comes some things. You will meet people that will help her through her trauma.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Crystal Brehant

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first book so I was looking forward to this one. I was surprised by the space in time between the first book and this second one. I do not think it took away from the story though. I believe you should read the first in order to get the full back story of the characters, especially the main one. The way the vampires are written in this series is very intriguing. I always like to see the different ways authors write about vampires and how they survive. This didn’t capture my attention as much as the first one, but it was still a great story.

View all my reviews

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Crystal Brehant

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The writing in this book is incredible. You really feel like you’re in the story with the main character, going through everything she goes through. You feel all she feels. It can be quite intense but that makes for a great book. I immediately felt for Julia, as my daughter’s name is Julia and is the same age as the main character in the beginning. Help comes from the most unexpected place and Julia’s journey after is surprising.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book two in the War of Destiny series. This book can be read as a stand alone, but helps for back story of the first one is read. The novel continues from book one 70 years later. There’s enough time that’s elapsed to not feel disconnected from the plot. There’s plenty of intrigue, a complex plot line, and characters you love and hate. The ending was a surprise. If you love vampire stories then you will enjoy this novel.

View all my reviews

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Audrie Harrington

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was not sure what to expect from this book especially since it seemed like historical fiction. Then I read the prologue and BAM vampires! There was a lot going on and quite a few characters but it was an original story and I really enjoyed it. The setting is the early 1500s but I felt like it could have been the early 1900s. Julia is 15 and being married off to a man she doesn’t know. She is in love with Adam, the son of a family household servant. Her sister tells her that she doesn’t trust him, her father and brother are pushing her towards him, her mother is just silent and not saying anything. She married Gregory and it didn’t go well. He is abusive and she tries to get away a few times. She meets Adam a few times in the market and has to cover her bruises and hide her face. She finally hits the desperate point of no return and is saved by a stranger who turns out to be a vampire. I enjoyed the characters, the family vibe of the vampires, and even England in the 1500s. Can’t wait to dig into book two!

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Tausha Treadway

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren. This is a great Vampire Paranormal read. Its set in the 16th century Elizabethan London and its about new and old vampires! There is a fight against Valentino the strongest Vampire of them all. Samuel and a new vampire Julia are leading the fight against Valentino. The battle is intense and seems to get very risky. Samuel and Julia know they are outmatched but they have to use their brains to figure out how. This story would be enjoyed more if you read the first book. The author writes so well that you truly feel like you are in 16th century England. This isn’t my favorite genre but I have really enjoyed this series so far! Beware when you start reading be prepared to finish because you won’t want to put it down!

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review By Crystal Walker

I couldn’t put it down! Julia is a sweet woman in the 1500’s who falls in love with a simple servant boy name Adam. After leaving the horrid Gregory for the abuse and misfortunes that were left on Julianna she finds Adam again. But her master and all of their group are being hunted by none other than the horrible Valentino! Valentino is after Samuel and after they run for their lives several suffer dire consequences. But what will fate bring them all next? Will Julia finally fall in love again?

Lost Souls (War of Destiny Series) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Crystal walker

Reading a book of 300 pages in 2 days is a new record for a bookworm like me! I couldn’t put it down! Julia is a sweet woman in the 1500’s who falls in love with a simple servant boy name Adam. But her parents have other plans for her! She is forced to marry Gregory and he gives her sister Crystal horrible vibes!!! What will the tale lead to? How will Julianna’s future end? I seriously recommend the first book to this amazing series!!!!

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Series Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Ashley Phillips

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so good to start this series! I was completely engaged while reading it! With every chapter I was excited to keep reading. I love that there is clear depth to each character but the author does a great job at keeping your attention, and keeping everything connected between all of the very complex characters. I literally didn’t want to put the book down! I love when I read fantasy books but you can still really relate to their issues, even though the book is created in some far away place. I was so full of empathy for the main character from the very start of the book. I kept being excited to see what would happen next. She’s such a strong woman naturally, so it was empowering to read such a story about a string woman learning how to face her circumstances head on. I highly recommend this one!

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Ashley Phillips

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so much fun to read. It was tough to see all that happened to Julia, including all the loss she had to suffer while uric to rebuild. This was a really great sequel to book one. The author crafts some very interesting stories and I’m looking forward to reading more stories from the author in the future.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Darian Vester

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I went into this book without reading the first book of the series. It was easy to catch onto things, I felt there was enough time between the books to not be confused about book two. I think I will go back and read the first book just to see if the author explains more about the vampires, I love reading the different types of vampires everyone comes up with. I like that these vampires do need blood, are fighting to not be killers, people know about them, and I really like that they get injured. They are out in the night and avoid daylight, I’m not sure exactly what daylight does to them, I’m assuming only weakens them since Julia was out during the day.
Speaking of, I couldn’t stand Julia. I really enjoyed the other characters, I think Rab was my favorite but Julia was just too selfish for me. I know she’s the main character but she really had to make everything all about her. I hope she gets better character growth in the rest of the series.
I was rooting for Samual since the beginning, I instantly liked his character, I’m not 100% on his and Valentinos relationship but like I said, I plan to go back to book one to get my unanswered questions. I like the cause of the resistance and he makes the book worth sticking around to read.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Darla Yocom

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful addition to this series. Book two picks to years after Julia accepted Samuel’s offer of helping them overthrow the Vampire King. We find Julia still developing her powers and abilities, while also acknowledging that she’s light years away from her full potential. Thinking they’ve got plenty of time on their hands for her to grow into her own at her own accord, they are shocked to learn that Valentino himself had shown up determined to find those within the resistance.

This paranormal storyline is a bit complex but not overwhelming, so all levels of readers should be able to follow the intricacies in the plot and character growth. While you can read this book on its own, I think the reader will get the full effect if they take the time to read book one as well. Either way, you will be entertained and intrigued.

The author did a fantastic job adding to Samuel and Julia’s journey. I think both characters are impressive, especially when trying to determine how best to beat your nemesis when strength alone will not allow you to protect yourself and your team.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jayme Raffauf

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pursuit into Darkness is book 2 of a 3 book series and it brought a lot more to the story of Julia, Adam and Samuel. The development of new characters, several twists and turns and so much more. As with book 1, I am not typically drawn to vampire books, but this series is a good one and has very strong character development and a strong storyline. If you enjoy vampire books, I would highly recommend this book and this whole series. The author really puts the reader through a roller coaster of emotions in book 2 and I look forward to how it will all come to a close in book 3.

View all my reviews

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jayme Raffauf

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am not normally a fan of books about vampires, but this was definitely an interesting book. The characters had very strong development and I found an immediate draw to the main character Julia and her struggles with her father and the expectation of arranged marriage, but mostly the strength she needs as she deals with the years of torment at the hand of her husband. The vampire element was intriguing and provided an interesting solution for Julia. This book does have a lot of emotional triggers, which could be difficult for some readers, but I really did enjoy the story and all the different relationships and connections between the characters. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

View all my reviews

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

70 years after the first book Julia had taken Samuel’s deal. Now she has powers and strength that she is learning to wield. We follow along with characters from the first book along with Julia and Samuel. The ka-tet is still learning to work together. Valentino has now learned about the threat to his throne, and the inevitable clash is looming closer and closer. The cliffhanger at the end should be absolutely illegal, and I can’t wait to read more into the third book!

View all my reviews

Lost Soul (War of Destiny Series Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Lost Soul (War of Destiny # 1)Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved reading this first book. It was a little hard reading about Julia and the abuse she endured from her parents. Being forced into an arranged marriage and not being able to be with her true love was heartbreaking. When she is presented with an interesting choice have her freedom to do whatever she wants, BUT she has to join the vampire resistance, OR stay where she is at now. Watching her process her thoughts and emotions over this choice was interesting. I can’t wait to see what goes onto the next book and see how Julia’s choice pans out for her!

View all my reviews