Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a great sequel to the first book! It was like no time had passed, beween my readings, and I could dive right back into this world with these characters!! I have never been more satisfied with a book!!
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I fell for these characters immediately. They were so relatable and honest, and it was refreshing to read. The world building was a lot to take it but it made the story even more intriguing, and I can’t wait to see where these characters go from here!
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m very much invested in this series. In this book, Julia is trying to repair damage that she caused to her ka-tet. She also is dealing with her past and some major depression. When someone suddenly disappears, she turns to Matthew, who still hasn’t forgiven her. Together they must figure out what is going on. This book is very hard to put down. I had to just read another chapter, well into the night.
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this novel. Julia’s story is really interesting and full of many twists and turns but it was enjoyable to read. The story was inspirational as we are able to see Julia grow and overcome adversity to become a strong woman. I enjoy this author and look forward to reading more from her.
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The first two books in the series give us the backstory of Julia, a human girl who is eventually turned into a vampire. Her story continues to evolve as she meets many friends and foes, while learning to cope with her new lifestyle. Over the last few decades, Julia has learned a lot about humanity and vampires. The things she thought she knew have been all but disproven as she has grown to learn more about herself, despite how painful that journey of discovery was for her and the ones closest to her.
Will Julia be able to fix the wrongs of her past? Will the resistance ever accept her back and help her finish the battle she agreed to take on in the first book? This was a wonderful read and I was very pleased to learn that there is a fourth book. I’m looking forward to reading it so that I’m able to continue this journey with the characters I’ve grown to think of as friends.
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The second installment of the series, Pursuit into Darkness, is a great continuation of the War of Destiny Series. When we left off in the 1st book Julia had recently been changed into a vampire and had turned her childhood love interest into a vampire too. This book picks up several decades later, and has the characters living back in London when a new conflict faces them. As revealed to us in the first installment, all vampires have a special power, and it is in this book we learn what Julia’s power is. Now the question is ‘will she learn to use her powers to come out victorious?’. For the sake of preserving the element of surprise, this is a story you must read to see how our characters fare when chaos ensues.
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In the 3rd Book of the War of Destiny series, Between Darkness and Light begins where the second book ended. Julia made a truly difficult decision at the end of Book 2, and this book flawlessly picks up where it left off. I love how this book shows how much Julia’s decision truly impacted the members of the ka-tet. The characters in this third book continue to evolve and change with, not only the story itself, but the time period in which they find themselves. Theresa Van Spankeren does an amazing job describing all of the new places traveled to. There is still so much emotion in this book, just like the other two in the series so far! I could feel the sadness, the excitement over small triumphs, the pain that is felt. I cannot wait to read more by this author!
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I started off reading this series not sure how I would feel about it, since I’ve never read any vampire stories prior to this one, but I quickly grew to realize that I enjoy the storyline and characters immensely. Lost Soul is the first book in the War of Destiny Series and it was a great read. The author established all of the characters really well and takes the time to give the background of the main character Juliana. Juliana, or as she likes to be called Julia, is a very relatable character who is very young when she experiences many life altering events. Although she has been through a significant amount of harsh events she is still a very humble and innocent young lady, who has more spunk and desire to live than most. I’m looking forward to reading the next installment of the series to see how her story progresses.
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s been five years since Julia made a horrible choice and betrayed those she loved the most. They aren’t getting over it anytime too soon it seems but there are Hunters on the prowl and some of Valentino’s minions moving in on them. If this group can’t get it together, the ka-tet will fall apart and they will all lose their lives!!
Julia can’t seem to apologize enough for what she has done. It’s not until a young human comes and encourages Julia to do the hard things to see if she can get back in the good graces of her group. Will they accept her back? What about all these nighttime revelations she’s having? These Hunters….they are haunting Julia too. So many questions and not a lot of time for answers!
I enjoyed this book and read it fairly quickly. This one contains a lot of action, more so than the first two books in this series. We learn more about Matthew’s background, as well as Samuel’s. I’m really hoping to learn more about Mary Anne’s abilities….she’s got something very special! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It’s been 70 years since Samuel and Julia met. 70 years since Julia’s life and destiny changed for eternity. She’s now part of the Resistance and she’s building up her strength, honing her skills and abilities through training, and she’s gearing up to take on the Vampire King. She’s a part of the ka-tet and together they can work to strengthen each other, communicate, and so much more. Things are becoming more heated and there is a lot of unrest happening around them. Julia will also get a fledgling of her own that she’s trying to train while still learning herself how to live in this paranormal universe.
I enjoyed the continuation of this story but there were a few parts of it that I felt dragged along. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading in order to keep all the characters straight. It would also be very beneficial to know Julia’s back story prior to reading this one.
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Imagine you live back in the 1500’s and your lifestyle is pretty lavish. Julia is a young, 15 year old girl, who is “living the life” of a girl back then. She’s in love with her best friend, Adam, but he’s only the son of the household servant. He has no formality about him in the way that Julia’s parents expect. One day, Julia’s dad informs her that she is to marry Gregory. Julia is crushed! Gregory is not the kindhearted man that one would expect in a husband. He’s actually quite the contrary! During a very difficult time in Julia’s life, she is rescued by a boy named Samuel. Her life will change…but is it really for the better?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has some very deep, dark moments within it that will make you wish you could reach through the book and exact some revenge yourself. It also have some very moving moments. This is just the beginning of Julia’s story with much more to come!
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Between Darkness and Light is Book 3 in the War of Destiny Series. Julia has been shunned by her Ka-tet since betraying them and aiding Valentino, King of the Vampires, in his efforts to destroy them. Her betrayal not only tore the Ka-tet apart but drove Mathew from the group. Julia feels extreme remorse over her betrayal and is attempting to repair her relationships with the Ka-tet but none of them, nor any vampire in the Resistance, trust her. With her already tenuous relationships with the Ka-tet Julia cannot bring herself to confide in them that the voices in her head told her to do it. They already think she is crazy and telling them that she hears voices and sees people that are not there will only cause more conflict.
When the Resistance Leader, Samuel, suddenly disappears Julia is forced to enlist Mathew’s help to find him. Mathew has created a new life for himself, so Julia’s sudden arrival is unwelcomed, but he reluctantly helps because of his friendship with Samuel. Before long, Julia and Mathew realize that there is something far more sinister at work and they must work together before it destroys them.
The author did an amazing job of building up the story from the second book. I loved reading to see how Julia dealt with the aftermath of her betrayal and what would become of the Ka-tet. I devoured the book as I read on to see what would become of Julia’s visions and the voices she heard. Was she really losing her grip on reality? Samuel was devastated by Julia’s betrayal, and it was destroying him. Samuel’s emotions were so real and raw that my heart ached for him, nearly bringing me to tears. How could he possibly ever forgive her when she threw him away so easily? This book was sensational, and a must read! I highly recommend!
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I continue to be surprised by this series it is truly fabulous. I recommend reading this series in order for sure to get the backstory and book #3 picks up where book #2 ends.
There is so many emotions when in this story….just gut punching sadness. Julia’s betrayal….there is definite unrest and anger..people lost their lives. When someone comes up missing, Julia must dig deep and get help from Matthew..but it is not easy to ask for help especially due to her betrayal. As the pieces begin to unravel….Julia and Matthew realize there is something more dark happening.
This author’s does such a fantastic job in the storytelling of this series. This book really punches so much emotion and phenomenal word building….I cannot want to see what is more in store in this series.
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In the third book of the series, Julia is dealing with the repercussions of her choices. She is worried that she is insane, as she deals with issues that no one else can see. She has lost all the trust her friends had in her. When one of her group members goes missing, her former friend must put a little trust into her to find him. The Resistance is close to shambles. Will they find their friend and fix what went wrong, or will the darkness take over them all?
What a great book! Theresa Van Spankeren is a wonderful writer. She really makes you feel as if you are right there with the characters of the story.
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pursuit into Darkness is Book 2 in the War of Destiny Series. The journey with Julia continues as she has been working on her powers for the past 70 years. Life with Julia and Samuel have been quiet since Julia took his offer to help the Resistance but that all changes when Valentino arrives to destroy Samuel and Julia who have become a threat to his power. Julia and Samuel feel ill prepared to do battle and instead Samuel, Julia and the Ka-tet decide to flee the country. When fleeing does not work, they are forced to battle Valentino before he destroys them all. Julia is forced into a battle to save her life and those of the ones she loves while also saving herself from the impending madness that is slowly consuming both her mind and soul.
I loved the character of Julia and admired her strength, courage and resolve in the face of danger. Although at times I must admit that I doubted her sanity and there were a few times that it appeared Julia was slowly losing her grip on reality. Samuel was a complex man who was haunted by memories of his past which spilled over into the present. Book 2 really picked up from where the first book ended, the action intensified, and it took a dark twist that I was completely unprepared for! I highly recommend this book!
View all my reviews@Tara Johnson Barnes
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Julia is still recovering after betraying her ka-tet, the remorse and guilt is plaguing them all and she has become tired of trying to explain what happened and why, but the others have also become tired of her trying, Matthew has left the group completely while the others are only just tolerating her presence in the house. She is still also worried about being yet again plagued by the visions of her dead husband and the voices who whisper things to her, she fears that they will return and the insanity and madness which led to her past betrayals will start again, the others just fear that she has already gone insane and that is why they are avoiding her.
One night their leader disappears and nobody realises until Julia tries one more time to approach him, but when she finds he has left, she turns to the only other person he would speak to, Matthew, who is as shocked to see Julia there as he is to hear that their leader had vanished. After excusing himself from the house of his new found friends, the Medici family, where Julia found him, they check where he and Matthew would usually be, when he is not there, this is where Julia realises that she is the only one who can track him and so she and Matthew agree, reluctantly on his part, to journey after their wayward leader and bring him back home, but like so many other things, this plan goes awry.
As the journey continues, Julia’s visitations begin again and Matthew is wary, however, as they talk more about the situation, they realise that there is something else going on around them and that they are just a small part of it, someone is trying to change the course of destiny, but who this is and why remain a mystery. Will they be able to find the missing member of their group and solve the mystery surrounding Julia and her future, or will they be too late to change any positive outcome? This is a fast paced fantasy which will suck you in and pull you along in a world where vampires and destiny meet head on, in a race to discover lost secrets and reveal truths which will be life changing, in a way that only a vampires life can be changed.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book Three of the War of Destiny series is just as compelling as the first two! Each one just gets better than the last. Julia is still a wonderful character that continues to appeal to me. I want this series to go on and on for several books, so that I could experience more and more with Julia. These books would also be just as good as stand-alones because the characters are well-developed. If you are into vampires, history, the paranormal, romance, drama, and all other emotions, pick up this book and/or series. Even if you aren’t that much into vampires and the paranormal, this book has enough action to keep you intrigued all the way through. Highly recommend!
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The first book in the War of Destiny series caught my attention right off the bat! Historical Fiction is my jam, and I pretty much inhaled this book. This paranormal historical romance was like diving head-first into nice, cold water on a hot day. It was so refreshing to get sucked into a story and not want to leave that world. The story takes place in 16th century London, and centers around Julia, a kick-ass main character, who is married off to a man she does not love – or really even like, for good reasons. She endures a traumatic experience, and is faced with a life-altering decision that unleashes her true strength as the reader is whisked along. The characters in this book are well-developed, and I became very invested in Julia’s story very quickly. For me, if a protagonist doesn’t hook me right away, I have trouble buying into the whole story, and the character development is a big deal. This book didn’t disappoint! I will absolutely be reading the rest of the series.
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Julia has done the unthinkable. Plagued by voices and people only she can see, she betrays her ka-tet. Her family. Her friends. She left them and joined the Vampire King Valentino. They think that she’s gone insane. She’s teamed up with the enemy after all. So they shun her and barley speak to her. She fears the voices and ghosts and no one understands. While she tries to repair the friendships that she has torn through Samuel disappears. To find their resistance leader she must seek help from a fellow ka-tet member. The one that hates her the most. The one who moved out to get away from her. Matthew the fire vampire. Their bond used to be so strong. They were so close. But now that bond is all hostility. He will barley even speak to her. When Julia shows up and interrupts Matthew’s new life he’s created to distance himself from Julia it is unexpected, unwelcome, and extremely inhospitable. He won’t let her try to explain. He wants nothing to do with her in any way. Along the way to find their leader enemies start to close in on Matthew and Julia. They realize that something isn’t right and more is going on than what they thought. Something dark is happening. Something sinister. Something that is tampering with true destiny. They must find out who it is and what they want before it can destroy them and their whole ka-tet. Will Matthew finally let Julia speak and let her explain what really happened with Valentino? Will he set her ablaze and not think twice? Will she get through to him or will it be to late? And what about their leader?! Will Samuel be attacked in Rome and never make it out? Such a great set of books!! I wish there was more!! I could totally read a few more to this set easy!! If you haven’t read this set I would recommend you do! It took me a minute to get into the first one as the author was building up the story, but once I was hooked I was hooked!!
Reviewed by @jaimie0459
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Seventy years ago Julia was recued from her horrible abusive husband by a vampire named Samuel. He offered her a deal of becoming a vampire and she agreed to become part of the resistance and help overthrow the King Vampire Valentino. She has been gaining her strength and letting her abilities develop but the King shows up to destroy the threat to his thrown. Samuel, Julia and the rest of the ka-tet intend to run before he is to close because they just aren’t ready for a huge battle yet. Julia is to young, her gifts are still in a processing stage, and she just needs more time to become stronger. But their plans fail. They can’t get out in time. Julia has no other choice in the matter but to try and fight him. Her mind is being attacked. She thinks she’s going insane. This danger is unlike anything they have ever faced before. The whole ka-tet’s safety is at the stake. Can she find a way to get passed the voices in her head and stop Valentino? Will she ever stop doubting herself and everyone else? Will she be strong enough for the fight ahead? Will Valentino destroy everything that she clings on to? Her only family. Her only source of strength. Man do you have to read this set! It is getting better and better with every book!! I can’t wait to read part three!!
Reviewed by @jaimie0459
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the third in the series. While I like the series, something about Julie is making each installment a little harder for me. The author is a great storyteller and I like her take on the vampire genre. I do look forward to seeing what is next. I am definitely invested in the plot and seeing where it is leading to!
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Julia is in 16th century London. She is the daughter of a wealthy family. She has grown up with servants and has wanted for nothing. When she starts to fall in love with Adam, a servant’s son her father and older brother shatter her heart. They arrange a marriage and force her into it. Her husband is cruel. He’s not kind in any way. He’s a monster with no mercy. Julia tries to keep the people she cares about safe from his wrath, but it’s becomes harder and harder throughout their 3 years of marriage. Her husband finally does the unthinkable. He lands a blow to Julia that devastates her and she can’t see a way out. When a stranger shows up and offers her a way out she takes it. With nothing else to live for she agrees to a deal that will change her life and destiny forever. Said agreement will grant her freedom, but there is ALWAYS a catch! Accepting this deal will put her into a vampire resistance against a strong vampire king who refuses to step down and he’ll destroy anyone who is against him. Will Julia accept? Will she choose freedom and another enemy just to be rid of her husband? What will her husband think and do? Will Julia end up dead no matter the path she chooses? And will her love ever forgive her for all she has kept from him? What an interesting book! It took me a little to get into because the author was building the story and slowly sucking me in, but man oh man was it good! I can’t wait to read the others in the set! If you haven’t given this one a chance do it!! Read half of it at least! If you aren’t sucked in by then I would be really really really really surprised! Give it a chance! You won’t regret it!
Reviewed by @jaimie0459
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
Like the rest of this series, this book is great. The story plot is easy enough to follow. The characters are well built. Sad to see it finished.
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
Like the rest of this series, this book is great. The story plot is easy enough to follow. The characters are well built. Sad to see it finished.
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book jumps right into Juliana’s past and grabs your attention right away! There are some very intense scenes that may be hard for some to read. This story was amazing though. Julia grows a lot but still is very naive. This book is setting the back story for Julia. It was so hard to read about her past and what all she went through. She’s not out of the woods yet and has a lot still to learn about her new life. I’m about to start the second book because I have to know what happens! This was definitely a great start to the series!
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was amazing. I did not read the first two books but I really enjoyed this one. The author made it unique and captivating. The way the story twists and turns keeps you on your feet. The characters were well developed and entertaining. The author truly tells an amazing story. I felt like I was inside the book while reading it.
Between Darkness & Light by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3) by Theresa Van Spankeren
This is another great read by the author. You will need to read the first two books before reading this. Between Darkness & Light is the third book in the War of Destiny Series. It follows Julia and Samuel on the journeys they face.
Julia now has to get everyone’s trust and they’re missing a part of the Ka-tet. Matthew has left because he can’t stand to be around her. Can she get his help to earn the trust back from the others? The quote I chose for Julia is: “He does it so he doesn’t kill innocent mortals. Lane doesn’t know how to feed properly from humans. So he’s found a way to get around it.”
Samuel has driven Julia away and Matthew has gone with her. Can he fix the tension between them and get the team back together? When he finally opens up to Julia he tells her he’s lost The trust of the others. The quote I chose for Samuel is: “The bond is two-way. Lane felt something for you, Julia, even if it was simply surprise and gratitude. It’s been so long since he felt anything positive about anyone, I’m sure. And because of that he doesn’t know what to think of you. He knows you’re different, that you won’t try to hurt him, but he’s too guarded to let himself get close. Friendship or even a teacher-pupil relationship takes a certain amount of trust, and you simply don’t have it.”
Highly recommended for Vampire Paranormal lovers.
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Very impressed with the second installment in this vampire series. It’s now 70 years later, yet danger still looms. Loving the pace of this book. It was a little quicker, but it really didn’t lack anywhere, and easily keeps the reader engaged. This author brings her characters to life, and you can tell she is very passionate about her writings. I would strongly suggest reading these in order, as they aren’t really standalone novels. I can’t wait to see how Julia develops with time in the next installment.
Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This second installment in the War of Destiny series is just as great as the first. While many years have passed between the books, the time is nothing for the vampires in Julia’s ka-tet. Julia is considered a young vampire, as it’s been less than a century since she had been changed. For me, this book was a lot more emotional than the first book. I felt like, even though Julia had gone through a lot in her human life, she experiences more heartache and challenges in Pursuit into Darkness. The reader learns more about the Resistance leader, Samuel, who turned Julia. Things start to hear up between the Resistance and the evil vampire, Valentino. This book reads just as fast as the first book and I cannot wait to get started on the next book in the series!
Lost Soul by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It took me a while to get into this book, not due to the book itself but because of life events. But, once I was able to focus more on the book, it took me less than 2 days! What a great read! The characters are so well-developed and believable! The author did a great job describing the relationship between the members of the ka-tet. Julia’s strength through so many terrible circumstances is truly exceptional. Not only is this kind of a period piece (as it’s set in the 1500s), but it’s a journey of Julia’s transformation into a vampire and her discovery of the world in this new light. I devoured the description of the world in 1500s England as well as the world of the vampires. Definitely a must read for anyone who loves tales involving the creatures of the night! I can’t wait to read the rest in this War of Destiny series.
