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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mandy Otthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMandy Ott2022-07-14 22:04:012022-07-17 22:37:13Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Mandy Ott
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Deborah Whitehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDeborah White2022-07-14 22:01:352022-07-17 22:36:47Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Deborah White
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2022-07-14 21:31:082022-07-17 22:34:19Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Julie Johnson
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2022-07-14 21:15:112022-07-17 22:33:23Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Julie Johnson
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2022-07-14 20:59:212022-07-17 22:32:34Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Julie Johnson
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-07-14 18:27:522022-07-17 22:26:08Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2022-07-14 18:23:242022-07-17 22:25:39Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mercedes Joneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMercedes Jones2022-07-14 18:03:392022-07-17 22:23:53Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Mercedes Jones
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-07-14 17:36:382022-07-17 22:22:57Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2022-07-14 17:28:112022-07-17 22:22:25Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2022-07-14 17:07:412022-07-17 22:21:58Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Chrissy Spulak
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2022-07-14 16:50:482022-07-17 22:21:02Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Chrissy Spulak
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!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaimie Salmon-Colburnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaimie Salmon-Colburn2022-07-14 12:08:342022-07-14 14:04:43Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
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!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaimie Salmon-Colburnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaimie Salmon-Colburn2022-07-14 11:47:142022-07-14 14:02:25Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trish Annhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrish Ann2022-07-14 11:28:392022-07-14 14:00:52Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Trish Ann
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaimie Salmon-Colburnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaimie Salmon-Colburn2022-07-14 11:27:582022-07-14 14:00:08Lost Soul Book (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela2022-07-14 11:16:362022-07-14 13:58:45Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Angela Plate, July 2022
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angelahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela2022-07-14 11:11:022022-07-14 13:59:17Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Angela Plate, July 2022
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2022-07-13 19:49:142022-07-14 13:37:23Lost Soul ( War of Destiny Book 1 ) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Carla Clemmons
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jerricka Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJerricka Brown2022-07-13 07:55:012022-07-13 11:10:11Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Jerricka Brown
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.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2022-07-12 11:24:572022-07-13 07:40:07Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny #3) by Theresa Van Spankeren-Review by Amanda Kimble
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brittany Porterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrittany Porter2022-07-11 15:16:212022-07-12 10:17:29Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Brittany Porter
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mandy Otthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMandy Ott2022-07-10 22:40:242022-07-12 10:01:31Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Mandy Ott
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mandy Otthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMandy Ott2022-07-10 22:19:322022-07-12 10:00:39Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Mandy Ott
Book 2 in the series did not disappoint! I definitely recommend reading this series in order as book 2 picks up 70 years later as Julia continues to live and learn her abilities as being part of the Ka-tet. Julia and Samuel decide to flee when a strong vampire being like Valentino shows up and tries to take them all down. When plans do not go the way they should, all Julia can do is fight back ….but will Samuel and Julia be able to match up against the powerful Valentino?
Gripping and at the edge of my seat!! Twists, turns and power…..sum up to one great story!! Cannot wait until Book 3!! This series continues to be fantastic!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2022-07-10 21:22:372022-07-12 10:38:14Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
Between Darkness and Light War of Destiny: Book 3 By: Theresa Van Spankeren Review by: Susan Ratchford 4 Stars
After completely betraying the ones she loves to the Vampire King Valentino, Julia is ostracized and thought insane from apparitions only she could experience. While she tries hard to fix her broken relationships, a sudden disappearance forces her to seek help from a once close friend, and ka-tet member Matthew. His hostility towards her is apparent but the danger they are facing will force them to put their differences aside to figure out what is happening to Destiny Itself. I loved this installment! This series just gets better and better and is able to build on itself so much! It was so emotional there were parts that had me in tears! A very realistic show of depression and what one needs to get through it. Julia is by far my favorite character and her struggles feel so real to me and so relatable. Spankeren did such a good job developing her characters and her world. I cannot say enough about this series! It’s unique, gripping, emotional and creates a world you just get sucked into. I highly recommend it! I know I will be reading the next book ASAP!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Susan Ratchfordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSusan Ratchford2022-07-10 20:58:292022-07-12 09:54:37Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Susan Ratchford
Totally surprised by this book and in such a good way! This story is what happens after you say “yes” to a life altering decision? Julia is the daughter of a wealthy family and falls in love with Adam. The family is not happy with Julia’s love for Adam and force Julia into a arranged marriage with a cruel man who is abusive. When the ultimate offer is presented to Julia to grant her freedom…what is the ultimate cost? Joining the Vampire Resistance……
This story definitely gives me all the feels of drama, intrigue, twists and my heart truly ached for Julia and what she endured. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2022-07-10 20:48:122022-07-12 07:51:20Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This is the latest book released in the series, and it starts with Julia fighting the demons from the last book as she navigates life in Italy. Like in the first book, I do wish there had been a content warning for self harm and other heavy topics. Some of the language used when describing Julia’s self harm that can be heavily triggering for people who have struggled with SH in the past, and who still do. It doesn’t help that one of the characters that finds out about Julia’s mental health struggles also calls her insane while cleaning out her wounds, which honestly left a bad taste in my mouth. There was also some suicidal ideation in the beginning. However, it is fun to see the development of the writing style throughout the series, and the character development is done well, and the book has a sweet ending.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucy Machardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucy Machard2022-07-10 19:53:542022-07-12 07:40:11Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Lucy Machard
This is the second book in the series, and takes place over half a century after the last. The book seems to be written in partial modern vernacular, and then switches to “Ye Olde” vernacular, almost inconsistently which leads to some strange phrases that I WILL be using in my everyday life. The author does leave the book on a good cliffhanger, which means I will be reading the next book to find out what happens to Julia next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucy Machardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucy Machard2022-07-10 19:47:482022-07-12 07:39:06Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Lucy Machard
(SPOILERS) (CONTENT WARNING- DOMESTIC ABUSE AND CHILD DEATH)
This is the first by this author I’ve read. The synopsis looked promising, especially since I’m a sucker for vampire novels. However, I was a tad bit disappointed. The first 25% of this book (I read mainly on Kindle) is mostly the story of how the main character is domestically abused by her husband. As a survivor of abuse, I wasn’t expecting it to be that intense, or have such a strong focus so early in the book. There is also the violent death of a child. If there was a content warning, I didn’t see it, so if you’re reading reviews before reading the book, this is the content warning. To me, the writing felt way like there was too much dialog- and the descriptive sentences around for the setting and plot seemed dry and rushed. While that might be great for some people, it wasn’t for me. It is a quick read though, I finished this in the few hours of downtime I had before work. However, I did like that the MC got her vengeance at the end, and started to heal from the crap that happened to her in the beginning. There’s also a bit of a love triangle, with a bit of slow burn romance at the end. I am looking forward to the second book, and I’m ready to see how the main character’s story develops throughout the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucy Machardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucy Machard2022-07-10 19:40:282022-07-12 07:38:35Lost Soul (War of Destiny Book 1) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Lucy Machard
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