Shadowheart-Slayer

Shadow Vampires, Book 2

By: Claudy Conn

Narrated by: Valerie Gilbert

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Her name is Nikki Walker, and she is a vampire slayer. She never thought she would have to use her slayer powers…but she does.

She is on the trail of an ancient and secretive vampire called Deadly Moon, and Nikki wants to destroy her. She has her reasons.

His name is Damon Drummond who some of you have met before, and already know that he is a hunk of an unusual vampire. He is bent on keeping Nikki away from Deadly Moon.

The sociopath vampire, WB, who had been Pentim Rawley’s right hand man has taken over the Pentim clan, and is turning out to be even more of a problem than his predecessor had been. In fact, if someone doesn’t do something soon…Dublin will go dark under his power, and other cities will follow.

Damon and Nikki are on opposite sides. He is a potent vampire - she is a skilled and powerful vampire slayer. Problem right there…but, when they look at each other, sparks of all kinds fly. Too much stands between them. He will live forever…she will not…and yet…

©2012 Claudy Conn (P)2014 Claudy Conn

Heart pounding action! Heart stopping passion!

Nikki Walker is a Vampire Slayer by trade and by birth and Damon Drummond is a wrinkle in her life she can't seem to work out. From New York to Dublin, the story carries you on a nonstop breakneck ride that you can't help but hold on tight to!

Once again, Claudy Conn delivers on her promise of keeping you glued from start to finish with characters that grab you, shake you, and suck you in!

Great second book in the series

This second book in the series is better than the first, really building on the world that was created. I am enjoying this rich world that the author has created from known myth, giving it her own spin.

We get to know more about yummy Brit Damon in this book. Oh sigh, he is a tall, dark, delicious drink of water! I wish we had a bit more of how he was turned, everything else was great. Things are given as piece mail throughout the book, it really is work pulling the whole story out of him.

Nikki is kick butt and kind of awesome. She does have moments when her heart overtakes her head and she does seriously stupid things. You want to tell her to get her act together, she is a Slayer after all! She should not get caught in the too stupid to live trap. I love her sassy attitude.

Damon and Nikki take turns with the narrative, having both their POV is key to understanding the dynamic. They have a great banter that keeps the relationship light. There are a couple guest POV as well, puts you into the villains motives as well. I like that turn, it makes the whole story more engaging.

There is of course a smexy element to this story, bedroom door is open. For me these were the only scenes that didn't really work. They felt strangely worded. It wasn't so much to put me off reading, but it was a bit odd. But I do read a lot of seriously naughty books, so you may not have the same issues.

There seems to be a theme in this series, loads of training and then a fight scene that is kind of a fizzle. I guess after all that build I expected more of a battle royale.

This book also sees the introduction of several supporting characters. It was great getting their stories and seeing how they all fit into the puzzle. I know Clara is meant to be a bad girl, but I kind of want her to get a HEA, I don't think she is beyond redemption. I am also on the fence about Dracula, he seems to have mellowed or is he really still a big bad, time and the next book will tell.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Valerie Gilbert, who is a delight! So many accents to manage in this book, she really does a great job of juggling them while keeping them consistent and distinct. He pace is spot on, keeping the story moving and adding to the action scenes. I love the smooth even tones to her voice and how beautifully she fits this series.

The first book in the series had some shaky moments for me, but i am really happy I stuck with the series. I can not wait to see what happens next and where this will all lead.

Disclosure - I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

shadow Heart

What made the experience of listening to Shadowheart-Slayer the most enjoyable?

the narrator is excellent for this authors stories she is clear and reads every character in a realistic way.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Shadowheart-Slayer?

when Nikki finds out who really killed her brother

Have you listened to any of Valerie Gilbert’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

she is excellent in all I have listened to

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both I was in tears of laughter and in tears because of the happenings between the 2 main characters ,

Any additional comments?

Claudy Conn has done it again. This book is one of the best vampire books and series I have read, and in audio it is fantastic

Great second book to the series!

I was so hoping this book would be about Damon and was thrilled when it was. Nikki is an awesome female character and as always the narrator was spot on with her voices and emotions portrayed. Cannot wait to read the third book!!!

Will she or wont she?

Where does Shadowheart-Slayer rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I absolutely loved this book in audio

What was one of the most memorable moments of Shadowheart-Slayer?

When Nikki learns who killed her brother

What about Valerie Gilbert’s performance did you like?

She is very clear voiced and easy to follow

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me wanna scream, laugh, cry and throw things lol

Any additional comments?

Loved the book and truly enjoyed the audible version as well. Claudy Conn is a fantastic book author.

Loved it!

Would you consider the audio edition of Shadowheart-Slayer to be better than the print version?

I absolutely loved Shadow Heart Slayer. I love vampires and the supernatural. I'm always skeptical when reading/listening to books with vampires as main character(s). This book delivered on the suspense and love aspects. I don't know why I was skeptical considering I was reading a Claudy Conn book. She never ceases to deliver the best. Listening to her books is becoming more and more enjoyable. I wouldn't say I'd rather listen to them than read, but only because I'm a fast reader. If you haven't picked up a Claudy Conn book yet, please do so. You don't know what you're missing!

Slayer and Vampire.... Is it ment to be??

Where does Shadowheart-Slayer rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the first audiobook that I have listened to so I cannot compare to any other... But the story line to this book was awesome and was not able to stop listening to it...

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that it was paranormal action with a romance twist... IT was so enjoyable that I started the audio and was not able to hit stop until the end... I finished a couple hours ago and I still feel like I have my ear buds in... Nikki is a kick ass vamp slayer that is out for revenge for her brothers murder.. As the journey proceeds to find the murder New Moon Nikki's attention get diverted a little when Damon enters her life.. A very old Vamp... But this vamp was not your ordinary vampire... Will Nikki be able to be all the slayer she is made to be? Will Nikki be able to get her revenge and kill her brother murder?? Where does Damon fall into the story and why doesn't she kill him he is a vampire after all.... Great Story Must read to find out what happens with Nikki and the Damon the Vamp... I highly recommend it....

Which character – as performed by Valerie Gilbert – was your favorite?

It's hard for me to just pick one.. I liked and wanted to know more about each one... You have Charm, Damon, and Deadly Moon that are all vampires, but are not what you would think... Then you have white magic and dark magic wizards and demons... And one of the main characters Nikki the kick-ass Vampire Slayer....

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and was intent on hearing the end...

Any additional comments?

I found the audio books are great for a couple different reasons.. If you enjoy to read but are not a fast reader this would benefit you greatly... What I enjoyed was when it came time to make dinner or do something for the kids I didn't have to stop reading and put a book down.. I was able to continue to listen as I worked and it was such a great book to listen too....

This narrator is really bad

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I would say yes and no. I like the story line and that is why I listened all the way through, but the narrator's bad accents and reading of the book made me want to stop.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Predictable, but I wanted to see how they came to the end

What didn’t you like about Valerie Gilbert’s performance?

HATE IT. Will be looking for her on future books and will read the book versus suffering through her again

Could you see Shadowheart-Slayer being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No to Buffy the vampire slayerish but dumber

Excellent read !!

If you could sum up Shadowheart-Slayer in three words, what would they be?

Exciting, Page-Turner, Must Read !!

What did you like best about this story?

The building of the storyline and the flow of the characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

The part where Nikki and Moon talk about Jack

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Cry

Any additional comments?

This was my first audio book and the narrator was amazing . I am a BIG fan of Claudy Conn and feel everyone should read her books !!

great listen

Damon is awesome, this book is a lot of fun cuz a vampire and vampire Slayer fall in love. how you ask. you'll have to read it. but the chemistry between these two is hot! I loved this book, the writing and narration were fabulous. I would recommend it to anyone who loves paranormal romance.