Synopsis

Betrayed by his father and hunted by his nemesis. Can Jerome’s new found paranormal abilities save his family in the coming conflict?

Jerome Rossini is offered salvation by his Donati family and takes his first steps in learning about his heritage and the paranormal gifts bestowed upon the Donati. When his sister disappears, the Striga are to blame. He realises the lengths his treacherous father will go to secure power, when he allies with Jerome’s enemies.

Forced to confront his nemesis, and stop the Striga from expanding, Jerome and his family seek help from a Vampire Elder. They hope his coven can help them in the coming conflict.

If they fail, not only will the Striga unleash a bloodbath, but they will destroy Donati and humanity alike.

KATHERINE BLACK REVIEW

This is my first book by Carol-Kerry Green, and I intend to read the whole series. I loved every word and was pulled in by the bootstraps from the beginning.

We open with a brutal father handing his young son, Jerome, over to heinous thugs who beat him to the edge of life. He’s rescued by a couple of people, including a lady he never forgets—but can’t quite remember… and so begins his path to discovery.

I loved the descriptions of the villa—mansion—belonging to the couple who later rescued him from the streets where he contemplated suicide. They give him a reason to live and answer a few questions—and hold a whole lot more back. The pacing of this book is perfect. The description takes us all over Europe and as far afield as Australia. And there’s the discoveries—and Jerome’s education.

We deep dive into loyalty, power, suffering and the paranormal. Everything is shrouded in a story of familial conflict and supernatural intrigue. The well-developed characters are excellent and we form sides very quickly as the author dictates our loyalties as she sees fit. Jerome Rossini, lurches from betrayal to empowerment and anchors the multi-POV narrative. The personal story evolves into the bigger picture with a larger, apocalyptic conflict. Jerome finds that trust is fragile and enemies lurk in unexpected places where the bonds of family are tested.

The world-building is fantastic. From the mysterious Striga to the alliances with others, the narrative is rich in mythology that feels fresh but meticulously researched. The drama is underscored with a tension that keeps the reader hooked. This book is perfect for fans of supernatural thrillers and family sagas. This covers both. A Fantastic read and I look forward to Book 2.

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About Carol-Kerry Green

I love to write and I love to read. I grew up reading science fiction and fantasy and still love a good fantasy novel to this day. I grew up reading science fiction and fantasy, and my own writing has always explored the question of ‘what if’.

My work recently has been in the paranormal and urban fantasy genres with my latest book moving into the paranormal romance genre, whychoose or reverse harem

I live in the East Riding Yorkshire in the UK with my husband, a fellow author, and our four cats, who rule the house!

An Enjoyable Supernatural Romp

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 January 2025

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Jerome is down on his luck. His mum died at an early age and his dad disowned him for some unknown reason. Then after joining the army he was injured and is now living on the streets. About to end it all two vaguely familiar strangers stop him and take him to their mansion. As he recuperates he learns he is part of a family of immortals with special powers called the Donati. His whole world changes as he learns there are other supernatural beings such as Vampires and Striga. As he comes to terms with his new situation and learns about his own abilities there is a war brewing and his dad is involved and involved with the Striga. The Donati and the Vampires must join forces to eradicate the threat but there may be traitors in their midst. This is a very enjoyable and engaging supernatural story. I appreciated the unique take on vampire lore and I look forward to reading more from this author.

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K McKay

A highly engaging and entertaining story.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 December 2023

Of Blood and Shadows is the first book in the Donati Chronicles and introduces the reader to the main protagonist of Jerome Rossini, whose father betrays him and has him beaten to the brink of death. Jerome is rescued by his Donati family and taken to a hospital but he disappears before any explanations can be offered and ends up living a miserable life on the streets, tormented by his abusive past. The Donati family don’t give up their search and offer salvation to Jerome who is on the cusp of ending it all. Finally he learns more about his heritage and his paranormal gifts that have laid dormant all these years and hope returns.

As he comes to terms with all that has transpired and begins to heal, his past comes back to haunt him, when his sister is kidnapped and is set to suffer the same fate that Jerome barely escaped from. His father aligned to the Striga, a vampire race who want to destroy the Donati and the human race, is not finished with Jerome and so relishes in tearing open old wounds for the child that got away, the child that betrayed him.

Of Blood and Shadows is a great start to what has the promise of a fantastic paranormal series and I am really looking forward to reading the next book. The characters are all credible and likeable, and the plot moves at a good pace between past and present events ensuring the reader invests in the story and forms an emotional connect to Jerome’s character. There is plenty of drama and conflict along the way, with some lighter moments as Jerome gets to know his family, and clears up past misunderstandings that bring them closer together. The story is well written, with no significant editorial issues to distract from the enjoyment of this highly engaging and entertaining story.

I thoroughly enjoyed and award 5 stars.

The Book Dragon

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Sue

A great paranormal novel.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 May 2021

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For the first novel this is amazing! The story of the various groups of normal and paranormals is integrate and compelling. Action, love, danger and family are all entwinned. Looking forward to the sequel.

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