Willow Cross

Birthright begins with newly turned vampire, Liz, on her way to face the vampire counsel with her accidental maker, and the counsel's number one assassin, Michael. The reader learns of Liz's unfortunate death through the counsel's eyes as they sort through her memories, forcing her to live through her most painful experience again, and only leading to what she thinks is her imminent death.

Once the counsel is confident that Liz and her maker didn't intentionally break vampire law, she is able show more to leave her "cell" and experience a world she had no idea even existed.

Whispers follow Liz through the hallways of the counsel's compound, and quickly she learns that the vampire community is on the verge of war. What she doesn't know, is that she is the catalyst for the salvation of her people, and without her, humanity will be lost.
Birthright was an entertaining, face-paced, and uniquely written paranormal adventure. Willow Cross easily builds a world filled with vampires, druids, witches, and more while developing characterization thoughtfully.

Liz and Michael are the "main" characters in Birthright, however I became very attached to multiple secondary characters. I adored little Jenna, Cass, Gregorio, Athena, and Angie. All of them played an essential role in the story and made it that much more complete.

Ms. Cross has a flow to her writing style that I also particularly enjoyed. Her phrasing was unique and almost lyrical at times. However, I was occasionally confused by the random changes in POV. I felt like there wasn't much consistency. That being said, I enjoyed hearing from multiple characters in the story, I just wish that I was able to connect more with Liz and Michael and be a part of their budding relationship.

I felt that with the switching POV, I occasionally had to remind myself that Liz and Michael are at said point in their relationship because I've been reading from so-and-so's POV and so much time has passed. Having insight and knowing what was going on in the minds of some of the supporting cast was enjoyable, I just wish that their voices were the more dominant throughout.

I am really looking forward to the next installment in this series, Inheritance (Amazon), and see Willow's story progress. Birthright is a well-written, entertaining, and humorous novel, that keeps you guessing until the end. show less

I enjoyed reading Ms. Cross's stories. I felt like I was talking to a close friend who was recounting her experiences. I enjoyed her style of writing and found the stories to be interesting. I will read more of these stories by Cross. A fun quick read.

ISBN/ASIN: B005NC1IQK / 1475095651
Publisher: Self/Indie
Pages: 231
Formats Available: Paperback, E-book

BLURB from Goodreads
When Sarah and Jason Masada received an old house from an aunt they never knew existed, they were grateful for the blessing. Until they discovered the curse that came with being part of the Masada family--a full moon.

Intent on tracing their lineage, they descend into a world of lies, fear, ancient myths, and death. Indian hunters have tracked them to the family compound, show more Jason is wanted for murders he doesn’t remember committing, and their new-found family is on a mission to kill them. It seems their only hope for survival is to combine forces with two unlikely allies and trek across the globe to the place where it all began. Maybe there they can find a way to end it.

MY REVIEW
I was gifted this book on smashwords in exchange for my honest opinion and review of it.
The cover....hmmm to be totally honest I am not sure I would pick this one up in a book store. The blurb would attract me but the cover I didn't find it as attractive and it didn't draw me in like some covers have done. Having said that the cover does represent what Sarah and Jason are very well, they are shifter's.
So Sara and Jason never knew their true heritage, so when Jason begins changing, it is an extremely scary experience. Sarah tries to help him as best as she can. They then find a clue to an address, that apparently they own. they go to investigate and are immediately surrounded by people like them, their pack. they are also soon embroiled in pack politics and rows. There is danger at every turn for them, even in the boyfriend Sarah has met and the girlfriend Jason has met. As the blurb says Jason is wanted for some rather gruesome murders, they happened the nights he "changed" but he has no recollection at all of those nights, so did he really murder anyone? Or perhaps...is he being "set up" by someone who wants to get rid of him and his sister?
I will admit when I started reading this book I was initially slightly disappointed as it doesn't really pick up from the last book Birthright. this book is not about the vampires and witches etc of Birthright. This is the story of the werewolves and how they come to be in place to be part of the supernatural war. So part of this book runs within the same time as the first book (hope that makes sense to you, its the same time line but different people) I quickly overcame my disappointment and really got into the werewolves tale. I really enjoyed this book, Willow Cross is an Amazing writer. The different chapters that tell you what is going on and where with the different character, the descriptions are detailed without being overly so. This book has danger, suspense, mystery, traitors, and a little bit of love too!
So did I enjoy it? Yes, loved it. Would I recommend it? Yes, yes, yes! Will I read more of this series? Yes please, looking forward to the next bk in the series. Will I read more by Willow Cross? Definitely! show less

Can't beleive it has taken me so long to find this great author and her brilliant books!
I do like the cover even though I am a little unsure whether the female on the front is Angie or Liz, either of them would fit the image for me. Would the cover draw me to the book? I think it would yes, I like the colour's on the cover. They entice you to pick up the book.
I became truly hooked into this book and it's plot and sub plots almost straight away. I could hardly wait to read more of it and show more hated having to put it down to do the household chores. I do enjoy how Willow Cross writes in an easy flowing way, as you are asking the questions in your head, she is answering them within the book. I also love her characters, they are well described, and not always "perfect" in that they all have their own little quirks, and mannerisms and traits. I also enjoyed the aspect where vampires can be "good" "kind" and experience a "type of love" Of course as their are evil humans there are also evil vampires too. Monroe is a big bad shifty, untrustworthy vampire, who thinks himself above rules.
There is a break in the council, the two factions are to go to war. Both sides have to regroup and train their armies
This book has it all! vampires, witches, druids, telepathic humans, prophetic dreams, and demons and they all have their place within this book and their own parts to play in the whole scheme of what is to happen. If you love paranormal/fantasy then you should really enjoy this book.
I really do not want to give away any type of spoiler so am reluctant to go into more detail. I just really really want people to read this book and enjoy it as much as I have. I mean yes I read a lot and yes I blog about it and I have read lots of books, but some you feel you want to really rave about and this is one of those!
So did I enjoy the book? Loved it! Would I recommend it? Yes to a wide range of readers. I would compare it to Vaempires by Thomas Winship which I also loved and wait (im) patiently for the next installment of, as I will be waiting for the next installement in The Dark Gifts series by Willow Cross.
Would I read more in this series? I plan to! Would I read more by Willow Cross? Yes please! show less