Book Review: Death’s Servant (A VV Inn Novella) by C.J. Ellisson

Death's Servant
(A prequel V.V. Inn Novel)
By C.J. Ellisson

Synopsis: 
Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his alpha one too many times. After another argument he leaves the Manitoba pack, his only home since the werewolf attack that changed his life. He returns to his home state of Virginia to start a new life free of pack politics. Jon finds work and meets a young waitress, Raine, who appears to be a lone werewolf, too.

As their relationship progresses, Jon's embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He's running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf's problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine--even if his efforts may lead him straight to death.

Journey along in this first prequel novel involving the favorite characters from the bestselling V V Inn series. Written at reader demand, this stand-alone story explains how the beloved Jonathan came to serve the deadly redheaded vampire, Dria.

Available for purchase at 

Amazon US, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Barnes & Noble

Viviana's Review: 

This was my first introduction to the VV Inn series though I have them on my TBR List (and sitting on my book shelf), but I have read C.J.'s other book "Vanilla on Top" (review here). 

"Death's Servant" is a prequel to the VV Inn series, so it’s definitely a good place to start if you haven’t yet read the series. C.J. Ellisson wrote this prequel at the request of her fans and she does not disappoint. I love it when authors are involved with their fans and truly take to heart what fans like/love. 

“Death’s Servant” begins with action right off the back. We meet Jon as he's suppressing his urge to fight the Alpha in his current pack and encounters yet another moment where he needs to keep his cool head. Not going to spoil things for you.  Jon is different from his pack and knows it. What I enjoyed is that though he’s different, he doesn’t wallow in the “Oh, I’m a monster. I hate being a werewolf. No one will ever….” Well, you guys get the idea. His difference is that his thinking more “current times” and wants to bridge that communication gap between packs. Not surprising considering he’s 21 yrs old and this is the type of thinking we have now a days. Unfortunately, no one else seems to agree with his idea (well, at least none vocalize otherwise) and the pack master isn’t having it. This wouldn’t be much of an issue if Jon was a regular wolf, but he’s not. He’s an alpha and the alpha is beginning to emerge. 

The synopsis tells you what happens next and you’ll have to read to find out how it all plays out. Yeah, yeah, I know, I’m ‘evil’. I’m not, truly. And here’s why –  I’m going to share with you what the synopsis doesn’t tell you. 

Many have reviewed that they loved it from the first page. Honestly, I didn’t “Love” it from the first page (keep reading). I had a little bit of difficulties with it because it’s in first person and Jon seemed a bit whiny at first. Here is where C.J.’s talents lie: I fell in love with it. As I turned the page and got to know the characters, I fell for them. The interaction between them both verbal and non-verbal provides the reader with insight to the characters making you fall for them. It can’t be helped! Sorry, I’m warning you. You’re going to fall and fall hard! C.J. brings her characters to life, well, you actually wished they existed for real. I mean, Dria is a literally a killer who gets the job done. But in getting to know her, you’ll be like “Hey, I can so see us being bffs!”. That’s how C.J. draws you in and now you’re hooked. 

I actually met C.J. earlier this year at the Olde City, New Blood convention held at St. Augustine, Florida. Extremely friendly, open and honest. She immediately made me feel like an old friend and took me into her fold. This translate into her stories. I saw it in Dria because I know it’s part of who C.J. is. Can't wait to read the series! 

Rating: 3.5 - I Really Liked It

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