Review
"The first volume in Kastie Pavlik's 'Children of the Morning Star' vampiric fantasy series, "The Arrival" reveals an author with a genuine flair for originality and character driven narrative storytelling. A deftly crafted and unfailingly compelling read from beginning to end, "The Arrival" is unreservedly recommended and certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library Fantasy Fiction collections..." ~ Midwest Book Review
"Kastie Pavlik creates a twist on the vampire lore with this debut novel that adds a new layer to the genre. A classical battle of good and evil is turned on its head by the introduction of a fresh view: what if there was no soul that permitted us to choose between each? What if some beings are created with no capacity of knowing bad from good, pure from evil? But not everything is as plain as it seems. Taking hold of religious dogma and using them to further [strengthen] the plot, Kastie Pavlik brings us a rich and detailed world of vampires created by Lucifer himself in order to aid the war effort between heaven and hell. But when God strikes a deal with the Devil's own creatures, everything changes. The premise is clear, and so well thought, not good nor bad, vampires [simply] are, until the Creator decides to give them a chance of experiencing the range of human emotions.
In the midst of this comes Paresh, a girl with a dark past and a darker future, as everything is kept from her. She doesn't know it, but in her hands lies the future of the entire vampiric race. And because of that, Paresh is sure to be a hunted, haunted woman.
I was very taken by her relationship with Eric, and their love for one another, although instantaneous, was a credible one, there was such sweetness in their dealings, such raw emotion. But what had me glued to the pages, may I say, were two other characters: Lucien and Jonathan. Well constructed and well written, it feels like nothing is given away of these two, but that's not correct. In the underlines there's a world of knowledge to who they are and what they aim for, and I have to say, my heart skipped a couple of beats when I read a certain passage near the end. Now I can't wait to delve more into Jonathan's world, and discover all about him and Lucien...
A great start to a new series!"
~ Ruth Miranda, author of The Preternaturals Series, Blood Trilogy, & Heir of Avalon Trilogy
The author delivers a novel that challenges more conventional ideas about goodness and evil, thus providing a degree of psychological and philosophical dimension to the work. Pavlik's prose is fluid and impactful, evoking an atmosphere steeped in dread and darkness, but lightened by romance. Moments of heightened language call to mind classic works of vampiric literature to an extent that can feel overplayed. Ultimately, however, the author demonstrates a clear proficiency with writing horror fiction. Vampire [novels] are invariably derivative to a degree. While Pavlik's work features familiar elements of paranormal romance and vampire fatigue may weigh it down for readers, it simultaneously demonstrates that there is still some fresh blood to be drawn from the overcrowded genre. Pavlik creates multidimensional characters who aren't solely defined by their circumstances or relative humanity, and whose backstories are convincingly established.
~The BookLife Prize
Reviews from the First Edition, The Arrival (Children of the Morning Star) Paperback - October 26, 2017 (ASIN: 1976109795):
Review breakdown: 4.3 out of 5
20 Global Ratings
20 total ratings, 14 with reviews
5 Stars: 62%
4 Stars: 24%
2 Stars: 14%
5 Stars: Loved it. The characters come to life and make you feel like you are there with them. Can't wait to read the 2nd book. ~ Allan & Kathy, Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2018, Verified Purchase
4 Stars: Vampire fanatic with a vague review. Full disclosure: I grew up reading Anne Rice, so nothing lives up to how I remember those novels.
This was a complex story that I think most people will enjoy reading. I did not particularly like the religious aspects, but it didn't take away from the characters.
I don't want to add spoilers, so I'll say that I'd definitely read the second book. I recommend The Arrival. ~ ANS, Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2021, Verified Purchase
5 Stars: Five blazing stars! Worth every star there is!
A refreshing new take on vampires. Loved the worldbuiling and the characters.
The chemistry between the characters is great, too. The story is well paced with twists and turns that kept me hooked. If you are into paranormal fantasy - especially vampires - and like a bit of romance too, then this book should definitely go onto your to-read-list. ~ Planet_Reading, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 1, 2019, Verified Purchase
5 Stars: Amazing! One of the best books I have ever read! Kastie is one of the best Authors ever! I felt like I was part of the story! The descriptions is so detailed and real that I really felt like I could feel the carpet between my toes, the material of the curtains, etc.. I love this book and the story! Different from other vampire books I have read. More real and realistic! Just wonderful! Could not put it down. Starting on the second one "Confessions of the Second Born". Can't wait to see the 3rd and more books coming out! Kastie you are an amazing Author! Thank you! ~ David Johnson, Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2019
5 Stars: I couldn't put this book down! You need this in your life! I love how Kastie's eloquent writing depicted everything with such detail that I felt like I was there, and I could visualize everything in my mind's eye. The character development blew me away. I really feel like I know them. You can relate to their emotions. And this tale had my racing, then crying, and I don't want to give away too much, but I plan to reread this and I ordered the second novel in the series. I can't get enough of it! All the historical and biblical references. It is all very believable and very entertaining to travel to this world. The suspense might be my favorite part. I just wanted to keep reading. I can't remember the last time I read a book this quickly. It's been well over 10 years. Thank you Kastie for "revamping" my love for reading! Ha, I love puns! ~ Marie, Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2020
Reviews from the First Edition, The Arrival (Children of the Morning Star) Paperback - October 26, 2017 (ASIN: 1976109795):
5 Stars: A delight to the senses for fans of vampire mythology, dark fantasy, and supernatural horror
The Arrival details a young woman's return to a home where everything is at once the same and very different. Both a coming of age story where readers are invited into the story near the moment of transformation and a dark fantasy and supernatural horror with historical elements, The Arrival has something to offer a wide range of readers.
Pavlik's descriptions are scrumptious, a delight to the senses, without being overbearing. She brings to life both the ordinary world of Orison Crossing and the vampires who move through it. Pavlik's historical research also blends seamlessly into the elements of the fantastic and supernatural, each complimenting the other. It is really refreshing to visit a world which is firmly grounded in the reality many of us can comprehend--a "normal" Midwestern town and all that encompasses--and be invited into a new world of vampire mythology where love and faith in the Almighty are pivotal pieces of this delightful page turning puzzle. ~ M.K. Deppner, Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2020
5 Stars: Cool story. Looking forward to more. TBH, it starts out a little confusing but it makes more sense as you go. It was easier for me once I decided to focus on the active characters in the first chapter and just make mental notes of the ones mentioned. It's a minor con in my opinion. I went back to it at a certain point and understood why they were there. The biggest pro in my opinion is the character and world building. They meld together with the story so you don't feel like you're being pulled out for descriptors and then put back in. With other books, I feel like I have to and sometimes do skip a page or two just to keep the flow going. You'd lose something if you skipped a page here. The pacing is decent, but it really picked up after the first few chapters and the farther I got, the harder it was to stop saying just one more page and then I'll sleep. This writer takes a unique approach to vampire lore, too, which is a nice change. I love vampires and would have liked more of them here, but the two main guys, Eric and Jonathan, have palpable tension every time they share a scene and their presences are big. They are powerful men who know exactly what they are and are used to getting their ways. There's so much I want to say about them, but I can't without giving something away. The story is tricky like that. Nothing is what it seems like and you question everything. And that's the thing that gets you! You can't put it down, you can't stop thinking about it, and you want to pick it up again when you're done. You want more. I want more! When is the sequel coming out?! Parents: I'd recommend this book to adults and older teens. The mature themes make it a parental call for anyone younger. I'm not going to share this with my 13 year old, but if I had a 16 or 17 year old, then yeah. This isn't Twilight. It's not even Twilight for grown ups, but since that's well known, it's a decent comparison. I liked it better than Twilght probably because it's meant for adults. There is a sex scene that is tactfully described and the escalating violence is tense, but doesn't have excessive gore. There is mild language and a few spots of cursing. It is LGBT friendly, has historical themes involving the Civil War, and uses an alternative view of Christian-based faiths involving God and the Devil. ~ JaneSays, Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2017
Reviews from the First Edition, The Arrival (Children of the Morning Star) Paperback - October 26, 2017 (ASIN: 1976109795):
5 Stars: A must read!A wonderful read for anyone interested in paranormal romance. Kastie takes you on an adventure with well written characters and fantastic plots that keep you turning the pages. You feel like you're right there alongside the characters as everything unfolds. She's truly a talented author! ~ AJ Kurtz, Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2019
5 Stars: Hard to put down! I read many books in this genre and it's just as good , if not better, as some books by Charlaine Harris and Karen Marie Mining.
One I got a grasp on the characters, I was set. The first chapter made me slightly confused at first, but sorted out quickly. The pace is very good. Unlike some books, I was not skimming pages quickly to get back to " something good". It's all good in this book!
Such a different point of view on vampire history and religious twists. I can't wait for book #2 to be available. -beth m ~ Kindle Customer, Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2018
5 Stars: A Great read. This is a fantastic book! Once you get to know the characters, you are hooked and keep picking the book up to read more. You think you know the basis of a character, the character arch arrives, and then you have to adjust your evaluation of him/her. There were times I forgot who were vampires, so if you are not into vampires, it is still a great story. The religious aspects of the story show through but it was not so "in your face" that it was a distraction for us with differing beliefs. I can't wait for the second book to come out! ~ Tami Erickson, Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2017
5 Stars: READ this BOOK! I do not normally read books about vampires, I could not put this book down. I love the religious line thread through the story, it really makes you think. Cannot wait to read the next book. ~ LindaO, Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2018
5 Stars: More Vampires! The author develops this story even more with each chapter. Its a very good read, even if you don't like vampire. Can't wait for the second book in this series. ~ Carol Cobble, Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2017
5 Stars: Great start to a new series. One of those books that after you've read it, it sticks with you and leaves you wanting more! Great start to a new series! ~ lorib, Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2017
5 Stars: Love it. Great job Kastie. Love it. Great job Kastie. Can't wait for more books to come from you. ~ Amazon Customer, Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2017
Review breakdown: 4.3 out of 5
20 Global Ratings
20 total ratings, 14 with reviews
5 Stars: 62%
4 Stars: 24%
2 Stars: 14%
From the Author
Originally entitled "The Arrival," the REAWAKENED Edition delivers the same story with an improved reader experience. It features the original illustrations and notations, extensive revisions, new content, and new bonus material: a deleted scene and "A Day Dream" character short featuring Paresh, Jonathan, and Alexander!
From the Back Cover
The small Midwestern town of Orison Crossing has a secret: it's 2006 and a Civil War veteran has an office on Main Street. Sure, the townsfolk whisper all kinds of rumors, but when they say, "Bloodsucking lawyer," they mean it literally.
Humans. Vampires. God. Lucifer.
One woman stands between them...and they all want her dead.
Orphaned in an accident ten years ago, Paresh Hawthorne returns to her childhood home and her reality shatters. Her uncle kidnapped her. The man who should have raised her, attorney Eric Ravenscroft, is a vampire. And she may not be as human as she thought.
Already ensnared by the despair of failure, Eric must face the guilt of a widower in love and grapple with the unearthly desires of his predatory beast. Paresh's innocence and ethereal blood are ultimate temptations. But, as a cloaked man haunts Paresh's dreams, another threat appears in Eric's brother, Jonathan, a harbinger who stalks the shadows with cryptic motives.
Mysteries and lies stack on escalating threats and a family history tarnished by murder, but the truest dangers lurk in madness and the unknown. The Vampiric High Council's Arch Elder has staked his interest in Paresh and the grace of God may not be enough to protect her. The fabled prophecy to redeem the Vampiric Nation may be upon them, but will their cold-hearted leader choose salvation . . . or order Jonathan to kill their savior in favor of destruction?
Fiction: Dark Fantasy / Paranormal Suspense
Mature Readers: MLSV
Originally entitled "The Arrival" by Kastie Pavlik, the REAWAKENED Edition features extensive revisions, new content, and new bonus material: a deleted scene and "A Day Dream" character short!
About the Author
KASTIE PAVLIK is a gamer, artist, techie, and hopeless bibliophile who grew up loving all things macabre and creepy crawly, with an affinity for mythology, vampires, the paranormal, and psychology. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008, she has subsequently beaten breast cancer, and manages a rare genetic disorder, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. She spends her days entertaining (annoying?) her feline overlords while adapting to her endlessly changing needs. Surrounded by the starry cornfields of Illinois, she enjoys a quiet life with her husband and their cats. She is the author of the Children of the Morning Star vampire series and the horror novelette How to Make Lemonade. Her writing influences include Edgar Allan Poe, Anne Rice, James Herbert, Alfred Hitchcock, and Hideyuki Kikuchi. She is a member of The Alliance of Independent Authors.
