In a changed world, Cassie Murphy has learned to adapt and use her pain to become the most skilled killer the supernatural world has seen. Trained by the ruthless keeper of the city of Cork, Luka, she struggles against the very thing she has become and the vampire she has lost her heart to. But destiny has other plans for her and when her past catches up with her, Cassie will learn secrets that could tear her world to shreds and pull her and Luka further apart. Cassie will find out that there is most certainly Another way to Bleed.
Susan Harris is a writer from Cork in Ireland. An avid reader, she quickly grew to love books in the supernatural/fantasy genre. When she is not writing or reading, she loves music, oriental cultures, tattoos, anything Disney and psychology. If she wasn't a writer she would love to be a FBI profiler or a PA for Dave Grohl or Jared Leto.
Let me start strait with the fact that Cassie is a kick ass female character, you will not see her squirm or back out from a fight. You will not see a faceless, musshie, not memorable characters in this book. From front to back the debut novel of Susan Harris is filled with action and strongly built memorable believable heroes!
Another Way to Bleed is an adult novel filled with strong language, violent scenes and it is not your average vampire novel. You will travel along with Cassandra and the lovely Luka, my personal favorite Archie to come to realize that the strong Cassandra has powers no being should be allowed to have, not only for the personal intrusion that reading minds is but as well for the powers that are terrifying to her, turning her into a freak.
I had some issues with her speech though, but that was only in the beginning until I got used to her way of talking. Cassie shows affection to both Luka and Archer (Did I say how yummy Archie is?). Personally I am rooting for Archer!
As the book advances we learn more and more about Cassandra's powers and parents. You will never guess who her father is.
Cassie ventures into fining the demon queen Lilith's son Cole soon after we are introduced to her world and the main characters, and he is not going to go down easily. The author transits smoothly the scenes and the detail is just right - enough to built the moment in your head and still leaves parts to your imagination.
To be honest I felt like someone hit me with a wet mop in the last chapter, not only because the book flows smoothly and it is one of these books that you kind of never realize that they are coming at an end until you are at the last page, but also because it is an original read.
I can honestly can say that I cannot wait to read the second installments in the series.
"Another Way to Bleed" by Susan Harris was recommended to me by a friend. The book is a strong debut novel set in a near fture Ireland and is an entertaining helping from the popular Vampire genre that will be well received for its fast paced action and its colourful characters. We begin with Cassie/ Cassandra being forced to kill her mother, who has been turned into a Vampire. The story then jumps five years ahead to a time when Cassie is trained by Luka, the keeper of city Cork. Luka takes an interest in her due to an ominous prediction about her special powers. There is chemistry between the two but there is also Archie, an angel that is much nicer to her than Luca. Cassie is a half breed and her origins are part of the mystery that remains to be solved in the novel while she sets out to find the son of Demon Queen Lilith and roams Ireland with her two men. Plot development and characterisation were done incredibly well, the tension between the characters and the surprises that await us are well placed and the narrative takes the reader on an fast and exciting journey. There are some minor issues with the editing and some of the swearing in the dialogue did not sit comfortable with me but that should not get too much in the way of enjoying the story.
Although I enjoyed this first book in a new paranormal series from this author, I couldn't help but think I should have read a book before this one. In a futuristic Ireland where humans are outnumbered by Vampires, Shapeshifters, Demons, ghouls etc;..in other words all the nasties. Cassie is an assassin, working for a master Vampire, the delectable Luca. Cassie had her own tragic experience as a teen when her mother was changed into a vampire who in her madness tries to kill Cassie who was then forced to kill her mother. Luca took her in hand and trained her to be the brave and fierce hunter she is meant to be. It is her job to execute or expel the otherworlders who are preying on the innocent humans by night. Cassie is not an ordinary young woman, she is a half breed. Half witch and half demon....but having said that...there is something else in the mix that is Cassandra. In this book we meet the main characters...and Archer (Archie as Cass would say!), a handsome fallen angel who becomes involved in the life and death struggle along with Cassie and Luca, when they're asked to find and bring back the son of a very powerful Queen. Not an easy task by any means, as this demon just happens to also be the son of Lucifer himself!
I really loved this book. I love how the relationship between Cassie and Luka kept me interested throughout. The imagery in this book is striking. Its a real page turner. I hope there will be more books in the series as i really want to see where this journey goes. Read it!
I will start out by saying this... Susan Harris is one of the best first-time authors that I've ever read.. Just... Wow!! I read every genre and I have done reviews for plenty of first-time authors before & this gal is going to be a force to reckon with in the paranormal romance world!
We meet the beautiful, no-nonsense Cassie, who is a half-witch & half-demon and learning how to survive in a world where the supernatural has only recently come out & have taken control. She is the lead assassin for the gorgeous & mysterious Luka, the Keeper Of The City... and she's in love with him, too.. Luka knows something about her past & her powers but doesn't want to tell all... He is too busy fighting his attraction to Cassie, the girl he rescued from hell when her mother was turned into a wicked vamp.. Cassie throws her emotions & anger into her job as assassin & let me tell you, this girl can kick ass! Cassie, along with the sexy fallen angel, Archer and Luka are sent on a mission by the Queen Of The Damned herself, the wicked Lillith, to return her wayward son... However, this mission may very well end up revealing secrets that Cassie is better not knowing.. Including why Luka won't let her get too close to her... The mission sends them into The Forbidden City, amongst lurking demons & horrible supernatural creatures of every kind.. And into Cassie's worst nightmares.. Can Luka & Archer help Cassie pull through the torture? Or will she succumb under the shadow of darkness when the Demon Of Nightmares gets a hold of her?
This book is non-stop action, drama & that edge-of-your-seat sexy romance that we love so much. Ms. Harris's writing just flows throughout each page, her characters are well thought out & realistic and her descriptions of the world is graphic & spot-on.. I honestly cannot wait to read book number two in the Midnight Assassin series! What an amazing & fresh new author & I'm thrilled to have had the chance to read her first work of art! ~ Vicki Rose ~ Platinum Book Reviews
Platinum Book Reviews gives Susan & Another Way To Bleed: 4.5 Platinum Rings!
I believe that this is the first published book by this very promising author and frankly I am amazed its so good. I am a huge fan of the likes of Karen Chance and Kim Harrison and feel that this author is definitely going to be in their league. If you enjoy urban fantasy or paranormal romance of any sort then you should get this book. Briefly the story is about Cassie who as a young teenager killed her mother who had been turned onto a vampire. Just five years after that traumatic event she is a trained assassin who uses her awesome abilities to deadly effect . She works for Luka the vampire keeper in charge of Cork in a world that is full of darkness and fear.Her feelings for him are complicated and the obvious brooding passion is electric! Cassie is very young and at times a little cocky but her encounters with an angel ( Archer) and subsequent dialogue is hilarious ! Sent on a mission to retrieve the son of Lilith she encounters more than just danger ,she has to face the truth about herself! I adored the way this book was set in a futuristic and damaged Ireland as it brought the story to life. So tired of reading about New Orleans or Seattle in paranormal books. The story is first rate and the writing is colourful and engaging. Fantastic heartbreaking scenes towards the end with a truly jaw dropping finale. Yes there are a few editing issues but hopefully they will be sorted out soon . This is a solid 4 and a half from me and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author. I received this free in exchange for an honest review.
There was so much about this story that I loved, the concept, the plot development and the main three characters for a start. The three together (Cassie, Luka and Archer) made for an entertaining mix. They offer humour, a fabulous amount of sexual tension and a range of personal traits that establishes the book as an engaging read.
The author creates an exciting, albeit dark world, in Another Way to Bleed. I have a real soft spot for vamp reads, and what's so fabulous about this one, is that we have a whole array of supes in the book. Supes who do break stereotypes; this really helps to make Another Way to Bleed a fresh urban fantasy.
The main character, Cassie, is a complex character, yet once we pull back her layers, we see her deep-seated desires and values. All of which are relatable in the supernatural world created by Susan Harris. Another Way to Bleed is a fabulous urban fantasy. I loved the wit, the passion and the possibility that this book offers for the rest of the series.
Ok, completely looking beyond the errors because I know the book is being reworked and edited, so with that out of the way, this was a great book! I love Cassie and Luka and can't wait to see if her dream does end up coming true, or if she ends up fulfilling the prophesy with Archer. The story was well written, smooth pace, not drug out with a bunch of unnecessary fillers, and the characters were fantastic. The plot was great, and the background filled in easily. I wasn't left wondering why something was happening, because enough background was given. I wasn't left wondering why Cassie was with Luka, who Helena was, or anything else, because it was all laid out so well. I love the triangle between Cassie, Luka and Archer, and I love the protectiveness they show for her, though I also know she is capable of protecting herself. The adventure was well placed and though I generally like a bit more of a struggle, the way this was played out with Cole, worked really well.
Susan Harris Another Way To Bleed Midnight Assassin Series #1
I started reading this book not really knowing what to expect, and was happily surprised at how into the story I got. Cassie has had to deal with so much, but has been made stronger because of it and Luka and Archer definitely have a certain appeal. This book has a strong storyline, which intrigues and keeps you reading to see where it's all going to end up. With some great twists and turns, I didn't see the end coming, and I now want to see what is next in store for Cassie, Archer and Luka.
I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ok where do I start I was ask to beta and give an honest review . I loved the storyline ,right from the start I joined Cassie on her journey , she is a girl after my own heart She speaks before her head goes into gear ( lol) gets me in trouble just like her . I felt for Luka and archer a triangle and half ...the three of them are a force to be reckoned with . Good verses evil ..... But who will win ... The underworld , secrets , nightmares . Hope , dreams , a beautiful future can it be so . Susan hit the nail on the head this book will be a great read from young to old pas long as they love reading and have a imagination Anything is possible.
Cassie is unsure of what she is, but she knows how to kick butt. Cassie is in love with Luka, a vampire, who is also her boss. In comes Archer a fallen angel who shakes things up a bit. The three are on a mission to find Lucifers son, Cole. Great story line and characters, however this book has some serious editing issues, which is why it lost a star. Words are missing, ran together, added for no reason or just don't fit the sentence. I believe the author is currently working on those issues. WaAR
I have to say I really liked this book! Cassie is kick ass! Love her! Then there is Luka and Archer who both made my mouth water! I want more!!! After I really got into this book I couldn't have cared less about the typos! 4.5 stars!
I loved this book! I loved how cassie is powerful but still vunerable and i love that she has the brains to go with her attitude. I also loved that she doesnt just give in to luka or archer cause she has a choice
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, An amazing read, with twists and turns, passion, hate, good verses evil, and an all around great plot. Can't wait for the second book in the series!
This is the first book in the Midnight Assassin series and introduces Cassie the half-breed human, Luka the Vampire, Archer the fallen angel and a host of their adversaries. It is set against the backdrop of 'End of Days' Ireland where vampires hold sway over remaining human population and demons stalk the dark and ruined streets of Cork and Dublin. Cassie must come to terms with her emotional feelings for the Vampire and the Angel, whilst uncovering the dark secrets in her own families past and facing up to the apocalyptic future fate has in store for her.
I have to say that at first I was in two minds about this book. When I began reading it, I thought that perhaps it was going to be another Twilight-style supernatural love triangle with a heroine very much under the sway of the love interests in her life. However...this was not the case, afterall, Cassie is not entirely human herself...
The story begins with a very dramatic and bloody scene from Cassie's past, a definite hook drawing the reader in. The first part of the book then sets the scene, introducing Cassie's subsequent training as deadly assassin at the hands of the dark and handsome Vampire Luka. Cassie is in love with Luka but her emotional conflict when the fallen angel Archer enters the picture is well handled and manages to avoid falling into the Twilight girl/vampire/werewolf (or in this case angel) triangle, nevertheless the sexual tensions do add spice to the story.
After some naer do well demons invoke Lilith the Queen of Demons, Lilith triggers the major action in the novel as she strikes a bargain with Luka and Cassie to hunt down her errant son Cole who has fled to the dangerous and demon-riddled city of Dublin.
For me, the first part of the book got me a little confused, there were a number of cut aways to different time periods in Cassie's life and I felt they were not always clearly de-marked. However, once the action began and the narrative took on a more linear form then the story really took off. From half way through the book the action was non-stop and gripping. The sadistic mind game/brainwashing that Cassie endures, along with the Luciferian vision of an alternative future of Demonic power she is offered, proved very compelling.
Philip Larkin might have appreciated this story as one of its themes seems to be 'your mum and dad they f*** you up' : certainly Cassie has issues both with her mother and father as does Cole. And the story is not afraid turning friends into foes which I think is a good thing - it certainly adds to the dramatic tension!
I must add that one of the elements that I loved about this novel was the way Cassie has a psychic sense of smell! Sounds a bit strange, but the descriptions of her sense of Luka as 'lavender and death' and Archer as 'strawberries and sunshine' created a really strong impression in me of the qualities of these characters. A long time ago I read Patrick Suskind's extraordinary novel 'Perfume' - the main character has no natural scent of his own and consequently finds himself shunned by everyone around him until he creates perfumes as camouflage. Scent evokes such powerful and often emotional responses yet is often overlooked in novels - but not in this one.
My major caveat with the novel is that the spelling is very erratic and sometimes the grammar was not quite there. In defence of the spelling I have to add that some words were spelled as spoken which actually made sense, and at times some of the misspellings were actually concise and elegant alternatives to the dictionary's orthodoxy! Nevertheless this might put off some readers and I believe that the author has a new publisher and is taking taking steps to address these issues and I think this will make a big difference.
Overall, after my initial uncertainty I found myself really gripped by this novel, I loved its large Apocalyptic themes and Cassie came across as a kick-ass heroine who was no loved up schmuck but was capable of standing on her own two feet and making difficult decisions. I also liked the twist at the end....which promised more demonic mayhem to come...So, if you love your fiction supernatural, like strong but conflicted heroines, and enjoy a bit of star-crossed romance to boot then you will definitely enjoy this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have always heard of Cork in Ireland and now, although set in the future and looking bleak I would love to visit there. Susan Harris took me to 2015 when Cassie was a teenager faced with her mother who wasn’t quite her mother and had to make a choice to live or die. Then we move on to 2020. Archer is a character that I love the most in this book, he is straight up, and love the fact he calls Cassie Princess, I laugh every time. I feel I connect better with him in the book. He is so caring and really looks after Luka and Cassie and loyalty is a must. What can I say about Luka, he is a warrior and taught Cassie most of what she knows. He keeps things close to his chest apart from his jealous twang toward Cassie. His love for Cassie is a reason you will be turning pages in Susan Harris’s book Another way to Bleed. Cassie, Luka and Archer meet a queen! Cassie is looking for answers and needs to find them but they have to go somewhere dark in a place that can manipulate your minds desires or fears. Cassie comes out with liners such as “Who do you think I am, spider-freakin’-man?” and “Didn’t you all migrate back to heaven or wherever?! Another Way to Bleed is filled with interesting characters. Cassie and Luka being the main characters and then you have Archer a fallen angel. The character I find interesting is Connor he is the vampire in Luka’s night Club and he wants to taste Cassie’s blood. Bruno is the Lycan bouncer of the club and tends to flirt with Cassie much to Luka’s dismay and the Lileth!! I hate her with a vengeance. Some of my favourite quotes are *”So, Archie…. Come on… show me your wings!” *”Helena told me something about you many years ago, before you were born, and I’m intrigued to see how it all works out” *Rumour has it that you taste like heaven… little tiny drops of gold on your tongue” *”It’s very hard to want to hit you, in case I bruise that Calvin Klein face of yours!” I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone. I was so engrossed I couldn’t put it down. 5 Stars A.M.A.Z.I.N.G Please hurry I want book 2 yesterday please!
This was sent to me as a review request. I honestly didn’t know what I was getting into when I started it. When I started I feel like there was a lot going on all at one. Kinda throwing you into the story a little too fast. I would of loved to have been eased in a little more.. But I have to say as you can see from the 4 stars that I loved this book and enjoyed it.
Cassie is a half breed as it is called in the book. She is half demon and half witch. She is known as an assassin that goes out and finds the vamps, demons and whatever else there might be out there that don’t follow the rules set for them. She is good at her job and loves the thrill of it. She has a mouth and quick come backs that had me laughing at her. I love a female with a smart mouth. Her only problem is being in love with the guy that saved her when the world was in war, Luka.
Luka is an old vamp. Old as in been around a long time not he is old and withering. lol. He is actually pretty hot. He saves Cassie when things go to crap and teachers her how to be the best assassin there is. He takes care of her and protects her but wont let himself fold to the urges he has for her.
Then there is Archie. I have to say this one is my favorite. Not only is he hot as sin but a bad boy smart ass to go along with it which makes him even better. I love how Archie banters with Cassie and the friendship they have. Even though I have to say I wanted them to end up together. He becomes sort of a best friend to Cassie. He feels for her and is always there when she needs him. A sweetie deep down.
This book kept me interested. Besides being thrown into everything the author kept things happening so you didn’t get bored. I enjoyed the smart mouth comebacks from both Archie and Cassie and enjoyed how friendships/relationships played out. The author kept me guessing what would happen next. I would recommend to anyone that loves a good paranormal with different creatures. This book had me in a trance and I can’t wait to read book 2 to see how everything plays out.
I received a free copy for an honest reviews Cassie aka Cassandra starts the story in a battle for her life with her mother. She wins but only by killing her mother. Years later, 5 to be precise she is being trained by Luka, a vampire, her boss and the object of her affection. Luka has a dreadfull mother and this woman has more secrets up her sleeve than Cruella DeVille.
The author does an amazing job with character exploration of non protagonists in the story. This speeds up the story to an almost break neck speed and leaves the reader panting not only to learn what happens next but also for a character so intricately portrayed as Archer is.
Lilith, Lukas' mother as I said has a few nasty surprises and secrets up her sleeve and although the book ends with drawing most of the story lines together the last three pages leads the reader towards a brilliant start of book two. A really nice NA paranormal read.
Apart from editing problems which is being taken care off the one thing that did grate a bit is the swearing in the book especially by Cassie. I felt that she was a strong enough character all on her own and that the swearing at times were a bit over the top. But this is only a pet peeve of my own and I am sure that this will not be an issue for most readers. If you like NAparanormal you will love this first book in a series with a twist that will leave you breahtless. WaAr
I read this book in one sitting. It was a quick and super enjoyable read.
It is not often I find a vampire associated book that I like more than some of the series I have read in the past, btu I found this one to really grab my attention. It intrigued me, had me laughing, and still kept a serious enough tone to fit the story. I always enjoy a great storyline with just enough action and suspense thrown in. This book perfected it. The sarcasm some of the characters threw out literally had me laughing out loud.
It was a new look at a theme that has been done quite a few times. Don’t go into the book thinking it will be just another post apocalyptic paranormal book, because it really did take a whole new take on it.
Cassie is definitely a new favorite for strong heroines for me. She had a great back story, and a super entertaining personality. I usually loathe the “I must be rescued constantly” type of girls and she was definitely NOT that type of heroine. Luka <3 I will just let you fall in love with him as I did. If I could just hop into this book I would be quite happy in it.
This book is a great start to the series. We are given just enough background information to keep us wanting, and left with just enough questions that we wont lose interest. It was very well written and an super easy read. I very much look forward to the next installment of the series.
Cassie’s life has never been easy especially since she had to battler her mother and kill her. Cassie now uses this pain to help her become the most skilled killer the paranormal world has ever seen. She has been getting trained by Luka a vampire who she has also fallen in love with. But he has never returned the love. But things are going to get even harder for Cassie as the demon queen Lilith needs her help and in return she will give Cassie the answers she has wanted her whole life. Which is knowing who her father is.
Cassie’s accepts this mission to locate Lilith’s son Cole and bring him to her. Cassie sets out with Luka and Archie on this mission. But Cole isn’t going down without a fight but neither is Cassie.
As the book progresses we learn more about Cassie and the powers she has. Which are very powerful and scary at the same time. And you will never believe who her father is.
Cassie is defiantly my favorite female character this year. She is so kick ass and she will never back down from a fight. Luka and Archie are both swoon worthy heroes and very loyal to Cassie. I love both but I am rooting for Luka as I love him a little bit more. I loved the fight scenes they are described well but the author still leaves some to our own imagination which I enjoyed. I can’t wait to read the next book. 5/5 Bloody Fangs
I am completely blown away by the fact that this was the authors first book it was so well done! Cassie is one bad ass mixed breed who's tongue is almost as sharp as her sword. She is the assassin for the head vampire that rules her sector of the fallen Ireland and it is her job to stop all manor of supernatural and paranormal creatures when they get out of line. I seriously think I have a new favorite book boyfriend because Luka is one yummy ass head vampire. Cat and Bones seriously have a run for their money if the rest of Harris's books are this good because Cassie and Luka are one hell of a pair! My only minor problem was that I felt like we jumped into a story that was already playing out. Either more detail in the beginning of this book or even a book before this one would have helped. BUT that really didn't take away from this fast paced action packed story, it was still easy to follow and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series and in my opinion this one is Absolutely recommended.
Another Way To Bleed by Susan Harris is a paranormal romance that introduces us to a dark future world where humans stay inside and hide from all the monsters that exist. Cassie, is a half-demon/half-witch who is the top assassin for Luka, the vampire leader of the city. Luka & Cassie go on a mission to find the demon son of Lilith and discover a lot about themselves and their destiny. The fact that this is the debut book from Susan Harris is mind-blowing. The book was well-written and very interesting. Susan was able to create and exciting future world and amazing characters. I loved the characters in this book. The chemistry and interactions between Cassie, Luka, and Archer were great. I loved how Cassie was such a kick-ass heroine but also vulnerable. I also loved the sarcasm that Cassie used. I definitely snickered out loud at some of her one-liners. Susan Harris is definitely an author to follow and I will be buying the next book in this series as soon as she releases it.
To be honest, Another Way To Bleed didn’t blow me away. It was an entertaining read for sure, but it lacked depth in many areas. Lackluster descriptions pulled me away from the story quite a few times. For instance: “most took in the scene that for them in full HD…” I mean, really? Other than the descriptions leaving much to be desired, and quite a few punctuation errors, I enjoyed the book.
The dialogue between the main characters was humorous and had me laughing almost every other page, especially our protagonist, Cassie. Her sarcasm is definitely one of the brightest spots in the book. Archer hold his own as well as a supporting/main character(?).
All in all, Another Way To Bleed is a decent read, entertaining to say the least, but honestly, I can’t say I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel. Though, I do think I will read it whenever it comes out, just to see how things unfold after the unexpected revelations in the final chapter of this book.
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review
Wow, what an epic journey we follow Cassie on. With everything from Love, Death, Vengeance and Betrayal. I however have a feeling that within this book we have just started to see the beginning of Cassie's journey. I cannot wait to read the second book and see what the author has in store next for Cassie!!!
Fantastic story about all variety of paranormals, done in an amazingly clever and witty way. I loved the leads, however all the characters held their own. Such an interesting and well written story set in a well thought out and incredibly detailed setting. I really got lost in the world I read. Definitely one of my new favourite authors. Wow! x
3.5 stars I won this book as part of a contest and it turned out to be a very enjoyable read! I loved the premise behind the story and Cassie is one tough girl with a quick witted personality. There was editing errors, but nothing I couldn't look past. It was a fast paced story that kept u on a wild ride beginning to end.
I really enjoyed this book! It was a good fun read! The first chapter took a minute to get through for me but after that it was easy to read and I loved it! The characters were awesome and seriously fun to read! I love Cassie and her smart mouth! Reminds me of myself way too much! Highly recommend!
I really liked this book. Different. This story has Lilith in it and always catches my attention just because there is not very much known about her. Angels, demons, vampires, shapeshifters are all in this book. Worth a read. Looking forward to reading the next books in this series.
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring.)
I did not find any of the characters in this book appealing and had to force myself to continue. I only did so because I liked another of her books.
First time read the author's work?: No -- I actually liked the first book of her Ever Chace series.
Will you be reading more?: Not of this series.
Would you recommend?: Not this book.
------------ How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author) 4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author). 3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series) or 3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them! - 2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.) 1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)