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The V Games #0.5

A Game of Vampires

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A 20K Prequel Novella to The Vampire Games Series

I'm ready to pull off the biggest con of my life. The only problem? The Lord I serve has just brought me to an island whilst he attends something called the 'V Games'.

I was set to spend a week in this icy place where the sun never rises, staying in a castle owned by a peculiar couple called the Helsings. But everything's changed.
Vampires exist. And this is no game. It's pure hell.
And the worst thing? The love of my life is one of the contestants.

If I don't save her, no one will.

I'm coming for you, Evangeline.

78 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2018

92 people are currently reading
1634 people want to read

About the author

Caroline Peckham

104 books27.4k followers
I'm a #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Zodiac Academy series. I write all things dark romance, from fantasy to contemporary, high school bully to mafia, there's bound to be a book for you!

Me and my sister Susanne Valenti now write books together and we've built the most amazing, fun, crazy reader group on Facebook which we would LOVE you to join. Be the first to get teasers of upcoming books, plus interact with us daily, asks us questions, make friends with other book junkies and find your reader home.

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For all business inquiries please contact us at>>

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www.kingshollow.co.uk

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5 stars
121 (48%)
4 stars
73 (29%)
3 stars
39 (15%)
2 stars
12 (4%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for angela .
785 reviews160 followers
March 2, 2020
Excellent story

This was definitely a unique story. I love Johanas and Evangeline’s characters, what a beautiful beginning to a love story. At least once Johanas and Evangeline make it off that crazy Island. I’m looking forward to where the next book goes.
Profile Image for Caroline Peckham.
Author 104 books27.4k followers
September 1, 2018
Set 100 years before the events of the V Games!
20K Novella COMING SOON!
Profile Image for Angie.
1,355 reviews226 followers
September 13, 2018
I didn't believe in love at first sight. And I guess I didn't love her. But a part of me wanted to. --Jonah

This was an intense, fast-paced, deadly and ultimately romantic little novella. Jonah is a con man who is looking for a final heist to send him into a comfortable retirement when he crosses paths with Evangeline, the daughter of a brothel owner. While it's not necessarily love at first sight, there is definitely an immediate attraction between the two. And as we get to know them better and become more invested in their perilous escape, we get to encounter some familiar (and beloved) characters from V GAMES. It was sort of strange and definitely captivating seeing a harsher and colder side of Varick and a softer and more innocent side to Mercy. Both were welcome faces to behold, and I greatly enjoyed adding more layers to their characters. Overall, a great addition to an amazing series!

"If you wish to keep your blood in your veins, do not address me so impertinently. This is not a place to make enemies. Least of all with me." --Varick, my favorite vampire

My Jonah, an uber sweet and brave street fighter...


*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Nicole.
639 reviews30 followers
September 3, 2018
I received a free copy of this book directly from the author Ms. Peckham. Thank you Caroline, this is my review.

WOW !! This novel packs a lot of punch in its short novella pages. This novel really ties together with the Wolf Games. This is a must read for anyone that has just finished Wolf Games.

I love Caroline's writing. This novel had me at the edge of my seat the entire time. It was wonderful seeing a young Mercy and how she was helpful to Jonah and Evangeline.

I love you fromm the sea to the stars. Honestly, it's beautiful. Caroline is one my most favorite authors. Everything that she writes just keeps getting better and better. This story held my grasp from the Prologue and left me shook and so excited for what more is to come.

Congrats Caroline on all the success. You deserve it <3
Profile Image for Linds.
310 reviews51 followers
March 4, 2019
I didn't love this, but I'm glad I read it. I've since read the first book in the series, and this prequel gave a lot of insight and clarity into what is going on in book 1. It's short, so it was a quick read. I recommend it if you plan on reading the series (and I can say I LOVED book 1 - V Games - it has a very different vibe than I expected from this prequel).
Profile Image for Shirley.
973 reviews231 followers
September 11, 2018
Original review

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Caroline Peckham!

A Game of Vampires
 is a prequel novella in The Vampire Games series and tells the story of Jonah and Evangeline. For Jonah and Evangeline, it was love at first sight but Evangeline is taken by the Helsings to compete in the V Games. When Jonah sees her on the island, he’s determined to save Evangeline, but will he be able to save her?

A Game of Vampires was a really nice prequel novella because you can read a short story set in the world you fell in love with. I really love reading The Vampire Games series so every time Caroline Peckham comes up with a new book set in this world, I cannot wait to read it!

A Game of Vampires was an enjoyable read with new and old characters. I really liked that we got to see a good side of Varick and Mercy, and I also really liked Jonah because he was determined to save Evangeline even though they didn’t know each other for a long time. 

A Game of Vampires was a good prequel novella and I cannot wait to read more books set in this world!
Profile Image for Anastasia シ.
732 reviews249 followers
April 7, 2019
I love the V Game series, so I was super excited for this novella to the series. The Helsings and Varick are in this, along with a young Mercy who has not yet been corrupted by what goes on around her.

A Game of Vampires is a prequel novella in The Vampire Games series and tells the story of Jonah and Evangeline. For Jonah and Evangeline, it was love at first sight but Evangeline is taken by the Helsings to compete in the V Games. When Jonah sees her on the island, he’s determined to save Evangeline.

_________________________
Season 1:
V Games | Review
V Games: Fresh from the Grave | Review
V Games: Dead Before Dawn | Review

Season 2:
Wolf Games | Review
Wolf Games: Island of Shade | Review
Wolf Games: Severed Fate | Review

Season 3:
Hunter Trials | Review
Profile Image for Debbie  Victorino.
447 reviews10 followers
September 7, 2018
Awesome!!

I loved this book. I love this authors series.
V Games and Wolf Games are absolutely amazing books. This book was 200 years before V Games. And after reading it, it helped me understand the characters better. It has so much information on what happened and why they were the way they were in V Games. I absolutely loved this book. This book was very well written, and explained so much. It was just a great book. I can say, I would read any book this author writes. She is so talented and this book is awesome. I recommend this author and her books. You will love them too!!!
Profile Image for Olivia Marie Clark.
324 reviews10 followers
October 22, 2020
This was a cute little story.

It was cool to see Varick back in the day and get a glimpse of some of the earlier games. I wish this story had been a bit longer though with a bit more detail.
Profile Image for Ms. Cyn.
1,544 reviews
September 24, 2018
Quick adventure

I was so worried of this having a sad ending but it turned out very well. I am happy to now know Jonah and Evangeline's story. Very exciting and a wonderful love story. I like that Varick was a good guy even then. Even though it was quick, it was a great adventure.
Profile Image for Nisareen.
458 reviews14 followers
March 17, 2019
Irrepressible con man Jonah Madigan, part time street fighter and part time servant to the brutish Lord Belmont, longs for the day when he’ll be able to pull off his final heist and retire to marry his beloved Evangeline, the daughter of a brothel owner.

Jonah finds himself out of his depth when he accompanies Lord Belmont to a mysterious island. Owned by the sadistic Van Helsings, the island is home to the brutal V Games which pits enslaved vampires against women, who are being forced to participate in a life and death scenario. Jonah is horrified by the discovery that Evangeline is one of those women and sets out to rescue her. With the odds stacked against them, will their love prevail?

A Game of Vampires is a prequel novella, which is set 100 years before The Vampire Games. The book was tense, fast paced with lots of action, twists and suspense which made it a truly engaging read. I read it in one sitting.

Both protagonists were appealing and one can’t help desperately rooting for them to succeed. Varick, was a welcome addition for fans of the sequel V Games. Considering the time frame, even then, we see hints of his humanity despite his situation.

The author has a truly unique writing style which draws the reader in from the very first page. Her knack for characterisation ensures that the reader becomes invested in the characters from the get go. She’s been one of my favourite discoveries of 2018. I can’t wait to read her future works.
Profile Image for meghann.
1,056 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2018
I'm such a fan of the V Game books, so I was super excited when I found out about this prequel novella to the series. Varick and the Helsings are in this, along with a young Mercy who has not yet been corrupted by what goes on around her. There may be hope for her yet.

Oh, how I rooted for Jonah and Evangeline. But this is the world of the V Games, so not everyone makes it out alive... I could not put this one down until I finished it--it was so good! I can't wait for what comes next in the V Games world.

***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,384 reviews2 followers
September 16, 2018
A Game of Vampires (The Vampire Games Book 0)

Caroline Peckham is one new up and come in best authors, I have read in a long while, and I do read, many books, and proofread for many authors...
She is one author you do NOT want to pass up on ESPECIALLY IF YOU LOVE 💕 the PaRaNoRmAl !!!!!

There are no words, this books is the beginning of the Vampire Games, it set the tone for everything, I saw Mercy when she was so young and innocent, and the way she was treated, by her family, well her mom, you just have to read it to understand.... we see two sides to Verick in this book both an evil side and a semi compassionate side.... I think 🤔 he wishes he could get away from the Hesling’s but knows that he cannot.... this book is filled with so much, it keeps you in suspense from the first page until the last page...



“ I received an advanced copy of this book and VOLUNTARILY decided to review it”

I just purchased the book today, so I can reread it, and so I can have the whole set, I love reading it on my kindle..

This is my honest opinion and I hope you will enjoy and love this book as much as I have...

I definitely would recommend you pick up this book , This is the 1st book for the series!!!! You will love them ❤️!!!!
Profile Image for Gypsy Madden.
Author 2 books30 followers
June 13, 2020
I loved that this was set in the Victorian period, and it has all the details, adding colorful touches to the book. I would love to see the rest of the series continue in this time period. BTW, this is a short novella. It has good tension and plenty of vampire fighting action, and a sweet romance as Jonah tries to save his innocent love Evangeline. It also has the bigotry and backwardness of the century, seeing women as commodities rather than people, and the upper class looking down on the lower class, etc. There is nothing special about the vampires in this story. It didn’t try to reinvent the vampires in any way and kept them the traditional evil blood-hungry creatures, which gave them little depth and turned them into merely obstacles to be dispatched with little fuss. It’s predictable, and I never really warmed to Evangeline (it felt like she lacked personality detail) or Jonah (sorry, not a fan of people into prize fighting or conmen). And I’m not a fan of reality TV shows, especially Survivor. But it is a fun little adventure against vampires with really nice setting/time period detail.
19 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2018
Jonah and Evangeline's story is the beginning of the V Games. I would read them in the order that Caroline Peckham intended to go in.. Once you start reading the V Games you won't want to put them down. Caroline Peckham is an amazing author that paints a picture with her words!!

I would recommend these books for any one who likes love stories, adventure, and paranormal books. She sucks you in from page one to the very end.
Profile Image for Ashlee Olson.
352 reviews9 followers
September 17, 2018
I am a huge fan of both the V Games and the Wolf Games so when I heard about this book I was so excited to read it. I love the idea of it being a prequel. Helps kind of get an understanding of how the games came to be. I was also excited to have new characters in it as well as Varick, who I absolutely love! Absolutely couldn’t put it down. Definitely recommend to anyone who loves the V Games. Caroline Peckham has totally done it again! Please please read! You won’t regret it.
Profile Image for Chubby Romance Reader .
437 reviews180 followers
September 19, 2018
A Game of Vampires is my first read by Caroline Peckham and I have to say I was not disappointed. AGOV is the prequel to the Vampire Games and is set about 100 years before the Vampire Games and kept me interested from start to finish. It’s a wonderful mix of paranormal and romance that will definitely have many readers enjoying the story. Reading this little insight has me wanting to read the entire series just to read more about the vampire games!
Profile Image for Raquel.
13 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2018
I received a ARC from the author.
This book is such a sweet story of true love. It's an amazing story set 100 before the V Games. Again another WOW book by Caroline Peckham. It gives you a glimpse of how Mercy was a a child (not all hope is lost), and how abhorrent her parents have always been. Totally worth the read. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for M.P..
Author 34 books219 followers
September 9, 2018
The story of Jonah and Evangeline is both beautiful and tragic (I'm not giving away the ending, you'll just have to read it). The lengths he goes to in order to save his love from the V Games is heartbreaking. I love that he realizes she's stronger than he ever thought possible. My favorite part of this book is seeing Varick the way he was before he met Selena.
Profile Image for E.J. Bennett.
Author 35 books68 followers
September 24, 2018
A great read!

Eve and johna are both well developed charaters, with good thought out back stories. The book had be gripped from start to finish. A mix between hunger games and vampire diaries. Love, fear and bravery.
I definetly recommend this read!!
Look forawatd to reading more by this author!!
368 reviews3 followers
November 21, 2018
This is a new author I found,
I love vampire books, and what a great book
This was. Could not put it down read in a day .
Was exciting from the first chapter, you was on the edge of your chair wondering what was going to happen,
You became part of the book. I really enjoyed it.
Not spoiling you have to read for yourself and I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Profile Image for Somia.
2,065 reviews170 followers
April 7, 2019
This was an ok read, but this short novella didn’t ensnare my attention like the books that proceed it did, that being said I did like getting a glimpse of Mercy in this, it’s again helped shift my perspective of her.

I’m happy to say that the books have a totally different vibe and pace to this novella.

Free on Amazon UK/US 7th April 19.
Profile Image for H. T..
664 reviews
June 24, 2019
The novella didn’t add anything to the V Games story and was not even comparable to the other books. I actually felt like it was a waste of time to read and had such a cheesy happy ending that it just doesn’t fit with the rest of the books which were brutal. I’m glad I didn’t read this book before the first 3 V Games books or I most certainly wouldn’t have read them.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
Author 16 books11 followers
February 18, 2022
Didn’t hold my attention.

As a prequel, for me, this offers no insight into the V Games series. Yes, we’re filled in a little with Evangeline’s backstory, very little else.

Unsure why Mercy Helsing appeared, as she’d not been born yet?

Needs a good edit and research for the era. I’ve sadly found this the case with too many lately. Told not shown. 2.5 ⭐️
346 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2022
A Short Story

There’s just not enough meat (details) to the tale to consider it part of either a series or a saga. Also a very quick read for under an hour. Characters are not fully developed and scene settings are minimal. There’s nothing to establish a time frame. All we know for sure it’s at the cusp of when electricity was used for lighting.
Profile Image for Melonie Hill.
773 reviews12 followers
September 7, 2018
I am a big fan of The Vampire Games so I was excited to read this prequel novella. Varick and The Helsings are in it as well as a very young Mercy. I was rooting so hard for Jonas and Evangeline. The writer has such a unique writing style that keeps you spell bound and up way past bedtime!!!
Profile Image for Michelle VanDaley.
1,677 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2018
WOW! What an exciting and thrilling read. This novella captivated me from start to finish. I immediately went and bought book 1 - V Games. I don't know how I didn't know about this series prior to this novella but am super glad I found it. Looking forward to reading this series
Profile Image for Jocelyn LeDonne.
437 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2018
Good prequel to the Vampire Games series. Short story of a previous games from a Servant's POV. Valrick and Mercy both make an appearance and shows them in a different light. Good quick read.
Profile Image for krystina santos.
12 reviews
September 17, 2018
Couldn’t put it down!

These stories just keep getting better and better! This story literally had my heart racing for most of the most. Such a great story!
Profile Image for Denise Woodruff.
152 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2018
Wow I love this I read 2 of the others it takes a lot for me to want everything a author writes but this is one of those authors now
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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