Shadow of Lilith (The Devana Collective Chronicles)
If you're looking for a cozy adventure that raises the stakes (and then smashes them into a vampire's heart), look no further than this first book in the Devana Collective Chronicles.
I am a vampire fiend. So when I found out a local author was publishing her first book about vampire hunters? I wanted in!
And I’m pleased to say, “Shadow of Lilith” delivers on nearly all fronts. Creepy vampires that don’t sparkle in the sun? Check. Strong female lead character? Check. Witty dialogue that doesn’t come off as cheesy or cliche? Check.
Heck, there’s even a cat. Honestly, Honey Bun was my favorite character. No shade to Piper, Adam, and the rest of the crew, but how can you beat Bun-Bun? Chocolate Babka was a close second, though.
But beyond cute cats, this book has a setup that’ll instantly woo any fans of dark fantasy and romance. Piper is a member of the Devana Collective, a vampire-hunting organization that is dedicated to killing off all of Lilith’s vampire brood. She’s partnered up with Adam, a bubbly and handsome teacher who swings an axe like no one’s business. Together, they stalk the night searching for vamps to slay, all while trying to figure out why the coven is getting more aggressive in their attacks.
What a setup, right?
Throughout the novel, Piper and Adam felt like real, developed characters to me – not just the cardboard, cliched cutouts you often see in an author’s debut work. Their relationship was incredibly strong, which really upped the stakes any time they went into battle. Even the interactions they had with side characters (including the sapphic romance, gotta love it!) felt very natural and authentic. In fact, this whole world felt authentic, like I’d really been dropped into this small New York town in the middle of a vampire lair. All the cozy touches, from Piper’s bakery to the cats, kept the plot and story grounded in between the more gruesome action scenes and made everything come to life. I especially loved the Polish/Slavic references throughout – they helped everything feel so fleshed out.
If there was one weak part of “Shadow of Lilith,” I’d say it’s in the first half of the book, where Piper and Adam’s hunting becomes a bit repetitive. The hunting scenes were filled with action and kept me flipping the page to see what happened next. However, every night they go out and have basically the same experience, and I thought these multiple hunts could have been condensed a bit. That said, I get it – the repetition is really meant to convey the overwhelming nature of this lifestyle and how hard it is to juggle their jobs and personal lives with their side gig taking down big bads. It’s a lot, and I think how these mental struggles are conveyed is a refreshing take!
Often, we don’t get to see the emotional aftermath of what happens after the hero makes it through a battle. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows – far from it. There’s pain and regret, all wrapped up in a package of stress and anxiety, and seeing Piper struggle makes her all the more relatable. She’s far from perfect, but she cares deeply about the people in her life and will stop at nothing to protect them – even if the cost is her sanity (or life).
The ending, though. Come on! I really hope we have a sequel coming, because I don’t see how you can end on a cliffhanger like that. I need to know what happens next!
Overall, “Shadow of Lilith” is a stunning debut novel that transports us deep into the world of vampire lore. The characters feel real, the vampires make you want to take cover, and the vibes are the perfect blend of dark cozy. If you’re looking for an adventure that raises the stakes (and then smashes them into a vampire’s heart), look no further than this first book in the Devana Collective Chronicles.
