A Vampire Urban Fantasy (An Ema Marx Novel Book 1)

Today's review is on Dark Heirloom by Jennifer Brown

Dark Heirloom is the first installment in Brown's Ema Marx series. Beginning with a life or death chase, the adventure is off to a great start.

With the overwhelming amount of Vampire Romance books out there today, it is necessary to have something a little different to make your book shine. Thought I really enjoyed reading Dark Heirloom, and it did have a bit of a twist, I'm afraid it just didn't shine all that much better than many of the others I have read in the past two years.

Ema is attacked on the streets of Chicago by a strange man out to end her life. but when his first attempt is thwarted, he try's once again only to find that Ema is now different. Though she has never been bitten by a Vampyre, she is suddenly becoming one.

Waking up from two days of "sleep", she finds herself in a strange but opulent castle, living among the very man, Jalmari, who was about to take her life. Her one saving grace is Jesu, Jalmari's only brother, who seems to be the exact opposite of the evil Jalmari.

Jesu becomes her friend, her teacher, and quite possibly her love. But as always life get's in the way, and Ema has an important role to fulfill. She must defeat the infamous, self appointed, King Apollyon, but raveling through Hell and back may not be enough.

Though Brown's writing flowed beautifully, and I liked the characters, I would have liked a little more spice thrown in there. I'm not talking erotic romance here, but I would expect a little more than a blushing Vampire who has been alive for thousands of years. None the less, I will keep my eyes open for the next installment. I have to at least see how Ema and Jesu's "relationship" plays out, if it ever does.

3 of 5 stars

Available at the store

Dark Heirloom is filled with rich detail. The author has created a complex fantasy world and vampire lore for her setting. Fantasy readers will love the world building in this book.

The characters and premise of the story are interesting. The author's effort in describing the main and secondary characters and giving them backstories was incredible. Unfortunately, the same effort was not spent on moving the plot along. The book starts off strong, but loses its punch to the explanation of the fantasy world. The detail really bogged down the plot progression. Too frequently for my taste, a miraculous jump in the plot occurs when the main character, Ema, faints or passes out and awakens in another country or back in the realm of the living.

I appreciated that this was not another vampire romance novel. I enjoyed that the author toggled between the POV of Ema and Jalmari which gives the reader more insight to the characters. While not all the content is appropriate for young adults, the writing style will appeal to young-adult fantasy fans.

For me, the detail was a little much, the pace a little sluggish, and the story premise not built up enough for the cliff-hanger to hook me.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.

I love vampires, but sometimes stories about their origins become stale. J.D Brown did an amazing job in creating a different kind of vampire lore. However that is just the beginning in this imaginative story. Ema's transformation in to a vampire wasn't something she expected; let alone all of the powers and the two hot annoying brothers that come with it. I really enjoyed the first part of Ema's journey as she learns to control this unexpected change to her life. The plot twist with the villain had me excited to read the next Ema Marx book. I would recommend this to anyone who loves vampires.....just don't expect them to sparkle. Shape-shift, fly, and more, but no sparkles!

This is a completely different story line about vampires/vampyre. That's refreshing! Lots of cool powers and plenty tension. I can't say I'm happy about the romantic side though. I mean, she has a boyfriend of 4 years who cheated on her and says they basically broke up in the beginning when she referred to him as her soon-to-be ex boyfriend. Then she spends a lot of time pining over him. She obviously has feelings for someone else (not going to be a spoiler) and is rude to everyone, mean, sarcastic, and sends nothing but mixed signals. I liked the characters other than that. It was well written and had all of the bad guy stuff needed for an antagonist.

Ema Marx finds herself running for life as she is chased down by a crazed man who is hard-pressed on taking her life. Cornering herself in the alley, he pins her to the wall. Ema awakens deep the heart of a castle, far from home. She discovers that she is no longer human and reels with shock once learning her heritage. Was she killed?

Brown creates a fascinating and detailed ancestry dating several centuries BC where humans and vampires co-existed, but not necessarily in peace. This story shares Ema's experiences as a newly-born vampyre--a particular species of vampire--and her frustrations with putting them into action. This dramatizes the plot and the action comes much later. Her intended killer, Jalmari, though vampyre, is still determined to slay her more than ever but she's no longer afraid of him. His reason for his hatred is ancient, and he isn't stunted by his brother's protectiveness of Ema.

While this book has swearing, the bedroom scene is brief; artfully written so as to focus on Ema's traumatic discovery than sidetracked by unnecessity. Not every vampire book needs gory sex in it!

I, for one, enjoyed the well-developed vampyre versus vampire history and differences and how each came to be. The storyline is well thought out and as well as written, though admittedly slows down quite a bit. Jalmari is a cruel vampyre who obeys the voices in his head and stops at nothing. He sometimes confuses me when he's supposed to be coldly stoic, and shows kindness in surprising places. His brother, Jesu, is compassionate yet fierce when he needs to be. Something I find funny about him is that he bites his lip a lot--can you imagine a fierce vampire biting his lip? Ema, the point of view character, is a headstrong person who isn't afraid of being strong, nor is she afraid of showing fear ... she is believable as well as likable. I think she's funny when she sees blood after she's changed and I find it a bit irritating, but Brown did an excellent job at making me feel just how desperate Ema is for blood!

If you're in the mood for a good story, some action, and intrigue, I recommend Dark Heirloom!

I am very picky about vampire stories that I like. I often think vampires have been over done and there isn't a unique idea left. That is, until I read Dark Heirloom. Vampires who aren't undead - or dead either? Brilliant!

This book has become one of my all time favorites. Ema, Jesu, and Jalmari are such great character and Ms. Brown shows their personalities and quirks extremely well throughout the story. I was able to connect with each of them and feel for them as they struggle to deal with the evil demon using them all for his own gain!

Ms. Brown builds a world within a world, as the vampires live among humans in secret. I can't wait to learn more about the world as the Ema Marx series progresses. I especially can't wait to see Ema continue to grow as a new vampire.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves vampires or paranormal or reading!

**Free copy given in exchange for an honest review**

The characters are great and they grow and develop as the book progresses. Ema is feisty and very resilient, I was definitely cheering her on. Characters that initially seem quite simple turn out to be complex and act in unexpected ways. There are plot twists and highly original situations in this book, there are also some comical moments, I was waiting for the penny to drop as regards to the cat. ( can't say more, it would be a spoiler). But, OMG, Jesu can walk on water, that cracked me up. I loved it!

This was a different take on vampires and the author gave a rich and well thought out background in this novel, which sets up the series well. The 2 vampire brothers are an interesting contrast to each other and the heroine relates believably to both of them. I particularly enjoyed how Ema learns and uses her new vampire skills. An excellent read!

J.D. Brown delivers suspense, drama, confusion and resolution in a voice so powerful you are literally out of breath by the time you reach...only it ISN'T the end!

It's a brilliantly crafted teaser, or perhaps it is better to call DARK HEIRLOOM an appetiser for the suspense, drama, confusion, and hopefully, conclusion promised by the upcoming sequel to this story.

Will Ema succeed, or fall prey to the two diabolically powerful enemies seeking to end her strange new life before the prophesy can be fulfilled?

All I can say is...HOLY COW!

My bottom is sore from shifting and squirming while this tale played out before my avaricious eyes...I mean...I should have long been asleep since I had an appointment today, but who can sleep when your body is so caught up in the drama unfolding before your eyes your mind won't shut down until you know the ending...but this is NOT ending here...so now I have to sit on the edge of my badly wrinkled bed and wait till the sequel.

And so I give J.D. Brown FIVE stars and say...OKAY GIRL, WHEN IS THE SEQUEL COMING OUT?

I was surprised to find I enjoyed this book- vampires aren't really my gig. The character development is spot on, and the relationship between the brothers reminded me of my relationship with my siblings. Ema had a hard time adjusting, and I felt like that could have been developed a little bit more , but on the same token, was well done. Does that make sense? Without spoilers, I will say there were parts of the book that really threw me for a loop, and I'm curious to know the rest of the story. Well done.

Gripping from the start, the Dark Heirloom had me hooked immediately. Ema is an engaging character one can easily sympathize with and root for, while Jesu is charming and Jalmari keeps us on our toes. The two I-narrators worked very well for me with clear indication of the pov shifts.

The tension lessened some as the vampire world was presented with explanations sprinkled in while a layer of suspense remained active underneath the more harmless proceedings that also allowed for funny moments. Unfortunately some of the really important issues remained vague, e.g. what exactly happened when the demon tried to conquer Ema's body. Did Jesu prevent the worst, did the demon fail or maybe Jalmari? Maybe this riddle will the solved in the sequel, but it was a little dissatisfying having to keep guessing. The ending was a bit too abrupt with too many loose ends.

Wow I was thrilled to have read this. The characters were great and how the mystery surrounds them. I was gripped from the start and couldn't put the kindle down. I wonder what will happen next, I cannot wait to find out. I was given this book as an arc for a honest review

Ok. Wow. That was a freaking awesome book. I couldn't put it down. I had no idea what was going on around me. I was totally and completely engrossed in the story. It came as a shock when the book ended and now I need the next one.

Embark on this thrilling and engaging tale of a Romani girl who becomes a Vampyre. I totally and thoroughly recommend this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment of J. D. Brown's fresh new urban fantasy series, featuring Ema Marx, a tough young woman literally dragged out of her present life, and into a new life as a vampire. Between trying to assimilate and control her new abilities, and trying to stay alive within the hostile castle walls, on a Finnish Island, there is a lot to love about this story.

Jalmari is the vamp in charge, and because Ema is a threat to his reign, he simply wants her dead, but while Jalmari is trying to figure out the best way to end Ema Marx, his brother, Jesu, takes Ema under his wing and patiently teaches her and helps her discover the talents she possesses. The growing relationship between Ema and Jesu is sweet and definitely kept me turning the pages. There are some really humorous scenes where Ema is trying to control her bloodlust, which is just one of the few new side effects of suddenly finding herself a vampire.

J. D. Brown spins a refreshingly different kind of tale regarding our fanged friends, with rich, vibrant description, and interesting characters, history, and location. While the danger escalates for Ema, some clever twists and plot turns arise, so needless to say I will be patiently awaiting Book 2 in the Ema Marx series!

Kudos J. D. Brown!

We have all been sitting there just gagging as we had to swallow the same old recipe we're always given. Female character in a vampire novel, yeah she's gonna be a weakling.
Boring!
Finally author J.D. Brown has given us a new heroine to rally behind. Ema is reeling from a break up, dealing with a beast of a mother and gets accosted in an alley. (Okay I really love that she's 'living' in Chicago being I'm a southsider myself :)
As the story unfolds we see Ema begin to show her strengths, both physically and mentally.This isn't your mom's vampire novel sweetie. Ema has a strong voice that she makes sure gets heard all the while finding her new vampire strengths. She's not just a meal to these vamps but an important part to their future.
I wasn't completely behind the amount of descriptions given at times, to me it was a bit much. But that's just me. I'm a meat and potatoes kind of gal, save the parsley. I did appreciate this was a foundation laying technique so I just smiled and read on.
You are definitely going to read through this book wanting more, more, more! Not to worry, this is only book one. Dark Liason is book two and there is another installment in the works with talks of more!!

I just finished reading Dark Heirloom by J.B. Brown. I think it would be a perfect book to read on a dark, dreary, rainy day! You're immediately drawn into Ema's life and her attack. When Emma wakes up, she knows something is different but she isn't willing to admit what that different might be. She formally meets Jalmari, one of the people who attacked her along with Jesu, his brother. Not only is she a vampire (so they say), they took her to a gorgeous castle in Finland. The animosity Jalmari has for her leads her to lean towards Jesu, not only for comfort, but to learn who she is. While finding out about her ancestry and coming into her powers, Jalmari is being led straight towards Ema. This is a book of discovery and learning of not only who you are, but what you are, and what you're going to do with it. I didn't want to put this book down and immediately wanted the next!

Wow! This was a crazy roller coaster ride. A chase right from the beginning and then up and down emotions through out the this long novel. I loved the story and the characters for the most part. I was a bit confused with the conversations between Jalmari and his father. I kind of felt like I did not have enough information, as if there was some part of the story that came before that I was not privileged enough to read.

I found Ema to be someone feisty, a little naive, and maybe just a tiny bit crazy. I think she was more human than anyone else. I loved her because she was really not what I expected. She has great potential to be a kick-ass heroine with an emphasis on the kick-ass part.

I am rating this a 4 out of 5.

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review!

JD Brown can certainly weave a great tale, adding a unique twist to her vampires - until you start to question our history: is every holocaust since time began just the planning of an evil "super vampire"? Read the book and find out, because once you turn to the first page you will be hooked. I received this book free, but am a voluntary reviewer and have no affiliation with the author.

Ema Marx is a reluctant vampire, and no one knows how she even became one. She finds herself in a castle in Lapland in Finland and discovers she has powers associated with not one but several types of vampyres. She falls in love with Jesu, the vampire who shows her kindness and helps her adjust to her new-found powers, but it's his brother Jalmari, the vampyre who tried to kill her, who proposes to her. She doesn't realize she's the subject of an impossible prophecy. It was foretold that she would kill a powerful vampyre who was destroyed centuries ago. Wasn't he?

I really enjoyed this book right up to the cliff-hanger ending. In order to find out what happens to Ema, I have to wait for the next book. Please don't do this to me, Ms. Brown! You had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails and now... Hurry up and write faster!

In the beginning I found myself quite confused by having 2 people speaking in the first person but as the book progressed I was finally able to get my brain around it and step into the story. Overall I enjoyed this book, there was humour and darkness walking side by side. By the time I completed the story I was looking forward to reading the next in this series.

This author has a different style of writing. The characters could have had a bit more depth, however, as I said by the end of the book I found myself looking forward to the next.

If you are looking for a new author in this genre, this is worth taking a look at and this author is one to watch as she develops her style and skills. I know I will be.

I really enjoyed this book! I finished it in about 3 hours, and can't wait to read the others.

It was a refreshing change to read a "supernatural" book about vampires that was explained through science. I felt like there were a few loose ends (the shape-shifting abilities, etc.) but I'm sure more info on that will be given in the next coming books.

At times, Ema seemed a bit whiny and aloof, but that was part of what made her an enjoyable character to watch grow.

This story is really very long winded and tries to hard. Similar to Christine Feehan's work but doesn't flow as well. Can she find out her heritage? Pace is too slow to make this truly enjoyable. I got this on giveaway and if it had moved at a faster pace I would have wanted to read the series. However at it stands this is not for me.

Very, very different from most vampire stories. I really love how Ema is constantly thrown into situations that make things worse for her because you can feel strongly that they will ultimately bring her to a good place once she deals with the bad. I find it amusing how the two brothers are so close but they feel so differently towards Ema. I can't wait to see what happens next.

An interesting take on the Vampire (or Vampyre) novels.
Ema is attacked in an alley, then wakes up in a strange room. The guy who attacked her tells her she is a vampire, and life goes down hill from there. Blood cravings, can't stand daylight, etc.

Over all an interesting book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series, to see how it progresses.

I was anticipating the typical vampire romance novel, and this is far from it. First of all, the vampires are extremely pale (and does not seem like the attractive pale). Secondly, the vampires can have different powers and some can turn into bats or other animals. Finally, one of the vampires is possessed, which you do not read about normally in vampire books. I found the book interesting and different.

Ema is an interesting character and her situation is strangely intriguing. She's chased down, kidnapped and thrown for a loop. She must find her way in a new secret world that wants nothing more than her death. Impossible odds put her in the middle of betrayals and plots where she has an unwanted role. Who can she trust? It's not that simple... of course it's not.

Dark Heirloom is your standard Vampire book. Now I should preface this with the statement that I really enjoy vampire books. The only reason I said this one is standard is because it stays pretty close to the typical vampire lores. Now I did really like the explanation of the different clans and the description of the evolution of the creatures. I especially enjoyed learning about the various powers and abilities the vampire clans have.

Ema is a very strong willed character. I liked her a lot. But one of the main problems I had with this story was that I didn't connect very deeply with Ema. She had her moments where I felt like there was real development and that she was planting roots with the readers, but for the most part she seemed kind of stagnant to me.

I like Jesu the most. He is adorable and so cute. I loved that he turned blue when he blushed! I wanted to learn more about him but he is so closed off that we didn't get to see too much of his insight. I would have loved to see a little bit more of his feelings for Ema and some of his emotions. Maybe there will be more of that in the second book. I am going to be reading the second book more for Jesu than for Ema.

Overall, Dark Heirloom was a good book. It didn't blow me out of the water, but it did hold my interest and the writing was good. I didn't particularly like the ending. I felt like it kind of just cut off. But not in a huge build up kind of way, it just stopped. I would certainly continue the series because I am really interested to see what is going to happen next. Mostly for Jesu. If you like Vampire books, Dark Heirloon might be a good one for you to check out.

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Really enjoyed reading this book....It grabs you from the fist page and I couldn't put it down. I really like that it was from more than one character's point of view. It makes you feel more connected and it gives the story more depth. Can't wait to read the next book!!

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. It gives a very new and different aspect of the vampire world. Who knew that vampires were not all the same and that different clans possessed unique powers of their own. The heroine, Ema is a very strong-willed young woman who finds herself a part of the vampire world. She has no idea how or why. She is refreshing because this story takes you beyond the usual formula--girl meets vampire, jumps into his arms and lives happily ever after. This book is full of suspense, intrigue, and unanswered questions. Will Ema fulfill her destiny? You have to continue reading the series to find out.

This is a really good book. With vampires, vampyres, shifters & demons, what's not to like. Another book I had to keep reading till the end. Yet another author added to my must read list. A very definite must read. Highly recommended.

First off don't start this in the afternoon. Unless you are good at putting Down a book and going to sleep on time. I was pulled in with a need to see what was going to happen. And I was not disappointed.

Different type of story of vampires and nephilum. Very interesting! Full of action and surprises. Looking forward to reading the next in the series. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a great read. The characters were detailed and interesting. The plot was a bit confusing but helped make the story capture your attention. Can't wait to read the next book. Volunteered to review.

Great storyline.....hooked from the start. Love the chemistry between Ema and Jesu. Love all her new abilities and her new little cat buddy. Very different, which is good. Already read next book in series but will review it there. It was great also!

Vampire story with a bit of a difference. Interesting story line and can't wait to find out the fate of Ema at the hands of Jalmari. I find Jesu to be a bit of a weak character and sincerely hope Ema doesn't end up with him!

Really enjoyed the book. My only thought is the lack of heat between ema and jesu. If they are to ever have a relationship there should be more of a hint of it in their interactions that aren't centered around bloodlust

This book was was awesome! This book was about vampires written in a unique way that worked well with the story line. It was really refreshing to read a story where the vampires are not the same as every other book. Our heroine Ema Marx was a strong woman who I liked immediately. I will be reading the other books in this series.

Dark Heirloom is the firsts book of a series with the same heroine, but if you reluctant to tackle series book because of the endless cliff-hangers and that frustrating feeling of being forced into buying the next book, this one will be a pleasant surprise.
The book starts off with a bang with Emma being attacked by a vampyre on her way back to her apartment. It's a little slow through the middle section while the author explores her vampire mythos and Emma explores and defines here power, but then picks up again with an action packed ending full of surprised and discoveries.
Throughout, the book is well written and impeccably edited. Descriptions are vivid and often quite lovely, characters are well developed with more depth than you'll find in the average vampire novel.
The book stands well on it's own and you could walk away from the series at this point without any more than the occasional "I wonder what ever happened to..." but the good news is that when the urge to answer that question strikes you, you can pick up volume two and answer that question for yourself. I know I will.

The characters are great and they grow and develop as the book progresses. Ema is feisty and very resilient, I was definitely cheering her on. Characters that initially seem quite simple turn out to be complex and act in unexpected ways. There are plot twists and highly original situations in this book, there are also some comical moments, I was waiting for the penny to drop as regards to the cat. ( can't say more, it would be a spoiler). But, OMG, Jesu can walk on water, that cracked me up. I loved it!

Wow I was thrilled to have read this. The characters were great and how the mystery surrounds them. I was gripped from the start and couldn't put the kindle down. I wonder what will happen next, I cannot wait to find out. I was given this book as an arc for a honest review

Ok. Wow. That was a freaking awesome book. I couldn't put it down. I had no idea what was going on around me. I was totally and completely engrossed in the story. It came as a shock when the book ended and now I need the next one.

Embark on this thrilling and engaging tale of a Romani girl who becomes a Vampyre. I totally and thoroughly recommend this book.

This story is really very long winded and tries to hard. Similar to Christine Feehan's work but doesn't flow as well. Can she find out her heritage? Pace is too slow to make this truly enjoyable. I got this on giveaway and if it had moved at a faster pace I would have wanted to read the series. However at it stands this is not for me.

An interesting take on the Vampire (or Vampyre) novels.
Ema is attacked in an alley, then wakes up in a strange room. The guy who attacked her tells her she is a vampire, and life goes down hill from there. Blood cravings, can't stand daylight, etc.

Over all an interesting book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series, to see how it progresses.

I was anticipating the typical vampire romance novel, and this is far from it. First of all, the vampires are extremely pale (and does not seem like the attractive pale). Secondly, the vampires can have different powers and some can turn into bats or other animals. Finally, one of the vampires is possessed, which you do not read about normally in vampire books. I found the book interesting and different.

This is a really good book. With vampires, vampyres, shifters & demons, what's not to like. Another book I had to keep reading till the end. Yet another author added to my must read list. A very definite must read. Highly recommended.

Ms. Brown managed a captivating and intriguing new spin on the things that go bump in the night. A perfect mix of action, vampires, and just a dash of romance makes this book difficult to put down. One more author for my favorites list!