Wow this one was weird. I think in a good way? Definitely a unique fantasy. I'll be interested in reading more from this author

I'm always fascinated by books set in Renaissance Florence and I loved this novella that should be the start of a new series.
Great world building, entertaining and fast paced, a cast of interesting characters.
Can't wait to read another book by this author.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Seeds of Truer Natures was a great start to a new series. As to what that series will be called? Well, that I don't know. All I know is that this is a prequel to an upcoming book, Prima Materia. After quickly devouring this, I'm very excited for the next one.

In this, you will meet Adrian and Magnus. We don't know much about them in the beginning but that quickly changes. They were great together. Mostly because of the banter and sass going on between them. As for everything else? I'm excited to learn more about.

Even though it's a quick novella, Johnson did a fantastic job with the world building and introducing us to everyone. Then on top of that we get a freaking book heist. So, yes, it's safe to assume that I enjoyed every second of this book. I wished it was longer just so I could continue enjoying the adventure.

In the end, I'm very excited for the next book.

A novella prequel with vampires and a power struggle I haven't read before, I like it.

This is a teaser or advertisement for an upcoming series, and a GREAT marketing tactic. Do you want to see how interested you are before you start a new series? Here you go, a quick read to see if you want more.

Two vampires are challenged to steal a book from the most powerful man in the Renaissance, and they have to fight their own demons to do it. The two once-men are friends and apparently lovers, and they both have to deal with their stress/anger/fears as they move through churches and mansions to find a book they don't even know the name of.

The plot is fast, the action quick, the focus of the story on the people and their relationship to each other. This makes sense for a prequel, but I hope that stays the focus in the upcoming series.

Recommended.

**I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"The air smelled of incense and damp wool and wax, a combination Magnus had come to associate with religion."

I DNF'd this at 40%, but not because it was bad - it wasn't. The voice of our POV, Marcus, was charming even if he made too many references to being horny. The serpent-descended vampires were a neat concept and the worldbuilding was genuinely unique. The problem is that the novella was just so boring. My attention was wondering by chapter three, which is not great given the length.

I know this is the prequel to a forthcoming novel so I might revisit this series if I hear good things about that. For now though, this is a pass.

Writing = beautiful! Story? Marvelous, fun, intriguing journey. I loved this book. I didn't even quite realize this was a vampire novel, but that honestly just makes it better. And that cover!!! Definite cover buy, but one I certainly wouldn't regret.

This was out side of my normal reading, but I glad that I decided to give it a try. I really enjoyed this tale of two vampires Adrian and Magnus. The world building was satisfyingly poetic, and I loved the historical figures and places weaved in seamlessly. Understanding that this is a prequel novella there is a lot left to be explained and I can’t wait to read the next book and dive deeper into this world.

I loved this book. It made me anxious for more to come - like any prequel should! I want to know more about Adrian and Magnus. I love the historical setting. I can’t wait to learn more about this vampire/vampyr mythology and world!

Oh this was such a fantastic novella!!

We follow Adrian and Magnus, a couple of vampires that are on their way to steal a book from Lorenzo di Medici. Chaos naturally ensues.
This is a novella, but somehow it felt like a full-lenght novel. The amount of worldbuilding and characterization is impressive, and I really liked the hints at something more, that I expect will be explored more in future books. My favourite part was was the relationship between Adrian and Magnus - its so delicate, tender and complex, and filled with the homoeroticism that we all love in our vampire stories.

This is apparently the first in a series of books set in this fascinating world, and I'm dying to read more! This is exactly the type of vampire series I've been waiting for it seems like.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc!

"Two men, such as you described: unusual in their habits and imbalanced in their humors, seeking a book... At best they are possessed; at worst they are demons in disguise"

Yes.
That's it.
This was very good. Very very good.
It has a strangely delicate relationship between the two main characters with a cool historical set for a heist plan to retrieve a book that prophetizes the end of the world spiced up with religious imagery and the classic homoerotism of the vampirism.
Absolutely entertaining and easy to read.
Highly recommended if you like Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.

I loved this story. Well set and written, although with a few passages that confuse the reader, for example, why did Gabriel punish Adrian and Magnus in Gotland and what was the punishment, so that they feared him so much. Did Gabriel bury them? Or did he torture them nonstop, relying on his regenerative power? I am looking forward to the publication of the next book!

“Cosimo also believed that what a man does value is the key to his character- the seed of his truer nature.”

This beautifully written novella is the beginning of an exciting journey. Two slightly debauched vampires, Adrian & Magnus are sent to Florence, Italy by their king Gabriel, to steal a book from “Il Magnifico” Lorenzo de’ Medici! With the unexpected help of the infamous monk Girolamo Savonarola they hatch a plan for their heist, although nothing is as it seems… I thoroughly enjoyed these complex characters and stunning imagery. Very intrigued to find out about their past with Gabriel, and what happens next!

Thank you to L.S. Johnson, Traversing Z Press publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This story was of two vampires trying to find favour with their leader by getting a precious book owned by a powerful man. It was good but I found initially that it was a little slow. It "plodded" along. As the story continued and they journeyed with the monk to the city of their task, the story got much better and a lot more interesting!!.
All in all, I think it was not full of action but got going eventually. Even a little bit of their journeys from the start of their change to now as a vampire was dropped in there so you got a snippet of what's to come in the sequel book.
I love vampires and stories are usually more action packed, but this story was more about the task and how they would reach their goal. Sorry but not for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC book for an honest review.
#seedsofnature #netgalley

The beginning of a novella, this story sets the stage with two vampires on a mission to retrieve a codex from the Medici's in Florence.

I think vampires + Catholics is becoming quite overdone these days, so I'm hoping the story departs from that and moves elsewhere. Theres a lack of interaction between Gabriel and his vampires.

Vampires planning and executing a book heist in Medici Florence? Yes, please. An evocative historical fantasy with horror elements, Seeds of Truer Natures is a rollicking good time, equal parts Interview with a Vampire and Jo Walton’s Lent. Johnson’s characters, historical and fictional alike, are a joy to get to know, and watching her charming vampire anti-heroes brush up against historical figures like Savonarola and Lorenzo de’ Medici is a delight. The Italian Renaissance setting is beautifully rendered, transporting the reader to the late fifteenth century in all its decadent glory and stark inequality. I look forward to reading the series for which this novella is prequel!