Official Reviews for Never Ceese

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An effort to compile all the reviews I can find for Never Ceese. Do feel free to add your own at will. Don't worry about giving it stars as the review should speak for itself. Duh!

Anyway have at it.

I shall begin NOW! ;D

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M. Pearson
May 15, 2008
5 Stars

Wanted it to Never Ceese!

At first? Reluctant. Next? Intrigued. By the second page? Thoroughly engaged. Sue has brought the urban mythos of vampires and werewolves to the spiritual plane. She causes her readers to delve into tragedy while hoping for redemption. Bravo! I eagerly await the promised sequel.

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Jake Chism "www.FictionAddict.com"
December 3, 2007
5 Stars

Obsessively Readable!

Richard has been cursed so long he can't even remember his life before he became a vampire. He spends his days with his long time friend, Penny, in his luxurious castle in Britain. Richard's world is forever changed when a young werewolf named Ceese arrives at his door claiming to be old friends with Penny. Ceese has also carried her curse for ages and she wants nothing more to be rid of it once and for all. Richard has long ago given up hope of ever being free from his curse and Ceese must convince him to hope again. Now vampire and werewolf must work together to discover a cure for the immortal curse that binds them both.

Sue Dent has done what few have dared to try, mixing elements of vampire and werewolf lore with themes of faith and spirituality. The result is an intriguing and exciting piece of fiction that is obsessively readable and entertaining on every level. Richard and Ceese are cleverly crafted characters who face insurmountable odds in their quest for redemption. Dent adds to the richness of the story by giving equal balance to both werewolf and vampire mythology. Many of these elements were familiar to me, with a few surprises that only added to the mystique of each character. The incorporation of faith is never forced and fits seamlessly into the storyline, making the messages of sacrifice and redemption that much more powerful in the end.

Never Ceese was a pleasant surprise to me and if it wasn't for Eric Wilson's Amazon review, I never would have picked it up. It's a shame that major CBA publishers aren't willing to pursue more "outside the box" fiction like Never Ceese. I'm glad to know there are publishers out there (like Writers' Cafe Press) who are willing to give these types of stories the recognition they deserve. I can't wait to sink my teeth into the sequel, Forever Richard.

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Catherine Hassan
September 14, 2007
5 Stars

Never Ceese Is Ever Dazzling

I just finished reading Sue Dent's tale of Never Ceese. I think the other reviews have already covered just about everything that can be revealed without giving too much away, so I will have to be satisfied in saying I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Normally, I am not one to read about vampires and werewolves; not my cup of tea. Other people, however, gave rave reviews that had me very curious. I was suspicious, but Ms. Dent has successfully blended the creatures of horror stories with sound Biblical principles. It teaches about faith and love without being preachy. Much of the subject matter is dead serious (forgive the pun), but Ms. Dent has included plenty of comic relief. Really, I love her offbeat sense of humor. I read it rather quickly since I couldn't put it down for long.

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Rev. Steve Wilson
December 18, 2010
5 Stars


Recommendation: Excellent

Originality - 5/5
Writing Style - 5/5
Plot - 5/5
Characters - 5/5
Aesthetics - 5/5

Wow!

Can werewolves and vampires be saved? That's the question in Sue Dent's novel, Never Ceese.

This is a Christian fantasy novel about a werewolf named Ceese and a vampire named Richard, who are both on a mission to break the curse of what they are and regain their salvation. It's captivating, edgy, humorous, and realistic - the perfect combination of light and dark. I especially appreciated the tangibility of each of the characters. They are dynamic and memorable and Sue has a wonderful gift for taking us inside each of their minds to make us feel what they feel.

The story begins in early America and quickly brings us to modern day. Among Ceese and Richard's allies are an old, psychic woman, her great-granddaughter, and some surprising characters from the past.

Their enemies include their darker natures, a scientist who wants to learn how he can use their curse to live forever himself, and three questionable college students.

If you're looking for a great read with werewolves and vampires, look no further! Stephenie Meyer has nothing on Sue Dent! And look for the sequel, Forever Richard, which will be reprinted soon.

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Susanne
September 12, 2010
5 Stars

Can't wait to read Forever Richard-Sue Dent has be hooked!!!


This is a great book. I have so many questions that I can't wait to have answered when I read Forever Richard! I think we can all relate to Ceese's and Richard's characters, even though they are supernatural beings. This book was very intense to read in a good way, not cheesy like those many vampire books that are out there now. This book had a traditional feel to it that makes it lasting- not your cheesy trendy vampire cheap reads. Sue Dent's writing has value! Read it now!

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Joe L. Blevins
July 6, 2010
5 Stars

Never Ceese is something quite unexpected!

I have just finished Sue Dent's book: Never Ceese. It is most remarkable with its premise and the plot twists. A person first assumes that you "think you know" about the vampire/werewolf premise. The "unexpected" part is that you don't know everything about them, until now. It takes you to a point of frenzy as a person ponders their own life and concerns as you read and care about the characters. It is FIVE STARS all the way as this would make a great movie to watch as it reads very much like a very good script in that you see the action and one could picture this as a worthy film in the near future. Present films on the subject are so shallow and they do not have the deeper character studies as the "bubble gum" of present fare at the theaters. Ms. Dent's story has some really deep issues such as pondering the afterlife: she sees beyond the present and she deals with the future and with eternity. FIVE STARS. Sue's book is edited well. It merits reading several times as I have over the past few months. As the author of five books (for children and adult readers) I know a few things about writing a book and about what it takes to make something readable and enjoyable. Sue Dent does this and more. Please bring us a Kindle version soon. People are hungry for new books on Kindle, just like Richard and Ceese are hungry for something good around about 10:30 PM...

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Rachel Wade
April 17, 2010
5 Stars

Fun and refreshing! Highly recommended!


A feisty vampire and loveable werewolf team up to find a cure for their curse- only they aren't quite sure how it's possible just yet. We join them as they follow the direction of a mutual loved one on a journey to the Big Apple to pursue a supposed cure for their cursed state. Skeptical yet determined, they encounter a friend there who they have been told can possibly lead them to a doctor who may be able to help provide them with some answers.
At the onset of the story, Ceese, the meek yet comically scrappy werewolf finds her way to Richard, a vampire who isn't thrilled about her visit, let alone enthusiastic about embarking on an adventure with her into the unknown to remove a curse he isn't even sure he wants lifted. With some convincing however, he agrees to cooperate and sets out to find the cure with her and along the way is reminded of who he really is.
Temperamental and edgy, Richard the vampire lends some amusing sarcasm to the mix as he and Ceese constantly butt heads throughout the quest for their destination. As we follow them from the English countryside to the city that never sleeps, the snarky relationship that develops between the two of them is entertaining and their bickering lends a few good laughs.
Once in New York, with the help of a few new friends and a run in with some pesky enemies, they find themselves at the mercy of a treacherous mad scientist who desires the ticket to immortality for himself' the doctor they were told can help them with their curse. Here we are introduced to the heartbeat of the story and see both Ceese and Richard find everything they were looking for as they realize the answers were buried deep within them all along.

Let me start off first by stating that the author of this novel is a trusted mentor and inspiration of mine, so my opinions of this story are without a doubt biased. Not to mention, this genre is right up my alley. I love supernatural, fantasy fiction involving this particular kind of lore. All of that aside however, I can point out what I personally enjoyed about the elements of this story and why I have such commendable things to say about it.
Sue has a knack for fresh, sharp storytelling. Each significant event that takes place is unapologetically to the point, but always seasoned in such a way that we as the reader connect with the characters and understand their emotion and motives. The result is we end up pulling for them, wanting what they want' even when we aren't sure exactly what it is they are after yet on a larger scale. She presents a unique concept with an unconventional take on vampire and werewolf lore and throws in some witty humor, creating an enjoyable journey for the reader who feels invested in the character's pursuits.
In my book, caring about what the characters care about and rooting for their endeavors throughout the story is a crucial factor to establish for the reader as an author to achieve good, solid storytelling. It is a definite plus for me if the author does it in a way that leaves me with something substantial to think about long after I've read it. That is something I consider to be an essential component of a "good read", no matter who the author is. Never Ceese met those "standards" for me, and at the end I felt like I really wanted to know more about these characters after reading this first installment. Don't shoot the biased reviewer, but read it and rate it for yourself. If you're up for something avant-garde and original, bet you'll be glad you did.

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Ashley Joy
February 22, 2010
5 Stars

Love it! It's nice to read a vampire/ werewolf book that doesn't make me feel like I need to take a shower because of all the filth. I found it easy to identify with the characters. Their feeling and actions were very believable. I recommend getting both books (Never Ceese and Forever Richard) at once, because you won't want to wait to find out what happens next (I sure didn't).

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Jon Guenther
February 20, 2010
4 Stars

An Extraordinary Debut.

I had originally bought this book for my Mrs. but decided to read it, as well, since the plot sounded intriguing. I wasn't disappointed. In a manner eerily reminiscent of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, but laced with a style that need make no apologies for its freshness, Sue Dent takes us on a grand tale of Richard the vampire and Ceese the werewolf. Richard and Ceese's lives are inextricably woven together and this pair, who under other circumstances would be bitter enemies, will have to unite on an adventure that blends a unique Gothic setting with the tough, American streets of New York City. This type of fiction is typically the last thing one would find on my bookshelf--particularly when I could not see how any author could blend Christian principles with this genre--but I made an exception in Sue Dent's case. Glad I did and I look forward to reading the sequel, Forever Richard. This book demonstrates a wonderful debut from a new pro.

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Fr. Ernesto M. Obregon
February 6, 2010
5 Stars

An uncommon vampire / werewolf tale.

Here is my short opinion of the book:
BUY IT, BUY IT, BUY IT

Ms. Dent has written a book that both follows some of the typical "rules" for vampires and werewolves and yet twists those typical rules in new and interesting ways. I will not give away that part of the plot, but suffice it to say that Ms. Dent has come up with a new and novel way to cure both vampirism and lycanthropy.

This is the story of a vampire and a werewolf who are pulled together by a mutual friend so that they may achieve their dream of being cured of their curse. Yes, Ms. Dent views both vampirism and lycanthropy as spiritual curses that can be physically transmitted by the bite (or clawing) of a cursed person. But, the curse does not become permanent unless the infected person deliberately passes the curse on to another human being. Both Ceese, the heroine, and Richard, the hero, have kept themselves from passing on the curse despite the evil pull of their natures and despite the fact that their emotions are deadened by the curse. (One supposes that this is so in order to make it easier for the curse to force the infected person the infect someone else.)

But, more than that, without being preachy or even overt, it is clear that this is a book written by a Christian who has put a lot of thought into what a vampire/werewolf tale would look like if it were written totally within the worldview of a Catholic Christian. Like G.K. Chesterton, she writes a fantasy tale that never preaches while clearly calling you to think about how life really works. Actions have consequences, one can struggle for holiness, self-sacrifice is the way the world really works, and change sometimes begins with suffering.

But, Ms. Dent never makes the mistake of focusing the story simply on their inner struggle to break the curse. No, she puts in a fair helping of adventure, by way of a truly evil character. But, the truly evil character is not another supernatural creature, but a non-supernatural person who is not your classical vampire hunter or mistaken hero.

I highly recommend that you buy this book.

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Maggie Jarpey
September 6, 2009
4 Stars

Good YA book but...

Some YA (young adult) books are as enjoyable to adults as to younger readers--L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time, Lewis's Narnia Chronicles, Wind in the Willows, Mary Poppins--but I found this book too young for my enjoyment. It grabbed my interest in the beginning but soon bogged down in teenage repartee that bored me. I might have liked it when I was a teenager, and for that reason I'm giving it four stars.

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Dori Herndon
August 11, 2009
5 Stars

A fun and safe read

I like good adventure, fantasy, and science fiction stories. However, most I find offensive and they fill my mind with images I would rather not have. (I know, I'm a bit of goody goody) So, it was nice to have a good adventure with interesting monters and no worry of hurting my conscious. Plus there was a little spiritual encouragement for bonus.
However I did find the book a bit confusing in places. There were some things that were hard to keep up with and some characters had names that were too similar. It was worded akwardly in places and a few things didn't make sense to me.
Still I wanted to give the book five stars because I hope more books like it are published.

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SisterSonlight
July 22, 2009
5 Stars

Couldn't Put it Down!!

I just recently found this book through Writers Cafe Press. What a pleasant surprise! It was intriguing to read about the spiritual struggles of a werewolfe and a vampire! I was immediately hooked and found I didn't want to put the book down until....oh no! I finished it! Thankfully the sequel is out so I can grab it up quick.
I found the writing had a comfortable flow, I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with each other. Great dialogue! I especially liked Rodney, he cracked me up! To me, it is a treasure to enjoy a book so much that I can't put it down til its done. This was a treasure! Well done Sue!

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Caprice Hokstad
April 26, 2009
4 Stars

Not your typical horror


I admit it: I resisted reading Never Ceese. Why, you may ask? Assumptions. First of all, it's a story about a werewolf and a vampire. Sue was invited to the World Horror Convention and short-listed for the Bram Stoker award. From these facts, I inferred that Never Ceese was a horror novel and I abhor the horror genre. But then another reviewer I respect said that she didn't consider it horror at all. What? How can a vampire and werewolf story NOT be horror? After reading it, I agree, but let us just say that this got me thinking.

Secondly, I somehow missed the fact that Sue considers her work Young Adult. So once I got it through my thick skull that Never Ceese was YA, I thought to myself, "Hey, even if it *IS* horror, how bad can it be if it's geared to kids?"

Then there's the fact that Sue's sequel was contracted by the same publisher that put out Frank Creed's Flashpoint (The Writer's Cafe Press). So that gave Sue a lot of credibility by association. And lastly, I was offered a review copy for free, so I ran out of excuses. I broke down and read it.

So, is it horror? I guess that depends on your definition. Either I don't dislike horror as much as I thought or Never Ceese is not horror. I lean to the latter, but I'm not in charge of assigning genres to other people's books! No matter what you call it, it's certainly not like any other horror.

How many times have we read vampire/werewolf stories where the changling/beast is just some monster to be hunted and killed, rather than a real human being who might not have chosen that existence? Yet the other extreme doesn't sit right with me either, where the beast and his/her powers become "cool" and the darkness is embraced. Sue Dent has avoided both failings in Never Ceese.

First of all, the vampire and the werewolf are sympathetic characters rather than the typical monsters. Becoming a vampire or werewolf is portrayed as a CURSE rather than something to be sought or embraced ...well, almost. The evil stem cell researcher (antagonist) in Never Ceese seeks the curse as the ticket to eternal life, not caring about the consequences involved with such a choice. He is clearly deranged and immoral in most of his dealings, even extending to his students.

By contrast, the two protagonists have taken great pains over the centuries not to pass on their curse to others. As the story opens, Richard, the vampire, has stopped pining for a cure, but he still retains enough of his former morality to refrain from dooming anyone else to the fate he suffers. Cecilia (Ceese) is the werewolf who has dealt with her curse by spending majority of her cursed existence in wolf form. She has also worked hard to keep from giving in to the seductive pull of the demons which beset her, urging her to become a killer and to spread her curse to others. Ceese holds out much more hope that a cure can be found and the curse can be overcome.

Ceese and Richard don't get along very well at first, and there is quite a bit of fighting, much of it rather humorous. Now, since I am not in the target audience, it's probably irrelevant that I found the bickering a little tedious. We all know kids can argue ad infinitum so they probably wouldn't even notice. The opposition does eventually end and the two cursed humans form a truce in order to seek out the cure to their conditions.

I don't want to ruin all the plot points, but let me say that the ending was a surprise, and a pleasant one at that. I was impressed with the way faith intersected with mythology to form an enjoyable tale.

This is the same inside text as the hardback (which garnered the Bram Stoker nomination) but with a less expensive binding. And while I'm hardly objective about the stunning cover model (because she's my daughter), I think most would agree that it's a definite improvement over the original cover.

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Yellow30 Sci-Fi
April 13, 2009
5 Stars

The Strength of Friendships

As a vampire, Richard never expected that a werewolf could help him overcome the curse that was given to him hundreds of years ago. Likewise, as a werewolf, Ceese has little faith that Richard could in turn help her with her curse. Yet it is the determination of their close friend, Penny, that brings Richard and Ceese together for the good. The vampire and werewolf struggle to look past their differences and get along, but what Richard doesn't realize is how close Ceese really is to him. Meanwhile, a professor of stem cell research takes advantage of an enthusiastic college student's research; a possible cure for vampires and werewolves through the stem cell process. The professor, Dr. Henderson, is only in on the research for his own diabolical plan of becoming immortal. Richard and Ceese struggle to find the cure they have been longing to have, while narrowly escaping from Dr. Henderson's attacks. With the odds stacking against them, can Richard and Ceese find the cure that has eluded them for so long?

Sue Dent's novel, Never Ceese, kept me turning pages to read more and snagged my interest almost immediately. Being a fan of vampire and werewolf novels, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dent's novel. With a modern twist to the traditional vampire and werewolf stories, this novel keeps the reader interested while weaving a creative and original plot. Any vampire or werewolf fan should pick up a copy of this book. I would recommend Never Ceese to all.--Ashley Ligon

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Janna R. Ryan
June 23, 2008
4 Stars

Fantastic and original!

The concept of this book intrigued me and so I was anxious to read it when it came in. I started and finished it in the same day because I just couldn't put it down. I was impressed with the subject matter (the supernatural has always fascinated me, but it is very difficult to find supernatural writing from a Christian perspective). The characters are well written and believable and I must say that the settings are pretty amazing as well. It starts in one part of the world and ends in America and I felt like I took the trip with them. I did figure out one of the mystery parts in advance but that didn't take away from the rest of the story.

I am really looking forward to the next book in the series which is supposed to come out this year. If you like the supernatural or have teens that do, then you would love this book!

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Deena Peterson
January 13, 2008
5 Stars

Amazing Christian Speculative Fiction!

"Never Ceese" is the tale of a vampire and a werewolf who seek what we all seek deep down in our souls...redemption. Both were cursed unwillingly, and both have fought all their VERY long lives to never pass on that curse to another, but to cling to their beliefs that were ingrained in them as children.

Ceese finds herself lured to the castle of Penelope and Richard against her will, not certain what she will find once she arrives there. Richard isn't fond of visitors of any kind, and especially not visitors of Ceese's nature.

But Penelope persuades them both to accept one another and that they can help the other break the curse that binds them, thus giving them the ability to choose their own final destiny.

I know it sounds so far fetched that two of the most unimaginable creatures and most make-believe beings could have such strong desire for the things of God...but believe me, IT WORKS! And it makes the lure of God's redemption all the more powerful to see it played out in a work such as "Never Ceese".

This book will stretch your imagination to its farthest reaches, and almost make you believe...but not quite, because believing in something Sue writes so well is just, well, not something I find myself wanting to do!!

I'm giving "Never Ceese" five out of five bookmarks, with a tiny cross as a charm...because that is where our destiny changes, no matter who we are or where we're from. It all starts and ends at Calvary.

Happy Reading!

Deena

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Eric Wilson
September 6, 2007
4 Stars

Circling the Camp

Sue Dent has done the unthinkable. She's pushed the boundaries of Christian fiction, circling the camp with a small publisher, howling for someone to take notice. And it's working.

"Never Ceese" is a blend of traditional vampire themes and modern smart-mouthed characters. Ceese is a werewolf on her way to a British castle, where she will rendezvous with Richard the vampire. Ceese is in a constant struggle with "the wolf" inside, while Richard is trying to maintain a modicum of control over his fang-toothed desires. This unlikely pair, united by an old woman named Penny, discover they have mutual childhood links. As they travel to meet a young college-age researcher, their pasts come to light. Romance flits about in unexpected places. And a self-seeking professor angles to take their immortality for himself.

The standbys are in play--garlic, crucifixes, wolfsbane, etc--but Dent adds a few of her own elements to this classic battle between the old ways and new. There are few surprises, but the story moves at a quick pace, leavened with humorous dialogue and clever insights. Dent's characters struggle with their cursed sinful natures, seeking release--if such a thing is possible.

In the end, all is resolved--if not a bit suddenly on some levels--and possibilities are left open for the sequel, "Forever Richard." I guess I know what book to add to my Christmas list. With Dent circling the camp, someone's bound to wake up to this genre's possibilities.

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A. Egley
August 31, 2007
5 Stars

Wonderful book, even for an initial skeptic

I recently finished reading "Never Ceese" and I LOVED it! I must admit, that at first I was a bit wary, as I've never been into werewolves and vampires much, but Sue Dent does an awesome job making them seem completely human. I loved the story of redemption and sacrifice, and I can't wait for the next book, "Forever Richard."