Dominion by Scott M. Baker Review

Dominion

The Vampire Hunters Book Three

By Scott M. Baker

The Vampyrnomicon has finally been found and with it the origins of the vampires and with this Drake Matthews will be able to put an end to the vampire threat and once and for all rid the world of these monsters. Chiang Shih, the master of the vampires, is raising an army with her sights set on a vampire nation in Washington D.C. as the fight comes to a head, who will be the victor, the hunters or the hunted?

 

I thought that book two was really good this book puts it to shame; this is an amazing ending to a trilogy. From the beginning you are caught up into the story as once again the evil vampires are trying to take over the world and the Hunter are more determined than ever to put a stop to them. I absolutely loved how the relationships have evolved and with it will come the heartache of loss, as every war has its casualties. As we had in the second book which I really enjoyed is how the author also narrates the vampires’ side of the story. Though this book has many excellent qualities that are worth the read it also has a startling twist making this one of the best vampire books I have ever come across.

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Chasers by James Phelan Review

Chasers

Alone Book One

By James Phelan

Jesse, Anna, Dave and Mini are all attending the Un Youth Ambassadors camp in New York, as they are on their way to see the 9/11 memorial their subway carriage is derailed by a massive explosion. The four teenagers from around the world are the only one to survive and soon crawl their way to the surface to find that all of New York City has suffered from a devastating attack. When they come across what appears to be survivors they are elated, but soon have their hopes diminished when the “survivors” soon turn on them chasing after them for their blood, for that one precious drink that will satiate their thirst.

 

James Phelan brings to life an all new form of monster in this novel; he combines aspects of zombies and vampires leaving us with a horrifying image. There is not a single aspect of this novel that I disliked, the characters are relatable thrown into a situation where they are trapped and absolutely “Alone” the monsters are terrifying yet you feel for the souls who have been turned into such monstrous creatures. The only thing I didn’t get was why a group of survivors would stay in a high rise, 30 Rock, when most skyscrapers are collapsing around them, though the setting is superb for this novel as it provides ample life sustaining items for the small group. Honestly though the best part of this novel is the ending, it is amazing with not one but two spectacular twists that definitely secure your interest in the rest of this series.

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Dark Dates by Tracey Sinclair Review

Dark Dates

Cassandra Bick Chronicles Book One

By Tracey Sinclair

In modern day London a vampire has to keep up with the times, and this is exactly what Cassandra Bick caters to with her dating service for vampires. Though he own dating life has been nothing but heart ache being a Sensitive, yes with a capitol S, she has found a talent for introducing people who will soon hit it off and this ability comes in handy when matching a vampire with their willing donor. But as her business grows she soon comes to the attention of people who don’t appreciate what she has to offer.

This is truly a unique idea for a novel; I mean a dating service for vampires? I loved the main character as she is snarky and bad ass reminding me of Anita Blake before she got all “promiscuous.” The author does a wonderful job in creating several lovable characters such as the Wiccan that Cassandra employs who soon turns into one of her biggest allies. With hunky men and juicy love scenes this is a fun paranormal romance novel. And, if a vampire dating service isn’t enough to lure you into reading this book Tracey Sinclair also provides several twists and surprises that are definitely worth checking out.

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Jane Slayre by Sherri Browning Erwin and Charlotte Bronte

Jane Slayre:

The Literary Classic with a Blood-Sucking Twist

By Sherri Browning Erwin and Charlotte Bronte

Jane Slayre was orphaned by vampires shortly after she was born, when her uncle came to retrieve her he was attacked and turned into a vampire on the way home, though he was able to protect the infant from the blood thirsty fiends. This is how Jane Slayre found herself living in a home full of vampires, after her cousin attacks her leaving her bitten and almost completely drained of blood she soon becomes determined to rid the world of these abominable creatures.

This was a great re-telling of Jane Eyre, full of vampires, werewolves, even zombies.  So far this is one of my favorite “quirk classics.” The author did a wonderful job bringing to life a new world and blending in the characters from a classic setting producing an interesting and captivating novel. In the original novel you truly hate some of the characters, that is not as substantial in this novel but you have a more solid reason to dislike these people, such as students being transformed into zombies. I would definitely recommend giving this novel to someone who shows a lack of interest in an original classic it is sure to make you want to compare it to the first and in the process draw the reader into a classic world that knows no bounds.

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Glass Houses by Rachel Caine Review

Glass Houses

The Morganville Vampires Series Book One

By Rachel Caine

Super smart sixteen year old, Claire Danvers, is a misfit through and through especially considering the fact that she is a freshman in college. Soon after she starts her new life in Morganville Texas she bites off more than she can chew when she insults Monica and her gaggle of followers who are now out for her blood. After Monica pushes Claire down a flight of stairs she decides she must leave campus and find somewhere else to stay otherwise she may end up dead next time. She soon finds an add that takes her to a house that is best described as “Gone with the Wind meets the Munsters” and three new roommates each eccentric in their own way. Shortly after she moves in she discovers that Morganville is more than just the party town that it seems and is full of dark and dangerous secrets.

Ok so when I first heard about this novel I thought “Young adult romance called Morganville Vampires, another typical vampire romance, Skip it!” Once I started reading this novel it took me completely by surprise, not only is the vampires the bad guys in this book but it surrounds an entire town controlled by vampires and the humans know and most are under a vampire’s protection. After I read this I was hooked, I could not get enough of this novel with its witty repartee and a storyline like this it is an amazing read. Be forewarned this book has one heck of a cliffhanger so have book two ready to continue on!

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Forever Werewolf by Michele Hauf Review

Forever Werewolf:

Forever Werewolf and Moon Kissed

By Michele Hauf

On occasion Harlequin publishing house offers a two for one book deal, this book is one of those occasions so to make it easier not only on myself but also for everyone who reads my reviews I will write a separate  review for each book. I hope you all enjoy!

Forever Werewolf:

Trystan Hawkes has been tasked by his father to deliver an important package to the pack leader, “principal” in this case, at Castle Wulfsiege. Shortly after he arrives he is captivated by the enchanting Alexis Conner, daughter to the Alpine Prinicipal. As Alexis is informing her ailing father that the package he has been anticipating has finally arrived, an avalanche strikes the castle trapping them inside but with some of the pack out skiing at the time soon everyone begins a rescue mission even the Lone-Wolf Trystan. Soon as Alexis and Trystan become closer they soon realize each one has a secret, Trystan is not full blooded werewolf but mixed with vampire, and Alexis hides behind her blue sunglasses. Not only must they overcome their differences but each must contend with the entire Alpine Pack.

There is no way my brief synopsis could have done this novel justice; this novel alone has at least four story lines all intertwining into a seamless and fascinating world of Werewolves. Though this is a romantic fantasy it is not what you expect, yes it gets rather “steamy” in some parts but the world that Michele Hauf has brought to life is so captivating. Not only does this author blend the storylines into a flawless novel she also captures the scene, from the beautiful landscape of the Alpine mountains, to the relationships between each of the characters, and even if you have not read any of her novels, which this is my first, the characters she introduces from previous works do not fall flat in this novel. This first novel definitely sets an exceptional tone for this anthology.

 

Moon Kissed:

Belladonna Reynolds loves to stay fit and being a flamenco dancer it comes with the territory, one night as she is jogging she runs into a bit of trouble in the form of three bloodthirsty vampires. Luckily she runs into an abandoned warehouse to hide and straight into the arms of Severo a werewolf. As Severo is holding her in his arms he realizes that the connections he feels to this woman can only mean one thing, that she is destined to be his mate. This is just the beginning as the vampires soon begin to stalk Bella and Severo vows to protect her.

This novel doesn’t get really good until about chapter eight before that it is more a “Romantica” and has less of a storyline, but once it does kick off the book is fantastic. It turns out Bella’s best friend who also happens to be a man, is dating a vampire which Severo had nick named Elvira in years past for her outrageous appearance. When it comes to light that Elvira is the jealous sort it leaves Bella in a world of trouble. Though I read this one along with Forever Werewolf, this one was not as well written as the first but it still held its own, it is a quick and fun read even if it does start off a bit slow story wise.

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A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness Review

A Discovery of Witches 

All Souls Trilogy Book One

By Deborah Harkness

Diana has spent her entire life denying herself anything to do with witchcraft, though she is descended from a long line of witches. When she was a child her parents were killed and she knew that it was because their deaths had, had something to do with magic. Now Diana is a historian focusing on alchemical texts, when she pulls stumbles upon an enchanted book within Oxford’s Bodleian Library she is soon pulled into more magic than she had ever imagined.  With the help of vampire geneticist, Mathew Clairmont, Diana must survive witches who want her to recall the manuscript at any cost and she will soon realize that she is not quite as inept in witchcraft as she had previously thought.

First and foremost this is a romance novel; I say this because the synopsis you read on the book or even on goodreads make it seem as it will be more of a novel like a Game of Thrones with only slight romance, and this is not the case. I don’t have a problem with romance it was just not what I had expected when I started reading it. Most of the novel is rather slow; it’s more of a building of the story and the characters than having a story of its own but when you get towards the end the author truly sucks you into the story. It is a well written novel and the world that Deborah Harkness has created in which there are four types of beings, Vampires Witches, Demons, and Humans, is truly fascinating. Demons are eccentric and focus more on the arts as Vampires focus more on science in their lives, now I know the Vampire aspect is not quite original but to take that theory and use it with demons is truly interesting. All in all this is an amazing start to a trilogy and worth it if you don’t mind the slow start.

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Judgement of Souls by Margarita Felices Review

Judgement of Souls

By Margarita Felices

It’s Halloween the one time Rachel feels the most comfortable because she can blend in more easily with the mortals. When she spots some people heading into a bar that is holding a fancy dress party she follows along her vampire senses take in her surroundings and she makes a captivating entrance as the owner of the bar takes notice of her right away. They have an immediate connection and soon they begin to date with Rachel walk in and out of his life like a mysterious and alluring woman. Soon Rachel finds out that Daniel has a scroll left to him by his uncle that can help to free her parents from their slumber and in the wrong hands it will cause devastating effects but can she get to it before Max the evil vampire finds it?

I am not a huge fan of vampire romances, this one has a good back story the only problem I had with this book is it seems to be too fast paced, some of the details the author gives are to the point and moves on leaving you wanting more to the scene. If you are a fan of vampire romances you should give this a try though it is interesting enough and a lot like many of the others out there that have done very well, but for me I need something more to set a vampire romance apart. However it was well written and I think the author has a great idea and with a little adjustment it could be a remarkable read.

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Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith Review

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

By Seth Grahame-Smith

You may think you know Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth president of the United States and the man responsible for putting an end to slavery but you know nothing. When Abraham was a boy his mother was killed by a vampire, before this he was like the rest of us in his assumption that vampires are just a myth, after they poisoned his mother with their blood Abraham Lincoln made a solemn vow to kill every last vampire in the United States becoming the greatest vampire hunter of all time.

The civil war was actually a war between vampires, and the southern vampires used slaves as food, the southerners knew about this and supported it. That is the basis of this novel how Seth Grahame-Smith was able to make light of such a horrible situation I will never have a clue but he did, and in doing so wrote a New York Times Bestseller. This Novel is written as a biography of Lincoln’s life and the perils he found himself facing, in other words each one being caused or due to a vampire. I didn’t enjoy this book but it wasn’t bad I suppose it is somewhere in the middle with me, if you are bored and have nothing else to read it is entertaining enough to keep you busy.

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Simmer by Kaitlyn Davis Review

Simmer

Book Two of the Midnight Fire Series

By Kaitlyn Davis

Kira was born with a special ability she is able to harness the power of the sun and use it to defeat vampires. Kira travels with her guardian and best friend, Luke, to Sonneyville home of a large group of protector conduits to hopefully learn how to control at least half of her powers since she is the only person alive who was born to a protector and punisher the two factions within the conduit community. Once Sonnyville is attacked by vampires who are after her she decides it is time to put an end to it and goes after Diana the one who has initiated the hunt for Kira, if she is able to capture Kira and drink her blood she will be immune to both factions powers.

Kaitlyn Davis writes some of the best action scenes I have come across in a young adult book; they are fast paced and so well delivered making this more than just a silly romance. With this book we get to see more into Kira’s character and her family life in general we also get an introduction to her mother’s family which doesn’t turn out so wonderful to begin with. The overall book is fantastic like I said great action but also the romance is intense but when Kaitlyn Davis throws a monkey wrench into Kira’s relationship with Tristan you can’t help but wonder if she should really be with someone else. Even if you are not a fan of vampire romances I would give this one a try it is not your average series.

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Wanted Nightmares: Battle For Love by Pura Preis Review

Wanted Nightmares: Battle for Love

Wanted Nightmares Book One

By Pura Preis

Amaya lived among vampires for as long as she can remember, when her “Father” does everything he can to tear her apart from her one true love she cannot take living under his rule any longer and decides to end her life. But as she falls off a cliff in Ireland she is rescued by some unknown person and finds herself trapped by her immortal family once again but this time things are different she has come to the attention of a pack of werewolves who want her dead and she has no idea why. This is only the beginning for Amaya soon her memories slowly come back to her and she must come to terms with what she really is and the battle that lies before her.

This book starts off a little rocky at first, but soon the author finds her stride and the story comes to life. In the beginning of the book the author tries to explain the love Amaya shares with Thomas but it comes off forced, later in the story though through the experiences the couple shares it is heartwarming and lovely. Pura Preis has created a fantastic character in Amaya and slowly reveals bits and pieces of her in such a way to draw you into the story and with such a unique storyline it is certainly worth the read. There isn’t much I can say without revealing too much of the plot and ruining it, but I can say it ends in such a way they you will want to go out and buy the next book as soon as possible.

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The Sexiest Vampire Alive by Kerrelyn Sparks

The Sexiest Vampire Alive 
by Kerrelyn Sparks

Love at Stake Book Eleven

If you’ve read the other books in this series then you know who “Gregori the Gregarious” often referred to as a “play-boy” who’s never wanted to settle down. Someone always the life of the party and would always ensure some comic relief in this series from his crazy ideas, to his outlandish self-confidence.  Well it’s finally his turn to meet a woman who’ll turn his world upside down, and of all people it’s the president’s daughter!  In the last book a video is released of Conner killing Casimir, leading to the world finding out that vampires truly exist.   At the start of this book we find ourselves in a pickle with the Vamps trying to figure out a way to cover up the video.  The President has agreed to have the video discredited if the Vamps will escort his daughter on a mission into China.  Sparks fly from the very moment Gregori lays eyes on Abby, he has promised to keep her safe but who is going to keep her safe from him? 

I came across this series a few years ago. During the time when I was beginning to out-grow the whole “twilight” phase.  Originally I was skeptical, “it would just be another vampire romance.”  That had started blending together into the same collage of characters.  Kerrelyn Sparks managed to surprise me, she is actually funny! This book is no exception.  I always enjoy the way Kerrelyn Sparks can keep things light-hearted and fun but also have the necessary suspense to keep you coming back for more from the maniacal Casimir, to the newest Evil Incarnate. The only problem some people may have is the romance can seem a bit rushed.   The story takes place all in a few days’ time.  Personally I can still feel the relationship building and I don’t mind as much, when you know, you know.  Although a plus for Kerrelyn Sparks’ series is she keeps you up to date on all of her couples, but any book in this series can still be read as a stand-alone novel without losing the audience.  I definitely recommend this book f you want a fun not too “sleazy” romance.

As Always if you have any recommendations or requests email me at: reflections.of.a.bookworm@gmail.com