Tag Archives: Vampires

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Valley of the Shadow

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I have been a devoted reader of this series since its inception with the Elemental Mysteries, and each new release from any of its various offshoots continues to bring me joy and excitement. The characters within this expansive universe are masterfully crafted, each one intricately developed and brought to life with a vibrancy that makes them feel almost real. This dynamic cast not only enhances the storytelling but also makes for an engaging and enjoyable reading experience. The setting itself is a remarkable blend of the familiar world and fantastical elements, allowing readers to easily recognize aspects of reality while still being immersed in a rich, imaginative landscape. The author’s writing is nothing short of exceptional, consistently drawing me back for more adventures and stories.

In this particular book, we are treated to a heartwarming reunion of many beloved couples from previous installments, as they come together to celebrate the holiday season while also rallying for a significant occasion. Among them, we get an in-depth look at the lives of Baojia and Natalie, one of the series’ most cherished couples.

For eight years, Baojia and Natalie have endeavored to lead as normal a life as possible within the complexities of an immortal existence. Their focus on nurturing family ties, advancing their careers, maintaining friendships, and deepening their love for one another has largely been successful. However, reality is about to intrude in a significant way, confronting them with challenges they believed they had ample time to prepare for. As is often the case, the situation grows increasingly complicated, presenting unforeseen obstacles that test their resilience.

What stands out in this narrative is the powerful theme of support and chosen family. Despite the impending trials, Baojia and Natalie are not alone; they are surrounded by a supportive network of both human and vampire friends who come together to offer comfort and assistance. This sense of community adds layers to the story and highlights the strength found in relationships.

The serious themes tackled in this book could have easily been mishandled, but the author navigates them with remarkable sensitivity and understanding. There is a perfect balance of humor interwoven with the more somber moments, showcasing the courage required to confront life-altering situations. This blend elevates the story, making it both emotionally resonant and uplifting.

I absolutely adored this installment and, although it is intended to be a finale for Baojia and Natalie, I sincerely hope we will see more of them in future works set in this vivid universe. I highly recommend this book to anyone who hasn’t yet experienced its magic; it’s truly a must-read!

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Night Shift

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This series is one of those rare gems that elicits a longing for its continuation, even as readers acknowledge that every tale must eventually reach its conclusion. I must say, the ending of this particular installment was masterfully crafted, providing a satisfying resolution that deftly tied up all loose ends.

In this third book, the characters have evolved significantly, allowing readers to form a deeper connection with them. The author has painted a vivid picture of the town, making it so well-defined that you can easily imagine the streets, the cozy corners where each character resides, and the unique atmosphere that envelops Midnight. The storytelling is compelling, with prose that grips the reader’s attention, leading them to read long into the night, despite knowing the pressing need for rest.

The narrative takes a darker turn as an unexpected phenomenon begins at the pawnshop in Midnight, where residents are purchasing weapons to commit suicide at the infamous crossroads. Initially, this unsettling trend goes unnoticed, but as more townsfolk succumb to this chilling impulse, it becomes clear that something sinister is at play. Lemuel, the town’s solitary vampire, is deeply invested in unraveling the mystery. He has been meticulously translating a collection of ancient texts, believing these may hold crucial insights into the strange occurrences.

Fiji and her circle of friends find themselves grappling with a deep sense of unease and confusion as the situation escalates. It is only when Fiji reveals to her companions that she has been hearing a disembodied voice seemingly urging others to a fatal destiny that the group begins to grasp the gravity of their situation. Notably, the situation also weighs heavily on Olivia, who must confront her own challenges amidst the turmoil facing their community. The decisions that must be made have the potential to irrevocably alter the lives of everyone in Midnight, leading to outcomes that could be either disastrous or transformative.

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment and genuinely hope for more installments in the future. Midnight has become an enchanting place full of intrigue, making it an irresistible destination for readers. If you haven’t yet delved into this series, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do so; it is truly a captivating journey.

My rating: ★★★

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Midnight Labyrinth

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The first three novellas provide a solid introduction to the series, acquainting us with key characters in Ben and Tenzin’s story. I give it 4.5 stars for the significant enjoyment it offers. Though not immediately gripping, by the second chapter, I was fully engaged and eager to see what would unfold next. The introduction of new characters and the return of familiar ones is appreciated after some time.

Benjamin Vecchio has abandoned his tumultuous life in New York, where he was raised by a famed vampire assassin. Now an adult, he comes back to the city that once brought him sorrow, intent on establishing an identity separate from his aunt and uncle. With Tenzin at his side, Ben begins to set up an antiquities recovery business in New York, echoing Giovanni’s rare book enterprise in California.

On a business outing one night, Ben encounters Chloe, his high school sweetheart, and they rekindle their relationship. Chloe introduces Ben to the works of Emil Samson, her celebrated artist, at an art gallery. There, Ben is struck by two discoveries: a troubling story from a young woman tied to a missing artwork, part of a trilogy, which he pledges to find pro bono, much to Tenzin’s chagrin. Moreover, their endeavors rarely proceed without complications.

This installment brings just the right amount of thrill, setting the stage for future books. It also addresses a grave domestic issue with appropriate sensitivity and attention. The experience is highly enjoyable, particularly when experienced through an audiobook that brings the characters to life vividly.

My rating: ✯✯✯✯½

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Omens and Artifacts

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Although I adore the characters, they seemed somewhat underdeveloped in this instance. I missed the usual action associated with Ben and Tenzin as they strive to establish their business. The new characters didn’t excite me, but there’s always potential for growth if they reappear.

In the Elemental world, reputation is crucial, yet it’s a double-edged sword. Benjamin Vecchio is venturing into the world of antiquities hunting and is in dire need of clients. His uncle’s notoriety as a legendary fire vampire assassin has generated much intrigue but hasn’t translated into job offers. Benjamin needs a significant find to earn the recognition and prestige he seeks. If he can recover Brennus the Celt’s lost sword, he believes it could be his breakthrough. All he needs is for a descendant of Brennus to employ him for the search.

Securing his reputation might also endanger his life, but that’s par for the course in the perilous realm of ancient vampires.

It remains an excellent choice for fans of the series.

My rating: ✭彡✭彡✭彡

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Imitation and Alchemy

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Once more, I was drawn into the world of these unique vampires with their fascinating lives. The humans connected to them are equally intriguing, living alongside predators who are just a moment away from turning on them. The seamless introduction of new characters gives an immediate understanding of their personas.

Ben expected a tranquil summer before his final college semester, but that was wishful thinking. Tenzin, intrigued by the prospect of locating a trove of invaluable medieval coins for the vampire ruling Naples, planned a trip to Italy.

Ben vowed not to get entangled in another of Tenzin’s plots. A year later, he finds himself on the brink of another Italian adventure with her, lacking crucial details. Once again, Tenzin’s actions surprise him, revealing hidden agendas. Yet, this apparent debacle might have a silver lining.

The sequel may lack the action of its predecessor, but it offers a more compelling narrative that delves deeper into Ben and Tenzin’s relationship. Ben contemplates his significance to Tenzin, who appears to have claimed him as her own. As they embark on their new partnership and living situation, their lives are bound to become even more entwined.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Shadows and Gold

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I’m thrilled that this author is continuing to build upon a world with characters I’ve grown to adore. The new series embarks on adventures with two previously secondary characters, Ben and Tenzin, whose dynamic promises thrilling escapades. We witness Ben’s world broaden as he navigates a realm filled with vampires.

Tenzin, after watching a news report about the devastation of a province in China, entices Ben into her plan to illicitly retrieve her treasure trove. Initially, Ben complies, eager to enhance his Mandarin with the new semester approaching, and China seems the perfect place for it. Upon discovering Tenzin’s true intentions, he consents to proceed, provided he can choose some items for himself.

Ben had intended to keep Tenzin out of mischief, but deterring a 5000-year-old wind vampire prone to trouble is no small feat.

This series opener is fantastic, and I’m eager to see where it leads in terms of settings and the evolution of Ben and Tenzin’s relationship. The story strikes a fine balance between tension and action, introducing compelling new characters. Fans of the Elemental vampires are sure to enjoy this installment.

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠

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Minion

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Upon visiting the bookstore, I inquired with the clerk about a commendable vampire novel, and he recommended this particular one. I am immensely pleased that he did, as I was swiftly engrossed by the narrative. It revolves around a Vampire Huntress (envision Buffy but with an extra dose of sass) who is also a spoken word artist. The underlying themes are spiritual yet resonate with real-world authenticity. This novel marks the beginning of a 12-book saga that transports readers across the globe, reimagining the age-old battle between good and evil in an exceptionally captivating manner. Within its pages, one will encounter numerous figures from biblical and mythological lore, yet the tone remains far from sermonizing.

I deemed it an excellent introductory novel and believe it would appeal greatly to anyone fascinated by vampires and those who vanquish them.

**The narrative persists in its allure, and the mysticism interwoven throughout continues to provoke thought and wonder.

My Rating: ❃❃❃❃

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Beneath a Waning Moon

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These two authors have collaborated on collections in the past, and they have always been good. I must confess that I am already a fan of Elizabeth Hunter’s Elemental series, and I always welcome any opportunity to revisit that world. I enjoyed the first piece I read from Grace Draven, and I was excited to see what she would bring to this collection. When I averaged my rating for each story, the overall rating came out to be 3.7 stars.

“A Very Proper Monster” received a rating of 4.5 stars. At first, it took me a while to realize whose story was being told. However, once it picked up, it almost rushed through their early life together. Despite this, I enjoyed everything about the book. It was a nice turn since we hadn’t seen many of these characters before.

Josephine Shaw is a spinster who spends her nights filling the pages of her Gothic stories with fantastical creatures for the enjoyment of others. She is unaware that her father is looking for a husband to care for her when he is gone. Tom Dargin agrees to court the ailing spinster to secure a deal between Mr. Shaw and his boss Patrick Murphy. But when he finally meets the woman in question he is drawn to her and no longer sees this as just a duty.

This was a sweet love story with bite. Tom and Josephine were destined even if neither could see it at first.

“Gaslight Hades” I gave 3.2 stars mainly because it was confusing for me. I had difficulty getting into the story and did not really warm up to the characters until almost the end. While it was supposed to be a Gothic romance I got more of a steampunk feel from it, not that I don’t like steampunk. The story somewhat reminds me of Lovecraft because of the monsters.

Nathaniel Gordon was a man once upon a time but now he is barely human and walks among both the living and the dead. Nathaniel is a Bonekeeper, a guardian against grave robbers who has a well-earned reputation for protecting his charges. He has resigned himself to the fact that his old life is over until he spots the woman he once loved in his graveyard.

Lenore Kenward has lost her father, a man she both loved and admired after losing her almost fiancé years before. While at the graveside she senses something and finds a guardian watching her, instead of being frightened like so many she asks him to keep her father’s grave safe. She also feels there is something familiar about him.

This was a really slow burn but delivered a decent love story in the end. Not my favorite but I came to like them both.

My rating: 💫💫💫💫

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A Stone Kissed Sea

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I enjoyed getting a chance to really get to know Doctor Lucien Thrax after having met him in earlier novels. This revealed a great deal about him as an individual while also giving us the chance to meet his Sire, Saba, and the other ancients who have made cursory appearances since the original Elemental Mystery novels. The characters have all become more textured and nuanced as the series has progressed giving more depth and life to the world they inhabit. Knowing that this is the last novel set in this particular world made it bittersweet.

Lucien has been working on a cure for Elixir for the past three years without any luck, though he has had a few breakthroughs in detecting usage. The elimination of Elixir is very personal to him due to a loss he suffered because of it, it has also caused him to build a wall around his heart. Dr. Makeda Abel is a human under the aegis of Katya who has been funding the work of Lucien into the Elixir problem. Katya has also been funding the research of Makeda into human blood diseases and their possible cures.

Katya decides that even though Lucien has been working very hard and is making her money he could use some help. Makeda is sent to collaborate with Lucien, even though he would prefer to work alone. Lucien for his part does not take it well and does everything he can to make things difficult for Makeda, and because she would prefer not to be there she does not immediately fall in line. Though both of them are brilliant they cannot see what is right in front of them.

Power, Passion, and Politics. These are three things which drive the vampires as well as the humans in all our stories. You get a healthy dose of all three here as things go from good to bad to worse and back to good again. There is some good action along with a few steamy scenes that are fairly tame, though still hot enough for most. I believe fans will be more than happy with how things play out here.

** I listened to this for my second go with this as I have for the previous books in the series. It is just as compelling when listened to as when you read it. The narrator is fantastic and gives voice and life to all the characters. Enjoy this both ways.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Ravaged

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I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed reading each book in this series. I love meeting new characters and also getting updates on the characters from earlier novels, but unfortunately, rarely any of the mates. Every time I start reading a book, I get pulled into the story and find it hard to put down until I finish, but I have to stop often because sleep and work get in the way. The world they inhabit is like ours but with a subtle twist.

Ever since Aiden stopped aging, he has been struggling with his dark impulses. Unlike his brothers who only had to deal with one dark impulse, Aiden is fighting against multiple ones such as bloodlust, sex, violence, and death. His work with Ronan has helped him to keep the darkness at bay, but he’s starting to lose the battle. He hopes someone will take him out before he gives in.

Maggie Doe had a difficult upbringing and always dreamed of having things she never had especially her own home. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when Aiden is rushed into her ambulance. Aiden has lost all hope for his future, but Maggie’s arrival brings a glimmer of hope back into his life.

This book has a good balance of mature themes, including sex, violence, and gore. It can be enjoyed as a standalone or as part of the larger series. I am excited for more young readers to experience it.

I found this book just as engaging as the others in the series. Tavia Gilbert’s narration is excellent and she brings each character to life, regardless of gender. I highly recommend it.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟