Archive for Best Vampire Books
Title: Dying Bites
Author: D.D. Barant
Release Date: June 30, 2009
Pages: 320
Genre: Urban Vampire
Best Book Quote: “Morning. I open my eyes and the last miniscule of hope that everything is just a dream evaporates with a tiny, melodramatic scream. Good Riddance, I think. I’d rather deal with reality – no matter how bleak – than have some ridiculous, forlorn hope distracting me. Yeah, and I hate kittens and puppies too.”
In the supernatural fantasy, Dying Bites the author D D Barat has taken the creative writing spirit to new heights. This is the first book in a new series entitled The Bloodhound Files. As I was reading it I found myself constantly thinking about what a wonderful imagination the author has – the alternative universe she creates opens up endless possibilities; you never know where this wonderful adventure might lead you.
The lead character in the story is Jace Valchek, a top notch successful FBI profiler. One day she’s living a normal life but then, mysteriously wakes up in an alternate universe where humans are an endangered species. But that’s not all; the person responsible for her journey is a vampire.
It seems that David Cassius, the vampire head of his universe’s National Security Agency, needs her expertise in dealing with a human serial killer that’s targeting vampires and werewolves, the creatures that make up most of the population. The supernatural beings in this new world, where magic is the norm and humans are nothing more than blood bags, have no experience dealing with insanity and they need Jace to find the killer. It’s because Jace is such a strong and skilled woman that she’s able to function in this new world and help David with his problem.
Now, the descriptions of the murder scenes are not for the weak of stomach. However, although they’re very graphic they’re not overdone. Since the murders are an integral part of the story the descriptions help the reader understand the compelling nature of the crimes. I would not really call this book a romance but there is enough hanky panky going on to keep paranormal romance fans interested. Dying Bites provides a unique spin on a not-so-common storyline that many fantasy readers will enjoy.
Title: Kiss of Death
Author: Rachel Caine
Release Date: May 27, 2010
Publisher: Signet
Pages: 324
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Romance
In the book Claire and her friends are given the chance to go past the city limits in order to let their friend Michael make a demo CD in Dallas. They’re psyched until they get their transit papers and find out that Oliver, an enforcer for Morganville’s head vamp, plans to accompany them as an escort. Bummer.
So the two couples (Shane and Claire, Michael and Eve) set out with Oliver hoping for music fame and fortune. Everyone is super excited because passes out of town are few and far between – and you don’t leave Morganville without the okay of the lead vampire, Amelie.
Everything’s great until they stop for food in a small town with more than its share of rednecks. Add to that the fact that Oliver disappears on some mysterious mission and rogue vampires want to put Claire and Eve on the lunch menu and you have a situation that’s quickly turning from bad to worse.
The writing in Kiss of Death transports you to small town Texas, letting you connect with the unique cultural divides between the lead characters and the townspeople. The story of joy-riding teenagers, happy about their freedom being sidetracked by hating humans and malevolent vampires delivers an exciting read that never lets up on the action. And I love how she’s developing Claire’s character into a strong independent young lady.
Rachel Caine delivers yet another great installment in her Morganville Vampire series. This is a well-written fast-paced adventure that kept me engaged throughout. Kiss of Death makes a worthy addition to the young adult fantasy genre.
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Reviewed by Debbie
Turncoat is the 11th book in the Dresden Files series but for this reviewer it was the first. I had never read any of the books but I have watched the television show and absolutely loved it. Usually, if I come across a book based on a TV show I only read it after I’ve first watched it on TV. I am officially breaking my usual routine because I am going to read every book in the Dresden Files series even though it’s not on TV any more. Also, you should know that although I’ve not read the first 10 books in the series, I perfectly understood what was happening in this story.
The book opens with Dresden answering a knock at his front door finding his worst enemy, the Warden Morgan, injured and begging for help. The most fun was reading the thoughts that popped into Dresden’s head because I would have been thinking the same things had I been in his situation. In the end, his constant need to do what is right takes over and he decides to give the guy a chance to explain himself. Once his enemy has recovered enough to talk, he tells Dresden that he has been falsely accused of murder and he needs Dresden to investigate what is going on. Dresden decides to help, for now…
Dresden knows this case is going to be tough but, when he is attacked by a Native American skin walker that no one can defeat, he knows that he has bitten off more that he can chew. He barely escapes from this attack and loses some very good friends in the process. But, he knows that the Warden is innocent now and he will do whatever it takes to keep an innocent man from being executed – even if that same innocent man tried to have him executed years earlier for a crime he did not commit. There is a traitor on the Wizard White Council and Dresden has to find out who it is to clear Warden Morgan and prevent a war between the councils that could turn everything they know upside down.
The author did an excellent job of keeping the reader informed of who people were and how they fit into the overall picture, which is why I was able to completely understand the story as I read. I had seen the television show based on the books but there is absolutely no comparison between the two. The books are much better than the show ever was so, as I mentioned earlier, I am quite glad that I finally read one of the books. I can now read the other 10 books in the series and I’m happy in the knowledge that the author, Jim Butcher, has mentioned the possibility of over twenty books in this series before he is done. Nice to know that my reading pleasure will continue for some time to come.
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The Black Dagger Brotherhood is a sexy and dangerous series that had me from the first hello. The brothers are warrior vampires with an attitude living in present day New York City. They are constantly at war with their nemesis, Omega and his army of minions that do his bidding. Omega’s bidding is usually killing the Black Daggers.
In this vampire book, the fifth in the series, Vishous is injured. The mighty warrior is taken to the hospital where the good doctor, Jane cares for him. It is apparent that Vishous or V is instantly attracted to his caretaker. This shouldn’t be unusual except that the book clearly insinuates that V is in love with his best friend and Black Dagger Brother, Butch. Drama! The new attraction only enhances the appeal of V. I want to know him and understand him and I surely want to keep reading.
Jane is swept away to the secret complex of the warriors so she can further care for her patient. She is increasingly suspicious that V is not human but cannot deny her attraction to him. The story further entangles when we discover that V is destined to marry the Chosen and create a new breed of warriors. How can he follow the path previously carved out for him when his heart demands that he mate with the human doctor?
The road to love is never paved and the romance of V and Jane is thrown off its bumpy course time and time again. V must follow his destiny and that most definitely does not include the doctor. Everyone is against them.
New characters are introduced in this vampire book but the focus rightly remains on the two lovers intertwined in their forbidden affair. Their sensuality steams up the pages with a passion that is practically tangible. Are you a romance fan? How about a vampire book fan? Regardless of the genre you prefer this new installment in the already hot Black Dagger series will pull you in and drag you under its sexy spell. Readers will be simultaneously sorry to see the story end and eager to read the next book, Lover Enshrined!
In the mood for unrequited vampire love, torture, and a vicious battle to destroy an entire race? Then pick up J.R. Ward’s Lover Revealed, the fourth book in the author’s Black Dagger Brotherhood vampire romance series. The tale of the Brotherhood, an elite group of vampire warriors, continues as they fight for survival against slayers determined to eliminate the entire race.
The six testosterone-fueled vampires with huge libidos that make up the Brotherhood are constantly fighting to save their civilian vampire counterparts from the lessers, bound to an evil master called The Omega and determined to stop at nothing to carry out his orders. The only human to ever be made privy to the inner workings of the Brotherhood, Butch O’Neal is a tough ex-homicide detective who helps the vamps with their investigations from time to time but longs for more.
He’s also hopelessly in love with the blue-blooded vampire Marissa, although the potential romance has never come to fruition. His love was revealed in the first book in the series, Dark Lover, although a misunderstanding tore them apart.
After saving a vampire civilian from the lessers one night, Butch is captured by the enemies and tortured mercilessly. After The Omega realizes that Butch is not about to reveal the Brotherhood’s secrets, he cuts him and places some of his own evil inside, hoping that it will spread and destroy the rest of the vampires.
But Vishous, Butch’s friend and vampire roommate, finds him and is able to cut most of the evil out of him. He’s still dying, however, and Vishous calls upon Marissa to come to his aid. In her haste, she forgets to protect herself, and she and Butch end up being quarantined together. As Butch begins to get better, the two make peace with the past and begin to build their relationship.
Ward’s aptitude for writing erotic love scenes comes into play here, while also making clear to the reader that the two have genuine affection for one another.
An interesting twist in Lover Revealed involves Vishous and his growing romantic feelings for Butch. While the two have always been close friends, this new affection is confusing to Vishous and makes for a unique love triangle.
This vampire romance book is a great read, more erotic and romantic than previous installments, and fans of the series will not be disappointed by this latest adventure into the dark world of the Brotherhood. Get Lover Revealed at your favorite bookstore.
Also, check out the next installment in J.R. Ward’s vampire romance books series, Lover Unbound!
Twelve top-notch authors come together in this fun and fast-paced anthology, a follow-up to Powers of Detection, featuring more stories of supernatural creatures, the mortals who love them, and their madcap adventures.
Lucky by Charlaine Harris
Sookie Stackhouse continues to bend the rules in this entertaining short by Harris. As she and her friend Amelia investigate some local break-ins and contend with spells, vamps, and of course, trouble, they get way more than they bargained for.
Bogieman by Carole Nelson Douglas
Dead actors, creatures of the night, and a futuristic Las Vegas come together in a creative take on paranormal fiction. After Sam Spade is murdered, investigator Delilah Street must attempt to solve the crime-amidst the werewolves, zombies and vamps roaming the strip.
Looks Are Deceiving by Michael A. Stackpole
This fantasy tale takes the reader on an exciting journey as a dwarf attempts to solve a murder before his own time is up.
The House of Seven Spirits by Sharon Shinn
A solitary writer hoping to spend the summer working is suddenly sharing a house with seven ghosts who need her help; this is one of the best in the collection.
Glamour by Mike Doogan
When Alf’s daughter disappears, he embarks on a quest to find her and the results will have you laughing out loud.
Spellbound by Donna Andrews
As a young wizard, Gwynn is used to a life less ordinary. But when a gathering at her school takes a strange turn of events, she is on a mission to get to the bottom of the mysteries and protect her instructor at the same time.
The Duh Vice by Michael Armstrong
This tale about dwindling resources in a futuristic world is the lone sci-fi story in the collection, and will have you making comparisons to the current state of America’s reserves.
Weight of the World by John Straley
Mixing murder with holiday cheer, this story paints an interesting picture of old St. Nick and what happens after all the toys are gone.
Illumination by Laura Anne Gilman
A daughter searches for her father and in the process meets a cave dragon and learns some things about herself as well.
The House by Laurie R. King
A haunted house draws a group of teens doing research, but when one goes missing, the class project takes on a new meaning.
Appetite for Murder by Simon R. Green
A serial killer is stalking the dark streets of Nightside, and detective Sam needs to catch him. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that he has hot heroine Ms. Fate by his side to help.
A Woman’s Work by Dana Stabenow
Two women arrive on a small island charged with investigating the death of the heir to a local province. Can they overcome the male-dominated culture to solve the mystery?
Librarian Jane Jameson is having a lousy day. Her boss, in a fit of nepotism, just gave her job away to a family member. To add insult to injury, her severance pay is a gift certificate to the local bar. So Jane does what any self-respecting, recently fired, unlucky in love 30-something female would do: she bellies up to the local bar to drink away her sorrows.
A sexy and sympathetic vampire named Gabriel happens to be hanging out nearby and after listening to her story, gets her sober and helps her to her car. Unfortunately for Jane, her car quits halfway home; to top off a really crappy day, she gets accidentally shot by a drunk hunter who mistakes her for a potential wall trophy. Gabriel, following her to make sure she gets home safely, sees the accident and comes to her aid. Since Jane is near death he gives her a choice: she can either die now or be “turned” and come back as the undead. She chooses Door Number Two.
Suddenly, the loss of her job is the least of her problems. She now has to learn what it means to be a vampire. Fortunately, vampires are completely “out” and there’s a synthetic blood product available that doesn’t taste too bad. But while trying to deal with her new condition, her newly dead aunt appears as her roommate. She has to forget about her favorite Southern-fried cooking and settle for cold bags of blood. She has to struggle through the daylight hours and pretend to actually still be breathing. And her mother won’t stop asking annoyingly pointed questions.
Jane’s also being framed for a vamp murder, and she better locate the real killer quick before she’s targeted by the entire vampire community. Her on-again, off-again relationship with Gabriel is one most girls can relate to, and provides heat and chemistry that smolders throughout the book.
Jane, isn’t just another one-dimensional character, though. She’s portrayed as a normal, nice girl, not overly neurotic, who loves to read, is kind to babies and small animals, and puts up with her bad-mannered family with aplomb.
Harper fleshes out other likable characters with a tongue-in-cheek approach , including Jane’s best friend Zeb, who’s in love with a werewolf named Jolene, and Dick Cheney, a bad-boy vamp with a crush on Jane. The tale is told in Jane’s sarcastically witty voice.
If you have any sense of humor, you will enjoy this read, and will no doubt want to read Harper’s next installments, Nice Girls Don’t Date Dead Men and Nice Girls Don’t Live Forever. But first, start by getting Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs!
