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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
Great characters- ones you love to love & others you love to hate!
Though I dabble a good bit in books based on all the realms of mythology, Blood Debt was the first book that I’ve read that centers around centaurs. All Camille’s life, all she’s known is her mother and living life as a regular girl- working as a cashier, having friends, and dating guys, many that never mounted to any sort of relationship. After Cami’s mom’s death, she finally learns the name of the father that’s been absent all of her life. During a single phone call, she’s elated to learn that he wants everything to do with being her dad and wants to meet her immediately. Flying across country from California to North Carolina, Camille soon learns that not only does she have a step-mother and five brothers, but that her bloodline- both her mother’s and her father’s- has been touched by the gods, particularly Zeus.
From the very beginning, I was drawn in to the world and the customs and traditions of these mythical beings that live among ordinary people. Every aspect of a good book is thrown at you in this story, but it’s not overwhelming and the pacing is spot on to keep you turning the pages. Though it was a quick read and a well-rounded story with plenty of explanations, I would've appreciate more depth and time among the other Centaur families and learning more about the Strayer family history. I suppose I’ll have to wait for the rest of the series to have all the answers to my questions, and I can’t wait to have more time with Camille and Drake. I look forward to seeing where this series goes from here; the possibilities are endless.
Though I dabble a good bit in books based on all the realms of mythology, Blood Debt was the first book that I’ve read that centers around centaurs. All Camille’s life, all she’s known is her mother and living life as a regular girl- working as a cashier, having friends, and dating guys, many that never mounted to any sort of relationship. After Cami’s mom’s death, she finally learns the name of the father that’s been absent all of her life. During a single phone call, she’s elated to learn that he wants everything to do with being her dad and wants to meet her immediately. Flying across country from California to North Carolina, Camille soon learns that not only does she have a step-mother and five brothers, but that her bloodline- both her mother’s and her father’s- has been touched by the gods, particularly Zeus.
From the very beginning, I was drawn in to the world and the customs and traditions of these mythical beings that live among ordinary people. Every aspect of a good book is thrown at you in this story, but it’s not overwhelming and the pacing is spot on to keep you turning the pages. Though it was a quick read and a well-rounded story with plenty of explanations, I would've appreciate more depth and time among the other Centaur families and learning more about the Strayer family history. I suppose I’ll have to wait for the rest of the series to have all the answers to my questions, and I can’t wait to have more time with Camille and Drake. I look forward to seeing where this series goes from here; the possibilities are endless.
This is a fresh new take on paranormal reads. Not a lot of centaurs out there, not that I have read. This takes elements of mythology and wraps them into a modern setting. Really fantastic world building.
Cami is a great character. I love that even though she comes from humble beginning she is pretty solid in her background. To be thrown into a suddenly rich lifestyle but to keep yourself, is tough. I like that she wasn't letting it change who she was as a person.
The romance is really well done. At first I was a bit wary, cause he was attached to another lady. Fortunately this is a mixed narrative and you get to see how it shapes up.
This book has a great supporting cast, many of then take over the narrative for a bit. It is a little jumpy at times, but it helps get make a fuller story. There are a lot of elements to keep track of throughout. The mixed narrative helps you understand everything and keeps the story popping.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Teri Schnaubelt. She does a fabulous job with all the voices and accents. There was so much to do, with all those narratives. She keeps it consistent and distinctive. Her pace is swift and really helps move the story along. I enjoyed her energy and am eager to hear her in the rest of the series.
I am very eager to see where the story goes next, This is definitely a series that is connected and needs to be read in order. This book ends on a happy note, not a cliffhanger but not a happy ever after.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for and honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
Cami is a great character. I love that even though she comes from humble beginning she is pretty solid in her background. To be thrown into a suddenly rich lifestyle but to keep yourself, is tough. I like that she wasn't letting it change who she was as a person.
The romance is really well done. At first I was a bit wary, cause he was attached to another lady. Fortunately this is a mixed narrative and you get to see how it shapes up.
This book has a great supporting cast, many of then take over the narrative for a bit. It is a little jumpy at times, but it helps get make a fuller story. There are a lot of elements to keep track of throughout. The mixed narrative helps you understand everything and keeps the story popping.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Teri Schnaubelt. She does a fabulous job with all the voices and accents. There was so much to do, with all those narratives. She keeps it consistent and distinctive. Her pace is swift and really helps move the story along. I enjoyed her energy and am eager to hear her in the rest of the series.
I am very eager to see where the story goes next, This is definitely a series that is connected and needs to be read in order. This book ends on a happy note, not a cliffhanger but not a happy ever after.
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for and honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
Part of the grouping of Gods and Mortals: Fourteen Free Urban Fantasy and Paranormal (free books)
Interesting twist on Greek mythology - though would love the world-building of the magic to be more than "they run fast" and "they have psychic powers".
Another Young Adult from the G&M-14 group (wish it had been entirely YA, because the mature romances buried in the pack threw things out of whack, plus they were bad stories).
This "YA" was a touch uncomfortable emotionally (loss of family members, and other Bad Things) and the characters do end up having sex, so more New Adult than Young Adult.
Simple, good, something to fill in beach time. Didn't interest me enough to look into the rest of the series, but might appeal to other readers more. I love good world-building, one of my requirements, and this one had the potential to be a much cooler world than it was, so I was disappointed. Most other readers prefer characterization and plot.
Interesting twist on Greek mythology - though would love the world-building of the magic to be more than "they run fast" and "they have psychic powers".
Another Young Adult from the G&M-14 group (wish it had been entirely YA, because the mature romances buried in the pack threw things out of whack, plus they were bad stories).
This "YA" was a touch uncomfortable emotionally (loss of family members, and other Bad Things) and the characters do end up having sex, so more New Adult than Young Adult.
Simple, good, something to fill in beach time. Didn't interest me enough to look into the rest of the series, but might appeal to other readers more. I love good world-building, one of my requirements, and this one had the potential to be a much cooler world than it was, so I was disappointed. Most other readers prefer characterization and plot.
This book is a good mix of current day and Greek mythology. It takes the origin of the Centaurs and updates it to related to the current world. The pace of the book was good, at no time did it get bogged down on too much detail.
I must say that I've never wanted to cry with a book before - but this book had my emotions all over the place!!!!!!!! Boy did I feel this one.
I read this for a challenge - team Centuar Baby - so of course I had to read a centaur book - I was looking through centaur related books and decided this one looked cool so hey, I'm going to get it!
I'm so happy that I did!!!!!!!!!! This book was spectacular (to me) and I truly enjoyed every darn second of it.
I loved all of the characters. I, of course, disliked the villains - but that's supposed to happen right?
I cannot wait to read what happens next, if I didn't have such a long TBR pile right now I'd start it immediately but I'm going to control myself and perhaps get it for February (or earlier, who am I truly kidding).
I read this for a challenge - team Centuar Baby - so of course I had to read a centaur book - I was looking through centaur related books and decided this one looked cool so hey, I'm going to get it!
I'm so happy that I did!!!!!!!!!! This book was spectacular (to me) and I truly enjoyed every darn second of it.
I loved all of the characters. I, of course, disliked the villains - but that's supposed to happen right?
I cannot wait to read what happens next, if I didn't have such a long TBR pile right now I'd start it immediately but I'm going to control myself and perhaps get it for February (or earlier, who am I truly kidding).
3.5
Right off I have to comment on this cover because how can I not? It is absolutely beautiful. I'm drawn to the cover model and her universal look. Not sure how to explain it other than that I feel she could represent a multitude of nationalities/ethnicities. In a book world that lacks POC's on covers it's nice to imagine the possibilities.
The synopsis given is pretty much on point so I won’t rehash it here.
What I liked:
*I really enjoyed the premise of the book. Camille, believed to be an only child and her mother’s only surviving relative, reaches out to her father after her mother dies of cancer. Not only does she have a father but a ready-made family waiting for her in South Carolina. It’s not only a discovery of a family she never knew she had but a discovery of her very mystical heritage.
*The Centaur lore is one I’ve never really read about before and I don’t really have anything to compare it to. All I know is that I liked how it was told in this story along with all of the Greek mythology that was woven intricately into this lore. It was intriguing and the way the Centaur history was told in the book made it very believable. It was strong and very well written.
*The romantic scenes were definitely written well. You felt the connection, the tension, the desire and the pull.
What was so-so:
*This story took off from page one. You don’t really have a moment to catch a breath until about a little after midway through. I mean there is something happening all the time. This is a plus and a negative. Let me explain. Camille is introduced to a boatload of people once she visits South Carolina. Because of the fast pace and so much info included or needed for the story it didn’t allow for the reader to really get to know some of these key characters (like family). It’s almost as if you had to trust some of the words on these pages on faith.
*This leads me to the romance. Yes the scenes had all the fire needed but again we don’t really get to know Drake, the guy who falls for Camille. All we know is that he can’t stop thinking of her. Yes, he seems nice enough but the time they spent with one another was not enough to justify love or the kind of love we were reading on these pages. There was something else but it might be too spoiler-ish for some. Let’s just say a declaration was made and I just thought it was kind of abrupt and kind of reaching regardless of the circumstances.
One other thing I felt was so-so was some of the transitions. They were kind of wonky. Something in the plot needed to be revealed so that it could thicken said plot but the way it was introduced did not flow at all. It needed to be fleshed out a bit. It kind of felt as it had to be said and introduced, didn’t fit anywhere and so it got stuck just so, right there. It only happened twice but it was significant.
Did not like:
*Camille is 22/23 years old. Yes, some 22/23 year olds can be immature but some of the stuff she pulled really bugged me. She liked to argue just for the sake of arguing when in reality she felt the same way the other person felt. She would say as much but argued just to be defiant. It was weird.
With that said I still enjoyed reading Blood Debt. Upon finishing I immediately felt as if the real journey had yet to begin and I was excited to find out what happened next. Its uniqueness won me over and I’m hoping the second book is a bit more fleshed out.
ARC was provided by author via the Making Connections Goodreads Group.
Right off I have to comment on this cover because how can I not? It is absolutely beautiful. I'm drawn to the cover model and her universal look. Not sure how to explain it other than that I feel she could represent a multitude of nationalities/ethnicities. In a book world that lacks POC's on covers it's nice to imagine the possibilities.
The synopsis given is pretty much on point so I won’t rehash it here.
What I liked:
*I really enjoyed the premise of the book. Camille, believed to be an only child and her mother’s only surviving relative, reaches out to her father after her mother dies of cancer. Not only does she have a father but a ready-made family waiting for her in South Carolina. It’s not only a discovery of a family she never knew she had but a discovery of her very mystical heritage.
*The Centaur lore is one I’ve never really read about before and I don’t really have anything to compare it to. All I know is that I liked how it was told in this story along with all of the Greek mythology that was woven intricately into this lore. It was intriguing and the way the Centaur history was told in the book made it very believable. It was strong and very well written.
*The romantic scenes were definitely written well. You felt the connection, the tension, the desire and the pull.
What was so-so:
*This story took off from page one. You don’t really have a moment to catch a breath until about a little after midway through. I mean there is something happening all the time. This is a plus and a negative. Let me explain. Camille is introduced to a boatload of people once she visits South Carolina. Because of the fast pace and so much info included or needed for the story it didn’t allow for the reader to really get to know some of these key characters (like family). It’s almost as if you had to trust some of the words on these pages on faith.
*This leads me to the romance. Yes the scenes had all the fire needed but again we don’t really get to know Drake, the guy who falls for Camille. All we know is that he can’t stop thinking of her. Yes, he seems nice enough but the time they spent with one another was not enough to justify love or the kind of love we were reading on these pages. There was something else but it might be too spoiler-ish for some. Let’s just say a declaration was made and I just thought it was kind of abrupt and kind of reaching regardless of the circumstances.
One other thing I felt was so-so was some of the transitions. They were kind of wonky. Something in the plot needed to be revealed so that it could thicken said plot but the way it was introduced did not flow at all. It needed to be fleshed out a bit. It kind of felt as it had to be said and introduced, didn’t fit anywhere and so it got stuck just so, right there. It only happened twice but it was significant.
Did not like:
*Camille is 22/23 years old. Yes, some 22/23 year olds can be immature but some of the stuff she pulled really bugged me. She liked to argue just for the sake of arguing when in reality she felt the same way the other person felt. She would say as much but argued just to be defiant. It was weird.
With that said I still enjoyed reading Blood Debt. Upon finishing I immediately felt as if the real journey had yet to begin and I was excited to find out what happened next. Its uniqueness won me over and I’m hoping the second book is a bit more fleshed out.
ARC was provided by author via the Making Connections Goodreads Group.
Interesting beginning of the series based on Greek Mythology with many nice characters and eventful plot. The first part of the book was just perfect, but nearing the end it was a little bit of an overkill with all Cami's stay at her ''sweet'' granny, hence one star minus.
Sorry guys! I meant to get this up earlier this evening, except...the 11 year old turned 12 and, believe it or not, she thought she deserved a birthday party! Can you imagine? Anyway, all is quiet now (FINALLY) so I thought I'd jot down my review of Nancy Straight's Blood Debt!
Okay, so I'm perusing this tour request I received and saw the word "Centaur" and I'm thinking, hmmmmm? A book about half-men/half-horses...no freaking way. Right? But then I thought, if anyone can pull this off, it's Nancy because I've read many of her other books and they are all amazing. Needless to say, she managed to pull this one off perfectly and there weren't even any hooved men stomping about.
The first thing that pulled me into the book was Camille's friend Daniel. A little weird since he was far from the main character, I know, but something tells me Daniel's a little more than just Camille's best friend. As of this moment, I know nothing more, but I'll keep you updated. HeHe.
So, Camille's mom, Angela, is a powerful Centauride who escaped a horrific fate and managed to keep Camille hidden from the most influential Centaur Herds. Angela only told Camille her father's name on her death bed, leaving Camille alone to search for a man she had never met. Once Camille and her father meet the secrets start flying. Can you imagine not only finding out you are of a magical race, but because of something your mom did, you owe a blood debt to another family? No thank you.
I loved the matriarchal society that the Centaurs revolved around, though there are many things about their lives I disagreed with and hopefully Camille will resolve some of these issues. But I must say, the most impressive thing is how the author managed to keep up with all Camille's half-brothers. Each of their names started with a B and each seemed swoon-worthy in their own way. I'm wishing them all the best of luck in the coming years, because I think they all deserve a good mate.
And Drake...OH YUMMY!!! He's amazing and kind and courteous and good. I love the way his and Camille's story is woven together and how many obstacles they each have to overcome in order to try to be together, and that's still up in the air. Still! Bianca and Gage are interesting characters and I cannot wait to know more about Gage and his family. Some things pulled together, but as with every well written series, some questions were answered while others were presented.
The only thing that kept me from giving the book a complete 5 stars is the frequent changing of POVs. Usually this is not a problem for me, but when you get more than two or three going at the same time, I tend to get confused and have to go back and reread things to make sure I understand who is saying what.
Nancy takes different mythologies and mixes them all together to create a fascinating, spell-binding, and nail-biting novel. I'm still rocking on the edge of my chair after that ending. She attacks political and social issues in an interesting manner and keeps your brain thinking far after the last page has been turned. If you are a fan of romance, mythology, and unique literature...Blood Debt is a must read. Be sure you run over to the giveaway and enter to win an ebook copy of Blood Debt.
*I received a free ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. No money or other compensation exchanged hands.
Okay, so I'm perusing this tour request I received and saw the word "Centaur" and I'm thinking, hmmmmm? A book about half-men/half-horses...no freaking way. Right? But then I thought, if anyone can pull this off, it's Nancy because I've read many of her other books and they are all amazing. Needless to say, she managed to pull this one off perfectly and there weren't even any hooved men stomping about.
The first thing that pulled me into the book was Camille's friend Daniel. A little weird since he was far from the main character, I know, but something tells me Daniel's a little more than just Camille's best friend. As of this moment, I know nothing more, but I'll keep you updated. HeHe.
So, Camille's mom, Angela, is a powerful Centauride who escaped a horrific fate and managed to keep Camille hidden from the most influential Centaur Herds. Angela only told Camille her father's name on her death bed, leaving Camille alone to search for a man she had never met. Once Camille and her father meet the secrets start flying. Can you imagine not only finding out you are of a magical race, but because of something your mom did, you owe a blood debt to another family? No thank you.
I loved the matriarchal society that the Centaurs revolved around, though there are many things about their lives I disagreed with and hopefully Camille will resolve some of these issues. But I must say, the most impressive thing is how the author managed to keep up with all Camille's half-brothers. Each of their names started with a B and each seemed swoon-worthy in their own way. I'm wishing them all the best of luck in the coming years, because I think they all deserve a good mate.
And Drake...OH YUMMY!!! He's amazing and kind and courteous and good. I love the way his and Camille's story is woven together and how many obstacles they each have to overcome in order to try to be together, and that's still up in the air. Still! Bianca and Gage are interesting characters and I cannot wait to know more about Gage and his family. Some things pulled together, but as with every well written series, some questions were answered while others were presented.
The only thing that kept me from giving the book a complete 5 stars is the frequent changing of POVs. Usually this is not a problem for me, but when you get more than two or three going at the same time, I tend to get confused and have to go back and reread things to make sure I understand who is saying what.
Nancy takes different mythologies and mixes them all together to create a fascinating, spell-binding, and nail-biting novel. I'm still rocking on the edge of my chair after that ending. She attacks political and social issues in an interesting manner and keeps your brain thinking far after the last page has been turned. If you are a fan of romance, mythology, and unique literature...Blood Debt is a must read. Be sure you run over to the giveaway and enter to win an ebook copy of Blood Debt.
*I received a free ebook in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. No money or other compensation exchanged hands.
Not going lie, the urban fantasy kind of blind-sided me and it was hard to get into at first. Once I was in, though, I was hooked in a big way. Great worldbuilding, great characters, loved the inter-family politics. Very enjoyable read, and I've added the rest of the series to my want to read list!
I thought I was going to be really invested in this story. It had an interesting premise and I enjoyed the characters early on. But the more I read, the more issues I had. Though I liked how the Centaur society was set up (it was honestly my favourite part), I didn't really buy the romance. Sure, Drake often said the right things, but I found it hard to feel that he was "important" beyond being the romantic lead. And while I respected Camille's stance that she shouldn't be rushed into marrying someone she doesn't want to be with, I often felt she was being too stubborn. The whole romantic part of this story felt shoved in just for the sake of being there, which I know is strange since this is a primarily romance novel. There were other things that bothered me– the supposed big twist didn't come at the right time and happened so out of the blue that I didn't believe it for a second. When it turned out to be a lie, I thought it was too rushed. That's the kind of thing that should be dragged out for suspense, not resolved a couple chapters later. I didn't really like the constantly changing POV's, considering they were from almost every other character's perspective. Camille was the main character and should have stayed that way to avoid confusion. There were a few other things that bothered me and I didn't like the end, so I won't be continuing with this series.