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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
This book doesn’t work for me. It’s not horrible but I didn’t enjoy it either. The most bothersome thing is the writing. If we’re going to write in vernacular then it needs to be contextually accurate. No way we’re people saying “dumbass” and “salty” in 1863. It really takes you out of the story. I also just don’t think this story should’ve been set during the Civil War. It just didn’t work. And there are so many unexplained aspects of the world building. What are Saints? What makes them different? And how did the come to be? None of this was answered. The elements of this book just don’t work for me.
WOW! What did I just read? This book had it all. The civil war, making it historical. The vampires made it paranormal. The relationship of Jerusalem and Alexei makes it a romance. This book has everything.
There were a lot of characters, that sometimes got overwhelming, but they all added to the story. I enjoyed that most of the characters played an active part in the story so they made an impression on me. There were a few times that I skimmed over a paragraph because it seemed repetitive or not very important to the story.
Overall, The Dangerous Ones is a great YA paranormal romance. The book is not a quick read but it is entertaining.
There were a lot of characters, that sometimes got overwhelming, but they all added to the story. I enjoyed that most of the characters played an active part in the story so they made an impression on me. There were a few times that I skimmed over a paragraph because it seemed repetitive or not very important to the story.
Overall, The Dangerous Ones is a great YA paranormal romance. The book is not a quick read but it is entertaining.
I just finished The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood and here are my thoughts.
It’s 1863. The confederates have declared a civil war and made the unique decision to partner with the Vampires who also benefit from slavery. The Union army is lucky to have the Saints on their side. A group of people with demigod style abilities. Jerusalem fights for the Union army… she is a saint and one of the best.. Fearless and headstrong…
Jerusalem understands what it is like to be enslaved. She recently escaped the vampire who held her captive after her family was murdered. She has rage in her heart and killing vampires is all she wants to do. Revenge and fighting for colored peoples rights are what keep her going.
The last thing she expected was having to work with an ancient vampire but Alexei has proven himself time and time again that he is on her side. Together they set out to win the war that is raging and Jerusalem's ultimate goal of killing the vampire that killed everyone she loved.
The cover is so pretty. It got a whole star just for that. I know, I am easily pleased. This YA historical fantasy read is a very interesting concept. The Saints are vampire killers, the first being van helsing. Was a clever way of setting the story up in my opinion. Having a saint and a vampire working together was great too. You can feel the tension between the two of them, especially knowing they could take each other out at any point.
I like the idea that they are fighting in a real historical war and throwing in the paranormal on top was genius. The character development was well done but I had a bit of an issue with the modern terms being thrown in. Words not used back then. I normally can accept in the fiction world anything goes but when you make the decision to dip your toe into the historical fiction world, I expect a certain level of consistency. I understand why it was done but I found it a tad aggravating. Plus side, that was my only grip.
The writing was great, the plot sublime and I was entertained from start to finish.
4.25 stars.
Really well done and I want to thank @wednesdaybooks for my gifted finished copy! Out now!
#thedangerousones #laurenblackwood #ya #historicalfantasy #vampires #fantasybook #fantasyreader #wednesdaybooks #wednesdayinfluencer #bookishreview #readerlife #readingtuesday #booksbooksbooks #booksarelife
It’s 1863. The confederates have declared a civil war and made the unique decision to partner with the Vampires who also benefit from slavery. The Union army is lucky to have the Saints on their side. A group of people with demigod style abilities. Jerusalem fights for the Union army… she is a saint and one of the best.. Fearless and headstrong…
Jerusalem understands what it is like to be enslaved. She recently escaped the vampire who held her captive after her family was murdered. She has rage in her heart and killing vampires is all she wants to do. Revenge and fighting for colored peoples rights are what keep her going.
The last thing she expected was having to work with an ancient vampire but Alexei has proven himself time and time again that he is on her side. Together they set out to win the war that is raging and Jerusalem's ultimate goal of killing the vampire that killed everyone she loved.
The cover is so pretty. It got a whole star just for that. I know, I am easily pleased. This YA historical fantasy read is a very interesting concept. The Saints are vampire killers, the first being van helsing. Was a clever way of setting the story up in my opinion. Having a saint and a vampire working together was great too. You can feel the tension between the two of them, especially knowing they could take each other out at any point.
I like the idea that they are fighting in a real historical war and throwing in the paranormal on top was genius. The character development was well done but I had a bit of an issue with the modern terms being thrown in. Words not used back then. I normally can accept in the fiction world anything goes but when you make the decision to dip your toe into the historical fiction world, I expect a certain level of consistency. I understand why it was done but I found it a tad aggravating. Plus side, that was my only grip.
The writing was great, the plot sublime and I was entertained from start to finish.
4.25 stars.
Really well done and I want to thank @wednesdaybooks for my gifted finished copy! Out now!
#thedangerousones #laurenblackwood #ya #historicalfantasy #vampires #fantasybook #fantasyreader #wednesdaybooks #wednesdayinfluencer #bookishreview #readerlife #readingtuesday #booksbooksbooks #booksarelife
I’m giving this a 3.5, rounding up to 4 bc the ratings have tanked this book quite a bit, and it’s not bad, just well…
First, I didn’t mind the modernized language at all. That was the least of my bothers and it made reading (er listening to it) less of a slog. It’s fantasy, liberty with language is totally fine with me.
Second, the premise is stellar and the setup and world building was there for a truly remarkable and gipping story. I enjoyed the set up of Saints, and the inclusion of other supernatural beings. Sadly any supernatural besides vampires, felt tacked on and left me wanting. Like instant transmission Sasquatches, yooooo gimme more and what’s up with werewolves and vampires!? I loved the handling of the underground railroad and how folks worked together to get black folks to freedom human and non human. But it was unfortunate that literally all vampires are like evil save Alexi and then the new blood at the end, but that’s nothing new.
Third, Jerusalem… her anger, hurt, pain, furry is all justified, what wasn’t was the constant taking it out on her closest ally. Yes, he is ultra white and an old vampire that’s super strong, and he can take whatever she throws at him, but the literal maiming and multiple murder attempts was a bit much for a story that’s suppose to have love conquering evil. The line where pain turns into healing, love and understanding was way too hard to tie together for Jerusalem and it made reading any interaction with Alexi just unfortunate. So much to the point where I, nor my partner who listened with me, didn’t want them to get together. Pocket hulk needed space and time to grow and heal before jumping into a relationship with a man who embodies all of her triggers. It doesn’t matter how kind or sweet, or even hurt he is, because she can’t see past her own trauma (understandably so) and just lashes out constantly. She NEEDS SPACE and to grow into herself more before she is in a place to accept what Alexi wants from her and what she wayyyy to begrudgingly wants feom him. *squints eyes*
Fourth, Alexi… he too perfect. Like the big problem with him being opposite of such a strong and triggered character like Jerusalem is that he is way too passive. He does little annoying things that are supposed to be cute to get her attention bc he is so down bad he will take her anger so long as he has something, but her anger literally kills and he just takes it. Yes a lover that is ride or die is awesome, but not when they are literally dying because of their love for you by you. He had stuff to deal with too and it was only scratched at towards the end. It would have been nice if there was some more of a window into how he fell so hard for J, besides her smell, but fated mate stuff i guess :V. I also wanted more of him standing up for himself. You can still be there for your love and not take abuse. He is the older one here by a lot. Sure he was turned at 18, but that was 200+ years ago. He can still be afraid of red mask, but i really felt like he should have been able to do/say more than looked stunned every time J hurt him.
Fifth, the relationship… Look, the main draw for my black self reading anything that happens during this time in history for pleasure was to be able to see how a black woman with enhanced abilities falls in love with an Alucard dangit. And it makes me so sad, but the love couldn’t thrive between them. It was just one sided and malice till like the very end. The tender moments were far and In between and honestly for them to actually truly be able to have a relationship, a book two would have been needed. This only works as a slow burn and time to come to terms with everything between them and circumstances around them. Alexi put J on a pedestal and their relationship suffered because of that and how everything had to be wrapped up in one book. It all happened to little to late, and though I did enjoy the finale, it was just way to late game and it didn’t make me want to cheer for them to overcome together. They both need to grow up and then meet back before anything could really happen in my opinion.
Extra: wtf Sierge, like what was the point of him. He was an abused abuser that cared for A enough to help him get free, but tortured folks he drank from. Like how interesting would it have been for him to be the one to teach A how to drink without killing. And though he was afraid to stand up to red mask too, him helping new bloods to safety could been a cool parallel to the underground and also show not all vampires are evil just because, but he was a weird dropped thread. Like I get he was supposed to represent complex feelings, but it just fell flat and then was left dangling. He could have come in clutch in the effort to help at the end and got some redemption for himself, but alas.
Conclusion, this book has an amazing premise, there are some truly interesting side characters, and decent world building. Pain was not glossed over and vengeance was swift when delivered. Though in my opinion the ones that deserved to suffer got off way too easy with quick death. The ending was literally the best part and I wish it happened at the middle point and we got to go forth the rest if the story with the new party and the questions and situations that arise from the new composition. From that point I could see the relationship between A and J progressing into real deal love and healing, bust alas. Lemme know if a book 2 ever comes out, bc I’d defo be into it bc there’s only up from here in terms of the relationship and there is defo a lot of the world and other characters i’d like to explore.
First, I didn’t mind the modernized language at all. That was the least of my bothers and it made reading (er listening to it) less of a slog. It’s fantasy, liberty with language is totally fine with me.
Second, the premise is stellar and the setup and world building was there for a truly remarkable and gipping story. I enjoyed the set up of Saints, and the inclusion of other supernatural beings. Sadly any supernatural besides vampires, felt tacked on and left me wanting. Like instant transmission Sasquatches, yooooo gimme more and what’s up with werewolves and vampires!? I loved the handling of the underground railroad and how folks worked together to get black folks to freedom human and non human. But it was unfortunate that literally all vampires are like evil save Alexi and then the new blood at the end, but that’s nothing new.
Third, Jerusalem… her anger, hurt, pain, furry is all justified, what wasn’t was the constant taking it out on her closest ally. Yes, he is ultra white and an old vampire that’s super strong, and he can take whatever she throws at him, but the literal maiming and multiple murder attempts was a bit much for a story that’s suppose to have love conquering evil. The line where pain turns into healing, love and understanding was way too hard to tie together for Jerusalem and it made reading any interaction with Alexi just unfortunate. So much to the point where I, nor my partner who listened with me, didn’t want them to get together. Pocket hulk needed space and time to grow and heal before jumping into a relationship with a man who embodies all of her triggers. It doesn’t matter how kind or sweet, or even hurt he is, because she can’t see past her own trauma (understandably so) and just lashes out constantly. She NEEDS SPACE and to grow into herself more before she is in a place to accept what Alexi wants from her and what she wayyyy to begrudgingly wants feom him. *squints eyes*
Fourth, Alexi… he too perfect. Like the big problem with him being opposite of such a strong and triggered character like Jerusalem is that he is way too passive. He does little annoying things that are supposed to be cute to get her attention bc he is so down bad he will take her anger so long as he has something, but her anger literally kills and he just takes it. Yes a lover that is ride or die is awesome, but not when they are literally dying because of their love for you by you. He had stuff to deal with too and it was only scratched at towards the end. It would have been nice if there was some more of a window into how he fell so hard for J, besides her smell, but fated mate stuff i guess :V. I also wanted more of him standing up for himself. You can still be there for your love and not take abuse. He is the older one here by a lot. Sure he was turned at 18, but that was 200+ years ago. He can still be afraid of red mask, but i really felt like he should have been able to do/say more than looked stunned every time J hurt him.
Fifth, the relationship… Look, the main draw for my black self reading anything that happens during this time in history for pleasure was to be able to see how a black woman with enhanced abilities falls in love with an Alucard dangit. And it makes me so sad, but the love couldn’t thrive between them. It was just one sided and malice till like the very end. The tender moments were far and In between and honestly for them to actually truly be able to have a relationship, a book two would have been needed. This only works as a slow burn and time to come to terms with everything between them and circumstances around them. Alexi put J on a pedestal and their relationship suffered because of that and how everything had to be wrapped up in one book. It all happened to little to late, and though I did enjoy the finale, it was just way to late game and it didn’t make me want to cheer for them to overcome together. They both need to grow up and then meet back before anything could really happen in my opinion.
Extra: wtf Sierge, like what was the point of him. He was an abused abuser that cared for A enough to help him get free, but tortured folks he drank from. Like how interesting would it have been for him to be the one to teach A how to drink without killing. And though he was afraid to stand up to red mask too, him helping new bloods to safety could been a cool parallel to the underground and also show not all vampires are evil just because, but he was a weird dropped thread. Like I get he was supposed to represent complex feelings, but it just fell flat and then was left dangling. He could have come in clutch in the effort to help at the end and got some redemption for himself, but alas.
Conclusion, this book has an amazing premise, there are some truly interesting side characters, and decent world building. Pain was not glossed over and vengeance was swift when delivered. Though in my opinion the ones that deserved to suffer got off way too easy with quick death. The ending was literally the best part and I wish it happened at the middle point and we got to go forth the rest if the story with the new party and the questions and situations that arise from the new composition. From that point I could see the relationship between A and J progressing into real deal love and healing, bust alas. Lemme know if a book 2 ever comes out, bc I’d defo be into it bc there’s only up from here in terms of the relationship and there is defo a lot of the world and other characters i’d like to explore.
Thank you NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood is a YA historical fantasy full of vampires and humans with god-like strengths, battling against one another during the American Civil War.
This story was one-of-a-kind with its unique setting and plot. I also found myself loving the banter between the two love interests. I wouldn’t call them true enemies to lovers because the “enemies” is one-sided. Their dynamic and their relationships with the other characters was one of the highlights of the book.
Overall I gave this book a three star rating because while I loved the world the author created and each character, supporting or otherwise, had really great depth, I struggled with the MC. I think at the end of the day, I was endeared to her struggles and accomplishments, but finished the book questioning whether I liked her as she frustrated me so much. But that’s just a personal preference, I still highly recommend reading this book and what detracted for me I doubt would do so for others.
The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood is a YA historical fantasy full of vampires and humans with god-like strengths, battling against one another during the American Civil War.
This story was one-of-a-kind with its unique setting and plot. I also found myself loving the banter between the two love interests. I wouldn’t call them true enemies to lovers because the “enemies” is one-sided. Their dynamic and their relationships with the other characters was one of the highlights of the book.
Overall I gave this book a three star rating because while I loved the world the author created and each character, supporting or otherwise, had really great depth, I struggled with the MC. I think at the end of the day, I was endeared to her struggles and accomplishments, but finished the book questioning whether I liked her as she frustrated me so much. But that’s just a personal preference, I still highly recommend reading this book and what detracted for me I doubt would do so for others.
American Civil War meets vampires and humans with god-like abilities.
I was excited to read/listen to this book because I thought the idea of bring vampires to the Civil War was great and enemies to lovers (need I say more), but unfortunately this book fell flat for me. I had a hard time listening to it. I found myself getting distracted easily and at times not knowing what was going on. I also wasn't much into the romance aspect of the book. I am rating this a 2.5/5 stars, but round up to 3 stars for goodreads.
Read if you like:
Vampires
Dual POV
Enemies to lovers
War
Strong FMC
I was excited to read/listen to this book because I thought the idea of bring vampires to the Civil War was great and enemies to lovers (need I say more), but unfortunately this book fell flat for me. I had a hard time listening to it. I found myself getting distracted easily and at times not knowing what was going on. I also wasn't much into the romance aspect of the book. I am rating this a 2.5/5 stars, but round up to 3 stars for goodreads.
Read if you like:
Vampires
Dual POV
Enemies to lovers
War
Strong FMC
Great narrators. I’m not a big fan of alternate history usually, but I really loved this book. The story line was great, and I did not have to suspend disbelief once I understood the world building. I love the main characters and really enjoyed both points of view. I will be reading the author’s other works.
First. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me have this arc, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Gosh, I hate leaving bad reviews. I really do.
When I read the sinopsis I was like, “oh my gosh it sounds so good” and I was so happy to get this arc.
Don’t get me wrong. The story is very well written. But I just hate how the chapters are. Like one, you have dual point of view. Which I don’t care, I really do like. But in the same chapter? Like, at times the chapter never ended, because it kept going back and forth instead of separate chapters.
Then the story of a vampire lusting a human. I feel like this is the “it” topic all of a sudden. I feel like the lusting vampire to a human, it’s just getting old. A more original idea would have been great.
I love how you wanted to write about the civil war, but it was too much for me.
I believe a lot of people would like this book. But it was not for me. Sorry.
Gosh, I hate leaving bad reviews. I really do.
When I read the sinopsis I was like, “oh my gosh it sounds so good” and I was so happy to get this arc.
Don’t get me wrong. The story is very well written. But I just hate how the chapters are. Like one, you have dual point of view. Which I don’t care, I really do like. But in the same chapter? Like, at times the chapter never ended, because it kept going back and forth instead of separate chapters.
Then the story of a vampire lusting a human. I feel like this is the “it” topic all of a sudden. I feel like the lusting vampire to a human, it’s just getting old. A more original idea would have been great.
I love how you wanted to write about the civil war, but it was too much for me.
I believe a lot of people would like this book. But it was not for me. Sorry.
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A