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carriethis's review
3.0
Great audiobook narrated by Alison Larkin. She rocks all the different voices and accents. I have to confess though that I accidentally listened to this on 1.25x and didn't even notice - nice way to power through a book a wee bit faster than normal. Definitely a romance novel with a paranormal backdrop, but I'm not complaining. Much fun!
ja3m3's review
3.0
Paranormal Romance with a touch of Steampunk is really what this book is all about. Know that going in and you will enjoy the read. Otherwise you will be looking forever for your Steampunk in a vampire's kiss and be sadly misled.
callidice's review
5.0
I picked up a copy of this for my kindle because it happened to fit the requirements for a reading challenge I've been participating in & sounded intriguing, but I must say, I did not anticipate that I would love this as much as I did! The writing was absolutely brilliant - I was expecting this to take a while to get through, but I found myself breezing through it. The plot was gripping, the romance was actually steamy and not cheesy, and the characters were very likable.
Honoria may have been a bit daft in that she was too proud to admit when things were no longer in her control, but her heart was always in the right place, and she worked hard to hold her family together on her own. I enjoyed seeing how her relationship with Blade developed - she grew up with prejudices towards those infected with the blood-craving, but soon found herself having to rely on Blade despite her misgivings towards him. It was interesting to see how her trust in him began to strengthen, and I loved their quarreling and bantering throughout the novel. They were great together, and Blade was definitely hot! In my minds eye, he looked a lot like Hook from Once Upon A Time...
The vampire lore in the novel was also a lot of fun to read about, and was different than anything I've come across so far in other vampire novels. Apparently, when one is infected with the blood-crave virus by ingesting the blood of another infected, they gain heightened senses, healing abilities, strength, and a hankering for blood, but they aren't considered vampires, they're considered blue-bloods. Vampires are what blue-bloods later turn into, once the "fade" starts to kick in and they begin mentally and physically deteriorating, until the human part of them has completely vanished and all that's left is a monster. This eventually happens to all blue-bloods, and sounds terrifying.
At any rate, what I'm really excited for is reading more about Honoria's sister, Lena, and the verwulfen, Will (one of Blade's best friends). I just found out that book two is going to focus on them, and I can't wait to get started on reading their story! Will was abandoned as a child when his mother discovered he was a werewolf, so he harbors animosity and a strong distrust towards the fairer sex - I'm curious to see how Lena ends up cracking through that shell. If you're a fan of paranormal romances I highly recommend that you check out this series - it's already become a favorite of mine! 5 out of 5 stars.
Honoria may have been a bit daft in that she was too proud to admit when things were no longer in her control, but her heart was always in the right place, and she worked hard to hold her family together on her own. I enjoyed seeing how her relationship with Blade developed - she grew up with prejudices towards those infected with the blood-craving, but soon found herself having to rely on Blade despite her misgivings towards him. It was interesting to see how her trust in him began to strengthen, and I loved their quarreling and bantering throughout the novel. They were great together, and Blade was definitely hot! In my minds eye, he looked a lot like Hook from Once Upon A Time...
The vampire lore in the novel was also a lot of fun to read about, and was different than anything I've come across so far in other vampire novels. Apparently, when one is infected with the blood-crave virus by ingesting the blood of another infected, they gain heightened senses, healing abilities, strength, and a hankering for blood, but they aren't considered vampires, they're considered blue-bloods. Vampires are what blue-bloods later turn into, once the "fade" starts to kick in and they begin mentally and physically deteriorating, until the human part of them has completely vanished and all that's left is a monster. This eventually happens to all blue-bloods, and sounds terrifying.
At any rate, what I'm really excited for is reading more about Honoria's sister, Lena, and the verwulfen, Will (one of Blade's best friends). I just found out that book two is going to focus on them, and I can't wait to get started on reading their story! Will was abandoned as a child when his mother discovered he was a werewolf, so he harbors animosity and a strong distrust towards the fairer sex - I'm curious to see how Lena ends up cracking through that shell. If you're a fan of paranormal romances I highly recommend that you check out this series - it's already become a favorite of mine! 5 out of 5 stars.
shelleyjld's review against another edition
5.0
I could not put this book down. The mystery, the characters, the relationships. It was just amazing. So well written. I cannot wait to read the next one!
wanderingworlds's review
3.0
I saw Steampunk in the Series name and was really excited to read this book. While the book itself is good - it did not live up to my amazing steampunk dreams. This book is a Victorian vampire romance- and it did all that stuff well. I liked the virus aspect to it and the Blue Bloods vs Vampires. Her gun was a thing of beauty and gave me the smallest bit of steampunk vibes. I guess I just expected something different from a Steampunk book?
The hero was good... hot, broody, charming, typical vampire dude. The heroine was smart, capable, and selfless. Their chemistry was good together and they had interesting dialogue.
Overall, it was an entertaining romance!
The hero was good... hot, broody, charming, typical vampire dude. The heroine was smart, capable, and selfless. Their chemistry was good together and they had interesting dialogue.
Overall, it was an entertaining romance!
deb_is_reading's review against another edition
3.0
I really didn't know what to expect when I picked this up. I just wanted to read something steampunk/Gaslamp. I've seen this series every now and then so I thought to give it a try.
I thought it was...fine. I think the beginning was a little rough, as far as worldbuilding goes. I'm not new to fantasy, even high fantasy, but I felt a little unclear with some of the elements. I did eventually understand most of the nuances of the vampires and this world. There were some things that don't really...make sense if you think too hard but it's okay, I was here for the romance.
Speaking of romance, I did end up getting invested in the romance. And I'm pretty sure the love interest is a blonde, so that's sayin something.
I, more likely than not, will probably continue with this series, but there's like a handful more paranormal urban fantasy with a heap of romance that I'd rather continue first.
I thought it was...fine. I think the beginning was a little rough, as far as worldbuilding goes. I'm not new to fantasy, even high fantasy, but I felt a little unclear with some of the elements. I did eventually understand most of the nuances of the vampires and this world. There were some things that don't really...make sense if you think too hard but it's okay, I was here for the romance.
Speaking of romance, I did end up getting invested in the romance. And I'm pretty sure the love interest is a blonde, so that's sayin something.
I, more likely than not, will probably continue with this series, but there's like a handful more paranormal urban fantasy with a heap of romance that I'd rather continue first.
blodeuedd's review
3.0
The steampunk aspect, well there was not much mention of it, except for a mechanical spider or two. The paranormal aspect, oh yes, that was there, and because of the steampunk vibes it felt much darker than usual.
Honoria is hiding with her siblings in a part of London that is ruled by the mysterious Blade. The rest of London belongs to the vampire council. And they are not good guys. But then they are the rules of England. Vampire beings who keep humans as thralls to feed upon. And humans pay taxes in blood. It's a darker world. It's a good world, and interesting world to read about.
Honoria is kind, too kind at times, she wants the best for her poor siblings. I liked her, I felt sorry for her, and I could respect her too. She could take back. Blade, our vampire renegade hero was, well let's just say he was alpha. Tough, and doing all to protect those within his realm. They are not a couple that should be, him bloodthirsty, and she not wanting anything to do with that world. But we all know the old story, passion is a sure thing when they meet. Even if they try to fight it. Some should just be together.
An interesting world. A good couple and evil vampires that are rot in the end.
Honoria is hiding with her siblings in a part of London that is ruled by the mysterious Blade. The rest of London belongs to the vampire council. And they are not good guys. But then they are the rules of England. Vampire beings who keep humans as thralls to feed upon. And humans pay taxes in blood. It's a darker world. It's a good world, and interesting world to read about.
Honoria is kind, too kind at times, she wants the best for her poor siblings. I liked her, I felt sorry for her, and I could respect her too. She could take back. Blade, our vampire renegade hero was, well let's just say he was alpha. Tough, and doing all to protect those within his realm. They are not a couple that should be, him bloodthirsty, and she not wanting anything to do with that world. But we all know the old story, passion is a sure thing when they meet. Even if they try to fight it. Some should just be together.
An interesting world. A good couple and evil vampires that are rot in the end.
winterreader40's review
4.0
Finally found a vampire book I like. I enjoyed that vampirism has stages and that becoming a full vampire is in no way a sexy good time for once.