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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
I first read this story two years ago. I loved it then and I love it even more in audio!!! Joel Leslie did a fantastic job with all the unique voices, although I thought Mark was a little over the top, Johnathan and all the rest were perfect.
I loved the way the author took so much consideration into what the world would be like with the hemovore virus.
It’s a slow burn romance with only one furtive sex act, but it is exactly perfect.
I loved the bonus story and the authors note where she explains some of the changes she made in this edition.
I definitely recommend!!
***I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review***
I loved the way the author took so much consideration into what the world would be like with the hemovore virus.
It’s a slow burn romance with only one furtive sex act, but it is exactly perfect.
I loved the bonus story and the authors note where she explains some of the changes she made in this edition.
I definitely recommend!!
***I was given a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review***
This started a little slow--I was wondering what was going to happen between Mark and Jonathan, and how their everyday life could warrant a book, but I shouldn't have had any doubts. The story really explodes into action with such a twisty, exciting path and so many interesting characters--I am in awe of Jordan Castillo Price's storytelling abilities. I love the PsyCop series, so it shouldn't surprise me, but to take a V-positive artist and his pining assistant and then to whisk them off on this adventure that reads as entirely plausible while making you fall in love with the characters--it's magic. To try to explain the story makes it sound bizarre, because so much is just unexpected, but it _works_ so well. I especially like the story added to the second edition (I hadn't read the first), and I liked the author's note at the end. It's something I feel we all need to really think about. I highly recommend this book!
Enjoyable read. Liked the concept of "vampirism" caused by a virus. Liked the main characters - Mark's OCD habits were curious at the outset, but became understandable and amusing as the story progressed. Writing style not as fluid as other stories, but still well written.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Audio book review. Narrator: Joel Leslie
I very much enjoyed the narration by Joel Leslie. He did a great job voicing Mark and all the other characters. His 'British' voice wasn't that good, but it wasn't bad enough to make me want to quit listening.
I marked that I read this book back in 2010, but as I listened to the audio book, nothing at all seemed familiar other than the 'black' canvases. The story has been updated to include 'modern' items (mobile phone advances, gay marriage laws) but since I don't really remember the original version, everything was new to me.
Overall I enjoyed the story and the universe, plus the bonus novella included at the end. At times the story seemed to drag and I found my mind wandering, but over all, an enjoyable 'read'.
I very much enjoyed the narration by Joel Leslie. He did a great job voicing Mark and all the other characters. His 'British' voice wasn't that good, but it wasn't bad enough to make me want to quit listening.
I marked that I read this book back in 2010, but as I listened to the audio book, nothing at all seemed familiar other than the 'black' canvases. The story has been updated to include 'modern' items (mobile phone advances, gay marriage laws) but since I don't really remember the original version, everything was new to me.
Overall I enjoyed the story and the universe, plus the bonus novella included at the end. At times the story seemed to drag and I found my mind wandering, but over all, an enjoyable 'read'.
Mark Jensen would describe his boss, Jonathan Varga, in many ways. Mysterious would be a big one. And he'd also probably say sexy too, but it's not something he could ever act on. Not only is Jonathan Mark's boss, but he's also V-positive--a vampire--and it can be passed on through sex. So they carry on a professional relationship with Jonathan often holed up painting in his studio while Mark runs his errands, keeps the office clean, and procures cat blood for his boss. But when a major sale comes through on several of Jonathan's paintings, he decides they should have a night out. The night itself is innocent enough, but it ends with someone from Jonathan's past resurfacing. And that someone appears to be anything but friendly, leaving death and destruction in his wake. So Mark finds himself on the run with Jonathan, not really sure where they can hide or where they can turn. They both know they can only run for so long, and they can only hope they will make it out alive...
The idea of vampirism as a virus is a rather interesting concept. It adds a whole layer to the vampire-human interaction piece that doesn't exist in more traditional vampire narratives. It also draws parallels to it as more of a medical condition than a "you are now a demonic monster overnight" condition. But clearly that doesn't mean there isn't drama around being "turned" or people using the virus to threaten or intimidate other people. Some vampire drama here with a few very interesting twists.
The idea of vampirism as a virus is a rather interesting concept. It adds a whole layer to the vampire-human interaction piece that doesn't exist in more traditional vampire narratives. It also draws parallels to it as more of a medical condition than a "you are now a demonic monster overnight" condition. But clearly that doesn't mean there isn't drama around being "turned" or people using the virus to threaten or intimidate other people. Some vampire drama here with a few very interesting twists.
Re-read 23 February 2020
Mark, I hate to ask this if you.”
He had my attention.
“I don’t feel well at all. Do you think you could go try and find a cat?”
Okay. Now I knew how women felt when they thought they were going to get a diamond ring and ended up with an onion ring.
I read this book last year, and fell in love with the fast pace plot and snarky narration. Mark is very catty and bitchy, and it might turn some readers off. For me, his brand of humour was hilarious and it meshed so well with Jonathan’s dry wit and deadpan character which, in turn, fleshed the story out so much more.
In this re read - I listened to the audiobook, and I fell in love with the characters and story all over again. This time, instead of reading quickly to find out what happened in just one night, I savoured each word narrated by Leslie. I think I laughed much more with the audio book, which seems impossible because I was in tears when I had read it the first time.
Beneath the snark, the banter, and the fast paced action, there is still an emotional and moving story. While there are plenty of moments which are sarcastic and very ‘WTF HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN RIGHT NOW WHY IS THIS MOVING THIS WAY I DID NOT EXPECT THIS,’ - there are just as many moments which make you pause and ponder at the parallels of this urban fantasy world that Jordan Castillo Price has built and the world that is our own. The prejudice and horror that the Hemovore virus portrays is evident in our society today with HIV/AIDS. Mark’s irrational fear from the beginning of the book develops with the reader and inherently moves you. Beneath the over the top shenanigans, the humour, the antics and the dry, dry stoicism - there lies a story with twists and turns, tension and sorrow.
Please read/listen if you’re considering it - you won’t regret it.
Original review 6 July 2019
It’s very rare for me to want to savour a book. It’s very rare for me to really be invested into the story. It’s very rare for me to want to care for characters.
This book was the rarity.
I loved this story so much. The plot was excellent, it kept me constantly on my toes. The narration was fantastic, hilarious, witty and yet so realistic. The characters were so fun to keep up with - even though they were so out of this world. I applaud the author for writing something that we could somewhat relate to, yet have it be so fresh and original.
Honestly if there was one book you have to read, it’s this one. It definitely earned a spot in my favourites shelf, and that’s usually quite difficult to achieve.
I can’t praise this enough. I wish I hadn’t read it, just so I could read it again.
Mark, I hate to ask this if you.”
He had my attention.
“I don’t feel well at all. Do you think you could go try and find a cat?”
Okay. Now I knew how women felt when they thought they were going to get a diamond ring and ended up with an onion ring.
I read this book last year, and fell in love with the fast pace plot and snarky narration. Mark is very catty and bitchy, and it might turn some readers off. For me, his brand of humour was hilarious and it meshed so well with Jonathan’s dry wit and deadpan character which, in turn, fleshed the story out so much more.
In this re read - I listened to the audiobook, and I fell in love with the characters and story all over again. This time, instead of reading quickly to find out what happened in just one night, I savoured each word narrated by Leslie. I think I laughed much more with the audio book, which seems impossible because I was in tears when I had read it the first time.
Beneath the snark, the banter, and the fast paced action, there is still an emotional and moving story. While there are plenty of moments which are sarcastic and very ‘WTF HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN RIGHT NOW WHY IS THIS MOVING THIS WAY I DID NOT EXPECT THIS,’ - there are just as many moments which make you pause and ponder at the parallels of this urban fantasy world that Jordan Castillo Price has built and the world that is our own. The prejudice and horror that the Hemovore virus portrays is evident in our society today with HIV/AIDS. Mark’s irrational fear from the beginning of the book develops with the reader and inherently moves you. Beneath the over the top shenanigans, the humour, the antics and the dry, dry stoicism - there lies a story with twists and turns, tension and sorrow.
Please read/listen if you’re considering it - you won’t regret it.
Original review 6 July 2019
It’s very rare for me to want to savour a book. It’s very rare for me to really be invested into the story. It’s very rare for me to want to care for characters.
This book was the rarity.
I loved this story so much. The plot was excellent, it kept me constantly on my toes. The narration was fantastic, hilarious, witty and yet so realistic. The characters were so fun to keep up with - even though they were so out of this world. I applaud the author for writing something that we could somewhat relate to, yet have it be so fresh and original.
Honestly if there was one book you have to read, it’s this one. It definitely earned a spot in my favourites shelf, and that’s usually quite difficult to achieve.
I can’t praise this enough. I wish I hadn’t read it, just so I could read it again.
Surprisingly charming
So, I'm not an expert on m/m romance outside of fanfiction. I think this might have been the first published work in that genre that I've read until now. I've stumbled across the unusual title on someone's shelf full of dubious covers featuring mostly naked guys and questionable blurbs.
Despite the mostly positive reviews, I braced myself for some cheap, badly written, softcore porn booklet with a vampiric pretense. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
This book has it's downsides, of course. Main one being the complete lack of exposition. It's as if the author expects you to have read at least a few short summaries of what the book is about. You're thrown right into the story and, personally, I'd have liked a bit more background, introduction, whatever to give me a better grasp on the characters.
Mark and Jonathan were very aloof with each other in the beginning and then suddenly not-so-aloof. I think if we could have spent a little bit more time with them before things went down, their characters and relationship development would have been more smooth.
Aside from the lacking exposition, there were some logical inconsistencies here and there. Constant reminders of just how gorgeous Jonathan is seemed out of place in some of the more tense situations. And pretty objectifying, too, now that I think about it.. I mean, great looks and being a painter aside, there wasn't much info on what about Jonathan's personality made Mark fall in love with him. So, objectively, I'm inclined to give three stars.
But to hell with objectivity! I've read the novel in one day, I cared for the characters, and the writing even got an occasional chuckle out of me. The world building was awesome, especially all the little details of a "V-positive" lifestyle and the stigma surrounding it.
Overall, the book delivered much more than I expected and I'm greatful to the author for the interesting excourse.
All things considered, a truly charming read.
4/5
So, I'm not an expert on m/m romance outside of fanfiction. I think this might have been the first published work in that genre that I've read until now. I've stumbled across the unusual title on someone's shelf full of dubious covers featuring mostly naked guys and questionable blurbs.
Despite the mostly positive reviews, I braced myself for some cheap, badly written, softcore porn booklet with a vampiric pretense. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
This book has it's downsides, of course. Main one being the complete lack of exposition. It's as if the author expects you to have read at least a few short summaries of what the book is about. You're thrown right into the story and, personally, I'd have liked a bit more background, introduction, whatever to give me a better grasp on the characters.
Mark and Jonathan were very aloof with each other in the beginning and then suddenly not-so-aloof. I think if we could have spent a little bit more time with them before things went down, their characters and relationship development would have been more smooth.
Aside from the lacking exposition, there were some logical inconsistencies here and there. Constant reminders of just how gorgeous Jonathan is seemed out of place in some of the more tense situations. And pretty objectifying, too, now that I think about it.. I mean, great looks and being a painter aside, there wasn't much info on what about Jonathan's personality made Mark fall in love with him. So, objectively, I'm inclined to give three stars.
But to hell with objectivity! I've read the novel in one day, I cared for the characters, and the writing even got an occasional chuckle out of me. The world building was awesome, especially all the little details of a "V-positive" lifestyle and the stigma surrounding it.
Overall, the book delivered much more than I expected and I'm greatful to the author for the interesting excourse.
All things considered, a truly charming read.
4/5
Jordan Castillo Price always delivers amazing world-building, and Hemovore is no exception. In a world where the emergence of HIV/AIDS is overshadowed after only a decade by HHV human hemovore virus (casually known as vampirism) love (and life in general) has become exponentially more complicated.
Jonathan and Mark feel a little less complex than Jordan's later characters, but they're still fully realized people. In fact, one of the things that I liked a lot about the book was
As with many of Jordan's books, the theme of intentional/found family is strong here, and it makes me happy. The supporting characters are realistic and diverse, and their inherent kindness and generosity of spirit are particularly welcome right now, considering the state of the world.
On a technical note, there were a couple of tiny typos, and the structure and pacing are a little rough around the edges, at least compared to what I expect of Jordan's current work though to be fair, Hemovore is still better than 95% of the M/M out there; I'm glad she chose to rework and re-release it.
(Note: I was provided an ARC in return for an honest review.)
Jonathan and Mark feel a little less complex than Jordan's later characters, but they're still fully realized people. In fact, one of the things that I liked a lot about the book was
Spoiler
the touches of unreliable narrator at the beginning, with Mark's description of the precautions he takes to avoid contracting HHV while working for Jonathan, and the accompanying implication that these are typical in a post-HHV world. Of course, they later turn out to be more extreme than average because Mark is trying not only to avoid becoming a vampire, but also to avoid his feelings for Jonathan. It says a lot about who Mark is that he goes to such lengths to lie to himself.As with many of Jordan's books, the theme of intentional/found family is strong here, and it makes me happy. The supporting characters are realistic and diverse, and their inherent kindness and generosity of spirit are particularly welcome right now, considering the state of the world.
On a technical note, there were a couple of tiny typos, and the structure and pacing are a little rough around the edges, at least compared to what I expect of Jordan's current work though to be fair, Hemovore is still better than 95% of the M/M out there; I'm glad she chose to rework and re-release it.
(Note: I was provided an ARC in return for an honest review.)
I struggled rating this because while I enjoyed the world building and all that, I was missing the steam. I’m going to say 3.5 stars rounded up.