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kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
Second in the House of Comarré urban fantasy series revolving around Chrysabelle, the most expensive commarré ever who is in possession of the ring of sorrows.
It's right against wrong, self-preservation versus honor. Painter creates a tension-filled, twisting story of good versus evil with plenty of drama without being a drama queen. Thank you, God!
Betrayal abounds with Tatiana leading the pack on so many levels and Katsumi in seemingly overt ways...I don't trust this "new leaf" she has supposedly turned over! Then there's the reveal at the end! Eeeek!! Painter is definitely setting us up for even more major action.
I love it when an author creates something new and different and Painter has done a lovely job of building a new culture of vampires in a different yet contemporary world. The introduction of a new love interest, the disavowal, new, nasty players on the scene, and the changing dynamics at Seven should make Bad Blood a fascinating read.
Back from their partly successful mission, Chrysabelle is avoiding Mal as she tries to figure out a safe way for her to fulfill her side of the bargain with him while Mal is trying to avoid drinking the blood she sends to him. Mal is terrified of his reactions to the kiss he must give her if he drinks her blood while Chrysabelle is both ashamed of not honoring her part in their deal and angry that he won't drink even as she worries about her own reactions to Mal.
But events won't allow for avoidance or fear. Tatiana is in town and the Nothos are on the loose. And Maris' diary reveals that only one man knows the ritual Chrysabelle must use to gain the answers she seeks about an unknown brother and Mal's relief from his curse.
Nor is Tatiana the only one after the ring of sorrows. An organization that has been deemed a fairy tale wants it back and yet another side wants it for their own ends.
Chrysabelle Lapointe is a comarré. A human bred for the most exquisite blood. Unbenownst to the vampires who own them, they are also trained in weaponry and hand-to-hand combat. Velimai is a wysper, one of the fae, she served Chrysabelle's mother Maris and now serves Chrysabelle.
Mal, a.k.a., Malachi, a.k.a., Malkolm is anathema. A vampire banished from "decent" vampire society. Mal bears a double curse: once for killing the vampire who sired him, a second time by his wife, Tatiana. Maddoc "Doc" is a cursed shapeshifter whom Mal brought home one day as a pet for one of his victims, a ghost named Fiona. Doc's pride leader, Sinjin, threw him out when they found out about his curse; now he lives with Mal and Fi on an old freighter. Fiona was Mal's last victim; after killing her, he swore not to drink from another human. For some reason, Fi is the only ghost who haunts Mal---because of his curse, Mal is haunted by the voices of every person he ever drained. Doc loves her.
Tommie Creek has a mission to recover the ring of sorrows. They know Chrysabelle has it and the Kubai Mata wants it back. Argent is his sector chief and a dragon. Preacher makes a brief appearance in this one; Painter is setting us up here as well.
Tatiana is also a vampire but she has schemed her way to the position of Elder of the House of Tepes, just one of the steps in her path to world domination. She is beyond evil and has only gotten worse since she undewent navitas. Lord Ivan, the King of House of Tepes is...in her way. Octavian is the human in charge of Tatiana's household staff while Zafir and Nasir are brothers she is enticing and dicing into serving her.
Dominic is also anathema because he was the reason that Maris underwent libertas. Now he runs Seven, a nightclub, a fight ring, and drugs in Paradise City, New Florida. Katsumi is the "former wife of a Yakuza crime boss" turned into a vampire and she now works for Dominic. Never trust Katsumi. Pasha and Satima are twins, both are fae with Paul a Gemini harbinger. He can see the future because he has only ever drunk Satima's blood. Mortalis is a shadeux fae and appears to be Dominic's right hand man, er, fae. He is also friends with Mal, Doc, and Chrysabelle. Ronan, a fringe vampire, is in charge of the security at Seven and has a hard-on for Mal.
Aliza is the witch who cursed Doc after the drugs he delivered to her daughter Evie caused her to turn to stone.
The cover is much less innocent with the golden tattooed Chrysabelle dressed in gray armor, her sacre firmly held in its very elaborate scabbard as she begins to pull it out, a very knowing look on her face as she tilts her head to us, her platinum hair flowing behind her, held back by her elaborate filigreed hair clip. All framed within an even more elaborate black frame with a brocaded panel beneath. Only two red skulls nestle at the left and bottom centers of the overall.
The title has several possibilities from Tatiana's new hand to Chrysabelle's new canvas while the use of Mal's blood does not bode well in this new story of Flesh and Blood.
My Take
It's right against wrong, self-preservation versus honor. Painter creates a tension-filled, twisting story of good versus evil with plenty of drama without being a drama queen. Thank you, God!
Betrayal abounds with Tatiana leading the pack on so many levels and Katsumi in seemingly overt ways...I don't trust this "new leaf" she has supposedly turned over! Then there's the reveal at the end! Eeeek!! Painter is definitely setting us up for even more major action.
I love it when an author creates something new and different and Painter has done a lovely job of building a new culture of vampires in a different yet contemporary world. The introduction of a new love interest, the disavowal, new, nasty players on the scene, and the changing dynamics at Seven should make Bad Blood a fascinating read.
The Story
Back from their partly successful mission, Chrysabelle is avoiding Mal as she tries to figure out a safe way for her to fulfill her side of the bargain with him while Mal is trying to avoid drinking the blood she sends to him. Mal is terrified of his reactions to the kiss he must give her if he drinks her blood while Chrysabelle is both ashamed of not honoring her part in their deal and angry that he won't drink even as she worries about her own reactions to Mal.
But events won't allow for avoidance or fear. Tatiana is in town and the Nothos are on the loose. And Maris' diary reveals that only one man knows the ritual Chrysabelle must use to gain the answers she seeks about an unknown brother and Mal's relief from his curse.
Nor is Tatiana the only one after the ring of sorrows. An organization that has been deemed a fairy tale wants it back and yet another side wants it for their own ends.
The Characters
Chrysabelle Lapointe is a comarré. A human bred for the most exquisite blood. Unbenownst to the vampires who own them, they are also trained in weaponry and hand-to-hand combat. Velimai is a wysper, one of the fae, she served Chrysabelle's mother Maris and now serves Chrysabelle.
Mal, a.k.a., Malachi, a.k.a., Malkolm is anathema. A vampire banished from "decent" vampire society. Mal bears a double curse: once for killing the vampire who sired him, a second time by his wife, Tatiana. Maddoc "Doc" is a cursed shapeshifter whom Mal brought home one day as a pet for one of his victims, a ghost named Fiona. Doc's pride leader, Sinjin, threw him out when they found out about his curse; now he lives with Mal and Fi on an old freighter. Fiona was Mal's last victim; after killing her, he swore not to drink from another human. For some reason, Fi is the only ghost who haunts Mal---because of his curse, Mal is haunted by the voices of every person he ever drained. Doc loves her.
Tommie Creek has a mission to recover the ring of sorrows. They know Chrysabelle has it and the Kubai Mata wants it back. Argent is his sector chief and a dragon. Preacher makes a brief appearance in this one; Painter is setting us up here as well.
Tatiana is also a vampire but she has schemed her way to the position of Elder of the House of Tepes, just one of the steps in her path to world domination. She is beyond evil and has only gotten worse since she undewent navitas. Lord Ivan, the King of House of Tepes is...in her way. Octavian is the human in charge of Tatiana's household staff while Zafir and Nasir are brothers she is enticing and dicing into serving her.
Dominic is also anathema because he was the reason that Maris underwent libertas. Now he runs Seven, a nightclub, a fight ring, and drugs in Paradise City, New Florida. Katsumi is the "former wife of a Yakuza crime boss" turned into a vampire and she now works for Dominic. Never trust Katsumi. Pasha and Satima are twins, both are fae with Paul a Gemini harbinger. He can see the future because he has only ever drunk Satima's blood. Mortalis is a shadeux fae and appears to be Dominic's right hand man, er, fae. He is also friends with Mal, Doc, and Chrysabelle. Ronan, a fringe vampire, is in charge of the security at Seven and has a hard-on for Mal.
Aliza is the witch who cursed Doc after the drugs he delivered to her daughter Evie caused her to turn to stone.
The Cover
The cover is much less innocent with the golden tattooed Chrysabelle dressed in gray armor, her sacre firmly held in its very elaborate scabbard as she begins to pull it out, a very knowing look on her face as she tilts her head to us, her platinum hair flowing behind her, held back by her elaborate filigreed hair clip. All framed within an even more elaborate black frame with a brocaded panel beneath. Only two red skulls nestle at the left and bottom centers of the overall.
The title has several possibilities from Tatiana's new hand to Chrysabelle's new canvas while the use of Mal's blood does not bode well in this new story of Flesh and Blood.
eryal's review against another edition
3.0
It's more of a 3.5 for stars. Mostly because I can see this series to start going towards a love triangle that looks to possibly end in a steamy threesome. And I'd hate to see another series horribly represent poly.
All that being said, I liked the book and plan on reading the next three books in this series, I'm holding onto my hope that this will turn out well
All that being said, I liked the book and plan on reading the next three books in this series, I'm holding onto my hope that this will turn out well
eszyinspired's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
amym84's review
5.0
Flesh and Blood is the second book in the House of Comarre series by Kristen Painter. I loved the first book and Flesh and Blood does not disappoint. It picks up about two weeks after the events of Blood Rights. Chrysabelle and Mal have been avoiding each other. Chrysabelle because she feels the weight of her promise to Mal weighing down on her but she thinks it's too soon to return to Corvinestri to ask the Aurelian about Mal's curse. Mal because feels betrayed by Chrysabelle thinking she will not fulfill her promise.
Through all of this is the threat of Tatianna coming after Chrysabelle for the ring she stole in Blood Rights. Not to mention that the covenant has been broken so vampires are more or less out in the open.
I thought this book moved along at a quick pace just like the first one. What helps this along is the switching point of views between all the characters. While frustrating only because Painter tends to leave each section off on a mini-clifhanger compelling readers to read until the resolution only to have another mini-cliffhanger to contend with. At times I did feel like there may have been too many POV switches, but I will admit I like getting all the characters's thoughts. Who am I kidding, I like getting Mal's thougts!
There is an addition of a possible love triangle which I felt extremely unecessary because Painter clearly shows the chemistry between her two main characters. I guess this other potential love interest can serve to motivate Mal to show his feelings more for Chrysabelle. I would much rather prefer to see Mal decide on his own to show his affections for Chrysabelle and not because he's jealous of someone else getting there first. Also, I very much dislike the idea of every unavailable male having feelings for our heroine. Not every guy is into every girls, I would have like Painter to explore a friendship instead. Who knows maybe that's where this is all leading anyway because truly I didn't feel as much chemistry between these two as between Chrysabelle and Mal. Although I like Creek's character and I'm very interested in learning more about him and the group he's associated with.
In this book we get more resolution for Mal, we also get resolution with the Fi situation, even Doc ahs some interesting twists in this book. Not wanting to give too much away but we get answers, but of course along with answers we get more questions which will hopefully get answered in the next installment due out December 1st.
To anyone who isn't sure about this series, I highley recommend it and can't wait for it to continue! Until Then!
Through all of this is the threat of Tatianna coming after Chrysabelle for the ring she stole in Blood Rights. Not to mention that the covenant has been broken so vampires are more or less out in the open.
I thought this book moved along at a quick pace just like the first one. What helps this along is the switching point of views between all the characters. While frustrating only because Painter tends to leave each section off on a mini-clifhanger compelling readers to read until the resolution only to have another mini-cliffhanger to contend with. At times I did feel like there may have been too many POV switches, but I will admit I like getting all the characters's thoughts. Who am I kidding, I like getting Mal's thougts!
There is an addition of a possible love triangle which I felt extremely unecessary because Painter clearly shows the chemistry between her two main characters. I guess this other potential love interest can serve to motivate Mal to show his feelings more for Chrysabelle. I would much rather prefer to see Mal decide on his own to show his affections for Chrysabelle and not because he's jealous of someone else getting there first. Also, I very much dislike the idea of every unavailable male having feelings for our heroine. Not every guy is into every girls, I would have like Painter to explore a friendship instead. Who knows maybe that's where this is all leading anyway because truly I didn't feel as much chemistry between these two as between Chrysabelle and Mal. Although I like Creek's character and I'm very interested in learning more about him and the group he's associated with.
In this book we get more resolution for Mal, we also get resolution with the Fi situation, even Doc ahs some interesting twists in this book. Not wanting to give too much away but we get answers, but of course along with answers we get more questions which will hopefully get answered in the next installment due out December 1st.
To anyone who isn't sure about this series, I highley recommend it and can't wait for it to continue! Until Then!
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed the story. Hated the love triangle. Sadly, it almost seems like the story happened with the sole purpose of allowing this stupid love triangle to happen. And yet, I want to read the third book anyway. Something is clearly wrong with me.
bookishvice's review against another edition
5.0
After the events in Blood Rights Chrysabelle and Mal have stayed away from each other out of pure silliness, claiming it’s the other one who is staying away. Though it’s clear they miss each other terribly and Chrysabelle still needs to keep her word about helping Mal they’re just too damn stubborn to make first contact. I just wanted to see one of them break! You know, confess and kiss the other one into oblivion. The matter is taken out of their hands when Chrysabelle goes to see Dominic, yet finds Mal fighting in the Pits!
Sexy Mal might have his dark-hansome-and-dangerous routine to perfection, when it comes to placating an angry Chrysabelle. But he might have just run into some competition when a mysterious man enters Chrysabelle’s life. Creek is a human with some extraordinary abilities working for the Kubai Mata, a society dedicated to exterminating otherworlders. He’s currently on assignment, but his interest in the comarré is definitely more than the job description.
Trouble between Chrysabelle and Mal is only the tip of the ice berg in this action packed novel. The secondary plot was very good too. It’s all about Doc trying to bring Fiona back, but to do that he has to get into some deep trouble. Trouble that involves betrayal, and deceit. Sadly the third string of the story is about Tatiana, who continues to be her annoyingly evil self. Again, I found myself skimming along her POV sections.
Overall, Flesh and Blood is an exciting continuation to the Comarré novels. If you loved the first book, you’ll definitely love this one too! More action, more drama, more sexy men, and most importantly, more Malkom! And if you haven’t read this series yet I strongly suggest you do because Bad Blood (Comarré 3) is coming this December!
Sexy Mal might have his dark-hansome-and-dangerous routine to perfection, when it comes to placating an angry Chrysabelle. But he might have just run into some competition when a mysterious man enters Chrysabelle’s life. Creek is a human with some extraordinary abilities working for the Kubai Mata, a society dedicated to exterminating otherworlders. He’s currently on assignment, but his interest in the comarré is definitely more than the job description.
Trouble between Chrysabelle and Mal is only the tip of the ice berg in this action packed novel. The secondary plot was very good too. It’s all about Doc trying to bring Fiona back, but to do that he has to get into some deep trouble. Trouble that involves betrayal, and deceit. Sadly the third string of the story is about Tatiana, who continues to be her annoyingly evil self. Again, I found myself skimming along her POV sections.
Overall, Flesh and Blood is an exciting continuation to the Comarré novels. If you loved the first book, you’ll definitely love this one too! More action, more drama, more sexy men, and most importantly, more Malkom! And if you haven’t read this series yet I strongly suggest you do because Bad Blood (Comarré 3) is coming this December!
anotherhel's review against another edition
"This feels very much like you're trying to seduce me."
"Maybe I am." He moved between her knees. "Can you blame me? I'm a man"
Yeah this is a DNF to me. Pointless revenge story of Doc, pointless romance triangle, pointless plot of Tatiana and her difficulties to get what she wants...
This whole story is just pointless. It just doesn't move forward and while the main character could be so much more, in this book she's reduced to nothing. Literally she has no agency. I mean Mal and Creek decide to share her, without even her having an opinion on that. Really? like, really? This is not romantic, it's not hot or sexy; it's degrading.
chelseavbc's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted at Vampire Book Club.
I’m a bit of a reading masochist. Books that put my emotions in a constant upheaval tend to be my favorites. Drama, angst, bad decisions all fuel this. There’s a reason I get anxious before starting the next book in a favorite series: nine times out of 10 it’s going to make me livid or cry. I bring this up because Kristen Painter has elevated the bar for tumultuous reading. Seriously, it borders on cruel.
Flesh and Blood jumps right back in where Blood Rights left us. Chrysabelle is living at her mother’s estate, avoiding Mal. He’s still cursed and is convinced she’s avoiding him. She is, but she’s still reeling from the revelation of having a mother, losing her and her newly found freedom. She has vials of her blood couriered over to Mal, but he’s not drinking it. Both are having trouble admitting — even to themselves — that they might care for or even love the other.
Tatiana is working her way up the vampire nobility food chain and to get more power she needs to recover the Ring of Sorrows. That means finding her ex-husband and that Comarré. And Doc is doing everything he can to bring back Fi.
Basically, everyone is in a heap of conflict and guilt and doing whatever is necessary to claw their way out. What makes this particularly gut-wrenching for the reader is the point-of-view switches. We’ll get progress on Mal and Chrysabelle with a big cliffhanger and switch back to Tatiana getting her conniving bitch on. Doc will do something dangerous and before we see the outcome, we move over to the new vampire slayer Creek and his serious crush on Chrysabelle.
The plot is intense and the pacing infuriatingly precise. If you can handle the tension and the emotional turmoil, you’ll make out of Flesh and Blood happy. I loved most of the twists — still not sure about potential love triangle aspect cultivated here — and the rich characters climbed into my head for the duration. Fans of Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series and Chloe Neill’s Chicagoland Vampires are sure to love House of Comarré, if only for the story that will leave you gripping your chest in suspense.
I’m a bit of a reading masochist. Books that put my emotions in a constant upheaval tend to be my favorites. Drama, angst, bad decisions all fuel this. There’s a reason I get anxious before starting the next book in a favorite series: nine times out of 10 it’s going to make me livid or cry. I bring this up because Kristen Painter has elevated the bar for tumultuous reading. Seriously, it borders on cruel.
Flesh and Blood jumps right back in where Blood Rights left us. Chrysabelle is living at her mother’s estate, avoiding Mal. He’s still cursed and is convinced she’s avoiding him. She is, but she’s still reeling from the revelation of having a mother, losing her and her newly found freedom. She has vials of her blood couriered over to Mal, but he’s not drinking it. Both are having trouble admitting — even to themselves — that they might care for or even love the other.
Tatiana is working her way up the vampire nobility food chain and to get more power she needs to recover the Ring of Sorrows. That means finding her ex-husband and that Comarré. And Doc is doing everything he can to bring back Fi.
Basically, everyone is in a heap of conflict and guilt and doing whatever is necessary to claw their way out. What makes this particularly gut-wrenching for the reader is the point-of-view switches. We’ll get progress on Mal and Chrysabelle with a big cliffhanger and switch back to Tatiana getting her conniving bitch on. Doc will do something dangerous and before we see the outcome, we move over to the new vampire slayer Creek and his serious crush on Chrysabelle.
The plot is intense and the pacing infuriatingly precise. If you can handle the tension and the emotional turmoil, you’ll make out of Flesh and Blood happy. I loved most of the twists — still not sure about potential love triangle aspect cultivated here — and the rich characters climbed into my head for the duration. Fans of Richelle Mead’s Dark Swan series and Chloe Neill’s Chicagoland Vampires are sure to love House of Comarré, if only for the story that will leave you gripping your chest in suspense.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Read for Fun
Overall Rating 4.50
Story Rating 4.50
Character Rating 4.50
NOTE: I read this shortly after reading Blood Rights! While I liked this one slightly more where the story was concerned, it took a bit to get used to the number of POVs used. I think this will bother some people more than me as shifting POVs are a preference thing. Once I got settled in, this was a Kick *ss roller coaster ride.
What I Loved: The introduction of the Kubai Mata was fantastic. They are another layer in this already complicated House of Comarre world. However, I think they are a needed layer and well there is Creek (whom I just adored). I also loved seeing more of Mal and Chrys' very complicated relationship. Mal, Creek, and Chrys are an awesome force to be reckoned with and I am very curious to see how it plays out over the next 3 books. Right now though I am really loving Doc and what he will do for love. I do hope we get more of him in the next 3 books.
What I Liked: I really liked getting to explore the club more and all of the characters involved. I think the Fringe and how they relate to both the expelled and current nobles is going to get very interesting. Also, I am waiting to see more of the K.M. and how they fit in overall with Comarre.
Complaints: Small cliffhanger
Why I gave it a 4.5: This was slightly more action packed than Blood Rights. I am really enjoying House of Comarre series.
Overall Rating 4.50
Story Rating 4.50
Character Rating 4.50
NOTE: I read this shortly after reading Blood Rights! While I liked this one slightly more where the story was concerned, it took a bit to get used to the number of POVs used. I think this will bother some people more than me as shifting POVs are a preference thing. Once I got settled in, this was a Kick *ss roller coaster ride.
What I Loved: The introduction of the Kubai Mata was fantastic. They are another layer in this already complicated House of Comarre world. However, I think they are a needed layer and well there is Creek (whom I just adored). I also loved seeing more of Mal and Chrys' very complicated relationship. Mal, Creek, and Chrys are an awesome force to be reckoned with and I am very curious to see how it plays out over the next 3 books. Right now though I am really loving Doc and what he will do for love. I do hope we get more of him in the next 3 books.
What I Liked: I really liked getting to explore the club more and all of the characters involved. I think the Fringe and how they relate to both the expelled and current nobles is going to get very interesting. Also, I am waiting to see more of the K.M. and how they fit in overall with Comarre.
Complaints: Small cliffhanger
Why I gave it a 4.5: This was slightly more action packed than Blood Rights. I am really enjoying House of Comarre series.
logopoetics's review against another edition
Did not finish. Was originally looking forward to reading this but couldn't get into it