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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
According to my notes I enjoyed the first book on this series save a few areas that I attributed to first book issues. Nope. They weren't the issues of a first time author - they were the author's style. Pages upon pages of information that leads to nothing, every action is planned out loud, described while happening and then dissected after. I gave up around the 50% mark when no one had taken the first steps toward what I'm pretty sure was the plot of the book.
Flesh and Blood is the second in the House of Comarre series. Yes. This is another series where I am reviewing book two first..
Despite this I had no trouble picking up the story, probably due to the fact that the genre of gothic fantasy with vampires is as old as Cain. That and Ms Painter has provided the reader with a nice glossary that outlines her particular take on the genre.
Painter’s romance writing roots are evident in this novel; there’s a love triangle, two bad boy alpha males and a subplot which is romantic love in action. The sexual tension between characters, while not a focus of the nove,l is more prominent that in other Urban Fantasy I have read. Don’t be put off by what romance there is though, Painter does a good job of balancing the romance with bloodthirsty action and a little mystery.
More True blood than Twilight.
Like True Blood (Sookie Stackhouse series) it’s a fairly light read and I found the characters to be believable. Chrysabelle is a strong protagonist that seems to suffer the psychological effects of her experiences more so than say the character of Sookie in Charlaine Harris’ novels. The world and its mythical races seems to hang together a bit better too.
The dialogue and character motivation was a bit thin in places but Painter tells a good story and I was able to get past some of the weaknesses I perceived.
The Story
Chrysabelle, a comarre (humans bred to provide blood for Vampires) knows the location of the Ring of Sorrows, an artefact of dark power. The mad noble vampire Tatiana of the House of Tepes wants it and will enjoy killing and torturing Chrysabelle to get it.
She’ll have to get through Malkolm her ex husband and patron of Chrysabelle as well as the newcomer Creek an ex-con and member of the mysterious Kubai Matta.
Just fresh enough
When writing about vampires, there’s not much wiggle room for originality. The genre, dare I say it, has been done to death. Painter manages to freshen it up enough for the story to flow. The background isn’t all that original – the covenant has fallen Vampires are exposed to the world. There are a plethora of clans/ divisions of vampires and various other mythical races. If you’re a connoisseur of all things vampire there's echoes of various movies and roleplaying games in The House of Comarre series.
The only thing that really jarred for me was the story being set in the year 2067. We have an android that appears briefly in the first half of the novel. But other than that I am not sure why Painter set the novel in the future nor mentioned the technology other than for flavour. It seemed tacked on to me. Flesh and Blood reads very much like it is set in contemporary America.
Like most book twos it serves mostly as a bridge from book one to three [1]. There’s some resolution for a couple of minor characters but in the end we are left with uncertainty for the protagonist and the appearance of a major villain.
An easy read, fans of Buffy or Blade will probably enjoy it.
This book was provided to me at no cost by the publisher.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Having just looked at the publication schedule I note that there are actually five books in this series, all released within months of each other. So perhaps the plotting is indicative more of serialised fiction.
Despite this I had no trouble picking up the story, probably due to the fact that the genre of gothic fantasy with vampires is as old as Cain. That and Ms Painter has provided the reader with a nice glossary that outlines her particular take on the genre.
Painter’s romance writing roots are evident in this novel; there’s a love triangle, two bad boy alpha males and a subplot which is romantic love in action. The sexual tension between characters, while not a focus of the nove,l is more prominent that in other Urban Fantasy I have read. Don’t be put off by what romance there is though, Painter does a good job of balancing the romance with bloodthirsty action and a little mystery.
More True blood than Twilight.
Like True Blood (Sookie Stackhouse series) it’s a fairly light read and I found the characters to be believable. Chrysabelle is a strong protagonist that seems to suffer the psychological effects of her experiences more so than say the character of Sookie in Charlaine Harris’ novels. The world and its mythical races seems to hang together a bit better too.
The dialogue and character motivation was a bit thin in places but Painter tells a good story and I was able to get past some of the weaknesses I perceived.
The Story
Chrysabelle, a comarre (humans bred to provide blood for Vampires) knows the location of the Ring of Sorrows, an artefact of dark power. The mad noble vampire Tatiana of the House of Tepes wants it and will enjoy killing and torturing Chrysabelle to get it.
She’ll have to get through Malkolm her ex husband and patron of Chrysabelle as well as the newcomer Creek an ex-con and member of the mysterious Kubai Matta.
Just fresh enough
When writing about vampires, there’s not much wiggle room for originality. The genre, dare I say it, has been done to death. Painter manages to freshen it up enough for the story to flow. The background isn’t all that original – the covenant has fallen Vampires are exposed to the world. There are a plethora of clans/ divisions of vampires and various other mythical races. If you’re a connoisseur of all things vampire there's echoes of various movies and roleplaying games in The House of Comarre series.
The only thing that really jarred for me was the story being set in the year 2067. We have an android that appears briefly in the first half of the novel. But other than that I am not sure why Painter set the novel in the future nor mentioned the technology other than for flavour. It seemed tacked on to me. Flesh and Blood reads very much like it is set in contemporary America.
Like most book twos it serves mostly as a bridge from book one to three [1]. There’s some resolution for a couple of minor characters but in the end we are left with uncertainty for the protagonist and the appearance of a major villain.
An easy read, fans of Buffy or Blade will probably enjoy it.
This book was provided to me at no cost by the publisher.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] Having just looked at the publication schedule I note that there are actually five books in this series, all released within months of each other. So perhaps the plotting is indicative more of serialised fiction.
3.5 stars
Like with the first book in the series, my rating for this one seems to be middle of the road. It’s not so much that I didn’t enjoy it because I definitely did, but it’s still missing that extra oomph to make it to four stars for me.
The main problem with this one was that it starts off right where the first book left off and it doesn’t do a whole lot of recap on who’s who and what’s going on. It’s been close to a year since I read the first book so the recap would’ve been good since I had trouble at the beginning remembering what was going on and who all the people are in relation to Chrysabelle.
Despite that though, once I got back into the swing of the story I really enjoyed it. I find it interesting that this is an adult urban fantasy and it doesn’t have much sex. I’m not complaining. I mean I like sex in books, but it’s also kind of refreshing to read a book that doesn’t revolve around it too. I’m kind of impressed that Kristen Painter manages to keep me interested without so much of that. But there is sexual tension going on, don’t get me wrong.
Which brings me to the first really interesting thing I want to talk about. It could be a bad or a good thing depending on your preferences. But in this one a love triangle ensues. At first I wasn’t so sure about it. I like the new guy introduced but I like Mal better. But then, something very curious started to happen. By the end of this book it almost seems as if the guys are both willing to share Chrysabelle. Hmm…I don’t know if I’d mind that so much. lol I mean, how many times have you read about a love triangle and just wished you could keep both guys. ;) So anyways, that should be interesting to see how that develops.
The plot was good and I like that it’s keeping with the same or similar villains, it keeps a good connection throughout the books. Like with the first book there were times when it was a bit slower-paced, but I still found myself enjoying the world overall and not too upset about being inside it even during those slower times.
Overall I really enjoyed this one. If you’re a fan of vampire urban fantasy I’d definitely check it out. It’s not my favorite urban fantasy, but it is a cool world to jump into from time to time.
Like with the first book in the series, my rating for this one seems to be middle of the road. It’s not so much that I didn’t enjoy it because I definitely did, but it’s still missing that extra oomph to make it to four stars for me.
The main problem with this one was that it starts off right where the first book left off and it doesn’t do a whole lot of recap on who’s who and what’s going on. It’s been close to a year since I read the first book so the recap would’ve been good since I had trouble at the beginning remembering what was going on and who all the people are in relation to Chrysabelle.
Despite that though, once I got back into the swing of the story I really enjoyed it. I find it interesting that this is an adult urban fantasy and it doesn’t have much sex. I’m not complaining. I mean I like sex in books, but it’s also kind of refreshing to read a book that doesn’t revolve around it too. I’m kind of impressed that Kristen Painter manages to keep me interested without so much of that. But there is sexual tension going on, don’t get me wrong.
Which brings me to the first really interesting thing I want to talk about. It could be a bad or a good thing depending on your preferences. But in this one a love triangle ensues. At first I wasn’t so sure about it. I like the new guy introduced but I like Mal better. But then, something very curious started to happen. By the end of this book it almost seems as if the guys are both willing to share Chrysabelle. Hmm…I don’t know if I’d mind that so much. lol I mean, how many times have you read about a love triangle and just wished you could keep both guys. ;) So anyways, that should be interesting to see how that develops.
The plot was good and I like that it’s keeping with the same or similar villains, it keeps a good connection throughout the books. Like with the first book there were times when it was a bit slower-paced, but I still found myself enjoying the world overall and not too upset about being inside it even during those slower times.
Overall I really enjoyed this one. If you’re a fan of vampire urban fantasy I’d definitely check it out. It’s not my favorite urban fantasy, but it is a cool world to jump into from time to time.
This definitely needs you to read book 1 first to get a lot of what's going on with the characters. Chrysabelle is trying to find a role in live, still attracted to Malkolm but knowing that they can never have a real relationship, he would kill her. She also owes him a debt, a debt he's impatient for her to repay. Into the mix comes Creek, an erstwhile human who has been given supernatural power to fight supernaturals. Malkolms ex-wife is still on the scene, searching for the Ring of Sorrows and the power associated with it.
It's a complicated plot and I'm wondering how everything is going to resolve.
It's a complicated plot and I'm wondering how everything is going to resolve.
adventurous
dark
emotional
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:
Complicated
Like the first one, the story is interesting but i didn't enjoy
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.
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
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