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A review by katmarhan
Blood Games by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
2.0
I'm not a fan of vampire books in general. This book did nothing to change my mind.
I understand this is not the first book in the series and I have not read the previous books, so I expected to be missing some of the references to the past. Still, I found the backstory to be almost nonexistent, which means I was even more confused than I had expected to be. Adding to my sense of confusion was the lack of a map of the Roman Empire at the time of the story and a list of the Caesars and key Senators. Both would have helped a lot.
The author uses various types of correspondence at the start of each chapter. This method of telling, or sometimes just hinting at plot developments, takes the place of actually showing us what's going on. While at times it serves the purpose of condensing the time frame and action, most of the time it defuses the tension of the story. The author also will use a chapter to set up some intriguing situation, only the start the next chapter at some time later, so we never get to watch the situation unfold.
There are some scenes that are very effectively written--usually the action at the Games in the Circus Maximus and some of the love scenes.
I didn't find myself drawn to any of the main characters, but Tishtry, the charioteer, the Egyptian body servant and his replacement were my favorites.
I will not be seeking out any other books in this series.
I understand this is not the first book in the series and I have not read the previous books, so I expected to be missing some of the references to the past. Still, I found the backstory to be almost nonexistent, which means I was even more confused than I had expected to be. Adding to my sense of confusion was the lack of a map of the Roman Empire at the time of the story and a list of the Caesars and key Senators. Both would have helped a lot.
The author uses various types of correspondence at the start of each chapter. This method of telling, or sometimes just hinting at plot developments, takes the place of actually showing us what's going on. While at times it serves the purpose of condensing the time frame and action, most of the time it defuses the tension of the story. The author also will use a chapter to set up some intriguing situation, only the start the next chapter at some time later, so we never get to watch the situation unfold.
There are some scenes that are very effectively written--usually the action at the Games in the Circus Maximus and some of the love scenes.
I didn't find myself drawn to any of the main characters, but Tishtry, the charioteer, the Egyptian body servant and his replacement were my favorites.
I will not be seeking out any other books in this series.