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A review by ozettegirl
Heart of Dracula by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
4.0
Set in Boston in the early years of the US, Maxine is an empath with unusual powers who draws the attention of Count Dracula during his siege of the city. And there are three hunters who want to kill him, and use her as bait.
I liked this book. I’ve read all of Kingsley’s books this year and this might be my favorite. It is clearly dear to her, by her dedication page and I think it shows.
I like the connection between hero and heroine. Or rather villain and heroine. There’s a real sense of why these two are drawn to each other. It’s not some silly ‘oh I’ve lived thousands of years and this one girl is more spunky and beautiful’ - there is real reasons why these two fit. And Kinglsey takes time to explore that connection and let it develop. Which was missing for me in Steel Rose.
Maxine’s darkness is well founded. Even though her compassion is harped on a bit, she really has been through a lot and seen a lot more, which explains how she can be a match for Dracula while young.
The world building is a little loose- our imaginations are left to fill it all in, but the true construct of the book is between Dracula and Maxine so it’s not a big deal.
The Hunters are drawn sympathetically. The secondary vampires have distinct personas. I’m really curious about book two and how things will go with Dracula vs Maxine and her humanity. Hopefully she doesn’t just go the Alice route from the Julian Strange books!
I liked this book. I’ve read all of Kingsley’s books this year and this might be my favorite. It is clearly dear to her, by her dedication page and I think it shows.
I like the connection between hero and heroine. Or rather villain and heroine. There’s a real sense of why these two are drawn to each other. It’s not some silly ‘oh I’ve lived thousands of years and this one girl is more spunky and beautiful’ - there is real reasons why these two fit. And Kinglsey takes time to explore that connection and let it develop. Which was missing for me in Steel Rose.
Maxine’s darkness is well founded. Even though her compassion is harped on a bit, she really has been through a lot and seen a lot more, which explains how she can be a match for Dracula while young.
The world building is a little loose- our imaginations are left to fill it all in, but the true construct of the book is between Dracula and Maxine so it’s not a big deal.
The Hunters are drawn sympathetically. The secondary vampires have distinct personas. I’m really curious about book two and how things will go with Dracula vs Maxine and her humanity. Hopefully she doesn’t just go the Alice route from the Julian Strange books!