History believes me to be a merciless savage. A terror upon the Earth known as The Impaler. Archaic lore whispers I am the first of the vampire lineage.
These claims … are all painted in bloody truth.
Now, while the world watches in fear, a war is brewing. Humans are targeting vampires in merciless attacks to force us back into the shadows.
They woke me to be their weapon.
They know not my loathing for my own kind.
Even I cannot say for certain whose side I’m on.
I have bowed before the alter of darkness rooted in the Nosferatu bloodline. Been forced to drink of its bitter sacrament. They refer to me as The Son of The Dragon, and I laugh. For I, alone, know that malevolent essence is one no man could ever tame.
★★★★
ebook
Full length novel
First Person
Yes! You have to have read book one, veiled, otherwise this one just wouldn't work.
Omg, YES!
Yep.
I should have posted my review of Veiled before reviewing Vlad but, alas, due to illness I'm behind on everything so I'm jumping straight in!
However, trying to write about this book without spoiling it is really difficult so I'm keeping it simple!
This series is a kick ass Urban Fantasy series set in a world where vampires are out of the closet and originate from Vlad Tepes, aka Dracula.
And Vlad in this book is wonderful. He's sexy, likable and utterly compelling.
I mean, you cant truly be a vampire fan and not have a soft spot for good ol' Drac, right?!
The book weaves the history of Vlad with the present goings on in the world (a world where vampires are out of the closet and fighting for rights, a world full of hatred, bigotry and fear) and it made for a fast paced, suspenseful, dark and oh so addictive read that left me frustrated that I was too ill to read it faster!
If you follow the blog, you'll know that I am an epic romance junkie and I have to say that Vlad and Vinx are awesome but I wouldn't exactly say this is a romance... There's too much blood and gore for it to be considered a romance and it's a bit too, well, political. It's very much hardcore UF with a side dish of romance rather than an UF with romance running through it's core and for me that ,makes a difference: I like the core of romance. However, with this series I don't much care for I'm now hooked.
If you like suspense, vampires and - dare I say it? - some horror then there is a very good chance you'll love this series.
It's not fluffy, it can be hard reading, but it is very good and worth it.
Word of caution though! It ends in a cliffhanger that had me flickering between stunned disbelief and rage. RAGE people.
However, trying to write about this book without spoiling it is really difficult so I'm keeping it simple!
This series is a kick ass Urban Fantasy series set in a world where vampires are out of the closet and originate from Vlad Tepes, aka Dracula.
And Vlad in this book is wonderful. He's sexy, likable and utterly compelling.
I mean, you cant truly be a vampire fan and not have a soft spot for good ol' Drac, right?!
The book weaves the history of Vlad with the present goings on in the world (a world where vampires are out of the closet and fighting for rights, a world full of hatred, bigotry and fear) and it made for a fast paced, suspenseful, dark and oh so addictive read that left me frustrated that I was too ill to read it faster!
If you follow the blog, you'll know that I am an epic romance junkie and I have to say that Vlad and Vinx are awesome but I wouldn't exactly say this is a romance... There's too much blood and gore for it to be considered a romance and it's a bit too, well, political. It's very much hardcore UF with a side dish of romance rather than an UF with romance running through it's core and for me that ,makes a difference: I like the core of romance. However, with this series I don't much care for I'm now hooked.
If you like suspense, vampires and - dare I say it? - some horror then there is a very good chance you'll love this series.
It's not fluffy, it can be hard reading, but it is very good and worth it.
Word of caution though! It ends in a cliffhanger that had me flickering between stunned disbelief and rage. RAGE people.
Oh, I like this cover. I like it a lot. It's... alluring.
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013
Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner for Crane 2015
Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Reel Romance Series. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.
Thanks for being on the tour! Great review! I like the sounds of Vlad (the character) already lol!
ReplyDeleteHe was awesome!
DeleteOh man a cliffhanger? Ugh. Why? I think if I get this because it does sound good, I would have to get the next book as well so I would be so mad about the cliffhanger.
ReplyDeleteI know. I hate them too. If I'd known, I'd have waited until book 3 was out but alas... Sucked in. :/
DeleteOooh! This sounds unique and fun.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
It was a page turner for sure! I loved Vlad so much!
Delete"I mean, you cant truly be a vampire fan and not have a soft spot for good ol' Drac, right?!" you cracked me up Nicc and HELL YEAH! I love Drac! and that pic on the cover *sighs* I'm adding this one! Great review Nicci :)
ReplyDeleteBe sure to read book one first! :)
DeleteThis look very interesting.
ReplyDelete